Nashville Scene, August 29, 2007

Critics' Picks

JOE PAGETTA On his new EP Other People’s News, this Brentwood resident and WNPT staffer crafts moody folk-rock that explores different forms of faith. In “Back to the Sea,” an island fisherman wades back into the ocean after a devastating tsunami, while in “Both Be Wrong,” a couple turns to mutual forgiveness as a reason to continue. His songs have a crisp but easygoing sense of purpose, setting acoustic rhythms against melodies that chime with reflective optimism. His outlook is summed up in “Practice Makes Perfect,” where he links guitar pioneer Les Paul, Elvis and Jesus—all visionaries who ignored doubters on the way to extraordinary breakthroughs. Unlike those heroes, Pagetta isn’t out to change the world—he’s happy just helping people to see it in a more humane way. He’ll front a trio featuring bassist Dave Jacques and fellow guitarist Josh Pessar. 8:30 p.m. at Family Wash —MICHAEL McCALL