Scottsdale… everybody’s got something to say about Scottsdale and most of it is less than positive. I’m sure we’ve all heard it. Snobsdale. Training ground for soulless, young capitalists and vacant trophy wives. You know, all the clichés. But good things can emerge from the darkest places. Many a good folk were raised within the city’s limits but were not subject to its frequently vile effects (myself included, I hope to God). My point, and I do have one, is that good things can be found in strange places.
The Aaron Nelson Project is the house band for Eli’s in Scottsdale. No, they are not “a good thing” to come out this town. What they are is the best karaoke act the Valley of the Sun which doesn’t necessarily make for a great “band.” They are on-key every time, always enthusiastic… they even pretend to play the keyboards. The drummer, I believe, actually plays, but no guarantees.
Five nights a week, the Aaron Nelson Project churns out radio hits to a smattering of people on the dance floor. Tahlia Francine, who often performs with the group, is the oddly good piece of the Aaron Nelson pie. A powerful and versatile voice, Tahlia is the one reason not to adjourn to the patio. Unless, of course, you dig dance hits, and many at Eli’s do.
