Live Music: Jim Bianco & Blues at the Viper Room

Saturday, May 08, 2004, at 07:29AM

By Eric Richardson

Last night Kathy and I decided at the last second to head over to the Sunset Strip and catch some music at the Viper Room. Jim Bianco was up first, and was the reason we went. His shows are always a great time. I first saw Jim play back in November at the Hotel Cafe. And then I saw him again in December, and then again in January. You can see a pattern forming here. People have asked me what kind of music Jim plays, and I can't tell you. I'll just say it's good.

After Jim was Ellis Hooks. He said his band couldn't make it, so it was just him and an electric player. What the sound lacked in fullness, though, he made up for in energy and a great voice.

Headlining the night was Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, who were actually from Michigan. Bradley may be blind, but he puts on a show. Two electric guitars, a bass, keys, a drummer, and an old black guy singin the blues. I don't know what else you can ask for.

Tonight we're headed to The Gig (flash site) to see Saucy Monky, which should be fun as always.