ZZ Top - Live 5.15.09 - Portsmouth, VA

Legendary. Masterful. ZZ Top is what every other power-trio should strive to be. It is tough to name the best bands of our time without mentioning these boogie-blues-rock veterans. Playing together for nearly 40 years, they are one of the rare groups still composed of the original recording members.

ZZ Top started off their rip-roaring set of tunes at Portsmouth's nTelos Pavilion with 1983 chart-topper "Got Me Under Pressure." From there they took a journey through all of their greatest hits, paying homage to Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters along the way with colossal covers of "Hey Joe" and "Catfish Blues."

"Waiting for the Bus>Jesus Just Left Chicago" got the all-ages crowd standing and dancing, with intoxicating guitar work from the Reverend Willie G and bottom-line domination from Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. "Just Got Paid" was a shoo-in for a Friday night show, and my personal highlight. Another winner, "Heard It On The X," was stuck in my head all day Saturday. The fuzzy white guitars made a brief appearance during "Legs," and were then carried offstage by guitar tech Elwood, who Billy Gibbons proclaimed as being "the best guitar guy in the world." Billy handled most of the crowd banter and singing throughout the night, with Dusty taking lead for a few tracks and manning backup vocals for the rest.

When introducing the band, Billy noted the irony of the drummer being "the man without the beard, Mr. Frank Beard." He also made sure to mention that they had gone out for Mexican earlier since he was "about a quart low on hot sauce." Not too long after that comment, the backdrop screens displayed a slideshow of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. that had my mouth watering for queso.

Although the synchronized steps and struts have definitely become less frequent, the beards are still long and the jams are almighty. If you're so fortunate to have ZZ Top tour in your area, do not miss the chance to go. These founding fathers of hard rock are a must-see.

2008 In Music: Drive-By Truckers

There is no denying that this album was one of 2008's best, even though there are a couple tracks I usually skip.



Nothing yet has topped the epic Southern Rock Opera, but at times Brighter Than Creation's Dark approaches that level. First off - "3 Dimes Down" has one of my favorite Truckers lyrics ever - ♪Totally screwed, while chicken wing puke eats the candy apple red off his Corvette.♪ The Truckers can go from lighthearted & funny to depressingly serious, and I love that their songs have real characters from all walks of life. When I listen to them, I really focus on the lyrics. From the alcoholic in "Daddy Needs A Drink" to "The Righteous Path" with a blue-collar family guy trying to keep it together - ♪got a grill in the backyard and a case of beers, I got a boat that ain’t seen the water in years, more bills than money, I can do the math, I’m trying to keep focused on the righteous path.♪

"That Man I Shot" is just effing awesome for lack of a better description. It didn't stand out to me on the first couple of plays, but when I saw it performed live, I then had to hear it everyday. If I wanted to introduce someone to the Drive-By Truckers, "That Man I Shot" would definitely be one of the songs I played for them. "Goode's Field Road" is another that didn't hit me until I saw it in concert. The emotion in Patterson's delivery made me really pay attention to the story. Once the light bulb came on, I realized just how big that song really is. My other most-listened tracks on the album are "Check Out Time In Vegas" and "A Ghost To Most" - which are both Cooley songs, and I think some of his best to date. "A Ghost To Most" brings another of my favorite lyrics - ♪skeletons ain’t got nowhere to stick their money, nobody makes britches that size.♪

Where the album falls short for me is with Shonna's songs. I'm sorry - I think they're well-written but her voice is just not for me. I don't mind her on back-up vocals, but I've tried and "I'm Sorry Houston" and "The Purgatory Line" usually get skipped. "Home Field Advantage" does the trick, though. I do enjoy that one. So out of 19 tracks, skipping 2 is a pretty good ratio.

2008 In Music: Lucinda Williams

This woman rocks!
She just oozes cool and wisdom in every word.
What a great album.

I have admittedly not been following Lucinda Williams as long as most of her fans. I have instead worked myself backwards through her catalog; West was the first release that I listened to in the same year that it was released. West is a fantastic collection of songs, but it is one of those that you really have to be in the mood for.

Little Honey, on the other hand, suits almost every occasion. I have probably listened to it most while driving down the highway, and it is a perfect match for the open road. Each time I hear it, "Tears of Joy" really pulls at me - that bluesy guitar and the lyrics really speak to where I am in my life right now. Then there's "Honey Bee" which is just loud and raunchy and delicious. "Well Well Well" is a perfect "had-a-bad-day/fell-off-the-wagon" number. I've definitely been there, and the line "if you hang around trash, you can't come out clean" is just fantastic. "If Wishes Were Horses" is beautiful. "Jailhouse Tears", the one with Elvis Costello, amuses me endlessly.

As I'm writing this, I am realizing more & more just how much I love each of these songs. I could go on and on, but you should listen for yourself if you haven't. Five Stars.

2008 In Music: Foxboro Hot Tubs

My "beach read" album of 2008.


It is technically "Green Day"; but at the same time, it isn't quite Green Day. They're not blazing any new trails here - Stop Drop And Roll is definitely a throw-back to the 60's garage rock sound. Some critics rated this album poorly, saying it is just blatantly ripping off bands like the Kinks and Donovan. I personally don't care if they use recycled sounds. Stop Drop And Roll is light, lively and fun to listen to. Sometimes, that's just what the doctor ordered. Plus I've always been a fan of Billie Joe's voice, and I hear him doing some different things on this album. I dig it.

2008 In Music: Kings of Leon

These songs embed themselves in my soul more each time I listen, and in my book that's a damn fine album.



My next installment - Kings of Leon's Only By The Night. What can I add that hasn't already been written by others? This is one band where I definitely agree with the majority, popular opinion - they are fantastic (even though they were nominated for a Grammy :) Only By The Night is a real creeper. The first time I listened, I thought, "Eh, it's alright but not as good as the last one." Then it snuck up on me - BAM - and I wanted to hear it everyday. Even the massive amount of radio play hasn't turned me off yet, so that's saying something.

Eric Lindell - Low on Cash, Rich in Love CD Review

In a world where money dominates nearly every facet of our lives, Eric Lindell's latest release Low on Cash, Rich In Love provides a refreshing return to the basics. Declaring in the title track that he’s “low on cash, low on change, rich in love and other things,” Eric reveals the straightforward and sincere attitude that is the hallmark of the album.

With a dynamite cast of supporting musicians, Lindell easily dabbles in the blues, funk, and creole-flavored soul. His New Orleans heritage is unmistakable, especially in “It’s A Pity,” clearly a reflection on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Ripe with thick basslines and electrifying organ runs, this track quickly stands out as one of the highlights.

Eric’s talents as a songwriter and musician are many, but perhaps the most alluring is the sultry and seemingly effortless vocal delivery that seasons every song. The way he sings “baby” certainly had this reviewer spellbound. Mix in his impressive chops on the guitar and harmonica, and you certainly have the fixings for music's next rising star.

While the lyrical content of the album is by no means complex, the themes of romance, relationships, and devotion are instantly accessible and down-to-earth. Lindell exposes himself as a lady’s man in the first minutes of the lilting and sweet opening number, crooning “girl I’ll be doggone if I’ll let you slip away, so lay back, lay back down.”

He continues to pour on the charm in the gritty “It’s My Pleasure,” accented by simmering slide guitar and Delta-inspired riffs. The song slowly builds to a wicked jam, another of the finest moments on the album.

Low on Cash, Rich in Love surely doesn’t break the mold, but it fits into it exquisitely. Lindell has crafted a collection of sing-along worthy songs with rhythms that will definitely get bodies moving on a dance floor. It’s the type of music that just screams to be performed in front of an audience; and as luck would have it, Lindell is no stranger to the stage. If this album is any indicator, his upcoming concerts should not be missed.

Listen:

Keller Williams & The WMD's - Live 11.4.07 - Washington, D.C.

For nearly two decades Keller Williams has been fascinating audiences with his lively and imaginative performances. Manipulating sounds with an extensive array of delay systems, looping devices, and custom-made instruments, Keller has rightfully earned the title of “guitar’s mad-scientist.” He builds his songs in phases, recording each layer individually using a series of gadgets and gizmos.

Despite the improvisational nature of his stage act, even the most loyal Keller fans have expressed fear that his one-man show may be growing stale and repetitive. While the validity of that argument is clearly subjective, it appears to some extent that Keller has taken those criticisms to heart.

This past summer, Keller announced that he would be hitting the road with three brilliant colleagues from the jam band scene - bassist Keith Moseley, guitarist Gibb Droll, and legendary percussionist Jeff Sipe. What was originally thought to be a few select festival performances was expanded to include a short tour of the Southeastern U.S. this November.

The group, going by the name Keller Williams & The WMDs, made their third stop of the Fall tour at Washington D.C’.s 9:30 Club on Sunday. Soon after 8:30, Keller and his all-star entourage emerged, confirming reports that there was no supporting act. There was an arsenal of axes lined up on the stage and a slightly atypical layout; instead of being centrally positioned, the drum kit was to the far right facing the band as opposed to the crowd.

The show started with some beat box from Keller, with the others joining in one by one. There were a few minutes of warm-up jams and noodling around before the opening chords of “Best Feeling” hit with a bam. Keller sang out “for one second I felt like a kid,” and the trippy projected visuals switched to a recording of his toddler-aged daughter dancing around. As if it was the crowd’s cue, skirts began twirling, arms raised in the air, and the floor in front of the stage became a wave of motion.

The intensity built as Gibb and Keller played the call-and-answer game, finally culminating in a soaring solo from Gibb. A pained expression spread across his face and his eyes shut as he shredded his guitar with feverish energy, unleashing greatness that most performers reserve until the end of the night.

With a zip-a-dee-dip bee-bop, Keller launched into an off the cuff “Sunday Night” freestyle. Declaring it time for a “big-ass party” with a “laid-back chill groovy vibe,” he certainly set the tone for a spectacularly fun evening.

Whenever Keller (and his sense of humor) is at the helm of the ship, funny moments are to be expected. During the second set, a piece of clothing was thrown at his feet to which he commented, “I’ve never received boxer shorts on stage.” The crowd roared with laughter as he leaned forward to inspect them saying, “No I’m not going to touch them! They will be tweezered off.”

The set list was mostly material from Keller’s catalog, peppered with a few cover songs and some Gibb Droll originals. While many different genres were dabbled in throughout the night, the overall feeling was straight up funk. Keith Moseley’s intense bass grooves were at the root of that, reminiscent of funky forefathers Bootsy Collins and George Porter, Jr.

Having Jeff Sipe on sticks elevated this ensemble to the ranks of excellence. His effortless style makes drumming seem simple, and his sense of dynamic balance makes it almost possible to forget he’s there. As the show progressed, it was evident that there was a reason for the kit’s unexpected position on stage. Sipe was constantly watching his three band mates, sensing when to lay low and also when to let loose.

The mind-blowing power of Gibb Droll was perhaps the most startling surprise. There were moments when his guitar seemed liable to burst into flames from the sheer fervor of his playing, and it remains a mystery as to why this man is relatively unknown. His skills frequently inspired incredulous looks throughout the audience and on the faces of his fellow band members.

With the WMD’s, Keller has found a way to reinvent his songs and breathe new life into his act. Their cohesiveness as a group is remarkable considering they’ve only played together in this configuration since June, truly a testament to the tremendous improvisational talents of these four individuals. A night with this live music dream team promises not to disappoint.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - Live 10.21.07 - Washington, D.C.

Two straight-backed, black leather chairs sat empty on the stage at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. The sold-out house, packed with hundreds of anxious Rodrigo Y Gabriela fans, bustled with rowdy anticipation. Shortly after 9:30, an uproar of applause and cheering welcomed the young guitar duo as they took their seats and strapped on their acoustic guitars.

Hailing from Mexico City, the pair definitely has a Spanish guitar sound, but to say that these two are flamenco artists would be a glaring understatement. In fact, describing their music using any conventional classifications seems inadequate. The Latin roots are undeniable, but Rodrigo Y Gabriela have truly created a style of their own - a form of jazzy acoustic hard rock you really have to see to believe.

The D.C. crowd was inspirited from the first note of the performance, clapping loudly and moving their bodies to the rhythms that Gabriela slapped out on her guitar. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed; hands moving so rapidly they are a blur, striking each chord and beat in perfect time.

At one point towards the end of the show Gabriela attempted to demonstrate her method, explaining that many people think she uses her knuckles but it is actually her wrist, thumb, middle, and ring finger. Despite slowing it down quite a bit, it’s doubtful that anyone will be able to replicate her technique.

The seemingly effortless ferocity on stage was complemented by live video providing close-up views of the fluttering fingers and impeccable artistry. Rodrigo’s deft maneuvers on the fret board exhibit a technical mastery surprising for such a young musician. He not only picks the strings but also occasionally scrapes them, creating a thunderous sound resembling a helicopter or jet engine. Whenever he was not playing, his arm raised and pumped in the air, inciting the crowd to clap along with Gabriela’s percussive taps.

About midway through the set, Gabriela finally spoke out, “Hello everybody! You’re f**king great clappers,” eliciting a wall-rumbling outburst of hoots and hollers. She mentioned a new album coming up next year with “new riffs and new harmonies,” and then added with a smile, “If you want to dance naked, no problemo,” before launching into the next song.

After this number, it was Rodrigo’s turn to address the fans. “It’s great to finally be here after two times we couldn’t,” referring to the Visa problems earlier this year which resulted in several postponed shows. He then welcomed former Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick (who had played as the opening act in the form of the Alex Skolnick Trio) to the stage, stating what an honor it was to have him there.

Once their guest had concluded his appearance, Rodrigo Y Gabriela resumed their head-banging thrash acoustica with more songs off their self-titled album and its forerunner Re-Foc. In addition to original material, the duo put their innovative spin on the Led Zeppelin classic “Stairway To Heaven,” as well as several Metallica tunes including “Orion” and “One”.

Perhaps the most stirring moment of the evening came during the hair-raising cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” which had nearly every audience member singing along. Just when it seemed Rodrigo couldn’t possibly be more impressive, he picked up his beer bottle and used it to play an amazingly smooth slide guitar solo which evoked looks of wonderment throughout the audience.

The show ended after roughly two hours of steady playing, although Rod Y Gab looked like they could keep going all night. The expressions of awe on the faces exiting the 9:30 Club were evidence that casual fans had become admirers. Rodrigo Y Gabriela have legitimately raised the bar, and their live show couldn’t come more highly recommended.

The Bridge - The Bridge CD Review

There is something undeniably cathartic about driving and listening to music.

Certain albums seem to be made for the open road, and The Bridge’s self-titled release is one of those offerings. With a laid back pace and narrative lyrics referring to wheels a-turning and engines spinning, it is a very befitting companion for a trip down the highway.

The young Baltimore-bred quintet delivers a melting pot of musical styles on this latest CD – from bluegrass-flavored tunes like “Flats of the Old Avenue” and “Chains,” to the incredibly funky “Bad Locomotive” and “Shake ‘em Down.” One of The Bridge’s unique selling points is the incorporation of beat box and saxophone, adding jazz and hip-hop flare into the mix as well.

From the opening song “Get Back Up,” listeners will hear the remarkably tight instrumentation between guitarist Cris Jacobs, bassist Dave Markowitz, drummer Mike Gambone, saxophonist Patrick Rainey, and mandolin/beat boxing extraordinaire Kenny Liner. Supplementing the five core members of the group are frequent guest appearances, including organist John Ginty (Citizen Cope), pianist Mookie Siegel (Phil Lesh & Friends, Dave Nelson Band), and drummer Russell Batiste Jr. (The Funky Meters).

One of the album’s most powerful displays appears in the soulful and dynamic “Angelina.” Jacobs reveals his strength on lead vocals, showcasing a broad range and pitch perfect harmonies with backing vocalists Dave Markowitz and guest Ed Hough.

“Bad Locomotive” is an instant stand-out track, filled with beefy bass lines, smoking hot guitar licks, and a blistering solo from Jacobs that is nearing Stevie Ray Vaughan status. Ominous statements like “halfway to the burying ground” and “I sold my reason for a one-way ride” conjure images of addiction and destructive behavior, which marks a brief departure from the mostly light-hearted tone found in the rest of the album.

Beyond his abilities on the guitar and vocals, Cris Jacobs is listed as the songwriter for nine of the album’s twelve tracks. He and co-founder Kenny Liner share authorship of “The Ballad of Clear Rock,” and Liner is credited with the remaining two songs.

It was an ambitious undertaking considering the band’s heavy national touring schedule, but apparently these two were up to the challenge. What has emerged is a refreshing album with broad appeal, one that literally bridges the gap between genres and generations (and it helps with road rage, too).

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - Live 10.9.07 - Charlottesville, VA

The Drive-By Truckers are surely missing the talent of Jason Isbell, but from the look of his performance in Charlottesville last week, he’s not lacking anything at all. His songs, both new and old, teem with the fresh energy of a man who's no longer fenced in. His touring outfit, the 400 Unit, lay down deep-fried accompaniment that is the perfect enhancer for Jason's fiery twang rock recipe.

The boys from Muscle Shoals started this evening at the Satellite Ballroom with “Brand New Kind of Actress,” also the opener from Isbell’s debut solo album Sirens In The Ditch. They wasted no time getting into Truckers material though, following with the hard-edged “Decoration Day” to the delight of the crowd. The band was solid, and the pure power that Jason and co-guitarist Browan Lollar unleashed during the solo was a full-on assault. If there were any doubts about the 400 Unit’s capabilities, they were quickly erased.

To display his virtuosity, Jason moved to the piano for “Chicago Promenade,” a slower-tempo ballad from the new album. As he sang and tickled the keys, his raspy, smoker’s voice resembled a southern version of Tom Waits. “Are ya’ll having a good time?,” he asked as he reclaimed his axe and took a swig of beer. The audience cheered with a resounding yes, and they were rewarded with more hammering drums, deep bass grooves, southern-style vocal harmonies, and blistering guitar interplay.

Jason Isbell and the members of the 400 Unit have an evident chemistry and camraderie, which surely lends a great deal to the vibe on stage. They seem to be having fun while also remaining committed to their musicianship, something that is decidedly more difficult than it looks.

Between songs, while switching from electric to acoustic, Jason commented on Charlottesville calling it a “beautiful town with beautiful people” and repeatedly thanked everyone for coming out and listening. While most musicians give these obligatory nods to the fans, Jason’s came across as sincerely grateful. He then announced that he and the band would play their one bluegrass song, “The Magician.” While it didn’t have the same “pow” factor as the electric songs, it further exposed the members' multi-talented abilities.

After a brief smoke break, the reinvigorated band emerged and blasted into "Never Gonna Change," a song written for the Drive-By Truckers 2004 release The Dirty South. This was perhaps the highlight of the evening, with the back-end more lively than it had been all night.

In addition to Jason's self-penned material, the band also threw in a couple cover songs – the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” Eric Clapton’s “Please Be With Me,”,and ending with Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” – all of which were remarkably impressive and faithful to the originals.

SETLIST:

Brand New Kind of Actress
Decoration Day
Chicago Promenade
Try
Down In A Hole
Danko/Manuel
Grown
Psycho Killer
Goddamn Lonely Love
The Magician
Please Be With Me
Outfit
-------
Never Gonna Change
In A Razor Town
Jailbreak

Encore:
The Assassin

MINK - Live 9.9.07 - Norfolk, VA

Most young musicians (and fans alike) can only dream about sharing the stage with one of their idols. Every once in a while though, the stars align and a band somehow breaks through the static.

Such is the case for MINK, the Australian/New York based group who has already performed with KISS and is currently touring with rock legend Perry Farrell and his latest outfit, Satellite Party. Add to this a debut album produced by veteran Sylvia Massy, and I think it’s safe to say MINK is off to a damn fine start.

While these are some pretty impressive accolades in print, it’s tough to determine talent until you witness it firsthand. On Sunday night in Norfolk, MINK gave me and my fellow Virginians a chance to do just that. As the house lights dimmed, the band quickly launched straight into their high energy “Madame Chung” and I felt my head begin bobbing instantly. MINK’s pop-infused punk rock sound is well suited to a midsize venue like the NorVa, and the band seemed completely at ease. MINK continued the intensity with their first single, the incredibly catchy “Talk To Me”, and I soon saw other audience members bouncing along to the beat as well.

At this point, I heard several people commenting on the percussionist. Personally, I can’t remember the last time I saw a female drummer, but I can say without a doubt I have never seen one as competent as Ms. Stella Mozgawa. With her ferocious rhythms, I believe she could give even the beefiest, burliest man on the kit a run for his money.

Lead singer Neal Carson comes across as a modern-day amalgam of classic rock frontmen – his strut reminiscent of Mick Jagger, his penchant for the mic cord akin to Roger Daltrey’s, and his tight pants evocative of Robert Plant. He definitely knows how to work the stage too, locking eyes with crowd members and occasionally grabbing their outreached hands. His vocals are an intriguing blend of fierceness and softness, simultaneously familiar and unique.

Bassist Grant Fitzpatrick and lead guitarist Nick Maybury provided some solid backing vocals throughout the first half of the set while the guitars remained relatively stripped down and unembellished. Then during “Pressure Pressure”, with the help of rhythm guitarist David Lowy, the three axe men totally stole the show. Nick seemed to realize, holding his guitar outward from his body as if he was channeling a higher power. The band rode this wave into the next number, “Jodi”, featuring a downright sexy bass and drum break (complete with red light effect.

The most passionate crowd response came with the surprisingly ballsy cover of Bowie’s “Suffragette City”, which really got the people singing and dancing along. Neal thanked us and the band closed out the set with “Pills” and “Get It Right”, two more fast-paced rockers from their recent eponymous release.

I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to MINK. If you’re in the mood for some pure, fun, party-time rock and roll that makes you feel young again, look no further.

The Allman Brothers Band - Live 8.14.07 - Bristow, VA

The Allman Brothers Band
Nissan Pavilion – Bristow, VA
August 14, 2007 – 6:30 PM
Supporting Act – Bob Weir & Ratdog

Last night was absolutely mind-blowing, and the current state of my brain definitely confirms that. I still have a smile on my face (and grass stains on my feet) even though I’m at work and running on few hours of sleep + lots of coffee. The performance (and the whole experience) exceeded all of my expectations. The weather was picture perfect, the lawn was open for business, and the crowd was just the right size. We met quite a few colorful characters – one guy in the beer line who was our own personal stand-up comedian.

The band took the stage at 9:00pm, and the music didn’t stop for two glorious hours.

SETLIST:
Hot ‘Lanta, Statesboro Blues, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Midnight Rider, Maydell, Soulshine (with Ron Holloway on sax), Wasted Words, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (with Jeff Chimenti on keys), Leave My Blues At Home, Trouble No More, Same Thing > Bass > Drums >Same Thing (with Ron Holloway on sax)
Encore: Melissa, Jessica

Sunday night, the show started off at a simmer. Last night, they came out scalding with “Hot ‘Lanta” into the unshakable crowd-pleaser, “Statesboro Blues”. They kept the hits coming with “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” and another audience favorite, “Midnight Rider”. Then it was time for some Warren Haynes originals. “Maydell” sure put the squeeze on me – the guitar work and Warren’s vocals had me crying out to the heavens. I didn’t think it could get better, but that opening riff of “Soulshine” nearly brought me to my knees. One of the best songs ever written in my humble opinion, and Ron Holloway on sax sends it soaring. Our other guest of the evening, Ratdog’s keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, laid down some vicious piano on “Schoolgirl” while Gregg took a break. There was no relenting once Gregg came back out. Willie Dixon’s “Same Thing” was perhaps the pinnacle of the evening for me, if I had to choose. Also, I am in love with the bass and drums combo they have going on now. As I said before, it’s great to see Oteil getting more of the limelight. The night ended with the two beautiful belles of the ball, “Melissa” and “Jessica”, leaving me with an entirely different setlist than Sunday night. I wish I had more hands so I could give this show TEN thumbs up!

North Mississippi Allstars - Live 7.28.07 - FloydFest 6

I can’t even begin to describe how fantastic the guys were on Saturday night. Then again, it’s impossible for me to be objective at this point. Trust me despite my bias – you absolutely, positively MUST go see the Allstars if you get the opportunity. Straight up blues, boogie, funk, rock, country – you name it, these fellas can lay it down. Kurt Clayton has started sitting in on keys for some shows, and I had the pleasure of seeing him for the first time at FloydFest. The element he adds is incredible, never distracting, like he was meant to play with ‘em. I also got to see Chris break in his new Lakland and it was mmm mmm good. The MC pulled me aside and told me Big Chew was the best bassist he’d ever seen in his life, and he certainly got no arguments from me ;o) The brothers Dickinson were on fire as usual. Luther is not wasting any time ascending the ranks to guitar god status, and Cody is just plain killer on the drums. They were only scheduled to play til 12:15, and it was about 12:45 when they started the encore. The crowd was going nuts – I’d be curious to know how many people came to FloydFest to see the NMAs, cause they were packed in like sardines as far as the eye could see. During the “All Night Long” encore, a young man, he couldn’t have been older than 13 or 14, came out and just SHREDDED it. I was floored when I looked up and realized it was a kid. Apparently, he is/was a student at Dave Matthews’ guitar school, but skills like that can not be taught, he played like an old pro. I was jealous of his cool factor – this kid is going places. Eventually I’ll get back to you with his name….

EDIT: The "young shredder" referenced above is Willie DE - he was at the festival performing with his band, The Wave.

Anyway, if I didn’t say it enough by now, the show was amazing. I’m still quite exhausted, though. We got lost for about an hour and a half leaving the festival grounds, I was in a rental car because the Kia was broken, and I’ve spent about 15 hours on the road in the past two days. But was it worth it? Hell yeah!

PS: I wasn’t kidding when I said go see these guys (click here for tour dates ) – they’ve got gigs lined up all over the country through the rest of the year – a few supporting the Allman Brothers and the Black Crowes, and then a 6 week tour with Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite, and Joe Krown. I know The Grammys are a sham these days, but still, they didn’t get nominated for three for nothing.

PS: Total praise & gratitude towards the special gentleman who made this night amazing :O)

Keller Williams - Live 7.14.07 - Charlottesville, VA

Keller Williams w/ Bob Weir & Ratdog
Charlottesville Pavilion – Charlottesville, VA
July 14, 2007, 6:00 PM

Saturday shows are by far my favorites. When work’s not looming on the horizon, I can finally breathe easy and let my freak flag fly! Ahhh…the blissful concert afterglow. For my money, there’s no better way to undo life’s stresses.

So, I got to Charlottesville early to meet up with Amanda for some grub. After we ate, we wandered towards the venue, and as if the delicious food wasn’t enough to set the day off right, I’ll be damned if we didn’t get to hear Keller’s Soundcheck!!! First off was a pretty killer rendition of Dave Mathew’s “Jimi Thing”. A sizeable crowd started to form, and Keller seemed to become aware of the audience. He made a slight chord shift, and sang in one of his silliest of voices, ♪I would swallow my pride, I would choke on the rinds…♪ Haha. Eve 6’s “Inside Out”. “Play This” and a couple other warm-up jams followed, then some fine piano work on “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”. Just when I thought the soundcheck was over, Bob Weir came out and the two played “Brown-Eyed Women”, a favorite of mine from the Grateful Dead collection ♪Brown-eyed women and red grenadine, the bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean♪ Yup, Robert Hunter wrote some great party lyrics. After soundcheck, we still had plenty of time to kill before the show, so we went and had seriously the BEST gelato I have ever had in my life. I wish I had an endless supply of that stuff.

EDIT: I still can't stop thinking about that gelato from Splendora's. Mmm. I highly recommend the place.

Fast forward to 6 pm. We have our spot staked out on the lawn, the weather is fantastic, $5 beers in hand. This was my 5th time seeing Keller, and he’s still at the top of his game. I am more in love every time. The setlist had some Keller classics, “Fuel for the Road”, “People Watchin’”, “Bob Rules”, “Love Handles”; as well as some fun cover songs, “Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “Rapper’s Delight”, and the “Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” that we’d heard him rehearse earlier. Bob came out again to close out Keller’s set, and I got to hear “Brown-Eyed Women” again. Score!

Bob Weir & Ratdog - Live 7.14.07 - Charlottesville, VA

Bob Weir & Ratdog w/ Keller Williams
Charlottesville Pavilion – Charlottesville, VA
July 14, 2007, 6:00 PM

Things were becoming warm, fuzzy, and hazy by the time Bob & the band emerged :O) There was a huge turnout for this show – Deadheads everywhere. This was my first time seeing Ratdog, so I had no clue what to expect. Well, turns out I should have expected GREATNESS . Bob Weir is THE MAN , and the guys in the band are all amazing. I heard from someone in the crowd that Steve Kimock was filling in for the guitarist, and no offense to Mark, but that made me quite happy. Steve’s always on point and I love any opportunity to see him in action. Also, another tidbit I heard that last night was

Bob Weir’s 750th show!

The internet confirmed this fact and all I can say is holy freaking crap, that’s ridiculous.

They didn’t waste any time, and started us off with a blazing jam that slowly escalated into “The Music Never Stopped”, which got everyone up and dancing. Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” and Dylan’s “Senor” were the cover tunes for the first set, along with a few other songs I didn’t recognize. Then the set closed with one of the night’s highlights, the towering “Eyes of the World”. My girl Lizzie recently mentioned the moment where you lose yourself in the music, and “Eyes of the World” took me to that place. A helluva way to end the first set.

I didn’t think the guys would be able to surpass that “Eyes”, and for the first few songs of the second set, they didn’t. Then, I heard that funky opening riff of “Estimated Prophet” and Weir’s voice sounded like it hadn’t aged a bit as he sang out ♪California!♪ They didn’t relent, calling up the thunder in “The Other One” – followed by a deep version of The Beatle’s “Dear Prudence”, and closing out the second set with the BEST “One More Saturday Night” I have ever seen. The energy on that song made me feel like I might explode. The crowd hooted and hollered as the stage went black. The encore came quickly, and I can’t begin to explain how happy I was. “Ripple” – one of my most beloved Dead songs. I nearly cried because I wished it was Jerry up on stage, but somehow Bob channeled him. I could not have walked away more impressed. I am now a full-blown Bob Weir & Ratdog fan. Worth every penny.

Umphrey's McGee - Live 6.27.07 - Charlottesville, VA

The D.U.M.B Tour
Umphrey’s McGee co-headlining with The Disco Biscuits
Charlottesville Pavilion – Charlottesville, VA
June 27, 2007, 6:50PM

Whenever there is a jamband-y show at the Charlottesville Pavilion, the pedestrian mall leading up to the venue gets taken over by swarms of hippies. This amuses me to no end. You can see the look of terror on locals’ faces as they’re dining at the outdoor cafés and are suddenly engulfed in a sea of tie-dye, dreadlocks, and patchouli. It’s one of the few times and places where you witness the awkward, and hilarious, intermingling of the hippies and the squares.

Sadly, I didn’t have time to take all that in like I usually do. I was running late, and my bladder was about to explode. I rushed through the hippie promenade and got to the Pavilion just in time to hear Umphrey’s take the stage. I still hadta pee, and let me tell you, the bathrooms are such an upgrade from the porta-potties that used to be there. Also, LADIES, some really generous female fans of Umphrey’s McGee (a group called 2nd Self) came up with just about the greatest idea I’ve ever seen. They placed baskets of feminine products, hand lotion, condoms, mints, etc. next to all the sinks. How extremely sweet and much appreciated!

I grabbed my first beer and weaved through the crowd. I counted at least 4 Tool shirts on my way to the front, confirming my theory that Umphrey’s is the Tool fans jamband. I made it to the stage at the exact moment they started into the second song of the evening, a long-time favorite of mine, “Jimmy Stewart.”

SETLIST:
Plunger > “Jimmy Stewart” > Plunger > The Fuzz > Partyin’ Peeps, Wizard Burial Ground, Thin Air, Great American > Got Your Milk (Right Here), All In Time, YYZ

The crowd was visibly sluggish from the muggy heat, but “Partyin’ Peeps” got everyone moving and getting their groove on. ♪ The beat is kickin’ in, we’ve got a second wind ♪ Brendan Bayliss’ voice has a quality that breaks into my brain and captures me, very similar to the effect of Incubus’ Brandon Boyd. This is not to diminish the impact of the other band members, since 4 out of the 6 of them are equally active and talented with the vocals. The tightness of the ensemble is impressive; everything they do is gleaming. If they were ever out of step, I didn’t notice it. They improvise and jam, but they serve up their noodles al denté. In one song, they are playing synchronized runs that conjure images of the Allman Brothers, in the next song, they sound like Iron Maiden. Their newest, “Wizard Burial Ground,” was heavy and totally bad ass. Then Joel Cummins brings this jazzy piano solo, paving the way for the percussionists to infuse yet another genre into the mix – bongos + steel drum = Caribbean. Towards the end of their set, Bayliss reenacted Chappelle’s “Tyrone Shuffle”, which seemed to go unnoticed by everyone but me. Brendan, if you read this, I saw that and I cheered! They closed out with a stellar cover of Rush’s “YYZ” (teasing “Spirit of Radio” at the end) which left me even hungrier for more. They’re playing in Norfolk, VA tonight…damn this day job! As the roadies set up for the Disco Biscuits, I found myself wishing that it wasn’t a co-bill. Bisco is alright, but they just don’t do it for me like Umphrey’s McGee.

PS: A thanks to my special friend who made this evening possible

Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit - Live 5.9.07 - Richmond, VA

Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit
Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, VA
May 9, 2007, 6:30 PM

Even though I’ve been to the Innsbrook Pavilion many times before, it still trips me up that the place is nestled inside a giant office park. Not your typical location for a concert venue, but somehow the folks over there have made it work. There are some drawbacks to the area, though. For one, the crowd is normally littered with white-collar professionals who are much more interested in social hour than music (an ongoing beef of mine). Secondly, the security is tighter than the proverbial duck’s arse. While the police presence didn’t confront me none, the constant chitter-chatter certainly cheesed me off. I meandered through the crowd searching for a quiet haven to enjoy the show, which I did, right in front of the speaker. It’s sad when that’s the only place you can go and actually hear over the talking, but hey, you do what you have to do.

By the time I got settled, the sun was setting and the Aquarium Rescue Unit was already about 30 minutes in to their set. The group, considered the forerunner of the modern day jam band scene, has had an ever-changing lineup since its inception in the late 80s. Wednesday night, the ARU consisted of some familiar faces to me – founding member and “Godfather of Jam” Col. Bruce Hampton, current Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring, and the Allman Brothers Band’s current bassist Oteil Burbridge as well as Jeff Sipe aka Apt Q-258 (percussion) and Bobby Lee Rodgers (banjo/vocals) both of whom were new to me. Since this was my first ARU gig, I didn’t recognize much of what I was hearing. You didn’t have to know the songs to know it was some straight-up goodness, though. These guys rarely play together nowadays, so it was beyond a treat to have this opportunity. The band laid down some of the sickest grooves I have ever witnessed – impeccably fusing rock, bluegrass, jazz, you name it. I have heard before that Oteil is limited by the Allman Brothers Band; judging by his performance Wednesday night, that assessment is correct. He really took command over a good portion of the show, singing and scatting while dropping some scorching hot bass lines. Someone awesome captured footage and posted it on YouTube –

When Oteil wasn’t directing traffic, Col. Bruce graced us with his rough and rootsy vocals. Even though he is considered the band leader, he deserves to lay low if that’s what he’s feeling – the man is an unacknowledged legend. He just has that quality about him – you know you’re in the presence of greatness. And then there’s Jimmy Herring, who is a master of his craft. Most people know Warren Haynes is one of my favorite living guitarists, but Jimmy is now closing that gap. He shreds it and totally floors me with his solos. If he sang, too, Warren might have a real fight on his hands. See what I mean –

Towards the middle of the set, Derek Trucks came out for a few songs and we got a short glimpse of the amazing chemistry between him and Jimmy (more to come during the DTB set). Then, a very young man appeared on the drums who was later identified as Derek’s little brother, Duane. With their uncle Butch playing drums for the Allman Brothers, the Trucks family is building quite the musical pedigree. The ARU closed out their set with a splendid rendition of “Turn On Your Lovelight,” and the roadies got to work on setting up DTB ’s equipment.

If you EVER have the opportunity to see the Aquarium Rescue Unit, you absolutely should. They made a hell of a first impression on me. I have run out of ways to say amazing, so I’ll just leave it at that.

PS: A special thanks to the wonderful man who made this evening possible :P

Derek Trucks Band - Live 5.9.07 - Richmond, VA

The Derek Trucks Band special co-bill with Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit

Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit
The Derek Trucks Band
Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, VA
May 9, 2007, 6:30 PM

The sun had set, the crowd had thickened and at about 8:30 pm, Derek’s entourage emerged. No words, no introductions – they just launched straight in.

SETLIST
Volunteered Slavery >
I’ll Find My Way
Crow Jane
Sahib Teri Bandi
Soul Serenade (with Duane Trucks on drums)
Meet Me In The Bottom (1st Time Played)
Goin’ Home (1st Time Played)
Joyful Noise (with Jimmy Herring on guitar, Oteil Burbridge on bass, and Jeff Sipe on drums)

Encore
Mahjoun > Greensleeves (with Jimmy Herring & Jeff Sipe)
Key To The Highway (with Duane Trucks & Jimmy Herring)

This was my fifth time seeing the Derek Trucks Band on stage, and as always, I have nothing but compliments. These guys have incredible unity, with a sound that is so direct and pure. You can tell by their masterful fusion of different genres that they are drawing on a huge musical vocabulary. You won’t get much stage antics from these guys, either – aside from drummer Yonrico Scott’s facial expressions and band introductions. “On lead vocals and beautiful afro, Mr. Mike Mattison; on keyboard and flute, Mr. Kofi Burbridge; on bass guitar, Mr. Todd-don’t call him small…but he is small Smallie; on percussion, Count M’Butu; and on the guitar…….MR. DEREK TRUCKS !” Aside from those introductions and a “thank you for coming out” at the end of the night, the band lets their music do the talking.

“Crow Jane,” a grinding delta blues tune, is one of my favorites to hear. Close your eyes and listen to Mike Mattison’s falsetto singing, and you might think it’s a woman up there on stage. I use this description in the most flattering way; the man has an incredibly diverse, soulful voice and is comfortable letting it fly however it sounds best. “Sahib Teri Bandi” is another one of my top picks, mainly because of Kofi Burbridge’s flute playing (takes me back to when I was a flutist in my high school marching band heh). “Meet Me In The Bottom” and “Goin’ Home” were both performed for the first time – I was keeping track of the setlist and they threw me a curveball with those two. I wrote this review a few days back, but my dedication to detail prevented me from posting until I found out those song titles (thanks DTB setlists!).

The highlight of the night was unequivocally the “Joyful Noise” featuring 3 percussionists, 2 bassists, and 2 guitarists. Each musician had his time in the spotlight, with Oteil reconfirming that the Allman Brothers fence him in. And then you have the interplay between Derek and Jimmy. Is there anything more awesome than the guitar call and answer? My soul just feels lighter when I’m watching two musicians at the top of their game “talking” to each other musically. Jimmy and Derek are both men of limited expression while they’re playing, but I caught Jimmy smiling in amazement as Derek did his thing, and Derek had more grins than I’ve ever seen him have on stage. All of the guys looked like they were having an insane amount of fun, and it definitely rubbed off on the audience. People around me were clutching their chests and looking up to the sky as if to thank God for this beautiful music. When the song was finished, the crowd applauded and cheered and begged the boys to return to the stage. I was thrilled to see Jimmy return with the rest of the band. The “Greensleeves” arrangement that Derek does is incredible, although by that point it made me want to lay down for a nap. Luckily, it was an abbreviated version, and they went out with a bang – “Key To The Highway.” Mike unleashed everything he had left, and Derek channeled Duane with some of the most heart-wrenching slide guitar work I’ve ever heard. I’ve seen them perform this song several times now, but I think the addition of Jimmy Herring made Derek up the ante. He gets better every time I see him.

Derek Trucks Band is on the do-not-miss list for me. The guys are playing in DC Wednesday night, and I’ve got to tell you, it’s gonna be tough for me to keep the Kia parked in the driveway!

PS: Again, a very special thank you to the great friend who made this evening possible

Widespread Panic - Live 4.3.07 - Richmond, VA

Widespread Panic
Landmark Theater in Richmond, VA
April 3, 2007, 7:30 PM
Ticket Price: $45

Going to see Widespread Panic gives me a sort of giddy excitement that only a few other bands can top. Now that they have guitarist Jimmy Herring in the mix, the energy is insane. They nearly blew the roof off the Landmark Theater in the second set. I will say, though, that I prefer the Pan-Pan in outdoor venues. There are six guys on stage, and that’s a lot of sound to be contained by four walls. Our seats were at the top of the theater, too, so the vocals were a little washed out. But no matter. The jams made up for it. And I’m used to dancing on the grass, so the plush carpet was a nice change of pace.

Part of the joy of Panic shows, for me, is the interaction between fans. There are really no strangers; we’re all united in our love of the music. And I really look forward to seeing everyone in their hippie garb.

Set 1: From The Cradle > Fishwater, Better Off, Angels on High, You Should Be Glad, Flicker > Greta, You Got Yours, Give

Set 2: This Part Of Town > All Time Low > Diner > Party At Your Mama’s House > Airplane > Drums > Impossible > One Arm Steve > Love Tractor

Encore: Pilgrims > Blackout Blues

On the way to shows, I always like to name my 3 wishlist songs for the night. This time I wanted Surprise Valley, Climb To Safety, and Fishwater. Well, I got Fishwater second song of the night. Can’t ask for more than that. Flicker is a new song that they’re working on, and we Virginians got blessed with it’s first on-stage debut. Excellent.

Set 1 was definitely a warm-up for Set 2. I think they must’ve tweaked the sound a little bit, too, cause the vocals were slightly clearer. The boys didn’t relent in bringing the hotness – This Part of Town into All Time Low into DINER ! into PAYMH into AIRPLANE !!! Then the bongo and drum time ensued. You can always pick out the moderate fans – they sit down during the drum solos, hehe. Anyway, it seemed like a lot of people were complaining about the sound, but always in the context of, “If they sounded that good with crappy sound, imagine how awesome they’ll be this summer.” I can’t wait!!!

Rose Hill Drive - Live 3.8.07 - Washington DC

When I went to see The Who last week, I had no clue about the opening band. I got to the venue at 7:30, and shortly thereafter, the lights went down. Three young-looking lads with hair almost down to their waists come out and launch right into some good ole-fashioned style, loud rock ‘n’ roll. They get instant brownie points from me – I have a thing for power trios (and longhairs). Their sound is definitely borrowed heavily from Black Sabbath, the Rolling Stones – also reminds me a little bit of Wolfmother. Their lyrics aren’t particularly memorable, but their stage presence and sound are. No frills, nothing too fancy – just straight up RAWK !

My only complaint was I did not know who they were. The frontman mumbled their name 2 or 3 times, but never clearly enough for me to make out what he said. The people in the crowd around me were all wondering as well. It’s a shame they didn’t have some sort of banner posted or something. I bet a lot of these people won’t take the time to find out who they are. Lucky for them, I am uncompromising when it comes to these matters, and I wouldn’t stop the Google searches until I uncovered that they were Rose Hill Drive from Boulder, Colorado. The band consists of two brothers, Daniel and Jake Sproul in the front, with friend Nate Barnes on drums. Here’s the kicker – not one band member exceeds the age of 23. And they’re already opening for the freaking Who! That must be quite a head trip for them. I expect good things to come from these guys. I’m really looking forward to seeing them grow, and I highly recommend them. Check out this little promo video -


For more –
Rose Hill Drive on Myspace
Rose Hill Drive Website