Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Blossom Music center was an awsome display of raw Rock and Roll craftmanship. TP and the HB's have never waivered from their unique and well defined sound. The last time I saw Tom Petty and the band was at the Colliseum around 30 years ago. His stage presence has magnified and depth of the band has flourished. This is a Rock and Roll band that has weathered the test of time magnificently.
The band consisted of, the Mad Hatter himself Tom Petty on guitar and vocals. Original guitarist extrordinaire Michael Campbell. Original keyboard player Benmont Tench. Original bass player who left and is now back Ron Blair. With the band since the early 90's on harmonica, keyboards and guitar Scott Thurston. And with the band since the mid 90's on drums Steve Ferrone.
The mixed aged crowd sang almost every word to every song except for the few songs that they performed off of their new CD "Mojo". You could tell the new songs they have a bluesy edge to them. The Heartbreakers also played two cover tunes, "Oh Well" by Fleetwood Mac and "Carol" by Chuck Berry (the Rolling Stones also do a wonderful cover of this song). If you listen to Tom Petty's Buried Treasure show on XM you know Tom loves Chuck Berry and early Rock and Roll. Look down the list of songs and most people will know at least half of the songs.
Listen to Your Heart
You Don't Know How It Feels
I Won't Back Down
Free Fallin
Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac)
Mary Jane's Last Dance
Kings Highway
Breakdown
Jefferson's Jericho Blues
Good Enough
Running Mans Bible
I Should Have Known It
Learning to Fly
Don't Come Around Here No More
Refugee
Encore
Running Down Dreams
Carol
American Girl
Me, my Honey Bunny, Scarecrow and Ann sang and danced the night away along with every other fan that was there. The digital light show and TV screens were an awsome visual display to add to the aural pleasure we were experiencing.
As we were heading out to our cars I over heard some twenty somethings talking. They were wondering if there was any new bands just coming out that would be able to draw a crowd 30 years from now. They couldn't think of any off of the top of their heads but they sure were glad that they got to see one of Rock and Rolls top icons. I couldn't agree more. I rate this show 5 twirls, totally awsome.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Marcia Ball, Beachland Ballroom 8/19/10
If you are a fan of the Moral Compass then you have heard of Marcia Ball in some of my prior writings (see June 2009 Moral Compass). You have no excuse for missing a fantastic boogie woogie piano player with superb vocal abilities. Marsha has kept her current line up of backing musicians together for a couple of years now and they are all really starting to jell. On base forever is Don Bennett. Drums were aptly handled by Corey Keller. The superbly wonderful sax playing was performed by Thad Scott. The talented guitarist is Mike Keller. And of course on piano vocals and legs is the Handy Award winning Marcia Ball. Marcia no longer has to carry the band she can let the other band members take the front stage and play off of each other. Also a new twist was some harmonies with Don Bennett that reminded me of the Everly Brothers.
"Dance At The Ball", Come out of the gate running hard I always say. Great sax and guitar solos on this rocker.
"Red Beans", Marcia always cooks the piano on this scrumptious tune.
"Just Kiss Me Baby", proves this band can play classical blues with anyone.
"Watermelon Time", this song rocks in a Louisiana way that Marcia Ball has perfected.
Marcia Ball gave a huge shout out to the Knuckle Heads the founder "Stash" Cielec was sitting next to me. He had a smile on his face that was as wide as the Louisiana bayou. Stash also wanted me to be sure that I got the spelling of his name correct.
"Peace Love and BBQ", a great song.
"That's Married Life", Marcia wrote this song after one of her Delbert McClinton music cruises.
"Falling Back In Love With You", again Marcia can play the Blues with anyone.
"Honey Pie", shared vocals with Don Bennett, very nice.
"Don't Forget About You", three part harmony with Marcia, Don and Mike Keller.
"That's Enough Of That Stuff", Marcia excels at the syncopated piano style that Professor Longhair made famous. A wildly entertaining, uptempo, song.
"Coming Down With You Blues", a Fats Domino's type blues tune with a great sax solo, pointed out to me by my friend Michael sitting next to me.
"Louisiana" I don't know the name of this song but it was smoking.
"Right Tool", I am guessing at the name of this song also. It had a ZZ Top drum beat that broke into a guitar solo that could have had Paul Berrer form Little Feat playing instead of Mike Keller.
"Luelda", guessing again but a rocking tune none the less.
"Big Sister Little Radio" this is an original tune of Mike Keller's. A very catchy song that makes me want to go out and listen to more of his music.
Marcia announces that hopefully if we all pray that a new CD will be out by the end of the year.
"Craw fish", the whole band get in on the act on this one, guitar, sax, guitar, sax, guitar, sax, piano, sax, guitar. The crowd loves it people are up and dancing.
"New Orleans Is A Party Town", here's that syncopated piano again on an old favorite that keeps the crowd on their feet.
"Louisiana 1923", a Randy Newman song that tells of the troubles and tribulations of New Orleans. A slow ballad that always brings a tear to my eye.
"Play With Your Poodle", how can you not love this song, the crowd is up and dancing again.
Encore
"This Used To Be Paradise", Marcia is solo on stage just her and her piano. A very poignant song about corporations killing small businesses.
"I Wish You Well", the whole band is on stage for this final sweet song.
Over two hours and 21 songs well worth the $25.
The Sethro Quartet opened the show. They are a quirky band with a electric mandolin, upright bass, drums, guitar and a sometimes an instrument that the guitarist invented called a Jay Bridge. They played a loungy kind of Jazz, Blues with a touch of Boogie Woogie.
After the show ended we dropped into the Beachland Tavern that is attached to the Beachland Ballroom and caught a few tunes by Deke Dickerson who plays a Dick Dale style guitar. When we walked in they were playing "Ghost Riders In The Sky". He had one of the band members from Los Straight Jackets sans Mexican wrestling mask, playing with him. Quite entertaining.
Overall another entertaining evening at the Beachland Ballroom. What a diamond of a venue Cleveland has right in its old neighborhood. I hope this place stays open for a long time because no one else is providing the smaller name bands a chance to perform and get their music heard. A person in the crowd said "Live music isn't popular with the younger generation". Live Music is where it is at and it is happening at the Beachland Ballroom. Great show Marcia we will see you next year.
A Five Twirl Show.
"Dance At The Ball", Come out of the gate running hard I always say. Great sax and guitar solos on this rocker.
"Red Beans", Marcia always cooks the piano on this scrumptious tune.
"Just Kiss Me Baby", proves this band can play classical blues with anyone.
"Watermelon Time", this song rocks in a Louisiana way that Marcia Ball has perfected.
Marcia Ball gave a huge shout out to the Knuckle Heads the founder "Stash" Cielec was sitting next to me. He had a smile on his face that was as wide as the Louisiana bayou. Stash also wanted me to be sure that I got the spelling of his name correct.
"Peace Love and BBQ", a great song.
"That's Married Life", Marcia wrote this song after one of her Delbert McClinton music cruises.
"Falling Back In Love With You", again Marcia can play the Blues with anyone.
"Honey Pie", shared vocals with Don Bennett, very nice.
"Don't Forget About You", three part harmony with Marcia, Don and Mike Keller.
"That's Enough Of That Stuff", Marcia excels at the syncopated piano style that Professor Longhair made famous. A wildly entertaining, uptempo, song.
"Coming Down With You Blues", a Fats Domino's type blues tune with a great sax solo, pointed out to me by my friend Michael sitting next to me.
"Louisiana" I don't know the name of this song but it was smoking.
"Right Tool", I am guessing at the name of this song also. It had a ZZ Top drum beat that broke into a guitar solo that could have had Paul Berrer form Little Feat playing instead of Mike Keller.
"Luelda", guessing again but a rocking tune none the less.
"Big Sister Little Radio" this is an original tune of Mike Keller's. A very catchy song that makes me want to go out and listen to more of his music.
Marcia announces that hopefully if we all pray that a new CD will be out by the end of the year.
"Craw fish", the whole band get in on the act on this one, guitar, sax, guitar, sax, guitar, sax, piano, sax, guitar. The crowd loves it people are up and dancing.
"New Orleans Is A Party Town", here's that syncopated piano again on an old favorite that keeps the crowd on their feet.
"Louisiana 1923", a Randy Newman song that tells of the troubles and tribulations of New Orleans. A slow ballad that always brings a tear to my eye.
"Play With Your Poodle", how can you not love this song, the crowd is up and dancing again.
Encore
"This Used To Be Paradise", Marcia is solo on stage just her and her piano. A very poignant song about corporations killing small businesses.
"I Wish You Well", the whole band is on stage for this final sweet song.
Over two hours and 21 songs well worth the $25.
The Sethro Quartet opened the show. They are a quirky band with a electric mandolin, upright bass, drums, guitar and a sometimes an instrument that the guitarist invented called a Jay Bridge. They played a loungy kind of Jazz, Blues with a touch of Boogie Woogie.
After the show ended we dropped into the Beachland Tavern that is attached to the Beachland Ballroom and caught a few tunes by Deke Dickerson who plays a Dick Dale style guitar. When we walked in they were playing "Ghost Riders In The Sky". He had one of the band members from Los Straight Jackets sans Mexican wrestling mask, playing with him. Quite entertaining.
Overall another entertaining evening at the Beachland Ballroom. What a diamond of a venue Cleveland has right in its old neighborhood. I hope this place stays open for a long time because no one else is providing the smaller name bands a chance to perform and get their music heard. A person in the crowd said "Live music isn't popular with the younger generation". Live Music is where it is at and it is happening at the Beachland Ballroom. Great show Marcia we will see you next year.
A Five Twirl Show.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Gov't Mule Buffalo NY 8/7/10
Gov't Mule and Jackie Greene played the Erie Canal Harbour for $10 in advance and $20 if purchased the last week before the show. I don't think you can find a better deal than that any where. Erie Canal Harbour is a park sandwiched between the Buffalo River and the Buffalo Sky way. You get beautiful River scenes with boats cruising by and a wonderful sunset and yet you are on the edge of Downtown Buffalo. A portable stage was set up to accommodate the weekend long affair. Herbie Hancock and Johny Lang played Friday night at the venue for the same price.
Jackie Greene played his Americana style music of original music mixed with some Beatles and Grateful Dead hits. Jackie had a stellar backup band and played a few acoustic songs also. I had never seen Jackie Greene before but I will be purchasing some of his CD's soon.
Gov't Mule took the stage just before dark and proceeded to light up the crowd with "Bad Little Doggie". Warren Haynes, Matt Abts, Jorgen Carlsson and Danny Louis were as tight tonight as I have ever seen them. They played two sets with a short intermission between. Gov't Mule played many of their best songs such as; "Thorazine Shuffle", "By A Thread", "Broke Down On The Brazos", "I'm A Ram", "Slack Jaw Jezebel". They also entertained the crowd with a Pink Floyd song and "Too Lazy" by Deep Purple. The encore was a very mornful version of "Morning Dew" with Jackie Greene on guitar with Warren Haynes switching leads and sharing vocals. I looked at Scottie who was standing next to me when the song ended and we both at the same time said "WOOOOW". It doesn't get much better than that.
The crowd was filed with people of all ages from little kids to old folks who have a hard time standing for 5 hour any more (like me). Many people brought lawn chairs and sat behind the standing mass of bodies. It was a beautiful night in the mid seventies to listen to some good Rock and Roll. I wish Cleveland would get their shit together and plan a weekend of music like Buffalo does. The three hour trip was well worth the weekend of music for a total of $20, gas and hotel. I give this show 5 twirls, totally awesome. I did do some twirling while I was dancing in the crowd and I danced all night.
Jackie Greene played his Americana style music of original music mixed with some Beatles and Grateful Dead hits. Jackie had a stellar backup band and played a few acoustic songs also. I had never seen Jackie Greene before but I will be purchasing some of his CD's soon.
Gov't Mule took the stage just before dark and proceeded to light up the crowd with "Bad Little Doggie". Warren Haynes, Matt Abts, Jorgen Carlsson and Danny Louis were as tight tonight as I have ever seen them. They played two sets with a short intermission between. Gov't Mule played many of their best songs such as; "Thorazine Shuffle", "By A Thread", "Broke Down On The Brazos", "I'm A Ram", "Slack Jaw Jezebel". They also entertained the crowd with a Pink Floyd song and "Too Lazy" by Deep Purple. The encore was a very mornful version of "Morning Dew" with Jackie Greene on guitar with Warren Haynes switching leads and sharing vocals. I looked at Scottie who was standing next to me when the song ended and we both at the same time said "WOOOOW". It doesn't get much better than that.
The crowd was filed with people of all ages from little kids to old folks who have a hard time standing for 5 hour any more (like me). Many people brought lawn chairs and sat behind the standing mass of bodies. It was a beautiful night in the mid seventies to listen to some good Rock and Roll. I wish Cleveland would get their shit together and plan a weekend of music like Buffalo does. The three hour trip was well worth the weekend of music for a total of $20, gas and hotel. I give this show 5 twirls, totally awesome. I did do some twirling while I was dancing in the crowd and I danced all night.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Will Kimbrough Beachland Tavern 7/9/10
Last night I went to the quaint Beachland Tavern, not to be confused with the larger and part of the same complex Beachland Ballroom, to see the the ever charming, multi talented, singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire, Will Kimbrough. Will plays a sort of Americana crossed with Rock and Roll, Blues and Southern Rock. He uses a loop machine to play the rhythm section and then he plays the lead guitar over the top of that. He is a very talented musician but Will is also a great songwriter. His songs tell stories about life with his daughters and wife, friends, of being on the road, and even some political commentary.
Will Kimbrough took to the stage in front of a quaint crowd of fifty people. He started the show playing an acoustic guitar, harmonica and slide on the upbeat "Piece of Work". He then broke into two songs off of his new album, the title track "Wings" and "Three Angels". Both songs are sure to grow to be some of Wills' more requested songs in the future. He then performed "Horse Shoe Lake". The next song I am not sure where it came from but it was a cute ditty about a small town big haired girl. He then performed the ever popular "Hill Country Girl".
Will switches guitars to a red electric hollow body possibly a Gretsch guitar. He uses the loop machine to get a full sound. "Nobody From Nowhere", was quite lively with a nice slide solo interlude. The crowd really got into the playful "Wash and Fold". Mr. Kimbrough slowed the tempo down on "Philadelphia Mississippi". Another new song "A Couple Hundred Miracles" was next. Then a nice bluesy jam dedicated to J. J. Cale with the lyrics "It aint cool to talk about people when their not around". Then Will gets the crowd involved and has them sing the second half of the verse, Will "You made your bed" and the crowd responds "You got to lay in it". He again slows the tempo down for "Good Night Moon".
For the encore he gets a couple of requests and plays the fast paced "Cape Henry" and the lazy slow "Champion Of The World". He could have kept on playing and I am sure the very receptive crowd would not have complained.
It is a shame that only 50 people show up to listen to this under rated showman. I love it because it is like my own personal concert. If every thing in the world was just, Will Kimbrough would be a household name. After the show I hung around and bought an autographed, for my wife, CD "Wings". I listened to the CD on my way home, it is exceptionally good. I give the concert five twirls and the CD five twirls. Will Kimbrough gets TEN twirls from me on the night.
PS. Will Kimbrough at the start of the show put things in perspective, he said I know Cleveland feels it is going through a tragedy right now. Down where I live we are going through a tragedy too (The Gulf Coast Oil Spill). I will trade you my tragedy for your tragedy any day. Thanks Will I needed that perspective to bring me back down to earth.
Will Kimbrough took to the stage in front of a quaint crowd of fifty people. He started the show playing an acoustic guitar, harmonica and slide on the upbeat "Piece of Work". He then broke into two songs off of his new album, the title track "Wings" and "Three Angels". Both songs are sure to grow to be some of Wills' more requested songs in the future. He then performed "Horse Shoe Lake". The next song I am not sure where it came from but it was a cute ditty about a small town big haired girl. He then performed the ever popular "Hill Country Girl".
Will switches guitars to a red electric hollow body possibly a Gretsch guitar. He uses the loop machine to get a full sound. "Nobody From Nowhere", was quite lively with a nice slide solo interlude. The crowd really got into the playful "Wash and Fold". Mr. Kimbrough slowed the tempo down on "Philadelphia Mississippi". Another new song "A Couple Hundred Miracles" was next. Then a nice bluesy jam dedicated to J. J. Cale with the lyrics "It aint cool to talk about people when their not around". Then Will gets the crowd involved and has them sing the second half of the verse, Will "You made your bed" and the crowd responds "You got to lay in it". He again slows the tempo down for "Good Night Moon".
For the encore he gets a couple of requests and plays the fast paced "Cape Henry" and the lazy slow "Champion Of The World". He could have kept on playing and I am sure the very receptive crowd would not have complained.
It is a shame that only 50 people show up to listen to this under rated showman. I love it because it is like my own personal concert. If every thing in the world was just, Will Kimbrough would be a household name. After the show I hung around and bought an autographed, for my wife, CD "Wings". I listened to the CD on my way home, it is exceptionally good. I give the concert five twirls and the CD five twirls. Will Kimbrough gets TEN twirls from me on the night.
PS. Will Kimbrough at the start of the show put things in perspective, he said I know Cleveland feels it is going through a tragedy right now. Down where I live we are going through a tragedy too (The Gulf Coast Oil Spill). I will trade you my tragedy for your tragedy any day. Thanks Will I needed that perspective to bring me back down to earth.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Lebron James Quitter
Lebron James has just made his free agency decision to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat. When he made his announcement I yelled at the TV "F YOU, YOU ASSHOLE", and I meant it. My Honey Bunny is now stuck with worthless Cavs tickets for next years season. Lebron said that Cleveland watched him grow from a kid into a man. Sorry a man would have stayed and brought a championship to Cleveland like he said he would when he was drafted to Cleveland. A chump runs off to play third fiddle after he has failed to do what he has promised.
Yes Lebron we the fans in Cleveland have supported you in all of your glory and your failure. You were supposed to be one of us. You never were one of us, you just used us for seven years. We knew you were not one of us when you wore your Yankees hats and your Cowboys jerseys. You claimed you wore those viral, hated, signs out of loyalty to teams you have watched and rooted for your whole life. Loyalty would have been to root for Cleveland teams like a true Clevelander does. We Cheer for our teams win or lose. We cheered for you win or lose, but in the end you slapped us in the face.
Lebron has just set a new record, he has bumped Art Model from being the most hated person in Cleveland. Go ahead move to Miami. Sell your house in Bath and sneak out of town just like Art Model. Take your alcoholic mother, two bastard children, girlfriend, posse and your business and get out. You are no longer welcome in my Cleveland. I will boo you whenever you come to town. I will no longer back any of your charities. If I ever come close to you I will spit on you for being the piece of shit human being that you have proven yourself to be.
I will pray every night that people around the world realize what a Judas you truly are and that they stop buying your apparel. I hope now everyone will see what a back stabbing Brutus you are and they quit buying any thing you endorse. The Chinese have a sense of honor, something you don't have, so you will never be as big as Yao or Kobe over there. I wish, hope and pray for you to fail and that the fans in Miami and around the world come to hate you as much as I hate you right now.
I hope that leaving Cleveland becomes the biggest mistake of your life. You want to feel the love, well you are not going to feel the love in North East Ohio any more. You have closed the door on this part of your life forever. Good Bye and remember that you failed to accomplish your goals and dreams in your home town. Quitter.
Yes Lebron we the fans in Cleveland have supported you in all of your glory and your failure. You were supposed to be one of us. You never were one of us, you just used us for seven years. We knew you were not one of us when you wore your Yankees hats and your Cowboys jerseys. You claimed you wore those viral, hated, signs out of loyalty to teams you have watched and rooted for your whole life. Loyalty would have been to root for Cleveland teams like a true Clevelander does. We Cheer for our teams win or lose. We cheered for you win or lose, but in the end you slapped us in the face.
Lebron has just set a new record, he has bumped Art Model from being the most hated person in Cleveland. Go ahead move to Miami. Sell your house in Bath and sneak out of town just like Art Model. Take your alcoholic mother, two bastard children, girlfriend, posse and your business and get out. You are no longer welcome in my Cleveland. I will boo you whenever you come to town. I will no longer back any of your charities. If I ever come close to you I will spit on you for being the piece of shit human being that you have proven yourself to be.
I will pray every night that people around the world realize what a Judas you truly are and that they stop buying your apparel. I hope now everyone will see what a back stabbing Brutus you are and they quit buying any thing you endorse. The Chinese have a sense of honor, something you don't have, so you will never be as big as Yao or Kobe over there. I wish, hope and pray for you to fail and that the fans in Miami and around the world come to hate you as much as I hate you right now.
I hope that leaving Cleveland becomes the biggest mistake of your life. You want to feel the love, well you are not going to feel the love in North East Ohio any more. You have closed the door on this part of your life forever. Good Bye and remember that you failed to accomplish your goals and dreams in your home town. Quitter.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Beachland Ballroom 6/19/10
My Honey Bunny, Miss Beth and I went to the Beachland Ballroom to see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals on Saturday June 19, 2010. The Ballroom was packed with a sold out crowd. I can remember just last year Grace Potter only had half of the Ballroom filled. Her popularity is catching on. FM 107.3 here in Cleveland was doing a live broadcast of the show.
The Band came on stage dressed as though they were attending a 1975 homecoming dance. The men were wearing suits with no ties and their shirts unbuttoned down two buttons. The bass player, Catherine Popper, had on a knee length, flowing, purple dress. Grace had on a sort of Greek Goddess, blue, mini dress cut up way high on her outer thighs. The back of the stage had three screen doors hanging with the screen crumpled to help reflect the lights, simple but effective.
Grace and the Nocturnals open the show with the rocking " Some Kind Of Ride". Then they move into the bluesy "Joey". Grace proves she has one of the best screams in rock and roll during "Joey". Grace is doing her hippie dance behind the organ while the band plays an ethereal instrumental in "Oasis". The crowd is dancing to "Money". There were excellent harmonies with Catherine Popper on "Good Bye Kiss". Grace and the band kick out the jams on "Only Love". Grace now straps on an acoustic Gibson guitar for "One Short Night". Grace now tells people it is OK to dance and loosen up. She grabs her Fender Flying "V" guitar and rocks out to one of my favorites "Ah Mary". Grace goes back to the organ and Benny Yurco helps out on the drums for "That Phone". "Fooling Myself" did not make the record, but according to Grace, it sold more copies than any of the songs on the record. "Fooling Myself" is a beautiful slow song with wonderful harmonies. Hacienda's drummer Jaime Villanueva plays maracas on "Mastermind".
Next is a song of freedom, hope and courage, smoke fills the stage for "Hold On Tight". Yes Grace you do have the medicine everyone wants. "Medicine" is rolling along when the whole band gathers around the drum kit, Grace on her knees playing the bass drum, and they all play different parts of the drum kit. Grace grabs the Flying "V" again and Rocks the crowd with Oooh La La La La La La La "Paris".
For the first encore The Nocturnals play 2:22. Grace again proves she is one of the great screamers in rock and roll. Oh my are we really going to go back to the sixties for a wonderful rendition of "White Rabbit". Grace playing what sounds like a church organ for a mournful version of "Apology". The whole crowd sings a very nice version of Happy Birthday to Grace. Miss Potter reminds us that she is still 26 years old. The band winds up the crowd during "Hot Summer Night".
The crowd is screaming and clapping and just like the old days as long as you screamed the bands used to keep coming out and playing. Grace takes the stage solo for an acapella version of "Nothing But The Water". The rest of the band filters back on stage and they play an electric version of "Nothing But The Water".
What a great night.
The Band is comprised of Scott Tournet on lead guitar a very capable player. Benny Yurco on rhythm guitar. Much of the time it is like having two lead guitarists on stage. Matt Burr on drums, very strong. The new addition and what a great addition she is, on both backup vocals and bass Catherine Popper.
People have asked me if Grace Potter is like Janice Joplin my answer is some what, but she also has Aretha Franklin's soul, Tina Turners energy, Ricky Lee Jones spaciness and Suzy Quatros and Chrissy Hynds Rock and Roll attitude. Grace Potter can be compared to the others but she is her own, new, unique Rock and Roller. Go and see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals now before they make it big. Believe me they are right on the cusp of hitting the big time.
This was a great show. The crowd was filled with young and old alike. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I give this show five twirls.
The Band came on stage dressed as though they were attending a 1975 homecoming dance. The men were wearing suits with no ties and their shirts unbuttoned down two buttons. The bass player, Catherine Popper, had on a knee length, flowing, purple dress. Grace had on a sort of Greek Goddess, blue, mini dress cut up way high on her outer thighs. The back of the stage had three screen doors hanging with the screen crumpled to help reflect the lights, simple but effective.
Grace and the Nocturnals open the show with the rocking " Some Kind Of Ride". Then they move into the bluesy "Joey". Grace proves she has one of the best screams in rock and roll during "Joey". Grace is doing her hippie dance behind the organ while the band plays an ethereal instrumental in "Oasis". The crowd is dancing to "Money". There were excellent harmonies with Catherine Popper on "Good Bye Kiss". Grace and the band kick out the jams on "Only Love". Grace now straps on an acoustic Gibson guitar for "One Short Night". Grace now tells people it is OK to dance and loosen up. She grabs her Fender Flying "V" guitar and rocks out to one of my favorites "Ah Mary". Grace goes back to the organ and Benny Yurco helps out on the drums for "That Phone". "Fooling Myself" did not make the record, but according to Grace, it sold more copies than any of the songs on the record. "Fooling Myself" is a beautiful slow song with wonderful harmonies. Hacienda's drummer Jaime Villanueva plays maracas on "Mastermind".
Next is a song of freedom, hope and courage, smoke fills the stage for "Hold On Tight". Yes Grace you do have the medicine everyone wants. "Medicine" is rolling along when the whole band gathers around the drum kit, Grace on her knees playing the bass drum, and they all play different parts of the drum kit. Grace grabs the Flying "V" again and Rocks the crowd with Oooh La La La La La La La "Paris".
For the first encore The Nocturnals play 2:22. Grace again proves she is one of the great screamers in rock and roll. Oh my are we really going to go back to the sixties for a wonderful rendition of "White Rabbit". Grace playing what sounds like a church organ for a mournful version of "Apology". The whole crowd sings a very nice version of Happy Birthday to Grace. Miss Potter reminds us that she is still 26 years old. The band winds up the crowd during "Hot Summer Night".
The crowd is screaming and clapping and just like the old days as long as you screamed the bands used to keep coming out and playing. Grace takes the stage solo for an acapella version of "Nothing But The Water". The rest of the band filters back on stage and they play an electric version of "Nothing But The Water".
What a great night.
The Band is comprised of Scott Tournet on lead guitar a very capable player. Benny Yurco on rhythm guitar. Much of the time it is like having two lead guitarists on stage. Matt Burr on drums, very strong. The new addition and what a great addition she is, on both backup vocals and bass Catherine Popper.
People have asked me if Grace Potter is like Janice Joplin my answer is some what, but she also has Aretha Franklin's soul, Tina Turners energy, Ricky Lee Jones spaciness and Suzy Quatros and Chrissy Hynds Rock and Roll attitude. Grace Potter can be compared to the others but she is her own, new, unique Rock and Roller. Go and see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals now before they make it big. Believe me they are right on the cusp of hitting the big time.
This was a great show. The crowd was filled with young and old alike. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I give this show five twirls.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Get him to the Greek.
I went to the movies with my Honey Bunny and saw "Get Him To The Greek", what a funny movie. The movie is a spoof on Rock and Roll and the music industry. A young music industry executive Aaron Green has to go to England, pick up highball, slumping rock star Aldous Snow, and deliver him to the Greek Theatre in time for a come back concert. There are some funny site gags and goofy repartee through out the movie. One of the funniest parts I thought was Lars Ulrich from Mettalica and Aldous Snow quipping at each other, funny. Sean "Puffy" Combs plays a great part as the top record executive that believes in mind fucking everybody. This is a guys movie filled with raunchy language, drugs, racist comments and stereo types. I loved it but I am a pretty simple kind of guy to entertain. Four twirls and some fly catcher hand motions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)