Friday, July 31, 2009
PORTERDAVIS and BETTYSOO at Saxon Pub 7-25-09
Been a while since I'd seen the porterdavis band. They are 3 white guys who do blues very well. You have Mike, the percussionist who is much fun to watch. Sits on a cajon drum and plays a bunch of different percussion instruments and rhythm machines. Dan is the guitarist and main singer. Really has a great voice for the bluesy rock they play. Lastly is Simon on the blues harp and he is terrific. They all 3 sing, too. Really nice harmonies. They can be very melodic and then jam away like there is no tomorrow. It was great hearing them once again. They have a new record coming out very soon. From what they played on this night, it's bound to be worth picking up.
http://www.myspace.com/porterdavismusic
After porterdavis came BettySoo with her band. She had a fill in lead guitarist and he managed to do all right. She did debut a new song that was co-written with a friend out of Nashville. Also did a killer "Do Right Woman." I tell ya, there aren't many who can go from Hank Williams to Aretha Franklin and pull it off...but BettySoo can. Charlie Faye joined in once again to do the Gurf background vocal part of "Never Knew No Love."
So, got to hear 2 great acts for $10. Another bargain in Austin.
http://www.myspace.com/porterdavismusic
After porterdavis came BettySoo with her band. She had a fill in lead guitarist and he managed to do all right. She did debut a new song that was co-written with a friend out of Nashville. Also did a killer "Do Right Woman." I tell ya, there aren't many who can go from Hank Williams to Aretha Franklin and pull it off...but BettySoo can. Charlie Faye joined in once again to do the Gurf background vocal part of "Never Knew No Love."
So, got to hear 2 great acts for $10. Another bargain in Austin.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
WILL TAYLOR & STRINGS ATTACHED at Scholz Beer Garten 7-22-09
Stating the obvious first. You can't have a bad night with The Beatles.
On this evening the band consisted of 9 musicians including a cello, 2 violin/viola players, mandolin, bass, acoustic rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass and drums along with 3 main vocalists: Karen Mal, Tameca Jones and Darin Murphy.
They played Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band the first set and Abbey Road the second.
Even with a steady rain most of the night this was tremendous fun. Great musicians covering the greatest band.
I spent half the night looking around at all the people, various age groups from little kids to folks older than me, really! No other music elicits the reactions The Beatles do. Joyous grins, singing every word...The Beatles music is everybody's music.
I'd rather hear a band like Will's, with the strings and at times, different arrangements, than The Beatles sound and look alike bands. They really give the songs a fresh dressing. The lead guitarist, Glenn Rexach, was fantastic. Just killer solos!
The songs were presented with such soul by this band. The Abbey Road set, especially, was fired up. When they broke into "Here Comes The Sun" followed by "The Medley" there weren't many people still sitting.
A great, great night with the perfect ending to it: "And, in the end, the love you take/Is equal to the love you make."
On this evening the band consisted of 9 musicians including a cello, 2 violin/viola players, mandolin, bass, acoustic rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass and drums along with 3 main vocalists: Karen Mal, Tameca Jones and Darin Murphy.
They played Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band the first set and Abbey Road the second.
Even with a steady rain most of the night this was tremendous fun. Great musicians covering the greatest band.
I spent half the night looking around at all the people, various age groups from little kids to folks older than me, really! No other music elicits the reactions The Beatles do. Joyous grins, singing every word...The Beatles music is everybody's music.
I'd rather hear a band like Will's, with the strings and at times, different arrangements, than The Beatles sound and look alike bands. They really give the songs a fresh dressing. The lead guitarist, Glenn Rexach, was fantastic. Just killer solos!
The songs were presented with such soul by this band. The Abbey Road set, especially, was fired up. When they broke into "Here Comes The Sun" followed by "The Medley" there weren't many people still sitting.
A great, great night with the perfect ending to it: "And, in the end, the love you take/Is equal to the love you make."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
KGSR LONE STAR STATE OF MIND at Saxon Pub featuring OMAR & THE HOWLERS, BETTYSOO & CHARLIE FAYE 7-17-09
This is a show that happens monthly at Saxon. KGSR sponsors it, brings in good bands and broadcasts it live.
First up was Omar & The Howlers. They are a 3 piece blues band. If you've never heard Omar just imagine if Wolfman Jack could sing. A voice screaming for the blues. I still can't get over some of the cool acts we get to see in small clubs. Anyway, Omar & The Howlers were a lot of fun. He just rips it, voice and guitar. I loved the drummer. He is very animated. He had this lonesome, little looking drum kit and beat the heck out of it. Really drove the band. They played for an hour or so. Straight ahead southern blues.
After Omar came BettySoo with her band. Jeff Plankenhorn seems to be her steady lead guitarist these days and I like that. He sounds so good with her. They played maybe 35-45 minutes. Charlie Faye joined her to do the background vocals on "Never Knew No Love." They have been playing Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" pretty often and they do a great job with it. Really funk it up pretty well.
After BettySoo came Charlie Faye with her band. She has Will Sexton on lead guitar. They write together also. She just released a cd this past week called "Wilson Street." Named after the street she lives on in Austin. I'm just getting to know her and I like her writing and her voice. She rocks it quite a bit also and I appreciate that. She has one of those really good bluesy, rich, kind of sultry voices. She can do a lot with it and belts it now and then, too. BettySoo joined her for a cover of John Fullbright's "Blameless." I'm going to wander off here. He is a 20 year old kid or so from Oklahoma who, according to these 2 ladies, writes well beyond his years. I've only heard this 1 song and I believe them. So, the 2 of them singing together was great to hear. Lastly, she brought up Ruby James. They did 1 of her songs and then she helped out on 1 of Charlie's. I loved her! Love it when you hear someone for the 1st time and they knock you out. Also very cool is I have 1 of her cd's at home that I haven't listened to yet. KGSR gives cd's away at their Unplugged shows and this is one I picked up a couple of weeks ago. You usually get some decent finds and now that I've actually heard her live I am really looking forward to listening to her record.
So, a full Friday night of great music with a cheap $10 cover.
First up was Omar & The Howlers. They are a 3 piece blues band. If you've never heard Omar just imagine if Wolfman Jack could sing. A voice screaming for the blues. I still can't get over some of the cool acts we get to see in small clubs. Anyway, Omar & The Howlers were a lot of fun. He just rips it, voice and guitar. I loved the drummer. He is very animated. He had this lonesome, little looking drum kit and beat the heck out of it. Really drove the band. They played for an hour or so. Straight ahead southern blues.
After Omar came BettySoo with her band. Jeff Plankenhorn seems to be her steady lead guitarist these days and I like that. He sounds so good with her. They played maybe 35-45 minutes. Charlie Faye joined her to do the background vocals on "Never Knew No Love." They have been playing Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" pretty often and they do a great job with it. Really funk it up pretty well.
After BettySoo came Charlie Faye with her band. She has Will Sexton on lead guitar. They write together also. She just released a cd this past week called "Wilson Street." Named after the street she lives on in Austin. I'm just getting to know her and I like her writing and her voice. She rocks it quite a bit also and I appreciate that. She has one of those really good bluesy, rich, kind of sultry voices. She can do a lot with it and belts it now and then, too. BettySoo joined her for a cover of John Fullbright's "Blameless." I'm going to wander off here. He is a 20 year old kid or so from Oklahoma who, according to these 2 ladies, writes well beyond his years. I've only heard this 1 song and I believe them. So, the 2 of them singing together was great to hear. Lastly, she brought up Ruby James. They did 1 of her songs and then she helped out on 1 of Charlie's. I loved her! Love it when you hear someone for the 1st time and they knock you out. Also very cool is I have 1 of her cd's at home that I haven't listened to yet. KGSR gives cd's away at their Unplugged shows and this is one I picked up a couple of weeks ago. You usually get some decent finds and now that I've actually heard her live I am really looking forward to listening to her record.
So, a full Friday night of great music with a cheap $10 cover.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
THE PATRICE PIKE BAND at Scholz Garten 7-15-09
This was a crazy night in Austin, far too many good choices for music. You had Marcia Ball at the free Blues on the Green, Kevin Welch at the Continental Club ($5), Radney Foster at Hills Cafe (free) with his guests Ray Benson, Pat Green, Jack Ingram and others, Suzanna Choffel at Momo's followed by Jess Klein($7), Southpaw Jones with Matt the Electrician($5)or The Patrice Pike Band at Scholz, also free.
Started out, Marcia Ball all the way. Then Kevin Welch got tossed into the mix. Finally, the Radney Foster show was announced and that was very enticing. He's great, doesn't perform that much, new record coming out, all of the special guests, free, etc...
By mid-afternoon, with the temperature going over 100 for what seems like the millionth time this year, Blues on the Green started not sounding too fun. It's at a smaller park this year due to renovation at Zilker. I've heard you're packed in like sardines, it's very dusty with nothing but dirt. Bleck!
This was Kevin's last show at the Continental so that was tempting but I had seen him there a couple of weeks ago.
Radney was the real hand wringer for me but in the end we went with Patrice. For a couple of reasons. We hadn't seen her in quite a long time, well over a year, probably closer to 2. That's just nuts. Her show is always good. We had friends going who had never seen her. Lastly, it was taking place at Scholz. This is where we lived every Wednesday night last year as Bruce Robison had a weekly show and we really missed the place.
This year Scholz is having a free concert every Wednesday but with different artists each week.
Patrice was a breath of fresh air. I am so glad we ended up at this show. She has a new band since I've last seen her. A killer lead guitarist which, you know, is redundant here in Austin, along with a bass and drummer. Patrice plays rhythm guitar, percussion and occasionally the drums.
I think I'd forgotten just how good she is. Her music is always soulful, bluesy, funky, rocking, you name it, she plays it. She works hard up there and puts on a good show, whether it's in her singing, moving around the stage dancing, playing the congas, whatever, her heart and soul is in it and that is all you can ask. And, she has fun. Did I mention she and this band rock? Because they really, really do.
She played 2 sets so the show lasted about 2 1/2 hours. Along with her older material she played much from her last record, "Unraveling," which is a really good album, by the way, along with a lot of new stuff. She said the new cd will be out in September, I believe. Brought the house down with an extended "Kiss Me, Baby" that also morphed into a bit of "I Want To Take You Higher." On this song she did some percussion, some drumming, including drumming from the top of an amplifier while the drummer played, too. It was awesome!
Plus, it was great to be back at Scholz. Our favorite waitress is still there so we got a chance to catch up with her. The patio was shaded, food was hot, beer was cold and the fans were blowing. So all in all, it was a great night.
Took 2 videos and they turned out pretty well. View them here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUY6sKF_i8Y&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-En7iVemwU&feature=channel_page
Started out, Marcia Ball all the way. Then Kevin Welch got tossed into the mix. Finally, the Radney Foster show was announced and that was very enticing. He's great, doesn't perform that much, new record coming out, all of the special guests, free, etc...
By mid-afternoon, with the temperature going over 100 for what seems like the millionth time this year, Blues on the Green started not sounding too fun. It's at a smaller park this year due to renovation at Zilker. I've heard you're packed in like sardines, it's very dusty with nothing but dirt. Bleck!
This was Kevin's last show at the Continental so that was tempting but I had seen him there a couple of weeks ago.
Radney was the real hand wringer for me but in the end we went with Patrice. For a couple of reasons. We hadn't seen her in quite a long time, well over a year, probably closer to 2. That's just nuts. Her show is always good. We had friends going who had never seen her. Lastly, it was taking place at Scholz. This is where we lived every Wednesday night last year as Bruce Robison had a weekly show and we really missed the place.
This year Scholz is having a free concert every Wednesday but with different artists each week.
Patrice was a breath of fresh air. I am so glad we ended up at this show. She has a new band since I've last seen her. A killer lead guitarist which, you know, is redundant here in Austin, along with a bass and drummer. Patrice plays rhythm guitar, percussion and occasionally the drums.
I think I'd forgotten just how good she is. Her music is always soulful, bluesy, funky, rocking, you name it, she plays it. She works hard up there and puts on a good show, whether it's in her singing, moving around the stage dancing, playing the congas, whatever, her heart and soul is in it and that is all you can ask. And, she has fun. Did I mention she and this band rock? Because they really, really do.
She played 2 sets so the show lasted about 2 1/2 hours. Along with her older material she played much from her last record, "Unraveling," which is a really good album, by the way, along with a lot of new stuff. She said the new cd will be out in September, I believe. Brought the house down with an extended "Kiss Me, Baby" that also morphed into a bit of "I Want To Take You Higher." On this song she did some percussion, some drumming, including drumming from the top of an amplifier while the drummer played, too. It was awesome!
Plus, it was great to be back at Scholz. Our favorite waitress is still there so we got a chance to catch up with her. The patio was shaded, food was hot, beer was cold and the fans were blowing. So all in all, it was a great night.
Took 2 videos and they turned out pretty well. View them here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUY6sKF_i8Y&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-En7iVemwU&feature=channel_page
Monday, July 13, 2009
BAND OF HEATHENS at Austin City Limits TV Show Taping 7-9-09
Linda won "space available" tickets for this show. This was the 2nd time one of us got lucky. We learned a good lesson from the first time. They pass out numbers at 5pm for admittance. Last time, I got there at 4:40pm and was number 147 in line. We had to sweat it out as to whether we would make it in for the taping. So, this time, I got there at 2:45pm and was number 1 in line! It was nice to know we would be getting in for sure and that we might even get seats, which we did!
This was a great show. The Band of Heathens played almost 2 hours and it was a big, rocking show! They were fired up. Heck, they were even cleaned up! And they clean up pretty well! Who would have ever guessed?!
They have a new record coming out in September and this show will air in November so they played a lot of new stuff. It was great to hear. They also played much from their self-titled debut album.
When I saw them a few weeks ago at Unplugged I talked about how great their 3 part harmonies are. At this taping they had some incendiary guitar jams among the 3 front guys. It was tremendous.
Their story is pretty interesting. They were 3 solo performers who were all booked at a club here in town (Momo's), doing separate shows. They started collaborating and eventually they formed this band. I hope they can all keep their egos in check because this band is so good. Along with the 3 lead players, the band includes a keyboardist and drummer.
It was great to hear them talk about how excited they were to play this show. To be a band from Austin, it just doesn't get any better than playing this show. They mentioned having these guitar techs (provided by the show) handing them tuned guitars for each song, loving it. How unusual that #1, they had a set list and #2, having to stick to it due to the filming of the show. Usually, they don't have a set list.
When 1 of the guys went over to play the grand piano they talked about some of the people who have played that piano: Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Allen Toussaint. Pretty mind blowing.
So, we have gotten to see 3 shows this summer after 3 years of never getting in. We know our luck is going to run out soon, if it hasn't already. That's ok. We are thrilled we got to go even 1 time and while it is still in it's original home. Next year it moves to a new location.
This was a great show. The Band of Heathens played almost 2 hours and it was a big, rocking show! They were fired up. Heck, they were even cleaned up! And they clean up pretty well! Who would have ever guessed?!
They have a new record coming out in September and this show will air in November so they played a lot of new stuff. It was great to hear. They also played much from their self-titled debut album.
When I saw them a few weeks ago at Unplugged I talked about how great their 3 part harmonies are. At this taping they had some incendiary guitar jams among the 3 front guys. It was tremendous.
Their story is pretty interesting. They were 3 solo performers who were all booked at a club here in town (Momo's), doing separate shows. They started collaborating and eventually they formed this band. I hope they can all keep their egos in check because this band is so good. Along with the 3 lead players, the band includes a keyboardist and drummer.
It was great to hear them talk about how excited they were to play this show. To be a band from Austin, it just doesn't get any better than playing this show. They mentioned having these guitar techs (provided by the show) handing them tuned guitars for each song, loving it. How unusual that #1, they had a set list and #2, having to stick to it due to the filming of the show. Usually, they don't have a set list.
When 1 of the guys went over to play the grand piano they talked about some of the people who have played that piano: Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Allen Toussaint. Pretty mind blowing.
So, we have gotten to see 3 shows this summer after 3 years of never getting in. We know our luck is going to run out soon, if it hasn't already. That's ok. We are thrilled we got to go even 1 time and while it is still in it's original home. Next year it moves to a new location.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
BETTYSOO at Cactus Cafe 7-8-09
This was a full band show and it's been a while since I've seen one. Even though the cd release show was with the band, that was a different deal what with Gurf playing, all the guests, etc...
We had to choose between Kevin Welch at the Continental Club or BettySoo at Cactus. Had several friends who went to Kevin's show and I haven't talked to them yet but I am so happy we did not miss this show! BettySoo and the band were in GREAT form. You would think by now I would be less easily surprised but last night we were blown away. She sang out strong and the band was intense. Maybe it's me but it seemed like they were all in every moment of every song.
Lately it's been all of the great, new record "Heat Sin Water Skin" but last night we got the entire catalog plus several killer covers. I love her covers. She always does them justice. Kind of reminds me of Shawn Colvin, in that way. We got Gram Parson's "Luxury Liner," Guy Clark's "Dublin Blues," Hank William's "Lonesome Whistle," Dylan's "Serve Somebody" and one I can't remember the name of that was also great.
She is carving out a name for herself these days with the new record but what shouldn't be overlooked is all of the great material up to this point. We got to hear older gems like "Secrets," "If You Fall," "Easy Living," and one of my very favorites, "The Story Of Us."
The band. Like I mentioned, they were sizzling on this night. Funky, rocking, twangin.' Jeff Plankenhorn is back on lead guitar. He is great. You know, I love watching guitarists rip a great solo but I really enjoy watching someone like him dip in and out of a song. Sounds so good. He sings with her, too and they sound sweet together.
The show was close to 2 hours with a short break. $8 cover. Another bargain. We will continue to take advantage of these small, intimate, bargain shows with BettySoo while we can because at some point they will come to an end. She is the real deal.
http://bettysoo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jeffplankenhorn
We had to choose between Kevin Welch at the Continental Club or BettySoo at Cactus. Had several friends who went to Kevin's show and I haven't talked to them yet but I am so happy we did not miss this show! BettySoo and the band were in GREAT form. You would think by now I would be less easily surprised but last night we were blown away. She sang out strong and the band was intense. Maybe it's me but it seemed like they were all in every moment of every song.
Lately it's been all of the great, new record "Heat Sin Water Skin" but last night we got the entire catalog plus several killer covers. I love her covers. She always does them justice. Kind of reminds me of Shawn Colvin, in that way. We got Gram Parson's "Luxury Liner," Guy Clark's "Dublin Blues," Hank William's "Lonesome Whistle," Dylan's "Serve Somebody" and one I can't remember the name of that was also great.
She is carving out a name for herself these days with the new record but what shouldn't be overlooked is all of the great material up to this point. We got to hear older gems like "Secrets," "If You Fall," "Easy Living," and one of my very favorites, "The Story Of Us."
The band. Like I mentioned, they were sizzling on this night. Funky, rocking, twangin.' Jeff Plankenhorn is back on lead guitar. He is great. You know, I love watching guitarists rip a great solo but I really enjoy watching someone like him dip in and out of a song. Sounds so good. He sings with her, too and they sound sweet together.
The show was close to 2 hours with a short break. $8 cover. Another bargain. We will continue to take advantage of these small, intimate, bargain shows with BettySoo while we can because at some point they will come to an end. She is the real deal.
http://bettysoo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jeffplankenhorn
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
FIRECRACKER WOMEN at Cactus Cafe 7-2-09
This was a show with BettySoo, Jess Klein, Sara Hickman, Elizabeth Wills, Kristin DeWitt and Carrie Elkin. They each did 4 or 5 songs, sometimes solo, sometimes with help from one or more of the other firecracker women. : ) Backing up the ladies were Mail Man Dave on drums and Richard Bowden on violin. This guy on violin was great. He really added a depth to all of the music played.
What a fun night. Lasted close to 3 hours. I had never seen Sara Hickman, Kristin DeWitt or Carrie Elkin. So, just what I need. More new music in my life!
I believe Sara and Kristin perform often together. Kristin has a killer voice and I mean she belts it. Sara's young, teenage daughter also got up and sang a song with her. It was a sweet moment and the daughter definitely inherited her mom's genes.
The more I hear Jess Klein the more I think oh man, she is so good. Soulful, soulful.
Getting to know Elizabeth's music better, also and liking it much.
Carrie, first time ever heard so all I can say is I would like to hear more, for sure.
BettySoo, of course, is always great to hear live. Always go if I can when she is playing in Austin.
Highlight of the night was a duet with Sara and Kristen. Sara asked if we wanted a rocker or a slow one. Someone yelled rocker. Amen. I don't know what the song was but those two just wailed on it. Smokin' Brought the house down.
Speaking of the house, a small crowd. Disappointing, I'd say. It's tough around here. You had Del Castillo at Unplugged at the Grove or Alejandro Escovedo at La Zona Rosa, to name a few. Too many options on this night, I guess. When it comes to tough choices like this I tend to go for the more rare thing. Don't know when we'll see something like this again, all that talent in one room. Love the collaborations and camaraderie. You can't get that every night.
What a fun night. Lasted close to 3 hours. I had never seen Sara Hickman, Kristin DeWitt or Carrie Elkin. So, just what I need. More new music in my life!
I believe Sara and Kristin perform often together. Kristin has a killer voice and I mean she belts it. Sara's young, teenage daughter also got up and sang a song with her. It was a sweet moment and the daughter definitely inherited her mom's genes.
The more I hear Jess Klein the more I think oh man, she is so good. Soulful, soulful.
Getting to know Elizabeth's music better, also and liking it much.
Carrie, first time ever heard so all I can say is I would like to hear more, for sure.
BettySoo, of course, is always great to hear live. Always go if I can when she is playing in Austin.
Highlight of the night was a duet with Sara and Kristen. Sara asked if we wanted a rocker or a slow one. Someone yelled rocker. Amen. I don't know what the song was but those two just wailed on it. Smokin' Brought the house down.
Speaking of the house, a small crowd. Disappointing, I'd say. It's tough around here. You had Del Castillo at Unplugged at the Grove or Alejandro Escovedo at La Zona Rosa, to name a few. Too many options on this night, I guess. When it comes to tough choices like this I tend to go for the more rare thing. Don't know when we'll see something like this again, all that talent in one room. Love the collaborations and camaraderie. You can't get that every night.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
ALLEN TOUSSAINT at Austin City Limits TV Show Taping 6-30-09
Well, it's not often you get the chance to see a living legend. Let alone in a small room. The ACL taping held at the KLRU studio holds 320. Stadium seating on 3 sides and perfect acoustics.
Allen Toussaint is 71 years old but his voice sounds like he's 17. Still that silky, creamy, smooth tenor. That was the first thing I noticed. He just doesn't sound like he could possibly be 71. As far as piano playing goes, you don't need me to tell you. His list of songs written, my gosh, "Southern Nights," "Working On A Coal Mine," "A Certain Girl," "Pain In My Heart." Producer for Dr. John, Patti LaBelle. Collaborated with Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
This show was so different from the only other taping I've attended, the Heartless Bastards. Allen put on a show. No starting and stopping, trying to out think the songs. He just let it rip. He has a 7 piece band including a horn player along with a percussionist, drummer, 3 guitars and him.
They played 2 solid hours without a break. I would hate to be the editor who has to trim this down to either an hour or 1/2 hour. Not sure how long his segment will be. I hope the entire hour. He and this show deserve it.
He's a master storyteller, did songs from his entire career, including his new one which just came out called "The Bright Mississippi." This was a night of rhythm and blues at it's finest and as he said "everything I do is gonna get funky." He killed on a cover of Paul Simon's "American Tune." The piano solos throughout the evening, one of which was a medley of all kinds of American music from the 20's up to the present, were stunning.
Near the end he did a song and the audience just started snapping their fingers to the rhythm. One person started and before you knew it, the whole room was on it. When he realized, he stopped to listen and said "wow, you have no idea how great it is to hear a room full of finger snapping. I want me some of that."
I can't tell you how much I will treasure being at this show. One for the ages. Also in the audience having a great time was Marcia Ball.
Allen Toussaint is 71 years old but his voice sounds like he's 17. Still that silky, creamy, smooth tenor. That was the first thing I noticed. He just doesn't sound like he could possibly be 71. As far as piano playing goes, you don't need me to tell you. His list of songs written, my gosh, "Southern Nights," "Working On A Coal Mine," "A Certain Girl," "Pain In My Heart." Producer for Dr. John, Patti LaBelle. Collaborated with Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
This show was so different from the only other taping I've attended, the Heartless Bastards. Allen put on a show. No starting and stopping, trying to out think the songs. He just let it rip. He has a 7 piece band including a horn player along with a percussionist, drummer, 3 guitars and him.
They played 2 solid hours without a break. I would hate to be the editor who has to trim this down to either an hour or 1/2 hour. Not sure how long his segment will be. I hope the entire hour. He and this show deserve it.
He's a master storyteller, did songs from his entire career, including his new one which just came out called "The Bright Mississippi." This was a night of rhythm and blues at it's finest and as he said "everything I do is gonna get funky." He killed on a cover of Paul Simon's "American Tune." The piano solos throughout the evening, one of which was a medley of all kinds of American music from the 20's up to the present, were stunning.
Near the end he did a song and the audience just started snapping their fingers to the rhythm. One person started and before you knew it, the whole room was on it. When he realized, he stopped to listen and said "wow, you have no idea how great it is to hear a room full of finger snapping. I want me some of that."
I can't tell you how much I will treasure being at this show. One for the ages. Also in the audience having a great time was Marcia Ball.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
