Happy Thanksgiving music lovers!
Apologies for yet another Showy McShow hiatus. I've been getting around a bit.
I'm finally back in town this weekend though, and I'm thankful that's the case because one of my favorite bands in the whole damn universe—Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, in fact—will be throwing down both nights at the Independent this weekend. Robert Walter opens, which is icing on this funkiest of cakes.
I'm down, are you?
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 11/27 | | | | | | | | | |
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ the Independent - $25
Friday & Saturday shows, I'm catching one of 'em for sure! Shake out them turkey legs and rock with the funkiest sax machine this side of Maceo Parker. Karl is always a ball of fire on the stage, possessing equal parts explosive energy and virtuoso chops on the saxophones and flute. But the fun doesn't stop with him, the entire band is just as ridiculous to a man. If nothing else go just to see Karl and trumpet player Chris Littlefield match each other note-for-note on the most blazing-hot impossibly-fast horn lines imaginable. Greyboy Allstars founding father (along with Karl) Robert Walter opens with his fantastic Hammond Organ groove jazz outfit the 20th Congress.
http://karldenson.com/
http://robertwalter.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 11/28 | | | | | | | | | |
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ the Independent - $25
Friday & Saturday shows, I'm catching one of 'em for sure!
http://karldenson.com/
http://robertwalter.com/
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
12/1-12/2 - Black Crowes @ Fillmore
12/2 - Realistic Orchestra @ Yoshi's SF
12/3 - Split Lip Rayfield @ Rickshaw Stop
12/3-12/6 - Goapele @ Yoshi's SF
12/4 - Dragon Smoke (Staton Moore/Ivan Neville)
12/4-12/5 - Black Crowes @ Fillmore
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tonight: Support the Swoop
Howdy folks-
Friday is almost upon us, and there is an amazing band playing at Coda this weekend that you should know about. Before that though, I hope you'll join in the fun tonight and show some support for one of our local funk favorites. Swoop Unit has their first Coda gig tonight, and if all goes well they'll have more to come. So join me down in front for some horn-laden grooves tonight in the Mission!
| | | | | | | | | | THURSDAY 10/15 | | | | | | | | | |
Swoop Unit @ Coda - $7
Our man Adam Willis has been rockin' hard with these cats for a few years now, and they've never sounded better! This 7-piece funk outfit fills the room with foot-stompin' grooves everywhere they go. C'mon down and get funky tonight, this is an important one for this hard-workin' band.
http://swoopunit.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 10/17 | | | | | | | | | |
Dead Kenny Gs @ Coda - $15
Saturday and Sunday shows, woohoo! A seriously dangerous band in the absolute best sense of the word, the Dead Kenny Gs feature saxophone maniac (and one of my personal heroes) Skerik who will be matched in sonic ferocity by stellar vibraphonist and percussionist Mike Dillon and bass playing madman Brad Houser. They will destroy this room, and it WILL be awesome to see. Not sure which night I'm going, so let me know if you're game!
http://www.thedeadkennygs.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/17 | | | | | | | | | |
Dead Kenny Gs @ Coda - $12
Saturday and Sunday shows, see above.
http://www.thedeadkennygs.com/
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
10/21 - Jake Shimabukuro @ Davies Symphony Hall
10/21 - Supertaster @ Royale
10/22 - Chris Dejohn/Jordan Feinstein/Jazz Mafia Horns @ Boom Boom Room
10/26 - Maceo Parker @ Herbst Theater
10/28 - Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer/Zakir Hussain @ Palace of Fine Arts
10/29 - the Dodos @ Bimbo's 365
10/30-10/31 - Orgone @ Elbo Room
10/31 - Marco Benevento/Reed Mathis/Andrew Barr @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
10/31 - Supertaster @ Coda
11/7 - Dr. Lonnie Smith/Donald Harrison/Reuben Wilson/Bernard Purdie/Grant Green Jr. @ Herbst Theater
11/9 - Jake Shimabukuro @ Palace of Fine Arts
11/12 - Joe Bagale @ Amnesia
Friday is almost upon us, and there is an amazing band playing at Coda this weekend that you should know about. Before that though, I hope you'll join in the fun tonight and show some support for one of our local funk favorites. Swoop Unit has their first Coda gig tonight, and if all goes well they'll have more to come. So join me down in front for some horn-laden grooves tonight in the Mission!
| | | | | | | | | | THURSDAY 10/15 | | | | | | | | | |
Swoop Unit @ Coda - $7
Our man Adam Willis has been rockin' hard with these cats for a few years now, and they've never sounded better! This 7-piece funk outfit fills the room with foot-stompin' grooves everywhere they go. C'mon down and get funky tonight, this is an important one for this hard-workin' band.
http://swoopunit.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 10/17 | | | | | | | | | |
Dead Kenny Gs @ Coda - $15
Saturday and Sunday shows, woohoo! A seriously dangerous band in the absolute best sense of the word, the Dead Kenny Gs feature saxophone maniac (and one of my personal heroes) Skerik who will be matched in sonic ferocity by stellar vibraphonist and percussionist Mike Dillon and bass playing madman Brad Houser. They will destroy this room, and it WILL be awesome to see. Not sure which night I'm going, so let me know if you're game!
http://www.thedeadkennygs.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/17 | | | | | | | | | |
Dead Kenny Gs @ Coda - $12
Saturday and Sunday shows, see above.
http://www.thedeadkennygs.com/
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
10/21 - Jake Shimabukuro @ Davies Symphony Hall
10/21 - Supertaster @ Royale
10/22 - Chris Dejohn/Jordan Feinstein/Jazz Mafia Horns @ Boom Boom Room
10/26 - Maceo Parker @ Herbst Theater
10/28 - Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer/Zakir Hussain @ Palace of Fine Arts
10/29 - the Dodos @ Bimbo's 365
10/30-10/31 - Orgone @ Elbo Room
10/31 - Marco Benevento/Reed Mathis/Andrew Barr @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
10/31 - Supertaster @ Coda
11/7 - Dr. Lonnie Smith/Donald Harrison/Reuben Wilson/Bernard Purdie/Grant Green Jr. @ Herbst Theater
11/9 - Jake Shimabukuro @ Palace of Fine Arts
11/12 - Joe Bagale @ Amnesia
Hardly Strictly Showy Bluegrass
Hold on tight, it's gonna be a hell of a weekend.
My top picks for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass are all below. The stuff in bold is the really really really can't miss shazzle.
See you in the park!
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 10/3 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
11:00am - the Wronglers @ Porch Stage
Warren Hellman's band! Banjo player and financial mogul Warren is the man we have to thank for this very festival—he puts it on OUT OF POCKET. The band is nothing stellar, but damn, he deserves a hearty cheer from us all!
1:05 - Austin Lounge Lizards @ Arrow Stage
A satirical country band that should be a kick—good musicianship with lots of hilarious lyrics and themes.
2:30 - Boz Skaggs & the Blue Velvet Band w/ a Ton of Great Guests @ Rooster Stage
The funk bass playing legend is apparently pulling together an enormous ensemble for the festival. Whatever has cooked up, I'm sure it'll be interesting.
2:40 - Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Banjo Stage
We all knew Steve Martin (yes, THE Steve Martin) played some banjo, but damn, here's your chance to see him with a full bluegrass band instead of in the middle of an old stand-up routine! Sweet.
3:30 - Old 97's @ Towers of Gold Stage
These guys sounds really good—kinda like an badass indie country-rock band. Great energy and creative rock arrangements combine well with a bit gritty authenticity.
4:05 - Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder @ Banjo Stage
Hands-down the BEST traditional style bluegrass band I've ever seen live. They do EVERYTHING right. Simple as that.
5:25 - Gillian Welch @ Banjo Stage
One of the sweetest and most iconic voices in all of American roots music, she will melt your heart.
5:40 - Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives @ Towers of Gold Stage
One of the fastest-pickin', most-impeccable-harmonied traditional style bluegrass bands I've ever heard, color me STOKED to finally get the chance to see them live!
6:45 - Robert Earl Keen @ Rooster Stage
I've been wanting to catch this man for some time. His flavor of country/folk is very rootsy, very honest, and very clever.
| | | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/4 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
12:15 - Booker T. & the Drive-By Truckers @ Arrow Stage
Wow, what a hybrid! Booker (of Booker T. & the MGs) is an old school R&B legend. He's teaming up with one of the best alt-country rock bands on Earth. Should be very interesting.
1:15 - Billy Bragg @ Rooster Stage
A talented genre-hopping alt-rocker who has a serious sense for proper roots music and a snarky hilarity to his lyrics.
1:25 - Doc Watson & David Holt @ Banjo Stage
The elder statesman among bluegrass elder statesmen. He is a flat-picking guitar legend and a living storybook.
2:45 - Earl Scruggs @ Banjo Stage
The man who invented the bluegrass style of 5-string banjo is still a total badass.
3:05 - Galactic @ Star Stage
New Orleans jam-funk-rock all up in here! Hero Staton Moore and crew will work to make you dance and put the 'Hardly' in 'Hardly Strictly.'
4:00 - Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys @ Banjo Stage
Yet another living legend, Ralph's voice embodies the term 'high lonesome.' He is straight out a western film and has to be heard to be believed.
4:25 - Todd Snider @ Arrow Stage
A brilliantly clever songwriter (B double E double R U N!), Todd is a great performer too. Soulful, honest, and full of energy and edge.
5:20 - The Del McCoury Band @ Banjo Stage
One of my very favorite traditional bluegrass bands, Del's high-toned nasal voice is unmistakable and the picking of his sons is nothing short of ferocious.
5:20 - Neko Case @ Star Stage
Another one in the 'Hardly' category, Case is an indie rocker whose richly layered music is hauntingly beautiful.
6:45 - Emmylou Harris @ Banjo Stage
Emmylou's voice IS bluegrass. And she sings with the vigor and genre-bending creativity of a woman half her age. She's a legend, and she damn well deserves every bit of it.
6:50 - Amadou & Miriam @ Star Stage
This one is Hardly Hardly bluegrass! A duo from Mali, I have it on good authority that these two are really something to see. They merge traditional music of their homeland with rock guitar and several other instruments and styles from around the world.
7:00 - Old Crow Medicine Show @ Rooster Stage
Woohoo! Finally gettin' the chance to see these guys. They're an earthy, crew of bluegrass and country miscreants with a bit of punk attitude. They get me just right with what they do.
My top picks for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass are all below. The stuff in bold is the really really really can't miss shazzle.
See you in the park!
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 10/3 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
11:00am - the Wronglers @ Porch Stage
Warren Hellman's band! Banjo player and financial mogul Warren is the man we have to thank for this very festival—he puts it on OUT OF POCKET. The band is nothing stellar, but damn, he deserves a hearty cheer from us all!
1:05 - Austin Lounge Lizards @ Arrow Stage
A satirical country band that should be a kick—good musicianship with lots of hilarious lyrics and themes.
2:30 - Boz Skaggs & the Blue Velvet Band w/ a Ton of Great Guests @ Rooster Stage
The funk bass playing legend is apparently pulling together an enormous ensemble for the festival. Whatever has cooked up, I'm sure it'll be interesting.
2:40 - Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Banjo Stage
We all knew Steve Martin (yes, THE Steve Martin) played some banjo, but damn, here's your chance to see him with a full bluegrass band instead of in the middle of an old stand-up routine! Sweet.
3:30 - Old 97's @ Towers of Gold Stage
These guys sounds really good—kinda like an badass indie country-rock band. Great energy and creative rock arrangements combine well with a bit gritty authenticity.
4:05 - Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder @ Banjo Stage
Hands-down the BEST traditional style bluegrass band I've ever seen live. They do EVERYTHING right. Simple as that.
5:25 - Gillian Welch @ Banjo Stage
One of the sweetest and most iconic voices in all of American roots music, she will melt your heart.
5:40 - Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives @ Towers of Gold Stage
One of the fastest-pickin', most-impeccable-harmonied traditional style bluegrass bands I've ever heard, color me STOKED to finally get the chance to see them live!
6:45 - Robert Earl Keen @ Rooster Stage
I've been wanting to catch this man for some time. His flavor of country/folk is very rootsy, very honest, and very clever.
| | | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 10/4 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
12:15 - Booker T. & the Drive-By Truckers @ Arrow Stage
Wow, what a hybrid! Booker (of Booker T. & the MGs) is an old school R&B legend. He's teaming up with one of the best alt-country rock bands on Earth. Should be very interesting.
1:15 - Billy Bragg @ Rooster Stage
A talented genre-hopping alt-rocker who has a serious sense for proper roots music and a snarky hilarity to his lyrics.
1:25 - Doc Watson & David Holt @ Banjo Stage
The elder statesman among bluegrass elder statesmen. He is a flat-picking guitar legend and a living storybook.
2:45 - Earl Scruggs @ Banjo Stage
The man who invented the bluegrass style of 5-string banjo is still a total badass.
3:05 - Galactic @ Star Stage
New Orleans jam-funk-rock all up in here! Hero Staton Moore and crew will work to make you dance and put the 'Hardly' in 'Hardly Strictly.'
4:00 - Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys @ Banjo Stage
Yet another living legend, Ralph's voice embodies the term 'high lonesome.' He is straight out a western film and has to be heard to be believed.
4:25 - Todd Snider @ Arrow Stage
A brilliantly clever songwriter (B double E double R U N!), Todd is a great performer too. Soulful, honest, and full of energy and edge.
5:20 - The Del McCoury Band @ Banjo Stage
One of my very favorite traditional bluegrass bands, Del's high-toned nasal voice is unmistakable and the picking of his sons is nothing short of ferocious.
5:20 - Neko Case @ Star Stage
Another one in the 'Hardly' category, Case is an indie rocker whose richly layered music is hauntingly beautiful.
6:45 - Emmylou Harris @ Banjo Stage
Emmylou's voice IS bluegrass. And she sings with the vigor and genre-bending creativity of a woman half her age. She's a legend, and she damn well deserves every bit of it.
6:50 - Amadou & Miriam @ Star Stage
This one is Hardly Hardly bluegrass! A duo from Mali, I have it on good authority that these two are really something to see. They merge traditional music of their homeland with rock guitar and several other instruments and styles from around the world.
7:00 - Old Crow Medicine Show @ Rooster Stage
Woohoo! Finally gettin' the chance to see these guys. They're an earthy, crew of bluegrass and country miscreants with a bit of punk attitude. They get me just right with what they do.
Hardly Strictly Friday and Friday Night Stuff
Alright folks, it's gettin' late, and I still seem to be recovering from the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me, so my picks for the fantastic Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival this weekend will have to wait 'til Friday's lunch break.
For now though, I'll give you my take on a hell of a musical Friday in our fair city.
Not sure I'll be able to get outta work in time to make it to the festival today, but I will definitely be at the Independent tonight for some funky hip-hop. And of course this weekend it is SO on. Everything you need for Friday, dear reader, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 10/2 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
2pm - Poor Man's Whiskey @ Banjo Stage
Though I've yet to see 'em, people tell me this local bluegrass rockabilly crew do a really fun and high energy show.
3pm - Tom Morello the Nightwatchman @ Banjo Stage
The Rage Against the Machine guitarist will apparently be doing a mostly acoustic set with stuff that sounds to me like a gritty, edgy take on Americana roots folk-rock.
4:15 - John Prine @ Banjo Stage
One of the most legendary (and clever) singer-songwriters in the folk/country genre, John can apparently lay claim to being an influence on Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Roger Waters among others.
5:45 - Lyle Lovett & his Large Band
I am almost completely unfamiliar with Lyle's music, but I do know that it's widely regarded as some of the most high quality and idiom-bending stuff in the world of country music, and apparently this large band is indeed quite large.
Ivan Neville/George Porter Jr./Zigaboo Modeliste/Eric Krasno @ DNA Lounge - $25-30
WOW. Whatta lineup. Three legends of New Orleans funk (Neville Brothers and Meters type legends, they don't get bigger than that) along with Soulive's stellar guitarist Eric Krasno. This promises to be one ridiculously nasty gig with a metric ton of funky music in the space of a metric thimble of a venue. Just awesome.
http://www.dnalounge.com/flyers/2009/10/02.html
Crown City Rockers | Breakestra | Spaceheater | Lyrics Born @ Independent - $20
Join me for a hot night of hip-hop and funk at the Indy! Crown City is maybe my favorite Bay Area hip-hop outfit, they've got just enough melody and funk/jazz influence to keep me really into their rootsy rap style. But Breakestra is a band I've been wanting to see for years. They're reputedly a super badass crew that rocks nasty old school funk grooves with power and authenticity. Kicking things off are the Jazz Mafia's Spaceheater crew with their Afro-Latin beats and melodic horns. Oh, and the always brilliant Lyrics Born will be on hand as host extraordinaire.
http://www.crowncityrockers.com/
http://www.breakestra.com/
http://www.myspace.com/spaceheater
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 10/3 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
Picks of the litter coming to your inbox before Friday is out!
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
10/2-10/4 - HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park
10/2-10/4 - Dark Star Orchestra @ Fillmore
10/7 - Adam Deitch's Breakscience | Lotus @ Independent
For now though, I'll give you my take on a hell of a musical Friday in our fair city.
Not sure I'll be able to get outta work in time to make it to the festival today, but I will definitely be at the Independent tonight for some funky hip-hop. And of course this weekend it is SO on. Everything you need for Friday, dear reader, is below:
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 10/2 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
2pm - Poor Man's Whiskey @ Banjo Stage
Though I've yet to see 'em, people tell me this local bluegrass rockabilly crew do a really fun and high energy show.
3pm - Tom Morello the Nightwatchman @ Banjo Stage
The Rage Against the Machine guitarist will apparently be doing a mostly acoustic set with stuff that sounds to me like a gritty, edgy take on Americana roots folk-rock.
4:15 - John Prine @ Banjo Stage
One of the most legendary (and clever) singer-songwriters in the folk/country genre, John can apparently lay claim to being an influence on Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Roger Waters among others.
5:45 - Lyle Lovett & his Large Band
I am almost completely unfamiliar with Lyle's music, but I do know that it's widely regarded as some of the most high quality and idiom-bending stuff in the world of country music, and apparently this large band is indeed quite large.
Ivan Neville/George Porter Jr./Zigaboo Modeliste/Eric Krasno @ DNA Lounge - $25-30
WOW. Whatta lineup. Three legends of New Orleans funk (Neville Brothers and Meters type legends, they don't get bigger than that) along with Soulive's stellar guitarist Eric Krasno. This promises to be one ridiculously nasty gig with a metric ton of funky music in the space of a metric thimble of a venue. Just awesome.
http://www.dnalounge.com/
Crown City Rockers | Breakestra | Spaceheater | Lyrics Born @ Independent - $20
Join me for a hot night of hip-hop and funk at the Indy! Crown City is maybe my favorite Bay Area hip-hop outfit, they've got just enough melody and funk/jazz influence to keep me really into their rootsy rap style. But Breakestra is a band I've been wanting to see for years. They're reputedly a super badass crew that rocks nasty old school funk grooves with power and authenticity. Kicking things off are the Jazz Mafia's Spaceheater crew with their Afro-Latin beats and melodic horns. Oh, and the always brilliant Lyrics Born will be on hand as host extraordinaire.
http://www.crowncityrockers.
http://www.breakestra.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 10/3 | | | | | | | | | |
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park - $FREE
Picks of the litter coming to your inbox before Friday is out!
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
10/2-10/4 - HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park
10/2-10/4 - Dark Star Orchestra @ Fillmore
10/7 - Adam Deitch's Breakscience | Lotus @ Independent
Wow. Speechless. Well, Almost. . .
There is just one little thing. . .
STEVIE WONDER!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Seriously though, I'm still shaking from this two days later. I think the song 'All Day Sucker' will be in my head for the rest of the week, and quite possibly for the rest of my life. Which would be alright, 'cause it's funky as hell.
And speaking of life, I think that having Stevie Wonder join Supertaster on a tiny stage at my 30th birthday party might well have made the best night of my entire young life so far. There is literally no living musician I would have rather had on that stage. Absolutely none. Wow.
There are a lot of thank-yous that need to be said. First and most importantly thank you ALL for sharing this with me. Including those who were there in person AND there in spirit! You, my friends, are what makes me love this life more than anything else. How could I possibly thank you enough for that?
And my dear Sarah, who didn't end up having to hold my hair (though from the massive hangover it probably would've been for the best), who was on the ball all night with photos and cupcakes and generally being the most awesome girl ever.
And to Destruments and Adam Willis, for waking the room the hell up and for putting up with seated dinner stragglers while we all hooted and hollered from the bar. And for doing the first Stevie Wonder cover of the night. Clearly y'all done set some kinda tone.
And to the Jazz Mafia, Supertaster, Adam T, Joe, Karyn, Jon, Matt, Dublin, and Seneca for putting on a hell of a soulful funky show (complete with a Beatles Birthday Song!). So funky in fact that Stevie m-f-ing Wonder got up out of his comfy seat, waded through the crowd, and hit the stage to tear the roof off the joint with you cats.
And finally to Stevie, because damn, he didn't in any way have to do that. He ONLY did it because he was feelin' the music, the electricity of it, because he lives and breathes the stuff like maybe no one else does. He did it just because he wanted to. I mean. . . Damn.
Some pics and video clips: http://www.flickr.com/photos/showymcshow/sets/72157622351386763/ (video will be made private soon)
Adam Theis' fascinating account: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=19681164&blogId=511993465
SO MUCH love to you all! And crap, next year I am screwed.
STEVIE WONDER!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Seriously though, I'm still shaking from this two days later. I think the song 'All Day Sucker' will be in my head for the rest of the week, and quite possibly for the rest of my life. Which would be alright, 'cause it's funky as hell.
And speaking of life, I think that having Stevie Wonder join Supertaster on a tiny stage at my 30th birthday party might well have made the best night of my entire young life so far. There is literally no living musician I would have rather had on that stage. Absolutely none. Wow.
There are a lot of thank-yous that need to be said. First and most importantly thank you ALL for sharing this with me. Including those who were there in person AND there in spirit! You, my friends, are what makes me love this life more than anything else. How could I possibly thank you enough for that?
And my dear Sarah, who didn't end up having to hold my hair (though from the massive hangover it probably would've been for the best), who was on the ball all night with photos and cupcakes and generally being the most awesome girl ever.
And to Destruments and Adam Willis, for waking the room the hell up and for putting up with seated dinner stragglers while we all hooted and hollered from the bar. And for doing the first Stevie Wonder cover of the night. Clearly y'all done set some kinda tone.
And to the Jazz Mafia, Supertaster, Adam T, Joe, Karyn, Jon, Matt, Dublin, and Seneca for putting on a hell of a soulful funky show (complete with a Beatles Birthday Song!). So funky in fact that Stevie m-f-ing Wonder got up out of his comfy seat, waded through the crowd, and hit the stage to tear the roof off the joint with you cats.
And finally to Stevie, because damn, he didn't in any way have to do that. He ONLY did it because he was feelin' the music, the electricity of it, because he lives and breathes the stuff like maybe no one else does. He did it just because he wanted to. I mean. . . Damn.
Some pics and video clips: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Adam Theis' fascinating account: http://blogs.myspace.com/
SO MUCH love to you all! And crap, next year I am screwed.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
So Old and Soulive. . .
Well OK, that 'SO old' thing is surely an exaggeration. I've just never turned 30 before y'know? It's weird. That's a big one. All grows up and whatnot.
Anyway the party will be a hell of a good time, and I'd love for you to join in the fun. It'll be at new venue Coda (Mission and Duboce) with Adam Willis' hot trio Destruments opening and the Jazz Mafia's funky soul hip-hop crew Supertaster (with special guest Dublin, because shit, I wasn't gonna have a damn birthday without Dublin). Oh, and two of the musicians who will be playing have been nominated for SF Weekly Music Awards—Adam Theis (Jazz/Blues) and Joe Bagale (Soul/R&B/Funk). Click on over and give 'em a vote! http://polls.sfweekly.com/polls/san/musicawards09/
On to more immediate matters: Soulive, one of the funkiest, most hard-hitting bands I've ever seen, is playing at Yoshi's Oakland and Yoshi's SF this week with some VERY special guests. I'll be at the late show Wednesdeay in Oaktown, and you should do everything in your power to get there if you can. Seriously. More below.
Also, Galactic (and special guests) breeze their funky way through town this Friday and March Fourth Marching Band is on tap for the FREE Tour de Fat Festival of bikes and beer on Saturday (as if you needed more options). And of course don't forget to clear your calendar the weekend of 10/2 for the incomparable HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL for FREE in Golden Gate Park.
Some tough times these days, kids. Just keep calm and carry on. . .
| | | | | | | | | | WEDNESDAY 9/23 | | | | | | | | | |
Soulive w/Fred Wesley & Nigel Hall @ Yoshi's Oakland - $16-24
8pm and 10pm shows (I'll be there at 10). This trio just destroys every room they play in a way that almost no funky jazz band can. Organ player Neal Evans' left hand (playing the basslines) alone is worth a trip to see Soulive, yet on this night their horn section will include a living legend—James Brown's trombone man and funk virtuoso Fred Wesley. Oh, and Nigel Hall's soulful vocals are stunning as well, just in case you needed another reason to come out.
http://yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/851
http://soulive.com/
Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Fox Theater (Oakland) - $35
An acoustic guitar duo from Mexico that does flamenco flavored rock with mind-blowing power and agility. They are just an amazing experience, and as of right now tickets are still available. . .
http://www.rodgab.com/
http://www.myspace.com/rodrigoygabriela
| | | | | | | | | | THURSDAY 9/24 | | | | | | | | | |
Soulive w/Roy Hargrove & Nigel Hall @ Yoshi's SF - $22-26
8pm and 10pm shows. This trio just destroys every room they play in a way that almost no funky jazz band can. Organ player Neal Evans' left hand (playing the basslines) alone is worth a trip to see Soulive, yet on this night their horn section will include a powerhouse trumpet player named Roy Hargrove who is a heavy hitter in his own right. Oh, and Nigel Hall's soulful vocals are stunning as well, just in case you needed another reason to come out.
http://yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/jazzclub/artist/show/881
http://soulive.com/
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 9/25 | | | | | | | | | |
Soulive w/Roy Hargrove & Nigel Hall @ Yoshi's SF - $22-26
8pm and 10pm shows. This trio just destroys every room they play in a way that almost no funky jazz band can. Organ player Neal Evans' left hand (playing the basslines) alone is worth a trip to see Soulive, yet on this night their horn section will include a powerhouse trumpet player named Roy Hargrove who is a heavy hitter in his own right. Oh, and Nigel Hall's soulful vocals are stunning as well, just in case you needed another reason to come out.
http://yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/jazzclub/artist/show/881
http://soulive.com/
Galactic w/Zigaboo Modeliste | Orgone @ the Fillmore - $30
You've heard me sing the praises of New Orleans powerhouse funk/jam/rock institution Galactic plenty of times in these pages, but there are two things that make this Friday's gig even hotter than normal. Zigaboo Modeliste, drummer for the Meters and the single biggest influence on Galactic drummer Stanton Moore's style, will apparently be joining the band. Say wha?!? Also opening band Orgone is a funk outfit that sounds great from recordings I've heard. I've been wanting to catch them for a while now. If you go, PLEASE give me a report.
http://www.galacticfunk.com
http://www.zigaboo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/orgonemusic
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 9/26 | | | | | | | | | |
Tour de Fat @ Golden Gate Park (Speedway Meadow) - $FREE
Noon-5pm, I'll be there all day. This 'ballyhoo of bikes and beer' is a freakin' blast. New Belgium Brewing sells their beer at the festival to benefit local bicycle causes such as the SF Bicycle Coalition and brings with them a hell of a party, wacky bicycle-powered rides, and this year the stellar March Fourth Marching Band who dazzle with both their dancers and their huge, powerful music arrangements.
http://www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat
Supertaster w/Dublin | Destruments @ Coda - $10
It's my birthday, apparently: DIRTY SHOWY THIRTY! Join me for some smokin' hot funky soul and hip-hop music from the Jazz Mafia. Supertaster features some of the JM's best vocalists in Joe Bagale and Karyn Paige, along with Adam Theis holdin' down the bass and trombone and special guest Dublin (the baddest white rapper you ever did see). Opening up the night will be our pal Adam Willis' new trio Destruments who are a funky force in their own right. Get there early, Destruments hits the stage at 10pm.
http://www.jazzmafia.com/family/supertaster/
http://www.myspace.com/destruments
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
9/27 - Blitzen Trapper @ Independent
9/28 - Alice in Chains @ Fillmore
9/29 - Mason Jennings @ Great American Music Hall
9/30 - Sara Watkins @ Independent
10/1 - Gillian Welch @ Independent
10/2 - Breakestra @ Poleng Lounge
10/2 - For the Love of Funk @ DNA Lounge
10/2 - Crown City Rockers @ Independent
10/2-10/4 - HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park
10/2-10/4 - Dark Star Orchestra @ Fillmore
10/7 - Adam Deitch's Breakscience | Lotus @ Independent
Anyway the party will be a hell of a good time, and I'd love for you to join in the fun. It'll be at new venue Coda (Mission and Duboce) with Adam Willis' hot trio Destruments opening and the Jazz Mafia's funky soul hip-hop crew Supertaster (with special guest Dublin, because shit, I wasn't gonna have a damn birthday without Dublin). Oh, and two of the musicians who will be playing have been nominated for SF Weekly Music Awards—Adam Theis (Jazz/Blues) and Joe Bagale (Soul/R&B/Funk). Click on over and give 'em a vote! http://polls.sfweekly.com/
On to more immediate matters: Soulive, one of the funkiest, most hard-hitting bands I've ever seen, is playing at Yoshi's Oakland and Yoshi's SF this week with some VERY special guests. I'll be at the late show Wednesdeay in Oaktown, and you should do everything in your power to get there if you can. Seriously. More below.
Also, Galactic (and special guests) breeze their funky way through town this Friday and March Fourth Marching Band is on tap for the FREE Tour de Fat Festival of bikes and beer on Saturday (as if you needed more options). And of course don't forget to clear your calendar the weekend of 10/2 for the incomparable HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL for FREE in Golden Gate Park.
Some tough times these days, kids. Just keep calm and carry on. . .
| | | | | | | | | | WEDNESDAY 9/23 | | | | | | | | | |
Soulive w/Fred Wesley & Nigel Hall @ Yoshi's Oakland - $16-24
8pm and 10pm shows (I'll be there at 10). This trio just destroys every room they play in a way that almost no funky jazz band can. Organ player Neal Evans' left hand (playing the basslines) alone is worth a trip to see Soulive, yet on this night their horn section will include a living legend—James Brown's trombone man and funk virtuoso Fred Wesley. Oh, and Nigel Hall's soulful vocals are stunning as well, just in case you needed another reason to come out.
http://yoshis.com/oakland/
http://soulive.com/
Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Fox Theater (Oakland) - $35
An acoustic guitar duo from Mexico that does flamenco flavored rock with mind-blowing power and agility. They are just an amazing experience, and as of right now tickets are still available. . .
http://www.rodgab.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
| | | | | | | | | | THURSDAY 9/24 | | | | | | | | | |
Soulive w/Roy Hargrove & Nigel Hall @ Yoshi's SF - $22-26
8pm and 10pm shows. This trio just destroys every room they play in a way that almost no funky jazz band can. Organ player Neal Evans' left hand (playing the basslines) alone is worth a trip to see Soulive, yet on this night their horn section will include a powerhouse trumpet player named Roy Hargrove who is a heavy hitter in his own right. Oh, and Nigel Hall's soulful vocals are stunning as well, just in case you needed another reason to come out.
http://yoshis.com/
http://soulive.com/
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 9/25 | | | | | | | | | |
Soulive w/Roy Hargrove & Nigel Hall @ Yoshi's SF - $22-26
8pm and 10pm shows. This trio just destroys every room they play in a way that almost no funky jazz band can. Organ player Neal Evans' left hand (playing the basslines) alone is worth a trip to see Soulive, yet on this night their horn section will include a powerhouse trumpet player named Roy Hargrove who is a heavy hitter in his own right. Oh, and Nigel Hall's soulful vocals are stunning as well, just in case you needed another reason to come out.
http://yoshis.com/
http://soulive.com/
Galactic w/Zigaboo Modeliste | Orgone @ the Fillmore - $30
You've heard me sing the praises of New Orleans powerhouse funk/jam/rock institution Galactic plenty of times in these pages, but there are two things that make this Friday's gig even hotter than normal. Zigaboo Modeliste, drummer for the Meters and the single biggest influence on Galactic drummer Stanton Moore's style, will apparently be joining the band. Say wha?!? Also opening band Orgone is a funk outfit that sounds great from recordings I've heard. I've been wanting to catch them for a while now. If you go, PLEASE give me a report.
http://www.galacticfunk.com
http://www.zigaboo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 9/26 | | | | | | | | | |
Tour de Fat @ Golden Gate Park (Speedway Meadow) - $FREE
Noon-5pm, I'll be there all day. This 'ballyhoo of bikes and beer' is a freakin' blast. New Belgium Brewing sells their beer at the festival to benefit local bicycle causes such as the SF Bicycle Coalition and brings with them a hell of a party, wacky bicycle-powered rides, and this year the stellar March Fourth Marching Band who dazzle with both their dancers and their huge, powerful music arrangements.
http://www.newbelgium.com/
Supertaster w/Dublin | Destruments @ Coda - $10
It's my birthday, apparently: DIRTY SHOWY THIRTY! Join me for some smokin' hot funky soul and hip-hop music from the Jazz Mafia. Supertaster features some of the JM's best vocalists in Joe Bagale and Karyn Paige, along with Adam Theis holdin' down the bass and trombone and special guest Dublin (the baddest white rapper you ever did see). Opening up the night will be our pal Adam Willis' new trio Destruments who are a funky force in their own right. Get there early, Destruments hits the stage at 10pm.
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
9/27 - Blitzen Trapper @ Independent
9/28 - Alice in Chains @ Fillmore
9/29 - Mason Jennings @ Great American Music Hall
9/30 - Sara Watkins @ Independent
10/1 - Gillian Welch @ Independent
10/2 - Breakestra @ Poleng Lounge
10/2 - For the Love of Funk @ DNA Lounge
10/2 - Crown City Rockers @ Independent
10/2-10/4 - HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Golden Gate Park
10/2-10/4 - Dark Star Orchestra @ Fillmore
10/7 - Adam Deitch's Breakscience | Lotus @ Independent
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tonight: Get Down With the Brown
Happy Friday y'all!
I just had to hit you with a quick note about a RAD band playing tonight on the cheap. Join me for Brownout!, the Latin funk project from Austin' amazing Grupo Fantasma. Details are below.
Oh, one more thing. Next weekend there is a little party for my 30th birthday happening. It's at Coda (Mission & Duboce) which is a great new venue if you haven't been yet. Adam Willis' new band Destruments will open it up at 10, followed by the Jazz Mafia's own Supertaster (featuring Joe Bagale, Karyn Paige, and special guest MC Dublin). The cover is just $10 and it'll be one hell of a funky good time.
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 9/18 | | | | | | | | | |
Brownout! @ Elbo Room - $10
Yeah, right, 'cause Grupo Fantasma just wasn't funky enough. This show is gonna ROCK. Brownout! (Grupo's side project) brings a huge dose of the funk with a smokin' hot horn section and some thunderous Afro-Cuban-Latin percussion. They will blast the roof right off the Elbo Room—which is good, because that place needed a higher roof anyway. See you there!
http://www.myspace.com/brownoutmusic
http://grupofantasma.com/
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
9/18 - Brownout! @ Elbo Room
9/22-9/23 - Soulive @ Yoshi's Oakland
9/23 - Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Fox Theater
9/24-9/25 - Soulive @ Yoshi's SF
9/25 - Galactic @ Fillmore
9/26 - DIRTY SHOWY 30 - Supertaster/Destruments @ Coda
9/29 - Crown City Rockers @ Independent
9/30 - Sara Watkins @ Independent
I just had to hit you with a quick note about a RAD band playing tonight on the cheap. Join me for Brownout!, the Latin funk project from Austin' amazing Grupo Fantasma. Details are below.
Oh, one more thing. Next weekend there is a little party for my 30th birthday happening. It's at Coda (Mission & Duboce) which is a great new venue if you haven't been yet. Adam Willis' new band Destruments will open it up at 10, followed by the Jazz Mafia's own Supertaster (featuring Joe Bagale, Karyn Paige, and special guest MC Dublin). The cover is just $10 and it'll be one hell of a funky good time.
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 9/18 | | | | | | | | | |
Brownout! @ Elbo Room - $10
Yeah, right, 'cause Grupo Fantasma just wasn't funky enough. This show is gonna ROCK. Brownout! (Grupo's side project) brings a huge dose of the funk with a smokin' hot horn section and some thunderous Afro-Cuban-Latin percussion. They will blast the roof right off the Elbo Room—which is good, because that place needed a higher roof anyway. See you there!
http://www.myspace.com/
http://grupofantasma.com/
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
9/18 - Brownout! @ Elbo Room
9/22-9/23 - Soulive @ Yoshi's Oakland
9/23 - Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Fox Theater
9/24-9/25 - Soulive @ Yoshi's SF
9/25 - Galactic @ Fillmore
9/26 - DIRTY SHOWY 30 - Supertaster/Destruments @ Coda
9/29 - Crown City Rockers @ Independent
9/30 - Sara Watkins @ Independent
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mike Dillon Sunday Night! (oh, and Outside Lands too I suppose)
(sent 08/28/2009)
Happy Friday Showy-goers!
If you're enjoying the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park right now, good on ya! Despite a host of eff-ups last year in terms of sound, crowd control, layout, alcohol, etc, you just can't argue with the lineup. All three days sure are packed with amazing artists, it's ridiculously diverse for sure. More on that below.
But you don't need me to tell you about Outside Lands, there are plenty of billboards around to do that.
What you DO need me to tell you about is the incredible band that's rocking the crap outta the Boom Boom Room on Sunday night—Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle. I'd seen and been blown away by Mike with several of his other bands over the years, but when I saw the Go-Go Jungle last year they absolutely FLOORED me. The three madmen musicians who make up this band hail from Austin, New Orleans, and Missouri, and as such it's a rare treat to see them together anywhere.
I'll be at the Boom Boom Room on Sunday night, and I will happily stake whatever sort of reputation I have on the fact that if you join me you'll be veeeery thankful that you did. . .
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 8/28 | | | | | | | | | |
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park - $90
If you're there then why the hell are you reading your email? Go dance to something!
http://sfoutsidelands.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 8/29 | | | | | | | | | |
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park - $90
http://sfoutsidelands.com/
Here are some quick picks for ya:
1pm - Reggie Watts @ Barbary Stage
I haven't seen this cat since he was funking up Soulive shows years ago, he's a virtuoso funky soul singer through and through.
2:20pm - Groundation @ Presidio Stage
I'm usually not much for reggae, but these dudes are soooolid.
4pm - Trombone Shorty @ Presidio Stage
One of the hottest acts to come outta New Orleans of late, Shorty blasts super high energy horn-laden funk at ya 'til you just can't dance no more.
5:50pm - JJ Grey & Mofro @ Presidio Stage
Southern fried swamp funk rock, dirty and gritty, just how it's supposed to be.
7:30pm - the Mars Volta @ Twin Peaks Stage
Quite the contrast to the simultaneous Dave Matthews show, Mars Volta is a sonic attack of prog-style metal/rock who I'm told are quite the experience. Been wantin' to catch 'em for years, but haven't yet.
| | | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 8/30 | | | | | | | | | |
Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle @ Boom Boom Room - $10
Mike D is basically the vibraphone and percussion equivalent of Skerik—in fact they regularly team up in outfits like Les Claypool's band, Garage a Trois, Critters Buggin', and the Dead Kenny Gs among others. He's the only vibraphone player I've ever seen with the skills of a true virtuoso and the soul of a punk rocker from New Orleans. Equal parts musically creative and destructive, the monstrous energy Mike puts out is matched by bassist J.J. Jungle and drummer Go-Go Ray, stellar performers both. GO to this show, I cannot stress this enough!
http://www.mikedillonsgo-gojungle.com
http://www.myspace.com/mikedillonsgogojungle
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park - $90
http://sfoutsidelands.com/
Here are some more quick picks for ya:
12:00noon - Darondo w/ Nino Moshella @ Sutro Stage
Nino is an honey toned soul singing phenom with a stellar and funky backing band called the Park. Darando is an ooooold school funk singer with a gritty edge to his vocals and rumors of a prior career as a pimp. Seriously.
2:35pm - Robert Randolph & the Family Band @ Lands End Stage
Randolph is a super high energy and soulful foot stompin' funky steel slide guitar player. His band is a rockin' review in the style of the Blues Brothers, just a total blast.
2:55pm - Avett Brothers @ Sutro Stage
Punkabilly bluegrass boys that tear around the stage in a flurry of roots rockin' goodness.
3:35pm - Reggie Watts @ Barbary Stage
I haven't seen this cat since he was funking up Soulive shows years ago, he's a virtuoso funky soul singer through and through.
4:20pm - Modest Mouse @ Lands End Stage
One of the most innovative sounds in recent rock, I'm not always in love with their vocal style but I'll bet the do a pretty powerful and unique show.
5:35pm - Ween @ Twin Peaks Stage
Maybe the ultimate popular cult rock band, I've still never seen trippy rockers Ween (well, other than their stellar bassist anyway).
7:50pm - Tenacious D @ Lands End Stage
Oh man this will be rad. The rock comedy duo (Jack Black & Kyle Gass) that seriously does rock, and are also totally effin' hilarious. I'd love to see 'em.
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
9/1 - Supertaster @ Coda
9/1 - the Bridge @ Boom Boom Room
9/2 - Shotgun Wedding Hip Hop Symphony @ Yoshi's SF
9/2 - Al Green | Orgone @ Warfield
9/2 - Papa Grows Funk @ Boom Boom Room
9/4 - Neville Bros | Dr. John @ Regency Ballroom
9/5 - Monophonics @ Boom Boom Room
9/11 - Flogging Molly | Hepcat @ Fox Theater
9/11 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Cafe du Nord
9/15-9/18 - Chick Corea/Stanley Clarke/Lenny White @ Yoshi's Oakland
9/16 - Arctic Monkeys @ Fox Theater
9/16 - George Porter Jr. @ Boom Boom Room
9/17 - Scott Amendola Band @ Cafe du Nord
9/18 - Brownout! @ Elbo Room
9/22-9/23 - Soulive @ Yoshi's Oakland
9/23 - Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Fox Theater
9/24-9/25 - Soulive @ Yoshi's SF
9/25 - Galactic @ Fillmore
9/29 - Crown City Rockers @ Independent
9/30 - Sara Watkins @ Independent
Happy Friday Showy-goers!
If you're enjoying the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park right now, good on ya! Despite a host of eff-ups last year in terms of sound, crowd control, layout, alcohol, etc, you just can't argue with the lineup. All three days sure are packed with amazing artists, it's ridiculously diverse for sure. More on that below.
But you don't need me to tell you about Outside Lands, there are plenty of billboards around to do that.
What you DO need me to tell you about is the incredible band that's rocking the crap outta the Boom Boom Room on Sunday night—Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle. I'd seen and been blown away by Mike with several of his other bands over the years, but when I saw the Go-Go Jungle last year they absolutely FLOORED me. The three madmen musicians who make up this band hail from Austin, New Orleans, and Missouri, and as such it's a rare treat to see them together anywhere.
I'll be at the Boom Boom Room on Sunday night, and I will happily stake whatever sort of reputation I have on the fact that if you join me you'll be veeeery thankful that you did. . .
| | | | | | | | | | FRIDAY 8/28 | | | | | | | | | |
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park - $90
If you're there then why the hell are you reading your email? Go dance to something!
http://sfoutsidelands.com/
| | | | | | | | | | SATURDAY 8/29 | | | | | | | | | |
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park - $90
http://sfoutsidelands.com/
Here are some quick picks for ya:
1pm - Reggie Watts @ Barbary Stage
I haven't seen this cat since he was funking up Soulive shows years ago, he's a virtuoso funky soul singer through and through.
2:20pm - Groundation @ Presidio Stage
I'm usually not much for reggae, but these dudes are soooolid.
4pm - Trombone Shorty @ Presidio Stage
One of the hottest acts to come outta New Orleans of late, Shorty blasts super high energy horn-laden funk at ya 'til you just can't dance no more.
5:50pm - JJ Grey & Mofro @ Presidio Stage
Southern fried swamp funk rock, dirty and gritty, just how it's supposed to be.
7:30pm - the Mars Volta @ Twin Peaks Stage
Quite the contrast to the simultaneous Dave Matthews show, Mars Volta is a sonic attack of prog-style metal/rock who I'm told are quite the experience. Been wantin' to catch 'em for years, but haven't yet.
| | | | | | | | | | SUNDAY 8/30 | | | | | | | | | |
Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle @ Boom Boom Room - $10
Mike D is basically the vibraphone and percussion equivalent of Skerik—in fact they regularly team up in outfits like Les Claypool's band, Garage a Trois, Critters Buggin', and the Dead Kenny Gs among others. He's the only vibraphone player I've ever seen with the skills of a true virtuoso and the soul of a punk rocker from New Orleans. Equal parts musically creative and destructive, the monstrous energy Mike puts out is matched by bassist J.J. Jungle and drummer Go-Go Ray, stellar performers both. GO to this show, I cannot stress this enough!
http://www.mikedillonsgo-
http://www.myspace.com/
Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park - $90
http://sfoutsidelands.com/
Here are some more quick picks for ya:
12:00noon - Darondo w/ Nino Moshella @ Sutro Stage
Nino is an honey toned soul singing phenom with a stellar and funky backing band called the Park. Darando is an ooooold school funk singer with a gritty edge to his vocals and rumors of a prior career as a pimp. Seriously.
2:35pm - Robert Randolph & the Family Band @ Lands End Stage
Randolph is a super high energy and soulful foot stompin' funky steel slide guitar player. His band is a rockin' review in the style of the Blues Brothers, just a total blast.
2:55pm - Avett Brothers @ Sutro Stage
Punkabilly bluegrass boys that tear around the stage in a flurry of roots rockin' goodness.
3:35pm - Reggie Watts @ Barbary Stage
I haven't seen this cat since he was funking up Soulive shows years ago, he's a virtuoso funky soul singer through and through.
4:20pm - Modest Mouse @ Lands End Stage
One of the most innovative sounds in recent rock, I'm not always in love with their vocal style but I'll bet the do a pretty powerful and unique show.
5:35pm - Ween @ Twin Peaks Stage
Maybe the ultimate popular cult rock band, I've still never seen trippy rockers Ween (well, other than their stellar bassist anyway).
7:50pm - Tenacious D @ Lands End Stage
Oh man this will be rad. The rock comedy duo (Jack Black & Kyle Gass) that seriously does rock, and are also totally effin' hilarious. I'd love to see 'em.
| | | | | | | | | | UPCOMING | | | | | | | | | |
9/1 - Supertaster @ Coda
9/1 - the Bridge @ Boom Boom Room
9/2 - Shotgun Wedding Hip Hop Symphony @ Yoshi's SF
9/2 - Al Green | Orgone @ Warfield
9/2 - Papa Grows Funk @ Boom Boom Room
9/4 - Neville Bros | Dr. John @ Regency Ballroom
9/5 - Monophonics @ Boom Boom Room
9/11 - Flogging Molly | Hepcat @ Fox Theater
9/11 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Cafe du Nord
9/15-9/18 - Chick Corea/Stanley Clarke/Lenny White @ Yoshi's Oakland
9/16 - Arctic Monkeys @ Fox Theater
9/16 - George Porter Jr. @ Boom Boom Room
9/17 - Scott Amendola Band @ Cafe du Nord
9/18 - Brownout! @ Elbo Room
9/22-9/23 - Soulive @ Yoshi's Oakland
9/23 - Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Fox Theater
9/24-9/25 - Soulive @ Yoshi's SF
9/25 - Galactic @ Fillmore
9/29 - Crown City Rockers @ Independent
9/30 - Sara Watkins @ Independent
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Phish at Shoreline Amphitheater - 8/5/2009: The Meh Heard 'Round the Bay
I don't know if it's them, or if it's me, but the Phish show at Shoreline—a highly anticipated one for me to say the least—left me wanting just a bit.
I think I'm most inclined to blame the venue. One of the problems with seeing live music in San Francisco is that you're spoiled rotten by the sheer number of small, stellar venues. In fact, aside from the admittedly fairly large Bill Graham Civic Center, there are no arena venues whatsoever in SF proper. And that's the way Uncle Showy likes it, dagnabbit.
I hadn't been to Shoreline in years, but when last I had, I swore to myself I'd never again go unless I could get great tickets. Thanks to demand for their first tour in five years, good tickets proved initially impossible to get, and with lots of fantastic friends to hang with on the lawn I decided not to bother picking up the good seats on Craigslist even though they came down dramatically in price as the show date arrived.
Thanks to the efforts of the incomparable duo Gumbeaux Dave and Funky Drummer Adam Willis, our crew had a spot nearly centered at the very front of the lawn. The odds of having a great show despite being so far away from the band seemingly had improved.
Despite this though, I have to say I was a little let down by the band that I feel is the most innovative and creatively dynamic rock outfit of my generation. Though Phish has, on many a good night, completely blown my mind with their musicianship and energy, this Shoreline show came up short for me. The setlist was excellent, with some of my absolute faves getting nods as the night wore on. Hailey's Comet (played 2nd) was a nice treat and always makes me smile; Chalkdust Torture rocked as usual; Divided Sky might just be my favorite song from these guys, and they zipped through its absurdly complex arrangement nearly flawlessly; Ya Mar, David Bowie, Down with Disease, Limb by Limb, Maze, Mike's Song, and Weekapaug Groove, fantastic choices all.
Yet that feeling of just being swept up in the utter amazingness of it all just barely eluded me all night long. For one thing, being so far away made the sound quite a bit softer and it was hard to focus on the dynamic intricacies of Phish's playing—what, in my opinion, makes this band so amazing. Beside the sound though, I also found the lights to be a bit lackluster. I'm of the opinion that Phish's light man, Chris Kuroda, is an umatched talent, especially with his abilities to improvise with the band. Yet I'm not sure why, maybe because they were so far away, but none of Chris' creations at this Shoreline show had much of an impact on me.
The technical accuracy of this Phish show, as far as I could hear, sounded much cleaner and tighter that their last hiatus-breaker certainly, and I think better than much of the stuff around their first break in 2000 as well. But being in the back at Shoreline, for one of your favorite bands, frankly, sucks. I was counting on the experience of Phish on a good night to overcome that. I think, THINK, they had a good night, but I never lost my shit over it. And frankly, that's what a Phish show is supposed to be all about.
I think I'm most inclined to blame the venue. One of the problems with seeing live music in San Francisco is that you're spoiled rotten by the sheer number of small, stellar venues. In fact, aside from the admittedly fairly large Bill Graham Civic Center, there are no arena venues whatsoever in SF proper. And that's the way Uncle Showy likes it, dagnabbit.
I hadn't been to Shoreline in years, but when last I had, I swore to myself I'd never again go unless I could get great tickets. Thanks to demand for their first tour in five years, good tickets proved initially impossible to get, and with lots of fantastic friends to hang with on the lawn I decided not to bother picking up the good seats on Craigslist even though they came down dramatically in price as the show date arrived.
Thanks to the efforts of the incomparable duo Gumbeaux Dave and Funky Drummer Adam Willis, our crew had a spot nearly centered at the very front of the lawn. The odds of having a great show despite being so far away from the band seemingly had improved.
Despite this though, I have to say I was a little let down by the band that I feel is the most innovative and creatively dynamic rock outfit of my generation. Though Phish has, on many a good night, completely blown my mind with their musicianship and energy, this Shoreline show came up short for me. The setlist was excellent, with some of my absolute faves getting nods as the night wore on. Hailey's Comet (played 2nd) was a nice treat and always makes me smile; Chalkdust Torture rocked as usual; Divided Sky might just be my favorite song from these guys, and they zipped through its absurdly complex arrangement nearly flawlessly; Ya Mar, David Bowie, Down with Disease, Limb by Limb, Maze, Mike's Song, and Weekapaug Groove, fantastic choices all.
Yet that feeling of just being swept up in the utter amazingness of it all just barely eluded me all night long. For one thing, being so far away made the sound quite a bit softer and it was hard to focus on the dynamic intricacies of Phish's playing—what, in my opinion, makes this band so amazing. Beside the sound though, I also found the lights to be a bit lackluster. I'm of the opinion that Phish's light man, Chris Kuroda, is an umatched talent, especially with his abilities to improvise with the band. Yet I'm not sure why, maybe because they were so far away, but none of Chris' creations at this Shoreline show had much of an impact on me.
The technical accuracy of this Phish show, as far as I could hear, sounded much cleaner and tighter that their last hiatus-breaker certainly, and I think better than much of the stuff around their first break in 2000 as well. But being in the back at Shoreline, for one of your favorite bands, frankly, sucks. I was counting on the experience of Phish on a good night to overcome that. I think, THINK, they had a good night, but I never lost my shit over it. And frankly, that's what a Phish show is supposed to be all about.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Oh snap, it's BACK.
Last week wasn't the first time I've missed something that I really needed to put on the Showy McShow music list, and it sure as hell won't be the last...
I really had to drop this quick note on y'all though, because Tuesday night—tonight in fact—is a very special night.
San Francisco music hasn't quite been the same since Jazz Mafia Tuesdays at Bruno's ended.
I'm not sure what I missed most about it.
It could have been the impeccable quality and unending variety of live music streaming out of the joint until the wee hours of Wednesday morning; it could've been the obscenely low cover charge that always kept enough scratch in my wallet for that one extra drink I knew I shouldn't have ordered on a school night; it could've been the smiling faces of old friends, that Cheers kinda atmosphere that always awaited you when you stepped through the door; or, most likely, it was probably the fact that no matter what challenges my Tuesday brought me I always knew I had a place to go to lose my troubles (and myself), and just rock the hell out for a while.
Tonight, Jazz Mafia Tuesday comes roaring BACK.
|||||| TUESDAY 8/4 ||||||
Joe Bagale @ Coda - $7
WOOOOOT! SF's best damn weekly music night is BACK, baby! Coda (at Mission & Duboce) is an all-new venue and restaurant that, unlike Bruno's in the recent past, promises to stick to their live music ethos nearly every night of the week. This is the new home of Jazz Mafia Tuesdays, and it looks like it's here to stay. The choice of Joe Bagale for their first night back is a hell of a good one too. Hot off a fantastic gig at Yoshi's, Joe wil bring his multi-instrumental and vocal skills to bear in a spot where we'll have the room to dance to the sweet funky soul music. The man just rocks the old school funk with authenticity and skill that you'd never expect to find in a dude this humble and, well, white (ha). This is going to be a blast, and a hell of a way to make Wednesday morning hurt all over again. I can't freakin' wait.
http://joebagale.com/
http://www.codalive.com/
|||||| WEDNESDAY 8/5 ||||||
Phish @ Shoreline Amphitheater - $50 (SOLD OUT, see Craigslist)
The day of reckoning... the moment of truth... it has arrived. The Bay Area will soon find out if Phish—in my opinion the single most innovative rock band of the last quarter century (yeah, I said it)—can re-create the magic of their best years. In the '90s this band was untouchable. The telepathic dynamism of their improvisations, the fierce virtuosity of their musicianship, the fire and passion and sheer creativity that they brought to the live experience, it was unmatched by any single rock band I've ever seen... on a good night of course. Unfortunately as they went out on and came back from hiatus in the 2000s, they got sloppy, the good nights came less and less often, and some of the messiest shows I've heard were played. Now back again from a long break, the recordings and reports from friends have me thinking that finally, at loooong last, the magic is back. On Wednesday night I'll brave the lawn down at Shoreline (shudder) to find out... OH! And they just announced a 3-day festival in Southern California on Halloween too. Uh-huh.
http://phish.com/
Realistic Orchestra Michael Jackson Tribute @ Yoshi's SF - $10/14
If you've ever been to a Jazz Mafia tribute show, you know that no one brings the party like these cats. They have a way of bending, twisting, and squeeeeeezing the funk out of everything they touch. That's why this MJ tribute is NOT TO BE MISSED. The Realistic Orchestra will absolutely kill it with multiple vocalists and a 20 piece wall of sound. They'll make you forget all the weird (well, most of the weird), and remember all that you loved, about the late King of Pop. I can hear that Billy Jean bassline right now in fact... on an upright... maybe with a tuba...
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
8/7 - American Steel | the New Trust @ Bottom of the Hill
8/8 - Los Amigos Invisibles @ the Fillmore
8/11 - Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Coda
8/11 - Crooked Jades @ Cafe du Nord
8/14 - Orgone @ Boom Boom Room
8/14 - Sol'Jibe @ Mojito
8/18 - Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Coda
8/20-8/22 - Brass, Bows, and Beats @ Yoshi's SF
8/28 - David Grisman Quintet @ Freight & Salvage
8/28-8/30 - Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park
8/30 - Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle @ Boom Boom Room
I really had to drop this quick note on y'all though, because Tuesday night—tonight in fact—is a very special night.
San Francisco music hasn't quite been the same since Jazz Mafia Tuesdays at Bruno's ended.
I'm not sure what I missed most about it.
It could have been the impeccable quality and unending variety of live music streaming out of the joint until the wee hours of Wednesday morning; it could've been the obscenely low cover charge that always kept enough scratch in my wallet for that one extra drink I knew I shouldn't have ordered on a school night; it could've been the smiling faces of old friends, that Cheers kinda atmosphere that always awaited you when you stepped through the door; or, most likely, it was probably the fact that no matter what challenges my Tuesday brought me I always knew I had a place to go to lose my troubles (and myself), and just rock the hell out for a while.
Tonight, Jazz Mafia Tuesday comes roaring BACK.
|||||| TUESDAY 8/4 ||||||
Joe Bagale @ Coda - $7
WOOOOOT! SF's best damn weekly music night is BACK, baby! Coda (at Mission & Duboce) is an all-new venue and restaurant that, unlike Bruno's in the recent past, promises to stick to their live music ethos nearly every night of the week. This is the new home of Jazz Mafia Tuesdays, and it looks like it's here to stay. The choice of Joe Bagale for their first night back is a hell of a good one too. Hot off a fantastic gig at Yoshi's, Joe wil bring his multi-instrumental and vocal skills to bear in a spot where we'll have the room to dance to the sweet funky soul music. The man just rocks the old school funk with authenticity and skill that you'd never expect to find in a dude this humble and, well, white (ha). This is going to be a blast, and a hell of a way to make Wednesday morning hurt all over again. I can't freakin' wait.
http://joebagale.com/
http://www.codalive.com/
|||||| WEDNESDAY 8/5 ||||||
Phish @ Shoreline Amphitheater - $50 (SOLD OUT, see Craigslist)
The day of reckoning... the moment of truth... it has arrived. The Bay Area will soon find out if Phish—in my opinion the single most innovative rock band of the last quarter century (yeah, I said it)—can re-create the magic of their best years. In the '90s this band was untouchable. The telepathic dynamism of their improvisations, the fierce virtuosity of their musicianship, the fire and passion and sheer creativity that they brought to the live experience, it was unmatched by any single rock band I've ever seen... on a good night of course. Unfortunately as they went out on and came back from hiatus in the 2000s, they got sloppy, the good nights came less and less often, and some of the messiest shows I've heard were played. Now back again from a long break, the recordings and reports from friends have me thinking that finally, at loooong last, the magic is back. On Wednesday night I'll brave the lawn down at Shoreline (shudder) to find out... OH! And they just announced a 3-day festival in Southern California on Halloween too. Uh-huh.
http://phish.com/
Realistic Orchestra Michael Jackson Tribute @ Yoshi's SF - $10/14
If you've ever been to a Jazz Mafia tribute show, you know that no one brings the party like these cats. They have a way of bending, twisting, and squeeeeeezing the funk out of everything they touch. That's why this MJ tribute is NOT TO BE MISSED. The Realistic Orchestra will absolutely kill it with multiple vocalists and a 20 piece wall of sound. They'll make you forget all the weird (well, most of the weird), and remember all that you loved, about the late King of Pop. I can hear that Billy Jean bassline right now in fact... on an upright... maybe with a tuba...
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
8/7 - American Steel | the New Trust @ Bottom of the Hill
8/8 - Los Amigos Invisibles @ the Fillmore
8/11 - Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Coda
8/11 - Crooked Jades @ Cafe du Nord
8/14 - Orgone @ Boom Boom Room
8/14 - Sol'Jibe @ Mojito
8/18 - Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Coda
8/20-8/22 - Brass, Bows, and Beats @ Yoshi's SF
8/28 - David Grisman Quintet @ Freight & Salvage
8/28-8/30 - Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park
8/30 - Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle @ Boom Boom Room
Monday, August 3, 2009
From the Deep Dark Depths of Obscurity
(emailed July 29)
Where the hell is Obscurity anyway?
Sounds like somewhere in upstate New York to me. Possibly between Binghamton and Schenectady on Highway 88.
For such an outta-the-way township, I have to say it's quite remarkable how many people one seems to meet that are on their way from Obscurity to other parts of the globe. Other folks are rumored to dwell in Obscurity in fact, but one rarely, if ever, seems to meet them at all.
Showy McShow is, apparently, on Highway 88 right now. Headed west of course, 'cause as the late Lizard King once said, 'The west is the best.'
A message of musical mayhem... from the road:
|||||| THURSDAY 7/30 ||||||
Gomez @ the Fillmore - $27.50
Friday & Saturday shows. If you have forgotten, Gomez will remind you why rock n' roll is awesome. They're an English crew that rocks with equal parts energy and melody, with creative songwriting and fantastic musicianship. In fact, their three(!) singing, guitar-playing frontmen could easily have successful bands of their own. Instead, they fill one stage with their presence and just plain rock the hell out of the joint. I may go Friday...
http://www.gomeztheband.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 7/31 ||||||
Gomez @ the Fillmore - $27.50 (SOLD OUT, see Craigslist)
Friday & Saturday shows, see above.
http://www.gomeztheband.com/
Joe Bagale @ Yoshi's SF - $10/14
Join me for the debut of one of the Jazz Mafia's most esteemed members at Yoshi's! Joe is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is a modern master of old-school R&B. Whether he's belting out vocals like Stevie Wonder (yeah, really) or layin' down beats on the funky drums, Joe is an authentic talent and an all-around force to be reckoned with.
http://www.joebagale.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 8/2 ||||||
Melvin Seals & Jerry Garcia Band @ McLaren Park - $FREE
Daytime festival. The annual Jerry Garcia Day celebration culminates with headliner Melvin Seals and his current incarnation of the Jerry Garcia Band. With much more roots/gospel/soul influence than the Dead ever had, many people feel that the Jerry Band was the best thing Garcia was involved with. From listening to recent recordings, the band (featuring original members) sounds great—sweet and soulful with vocals that manage to emulate Jerry on a very good day.
http://www.jerryday.org/
|||||| MONDAY 8/3 ||||||
Reel Big Fish | the English Beat | the Supervillains @ the Regency Ballroom - $
Skaaaank it up! This will be a hoppin' night for the rude boys with heavy hitters spanning two generations of ska. Reel Big Fish were one of the third wave's most energetic and popular ska bands with their driving horn lines and often hilarious, irreverent lyrics. The English Beat is an icon of the second wave of ska, and they're still putting on a rockin' show 20 years later.
www.reel-big-fish.com/
http://www.thebeatuk.com/Home.html
|||||| WEDNESDAY 8/5 ||||||
Phish @ Shoreline Amphitheater - $50 (SOLD OUT, see Craigslist)
The day of reckoning... the moment of truth... it has arrived. Next week the Bay Area will find out if Phish—in my opinion the single most innovative rock band of the last quarter century (yeah, I said it)—can re-create the magic of their best years. In the '90s this band was untouchable. The telepathic dynamism of their improvisations, the fierce virtuosity of their musicianship, the fire and passion and sheer creativity that they brought to the live experience, it was unmatched by any single rock band I've ever seen... on a good night of course. Unfortunately as they went out on and came back from hiatus in the 2000s, they got sloppy, the good nights came less and less often, and some of the messiest shows I've heard were played. Now back again from a long break, the recordings and reports from friends have me thinking that finally, at loooong last, the magic is back. On Wednesday night I'll brave the lawn down at Shoreline (shudder) to find out... OH! And they just announced a 3-day festival in Southern California on Halloween too. Uh-huh.
http://phish.com/
Realistic Orchestra Michael Jackson Tribute @ Yoshi's SF - $10/14
If you've ever been to a Jazz Mafia tribute show, you know that no one brings the party like these cats. They have a way of bending, twisting, and squeeeeeezing the funk out of everything they touch. That's why this MJ tribute is NOT TO BE MISSED. The Realistic Orchestra will absolutely kill it with multiple vocalists and a 20 piece wall of sound. They'll make you forget all the weird (well, most of the weird), and remember all that you loved, about the late King of Pop. I can hear that Billy Jean bassline right now in fact... on an upright... maybe with a tuba...
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
8/7 - American Steel | the New Trust @ Bottom of the Hill
8/8 - Los Amigos Invisibles @ the Fillmore
8/11 - Crooked Jades @ Cafe du Nord
8/14 - Orgone @ Boom Boom Room
8/14 - Sol'Jibe @ Mojito
8/18 - Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Coda
8/20-8/22 - Brass, Bows, and Beats @ Yoshi's SF
8/28 - David Grisman Quintet @ Freight & Salvage
8/28-8/30 - Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park
8/30 - Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle @ Boom Boom Room
Where the hell is Obscurity anyway?
Sounds like somewhere in upstate New York to me. Possibly between Binghamton and Schenectady on Highway 88.
For such an outta-the-way township, I have to say it's quite remarkable how many people one seems to meet that are on their way from Obscurity to other parts of the globe. Other folks are rumored to dwell in Obscurity in fact, but one rarely, if ever, seems to meet them at all.
Showy McShow is, apparently, on Highway 88 right now. Headed west of course, 'cause as the late Lizard King once said, 'The west is the best.'
A message of musical mayhem... from the road:
|||||| THURSDAY 7/30 ||||||
Gomez @ the Fillmore - $27.50
Friday & Saturday shows. If you have forgotten, Gomez will remind you why rock n' roll is awesome. They're an English crew that rocks with equal parts energy and melody, with creative songwriting and fantastic musicianship. In fact, their three(!) singing, guitar-playing frontmen could easily have successful bands of their own. Instead, they fill one stage with their presence and just plain rock the hell out of the joint. I may go Friday...
http://www.gomeztheband.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 7/31 ||||||
Gomez @ the Fillmore - $27.50 (SOLD OUT, see Craigslist)
Friday & Saturday shows, see above.
http://www.gomeztheband.com/
Joe Bagale @ Yoshi's SF - $10/14
Join me for the debut of one of the Jazz Mafia's most esteemed members at Yoshi's! Joe is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is a modern master of old-school R&B. Whether he's belting out vocals like Stevie Wonder (yeah, really) or layin' down beats on the funky drums, Joe is an authentic talent and an all-around force to be reckoned with.
http://www.joebagale.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 8/2 ||||||
Melvin Seals & Jerry Garcia Band @ McLaren Park - $FREE
Daytime festival. The annual Jerry Garcia Day celebration culminates with headliner Melvin Seals and his current incarnation of the Jerry Garcia Band. With much more roots/gospel/soul influence than the Dead ever had, many people feel that the Jerry Band was the best thing Garcia was involved with. From listening to recent recordings, the band (featuring original members) sounds great—sweet and soulful with vocals that manage to emulate Jerry on a very good day.
http://www.jerryday.org/
|||||| MONDAY 8/3 ||||||
Reel Big Fish | the English Beat | the Supervillains @ the Regency Ballroom - $
Skaaaank it up! This will be a hoppin' night for the rude boys with heavy hitters spanning two generations of ska. Reel Big Fish were one of the third wave's most energetic and popular ska bands with their driving horn lines and often hilarious, irreverent lyrics. The English Beat is an icon of the second wave of ska, and they're still putting on a rockin' show 20 years later.
www.reel-big-fish.com/
http://www.thebeatuk.com/Home.
|||||| WEDNESDAY 8/5 ||||||
Phish @ Shoreline Amphitheater - $50 (SOLD OUT, see Craigslist)
The day of reckoning... the moment of truth... it has arrived. Next week the Bay Area will find out if Phish—in my opinion the single most innovative rock band of the last quarter century (yeah, I said it)—can re-create the magic of their best years. In the '90s this band was untouchable. The telepathic dynamism of their improvisations, the fierce virtuosity of their musicianship, the fire and passion and sheer creativity that they brought to the live experience, it was unmatched by any single rock band I've ever seen... on a good night of course. Unfortunately as they went out on and came back from hiatus in the 2000s, they got sloppy, the good nights came less and less often, and some of the messiest shows I've heard were played. Now back again from a long break, the recordings and reports from friends have me thinking that finally, at loooong last, the magic is back. On Wednesday night I'll brave the lawn down at Shoreline (shudder) to find out... OH! And they just announced a 3-day festival in Southern California on Halloween too. Uh-huh.
http://phish.com/
Realistic Orchestra Michael Jackson Tribute @ Yoshi's SF - $10/14
If you've ever been to a Jazz Mafia tribute show, you know that no one brings the party like these cats. They have a way of bending, twisting, and squeeeeeezing the funk out of everything they touch. That's why this MJ tribute is NOT TO BE MISSED. The Realistic Orchestra will absolutely kill it with multiple vocalists and a 20 piece wall of sound. They'll make you forget all the weird (well, most of the weird), and remember all that you loved, about the late King of Pop. I can hear that Billy Jean bassline right now in fact... on an upright... maybe with a tuba...
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
8/7 - American Steel | the New Trust @ Bottom of the Hill
8/8 - Los Amigos Invisibles @ the Fillmore
8/11 - Crooked Jades @ Cafe du Nord
8/14 - Orgone @ Boom Boom Room
8/14 - Sol'Jibe @ Mojito
8/18 - Shotgun Wedding Quintet @ Coda
8/20-8/22 - Brass, Bows, and Beats @ Yoshi's SF
8/28 - David Grisman Quintet @ Freight & Salvage
8/28-8/30 - Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park
8/30 - Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle @ Boom Boom Room
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It's Simple: One Monster Tonight, Four Monsters on Sunday.
Some of these sporadically-disseminated Showy McShow messages are, in the sheer volume of their content, undeniably complex.
This is not one of those messages.
It really couldn't be more simple. There is a monstrous musician tonight, and four monstrous musicians (luckily playing together) on Sunday night that you need to see. That's it, that's all, Showy, out:
|||||| TUESDAY 6/9 ||||||
Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band @ Yoshi's Oakland - $12–18
8pm & 10pm shows (join me at 10!) I was lucky enough to witness drummer Brian Blade supporting legendary sax player Wayne Shorter last year and, much to the surprise of our group, Brian blew him almost completely off the stage. Blade absolutely embodies the term monstrous in the power of his playing and the absoluteness with which he commands beats and rhythms. He is really an incredible sight to be seen and is certainly one of the best, if not the best, jazz drummers I have ever seen. Go tonight and see something amazing you've never seen...
http://yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artistpopup?showid=691
|||||| SUNDAY 6/14 ||||||
Skerik, Scott Amendola, Will Bernard, Will Blades @ Cafe du Nord - $12
These four guys, playing two sets, in one tiny venue, for one extremely tiny cover charge... basically constitutes Uncle Showy's idea of the perfect storm. You've all heard me babble about the evil saxophone maelstrom that is Skerik many times, but if you haven't seen him with any of his musical cohorts (Les Claypool, Garage a Trois, Critters Buggin', Dead Kenny Gs, etc), then THIS is the night you've been waiting for. Joining Skerik are three men of equally monstrous musicality: Long-time Charlie Hunter drummer Scott Amendola, who is a true and absolute master on the jazz drum kit; Hollow body funky rhythm guitar institution Will Bernard; and Wil Blades, probably the Bay Area's best Hammond organ player, and a man with chops for both nasty bass lines and funky organ solos. It's Sunday, you're not doing anything, and the Simpsons will be on Hulu. Just go!
http://www.myspace.com/43304272
http://www.scottamendola.com/
http://www.willbernard.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wilbladesb3
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club
6/19 - Sol'Jibe @ Mojito
6/20 - Femi Kuti @ Fillmore
6/20 - Wil Blades Soul Solution @ Boom Boom Room
6/26-6/27 - McTuff @ Boom Boom Room
6/27 - Wilco @ Greek Theater
:::Showy McShow:::
McShow Disclaimer: If you are completely sick of getting email like this and would like to remove your name from this deviously solicited list, tough shit! Go see live music! Do not reply with "Remove" in the subject heading, do not send an email to remove@showymcshow.com. Go see a live band, support local music, and enrich your life!
This is not one of those messages.
It really couldn't be more simple. There is a monstrous musician tonight, and four monstrous musicians (luckily playing together) on Sunday night that you need to see. That's it, that's all, Showy, out:
|||||| TUESDAY 6/9 ||||||
Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band @ Yoshi's Oakland - $12–18
8pm & 10pm shows (join me at 10!) I was lucky enough to witness drummer Brian Blade supporting legendary sax player Wayne Shorter last year and, much to the surprise of our group, Brian blew him almost completely off the stage. Blade absolutely embodies the term monstrous in the power of his playing and the absoluteness with which he commands beats and rhythms. He is really an incredible sight to be seen and is certainly one of the best, if not the best, jazz drummers I have ever seen. Go tonight and see something amazing you've never seen...
http://yoshis.com/oakland/
|||||| SUNDAY 6/14 ||||||
Skerik, Scott Amendola, Will Bernard, Will Blades @ Cafe du Nord - $12
These four guys, playing two sets, in one tiny venue, for one extremely tiny cover charge... basically constitutes Uncle Showy's idea of the perfect storm. You've all heard me babble about the evil saxophone maelstrom that is Skerik many times, but if you haven't seen him with any of his musical cohorts (Les Claypool, Garage a Trois, Critters Buggin', Dead Kenny Gs, etc), then THIS is the night you've been waiting for. Joining Skerik are three men of equally monstrous musicality: Long-time Charlie Hunter drummer Scott Amendola, who is a true and absolute master on the jazz drum kit; Hollow body funky rhythm guitar institution Will Bernard; and Wil Blades, probably the Bay Area's best Hammond organ player, and a man with chops for both nasty bass lines and funky organ solos. It's Sunday, you're not doing anything, and the Simpsons will be on Hulu. Just go!
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.scottamendola.com/
http://www.willbernard.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club
6/19 - Sol'Jibe @ Mojito
6/20 - Femi Kuti @ Fillmore
6/20 - Wil Blades Soul Solution @ Boom Boom Room
6/26-6/27 - McTuff @ Boom Boom Room
6/27 - Wilco @ Greek Theater
:::Showy McShow:::
McShow Disclaimer: If you are completely sick of getting email like this and would like to remove your name from this deviously solicited list, tough shit! Go see live music! Do not reply with "Remove" in the subject heading, do not send an email to remove@showymcshow.com. Go see a live band, support local music, and enrich your life!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Now, with even less advance notice (Afrobeat tonight)
In my never-ending quest to bring you live music selections with as little advance notice as possible, I give you this. Happy Friday!
|||||| FRIDAY 5/22 ||||||
NOMO @ Bottom of the Hill - $12
A tip from someone I trust (thanks Wendy!) has me convinced this is where I need to be tonight. And by 'I' I mean 'you' of course. Nomo is a full horn and percussion Afrobeat crew out of the Midwest that has a unique electronic influence and an innovative, concept-driven approach to their compositions. Word on the street is that they completely destroyed a room in Seattle earlier this week, and with tonight looking like the only chance to catch them in SF in the foreseeable future, I'm gonna go dig 'em. There are two openers that sound interesting too..
http://www.myspace.com/nomomusic
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives @ Great American Music Hall - $25
If I weren't going to go see NOMO, this is DEFINITELY where I'd be. After hearing a live album from Marty I can say his music is some of the sweetest, most authentic, most genuinely delicious bluegrass I've heard in quite some time. His latest album has him teaming up with Johnny Cash, Lester Flatt, Steve Earle, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and if that doesn't give you an idea of the man's chops, I don't know what will.
http://www.martystuart.net/
Realistic Orchestra Stevie Wonder vs. James Brown Tribute @ Shattuck Down Low (Berkeley) - $10
This was absolutely incredible at the Independent, so all you East Bay cats get out to the show tonight! I heard more than once last week that this was the best night some folks had ever seen from the Jazz Mafia, and with their caliber of musicianship, that's sayin' something. It's a 30-piece ensemble (with several amazing vocalists) blasting out insanely tight and rockin' renditions of the music of perhaps the two greatest men that funk has ever known. A force to be reckoned with, and a show not to miss.
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
5/25 - Flight of the Conchords @ Berkeley Community Theater
5/25 - Jazz Mafia Miles Davis 'Birth of the Cool' Birthday Tribute @ Yoshi's SF
5/29 - Garaj Mahal @ Cafe du Nord
5/30-5/31 - Moe. @ Fillmore
6/5 - Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ Fillmore
6/12 - Skerik, Wil Blades, Will Bernard, Scott Amendola @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club
|||||| FRIDAY 5/22 ||||||
NOMO @ Bottom of the Hill - $12
A tip from someone I trust (thanks Wendy!) has me convinced this is where I need to be tonight. And by 'I' I mean 'you' of course. Nomo is a full horn and percussion Afrobeat crew out of the Midwest that has a unique electronic influence and an innovative, concept-driven approach to their compositions. Word on the street is that they completely destroyed a room in Seattle earlier this week, and with tonight looking like the only chance to catch them in SF in the foreseeable future, I'm gonna go dig 'em. There are two openers that sound interesting too..
http://www.myspace.com/
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives @ Great American Music Hall - $25
If I weren't going to go see NOMO, this is DEFINITELY where I'd be. After hearing a live album from Marty I can say his music is some of the sweetest, most authentic, most genuinely delicious bluegrass I've heard in quite some time. His latest album has him teaming up with Johnny Cash, Lester Flatt, Steve Earle, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and if that doesn't give you an idea of the man's chops, I don't know what will.
http://www.martystuart.net/
Realistic Orchestra Stevie Wonder vs. James Brown Tribute @ Shattuck Down Low (Berkeley) - $10
This was absolutely incredible at the Independent, so all you East Bay cats get out to the show tonight! I heard more than once last week that this was the best night some folks had ever seen from the Jazz Mafia, and with their caliber of musicianship, that's sayin' something. It's a 30-piece ensemble (with several amazing vocalists) blasting out insanely tight and rockin' renditions of the music of perhaps the two greatest men that funk has ever known. A force to be reckoned with, and a show not to miss.
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
5/25 - Flight of the Conchords @ Berkeley Community Theater
5/25 - Jazz Mafia Miles Davis 'Birth of the Cool' Birthday Tribute @ Yoshi's SF
5/29 - Garaj Mahal @ Cafe du Nord
5/30-5/31 - Moe. @ Fillmore
6/5 - Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ Fillmore
6/12 - Skerik, Wil Blades, Will Bernard, Scott Amendola @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Battles... Epic. Battles...
And you thought you'd gotten rid of me!
Yet, like the pluckiest of cartoon villains, Showy McShow emerges from the shadows of obscurity to terrorize the populace once more! And by 'terrorize' I mean 'tantalize'—with music selections the likes of which you'll not find in any city, anywhere. Cartoon or otherwise.
Which brings me to this week's stellar music, and the battles contained therein. Like Peter Griffin and the Guy in the Chicken Suit, they will be epic struggles of musicality that will make you laugh, cry, jump, jive, and most likely spill your drink on you and those around you.
Wednesday night's battle is just what I'm talking about. Following Drive Your Bike to Work Day, I'll be sneakin' on down to the Independent to witness a fictitious bout that will dominate the funky history books. The 20-piece REALISTIC ORCHESTRA will render their take on James Brown vs. Stevie Wonder in tribute of these legends' birthdays. These gigs have always been a knock-your-argyle-socks-off good time, and this year the band has a room that will actually hold 'em. Come join the celebration! And wear eye protection, I cannot stress this enough.
Then the struggle continues on as SOULIVE will attempt, rope-a-dope style, to dance you into submission on Thursday and Friday. I'll be there Friday, as Soulive is truly one of the best funky bands on this cartoon planet, to witness their crushing funky force. They've been away too long, but this time, they're bringing horns...
With Charlie Hunter, Nino Moschella, the Avett Brothers, and two weekend festivals all battling for your attention and booze money, this week will quickly turn into a war of attrition.
But you're not new. You're used to this shit. This is San Francisco dammit. Ain't gonna faze you. When you're livin' the Showy life here in SF, you've just gotta suck it up, put on them dancin' shoes, and fight the good fight. I'll see you down front. With eye protection.
|||||| TUESDAY 5/12 ||||||
Sara Watkins @ Swedish American Music Hall - $20
As 1/3rd of Nickel Creek, Sara has repeatedly turned my knees into Jello with her stunningly sweet voice, virtuoso fiddle playing, and incredible compositions. With Nickel Creek on break, Sara has pulled together what I'm certain will be a phenomenal band doing her own material for a rare night in SF.
http://www.sarawatkins.com/
Allman Bros Band @ Fox Theater, Oakland - $58.50 (SOLD OUT, Craigslist?)
Tuesday and Wednesday shows. Truly the original (and best) southern blues-rock jam band, the Allmans have always floored me every time I've seen them. Sure it helps to have the searing guitar licks of young Derek Trucks, but Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Oteil Burbridge, and Butch Trucks are all powerhouse veterans in their own right. Saturated with soul, don't for a second thing the Allman Brothers are a nostalgia act. They'll rock the hell out of the Fox Theater for sure.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/
|||||| WEDNESDAY 5/13 ||||||
James Brown vs. Stevie Wonder Realistic Orchestra Tribute @ the Independent - $15
Join me for what is sure to be an EPIC MUSICAL BATTLE for the ages. The 20-piece wall of sound known as the Realistic Orchestra is combining birthday tributes for James and Stevie into one night of musical insanity at the Independent. They have several stellar vocalists who will render their unique takes on these two icons, and they'll be backed by twenty of SF's very best funk players. These gigs have consistently been the hottest of Jazz Mafia events over the years, with the only problem being that Bruno's was just too damn small to hold 'em. With that problem solved, it's time to get to the Independent and help the crew celebrate the musicians that make Showy life worth livin'!
http://www.jazzmafia.com/news/4th-annual-stevie-wonderjames-brown-b-day-tributes/
Allman Bros Band @ Fox Theater, Oakland - $58.50 (SOLD OUT, Craigslist?)
Tuesday and Wednesday shows, see above.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/
|||||| THURSDAY 5/14 ||||||
Soulive @ the Independent - $22
Thursday & Friday shows (join me Friday). Maaaaan oh man am I glad these guys are back! I've been in Soulive withdrawal for a good couple years now, and the methadone treatments just ain't cuttin' it. No substitutions will suffice, I need that FUNK. Soulive is so raw and hard-hitting, I've had a musician friend describe them as heavy metal jazz. And as if the jaw-dropping drums, keys, guitar trio of the brothers Evans and Eric Krasno wasn't enough, they have a smokin' horn section for these gigs featuring none other than original Soulive sax machine Sam Kininger. I'm going Friday and I am STOKED.
http://soulive.com/
Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... Charlie Hunter, man-wonder of the eight string guitar, who can play bass lines with his thumb and solo over himself with his fingers, is known and loved by anyone who has witnessed and tried to wrap their head around what he does. For these three Yoshi's nights, he's teaming up with New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass Band percussionist Terrence Higgins in what is sure to be an utterly unique evening of stellar music.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 5/15 ||||||
Soulive @ the Independent - $22
Thursday & Friday shows (join me Friday). See above.
http://soulive.com/
Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... See above.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
Nino Moschella w/ the Park @ Elbo Room - $10
A soul singer and composer, Nino is absurdly talented and authentic. He's seriously the only person I've seen in recent memory that actually conjures the spirit of Stevie Wonder to the very stage where he's standing... and manages to make the specter of the man smile and roll his head. Okay, so that's a ridiculous description, but seriously Nino is amazing. East Bay funk veterans the Park will be backing him up and if you must miss Soulive (which I do not recommend you do), then you'd better be here.
http://www.ninomoschella.com/
the Avett Brothers @ Fillmore - $25
Friday & Saturday shows. It really is an experience to rock with a band that so seamlessly blends the best things about folk and punk into one hot, dirty, sweaty show. They will blast the hell out of the joint, and they'll do it with a rootsy Americana character that just sucks you in and makes you feel like dropping everything and drinkin' whiskey on the porch 'til the end of yer days.
http://theavettbrothers.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 5/16 ||||||
SF Oyster Fest (Greyboy Allstars, Poor Man's Whiskey, Shantytown, and Franti I guess) @ Fort Mason - $23
Even if you do have to put up with the serious mediocrity of Michael Franti, $23 is a hell of a deal to catch the kings of funky jazz—the Greyboy Allstars. Been wondering about Poor Man's Whiskey, a local Americana bluegrass outfit that's been playing some big gigs lately. And Shantytown is a great little folk/bluegrass based jam outfit. Not a bad place to be on a Saturday afternoon... but I'd leave before Franti...
http://www.oreillysoysterfestival.com/
Life is Good Festival (ALO, Martin Sexton) @ Golden Gate Park Speedway Meadow - $FREE
OK, so if you click the link you'll fall into a silly world of happy hippie nonsense. BUT, you can't argue with some solid talent for free, and that's just what this Festival is serving up. Folks tell me Martin Sexton is quite a performer with talent and powerful authenticity. ALO hasn't changed much, which is why I don't go too far outta my way to see 'em these days, but they've always been a quality jazz-influenced jam band with tight playing and a great sense of humor. Again, not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon...
http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/2009-festivals-locations/san-francisco-festival.aspx
the Avett Brothers @ Fillmore - $25
Friday & Saturday shows. See above.
http://theavettbrothers.com/
Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... See above.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
5/20-5/21 - Sex Mob @ Yoshi's SF
5/25 - Flight of the Conchords @ Berkeley Community Theater
5/29 - Garaj Mahal @ Cafe du Nord
5/30-5/31 - Moe. @ Fillmore
6/5 - Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ Fillmore
6/12 - Skerik, Wil Blades, Will Bernard, Scott Amendola @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club
Yet, like the pluckiest of cartoon villains, Showy McShow emerges from the shadows of obscurity to terrorize the populace once more! And by 'terrorize' I mean 'tantalize'—with music selections the likes of which you'll not find in any city, anywhere. Cartoon or otherwise.
Which brings me to this week's stellar music, and the battles contained therein. Like Peter Griffin and the Guy in the Chicken Suit, they will be epic struggles of musicality that will make you laugh, cry, jump, jive, and most likely spill your drink on you and those around you.
Wednesday night's battle is just what I'm talking about. Following Drive Your Bike to Work Day, I'll be sneakin' on down to the Independent to witness a fictitious bout that will dominate the funky history books. The 20-piece REALISTIC ORCHESTRA will render their take on James Brown vs. Stevie Wonder in tribute of these legends' birthdays. These gigs have always been a knock-your-argyle-socks-off good time, and this year the band has a room that will actually hold 'em. Come join the celebration! And wear eye protection, I cannot stress this enough.
Then the struggle continues on as SOULIVE will attempt, rope-a-dope style, to dance you into submission on Thursday and Friday. I'll be there Friday, as Soulive is truly one of the best funky bands on this cartoon planet, to witness their crushing funky force. They've been away too long, but this time, they're bringing horns...
With Charlie Hunter, Nino Moschella, the Avett Brothers, and two weekend festivals all battling for your attention and booze money, this week will quickly turn into a war of attrition.
But you're not new. You're used to this shit. This is San Francisco dammit. Ain't gonna faze you. When you're livin' the Showy life here in SF, you've just gotta suck it up, put on them dancin' shoes, and fight the good fight. I'll see you down front. With eye protection.
|||||| TUESDAY 5/12 ||||||
Sara Watkins @ Swedish American Music Hall - $20
As 1/3rd of Nickel Creek, Sara has repeatedly turned my knees into Jello with her stunningly sweet voice, virtuoso fiddle playing, and incredible compositions. With Nickel Creek on break, Sara has pulled together what I'm certain will be a phenomenal band doing her own material for a rare night in SF.
http://www.sarawatkins.com/
Allman Bros Band @ Fox Theater, Oakland - $58.50 (SOLD OUT, Craigslist?)
Tuesday and Wednesday shows. Truly the original (and best) southern blues-rock jam band, the Allmans have always floored me every time I've seen them. Sure it helps to have the searing guitar licks of young Derek Trucks, but Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Oteil Burbridge, and Butch Trucks are all powerhouse veterans in their own right. Saturated with soul, don't for a second thing the Allman Brothers are a nostalgia act. They'll rock the hell out of the Fox Theater for sure.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.
|||||| WEDNESDAY 5/13 ||||||
James Brown vs. Stevie Wonder Realistic Orchestra Tribute @ the Independent - $15
Join me for what is sure to be an EPIC MUSICAL BATTLE for the ages. The 20-piece wall of sound known as the Realistic Orchestra is combining birthday tributes for James and Stevie into one night of musical insanity at the Independent. They have several stellar vocalists who will render their unique takes on these two icons, and they'll be backed by twenty of SF's very best funk players. These gigs have consistently been the hottest of Jazz Mafia events over the years, with the only problem being that Bruno's was just too damn small to hold 'em. With that problem solved, it's time to get to the Independent and help the crew celebrate the musicians that make Showy life worth livin'!
http://www.jazzmafia.com/news/
Allman Bros Band @ Fox Theater, Oakland - $58.50 (SOLD OUT, Craigslist?)
Tuesday and Wednesday shows, see above.
http://www.allmanbrothersband.
|||||| THURSDAY 5/14 ||||||
Soulive @ the Independent - $22
Thursday & Friday shows (join me Friday). Maaaaan oh man am I glad these guys are back! I've been in Soulive withdrawal for a good couple years now, and the methadone treatments just ain't cuttin' it. No substitutions will suffice, I need that FUNK. Soulive is so raw and hard-hitting, I've had a musician friend describe them as heavy metal jazz. And as if the jaw-dropping drums, keys, guitar trio of the brothers Evans and Eric Krasno wasn't enough, they have a smokin' horn section for these gigs featuring none other than original Soulive sax machine Sam Kininger. I'm going Friday and I am STOKED.
http://soulive.com/
Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... Charlie Hunter, man-wonder of the eight string guitar, who can play bass lines with his thumb and solo over himself with his fingers, is known and loved by anyone who has witnessed and tried to wrap their head around what he does. For these three Yoshi's nights, he's teaming up with New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass Band percussionist Terrence Higgins in what is sure to be an utterly unique evening of stellar music.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 5/15 ||||||
Soulive @ the Independent - $22
Thursday & Friday shows (join me Friday). See above.
http://soulive.com/
Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... See above.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
Nino Moschella w/ the Park @ Elbo Room - $10
A soul singer and composer, Nino is absurdly talented and authentic. He's seriously the only person I've seen in recent memory that actually conjures the spirit of Stevie Wonder to the very stage where he's standing... and manages to make the specter of the man smile and roll his head. Okay, so that's a ridiculous description, but seriously Nino is amazing. East Bay funk veterans the Park will be backing him up and if you must miss Soulive (which I do not recommend you do), then you'd better be here.
http://www.ninomoschella.com/
the Avett Brothers @ Fillmore - $25
Friday & Saturday shows. It really is an experience to rock with a band that so seamlessly blends the best things about folk and punk into one hot, dirty, sweaty show. They will blast the hell out of the joint, and they'll do it with a rootsy Americana character that just sucks you in and makes you feel like dropping everything and drinkin' whiskey on the porch 'til the end of yer days.
http://theavettbrothers.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 5/16 ||||||
SF Oyster Fest (Greyboy Allstars, Poor Man's Whiskey, Shantytown, and Franti I guess) @ Fort Mason - $23
Even if you do have to put up with the serious mediocrity of Michael Franti, $23 is a hell of a deal to catch the kings of funky jazz—the Greyboy Allstars. Been wondering about Poor Man's Whiskey, a local Americana bluegrass outfit that's been playing some big gigs lately. And Shantytown is a great little folk/bluegrass based jam outfit. Not a bad place to be on a Saturday afternoon... but I'd leave before Franti...
http://www.
Life is Good Festival (ALO, Martin Sexton) @ Golden Gate Park Speedway Meadow - $FREE
OK, so if you click the link you'll fall into a silly world of happy hippie nonsense. BUT, you can't argue with some solid talent for free, and that's just what this Festival is serving up. Folks tell me Martin Sexton is quite a performer with talent and powerful authenticity. ALO hasn't changed much, which is why I don't go too far outta my way to see 'em these days, but they've always been a quality jazz-influenced jam band with tight playing and a great sense of humor. Again, not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon...
http://www.lifeisgood.com/
the Avett Brothers @ Fillmore - $25
Friday & Saturday shows. See above.
http://theavettbrothers.com/
Charlie Hunter w/ Terrence Higgins @ Yoshi's SF - $20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday shows. I'm tempted, can't go Friday... See above.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
|||||| UPCOMING ||||||
5/20-5/21 - Sex Mob @ Yoshi's SF
5/25 - Flight of the Conchords @ Berkeley Community Theater
5/29 - Garaj Mahal @ Cafe du Nord
5/30-5/31 - Moe. @ Fillmore
6/5 - Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ Fillmore
6/12 - Skerik, Wil Blades, Will Bernard, Scott Amendola @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
6/17 - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Elbo Room
6/18 - Zap Mama @ Bimbo's 365 Club
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A BIG week for local music... your FREE ticket is inside...
Howdy, Troublemakers-
There are two very special 'local band does good' (REAL good) gigs that you should definitely check out this week. First though, a word about tomorrow night:
It's no secret to these here digital pages that Showy loves him the Afrobeat music. From Antibalas to Femi Kuti, nothin' makes me rock out like a thundering blast of funk horns and thumping African percussion. The best new Afrobeat band I've seen in years has to be Budos Band from Brooklyn, and tomorrow night they're making a super rare appearance here at the Independent. I'll be there, and you should too.
Local Band Does Good #1: Our good friends Swoop Unit have landed their best gig so far this year, and if you wanna get the hell on down this Friday night, for cheap, there will be no better room in the city than Mojito in North Beach. Details are below, but this is a really important night for the boys and I hope I'll see your sexy ass hoppin' to the beat. Plus, it's just five bucks, and at that price you can even afford cab fare.
Local Band Does Good (REAL Good) #2: Saturday, Jazz Mafia Kingpin Adam Theis will bring together his most ambitious project yet: Beats, Brass, and Bows at the Palace of Fine Arts. With a coveted Emerging Composers Grant, Adam has put together a 60-piece ensemble (yeah SIXTY) with funky hip-hop wizard Lyrics Born for what is sure to be a mind-blowing evening (and afternoon) of genre-bending musicality.
Now as a token of my affection for you, loyal reader, there are two FREE TICKETS I have to give away for a show in this email. You'll just have to read on to find out which one. I guarantee, it'll be worth your while...
|||||| TUESDAY 4/14 ||||||
Dark Star Orchestra @ Great American Music Hall - $35
Tues & Weds shows. There is a reason why this tribute band is $35—they're fantastic. DSO recreates entire Grateful Dead shows, literally, only, well... their playing and singing is probably better. I saw them once at Great American and it was truly amazing, they played a show from my favorite era ('72ish) and just destroyed the place. Like the Dead on a really really really hot night.
http://www.darkstarorchestra.net/NEWSITE/HTML/dso.php
|||||| WEDNESDAY 4/15 ||||||
the Budos Band @ the Independent - $15
Quite literally, an 11-piece WALL of funky, soulful, heavy-hittin' Afrobeat music. These guys knocked me dead at High Sierra Music Fest last year with a set that burned down the Vaudeville Stage, and I've been dying to see them again ever since. Featuring some members of Sharon Jones' Dap Kings, and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, along with rippin' sax player Cochemea Gastalum (Robert Walter's 20th Congress), they are a serious force to be reckoned with. I'm totally there and you're outta your mind if you're not with me.
http://www.myspace.com/budosband
Dark Star Orchestra @ Great American Music Hall - $35
Tues & Weds shows. See above.
http://www.darkstarorchestra.net/NEWSITE/HTML/dso.php
|||||| FRIDAY 4/17 ||||||
Swoop Unit @ Mojito - $5
Our boys are bringin' the heat to North Beach this Friday, let's get out there and rock with 'em! With seven veteran funky jazz players on one tiny stage, the conditions are just right for the most burnin' Swoop Unit gig ever. And if that ain't enough, just take some drugs and get lost in the sparkly gold depths of Mr. Willis' new drum kit... Not sayin' I would ever do that mind you, no, no, not me. But if you do, who am I to judge..?
http://swoopunit.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 4/18 ||||||
Beats, Brass, and Bows: Realistic Orchestra w/ Lyrics Born @ Palace of Fine Arts - $10 (3pm) - $25 (8pm)
Alright kids, this is it, time for some FREE TICKET Showy love! I have one ticket for the 3pm matinee and one to join me for the 8pm evening show. Choice of the tickets go the FIRST TWO PEOPLE to email me with the names of just THREE out of the SIXTY musicians that are playing this gig. I've already given you two, it won't be hard... I have no doubt this show will be amazing. With the creative innovation that Adam Theis has demonstrated time and time again put to use on such a grand scale, well, I can't wait to see what kind of epic hip-hop, breakbeat, symphonic madness ensues this Saturday. And I've never seen rapper Lyrics Born, whose music I love, so color me stoked upon stoked for this. Sure to be a great afterparty as well, since it's an early gig, so hit me up if you wanna catch that bit of the madness later on.
http://www.sfjazz.org/concerts/2009/spring/artists/theis.asp
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
There are two very special 'local band does good' (REAL good) gigs that you should definitely check out this week. First though, a word about tomorrow night:
It's no secret to these here digital pages that Showy loves him the Afrobeat music. From Antibalas to Femi Kuti, nothin' makes me rock out like a thundering blast of funk horns and thumping African percussion. The best new Afrobeat band I've seen in years has to be Budos Band from Brooklyn, and tomorrow night they're making a super rare appearance here at the Independent. I'll be there, and you should too.
Local Band Does Good #1: Our good friends Swoop Unit have landed their best gig so far this year, and if you wanna get the hell on down this Friday night, for cheap, there will be no better room in the city than Mojito in North Beach. Details are below, but this is a really important night for the boys and I hope I'll see your sexy ass hoppin' to the beat. Plus, it's just five bucks, and at that price you can even afford cab fare.
Local Band Does Good (REAL Good) #2: Saturday, Jazz Mafia Kingpin Adam Theis will bring together his most ambitious project yet: Beats, Brass, and Bows at the Palace of Fine Arts. With a coveted Emerging Composers Grant, Adam has put together a 60-piece ensemble (yeah SIXTY) with funky hip-hop wizard Lyrics Born for what is sure to be a mind-blowing evening (and afternoon) of genre-bending musicality.
Now as a token of my affection for you, loyal reader, there are two FREE TICKETS I have to give away for a show in this email. You'll just have to read on to find out which one. I guarantee, it'll be worth your while...
|||||| TUESDAY 4/14 ||||||
Dark Star Orchestra @ Great American Music Hall - $35
Tues & Weds shows. There is a reason why this tribute band is $35—they're fantastic. DSO recreates entire Grateful Dead shows, literally, only, well... their playing and singing is probably better. I saw them once at Great American and it was truly amazing, they played a show from my favorite era ('72ish) and just destroyed the place. Like the Dead on a really really really hot night.
http://www.darkstarorchestra.
|||||| WEDNESDAY 4/15 ||||||
the Budos Band @ the Independent - $15
Quite literally, an 11-piece WALL of funky, soulful, heavy-hittin' Afrobeat music. These guys knocked me dead at High Sierra Music Fest last year with a set that burned down the Vaudeville Stage, and I've been dying to see them again ever since. Featuring some members of Sharon Jones' Dap Kings, and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, along with rippin' sax player Cochemea Gastalum (Robert Walter's 20th Congress), they are a serious force to be reckoned with. I'm totally there and you're outta your mind if you're not with me.
http://www.myspace.com/
Dark Star Orchestra @ Great American Music Hall - $35
Tues & Weds shows. See above.
http://www.darkstarorchestra.
|||||| FRIDAY 4/17 ||||||
Swoop Unit @ Mojito - $5
Our boys are bringin' the heat to North Beach this Friday, let's get out there and rock with 'em! With seven veteran funky jazz players on one tiny stage, the conditions are just right for the most burnin' Swoop Unit gig ever. And if that ain't enough, just take some drugs and get lost in the sparkly gold depths of Mr. Willis' new drum kit... Not sayin' I would ever do that mind you, no, no, not me. But if you do, who am I to judge..?
http://swoopunit.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 4/18 ||||||
Beats, Brass, and Bows: Realistic Orchestra w/ Lyrics Born @ Palace of Fine Arts - $10 (3pm) - $25 (8pm)
Alright kids, this is it, time for some FREE TICKET Showy love! I have one ticket for the 3pm matinee and one to join me for the 8pm evening show. Choice of the tickets go the FIRST TWO PEOPLE to email me with the names of just THREE out of the SIXTY musicians that are playing this gig. I've already given you two, it won't be hard... I have no doubt this show will be amazing. With the creative innovation that Adam Theis has demonstrated time and time again put to use on such a grand scale, well, I can't wait to see what kind of epic hip-hop, breakbeat, symphonic madness ensues this Saturday. And I've never seen rapper Lyrics Born, whose music I love, so color me stoked upon stoked for this. Sure to be a great afterparty as well, since it's an early gig, so hit me up if you wanna catch that bit of the madness later on.
http://www.sfjazz.org/
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Grupo for You, Bro?
Yeah yeah, terrible title, I know. It's late, okay?
And honestly, I'm still recovering from one of the most incredible weekends of music I've had in a long time. That last email turned out to be right. It was so good that it hurt.
All title lameness aside though, I want to call your attention to the fact that Grupo Fantasma, certainly one of my favorite bands right now, is dropping into Yoshi's San Francisco this week.
'What?' you say? 'A dance-crazy band like Grupo is playing stodgy ol' Yoshi's?' you say?
Oh hell yeah they are. And dig this: there will be an open dance floor waiting for them at Yoshi's SF.
I'll be away this weekend, so my only chance to catch Grupo is Thursday night. If you wanna get your socks knocked completely off by the crazy Latin funk band that's been backing Prince up lately, or if you just wanna see what the hell Yoshi's looks like with a dance floor, please join me for the occasion!
One more quick note: Phish tickets are going on sale for Red Rocks Amphitheater this Thursday morning, and for Shoreline Amphitheater on Sunday morning. They're gonna be a challenge, so don't drop the ball if you're into these boys. It's been a long time. I'll be shooting for Sunday at Red Rocks and for good seats at Shoreline, in case you wanna do the same.
The action never stops...
|||||| THURSDAY 3/26 ||||||
Grupo Fantasma @ Yoshi's SF - $18
8pm open dance floor show. I'm all over this! Grupo is a SMOKIN' hot, horn-heavy, rock-your-face-off Latin funk orchestra that simply destroys every room that's silly enough to try to hold them. They've never failed to blow me away, and once you see them you probably won't miss the chance again. They're so damn hot that Yoshi's is opening up a dance floor for them. Yeah, dance floor, at Yoshi's.
http://grupofantasma.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 3/27 ||||||
Grupo Fantasma @ Yoshi's SF - $18
8pm & 10pm open dance floor shows. Hot stuff! See above.
http://grupofantasma.com/
Ronkat Spearman w/ Broun Fellinis @ Boom Boom Room - $12
Spearman is an old school guitarist from Parliament Funkadelic who seems to get regular gigs together with interesting Bay Area funk players on the regular. What's wild about this Boom Boom Room gig is that he has the entire Broun Fellinis trio backing him up. A force to be reckoned with on any night, the Fellinis do a very unique brand of powerful, aggressive, hip-hop jazz. This should be a really interesting show.
http://www.myspace.com/ronkat
http://www.myspace.com/brounfellinis
Goapele @ Yoshi's Oakland - $28 (sold out, hit Craigslist)
A powerful and entrancing soul/jazz singer with one of the most seductive voices I've ever heard. She is quite captivating even in an outdoor setting, so I'll bet these Yoshi's gigs will be magical.
http://www.myspace.com/goapelemusic
Robert Earl Keen @ the Fillmore - $25
I've gotta see this guy someday. His music is some of the most soulful, raw, and authentic roots Americana out there. Have you seen him, what's he like?
http://www.robertearlkeen.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 3/28 ||||||
the Wood Brothers @ Swedish American Music Hall - $16
Chris Wood (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood) is literally the most incredible upright bassist I have ever witnessed. Over the past couple of years Chris has rediscovered playing with his brother, who took a path towards roots music while Chris was playing jazz. Saturday brings a rare chance to get on down with some folksy traditional bluegrass from the good Brothers Wood.
http://www.thewoodbrothers.com/
Goapele @ Yoshi's Oakland - $28 (sold out, hit Craigslist)
See above.
http://www.myspace.com/goapelemusic
|||||| SUNDAY 3/29 ||||||
Goapele @ Yoshi's Oakland - $28
See above.
http://www.myspace.com/goapelemusic
And honestly, I'm still recovering from one of the most incredible weekends of music I've had in a long time. That last email turned out to be right. It was so good that it hurt.
All title lameness aside though, I want to call your attention to the fact that Grupo Fantasma, certainly one of my favorite bands right now, is dropping into Yoshi's San Francisco this week.
'What?' you say? 'A dance-crazy band like Grupo is playing stodgy ol' Yoshi's?' you say?
Oh hell yeah they are. And dig this: there will be an open dance floor waiting for them at Yoshi's SF.
I'll be away this weekend, so my only chance to catch Grupo is Thursday night. If you wanna get your socks knocked completely off by the crazy Latin funk band that's been backing Prince up lately, or if you just wanna see what the hell Yoshi's looks like with a dance floor, please join me for the occasion!
One more quick note: Phish tickets are going on sale for Red Rocks Amphitheater this Thursday morning, and for Shoreline Amphitheater on Sunday morning. They're gonna be a challenge, so don't drop the ball if you're into these boys. It's been a long time. I'll be shooting for Sunday at Red Rocks and for good seats at Shoreline, in case you wanna do the same.
The action never stops...
|||||| THURSDAY 3/26 ||||||
Grupo Fantasma @ Yoshi's SF - $18
8pm open dance floor show. I'm all over this! Grupo is a SMOKIN' hot, horn-heavy, rock-your-face-off Latin funk orchestra that simply destroys every room that's silly enough to try to hold them. They've never failed to blow me away, and once you see them you probably won't miss the chance again. They're so damn hot that Yoshi's is opening up a dance floor for them. Yeah, dance floor, at Yoshi's.
http://grupofantasma.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 3/27 ||||||
Grupo Fantasma @ Yoshi's SF - $18
8pm & 10pm open dance floor shows. Hot stuff! See above.
http://grupofantasma.com/
Ronkat Spearman w/ Broun Fellinis @ Boom Boom Room - $12
Spearman is an old school guitarist from Parliament Funkadelic who seems to get regular gigs together with interesting Bay Area funk players on the regular. What's wild about this Boom Boom Room gig is that he has the entire Broun Fellinis trio backing him up. A force to be reckoned with on any night, the Fellinis do a very unique brand of powerful, aggressive, hip-hop jazz. This should be a really interesting show.
http://www.myspace.com/ronkat
http://www.myspace.com/
Goapele @ Yoshi's Oakland - $28 (sold out, hit Craigslist)
A powerful and entrancing soul/jazz singer with one of the most seductive voices I've ever heard. She is quite captivating even in an outdoor setting, so I'll bet these Yoshi's gigs will be magical.
http://www.myspace.com/
Robert Earl Keen @ the Fillmore - $25
I've gotta see this guy someday. His music is some of the most soulful, raw, and authentic roots Americana out there. Have you seen him, what's he like?
http://www.robertearlkeen.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 3/28 ||||||
the Wood Brothers @ Swedish American Music Hall - $16
Chris Wood (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood) is literally the most incredible upright bassist I have ever witnessed. Over the past couple of years Chris has rediscovered playing with his brother, who took a path towards roots music while Chris was playing jazz. Saturday brings a rare chance to get on down with some folksy traditional bluegrass from the good Brothers Wood.
http://www.thewoodbrothers.
Goapele @ Yoshi's Oakland - $28 (sold out, hit Craigslist)
See above.
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 3/29 ||||||
Goapele @ Yoshi's Oakland - $28
See above.
http://www.myspace.com/
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
This One's Gonna Hurt. Probably Quite a Bit...
...It's a good kinda hurt though.
Like when you climb Mt. Tamalpais on your bike.
Or when something falls behind the sofa, and it seems like it's just barely out of reach, but you stretch EXTRA hard, and somehow, miraculously, grip it between two fingers and draaaaag it back.
Sure it hurts, but you accomplished something. You did it. You should be proud. You ARE proud.
This weekend will be something like that. The only relaxation I can see happening will be a seated Bela Fleck show at Yoshi's, possibly Sunday evening, to catch him dueling it out with a man from Mali who is master of a crazy instrument called the Kora. But the real pain will begin with the back-to-back monstrous musical happenings on Friday and Saturday night. Some of the world's funkiest players are gracing us with their infinite musicality this very weekend.
It's gonna hurt a little, but with you as my witness (and hopefully my cohort), I will see them all...
Speaking of stellar musicians, one last note: PHISH has announced their West Coast summer tour dates. These dates include four delicious nights at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, a place I've been dying go to for years. There is one night at Shoreline, and also two nights at Seattle's iconic Gorge. The last time the boys reunited, some of the results were mixed. But listening to the downloads of their comeback Hampton shows from two weekends ago, I have to say I am STOKED. They sound fantastic, and Trey is only forgetting a few things here and there...
Anyway, the shows go on sale next week and will sell out immediately, so get on your shit if you wanna see 'em. Schedule is here: http://www.phish.com/news/ I will be trying for Red Rocks (hoping for Friday or Saturday) and Shoreline if any of y'all out there interested.
Also, there is a simple pre-sale lottery ending THIS SUNDAY that you can find here: http://phish.portals.musictoday.com/ Do that for sure!
Now, on to more pressing subjects. Time to give 'til it hurts...
|||||| THURSDAY 3/19 ||||||
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $30
8pm & 10pm shows (who's up for it Thursday or Sunday?). Hot on the heels of the release of a documentary about his musical sojourn around Africa, banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck is bringing a little slice of Africa to us! Joining him in a rare duo for the Yoshi's gigs is Toumani Diabate, a world-renown master of the Malian Kora instrument. Apparently Diabate can give our man Fleck a good fight in the versatility department, so I'm sure they're amazing to see. I think I wanna go Sunday evening and I'd love some company...
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toumanidiabate
|||||| FRIDAY 3/20 ||||||
Will Bernard, John Medeski, Stanton Moore, Andy Hess @ Great American Music Hall - $20
Early show! 8pm! Uhhhh, yeah, this is gonna be just effin' ridiculous. Four powerhouses and no weak links. I think we're in for some of the nastiest groove jazz going today with this crew. Bernard has been a Bay Area funky jazz guitar institution for decades, John Medeski (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood) is quite simply the most brilliantly creative freak-jazz pianist I've ever seen, Stanton Moore (of Galactic) is my favorite New Orleans drummer, and Andy Hess (of John Scofield, etc) is a bass playing force to be reckoned with. No excuses, this will be STELLAR. I'll See you there. Some friendlies are meeting at Edinburough Castle around 6...
http://willbernard.com/
http://www.mmw.net/
http://stantonmoore.com/
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ the Independent - $25
Friday & Saturday shows (I'm goin' Saturday). FUNK YEAH! The short dude with the long tall soul is back and on the attack! Karl is one of the nastiest soul jazz sax players you'll ever hear, and his smokin' band is finally back from a long break. What's most amazing to me about seeing him with these guys is the incredible interplay between Karl and trumpeter Chris Littlefield. They match each other note for note while ripping through intensely complicated horn lines, and frequently improvise super tasty melodies together on the spot. The rest of his band are also straight-up badasses, and it all makes for a hell of a party. Oh, and one of the best organ players touring today, Robert Walter (along with Karl a Greyboy Allstars alum), brings his absurdly funky heavy-organ band to get the room rockin' before Karl does. You know, 'cause you needed one more reason to go. Join me on Saturday, and don't be late!
http://www.globalimaging.us/kdtu/news.php
http://robertwalter.com/
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $35
8pm & 10pm shows, see above.
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toumanidiabate
|||||| SATURDAY 3/21 ||||||
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ the Independent - $25
Friday & Saturday shows, see above. I'll catch you down in front for this one!
http://www.globalimaging.us/kdtu/news.php
http://robertwalter.com/
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $35
8pm & 10pm shows, see above.
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toumanidiabate
|||||| SUNDAY 3/22 ||||||
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $18-35
2pm & 7pm shows, I wanna go at 7! See above.
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toumanidiabate
Like when you climb Mt. Tamalpais on your bike.
Or when something falls behind the sofa, and it seems like it's just barely out of reach, but you stretch EXTRA hard, and somehow, miraculously, grip it between two fingers and draaaaag it back.
Sure it hurts, but you accomplished something. You did it. You should be proud. You ARE proud.
This weekend will be something like that. The only relaxation I can see happening will be a seated Bela Fleck show at Yoshi's, possibly Sunday evening, to catch him dueling it out with a man from Mali who is master of a crazy instrument called the Kora. But the real pain will begin with the back-to-back monstrous musical happenings on Friday and Saturday night. Some of the world's funkiest players are gracing us with their infinite musicality this very weekend.
It's gonna hurt a little, but with you as my witness (and hopefully my cohort), I will see them all...
Speaking of stellar musicians, one last note: PHISH has announced their West Coast summer tour dates. These dates include four delicious nights at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, a place I've been dying go to for years. There is one night at Shoreline, and also two nights at Seattle's iconic Gorge. The last time the boys reunited, some of the results were mixed. But listening to the downloads of their comeback Hampton shows from two weekends ago, I have to say I am STOKED. They sound fantastic, and Trey is only forgetting a few things here and there...
Anyway, the shows go on sale next week and will sell out immediately, so get on your shit if you wanna see 'em. Schedule is here: http://www.phish.com/news/ I will be trying for Red Rocks (hoping for Friday or Saturday) and Shoreline if any of y'all out there interested.
Also, there is a simple pre-sale lottery ending THIS SUNDAY that you can find here: http://phish.portals.
Now, on to more pressing subjects. Time to give 'til it hurts...
|||||| THURSDAY 3/19 ||||||
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $30
8pm & 10pm shows (who's up for it Thursday or Sunday?). Hot on the heels of the release of a documentary about his musical sojourn around Africa, banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck is bringing a little slice of Africa to us! Joining him in a rare duo for the Yoshi's gigs is Toumani Diabate, a world-renown master of the Malian Kora instrument. Apparently Diabate can give our man Fleck a good fight in the versatility department, so I'm sure they're amazing to see. I think I wanna go Sunday evening and I'd love some company...
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 3/20 ||||||
Will Bernard, John Medeski, Stanton Moore, Andy Hess @ Great American Music Hall - $20
Early show! 8pm! Uhhhh, yeah, this is gonna be just effin' ridiculous. Four powerhouses and no weak links. I think we're in for some of the nastiest groove jazz going today with this crew. Bernard has been a Bay Area funky jazz guitar institution for decades, John Medeski (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood) is quite simply the most brilliantly creative freak-jazz pianist I've ever seen, Stanton Moore (of Galactic) is my favorite New Orleans drummer, and Andy Hess (of John Scofield, etc) is a bass playing force to be reckoned with. No excuses, this will be STELLAR. I'll See you there. Some friendlies are meeting at Edinburough Castle around 6...
http://willbernard.com/
http://www.mmw.net/
http://stantonmoore.com/
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ the Independent - $25
Friday & Saturday shows (I'm goin' Saturday). FUNK YEAH! The short dude with the long tall soul is back and on the attack! Karl is one of the nastiest soul jazz sax players you'll ever hear, and his smokin' band is finally back from a long break. What's most amazing to me about seeing him with these guys is the incredible interplay between Karl and trumpeter Chris Littlefield. They match each other note for note while ripping through intensely complicated horn lines, and frequently improvise super tasty melodies together on the spot. The rest of his band are also straight-up badasses, and it all makes for a hell of a party. Oh, and one of the best organ players touring today, Robert Walter (along with Karl a Greyboy Allstars alum), brings his absurdly funky heavy-organ band to get the room rockin' before Karl does. You know, 'cause you needed one more reason to go. Join me on Saturday, and don't be late!
http://www.globalimaging.us/
http://robertwalter.com/
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $35
8pm & 10pm shows, see above.
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 3/21 ||||||
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ the Independent - $25
Friday & Saturday shows, see above. I'll catch you down in front for this one!
http://www.globalimaging.us/
http://robertwalter.com/
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $35
8pm & 10pm shows, see above.
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 3/22 ||||||
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate @ Yoshi's Oakland - $18-35
2pm & 7pm shows, I wanna go at 7! See above.
http://belafleck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
Friday, March 13, 2009
Fancy a Fleck Film on Friday?
...A 'Bela Flick' perhaps?
That was awful, I know, but I'm doin' the best with the time I have.
Banjoman of the world Bela Fleck has apparently teamed up with a documentary maker to, well, document his recent trip to Africa. The film is showing this weekend at the Roxie theater with both Fleck and the director in attendance. Megan and I are heading to the Friday 9:20 show, and you should join us! Looks like he'll be at Yoshi's next weekend with one of the musicians from the film as well...
Also, I IMPLORE you to get your tickets to the crazy double header of shows on 3/20 and 3/21. I just listened to a recent Karl Denson show on Archive.org in fact, and holy CRAP, they're funkier than ever. I can't wait for this:
3/20 - Will Bernard/John Medeski/Staton Moore/Andy Hess @ Great American Music Hall
3/20-3/21 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ Independent
Still don't believe me? Go here and don't miss Track 5: http://www.archive.org/details/kdtu2009-01-10.spyder9.flac16
Briefly (yeah, really) here are the deets on the Fleck flick and some other good bets for your musical weekend:
|||||| FRIDAY 3/13 ||||||
Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart (film) @ the Roxie - $10
Multiple showings Friday through Sunday (I'm goin' Friday at 9:20). This documentary follows our favorite banjo virtuoso as he travels around Africa discovering the roots and culture that gave birth to his instrument of choice. Fleck has long been known to travel to far flung lands to expand his playing, so I'm sure we'll be treated to many amazing moments on this journey of his. AND for the Friday and Saturday shows, Mr. Fleck himself and the director of the film will be there presumably for some Q & A. Come with!
http://www.roxie.com/events/details.cfm?eventid=AE4E392E-F1F6-5CD4-1A0464F1F51A0ECF
http://belafleck.com/
the New Mastersounds @ the Fillmore - $22.50
The young Brits who have been coming closer and closer to giving the Greyboy Allstars a run for their soul-jazz money are all grows up! Catch 'em in the big room for a dance-happy good time.
http://www.newmastersounds.com/
G. Love and Special Sauce @ the Warfield - $22.50
G. Love is just damn good times. He's a little rock, a little hip-hop, a little soul, a little folk, and a whole lotta fun to see live.
http://www.philadelphonic.com/
BLVD w/ Adam Deitch & Break Science @ Great American Music Hall - $15
I still haven't caught this high-energy livetronica outfit yet, but people tell me very good things. Add stellar drummer/producer Adam Deitch from John Scofield's band among others, and I think this'll be a pretty smokin' gig.
http://www.blvdsource.com/
http://www.myspace.com/adamdeitch
|||||| SATURDAY 3/14 ||||||
Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart (film) @ the Roxie - $10
Multiple showings Friday through Sunday (I'm goin' Friday at 9:20). See above.
http://www.roxie.com/events/details.cfm?eventid=AE4E392E-F1F6-5CD4-1A0464F1F51A0ECF
http://belafleck.com/
Monophonics @ Boom Boom Room - $14
Another funky soul-jazz outfit that's on the up-and-coming trip. These guys are young, have some great energy, and solid chops to back it all up.
http://www.monophonics.com/mp_bio.html
That was awful, I know, but I'm doin' the best with the time I have.
Banjoman of the world Bela Fleck has apparently teamed up with a documentary maker to, well, document his recent trip to Africa. The film is showing this weekend at the Roxie theater with both Fleck and the director in attendance. Megan and I are heading to the Friday 9:20 show, and you should join us! Looks like he'll be at Yoshi's next weekend with one of the musicians from the film as well...
Also, I IMPLORE you to get your tickets to the crazy double header of shows on 3/20 and 3/21. I just listened to a recent Karl Denson show on Archive.org in fact, and holy CRAP, they're funkier than ever. I can't wait for this:
3/20 - Will Bernard/John Medeski/Staton Moore/Andy Hess @ Great American Music Hall
3/20-3/21 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ Independent
Still don't believe me? Go here and don't miss Track 5: http://www.archive.org/
Briefly (yeah, really) here are the deets on the Fleck flick and some other good bets for your musical weekend:
|||||| FRIDAY 3/13 ||||||
Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart (film) @ the Roxie - $10
Multiple showings Friday through Sunday (I'm goin' Friday at 9:20). This documentary follows our favorite banjo virtuoso as he travels around Africa discovering the roots and culture that gave birth to his instrument of choice. Fleck has long been known to travel to far flung lands to expand his playing, so I'm sure we'll be treated to many amazing moments on this journey of his. AND for the Friday and Saturday shows, Mr. Fleck himself and the director of the film will be there presumably for some Q & A. Come with!
http://www.roxie.com/events/
http://belafleck.com/
the New Mastersounds @ the Fillmore - $22.50
The young Brits who have been coming closer and closer to giving the Greyboy Allstars a run for their soul-jazz money are all grows up! Catch 'em in the big room for a dance-happy good time.
http://www.newmastersounds.
G. Love and Special Sauce @ the Warfield - $22.50
G. Love is just damn good times. He's a little rock, a little hip-hop, a little soul, a little folk, and a whole lotta fun to see live.
http://www.philadelphonic.com/
BLVD w/ Adam Deitch & Break Science @ Great American Music Hall - $15
I still haven't caught this high-energy livetronica outfit yet, but people tell me very good things. Add stellar drummer/producer Adam Deitch from John Scofield's band among others, and I think this'll be a pretty smokin' gig.
http://www.blvdsource.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 3/14 ||||||
Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart (film) @ the Roxie - $10
Multiple showings Friday through Sunday (I'm goin' Friday at 9:20). See above.
http://www.roxie.com/events/
http://belafleck.com/
Monophonics @ Boom Boom Room - $14
Another funky soul-jazz outfit that's on the up-and-coming trip. These guys are young, have some great energy, and solid chops to back it all up.
http://www.monophonics.com/mp_
Sunday, March 1, 2009
2/20/2009: Friday, Showy Friday. And Saturday... and Fat Tuesday...
And what a Friday it is!
I only have a few minutes to hit you with some very important musical happenings, so try to read this as fast as you can, OK? Like in that super-fast legalese radio announcer voice. Good, you're doin' great.
To put it simply, you need to join me for a few things:
TONIGHT, some local shredders from Teal Leaf Green and ALO are throwin' down at the tiny little Connecticut Yankee for ten damn dollars. Into it? Lemme know. TOMORROW, punky bluegrass maniacs Split Lip Rayfield are swinging through on a rare SF visit. They're a hillbilly spectacle if ever there was one. And finally, Tuesday, FAT TUESDAY in fact, holds a smokin' hot Mardi Gras ball featuring the Brass Mafia and Extra Action Marching band. If you can only do one, make sure that's it. I'll bring some shiny beads for you. Oooh. Shiny.
Oh, and since I've been caught off guard with some shows selling out lately, may I humbly recommend you buy a ticket for both of these madatory events next month:
3/20 - Will Bernard/John Medeski/Staton Moore/Andy Hess @ Great American Music Hall
3/21 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ Independent. See? Mandatory.
No purchase necessary, for a limited time only, void where prohibited, not legal in the state of Virginia... Deets are all below, and happy Goddamn Friday!
|||||| FRIDAY 2/20 ||||||
Andrew Bird @ the Fillmore - $28 (or like a million bucks on Craigslist)
Unfortunately, this show SOLD OUT weeks ago. It slipped under the McShow radar, and you all have my apologies. Luckily, Mr. Bird seems to like this town, and I have no doubt he'll be bringing his monstrous talent and virtuosity here in again in the very near future. Since it's a tough ticket to get, I won't prattle on about him. You've heard me sing his multi-instrumentalist, brilliant songwriting, incredible vocalist praises before. Oh, and if you do have the scratch for a CL ticket ($80-100), I hear he's with a full band, and horns... (sigh).
http://andrewbird.net/
CounterClarkWise (Josh Clark / Steve Adams / Steve Molitz / Scott Rager) @ Connecticut Yankee - $10
Well damn! Just when I thought I had my Friday night figured out, I had read about this. Tea Leaf Green's Josh Clark is a pretty rippin' guitarist, drunk or not, and I've always dug ALO bassist Steve Adams' style. Joining these two hometown heroes is Steve Molitz, a really nasty keyboard player from Particle and Phil & Friends, and Tea Leaf drummer Scott Rager (best name in show business? maybe). Dang, that's a LOTTA rockin' in a TINY room. Who wants to go? C'mon!
http://www.jambase.com/shows/event.aspx?EventID=900625
|||||| SATURDAY 2/21 ||||||
Split Lip Rayfield @ Cafe du Nord - $15
yeeeeEEEEEHAAAAAW! These guys freakin' rip! One of their key members, Kirk Rundstrom, died tragically and suddenly of cancer last year, but I'm guessing the band will still be as nasty as ever. Picture the most smokin'-fast hillbilly bluegrass you've ever heard, then add a healthy dose of punk rock edge, and make sure to keep it as authentic and real as possible, and you're approaching Split Lip Rayfield. Complete with the most stellar single-string upright bass playin' you've ever seen. On a Ford Ranger gas tank. With a Weed Wacker handle. Yeah.
http://www.splitliprayfield.com/
Kinky @ Regency Center Grand Ballroom - $23.50
One of the true gems of High Sierra a few years back, these guys are a super high energy blend of Latin rock and funky electronic dance music. Utterly original, and an all around blast to see live.
http://www.kinkymusic.com/
Dropkick Murphys @ the Warfield - $22.50
Another one of these damn sold out shows. I'll just say that I've always thought the Dropkick Murphys' Celtic-hybrid music was some of the most out-and-out fun punk rock I've ever heard, and I've been wanting to catch 'em live for many years.
http://www.dropkickmurphys.com/
Monophonics @ Mission Rock Cafe - $15
Local up-and-comers on a tear, the Monophonics are a funky jazz band with mountains of energy and soul.
http://www.monophonics.com/mp_home.html
|||||| FAT TUESDAY 2/24 ||||||
Brass Mafia / Extra Action Marching Band @ the Indpendent - $15
Let's roll, SON! Sunset Promotions is puttin' on a hell of a Mardi Gras ball with two big, brassy, bad-ass bands. Extra Action is force to be reckoned with—a full-contact mob of marching band madness. Oh, and they're great players too, just in case you needed something more than getting your beer spilled by a scantily-clad flag dancer to keep your interest. Closing the night is the always ridiculous Brass Mafia, who you might remember from that little birthday happening a few months back. The only reason I remember through the boozy fog is that they're so damn GOOD with their lineup of SF's very best horn talent, arrangements by award-winning composer Adam Theis, rippin percussion by Pat Korte, and vocals ranging from freestyle rap to funky soul. Can I breathe now? Are you convinced?
http://www.sunsetpromotions.net/evinfo.php?eventid=32047&sid=
http://www.jazzmafia.com/bands/brass-mafia/
http://www.extra-action.com/
Marco Benevento, Joe Russo, Peter Apfelbaum, Josh Roseman @ Yoshi's Oakland - $16-20
Daaaaamn, if you're in the mood more for crazy jazz than you are for funky brass, this show is your only excuse for missing the one above. Briefly, Marco - ridiculous keys/piano/trippy effects and Joe - absurdly powerful drums (Russo/Benevento Duo, Bustle in Your Hedgerow, etc). Peter Apfelbaum - naaaasty sax player (New York Heiroglyphics, Trey Anastasio, Josh Roesman Unit, etc). Josh Roseman - trombone powerhouse (see Peter's bands and other absurdly good stuff). This will be madness, but will involve more sitting than the Brass Mafia show, you know, if you're into that...
http://beneventorussoduo.com/
http://www.peterapfelbaum.com/
http://joshroseman.com/index.html
I only have a few minutes to hit you with some very important musical happenings, so try to read this as fast as you can, OK? Like in that super-fast legalese radio announcer voice. Good, you're doin' great.
To put it simply, you need to join me for a few things:
TONIGHT, some local shredders from Teal Leaf Green and ALO are throwin' down at the tiny little Connecticut Yankee for ten damn dollars. Into it? Lemme know. TOMORROW, punky bluegrass maniacs Split Lip Rayfield are swinging through on a rare SF visit. They're a hillbilly spectacle if ever there was one. And finally, Tuesday, FAT TUESDAY in fact, holds a smokin' hot Mardi Gras ball featuring the Brass Mafia and Extra Action Marching band. If you can only do one, make sure that's it. I'll bring some shiny beads for you. Oooh. Shiny.
Oh, and since I've been caught off guard with some shows selling out lately, may I humbly recommend you buy a ticket for both of these madatory events next month:
3/20 - Will Bernard/John Medeski/Staton Moore/Andy Hess @ Great American Music Hall
3/21 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe | Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ Independent. See? Mandatory.
No purchase necessary, for a limited time only, void where prohibited, not legal in the state of Virginia... Deets are all below, and happy Goddamn Friday!
|||||| FRIDAY 2/20 ||||||
Andrew Bird @ the Fillmore - $28 (or like a million bucks on Craigslist)
Unfortunately, this show SOLD OUT weeks ago. It slipped under the McShow radar, and you all have my apologies. Luckily, Mr. Bird seems to like this town, and I have no doubt he'll be bringing his monstrous talent and virtuosity here in again in the very near future. Since it's a tough ticket to get, I won't prattle on about him. You've heard me sing his multi-instrumentalist, brilliant songwriting, incredible vocalist praises before. Oh, and if you do have the scratch for a CL ticket ($80-100), I hear he's with a full band, and horns... (sigh).
http://andrewbird.net/
CounterClarkWise (Josh Clark / Steve Adams / Steve Molitz / Scott Rager) @ Connecticut Yankee - $10
Well damn! Just when I thought I had my Friday night figured out, I had read about this. Tea Leaf Green's Josh Clark is a pretty rippin' guitarist, drunk or not, and I've always dug ALO bassist Steve Adams' style. Joining these two hometown heroes is Steve Molitz, a really nasty keyboard player from Particle and Phil & Friends, and Tea Leaf drummer Scott Rager (best name in show business? maybe). Dang, that's a LOTTA rockin' in a TINY room. Who wants to go? C'mon!
http://www.jambase.com/shows/
|||||| SATURDAY 2/21 ||||||
Split Lip Rayfield @ Cafe du Nord - $15
yeeeeEEEEEHAAAAAW! These guys freakin' rip! One of their key members, Kirk Rundstrom, died tragically and suddenly of cancer last year, but I'm guessing the band will still be as nasty as ever. Picture the most smokin'-fast hillbilly bluegrass you've ever heard, then add a healthy dose of punk rock edge, and make sure to keep it as authentic and real as possible, and you're approaching Split Lip Rayfield. Complete with the most stellar single-string upright bass playin' you've ever seen. On a Ford Ranger gas tank. With a Weed Wacker handle. Yeah.
http://www.splitliprayfield.
Kinky @ Regency Center Grand Ballroom - $23.50
One of the true gems of High Sierra a few years back, these guys are a super high energy blend of Latin rock and funky electronic dance music. Utterly original, and an all around blast to see live.
http://www.kinkymusic.com/
Dropkick Murphys @ the Warfield - $22.50
Another one of these damn sold out shows. I'll just say that I've always thought the Dropkick Murphys' Celtic-hybrid music was some of the most out-and-out fun punk rock I've ever heard, and I've been wanting to catch 'em live for many years.
http://www.dropkickmurphys.
Monophonics @ Mission Rock Cafe - $15
Local up-and-comers on a tear, the Monophonics are a funky jazz band with mountains of energy and soul.
http://www.monophonics.com/mp_
|||||| FAT TUESDAY 2/24 ||||||
Brass Mafia / Extra Action Marching Band @ the Indpendent - $15
Let's roll, SON! Sunset Promotions is puttin' on a hell of a Mardi Gras ball with two big, brassy, bad-ass bands. Extra Action is force to be reckoned with—a full-contact mob of marching band madness. Oh, and they're great players too, just in case you needed something more than getting your beer spilled by a scantily-clad flag dancer to keep your interest. Closing the night is the always ridiculous Brass Mafia, who you might remember from that little birthday happening a few months back. The only reason I remember through the boozy fog is that they're so damn GOOD with their lineup of SF's very best horn talent, arrangements by award-winning composer Adam Theis, rippin percussion by Pat Korte, and vocals ranging from freestyle rap to funky soul. Can I breathe now? Are you convinced?
http://www.sunsetpromotions.
http://www.jazzmafia.com/
http://www.extra-action.com/
Marco Benevento, Joe Russo, Peter Apfelbaum, Josh Roseman @ Yoshi's Oakland - $16-20
Daaaaamn, if you're in the mood more for crazy jazz than you are for funky brass, this show is your only excuse for missing the one above. Briefly, Marco - ridiculous keys/piano/trippy effects and Joe - absurdly powerful drums (Russo/Benevento Duo, Bustle in Your Hedgerow, etc). Peter Apfelbaum - naaaasty sax player (New York Heiroglyphics, Trey Anastasio, Josh Roesman Unit, etc). Josh Roseman - trombone powerhouse (see Peter's bands and other absurdly good stuff). This will be madness, but will involve more sitting than the Brass Mafia show, you know, if you're into that...
http://beneventorussoduo.com/
http://www.peterapfelbaum.com/
http://joshroseman.com/index.
2/9/2009: Late Show, Daddio.
Yep. That's right. As in the late show this Tuesday night at Yoshi's Oakland.
It would be veeeery foolish of you to miss out on some of the most badass musicians on the planet playing together for just ten bucks. TEN BUCKS.
You can't even buy drugs these days for ten bucks. I don't know what other argument I can make.
Well, okay, other than the one you'll find beneath the Tuesday header down there. Seriously though, check out the gig, it's ridiculous.
Oh, one little teaser to drop on ya before I get on with it here. Our pal and alleged Jazz Mafia ringleader Adam Theis noted in a recent email that Jazz Mafia Tuesdays will be triumphantly returning in the near-ish future...
at... a... new... LIVE... MUSIC... VENUE... in the Mission.
Do I wear my excitement on my keyboard? Apparently I do...
|||||| TUESDAY 2/10 ||||||
Marco Benevento, Skerik, Billy Martin, G. Calvin Weston @ Yoshi's Oakland - $10-16
Early & late shows (join me for the late one, it's CHEAP). I'll be shocked if this isn't some of the most mind-blowing freaky jazz we'll see all damn year. Piano/keys madman Benevento (of Russo/Benevento Duo) continues his Tuesday night residency, and for this night he'll have TWO of my musical heroes joining him. At this point I'm sure you're well aware of the badassery of Skerik, the evil sax player from Garage a Trois, et al. Adding to the ferocity on stage will be Billy Martin, the virtuoso drummer from Medeski, Martin, and Wood. The fourth man G. Calvin Weston is supposed to be quite the powerhouse on drums as well. Uh, yeah, pretty healthy dose of awesome right there.
http://marcobenevento.com/
|||||| THURSDAY 2/12 ||||||
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Yoshi's Oakland - $10-16
Early & late shows. Evolution seems to always be the word with Jacob Fred. Years ago they were a real challenge to wrap your head around, their jazz improv was so loosely tied together and so cerebral. Since then they seem to have made steps towards accessibility, and last time I saw 'em they were pretty damn funky. Now the band has a new bassist and guitarist/lap steel player, and from the tunes on their website apparently have a new kind of electro-indie, or even Radiohead, type of influence. It's pretty cool actually, because they back it all up with ridiculous jazz chops that turn the simple stuff inside out to make it nasty.
http://jfjo.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 2/13 ||||||
Papa Mali | Delta Nove @ Mission Rock Cafe - $17
A hot and sweaty Mardi Gras double bill if ever there was one! Papa brings a huge, heavy, swamp-guitar funk to the stage that rumbles around in your gut like only Bayou-bred music seems to do. And Delta Nove, with their dance-crazy Afro-Cuban brand of funk rock, posses an infectious energy that's impossible to sit still for. Hot stuff.
http://papamali.com/
http://www.deltanoveband.com/
Bill Kreutzman/Oteil Burbridge/Scott Murawski @ the Independent - $25
One of the pitfalls of the Grateful Dead was that on a bad night (or all the time, depending on your perspective), the band was too big and unwieldy to make for improvisational tightness. It looks like Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann is out to change all that with this hot little lineup. He has stellar Allman Brothers bassist Oteil Burbridge holding down the rhythm, and gritty frontman and guitarist from Max Creek Scott Murawski adding the punch. Listening to their tight, quick-moving, energetic versions of Grateful Dead songs makes me wonder what could have been if the Dead had this kind of agility...
http://www.myspace.com/billkreutzmann
|||||| SATURDAY 2/14 ||||||
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk @ the Independent - $22
Big, powerful, FUNK. Served hot, uncut, and straight outta New Orleans just as the Good Lawd intended. Ivan and his brother Ian set the stage on fire when they bring their crew of Crescent City funk masters out to play. If you wanna dance, there is no better choice this Saturday night...
http://www.dumpstaphunk.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 2/15 ||||||
Warsaw Poland Bros @ Elbo Room - $
It's been far too long since I've seen these punky ska rockers, and I just might have to get out and dig 'em this weekend. Renais? You in? A super fun band that has a very listenable west coast punk rock root with just about the right dose of bouncy ska horns to take the edge off and make ya get a little skank on.
http://www.myspace.com/warsawpolandbros
It would be veeeery foolish of you to miss out on some of the most badass musicians on the planet playing together for just ten bucks. TEN BUCKS.
You can't even buy drugs these days for ten bucks. I don't know what other argument I can make.
Well, okay, other than the one you'll find beneath the Tuesday header down there. Seriously though, check out the gig, it's ridiculous.
Oh, one little teaser to drop on ya before I get on with it here. Our pal and alleged Jazz Mafia ringleader Adam Theis noted in a recent email that Jazz Mafia Tuesdays will be triumphantly returning in the near-ish future...
at... a... new... LIVE... MUSIC... VENUE... in the Mission.
Do I wear my excitement on my keyboard? Apparently I do...
|||||| TUESDAY 2/10 ||||||
Marco Benevento, Skerik, Billy Martin, G. Calvin Weston @ Yoshi's Oakland - $10-16
Early & late shows (join me for the late one, it's CHEAP). I'll be shocked if this isn't some of the most mind-blowing freaky jazz we'll see all damn year. Piano/keys madman Benevento (of Russo/Benevento Duo) continues his Tuesday night residency, and for this night he'll have TWO of my musical heroes joining him. At this point I'm sure you're well aware of the badassery of Skerik, the evil sax player from Garage a Trois, et al. Adding to the ferocity on stage will be Billy Martin, the virtuoso drummer from Medeski, Martin, and Wood. The fourth man G. Calvin Weston is supposed to be quite the powerhouse on drums as well. Uh, yeah, pretty healthy dose of awesome right there.
http://marcobenevento.com/
|||||| THURSDAY 2/12 ||||||
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Yoshi's Oakland - $10-16
Early & late shows. Evolution seems to always be the word with Jacob Fred. Years ago they were a real challenge to wrap your head around, their jazz improv was so loosely tied together and so cerebral. Since then they seem to have made steps towards accessibility, and last time I saw 'em they were pretty damn funky. Now the band has a new bassist and guitarist/lap steel player, and from the tunes on their website apparently have a new kind of electro-indie, or even Radiohead, type of influence. It's pretty cool actually, because they back it all up with ridiculous jazz chops that turn the simple stuff inside out to make it nasty.
http://jfjo.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 2/13 ||||||
Papa Mali | Delta Nove @ Mission Rock Cafe - $17
A hot and sweaty Mardi Gras double bill if ever there was one! Papa brings a huge, heavy, swamp-guitar funk to the stage that rumbles around in your gut like only Bayou-bred music seems to do. And Delta Nove, with their dance-crazy Afro-Cuban brand of funk rock, posses an infectious energy that's impossible to sit still for. Hot stuff.
http://papamali.com/
http://www.deltanoveband.com/
Bill Kreutzman/Oteil Burbridge/Scott Murawski @ the Independent - $25
One of the pitfalls of the Grateful Dead was that on a bad night (or all the time, depending on your perspective), the band was too big and unwieldy to make for improvisational tightness. It looks like Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann is out to change all that with this hot little lineup. He has stellar Allman Brothers bassist Oteil Burbridge holding down the rhythm, and gritty frontman and guitarist from Max Creek Scott Murawski adding the punch. Listening to their tight, quick-moving, energetic versions of Grateful Dead songs makes me wonder what could have been if the Dead had this kind of agility...
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 2/14 ||||||
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk @ the Independent - $22
Big, powerful, FUNK. Served hot, uncut, and straight outta New Orleans just as the Good Lawd intended. Ivan and his brother Ian set the stage on fire when they bring their crew of Crescent City funk masters out to play. If you wanna dance, there is no better choice this Saturday night...
http://www.dumpstaphunk.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 2/15 ||||||
Warsaw Poland Bros @ Elbo Room - $
It's been far too long since I've seen these punky ska rockers, and I just might have to get out and dig 'em this weekend. Renais? You in? A super fun band that has a very listenable west coast punk rock root with just about the right dose of bouncy ska horns to take the edge off and make ya get a little skank on.
http://www.myspace.com/
1/26/2009: The Dap Kings and Other Rad Things
Well hi there, strangers!
A belated Very Funky New Year to you all. Hope you're every bit as sexy as you were when last we spoke. Sexier in fact, as long as that's even possible. Which in your case it might not actually be, because you're already so damn sexy anyway.
Everyone here at McShow Global Enterprises wants to express to you the fact that we're not the least bit concerned with this little economic downturn that's happening of late.
Why not, you ask? The most obvious reason is that no matter what kind of shape the economy is in, it doesn't seem to have had even the slightest effect on the overwhelming amount of fantastic live music that's in our immediate future.
And, well, since we don't actually have any staff per se, and since we (and by 'we' I mean 'I') don't actually get paid at all for anything, we figure the chances of staff and/or pay cuts are drastically reduced in our case.
Relieved now? I know I am.
On to that overwhelming music thing, then. This week brings us the rare chance to see Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, a band I've been dying to catch for years. From what I'm told there is no truer representation of the roots of funky soul music, James Brown kinda funky soul music, on tour today than Sharon and her band. They're at the Warfield Wednesday night and you should be too.
I'll be away this weekend, so I need to include some stellar stuff from next week too. Marco Benevento kicks off a 4-week Tuesday residency at Yoshi's in Oakland, rippin' on the keys with a different and stellar band every week. Then the weekend of February 6-7 we'll be treated to the New Orleans funk powerhouses of Trombone Shorty and the Dirty Dozen Brass band doing double nights of double bills at the Independent. Oh, yeah, and 7-string guitar wizard Charlie Hunter plays an intimate gig with nasty drummer Scott Amendola that weekend too.
See? Told ya...
|||||| TUESDAY 1/27 ||||||
Baba Ken & the Afro-Groove Conexion @ the Elbo Room - $7
No credit for the lame-ass name, TONS of credit of the HOT-ASS music. Always on the lookout for a new Afrobeat band, I hit their Facebook link below on a whim. And damn, if the live show is anywhere near as good as the tunes on their website this is a band I've gotta see. Any takers for rockin' out on a Tuesday (sans Jazz Mafia for once)? Give the stuff a listen if you doubt me...
http://www.facebook.com/agx
|||||| WEDNESDAY 1/28 ||||||
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings @ the Warfield - $22.50
GO TO THIS SHOW. If there is a more authentic funk-soul act on the planet than Sharon Jones, since James Brown passed of course, then I haven't heard of 'em. Hailing from James' hometown in Georgia, Sharon is a 100% pure, not from concentrate, soul singer extraordinaire. Her band the Dap Kings are supposed to be the creme de la creme of funk players, literally second to NONE. Think Stax, think Motown, think about your favorite James Brown tunes. I've been wanting to see Sharon and the Dap Kings for years, and they rarely come around because they tour worldwide, so I REALLY wanna hit this one. I think it'll be somethin' truly special.
http://www.myspace.com/sharonjonesandthedapkings
|||||| SUNDAY 2/1 ||||||
Ska is Dead Tour: the Toasters | Voodoo Glow Skulls @ Slim's - $16
Skaaaank ON! Damn straight ska isn't dead. Headlining a four act bill are two legends of the genre that I've always wanted to see. The Toasters are bouncy, funky, high energy, and a blast. The Voodoo Glow Skulls have a harder edge, more of a punky ska-core outfit, and also a high energy rockin' good band. Bummed I'm gonna be outta town. If you go to this, I wanna hear all about it!
http://www.toasters.org/
http://www.myspace.com/voodooglowskulls
|||||| TUESDAY 2/3 ||||||
Marco Benevento w/ Reed Mathis & Andrew Barr @ Yoshi's Oakland - $10-16
First night of a 4-week Tuesday night Yoshi's residency with players various and sundry, hell yeah! Pianist Marco Benevento is one of my heroes. As half of the stellar Duo with Joe Russo, he has proven himself time and time again to be a freaky monster who can think and create on the keys in ways most players never even dream of. Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey bassist Reed Mathis is another hero of mine and he's one of the few players who is just crazy and skilled enough to keep up with Marco...
http://www.marcobenevento.com/
|||||| THURSDAY 2/5 ||||||
Fiction Family @ Independent - $20
Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot are both incredible multi-instrumentalists and fantastic singers. The tunes I've heard from this collaboration are entrancing somehow, it's like a post-roots or electro-acoustic type sound. Very unique stuff, I'll bet this partially-seated show will be pretty wild.
http://www.fictionfamily.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 2/6 ||||||
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave | Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ the Independent - $22
Friday and Saturday shows (I'll be there Sat). Funk it UP y'all! This is one serious double dose of New Orleans funky fantasticness, and they're switching the headliners for each night. Shorty and his band are monstrously funky. The man himself is a bit of a prima donna, but you can't knock him too much for it because he just freakin' rocks the hell out of the place. Smokin' horns and a funk rock rhythms are what Shorty's band is all about. Opening this night are the legendary Dirty Dozen, a 12 piece New Orleans funky brass band institution if ever there was one. I say they're even better than that other big Crescent City brass band, what do you say..?
http://www.tromboneshorty.com/
http://www.dirtydozenbrass.com/
Charlie Hunter, Scott Amendola, & Friends @ Cafe du Nord - $20
Big, BIG men in a small, s m a l l room is a recipe that I'm rather hooked on. This night is drumming madman Scott Amendola's 40th birthday and he has 7-string guitar virtuouso/freak of nature Charlie Hunter along with a handful of other jazz powerhouse players joining him. This'll be a TON of talent in a tiny space. Eeeexcellent.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
http://www.scottamendola.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 2/6 ||||||
Dirty Dozen Brass Band | Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave @ the Independent - $22
Join me on this night, it'll be hot! See above.
http://www.dirtydozenbrass.com/
http://www.tromboneshorty.com/
A belated Very Funky New Year to you all. Hope you're every bit as sexy as you were when last we spoke. Sexier in fact, as long as that's even possible. Which in your case it might not actually be, because you're already so damn sexy anyway.
Everyone here at McShow Global Enterprises wants to express to you the fact that we're not the least bit concerned with this little economic downturn that's happening of late.
Why not, you ask? The most obvious reason is that no matter what kind of shape the economy is in, it doesn't seem to have had even the slightest effect on the overwhelming amount of fantastic live music that's in our immediate future.
And, well, since we don't actually have any staff per se, and since we (and by 'we' I mean 'I') don't actually get paid at all for anything, we figure the chances of staff and/or pay cuts are drastically reduced in our case.
Relieved now? I know I am.
On to that overwhelming music thing, then. This week brings us the rare chance to see Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, a band I've been dying to catch for years. From what I'm told there is no truer representation of the roots of funky soul music, James Brown kinda funky soul music, on tour today than Sharon and her band. They're at the Warfield Wednesday night and you should be too.
I'll be away this weekend, so I need to include some stellar stuff from next week too. Marco Benevento kicks off a 4-week Tuesday residency at Yoshi's in Oakland, rippin' on the keys with a different and stellar band every week. Then the weekend of February 6-7 we'll be treated to the New Orleans funk powerhouses of Trombone Shorty and the Dirty Dozen Brass band doing double nights of double bills at the Independent. Oh, yeah, and 7-string guitar wizard Charlie Hunter plays an intimate gig with nasty drummer Scott Amendola that weekend too.
See? Told ya...
|||||| TUESDAY 1/27 ||||||
Baba Ken & the Afro-Groove Conexion @ the Elbo Room - $7
No credit for the lame-ass name, TONS of credit of the HOT-ASS music. Always on the lookout for a new Afrobeat band, I hit their Facebook link below on a whim. And damn, if the live show is anywhere near as good as the tunes on their website this is a band I've gotta see. Any takers for rockin' out on a Tuesday (sans Jazz Mafia for once)? Give the stuff a listen if you doubt me...
http://www.facebook.com/agx
|||||| WEDNESDAY 1/28 ||||||
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings @ the Warfield - $22.50
GO TO THIS SHOW. If there is a more authentic funk-soul act on the planet than Sharon Jones, since James Brown passed of course, then I haven't heard of 'em. Hailing from James' hometown in Georgia, Sharon is a 100% pure, not from concentrate, soul singer extraordinaire. Her band the Dap Kings are supposed to be the creme de la creme of funk players, literally second to NONE. Think Stax, think Motown, think about your favorite James Brown tunes. I've been wanting to see Sharon and the Dap Kings for years, and they rarely come around because they tour worldwide, so I REALLY wanna hit this one. I think it'll be somethin' truly special.
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| SUNDAY 2/1 ||||||
Ska is Dead Tour: the Toasters | Voodoo Glow Skulls @ Slim's - $16
Skaaaank ON! Damn straight ska isn't dead. Headlining a four act bill are two legends of the genre that I've always wanted to see. The Toasters are bouncy, funky, high energy, and a blast. The Voodoo Glow Skulls have a harder edge, more of a punky ska-core outfit, and also a high energy rockin' good band. Bummed I'm gonna be outta town. If you go to this, I wanna hear all about it!
http://www.toasters.org/
http://www.myspace.com/
|||||| TUESDAY 2/3 ||||||
Marco Benevento w/ Reed Mathis & Andrew Barr @ Yoshi's Oakland - $10-16
First night of a 4-week Tuesday night Yoshi's residency with players various and sundry, hell yeah! Pianist Marco Benevento is one of my heroes. As half of the stellar Duo with Joe Russo, he has proven himself time and time again to be a freaky monster who can think and create on the keys in ways most players never even dream of. Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey bassist Reed Mathis is another hero of mine and he's one of the few players who is just crazy and skilled enough to keep up with Marco...
http://www.marcobenevento.com/
|||||| THURSDAY 2/5 ||||||
Fiction Family @ Independent - $20
Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot are both incredible multi-instrumentalists and fantastic singers. The tunes I've heard from this collaboration are entrancing somehow, it's like a post-roots or electro-acoustic type sound. Very unique stuff, I'll bet this partially-seated show will be pretty wild.
http://www.fictionfamily.com/
|||||| FRIDAY 2/6 ||||||
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave | Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ the Independent - $22
Friday and Saturday shows (I'll be there Sat). Funk it UP y'all! This is one serious double dose of New Orleans funky fantasticness, and they're switching the headliners for each night. Shorty and his band are monstrously funky. The man himself is a bit of a prima donna, but you can't knock him too much for it because he just freakin' rocks the hell out of the place. Smokin' horns and a funk rock rhythms are what Shorty's band is all about. Opening this night are the legendary Dirty Dozen, a 12 piece New Orleans funky brass band institution if ever there was one. I say they're even better than that other big Crescent City brass band, what do you say..?
http://www.tromboneshorty.com/
http://www.dirtydozenbrass.
Charlie Hunter, Scott Amendola, & Friends @ Cafe du Nord - $20
Big, BIG men in a small, s m a l l room is a recipe that I'm rather hooked on. This night is drumming madman Scott Amendola's 40th birthday and he has 7-string guitar virtuouso/freak of nature Charlie Hunter along with a handful of other jazz powerhouse players joining him. This'll be a TON of talent in a tiny space. Eeeexcellent.
http://www.charliehunter.com/
http://www.scottamendola.com/
|||||| SATURDAY 2/6 ||||||
Dirty Dozen Brass Band | Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave @ the Independent - $22
Join me on this night, it'll be hot! See above.
http://www.dirtydozenbrass.
http://www.tromboneshorty.com/
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