CLUB 47 LIVES ON, AND VIVA THE HOT STOVE
Two marathon shows took place this past Sunday – the 50th anniversary gig of Club 47 (now Club Passim) at the Brattle Theatre, and the Theo Epstein/Peter Gammons extravaganza, Hot Stove, Cool Music, at the Paradise Theatre. Both featured a seeming cast of thousands and lasted in the vicinity of five hours or more, testing one’s patience but also going beyond one’s expectations.
Timing made it impossible to complete each show, so I opted for the first three hours of the Club 47 reunion, then nearly the same time at Hot Stove. Nary a dull moment was felt at either, but I’ll admit to musical overkill at the end of it.
The Club 47 show was flush with lifelong hippies whose talents, remarkably, were still often intact. Singer-songwriter Chris Smither was his standout self (calling himself a “new kid’’ compared to the elders) and his easygoing grace on guitar continues to amaze. So did the duo of Jim Rooney and Bill Keith on a vital version of the Rolling Stones’ “No Expectations.’’ And let’s not forget the modest talent but great spirit of Carolyn Hester, the winsomeness of Banana (who went on to back Mimi Farina at the Newport Folk Festival), the ageless gospel of the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers, and the crusty Al Kooper’s ever-deepening blues brilliance.
The Hot Stove event was more of a madhouse. Where you could hear a pin drop at the Brattle, you were thrust into a giant party at the Paradise. Highlights included Lori McKenna’s thrilling set (does she ever have an off night?) and Bill Janovitz singing The Band’s “It Makes No Difference.’’ And Peter Gammons’ Allstars were a far-reaching gang this time, including Little Feat’s Paul Barrere, J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman, singer Kay Hanley, Mighty Mighty Bosstone Dicky Barrett (blasting out a hot version of the Geils tune “Give It to Me’’), Epstein on guitar. and Elan Trotman (who normally backs Bronson Arroyo, who played before I arrived) on rocketing sax solos.
The energy kept right on coming with Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck’s hard-rock cover band, French Lick. They opened with a Georgia Satellites tune and never turned back. I slipped out around this time, but was encouraged to hear that the Hot Stove experience this time raised $250,000 for Epstein’s A Foundation to Be Named Later. A good job by all.
ROYAL CROWN REVUE: The neo-swing era was revived earlier this decade and you have to put the Royal Crown Revue right at the top of it. I caught their recent show at Scullers Jazz Club and it kept building in excitement throughout, even if there was no dance floor for fans to expend energy. Led by cool-cat singer Ed Nichols, the Royals ripped up the room with a virtuoso display of fast-charging swing, enhanced by a three-piece horn section. The repertoire was handsomely varied, from the opening strut of “Walking Like Brando’’ to Dizzy Dillespie’s “Salt Peanuts’’ and a newer tune, “El Toro,’’ that charged with a polyrhythmic frenzy that marks this excellent band. Catch them next time through.
CRITIC’S TIPS
Edwin McCain – at the Paradise Rock Club on Thursday, Jan. 10. The Southern rocker fronts an acoustic trio this time around.
Radio Kings – at Toad on Thursday, Jan. 10. One of Boston’s best blues-rock groups has reunited, so be primed for a high-octane night.
Casey Desmond – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Jan. 11. Desmond is the new It Girl around town, witness her cover story in a recent issue of Improper Bostonian. Come see what the fuss is about. She’ll play the middle set and rising talent Sarah RabDAU (yes, that’s her spelling) performs afterward.
Laura Vecchione – at Johnny D’s on Friday, Jan. 11. It’s not everyday that a great country-rock talent tries to emerge from Boston, but Vecchione is doing an outstanding job of it.
Laurie Lewis – at the National Heritage Museum on Saturday, Jan. 12. Lewis is a connoisseur’s bluegrass star. Worth the trek to this museum in Lexington to see her.
Soulgrass – at the Regattabar on Saturday, Jan. 12. Soulgrass not the coolest name in the world, but it’s aptly descriptive of this fusion jazz-bluegrass act, starring Bill Evans and all-world picker Sam Bush.
Spider John Koerner – at the Plough & Stars on Monday, Jan. 14. The legendary acoustic folk-bluesman used to play the Plough all the time. He no longer lives in town, but it’s great to see him back at his familiar haunt.
Showing posts with label Boston music scene. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston music scene. Show all posts
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Christmas Celtic Sojourn
Christmas may provoke some tense reactions in some people. They may need a reminder about the warmth of the season -- and one way to jumpstart that is to catch the upcoming Christmas Celtic Sojourn shows at the Cutler Majestic Theatre over the next two weeks.
"These shows allow us to be sentimental. People look for the assurance of Christmas time,'' says producer Brian O'Donovan, who presents the Christmas Celtic Sojourn for the fifth straight year starting this Thursday, Dec. 13 and running to Dec. 22.
"There will be up to 17 musicians and dancers on stage at any given time,'' adds O'Donovan, who has a rotating cast each year. This year's program includes the renowned Solas, Aoife O'Donovan (Brian's daughter, who is also in the folk group Crooked Still that just sold out the Somerville Theatre), Dougie MacLean, Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Seamus Eagan, and Kieran Jordan and her troupe of four dancers.
"It's a very collaborative effort,'' says O'Donovan. "The group is chosen in April of each year and that's when the collaborative effort begins. There's a fair amount of interesting Christmas music and some music that would fit an old-fashioned kitchen party gathering.''
O'Donovan himself ties it together by providing thoughts, poems, and commentary, though the program's focus is on music.
"There a main female singer and a main male singer. Last year it was Karen Kasey and Robbie O'Connell. This year it's Dougie MacLean and Aoife,'' he says.
I caught the show last year and loved it. The formula has also been quite successful. Three of the previous years' versions have come out on CDs from Rounder Records and the first DVD, "A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Live,'' has come out from last year's show.
For tickets, you can call 1-800-872-8997 or go online at www.maj.org./p2008/celtic.html.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com)
"These shows allow us to be sentimental. People look for the assurance of Christmas time,'' says producer Brian O'Donovan, who presents the Christmas Celtic Sojourn for the fifth straight year starting this Thursday, Dec. 13 and running to Dec. 22.
"There will be up to 17 musicians and dancers on stage at any given time,'' adds O'Donovan, who has a rotating cast each year. This year's program includes the renowned Solas, Aoife O'Donovan (Brian's daughter, who is also in the folk group Crooked Still that just sold out the Somerville Theatre), Dougie MacLean, Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Seamus Eagan, and Kieran Jordan and her troupe of four dancers.
"It's a very collaborative effort,'' says O'Donovan. "The group is chosen in April of each year and that's when the collaborative effort begins. There's a fair amount of interesting Christmas music and some music that would fit an old-fashioned kitchen party gathering.''
O'Donovan himself ties it together by providing thoughts, poems, and commentary, though the program's focus is on music.
"There a main female singer and a main male singer. Last year it was Karen Kasey and Robbie O'Connell. This year it's Dougie MacLean and Aoife,'' he says.
I caught the show last year and loved it. The formula has also been quite successful. Three of the previous years' versions have come out on CDs from Rounder Records and the first DVD, "A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Live,'' has come out from last year's show.
For tickets, you can call 1-800-872-8997 or go online at www.maj.org./p2008/celtic.html.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
CRIT TIPS
Detroit Cobras – at T.T. the Bear’s on Thursday, Oct. 25. These Detroit rockers have swung through town a lot lately, but they deliver a sometimes necessary jolt of garage-punk by digging out ‘60s underground classics that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Sarah Borges – at Johnny D’s on Friday, Oct. 26. The Somerville-based singer has worked hard to become a national touring act this year. She’s as likely to be in Vancouver as she is in Boston. Her vital country-rock is the reason why.
Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theatre – Tingle’s Davis Square venue has been creative in its bookings. This Friday and Saturday they’ve got Jeremy Lyons, a New Orleans bluesman who came her after Katrina, along with catered food from Redbones.
Buffalo Tom – at the Somerville Theatre on Friday, Oct. 26. Tom Janovitz and the lads aren’t resting on their ‘90s alt-rock laurels. They just released a new album and have been promoting it vigorously.
Angeline and Robin Lane & the Chartbusters – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Oct. 26. The female-fronted Angeline is up and coming, while the Chartbusters had their heyday in the ‘80s. But the constant between these two groups is Boston rocker Asa Brebner, who always lifts whatever act he’s playing with.
Paddy Saul – at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, Oct. 27. The local Celtic rocker has been on the move. He has emerged from the Tir na Nog circuit to play some larger venues – and this is his first headlining stint at the Lizard. I believe.
Mary Gauthier – at Club Passim on Monday, Oct. 29. The former owner/chef of Boston’s Dixie Kitchen restaurant has become a startlingly emotional folk-country singer. Give her credit for trying a new career and making it.
Pink-Tie Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball -- at the Hard Rock Café on Monday, Oct. 29. The bands Gretel and Static of the Gods are among the acts playing this benefit event, which WBOS is helping sponsor.
Van Halen – at the TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Van Halen’s onetime clown prince, David Lee Roth, is back in the saddle, so this should stir some memories. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen is still aboard, while his son, Wolfgang, is on bass this time.
Australian Pink Floyd – at Agganis Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 30. My WBOS DJ partner John Laurenti loves these guys. Close your eyes and you’ll think the real Pink Floyd might be in the room. They deliver a spectacular light show as well.
Detroit Cobras – at T.T. the Bear’s on Thursday, Oct. 25. These Detroit rockers have swung through town a lot lately, but they deliver a sometimes necessary jolt of garage-punk by digging out ‘60s underground classics that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Sarah Borges – at Johnny D’s on Friday, Oct. 26. The Somerville-based singer has worked hard to become a national touring act this year. She’s as likely to be in Vancouver as she is in Boston. Her vital country-rock is the reason why.
Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theatre – Tingle’s Davis Square venue has been creative in its bookings. This Friday and Saturday they’ve got Jeremy Lyons, a New Orleans bluesman who came her after Katrina, along with catered food from Redbones.
Buffalo Tom – at the Somerville Theatre on Friday, Oct. 26. Tom Janovitz and the lads aren’t resting on their ‘90s alt-rock laurels. They just released a new album and have been promoting it vigorously.
Angeline and Robin Lane & the Chartbusters – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Oct. 26. The female-fronted Angeline is up and coming, while the Chartbusters had their heyday in the ‘80s. But the constant between these two groups is Boston rocker Asa Brebner, who always lifts whatever act he’s playing with.
Paddy Saul – at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, Oct. 27. The local Celtic rocker has been on the move. He has emerged from the Tir na Nog circuit to play some larger venues – and this is his first headlining stint at the Lizard. I believe.
Mary Gauthier – at Club Passim on Monday, Oct. 29. The former owner/chef of Boston’s Dixie Kitchen restaurant has become a startlingly emotional folk-country singer. Give her credit for trying a new career and making it.
Pink-Tie Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball -- at the Hard Rock Café on Monday, Oct. 29. The bands Gretel and Static of the Gods are among the acts playing this benefit event, which WBOS is helping sponsor.
Van Halen – at the TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Van Halen’s onetime clown prince, David Lee Roth, is back in the saddle, so this should stir some memories. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen is still aboard, while his son, Wolfgang, is on bass this time.
Australian Pink Floyd – at Agganis Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 30. My WBOS DJ partner John Laurenti loves these guys. Close your eyes and you’ll think the real Pink Floyd might be in the room. They deliver a spectacular light show as well.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Crit tips
Lowell Folk Festival -- at various sites in Lowell from Friday-Sunday, July 27-29. The annual roots music treasure, this year starring neo-honky-tonker James Hand and many others. Check Lowellfolkfestival.org for details.
Mr. Butch tribute -- at Harpers Ferry on Friday, July 27. Renowned Kenmore Square/ Allston character Mr. Butch just passed away and will be remembered by the Ramoniacs, Unnatural Axe, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, and more.
James Montgomery -- on a concert cruise leaving from Long Wharf at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 27. Bluesman Montgomery will be rocking, preceded by Charlie Farren of Farrenheit fame.
The Police -- at Fenway Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29. I'm tempted to say, "Beg, borrow or steal a ticket to this," but if you're a Police fan, you're probably already going. If you're on the fence, please note that a limited number of extra tickets have been made available this week.
Andrea Gillis -- at the Plough & Stars on Sautrday, July 28. For pure, rock/R&B energy, no one does it better than the Boston-based Andrea. She can wail.
Sugar Ray & the Blue Tones -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 28. With hot weather on tap, it's time to hit the beach. Hang around and catch the Blue Notes at the Sea Note. Should be a great party.
311, Matisyahu, and the English Beat -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 29. A great triple bill with a reggae-rock tinge, along with ska-rock in the form of the English Beat.
Moody Blues -- at the Bank of America on Monday, July 30. Hey, they're still good after all these years. No joke.
Dave Matthews Band -- at the Tweeter Center on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Dave is a summer fixture and he almost never disappoints. And the talented Xavier Rudd opens up.
STEVE MORSE
Mr. Butch tribute -- at Harpers Ferry on Friday, July 27. Renowned Kenmore Square/ Allston character Mr. Butch just passed away and will be remembered by the Ramoniacs, Unnatural Axe, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, and more.
James Montgomery -- on a concert cruise leaving from Long Wharf at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 27. Bluesman Montgomery will be rocking, preceded by Charlie Farren of Farrenheit fame.
The Police -- at Fenway Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29. I'm tempted to say, "Beg, borrow or steal a ticket to this," but if you're a Police fan, you're probably already going. If you're on the fence, please note that a limited number of extra tickets have been made available this week.
Andrea Gillis -- at the Plough & Stars on Sautrday, July 28. For pure, rock/R&B energy, no one does it better than the Boston-based Andrea. She can wail.
Sugar Ray & the Blue Tones -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 28. With hot weather on tap, it's time to hit the beach. Hang around and catch the Blue Notes at the Sea Note. Should be a great party.
311, Matisyahu, and the English Beat -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 29. A great triple bill with a reggae-rock tinge, along with ska-rock in the form of the English Beat.
Moody Blues -- at the Bank of America on Monday, July 30. Hey, they're still good after all these years. No joke.
Dave Matthews Band -- at the Tweeter Center on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Dave is a summer fixture and he almost never disappoints. And the talented Xavier Rudd opens up.
STEVE MORSE
The Beehive is Boston’s coolest club in eons. You may have read some hype about it – the Boston Globe has written a couple of major pieces – but the praise is justified, as long as you don’t go when the crowd is bulging out of the room. In other words, go during the early week if you can. If you can only go on weekends, there’s an upstairs part of the Beehive which is a decent holding pen, but the downstairs is where you want to be.
The Beehive is located in the first floor and the basement of the Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont St. The basement is where the action is, but it doesn’t feel like a basement, since there are high ceilings and even some windows amid an uptown décor that feels like an industrial loft in Manhattan. Plus, there are two rooms – one a large restaurant/bar area, the other a cozy nook with live music every night, much of it provided by acts that also play Bob the Chef’s up the street. (Bob’s owner Darryl Settles, one of the nicest guys in town, is a co-owner of the Beehive.) There are tables and chairs in the music room, but I’ve seen a lot of dancing there, as well, especially from some rowdy, office-party folks who certainly won’t be getting to work early the next day.
I went one Friday night and it was the hottest singles action I’ve seen since the opening of Saint. The owners are targeting an over-30 crowd, which is easier said than done in the eternally collegiate Boston, but the mix is impressive. And people seemed friendly, which isn’t always the case at Saint.
Otherwise, I’ve been early in the week – a Monday or Tuesday, especially late, around midnight when the action has tapered off a bit, but not the spirit. The cool, modernistic art work on the walls and the curtains dividing the two rooms and flanking the stage, lend an urban elegance. And the music has been sensational. I caught the Afro-Cuban All-Stars one night, and recently I saw the Elan Trottman Quintet. Elan is a music teacher in the Boston public schools who also is the music director of Bronson Arroyo’s band – Bronson being the former Red Sox pitcher who skillfully performs hard-rock, grunge-era cover songs, though Elan on his own is more jazz and R&B flavored.
Elan has a Friday residency at Bob the Chef’s, where he tends to play chill-out jazz, but at the Beehive, he stepped it up with exciting, all-instrumental covers of such tunes as James Brown’s “I Feel Good,’’ the Motown classic “My Girl,’’ Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl’’ (which had the dance floor swinging) and the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.’’ It was a dynamic performance and Elan even stood on a chair in the middle of the floor, blowing some sax riffs over the dancers like a primal rite of summer. The crowd ate it up. And his band was phenomenal as well, including guest trombonist Derrick White, whose solos were sublime.
And this was just on a Monday night! Elan isn’t at the Beehive that often, but when he is, check him out. And just get down there anyway. Every night of music has been a good one in my experience. The people-watching is obviously a nice bonus, but this place is building a vital musical reputation that is a joy to see.
The Beehive is located in the first floor and the basement of the Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont St. The basement is where the action is, but it doesn’t feel like a basement, since there are high ceilings and even some windows amid an uptown décor that feels like an industrial loft in Manhattan. Plus, there are two rooms – one a large restaurant/bar area, the other a cozy nook with live music every night, much of it provided by acts that also play Bob the Chef’s up the street. (Bob’s owner Darryl Settles, one of the nicest guys in town, is a co-owner of the Beehive.) There are tables and chairs in the music room, but I’ve seen a lot of dancing there, as well, especially from some rowdy, office-party folks who certainly won’t be getting to work early the next day.
I went one Friday night and it was the hottest singles action I’ve seen since the opening of Saint. The owners are targeting an over-30 crowd, which is easier said than done in the eternally collegiate Boston, but the mix is impressive. And people seemed friendly, which isn’t always the case at Saint.
Otherwise, I’ve been early in the week – a Monday or Tuesday, especially late, around midnight when the action has tapered off a bit, but not the spirit. The cool, modernistic art work on the walls and the curtains dividing the two rooms and flanking the stage, lend an urban elegance. And the music has been sensational. I caught the Afro-Cuban All-Stars one night, and recently I saw the Elan Trottman Quintet. Elan is a music teacher in the Boston public schools who also is the music director of Bronson Arroyo’s band – Bronson being the former Red Sox pitcher who skillfully performs hard-rock, grunge-era cover songs, though Elan on his own is more jazz and R&B flavored.
Elan has a Friday residency at Bob the Chef’s, where he tends to play chill-out jazz, but at the Beehive, he stepped it up with exciting, all-instrumental covers of such tunes as James Brown’s “I Feel Good,’’ the Motown classic “My Girl,’’ Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl’’ (which had the dance floor swinging) and the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.’’ It was a dynamic performance and Elan even stood on a chair in the middle of the floor, blowing some sax riffs over the dancers like a primal rite of summer. The crowd ate it up. And his band was phenomenal as well, including guest trombonist Derrick White, whose solos were sublime.
And this was just on a Monday night! Elan isn’t at the Beehive that often, but when he is, check him out. And just get down there anyway. Every night of music has been a good one in my experience. The people-watching is obviously a nice bonus, but this place is building a vital musical reputation that is a joy to see.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Crit tips
Critic's Tips:
Detroit Cobras -- at T.T. the Bear's on Friday, July 20. All-out energy from one of the finest garage-rock bands on the planet.
Shaun & Suzy's 14th annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, July 21. Bastille Day was last week, but Shaun & Suzy revive it at their annual, hard-to-beat party.
Goo Goo Dolls and Lifehouse -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 22. A smart rock 'n' roll double bill with the Goos and the comeback-in-the-making Lifehouse.
Richie Furay Band -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Sunday, July 22. Anyone remember Buffalo Springfield? They had Neil Young and Stephen Stills, but also Furay, who hasn't been heard from in years, so this should be a fascinating night. And Chris Hillman (Byrds) opens up.
White Stripes -- at Agganis Arena on Monday, July 23. Jack and Meg White bring their color-coordinated, but wildly explosive, sound into this BU arena. Their new album kicks butt.
Chris Cornell -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, July 24. Cornell has fronted Soundgarden and Audioslave -- and brings the best of both acts to his solo tour. He played Avalon not long ago and was terrific.
Swell Season -- at the Brattle Theatre on Wednesday, July 25. The indie film "Once'' has been a pleasant surprise. It stars Glen Hansard (of the Frames), who anchors Swell Season.
The Cat Empire -- at the WBOS Copley Square series on Thursday, July 26. Bring your dancing shoes to this twilight, 5:30 p.m. free concert in the square with these Australian revelers.
STEVE MORSE
Detroit Cobras -- at T.T. the Bear's on Friday, July 20. All-out energy from one of the finest garage-rock bands on the planet.
Shaun & Suzy's 14th annual Bastille Day A-Go-Go at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, July 21. Bastille Day was last week, but Shaun & Suzy revive it at their annual, hard-to-beat party.
Goo Goo Dolls and Lifehouse -- at the Tweeter Center on Sunday, July 22. A smart rock 'n' roll double bill with the Goos and the comeback-in-the-making Lifehouse.
Richie Furay Band -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Sunday, July 22. Anyone remember Buffalo Springfield? They had Neil Young and Stephen Stills, but also Furay, who hasn't been heard from in years, so this should be a fascinating night. And Chris Hillman (Byrds) opens up.
White Stripes -- at Agganis Arena on Monday, July 23. Jack and Meg White bring their color-coordinated, but wildly explosive, sound into this BU arena. Their new album kicks butt.
Chris Cornell -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, July 24. Cornell has fronted Soundgarden and Audioslave -- and brings the best of both acts to his solo tour. He played Avalon not long ago and was terrific.
Swell Season -- at the Brattle Theatre on Wednesday, July 25. The indie film "Once'' has been a pleasant surprise. It stars Glen Hansard (of the Frames), who anchors Swell Season.
The Cat Empire -- at the WBOS Copley Square series on Thursday, July 26. Bring your dancing shoes to this twilight, 5:30 p.m. free concert in the square with these Australian revelers.
STEVE MORSE
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