First off, the long-awaited new Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band album, “Magic,’’ is not a great record. It has great individual songs on it, but not enough overall magic for some Bruce diehards. It’s a return to rock, but Bruce recycles some riffs and ends up with an album that is more of a holding pattern than a breakthrough.
The real magic came in the opening night this week of the E Street tour in Hartford. Springsteen & Co. reached back for a comeback show that had the Bruce faithful in fist-waving ecstasy once again. The fans were thankful that he has gone beyond his last two, folk-flavored albums to revive the E Street Band and restore the thunder that’s been missing these last five years.
The E Streeters are getting older – Bruce just hit 58, while saxophonist Clarence Clemons is 65 and not the same ferocious force of yore, at least not consistently. But the chemistry was there when they needed it. The song selection was also a marvel, despite Bruce boldly tossing in eight songs from the new disc, which was too many for an audience that hadn’t yet digested it. But he packaged the new and old material beautifully, from the opening segue of fiery new single “Radio Nowhere’’ into the ever-communal “The Ties That Bind.’’ He’s still searching for faith.
“This is the first stop on our mystery train. Thanks for being with us,’’ Springsteen said to the sold-out crowd at the Hartford Civic Center.
Unlike past tours, he barely spoke, instead putting the focus on the music. There were no long stories or speeches. He threw out a few quick political shots – attacking the “illegal wiretapping’’ and “attacks on the Constitution’’ by the last administration (which he didn’t name) – but just as quickly he followed with his classic “Promised Land,’’ with its insistent refrain of “I believe in the promised land.’’
He also believes in shaking up the arrangements of some of his older tunes. The venerable “She’s the One’’ was given a more pronounced Bo Diddley beat, while “Darlington County’’ became his hardest-rocking tune of the night. The show’s highlight was a whomping transition from “Darkness on the Edge of Town’’ into “Darlington County.’’ It was the Bruce message in a nutshell: Confront the darkness, then break out of it.
The darkness was there in some of the new songs, including “Last to Die,’’ an apparent knock on the Iraq War (“Who’ll be the last to die for a mistake?’’ he sang) and “Gypsy Biker,’’ about a son finally coming home, but to a grave. Some new songs were less effective – the gushy “Girls In Their Summer Clothes’’ was a trifle that sounded like a Beach Boys outtake.
But the show built up with patented Springsteen energy, as he strung together the new “Devil’s Arcade,’’ his 9/11 song “The Rising,’’ and aforementioned “Last to Die,’’ then blew it all open with the set-closing “Badlands.’’ The band, notably guitarists Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, along with drummer Max Weinberg, followed his lead and cut loose.
Springsteen lost me on the first two encores (“Girls in Their Summer Clothes’’ and a flat version of “Thundercrack’’), but then pushed the right button with a tumultuous “Born to Run.’’ He then returned for another dual encore of the poppy “Waiting On A Sunny Day’’ and the high-octane folk of “American Land’’ from the re-released version of the “Seeger Sessions’’ album. E Street keyboardists Roy Bittan and Danny Federici both switched to accordions for this Celtic-grooved tune, which was played with the same incendiary passion as the earlier rock tracks. Night one of the tour was in the books – and the crowd went home as deliriously transported as ever.
CRITIC’S TIPS
* Josh Ritter – at the Somerville Theatre Thursday-Friday, Oct. 4-5. The Idaho singer-songwriter, who lived for a while in Somerville, returns to familiar terrain.
* Session Americana – at the Brattle Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 4. The wonderful, local, floating-cast, roots-music ensemble performs a benefit for the Brattle Film Foundation.
* Bob Dylan/ Elvis Costello – at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Friday, Oct. 5. The frog-voiced Dylan has become a crapshoot in concert, but adding luster to the bill is Elvis’s first solo acoustic tour in quite a while.
* Brandi Carlile – at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Oct. 5. The Seattle wunderkind, who opened the WBOS Copley Square series this summer, is back as part of VH1’s “You Oughta Know’’ tour.
* Paolo Nutini – at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 6. Meteoric star Nutini is due to open the Led Zeppelin reunion show in London, but not before conquering the Orpheum.
* Harvard Square Oktoberfest – on Sunday, Oct. 7. The annual Harvard Square outdoor festival still features multiple stages with something for everyone, from the rock of Teenage Prayers and the Steve Smith Band, to the Latin stylings of Mango Blue and the singer-songwriter talents of Meg Hutchinson and Rose Polenzani.
* Phil Lesh & Friends – at the Orpheum Theatre Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 9-11. Lesh is still being accompanied by ex-Dylan guitarist Larry Campbell and ex-Bruce Hornsby drummer John Molo, but he’s also out this time with singer Jackie Greene and keyboardist Steve Molitz, who has played with Particle.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Boston Folk Festival, crit tips
The Boston Folk Festival takes place at UMass-Boston – almost right across the street from WBOS – so it was high time that I checked it out. It’s a really sedate affair – it almost makes the Newport Folk Fest seem like a rowdy Lollapalooza – but it’s an ideal setting for singer-songwriters who want a totally enraptured crowd minus any Newport trendiness.
There were plenty of graybeard hippies (many brought their own lawn chairs), but also some fresh-faced young people who were keeping the folk tradition alive and were digging a low-key presentation where you could actually hear the lyrics and not have any yahoos screaming in your ear. There was no alcohol served (even Newport now has alcohol), but the seriousness of the audience was matched by the sincere, often brilliant, music that I heard.
Without question, the scene-stealer was Lori McKenna, the folk-country local who has been embraced by Faith Hill (who recorded a few of her songs) and Tim McGraw, who produced her fine new album. McKenna writes about the subtleties of life, and the wisdom gained by being a mother of five who has survived the Boston suburbs, as well as the vagaries of the music business for many years.
McKenna engaged in a song swap with her guitarist, Mark Erelli, and with longtime local fave, Catie Curtis. They sat next to each other on the small festival stage on the grass by the harbor – and for at least a few minutes, all was right with the world.
I found the price of the Boston Folk Festival a little daunting -- $30 a ticket, especially because I couldn’t stay long – but there’s a definite magic to this event, however low-key. The craft tents that ring the grounds are first-rate, as are the food offerings and the vendor tents selling hard-to-find folk records. Although it’s a grass-roots event, I’d say about 3,000 people were there – a pretty impressive crowd despite the lack of hype, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen an audience that listened more intently. The annual event will return next summer, so put it on your calendar if you believe in the hypnotic spell of up-close-and-personal acoustic music.
CRITIC’S TIPS:
* Kings of Leon – at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Sept. 28. A rock battle royale between Kings of Leon and openers Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Guitarslingers unite.
* Audrey Ryan – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Sept. 28. Local artist Ryan has been under the radar, but she’s ready to emerge at this CD release party.
* ZZ Top – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Saturday, Sept. 29. The little ol’ band from Texas is still looming large after all these years. Always a fun time.
* Dropkick Murphys – at Avalon on Sunday, Sept. 30. The Dropkicks’ new album, “The Meanest of Times,’’ just debuted on the Billboard charts at No. 20 – the highest debut ever for this beloved Boston band.
* Josh Ritter – at the Somerville Theatre on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4-5. The quietly brilliant Idaho singer-songwriter, who lived for a while in Somerville, returns to his home away from home.
There were plenty of graybeard hippies (many brought their own lawn chairs), but also some fresh-faced young people who were keeping the folk tradition alive and were digging a low-key presentation where you could actually hear the lyrics and not have any yahoos screaming in your ear. There was no alcohol served (even Newport now has alcohol), but the seriousness of the audience was matched by the sincere, often brilliant, music that I heard.
Without question, the scene-stealer was Lori McKenna, the folk-country local who has been embraced by Faith Hill (who recorded a few of her songs) and Tim McGraw, who produced her fine new album. McKenna writes about the subtleties of life, and the wisdom gained by being a mother of five who has survived the Boston suburbs, as well as the vagaries of the music business for many years.
McKenna engaged in a song swap with her guitarist, Mark Erelli, and with longtime local fave, Catie Curtis. They sat next to each other on the small festival stage on the grass by the harbor – and for at least a few minutes, all was right with the world.
I found the price of the Boston Folk Festival a little daunting -- $30 a ticket, especially because I couldn’t stay long – but there’s a definite magic to this event, however low-key. The craft tents that ring the grounds are first-rate, as are the food offerings and the vendor tents selling hard-to-find folk records. Although it’s a grass-roots event, I’d say about 3,000 people were there – a pretty impressive crowd despite the lack of hype, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen an audience that listened more intently. The annual event will return next summer, so put it on your calendar if you believe in the hypnotic spell of up-close-and-personal acoustic music.
CRITIC’S TIPS:
* Kings of Leon – at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Sept. 28. A rock battle royale between Kings of Leon and openers Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Guitarslingers unite.
* Audrey Ryan – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Sept. 28. Local artist Ryan has been under the radar, but she’s ready to emerge at this CD release party.
* ZZ Top – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Saturday, Sept. 29. The little ol’ band from Texas is still looming large after all these years. Always a fun time.
* Dropkick Murphys – at Avalon on Sunday, Sept. 30. The Dropkicks’ new album, “The Meanest of Times,’’ just debuted on the Billboard charts at No. 20 – the highest debut ever for this beloved Boston band.
* Josh Ritter – at the Somerville Theatre on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4-5. The quietly brilliant Idaho singer-songwriter, who lived for a while in Somerville, returns to his home away from home.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Aerosmith still prime, plus tips
If you listened to the WBOS show I did with DJ partner John Laurenti last week, you’ll know that I was once again hellbent on seeing Aerosmith. I don’t know what it is. Call it loyalty, perhaps. They’ve been great in giving me interviews through the years, so the least I can do is continue to check out their shows – and this recent one at the Tweeter Center was a beauty.
I was thrown off by their opening tune, “Love In An Elevator,’’ which usually comes later in the set; and I missed “Back in the Saddle,’’ which is their typical opener (call me a traditionalist!) but wasn’t even played. Yet, that was probably my biggest quibble of the night, which isn’t much. And the band immediately won me back by ripping into “Same Old Song and Dance,’’ which fueled the diehards to screams of ecstasy before singer Steven Tyler hammered out the last note.
The rest of the show was just plain powerful. Aerosmith skipped some of their sappy MTV ballads and instead shifted into rock ‘n’ roll gear. “You don’t mind if we kick your ass into the middle of next week, do you?’’ Tyler yelled. Well, no, we don’t, not if we get these results.
From the archives came a jolting “Rats in the Cellar.’’ They didn’t play “Seasons of Wither’’ this time, but the fact that they still shake up some of their archival nuggets is gratifying. And songs like “Dream On’’ and “Sweet Emotion’’ continued to impress, esspecially with Tom Hamilton’s signature bass lines. It was great seeing Hamilton back in the band – last summer he couldn’t make it because he was battling cancer. He returned with no loss of energy and remains a key to the Aerosmith machine.
Joe Perry, wearing a bizarre marching cap that looked to be lifted from the “Sgt Pepper’s’’ wardrobe closet, again teamed with fellow axman Brad Whitford for some ear-shredding highlights. Joe and Steven also combined for an exhilarating run through the Memphis classic, “Walkin’ the Dog.’’ And drummer Joey Kramer, who has had some of his own medical issues in the past, was back in peak form on the skins, getting some solo time and really delivering. Just an excellent show. It was heartening to see Aerosmith still in such prime shape.
CRITIC’S TIPS
· Stevie Wonder – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Thursday, Sept. 20. The ageless Stevie Wonder in Boston. Enough said. It’s theoretically sold out, but maybe you can get lucky and find a last-minute ticket.
· Farrenheit – at Kowloon’s on Thursday, Sept. 20. Boston’s classic-rock legends reunited for the recent Brad Delp tribute at the Bank of America Pavilion. They were incredibly well-received and are back for more.
· The Tossers – at Harpers Ferry on Thursday, Sept. 20. These Celtic punk-rockers were a hit at the recent ICONS Festival. Think of a latter-day Pogues and you’re getting close.
· Michael McDonald – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 21. The former Doobie Brother has carved a great career lately by reprising Motown hits and other soul nuggets.
· Boston Blues Festival – a FREE event at the Hatch Shell on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-23. Area producer Greg Sarni presents his annual labor of love with Sonny Rhodes leading a great cast on Saturday (the Brian Templeton Band, Dennis Brennan’s White Owls, and Lloyd Thayer); and Sir Mack Rice and Chicago Bob Nelson leading Sunday’s group with the Mystics, Chris Stovall Brown, and others.
· Local scribe Brett Milano has been a club hound for several decades and throws his knowledge into a book about Boston rock history. The performers at this soiree include Asa Brebner, Robin Lane, Willie Alexander, the Lyres, Nervous Eaters, and the list goes on.
· Mission of Burma – at the Institute of Contemporary Art on Sunday, Sept. 23. Boston’s punk pioneers are playing two shows at the ICA’s new theater. Not to be missed if you want to see an art museum shaken to its core.
· Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals – at the Orpheum on Sunday, Sept. 23. Harper’s latest album is a soulful gem – and he’s sure to back it with another all-out, marathon show.
· John Lincoln Wright’s birthday – at the Cantab Lounge (downstairs) on Sunday, Sept. 23. New England’s country music fixture celebrates his – gasp – 60th birthday party with a bevy of local acts paying tribute.
I was thrown off by their opening tune, “Love In An Elevator,’’ which usually comes later in the set; and I missed “Back in the Saddle,’’ which is their typical opener (call me a traditionalist!) but wasn’t even played. Yet, that was probably my biggest quibble of the night, which isn’t much. And the band immediately won me back by ripping into “Same Old Song and Dance,’’ which fueled the diehards to screams of ecstasy before singer Steven Tyler hammered out the last note.
The rest of the show was just plain powerful. Aerosmith skipped some of their sappy MTV ballads and instead shifted into rock ‘n’ roll gear. “You don’t mind if we kick your ass into the middle of next week, do you?’’ Tyler yelled. Well, no, we don’t, not if we get these results.
From the archives came a jolting “Rats in the Cellar.’’ They didn’t play “Seasons of Wither’’ this time, but the fact that they still shake up some of their archival nuggets is gratifying. And songs like “Dream On’’ and “Sweet Emotion’’ continued to impress, esspecially with Tom Hamilton’s signature bass lines. It was great seeing Hamilton back in the band – last summer he couldn’t make it because he was battling cancer. He returned with no loss of energy and remains a key to the Aerosmith machine.
Joe Perry, wearing a bizarre marching cap that looked to be lifted from the “Sgt Pepper’s’’ wardrobe closet, again teamed with fellow axman Brad Whitford for some ear-shredding highlights. Joe and Steven also combined for an exhilarating run through the Memphis classic, “Walkin’ the Dog.’’ And drummer Joey Kramer, who has had some of his own medical issues in the past, was back in peak form on the skins, getting some solo time and really delivering. Just an excellent show. It was heartening to see Aerosmith still in such prime shape.
CRITIC’S TIPS
· Stevie Wonder – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Thursday, Sept. 20. The ageless Stevie Wonder in Boston. Enough said. It’s theoretically sold out, but maybe you can get lucky and find a last-minute ticket.
· Farrenheit – at Kowloon’s on Thursday, Sept. 20. Boston’s classic-rock legends reunited for the recent Brad Delp tribute at the Bank of America Pavilion. They were incredibly well-received and are back for more.
· The Tossers – at Harpers Ferry on Thursday, Sept. 20. These Celtic punk-rockers were a hit at the recent ICONS Festival. Think of a latter-day Pogues and you’re getting close.
· Michael McDonald – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 21. The former Doobie Brother has carved a great career lately by reprising Motown hits and other soul nuggets.
· Boston Blues Festival – a FREE event at the Hatch Shell on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-23. Area producer Greg Sarni presents his annual labor of love with Sonny Rhodes leading a great cast on Saturday (the Brian Templeton Band, Dennis Brennan’s White Owls, and Lloyd Thayer); and Sir Mack Rice and Chicago Bob Nelson leading Sunday’s group with the Mystics, Chris Stovall Brown, and others.
· Local scribe Brett Milano has been a club hound for several decades and throws his knowledge into a book about Boston rock history. The performers at this soiree include Asa Brebner, Robin Lane, Willie Alexander, the Lyres, Nervous Eaters, and the list goes on.
· Mission of Burma – at the Institute of Contemporary Art on Sunday, Sept. 23. Boston’s punk pioneers are playing two shows at the ICA’s new theater. Not to be missed if you want to see an art museum shaken to its core.
· Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals – at the Orpheum on Sunday, Sept. 23. Harper’s latest album is a soulful gem – and he’s sure to back it with another all-out, marathon show.
· John Lincoln Wright’s birthday – at the Cantab Lounge (downstairs) on Sunday, Sept. 23. New England’s country music fixture celebrates his – gasp – 60th birthday party with a bevy of local acts paying tribute.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Buffett, Genesis, Boston pub-crawling, tips
No Labor Day week is complete without a visit by Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band. I had seen him at Fenway Park in 2004 (the year the Red Sox won the World Series) and knew that he could translate to a stadium setting, but I didn't realize how much he would conquer the bigger Gillette Stadium stage. He did it with ease.
This has all been part of a week in which I was seemingly out every night catching music. There was Buffett and Genesis (at the Garden), plus locally hatched acts such as the Scissormen (at Toad), the Gentlemen and Watts (at the Abbey Lounge), Flynn (Club Passim), the Coachmen (Plough & Stars) and Andrea Gillis (Toad).
Buffett was the biggest surprise, because he played in front of a sold-out 57,000 fans at Gillette as though it were a personal saloon. "You have a nice little bar here!'' he said to the hordes, before opening with a surprise version of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again.'' That road also led to some fine new songs (Buffett remains a prolific songwriter -- a guru of the beach-bum genre) and to some great covers such as Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl'' (a virtual staple of a Buffett show) and the Grateful Dead's "Scarlete Begonias,'' where Buffett correctly pointed out a "cross-breed'' between Deadheads and his own Parrotheads. The song received a thunderous response and was aided by the slide guitar brilliance of Sonny Landreth, who Buffett often books for the bigger gigs, along with keyboardist Bill Payne of Little Feat renown.
The Coral Reefers were buttressed this time by Cape Verdean musician Elo Ferrier, a captivating new artist who sang one tune with Buffett, then sang lead on another. Buffett hopes to get him a record contract and the kid looks ready.
Another nice touch was paying homage to the recently deceased Luciano Pavarotti a couple of times. One came by dedicating the encore "Defying Gravity'' to Pavarotti. A noble gesture from Mr. Margaritaville.
As for Genesis at the Garden, they delivered a challenging show that pleasantly diverted from the typical "Greatest Hits'' spectacle to target deep-catalog songs aimed at Genesis connoisseurs. There were gasps of surprise at some tunes, dating way back to "Firth of Fifth'' from 1973. Many hits were still there (onetime MTV favorite "Invisible Touch'' rocked the house), but the band, again led by Phil Collins, did not become just another jukebox. They dug into the prog-rock side of their repertoire and Mike Rutherford, who normally plays bass, often switched over to lead guitar and played with a vengeance that I don't recall him having during their heyday. Some of his solos were stunning.
Collins hammed it up more than usual (some antics were more like what he does during his solo tours), but he's always been a born entertainer. The vocal mix could have been better on his voice, but he still sang with precision and a passion for which he's not always given credit. He did a beautiful treatment of "Hold On to My Heart'' that put the crowd into a trance.
But here's a surprise: No lasers! I don't think I'd ever seen a Genesis show without them, yet this time they settled for a LED screen. And no overhead mirrors, either, which they used to use to bounce the lasers off of. Still, the music predominated and if this was their farewell show in Boston, it justified high marks.
Regarding local pub-crawling, here are some snapshots:
SCISSORMEN at Toad: Singer/guitarist Ted Drozdowski relocated the band to Nashville, but must have discovered some newfound confidence down there, because he was a madman at Toad. He riffed on guitar while walking atop the entire bar, then falling to the floor and playing on his back. The crowd gathered around him and was in a complete uproar. A wild, wild night.
GENTLEMEN and WATTS at the Abbey: The Gentlemen don't play out as much anymore (sigh), but are still a crunching powerhouse of garage-rock when they do. And Watts, affectionately named for Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, celebrated a new CD with a slam-bang, guitar-stoked show that made you want to hear more.
FLYNN at Club Passim: The singular-named Flynn has quietly amassed a strong career as an adult-minded singer-songwriter. His songs are full of subtle emotions and revelations. He has just put out his fourth record and celebrated it with this Passim show, a transporting night of music helped by guests Ellis Paul and Antje Duvekot, not to mention an incredibly sharp backup band anchored by bassist Richard Gates (who also plays with Suzanne Vega) and drummer John Sands, who tours with Aimee Mann. Some of Flynn's songs fall into a strummy pop-folk realm, but his open-hearted delivery always seems to win the day. And his cover of the Beatles' "Let It Be'' with Ellis Paul was absolutely sublime.
ANDREA GILLIS at Toad: Andrea has one of the most powerful voices in Boston -- almost too powerful for a small room like Toad -- but she manages to connect no matter where she plays. She has an old-school R&B voice that induces goosebumps when it's not shaking the walls. She's an immense talent and has a residency every Tuesday this month at Toad.
THE COACHMEN at the Plough & Stars: I actually stumbled upon these gents twice at the Plough last week -- once when they headlined, the other time when they played a surprise birthday for a friend. The Coachmen boast a free-wheeling rockabilly sound highlighted by gifted guitarist Jerry Miller. They covered songs by the likes of Johnny Cash and Dick Curless, investing each with an almost preternatural energy. These guys are good.
CRITIC’S TIPS:
· Aerosmith – at the Tweeter Center on Friday, Sept. 13. Aerosmith may not be the “Bad Boys of Boston’’ anymore, but they can still rock the house. And with Tom Hamilton back on bass after his illness, this should be a great homecoming.
· Duke Levine Band – at Club Passim on Friday, Sept. 14. Duke is a sought-after guitarist for everyone from Peter Wolf to Dennis Brennan (he plays in both of their bands), but his solo stuff is all-instrumental, cutting across many styles.
· Boston Folk Festival – at UMass-Boston on Saturday, Sept. 15. The annual, acoustic-flavored gathering this time features Lori McKenna, Vance Gilbert, Patty Larkin, and Chris Trapper of the Push Stars. The fest includes three stages of music.
· Pete Francis – at Harpers Ferry on Saturday, Sept. 15. I recently caught Francis when he was with Dispatch, which played three nights at Madison Square Garden! Francis is back in the clubs, but this CD release party should be sweet.
· Laura Vecchione Band – at Johnny D’s on Saturday, Sept. 15. Vecchione is gathering a lot of attention around town for her country-edged tunes, so this should only add to her momentum.
· Bleu and Mike Viola – at Great Scott on Saturday, Sept. 15. Bleu is one of the best rock tunesmiths to come out of Boston in recent years. And old buddy Viola is another pop-rock legend in the making.
· Dennis Brennan Band – at the Lizard Lounge on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The heart of Boston’s roots-rock scene resumes his Wednesday residency at the Lizard. Count me as among those who are happy to see him back.
This has all been part of a week in which I was seemingly out every night catching music. There was Buffett and Genesis (at the Garden), plus locally hatched acts such as the Scissormen (at Toad), the Gentlemen and Watts (at the Abbey Lounge), Flynn (Club Passim), the Coachmen (Plough & Stars) and Andrea Gillis (Toad).
Buffett was the biggest surprise, because he played in front of a sold-out 57,000 fans at Gillette as though it were a personal saloon. "You have a nice little bar here!'' he said to the hordes, before opening with a surprise version of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again.'' That road also led to some fine new songs (Buffett remains a prolific songwriter -- a guru of the beach-bum genre) and to some great covers such as Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl'' (a virtual staple of a Buffett show) and the Grateful Dead's "Scarlete Begonias,'' where Buffett correctly pointed out a "cross-breed'' between Deadheads and his own Parrotheads. The song received a thunderous response and was aided by the slide guitar brilliance of Sonny Landreth, who Buffett often books for the bigger gigs, along with keyboardist Bill Payne of Little Feat renown.
The Coral Reefers were buttressed this time by Cape Verdean musician Elo Ferrier, a captivating new artist who sang one tune with Buffett, then sang lead on another. Buffett hopes to get him a record contract and the kid looks ready.
Another nice touch was paying homage to the recently deceased Luciano Pavarotti a couple of times. One came by dedicating the encore "Defying Gravity'' to Pavarotti. A noble gesture from Mr. Margaritaville.
As for Genesis at the Garden, they delivered a challenging show that pleasantly diverted from the typical "Greatest Hits'' spectacle to target deep-catalog songs aimed at Genesis connoisseurs. There were gasps of surprise at some tunes, dating way back to "Firth of Fifth'' from 1973. Many hits were still there (onetime MTV favorite "Invisible Touch'' rocked the house), but the band, again led by Phil Collins, did not become just another jukebox. They dug into the prog-rock side of their repertoire and Mike Rutherford, who normally plays bass, often switched over to lead guitar and played with a vengeance that I don't recall him having during their heyday. Some of his solos were stunning.
Collins hammed it up more than usual (some antics were more like what he does during his solo tours), but he's always been a born entertainer. The vocal mix could have been better on his voice, but he still sang with precision and a passion for which he's not always given credit. He did a beautiful treatment of "Hold On to My Heart'' that put the crowd into a trance.
But here's a surprise: No lasers! I don't think I'd ever seen a Genesis show without them, yet this time they settled for a LED screen. And no overhead mirrors, either, which they used to use to bounce the lasers off of. Still, the music predominated and if this was their farewell show in Boston, it justified high marks.
Regarding local pub-crawling, here are some snapshots:
SCISSORMEN at Toad: Singer/guitarist Ted Drozdowski relocated the band to Nashville, but must have discovered some newfound confidence down there, because he was a madman at Toad. He riffed on guitar while walking atop the entire bar, then falling to the floor and playing on his back. The crowd gathered around him and was in a complete uproar. A wild, wild night.
GENTLEMEN and WATTS at the Abbey: The Gentlemen don't play out as much anymore (sigh), but are still a crunching powerhouse of garage-rock when they do. And Watts, affectionately named for Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, celebrated a new CD with a slam-bang, guitar-stoked show that made you want to hear more.
FLYNN at Club Passim: The singular-named Flynn has quietly amassed a strong career as an adult-minded singer-songwriter. His songs are full of subtle emotions and revelations. He has just put out his fourth record and celebrated it with this Passim show, a transporting night of music helped by guests Ellis Paul and Antje Duvekot, not to mention an incredibly sharp backup band anchored by bassist Richard Gates (who also plays with Suzanne Vega) and drummer John Sands, who tours with Aimee Mann. Some of Flynn's songs fall into a strummy pop-folk realm, but his open-hearted delivery always seems to win the day. And his cover of the Beatles' "Let It Be'' with Ellis Paul was absolutely sublime.
ANDREA GILLIS at Toad: Andrea has one of the most powerful voices in Boston -- almost too powerful for a small room like Toad -- but she manages to connect no matter where she plays. She has an old-school R&B voice that induces goosebumps when it's not shaking the walls. She's an immense talent and has a residency every Tuesday this month at Toad.
THE COACHMEN at the Plough & Stars: I actually stumbled upon these gents twice at the Plough last week -- once when they headlined, the other time when they played a surprise birthday for a friend. The Coachmen boast a free-wheeling rockabilly sound highlighted by gifted guitarist Jerry Miller. They covered songs by the likes of Johnny Cash and Dick Curless, investing each with an almost preternatural energy. These guys are good.
CRITIC’S TIPS:
· Aerosmith – at the Tweeter Center on Friday, Sept. 13. Aerosmith may not be the “Bad Boys of Boston’’ anymore, but they can still rock the house. And with Tom Hamilton back on bass after his illness, this should be a great homecoming.
· Duke Levine Band – at Club Passim on Friday, Sept. 14. Duke is a sought-after guitarist for everyone from Peter Wolf to Dennis Brennan (he plays in both of their bands), but his solo stuff is all-instrumental, cutting across many styles.
· Boston Folk Festival – at UMass-Boston on Saturday, Sept. 15. The annual, acoustic-flavored gathering this time features Lori McKenna, Vance Gilbert, Patty Larkin, and Chris Trapper of the Push Stars. The fest includes three stages of music.
· Pete Francis – at Harpers Ferry on Saturday, Sept. 15. I recently caught Francis when he was with Dispatch, which played three nights at Madison Square Garden! Francis is back in the clubs, but this CD release party should be sweet.
· Laura Vecchione Band – at Johnny D’s on Saturday, Sept. 15. Vecchione is gathering a lot of attention around town for her country-edged tunes, so this should only add to her momentum.
· Bleu and Mike Viola – at Great Scott on Saturday, Sept. 15. Bleu is one of the best rock tunesmiths to come out of Boston in recent years. And old buddy Viola is another pop-rock legend in the making.
· Dennis Brennan Band – at the Lizard Lounge on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The heart of Boston’s roots-rock scene resumes his Wednesday residency at the Lizard. Count me as among those who are happy to see him back.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Toast to the Nog, tips, Willie-Merle-and-Ray
The fall season is upon us -- and there's nothing more underground at the moment than the Sunday-to-Wednesday music series in Union Square called "A Toast to the Nog.'' The Nog, you may recall, is short for Tir na Nog, the nearby club whose lease was yanked amid much consternation last spring. But the Nog has rebounded by taking over four nights up the street at Toast, where the basement has been transformed with oriental carpets and other softening touches to make it seem more like the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge.
I've been hanging out a lot at Toast's Nog nights -- and they've seen a quietly spectacular mix of all kinds of people of different ages and tastes. The literally underground site, which also features a second lounge room with romantically lit couches and an outdoor patio reached by taking stairs down from the street, feels very much like a cosmopolitan New York night spot. Some old Nog faves are playing there -- including David Johnston, Christian McNeill, and Paddy Saul -- plus newcomers such as Mike Hastings, who has shown great potential as a singer-songwriter.
Co-owner Robert Elliott has been building a grass-roots, word-of-mouth image for the place, and he never even got a website going until recently when a MySpace page went up. He mostly has text-messaged people to get them to spread the word. Very fashionably low-key, to say the least, but this is a fun place with a wraparound bar full of intersting conversationalists (ex-Plough & Stars owner George Crowley is often there) and the Guinness is still flowing liberally. Check it out.
Music-wise, the best event I've seen recently was the Last of the Breed tour with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price at the Bank of America Pavilion the other night. Talk about legends. All of these guys have been around (Price is 81 years old!), but their rich repository of hits was on full display and they also popped up to youthfully sing with each other, most notably on Haggard's "Okie from Muskogee,'' which now sounds more like a pro-pot anthem than the anti-pot tone of the original. Hey, these guys have been around and they know the biggest sin in the world is not pot-smoking (just ask Willie!).
Willie was solid and played his standby outlaw set list (starting with "Whiskey River'' again), but also offered some new material such as the anti-war tune "A Peaceful Solution,'' which had a line about how "we need to take back America.'' A few people actually walked out in protest, but it was good to hear Willie speak his mind.
Haggard's set was the most lackluster, as he babied his voice and didn't sound nearly as strong as when he opened for Bob Dylan at the Orpheum a couple of years ago. But the show was stolen by Price, the country crooner famous for putting a layer of pop on traditional country, but doing it with class. His song, "For the Good Times,'' is still a pre-eminent love song. And his voice belied his age, as he sang with remarkable poise and passion. I'd love to see this tour come back next year.
CRITIC'S TIP THIS WEEK:
Gov’t Mule – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 7. The Southern rock jammers, again led by Warren Haynes, should steam up the pavilion. The addition of Vermont’s Grace Potter & the Nocturnals on the bill should also raise pulses.
Gentlemen – at the Abbey Lounge on Friday, Sept. 7. Boston’s Gentlemen remain a command performance for lovers of no-frills rock. They’ll hit the Abbey at 11:30 p.m., preceded by Watts (a dynamic group named in tribute to Stones drummer Charlie Watts) and AM Stereo.
Scissormen – at Toad on Friday, Sept. 7. Singer/guitarist/journalist Ted Drozdowski just moved from Boston to Nashville, but he hasn’t forgotten about us. His bluesy Scissormen will stoke a hedonistic atmosphere.
Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band – at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8. Few Parrotheads thought they’d ever see Buffett at Fenway, and probably fewer thought he’d play a stadium show in Foxborough. The fans should at least have more tailgating opportunities than they did at a locked-down Fenway. And some last-minute tickets have been released, so you still have a chance to get in.
Pinehills Jazz and Blues -- at the Pinehill village green in Plymouth for two days, Sept. 8-9. It's worth heading to Plymouth for a sophisticated lineup that includes jazz luminaries Rebecca Parris and Myanna on Saturday, then Roomful of Blues, Coco Montoya, and Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish on Sunday.
Charms – at T.T. the Bear’s on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Boston garage-rock band has battled adversity in recent years, but also has soared nationally thanks to the help of Little Steven’s “Underground Garage’’ radio show.
Wachusetts Blues Festival -- at Mt. Wachusetts on Sunday, Sept. 9. A partying lineup stars New Orleans great Marcia Ball, plus the Tommy Castro Band and Danny Klein's Stone Crazy (Danny is the J. Geils Band bassist).
Genesis – at TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Singer Phil Collins performed his farewell solo tour a few years ago (it was fantastic) and nothing less is expected from what is likely his farewell tour fronting longtime hitmakers Genesis.
I've been hanging out a lot at Toast's Nog nights -- and they've seen a quietly spectacular mix of all kinds of people of different ages and tastes. The literally underground site, which also features a second lounge room with romantically lit couches and an outdoor patio reached by taking stairs down from the street, feels very much like a cosmopolitan New York night spot. Some old Nog faves are playing there -- including David Johnston, Christian McNeill, and Paddy Saul -- plus newcomers such as Mike Hastings, who has shown great potential as a singer-songwriter.
Co-owner Robert Elliott has been building a grass-roots, word-of-mouth image for the place, and he never even got a website going until recently when a MySpace page went up. He mostly has text-messaged people to get them to spread the word. Very fashionably low-key, to say the least, but this is a fun place with a wraparound bar full of intersting conversationalists (ex-Plough & Stars owner George Crowley is often there) and the Guinness is still flowing liberally. Check it out.
Music-wise, the best event I've seen recently was the Last of the Breed tour with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price at the Bank of America Pavilion the other night. Talk about legends. All of these guys have been around (Price is 81 years old!), but their rich repository of hits was on full display and they also popped up to youthfully sing with each other, most notably on Haggard's "Okie from Muskogee,'' which now sounds more like a pro-pot anthem than the anti-pot tone of the original. Hey, these guys have been around and they know the biggest sin in the world is not pot-smoking (just ask Willie!).
Willie was solid and played his standby outlaw set list (starting with "Whiskey River'' again), but also offered some new material such as the anti-war tune "A Peaceful Solution,'' which had a line about how "we need to take back America.'' A few people actually walked out in protest, but it was good to hear Willie speak his mind.
Haggard's set was the most lackluster, as he babied his voice and didn't sound nearly as strong as when he opened for Bob Dylan at the Orpheum a couple of years ago. But the show was stolen by Price, the country crooner famous for putting a layer of pop on traditional country, but doing it with class. His song, "For the Good Times,'' is still a pre-eminent love song. And his voice belied his age, as he sang with remarkable poise and passion. I'd love to see this tour come back next year.
CRITIC'S TIP THIS WEEK:
Gov’t Mule – at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 7. The Southern rock jammers, again led by Warren Haynes, should steam up the pavilion. The addition of Vermont’s Grace Potter & the Nocturnals on the bill should also raise pulses.
Gentlemen – at the Abbey Lounge on Friday, Sept. 7. Boston’s Gentlemen remain a command performance for lovers of no-frills rock. They’ll hit the Abbey at 11:30 p.m., preceded by Watts (a dynamic group named in tribute to Stones drummer Charlie Watts) and AM Stereo.
Scissormen – at Toad on Friday, Sept. 7. Singer/guitarist/journalist Ted Drozdowski just moved from Boston to Nashville, but he hasn’t forgotten about us. His bluesy Scissormen will stoke a hedonistic atmosphere.
Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band – at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8. Few Parrotheads thought they’d ever see Buffett at Fenway, and probably fewer thought he’d play a stadium show in Foxborough. The fans should at least have more tailgating opportunities than they did at a locked-down Fenway. And some last-minute tickets have been released, so you still have a chance to get in.
Pinehills Jazz and Blues -- at the Pinehill village green in Plymouth for two days, Sept. 8-9. It's worth heading to Plymouth for a sophisticated lineup that includes jazz luminaries Rebecca Parris and Myanna on Saturday, then Roomful of Blues, Coco Montoya, and Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish on Sunday.
Charms – at T.T. the Bear’s on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Boston garage-rock band has battled adversity in recent years, but also has soared nationally thanks to the help of Little Steven’s “Underground Garage’’ radio show.
Wachusetts Blues Festival -- at Mt. Wachusetts on Sunday, Sept. 9. A partying lineup stars New Orleans great Marcia Ball, plus the Tommy Castro Band and Danny Klein's Stone Crazy (Danny is the J. Geils Band bassist).
Genesis – at TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Singer Phil Collins performed his farewell solo tour a few years ago (it was fantastic) and nothing less is expected from what is likely his farewell tour fronting longtime hitmakers Genesis.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Copley series highlights; and crit tips
This is only my second years at WBOS, after working at the Boston Globe for -- gasp -- 30 years. But one of the true pleasures has been to broadcast my Thursday show (with John Laurenti) from the site of the WBOS concert series in Copley Square. I've had a bird's-eye view on some great talent there this summer, including Brandi Carlile, Fountains of Wayne, and the incredibly energetic Cat Empire from Australia, which had people dancing around the square as though it were midnight on Lansdowne Street.
I have to say that the crowds have been bigger this year -- a factor of the generally good weather, but also of the hip bookings that have often featured a Boston band opening up. And we're talking good Boston bands -- Eli "Paperboy'' Reed & the True Loves, Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles (hey, maybe they wouldn't be broken if they got together with the True Loves), and the powerful Dennis Brennan Band.
Brennan kicked things off on July 12, setting the tone for this year's more rocking series. He and his bandmates -- led by guitar gods Duke Levine and Kevin Barry -- played a ringing streak of rootsy tunes that probably echoed all the way to offices in Kenmore Square (hey, get out of those offices and come on down!). He was followed by Carlile, who drew the biggest crowd of the summer, as people packed the grass and the sidewalks around it. She was a treat with her soothingly personal, folk-country songs, though the best moment came on a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son.'' It was the most rocking tune of her set -- and she should add more uptempo fare to better balance her presentation. She has the pipes for it.
The second week was rained out just as the event was about to begin. It was a bummer, but give headliner Martin Sexton credit for leaving the wet stage and going out into the soggy crowd to sing some up-close-and-personal acoustic songs to make sure that fans got something special. Opening act Chad Perrone did the same thing. The artists got soaked, but it was a beautiful thing to see. They care about their audiences.
The Cat Empire held down the third week of this six-week series and they were everything as advertised -- a percussive juggernaut that combined rock, funk, swing, and salsa, with a touch of the Australian mania for which they're known. They came all the way from Melbourne and weren't going to allow a little 90-degree heat to slow them down. No doubt they're used to it. And opener Eli "Paperboy'' Reed and his troupe sweated up a similar storm with their galvanizing, horn-stoked R&B. Catch them around town when you can. They're for real.
Another great bill followed with Latin rockers DeSol (riding a new album) bringing a unique blend of Santana psychedelia mixed with Springsteenian rock a la Asbury Park, where DeSol is from. I liked it thoroughly. I had never seen them live, but they had a clear spark that was infectious. And opener Ryan Shaw -- it almost feels weird to call him an opener because he's so good -- brought his retro-soul to Copley and won a slew of new fans in the process. He's like a young Al Green crossed with Otis Redding and Bobby Womack. Ryan peaked with Womack's "Looking for a Love,'' which was popularized around Boston by the J. Geils Band.
Next up was Fountains of Wayne, which drew the second-largest audience of the series. They were a crowd-pleasing bunch of Mensa-society, Brit pop-influenced rockers whose slyly twisted lyrics connected time and again with their brainy fandom. I didn't think they were as good on stage as they are in the studio, but hey, that's just a minor quibble. And openers Sarah Borges and her band were a complete delight, belting out Lucinda Williams-influenced country-rock 'n' rockabilly with a masterful touch. They're starting to break out nationally and it's easy to see why.
If you've missed out on the fun, there's one more concert to go: Matt Nathanson and Jonatha Brooke at Copley on Thursday, Aug. 16. Hope to see you there.
And more crit tips for the week ahead:
Sleepy LaBeef -- at Johnny D's on Thursday, Aug. 16. The Arkansas rockabilly giant is still busting his gut in the roadhouses. He's a walking encyclopedia of early rock 'n' roll.
WBOS boat cruise -- leaving from Long Wharf on Friday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. A tasty night in the harbor with Chad Perrone, Tim Blane, and OSB.
Al & the Transamericans -- another cruise on Friday, Aug. 17, this one leaving from Rowes Wharf at 8 p.m. Al Schnier of jam-band moe. plays with friends such as Gordon Stone and Eric Glocker of Strangefolk.
The Saw Doctors -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Friday, Aug. 17. Fresh off a great performance at the ICONS Festival in Canton, the Doctors are ready to prescribe the next dose.
James Taylor -- at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Saturday, Aug. 18. Taylor isn't playing the Tweeter Center this summer, so you'll have to head an hour north of Boston to see him.
Download Festival -- at the Tweeter Center on Saturday, Aug. 18. WBOS faves Guster and Modest Mouse are among the acts.
Kashmir -- at the Rocketbar on Saturday, Aug. 18. A great Led Zeppelin tribute band roars into this new Lansdowne Street club.
Come Together -- a Boston tribute concert at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sunday, Aug. 19. The lineup has been in flux, but the mission is the same -- to raise money for the Brad Delp Foundation in the departed singer's honor. The performers include a reunited Boston (with guest vocalist Matthew Sweet), Godsmack (yes, you read this correctly), Extreme, RTZ, Farrenheit, and Ernie & the Automatics. I'll be there and I can't wait.
I have to say that the crowds have been bigger this year -- a factor of the generally good weather, but also of the hip bookings that have often featured a Boston band opening up. And we're talking good Boston bands -- Eli "Paperboy'' Reed & the True Loves, Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles (hey, maybe they wouldn't be broken if they got together with the True Loves), and the powerful Dennis Brennan Band.
Brennan kicked things off on July 12, setting the tone for this year's more rocking series. He and his bandmates -- led by guitar gods Duke Levine and Kevin Barry -- played a ringing streak of rootsy tunes that probably echoed all the way to offices in Kenmore Square (hey, get out of those offices and come on down!). He was followed by Carlile, who drew the biggest crowd of the summer, as people packed the grass and the sidewalks around it. She was a treat with her soothingly personal, folk-country songs, though the best moment came on a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son.'' It was the most rocking tune of her set -- and she should add more uptempo fare to better balance her presentation. She has the pipes for it.
The second week was rained out just as the event was about to begin. It was a bummer, but give headliner Martin Sexton credit for leaving the wet stage and going out into the soggy crowd to sing some up-close-and-personal acoustic songs to make sure that fans got something special. Opening act Chad Perrone did the same thing. The artists got soaked, but it was a beautiful thing to see. They care about their audiences.
The Cat Empire held down the third week of this six-week series and they were everything as advertised -- a percussive juggernaut that combined rock, funk, swing, and salsa, with a touch of the Australian mania for which they're known. They came all the way from Melbourne and weren't going to allow a little 90-degree heat to slow them down. No doubt they're used to it. And opener Eli "Paperboy'' Reed and his troupe sweated up a similar storm with their galvanizing, horn-stoked R&B. Catch them around town when you can. They're for real.
Another great bill followed with Latin rockers DeSol (riding a new album) bringing a unique blend of Santana psychedelia mixed with Springsteenian rock a la Asbury Park, where DeSol is from. I liked it thoroughly. I had never seen them live, but they had a clear spark that was infectious. And opener Ryan Shaw -- it almost feels weird to call him an opener because he's so good -- brought his retro-soul to Copley and won a slew of new fans in the process. He's like a young Al Green crossed with Otis Redding and Bobby Womack. Ryan peaked with Womack's "Looking for a Love,'' which was popularized around Boston by the J. Geils Band.
Next up was Fountains of Wayne, which drew the second-largest audience of the series. They were a crowd-pleasing bunch of Mensa-society, Brit pop-influenced rockers whose slyly twisted lyrics connected time and again with their brainy fandom. I didn't think they were as good on stage as they are in the studio, but hey, that's just a minor quibble. And openers Sarah Borges and her band were a complete delight, belting out Lucinda Williams-influenced country-rock 'n' rockabilly with a masterful touch. They're starting to break out nationally and it's easy to see why.
If you've missed out on the fun, there's one more concert to go: Matt Nathanson and Jonatha Brooke at Copley on Thursday, Aug. 16. Hope to see you there.
And more crit tips for the week ahead:
Sleepy LaBeef -- at Johnny D's on Thursday, Aug. 16. The Arkansas rockabilly giant is still busting his gut in the roadhouses. He's a walking encyclopedia of early rock 'n' roll.
WBOS boat cruise -- leaving from Long Wharf on Friday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. A tasty night in the harbor with Chad Perrone, Tim Blane, and OSB.
Al & the Transamericans -- another cruise on Friday, Aug. 17, this one leaving from Rowes Wharf at 8 p.m. Al Schnier of jam-band moe. plays with friends such as Gordon Stone and Eric Glocker of Strangefolk.
The Saw Doctors -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Friday, Aug. 17. Fresh off a great performance at the ICONS Festival in Canton, the Doctors are ready to prescribe the next dose.
James Taylor -- at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Saturday, Aug. 18. Taylor isn't playing the Tweeter Center this summer, so you'll have to head an hour north of Boston to see him.
Download Festival -- at the Tweeter Center on Saturday, Aug. 18. WBOS faves Guster and Modest Mouse are among the acts.
Kashmir -- at the Rocketbar on Saturday, Aug. 18. A great Led Zeppelin tribute band roars into this new Lansdowne Street club.
Come Together -- a Boston tribute concert at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sunday, Aug. 19. The lineup has been in flux, but the mission is the same -- to raise money for the Brad Delp Foundation in the departed singer's honor. The performers include a reunited Boston (with guest vocalist Matthew Sweet), Godsmack (yes, you read this correctly), Extreme, RTZ, Farrenheit, and Ernie & the Automatics. I'll be there and I can't wait.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Police, Moodies, tips
The Police got some strange reviews when they played Fenway Park. I'm here to say that some critics may have missed the point. The Police aren't going to play with the punky ferocity of yesteryear. They hadn't toured in 23 years, so what did these people expect? On the other hand, if you believe that musicians can improve in those 23 years, then you would have appreciated the Fenway experience. Sting remains in incredible shape -- he had women near me still swooning at his looks -- and his musicianship has only grown through a solo career that has spanned jazz, world music, country, classical, you name it. Guitarist Andy Summers was likewise better -- and some of his solos were celestial. And drummer Stewart Copeland still is a polyrhythmic blur.
I really enjoyed Saturday's show. The sound quality was extraordinary from where I sat on the field and I loved the LED-enhanced light show and the live video feeds. But most of all, it was great hearing those songs again, starting with "Message in a Bottle'' and a special highlight of "Walking on the Moon'' and a beautifully stretched-out "Can't Stand Losing You,'' which became the rock 'n' roll moment of the night as Summers ascended to near-Jimmy Page status. Some songs were slowed down (and "Every Breath You Take'' felt like a throwaway), but others were sped up and showed that the Police's energy is still there. I wasn't disappointed at all. For those who were disappointed, I'm sorry for you. But what were your expectations? No, this was not the Rat in 1978 or the Paradise in 1979. This was the Police, circa 2007, and we're darned lucky to have them back. Let's just hope that ticket prices are cheaper next time around, if there is a next time.
Another impressive show this week was the Moody Blues at the Bank of America Pavilion. Talk about British rock royalty. These guys are still doing it after 40-plus years -- and their well-paced set list and richly textured vocals were remarkable. Justin Hayward is still the angelic choirboy, while John Lodge sings in a more worldly manner. And adding extra body were two young female singers (who also played flute and keyboards, respectively) and they brought a May/December dynamic that felt exciting and regenerative. I took my 19-year-old son (who had never heard the Moodies in concert) and he was transfixed by the timeless hits "Tuesday Afternoon'' and "Nights in White Satin'' (accompanied by a nicely psychedelic light show), along with retrieved classics like "Isn't Life Strange?'' and "Ride My Seesaw,'' not to mention the rockish hits that kept the Moodies on the radio through the '80s. And drummer Graeme Edge was still his playful self, though he also had an extra drummer who handed the power riffs. And is there anything quite like a Moodies crowd? They know the music by heart and every get-together is like a pow-wow with old friends. Just a fun, cultish experience, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Oh yes, this week's crit tips:
John Powhida's Int'l Airport -- at Toad every Thursday in August. A great new residency (and side project) from the colorful frontman of the Rudds. (I also spotted him the other day in a coat and tie at his other job, giving out information at the Museum of Fine Arts.)
Bryan Adams and George Thorogood & the Destroyers -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Aug. 3. Hey, why not?
Rocco Deluca & the Burden -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Friday, Aug. 3. These WBOS favorites have been coming on strong.
The Newport Folk Festival -- at Newport all weekend, from Aug. 3-5. Linda Ronstadt plays Friday night, then Saturday rocks with the Allman Brothers Band (attention Allmans fans -- have you heard that Newport also added a beer and wine license this year?), along with WBOS faves the John Butler Trio and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. And Sunday has a lovely, feminine touch with Alison Krauss & Union Station and Emmylou Harris leading the way.
Crowded House and Pete Yorn -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sunday, Aug. 5. A smart double bill, combining two generations of melodic rockers.
Allman Brothers Band -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, Aug. 7. If you miss them at Newport, you have another chance in Boston.
Twinemen -- at Atwood's Tavern on Tuesday, Aug. 7. The Twinemen start a Tuesday residency at Atwood's to preview their new disc, "Twinetime,'' which comes out Aug. 21.
Hippiefest -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Wednesday, Aug. 8. It features the Zombies, Badfinger, Mountain, and Mitch Ryder. Nostalgia rules again, but these guys can still play.
STEVE MORSE
I really enjoyed Saturday's show. The sound quality was extraordinary from where I sat on the field and I loved the LED-enhanced light show and the live video feeds. But most of all, it was great hearing those songs again, starting with "Message in a Bottle'' and a special highlight of "Walking on the Moon'' and a beautifully stretched-out "Can't Stand Losing You,'' which became the rock 'n' roll moment of the night as Summers ascended to near-Jimmy Page status. Some songs were slowed down (and "Every Breath You Take'' felt like a throwaway), but others were sped up and showed that the Police's energy is still there. I wasn't disappointed at all. For those who were disappointed, I'm sorry for you. But what were your expectations? No, this was not the Rat in 1978 or the Paradise in 1979. This was the Police, circa 2007, and we're darned lucky to have them back. Let's just hope that ticket prices are cheaper next time around, if there is a next time.
Another impressive show this week was the Moody Blues at the Bank of America Pavilion. Talk about British rock royalty. These guys are still doing it after 40-plus years -- and their well-paced set list and richly textured vocals were remarkable. Justin Hayward is still the angelic choirboy, while John Lodge sings in a more worldly manner. And adding extra body were two young female singers (who also played flute and keyboards, respectively) and they brought a May/December dynamic that felt exciting and regenerative. I took my 19-year-old son (who had never heard the Moodies in concert) and he was transfixed by the timeless hits "Tuesday Afternoon'' and "Nights in White Satin'' (accompanied by a nicely psychedelic light show), along with retrieved classics like "Isn't Life Strange?'' and "Ride My Seesaw,'' not to mention the rockish hits that kept the Moodies on the radio through the '80s. And drummer Graeme Edge was still his playful self, though he also had an extra drummer who handed the power riffs. And is there anything quite like a Moodies crowd? They know the music by heart and every get-together is like a pow-wow with old friends. Just a fun, cultish experience, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Oh yes, this week's crit tips:
John Powhida's Int'l Airport -- at Toad every Thursday in August. A great new residency (and side project) from the colorful frontman of the Rudds. (I also spotted him the other day in a coat and tie at his other job, giving out information at the Museum of Fine Arts.)
Bryan Adams and George Thorogood & the Destroyers -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Aug. 3. Hey, why not?
Rocco Deluca & the Burden -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Friday, Aug. 3. These WBOS favorites have been coming on strong.
The Newport Folk Festival -- at Newport all weekend, from Aug. 3-5. Linda Ronstadt plays Friday night, then Saturday rocks with the Allman Brothers Band (attention Allmans fans -- have you heard that Newport also added a beer and wine license this year?), along with WBOS faves the John Butler Trio and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. And Sunday has a lovely, feminine touch with Alison Krauss & Union Station and Emmylou Harris leading the way.
Crowded House and Pete Yorn -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sunday, Aug. 5. A smart double bill, combining two generations of melodic rockers.
Allman Brothers Band -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, Aug. 7. If you miss them at Newport, you have another chance in Boston.
Twinemen -- at Atwood's Tavern on Tuesday, Aug. 7. The Twinemen start a Tuesday residency at Atwood's to preview their new disc, "Twinetime,'' which comes out Aug. 21.
Hippiefest -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Wednesday, Aug. 8. It features the Zombies, Badfinger, Mountain, and Mitch Ryder. Nostalgia rules again, but these guys can still play.
STEVE MORSE
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