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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
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
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
Friday, July 13, 2007
Critic's Tips
Carbon Leaf -- at Lowell National Historical Park on Friday, July 13. The Virginia band plays rootsy, summer-breeze rock that should be ideal in this outdoor setting.
Nickelback -- at the Tweeter Center on Friday, July 13. Nickelback has been a hit machine second to none in recent years. And Bay State band Staind opens up, along with Daughtry.
Kashmir -- on a Rock On Concert Cruise Friday, July 13. The excellent Led Zeppelin tribute act (admit it, you might have a weakness for them) sets sail from Rowes Wharf at 8 p.m.
Buffalo Tom -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday, July 14. Many folks are surprised that Buffalo Tom finally released another album. They'll celebrate it with this hometown gig.
Trisha Yearwood -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Saturday, July 14. The fine country singer, who also happens to be Mrs. Garth Brooks, remains a standout stage act.
Alternative Country Extravaganza -- at Harpers Ferry on Saturday, July 14. That's what they're calling this benefit for Horizons for Homeless Children, featuring Lucky 57, the Molenes, Dave Smamarco Band, and more.
Bellevue Cadillac -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 14. Known as the Johnny D's of the South Shore, the oceanside Sea Note is a hot spot on summer weekends. And Bellevue Cadillac's blues-swing will only enhance the vibe.
STEVE MORSE
Nickelback -- at the Tweeter Center on Friday, July 13. Nickelback has been a hit machine second to none in recent years. And Bay State band Staind opens up, along with Daughtry.
Kashmir -- on a Rock On Concert Cruise Friday, July 13. The excellent Led Zeppelin tribute act (admit it, you might have a weakness for them) sets sail from Rowes Wharf at 8 p.m.
Buffalo Tom -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday, July 14. Many folks are surprised that Buffalo Tom finally released another album. They'll celebrate it with this hometown gig.
Trisha Yearwood -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Saturday, July 14. The fine country singer, who also happens to be Mrs. Garth Brooks, remains a standout stage act.
Alternative Country Extravaganza -- at Harpers Ferry on Saturday, July 14. That's what they're calling this benefit for Horizons for Homeless Children, featuring Lucky 57, the Molenes, Dave Smamarco Band, and more.
Bellevue Cadillac -- at the Sea Note in Hull on Saturday, July 14. Known as the Johnny D's of the South Shore, the oceanside Sea Note is a hot spot on summer weekends. And Bellevue Cadillac's blues-swing will only enhance the vibe.
STEVE MORSE
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ratdog resurgence
Who knew that Bob Weir & Ratdog would blow the roof off the Bank of America Pavilion this summer? I've sat through some cerebral Ratdog shows, and some not-so-cerebral ones. This was simply the best one that I've seen -- hitting a party groove most of the way.
Former Grateful Dead co-singer Weir has had numerous ups and downs with Ratdog, which was once his side project but is now his main focus. He seems to have finally just tossed caution to the wind and is enjoying himself (critics be darned) and that buzz swept through a nearly sold-out crowd that boogied in the aisles like the days of yore.
Weir continued to mine the Dead catalog -- starting with "Feel Like a Stranger'' and moving through the Jerry Garcia-identified "Black Peter,'' "Loose Lucy,'' and encoring with the transcendent "Brokedown Palace.'' His voice hit soulful peaks on all of them -- and he also took a heavy plunge into Bob Dylan's catalog, touching upon the graceful "She Belongs to Me,'' the challenging "Silvio'' (which began with a tease of the Dead's "Bertha'' and later went into a crowd-pleasing "Tequila'') and protest song "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall,'' though it was a rare lowlight because he sang it too softly, without the needed edge.
But Weir generally stayed on a crowd-pleasing plane, encouraging the dancers with two covers that the Dead also popularized: the New Orleans classic "Iko, Iko'' and Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away,'' given a Bo Diddley beat. And his cover of "The Mighty Quinn'' was boosted by with harmony vocals from ever-improving opening act Keller Williams. Another highlight was hearing psychedelic-jazzer Steve Kimock on guitar (who has replaced Mark Karan for the tour because the latter is ill).
A further treat: Weir & Ratdog will return to play a tribute to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road'' at Lowell's Boarding House Park on Aug. 12. It will also feature the Dead's longtime aide de camp, Dennis McNally (who is now Ratdog's tour manager) reading from Kerouac's text. For tickets and information, go to Lowellsummermusic.org.
Former Grateful Dead co-singer Weir has had numerous ups and downs with Ratdog, which was once his side project but is now his main focus. He seems to have finally just tossed caution to the wind and is enjoying himself (critics be darned) and that buzz swept through a nearly sold-out crowd that boogied in the aisles like the days of yore.
Weir continued to mine the Dead catalog -- starting with "Feel Like a Stranger'' and moving through the Jerry Garcia-identified "Black Peter,'' "Loose Lucy,'' and encoring with the transcendent "Brokedown Palace.'' His voice hit soulful peaks on all of them -- and he also took a heavy plunge into Bob Dylan's catalog, touching upon the graceful "She Belongs to Me,'' the challenging "Silvio'' (which began with a tease of the Dead's "Bertha'' and later went into a crowd-pleasing "Tequila'') and protest song "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall,'' though it was a rare lowlight because he sang it too softly, without the needed edge.
But Weir generally stayed on a crowd-pleasing plane, encouraging the dancers with two covers that the Dead also popularized: the New Orleans classic "Iko, Iko'' and Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away,'' given a Bo Diddley beat. And his cover of "The Mighty Quinn'' was boosted by with harmony vocals from ever-improving opening act Keller Williams. Another highlight was hearing psychedelic-jazzer Steve Kimock on guitar (who has replaced Mark Karan for the tour because the latter is ill).
A further treat: Weir & Ratdog will return to play a tribute to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road'' at Lowell's Boarding House Park on Aug. 12. It will also feature the Dead's longtime aide de camp, Dennis McNally (who is now Ratdog's tour manager) reading from Kerouac's text. For tickets and information, go to Lowellsummermusic.org.
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