What's On @ PS Blues 06212005Wednesday, June 22, 2005
What’s on at Pacific Street Blues?
Volume # 7
Artist: Graham Parker
Title: Songs of No Consequence
Rating: Niche
After wandering for seemingly 40 years in the desert Parker has come back with an album full of cynical, caustic observances that only this old punk could muster. While Costello has softened to a squishy middle, Parker remains hungry and mean. Sharp tunes, amazing lyrics such as this from, Bad Chardonnay,
“I’ve got my act together,
Okay it’s only an act,
But it’s served me well for a long, long time.”
Parker legendary pub-rocking band, ‘ The Rumour’ is thing of the past but his new outfit pulls him through. This is a very strong album that old fans can use to reconnect to a great albeit unknown legendary figure.
Artist: Dwight Yoakam
Title: Blame the Vain
Rating: Very Good
Modern country is neutered noise for pin-up artists as disposable used razor blades. For the past 19 years Yoakam has successfully waded through the remnants of county music proud past. Like any artist with a plateful of albums some have been outstanding and some should have been left out standing in a field. Sadly country radio has learned how to make money and consequently completely abandoned the art of music. For Pete’s sake Johnny Cash won a Grammy and still couldn’t get airplay! This is a terrific album that cuts along Yoakam’s Bakersfield (Haggard) roots. The packaging & artwork are outstanding. Yoakam’s cross-genre career has created a new, wider roots audience for country’s next generation of real acts. This is an excellent album.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
What's on Serial June 9, 2005
What's On @ PS Blues 06092005Thursday, June 09, 2005
What’s On at Pacific Street Blues – Vol# 6
Artist: Lucinda Williams
Title: Live @ The Fillmore
Rating: Very Good
Lost Highway is a bona fide roots rock label that, generally, puts out albums of substance. Since her early days Lucinda Williams has been a darling of the critics. Her rough and tumble mix of Tom Petty meets Keith Richards brand of Americana roots rock is full of depth, texture and anguish. While we’ve long been ‘dating’ I never really hooked up completely with her music: especially after her clunker, ‘World Without Tears.’ Live at the Fillmore is pure redemption. Her songs seem to blossom completely with her bar-nag vocals fitting the underside of life that her songs so often portray. The only track that could be misconstrued as a hit is, Righteously’ and only the brave would approach this album one song at a time – rather it needs to be approached as a complete work of art. Over time this album will continue to unfold such that a heavy music fan will ‘get it’ while a more casual listener will wonder what they were drinking when they bought this thing!
rtist: Entrance
Title: Wandering Stranger
Rating: Niche
Upon first listen this album could easily be mistaken for an arrogant ‘day tripper’ by a lost indie-shoe-starer (a/k/a Creeker) with a desire to develop credibility by recording a rootsy blend of America mountain music and Led-Zeppelin-folk. The band consists of Guy Blakeslee on guitar & vocals, Paz Lenchartim on Keys & Fiddle (FIDDLE!), and Tommy Rouse on Drums & driver. Blakeslee walks a thin line between an absolutely brilliant aping of Robert Plant and complete hogwash…and yet deep inside there’s an intangible quality that brings me back repeatedly. The more I listen the more I am compelled to their music. I can’t see any commercial appeal with this music but, gosh, it’s really interesting and certainly breaks out of the trite hipness of the singer/songwriter category.
What’s On at Pacific Street Blues – Vol# 6
Artist: Lucinda Williams
Title: Live @ The Fillmore
Rating: Very Good
Lost Highway is a bona fide roots rock label that, generally, puts out albums of substance. Since her early days Lucinda Williams has been a darling of the critics. Her rough and tumble mix of Tom Petty meets Keith Richards brand of Americana roots rock is full of depth, texture and anguish. While we’ve long been ‘dating’ I never really hooked up completely with her music: especially after her clunker, ‘World Without Tears.’ Live at the Fillmore is pure redemption. Her songs seem to blossom completely with her bar-nag vocals fitting the underside of life that her songs so often portray. The only track that could be misconstrued as a hit is, Righteously’ and only the brave would approach this album one song at a time – rather it needs to be approached as a complete work of art. Over time this album will continue to unfold such that a heavy music fan will ‘get it’ while a more casual listener will wonder what they were drinking when they bought this thing!
rtist: Entrance
Title: Wandering Stranger
Rating: Niche
Upon first listen this album could easily be mistaken for an arrogant ‘day tripper’ by a lost indie-shoe-starer (a/k/a Creeker) with a desire to develop credibility by recording a rootsy blend of America mountain music and Led-Zeppelin-folk. The band consists of Guy Blakeslee on guitar & vocals, Paz Lenchartim on Keys & Fiddle (FIDDLE!), and Tommy Rouse on Drums & driver. Blakeslee walks a thin line between an absolutely brilliant aping of Robert Plant and complete hogwash…and yet deep inside there’s an intangible quality that brings me back repeatedly. The more I listen the more I am compelled to their music. I can’t see any commercial appeal with this music but, gosh, it’s really interesting and certainly breaks out of the trite hipness of the singer/songwriter category.
What's on Serial June 1, 2005
Whats on PS Blues 06012005Wednesday, June 01, 2005
What’s On at Pacific Street Blues?
Volume # 5
Artist: Steel Train
Album Title: Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun
Rating: Very Good
More and more the acoustic singer-songwriter ‘sound’ is becoming the soup d’jour of hipness. None-the-less there are bands within that genre that write really good songs and put out good albums. ‘Twilight Tales’ is a most interesting record that incorporates a blend between early Allman Brother’s sense of meandering panoramic songs combined with a not-quite-so-hippy kind of Grateful Dead layered vocals. Steel Train has a passive approach to presenting their songs much like Crosby, Stills, & Nash would do with this early albums; occasionally breaking into a very melodic tune. The more I play this album the more I enjoy it. It’s not yet half way through the year but this is probably a Top Ten 2005 album for me… and certainly a sound outside of what most listeners may have expected from me.
Artist: Corey Harris
Album: Daily Bread
Rating: Very Good
If you need a category to understand him better, Corey Harris is a modern Taj Mahal. Taj is an iconic Musicologist who’s recent career is bent on preserving and presenting the musical ties between early Black American slaves and the native African tribal sounds that later formed ‘The Blues.’ Mahal is quite good at it; however, I sometimes find his historical accuracy tiring. Harris on the other hand also reaches back into this bedrock of the blues and then ties in a strong melodic almost pop sensibility. He also reaches into island sounds to blend in more roots. While Harris’ other albums did not reach out to me, Daily Bread, is a very strong album that has unfolded after repeated listening. I really enjoy this record and I think most PS Blues listeners will too!
Artist: Tab Benoit
Album: Fever for the Bayou
Rating: Good
I have a great affinity for New Orleans rhythm and blues music. This extends to the outlying areas where Zydeco is king. Try as I might, after numerous listenings I simply cannot get this album to open up. To my ears it sounds, at best, like an average blues album: consequently it does nothing for me. Yes, we’re going to air it a couple of times to create awareness but I am saddened. My expectations for Benoit are to rock-it with a rich flavored album – you get none of that here. Tab’s a terrific player and clearly competent but I hear none of that on this release.
What’s On at Pacific Street Blues?
Volume # 5
Artist: Steel Train
Album Title: Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun
Rating: Very Good
More and more the acoustic singer-songwriter ‘sound’ is becoming the soup d’jour of hipness. None-the-less there are bands within that genre that write really good songs and put out good albums. ‘Twilight Tales’ is a most interesting record that incorporates a blend between early Allman Brother’s sense of meandering panoramic songs combined with a not-quite-so-hippy kind of Grateful Dead layered vocals. Steel Train has a passive approach to presenting their songs much like Crosby, Stills, & Nash would do with this early albums; occasionally breaking into a very melodic tune. The more I play this album the more I enjoy it. It’s not yet half way through the year but this is probably a Top Ten 2005 album for me… and certainly a sound outside of what most listeners may have expected from me.
Artist: Corey Harris
Album: Daily Bread
Rating: Very Good
If you need a category to understand him better, Corey Harris is a modern Taj Mahal. Taj is an iconic Musicologist who’s recent career is bent on preserving and presenting the musical ties between early Black American slaves and the native African tribal sounds that later formed ‘The Blues.’ Mahal is quite good at it; however, I sometimes find his historical accuracy tiring. Harris on the other hand also reaches back into this bedrock of the blues and then ties in a strong melodic almost pop sensibility. He also reaches into island sounds to blend in more roots. While Harris’ other albums did not reach out to me, Daily Bread, is a very strong album that has unfolded after repeated listening. I really enjoy this record and I think most PS Blues listeners will too!
Artist: Tab Benoit
Album: Fever for the Bayou
Rating: Good
I have a great affinity for New Orleans rhythm and blues music. This extends to the outlying areas where Zydeco is king. Try as I might, after numerous listenings I simply cannot get this album to open up. To my ears it sounds, at best, like an average blues album: consequently it does nothing for me. Yes, we’re going to air it a couple of times to create awareness but I am saddened. My expectations for Benoit are to rock-it with a rich flavored album – you get none of that here. Tab’s a terrific player and clearly competent but I hear none of that on this release.
What's on Serial May 23rd 2005
What's On @ PS Blues 05232005Monday, May 23, 2005
What’s On at Pacific Street Blues?
Volume # 4
Artist: Precious Bryant
Title: The Truth
Rating: Very Good
This is not the sort of album I would normally ‘do for.’ It’s very basic and stripped down. Usually these sorts of albums are by post-modern blues interpreters who’s interest in more about preserving the artform than taking it forward. While that’s an honorable albeit somewhat fiscally challenging effort, those kinds of records usually fall short in a mass of clichés and endless ‘honking.’ Not so with Precious Bryant. This is a beautiful full on blues in the “purist” sense that we could possible expect in the 21st century. No pretenses. No stupid nicknames. No hype. Just pure blues based on simple songs that occasionally breakaway from the redundancy of the 12 bar blues. If you’re a “purists” or someone that just wants a fresh but honest blues sound – this is a brilliant album that just like a ripen orange is bursting with juicy flavor.
Artist: Bobby Patterson
Title: Soul of the Man
Rating: Niche
I love good soul. I especially dig Otis Redding and the other giants on the Stax, Muscle Shoals, Hi recordings. While I don’t think anyone could ever touch Otis, I do enjoy well-performed music in this genre. This compilation by Bobby Patterson is an excellent compliment to someone who’s collection is already well stocked with the masters (Aretha Franklin !) With a super funky beat, pumpin’ horns, and a series of slow melting grooves, this album is a sugary concoction of beautiful, authentic, soul music. So why wear your old records out? Try something new that I promise will rekindle your ancient urge to wear polyester leisure suits and pop-in cake cutter combs. Sweet!
Artist: Chris Beard
Title: Live Wire
Rating: Very Good
Until I heard this record it never dawned on me that the late, great Luther Allison has spawned a sub-genre of Midwest electric blues guitar players. As a 4th generation player Chris Beard has continued to grow the genre and balance the fine line between rote blues and high powered rock n’ roll. Beard’s band includes his smokin’ guitar and a very funky horn section that can R-O-C-K! This is a very high-powered live album with excellent songs, superb performances, and terrific presentation & pacing. I really like this album. Often live albums, especially within the blues genre, are pipe-line fillers that bands use to sell to intoxicated fans off the stage. If this record is an indication of Chris Beard’s live shows then fans intoxicated with the blues must be the norm. As within any “rock” genre the difference between a “good” band and a “great” band is always the drummer: Buddy Honeycutt is the drummer on this album and he propels the band through songs like a Navy Ice Cutter. Significantly Beard manages to pull off a strong album without having to resort to use of tired overplayed covers. There’ll be no ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ on this piece… thank gawd.
What’s On at Pacific Street Blues?
Volume # 4
Artist: Precious Bryant
Title: The Truth
Rating: Very Good
This is not the sort of album I would normally ‘do for.’ It’s very basic and stripped down. Usually these sorts of albums are by post-modern blues interpreters who’s interest in more about preserving the artform than taking it forward. While that’s an honorable albeit somewhat fiscally challenging effort, those kinds of records usually fall short in a mass of clichés and endless ‘honking.’ Not so with Precious Bryant. This is a beautiful full on blues in the “purist” sense that we could possible expect in the 21st century. No pretenses. No stupid nicknames. No hype. Just pure blues based on simple songs that occasionally breakaway from the redundancy of the 12 bar blues. If you’re a “purists” or someone that just wants a fresh but honest blues sound – this is a brilliant album that just like a ripen orange is bursting with juicy flavor.
Artist: Bobby Patterson
Title: Soul of the Man
Rating: Niche
I love good soul. I especially dig Otis Redding and the other giants on the Stax, Muscle Shoals, Hi recordings. While I don’t think anyone could ever touch Otis, I do enjoy well-performed music in this genre. This compilation by Bobby Patterson is an excellent compliment to someone who’s collection is already well stocked with the masters (Aretha Franklin !) With a super funky beat, pumpin’ horns, and a series of slow melting grooves, this album is a sugary concoction of beautiful, authentic, soul music. So why wear your old records out? Try something new that I promise will rekindle your ancient urge to wear polyester leisure suits and pop-in cake cutter combs. Sweet!
Artist: Chris Beard
Title: Live Wire
Rating: Very Good
Until I heard this record it never dawned on me that the late, great Luther Allison has spawned a sub-genre of Midwest electric blues guitar players. As a 4th generation player Chris Beard has continued to grow the genre and balance the fine line between rote blues and high powered rock n’ roll. Beard’s band includes his smokin’ guitar and a very funky horn section that can R-O-C-K! This is a very high-powered live album with excellent songs, superb performances, and terrific presentation & pacing. I really like this album. Often live albums, especially within the blues genre, are pipe-line fillers that bands use to sell to intoxicated fans off the stage. If this record is an indication of Chris Beard’s live shows then fans intoxicated with the blues must be the norm. As within any “rock” genre the difference between a “good” band and a “great” band is always the drummer: Buddy Honeycutt is the drummer on this album and he propels the band through songs like a Navy Ice Cutter. Significantly Beard manages to pull off a strong album without having to resort to use of tired overplayed covers. There’ll be no ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ on this piece… thank gawd.
PWF season 2
Playing With Fire - update 05/16/2005Monday, May 16, 2005
If FREE is the best, then the only thing that could be better is FREE and GOOD. This year’s 2nd annual Playing with Fire concert series promises to be an improvement over last year’s award-winning event.
www.playingwithfireomaha.com
In America, “too much is enough,” and that adage holds true with this year’s event. Not only are there seven free concerts (two more than last year), there is also a new four show Friday Blues series. That makes 11 concerts in all!
Last year’s inaugural season was initiated by local businessman Jeff Davis. “Jeff approached me about helping do ONE show in the Old Market: that quickly grew into five shows” says Homer’s President Rick Galusha. “With 11 shows this year he’s really worn out his welcome!” jokes Galusha. “I grew up with a ‘60’s idealism” says Davis. “We really wanted to create an environment for the community to come together, share in some exceptional music and do it all for free. Omaha’s is a happening community and I wanted to be a part of that. And I wanted share my love of music with all my new best friends.”
PLAYING WITH FIRE information:
There are five Saturday shows, a Sunday show, and a Friday show. Two of the shows (July 16th & September 11th) consist of three national recording acts. The seven shows will be held at Lewis & Clark Landing Park; right on the banks of the Missouri River between the new Qwest Center and the river (345 Riverfront Drive). Like last year absolutely no outside food or beverages will be allowed in the park. “These concerts are free because of the sales of concessions and sponsorships.” Says Davis. “We make certain that prices for food and beverages are very reasonable, so no one gets gouged. We want families to be able to afford to come.” So help keep this series free by bringing a BIG appetite! Gates open at 4:00 p.m.(except for the Sunday show on September 11th when they open at noon) and music begins about an hour later.
Playing with Fire requests that concert attendees bring a can of food or two for donation to the Omaha Food Bank, and to keep with the spirit of the event in giving back to the community. FREE PARKING: Due to a special agreement with Gallup University and Metro Area Transit, PWF is able to offer FREE parking just north of Lewis & Clark Landing, along Riverfront Drive, at the Gallup University campus. For a mere $1 per rider (50 cents each way: buy a roundtrip ticket when you park your car) MAT will shuttle guests between the parking lots and the parks. This area is for shuttle riders only. According to Galusha, “There’s been a concern with parking and we wanted to make it as easy as possible this year. Gallup’s help with parking certainly will relieve some of that pressure. ” To avoid park congestion, the quickest access to the Gallup parking lot is to take Cumings Street EAST toward the airport. Cumings will turn into Abbot Drive. Take Abbot Drive to North 6th Street and turn South onto Gallup Drive. With a commitment to help establish Omaha’s musical future, The Blues Society of Omaha’s ‘Blues Kids’ will open some of the shows with a short set that is certain to improve over the five month span of this series. BSO Kids Band coordinator Doug Backer is an enthusiastic supporter of his pupils. “The kids are really excited and ready to put on a great show.” The BSO Kids will also be circulating throughout the audience selling raffle tickets to help them raise money for lessons, instruments, and travel. Russo’s Music has donated guitars for the raffle: winners will get to go backstage, meet that evening's bands, and get their guitar signed. This event could not happen without the support of the Blues Society of Omaha. “We knew this was an event that will grow into a real showcase for Omaha. We’re glad to be a part of it.” says the BSO’s Dan Griffin.
Saturday, June 4 Bernard Allison: Recording with father (blues legend Luther Allison) at 13, Bernard got a job just out of high school touring with Koko Taylor. In 2003, the Prague Post called Allison, “a dedicated touring musician, and his live shows are reputed to be incendiary and geared toward a wide array of listeners.” (2004 Artist)www.bernardallison.com
Melvin Taylor: Influenced by B.B. King, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix, Taylor worked in clubs by the age of 12. Since the 1980s he, along with former members of his first band, The Transistors, toured Europe and opened shows for B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Santana and George Benson. He then formed his own band, The Slack Band, and in 1995 recorded the best-selling album in Evidence Records catalog, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band.
Blues Messengers: Dedicated to preserving authentic blues, this Lincoln-based band features the blistering guitar work of Joe Manthey and Shawn Holt, the son of Chicago blues legend, Magic Slim. www.bluesmessengers.com
Saturday, July 16 Curtis Salgado: His vocals shined at such an early age, his kindergarten teacher declared it by pinning a note about his singing prowess to his clothes. He began his band in the early 1970s, then spent a 6-year stint in Robert Cray's band, including performing on Cray's debut album. Salgado appeared on NPR's Mountain Stage and his last CD, Activated, gained a W.C. Handy nomination for "Soul Blues Album of the Year." His newest, Strong Suspicion, showcases Salgodo’s vocal talent and honed harmonica skills.www.curtissalgado.com
Fathead: The Canada-based band has garnered rave reviews worldwide, and member John Mays recently scored Canadian male vocalist of the year. The group's 1998 release, Blues Weather, won a Juno Award (the Canadian Grammy) for "Blues Recording of the Year." The single, First Class Riff-Raff off their 2000 follow-up, Where's Your Head At? won the 2002 Canadian Indie Award and was nominated for a Juno. Fathead’s stellar songwriting, soul-drenched melodies and ensemble playing is not-to-be-missed.www.fathead.biz
Walter Trout and the Radicals: So popular in Europe that in a BBC poll, Trout was voted the sixth best guitarist of all time right behind Jimmy Page, and ahead of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jeff Beck. The Los Angeles Times describes Trout as “a torrential gladiator guitar player – a kind the term ‘guitar hero’ was coined to describe.” (2004 Artist) www.waltertrout.comSaturday,
August 13David Gogo: Ten years after being nominated for best new solo artist at the 1995 Juno Awards, this British Columbia-based Canadian just won the 2005 Maple Blues Award for "Guitarist of the Year." Gogo recently released his seventh album Vibe, which features guest artists like guitarist Jeff Healey and John Capek. The Victoria Times Colonist recently quoted Gogo discussing the music he makes. "I don't like to be a paint-by-numbers blues guy. I like to make things exciting." www.davidgogo.org
Dave Hole: This Australian slide guitarist with an "over-the-top" style of playing has drawn raves from audiences as well as international publications. Billboard wrote, "Slide guitar fanatics will have their brains blown out by this Australian fret-melter…Remarkably inventive, technically unusual overhand slide work…Prepare to hear your jaw hitting the floor." Hole has 7 studio albums and delivered ferocious live shows on 10 world tours.www.davehole.com
Tres Equis: Local band, Tres Equis, have toured the globe in support of national recording artists. Lead guitarist, Storm, won national notoriety with his dynamic style several years ago by winning Atlantic Records' "Play it Like Jimmy" contest. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jimmy Page selected Storm as having the best recorded cover rendition of one of Page's guitar solos.
Friday, September 9Malford Milligan: This blues/soul singer gained national acclaim with his band, Storyville. Recorded on more than 30 albums, he performed three times on "Austin City Limits" and appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Texas Monthly Magazine said, "(He) may be the next great soul singer…his tenor resonance and barking delivery invite comparisons with Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, and when he's onstage, you can't take your eyes off him!"www.malfordmilligan.com
Tony Vega Band: Blues Access Magazine hails Vega as "a gifted Texas guitarist that demonstrates an ability to play varying styles with equal skill. He has a compelling, razor-sharp guitar style." Don 'T-Bone' Erickson, founding editor of Blueswax e-zine says the newest CD, Tastes Like Love, "serves notice that the band is a force that cannot be denied…one of my favorite albums of 2004…”www.tonyvegaband.com
Dave Nevling: Vocalist, harp player and songwriter, Nevling won the Real Blues 2002 award for Best Texas Blues Harmonica player. Nevling's Blues Kats band features talented artists--guitarist, Adam Burchfield, Jeff Parmenter on bass, Bob Armour on drums and Brad Dawson on the organ. Southwest Blues magazine calls the band's latest album Heady Brew, "…an awesome CD" with "a remarkable group of songs held together with great grooves and catchy lyrics."www.davenevling.com
Saturday, September 10 Dawn Tyler Watson (Dawn Tyler Blues Project): At 13 she played guitar as a seasoned performer and mastered many styles. Dubbed the "Queen of the Blues in Montreal" by the Journal de Montreal, Blues Review magazine raves, "Dawn Tyler Watson takes flexible vocals and a ton of stage presence and applies it all to songs with jazz, funk and pop shadings without ever losing her blues center."www.dawntylerwatson.com
Sue Foley: Honored with her first Juno Award in 2000 for Love Comin' Down”, she has since received a record-setting 14 Maple Blues Awards since 1999, in the categories of Songwriter, Guitarist Recording, Entertainer and Vocalist of the Year. Her recent CD, Where the Action Is, gained the first-ever W.C. Handy award nomination for a Canadian female artist. www.suefoley.com
Sarah Benck and the Robbers: Benck’s recent song, "Tidal Wave" gained national attention from becoming the national YMCA's theme song. Her web site boasts, "After hearing Benck play live, you can't help but agree that music fits Sarah like Cinderella's slipper."www.sarahbenck.comSunday,
September 11The Campbell Brothers: Raised in the "sacred steel" style, a rare music tradition rooted in the African-American Holiness-Pentacostal church, they schooled the popular pedal-steel guitar player, Robert Randolph. The Campbell Brothers combine the church repertoire with the growling, wailing, singing and swinging voice of the steel guitar. Living Blues boasts "…different from anything you've ever heard…essential listening for anyone interested in blues guitar."www.campbellbrothers.com
Dawn Tyler Blues Project; (see September 10th)
Heidi Joy: Operatically trained, Joy began her music career in 1995 and initiated her Holiday Joy concerts in 2000, playing in Nebraska and at a U.S. Naval Base in Guam. www.heidijoy.com
“FRIDAY BLUES” series.
The four “Friday Blues” shows will be held at outdoors at Downtown Blues bar (1512 Howard St. These shows are also free and the sales of concessions help to pay the bills. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. There is no on-site parking but plenty of on-street parking WEST of the Old Market area including a parking garage at 14th & Harney. Downtown Blues' shows will include bands playing outside in the parking lot, as well as Sarah Benck and the Robbers playing the break for each of the four shows.
According to Homer’s Vice President and local radio host Mike Fratt, “Sarah’s status within Omaha’s music community has been rising quickly and this is a good chance for people that normally might not get to see Sarah perform see a terrific local talent on the verge of exploding onto the next level of live music.”
Friday, June 3, 2005 Joanna Connor Guitar World magazine calls her "one red hot and blue mama." Combining funk, rock and world beat, Connor's soulful voice and guitar mastery brings audiences to their feet. Sharing the stage with Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and Los Lobos, Living Blues raves she is "a slide guitarist of ferocious intensity." www.dmamusic.org/joannaconnor
Friday, July 15, 2005 Eric Sardinas Known to “ignite his guitar and walk amidst the flames,” Sardinas has played since age six. About his opening for B.B. King in the House of Blues, the Las Vegas Sun wrote, “His wicked stage presence, combined with his fiery attack on the electrified dobro had the capacity crowd literally screaming.” (2004 Artist)www.ericsardinas.com
Friday, August 12, 2005 Hadden SayersBorn and raised Texan, Hadden Sayers started his own band in 1993, became drawn to the blues in 1996, and has performed, played or jammed with the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Neville Brothers, Susan Tedeschi, Double Trouble, Los Lobos, Ian Moore and many others. The Kansas City Pitch Weekly says the press, "doesn't quite explain Sayers' scorching guitar and bluesy, rockin', take-no-prisoners songwriting touch…Wear long sleeves, this band burns!"www.haddensayers.com
If FREE is the best, then the only thing that could be better is FREE and GOOD. This year’s 2nd annual Playing with Fire concert series promises to be an improvement over last year’s award-winning event.
www.playingwithfireomaha.com
In America, “too much is enough,” and that adage holds true with this year’s event. Not only are there seven free concerts (two more than last year), there is also a new four show Friday Blues series. That makes 11 concerts in all!
Last year’s inaugural season was initiated by local businessman Jeff Davis. “Jeff approached me about helping do ONE show in the Old Market: that quickly grew into five shows” says Homer’s President Rick Galusha. “With 11 shows this year he’s really worn out his welcome!” jokes Galusha. “I grew up with a ‘60’s idealism” says Davis. “We really wanted to create an environment for the community to come together, share in some exceptional music and do it all for free. Omaha’s is a happening community and I wanted to be a part of that. And I wanted share my love of music with all my new best friends.”
PLAYING WITH FIRE information:
There are five Saturday shows, a Sunday show, and a Friday show. Two of the shows (July 16th & September 11th) consist of three national recording acts. The seven shows will be held at Lewis & Clark Landing Park; right on the banks of the Missouri River between the new Qwest Center and the river (345 Riverfront Drive). Like last year absolutely no outside food or beverages will be allowed in the park. “These concerts are free because of the sales of concessions and sponsorships.” Says Davis. “We make certain that prices for food and beverages are very reasonable, so no one gets gouged. We want families to be able to afford to come.” So help keep this series free by bringing a BIG appetite! Gates open at 4:00 p.m.(except for the Sunday show on September 11th when they open at noon) and music begins about an hour later.
Playing with Fire requests that concert attendees bring a can of food or two for donation to the Omaha Food Bank, and to keep with the spirit of the event in giving back to the community. FREE PARKING: Due to a special agreement with Gallup University and Metro Area Transit, PWF is able to offer FREE parking just north of Lewis & Clark Landing, along Riverfront Drive, at the Gallup University campus. For a mere $1 per rider (50 cents each way: buy a roundtrip ticket when you park your car) MAT will shuttle guests between the parking lots and the parks. This area is for shuttle riders only. According to Galusha, “There’s been a concern with parking and we wanted to make it as easy as possible this year. Gallup’s help with parking certainly will relieve some of that pressure. ” To avoid park congestion, the quickest access to the Gallup parking lot is to take Cumings Street EAST toward the airport. Cumings will turn into Abbot Drive. Take Abbot Drive to North 6th Street and turn South onto Gallup Drive. With a commitment to help establish Omaha’s musical future, The Blues Society of Omaha’s ‘Blues Kids’ will open some of the shows with a short set that is certain to improve over the five month span of this series. BSO Kids Band coordinator Doug Backer is an enthusiastic supporter of his pupils. “The kids are really excited and ready to put on a great show.” The BSO Kids will also be circulating throughout the audience selling raffle tickets to help them raise money for lessons, instruments, and travel. Russo’s Music has donated guitars for the raffle: winners will get to go backstage, meet that evening's bands, and get their guitar signed. This event could not happen without the support of the Blues Society of Omaha. “We knew this was an event that will grow into a real showcase for Omaha. We’re glad to be a part of it.” says the BSO’s Dan Griffin.
Saturday, June 4 Bernard Allison: Recording with father (blues legend Luther Allison) at 13, Bernard got a job just out of high school touring with Koko Taylor. In 2003, the Prague Post called Allison, “a dedicated touring musician, and his live shows are reputed to be incendiary and geared toward a wide array of listeners.” (2004 Artist)www.bernardallison.com
Melvin Taylor: Influenced by B.B. King, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix, Taylor worked in clubs by the age of 12. Since the 1980s he, along with former members of his first band, The Transistors, toured Europe and opened shows for B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Santana and George Benson. He then formed his own band, The Slack Band, and in 1995 recorded the best-selling album in Evidence Records catalog, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band.
Blues Messengers: Dedicated to preserving authentic blues, this Lincoln-based band features the blistering guitar work of Joe Manthey and Shawn Holt, the son of Chicago blues legend, Magic Slim. www.bluesmessengers.com
Saturday, July 16 Curtis Salgado: His vocals shined at such an early age, his kindergarten teacher declared it by pinning a note about his singing prowess to his clothes. He began his band in the early 1970s, then spent a 6-year stint in Robert Cray's band, including performing on Cray's debut album. Salgado appeared on NPR's Mountain Stage and his last CD, Activated, gained a W.C. Handy nomination for "Soul Blues Album of the Year." His newest, Strong Suspicion, showcases Salgodo’s vocal talent and honed harmonica skills.www.curtissalgado.com
Fathead: The Canada-based band has garnered rave reviews worldwide, and member John Mays recently scored Canadian male vocalist of the year. The group's 1998 release, Blues Weather, won a Juno Award (the Canadian Grammy) for "Blues Recording of the Year." The single, First Class Riff-Raff off their 2000 follow-up, Where's Your Head At? won the 2002 Canadian Indie Award and was nominated for a Juno. Fathead’s stellar songwriting, soul-drenched melodies and ensemble playing is not-to-be-missed.www.fathead.biz
Walter Trout and the Radicals: So popular in Europe that in a BBC poll, Trout was voted the sixth best guitarist of all time right behind Jimmy Page, and ahead of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jeff Beck. The Los Angeles Times describes Trout as “a torrential gladiator guitar player – a kind the term ‘guitar hero’ was coined to describe.” (2004 Artist) www.waltertrout.comSaturday,
August 13David Gogo: Ten years after being nominated for best new solo artist at the 1995 Juno Awards, this British Columbia-based Canadian just won the 2005 Maple Blues Award for "Guitarist of the Year." Gogo recently released his seventh album Vibe, which features guest artists like guitarist Jeff Healey and John Capek. The Victoria Times Colonist recently quoted Gogo discussing the music he makes. "I don't like to be a paint-by-numbers blues guy. I like to make things exciting." www.davidgogo.org
Dave Hole: This Australian slide guitarist with an "over-the-top" style of playing has drawn raves from audiences as well as international publications. Billboard wrote, "Slide guitar fanatics will have their brains blown out by this Australian fret-melter…Remarkably inventive, technically unusual overhand slide work…Prepare to hear your jaw hitting the floor." Hole has 7 studio albums and delivered ferocious live shows on 10 world tours.www.davehole.com
Tres Equis: Local band, Tres Equis, have toured the globe in support of national recording artists. Lead guitarist, Storm, won national notoriety with his dynamic style several years ago by winning Atlantic Records' "Play it Like Jimmy" contest. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jimmy Page selected Storm as having the best recorded cover rendition of one of Page's guitar solos.
Friday, September 9Malford Milligan: This blues/soul singer gained national acclaim with his band, Storyville. Recorded on more than 30 albums, he performed three times on "Austin City Limits" and appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Texas Monthly Magazine said, "(He) may be the next great soul singer…his tenor resonance and barking delivery invite comparisons with Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, and when he's onstage, you can't take your eyes off him!"www.malfordmilligan.com
Tony Vega Band: Blues Access Magazine hails Vega as "a gifted Texas guitarist that demonstrates an ability to play varying styles with equal skill. He has a compelling, razor-sharp guitar style." Don 'T-Bone' Erickson, founding editor of Blueswax e-zine says the newest CD, Tastes Like Love, "serves notice that the band is a force that cannot be denied…one of my favorite albums of 2004…”www.tonyvegaband.com
Dave Nevling: Vocalist, harp player and songwriter, Nevling won the Real Blues 2002 award for Best Texas Blues Harmonica player. Nevling's Blues Kats band features talented artists--guitarist, Adam Burchfield, Jeff Parmenter on bass, Bob Armour on drums and Brad Dawson on the organ. Southwest Blues magazine calls the band's latest album Heady Brew, "…an awesome CD" with "a remarkable group of songs held together with great grooves and catchy lyrics."www.davenevling.com
Saturday, September 10 Dawn Tyler Watson (Dawn Tyler Blues Project): At 13 she played guitar as a seasoned performer and mastered many styles. Dubbed the "Queen of the Blues in Montreal" by the Journal de Montreal, Blues Review magazine raves, "Dawn Tyler Watson takes flexible vocals and a ton of stage presence and applies it all to songs with jazz, funk and pop shadings without ever losing her blues center."www.dawntylerwatson.com
Sue Foley: Honored with her first Juno Award in 2000 for Love Comin' Down”, she has since received a record-setting 14 Maple Blues Awards since 1999, in the categories of Songwriter, Guitarist Recording, Entertainer and Vocalist of the Year. Her recent CD, Where the Action Is, gained the first-ever W.C. Handy award nomination for a Canadian female artist. www.suefoley.com
Sarah Benck and the Robbers: Benck’s recent song, "Tidal Wave" gained national attention from becoming the national YMCA's theme song. Her web site boasts, "After hearing Benck play live, you can't help but agree that music fits Sarah like Cinderella's slipper."www.sarahbenck.comSunday,
September 11The Campbell Brothers: Raised in the "sacred steel" style, a rare music tradition rooted in the African-American Holiness-Pentacostal church, they schooled the popular pedal-steel guitar player, Robert Randolph. The Campbell Brothers combine the church repertoire with the growling, wailing, singing and swinging voice of the steel guitar. Living Blues boasts "…different from anything you've ever heard…essential listening for anyone interested in blues guitar."www.campbellbrothers.com
Dawn Tyler Blues Project; (see September 10th)
Heidi Joy: Operatically trained, Joy began her music career in 1995 and initiated her Holiday Joy concerts in 2000, playing in Nebraska and at a U.S. Naval Base in Guam. www.heidijoy.com
“FRIDAY BLUES” series.
The four “Friday Blues” shows will be held at outdoors at Downtown Blues bar (1512 Howard St. These shows are also free and the sales of concessions help to pay the bills. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. There is no on-site parking but plenty of on-street parking WEST of the Old Market area including a parking garage at 14th & Harney. Downtown Blues' shows will include bands playing outside in the parking lot, as well as Sarah Benck and the Robbers playing the break for each of the four shows.
According to Homer’s Vice President and local radio host Mike Fratt, “Sarah’s status within Omaha’s music community has been rising quickly and this is a good chance for people that normally might not get to see Sarah perform see a terrific local talent on the verge of exploding onto the next level of live music.”
Friday, June 3, 2005 Joanna Connor Guitar World magazine calls her "one red hot and blue mama." Combining funk, rock and world beat, Connor's soulful voice and guitar mastery brings audiences to their feet. Sharing the stage with Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and Los Lobos, Living Blues raves she is "a slide guitarist of ferocious intensity." www.dmamusic.org/joannaconnor
Friday, July 15, 2005 Eric Sardinas Known to “ignite his guitar and walk amidst the flames,” Sardinas has played since age six. About his opening for B.B. King in the House of Blues, the Las Vegas Sun wrote, “His wicked stage presence, combined with his fiery attack on the electrified dobro had the capacity crowd literally screaming.” (2004 Artist)www.ericsardinas.com
Friday, August 12, 2005 Hadden SayersBorn and raised Texan, Hadden Sayers started his own band in 1993, became drawn to the blues in 1996, and has performed, played or jammed with the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Neville Brothers, Susan Tedeschi, Double Trouble, Los Lobos, Ian Moore and many others. The Kansas City Pitch Weekly says the press, "doesn't quite explain Sayers' scorching guitar and bluesy, rockin', take-no-prisoners songwriting touch…Wear long sleeves, this band burns!"www.haddensayers.com
Album Review Bruce Springsteen's Devil and Dust
Bruce Springsteen - Devils & Dust Monday, April 25, 2005
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Title: Devils & Dust
Rating: Niche
There are moments when “rock” music can be as significant an artform as other more recognized mediums such as painting, dance, or a Classical piece. Few “pop” artists are able to transcend their confines to create a sonic mindscape where words and music come together to create series of mental images that other forms of art are accredited with.
It’s been twenty-one years since Springsteen’s, ‘Born in the USA’ ruled the airwaves. Since his massive commercial bonanza Springsteen has calmly down shifted his career.
In many ways Springsteen has nurtured two careers; one with the E-Street Band and a series of solo & acoustic recordings. His first album, Greetings from Asbury Park, a wordsmith extravaganza, straddles the middle ground between these two careers. In a strange duality Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum sans’ E Street Band in ’99 although clearly his biggest successes have been with the band.
Devils & Dust is the third in the series of studio acoustic albums: Nebraska (’82), [Unplugged (’92)], Ghost of Tom Joad (’96) and now Devils & Dust. Generally critics have lauded most offerings by Springsteen. While Nebraska is widely appreciated, his acoustic albums have been dark and ponderous. Devils & Dust is more Steinbeck and less Little Richard.
I like Springsteen and I purchased this album in the new Dual Disc format; one side is a compact disc, the other side is a DVD that features four videos as well as the full album. Consequently the Dual Disc format allows the recording to be played on CD, DVD or CD Rom (computer) players. So it is convenient. This format allows the artist an expanded medium in which to communicate their art; music, album jacket art, and now video(s). The Dual Disc also allows the artist flexibility to include live, behind the scenes, and interview video. So the ability to communicate the art and concept is greatly expanded. The five videos included are; Devils & Dust, Long Time Comin’ Reno, All I’m Thinkin’ About, and Matamoros Banks. All the videos are shot in the same setting and resonate of ‘The Grapes of Wrath’… an empty 40’s ish house with bare walls, blistering wallpaper, and wooden floors.
The video pictures reflect the stark bareness of the music and the stories being told. Make no mistake; if you want an album to sing along with, to lift up your spirits, this ain’t it. This album’s 12 songs delve into brief lingering images that are true reflections of a harsher side of life. Appropriately the third track, Reno, includes an “adult” warning as it deals with the explicit transaction between a prostitute and her customer and drags the entire album down. On this recording Springsteen uses many of the non-E-Street Band members from, ’The Rising’ sessions including Producer Brendan O’Brien, Soozie Tyrell and The Nashville String Machine.
In the early ‘70’s the relatively unknown up & coming Springsteen’s career was condemned when he was compared to Bob Dylan. Today comparing a relative unknown songwriter to Dylan is rote but back then it was sacrilege. In retrospect, while most of the last 30+ years of Dylan’s career have been a wasteland, Springsteen remains firmly in control of his career and exercises his right to ‘turn off’ the Springsteen-Machine by releasing albums, such as Devils & Dust, that are tome-like literary works but hardly commercial or uplifting. Devils & Dust is as close to literature as music may be capable of; however, this album deals with images that do not appeal to me. For the die hard Springsteen fan this will be yet another in a long line of well above average to great albums; however, to the average pop music fan, unless The Grapes of Wrath happens to be one of your favorite books, Devils and Dust will probably not be something you’ll enjoy.
For certain this album requires multiple listenings before it begins to show itself and for a niche few it will be well worth the investment.
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Title: Devils & Dust
Rating: Niche
There are moments when “rock” music can be as significant an artform as other more recognized mediums such as painting, dance, or a Classical piece. Few “pop” artists are able to transcend their confines to create a sonic mindscape where words and music come together to create series of mental images that other forms of art are accredited with.
It’s been twenty-one years since Springsteen’s, ‘Born in the USA’ ruled the airwaves. Since his massive commercial bonanza Springsteen has calmly down shifted his career.
In many ways Springsteen has nurtured two careers; one with the E-Street Band and a series of solo & acoustic recordings. His first album, Greetings from Asbury Park, a wordsmith extravaganza, straddles the middle ground between these two careers. In a strange duality Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum sans’ E Street Band in ’99 although clearly his biggest successes have been with the band.
Devils & Dust is the third in the series of studio acoustic albums: Nebraska (’82), [Unplugged (’92)], Ghost of Tom Joad (’96) and now Devils & Dust. Generally critics have lauded most offerings by Springsteen. While Nebraska is widely appreciated, his acoustic albums have been dark and ponderous. Devils & Dust is more Steinbeck and less Little Richard.
I like Springsteen and I purchased this album in the new Dual Disc format; one side is a compact disc, the other side is a DVD that features four videos as well as the full album. Consequently the Dual Disc format allows the recording to be played on CD, DVD or CD Rom (computer) players. So it is convenient. This format allows the artist an expanded medium in which to communicate their art; music, album jacket art, and now video(s). The Dual Disc also allows the artist flexibility to include live, behind the scenes, and interview video. So the ability to communicate the art and concept is greatly expanded. The five videos included are; Devils & Dust, Long Time Comin’ Reno, All I’m Thinkin’ About, and Matamoros Banks. All the videos are shot in the same setting and resonate of ‘The Grapes of Wrath’… an empty 40’s ish house with bare walls, blistering wallpaper, and wooden floors.
The video pictures reflect the stark bareness of the music and the stories being told. Make no mistake; if you want an album to sing along with, to lift up your spirits, this ain’t it. This album’s 12 songs delve into brief lingering images that are true reflections of a harsher side of life. Appropriately the third track, Reno, includes an “adult” warning as it deals with the explicit transaction between a prostitute and her customer and drags the entire album down. On this recording Springsteen uses many of the non-E-Street Band members from, ’The Rising’ sessions including Producer Brendan O’Brien, Soozie Tyrell and The Nashville String Machine.
In the early ‘70’s the relatively unknown up & coming Springsteen’s career was condemned when he was compared to Bob Dylan. Today comparing a relative unknown songwriter to Dylan is rote but back then it was sacrilege. In retrospect, while most of the last 30+ years of Dylan’s career have been a wasteland, Springsteen remains firmly in control of his career and exercises his right to ‘turn off’ the Springsteen-Machine by releasing albums, such as Devils & Dust, that are tome-like literary works but hardly commercial or uplifting. Devils & Dust is as close to literature as music may be capable of; however, this album deals with images that do not appeal to me. For the die hard Springsteen fan this will be yet another in a long line of well above average to great albums; however, to the average pop music fan, unless The Grapes of Wrath happens to be one of your favorite books, Devils and Dust will probably not be something you’ll enjoy.
For certain this album requires multiple listenings before it begins to show itself and for a niche few it will be well worth the investment.
What's On Serial April 20th 2005
What's On @ PS Blues 05202005Wednesday, April 20, 2005
What’s “on” at Pacific Street Blues?
Vol. 3
Artist: Marcia Ball
Title: Live! Down the Road
Rating: Good
Like many blues progenitors, Marci Ball has her style and she does it very well. If it’s a style that you appreciate then having Ball’s live interpretations of these songs is something you’re going to appreciate. However, if you’re not already a fan then this album is an average outing that will sell well off the stage and poorly in the stores. Let’s not beat around the bush, Ball is quite good and very entertaining live: a charming stylist with a smokin’ band. That said, this effort breaks no new ground and while fans will adore the effort, others will quickly forget it ever came out. Plan on hearing, ‘Down the Road’ for a few months on KIWR’s Pacific Street Blues and make your own decision.
Artist: Jimmy Thackery
Title: Healin’ Ground
Rating: Good
With the release of his umpteenth solo album Jimmy Thackery has his niche in the blues world well carved. A canny good guitar player that can stoke a hot riff I lump Thackery a bit lower down the totem pole of uninspired players along with; B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Jonny Lang. Thackery’s live shows have devolved into rote-recall of distant songs with dull edges and well anchored safety nets. In the past decade he’s moved from a red-hot dynamo as heard on, ‘Empty Arms Motel’ to, well, just another act passing through town eeking out an existence. His latest album, ‘Healin’ Ground’ will get the airplay it deserves (because that’s what people want to hear) but count on this piece passing through the night quickly. I guess I am incredibly disappointed in his vocal performance and, based upon that apparent lack of effort, can’t get past it. Sorry fans. Sorry Jimmy.
Artist: Robbie Fulks
Title: Georgia Hard
Rating: Very Good
A known name that I know little about, Fulks latest effort, ‘Georgia Hard’ is a very good country roots album that is left of Lyle Lovett & George Strait and pushing hard up against Merle Haggard. Fulks’ ability to write a good song and get it recorded with a fresh, inspired sound makes this album unfold nicely. While the songs stall amid this 15 song album (tracks 6, 7, & 8) things quickly rev back up. Once again Fulks’ effort is punished by trying to make too long of an album. As you’ve all heard me rant before, no artist, NO ARTIST, can sustain a career spanning numerous albums that requires an artistic vision the equilivent of double vinyl album release every time. So tune into KIWR’s Pacific Street Blues to hear this album over the next few months and, once again, you decide!
What’s “on” at Pacific Street Blues?
Vol. 3
Artist: Marcia Ball
Title: Live! Down the Road
Rating: Good
Like many blues progenitors, Marci Ball has her style and she does it very well. If it’s a style that you appreciate then having Ball’s live interpretations of these songs is something you’re going to appreciate. However, if you’re not already a fan then this album is an average outing that will sell well off the stage and poorly in the stores. Let’s not beat around the bush, Ball is quite good and very entertaining live: a charming stylist with a smokin’ band. That said, this effort breaks no new ground and while fans will adore the effort, others will quickly forget it ever came out. Plan on hearing, ‘Down the Road’ for a few months on KIWR’s Pacific Street Blues and make your own decision.
Artist: Jimmy Thackery
Title: Healin’ Ground
Rating: Good
With the release of his umpteenth solo album Jimmy Thackery has his niche in the blues world well carved. A canny good guitar player that can stoke a hot riff I lump Thackery a bit lower down the totem pole of uninspired players along with; B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Jonny Lang. Thackery’s live shows have devolved into rote-recall of distant songs with dull edges and well anchored safety nets. In the past decade he’s moved from a red-hot dynamo as heard on, ‘Empty Arms Motel’ to, well, just another act passing through town eeking out an existence. His latest album, ‘Healin’ Ground’ will get the airplay it deserves (because that’s what people want to hear) but count on this piece passing through the night quickly. I guess I am incredibly disappointed in his vocal performance and, based upon that apparent lack of effort, can’t get past it. Sorry fans. Sorry Jimmy.
Artist: Robbie Fulks
Title: Georgia Hard
Rating: Very Good
A known name that I know little about, Fulks latest effort, ‘Georgia Hard’ is a very good country roots album that is left of Lyle Lovett & George Strait and pushing hard up against Merle Haggard. Fulks’ ability to write a good song and get it recorded with a fresh, inspired sound makes this album unfold nicely. While the songs stall amid this 15 song album (tracks 6, 7, & 8) things quickly rev back up. Once again Fulks’ effort is punished by trying to make too long of an album. As you’ve all heard me rant before, no artist, NO ARTIST, can sustain a career spanning numerous albums that requires an artistic vision the equilivent of double vinyl album release every time. So tune into KIWR’s Pacific Street Blues to hear this album over the next few months and, once again, you decide!
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