Category Archives: concert reviews
We Had The British Invasion; Here’s The Swedish Invasion!
I have been a fan of First Aid Kit, a duo composed of Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, from the time I first heard them over two years ago.
First Aid Kit (Johanna in front, Klara in back)
As soon as their headlining show at The Paradise Rock Club was announced, I knew I would be in the audience. Read the rest of this entry
Modern Indie-Folk Invaded Our Hearts
Besides Daniel is yet another band to which The Extended Play Sessions, a project of Alternate Root magazine, has introduced me.
Besides Daniel
Last weekend this group of young men from Atlanta graced the stage at the Sessions for a fabulous set of emotional music. Read the rest of this entry
Country Twang Rocked The House
Ten years ago if you had asked me what kind of music I disliked, I would have answered, “country.” Now, I can’t seem to get enough high-quality country music (for me, the genre includes alt-country, country rock, country blues).
Moot Davis & The Good Americans
Moot Davis & the Good Americans gave us a fabulous set at The Extended Play Sessions at Alternate Root TV last weekend. Read the rest of this entry
An Excellent Roots Rock Party Kickstarted The Weekend
The Bottle Rockets, a roots rock band currently based in St. Louis, is yet another band that did not get onto my radar during the past twenty or so years.
Bottle Rockets
They have toured through New England over the past year but I did not have the opportunity to see them until their show this weekend at Johnny D’s. A friend whose opinions I value had an extra ticket so I jumped on it. Read the rest of this entry
Sharon Jones Gave The People What We Wanted
Let me start by saying that my words will not do justice to the performance by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings at Boston’s House of Blues.
Sharon Jones
This was one of the highest-energy shows I have ever seen, and will certainly make it into my top ten shows of 2014.
Sharon (doing the watusi, I believe)
Much Talent On The Stage This Night
I went to this show at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion as much to see Ray LaMontagne as I did to see one of the openers, Jason Isbell.
Ray LaMontagne
Jason Isbell
I will say up front that this is one of my least favorite venues in the Boston area – the sound is inconsistent, the stage is high, and the view (and sound) is best from the center of the center section in rows 6 through about 16. In addition, for this show photographers were relegated to the far right of the venue, 15 rows back (I apologize for the less-than-usual quality of my photos – I now know I need a monopod). Read the rest of this entry
A Slice Of The Heaven That Is New Orleans
I have known about Kermit Ruffins for many years but had not seen him perform live until last week at Brighton Music Hall. Sure, I saw him on the incredible HBO series ‘Tremé‘ and from his scenes, I knew I had to seize the first opportunity I had to see him.
Kermit Ruffins
Kermit is a (mostly) jazz trumpeter who got his start with the Rebirth Brass Band (hmmm, maybe I did see Kermit with them) in the 1980s. His band is the Barbecue Swingers and swing they did! There was no barbecue at this show unfortunately…
Kermit
‘Evil Gal’ Michelle Willson Sings Her Heart Out
This show at Glenn’s Restaurant was my first opportunity to see Michelle ‘Evil Gal’ Willson and her band perform since the fabulous Scullers show that was recorded for subsequent release as ‘Fortune Cookie’.
Michelle ‘Evil Gal’ Willson
Michelle has a powerhouse of a voice that is extremely well-suited to jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues songs.
Evil Gal
Roots Rock Ruled At The Extended Play Sessions!
Where do I start to describe the enchantment of this event… The music, the musicians, the other guests, the food and drink – all contributed to make this one of the most incredible evenings of music I have experienced.
Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons
Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons is a roots rock band from Ohio who performed at the Extended Play Sessions of The Alternate Root TV on Saturday night. Read the rest of this entry
Another Marvelous Club d’Elf Experience
If you have been following this blog (which everyone should do!), you’ll know how much I love Club d’Elf. And how often I go to their bi-weekly Friday night residency at Lizard Lounge.
Mike Rivard
Club d’Elf was founded 16+ years ago by Mike Rivard, and is a collaboration among extraordinarily talented musicians who vary from show to show. Read the rest of this entry
suze reviews the blues 