Blog Archives
An Evening of Hard-Driving Blues
I saw an unexpectedly excellent blues show at Johnny D’s on Friday night! If I’d been familiar with all the acts, I would not have been as surprised.
Of course I am familiar with Charles Neville, saxophonist for The Neville Brothers. I love their music and their spirit, together and separately (the band as it existed for many years is no longer). I was not familiar with Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood, other than by name and reputation.
Charles Neville
Dancing with The Gipsy Kings
I have enjoyed listening to the Gipsy Kings for a number of years, but never had the opportunity to see them in person until this show at the Lynn Memorial Auditorium.
The band is touring this year for their 25th annivesary, and has released a new album, Savor Flamenco, as well.
Carrie Rodriguez Bares Her Soul
Several years ago, a friend who has worked in the music business for many years told me that I would enjoy seeing Carrie perform. I had not been able to attend any shows up to now, so I made sure not to have any conflicts when this show was announced.
From the moment Austin-based Carrie Rodriguez took the stage with Luke Jacobs at Johnny D’s last Sunday evening, the audience was completely captivated by her. Read the rest of this entry
Recent Concert Announcements!
I’ve slacked off the last couple of weeks – blame it on going to many shows and keeping up with the reviews!
Stanley Clarke at Tupelo Music Hall – Saturday, February 22
The Infamous Stringdusters at The Paradise – Wednesday, March 26
Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle at Berklee Performance Center – Friday, March 28
Girls, Guns & Glory/Sarah Borges at The Narrows Center for the Arts – Friday, March 28
Carolina Chocolate Drops at The Narrows Center for the Arts – Monday, March 31
Lake Street Dive at The Royale – Sunday, April 6
The Psychedelic Furs at The Sinclair – Sunday, April 13
Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys at Brighton Music Hall – Friday, April 18
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings at House of Blues – Saturday, May 31
Newport Folk Festival – July 25 – 27
Trombone Shorty, Long on Talent
Admittedly, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue is one of my favorite musicians, live or recorded. I have been following him for at least four years and this was his first headlining show in Boston! You know I bought tickets the day they went on sale…
Trombone Shorty
His brand of New Orleans funk is wonderfully engaging both to listen to and to watch.
Finally, A Cracker That’s Interesting!
Usually crackers are merely the vehicle to get the flavor into your mouth. The band Cracker is the flavor itself!
David Lowery of Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven
I had no idea what to expect from this show, and I’m really glad I went! Read the rest of this entry
A Bugg You Won’t Want to Squoosh!
We bought tickets to Jake Bugg‘s show at the House of Blues as soon as they went on sale; last time he was in Boston, he played at a much smaller venue and sold that out fairly quickly. We didn’t want to be left out of this show.
And what a show it was! Jake is a young (19 years old) talent who has tremendous stage presence for his years. Read the rest of this entry
Hot Stove, Cool Music
The 14th annual Hot Stove, Cool Music fundraising event for The Foundation to Be Named Later was held Saturday night at The Paradise Rock Club. The Foundation was started by Theo and Paul Epstein as a way to help disadvantaged children.
I’d say the music was quite hot, not cool, judging by the last half of the event!
Peter Gammons
Recently Announced Concerts!
It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted concert announcements. This list will include more than those shows announced in the past week.
Eli Paperboy Reed at The Sinclair – Friday, February 14
Juanito Pascual New Flamenco Trio at Sanders Theatre – Saturday, February 15
Yasiin Bey (a/k/a Mos Def) at The Wilbur – Saturday, February 22
Evolfo Doofeht at Thirsty Moose Taphouse (Portsmouth, NH) – Friday, February 28
Drive-By Truckers with Blitzen Trapper at House of Blues – Friday, March 21
Laney Jones at Johnny D’s (Free Friday) – Friday, April 11
Simon Townsend at Johnny D’s – Saturday, April 12
Alejandro Escovedo at Brighton Music Hall – Friday, April 18
Bombay Bicycle Club at The Royale – Tuesday, May 6
The Mavericks at The Wilbur – Sunday, May 11
Simon Phillips, A Jazz Fusion Powerhouse
I love it when I go to a show not really knowing the artist (therefor having no expectations), and having my mind blown. That happened last night with Simon Phillips on his Protocol II tour stop at Scullers Jazz Club.
Ernest Tibbs, Steve Weingart, Andy Timmons, Simon Phillips (left to right)
My friend asked if I wanted to see this show; since I wasn’t familiar with Simon’s name (although I of course know Toto, the band he’s probably best known for), I listened to a clip of his music. It took me less than 30 seconds of listening to know that I needed to see this show.
Simon
suze reviews the blues 