Blog Archives
An Evening With An Extraordinary Guitarist
For those of you who do not know of him – and I bet there are a fair number of you who do not – Andy McKee is one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world. I did not know of him until a friend told me about her favorite musician over a year ago, and decided to see him at Regattabar last year.
Andy McKee on his harp-guitar
As soon as this weekend’s shows were announced, I knew we would be in the audience once again to see this extraordinary guitarist work his magic.
The NightOwls Were A Hoot (Sorry, Couldn’t Resist)
The NightOwls, a soul/Motown/R&B band from Austin, filled the stage at The Extended Play Sessions recently and brought their A game to us. They graciously fit us into their tight schedule and delivered a terrific performance.
The NightOwls
I missed the first couple of songs because traffic was atrocious (and this show started earlier than usual because the band had to be in Cambridge for a show later in the evening), but luckily for me they had to re-record one of them so I did not miss much.
Freshgrass Festival Is More Than Bluegrass
This was my second year attending the five-year-old Freshgrass Festival, held annually on the grounds of Mass MoCA in the Berkshires. Everything about this Festival is terrific, from the music to the crowd to the food vendors to the setting. This year, the weather was perfect as well – and included a rainbow that appeared auspiciously during Vieux Farka Touré’s ethereal set.
I was able to see every set because the set times are staggered. I love that I do not have to make choices about which act to see when. Please make sure to look at the gallery of photos at the end of this review.
Bluegrass Meets Heavy Metal – What A Concept!
My review on No Depression of the show represented by these photos can be read by clicking here.
Stash Wyslouch
Stash Wyslouch
Stash Wyslouch and Duncan Winkel
Sean Trischka
Noam Weisenberg
Stash Wyslouch
Stash Wyslouch and band
More cowbell, Stash!
Stash Wyslouch
Duncan Winkel
Sean Trischka
Stash Wyslouch
‘I Saw the Light’ Lyrics Board
Stash Wyslouch
Stash Wyslouch and Isa Burke
Greg Liszt
Stash Wyslouch and Duncan WInkel
Stash Wyslouch
Sean Trischka
Stash Wyslouch and Duncan WInkel
Duncan Winkel and Stash Wyslouch
Lake Street Dive Thrilled And Amazed The Huge Audience In Lowell
I am unsure that my words – or anyone’s words, if truth be told – can adequately describe the incredible performance by Lake Street Dive at the penultimate show of the 26th season of the Lowell Summer Music Series.
Rachael Price
This band is on a meteoric rise and I am thankful that I have seen them at reasonable sized venues where the sound is good and the audiences well-behaved and appreciative.
Michelle Willson Brought A Little Bit Of Evil (Gal) To Lowell
It has been a long time, other than on a new year’s eve, since I have stayed out until almost 2 a.m. to hear music. I did just that over the weekend and heard the wonderful Michelle ‘Evil Gal’ Willson perform with some of The Usual Suspects at the Back Page in Lowell.
Michelle ‘Evil Gal’ Willson
What a high energy show Willson delivered! I have seen her perform a number of times and this show was one of the best.
Michelle ‘Evil Gal’ Willson
Magic Emanated From The Indian Ranch Stage
I have seen Buddy Guy perform on enough occasions to know that he always delivers his ‘A’ game, but Sunday’s performance at Indian Ranch was spectacular! The weather even cooperated by not raining until the show ended!
Buddy Guy
Buddy, who recently turned 79 years old, shows no sign of slowing down or losing his touch. He is still one of the finest players in the blues world.
Buddy Guy
The Black Lillies Brought Heat To The Fallout Shelter
On a fairly hot night, the Extended Play Sessions at the Fallout Shelter presented The Black Lillies, a wonderful Americana/blues/soul/rock band hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Cruz Contreras
While their music may take several words to define, it can be summed up in one word – terrific!
A Sojourn Through Celtic Lands
Brian O’Donovan, the curator/radio personality of the weekly WGBH radio show A Celtic Sojourn, came to the Lowell Summer Music Series with a number of Celtic musicians to present A Celtic Sojourn Roots & Branches Festival. This turned out to be a fine evening at Boarding House Park as the rain never arrived.
Jason Oremus (leaping)
Initially the show was to be moved indoors, but an improving forecast caused the Series to hold it outdoors and we were glad for it.
Trombone Shorty Brought The Funk To Lowell
I have now seen Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue enough times (at least eight) to know that the band delivers a fantastic high-energy show, but this show at the Lowell Summer Music Series surpassed any expectations I had.
Trombone Shorty
It was a gorgeous night in Boarding House Park – not humid, not hot (at least not after the sun passed behind the buildings), and, most important, not raining – and the crowd was ready to par-tay!
suze reviews the blues 