Any time it is cold and rainy, with a chance of snow, on a Friday night, the odds of me getting out are about as good as me not wanting to punch Nancy Grace in the face. However, if there is one thing that will get me out of the house and defy the elements it is a great band with the promise of a fun show. The band that fits that description is American Aquarium.
At the beginning of 2010 if you had asked me what I thought of American Aquarium I would have responded with "Who?". If you asked me the same question at the end of 2010 the reply would have been "My favorite new band of 2010". While they are not a new band, they were to me and ranked #2 on my Ipod's played list for the year. (The top honor once again goes to the Drive By Truckers). I arrived at 12th & Porter a little early as I was thinking that AA were first to play on the triple bill. I was going to watch them and go home so I still had plans to be in bed somewhat early, something every lazy man strives for. Once I got there, I found out they were the second band to go on and this turned out to be a good thing as Zach Williams and the Reformation were opening the show. Ladies and gentlemen.....Southern Rock is alive and well These guys looked and sounded like they stepped out of the good part of the 1970s music scene. If Skynyrd and the Black Crowes produced a love child it would be Zach Williams and the Reformation. This was another case of me not being familiar with a bands material but after reviewing their website I think a lot of the music they played may be from an upcoming album. They did mix in a cover of 30 Days In The Hole and nailed it. Zach Williams has the voice for this genre and the whole time I was watching him I couldn't help but think he moved like Chris Robinson while looking a bit like Kevin Nash. The bass player, Red Dorton, has a definite rock star stage presence as well. This is a band I will be keeping an eye on.
By the time American Aquarium came out the place was packed. The headliners, The Delta Saints, were having their CD release party but there were a good number of AA fans in the crowd as well. The band did not disappoint. When you watch American Aquarium you get the impression that they put it all out there if they are playing for a sold out show like this one or if they were in your backyard. They kicked the show off with one of my favorites, "Katherine Bell", and pretty well stuck to the more up tempo tunes. Most of the setlist came from their CD "Dances For The Lonely", and included "Ain't Going To The Bar Tonight", "Louisiana Beauty Queen", "Good Fight", and "I Hope He Breaks Your Heart". When BJ sings "I Hope He Breaks Your Heart" he sings with with such emotion you can't help but want to give him a hug and hope that her life is miserable. A new song, "Redheads and Adderall" was mixed into the set (see video I shot below) and hopefully we will hear this on the next CD. They closed the show with "Clark Ave." This song should be to them what Rock And Roll All Night is to KISS. This is the perfect song to close it out and they brought the house down with it. It has a very honky tonk feel to it and I have no doubt that Mickey Gilley would be proud. I am not sure what I enjoyed more, hearing them perform it, or watching the band enjoy themselves so much on stage as they played it.
I hope to see American Aquarium headline in Nashville soon so I can see them play a full set. BJ is a great front man and his between song banter was hilarious. I am not sure why a girl would date him now because at some point they are going to become a song. I also got to meet Jay, Kevin, and Ryan and you couldn't meet a nicer bunch of guys. They are a band that truly appreciates the fans. Jay made me feel good by being the only guy there that was probably older than me and for the record, he can wear out a B3. One of the great tragedies of the music industry will be if these guys go unnoticed. They have great talent, great songs, and the drive to succeed. We as music fans should be embracing them so they will be around for many years to come. Buy their CDs, go to their shows, and most of all, tell some friends about them.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ashley Cleveland - Third & Lindsley Nashville, TN 01-14-2011
First of all, I know this review is late but if you read the name of my blog you will notice it does not say "The I Will Get Right On It Guy's Music Blog".
My all time favorite female vocalist played at 3rd and Lindsley on January 14th and this show made me happy for three reasons: 1) Great live music in a small venue, 2) It started at 7:00pm, which meant I would be home early, and 3) A sit down show and you could order dinner. Trifecta baby!!
If you are not familiar with Ashley Cleveland shame on you. She is primarily in the gospel music market but should be on everyone's radar as a talent that should not be ignored. American Idol continues to pump out boring garbage season after season and people eat it up and yet a talent like this is largely overlooked. Ashley has been nominated for I think three grammys and taken home two of them yet people still look at you like "Who?" when you mention her name.
From the moment Ashley sang the first syllable to Queen of Soul she had the crowd captivated. Her soulful voice draws you in and makes you feel what she is singing. One of the best compliments I ever heard regarding Ashley was from my wife. It was around ten years ago and I started playing an Ashley CD and she said "that black lady can sing". Not many white women can pull that off but she has a voice that could easily do Motown justice. She proved that on her cover of Higher Ground. I am pretty sure if Stevie Wonder heard Ashley's version of his song he would be proud.....and convinced she isn't white. Ashley stuck to material from her last three CDs along with two new, unreleased songs, a Rich Mullins cover, and Jimi Hendrix's Let The Good Times Roll. If Ashley's vocals aren't enough for you, she has a beast on guitar, who also happens to be her husband. Kenny Greenberg is a jaw dropping guitar player who makes it look so effortlessly. Mix in a rhythm section that was flawless and it made for a very enjoyable night of music.
Ashley doesn't play a lot of shows so it is wise to check her website on a regular basis to see where she is playing. I have the luxury of living in the same town she does so a lot of her shows are close by. If you do not get a chance to see her perform, please check out some of her music. I do not think you will be disappointed.
Setlist (that I can remember and not in order): Queen of Soul, You Gotta Move, When The World Comes To An End, Power of Love, Don't Let Me Fall, The Blessing, Let The Good Times Roll, two new tracks, the Rich Mullins cover, Riding With The King (gave me goosebumps), and Higher Ground.
My all time favorite female vocalist played at 3rd and Lindsley on January 14th and this show made me happy for three reasons: 1) Great live music in a small venue, 2) It started at 7:00pm, which meant I would be home early, and 3) A sit down show and you could order dinner. Trifecta baby!!
If you are not familiar with Ashley Cleveland shame on you. She is primarily in the gospel music market but should be on everyone's radar as a talent that should not be ignored. American Idol continues to pump out boring garbage season after season and people eat it up and yet a talent like this is largely overlooked. Ashley has been nominated for I think three grammys and taken home two of them yet people still look at you like "Who?" when you mention her name.
From the moment Ashley sang the first syllable to Queen of Soul she had the crowd captivated. Her soulful voice draws you in and makes you feel what she is singing. One of the best compliments I ever heard regarding Ashley was from my wife. It was around ten years ago and I started playing an Ashley CD and she said "that black lady can sing". Not many white women can pull that off but she has a voice that could easily do Motown justice. She proved that on her cover of Higher Ground. I am pretty sure if Stevie Wonder heard Ashley's version of his song he would be proud.....and convinced she isn't white. Ashley stuck to material from her last three CDs along with two new, unreleased songs, a Rich Mullins cover, and Jimi Hendrix's Let The Good Times Roll. If Ashley's vocals aren't enough for you, she has a beast on guitar, who also happens to be her husband. Kenny Greenberg is a jaw dropping guitar player who makes it look so effortlessly. Mix in a rhythm section that was flawless and it made for a very enjoyable night of music.
Ashley doesn't play a lot of shows so it is wise to check her website on a regular basis to see where she is playing. I have the luxury of living in the same town she does so a lot of her shows are close by. If you do not get a chance to see her perform, please check out some of her music. I do not think you will be disappointed.
Setlist (that I can remember and not in order): Queen of Soul, You Gotta Move, When The World Comes To An End, Power of Love, Don't Let Me Fall, The Blessing, Let The Good Times Roll, two new tracks, the Rich Mullins cover, Riding With The King (gave me goosebumps), and Higher Ground.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Drive By Truckers The Cannery Ballroom Nashville TN 01-29-2011
The Drive By Truckers love Nashville and Nashville loves the Drive By Truckers. Last night DBT brought The Rock Show to a sold out Nashville crowd at the Cannery Ballroom.
The nights festivities began with opening act The Futurebirds. I was not familiar with them but DBT are known for providing quality opening bands and The Futurebirds were no exception. I will admit that when they hit the stage I had my doubts as they looked like a mixture of a young Geddy Lee to Zach Galifianakis to Jerry Mathers as the Beav. It turns out that this is a recipe for some awesome music. The Futurebirds used four, maybe five lead vocalists during the set and they all worked. I loved their vocal sound and it was accompanied by the band's incredible energy. They also rotated instruments which is not something you often see but it showcased the level of talent in this band. Unfortunately I did not know the names of any of their songs but I will say this, if the Futurebirds come to your town, put them on your calendar and go. I look forward to seeing them again.
If you have ever been to a DBT show you know a couple of things. 1. You are not going to get Clapton guitar playing but you are going to get some fun, gritty, sometimes sloppy, rock n roll that you can't get enough of, and 2. Don't even try to predict the setlist. The band doesn't have one when they come to the stage so there is no use trying to guess what songs you are going to hear. I wish more bands did that. As a fan, I do enjoy having no idea what song is coming next.
DBT do things their own way and last night was no different. When they hit the stage I was expecting Patterson to kick off with a well known rocker to get the crowd going but no, that was not the case. He chose Ray's Automatic Weapon, which is an unreleased track (soon to be released on Go Go Boots). If that song didn't get the crowd ready for a rock show, all it took was the opening notes of the second song and it was on. Cooley kicked it into high gear with Marry Me and got the crowd whipped into a frenzy and the band just capitalized on that. They followed that with Ronnie and Neil (which smoked), Gravity's Gone (finally got to hear that live), and Play It All Night Long. Things slowed down a bit after this as we were introduced to a couple of new tracks from Cooley and Shonna with Patterson mixing in fan favorite Bulldozers and Dirt. Of all the new songs played, the highlight for me was Buckets of Mercy. I think this song may well be the best Patterson has written, and that is saying a lot.
Overall it was a great show and DBT were in top form. While it is obvious that DBT is Patteron and Cooley's band, I think they would be the first to tell you that Brad, Shonna, John and Jay are the backbone that keep the machine running. The whole band poured out a great night of energy and effort to entertain us and by the end of the first set I was exhausted. I was thinking at this point we would get a three, maybe four song encore, and I could take my weary body home but that was not the case. They played a freaking six song encore and judging by the crowd response it was not enough. By the time the last note ended my 41 year old body was hurting. It isn't easy for me to stand six hours but for DBT it was worth it and I will gladly do it again. Thanks guys for a killer show. I do think it is time for you to take it to a larger venue. I would love to see you at the Ryman again.
Setlist
1. Ray's Automatic Weapon
2. Marry Me
3. Ronnie and Neil
4. Gravity's Gone
5. Play It All Night Long
6. Cartoon Gold
7. Bulldozers and Dirt
8. Dancing Ricky
9. Carl Perkins' Cadillac
10. Mercy Buckets
11. 3 Dimes Down
12. Life In The Factory
13. Birthday Boy
14. Go-Go Boots
15. Get Downtown
16. (It's Gonna Be) I Told You So
17. Drag The Lake Charlie
18. Where The Devil Don't Stay
19. Lookout Mountain
20. Used To Be A Cop
21. Zip City
22. Let There Be Rock
23. Shut Up and Get On The Plane
24. Hell No, I Ain't Happy
25. Buttholeville
The nights festivities began with opening act The Futurebirds. I was not familiar with them but DBT are known for providing quality opening bands and The Futurebirds were no exception. I will admit that when they hit the stage I had my doubts as they looked like a mixture of a young Geddy Lee to Zach Galifianakis to Jerry Mathers as the Beav. It turns out that this is a recipe for some awesome music. The Futurebirds used four, maybe five lead vocalists during the set and they all worked. I loved their vocal sound and it was accompanied by the band's incredible energy. They also rotated instruments which is not something you often see but it showcased the level of talent in this band. Unfortunately I did not know the names of any of their songs but I will say this, if the Futurebirds come to your town, put them on your calendar and go. I look forward to seeing them again.
If you have ever been to a DBT show you know a couple of things. 1. You are not going to get Clapton guitar playing but you are going to get some fun, gritty, sometimes sloppy, rock n roll that you can't get enough of, and 2. Don't even try to predict the setlist. The band doesn't have one when they come to the stage so there is no use trying to guess what songs you are going to hear. I wish more bands did that. As a fan, I do enjoy having no idea what song is coming next.
DBT do things their own way and last night was no different. When they hit the stage I was expecting Patterson to kick off with a well known rocker to get the crowd going but no, that was not the case. He chose Ray's Automatic Weapon, which is an unreleased track (soon to be released on Go Go Boots). If that song didn't get the crowd ready for a rock show, all it took was the opening notes of the second song and it was on. Cooley kicked it into high gear with Marry Me and got the crowd whipped into a frenzy and the band just capitalized on that. They followed that with Ronnie and Neil (which smoked), Gravity's Gone (finally got to hear that live), and Play It All Night Long. Things slowed down a bit after this as we were introduced to a couple of new tracks from Cooley and Shonna with Patterson mixing in fan favorite Bulldozers and Dirt. Of all the new songs played, the highlight for me was Buckets of Mercy. I think this song may well be the best Patterson has written, and that is saying a lot.
Overall it was a great show and DBT were in top form. While it is obvious that DBT is Patteron and Cooley's band, I think they would be the first to tell you that Brad, Shonna, John and Jay are the backbone that keep the machine running. The whole band poured out a great night of energy and effort to entertain us and by the end of the first set I was exhausted. I was thinking at this point we would get a three, maybe four song encore, and I could take my weary body home but that was not the case. They played a freaking six song encore and judging by the crowd response it was not enough. By the time the last note ended my 41 year old body was hurting. It isn't easy for me to stand six hours but for DBT it was worth it and I will gladly do it again. Thanks guys for a killer show. I do think it is time for you to take it to a larger venue. I would love to see you at the Ryman again.
Setlist
1. Ray's Automatic Weapon
2. Marry Me
3. Ronnie and Neil
4. Gravity's Gone
5. Play It All Night Long
6. Cartoon Gold
7. Bulldozers and Dirt
8. Dancing Ricky
9. Carl Perkins' Cadillac
10. Mercy Buckets
11. 3 Dimes Down
12. Life In The Factory
13. Birthday Boy
14. Go-Go Boots
15. Get Downtown
16. (It's Gonna Be) I Told You So
17. Drag The Lake Charlie
18. Where The Devil Don't Stay
19. Lookout Mountain
20. Used To Be A Cop
21. Zip City
22. Let There Be Rock
23. Shut Up and Get On The Plane
24. Hell No, I Ain't Happy
25. Buttholeville
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)