Reviews
I first saw Jorma play an acoustic solo show in 1980 at the Palace Theatre in Albany, New York. I remember shooting a bunch of photos of him playing that night, and I tried to find my film negatives before seeing him Friday night at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California. I wasn’t able to find my old pics, but I’m glad I couldn’t. Because to really experience the wonder that is Jorma (instant recognition from just his first name speaks to his sing
Following up last year’s commercial and critical success for Sugar, which peaked on the Billboard charts at #49, G. Love and Special Sauce return to their soul-infused blues roots with their latest disc, Love Saves The Day.
Few acts have served as large of a spectrum of music as New Riders of the Purple Sage. These psychedelic country-rock titans have been performing for nearly forty-five years with original members David Nelson (guitar, vocals) and Buddy Cage (pedal steel guitar) keeping the flame burning strong. The group began in 1970 when Jerry Garcia was transitioning the Grateful Dead into country and folk territory. Like most instruments he put his mind to, he took to the pedal steel guitar miraculously quick.
I had no idea what to expect with John Mayer on lead taking on the biggest shoes to fill in music -- but I made it to Dead & Company’s first show and entered Albany’s Times Union Center with an open mind.
The nostalgia that takes hold when an artist like Gregg Allman rolls into town is unavoidable, and really, why would you want to avoid it at all? Coyotus Maximus brought along his newest band for two sold-out shows at the Boulder Theater last week, mixing up old songs with new tricks. Having a lifetime’s worth of material to choose from, Gregg and company spread open the songbook and presented a different set of retrospective hits each night.
On Wednesday, October 7, Oyster Bay, NY based four-piece progressive jam band TAUK brought their unique blend of funky instrumental grooves to Grand Rapids, MI.
The Stache, located inside the front room of The Intersection in the heart of downtown, is an incredibly intimate venue for such an explosive band.
Two regional bands, Pleasant Drive out of Kalamazoo, MI and recent Grand Rapids transplant Desmond Jones kicked the evening off, each drawing a growing fanbase to the venue for a full house Wednesday evening.
When it comes to a modern approach to funk-laden soul music, some groups are able to exponentially build energy groove after groove.
In the case of one particular super-group whose roster plays like a who’s who of world class talent, The Nth Power is more than a moniker.
This was a very special night for me, and Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom was packed for one of the most anticipated and creative artistic creation pre-celebrations in a while. It was an official pre-party for the new rock opera called the Portal being performed at the Glitter Dome in Denver. The earth heart tour featured Desert Dwellers, Kalya Scintilla, Eve Olution, Sixis and Yuyu. The busy bill had the night kick off fairly early, and the performers and audience were prepared for a time of transcendence.
When a band can joyfully experience first-time approaches to their craft even after 30 years and 11 albums together, it is no surprise that the result will be something sweet.
For southeastern jam band legends and pioneers Widespread Panic, coming together for a live, full band studio recording was something they had never done, until now.
