Unity, a seven member reggae band, set the lovin’ vibe on opening night at last year’s 10,000 Lakes Festival. Touring throughout Wisconsin, they rarely make it west so it was a rare treat to hear this band. Under the leadership of Pita Kotobalavu, whose last name means “sitting tall,” the band started out interjecting roots… Continue reading Unity the band: Bringing the Love
This past week the legendary Fox Theater in Boulder celebrated fifteen years of bringing exceptional music to Colorado. The year was 1992 when Don Strasburg and his associates decided to turn the once rundown movie theater into one of the country’s most popular music venues. Since then, such celebrated artists as Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews… Continue reading The Fox Theater Celebrates 15 Years with Umphrey's McGee
“If the Coen Brothers put together a jazz trio, perhaps it would be like this, the comic and the dramatic rolled together.” –– The Guardian I believe this quote tells a lot about these phenomena called The Bad Plus. Searching for a completely new live jazz sound can be difficult these days. That’s not to… Continue reading The Bad Plus the Real O'Riley Factor
Deep in the heart of Chinatown lies a dark and gothic like cave we in Philadelphia like to call the Trocadero. This particular venue holds a nostalgic memory for me. It wasn’t since the early 90’s (when I was in high school and went to see Anthrax at this venue) that I had the opportunity… Continue reading Skatalites: Inventors of a Genre
On Thursday February 22nd, perennial jam band favorites Rusted Root made their return to the Washington D.C. institution the 9:30 Club. With hundreds of shows under their belt from coast to coast they’ve managed to garner a large fan base in the Capital area. On tour with them came a little known band named Quintus from… Continue reading Rusted Root's Rhythm in the District
Somewhere between space funk and carnival time resides the music of Georgia-based jamband, Perpetual Groove. The current lineup of Brock Butler (guitar/vocals), Adam Perry (bass), Albert Suttle (drums), and Matt McDonald (keys/vocals) exploded onto the live music scene in 2001 and have since gained quite a devoted following. Electrifying performances at festivals such as Wakarusa, 10,000… Continue reading Colorado Groovin': Perpetual Groove in Denver
Guitar player, bass player, virtuoso, jazz and blues legend, and magician are all titles that describe the sorcery that Charlie Hunter creates so effortlessly on stage. Taught originally by guitarist Joe Satriani with a $7 guitar in Berkeley, and since then collaborated with dozens of incredible musicians, Hunter has certainly made his mark at a… Continue reading Charlie Hunter Resident Magician
I have always felt that moe. had never truly gotten the respect that they gratefully deserve. It is slowly dawning on fans of the jamband and other scenes that moe is for real. Coming off the release of an amazing new album The Conch, that even Rolling Stone gave 4 out of 5 stars to,… Continue reading Moest Underrated?
“Y’all wish Ben (Ellman) a happy birthday,” Papa Mali preached to the crowd as he strolled off the stage after a fun set of music. It was the first night of February at the Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia on its famous South Street. Galactic was playing only the second show in their… Continue reading N'awlins Funk Visits the City of Brotherly Love
Over the years I have found Keller Williams‘ live shows to be an exciting spectacle of his unique musical talent, full of interesting and catchy songs. However, I have felt that his studio releases have lacked the same energy and substance. His vocal style can sometimes be redundant and his signature guitar playing has lost some… Continue reading Keller Williams | Dream | New Music Review
