All Reviews Articles

JRAD AT THE FOX THEATER: THE LEGACY OF PHIL LESH AND THE GRATEFUL DEAD

“They’re not the best at what they do. They’re the only ones that do what they do.” Bill Graham’s famous observation in the 1970s about The Grateful Dead was certainly true at the time. In hindsight today, roughly fifty years after Graham’s renowned declaration (it’s difficult to pin down exactly when he said it), both… Continue reading JRAD AT THE FOX THEATER: THE LEGACY OF PHIL LESH AND THE GRATEFUL DEAD

A fitting tribute to Phil Lesh – Happy Campers’ Halloween at The Livery

The Livery, Benton Harbor’s premier live music venue, is known for hosting the best holiday events. This Halloween was set to be a live Dead party featuring South Bend’s own Grateful Dead cover band, the Happy Campers. However, the untimely passing of Phil Lesh transformed the celebration into a heartfelt farewell to honor his legacy.… Continue reading A fitting tribute to Phil Lesh – Happy Campers’ Halloween at The Livery

Soul Searching and Road Weaving with Warren Haynes’ Million Voices Whisper

Among guitar enthusiasts, there’s a shared recognition of the Warren Haynes sound—a nod to a lifetime of musical achievement. Haynes has been captivating audiences for decades, with stints alongside David Allen Coe, The Allman Brothers, The Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, the Dickey Betts Band, and his own band, Gov’t Mule. So, it’s no surprise… Continue reading Soul Searching and Road Weaving with Warren Haynes’ Million Voices Whisper

Orgy of the Axe Gods: Slash Summons Legends with Blues-Rock Fury

Slash brings real heat to Orgy of the Damned! Slash has been part of American music since 1981. It is hard to think of the ’80s and ’90s rock scene and not visualize the tall, muscular Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist in his trademark top hat. He has formed many bands and played many styles.… Continue reading Orgy of the Axe Gods: Slash Summons Legends with Blues-Rock Fury

Sam Grisman Project | Brooklyn Bowl | 10/13/2024

Honoring Dawg music, along with David Grisman and Jerry Garcia’s legacy, is at the heart of the Sam Grisman Project. The group was founded by Grisman’s incredibly gifted son, Sam, who is a chip off the old block with seamless transitions between electric and upright bass. It helped that he was in the room when… Continue reading Sam Grisman Project | Brooklyn Bowl | 10/13/2024

Kewl Uncle Rock: A Dive into Dawes’ Oh Brother

Coming into Oh Brother, I wasn’t familiar with Dawes‘ earlier work. I am not privy to how they flow or what the themes might have been. I hadn’t experienced the flows of their past albums, but certain lyrics always stuck with me. One in particular stands out: “Yes, you can stare into the abyss, but… Continue reading Kewl Uncle Rock: A Dive into Dawes’ Oh Brother

Bossa Nova Nights: Alpert and Hall Serenade the Lobero

On a balmy October evening, the Lobero Theatre served as the perfect venue for a musical odyssey led by the legendary Herb Alpert and his equally talented partner, Lani Hall. At an impressive 89 years of age, Herb Alpert remains a towering figure in the music world, celebrated not just for his illustrious career but… Continue reading Bossa Nova Nights: Alpert and Hall Serenade the Lobero

Timeless Triumph: Tom Jones Returns to the Greek Theatre

Legendary performer Tom Jones graced the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday night, October 7th, marking his long-awaited return to the city after a two-year hiatus and his first performance at this iconic venue since 2018. The 84-year-old music icon took the stage with his impressive band of blues-rock musicians, delivering a mesmerizing set… Continue reading Timeless Triumph: Tom Jones Returns to the Greek Theatre

ALT ROCK JOURNAL: FRIKO & ROYEL OTIS AT THE FOX THEATER, OAKLAND CA OCTOBER 18, 2024

Friko, man. Fucking brilliant. Friko‘s 2024 album Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here is one of the most interesting, emotional, and exciting albums of 2024. It’s everything rock is supposed to be. Anthemic, loud guitars? Check. John Lennon-ish angst and introspection? Check. Earwormy, Paul McCartney-ish melodies? Check. Youthful passion, poetry, and poignancy? Check.… Continue reading ALT ROCK JOURNAL: FRIKO & ROYEL OTIS AT THE FOX THEATER, OAKLAND CA OCTOBER 18, 2024

Danny’s Live Dead Welcomes Skeleton Krewe Trio on Board for an Epic Throwdown at Peri’s

It’s almost certain that no musical act in history has produced as many “cover” bands as the Grateful Dead. In nearly every major city in America, as well as countless smaller towns and rural communities, Dead cover bands regularly celebrate the music of that storied band. Some are long-established lineups of cats who gather regularly… Continue reading Danny’s Live Dead Welcomes Skeleton Krewe Trio on Board for an Epic Throwdown at Peri’s