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Showing posts from October, 2012

Today in Grateful Dead History: 10.27.71

Onondaga War Memorial Syracuse, NY Words By J-man Grateful Dead Live at Onondaga War Memorial on October 27, 1971. Set One: Casey Jones, Me And My Uncle, Deal, Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, Beat It On Down The Line, Sugaree, Playing In The Band, Comes A Time, Mexicali Blues, Big Railroad Blues, Cumberland Blues, One More Saturday Night Set Two: Bertha, Me And Bobby McGee, Ramble On Rose, Sugar Magnolia, Brown Eyed Women, Truckin', Not Fade Away -> Drums -> Jam -> Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad -> Not Fade Away A brief dialing in of the sound and the train left the station with "Casey Jones." Right out of the gate the band sounded tight and in command of the material. Keith Godchaux's piano work tore right through the recording with vigor as "Me and My Uncle" followed with Bobby taking over. As the set progressed like a dream, highlights included "Deal," "Jack Straw," "Tennessee Jed," "Sugaree,&q

MM Presents: Tiger Party feat. Members of Lotus, Octopus Nebula & The Malah 10.24.12

Highland Tap & Burger Denver, CO Words By J-man Photos By Carly Marthis Video By Paul Brown Where can one consistently see members of their favorite bands mixed together in side projects and special live experiences? Denver, Colorado has been the epicenter of this movement for some time and The Highland Tap & Burger, Lohi Productions and MusicMarauders have made a concerted effort to not only continue this trend, but to make it a point to cultivate such mixed musical experiences regularly. Blake Mobley's Tiger Party seemed the perfect fit for the Wednesday Music Showcase as it featured Mike Rempel (Lotus), Fleeb (Octopus Nebula) & Seth Fankhauser (The Malah). Tickets sold for an affordable $10.00 each and included a Left Hand Brewing Company beer, leaving no patron disappointed. As the first substantial snow of the year fell, the project began to unfold for the sold out crowd. Sitting behind the soundboard, I reflected on how I had gotten to that point. I re

Trey Anastasio's Traveler

Words By Kevin Hahn Stream Trey Anastasio's Traveler Here To be clear, I am not a Trey Anastasio solo-act/band fan. I believe his abilities, which we all have become accustomed to through his many years of consistent shredding, improvisation, and joy from Phish, are hindered by the composure and overall lack of creativity within the Trey Anastasio Band. Trey surrounds himself with a plethora of amazing musical talent (Jennifer Hartswick, Cyro Baptista), but in my opinion his past album releases have been missing something. I couldn’t place a finger on what Trey’s band was missing until I listened to his most recent release, Traveler . What was it you ask? No, it was not the absence of a thumping bass, beautiful piano melodies, or the lack of emotional creativity. Traveler is missing one of the more important aspects of producing/performing for musical audiences each and every day…Soul. Yes, I said it. Trey produced something that does not interact with the listener in th

Steve Kimock feat. Bernie Worrell 10.19 & 10.20

The Oriental Theater Denver, CO Words By Tom McMinn Photos By Carly Marthis Audio By Corey Sandoval ( Kind Recordings ) Steve Kimock Live at Oriental Theater on October 19, 2012. Set One: Nana's Chalk Pipe, Coles Law > Tangled Hangers, Thing One, Baby I Love You*, Y-Spy^ Set Two: Congo Man Chant/Get Up, Stand Up, Come Together, A New Africa, Stella Blue, Turn On Your Lovelight*, Take Me To The River Encore: Red Hot Mama^ * = Kim Dawson on vocals ^ = Bernie Worrell on vocals w/ Kim Dawson on backing vocals Steve Kimock returned to Denver with his new band and a lot of new material. Kimock performed two brilliant shows at the majestic Oriental Theater. The band listed such talents as Bernie Worrell (founding member of Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads), Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, David Lindley) and bassist Andy Hess (Gov't Mule, Black Crowes). Kimock showed he was still true to form with his technical and articulate guitar playing. The new

Steve Kimock feat. Bernie Worrell 10.18.12

Aggie Theatre Fort Collins, CO Words & Photos by Nicholas Stock Audio By Corey Sandoval ( Kind Recordings ) The once brazen Kimock seems finer in his approach these days. The former phenom of the late era psychedelic scene of San Francisco has come a long way from his early days with Zero and Kingfish. His performances with Rat Dog, Phil and Friends, and Steve Kimock Band have become legendary, and the reason is that Kimock has finally solidified his place within the band dynamic. Instead of going all out and simply shredding, he has found a subtlety to his playing that allows for other musicians to engage and compliment wonderfully. I have seen this shift in Kimock’s performances coming over many years. At the Aggie, he seemed to come full circle. Balancing lead and jamming back and forth with legendary keyboardist Bernie Worrell. The inclusion of Worrell in this lineup is simply breathtaking. This man has so much musical history that to see him play in a room the siz

Break Science & Michal Menert 10.19.12

Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Words & Photos By Brad Yeakel EDM To quote the movie Deejay's Aren't Rockstars, the definition goes like this: "Deejay (Dee-Jay) n. a retarded individual who receives undue credit, extravagant amounts of money, fame, recognition and sexual favors in return for playing music created by other people." My friends will tell you that I am not the biggest fan of electronic music. The definition above has a lot to do with why I wrote electronica off before I really ever gave it a chance. I have always struggled with this, because there are elements of electronic dance music that appeal to me. I like grooves, dancing, partying and watching people get down. What I don't care for is the repetition, the simplicity and the banality of much electronic music. I have heard the same patterns recycled through much of the electronica I've heard. In fact, I have heard the same sound effect used so much, that I associate

Preview: Disclosure 10.29.12

Larimer Lounge Denver, CO Words By Karl Kukta There is nothing remotely controversial about Disclosure. Fresh-faced brothers from the UK Surrey town of Redhill, Guy & Howard Lawrence (ages 21 and 18, respectively) look downright bourgeois in comparison to both the gaudy rave-revivalism and the entrenched hip-hop fashion on display among America's electronic music fans in their age group. But despite their visual mundanity, Guy and Howard now find themselves co-members of one of 2012's top new acts in electronic music. The duo's 2012 releases – the 'Tenderly'/'Flow' 7” (Make Mine), Face EP (Greco-Roman) and 'Latch' single (PMR Records) – have caught the attention of critics, DJs & fans alike, and the buzz has quickly vaulted Disclosure to a respectable position among artists in the post-dubstep, UK garage revival. As a result, the duo is now embarking on their first American tour, and the Mile High City has been fortunate enough to

Rob Drabkin Live 1.19.12

Bluebird Theater Denver, CO Words By J-man What better way to debut a collection of unreleased material than to mix it with one of your favorite albums? That is exactly what Rob Drabkin did at The Bluebird Theater in early 2012 when he took the stage on his birthday in Denver, CO. Rob's smooth and fluttering vocals lead the band through a couple of original songs before welcoming his father, Harry Drabkin, to the stage for some added saxophone. "Boy in the Bubble" marked the first cover from Paul Simon's Graceland and a noticeable leap in energy, before taking on and presenting a fantastic version of the title track off of the album. A brief "Happy Birthday" tease translated into "I know What I Know" and welcomed Kim Dawson and Ayo Awosika to the stage for some fantastic background vocals. "Gumboots" featured Harry once again and the final track of the first disc, "Homeless," featured some fantastic harmonies. The sec

Today in Grateful Dead History: Syracuse 1984

Carrier Dome, Syracuse U Syracuse, NY Words By J-man Grateful Dead Live at Carrier Dome, Syracuse U on October 20, 1984. Set One: Bertha-> Greatest Story Ever Told, West L.A. Fadeaway, CC Rider, Ramble On Rose, My Brother Esau, Bird Song, Jack Straw Set Two: Shakedown Street-> Samson & Delilah, He's Gone-> Smokestack Lightning-> Drums-> The Wheel-> The Other One-> Black Peter-> Turn On Your Love Light Encore: Revolution The 80's aren't my favorite era/decade of Grateful Dead music, however this soundboard recording from The Carrier Dome in Syracuse seemed the perfect pick for today's "Saturday Dead." The sweet, crisp tonal quality of Jerry Garcia's guitar rings loudly at the front of the recording, making up for any undesirable vocals from an over-extended Bob Weir. The show kicks off with a very 80's sounding "Bertha>Greatest Story Ever Told" before venturing into some ups and downs throug

Joey Porter Trio 10.17.12

Highland Tap & Burger Denver, CO Words By J-man Photos By Carly Marthis & J-man The Highland Tap & Burger's Wednesday Music Showcase rolled on with The Joey Porter Trio! Joey was joined by Paul McDaniel (Bass) & Jonny Jyemo (Drums) for an extended two hour set that both packed in the Tap and had it moving! For those who were disappointed by the absence of The Garrett Sayers Trio, the funky output of of Joey's trio quickly eased their minds and moved their feet. Jazz standards and fantastic original compositions filled the intimate room for a non-stop dance party that helped to break up the busy work week for those fans who came to get down! The HTB Music Showcase continues this Wednesday with Tiger Party feat. members of Lotus, Octopus Nebula & The Malah! Tickets are $10.00 and include a Left Hand Brewing beer ticket! There are just a few tickets left for purchase HERE . Carly & J-man's photo Gallery www.highlandtapdenver.com

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents Two Nights of Steve Kimock feat. Bernie Worrell

The Oriental Theater Denver, CO Join MusicMarauders this Friday and Saturday October 19th and 20th at The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO for two nights of Steve Kimock Band feat. Bernie Worrell, Andy Hess & Wally Ingram! This fantastic group of musicians boasts a resume that reflects such bands as Parliament Funkadelic, Phil Lesh & Friends, Talking Heads, Gov't Mule and more! Tickets are only $20.00 and can be purchased at the links below: Purchase Friday Tickets Here. Purchase Saturday Tickets Here. www.kimock.com www.quixotes.com

Preview: MusicMarauders Presents The Henhouse Prowlers

Quixote's True Blue Denver, CO Join MusicMarauders on Wednesday October 17th for the final Henhouse Prowlers show at The Quixote's 2151 Lawrence St. location! The Henhouse Prowlers are one of our favorite bluegrass bands, mixing traditional music with a progressive edge. This professional outfit is a must see for any string music fan. That night HHP will also be joined by Useful Jenkins who will be opening the evening. Click Here To Purchase Tickets! www.henhouseprowlers.com www.quixotes.com

Euforquestra with Roster McCabe 10.5.12

Aggie Theatre Fort Collins, CO Words & Photos By Nicholas Stock Euforquestra returned to Fort Collins for a hometown show at the Aggie with friends Roster McCabe and D. Bess. Euforquestra historically has been a solid draw, but the venue never completely filled in on Friday. D. Bess is the former lead singer of Iowa City reggae outfit Public Property. He currently performs as a solo project utilizing loops and his diverse skills as a multi-instrumentalist. Playing a blend of originals and covers, he slowly built up each song one riff at a time. Having seen D. Bess before, I have to say that he as come a long way with his looping skills. His performance lasted just under an hour before he gave up the mic for Minneapolis’ Roster McCabe. Roster McCabe is an amalgamation of jam. They blend elements of soul and funk with electronic, dance, and rock. The band has been making regular jaunts out to Colorado for years now and continues to energize audiences throughout the country.

Saturday Dead: 5.19.1966

Avalon Ballroom San Francisco, CA Words By J-man Grateful Dead Live at Avalon Ballroom on May 19, 1966. Setlist: Beat It On Down The Line, Standing On The Corner, Mindbender, It Hurts Me Too, Viola Lee Blues, I Know You Rider, It's A Sin, Sick And Tired, Cream Puff War, Sittin' On Top Of The World, Minglewood Blues, Cold Rain And Snow, Come Back Baby, Silver Threads And Golden Needles, It's All Over Now Baby Blue, Good Lovin', You Don't Have To Ask For this week's "Saturday Dead" we throw it all of the way back to 1966 for a glimpse into some of the earliest of The Grateful Dead's work. The recording is fantastic, the setlist differs greatly from what many know of the Dead & the show shines the spotlight on the band's early leader, Pigpen! Geared towards the early psychedelic sound of the era, this soundboard recording from The Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco is the perfect start for to a Saturday! www.dead.net

MusicMarauders Presents: Halloween Choices

Quixote's True Blue or The Oriental Theater Denver, Colorado Is there another city in the country that provides the range and volume of choices like Denver, when it comes to live music? On any given night, it's a choose your own adventure with a handful of your favorite bands only a page turn away. We figured we'd jump right in and promote multiple options this year on Halloween. On Tuesday October 30th we recommend Cornmeal & Grant Farm at The Oriental Theater. Then on Wednesday, will it be the newly transformed, Cornmeal at The Oriental Theater or Particle's 80's Flashback Halloween with scene new-comer The Recovery Act at Quixote's True Blue? The choice is yours to make... Cornmeal & Grant Farm Tues. Oct. 30th at The Oriental Theater. Cornmeal Wed. Oct. 31st at The Oriental Theater. Two-day Cornmeal pass for Tues. Oct. 30th & Wed. Oct. 31st at The Oriental Theater. Particle 80's Flashback show w/ The Recovery Act Wed. Oct. 31st

Saturday Dead: Bobby & Jerry in Amsterdam 81'

Melk Weg Amsterdam, Netherlands Words By J-man We welcome the return of our "Saturday Dead" column with a special acoustic show from Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia! While on their 81' European tour the Dead was forced to cancel a pair of shows in the south of France. Just prior to the cancelled shows, between Bremen and Munich, Germany, Jerry and Bobby made a stop at The Melk Weg in Amsterdam for a special acoustic performance. Grateful Dead Live at Melk Weg on October 11, 1981. One Set: Monkey And The Engineer, I've Been All Around This World, Cassidy, Jack A Roe, On The Road Again, Bird Song, Oh Babe It Ain't No Lie The short set opened with Bobby suggesting that the first song may be applicable to the current situation, before launching into "Monkey And The Engineer." Jerry took over for "I've Been All Around This World" before the duo presented to possible set highlight, "Cassidy." Jerry's sweet tones and lea

MusicMarauders Presents: Juno What 9.28.12

Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO Words By J-man Photos By Carly Marthis Electro-funk outfit, Juno What, descended from outer space Friday for a near sold out show at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver! The buzz started early with folks talking about the show via Facebook, Twitter and other social networking outlets. The secret is out, Juno What shows are a party! Openers, Sunsquabi and Bedrockk, drew a decent early crowd of friends and fans respectively, however, the bulk of the crowd didn't turn out until Juno What took the stage. Sunsquabi brought a decent energy as their set progressed through some interesting jamtonica and electronica compositions. Though I was not overly impressed, the set was far superior to what was to follow. Bedrockk hit the stage to an excited crowd. The drummer promptly removed his shirt as the set began. There is no other way for me to say this other than the producer was terrible. Hit shotty vocals collided with weak be

Willie Waldman Project feat. Garrett Sayers 9.27.12

Quixote's True Blue Denver, CO Words, Photos & Video By J-man Audio By Corey Sandoval ( Kind Recordings ) Willie Waldman Project Live at Quixote's True Blue on September 27, 2012. I'm a "bean counter." According to Willie Waldman, it's not about the numbers. That's a typical line from a jazz musician and following my conversation with Willie's bass player for the evening, Garrett Sayers, about his trio and upcoming album, Willie had a lot more to say. His moniker reflected the attitude and thought process of a jazz musician. If you don't know, Willie is a hurricane of energy and holds no punches when it comes to speaking his mind about everything. My conversation with Willie was calmer than previous experiences and though him and I have had words in the past, that night he spoke very candidly with me about mistakes he'd made, his life and Live Nation. That night I found myself "counting beans" (gauging attendance)