How does one upstage the legendary Gregg Allman? Have his son’s band open for him and totally kick ass. With enough energy and bravado to spark a full-on fire, Devon Allman and his trio Honeytribe was the band to beat on a special night at the New Orleans House Of Blues.
Warren Haynes picked the friendliest confines he could think of to kick start his Man in Motion Tour, New York Cities Beacon Theater. He may have played this venue more then any other artist over recent years and was clearly in a good mood as he showed off his new six piece band complete with Saxophone and backup singer.
While “folk” may be the most apropos moniker for what The Low Anthem creates, the band is magnificently unique in the way members shuffle between instruments. All four members are adept at navigating the singing saw, a strange xylophone hybrid, pump organ, stand-up bass, hollow body guitar, banjo, clarinet, and brass. The unit radiated a passionate intensity with every plucked string and nimbly created exceptional warmth that few bands can muster.
By going full throttle and stomping through each track with the confrontational force of a back alley brawl between Black Sabbath and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Black Angels turned the Wonder Ballroom inside out. Throbbing with urgency the night felt like waking inside a Hells Angels Acid Test.
Dark Star Orchestra has “recreated” many Grateful Dead shows throughout its career. However, it is extremely rare for them to announce (and the audience to know) the concert they are covering beforehand. Last Friday, they played a replica of the Dead’s final show at the Fillmore East on 4/29/71 to a sold-out Irving Plaza.
If you thought you loved the original version of Jonny Lang’s first big hit “Lie To Me” then you will not know what hit you when he falls into a slow pining acoustic version that will build and build until finally exploding into a meteor storm of electric guitar artistry about mid-way through his blisteringly hot set at the New Orleans House Of Blues. It was amazing to the naked ear.
A beautiful sunny day that turned hot with the sounds of electric guitars, spiritual voices, and dancing with strangers, the first day of the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was a major success. Crowds were large and the artists playing on the various stages came with their rock & roll boots on.
Just two months past their 12th anniversary, Soulive continues to evolve within the trio configuration it seems that each couple years brings a new feel and invigorated sound.
All props to Chamberlin as an engaging young band, but they may not have done justice to themselves or their music in the small room at Higher Ground, due in part to the sound in the house and an odd choice of material.
It is always exciting when a band steps out of the recording studio to showcase some new tunes live and Alberta Cross did just that on Wednesday night in the middle of Manhattan.
