At the end of the night, though no one would consider Jason Mraz the Bob Dylan of our generation, it was clear that Mraz’s concerts are a lot like his albums: cheesy but fun.
Playing recently with the Seattle Symphony at the acoustically perfect Benaroya Hall, Brandi Carlile showcased her significant talents and impressive catalog of music. Backed by what was clearly a talented band (in particular, Seattle twins Tim & Phil Hanseroth, who provided lovely backing harmonies), Carlile led the audience through both old songs and new.
Marco
Ingrid Michaelson is that rare breed of performer who can come across as both humble and incredibly self-assured at the same time – without it being obnoxious. Indeed, the woman has grounds for both.
If you heard Rose Hill Drive tear their vicious way through “Communications Breakdown,” you’d be convinced there is no need whatsoever for a Led Zeppelin reunion.
Having recorded albums with Widespread Panic, Bill Frissell and Lambchop as his backing bands, Vic Chesnutt is no stranger to collaborations. He’s also no stranger to revealing his complicated view of the world through a chaste vulnerability that reveals un-hesitated pain and insecurities. Dark Developments, his most recent collaboration with fellow Athens, GA and Elephant 6 members Elf Power, transforms his dark lyrics amidst pop melodies that shine the artist in a new dimension.
The Black Crowes sounded like a truly great rock and roll band in their first of two nights at Higher Ground. The new members of the band, especially guitarist Luther Dickinson, sounded fully integrated into the lineup, while Chris and Rich Robinson appeared as creative complements rather than the combatants of years past.
For one night San Francisco was the rock central of the universe and Rose Hill Drive was the focal point.
he club scene has long been a productive shed for bands that most of pop culture really don’t appreciate. Take Yo La Tengo, Les Savy Fav or Lambchop – they’ve been playing a long time but haven’t reached theater status yet. Two bands sharing the bill at The Clubhouse in Tempe: Earl Greyhound and Portugal The Man brought their uncanny ability to awe and maybe one day earn their name in bigger lights.
TV On The Radio are a getting bigger and better with everything they do and their set at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre was a perfect example. 2006’s Return to Cookie Mountain put them on the map in a very big way, earning them bragging rights of Album of the Year at Spin. Their recent follow up, Dear Science, has yet to garner the blogospheric buzz of Cookie Mountain, but it supersedes the previous studio effort in both artistic development, and consistence in overall quality.
