Sunday, August 31, 2014

Skip's Spotify Sunday 8-31-14

*For this, and perhaps another "Spotify Sunday" or two, the focus will be on bands from the Peach Music Festival, that yours truly did not get to see.  Hopefully, many of them can be found on Spotify.  Again, that's the trouble with festivals.  You can only see so many bands in one weekend.

Citizens Band Radio "Cbr"

1. Six Days On The Road
2. Ole Kentucky Whiskey Blues
3. 30 Days & 30 Nights
4. Up On A Mountain
5. My Ramblin' Ways
6. Why You Been Gone So Long
7. 18 Wheels
8. Waiting On A Train
9. Band of Outlaws

Citizens Band Radio "Big Blue Sky"

1. Big Blue Sky
2. Hwy Toad
3. Good In A Bad Man
4. Long Winding Road
5. Gypsy
6. Heart of Stone
7. Another Song
8. Born To Win
9. Drinkin' Again
10. Sugar Sweet Mama

Cabinet "Cabinet"

1. Elizabeth
2. Shifty Shaft
3. Caroline
4. Tower
5. Dirt
6. The Dove
7. Coalminers
8. The One
9. Treesap
10. Old Farmer's Mill
11. Carry On

Cabinet "This Is Cabinet - Set 1"

1. Tower > Salt Creek
2. Treesap
3. Old Farmer's Mill
4. Long Journey Home
5. Coalminers
6. Shifty Shaft

Cabinet "Eleven"

1. RRR
2. Elizabeth
3. Eleanor
4. Caroline
5. Coalminers
6. Shifty Shaft > Treesap
7. Pennsylvania
8. Old Farmer's Mill
9. Dirt
10. Tower

Cabinet "Leap"

1. Doors
2. Heavy Rain
3. Two Timer
4. Eleanor
5. Susquehanna Breakdown
6. Hit It On The Head
7. Wine And Shine
8. Carry Me In A Bucket
9. Oxygen
10. Diamond Joe
11. Gather All Ye

Cabinet "This Is Cabinet - Set II"

1. Caroline
2. Doors
3. Poor Man's Blues
4. The Dove
5. Susquehanna Breakdown
6. Mr. Spaceman
7. Heavy Rain

Dopapod "Radar"

1. Indian Grits
2. Freight Train
3. Eight Years Ended
4. Happy Song
5. Bet On Tales
6. Brookline Bridge
7. Off The Cuff
8. Mudwalkin'
9. Ellemenno
10. We Are Not Alone
11. Royce Road

Dopapod "I Saw Live Dopapod, Evil Was I"

1. Freight Train
2. Indian Grits
3. French Bowling
4. Eight Years Ended
5. Bahbi
6. Off The Cuff
7. Dazed And Confused (Led Zeppelin cover)

Dopapod "Drawn Onward"

1. Turnin' Knobs
2. Black And White
3. Nuggy Jawson
4. French Bowling
5. Onionhead
6. Flipped
7. Roid Rage
8. Bats In The Cave
9. New James
10. Bahbi

Dopapod "Redivider"

1. Build An Android
2. Braindead
3. Bubble Brain
4. Get To The Disc
5. Trapper Keeper
6. My Elephant vs. Your Elephant
7. Ooze Weapon
8. Blast
9. Vol. 3 #86
10. Stada
11. Give It A Name
12. Fry The Gorillas
13. Weird Charlie

Papadosio "Observations"

1. The Lack Of Everything
2. Snorkle
3. You And Yourself
4. All I Knew
5. Improbability Blotter
6. Hippie Babysitter
7. Giving You Up
8. Smile And Nod
9. Night Colors
10. How Not To Float
11. The Eyes Have Eyes

Papadosio "T.E.T.I.O.S."

Disc 1

1. Direction Song
2. We Are Water
3. The Sum
4. Ear To Ear
5. The Bionic Man Meets His Past...
6. Method of Control
7. Mancoluto
8. Madre de Dios
9. Puddles For Oceans
10. Monochrome
11. ...And This Is What He Thought

Disc 2

1. Cue
2. Now That You Know
3. Right Now
4. Stick Figure
5. Oracle Theme
6. Find Your Cloud
7. T.V. Song
8. Garden
9. Planting The Seeds Of Life

From Good Homes "Hick Pop Comin' at Ya!"

1. Drivin' 'n' Cryin'
2. Here Comes The Rain
3. Suzanna Walker
4. I'm Your Man
5. Way Down Inside
6. The Old Man And The Land
7. Comin' On Home
8. Black Elk Speaks
9. Scudder's Lane
10. Maybe We Will

From Good Homes "Open Up The Sky"

1. If The Wind Blows
2. Radio On
3. Let Go
4. Cool Me Down
5. Sunshine
6. Head
7. Walk On By
8. Wide Open Wide
9. I Only Want
10. Rain Dance
11. Fruitful Acre

From Good Homes "Take Enough Home"

1. Charlie Loves Our Band
2. Celebrate
3. There She Goes
4. Giving Tree
5. Where Songs Begin
6. Scudder's Lane
7. Head
8. Boulevard Of Dreams
9. Into The Light

From Good Homes "Grrrrrrrr"

1. If The Wind Blows
2. Radio On
3. Wide Open Wide
4. True Love
5. Fruitful Acre
6. I'm Your Man
7. Grandma's Apple Dumplings
8. I Only Want
9. Decision Song
10. Relationships Are Strange
11. Charlie Loves Our Band
12. Hole In Your Heart
13. There She Goes
14. Way To Go Pam
15. Stop And Look Around You
16. Walk On By
17. I Am A Mess
18. Ballad of Todd And Tracy



















Saturday, August 30, 2014

Colloseum II - BBC Sight & Sound in Concert, 1978

Here's the English prog rock band Colloseum, in their second iteration circa 1978, with Gary Moore on guitar & vocals, Don Airey on keyboards, John Mole on bass, and John Hiseman on drums.  This is wild and adventurous.  Check it out.




Friday, August 29, 2014

Blue Floyd @ House of Blues Feb. 21, 2000 w/Warren Haynes

Warren Haynes, the late Allen Woody, and others, as Blue Floyd... the best Pink Floyd cover band yours truly has ever heard.  The late, Brian Farmer (who has had much tribute paid to him on this blog as of late), was also a part of this project.

http://mulearmy.net/blue-floyd-02-21-2000-house-of-blues-chicago-il-w-warren-haynes/

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Count Basie (feat. Joe Williams) "Everyday I Have The Blues"

Great rendition of a great song.  Count Basie's Orchestra, featuring Joe Williams on vocals, with "Everyday I Have The Blues".


Chuck Berry Receives Sweden's Prestigious Polar Music Prize

Accolades bestowed upon Chuck Berry by the Swedish Royal Family.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/chuck-berry-receives-swedens-prestigious-polar-music-prize-20140827

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

A Tribute To Brian Farmer from TRI Studios

Bob Weir and Warren Haynes sing The Grateful Dead's "I Know You Rider", as a tribute to the late, great, Brian Farmer... Warren's longtime guitar tech, and best buddy.  Once again, Rest In Peace, Brian Farmer.




Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Johnny Winter (feat. Billy Gibbons), "Where Can You Be?"

The first single from Johnny Winter's posthumous followup to his 2011 album "Roots", called "Step Back", coming out a week from today.  This is "Where Can You Be?", featuring Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top on guitar.


Ginger Baker Trio (feat. Charlie Haden & Bill Frisell) Frankfurt, Germany, September 29th, 1995

Check out this performance.  The Ginger Baker Trio playing in Frankfurt, Germany, in September of 1995, featuring Ginger Baker on drums, the late, great Charlie Haden on bass, and Bill Frisell on guitar.




In memoriam: Brian Farmer

Brian Farmer was guitar tech for Warren Haynes in both the Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule.  Tragically, Farmer has passed away, just a short time after the Peach Music Festival.  This one is a tough one to take for yours truly.  Farmer was a HUGE part of Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers Band, even as a behind the scenes member, handling Warren's guitars and amplifiers.  A HUGE void has been left with his passing, even though there is no specific information at this time as to what caused his death.

http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=906&mode=nested&order=1&thold=0

Farmer also was guitar tech for the late, great, Johnny Cash, in the later years of his touring career before he retired.  He began working with Warren Haynes in 2001.  Rest In Peace, Brian Farmer.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Giant Step "Farewell Today" (1976)

A prog rock band from Indonesia called Giant Step, and a song they recorded in 1976, called "Farewell Today".


Impulse! to Release Live Jim Hall-Charlie Haden Album

Impulse! Records is set to release a duet album between jazz guitar legend, Jim Hall, and noted jazz bassist, who just passed away, the late Charlie Haden.  The recording is taken from a set played by the duo at the Montreal International Jazz Festival on July 2, 1990.

http://jazztimes.com/articles/136154-impulse-to-release-live-jim-hall-charlie-haden-album


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Spotify listings

Hello, everyone.  Yours truly has been very busy lately, and has not had time to do too many Spotify listings after the Peach Festival last week.  What I can promise you, is this.  Spotify Sundays, will return, next week, highlighting bands that were unable to be seen at the Peach Music Festival.  So, I will go through the list, and if I can find any of the bands not seen at the festival, over the next few weeks, they will indeed be highlighted.  Stay tuned for more.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Tour Documentary: Planes, Trains, And Eric

New Eric Clapton tour documentary, to be released in November.  This should be good!

http://www.whereseric.com/eric-clapton-news/303-tour-documentary-planes-trains-and-eric

Friday, August 22, 2014

Peach Music Festival @ Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA Day 4 8-17-14

Sunday at the Peach Festival.  It was the day the festival would end, and, the best, was saved for last.  More about that, shortly.  Got over to the Peach Stage, during Warren Haynes' solo acoustic set entitled "Wake Up With Warren Haynes".  He played some of his own material, including one of my favorites... "Old Friend", which is the final track on the Allman Brothers' 2003 "Hittin' The Note" CD.  Haynes closed the set out with a pair of Pink Floyd covers, ("Wish You Were Here", & "Comfortably Numb"), that were very, very well done.

Next up, it was the Taj Mahal Trio.  I had seen Taj Mahal, previously, five years ago.  In 2009, he came to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, and played on a double, co-headlining bill with Bonnie Raitt.  At that time, Taj Mahal, was backed by The Phantom Blues Band.  This time, however, for his trio, it was he and another guitarist, as well as an electric bass player.  Notable songs in Taj Mahal's set were "Queen Bee", "Fishin' Blues", and "She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride)".

Mahal would even mimic the gruff voice of blues legend Chester "The Howlin' Wolf", Burnett, at times.  Taj Mahal would also appear later on.  Stay tuned.

Next up, as the precursor to the big show, was the Soul Rebels.  It seems their name would imply they are a soul music band, similar to Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett etc., and all the recordings from Stax Records or Muscle Shoals Sound Studios.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  These guys were a genuine, New Orleans, horn driven Dixieland jazz band.  Their set was two hours, and had a lot in it.  Can't remember much except for bits and pieces.

They did cover a Michael Jackson tune, and had lots of energy on stage, really getting the crowd into what they were playing.  After this set though, later in the evening, as the sun was sinking lower in the sky, over Montage Mountain... it was time.  Time, for the Allman Brothers, to play their second, and final show of the festival.  The band came on at 5:30 P.M. and came charging out of the gate.  Compared to the "Eat A Peach" set from the night before, this one, had FAR more fire.

The band opened with their medley of "Don't Want You No More"/"It's Not My Cross To Bear", from their first album, and then, launched into the staple, "Midnight Rider".  The set list, (for a little while), would mirror that of a show I saw them play at the Minnesota State Fair, back in 2004.  The next two numbers, were also familiar, as the band did their stellar cover of "Done Somebody Wrong" by Elmore James, and transitioning to the instrumental, "Hot 'Lanta".  Both of these tunes are of course, from "Live At Fillmore East".  Many numbers from that record, would appear throughout the set.

After the first throwback section of the show, a new tune, emerged.  This one, probably only heard by fans, with access to YouTube, and a video of the song.  The tune was called "Dusk 'Til Dawn", and sung, by Warren Haynes.  The lyrics, painting vivid landscapes in the listener's mind.  This is a number, though it's perfectly well to sing along with, leaves a listener, delving into the lyrics, and maybe taking a more introspective look at their own life.

The tune has a unique beauty to it's melody, with lyrics like:

A new moon is rising
What happened to the old one?
Did it burn itself out?, shining night after night
From dusk 'til dawn

The chorus is also moving, and says:

Blood runs through my veins
Like a river, wild and free
Beautiful it seems
Maybe only to me

The song is about living your life, and looking at life, as a journey.  The truest words in the tune, for me, are those in the chorus, about finding beauty in the mundane and simple things.  But, the beauty is, as they say, "in the eye of the beholder", as much of a cliche phrase as that is.  It's a philosophical message.  Search for video of the tune, "Dusk 'Til Dawn", and give the tune a listen.  You will understand what I mean.

Next up, Taj Mahal came to the stage to sing "Statesboro Blues", with Gregg introducing him saying, "we'd like to welcome an old buddy.  This is where we got the song.  Y'all make welcome Mr. Taj Mahal".  Mahal sang the originally written words from McTell's version in one of the verses.  "Mama died and left me reckless.  Papa died and left me wild.  I ain't good lookin' baby, but I'm somebody's angel child."  Next up, another number remembered from a decade ago.  "Soulshine", that was originally released on the 1994 Allman Brothers album "Back Where It All Begins".

Tenor saxophonist Ron Holloway takes a solo as the next special guest of the evening, with Warren singing his name just before he launches into it, and then, Warren follows with a guitar solo of his own.  Willie Cobbs' "You Don't Love Me" is next.  This is always a spirited number, whenever the Allman's play it.  It swings, and Warren Haynes takes a wicked slide guitar solo.  Derek Trucks' solo has just as much fire.  Awesome number.

The blues theme, continued as the band launched into Muddy Waters' classic "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" featuring more special guests.  This time, it's the turns of Hungarian pianist Gabor Presser, and baritone saxophonist Chris Karlic, to show how they play the blues.  The tune is a slow burning blues, which is the best kind there is.  Warren Haynes sang the lyrics with the passion and fire that he always delivers.  He's just a fabulous singer, pure and simple.  Karlic follows with a deep, throaty, aggressive tone on the bari sax before returning to the next verse.

The chorus is repeated, with quiet whispers from Trucks' guitar, and Presser's piano, while Warren sings another chorus:

Good morning little schoolgirl
Can I go home with you?
Can I go home with you?
Can I go home with you?

Next up, another pianist joins the band.  This is Pete Levin, from Gregg Allman's solo band.  Boom!  We're off to the races, with "Don't Keep Me Wonderin' ", from 1970's "Idlewild South".  A boogie woogie intro, inspires the audience to clap in time, and boom!  This high energy tune, takes off!  Allman on Hammond, and Levin on piano, lock in with each other, before Gregg sings the verse and then, the chorus.  Derek Trucks' slide guitar is as passionate as ever on this one.  The tune is done and dusted.

But, then comes, the surprise of the set for yours truly.  Drum and cymbal rolls, as well as a distinct statement of the theme by Derek, mean one thing.  It's time for the highlight of the evening.  The Allman Brothers play my FAVORITE song in their catalog.  It's "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed", a tune I've wanted to hear, for years, live.  A dream come true.  Warren states the theme with violin like swells, as Allman and Levin come in on keys.

The piano flourishes are magnificent, as Gregg vamps the main theme on the B3.  Then, the tune settles into it's theme.  Original Allman's guitarist, Dickey Betts, wrote the song after seeing a tombstone in a cemetery where the band would rendezvous and write songs.  The tombstone said, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed", although, Betts wanted to name it for a lady he was in a relationship with at the time, but realized, he couldn't do that.

So, the words on the tombstone, became the song title.  "Elizabeth Reed" is truly, a jazz inspired number, and is the Allman's flying leap into the world of jazz fusion, combining jazz, with rock, blues, and world music elements.  After stating the theme again, Levin takes off on a graceful, flowing piano solo.  In modal jazz tunes like "Liz Reed", the key, never changes.  But, each note played by the musicians, is still different, every single time.  Case in point, "Elizabeth Reed" is written in the key of A Minor.  Come back to the theme, and now, it's time for Warren Haynes' solo.

All this time, I was in a trance.  I stand there, listening, transfixed by what I am hearing.  I'd heard this song lots of times before on recordings.  But, never, in a live setting.  It was truly awe inspiring.  "Liz Reed" is just an incredible piece of music.  Haynes' solo builds in intensity, and he slays the dragon, on the high frets of his Gibson Les Paul.  Bassist Oteil Burbridge is rock solid, and so is Levin's piano playing.  Then comes the bridge, and, the ubiquitous Allman Brothers drum solo, just like in "Mountain Jam" the night before, which is always started, as a bass solo for Oteil to show his stuff.

Then, the drummers take off.  Butch Trucks is the solid foundation... the backbone of the percussion section, while Jaimoe plays strictly jazz influenced styles, and Marc Quinones is the percussionist, and adds into the mix, with his own flourishes and ideas.  What you get, is three drummers, that play like one drummer.  It's the Allman Brothers' three-headed drumming monster, and it's a sight and a sound, to behold.  These cats are syncopated, and especially since Trucks and Jaimoe have been playing together for 45 years.  That's a LONG time to collaborate.

Oteil, Derek, and Warren, return the song to it's theme, with the keys also coming back in, and "Liz Reed" reaches it's climax, leaving the audience floored, and wanting more.  More, they will get.  Next up, it's "No One To Run With".  This is a Bo Diddley beat inspired romp that is a fun song about people's lives changing with time, and how things just aren't like they used to be.

The band encores with "Whipping Post", their magnum opus.  This is a song of pain, betrayal, and despair, as a man is put through hell by his supposed lover, and feels as if he's dying from the affects of unfaithfulness.  The lyrics, and the instrumental sections of the tune, convey this anguish.  It's the true anthem of the Allman Brothers' catalog.  After the final ascending rave up, Allman belts out the chorus.

Baby, sometimes I feel
Like I've been tied to the whipping post
Chained and bound, yeah
Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'

A fitting way to cap off not only a great show, but, a fabulous weekend of music overall.  At the end of the show Gregg Allman says, and I quote... "Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Thank you for coming.  We'll be here next year.  Don't forget to eat a peach for peace.  God Bless You."  One wonders... will the Allman Brothers make any one-off appearances, even though they are retiring for good at the end of the year?  Only time will tell.

The Peach Music Festival at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania... a musical memory, yours truly will cherish, forever. 

  


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Peach Music Festival @ Montage Mountain Scranton, PA Day 3 8-16-14

Saturday at Peach Fest.  Quite possibly, the largest day of the whole festival.  Arriving early in the afternoon, yours truly was excited to find out what each set would have in store.

The first band I saw, was new bluegrass group, the Infamous Stringdusters.  Now, I LOVE bluegrass, if it's done right.  These guys, surely had the spirit of it.  But, it still leaves me scratching my head.  A lot of the new bluegrass, is based more on jam rock than it is on the tradition of bluegrass started by people like the late, great, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Dr. Ralph Stanley, or, The Del McCoury Band.  The spirit of the music is there.  But, the vibe, is totally different.  It isn't the plaintive, lonesome wail that calls from the Appalachian Mountains.

It was fun to hear, and I enjoyed the Infamous Stringdusters, and have gotten into some other, similar bands, who do new bluegrass such as The String Cheese Incident or Leftover Salmon.  But, there's something missing, definitely, as it does not resemble (except for the instruments used), real, true, bluegrass music.  People will improvise on bluegrass, and do a great job playing it.  But, the old masters, are still the best ones to listen to in my book.

Onward to the serious stuff.  Gov't Mule came on around 5:00 P.M.  I saw them five years ago as well.  But, their set at Peach Fest, was completely different.  Warren Haynes on guitar, Danny Louis on keyboards, Jorgen Carlson on bass, and Matt Abts on drums, tore through a set that mostly included tracks from their two most recent albums.  2013's "Shout", double album, and, 2009's, "By A Thread".  The Mule was as powerful as ever, charging out of the gate, and jamming to their hearts content, pleasing everyone in the crowd.

The synchronicity of the band is really tight, and Warren Haynes' vocals and guitar work, really drive the songs... not to mention Danny Louis' keyboard work, and the might of the rhythm section with Carlson and Abts.  The Mule's full set list from the Peach Fest, is:

1. World Boss
2. Broke Down On The Brazos
3. Tributary Jam
4. Banks Of The Deep End
5. Time To Confess
6. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone/The Animals cover) (feat. Gabor Presser: keyboards, & Ron Holloway: tenor saxophone)
7. Done Got Wise
8. Railroad Boy
9. Stoop So Low (Outro 2)
10. Sco-Mule (feat. Karl Denson: saxophone) w/"Oye Como Va" & "Smoke On The Water", teases
11. Bring On The Music

After, The Mule, the Trey Anastasio Band came on for their second set of the weekend.  This set, compared to Friday, was FAR more jam heavy, and entertaining.  No jangly folk rock here.  Yours truly really enjoyed the third song on the list, "Night Speaks To A Woman", which is a Phish number.  Incredible jam!  There were actually a few Phish covers on the list, and the show was very well done.  Here's the list.

1. Cayman Review
2. Pigtail
3. Night Speaks To A Woman
4. Alaska (Phish cover)
5. Burlap Sack And Pumps
6. Drifting
7. Gotta Jibboo (Phish cover)
8. Tuesday
9. Plasma
10. Bounce
11. Clint Eastwood (Gorillaz cover)
12. First Tube (Phish cover)

Then, it was indeed time, for the magic to happen.  The Allman Brothers took the stage, and played the whole of their classic, epic, "Eat A Peach" record, live.  This is the record for which the Peach Festival, is named.  The whole band was in fine form.  But, this was a mere warmup for what was to come.  Yours truly is not sure the boys laid all the cards on the table in this set.  But, it was great to hear.

At one point, during the epic, "Mountain Jam", I will admit, I had lots of emotion come to me, and tears in my eyes.  I was crying during "Mountain Jam", which is something I rarely do at a concert.  But, the tune moved me so, and they were tears of pure and utter joy.  To be truthful, I didn't know whether to cry or laugh with joy, and I was doing a bit of both.

1. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
2. Les Brers In A Minor
3. Melissa
4. Mountain Jam
5. One Way Out
6. Trouble No More
7. Stand Back
8. Blue Sky
9. Little Martha

Encore:

10. That's What Love Will Make You Do (Little Milton cover) (feat. Danny Louis: piano)
11. Black Hearted Woman

One more day of Peach Fest 2014 to write about.  The Sunday finale.  Stay tuned for that report, coming, tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Peach Music Festival @ Montage Mountain Scranton, PA Day 2 8-15-14

It's true that at a big music festival like the Peach Festival, you cannot see each and every act.  That would be impossible, especially, because the Peach Fest, had three different stages.  But, yours truly saw some great gigs on Friday night.  Started off by seeing virtuoso jazz  bassist Victor Wooten.  He and his brother Regi, who plays guitar, are the core of the band.  The set list for this one, on the Mushroom Stage, was a little tricky to figure out.  But, the grooves were fantastic.  Wooten has a lot of wisdom in his songwriting, too.

Yours truly learned a lot about life, just from hearing what Wooten had to say in the lyrics of his songs.  Not to intentionally start with the finale.  But, Wooten played "Me And My Bass Guitar" from his "A Show of Hands 15" recording, and that got the crowd pumped.  The other big highlight was a song called "My Life", and this one, had the deepest impact on me.  It comes from the record entitled "What Did He Say?"  Also in the set was the tune "Victa" from the "2005 "Soul Circus" record.  Wooten really kept the inspiration flowing throughout the set, with a tune called "I Saw God" off his 2008 release, "Palmystery", and "Love To Hear You Laugh" from his 2012 vocal CD entitled "Words And Tones".

"Love Is My Favorite Word" was probably the other tune in the set that was inspiring to me.  This one, came from another of Wooten's 2012 releases, called "Sword & Stone".  Regi Wooten offered some fabulous guitar pyrotechnics throughout the show as well.  A great set.

Now we get down to business.  The serious stuff started happening at the Peach Stage, at oh, 7:00 P.M. or so, when a ragtag bunch of musicians gathered to play a Grateful Dead tribute set, in the absence of Bob Weir & Ratdog who were supposed to have had that time slot.  Now, traveling between the Mushroom and Peach stages, was quite a hike.  So, yours truly only caught the last few minutes of the Dead set.  But, they were the most pivotal, as the band including Jackie Greene, Joan Osborne, Joe Russo, Jeff Chimenti, Tom Hamilton, and Reed Mathis, launched into some familiar songs.

They played "Sugaree" and the Grateful Dead's cover of Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Turn On Your Lovelight".  Those are the two I remember most vividly.  After the Dead set, Tedeschi Trucks Band hit the stage and they absolutely burned the place down.  The first song I was unfamiliar with.  Now, I have discovered, it was "Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring", originally performed by Traffic.  From there, the brilliant set continued to be a blend of originals and covers.  Susan Tedeschi's voice was in fine form this evening and, well, nothing really has to be said of Derek Trucks' guitar work.  It speaks for itself.  The man is just a powerhouse guitar player.

Much of the early portion of the set was culled from the band's two studio albums, (2011's "Revelator", and 2013's "Made Up Mind").  including "Made Up Mind", "Idle Wind", and "Do I Look Worried", from the new record.  A surprise was thrown in next, with TTB backup singer, and Derek Trucks Band lead vocalist, Mike Mattison, singing the tune "Don't Miss Me", from Derek Trucks Band's 2009 record, "Already Free", which was a precursor to the modern Tedeschi Trucks Band, when Derek and Susan officially joined forces to create a band, after being a happily married couple for some years, as they also have two children.

A hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Midnight In Harlem" from "Revelator" was next, and then, a complete 180, into a cover tune.  Little Milton's "More & More".  The great choices of cover songs continued, with Susan absolutely soaring on Blind Willie Johnson's gospel number, "Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning", which segued into another Derek Trucks Band tune, ("Back Where I Started").  This number, from "Already Free", featured Susan's amazing vocals, and, comes from the pen of Warren Haynes.  More about him in his role with Gov't Mule and The Allman Brothers, later on.  Stay tuned.

The band then launched into what had to be the ultra jam of their set, tackling "Keep On Growing" from Derek & The Dominoes and the "Layla" record.  This one, was the epic... the peak, of the whole set.  Susan and Derek let loose with the guitar pyrotechnics.  Susan Tedeschi does have very good chops as a guitar player and not just as a singer.  She can definitely keep it real, and there is a synergy between the two of them when it comes to their guitar work.  It was an ultimate jam and very well done.

Drummers Tyler Greenwell and J.J. Johnson, bassist Tim Lefebvre (the newest member of the band), veteran keyboardist and flautist Kofi Burbridge (older brother of Allman Brothers bassist Oteil Burbridge), and horn players, (Kebbi Williams: saxophone, Maurice Brown: trumpet, and Saunders Sermons: trombone), back up and drive the Tedeschi Trucks Band for rhythm, and horns, very, very well, and they were thoroughly showcased in the set.  Burbridge's lines on Hammond B3 and Clavinet, and the work by the horn section, were particularly memorable.  Much like The Allman Brothers Band, (who will be highlighted in the next two reviews), TTB has taken to the two drummer arrangement very, very well, and that was an intent, in creating the band.

The final three songs of the set came from both albums, once more.  The groovy funk of "Misunderstood", was followed by the triumphant anthem from "Revelator", entitled "Bound For Glory", and to close the set, was the monstrous tune, "The Storm".  Crank up the amp, lay down a groove, and combine that force, with lyrics that convey urgency and uncertainty, desperation, and ultimately, transformation, in somebody's life.  A wild storm rages, that will change how you live, and how you approach your life.  There's that overarching theme again.

The instrumental break is very intense, and ties the theme together, perfectly, with Derek's guitar soaring above the rhythm section.  What a phenomenal set!

Tedeschi Trucks Band Peach Music Festival set list.

1. Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring (Traffic cover)
2. Made Up Mind
3. Idle Wind
4. Do I Look Worried
5. Don't Miss Me (The Derek Turcks Band cover, feat. Mike Mattison: lead vocals)
6. Midnight In Harlem
7. More & More (Little Milton cover)
8. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning (Willie Johnson cover)
9. Back Where I Started (written by Warren Haynes & first performed by The Derek Trucks Band w/Susan Tedeschi on vocals)
10. Keep On Growing (Derek & The Dominos cover)
11. Misunderstood
12. Bound For Glory
13. The Storm

Next up, the first of two sets by the Trey Anastasio Band.  Unfortunately, on the first night of Anastasio playing the festival, not much was gleaned from it for me.  Anastasio and the band were definitely in more of a Byrds, Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia kind of vibe.  It was definitely centered more on the singer/songwriter aspect.  Didn't see the whole show.  Wait until tomorrow, for the report on day three, to find out what happened.  It gets better, folks.

Meanwhile, here's the list from Trey's first set.

1. Sometime After Sunset
2. Money, Love And Change
3. Ooh Child (The Five Stairsteps cover)
4. Magilla
5. Sand (Phish cover)
6. Flying Machine
7. Frost
8. Traveler
9. Shine
10. Dark And Down
11. Architect
12. Push On 'Til The Day

Encore:

13. Black Dog (Led Zeppelin cover)

That's a wrap of day two at The Peach.  Much more to come, tomorrow, and the following day.  Still lots of music to ruminate on.







Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Peach Music Festival @ Montage Mountain: Scranton, PA Day 1 8-14-14

The first day of the third annual Peach Music Festival at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania, (Thursday, August 14th), saw a headlining show by '70s funk pioneers, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, who brought their cartoonish, yet upbeat, danceable funk to the Mushroom Stage, and absolutely played a killer set, complete with horns.  This is the first of several gig reports from the Peach Festival, that will be published in the coming days.

Hoarse voiced leader, Clinton, was the stage presence of the evening with his backing band as Parliament Funkadelic that also included horn players.  They managed to do exactly what one of their songs says and "tear the roof off this sucker".  Parliament, and Funkadelic, are actually two different bands.  But, they now go under one name, under George Clinton's leadership.  So, here's a rundown of the wild, eight song set from night one at the Peach.

Parliament Funkadelic set list.

1. Mothership Connection (Star Child) (Parliament cover)
2. Get Off Your Ass And Jam (Funkadelic cover)
3. Flash Light (Parliament cover)
4. Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (Parliament cover)
5. Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off This Sucker) (Parliament Cover)
6. Atomic Dog (George Clinton cover)
7. P Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)
8. One Nation Under A Groove (Funkadelic cover)

Stay tuned for more jams and set reviews/rundowns from the 2014 Peach Music Festival.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Vince Gill & Paul Franklin "Together Again"

Yesterday, was the anniversary of Buck Owens' passing.  Here is a moving tribute as Vince Gill and steel guitar ace Paul Franklin play "Together Again".  Rest In Peace, Buck Owens.







Willie Nelson & The Holmes Brothers "Opportunity To Cry"

Check out a bluesy number done by Willie Nelson and The Holmes Brothers.  This one comes from Willie's pen as a songwriter and is called "Opportunity To Cry".


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Eric Clapton Takes Off on New Tour Doc 'Planes, Trains, and Eric'

New tour documentary movie about Eric Clapton's 2014 tour to the Far and Middle East.  Check this out.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eric-clapton-new-tour-documentary-planes-trains-eric-20140807

Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, & Jack DeJohnette "Cantaloupe Island"

Here's a cool performance.  The quartet of Pat Metheny on guitar, Herbie Hancock on piano, Dave Holland on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums, performs "Cantaloupe Island" at the 1990 Mellon Jazz Festival.


Monday, August 11, 2014

Lynyrd Skynyrd: One More For The Fans

A Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute concert coming soon.  It will be on November 12th at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.  Makes yours truly wonder if Skynyrd will be hanging up their hats, soon.  Featured artists include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gregg Allman, Alabama, Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Donnie Van Zant, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Robert Randolph, Donnie Van Zant, moe., Jamey Johnson, Gov't Mule, John Hiatt, and Jason Isbell.

Check out all the details, HERE:

http://celebrateskynyrd.com/

See Eric Clapton Pay Tribute To J.J. Cale

A short and sweet, yet powerful documentary, on the life, and the music, of J.J. Cale, that has influenced and inspired so many.  Not the least of which... is yours truly.

http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-07-26/eric-clapton-the-breeze-an-appreciation-of-jj-cale-episodes/

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Skip's Spotify Sunday 8-10-14

*Note.  There will be no Spotify Sunday on August 17th.  The 17th, is the fourth and final day of the Peach Festival.  In the week following the festival, there will be reports on each day of music, summing up artists, set lists, and set highlights, and some of the artists, will be featured in possible Spotify Sunday listings, after the festival.  Stay tuned.

***

Kirk Whalum - singles

"When The Saints Go Marching Back In (feat. Coolio, Wayman Tisdale, Kyle Eastwood, and CZ)

Kirk Whalum & Doc Powell: "You Are Everything" - Live

Kirk Whalum (feat. Lala Hathaway: vocals) "He's Been Just That Good"

Kirk Whalum "And You Know That!"

1. Give Me Your Love
2. The Wave
3. Through The Fire
4. Seryna
5. Don't Look At Me
6. Where I Come From
7. Glow

Kirk Whalum "The Promise"

1. I Receive Your Love
2. N.E. Wind
3. The Promise
4. Ma Foi
5. L.C.'s Back
6. Desperately
7. Out-A-Hand
8. Don't Even Look
9. For All We Know

Kirk Whalum "Cache"

1. X-Factor
2. Love Is A Losing Game (feat. Jevetta Steele: vocals)
3. Livin' In The Streets
4. Fragilidad (Fragile) (Sting cover)
5. Love Saw It
6. Always A Part of Me
7. Cache
8. The Language Of Life
9. Fall In Love Again
10. Over The Rainbow

Kirk Whalum "In This Life"

1. In This Life
2. 'Til I Get It Right
3. Drowning In The Sea of Love
4. Peaceful Hideaway
5. I Wouldn't Be A Man
6. Living For The City
7. My Father's Hope
8. When The Night Rolls In
9. I Turn To You
10. Reck'n So
11. The Way I Need You Now
12. Dan Cette Vie (In This Life)

Kirk Whalum "Colors"

1. Cannonnesque
2. All I Need
3. Daddy Loves You
4. Strength In You
5. If Only For One Night
6. Escolhido - Chosen
7. Open My Eyes
8. After All This Time
9. Natchez
10. The Back Porch

Kirk Whalum "The Gospel According To Jazz, Chapter 1"

1. What The Lord Means To Me - Live
2. In All The Earth - Live
3. Blessed Assurance - Live
4. The Name - Live
5. Wade In The Water - Live (feat. Kevin Whalum: vocals)
6. All My Might - Live
7. Where He Leads Me - Live
8. Lord I Want To Be A Christian - Live
9. Where He Leads Me - Reprise - Live

Kirk Whalum "For You"

1. Anytime
2. Ascension
3. Same Ole' Love
4. My All
5. That's The Way Love Goes
6. For You
7. All I Do
8. Lover For Life
9. I Want You
10. Goin' In Circles

Kirk Whalum "Unconditional"

1. Now 'Til Forever
2. Groverworked & Underpaid
3. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You
4. Unconditional
5. Can't Stop The Rain
6. Song For Evan
7. I Try
8. Playing With Fire
9. Real Love (feat. Wendy Moten: vocals)
10. Waltz For David

Kirk Whalum "Into My Soul"

1. Do You Feel Me
2. Into My Soul
3. Hold On I'm Coming
4. Another Beautiful Day
5. Hoddamile - Hot or Mild (feat. BWB)
6. I Loved You In Memphis (feat. Isaac Hayes: vocals, & Wendy Moten: vocals)
7. That's All Right (feat. Kevin Whalum: vocals)
8. Memphis Reason
9. Club Paradise
10. You Had Me At Hello (feat. Maurice White: vocals)
11. Me, Me, & You - + Bonus Track "Positude In B Major"

Kirk Whalum "The Christmas Message"

1. The First Noel
2. Do You Hear What I Hear?
3. Love From A Star
4. Cradle In Bethlehem
5. O Holy Night
6. The Little (Ghetto) Drummer Boy
7. Rise Up Shepard And Folow
8. Sweet Little Jesus Boy
9. Amazing Grace
10. We Three Kings
11. The Christmas Message
12. O Little Town of Bethlehem
13. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
14. Blott En Dag

Kirk Whalum "Roundtrip"

1. Courtney
2. Desperately
3. Ruby, Ruby, Ruby (feat. Earl Klugh: guitar)
4. Glow (feat. Jeff Golub: guitar)
5. The Wave
6. Big Ol' Shoes
7. Inside (feat. Shanice: vocals)
8. In A Whisper (feat. Kim Fields: spoken words)
9. Roundtrip (feat. Kenneth "Peanuts" Kyle, and Kevin Whalum: scat vocals)
10. Back In The Day (feat. "Caleb The Bridge": rapping, & Gerald Albright: alto saxophone)
11. Afterthought

Kirk Whalum "The Millenium Promise Jazz Project"

1. Stand By Me
2. Bridge Over Troubled Water
3. I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free
4. A Day In The Life
5. The Fool on The Hill
6. People Get Ready
7. Eleanor Rigby
8. I'll Take You There
9. A Change Is Gonna Come
10. War
11. What's Going On
12. Track 12

Kirk Whalum "Performs The Babyface Songbook"

1. Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
2. Can We Talk
3. I'll Make Love To You
4. For The Cool In You
5. Breathe Again
6. When Can I See You
7. Betcha Never
8. Someone To Love
9. Not Gon' Cry
10. Whip Appeal
11. I Said I Love You
12. Wey U 

Kirk Whalum "The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III."

Disc 1

1. Call To Worship
2. Fit To Battle
3. Ananias & Sapphira
4. Introduction To Rev
5. Rev
6. Because You Loved Me
7. Make Me A Believer
8. He's Been Just That Good (feat. George Duke: keyboards, Lalah Hathaway: vocals, Doc Powell: guitar, & Kevin Whalum: vocals)
9. If You Ever Need Me

Disc 2

1. Africa Jesus Africa
3. You Are Everything
3. Smile Medley (Part 1) Smile
4. Smile Medley (Part 2) God Has Smiled On Me
5. It's What I Do
6. The Thrill Is Gone
7. Running Away
8. You Are Everything

Kirk Whalum "Everything Is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway"

1. Giving Up
2. Someday We'll All Be Free
3. We're Still Friends (feat. Musiq Soulchild: vocals)
4. Love, Love, Love (feat. Rick Braun: trumpet)
5. A Song For You
6. Valdez In The Country (feat. Jeff Golub: guitar)
7. Je Vous Aime (I Love You)
8. You Had To Know (feat. Lalah Hathaway: vocals)
9. Tryin' Times (feat. Robert Randolph: pedal steel guitar)
10. We Need You Right Now
11. Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything)

Kirk Whalum "More of Everything Is Everything"

1. Thank You Master (For My Soul) [feat. John Stoddart: keyboards]
2. Gone Away (feat. Lauren Smith: vocals)
3. When Love Has Grown (feat. Jessy J.: vocals)
4. You Had To Know - Instrumental
5. Gone Away - Instrumental
6. This Christmas

Kirk Whalum "Romance Language"

1. They Say It's Wonderful
2. Dedicated To You
3. My One And Only Love
4. Lush Life
5. You Are Too Beautiful
6. Autumn Serenade
7. Almost Doesn't Count
8. I Wish I Wasn't

9. I Wanna Know
10. Spend My Life With You

BWB (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, & Norman Brown) "Human Nature"

*Michael Jackson tribute album

Rick Braun: trumpet
Kirk Whalum: tenor saxophone
Norman Brown: guitar

1. Another Part of Me
2. Billie Jean
3. Human Nature
4. Beat It
5. Who's Lovin' You
6. She's Out Of My Life
7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
8. The Way You Make Me Feel
9. I Can't Help It
10. I'll Be There
11. Man In The Mirror














Saturday, August 9, 2014

Miles Davis "Call It Anything" - Isle of Wight Festival August 29th, 1970

Prepare to be taken on a wild ride, with Miles Davis and his electric band from 1970, as they perform at the Isle of Wight Festival that year.  This is from a DVD called "Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue".  The band lineup is:

Miles Davis: Trumpet
Gary Bartz: Alto & Soprano Saxophone
Chick Corea: Electric Piano
Keith Jarrett: Organ
Dave Holland: Electric Bass
Jack DeJohnette: Drums
Airto Moreira: Percussion


Friday, August 8, 2014

Charles Mingus "Mingus Plays Piano" (full album)

Genius jazz bassist Charles Mingus, was also a talented pianist.  Here is an album that proves that.  "Mingus Plays Piano", from 1963 on Impulse Records.



The track listing is:

1. Myself When I Am Real
2. I Can't Get Started (Vernon Duke, Ira Gershwin)
3. Body and Soul (Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, & Robert Sour)
4. Roland Kirk's Message
5. Memories of You (Eubie Blake & Andy Razaf)
6. She's Just Miss Popular Hybrid
7. Orange Was The Color of Her Dress, Then Silk Blues
8. Meditations For Moses
9. Old Portrait
10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (George Bassman & Ned Washington)
11. Compositional Theme Story: "Medleys, Anthems, & Folklore"



Thursday, August 7, 2014

Allan Holdsworth "The Sixteen Men Of Tain"

Here's a wild Allan Holdsworth album, that is definitely worth a listen.  This is his 2000 release, "The Sixteen Men Of Tain".  Here's the track listing.

1. 0274
2. The Sixteen Men of Tain
3. Above And Below
4. The Drums Were Yellow
5. Texas
6. Downside Up (Chad Wackerman)
7. Eidolon
8. Above And Below (Reprise)


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Allman Brothers Band - March 10, 1992 - Beacon Theatre - New York, NY.

Fan shot video of a concert that is on the two-disc "Play All Night" CD of the Allman Brothers Band's first show at the Beacon Theater, on March 10th, 1992.  Enjoy it.  Here is the set list.

1. Statesboro Blues (with Tom Doucette on Harmonica)
2. End Of The Line
3. Blue Sky
4. Nobody Knows
5. Low Down Dirty Mean (with Tom Doucette on Harmonica)

Acoustic:

6. Seven Turns
7. Midnight Rider
8. Come On In My Kitchen
Mama Ain't Long for the Day
9. Melissa
10. Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad

Electric:

11. Hoochie Coochie Man
12. Get On With Your Life
13. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
14. Jessica

Encore:
15. Southbound (with Tom Doucette on Harmonica)
16. Whipping Post







Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Clem Clempson & Hamburg Blues Band "I've Got News For You"

Another great British blues guitarist who wields a Les Paul, and scorches it.  This is Clem Clempson, who played with a band called Colosseum, and whose work was featured, here and there in some motorsports crash videos that yours truly watched as a kid... relating to my other passion, car racing.  Here, Clempson plays with the Hamburg Blues Band in 2008, and nails a killer version of Ray Charles' "I've Got News For You", (one of my favorites).






Monday, August 4, 2014

Mountain "Mississippi Queen"

One of my all-time favorite guitar riffs and rock songs.  Leslie West floors me every time I hear this one.  It's Mountain, and "Mississippi Queen".  Crank it up to 11, and enjoy!






Sunday, August 3, 2014

Skip's Spotify Sunday 8-3-14

Euge Groove - singles

"Get 'Em Goin' " - Without Count Off - Edit

Euge Groove "Euge Groove"

1. Romeo & Juliet
2. Sneak A Peek
3. Vinyl
4. Give In To Me
5. Another Sad Love Song
6. Tenderhearted Lover
7. Truly Emotional
8. Lay It Down
9. Summer Stroll
10. The Last Song

Euge Groove "Play Date"

1. Slam Dunk
2. From The Top
3. Gonna B Alright
4. Let's Get It On
5. Rewind
6. Love Me
7. Hide And Seek
8. Belle Maria (feat. Peter White: guitar)
9. Play Date
10. With You I'd Believe

Euge Groove "Livin' Large"

1. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (James Taylor cover)
2. Livin' Large
3. XXL
4. Take You Higher
5. Thank You (feat. JBS)
6. The Gift
7. Too Cool
8. Talk To Me
9. Silhouette
10. Cabolicious
11. Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Again) (Sly & The Family Stone cover)

Euge Groove "Just Feels Right"

1. Gimmealilclick
2. Get 'Em Goin'
3. Chillaxin
4. Just My Imagination (
5. Gonnatakeuhigher
6. Straight Up
7. This Must Be For Real
8. Just Feels Right
9. Cantstopdafunk - Straight Up Reprise
10. 12:08 AM
11. Ballerina Girl

Euge Groove "Born 2 Groove"

1. A Summer Night's Dream
2. Mr. Groove
3. Cafe Del Soul
4. Slow Jam
5. Born 2 Groove
6. Religify
7. Geez Spot
8. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know
9. Movin' On
10. Baby If You Only Knew (What I Could Do)

Euge Groove "Sunday Morning"

1. Get Ready
2. As You Like It
3. Say My Name
4. Yes
5. Sunday Morning
6. All For You
7. The Gospel Truth
8. Tenderly
9. On Your Knees
10. Babylon

Euge Groove "Seven Large"

1. Track 01
2. The Funky Bunch
3. S7ven Large
4. Prayer For Peace
5. Days of Soul
6. Gimme 6
7. Welcome To The Journey
8. Love Won't Let Me Wait
9. To The Nines
10. Ten 2 Two

Euge Groove "House of Groove"

1. Knock Knock! Who's There?
2. House of Groove
3. Fellowship Hall
4. God Bless You (feat. Kate Miner Moebel: vocals)
5. Lampin' It
6. Old. Edu (Old School)
7. Indian Summer
8. Never Met A Woman Like You (feat. Jeffrey Osborne: vocals)
9. Faithful Central
10. It's Only Rain (feat. Chioma: vocals)












Saturday, August 2, 2014

Ahmad Jamal "Poinciana"

Check out one of Ahmad Jamal's best known songs, which has been featured in a Spotify Sunday listing before.  Here's "Poinciana".


Friday, August 1, 2014

Waylon Jennings Live in Austin, Texas, April 1, 1989

Great Waylon Jennings performance from Austin City Limits taped on April 1st, 1989, 25 years ago.