Reviews


Featured Review:

Heaven and Hell, Alice Cooper, and Queensrÿche

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA

10-6-07

Heaven and Hell

Irvine, CA 10-6-07

Once in a lifetime the stars align perfectly, a combination of luck and destiny collide to create an event like no other, or in this case, one of the heaviest bands ever created gathers to perform their music on a World Tour. Earlier in the year, Heaven and Hell leveled Los Angeles in a performance I described as a battle of Life and Death in the Pit that was the floor of the L.A. Forum. That performance was incredible but tonight was going to be something special. On October 6, 2007 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, those in attendance had the distinct privilege of witnessing Heaven and Hell close out the 2007 North American Tour with their final show in Irvine California.

After Queensrÿche and Alice Cooper warmed up the crowd sufficiently, the lights blackened to the cryptic sounds of “E5150”. With the audience on their feet cheering, the stage suddenly exploded as the driving rhythm of Mob Rules blasted into the California Landscape. On stage with his melodic technique, Geezer Butler holds down the bottom end like a warrior firing electric missiles into a war zone. Thunderous Drums and bombastic Fills shake the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre as Vinnie Appice drives the band forward. Tony Iommi has created some of the most devastating riffs known to man and he was in excellent form tearing into his guitar like electric razor blades slicing through steel. Ronnie James Dio has been gifted with the most powerful voice in Music. Hitting notes in the highest and lowest ranges he belts out the lines like a lion growling and roaring at the audience.

Dio introduced the second song of the set as the first that Tony, Geezer and he wrote: “Children of the Sea”. The album version of this tune is killer but the Live version takes it to another level. Images of “the misty morning on the edge of time” and the sun “going black” are conveyed with music to match the imagery. Following this came what Dio describes as “one of the Heaviest Songs ever recorded” the intense rocker simply titled “I”. This tune has a mellow intro but flows into a Riff that is reminiscent of an army going into battle and Tony ripped through the solos like a machine gun firing into the audience. Tearing through the setlist like a blitzkrieg, Heaven and Hell played some more of their classics including “Sign of the Southern Cross”, and the absolutely rocking tune “Voodoo” (Introduced as a song Geezer Wrote after one of his trips to the Dark Side). One can imagine families down the road at Disneyland stopping in front of Mickey Mouse with a chill going up their spines while the sounds of this incredible Band tear through the night sky.

After a killer Drum Solo showcasing Vinnie’s powerful style on his custom built drum Kit, the band played “Computer God”, “Falling off the edge of the World”, and a ripping version of “Die Young”. Ronnie James Dio’s Voice has aged not like a fine wine but more like a top shelf premium Whiskey, smooth but with a distinct edge. Closing out the set was the song that is the bands namesake. This was a true highlight of the performance because it was a 19 minute serving of Tony Iommi extended Solo Jamming on “Heaven and Hell”!!! It was absolutely Killer to hear Tony improvise the solo sections adding colors and textures in classic Iommi style and technique.

Thankfully it was not the end of the show. After the band left the stage, they were immediately called back to receive commemorative plaques honoring the Gold certification of the group's most recent release “Live at Radio City Music Hall” DVD. (CD and DVD available on the Rhino Label). Within 30 days of being released, this incredible DVD reached U.S. sales in excess of 50,000 copies. After thanking the fans for their support, Dio then dedicated the encore song "Neon Knights" to the veteran KNAC DJ Tawn Mastrey, who died October 2, 2007 of liver failure brought on by hepatitis C. Prior to starting the song, he also proclaimed to the audience “You are All Neon Knights”!!!!!

Such was the close of the Heaven and Hell 2007 North American Reunion Tour. For those who were lucky enough to witness these 4 Music veterans play Live, it was an experience many years in the making and the wait was well worth it. This Band is fresh, incredibly powerful, and there is no other Band on Earth that can touch the intensity they bring to the stage. At this time they are on a break preparing to continue their world tour in Europe though 2008. If you missed seeing Heaven and Hell, you need to make it a point to travel if possible to catch the band live. If that isn’t possible, about the only way to appreciate the power and anger of Ronnie James Dio’s vocal combined with Tony Iommi’s grinding metallic guitar, Geezer Butler’s rampaging bass lines and Vinnie Appice’s thundering drumming is to buy the latest release “Heaven and Hell Live at Radio City Music Hall”. When you do purchase it, send the children to the in-laws, put the homework away, turn up the TV to the highest volume levels and be prepared to Rock Your Ass Off!!!!

Set list:

E5150

The Mob Rules

Children of the Sea

I

The Sign of the Southern Cross

Voodoo

Drum solo

Computer God

Falling Off the Edge of the World

Die Young

Heaven & Hell

--encore--

Neon Knights

Live Performance Review: Highly Recommended, an ABSOLUTE Must See Live!!!!

Band:

Vocals: Ronnie James Dio

Guitar: Tony Iommi

Bass: Geezer Butler

Drums: Vinnie Appice

Latest release/Recommended Purchase:

Heaven and Hell Live at Radio City Music Hall CD/DVD

Link to Purchase at Rhino.com

http://www.Rhino.com/

Connect to Heaven and Hell::

http://www.heavenandhelllive.com/

James T. Branagan

LiveFromThePit

www.livefromthepit.com

10-7-07

Alice Cooper “The Duke of Darkness”

10-6-07 Irvine Meadows (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)

Since the first time I had the excessive pleasure of seeing Alice Cooper in concert, I have been telling people that they NEED to catch a “Live” Alice Cooper performance. Having said that, I must add that there are really 3 attributes needed for a person to see Alice so they will ensure maximum enjoyment.

1. They have to love Kick Ass Rock and Roll.

2. They have to have a sense of humor.

3. They need to be able to cut loose and have fun.

Generally speaking, 99.9% of the people in the world have at least 2 of these qualities and after seeing Alice Cooper perform Live, they will have all 3.

Prior to getting into the review, let’s cover a little about Alice:

Alice Cooper has been working in the Music Industry since the 1960’s. He has 30 plus records to his credit and he is a genius of Lyrics, Music, and Live Performance. His shows employ the hottest musicians and present a combination of Horror, Drama, Humor, and outright Insanity. Musically, his songs cover styles from Ballads, and Blues, to Balls out Rock and Roll. His stage show pokes fun at Life, Death, Sex, Religion, and Politics while crossing the edge of originality into the extreme of Artistic Expression. At almost 60 years old, he drives this living energy with a riding crop, crutch, and a whip all in the spirit of having an absolute blast on the stage and in the stands.

To quote Alice, when the show is on, “It’s Party Time!!!!”

Now on to the review: Opening the performance is a series of bells and sounds reminiscent of something a child would listen to prior to falling asleep. Suddenly the tone changes to a powerful beat blasted by Drums, distortion guitars and thundering bass lines with the opening tune “It’s Hot Tonight”. The show is on and Alice is in control. While plowing through a series of killer rocking songs, the props come out and he whips the band into a metallic machine tearing into the set list with a vengeance. All too quickly classic songs like “No More Mr. Nice Guy”, “I’m 18”, and “Under my Wheels” are performed with intensity matched by the visual performance of his stage act. A personal highlight for me was the song “Woman of Mass Distraction”. The band is significantly younger than Alice and though they don’t struggle to keep up with the man, it is clear he is leading them on through the show and driving them to push their abilities to the extreme limits. His Daughter Calico Cooper plays a key part of the show in macabre attire evoking sexuality, and innocence while changing personas and costume as quickly as the songs. Black Leather, Blood, Sweat, Strobe Lights and Sirens help to create an experience not unlike a nightmare crossed with a twisted vaudeville act. Looking around, the crowd is fully engaged, on their feet, rocking out and having fun.

One of the great aspects of seeing an Alice Cooper performance is how much he gives to the audience. It’s not just a rock show or even freak show, it’s both and much more. After smacking his band members with a riding crop, he tosses it into the audience. As he prowls the stage while spinning a cane through a series of numbers, he stops and throws it into the audience. Later during the song “Billion Dollar Babies”, he teases the crowd with a sword stacked with money that he eventually spreads into the crowd so everyone gets a piece of the action. Later he grabs a handful of silver beaded necklaces which he flings up into the stands making sure to give the people more than what they came for.

Before you know it, the performance is drawing to a close. After plowing through 15 songs, getting hanged onstage, and coming back to life in a white top hat and tails, Alice returns for a 2 song encore. The song “Poison” gets the crowd into a frenzy with Alice proclaiming “Your All Poison!!!”. The final song is a riotous version of “Elected”. What an amazing site to see Alice Cooper standing on the drum riser waving a huge American Flag while in front of him, his daughter dressed as Hillary Clinton brawls with an actor dressed as President Bush. Eventually the two combatants give up, and give in rushing into each others arms in an extremely “enthusiastic” embrace. As the final notes ring out, Alice closes his 75 minute performance yelling “God bless California and God bless America!!!” The lights dim, the crowd gives a standing ovation and Alice waves before disappearing behind the curtain, his mission accomplished. An absolute blast was had on the stage and definitely in the stands.

Live Performance Review: Highly Recommended, an Absolute Must See Live!!!!

Band:

Alice Cooper Lead vocals/Hamonica/Props of all kinds

Keri Kelli Guitar/Back vocals

Jason Hook Guitar/Backing vocals

Chuck Garrick Bass/Backing vocals

Eric Singer Drums/Backing vocals

Calico Cooper Dancer/backing vocals

Setlist:

It’s Hot Tonight

No More Mr. Nice Guy

Billion Dollar Babies

I'm Eighteen

Is it My Body?

Feed My Frankenstein

Woman of Mass Distraction

Drum Solo

Welcome to My Nightmare

Only Women Bleed

Steven

Dead Babies

Ballad of Dwight Fry

I Love the Dead (Band vocal only)

School's Out

----encore----

Poison

Elected

Recommended Purchase:

The Life & Crimes Of Alice Cooper (Boxed Set) 1999

Dirty Diamonds 2005

Link to Purchase: www.rhino.com

http://www.Rhino.com/

Connect to Alice Cooper: http://alicecooper.com

http://www.alicecooper.com/

Queensrÿche

10-6-07 Irvine Meadows (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)

As the warmth of the sun began to give way to the night on the Coast of Southern California, the Sunset was replaced by the lights and sounds of an Iconic Band from the 80’s Metal era. Following the thunderous sounds of the musical prelude to the band starting their performance, Queensrÿche took the stage and began to heat things up immediately.

After 26 years of writing, recording, and performing, Queensrÿche has compiled a staggering list of recordings many of which have achieved Gold and Platinum status. On October 6, 2007, the band proved why they re so successful as they delivered a high-energy performance stacked with classic gems including “I don’t believe in Love” from the album “Operation Mind Crime” (1988), and powerful renditions of “Empire” and “Jet City Woman” from the album “Empire” (1990). Each band member was focused on their instrument and vocals as they pressed forward to deliver the songs with precision and enthusiasm. One killer highlight was the addition of the first single from their forthcoming album “Take Cover” due for release in November 2007. Everyone in the crowd was surprised and excited to hear the Pink Floyd Classic "Welcome To The Machine" delivered in Queensrÿche style with Lead Singer Geoff Tate playing Saxophone while the band mesmerized the crowd through this complex and mind blowing tune. (Available for download on iTunes October 16, 2007)

Queensrÿche has a very unique style and delivers the American attitude of confidence in their songs and performance. Their Live sound is excellent with Vocals, Rhythm, and Guitars speaking very clearly to the audience. Guitar Solos tore through the night as the Bass and Drums pounded the driving rhythms of each song into the enthusiastic audience. Each band member stepped up and delivered BIG TIME! As Geoff Tate introduced the final song of their all too short set “Take Hold of the Flame” from “Queensrÿche” (1983), he started with a poignant message: “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t follow your Dream. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t you can’t keep reaching for the sky…you gotta always keep taking hold of the Flame”. It was clear on this night that Queensrÿche not only has a firm grip on the flame but also has added fuel to keep the fire burning bright.

Live Performance Review: Highly Recommended, a Must See Live!!!!

Band:

Geoff Tate: Lead Vocals

Michael Wilton: Guitar

Mike Stone: Guitar

Eddie Jackson: Bass

Scott Rockenfield: Drums

Latest release/Recommended Purchase:

SIGN OF THE TIMES: The Best of Queensryche 2007

MINDCRIME AT THE MOORE: CD/DVD 2007

Link to Purchase: www.rhino.com

http://www.Rhino.com/

Connect to the Band: http://www.queensryche.com/

http://www.queensryche.com/

The Doobie Brothers

House of Blues Anaheim

9-1-04

There have been countless trends and changes in the music scene over the last 34 years but what has remained the tried and true foundation of success is a combination of creative lyrics, exceptional vocals, upbeat music, and high quality musicianship. Most importantly, it is music that grabs you by the soul, gets you on your feet dancing or brings a memory of love to your mind. The Doobie Brothers excel in this foundation and it clearly showed on 9-1-04 at the House of Blues in Anaheim California.

The only sound sweeter than the roaring engine of a Harley Davidson are the opening notes to “Rocking down the Highway” being played LIVE by The Doobie Brothers. Such was the intro to an incredible performance packed with hit after hit of classic Doobie Brothers music and some wonderful new additions from recent albums.

Diving into the back pages of the DB Catalog, the band pulled off “Jesus is just Allright” and got the crowd moving. The rocking tune “Dangerous” was followed by “Snakeman”, which evoked a bluesy sound from Delta in Mississippi. Then the band slowed it down with a beautiful Pat Simmons/John McFee composition called “5 Corners” off the Sibling Rivalry album. This song was stunning particularly for those who have not heard it before.

The band was in great form and they soon dived into the Romance section of the set with two of Tom Johnston's visual songs “Rainy Day” and the surreal “Another Park Another Sunday” bringing images of times past and love that is lost. Pat Simmons then stepped up and dedicated “South City Midnight Lady” to the all of the ladies in the house.

After an instrument change, the band revved it up and played the first song off Sibling Rivalry called “People Gotta Love Again”, which is a wake up call asking people to make a change for the better in our world. From the same album came a high-energy song called “45 th Floor”, which could be about a certain political leader and his exploits in the Whitehouse. (Buy the album and judge for yourself but buy the album!!!).

The next song “ Clear As The Driven Snow” showcased the powerhouse rhythm section including duel drummers Mike Hossack and Keith Knudsen. It was great to see the interplay of these two veteran drummers complimenting each other in style and delivery. This song also featured a ripping solo by Tom Johnston and M.B. Gordy filled in on percussion and bongos. Looking around the House of Blues, the crowd was grooving with the band and everyone was definitely having a blast.

As the closing cymbal hits rang out in the house speakers, another staple of radio airplay started. Guy Allison played some incredible keyboard lines as the opening notes of “Taking it to the Streets” filled the house. Pat Simmons and Skylar delivered the vocals in sequence and the crowd sang along to the chorus of this classic Doobie Brothers tune.

It was blazing hot in the House of Blues that night on stage and in the crowd. After another set change, the band played a Sonny Boy Williamson tune called “Don't Start me Talkin”. This Blues song had an old school feel that paid homage to the musicians who paved the way for people like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Doobie Brothers. Solos were traded back and forth as the band cut loose and tore down the walls with ripping leads and dynamic fills.

Tommy Johnston is one of the prolific writers of our time scoring numerous hits for The Doobie Brothers over the years and he really got the audience going with “Take Me In You Arms”. This Motown style song was obviously a crowd favorite as everyone was dancing and the House of Blues was alive with energy.

The song “Little Bitty” sounded like a Gospel tune and Church was definitely in session. The crowd was loud and the band showed their appreciation. A smile could be seen on Pat Simmons face as he played the opening notes of an incredible version of “Black Water” with multi talented John McFee playing the violin. One of the amazing aspects of The Doobie Brothers is the vocal harmony created with the majority of the band singing and it was great to hear the entire audience singing along with Pat Simmons throughout “Black Water”.

The closing song of the set was the Tom Johnston penned classic “Long Train Running”. The delivery of this tune was incredibly powerful with an extended solo by Marc Russo on Sax, and a crescendo featuring a funked out Bass Line pounded against the Drums and Percussion.

For the encore, The Doobie Brothers chose a rocking version of “China Grove” followed by “Without You”. They closed the show with a song that has its primary message in the name “Listen to the Music”. This song was a lot of fun as the winners of a signed guitar auctioned at the beginning of the show to benefit The National Veterans Foundation were invited on stage to sing the chorus.

The Doobie Brothers are a band that truly has stood the test of time. Born from influences including Blues, Gospel, Country, R & B, Jazz and Rock and Roll, their music is in fact Timeless. Their strength is a Passion for Music and a desire to bring Music to people around the world. Each musician in the band has their own approach and their collective styles represent a vital cross section of America. Just like the strength of America lies in its diversity and undying faith in itself, the band is a combination of elements, which come together to create a powerful whole. The Doobie Brothers have released 17 albums and have earned multiple RIAA gold and multi-platinum awards. They have performed around the world for more than 35 million fans and after nearly 35 years, The Doobie Brothers career continues to gather momentum and shows no signs of slowing down.

Please check out our Photo Gallery and go to The Doobie Brothers Official Website for information on the Band, their work, and the latest news. Below is information on The National Veterans Foundation. Check their website and lend your support to those who have fought for our freedom. Thank You to The Doobie Brothers and The House of Blues for this fantastic performance!!!

National Veterans Foundation

http://www.nvf.org/
9841 Airport Blvd. #414
Los Angeles, CA 90045

(888) 777-4443

Joe Walsh

The Vault 350 8-10-04

Joe Walsh is like an encyclopedia of Music. His career spans over 35 years with numerous Gold and Platinum records to his credit. As a Guitarist, he has a diverse approach using various tunings, styles, tones, and an arsenal of guitars. As a vocalist, his voice has incredible range and can tear through a mix with the highest notes or he can hit you with subtle quality depending on the song and the feeling he wants to convey.

On 8-10-04, Southern California had the privilege of bringing Joe Walsh to The Vault 350 in Long Beach CA for a much-anticipated Sold Out performance. Early in the day, a line formed outside the venue and some of the fans came from as far as Canada to see a man who is considered an Icon and a Legend.

At about 7:00, the doors opened and people began filing in. The general admission floor was packed and after final preparations, the lights dimmed and Joe took the stage with an extremely talented and eclectic Band including members of Stone Temple Pilots, The Wall Flowers, and Tom Petty. For a man who has traveled the world, seen so much over his lifetime, and been in the business for as long as he has, Joe looked great and his Voice was in top form.

Tribal drums pounded the venue with the first song of the set “Take a Look at us now”. Joe's slide work was impeccable and the crowd was singing along and dancing with the band as the set progressed. The songs “Walk Away” and “The Confessor” were delivered with great energy and feeling and showed that the Band was well rehearsed, ready, and they were not going to hold anything back. The song “Meadows” was followed by the beautiful “Tend My Garden”. Next came a haunting and powerful version of “Turn to Stone” featuring a solo by Bill Appleberry on Key boards and a ripping solo by Joe that brought the crowd to a frenzy.

After asking the crowd “How ya Doing”, Joe then introduced a song that “Was so old,” it was written before most of the audience was even born. He noted that if he knew he was going to have to play it for the rest of his life, he “Would have written something else”. Such was the intro to the classic tune “Life of Illusion”. This was followed by the official “Sing Along” song “Ordinary Average Guy”. Joe told the audience that he didn't care if they sang the words he just wanted to hear their voices. With a party atmosphere in full throttle, he got what he wanted and this song was a real crowd pleaser.

The energy in The Vault was very upbeat and smiles filled the audience. With no formal intro, “In the City” was delivered with great Vocal harmony and musicianship. The Rhythm Section of Joe's Band was rock solid and included 2 Drummers with Steve Ferrone of the Tom Petty Band, and Drew Hester of prior Joe Walsh Band line-ups. Rounding out the Rhythm section was a powerhouse on Bass, Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots.

With each song, Joe played a different guitar. Open Tunings and Slide were offered along with standard tunings on Classic Gibson Les Paul's, Fender Strats including an Eric Clapton signature Model, a Rickenbacker, a Schecter, and a custom Roger Giffin 12 string electric. His tone was incredible powered by a HiWatt 2X12 amp paired with a Fender Twin Reverb 2X12 and what appeared to be a small isolation amp on the front of the stage.

No Joe Walsh performance would be complete without songs from his tenure with The James Gang and a medley of “The Bomber” and “Funk 49” nearly brought the house down. These songs featured dueling guitar work between Joe and Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots who is also the Brother of Bassist Robert DeLeo. There was a lot of interaction within the band and with the audience and screams of “I Love You Joe” could be heard throughout the hall.

To close out the set, Joe chose a song, which really tells it like it is. With loyal Fans around the world, Induction in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Life of success, adulation, and comfort in practicing the art he loves, “Life's Been Good” was a fitting end to an awesome set of tunes spanning Joe's career as a solo artist, a member of the James Gang and of course The Eagles.

After thanking the audience and stating, “It's been a Great Party!!!” the band left the stage. Thankfully Joe came out to do an encore showcasing the ripping solos of “Life in the Fast Lane”. The climax at the end of the song was deafening and the crowd was screaming its appreciation for a truly excellent performance. As the last notes rang in the sound system, Joe waved goodbye and left the stage.

This performance was called a “warm up” for the tour but it was clear that the Band was Hot and Joe Walsh was definitely Smokin!!! After the show, Joe was generous enough to sign autographs for fans outside his tour bus. He is an artist who really gives his all for the fans both on stage and off.

The Vault 350 is a great place to see a show with easy access to parking, great food, a well stocked bar, and plenty of friendly staff members to make sure your experience is top notch. The Sound System is State of the Art and crystal clear and the stage set up allows an excellent view from anywhere in the venue. Please go to the official Vault 350 website for information on Booking Events, Catering, Upcoming Shows, and Directions.

Please see the Photo Gallery of this event and use the Links provided to access Joe Walsh related Information.

Thanks again to The Vault 350 for bringing us this incredible performance by Joe Walsh.

Joe Walsh Official Website

The Eagles Official Website

The Vault 350 Website

 

Mutual Admiration Society

7-31-04 Roxy Theatre

What's in a name????

What's in a name???? This is an age-old question that has been asked many times. In the case of Mutual Admiration Society, it can only be answered by purchasing the CD and more specifically, seeing them LIVE in concert. At the Roxy Theatre on Saturday night 7-31-04, a sold out house witnessed this dynamic group of musicians come together to deliver an eclectic blend of songs with consummate musicianship and exceptional performance. Four critically acclaimed bands were represented with members of Nickel Creek, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Elvis Costello & The Attractions and Led Zeppelin. On the stage was a mixture of youth, energy, wisdom, passion, and significant experience. Sara Watkins on Vocal and Fiddle, Glen Phillips on Vocal, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Chris Thile on Mandola, Mandolin, and Vocals and Sean Watkins on Vocals and acoustic Guitar comprised the core of MAS backed by veteran Pete Thomas on Drums and percussion, and the legendary John Paul Jones on Bass and Mandolin. Special guest Jon Brian joined for some original songs as well during the set.

Each member of this band brought their own persona to the stage and one could clearly see each of the parts came together to create an amazing whole. Talented is not enough to describe the vocal and musical abilities of the band. The Harmonies were surreal they were so beautiful and whether it was Violin, Mandolin, Bass, Drums, Guitar, or any of the other various instruments being played, the delivery was absolutely top notch. It was clear that this Band came to deliver the goods and based on the enthusiastic response of the crowd, MAS sure did.

The band took the stage at a little past 9:00 PM and played a 25 song set that included selections from the new album and classics from the past. There was spontaneity to the show allowing for joking amongst the band and lots of interaction with the audience. At one point, Sean Watkins was having difficulty with his rig and John Paul Jones asked the crowd if there was anyone in the audience who could play the guitar. One could clearly see there was respect for each other and as the songs rolled off the set list, the energy was increasing. When certain songs were played, different band members left the stage and could be seen watching intently as the others performed. It was obvious everyone was having a lot fun and smiles filled the stage and the room.

During the set, each band member had a chance to shine in the spotlight. Sara Watkins ripped away on the fiddle and at one point sang a funny number called “Anthony” in which she played a ukulele solo backed Chris, Glenn, and John Paul Jones on vocals. Chris Thile is one of the hottest Mandolin players in the business shredding the instrument with virtuoso ability. Glen Phillips played Dulcimer on some songs and contributed amazing vocals. Sean Watkins is a truly talented musician and played a solo on the acoustic guitar that was awe-inspiring. The two Veterans were content to hand the spotlight to the younger musicians and yet glowed with their ability. Pete Thomas is absolutely Rock Solid, Powerful and subtle when it was needed. John Paul Jones held down the rhythm on bass with unbelievable dynamics and played Robert Plant's Vocal lines on Mandolin during the Song “Going to California” which was really amazing.

The song selection was fantastic and covered many chapters in musical style and history. Standout songs included the hauntingly beautiful “Windmills” from the new album, “Taxman” by the Beatles, “She” by the great Graham Parsons, and an ancient English folk tune made famous by Led Zeppelin called “Gallows Poll”. Glenn brought the popular tune “All I Want” to the set and after 2 encores the band closed with the Nickel Creek tune “Mountain” leaving the audience very satisfied but wanting more.

Please visit our Gallery to see images of this incredible performance including a stage used set-list. Please also visit the links below to learn more about the band. Make sure to buy the CD and check the Mutual Admiration Society tour dates to see if they are in your area and get out to see them while they are on the road!!!!

LINKS:

http://www.sugarhillrecords.com/

http://www.nickelcreek.com/

http://www.glenphillips.com/tour.php

http://www.johnpauljones.com/

 

Ratdog House of Blues Los Angeles 3-1-04

On the evening of March 1, 2004, as I was driving towards Sunset Blvd , I put on the song "Box of Rain". To my left was a blazing sunset, ahead of me were light clouds against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills, and very soon I would be at the House of Blues to see the great Bob Weir and his band Ratdog.

The closer I got, the more I felt excited to see this show at the House of Blues. It is an intimate venue with all of the amenities you would want: Great Food, Great People, Great Atmosphere, and Great Parking. I arrived early, picked up my Press Credentials, and at 5:00, a familiar sound rang through the building as Ratdog ran through their sound check. I walked down to the front entrance where a group of fans gathered in a light rain to listen to the band during their warm up set. By the sounds of it, they were ready to deliver the goods.

In no time, a line formed and before I knew it I was leaning against the stage waiting for the band to start playing. Soon the lights went out and the crowd started going crazy. Bob and the band took the stage and the intro to Shakedown Street filled the air. The band was polished in their delivery and in no time the floor was moving, dancing, partying, and the celebration was in motion.

Ratdog is a solid band with diverse instuments and excellent vocal harmonies. They played both very laid back and with plenty of energy. Guitar, Sax and keyboard solos were traded as the songs rolled off the setlist. The songs were open enough to allow substantial improvisation and each player took advantage of it including some solos from Bob. All in all very tasty!!! The tunes seamlesly melted together as the band rolled through a series of Dead classics including "Maggies Farm", "Dark Star", "Odessa", and "Althea".

The musicians included a very talented and young Kenny Brooks on Sax, and a very solid and well versed keyboard playerJeff Chimenti . Holding down the foundation, a powerhouse with a light touch on drums Jay Lane, and an import from England and very solid bass player Robin Sylvester. Guest appearances were made on trombone by Freebo and rounding out the band, the man with the biggest shoes to fill on Lead guitar Mark Karan. This is a guy with incredible talent, who doesn't so much copy Jerry Garcia as he emulates him and combines his own style into the performance. Each player proved why they earned and deserved to have their roles in this band.

After a short break, Ratdog returned to do a beautiful acoustic set of "Mexicali Blues", "Candy Man", and "When I paint my masterpeice". These songs sounded incredible and the crowd loved them. After a set change, the electric instruments came back and they plowed through a third set of songs including "Warf Rat", "Throwing Stones", and capped the set off with a powerful version of "Corrina". You know there was going to be an encore and sure enough they played a song very appropriate to the legacy of the Grateful Dead and to Bob Weir, "Not Fade Away". After this song was over, there was a lengthy standing ovation and the band left the stage with smoke filling the air.

One of the greatest elements to this show is the fact that fans are given the opportunity to purchase the actual live performance at the show and drive home listening to it in the car. I did purchase the 3 disc performance and it sounds incredible. If you went to the show you need to buy it. If you didn't, this show was hot and you should buy it just so you can experience it. Go to www.rat-dog.com and check it out.

Bob Weir and Ratdog are a must see so make sure you go to their website www.rat-dog.com to find out when they will be performiong near you. To see an incredible photo history of this performance, check the LiveFromThePit Gallery and click on "Ratdog".

To see what shows are coming and to make reservations at the House of Blues, go to www.hob.com.

 

KISS and Aerosmith, December 18, 2003, L.A. Forum

Live the Music LIVE!!!