Steven Van Zandt had not been on my radar screen as a solo artist until recently. Things changed in May when he released Soulfire, his first solo album since 1999. It quickly became one of my favorite new records this year, which I previously reviewed here. When I found out he was kicking off a tour at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, N.J., that show in late May – his only scheduled U.S. gig at the time – was already sold out! So I was glad that after a European leg, he brought the tour back to the U.S. Last Thursday, I was able to see his great show at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, N.Y.
Unlike the Count Basie Theatre, the venue wasn’t sold out; in fact, I would say only half of the seats were taken, which was unfortunate. But it didn’t seem to have an impact. Little Steven and his top-notch band The Disciples of Soul delivered a powerful performance that lasted for close to two and a half hours. And while the audience wasn’t the biggest, people certainly were engaged.
The show kicked off with the soul classic Sweet Soul Music. Written by Arthur Conley and Otis Redding, the tune was first released by Conley in 1967. This was followed right away by Soulfire, the title track from Van Zandt’s above mentioned latest album. In a Rolling Stone interview ahead of the record’s release, Van Zandt noted he co-wrote the song with a member of Danish rock and soul band The Breakers, which first released it on their eponymous album in June 2011. Here’s a clip of Soulfire captured in Leipzig, Germany back in June.
Tunes from almost the entire Soulfire album were sprinkled throughout the show, and I have to say those were the tracks I generally liked the most. One of the highlights of the record that was also a standout of the show was Blues Is My Business, a great cover of an Etta James tune included on her 2003 album Let’s Roll. Here’s a cool clip.
Another great song from Soulfire and highlight of the set was Down And Out In New York City. Written by Bobbie Chandler and Barry De Vorzon, the track was first recorded by James Brown for the soundtrack album of the 1973 blaxploitation crime drama Black Cesar. The performance showcased the band’s terrific five-piece horn section, with each musician playing solo back-to-back. Here’s a nice clip of the tune recorded at another gig earlier this month.
In addition to Soulfire, Little Steven also played songs from his earlier solo records with The Disciples of Soul, especially their debut Men Without Women (1982) and Voice Of America (1984). Among these tunes was Angel Eyes, written by Van Zandt and included on the 1982 record.
And then there was of course Van Zandt’s previous work with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. He was a co-founding member and produced various of their records. The set included three tunes from that band: I’m Coming Back and I Don’t Want To Go Home, two Van Zandt tunes that also appear on the Soulfire album, and Love On The Wrong Side Of Town, which he co-wrote with Bruce Springsteen. Here is a clip of I Don’t Want To Go Home, the title track of Southside Johnny’s 1976’s studio debut. It was part of the encore.
This post would not be complete without further acknowledging the musicians of The Disciples of Soul, a mighty 14-piece and truly amazing band. The line-up includes Marc Ribler (guitar), Charley Drayton (drums), Everett Bradley (percussion, backing vocals), Lowell “Banana” Levinger (piano, mandolin), Andy Burton (organ, strings, accordion), Jak Daley (bass), Eddie Manion (baritone saxophone), Stan Harrison (tenor saxophone, flute), Clark Gayton (trombone), Ravi Best (trumpet), Ron Tooley (trumpet), and backing vocalists Jessica Wagner, Erika Jerry and YahZarah.
According to the tour schedule posted on Little Steven’s web site, the band will continue touring the U.S. throughout October. In early November, they are scheduled to return to Europe for another six weeks, with shows in England, Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Spain.
Sources: Wikipedia, setlist.fm, Rolling Stone, Little Steven’s website, YouTube
Christian's Music Musings 
I have been listening to Steve for a long time. With Bruce, Johnny and then his solo stuff. Still have all the vinyl. He sings and plays with passion. I haven’t given the new album a spin yet but will get to it. I see some familiar tunes on it. That would have been good show to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really dig the “Soulfire” album, and The Disciples of Soul are just a top-notch backing band.
The songs are mix of tracks Van Zandt wrote or co-wrote for Southside Johnny and others over the decades, and covers of great tunes –
especially the Etta James (“Blues Is My Business”) and James Brown (“Down And Out In New York City”) songs. The title song, BTW, was first recorded by a Danish rock and soul band called The Breakers. I’ve started listening to some of their stuff and like what I’ve heard thus far. Unfortunately, they no longer appear to be around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good stuff. I have it cued up for the near future. I like all his early solo work. Danish? They make good music over on that side (Good films also). I like the take you dropped on ME site with the Steve quote..
LikeLiked by 1 person
While he may not have the greatest voice, Little Steven is a solid rock guitarist and just a cool dude in general. He’s a true music lover and connaisseur who I find always has something interesting to say. I really dig his Underground Garage radio show!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t catch that show enough. CB is allergic to adds. I guess if I wasn’t so lazy i could find it without commercials. He has a lot of cool leads for music. I like a lot of the same stuff. Plus he’s a funny guy.
LikeLike
I dug Van Zandt’s solo album from what I heard of it. But as good as the band sounds, I’m not sure I’d be compelled to come out of the house to see him. Maybe that’s why the place isn’t full. Can’t stop thinking of him as a sideman.
LikeLike
Fair enough. If you as a music connaisseur view him as a sideman, I’m sure many other folks do so as well.
Prior to “Soulfire,” I only knew Van Zandt as Springsteen’s long-time guitarist and host of the excellent “Underground Garage” radio show. I also had heard of his role in “The Sopranos,” though I’ve increasingly abandoned TV over the last 5-10 years, and when I watch these days, it’s mostly the news.
I suppose having seen Little Steven once is probably enough for me. While I definitely enjoyed it, there are so many other artists I’ve yet to see.
LikeLike
Yeah, I think Van Zandt somewhat painted himself into a corner. But it’s notoriously tough for any guy in any band to be as successful as he was within the “host” band. Any one of the horn players in Chicago I’m sure takes home a fat paycheck on a band gig. But unless they’ve somehow managed to carve out solo or studio careers, Chicago is their prime income. Even Donald Fagen isn’t immune to this. In his book (a good read, BTW) he details how traveling with Steely Dan afforded him top choice of hotels. His New York Rock and Soul Ensemble? Not so much. All that said, I dig Van Zandt, always have. He’s a rocker and a True Believer in the power of rock ‘n soul.
LikeLike