The Black Crowes Bring Happiness to New York City

If there ever was any need for a reminder why good ole rock & roll will never go out of style, New York City’s magnificent Radio City Music Hall was the place to be last Saturday (April 27). That’s where The Black Crowes performed before an enthusiastic crowd as part of their ongoing Happiness Bastards Tour. A few weeks ago, I coincidentally had found out about the show when watching a YouTube clip of Larkin Poe, which listed the storied venue among their upcoming gigs. When I saw they would open for the Crowes, I had to check for a way in. Luckily, I found a verified resale ticket at a reasonable price.

Before getting to The Black Crows, I have to address Larkin Poe. Not only was it thanks to the southern sister act of Rebecca Lovell (guitar, vocals) and Megan Lovell (lap steel, backing vocals) I was there in the first place, but these ladies tore up the stage, even though their setup was way more modest than the Crowes’. These amazing musicians and vocalists were backed by their regular touring bassist Tarka Layman and an African American drummer whose name I didn’t catch. He may have been a sub for Kevin McGowan.

Megan Lovell (left) with her sister Rebecca Lovell

While I started paying attention to Larkin Poe about six years ago and have covered them on previous occasions, for example here and here, I’m not very familiar with the titles of their songs. As best as I can tell, their 30-minute set primarily drew on material from Blood Harmony, their most recent studio album released in November 2022. I believe the songs included Summertime Sunset, Kick the Blues, Georgia Off My Mind and Bad Spell. Additionally, I seemed to recognize Wanted Woman/AC/DC, a track from their September 2017 studio album Peach.

Last but not least, there were two excellent covers: Jessica, a sweet instrumental by the late Dickey Betts, off Brothers and Sisters, the fourth studio album by The Allman Brothers Band from August 1973; and Preachin’ Blues by Delta blues guitarist and singer Son House. Before giving you a little flavor of Larkin Poe’s fire power, I have to say I feel sorry for the boneheads who came late and evidently had no interest in seeing Larkin Poe and/or probably had no clue who they are. I also find it extremely disrespectful to walk in while musicians pour out their hearts and souls on stage. I just wish entertainment venues would ban this dreadful practice! Here’s Jessica and Kick the Blues, Larkin Poe style!

After a short intermission it was time for The Black Crows to land and take the stage; or perhaps I should better say soar. Delivering kickass rock & roll is so much better than fighting with each other. Brothers Chris Robinson (lead vocals) and Rich Robinson (guitar, backing vocals), who form the band’s core, certainly know a thing or two about the latter. Luckily, it appears their volatile relationship is a matter of the past – keeping fingers crossed it’ll stay that way!

After the Crowes concluded their Shake Your Moneymaker Tour in March 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their popular February 1990 debut album, they continued to be on the road through much of 2023 and into this year before they announced their current Happiness Bastards Tour in January. That 30-plus-date series is in support of their new album of the same name, which came out on March 15. Perhaps not surprisingly, music from their 10th studio album – their first of original music in 15 years – featured prominently in their set. Let’s check out some of the goodies!

After energetically kicking off with Bedside Manners and Rats and Clowns, the first two tracks off the Happiness Bastards album, Chris Robinson cheerfully announced that in addition to new songs they would also play some old motherfuckers. Of course, no good rock & roll show can be without f-words, the more the merrier! I’ll give you Twice As Hard, the fucking opener of the Crowes’ above-mentioned epic debut Shake Your Money Maker. That motherfucker was co-written by the two brothers.

Okay, I shall behave. No more f-words! Here’s Wanting and Waiting, my early favorite from the Crowes’ new album. That m… – nope, I’m not gonna say it! – was also co-written by the Robinson brothers.

I suppose the next song doesn’t need much of an introduction. Penned by Otis Redding, who Chris Robinson noted hailed from Georgia as well, along with Al Bell and Allen Jones, Hard to Handle was first popularized in 1968 by the Stax recording artist. Robinson also acknowledged that song had done much for the Crowes. Indeed. It became their first single to top Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. I think it’s fair to say it also still is the group’s signature song. Let’s listen to that motherfucker – opps, I did it again!

Alrighty, one more clip: Remedy, a track from The Black Crowes’ sophomore album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, which appeared in May 1992. Another co-write by the Robinson brothers, the song was also released separately as the album’s lead single in April of the same year. It became their third no. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

After the crowd screamed for more, The Black Crowes obliged with a cover of White Light/White Heat, the title track of the second studio album by The Velvet Underground released in January 1968. The song was written by Lou Reed. Earlier in their set, the Crowes also delivered an energetic rendition of High School Confidential, the title track of the 1958 U.S. crime drama motion picture, co-written by Jerry Lee Lewis and Ron Hargrave, and performed by The Killer. Here’s the full setlist, as documented on Setlist.fm.

Setlist

• Bedside Manners
• Rats and Clowns
• Twice as Hard
• Gone
• Then She Said My Name
• Cross Your Fingers
• Seeing Things
• High School Confidential (Jerry Lee Lewis cover)
• Thorn in My Pride
• Wanting and Waiting
• Hard to Handle (Otis Redding cover)
• She Talks to Angels
• Flesh Wound
• I Ain’t Hiding
• Jealous Again
• Remedy

Encore:
• White Light/White Heat (The Velvet Underground cover)

I thought The Black Crowes delivered a great show. Chris Robinson’s vocals sounded strong, and his brother Rich Robinson was compelling on guitar. At one point, Chris also showcased his impressive harmonica skills. The Robinson brothers were backed by a formidable band featuring Sven Pipien (bass), who previously toured with them from 1997 until 2015; Nico Bereciartua (guitar, backing vocals); Erik Deutsch (keyboards, backing vocals) and Cully Symington (drums, percussion). The line-up also included backing vocalists Mackenzie Adams and Leslie Grant who added a neat soul vibe to the performance.

The Black Crows are flying next to Washington, D.C. (tomorrow, April 30), followed by Charlotte, N.C. (May 1); Bethlehem, Pa. (May 3); Atlantic City, N.J. (May 4); and Philadelphia, Pa. (May 7). The full schedule of the Happiness Bastards Tour is here.

Also, let’s not forget Larkin Poe, who to me were just as compelling as the Crowes. The sister act’s upcoming gigs include Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester, Tenn. (Jun 14); Off North Shore – Skokie Music Festival, Skokie, Ill., Jun 21-22; Rock, Ribs & Ridges, Augusta, N.J., Jun 30; and High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, Calif., Jul 4-7.

I also noticed that in September, Larkin Poe are playing the annual Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park, N.J., which is right in my backyard. Unfortunately, tickets are already sold out. Well, it’s a good thing for the organizers. You can check out Larkin Poe’s full schedule here.

Sources: Wikipedia; Setlist.fm; The Black Crowes website; Larkin Poe website; YouTube

Brit Floyd Shine, Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Pink Floyd Album The Division Bell

When I saw earlier this year Brit Floyd would return to Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa., I decided right away to look for a ticket. Five years ago, the British Pink Floyd tribute band had blown me away at the same venue with incredible renditions of the English rock band’s music and an impressive stage show. As such, I had high hopes. Showtime finally came last Saturday, and once again Brit Floyd delivered the great gig in the sky!

The genius behind Brit Floyd is founder and musical director Damian Darlington, who also provides vocals, guitar and lap steel. Prior to forming the band in Liverpool, England in 2011, Darlington had played for 17 years with long-running Aussie tribute The Australian Pink Floyd Show. According to his bio, between the two tribute groups, he has fronted more than 2,500 live gigs over the past 28 years. That works out to approximately 90 shows per year – an impressive track record!

Doing Pink Floyd’s complex music justice live requires an army of a backing band, and Brit Floyd has many mightily talented artists who are all listed on the group’s website! Apart from Darlington, Saturday’s performing band featured Ian Cattell (vocals, bass), Edo Scordo (guitars, vocals), Matt Riddle (keyboards, synthesizers, Hammond organ, vocals), Randy Cooke (drums, percussion), Ryan Saranich (saxophone, percussion, guitars, bass keyboards), as well as backing vocalists Chess Galea, Genevieve Little and Eva Avila.

Brit Floyd leader Damian Darlington (center), with Ian Cattell (left), who has been with the band since 2011, and Matt Riddle, a member since 2017 (photo: Brit Floyd website)

In addition to The Division Bell, Brit Floyd mostly drew from Pink Floyd’s ’70s albums, especially The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall, as well as Meddle and Animals. They also gave a nod to the Syd Barrett era with Piper at the Gates of Dawn and touched on A Momentary Lapse of Reason, which like The Division Bell falls into the band’s late stage after they had parted ways with Roger Waters.

The show included two sets that were divided by a 20-minute intermission, as well as an encore. It all added up to more than 2.5 hours of magnificent live music. As much as I love The Dark Side of the Moon, I would have been okay with fewer tracks from that gem and a few more songs from the Barrett era. But Brit Floyd essentially recreated Pink Floyd’s 1994 final concert tour, The Division Bell Tour, which was captured on Pulse, their third live album released in May 1995.

Time for some music! The band explicitly encouraged taking photos and video, as long as you wouldn’t use flash and would respect the folks around you – to me, both goes without saying! Let’s kick it off with the opener of set 1, Astronomy Domine. Co-written by the brilliant Syd Barrett and Floyd keys man Richard Wright, the instrumental is the first track on the band’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn released in August 1967.

While The Division Bell isn’t my favorite, I felt a concert tour that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Floyd’s 14th studio album warranted capturing at least one track. The Division Bell marked their final regular studio project. The Endless River, released in November 2014, features posthumous contributions from Wright who sadly passed away from lung cancer in September 2008 at age 65. High Hopes, composed by Gilmour, features lyrics by English novelist, lyricist and journalist Polly Samson who has been married to Gilmour since 1994. One of the highlights of Brit Floyd’s mighty rendition was Darlington’s lap steel action!

Initially, I had been reluctant to capture Dogs, a 17-minute track. I also didn’t anticipate Brit Floyd would throw in the preceding short Pig On the Wings (Part 1), effectively playing the entire side 1 of Floyd’s January 1977 Animals studio album! My arms felt comfortably numb afterwards, but as a Pink Floyd nut, I thought it was worth it! Both tracks were written by Waters. On Dogs, he was joined by Gilmour on vocals. The Darlington-Edo Scordo harmony guitar action and Matt Riddle’s neat keyboard work were the highlights of Brit Floyd’s great set 1 closer.

Hey you, are you still out there? Cause I just got started! This brings me to the second set. As much as I was tempted to capture the majestic opener Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V), the thought of filming another 10-minute-plus track was a deterrent even to me. Instead, the first song I captured from this set is Hey You, a favorite off The Wall. While I really dug Floyd’s 11th studio album when it came out in November 1979, nowadays, it’s no longer in my top 3, though perhaps still in my top 5. Hey You was solely written by Waters who essentially had taken over the group. Generously, he shared vocal duties with Gilmour on this track.

If I could only pick one Pink Floyd album, it would either be The Dark Side of the Moon or Meddle. The latter foreshadowed the sonic brilliance of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Here. Here’s One of These Days, Meddle’s charging instrumental opener. It was credited to all four members of the band at the time, i.e., Gilmour, Waters, Wright and Mason. Once again, Brit Floyd delivered the goods while Cattell doing a great job playing that pulsating bass part, while Darlington was shing like the sun on lap steel. Be careful, you might get blown away!

I deliberately held back on filming tracks from The Dark Side of the Moon, especially obvious choices like Money or The Great Gig in the Sky. That said, just like in 2019, the latter was a highlight of the night. But I couldn’t entirely ignore this masterpiece, so decided to go with another gem, Us and Them, co-written by Waters and Wright.

Once again, I resisted capturing an audience pleaser and, yes, another highlight of the night, Comfortably Numb, the final song of set 2. But at the last second, I decided to film the encore, Run Like Hell, another track of The Wall. While it’s not among my favorites, I know many other folks dig it, so here you go. Plus, the light show went into interstellar overdrive!

In addition to The Great Gig in the Sky and Comfortably Numb, there would have been many more choices of tracks I could have filmed. If you visit my post about Brit Floyd’s 2019 gig, you can find these two songs and four additional tracks I captured at the time. Of course, you could also simply check Brit Floyd’s YouTube channel, which features many excellent (professional) clips. My only beef is they are 9-plus years old and, as such, capture a largely different band. That said, Damian Darlington has always surrounded himself with top-notch musicians, and earlier lineups of Brit Floyd sounded just as compelling as the current group.

Here’s the setlist from last Saturday:

Set 1:
• Astronomy Domine – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967)
• Learning to Fly – A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987)
• High Hopes – The Division Bell (1994)
• Take It Back – The Division Bell (1994)
• Coming Back to Life – The Division Bell (1994)
• Sorrow – A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987)
• Keep Talking – The Division Bell (1994)
• Pigs On the Wing (Part 1) & Dogs – Animals (1977)

Set 2:
• Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V) – Wish You Were Here (1975)
• Hey You – The Wall (1979)
• Time – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
• Breathe (Reprise) – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
• The Great Gig in the Sky – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
• Wish You Were Here – Wish You Were Here (1975)
• One of These Days – Meddle (1971)
• Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1 – The Wall (1979)
• Us and Them – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
• Money – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
• Comfortably Numb – The Wall (1979)

Encore:
• Run Like Hell – The Wall (1979)

If you dig what you’ve seen and heard and are interested in catching Brit Floyd during the U.S. leg of their current tour, upcoming gigs include Syracuse, N.Y. (tomorrow); Erie, Pa. (March 27); Atlantic City, N.J. (March 29 & 30); Johnstown, Pa. (April 1); and Toledo, Ohio (April 2). The full schedule is here. I’d say, if you dig Floyd, you really can’t go wrong with Brit Floyd.

I’m leaving you with a Spotify playlist capturing all tracks of the show, mostly pulling from the Pulse album to make it as authentic as possible.

Sources: Wikipedia; Brit Floyd website; Setlist.fm; YouTube; Spotify

Reliving the Live Music Experience

It’s safe to assume most music fans agree that seeing a beloved artist or band live is a special experience. In fact, to me, it’s the ultimate thrill! Nearly every time I go to a concert, big or small, I also get “the itch”, thinking perhaps I should have continued playing music actively. Even though my band days date back more than 30 years, I think I will always remain a musician at heart! As such, it felt right to take a look back on my live music experience in 2023.

Hopefully, it doesn’t come across as bragging when I say this year was really busy on the concert front. In fact, I was surprised myself when realizing how many shows I visited. I don’t know, I guess it just happened. Much of it was driven by spontaneous action. I will add that given high ticket prices, especially for prominent acts, I doubt I can keep up that pace next year. For now, let’s focus on some of my favorite concert moments of 2023.

Big ticket/prominent artists and bands I saw this year include Southern Avenue (review), Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (review), The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band (review), Peter Frampton (review), The Doobie Brothers (review), James Taylor (review) and Los Lobos (review).

In the following, I’d like to let the music do the talking, or perhaps I should say writing. Going through old clips and pictures I took was a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy my little collage!

Southern Avenue/Don’t Give Up – SteelStax, Bethlehem, Pa., Sep 7

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band/Ways and Means – Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton, N.J., Aug 17

Peter Frampton/Shine On – Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem, Pa., Jul 15

Los Lobos/Kiko and the Lavender Moon – Pollack Theatre, West Long Branch, N.J., Feb 24

Catching prominent music acts I love is great, but as in previous years, my live music experience wasn’t limited to them. Once again, I was also fortunate to see great tributes, such as Sugar Mountain (Neil Young), Who’s Next (The Who), Stiff Upper Lip (AC/DC) and Good Stuff (Steely Dan, Sting, Stevie Wonder & Gino Vannelli), as well as various other bands.

Luckily, a good deal of these “non-big ticket acts” were free and/or very affordable. I believe in supporting live music, but there’s only so much I can do. Otherwise, the hole in my wallet would even be bigger! Here’s a small sample. My apologies for not featuring everybody I saw!

Sugar Mountain/Like a Hurricane – Lizzie Rose Music Room, Sep 9

Who’s Next/Won’t Get Fooled Again – British Invasion Festival, Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, N.J., Jul 22

Stiff Upper Lip/It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll) – Readington Brewery, Readington, N.J., June 9

Good Stuff/Deacon Blues – New Jersey Brewing Company, Mount Olive, N.J., Mar 31

There you have it. What’s in store for next year? Not much to report yet, except for two events I really hope will happen. First is seeing The Rolling Stones during their Hackney Diamonds Tour at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on May 23. I’m thrilled I was able to get a ticket I could pay for. Granted, I settled for the least expensive seat. But for a live music nut like me, being there means nearly everything!

I also look forward to Rock the Farm, the main annual fundraiser of the New Jersey nonprofit CFC Loud N Clear Foundation, featuring great tribute acts to raise funds for programs to prevent relapse after drug rehab. Due to bad weather, CFC made the tough but right call to postpone last year’s event until June 1, 2024. I love the idea of music for a cause and have attended this festival on the Jersey shore multiple times over the past six years. My review of Rock the Farm 2022 is here.

As for the rest of 2024, we’ll see. I guess I’ll take it one show at a time!

Southern Avenue Shine at SteelStacks

Southern Avenue are a great band from Memphis, Tenn., who first entered my radar screen in August 2017 after fellow blogger Jim had written about them on his Music Enthusiast blog, which is currently on hiatus. Jim, if you happen to read this, we miss you, and I hope you’ll be back! The group mixes traditional blues, southern soul and funk with elements of contemporary R&B. When I learned a few months ago they would play SteelStax in Bethlehem, Pa., it was a no-brainer I would go there. My fourth Southern Avenue concert went down last Thursday evening, and once again they killed it!

Unless you’ve followed my blog for some time or regularly watch Billboard’s Blues charts where they’ve had two top 10 albums since 2017, the name Southern Avenue may not be familiar. They were founded in 2015 when Israeli blues guitarist Ori Naftaly met Memphis vocalist Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra Jackson, drummer and backing vocalist. Tierinii’s and Tikyra’s younger sister Ava Jackson joined the group in 2021 as backing vocalist and percussionist. Jeremy Powell (keyboards) and Evan Sarver (bass) complete their current line-up.

Southern Avenue (from left): Ava Jackson, Tierinii Jackson, Jeremy Powell, Ori Naftaly, Evan Sarver and Tikyra Jackson

Southern Avenue took their name from a street that runs from East Memphis to “Soulsville,” the original home of Stax Records. While that’s a clear nod to the band’s admiration for the legendary soul label, they do not consider themselves a Stax revival act. But there’s another intriguing connection. After Stax, which since 2004 is owned by Concord Records, had been a reissue label for various decades, Southern Avenue became their first newly signed artist in late 2016. How friggin’ cool is that?

To date, Southern Avenue have released three studio albums, including their eponymous debut (February 2017), Keep On (May 2019) and Be the Love You Want (August 2021), which I’ve reviewed here, here and here, respectively. In addition to select tracks from each of their albums, they performed various covers by artists, such as Aretha Franklin, Prince and Michael Jackson, as well a rendition of Genesis’ That’s All, which is their most recent single that came out in November 2022.

I was glad to support the band by purchasing a vinyl copy of their eponymous debut album and would like to thank Evan Sarver and Jeremy Powell for signing it!

Initially, the gig was supposed to happen at the Levitt Pavilion, SteelStax’s compelling open air venue at the base of blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation, which until its closure in 2003 was one of the world’s largest steel producing and shipbuilding companies – a surreal breathtaking backdrop! The weather gods had different plans with a severe thunderstorm, but luckily, the organizers were able to move the consider inside to the third floor of the ArtsQuest Center. Through the large glass windows, you could see the blast furnaces dramatically illuminated by lightning while being in a safe, dry and air conditioned space!

I’d say it’s time for some music! Here’s Switchup, a groovy song from Southern Avenue’s sophomore album Keep On. It was co-written by the band’s Ori Naftaly and Tierinii Jackson, together with album producer Johnny Black. Naftaly’s funky guitar reminds me a bit of James Brown’s Sex Machine. Also, check out Jeremy Powell’s neat Hammond action starting at around 2:45 minutes into the clip. And then there’s Tierinii Jackson who constantly dances and belts out incredible lead vocals enhanced by beautiful harmony singing provided by her sisters Tikyra Jackson and Ava Jackson. Ya think I was excited? Hell, yes! I still am watching these clips!

Another groovy tune Southern Avenue performed of the Keep On album is Jive. This great track is a co-write by Naftaly, Tierinii Jackson, Tikyra Jackson and producer Black. That rhythm is so infectious that I felt like moving myself constantly – sometimes I succumbed, making the clip dance as well! 🙂 At around 2:35 minutes, Tierinii calls out her sister Tikyra who did some excellent drumming throughout the gig. And once again, these harmony backing vocals she provides with Ava are just sweet.

Yes, occasionally, Southern Avenue slowed it down a little while still keeping it groovy. A beautiful example is this next song titled Wildflower. Penned by Naftaly and Tiernii Jackson, it is from the group’s eponymous debut, which remains my favorite Southern Avenue album. Check out Naftaly’s nice guitar solo starting at around 2:06 minutes into the action.

Another track from the band’s first album I dig in particular is their rendition of Slipped, Tripped and Fell in Love, song that was written by George Jackson, an American blues, R&B, rock and blues songwriter and singer. It was popularized by Ann Peebles who scored a hit on the U.S. R&B chart in 1972. Southern Avenue turned it into a jamming version featuring a great extended keyboard solo by Powell that starts at about 3:35 minutes. He made that mighty Hammond sing!

The last track I’d like to call out is the group’s closer of their regular sets. I would perhaps call it their signature song: Don’t Give Up, a tune with a simple yet powerful for anyone dealing with challenges life can throw at you. Written by Naftaly, I feel the opener of Southern Avenue’s eponymous debut album is made for Tierinii Jackson. Every time I hear this, it gives me the chills!

Following is the entire setlist:

Setlist
• Push Now
• Switchup
• We’re Gonna Make It
• Jive
• Savior
• Wildflower
• Rock Steady (Aretha Franklin cover)
• Slipped, Tripped and Fell in Love (George Jackson/Ann Peebles cover)
• Kiss (Prince cover)
• Blood On the Dance Floor (Michael Jackson cover)
• It’s Gonna Be Alright
• That’s All (Genesis cover)
• What Did I Do
• Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder cover)
• Don’t Give Up

Encore
• Steady Beats (cover)

After the gig, I had a chance to chat with some of the band’s members. In addition to being compelling artists, they are super kind and down-to-earth people – something I find very refreshing in the oftentimes ego-driven music business! Ori Naftaly confirmed Southern Avenue are working on new music, and we may see something by next spring. That’s exciting! Ava Jackson shared she’s a trained classical violinist who picked up the instrument as a 12-year-old. It sounded like she intends to pursue parallel music tracks as classical solo violinist while continuing to work with Southern Avenue.

Tikyra Jackson told me she picked up the drums at the age of six, adding she feels lucky to have grown up in a musical family. Her older brother who also plays the drums helped her get started after witnessing Tikyra’s first attempts behind the skins. All three sisters began singing together in church when they were kids. I couldn’t resist to jokingly refer to them as the Jackson Three! If they thought it was stupid, they were polite enough not to show it.

Tikyra Jackson

I should also mention Colin Dunning, Southern Avenue’s tour manager, who was kind enough to speak with me for 10 minutes or so prior to the gig. We talked about life on the road and how much hard work goes on behind the scenes music audiences do not get to see. Colin also gave me the setlist, which he had written down by hand. Last but not least, I also would like to thank the group’s manager Jonathan Schwartz, of General Musica LLC, who a few months ago mentioned the gig to me and leading up to the concert introduced me to Colin.

If you like what you’ve heard and would be curious to catch Southern Avenue on the road, you can check out their current touring schedule here. In case you don’t see any upcoming shows you can reach, don’t worry. Southern Avenue are one of the hardest touring bands I can think of, so chances are they will eventually play at a venue near you!

Sources: Wikipedia; Southern Avenue website; YouTube

Gearing Up For Rock the Farm

September in New Jersey is one of the best months of the year when the humidity of the summer is typically gone and temperatures turn to more pleasant levels. It’s also the time of an annual music festival on the Jersey shore that’s near and dear to me: Rock the Farm. Since my first attendance of the 10-hour event in the borough of Seaside Heights in 2017, I’ve loved the concept to combine great tribute music acts with fundraising for programs to overcome addiction to opioids, alcohol and other substances.

While according to a May 17, 2023 New York Times report, the number of drug overdose-related deaths in the U.S. fortunately plateaued in 2022 after double-digit increases in each of the two preceding years, there were still nearly 110,000 deaths. Picture it, that’s 30% more than the maximum capacity of MetLife Stadium, the largest U.S. stadium in the NFL. It’s 110,000 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and other individuals leaving empty seats at breakfast tables and gatherings with family and friends. In a November 2021 Gallup poll, 32% of Americans said drugs had been a problem in their family.

The war on drugs is still fully raging, and this is not the time to let up. One of the many organizations across the country that aim to change the grim stats is the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation. The New Jersey non-profit community organization offers programs for individuals and families battling to overcome addiction to opioids, alcohol and other substances. Their efforts aim to fill the gap after clinical treatment in rehab, a period when staying sober and remaining on track can be particularly challenging. This brings me to Rock the Farm, their main annual fundraiser to sustain their activities.

Rock the Farm started out as a relatively small event on a family farm in 2013. Attendance has since grown eight-fold and since 2017 the Seaside Heights Council offered to sponsor the event and support the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation by providing a location and stages. Rock the Farm was on hiatus in 2021 due to the COVD-19 pandemic.

The CFC Loud N Clear Foundation was established by the Regan family in 2012 after their son Daniel Regan had come out of a rehab center and with the help of his mother, Lynn Regan, developed a recovery system for himself. Other people noticed it was working for Daniel and started asking how they did it. That’s when the Regan family realized everyone should have access to an aftercare program, sparking the idea of establishing a foundation.

“We’re back for another year of Rock the Farm!” said Alyssa Regan, executive director of the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation. “With every year, our festival far surpasses our expectations. What started as a festival of 1,500 on our family farm turned into over 12,000 attendees! In the 9 years of this festival we’ve heard many of the “greats” and this year will no doubt be one of the best years to come!”

Once again, Rock the Farm will feature a broad variety of music on two stages, including pop, folk, rock, grunge, jam and metal. Performing bands and artists are Clouds In Our Coffee (Carly Simon), Coo Coo Cachoo (Paul Simon), Scarecrow (John Mellencamp), Grateful Dub (Grateful Dead), Nirvani (Nirvana), Lets Zep (Led Zeppelin), Fix You (Coldplay), Dancing Dream (Abba) and Romeo Delight (Van Halen).

Following are clips to preview some of the artists.

Clouds In Our Coffee, a tribute to Carly Simon, is led by versatile New Jersey musicians and husband-and-wife team Gerard Barros and Diane Barros. They perform this and other shows like Carole King tribute One Fine Tapestry at public libraries and other mostly intimate Jersey venues, both as a duo and, like their upcoming Rock the Farm gig, with a full backing band. Here they are as a duo with Simon’s beautiful Anticipation, captured at a library show a few months ago.

Scarecrow are a tribute to John Mellencamp formed in 1985. According to their website, they have “performed throughout North America from the Yukon to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Rockies to the Atlantic Coast.” The group focuses on Mellencamp’s music from the ’80s and ’90s. Here’s a highlights reel that was posted this April. I love John Mellencamp and look forward to seeing them r.o.c.k. at Rock the Farm!

Nirvani are a tribute to Nirvana, one of the most influential bands of the late ’80s and early ’90s, who brought alternative rock to the mainstream. Formed in 2021, Nirvani aim to be more than just a tribute, noting on their website, “It’s about paying homage to a golden era in music and the unique and raw atmosphere Nirvana contributed to that era.” Here’s what appears to be their official highlights reel. They certainly rock!

The last act I’d like to preview are Romeo Delight, a tribute to hair metal rockers Van Halen. The Philadelphia-based group’s website notes they specializes “in David Lee Roth era Van Halen, plus Sammy Hagar’s Van Halen hits, and their Greatest Solo Hits.” Here’s their highlights reel – rrrrrrrrrrr!

“It is so crucial for this event to be a success as it funds most of our programs like our annual sober social retreats to West Virginia and Vermont, our emergency response training like CPR and Narcan, and safe and secure housing for our members- most of which are provided at no cost to them,” added Alyssa Regan. “Rock the Farm provides us with massive exposure to connect with our communities and continue to raise awareness for mental health and substance abuse disorder…Recovery is possible. There is hope. Together, we can change the world, one step at a time.”

If you love live music and live in Jersey or can get there, I ask you to join me for a great event while supporting an important cause at the same time. Chances are you know somebody who is struggling with drugs, alcohol and other substances. Let’s make it the best Rock the Farm ever and set a new fundraising record. Visit https://www.rockthefarmnj.com for tickets and more information about the event. You can also read more about the CFC Loud n Clear Foundation and their important work here.

Sources: The New York Times; Gallup; Barros Music website; Scarecrow website; Nirvani website; Romeo Delight website; Rock the Farm website; CFC Loud n Clear Foundation website

Born to Rock

I almost would have sat out Bruce Springsteen’s 2023 tour. In general, I love his music but wasn’t going to spend several hundred bucks to see him, and that’s what ticket prices were when I first looked. Then, a few months ago, dear fellow blogger Sori, who pens the excellent Sori1982 and is a huge Springsteen fan and expert, flagged The Boss had just added some U.S. dates. This prompted me to take another look and, voila, I was able to get a ticket at a relatively reasonable price – thanks, Sori! Showtime at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. was last Friday (September 1) – and, boy, what a great way to kick off the long Labor Day weekend!

The previous time I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was in August 2016, a four-hour gig with no breaks. My longest concert by a single artist to date also took place at MetLife. Based on press accounts, I knew the average length of Springsteen concerts during the current tour was about 2.5 hours – still exceptional for an artist of his caliber. And let’s not forget, this New Jerseyan institution is turning 74 on September 23. Last Friday’s gig lasted close to 3 hours with no breaks. Springsteen was in superb vocal, musical and physical condition!

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (from left): Front: Steven Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen and Roy Bittan; Back: Gary Tallent, Nils Lofgren, Charlie Giordano, Max Weinberg, Patti Scialfa, Soozie Tyrell and Jake Clemons

The Boss was backed by an impressive amount of musicians. To start with, according to NJArts.net, the current core members of the E Street Band are Steven Van Zandt (guitar), Nils Lofgren (guitar), Roy Bittan (keyboards), Charlie Giordano (keyboards), Springsteen’s wife Patti Scialfa (backing vocals), Soozie Tyrell (violin), Jake Clemons (saxophone), Garry Tallent (bass) and Max Weinberg (drums). That’s already nine musicians (not counting Herr Springsteen himself!) who I probably don’t have to tell you are all top-notch – obviously Bruuuuuuuuuuce wouldn’t perform with slackers!

In addition, there are horn players Eddie Manion (tenor and baritone saxophone), Curt Ramm (trumpet), Barry Danielian (trumpet) and Ozzie Melendez (trombone); backing vocalists Lisa Lowell, Michelle Moore, Curtis King and Ada Dyer; as well as percussionist Anthony Almonte. Altogether, that’s 19 musicians including Springsteen! Even though that’s a big number that may smack of over-production, I felt the E Street Army sounded mighty but not over the top.

MetLife impressions (clockwise from left): Yours truly, his seat section 318, gourmet food Jersey ballpark style (supposedly, an Italian sausage) and seating area prior to showtime

Altogether, Springsteen played 28 songs, including encores. As such, he could have featured at least one track from each of his 21 studio albums. While I didn’t expect that, I found it notable that only three albums accounted for half of the songs: ’70s back-to-back classics Born to Run (six tracks) and Darkness On the Edge of Town (four tracks), as well as the relatively recent Letter to You released in October 2020 (four tracks). Adding the three songs they played from each Born in the U.S.A. (June 1984), The Rising (July 2002) and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle (November 1973), means Springsteen’s picks from six albums made up 80% of the concert. Meanwhile, fan favorites The River (October 1980) and Nebraska (September 1982) were completely absent. In full transparency, I didn’t miss the latter too much.

A few other overall observations. Springsteen played some neat guitar solos – short and not showy but pretty cool – something I didn’t recall from the two previous times I saw him. Like in 2018, Jake Clemons was one of the standouts, who once again would have made his uncle proud. Nils Lofgren shined silently for most of the concert. When he finally got the opportunity, he demonstrated his guitar chops during an extended solo on Because the Night – I wish this would have happened more often. Last but not least, Patti Scialfa’s role felt smaller than during the previous two gigs I saw where in addition to singing she also played some guitar.

I’d say enough of the blah-blah-blah and time to let some music do the talking! Springsteen and the band kicked off the evening with Lonesome Day, the opener of his well received post-9/11 album The Rising. The mighty horn section and the backing vocals gave it a great soulful vibe – the New Jersey audience certainly loved it. BTW, in most cases, the band didn’t leave any pauses in-between songs, which is way the clips sound cut off.

After Night, the first pick from Born to Run, it was time for a track from another “born” album. Can you guess what I’m talking about? Of course, Born in the U.S.A., Springsteen’s most commercially successful album with over 30 million copies sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Apparently, No Surrender was only included after Little Steven insisted. It’s generally not a bad idea to listen to the man with the bandana who in addition to being a great guitarist is a music professor at heart with a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge!

After Ghosts and Prove It All Night, off Letter to You and Darkness On the Edge of Town, respectively, Springsteen launched into the title track of the latter, picking a song that if I see it correctly had not been in the setlist since mid-July. Darkness On the Edge of Town happens to be one of favorite Springsteen songs so, yes, a happy camper got even more happy!

Then it was on to the title track of Letter to You and a great rendition of The Promised Land, another cut off Darkness, to the big surprise of the night. Springsteen announced it as “a little summer song” and then proceeded to ask the audience whether they can feel the spirit. At this time, most folks knew what was about to unfold: The tour debut of Spirit in the Night and, according to Setlist.fm, the first time The Boss played this song since 2017. And, yes, once again, I wholeheartedly approved what would be a highlight of the show!

When Springsteen issued his most recent album Only the Strong Survive, a collection of soul covers, some fans were a bit puzzled about some of his picks. Perhaps the best illustration of that is Nightshift, a tune by the Commodores I’ve always loved. I’ll admit at first I was somewhat skeptical myself, but Springsteen’s rendition has since really grown on me and I now truly dig it! And The Boss had the perfect backing band to perform the song and turn it into what came close to a Marvin Gaye style experience.

After 10 additional tracks, which included Backstreets featuring one of the aforementioned great Springsteen guitar solos, Because the Night and Thunder Road, among others, it was encore time. Here’s the epic Born to Run, a hit Springsteen desperately needed at the time after his first two albums had only yielded moderate success. BTW, in case you’re wondering why all for a sudden everything in the clip looks in bright daylight, MetLife switched on their powerful lights!

The last tune I have to call out was the final track of the first encore set: Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, one of my top three favorite Boss songs, also off Born to Run. This was preceded by Springsteen’s introduction of the mighty E Street Army! As you can see, the audience was in a frenzy, especially after their hero ripped open his shirt to reveal his bare chest, which I thought was a bit theatrical, though I’m sure many of the ladies loved it! 🙂

And then, after a short second encore – an acoustic rendition of I’ll See You in My Dreams – a great night had come to an end. My ears were ringing, my voice was a bit strained and I felt extremely grateful to have witnessed another concert highlight. Here’s the setlist:

Setlist
• Lonesome Day
• Night
• No Surrender
• Ghosts
• Prove It All Night
• Darkness on the Edge of Town
• Letter to You
• The Promised Land
• Spirit in the Night
• Kitty’s Back
• Nightshift (Commodores cover)
• The E Street Shuffle
• Mary’s Place
• Last Man Standing (acoustic with Barry Danielian on trumpet)
• Backstreets
• Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover)
• She’s the One
• Wrecking Ball
• The Rising
• Badlands
• Thunder Road

Encore:
• Born to Run
• Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
• Seven Nights to Rock (Moon Mullican cover)
• Glory Days
• Dancing in the Dark (followed by band intros)
• Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out

Encore 2:
• I’ll See You in My Dreams (solo, acoustic)

The second leg of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s 2023 North American tour continues with dates in Syracuse, N.Y. (September 7), Baltimore, Md. (September 9), Pittsburgh, Pa. (September 12 & 14) and Uncasville, Conn. (September 16). The tour will wrap up in San Francisco on December 12. The current schedule is here.

Sources: Wikipedia; NJArts.net; Setlist.fm; Bruce Springsteen website; YouTube

Country Blues on Steroids? Damn, You Better Believe It!

When I first came across The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band in April 2021, I knew right away they are a pretty unique act. Not only was I struck by their neat musicianship and lively brand of blues, but I also immediately loved their great sense of humor. To say I was excited when I got a ticket in April to see them is an understatement. Last Thursday (August 17), showtime finally had arrived, at Lizzie Rose Music Room, an intimate nonprofit living room style venue in Tuckerton, N.J. And, damn, what a ball it was!

Before getting to the show, I’d like to provide a bit of background. To start with, the The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band actually are a trio. But they’re big damn good, featuring, you probably guessed it, Reverend Peyton (lead vocals, guitars, harmonica), his wife Washboard Breezy Peyton (washboard, percussion, vocals) and Sad Max Senteney (drums, percussion, vocals). The brilliant names already tell you these guys gotta be fun!

Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band in an abandoned warehouse (press photo)

‘But wait a moment’, you may wonder, ‘no bassist?’ No problem! Rev. Peyton’s thumb armed with a pick comes to the rescue and does so with remarkable agility. When introducing the band during the gig, Peyton also noted it’s quite economical since he doesn’t have to pay a bass player. As a retired bass player, I was like, ‘gulp’, but the man had a damn good point!

The Big Damn Band were born in the early 2000s. While recovering from hand surgery for tendonitis, which had forced Peyton to stop playing guitar, he met Breezy. Not only did they realize their shared love for the blues, but also for each other, which eventually led to getting married in June 2003. Together with Peyton’s brother Jayme, who had also played in Peyton’s first band Drive-Thru, they decided to form the original incarnation of the Big Damn Band.

A souvenir from last Thursday night: A vinyl edition of Dance Songs For Hard Times, the Big Damn Band’s most recent album from April 2021

After heavy touring, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band self-released their first album The Pork ‘n’ Beans Collection in 2004. Two more self-releases followed before they signed a deal with a punk label called Side One Dummy. Their first release for it was The Whole Fam Damily in August 2008. Subsequently, they formed their own label, Family Owned Records, and are currently being distributed via Nashville-based Thirty Tigers.

What can I say about the Big Damn Band’s music before giving you a few actual samples? Basically, it’s country blues on steroids. Picture Robert Johnson meets George Thorogood. D-d-d-d-damn! Breezy’s washboard adds a cool percussion to the mix. The trio’s sound is rounded out by time keeper Max Senteny who has been their drummer since Poor Until Payday, their ninth full-length album that came out in October 2018.

Hand-written setlist the Big Damn Band kindly allowed me to grab

I’d say it’s about damn time to turn to some damn good music. Let’s kick it off with Ways and Means, a tune from the Big Damn Band’s above-mentioned most recent album Dance Songs For Hard Times. The tune “was written for all those folks who have the moves, the style, the substance, the talent, but maybe not the seed money or the famous last name,” Peyton notes on their website. “All those people who had to work extra hard because they didn’t get to start way ahead. Folks who have been playing catch-up since they were born and had to get really good just to make it to zero.”

Something For Nothing is off the Big Damn Band’s August 2012 album Between the Ditches. According to Wikipedia, it debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard Blues chart and is their most commercially successful album to date.

About at the half point of the set, Breezy and Max walked off the stage, leaving Rev. Peyton for some solo action and an impressive demonstration of his fingerstyle guitar-playing. I know it may be a bit geeky, but as a retired hobby guitarist, I found it fun to watch and couldn’t resist capturing it. Check out his demo of Peter Gunn starting at around 2:25 minutes. It’s really cool.

Before Peyton’s band mates returned to the stage, it was time for a great solo rendition of If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day by one of Peyton’s key influences: Robert Johnson. He recorded it in San Antonio, Texas in 1936 as an adaption of Rollin’ and Tumblin’, a delta blues first recorded by country blues guitarist Hambone Willie Newbern in 1929. Check this out!

You Can’t Steal My Shine is the great opener of Poor Until Payday, the Big Damn Band’s ninth studio album and the predecessor to Dance Songs For Hard Times.

Last but not least, here’s the finale of the regular set, a one-two punch of traditional gospel tune This Little Light of Mine and Rattle Can, another tune from Dance Songs For Hard Times. As Rev. Peyton played the first couple of bars, I thought of Purple Haze.

The regular set was followed by Two Bottles of Wine as an encore. That track is from their April 2010 album The Wages.

The Big Damn Band who recently returned from Europe are continuing their tour of the U.S. all the way until early December. Upcoming dates include Hamilton, Ohio (August 24), Logansport, Ind. (August 25), Morgantown, Ind. (August 26), Springfield, Ill (September 1) and Emporia, Kan. (September 2). The full schedule is here. If you like what you saw here and get to one of their gigs, I’d highly recommend The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. You’re gonna had pretty damn good time!

Sources: Wikipedia; Apple Music; The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band website; YouTube

British Invasion Festival Returned to Rock Atlantic City

Sometimes the brain or whatever I have inside my skull works in mysterious ways. Until Saturday early in the morning, I completely had forgotten about the British Invasion festival in Atlantic City. Suddenly, the one-day event at the Golden Nugget popped up in my head and I thought, ‘dang it, I probably missed it!”Luckily, it was happing later on that very day, and I’m happy to share some impressions!

As the name suggests, the annual event focuses on British music that took America by storm starting in the mid-’60s. Of course, The Beatles were instrumental in popularizing British acts in the U.S. when their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 changed the music world forever. Appropriately, their music was featured in Atlantic City, delivered by a fun tribute band called Britain’s Finest. There were also two other great tribute groups: Who’s Next (can you guess the band?) and Slow Hands, a tribute to Mr. Slowhand, Eric Clapton.

From top left (clockwise): Your fearless roving music reporter, Britain’s Finest, Slow Hands (half of the band) and Who’s Next

Saturday was the third or fourth time I made the trip from central New Jersey down to Atlantic City for this festival. And while it’s a bit of a hike, based on my previous experience, I was reasonably sure I wouldn’t take much of a gamble here! Like in the past, the nine-hour live music marathon on the deck of the Golden Nugget kicked off at around 2:00 pm. Each tribute act got to play an afternoon and an evening set. This post covers the evening gigs.

Since the aforementioned appearance of The Beatles on Ed Sullivan is considered to mark the beginning of the British Invasion, appropriately, Britain’s Finest were the first act. Founded in Los Angeles in 2011, the band’s current lineup includes Jay Nixon (as Paul McCartney), Ruben Amaya (as John Lennon), Robert Bielma (as George Harrison) and Brendan Peleo-Lazar (as Ringo Starr). Even though the lads are Americans, they do a lovely job imitating the British accents by John, Paul, George and Ringo. How about the music? Here’s their neat rendition of Please Please Me.

Well, let’s shake it up, baby, now with one more tune: Twist and Shout, a perfect set closer!

I guess it takes many hands to cover the music by Eric Clapton and Slow Hands do a nice job with it. This eight-piece from Freehold, N.J. has been around for about five years. They include Carlos DC (lead guitar, lead vocals), Steven Raphel (rhythm guitar, background vocals), Matt Ali (slide guitar), Dennis Matusche (keyboards), Kenneth Thorstenson (bass) and Raul Diaz Cobo (drums), along with Erica Taylor (background vocals) and another talented background vocalist. Here’s the neat opening of their set, a one-two punch of Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love and Eric Clapton’s Motherless Children – my kind of music!

Closing out this fun evening were Who’s Next, an amazing tribute I’ve seen on various occasions over the past six years or so. They’ve been around for a long time and currently feature Bill Canell (as Pete Townshend), Doug Zahn (as  Roger Daltrey), Will Shelley (as John Entwistle) and Rich Savarese (as Keith Moon). Meet the new boss, same as the old boss! If you don’t recognize these iconic lines, let the music do the talking. It won’t fool ya!

Sources: Wikipedia; Britain’s Finest website; Slow Hands Facebook page; Who’s Next website; YouTube

Frampton Triumphantly Comes Alive in Pennsylvania

When Peter Frampton said good night to the audience at Mitsubishi Electric Halle in Düsseldorf, Germany on November 16, 2022, the music world thought he had just officially ended his touring career. But in April 2023, the English rock guitarist surprised fans with the announcement of the Never Say Never Tour. I knew this would likely be my very last chance to see an artist I’d dug for many years but never caught in concert. On Saturday (July 15), that moment finally arrived and, holy cow, what a great and inspiring performance!

In 2019, Frampton disclosed he had been diagnosed with inclusion body myositis, a progressive autoimmune disease causing muscle inflammation, weakness and wasting (atrophy). Since it sadly is only a matter of time before the condition is likely to have a substantial impact on his ability to play guitar and eventually may make it impossible altogether, Frampton decided to do a farewell tour while still being on top of his game and retire from touring thereafter.

The U.S. leg of the Finale: The Farewell Tour kicked off in June 2019 in Tulsa, Okla. and wrapped up in San Francisco on October 12. A planned 2020 European leg fell victim to COVID, and the dates were rescheduled to 2022. As noted above, that tour ended last November.

Photo: Austin Lord

“At the end of every Finale Tour show I did say, ‘Never Say Never’ and I am always full of hope for the impossible,” Frampton noted in the above announcement. “I’m very pleased to let you know that I am feeling strong and my fingers are still roaming the fretboard. Every note I play now has more meaning and soul. I love playing live and this fighter wants to stay in the ring for as long as he can.” Frampton wasn’t kidding and put some amazing guitar action behind his words!

Before we get to the show, just a tiny bit of background. After gaining initial prominence as a member of rock bands The Herd and Humble Pie, Frampton launched a solo career in 1971, which culminated in Frampton Comes Alive! After 47 years, the iconic 1976 album remains one of the top-selling live records of all time with over 17 million copies sold worldwide. While most of his studio albums didn’t enjoy much chart and commercial success, Frampton still is one of the most recognized guitarists in classic rock history.

Do you feel like I do? I’d say show me the way to some music! At around 8:20 pm EDT, Peter Frampton walked on stage with a cane and sat down on a chair. Those were the only signs of his rare neurological condition. As soon as he plugged in his guitar and started playing and singing, you would never guess he has a serious health condition. On the contrary, Frampton’s hands and fingers seemed to effortlessly move up and down the fretboard, sometimes at incredible speed, and he played with great dynamic and power. His voice sounded strong as well. As far as I can tell, Frampton still was on top of his game!

‘Okay, nuff talk,’ you may think, ‘where’s the damn music?’ Alrighty then. Let’s get started with Shine On, a Humble Pie tune that was the second song in the set. Written by Frampton, it appeared on Rock On, Humble Pie’s fourth studio album released in March 1971, his last with the group before embarking on his solo career.

After I Got My Eyes On You, the opener of Frampton’s Camel, and Lines On My Face (off the same album), a beautiful dedication to John Regan, Frampton’s bassist from 1979-2011, who passed away in April, it was time for the talk box and the first biggie of the night: Show Me the Way. Written by Frampton for his eponymous fourth studio album from March 1975, the tune initially went nowhere when it was released as a single. Things changed when it became the lead single from Frampton Comes Alive! Not only did the tune mark Frampton’s first charting single, but it also ended up becoming one of his biggest hits, climbing to no. 6 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100, no. 2 in Canada, no. 10 in the UK and no. 25 in Australia.

After a few additional tracks, which among others included an excellent instrumental version of Georgia On My Mind and Baby, I Love Your Way, another biggie, it was on to All I Wanna Do (Is By Your Side). Frampton penned and recorded this tune for his solo debut album Wind of Change, which first appeared in the UK in March 1972, followed by the U.S. four months later. Like for various other songs, the tune started with a prelude/guitar solo by Frampton. He also extended some of the songs, and this was one of them.

After three additional tracks, which among others included a scorching instrumental rendition of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun, it was time for the big enchilada and some more talk box. Frampton introduced the tune by grabbing The Phenix, his modified black 1954 Les Paul Custom – the one that’s on the cover of Frampton Comes Alive!, and his main ax during the ’70s – and briefly recalling its story. In late 1980, the guitar seemingly vanished without a trace in a plane wreck in South America, was “lost” for nearly 30 years and was finally returned to him in 2011. He said the first tune he played with it was this one:

Do You Feel Like We Do first appeared in May 1973 on the Frampton’s Camel album but didn’t become popular until September 1976, when it became the last of three singles off Frampton Comes Alive! Not only did Frampton want to make the last song of his regular set count but also used it to introduce his stellar touring band: Adam Lester (guitar), Rob Arthur (keyboards, vocals), Alison Prestwood (bass) and Dan Wojciechowski (drums). BTW, like Frampton, they all were seated to perform. While perhaps a bit unusual for a rock concert, this didn’t bother me at all.

Leading up to the encore, Frampton remarked that in the past he and his band would walk off the stage at this point and come back. For obvious reasons, it didn’t happen this time around. Frampton and the group closed out the night with three covers: Ida Cox tune Four Day Creep; I Don’t Need No Doctor, credited to Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson and Jo Armstead; as well as The Beatles’ While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Following is the entire line-up of songs.

Setlist
• Lying
• Shine On (Humble Pie song)
• I Got My Eyes on You
• Lines on My Face
• Show Me the Way
• Georgia On My Mind (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra cover)
• The Crying Clown
• Prelude/Baby, I Love Your Way
• All I Wanna Be (Is by Your Side)
• Can’t Take That Away
• Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
• (I’ll Give You) Money
• Do You Feel Like We Do

Encore
• Four Day Creep (Ida Cox cover)
• I Don’t Need No Doctor (Nickolas Ashford cover)
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover)

Frampton ended an amazing night on an emotional note, saying he wants to stay hopeful and see the glass as half full rather than half empty. He also noted the words ‘never say never’, adding that perhaps there’s going to be a Never Say Never Tour – The Sequel. I really hope so for the fans and think it would be compelling, even if he’d “only” perform at 90 percent capacity!

The Never Say Never Tour is currently scheduled to wrap up on August 19 at Sandy Amphitheater in Sandy, UT. Upcoming dates include MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston, Mass. (July 18); The Theater at MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Md. (July 20); and Foxwoods Resort Casino, Premier Theater, Mashantucket, Conn. (July 22). The full schedule is here.

Last but not least, on July 28, Intervention Records will release Frampton@50, a 2,500-copy limited-edition vinyl box set featuring his aforementioned ’70s studio albums Wind of Change, Frampton’s Camel and Frampton. In addition, the Peter Frampton webstore has 250 sets that include an autographed version of the Frampton’s Camel promo poster, with the proceeds benefitting the Peter Frampton Myositis Research Fund.

Sources: Wikipedia; Peter Frampton press materials; Peter Frampton website; Setlist.fm; YouTube

Rockin’ With The Doobies 50 Years Down the Highway

The Doobie Brothers, a band I’ve loved for many years, have been celebrating their 50th anniversary with an extensive tour that started in August 2021. When they announced a few months ago the addition of 35 U.S. dates including a show right in my neck of the woods, I spontaneously decided to get a ticket. That gig happened on Saturday (July 8) at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, and turned out to be a great night!

After attending two fantastic Doobies concerts in the late ’90s and in July 2018, initially, I had not planned to see them a third time. But then I spotted the above opportunity and listened to the music again. When ticket prices turned out to be reasonable, going to another Doobies concert felt like a no-brainer. Then, I got second thoughts.

The Doobie Brothers (from left): Patrick Simmons, Marc Russo & John McFee and Michael McDonald

In May, Ultimate Classic Rock and other entertainment outlets reported that founding member Tom Johnston (vocals, guitar, harmonica) needed to sit out the tour’s upcoming leg due to a back injury that required surgery – bummer! After all, Johnston was a crucial member, especially during the band’s early days, which are generally my favorite period. How would his absence impact their sound, especially their multi-part harmony vocals? Fortunately, my concerns turned out to be completely unfounded!

The line-up who performs during the tour’s current leg features Patrick Simmons (guitar, banjo, flute, vocals), the band’s only constant member during all of their incarnations and their de facto leader; John McFee (guitar, violin, pedal steel guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Michael McDonald (vocals, keyboards, mandolin, accordion), who initially had joined the Doobies in April 1975 as a temporary replacement for Johnston. They are supported by top-notch musicians Marc Russo (saxophone), John Cowan (bass, vocals), Ed Toth (drums) and Marc Quiñones (percussion).

The Doobies at State Theatre New Jersey, July 8, 2023

Including their eponymous April 1971 debut, The Doobie Brothers have released 15 studio albums, which have sold more than 48 million copies and won four Grammy awards. Their most recent, Liberté, appeared in October 2021, which I reviewed here at the time. In 2020, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, something Simmons noted during the show, thanking the band’s fans for getting them there. His words felt very genuine!

The concert’s setlist drew from nine albums and not surprisingly focused on the group’s ’70s releases, their heyday, particularly The Captain and Me (1973) and Minute by Minute (1978), as well as Toulouse Street (1972), Stampede (1975), What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974) and Takin’ It to the Streets (1976). The only two non-’70s albums, from which the Doobies played songs, were One Step Closer (1980) and the aforementioned Liberté (2021). I’d say let’s listen to the music!

At some point during the show, a grateful Simmons mused he was happy to stand on this stage. Simmons who is turning 75 this October jokingly added he was happy to stand anywhere, wondering whether he had taken his medicine. He also cheerfully noted the band would rock as hard as they can – and boy they delivered! Here’s Rockin’ Down the Highway, written by Johnston and included on Toulouse Street, the Doobies’ second album released in July 1972. This combination of rock and multi-part harmony singing is my kind of Doobies song!

Eyes of Silver, another tune Johnston penned, was among the setlist’s tracks I did not recognize – thank goodness for Setlist.fm! It’s a tune off What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, the Doobies’ fourth album from February 1974. I love the song’s soulful vibe. Check out Michael McDonald on vocals – that tune was made for him. And Marc Russo who just is a hell of a saxophonist!

One of my all-time favorites by the Doobies is Jesus Is Just Alright, another track from Toulouse Street. Originally, this is a gospel song written by Art Reynolds and first recorded by Reynolds’ own group, The Art Reynolds Singers, on their 1966 album, Tellin’ It Like It Is. Do yourself a favor and also check the tune’s original – so good! And then listen to the Doobies’ mighty rendition!

Usually, I focus concert reviews on the main part of the show, but when the encore is as killer as in this case, I’ll happily make an exception. BTW, I should briefly note the main set went down without any noticeable glitch. As soon as they were ready to launch into the encore, for some reason, none of Simmons’ two acoustic guitars had sound. He was pretty relaxed about it, while McDonald and Russo proved they were quick on their feet and launched into a cool instrumental improvisation featuring piano and saxophone. And some point, they worked in a portion of Paul Simon’s Still Crazy After All These Years. And then came this: Takin’ It to the Streets, the title track of the Doobies’ March 1976 studio album, which was their sixth. Again, McDonald who really sounded sweet on vocals, and Russo were standouts.

Next up was the track that initially had been planned as the first song of the encore: Black Water, another tune off What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. This was one of the moments when John McFee demonstrated his impressive multi-instrumental skills, in this case, the fiddle. Earlier in the evening, he had played some neat pedal steel guitar. This guy is an amazing musician! At 72, age appears to have been very kind to him. The song about the Mississippi River, which I think is safe to say is one of the Doobies’ most beloved tunes, was penned by Simmons.

And then it was time for the final song of the night. To the more casual listener, it may have been a surprise The Doobie Brothers not only chose to perform a cover but picked a seemingly out-of-left-field tune: Pretzel Logic, the title track of Steely Dan’s 1974 studio album. Of course, if you’re a fan of the Dan you know that Michael McDonald became a recurring guest on Steely Dan albums starting with 1975’s Katy Lied, the album that followed Pretzel Logic. This nice jam version was a perfect way to end a great night!

Here’s the setlist:
• Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (Kim Weston cover)
• Here to Love You
• Dependin’ on You
• Rockin’ Down the Highway
• Neal’s Fandango
• You Belong to Me
• Slack Key Soquel Rag
• South City Midnight Lady
• Clear as the Driven Snow
• It Keeps You Runnin’
• Eyes of Silver
• I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & the Pips cover)
• Better Days
• Real Love
• Minute by Minute
• Without You
• Jesus Is Just Alright (The Art Reynolds Singers cover)
• What a Fool Believes (Kenny Loggins cover)
• Long Train Runnin’
• China Grove

Encore:
• Instrumental Improvisation (Michael McDonald & Marc Russo)
• Takin’ It to the Streets
• Black Water
• Listen to the Music
• Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan cover)

What else can I say? As I’m sure you’ve figured by now, I was a happy camper. I’m really glad I purchased my ticket before the news about Johnston’s back issues broke. His absence and my above-noted initial concerns likely would have changed my decision. I also should add that bassist John Cowan proved to be a pretty solid vocalist. While I would have loved to see Tom Johnston perform with the band, they did a fantastic job without him.

The Doobies’ 50th-anniversary tour was recently extended with a Canadian leg and currently has dates until the end of October. Upcoming gigs include Morristown, N.J. (July 11 & 12), Canandaigua, N.Y. (July 14), Springfield, Ill. (August 12) and Waite Park, Minn (August 18). Some of their other shows also include Memphis, Tenn. (August 25), Atlantic City (October 8) and Ottawa (October 16). The full schedule is here. If you love the Doobies and can get to one of their remaining gigs, I can highly recommend it!

Sources: Wikipedia; Billboard; Ultimate Classic Rock; Setlist.fm; The Doobie Brothers website; YouTube