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Archive for March, 2012

Bowlive III: Night Six – Soulive w/ Allen Stone, Skerik and Zach Deputy ~ Review + Media (03.06.12)

Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 7, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Night 6 Recap with Lettuce, Zach Deputy, Skerik, and Allen Stone :: Lettuce, Zach Deputy, and Skerik Tonight!

We have reached the second week of Soulive’s electric ten night Brooklyn Bowl Residency, Bowlive III. After two days of rest, drummer Alan Evans, organist Neal Evans and guitarist Eric Krasno were back for their sixth night, enlisting the help of guitarist Zach Deputy, vocalist Allen Stone, saxophonist Skerik and the funkiet group on the planet, Lettuce. There were also surprise sit-ins by percussionist Luke Quaranata (Toubab Krewe) and bassist Oteil Burbridge (The Allman Brothers Band). Whoa….

Last week, Soulive took on the responsibility of ripping open the stage themselves, proving that they don’t need anyone to help them stir the fire in our bellies. However, after a week of exhaustive musical deliverance, Soulive opted to let another wonderful musician lead the way with their first mid-week opener by way of Zach Deputy. Deputy describes his style as “Gospel, Ninja Soul.” He is a one-man band who sits behind a custom-made rig of electronics, computers, pedals, mics and various instruments to create a song which he delivers to the audience one layer at a time, looping his sounds to reach the end result.  The result being a complete song with beats, bass, lyrics, harmonies, and instrumental backups.  Aside from being fully invested in all aspects of his creativity, Zach Deputy is one of the kindest, accessible musicians on our scene. He adores his fans to a point that a lot of musicians do not.  Deputy spent the entire Soulive/Lettuce performance in the audience smiling and dancing away with the rest of us.

Soulive hit the stage to a sold-out venue warming up with “One in Seven” into “So Live.” Since Lettuce was in the house, Soulive invited out the horn section out for “Get Back.”  Saxophonist James Casey, tenor saxophonist Ryan “Zwad” Zoidis, and trumpeters Eric Bloom (Diane Birch) and Rashawn Ross (The Dave Matthews Band) lined up behind the trio, creating an intimidating wall of brass.  However, the audience erupted into frenzy when one of the sickest bassists on the planet, Oteil Bubridge, walked out to join the tune.  Oteil Burbridge is best known for his work with The Allman Brothers Band and his phenomenal scatting ability he delivers while playing some of the sickest bass lines you will ever hear. The addition of Oteil’s bass to the trio was a special treat. The Allman Brothers Band starts their ten-night residency at The Beacon Theater on March 9, 2012.

The deep and dirty “Hat Trick” continued with Oteil Burbridge on bass. The tight horn section became even more ridiculous with the addition of Seattle-based improvisational jazz saxophonist Skerik on “PJs”.  One name is all Skerik needs.  A founding member of such quirky jazz projects as Critters Buggin, Garage a Trois and Skerik’s Syncopated Taint Septet, his unique and wildly pioneering sound has been dubbed “saxophonics,” Skerik brought an element to the brass wall of horns that gave East Coasters a taste of that West Coast flavor.

“For Granted” followed with a trumpet solo from Eric Bloom that stopped conversations and had eyes focused on the stage. Soulive then shifted gears by introducing the second Seattle-based special guest of the night, soul vocalist Allen Stone.  Our favorite trio was alone on stage to back Stone on his original “Unaware” Bowlive III audience members had not yet seen a voice of this nature on stage. Even though the energy lowered due to the softness of the song, Stone’s smooth falsetto was absolutely captivating and all eyes were on him by the time he belted out “Mary” and “Love and Happiness” to end the diverse and fulfilling musical set.

The second set was just a full rage by Lettuce, the greatest urban-flavored funk band in America.  The stage swelled as Lettuce’s horn section, comprised of saxophonist James Casey, tenor saxophonist Ryan “Zwad” Zoidis, and trumpeters Eric Bloom (Diane Birch) and Rashawn Ross (The Dave Matthews Band) came back on.  Alan Evans, who had held down the dirty drums all night, was replaced by Adam Deitch (Break Science). Krasno was joined on rhythm guitar by Adam “DJ Schmeeans” Smirnoff and energetic bassist ED “Jesus” Coomes set up center stage. Vocalist Nigel Hall grabbed the microphone and they kicked off the hot set with some love to Bootsy Collins as he shouted “We Like To Party!”  Lettuce performed tunes off their old catalog but it was when new song “Bowler” and “Madison Square” that the audience gave the most love to the artists on stage.  “Madison Square” is currently the song the NY Knicks are using as their theme song. The Brooklyn Bowl went wild as Skerik jumped in and out of songs with his wild musical antics and Luke Quaranata (Toubab Krewe) ending the set with a killer rendition of “Squad Live.”

The party continues tonight with the same special guests. And who knows, with the energy rising each night and more and more musical guests seen wandering the bowling lanes, you can be sure that more artists will be gracing the Bowlive stage then are billed.

– Karen E. Dugan

Youtube Videos

Soulive w/ Allen Stone – “Love And Happiness” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9n8k0vkPNc

Soulive w/Allen Stone – “Mary” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B45uPhn_oo

Lettuce – Ryan Zoidis sax solo : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa1i-ZUjo_g

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Bowlive III: Soulive’s Kid Rocker’s Bowl and Night Five w/ Marco Benevento and Jennifer Harstwick ~ Extended Review + Media (03.03.12)

Posted in Residencies, Show Review on March 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Bowlive III: Soulive Kid Rocker’s Bowl and Night Five w/Marco Benevento and Jennifer Harstwisk @ The Brooklyn Bowl ~ Extended Review + Media (03.03.12)

Saturday afternoon at the Brooklyn Bowl, Soulive participated in their first Kids Rockers Bowl, an annual event for all ages held in various venues around the nation. Craig Baldoand Rober Hailes hosted the show, designed to bring families together to experience engaging artists and comedians. There was a joking banter between the hosts and the audience before they invited children on stage to sing a few songs of their choice. The children sang “Twinkle, Twinkle,” “Sesame Street,” and there was even an original composition sung by the adorable 4 year old Maxamillion to the tune of ABC’s that he wrote for his mother.

Eventually, Soulive, comprised of guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and organist Neal Evans, came out and the party got started as they performed “So Live.”  Kid Rockers artists generally play original compositions for the adults allowing the children to “just rage” as explained by the hosts.   Karl Denson joined the stage for “Turn it Out” while little ones played Twister on the dance floor, bowled and ate the Brooklyn Bowl’s amazing Mac and Cheese! Nigel Hall came out for the remainder of the set for “Too Much,” Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It,” and finally Hall’s original, “Gimmie A Sign.” Throughout the songs, Hall altered the lyrics for the children singing positive life lessons about sharing, not needing multiple pieces of candy and playing nicely. The entire show was totally amusing.

It was such a different experience seeing children of all ages running around, screaming, blowing bubbles, playing Keep Away with balloons and engaging in a band their parents love. There were children on stage with maracas and dancing all around the speakers.  At the end of the set, Soulive had a question/answer segment. Various children asked the band members about their favorite song (no one could give a real answer); if they enjoyed Jam Cruise (wonderful responses from the band on this one) and other fun questions.

It must be mentioned that the most beautiful part of this afternoon performance was that after years of attending live shows with your various music loving friends, the ability to get to know their children bridged a social gap in Soulive’s fan base.  Our children created new friendships and play dates were scheduled. Our children were involved in a band their parents loved and new generations of fans were groomed to follow in our footsteps! It was a beautiful thing but the party wasn’t over yet. Fans headed home to rest up, pass their children to a babysitter and head back to the Brooklyn Bowl for the last evening show of the first week run. Marco Benevento and Jennifer Hartswick were the special guests for the evening.

Saturday night was the first night Bowlive scheduled an opener. The Nigel Hall Bandspilled out on the stage around 8:45pm to an unusually early packed house. Hall had quite the entourage! Following keyboardist, vocalist and band leader Nigel Hall on stage was back-up vocalists Alecia Chakour (The Warren Haynes Band) and Mel Flannery (Mel Flannery Trucking Co.), saxophonist James Casey (6Figures), guitarist Adam Smirnoff(Lettuce), trumpeter and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band), trumpeterMatt Owen (Tim Blane Band) and Eric Krasno played bass while Neal Evans played his tri-level keyboard rig. The newest addition to the Hall line-up was Louis Cato (6Figures, Marcus Miller, Brian McKnight) who replaced Adam Deitch (BreakScience) on drums for the evening.

The massive group on stage warmed up with “Hang It Up” followed by “Baby I’m Coming Home” where Nigel pulled out a solo on his Moog that easily showed how much his talent has grown since touring with The Warren Haynes Band this past summer. “Never Know” was next with Adam Smirnoff kicking off the first shredding guitar solo of the night into “Never Gonna Let You Go.” Saturday night’s audience also got to hear Hall’s latest composition titled “Try,” a song that delivers a firm message to get your life together.  The soulful vocals of Mel Flannery, Alecia Chakour and Jennifer Hartswick were phenomenal and flowed seamlessly into Nigel’s vocals which are an integral part of his tight, soulful and romantic sound. Hall ended his set with “Too Sweet” and “Gimmie A Sign,” this time leaving the adult lyrics intact and garnering a shouting applause.

Soulive’s first set started out with the trio continuing off the high-energy from Nigel’s set with “Outrage” and “Bubble,” both from their 2007 album No Place Like Soul. Special guest vocalist Jennifer Hartswick joined the stage with her trumpet along with James Casey and Matt Owen for the horn-heavy “Vapor,” a tune which Soulive audiences rarely see performed live unless there is a trumpet present.

The evening’s second special guest, experimental pianist/organist Marco Benenvento, entered the stage next, playing on “Hat Trick.” James Casey delivered, yet again, a fiery saxophone solo that had audience members shouting at the top of their lungs and the female potency given off by Jennifer Hartswick was comforting.  There aren’t many female musicians that can live up to the standards that the male members of Soulive demand so to see Jennifer Hartswick dominating the stage this weekend was a real treat. It just got better and better as she came to the front of the stage and displayed her powerhouse vocals for Ray Charles’s “Drown in My Tears.” This led into The Beatles “Revolution,” where Marco Benevento was allowed to shine and completely own the stage.  Neal Evans and Benevento were left alone to enjoy a duet that became a trippy, psychedelic trance as they played off each other. A beautiful part of Bowlive is hearing your favorite Soulive tunes grow into something new based on the special guests joining with their personal musical influence. The experimental jazz style of Benevento against Neal Evans’ heavy-handed deep organ was fantastic and even though it was jazzy, it didn’t lighten the intensity of the song one bit, it was simply enhanced.

The second set started around midnight with a few more original compositions by Soulive. At the end of “Uncle Jr.,”   Alan Evans invited drummer/bassist Louis Cato to the stage. Alan moved to a guitar while Cato played the drums for Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression,” an absolute gem of a cover.  Cato, who has extensive talent playing the bass and drums, crushed a drum solo so intense that drum sticks were left broken and if the audience had been sitting down, surely they would have stood for an ovation. Instead, they jumped in their standing positions and screamed praises at Cato who was humbly thankful.

The last few songs of the night ensured the explosive evening would be seared into our brains. The entire night had been one giant bowl (no pun intended) of high-energy music, vigorous dancing, cheek-breaking smiling and full-body raging. It was the weekend which brings high expectations and even though the musicians on stage brought just as much energy to this set as they had in the previous nights, the feedback from the sold-out crowd was entirely more powerful, allowing the musicians to engage in a deeper musical strength.  They ended the set with Hartswick gracing the stage for an AMAZING rendition of Led Zeppelin’s classic “Dazed and Confused!” Krasno and Marco Benevento absolutely tore this song up Jimmy Page style while Hartswick vocals sounded so smooth and sensual that both men and women were swooning. During the chorus, the musicians on stage fell into a mind-bending flow that helped everyone reach a musical hypnotic state.

The chosen tune for the encore cemented Saturday night as the best night of the run. This was made true by the epic song choices, the fact that the Brooklyn Bowl was sold out with rabid super fans and the fact that the musicians on stage were having such a blast. Soulive and their special guests ended the set with “The Ocean,” an instrumental Zepplin tune that showcased everyone’s amazing skill. Everyone knows that Led Zepplein is the ultimate rock band and you have to have some musical chops to even come close to reaching the height of what that song can become. Soulive and guests dripped with enthusiasm as they ended their night.

The first week of Bowlive III was intense, engaging and full of musical vitality.  Soulive began their run with guitarists John Scofield and Luther Dickinson, following with the funky Karl Denson, Big Sam and Rahzel, and ending with Jennifer Hartswick and Marco Benevento. Soulive fans experienced jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, and psychedelic, experimental rock. The second week of Bowlive continues tomorrow night with special guests Skerik, Allen Stone and Zach Deputy. Let the party continue!

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

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Bowlive III: Night Four – Soulive w/ Karl Denson, Jennifer Harstwick & The London Souls ~ Extended Review + Media (03.02.12)

Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Night 4 Recap with Karl Denson, Jennifer Hartswick and The London Souls :: Marco Benevento and Jennifer Hartswick Tonight!

The fourth night of Bowlive took place at the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg last night to a sold-out crowd of dedicated Soulive fans. Drummer Alan Evans, guitarist Eric Krasno, and organist Neal Evans took it easy as guitarist Tash Neal, bassist Stu Mahan, and drummer Chris St. Hilaire opened the evening with a hard-rocking 30-min set. This was Stu’s second live performance with the London Souls and he couldn’t be a better fit. Tash is an aggressive guitarist and Chris’s powerhouse drumming makes you want to full on head bang. Perhaps you have heard their song “Steady As You Ready” off of Mob Wives, which they killed last night! Eric Krasno could be seen in the audience bopping his head to one of his favorite bands in our scene. The London Souls return to Bowlive on Saturday, March 10th.

When the endless lines outside the Brooklyn Bowl had finally been let in, Soulive took to the stage and played “El Ron” with such a fierce level of energy, shouting out musically that the weekend had begun! In that first song, Krasno was at the edge of the stage on his tiptops shredding his guitar into the faces of those in the front row. Keeping up the energy, “Dig” followed with teases of Snoop Dog and Lettuce mixed in.

The first tribute of the run was to the great Melvin Sparks. Soulive’s highly anticipated latest release, Spark, had only just shown up in Vinyl form that morning to the Brooklyn Bowl. Melvin Sparks was an American guitarist who passed last year. His soul jazz, hard bop and jazz blues influence can been seen in every one of today’s talented guitarists. Spark is a collaboration between the members of Soulive and Karl Denson. That pretty much is all that really needs to be said to convince you to check it out.

Flutist and saxophone player Karl Denson was special guest for his second night. He joined the stage for the song “Spark,” which had audience members fully engrossed. Karl added a gorgeous level with his flute while drummer Alan Evans, once the drummer for Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and the rest of the stage passionately layered their sound atop one another. A lovingly delivered tribute to the end.

Trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick, the second special guest billed last night and the first female presence to grace the stage for the run, joined for another song of Spark titled “Povo,” another head banging rock song that at times turned psychedelic is an instrumental by Freddie Hubbard. Krasno and Hartswick bantered playfully with their instruments and Karl now back on his saxophone. When Jennifer took her solo, she slammed the audience so hard with her talent that afterwards, the place erupted! Female Power!! A beautifully executed “Nubian Woman” was the choice off their latest cd with a more psychedelic jazz flavor. The members on stage were feeling the Melvin Sparks vibe flowing through them freely.

When Jennifer Hartswick moved from horn row to the front stage, those in the audience who realized the treat they were in store for began screaming. Saxophonist James Casey (The Shady Horns) also joined the stage. The musicians teased Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” as Jennifer hummed the tune to warm her voice and to tease us with her sultry sound before delivering  the goods. Her voice shook the rafters on the high notes and as the cool James Casey rocked the audience a killer solo, the shades on his head fell over his eyes in true rockstar fashion.

“Bowlive Staple,” as Krasno called him, Nigel Hall joined the stage now as the entire vibe was slowed down for a song that would, regardless of it’s slower speed, would trigger fond memories and raise the energy of the minds in the audiences. Tears for Fears cover “Everyone Wants to Rule the World” is a song that Soulive has perfected with their own style. Something every artist hopes to accomplish, especially when it’s a cover. Nigel Hall on vocals was heart melting as always while Alan and Krasno filled in the backup vocals. Towards the end of the tune, Nigel flowed seamlessly into “The Light” by Bobby Caldwell. An absolutely gorgeous, mellow, yet powerful mash-up to end the set.

Soulive opened up the second set with the fuly raging “One in Seven.”  Neal Evans, who has been on fire this entire run, continued his trend while brother Alan was then left on stage for a calculated isolated drum solo. After witnessing his drum solos each night, it is fun to enjoy the different tricks Alan pulls out of his bag to ensure that we get a taste of his various abilities. And then it was back to close out One in Seven.

Tash Neal (The London Souls) was the next guest invited out on stage to perform the famous Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song “Ohio!” Unbelievable guitar rage between he and Krasno. The Evans brothers were crushing it as Karl Denson couldn’t miss this wonderful performance and ran out on stage grabbing a tambourine. Tash and Karl left as the trio, now alone on stage, executed a gorgeous rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Lenny,” a beautiful love song Vaughan wrote for his wife and performed beautifully and emotionally by Krasno.

Karl Denson joined for the raging “Turn It Out,” where he delivered a beautiful flute solo. They continued on into “For Granted,” where he was joined by James Casey, Jennifer Hartswick, and Nigel Hall on keys with Neal. The playful song gave each artist a dedicated two minute solo to showcase their instruments. Starting with Krasno establishing the musical chorus, Karl followed, then Hartswick, and James Casey, who crushed it so hard Karl Denson began fanning Casey’s fire off with a towel giving him the props he rightfully deserved.  Nigel Hall solo followed with Neal filling in the blanks. Each solo established that these musicians had chops. That they were the best in their game and at that time, they were making sure we recognized that fact.

Neal Evans, now alone again on his rig, started off “Jesus Children” with a heavy, deep organ rage, before Hall started singing. It was here the set ended. The flavorful Wyllys, a DJ and Jennifer Hartswick’s husband, would be following the show so the high-energy of live music had to end. However, Wyllys has an extensive vinyl collection of some of the hottest tunes and with the help of Quincy Jones and other amazing samples, he got everyone back on the dance floor and fully engaged.

A killer beginning to what is going to be a jam-packed weekend of Delicious Soulive rage, the party continues tonight with Jennifer Hartswick and her band coming out for her second night with new special guest unique jazz improvisational keyboardist Marco Benevento. Seriously? The excitement of seeing Marco and Neal together is going to be worth the measly $15 it will l take to experience the musical magic!

– Karen E. Dugan
– Photo courtesy of Phrase

Youtube Videos:

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Bowlive III: Night Three – Soulive w/ Karl Denson, Big Sam and Rahzel ~ Extended Review + Media (03.01.12)

Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 2, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Soulive members, the rhythmic Evans brothers Neal and Alan and guitarist Eric Krasno transformed The Brooklyn Bowl from a guitar god’s wet dream to a world of funk and Beatle Mania on the third night of Bowlive III.

However, before the show could start, there were a few adventures I went on that I would like to share.  The most silly adventure was first. On Jam Cruise this year, a girl named Harmony held a pet adoption with stuffed animals (mostly sheep) of varying styles and sizes. What first occurred at The Catskill Chill Music Festival on a small scale last summer had now made it’s way to the Jam Cruise world on a large scale. As a result, musicians and their children, like New Orleans trombonist Big Sam (Big Sam’s Funky Nation) and Marco Benevento‘s daughter Ruby, adopted animals. Big Sam adopted a sheep and named her…what else? Harmony!

What's with the stuffed animals, you ask?

What’s with the stuffed animals, you ask?

Front row rage with Jessica, Laurie and LUCY!

Front row rage with Jessica, Laurie and LUCY!

Jam Cruisers and their animals were all over the Bowlive scene during the ten day residency but Big Sam is the only artists who engaged in the enjoyment of his adopted pet publicly. Before the show, I was with a friend who had brought her lamb, Lucy. We ran into Big Sam and asked about Harmony. He had her in a plastic bag in his hand. Right then and there, Harmony was brought out and Lucy and she “played” and “danced” a bit together before Big Sam took Harmony backstage! Over the run, Lucy (NY), Smiley-Face (MD), Harmony (NOLA), Fluffy (VA) and Jimmy (NJ) would make their way from various parts of America with their adoptive parents to enjoy Bowlive shows from the front row.  Big Sam’s Harmony, however, was the only one who engaged in the back stage rage and got to dance on stage. Enjoy the clip:


At the end of the day, this new vein within our scene is representative of the curiosity and connection that we all posses and/or seek. Just as The Karma Wash and Fan Club Headquarters are relevant, so is this fun idea. Amazingly, lots of people have mascots and the addition of this adoption program has spawned multiple mascot meetups and adoptive front row rages around our scene. Be sure to look for a stuffed sheep or mascot near you and share a dance 🙂

Neal Evans (Photo by Phrazz)

Neal Evans (Photo by Phrazz)

The previous two evenings, the trio infused their sounds with special guest southern slide guitarist Luther Dickinson and jazz great John Scofield. On this night, Karl Denson (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe), Sam Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation), and Rahzel (The Roots) graced the stage with their flute and saxophone, trombone and beat boxing, respectively.

The organ-based jazz trio kicked off their set with “Steppin,” off their 2010 Live at the Blue Note Tokyo album and “Uncle Junior,” 2007 Get Down album. As the three core leaders of Bowlive, they immediately established that there would be no slowing down. By the middle of “Aladdin,” all three men on stage were fully invested.  Krasno was taking his solos at the edge of the stage, sometimes rising onto his toes, while Neal Evans dominated the song with his bass keys and organ play and Alan Evans slammed his drums with ferocity.

Karl Denson (Photo by Phrazz)

Karl Denson (Photo by Phrazz)

Karl Denson was announced as the audience was told that he “just got off a plane and walked on this stage.”  Karl Denson is one of the hardest working musicians in the business and his passion for his craft drips off every note he plays. He is a fast, funky band leader who is always consistent in his delivery.  “The Swamp” and “Rudy’s Way” followed with Denson choosing to add his flute to the beautifully composed songs.  The addition of Karl’s flute to the sound of our favorite trio added another dimension of emotion to the songs.  They continued with “Shaheed,” off their 2001 album Doin’ Something where Karl’s flute provided a softness to the hard-edged song. Krasno raged his guitar till the strings broke and had to change to a new guitar and Neal Evans kicked a drum solo into the audience’s guts.

Alan Evans, Karl Denson, Big Sam, and Eric Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)

Alan Evans, Karl Denson, Big Sam, Eric Krasno & Nigel Hall (Photo by Phrazz)

Joining the foursome on stage next was Nigel Hall (The Warren Haynes Band) and Sam Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation). There can be no doubt that the danceable and excitable energy that Big Sam brings is something you can’t find in many artists. The New Orleans native, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, danced out on stage with his horn, picked up a stage prop that he had brought (his stuffed sheep named Harmony) and began to dance all around the stage. Nigel and Big Sam began grooving it together and the entire audience couldn’t help but beam over the energy of it all.  These are serious performances but it’s ALWAYS appropriate to have a good time and with just his presence; Big Sam will lift any crowd. The powerhouse of funk on stage slowed the rage down for the soulful, “Leave Me Alone,” sung by Hall. Karl Denson changed to his saxophone and kicked us a lightning fast solo to end the set.

Rage (Photo by Phrazz)

Rage (Photo by Phrazz)

Rahzel Set Break Set (Photo by Phrazz)

Rahzel Set Break Set (Photo by Phrazz)

Straying from the formula of the first two nights, during this set break the audience would not be staring at an empty stage waiting for the first set to start. Instead, Beat Boxer Rahzel, the “Godfather of Noyze,” came out to keep them engaged.  Watching the audience react to this amazing addition to the night was almost as exciting as watching Rahzel. Specialize in the “fifth element of hip-hop,” Rahzel’s instrument is himself and a microphone.  He is a vocal percussionist who uses his breath, mouth and body to imitate sounds, instruments and voices.  He projected unmistakable beats from the Wu-Tang Clan and Run DMC. He became a DJ scratching records, created a buzzing insect around his head and brought Optimus Prime (Transforms) to life on stage with his robotic sounds. His signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew” is always the highlight of a Rahzel performance. Rahzel simultaneously sings the lyrics and works the beats. It is quite difficult to even comprehend how Rahzel does what he does!  AMAZING!

Rubber Soulive Album

Rubber Soulive Album

Before Beatle Mania could kick off the first set, Soulive joined Rahzel on stage and performed “I Am the Magnificent” and it was just that, magnificent.  The entire first half of the second set consisting of songs chosen off Soulive’s latest album, Rubber Soulive.  “Come Together,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” The audience sang along to the first song while the psychedelic lights and trippy sounds emanating off stage for “She’s So Heavy” was reinvented through the jazz trio.

Karl Denson, Big Sam, Nigel Hall and Lenesha Randolph (Photo by Phrazz)

Karl Denson, Big Sam, Nigel Hall and Lenesha Randolph (Photo by Phrazz)

Questlove (Photo by Phrazz)

Questlove (Photo by Phrazz)

Big Sam, Karl Denson, Nigel Hall and now, Lenesha Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band) joined the stage for “Too Much.” Randolph and Hall sang the up-beat tune while Karl and Big Sam took their turn at the mic delivering some of the hardest, funkiest horn solos that Bowlive audiences will experience this run.  They kept up the pace with Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and Questlove (The Roots) replacing Alan Evans, who picked up a guitar.

Full Stage Rage (Photo by Phrazz)

Full Stage Rage (Photo by Phrazz)

The entire crew of Soulive and their special guests kicked off the end of the set with “Tuesday Night Squad.”  Big Sam dominated a 3 minute long trombone rage, Alan was back on killin it on the drums, Nigel was on the Bongos before heading over to Neal where the pair did a little dance, if you will, shifting back and forth past each other to manipulate the various levels of keys that Neal’s kit provides.  Hall sang James Brown’s “Beweildered,” a deep, soulful song that required Nigel to reach the top of his range, and then he walked off stage.  It was back into “Tuesday Night Squad” to close the set.

Nigel and Neal Rage the Boards (Photo by Phrazz)

Nigel and Neal Rage the Boards (Photo by Phrazz)

There was never really an encore because every musician on stage was so into the music and feeling the audience’s energy that they chose to just play through and give their fans that extra five minutes of music that every audience desires.

Download Night 3 Sound Board Audio Here!

In three days Bowlive III had now brought us jazz, soul, psychedelic rock, New Orleans funk, hip-hop and southern-style blues in only three nights. The following evening, the party continued with Karl Denson sticking around for a second night and Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) joining with her funky trumpet and soulful voice.

Pictures by Phrazz

Videos by: I can’t believe there are no videos for this entire night. If anyone finds some, send them my way

Words by The Tiny Rager

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March 2012 Music Calendar

Posted in Monthly Show Rundown on March 1, 2012| Leave a Comment »

March 2012 Music Calendar

Calendar updated daily!

BARE WITH ME MY MUSICAL FRIENDS!!! I am covering all 10 nights of Soulive’s Bowlive III @ The Brooklyn Bowl for Soulive’s records label RoyalFamilyRecords.com.  I have been working on this calendar in the little free time I have between, sleeping, eating, writing, working my 9-5 and enjoying the love of my new fiance and his 7 year old daughter. HAPPY ENGAGEMENT TO US!! For now, enjoy this given info and I will add more over the week to get it complete.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: Karl Denson, Big Sam, & Rhazel @ The Brooklyn Bowl

Friday, March 2, 2012

  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: The London Souls, Karl Denson, Jennifer Hartswick @ The Brooklyn Bowl

Saturday, March 3, 2012

  • ($5) Kid Rockers Bowl with Soulive (Kids Show) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: The Nigel Hall Band with Louis Cato, Jennifer Hartswick and Marco Benevento @ The Brooklyn Bowl
    • ($5) Late Night set with Wyllys @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10) Sophistafunk @ The Rock Shop

Sunday, March 4, 2012

  • A day of rest…..

Monday, March 5, 2012

  • ($8) A Residency With Turkuaz with The Underground Horns and The Funk Ark @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($135) Woody Allen & The Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band @ Cafe Carlye ~ ($95 bar + $25 drink min., $185 premium)

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: Lettuce, Zach Deputy, Skerik & Allen Stone @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35-$40) O.A.R @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($125-$145) Robert Johnson @ 100 with The Roots, Shemekia Copeland, Bettye Lavette, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Sam Moore, more… @ Apollo Theater

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe (A World Beat DJ)
  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: Lettuce, Zach Deputy, Skerik & Allen Stone @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($30-$40) Cedar Walton Quartet @ Birdland
  • ($35-$40) O.A.R @ Bowery Ballroom

Thursday, March 8, 2012

  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: George Porter Jr., Billy Martin, Questlove and The Alecia Chakour Band, guest vocalist Citizen Cope and Alice Smith @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35-$40) O.A.R @ Bowery Ballroom

Friday, March 9, 2012

  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: George Porter Jr., Kenny Olson, Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour @ The Brooklyn Bowl
    • ($5) Late Night set with Wyllys @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35-$40) O.A.R @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater

Saturday, March 10, 2012

  • ($15) Bowlive III with Special Guests: The London Souls @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35-$40) O.A.R @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater

Sunday, March 11, 2012

  • ($30) GOMEZ @ Bowery Ballroom

Monday, March 12, 2012

  • ($8) A Residency With Turkuaz with The Underground Horns and The Funk Ark @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($135) Woody Allen & The Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band @ Cafe Carlye ~ ($95 bar + $25 drink min., $185 premium)

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

  • (Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye
  • ($150) The Music of the Rolling Stones: Hot Rocks 1964-1971 @ Carnigie Hall
    • Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Art Garfunkel, Gomez, Jackie Greene, Steve Molitz, David Johansen, Taj Mahal, The Mountain Goats, Rich Robinson

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe (A World Beat DJ)
  • ($12) The Mike Dillon Band feat. members of Yojimbo Funk! @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($12-$18) Jackie Greene (Special Acoustic set) @ City Winery
  • ($25-$30) Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Anders Parker & Yim Yames @ Webster Hall
  • ($30) The Mahavishnu Project: The Best of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jeff Beck & Jan Hammer featuring Gregg Bendian / Jesse Gress / Neil Alexander / Doug Lunn @ The Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($30-$40) Pat Martino Organ Trio @ Birdland NYC
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Thursday, March 15, 2012

  • (Free) Taylor Carson @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($5-$8) Biz Markie DJ Set @ The Brooklyn Bowl (late night)
  • ($10-$13) Dangermuffing with Jamie McLean Band @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Friday, March 16, 2012

  • ($5) Gent Treadly @ Kenny’s Castaways
  • ($12) Melvin Seals and the Jerry Garcia Band @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Allman Brothers After-Party with The CKS Band (Late Night Groove Series) @ The Blue Note
    • The band features Randy Ciarlante (The Levon Helm Band) on drums and vocals, Bruce Katz (The Gregg Allman Band, Delbert McClinton) on Hammond B-3 organ, and Scott Sharrard (The Gregg Allman Band)
  • ($18-$20) The Infamous Stringdusters @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($32.50) Betty Buckley @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
  • ($35) Allan Holdsworth Band featuring Jimmy Haslip, Virgil Donati, Kofi Burbridge and Yonrico Scott @ The Iridium
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye
  • ($70-$90) Marianne Faithfull & Marc Ribot – Special Acoustic duo show @ City Winery

Saturday, March 17, 2012

  • ($5) Gent Treadly @ Kenny’s Castaways
  • ($12) Melvin Seals and the Jerry Garcia Band @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Bernie Worrell Orchestra & Marco Benevento @ Le Poisson Rouge
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Sunday, March 18, 2012


Monday, March 19, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($17-$20) Rich Robinson & Steve Molitz (The Black Crowes) @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($20) GOMEZ with Turkuaz @ The Brooklyn Bowl

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

  • ($18-$20) The Wood Brothers @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($20) GOMEZ @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20-$35) **Double Feature** Stanley Clarke Trio + Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note (8pm/10pm)
  • ($30-$40) Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Birdland
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious w/ Wiseacre and John Dill @ Bembe (A World Beat DJ)
  • ($10) Chelsea Baratz & Maurice Brown @ Zinc Bar
  • ($30) The Bill Frisell and Sam Amidon Duo (early show) @ Le Poisson Rouge
  • ($50) Lee Ritenour @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($20-$35) **Double Feature** Stanley Clarke Trio + Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note (8pm/10pm)
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Thursday, March 22, 2012

  • ($10) The Coup featuring Boots Riley @ The Brooklyn Bowl
    • ($5-$8) DJ Questlove Presents Bowl Train @ The Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($20-$35) **Double Feature** Stanley Clarke Trio + Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note (8pm/10pm)
  • ($40) DJ Norie & Power 105 Present the Anything Goes Anniversary Concert with Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($40-$80) The Black Keys @ Madison Square Garden
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Friday, March 23, 2012

  • (Free) Reckoning @ Rollin Greens
  • ($8) The Bernie Worell Orchestra @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Yarn @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($20-$35) **Double Feature** Stanley Clarke Trio + Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note (8pm/10pm)
  • ($25-$30) Dr. Dog @ Terminal 5
  • ($30-$40) Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Birdland
  • ($40-$45) Fiona Apple @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye
  • ($110) Citizen Cope @ Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall

Saturday, March 24, 2012

  • ($10) The Brew @ The Studio at Webster Hall
  • ($10-$12) Perpetual Groove @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15-$20) Joe Krown Trio featuring Walter “Wolfman” Washington & Russell Batiste @ Sullivan Hall
    • ($10-$15) Jimkata @ Sullivan Hall (late night set)
  • ($18-$27) Ben Kweller @ Irving Plaza
  • ($22.50) Col. Bruce Hampton – Midnight Series @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($20-$35) **Double Feature** Stanley Clarke Trio + Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note (8pm/10pm)
  • ($60-$175) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Sunday, March 25, 2012

  • ($20-$35) **Double Feature** Stanley Clarke Trio + Larry Coryell Trio @ The Blue Note (8pm/10pm)
  • ($28) Toot and The Maytals @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($50-$150) The Allman Brothers @ Beacon Theater

Monday, March 26, 2012

  • ($8) A Residency with Turkuaz with Yo Momma’s Big Fat Booty Band @ The Brooklyn Bowl ~ Free before 7pm
  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($25) Mingus Orchestra for “Mingus Mondays”@ Jazz Standard
  • ($28) Frankenstein Brothers ft. Buckethead and That 1 Guy @ B. B. Kings
  • ($40) Fiona Apple @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($135) Woody Allen & The Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band @ Cafe Carlye ~ ($95 bar + $25 drink min., $185 premium)Jazz Standard

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  • ($20) Cindy Blackman: Explorations @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Dr. Lonnie Smith (live recording sessions!) @ GB’s Juke Joint NYC
    • w/ Jeff Tain Waits, Little Johnny Rivera, Ed Cherry, John Ellis, ian Hendrickson-Smith, John Marshall
  • ($30-$40) Christian McBride & Inside Straight @ Birdland
  • ($50-$65) Joan Osborne: Album Release @ City Winery
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe (A World Beat DJ)
  • (Free) Gent Treadly @ Boom
  • ($18-$21) Simone Felice @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($20) Cindy Blackman: Explorations @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Dr. Lonnie Smith (live recording sessions!) @ GB’s Juke Joint NYC
    • w/ Jeff Tain Waits, Little Johnny Rivera, Ed Cherry, John Ellis, ian Hendrickson-Smith, John Marshall
  • ($30-$40) Christian McBride & Inside Straight @ Birdland
  • ($50-$65) Joan Osborne: Album Release @ City Winery
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Thursday, March 29, 2012

  • ($5-$8) DJ Questlove Prsents Bowl Train @ The Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($15-$20) Bonobo Presents: “Black Sands Remixed” Album Launch @ Le Poisson Rouge
  • ($20) Cindy Blackman: Explorations @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($20-$25) Steep canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($30) Dr. Lonnie Smith (live recording sessions!) @ GB’s Juke Joint NYC
    • w/ Jeff Tain Waits, Little Johnny Rivera, Ed Cherry, John Ellis, ian Hendrickson-Smith, John Marshall
  • ($30-$40) Christian McBride & Inside Straight @ Birdland
  • ($50+) Dr. John with The Blind Boys of Alabama @ BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Friday, March 30, 2012

  • ($15) The Wailers @ Brooklyn Bowl
    • ($8) BoomBox @ Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($20) Ryan Montbleau Band w/ special guests Band of Heathens @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($20-$30) of Montreal @ Webster Hall
  • ($30-$40) Christian McBride & Inside Straight @ Birdland
  • ($50+) Dr. John with The Blind Boys of Alabama @ BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

Saturday, March 31, 2012

  • ($10) Tall Tall Trees @ 92nd St Y
  • ($20-$30) of Montreal @ Webster Hall
  • ($30-$40) Christian McBride & Inside Straight @ Birdland
  • ($55-$150) Discovery of Wyclef Jean an Acoustic Intimate Evening / Up Close & Personal @ City Winery
  • ($50+) Dr. John with The Blind Boys of Alabama @ BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
  • ($70-$80) Betty Lavette @ Cafe Carlye

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