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Posts Tagged ‘Alecia Chakour’

February 2012 Music Calendar

February 2012 Music Calendar

Calendar updated daily!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

  • ($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
  • ($20-$35) Chrisette Michele: A Tribute to The Legends w/ Robert Glasper @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($45-$58) Skrillex @ Pascha NYC

Thursday, February 2, 2012

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($7) Break Science and Monolith Code Album Release Party @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8) Larkin Grimm, Cuddle Magic, Tall Tall Trees @ The Rock Shop
  • ($15-$18) Emancipator @ Highline Ballroom

Friday, February 3, 2012

  • (Free) The Statesmen (Jonah Smith, Josh Dion, Scott Metzger, Ben Rubin) @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 (Midnight)
  • (Free?? – $10) Eclectic Method @ Cameo Music and Art Gallery (The Loving Cup)
  • ($10-$12) Soul Rebel Brass Band @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10-$12) CEG Presents: Kung Fu with Sophistafunk @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($35) Brooklyn Music Shop Presents: Joan Osborne, The Holmes Brothers, with Special Guest Catherine Russell @ Grand Prospect Hall
  • ($35) Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana Duo @ Smoke
  • ($45-$58) Skrillex @ Roseland Ballroom
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Saturday, February 4, 2012

  • (Free) American Babies @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
  • ($5) Leroy Justice @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($35) Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana Duo @ Smoke
  • ($45-$58) Skrillex @ Terminal 5

Sunday, February 5, 2012

  • Oddly enough, I found nothing for this date!

Monday, February 6, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($22) Howie Day w/ Matt White – RESIDENCY @ City Winery
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($45-$65) Steve Earle & Allison Moorer w / The Dust Busters – Residency @ City Winery
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science
  • ($150-$2500) JAY Z with Special Guests: Benefit for United Way of New York City and The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation @ Carnegie Hall

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

  • ($20) YES! Trio featuring Ali Jackson | Aaron Goldberg | Omer Avital @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($25) Bone Thugs-N-Harmony w/ Krayzie & Wish @ Gramercy Theater
  • ($150-$2500) JAY Z with Special Guests: Benefit for United Way of New York City and The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation @ Carnegie Hall

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
    • We’re giving away 10 pre-release copies of Nutritious’s 2012 Exclusive Mix
  • ($20) YES! Trio featuring Ali Jackson | Aaron Goldberg | Omer Avital @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($22) Howie Day – RESIDENCY w/ Julia Sinclair @ City Winery
  • ($25-$30) Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe pres The Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers” with Anders Osborne @ Webster Hall
  • ($30) Ed Palermo Big Band featuring Legendary Frank Zappa Band Member Mike Keneally @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($37.50) George Clinton & The Parliament-Funkadelic All-Stars @ B.B. Kings
  • ($40) Anthrax @ Best Buy Theater

Thursday, February 9, 2012

  • (Free) BrooklyNites Jazz featuring Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra @ The Brooklyn Museum
  • ($5-$10) Uncomun: Loud Apartment CD Release with Bernie Worrell and Maya Azucena @ DROM
  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($8-$10) Freaks Night Out feat. Erik Deutsch, Joe Russo (Furthur, The Duo), Scott Metzger (Wolf!), Hagar Ben-Ari (Dap Kings) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10) Mark Guiliana’s “Beat Music” w/ Aaron Comess (w/Teddy Kumpel & Richard Hammond) @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
  • ($12-$15) Papadosio @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($15-$80) A Tribute to the Music of Motown with Ray Chew @ Carnegie Hall
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30-$42) Bob Mould @ City Winery
  • ($50-$65) Primus: A Benefit for Baby Matthew / Be The Match Foundation @ Gramercy Theater
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Friday, February 10, 2012

  • (No Price Yet) Guns N’ Roses @ Roseland Ballroom
  • ($10) Turkuaz @ The Studio at Webster Hall
  • ($15-$20) Blowoff: Featuring the DJ Sounds of Bob Mould & Richard Morel @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($20) Tab Benoit @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($20-$23) Tea Leaf Green @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30) Buster Williams @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall

Saturday, February 11, 2012

  • (Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
  • ($10) THOR Takes Over Hiro Ballroom @ Hiro Ballroom (All Ages)
  • ($10) lespecial @ Sullivan Hall (Late Night Set)
  • ($12) Tea Leaf Green @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15-$20) John Kadlecik Band (from Furthur, DSO) @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30) Buster Williams @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($35) Rebirth Brass Band: Pre-Mardi Gras Celebration with 2012 Grammy Nominees @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall

Sunday, February 12, 2012

  • (No Price Yet) Guns N’ Roses @ Terminal 5
  • ($20-$25) Roy Hargrove Big Band w/ special guest Roberta Gambarini @ Blue Note Jazz Club
  • ($30) Ralph Stanley @ B.B. Kings
  • ($40-$100) An Intimate Valentine’s Concert with Jim Brickman @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall

Monday, February 13, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($10) An Evening with: Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 (9pm)
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($33-$95) Tibet House Benefit Concert @ Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
    • Feat. Laurie Anderson, Antony, James Blake, Tim Fain, Philip Glass, Stephin Merritt, Rahzel, Lou Reed, Dechen Shak-Dagsay
  • ($35) Les Paul Mondays feat. Special Guests Earl Slick (Guitarist with David Bowie) and Lee Rocker (Bassist from Stray Cats) with The Les Paul Trio @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($40-$60) Richard Thompson – Special All-Request Shows @ City Winery
  • ($50-$330) Barry Manilow @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($75-$85) Cedric The Entertainer @ The Beacon Theater

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
  • (No price yet) Guns N’ Roses @ Webster Hall
  • ($15-$17) Legendary Meters Drummer: Zigaboo Modeliste’s NY Foundation of Funk Revue ft. Andy Hess, Brian Mitchell, Jonathan Batiste & Jamie McLean @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($40-$60) Richard Thompson – Special All-Request Shows @ City Winery
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Thursday, February 16, 2012

  • ($73) John Hammond & John Mayall @ The Allen Room at Lincoln Center
  • (Free) Taylor Carson @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15) Less Than Jake @ The Brooklyn Bowl (Early Show)
  • ($35-$40) Auktyon featuring John Medeski & Marc Ribot @ le Poisson Rouge
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($40-$60) Richard Thompson – Special All-Request Shows @ City Winery

Friday, February 17, 2012

  • ($8) Higher Nebulae @ Sullivan Hall (early show)
  • ($10) Gent Treadly @ Sullivan Hall (part of another band on the bill)
  • ($10-$13) Tall, Tall Trees @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($15) A toga-party with America’s #1 Party Band!: Otis Day & the Knights @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($18-$22) Saul Williams @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($55-$130) Aretha Franklin @ Radio City Music Hall

Saturday, February 18, 2012

  • (Free) Hot Peas ‘N Butter @ Carnegie Hall (45 Minute Children’s Performance)
  • ($8-$10) Skatalites @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10) CEG Presents: MUN’s CD Release Party featuring MUN plus Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($13) The Souljazz Orchestra plus Zongo Junction @ The Studio at Webster Hall
  • ($22-$32) Emilie Autumn @ Gramercy Theater
  • ($30) Mingus Big Band @ Jazz Standard
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($38-$42) Davy Jones of The Monkees @ B.B Kings
  • ($50-$65) Mardi Gras Ball with Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers plus Bonerama w/ special guest Marco Benevento, DJ Cochon de Lait and special guests Outer Borough Brass Band @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($50-$100) Peter Frampton: Back by Popular Demand! The Frampton Comes Alive 35 Tour @ The Beacon Theater
  • ($55-$130) Aretha Franklin @ Radio City Music Hall
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ New York Hall of Science

Sunday, February 19, 2012

  • ($18-$23) Big Gigantic @ Webster Hall
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($35-$55) David Sanborn @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($50-$65) Mardi Gras Ball with Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers and Bonerama @ Hiro Ballroom

Monday, February 20, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($15-$18) Jenny Scheinman’s Mischief & Mayhem w/ Nels Cline, Jim Black, and Todd Sickafoose @ le Poission Rouge
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($32-$38) Marcia Ball and BeauSoleil @ City Winery
  • ($30) Les Paul Mondays: The Jon Herington Band (lead guitarist of Steely Dan) and the Les Paul Trio @ Iridium Jazz Club

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

  • ($15) Less Than Jake @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20-$30) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: UPLIFT! With Special Guest Christian McBride & Russell Malone @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($25) Tigran Hamasyan & Jason Lindner/Mark Guiliana Duo @ Highline Ballroom

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
  • (Free) Cabinet @ Rodeo Bar
  • ($20-$30) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: UPLIFT! With Special Guest Christian McBride & Russell Malone @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($50-$60) Flogging Molly, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears and The Devil Makes Three @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ Roseland Ballroom

Thursday, February 23, 2012

  • (Free?) Gent Treadly @ East Side Billiards
  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train – Late Night DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20) Phife Dawg (of Tribe Called Quest) and Friends @ B.B. Kings
  • ($25-$40) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: UPLIFT! With Special Guest Dr. Lonnie Smith @ The Blue Note (2 sets)
  • ($25-$45) In-Tune Music Festival: Philip Glass performing Kaddish (7pm)
    • One of the greatest works to emerge from the Beat Generation was Allen Ginsberg’s Kaddish, a sprawling, propulsive poem about the poet’s estrangement from Judaism. The 2012 Tune-In Music Festival will begin with a world premiere, commissioned by the Park Avenue Armory from jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, to be performed by the composer and an eight-piece ensemble accompanying a reading of Kaddish by Ginsberg collaborator Hal Willner and artist Ralph Steadman, who will create the visual design and staging to accompany the piece. (Runs 75 minutes with no intermission)
  • ($30-$35) Sinead O’Connor @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($55-$250) HIAS Regina Spektor Benefit Concert @ Rose Theater at Lincoln Center

Friday, February 24, 2012

  • ($12) Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 (10pm)
  • ($12-$15) Twiddle / FiKus with Psychedelphia and The Fundimensionals @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($15) Wyllys ft. Jennifer Hartswick w/ Special Guests @ The Blue Note (Late Night Series)
  • ($15) An Evening With The Cast and Crew of: The Adventures of Pete and Pete @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($25-$45) Tune-In Music Festival: Philip Glass and Patti Smith: The Poet Speaks @ Park Avenue Armory (7pm)
    • Longtime Glass collaborator Patti Smith and her band join Glass for the second concert, “The Poet Speaks,” performing music and readings celebrating their favorite poets, including Ginsberg and William Blake, which will be the first New York performance for the pair. (Runs approx. 90 Minutes with no intermission)
  • ($30) Hit Squad – Reunion Show: Redman, Epmd, Das Efx, Keith Murray @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($30-$35) Sinead O’Connor @ Highline Ballroom

Saturday, February 25, 2012

  • ($10) Dopapod / Turbine with The Mantras , MiZ , XVSK @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($15) Kung Fu @ The Blue Note (Late Night Series)
  • ($20) Eric Lindell with special guest Otis Taylor @ Hiro Ballroom
  • ($22-$26) Buckwheat Zydeco @ B.B. Kings (Grammy Winning King Of New Orleans Zydeco)
  • ($25) Railroad Earth and Cornmeal @ Best Buy Theater
  • ($30-$37) Galactic, Soul Rebel Brass Band & Steel Pulse @ Terminal 5
  • ($30-$50) Tune-In Music Festival: The Philip Glass Ensemble performs his Music in 12 Parts @ Park Avenue Armory (5pm)
    • For the third concert, The Philip Glass Ensemble will offer a rare performance of the entire Music in Twelve Parts, Glass’s epic minimalist composition which he considers his “breakthrough” work. (Runs a total of 5 hours including two short intermissions and one hour long dinner break)
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ Roseland Ballroom

Sunday, February 26, 2012

  • ($15) Chris Rob: Game Rebellion @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($15-$35) Tune-In Music Festival: Philip Glass performs Afternoon Concert @ Park Avenue Armory (2pm)
    • The final day of the Festival will begin with compilation of unique artists that Philip Glass has assembled and represent the forward momentum of contemporary music. (Runs a total of 2 hours 15 minutes with one Intermission)
  • ($15-$35) Tune-In Music Festival: Philip Glass’s Another Look at Harmony – Part IV @ Park Avenue Armory (7pm)
    • The Festival concludes with Glass’s Another Look at Harmony, a choral work Glass started in 1975 for organ and 100 voices, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, the Collegiate Chorale, and organist Michael Riesman, music director and keyboardist of The Philip Glass Ensemble. (Runs 62 minutes with no intermission)
  • ($25-$40) Monty Alexander: 50 Years in Music & 50 Years in Jamaica: A Night at Jillys ft Dee Dee Bridgewater & Freddy Cole @ The Blue Note
  • ($27.50) Marc Ribot’s ” Really The Blues” @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($50-$75) An Unpredictable Evening With Todd Rundgren@ City Winery

Monday, February 27, 2012

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo Electric Trio with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason @ The Living Room
  • ($10) Erik Deutsch Demonio Teclado CD Release Party @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
  • ($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($27.50) Marc Ribot’s ” Really The Blues” @ Iridium Jazz Club (2 sets)
  • ($50-$75) An Unpredictable Evening With Todd Rundgren@ City Winery

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  • (Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($15) Bowlive III @ The Brooklyn Bowl: Special Guests: John Scofield & Luther Dickinson
  • ($30-$40) Leo Kottke @ City Winery
  • ($35-$40) Robert Glasper Experiment:With Special Guests Yasiin Bey, Chrisette Michele, Lalah Hathaway & More @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($50-$150) Van Halen with Kool & The Gang @ Madison Square Garden
  • ($150-$170) bjork: biophilia live @ Roseland Ballroom

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  • (Free) Nutritious @ Bembe
  • ($15) Bowlive III @ The Brooklyn Bowl: Special Guests: John Scofield & Luther Dickinson
  • ($30-$40) Leo Kottke @ City Winery

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FEEL THAT RAGE!!!! SEE THAT RAGE!!! Pic by Josh Raskin

FEEL THAT RAGE! SEE THAT RAGE! ~ Pic by Josh Raskin

Blast Off: Lettuce’s new material leaves Rage in the dust…

Eric Krasno – Guitar
Adam Deitch – Drums
Neal Evans – Organ/keys
E.D. Coomes – Bass
Adam “Shmeens” Smirnoff – Guitar
James Casey – Alto Sax
Ryan Zoidis – Tenor Sax
Eric Bloom – Trumpet
Rashawn Ross – Trumpet
Nigel Hall – vocals/keys
Mel Flannery – Vocals
Alicia Chakour – Vocals
Happy Holiday Rage! Pic: by Josh Raskin

Happy Holiday Rage! Pic by Josh Raskin

As the funk super group Lettuce began the familiar strains of Curtis Mayfield‘s “We’re a Winner,” which morphed, as it usually does, into Mayfield’s “Move on Up” to close out Wednesday Night’s Royal Family Holiday Party at the Brooklyn Bowl,  I couldn’t help but laugh because it was a perfect bookend to a new chapter in the life of this fantastic band. This dynamic tune, with Nigel Hall jumping up to deliver some soul shaking melodies on vocals, has been one of the band’s most consistent the last couple years, and it made me think about how far this band has come.

THE MAN! Pic: by Josh Raskin

THE MAN! Pic by Josh Raskin

Rewind three and a half years! I’ve returned home from my first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and was itching for great live music to stem the withdrawal tide. I headed to the Bowery Ballroom to see this band I had skipped at Fest because I knew they were playing at home later…and I dug it.  Great band, busy, Rube Goldberg type funk (you know, lots of moving parts coming together to make awesome, think of the Charles Mingus track “Moanin'” and you’ll see what I mean), high energy, great musicians, even had this awesome dude come up and sing a few classics, including a great Curtis Mayfield cover.  Nice stuff, liked it a lot.  Snagged the new (at the time) album, Rage and really liked most of the tracks. It actually spent a lot of time in rotation in the car and the Ipod.

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Get Some Jesus ~ Pic: by Josh Raskin

Get Some Jesus ~ Pic by Josh Raskin

But here is the thing, if you don’t know the Lettuce story, then you don’t get the power of the whole picture.  Unlike bands who stay together and tour often like Galactic, the members of Lettuce only gather for small periods of time throughout the year. When you are Lettuce, you record a quick album, maybe you see each other a couple times a year for a few gigs, but that’s largely it, you’re not necessary wood-shedding together a whole lot.

Case in point: On archive.org, Lettuce has eight recorded sets in 2002, one recorded set in 2003, no recorded sets from 2004-2007.  None!  Then, moved by the passing of James Brown and J-Dilla, the fellas recorded Rage and started out on the road again in 2008. This is not to say these guys aren’t monster players on their own, because they are. But there’s a difference between rocking out with old friends and playing sets with increased regularity, rehearsing and getting into the groove, finding and exploring new places. You gotta know who else is there to really get there! That’s why I like seeing shows at the end of the long run instead of beginning, because players will have gotten a little more comfortable, a little more familiar, and will be able to stretch out. That’s the band we saw on Wednesday night.

James Casey and Ryan Zoidois kilin it! ~ Pic: by Josh Raskin

James Casey and Ryan Zoidois kilin it! ~ Pic by Josh Raskin

A couple Royal Family Ball throwdowns in New York and New Orleans, a Royal Family Ball tour, two Bowlive runs, the first ever Royal Family Affair (which I sadly missed), two Royal Family holiday concerts, Bear Creek Arts and Music Festival, Jam Cruise, prep for the CRAZY set with Dr. John and Maceo that kicked off this year… it’s been a big couple years for Lettuce.  Each performance felt a little stronger, a little tighter, a little more impressive.

With Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour in the mix, Lettuce can grow to as many as twelve or thirteen folks on stage at a time, and making that sound tight ain’t easy. Some of the fellas putting down roots in Brooklyn really allowed for a base of operations for the group, particularly at the Brooklyn Bowl, and it shows.  Lettuce has done more gigging, rehearsal, and playing together than they have done in a while. As 2011 winds down, they’ve started dropping new tunes in shows, tunes that feel deeper and stronger than any of their previous material. Again, I dig Rage, a lot. However, this is no longer old friends putting together some real solid grooves and giving props to the giants who’s shoulders they stand on. Lettuce is now a fearsome unit ready to flex their own muscles.

Mel Flannery and Alicia Chakour ~ Pic by Josh Raskin
Mel Flannery and Alicia Chakour ~ Pic by Josh Raskin

The band is tight as hell.  Everybody sounds awesome. I was loving Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff leading a couple tunes and laying out a great solo.  Adam Deitch is locked in on the drum kit and he and E.D “Jesus” Coomes combine to make one killer rhythm section! The Shmeeans/Deitch beatboxing was HOT as well!  Eric Krasno keeps growing, which seems preposterous for someone as good as he is. Neal Evans always brings that extra something to kick the songs up (though as much as I love Neal, the clavinet was a little up in the mix, and I had to abandon my normal front right spot to make sure I could hear the horns).  And while Sam Kinninger was missed, the horns did sound awesome, with Ryan Zoidis leading the pack, Rashawn Ross and Eric Bloom on trumpet, and sentimental favorite James Casey (see: ridiculous solo on “Get Back” from Bowlive 1) on tenor.  In fact, due to Kinninger’s absence, Casey could be seen upstairs with headphones on learning Kinninger’s parts right up until the show began. True dedication! I would have loved for the band to give the horns some more spotlight. Either way, they were solid as always.  Vocalists Nigel Hall  impressed the most this night having grown so much as an artist and a dude in the last two years.  Alecia Chakour and Mel Flannery are also great additions to the krewe.

I’ve seen these musicians before, but not like this.  I kept turning to people and saying, “What?!” The new grooves are chest-thumping, gut-busting, smack the person next to you and say “Damn, that shit is dope!” kind of tracks. “If I Was Jack Spade That Would Be My Theme Music” kind of tracks. KILLIN!! I can’t say it any plainer than this: the new material Lettuce is playing is FIRE!  Nasty, literally jaw-dropping funk not to be messed with. Of the five or six songs I heard Wednesday night, four of them would be my favorite track on Rage! right now, and that’s an album I really like!

My advice to other amazing funk/soul/jam bands I know and love, especially when playing anywhere near Lettuce, STEP YA GAME UP!  2012 is a year of a lot of eagerly awaited album releases: Galactic, Antibalas, Soulive Karl Denson EP, even hip hop legends Black Star are getting into it.  But if Eric Coomes’ warning to me on my walk out of the Brooklyn Bowl holds true: “Dude. Wait till you hear the other shit, you don’t even know.” The best one of all could be coming from the Royal Family straight out of Brooklyn.

At last, that blessed day has come.

Set-List: Madison Square, Fast Kraz, Play, By Any Shmeeans Necessary, Last Suppit, Slow Zap, Mean Funk, Slippin’, Dilla, Let it Ride, Kings of the Bergs, GoGo and Makin’ My Way Back Home (w/ Nigel Hall), Blast Off

Words by Russ Agdern
Pictures by Josh Raskin
Video by Bill Giordano

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Bowlive II: Night Three – Soulive w/ Alecia Chakour and Bernie Worrell @ The Brooklyn Bowl

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

The Royal Family just keeps raising the bar as the third night of Bowlive 2 was spectacular!!! Any night where the new musical generation of a genre gets to play with an old school member something magical happens on stage.

Last night, fifteen musicians rotated on and off The Brooklyn Bowl‘s stage as Soulive hosted keyboardist/Moog extraordinaire Bernie Worrell of George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic for a Parliament Funkadelic tribute that brought people to their knees.

Alecia Chakour & The Osrah

Alecia Chakour – Vocals
James Casey – Saxaphone
Makaya McCraven– Drums
Jaron Olevsky – Guitar
Igmar Thomas – Trumpet
Darby Wolf – Keyboardist

Special Guests:
Nigel Hall – Keys, Vocals
Ryan Zoidis – Alto Saxophone
Cheme Gastelum – Saxophone
Alan Evans – Guitar

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

The vampy Alecia Chakour engaged the audience with her soulful vocals to open the evening.  Chakour’s emotive voice was a nice change from the Nigel Hall and WAX sets that opened the previous nights. She is a phenomenal power behind the microphone similar to the likes of Joss Stone but better.  Chakour spoke of family and a theme that would define the evening was unleashed.

The addition of Alecia Chakour to The Royal Family has been a pleasant surprise this year. The combination of Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour’s voice is seamless.  His vibrant, smooth voice melds wonderfully with Alecia’s calm, sexy vocals. Their tonality and harmony on top of one another is flawless.  Their chemistry, amazing as he dances around her and she locks eyes with him.  So long as they continue to perform together, they will become a force to be reckoned with, without a doubt.

Bowlive 2010 alums James Casey and Igmar Thomas made up Chakour’s horn section while keyboardist Darby Wolf, guitarist Jaron Olevsky and drummer Makaya Marcus McCraven made their Bowlive debuts.  The smoothness flowed as Nigel Hall, Cheme Gastelum, Ryan Zoidis and Alan Evans (on guitar!) all joined the stage for a slow and subtle jamming “Hard Times,” joining two musical families together and closing out a great set!

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Special Guests: Bernie Worrell, James Hurt and ??  (Photo by Allison Murphy)

Soulive

Eric Krasno – Guitar
Neal Evans – Keys, bass
Alan Evans – Drums

Special Guests:
Alecia Chakour – Vocals
Nigel Hall – Keys, Vocals
Ryan Zoidis – Alto Saxophone
Cheme Gastelum – Saxophone

The ever hilarious MC Mike Gibney introduced Soulive speaking of his new haircut and how sharp he looks for this awesome band! Soulive started their set with tracks such as “Something” from their latest album Rubber SouliveThe Shady Horns, consisting of Ryan Zoidis and Cheme Gastelum, stepping in for Sam Kininger, were brought out to compliment the jazzy/funk trio on a KILLER “Hat Trick,” where Gastelum was given room to release a spectacular solo. Nigel Hall came out to lend his vocals to “Do the 2” and “Too Much” with help from Alecia Chakour.

Set List: Beatles medley, Something, Upright, For Granted, Hat Trick, Doin’ The 2, Too Much

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Soulive w/Bernie Worell

Bernie Worrell – Keys/Moog/Organ

Eric Krasno – Guitar
Neal Evans – Keys, bass-keys
Alan Evans– Guitar

Special Guests:

Chris Loftlin – Bass
James Hurt – Keys
Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff – Guitar
Nikki Glaspie – Percussion, drums, vocals
?uestlove – Drums
Ryan Zoidis – Saxophone
James Casey – Saxaphone
Cheme Gastelum – Saxophone
Igmar Thomas – Trumpet
Nigel Hall – Keys, Vocals
Lenesha Randolph – Backup vocals
Tanya Jones – Backup vocals
Mel Flannery – Backup vocals

When Parliament Funkadelic’s Bernie Worrell hit the stage, funk hit the fan.  It begged me to ask the question: Where would Soulive be without Parliament Funkadelic?  Where would the funk genre be without Parliament Funkadelic?

Parliament Funkadelic Group Promo Shot

Parliament Funkadelic Group Promo Shot

A group that helped define a genre, Parliament Funkadelic was the bearer of multiple musicians that helped developed what FUNK sounds like and stands for!!  Band leader George Clinton lead the Mothership of musical freaks to the promise land through his vocals, songwriting and outrageous character.  Bassist Williams “Bootsy” Collins is considered highly influential in his funk bass styling.  Then, you have Bernie Worrell,  an amazing keyboardist who brought the synthesizer to the forefront of funk.

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Almost as if Bernie Worrell was calling out to his youthful counterparts through his Moog, one by one every musician that was wondering around the venue ended up on stage.  Over the course of a phenomenal danceable set, 15 musicians including three guitarists (Alan Evans, Adam Smirnoff, Eric Krasno), five vocalists (Nigel Hall, Tanya Jones, Mel Flannery, Lenesha Randolph, Nikki Glaspie), four keyboardists (Neal Evans, Nigel Hall, James Hurt and Bernie Worrell), three horns (Ryan Zoidis, Cheme Gastelum, Igmar Thomas and James Casey), bassist Chris Loftlin and drummers Nikki Glaspie and Questlove,  tore the stage apart.


With a scarf on his head, Nigel Hall led the masses through a medley of P-Funk tunes.  Where some might say the “Dr. Frankenstein” was the highlight others will argue that “Flashlight” blew the cobwebs out our minds!  During “Mothership,” Bernie Worrell played the keys as Neal Evans perfectly projected a sound that emulated a spaceship landing.  It was amazing and uplifting to say the least.

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

During “Dr. Frankenstein”, my personal favorite RIPPING JAM of the night, hilarious bassist, Chris Loftlin, comes to the front of the stage, takes the microphone and proceeds to sing the children’s tune “Little Mrs. Muffit,” throwing us his ROCK HORNS and amping up the audience more then ever. He is so unbelievably fun, hilarious, vibrant and awesome!  I adore Chris Loftlin. Check it out:

Set List: Up For the Downstroke, Mothership, Dr, Frankenstein, Flashlight, Do That Stuff

Are you ready for more?  Tonight Krasno and the Evans Brothers welcome pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Word) to engage Brooklyn Bowl’s audience in yet another night of soulful music..

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Bowlive II: Night One – Soulive w/ Lettuce and Maceo Parker

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Photo by Allison Murphy)

Bowlive 2, a two week Soulive residency at the Brooklyn Bowl, kicked off yesterday firing on all cylinders.  For a Tuesday, the venue was packed! You could literally feel The Gods of Funk smiling down upon the Bowl’s stage the entire night as we were delivered one of the funkiest weeknights the Brooklyn Bowl has seen.

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Right off the bat it was evident that this year would be different. There were more cameras propped up around the venue to tape the magic that would take place over the ten day run.  There were three beautiful tapestries lining one of the walls with Eric Krasno‘s face shimmering in gold.  There was a Soulive backdrop on the wall across from the merchandise table set up for fans to take pictures in front of.  But the biggest difference this year…Bowlive 2 opening night sold more tickets than The Funky Meters did on their opening night.  That is crazy!!  Last year on opening night the venue was barely half full.  It was quite literally myself, my boys Rob and Russ and maybe 50 other people.  It was also the night that I met the wonderful musical blogger of ViewsSkewed.com, Meredith Berke.  I can safely say, without her assistance and guidance, Tinyrager.com may never have existed 🙂

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

The Nigel Hall Band

Nigel Hall – Keys, Vocals
Eric Krasno – Bass
Adam Deitch – Drums
Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff – Guitar
Alan Evans – Percussion
Neal Evans – Keys, bass
Tania Jones– Backup vocals
Mel Flannery – Backup vocals

Special Guest:
Ryan Zoidis – Alto Saxophone

Last year’s Bowlive saw Nigel Hall singing alone at his Rhodes until the ends of his set when members of Soulive and Lettuce would join in to help him close it out with major energy.  After a year of rotating back ground singers and putting together various combinations of musicians, The Nigel Hall Band has finally gotten it’s core group on lock down.

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

A little after 9pm, The Nigel Hall Band, consisting of Eric Krasno on bass, Adam Deitch on drums, Neal Evans on organ, Alan Evans on percussion, Mel Flannery and Tania Jones on backup vocals and Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar, hit the stage filling the excessively packed venue with soulful songs layered with get-down funk.  It’s always awesome seeing Krasno on bass.  He is so smooth with his guitar and to see him with a bass while others fill the guitar spot,  well, it’s fun! The always soulful Hall, decked out in an orange and white argyle sweater and a baseball cap, geared us up in a way that only he could.  While most songs were sung seated at his Rhodes, Hall sang his way through fan favorites such as “Never Know” and “Gimmie A Sign.”

Engaging the audience with his expressive nature, Hall danced around the stage for “Never Gonna Let You Go” and “Too Sweet” during which Ryan Zoidis came out for an impromptu saxophone solo.   Nigel Hall’s undeniable energy is exactly why Soulive has slated him to open for the remainder of the Bowlive 2 run.

Set List: Baby We Could Have It All (end), Hang It Up,  Back Home, Give Me A Sign, Too Sweet, Never Know, Never Wanna Let You Go

Click here to download a copy of the performance for your enjoyment!

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Soulive

Eric Krasno – Guitar
Neal Evans – Keys, bass
Alan Evans – Drums

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

By the time the members of Soulive were set to hit the stage, the Brooklyn Bowl was a sardine can busting at the edges with excitement.  However, before the anticipated set could begin, Brooklyn Bowl owner Peter Shapiro came on stage to express his gratitude for this musical event and for the audience participation by offering 600 shots of Tequila which were delivered by the tray full throughout the venue.

The lucky residents of New York City recognized that even though this was a school night, nothing would keep them from enjoying the first night of what is expected to be a giant success of a musical run. Pete knew this and the turn out was jaw-dropping.  Perhaps everyone felt stupid for missing Lettuce and Maceo Parker playing Brooklyn Bowl together back in January.  Perhaps they just heard how good it was and needed to check these guys out for themselves.

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

Nigel Hall comes to the front of the stage and screams into the microphone, “Are you ready to Rage?”…a pitiful response follows.  He repeats himself and the venue caught on.  We were ready to rage.

Finally, the hosts for the night, guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and organist Neal Evans, appropriately dressed in Royal Purple, entered on stage and the Brooklyn Bowl erupted.  Over the course of the next hour, the funky trio blasted through “El Ron” and releasing a fantastic “One in Seven” on us before offering us a few Beatles covers from their latest album, Rubber Soulive.

Set List: El Ron, Aladdin, One in Seven, Come Together, Eleanor Rigby—>I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

Click here to download a copy of the performance for your enjoyment!

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

Lettuce w/ Maceo Parker

Maceo Parker – Saxophone

Eric Krasno – Guitar
Neal Evans – Keys, bass
Adam Deitch – Drums
Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff – Guitar
Alan Evans – Percussion, Vocals
E.D. “Jesus” Coomes – Bass, Vocals
Ryan Zoidis – Alto Saxophone
Cheme Gastelum – Saxophone
Igmar Thomas – Trumpet
Brian Thomas – Trombone
Eric Bloom – Trumpet
Nigel Hall – Keys, Vocals

Special Guest:

Alecia Chakour – Vocals
James Hurt – Keys

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Lettuce came on stage raging full force into the appropriately named “Blast Off” with “Last Suppit” following. A few songs in, Maceo Parker, the leader of James Brown’s infamous horn section, joined the stage.  As he enters, he playfully goes for Nigel Hall‘s baseball cap and then drops his hand and they share a laugh.  Now it was time to dance your ass off as they raged right into several covers beginning with Parliament Funkadelic’s “Up for the Down Stroke.”

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

It was pretty sick to see Cheme join the horns even though Sam wasn’t there and how it was nice they gave him real room to solo during the encores, the same way they gave James Casey a long solo during “Get Back” last year. ~ Russ Agdern

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

The tidal wave of funk through the combination of Lettuce and Maceo continued to bring the fire with “Uptown Up” were Maceo rapped the Corey Parker verse.  “There Was a Time,” a James Brown favorite, saw Adam Deitch solo on the drums as Maceo Parker teased Brown’s “Cold Sweat” over top.  At one point Parker focuses on  It was then time to give Ray Charles a little love as Maceo and the gang brought it down nice and slow for “Night Time is the Right Time” where Alecia Chakour ripped a solo that had all eyes on her and people asking left and right, “Who was this phenomenal voice?”

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

The remainder of the set continued to up the heat with funky vibes and soulful solos. Alecia Chakour joined backup vocals as Maceo Parker exited the stage.  She is absolutely amazing.  Talk about attitude and vocal style. Straight soul sista right there.  An audience member got on a friend’s shoulder and screamed for her during her solo before being asked to get down. The energy in this place was killer.

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

(Photo by Michael Jurick)

There was a time where there were at least 8 people on stage and they were all just playing, improving beats. Nigel and Chakour inserting their voices in various places.  The focus was again on Nigel Hall as he busts out his vocals with “Making My Way Back Home.” Acclaimed Jazz pianist, James Hurt, popped in for a few minutes to tear up “Pass the Peas” and  again for the encore of “By Any Schmeans Necessary.” Somewhere in the middle of all of it, Maceo Parker returns to the stage in his long winter jacket, looking all ready to walk out the door, but not without one more goodbye!

Set List: Blast Off, Last Suppit, P-Funk Medley including: Up for the Down Stroke/Mothership Connection/Let’s Take It To The Stage/take Your Dead Ass Home, Uptown Up, There Was a Time, Night Time is the Right Time, Shake Everything U Got, Pass the Peas, Soul Power tease, Makin My Way Back Home.

Encore: Sam’s Flying Huff Machine, By Any Schmeans Necessary

Click here to download the Lettuce Set

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

(Photo by Allison Murphy)

Tonight Soulive will take the stage with yet another serving of Lettuce along with a few sides of hip-hop MC Pharoahe Monch and WAX.  Be prepared to be blown away by their spittin’ lyrics and fresh beats.

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