Bowlive II: Night One – Soulive w/ Lettuce and Maceo Parker
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)
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 🙂
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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.
An absolutely historical night of music. A bitter-sweet night of music. A magical combination of guitar-shredding artists who came together for the memory of one man. Allen Woody!
His unexpected passing on August 26, 2000 encouraged his fellow musicians to hold the first benefit called One For Woody in September 2000. Tonight, ten years later, Warren Haynes and an ARSENAL of guitar-wielding friends put together the second benefit for this greatly missed musician: Another One For Woody: “Wish You Were Here!”
This was a man whose musical presence touched the lives of numerous musicians, inspired a genre and who’s musical contribution deserves recognition. Tonight, people paid over $140 a ticket to pay homage to this dearly missed bass player whose tragically early departure from music left a gaping whole in the sound of southern rock. The proceeds from this 10th Anniversary event went to raising money for musical education in schools. For every person we heard complaining about the price, we politely reminded them of this fact. Having just had the privilege of attending T-Bone Burnett’s “Waiting For Superman” Benefit at The Beacon (click for my review) a few weeks earlier, it is safe to say that the quest for keeping music & art in the school system is not going to ever be ignored. We are all soldiers in that fight.
“It’s too loud? Too fuckin’ bad” -Allen Woody 4/4/96
Roseland Ballroom
Arriving at 6:45pm, I had quibbled with my man over arriving to the venue early. He didn’t want to stand around for hours and I wanted to make sure we had ample time to arrive early enough for good viewing locations. Roseland Ballroom is one of those venues, like Terminal 5, that has a sardine-like feeling with horrible site lines due to low ceilings and poor design. Doors were meant to open at 6pm but didn’t open until after 7pm. When we arrived, the line to the venue was wrapped completely around the block. Of course, even being an hour early, we were still slightly late but the first of our friends. Our section of the line starting to bulge as more friends joined our space.
Dino Perucci (Dino Perrucci Photography) and Allison Murphy (Allison Murphy Photography), two of my favorite NY based photographers, were walking the front of the stage. My smile swelled because I knew that I didn’t need my camera tonight. Throughout this article, many of the pictures you will see are shots through their lens. Thanks to both photographers for allowing this Tiny Raging blogger to stand there and take it all in, not having to worry about the pictures. And thank you, not simply for this show, but for the hundreds you do every year. Thank you, from all the people who admire your talent and work, for doing what you do and bringing the music to our eyes.
The show was supposed to start at 7pm and the doors didn’t even open until after 7pm. After a lovely chat with the lovely Allison Murphy while the unusually long sound check and stage set-up it seemed about that time. Those of us in the front were debating which musicians would be standing/sitting/playing where. As long as I could see a full-on shot of Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and Luther Dickinson, I didn’t care where I was standing.
Out walks Warren Haynes with two other musicians that I am unsure of. It wasn’t until maybe an hour later that I found out that the men were Edwin McCain and Kevin Kinney. This was the acoustic set and it was beautiful.
As soon as Warren Haynes started his strumming into Kevin Kinney‘s Just Outside Of Heaven (A Good Country Mile), I got that religious swell that I sometimes reach when the beauty of the music overwhelms me. This time, it was just as much the energy in the room as the music. I looked behind me and saw the faces of all my friends just beaming with excitement and love. Edwin McCain sang The Lucky One. All three sang on a gorgeous rendition of I Shall Be Released.
Set: Just Outside Of Heaven (A Good Country Mile), The Lucky One, I Shall Be Released
Warren Haynes + Gordie Johnson (Photo by Allison Murphy)
The Brothers Dickinson brought the Memphis blues to our ears with Sitting On Top of the World, a 1930’s standard. The gospel tone came out with Shimmy She Wobble > Station Blues > Preachin’ Blues, all North Mississippi Allstars originals. It was at this time that standing in front of the speakers began to take effect and I had to pop in the ear plugs. It never fails and as usual, I ended up passing out the rest to friends and strangers around me who were clearly in need.
And then it was time for the guests. Gordie Johnson, Big Sugar guitarist and recent Gov’t Mule producer, came out to join the Duo for Po Black Maddie. Initially, it looked as though Gordie was going to sing the song but it almost appeared as if he was unsure of the words. Did anyone else catch this mumbling into the microphone?? Luther ended up singing the song.
Gordie Johnson remained for Straight to Hell. Cody Dickinson‘s smile never left his face the entire set. It almost looked plastered on but we all know he was truly happy. How could anyone not be? There was a stand-alone drum solo by Cody Dickinson while Luther and Gordie Johnson switch sides of the stage for the final song of the set.
The end of their set was FIRE!! The Duo welcomed Artimis Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd) on drums, Danny Louis (Gov’t Mule) on keys and Audley Freed (Cry of Love & the Black Crowes) to the stage to perform Whiskey Rock A Rolla! There was now an arsenal of musicians on the stage to sing about whiskey and rock-n-roll! Four guitarists as Cody Dickinson moved from his drums to a guitar, tambourines, keyboards…What a mess of Southern rednecks. Their vests, boots, long stringy hair, cowboy hats…all screaming of their bluesy country background.
Set: Sitting On Top of the World, Shimmy She Wobble > Station Blues > Preachin’ Blues, Glory Glory, Po Black Maddie, Straight To Hell, Whiskey Rockin Rolla
The members of Gov’t Mule take the stage after a few minutes of stage setting. Warren‘s iconic raspy voice heads into Railroad Boy. The screen behind the band was projecting a black background with “GOT MULE?” plastered across in white. Warren ripped a solo and the set just launched into southern goodness at its best.
There was a spacey rip into Blind Man in the Dark, a personal favorite to sing around my apartment. Warren asked us how we were feeling and the place erupted with a happy reply. Danny Louis jumped off the keys and onto guitar for Steppin’ Lightly. At this point, there were old picture of Woody shooting or lingering across the screen behind the band. His face smiling at us, showing his appreciation for the music in front of him.
Sometimes there is nothing better then watching the hands of your favorite guitar player. Personally, my favorite guitar player had not yet hit the stage but here in front of me was Warren. He is simply amazing. Watching Warren, I was in tune with his hands much more then usual. I equate that to the fact that I have never been this close to his hands before. I was so happy to be in the front row. Banks of the Deep End sprang out of his hands and so it went…full on Warren!
And now it was time for some GUESTS!!! Gordie Johnson once again joined the stage, this time followed by Jim Loughlin & Vinnie Amico, the drummers from Moe. They raged I’m A Ram before jamming into Dear Prudence where Chuck Garvey, also of Moe, joined with his guitar. I LOVE Moe.
Warren Haynes + Chuck Garvey (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Dear Prudence with the members of Moe. AWESOME! THIS little addition to the stage made me very VERY happy. Seeing Chuck on stage with Warren was interesting. Their sounds are so different so vibing them together was great even though I silently wished it had been Al who was joining the stage. Chuck lead while Warren sang. There were whimsy art paintings across the screen behind the stage. Chuck gave a great solo and then tagged in Luther.
Warren Haynes + Hook Herrera (Photo by Allsion Murphy)
The 320 Blues saw Hook Herrera join the stage with his mighty harmonica. Oh, the harmonica. I LOOOOOOOOOVE the layer of sound a harmonica add to a musical journey. As well, Luther and Cody Dickinson joined the stage followed by Artemis Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd). GOD! It just kept getting better and better! So many musicians had been touched by Allen’s friendship, music and memory. Cody busted out his washboard and I finally heard the North Mississippi Allstars sound that I associate so much to that washboard. The place was on FIRE!! and the music was so loud and vibrant that the musicians drinks were shaking off the amps. As far as energy was concerned, this was the pop-off song of the night, so far.
Audley Freed + Robert Kearns (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Warren then spoke of how Big Sugar used to open for Gov’t Mule and how he and Allen Woody would rage this Al Green song. He welcomed Rich Robinson (Black Crowes) to the stage for Stay With Me, Rick’s slide guitar sound melting everyone’s ears. Danny Louis was back on his keyboard. This song was so pretty. Warren ripped a solo and then they all hugged. The next song saw Rich Robinson staying on stage and being joined by Robert Kearns (Cry of Love) replacing Jorgen Carlsson on bass and Artemis Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd) jumping on drums. They flew into Sometimes Salvation, a Black Crowes cover, and the venue cheered.
Simple Man was next. I love this song. It never gets old for me. Matt Abts left the stage this time leaving only Artemis Pyle to play the drums. Audley Freed was back out on guitar and so they went…
Warren Haynes + Savannah Woody (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Wishing Well was next with the same people gracing the stage. And then we were given an emotional surprise. Savannah Woody, Allen Woody’s daughter, came out to the front of the stage to sing Soul Shine. And she sang the line: Now you gotta let your soul Shine / Just like my daddy used to say...the entire place erupted with the longest loudest cheer of the night and Warren’s tears took over the gleam in his eye. It took some time for people to realize who Savannah Woody was but when she sang that line, I knew immediately that it must be SOME kind of close relative to Woody.
During the song, she was standing on stage, arms dangling while solos were being taken. A stage hand brought out a tambourine in the cutest way but she still didn’t move that much.
Warren Haynes + Savannah Woody (Photo by Allison Murphy)
When Allen died, a fund for Savannah’s education was established in his memory. She didn’t look any older then a high school student and it made me sad to know she lost her father so young. But the fact that she was up there, singing in her father’s memory, and not crying…we knew she was a strong. Certainly stronger then me as I teared up once I realized who she was and what she meant to the show. It must feel wonderful to see that your father touched so many lives. It must be wonderful to know that all those amazing guitar legends up on stage were actually men who look after their own and I am sure have taken her under their wing over the years. It was a lovely and touching performance of an otherwise tedious song.
This show was supposed to end at 11:50pm, due to city/venue rules. This set ended at 11:30pm and we KNEW that we were not going anywhere for sometime because now….it was time for The Allman Brothers Band, but not before almost a 40 minute set break.
Set List: Railroad Boy > Blind Man In The Dark, Steppin’ Lightly, Banks Of The Deep End, I’m A Ram (with Gordie Johnson, Jim Loughlin & Vinnie Amico), Dear Prudence (with Chuck Garvey, Jim Loughlin & Vinnie Amico), 32/20 Blues (with Hook Herrera, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson & Artemis Pyle), Stay With Me (with Rich Robinson & Artemis Pyle), Sometimes Salvation (with Rich Robinson, Robert Kearns & Artemis Pyle, without Jorgen Carlsson), Simple Man (with Artemis Pyle, Audley Freed & Robert Kearns, without Matt Abts & Jorgen Carlsson),Wishing Well (with Artemis Pyle & Audley Freed), Soulshine (with Savannah Woody & Artemis Pyle)
The set break must have last over 40 minutes. Sadly, my date for the evening felt the weight of the tiresome day during the obsessively long break and had to leave. A set that was supposed to end at 11:40pm and didn’t even start until at least midnight. This was insane but I only knew good things would come from those of us who had been standing on our feet for over five hours at this point.
When the music final started, my feet were aching, I was missing my date and fighting to hold my place up in the front row. The masses pushed even closer as Derek entered the stage. And for the first time since I was able to meet him on his tour bus during Mountain Jam (click to read), I was back into a super fan. My legs buckled at first site, my smile exploded out the side of my face and I screamed like one of those chicks who faint when seeing the Beatles or Justin Beiber. Derek-Mania was going through my entire body. He is the one musician that makes me completely lose control.
Derek Trucks + Marc Quinones (Photo by Allison Murphy)
At this point, I am afraid I won’t be doing a great job of writing out exactly what went down. Like I said, I get a little more then weak in the knees when I see Derek Trucks and stopping to takes notes or trying to recall everything when all I want to be doing is staring at his fingers, well…..I didn’t write much at all.
First, the overly handsome Oteil Burbridge joins the stage, followed by Warren Haynes and Gregg Allman who wander to their respective instruments. It didn’t take more then 60 seconds for the rest of the members of The Allman Brothers Band, including Marc Quiñones on percussion, to lock into place and blast right into Don’t Want You No More, the first song on the first Allman Brothers album and an instrumental that was originally recorded by The Spencer Davis Group in 1967. All I wrote in my notes is “Ok, I just need to dance now.”
Gregg Allman continued striking the keys and singing into This is Not My Cross to Bear, a song Greg wrote about an old girlfriend. Both Derek and Warren were given ample time to release their talents through solos during this song so be sure to watch. And as you watch Derek smile towards the camera right in the beginning of the following video, you can be sure he is smiling at me. Oh yes! To be sure **wink**
End of the Line was next. Warren changed out his guitars for this one and ripped out an astounding solo. Sometimes I just don’t understand how things can sound so different with every show. Same style but soooo different in sounds. At this point it is still only the members of The Allman Brothers Band gracing the stage and it proceeded that way for the following 5 songs.
Greg Allman + Danny Louis (Photo by Allison Murphy)
So at this point, there is a lull in the sound throughout the audience and I catch myself SCREAMING like one of those Beatles Mania fans again: “DEREK I LOOOOOOOOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.” No One Left To Run With was next, one of the few songs Dickey Betts wrote for the group but never sang.
Fun fact: This song was included on the 2002 compilation CD Mullets Rock!. For a while, The Allman Brothers were prime offenders of the haircut that was “Business in the front, party in the back.”
There was a gnarly guitar duel between Warren and Derek. I mean it just never ends with these two. Warren was presenting us with such a phenomenal night of music and he was the ONLY musician to play in almost every song and at least in ever set. He was the hardest working man in show buisness that night! The drums in this song were killer.
Black Hearted Woman, also a song written by Gregg Allman about the same woman he wrote This is Not My Cross to Bear about, followed and continued right into Other One Jam, a Grateful Dead cover, until they begin inviting out the guests!!! Greg sang his heart out and the video shows it!
Hook Herrera came out and joined the boys for Who’s Been Talking. That man is an absolutely phenomenal harmonica player. I’ve said it a million times but I LOVE THAT INSTRUMENT. You can’t get a sound from any other instrument the way a sound is produced through a harmonica. It’s just soulful and the epitome of the blues to this southern gal.
Artimus Pyle + Audley Freed (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Midnight Rider, a crowd favorite,followed. Now, the original version of the song was with Duane Allman playing. I believe Gregg Allman re-made it a few years later (correct me if I am wrong). If you listen to older recordings, you can hear and feel Duane and Dickeys’ opposing styles very well. So amazing. Also, in 2005, this was used in the opening credits of Rob Zombie‘s horror flick The Devil’s Rejects. Who doesn’t love that kind of product placement!?
Midnight Rider was followed by One Way Out. This song welcomed out Rich Robinson, Berry Oakley Jr. & Artemis Pyle to the stage. I don’t know why but the videographers apparently must have run out of time or video because the Allman Brothers YouTube videos begin dying off around this point.
Warren Haynes + Berry Oakley Jr (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Statesboro Blues saw all guests leave the stage except for Berry Oakley Jr.. Berry Oakley Jr. is the son of Berry Oakley, a founding member and original bass player for The Allman Brothers Band who sadly passed away in 1972. It was a tribute for many people this evening and I was hoping people recognized the significance. Berry Oakley, Jr. left the stage and was replaced by Audley Freed & Danny Louis on guitar and keys respectively for The Band‘s The Weight.
Chuck Garvey, Jim Loughlin, Jimmy Vanderbogart & Vinnie Amico came out to join The Allmans during one of my all time favorite Grateful Dead songs, Franklin’s Tower. Got to be honest with you and admit I have NO CLUE who Jimmy Vanderbogart is and I can’t find any info online that can give me more insight – If you know, please comment.
Southbound followed with the addition of the Dickenson Brothers joining the crowd on stage along side Hook Herrera and Danny Louis. This was one of my favorite songs of the set simply because it was The Allman Brothers with this North Mississippi Allstars Duo and a freaking harmonica. SOUTHERN GREATNESS!!!
All guests exited the stage and a RAGING Whipping Post closed out the set. Derek Trucks once again showing us he is the king of the slide guitar. Once again showing me that he is the king of kings in my world when it comes to the guitar.
Gordie Johnson (Photo by Allison Murphy)
As my girlfriend and I walked away, we realized it was almost 2am in the morning on a work night. We discussed leaving before the encore and went to the restroom. Coming back up from the basement bathrooms, we smiled at each other as we heard the stage light up again. We couldn’t leave. Not this time. Warren Haynes began strumming the chords to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. And without uttering a word, the entire venue began singing the lyrics. Warren places his hand behind his ears and the venue sings louder. Berry Oakley, Jr., Gordie Johnson, Danny Louis and Matt Abts joined the stage for the remainder of the song with images of Woody’s face flashing smiles across the screen behind them. And I cried…for the third or fourth time that night.
Set List:Don’t Want You No More, Ain’t My Cross To Bear, End Of The Line, No One Left To Run With, Black Hearted Woman > Other One Jam, Who’s Been Talking, Midnight Rider, One Way Out, Statesboro Blues, The Weight, Franklin’s Tower, Southbound, Whipping Post
Encore: Wish You Were Here
What an amazing night of music!! Simply amazing. The epitome of love and community within southern rock was found on that stage this night. I truly wish I could offer you a free download but alas…..
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 