The second night of BOWLIVE III at The Brooklyn Bowl started similarly to the previous evening with Soulive members Eric Krasno and brothers Neal Evans and Alan Evans taking the stage alone for the first two songs. “Shaheed,” from band’s 2001 album Doin’ Something, and “DIG,” from their 2003 self-titled album started the set. With the members of Soulive choosing to open the sets themselves, they took on on the entire responsibility of pumping up their audience. They fully succeeded. By the end of the second song, audience members were whispering that this night was even hotter than the last.
Eric Krasno (Picture by Phrazz)
Luther Dickinson (Photo by Phrazz)
For those who couldn’t make this night due to responsibilities, I understand your pain. This evening would be one that would go down in Soulive history. For those of you who chose to come to the first and not the second, purely on issues related to laziness, I know you feel pissed enough. I won’t rub it in. Seeing how Luther Dickinson and John Scofield didn’t get on stage together with Krazno in the first night, one could logically assume that following day would see our hope delivered. All three guitarists on stage…at the same time!!
Luther and Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
John Scofield, considered one of the “big three” of America’s current jazz guitarists, joined the stage for a second night with a pink guitar and giant smile. “Nealization,” off their 2003 album Turn It Out, which Scofield performed on the album for this song, was next on the energized set-list. The energy level for a Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Bowl that was two-thirds full was stellar. The players on stage had picked up where they left off the night before and continued to elevate throughout the entire night.
Nigel Hall, the soulful vocalist and keyboardist from The Warren Haynes Band, was a much larger presence last night coming out on the Billy Cobham and George Duke tune, “Stratus.” Hall’s passion for the Fusion genre, especially George Duke, runs DEEP so you can only imagine how tight, invested and amazing he was performing the tune. Absolutely CRUSHING with Scofield distorting his rock-oriented sound! John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” and Freddie Hubbard’s “Provo” followed.
With Nigel still on stage, delivering a fun Moog solo half way through, they performed the Scofield original, “Hottentot.” Alan Evans was clearly feeling this song as he threw in slight change ups in his beats that altered the style and sound in a great way, if only for a few seconds. His eyes closed and his lips pursed during the intense moments of connection to his instrument, Alan Evans was fully engaging and stood out as a leader on stage that night.
Luther Dickinson (Photo by Phrazz)
Ending the set with Nappy Brown’s 1957 cover made popular by Ray Charles, “The Night Time is the Right Time,” Soulive and guitar god history was made. Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), John Scofield and Eric Krasno were all on the stage at the same time, for the first time. This was the moment that the die-hard fans were waiting for. Nigel Hall sang the bluesy love song while the audience witnessed the three guitarists take their turns playing in their own unique and respective styles in a solo.
Luther Dickinson eventually left the stage as the song continued. Then, what I definitely considered one of the most interesting guitar banters of the musical run, took place. Scofield and Krasno played off each other’s rifts in one of the most unusual and gorgeous ways this super fan has ever witnessed. The Evans brothers lightened their presence, tapping a little lighter and recognizing the moment that was taking place. It was almost as if the two guitars were holding a conversation. The audience was silent when the song ended and then they erupted. THIS WAS WHY THESE MEN DO WHAT THEY DO! These rare moments of musical collaborations are what define Bowlive.
During set break audience members engaged in the Brooklyn Bowl’s amazing Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, played a game of bowling and could be heard comparing the two evenings. Everyone was in agreement that this night kicked the previous night out of the water.
The second set started with Luther Dickinson joining the stage immediately for “Outrage” and stayed on stage for the entire set. “Bubble” and “All Night Long” were simply fantastic. There was no warming up this time, no taking it slow and simple. It was a full speed ahead.
Luther Dickinson and Eric Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
Nigel Hall (Photo By Phrazz)
Neal Evans was a force to be reckoned with during the second set with his heavy-handed organ play sounding excellent partnered with Dickinson’s slide guitar for “Shake Your Momma.” Nigel Hall came out on stage once again to perform Muddy Water’s “Champagne and Reefer,” which had the audience laughing in agreement to the lyrics.
Alan Evans (Photo by Phrazz)
The encore was spectacular. Leaving the stage for only 120 seconds, Soulive and Luther Dickinson literally ran back on stage to perform “Spanish Castle” by Jimi Hendrix. Their excitement was evident as Dickinson sang the verses and Alan Evans sang the chorus. No one wanted the show to end but the audience accepted the fact that these talented musicians needed their rest.
We had eight more days to go and Soulive’s passion and desire to strive would ensure that the coming nights continue bringing straight fire. Tommorrow’s rage would consume me with the FUNK as Karl Denson, Big Sam and Rahzel continue where Luther Dickinson and John Scofield left off.
I had the pleasure of writing for Royal Family Records website for all ten nights for Bowlive III. So, if you care for the shorter, not so critical and emotional charged recaps, head over to RoyalFamilyRecords.com and read up there as you all know the following post will be full of extra details and a much longer recap. Available videos are linked to the song titles! With that said:
HAPPY BOWLIVE NEW YORK CITY!!
BOWLIVE RAGERS!!! (Photo by Phrazz)
I must start this recap by giving mad love to the Brooklyn Bowl. If you have never been, what are you waiting for? Their food is killer, their big, leather couches lining the bowling lanes and open feel makes it one of the best venues in Brooklyn, if not all of NYC. Owner, Pete Shapiro, is one of the most humble, caring, proprietors of an establishment that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His connections and passion to the music scene are evident as he joins the audience when amazing performances are taking place. For an example of his kindness, Josh (My Mega Rager) and I got engaged last week in Mexico and are frequent attendees at Brooklyn Bowl performances. It is our favorite venue in the city and not just because Josh and I met there at a Karl Denson show two years ago.
Josh and I thanked Pete last night for providing us with such a great platform to meet. He bought us a bottle of champagne and we all shared a celebratory “Cheers.” Josh and I are not drinkers but that didn’t stop the toast because when Pete Shapiro buys you a drink, you take it 🙂 I have now only seen Josh take a shot of tequila (a gift from the Brooklyn Bowl on his birthday) and now a glass of champagne. Thanks again Pete and all the staff who run the Brooklyn Bowl for providing us such a wonderful place to engage in our musical passions, to engage with our musical family and friends and for your killer fried chicken. As well, the addition of the hooks under the bar and upper level viewing deck did not go unnoticed and had both male and females singing the praises of having their purses and jackets now off the sticky ground 🙂 Quality upgrade!!! Now, on to the real magic.
Bowlive III – Night 1 Recap
Faithful fans of Soulive descend upon the Brooklyn Bowl, one of Brooklyn’s premier music venues, on February 28, 2012 for the first night of the highly anticipated ten-night residency, BOWLIVE III.
Mike Gibney, The Royal Family’s announcer or HYPE BOY, if you will, came out on stage to announce the band. He is a hilarious, happy, charming, funny man who never fails to pump up the crowd with his wit and humor or hilarious Cosby Sweater-styled outfits. Tonight, pimpin’ a nice suit, he would scream out how proud he was of himself for being “undefeated in Bowlive History!” I had to scream “ME TOO!” as loud as I could as there are literally a handful of fans AND staff who have actually attended all ten nights the previous years. I have gone to 29 out of 30 Bowlive shows.
Straying from the formula of the past two years, Soulive hit the stage early, opting out of an opening band until the weekend performances. The trio stated slow with the appropriate “So Live.” Their energy was calm and they warmed up nicely into the explosive “Hat Trick,” which would set the tone for the rest of the night. Opting out of an opener really placed full responsibility on the trio to ensure the energy was up, to ensure that we stayed engaged, and to ensure that they made the point that they were back!!! Having seen these three musicians grow since 2000, there was nothing standing in their way last night.
Neal Evans (Photo by Phrazz)
You know when you see the same band over and over and it sometimes appears that they are going through the motions? I have seen Soulive and its members in their various projects for over a decade now. I hold them to a very high standard as the point of all of this is growth. Growth as a band and as individual musicians. Bowlive provides a platform for these men to expand their musical catalog by infusing their material with the styles of the special guests that join them. Because of all these collaborations, it could be easy as the hosts to, perhaps, not invest as much power and passion into the solo songs where the trio played alone. Of course, this is something that SHOULDN’T happen, and on this first night, it didn’t. I looked forward to watching this monster of a musical run grow beneath our feet and in front of our eyes and to watch the exposure of stamina and talent of these three musical masters were going to have to project as time goes on.
Eric Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
The Legendary John Scofield (Photo By Phrazz)
John “Sco” Scofield, one of America’s greatest Jazz guitarists and composers, was the first guest to appear on stage this year. I absolutely adore seeing Sco and Krasno collaborate. Joining the trio on the third song, “Tabasco”, a Sco original, Krazno and Sco immediately engaged in each other. Coming ever so close to each other, face to face on stage, they played off each others rifts with the Evan brothers blasting their rhythms. A Billy Cobham cover, “Red Baron,” followed allowing for each musician on stage to throw down some lightening rod solos. Sco’s time on stage brought a range of psychedelic jamming and jazz infusion to the trio’s sound that only Sco can help create. This was an exciting show simply because of the fact that John Scofield, Eric Krasno and Luther Dickinson would all be performing together in various combinations throughout the night. For guitar loving rockers like me and every other male that was in that audience, this was FIRE!!! What a great way to start it off.
Nigel Hall (Photo by Phrazz)
Nigel Hall joins Neal Evans on Keys (Photo by Phrazz)
Nigel Hall (The Warren Haynes Band, Dr. Klaw) was next to join the stage, initially jumping in on the keyboards with Alan Evan during “What You See Is What You Get.” The Nigel Hall Band actually opened almost every night during the first Bowlive in 2012. This run, however, Hall took to the microphone only once with his band to deliver the sultry, sexy Donny Hathaway cover “More Then You’ll Ever Know.” Hall’s emotional connection to this powerful ballad was evident as he melted the hearts in front of him. I watched men kiss their girls passionately, I watched bros hug it out on the main floor and I felt my own heart melt. Hall left immediately for home after the song and I texted him to let him know that his connection was so clear to those who were paying attention. His response: “Thank you! When you’ve been in love, you can relate.” I hoped that we would get to experience more of him during this run but at the time, nothing was scheduled. We kept those fingers crossed.
John Scofield and Soulive (Photo by Phrazz)
“Boozer,” another Sco original, end the KILLER first set with Sco thanking Soulive for allowing him to join the party and calling Nigel Hall a “genius.” That statement is powerful and honest and to hear it ring from Sco’s lips, I know for a fact that Nigel’s heart swelled. Mine certainly did.
Nigel Hall connecting with John Scofield (Photo by Phrazz)
After a short intermission, the Evans brothers and Krasno were back on stage, alone, performing the beautifully composed “El Ron,” followed by a raging “One in Seven.” No special guests needed to be on stage to ensure that fire was coming off it. The trio was living up to their responsibilities and taking the songs we have seen them play a million times and breathing fresh life and RAGE into them.
Luther and Soulive (Photo by Phrazz)
Luther Dickinson (Photo by Phrazz)
When southern-style slide guitarist Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi AllStars) joined the stage, all hell broke loose. Literally, broke shit up all over our brains and faces. Booker T. and the MG’s cover “Hip Hug Her” started slow and simple, a playing quality that Luther Dickinson has perfected with his understated simplicity and lightening fast fingers. Initially, after the great versions of Soulive’s original songs had just brought the energy up, Dickinson’s simplistic playing and calm warm-up seemed to bring the energy down but only for that first song. The set continued with Dickinson, Krasno and the Evan brothers elevating their quality of playing to the peak of high energy for the evening, downright melting the audience’s faces with solo after solo after solo.
Dickinson and Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
At one point, the wonderful Alan Evans was left alone the stage for an isolated drum solo lit by a single house light. His serious composure throughout the evening provided the foundation for all this musical majesty to take place. Neal Evans’ organ play was deep, intense, raw and when paired with the slide guitar of Dickinson, brought Soulive’s sound to new heights. It is collaborations like these that make Bowlive so special. How can we watch the same group for ten nights in a row and not get bored? Well, that is their job and they do their job RIGHT!
Luther and Soulive (Photo by Phrazz)
At times when a song is taking off, I like to take a walk through the audience and listen to them, their comments, their critics (if they know what they are talking about) and just engage in the energy around me. When they broke into “Hear My Train” by Jimi Hendrix, the rage that ensued both on stage and in the audience was palpable. “Holy Shit” and “Do you see what is happening on stage?” were common statement that could be heard throughout the sea of heady heads. People hushed those around them talking too loud and eyes were transfixed on the stage ~ (Some might say STFUAD – Shut The F*&K Up And Dance). The foursome encored with another Hendrix song, “Stone Free,” a tight, jamming song that cemented the power of the evening and left the audience screaming with thunderous applause.
WINNING!!!! (Photo by Phrazz)
Bowlive III had begun in New York City!! We only prayed that we could handle it because after the freight train of rage that was released that night; there would be no stopping it. The power that slides off of these performances are unlike any regular 2-set performances you attend. The energy and collaborations that I would enjoy in the coming weeks would far surpass many musical runs I might experience. TEN NIGHTS!!!! That is a superb feat for any musician of ANY age to accomplish. For those of us with day jobs and for those of us expected to process material by the next morning, it’s even more of a feat. One that I have been proud to be a part of for the last two years.
One of the most beautiful things about music is its ability to connect to us on so many levels. There is the connection between the audience and the musicians; we love them, we hate them, we worship them, we envy them, we listen to them and we critique them. There is the connection between the musicians on stage as they smile at each other, follow and lead the jam getting lost in the music as we do. There is a connection to the music through emotions, as the songs make us weep, laugh, get angry, get hyper or sullen. Physically, we dance to the grooves and our connection to the venue and our fellow audience members becomes established as we release our energy onto them. Finally, the better the group is, the harder, deeper and more intense the connections prove to be.
Tedeschi/Trucks Band (Photo by Suzy Perler)
Derek Trucks (Photo By Dino Perrucci)
The creation of the Tedeschi/Trucks Band connects very deeply with me on all those levels. Derek Trucks is my favorite guitarist alive. When he takes a solo, I many times lose my shit. He is still the only guitarist who can make me cry in the middle of a rock song, any song for that matter. Yes, we all know I cry freely when music touches me but no one can get me going as quickly as Derek can.
Susan Tedeschi (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
Susan Tedeschi is hands down my favorite singer in our scene. When I broke off my engagement a few years ago, her music/voice played an intense part in my healing process. Specifically, go check out her cover of Bob Dylan’s “Baby, Don’t Think Twice.” Tell me you don’t LOVE that song!
I was privileged enough to meet them both on their tour bus at Mountain Jam last year and was able to yet again, build another connection as I thanked them for their music, spoke with them about NY living and just hung with them as “regular” people, not the famous musicians I had come to love and worship after finding their talent in 2000.
Susan and Derek (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
At the end of the day, the beauty of this group lies in its greatest connection: LOVE. Love is the deepest connection two people can have. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks are married. A connection so great and built on love’s foundation. As well, Derek and Susan chose their line-up wisely, picking from musicians they themselves love and whose talent they feel is outstanding. When you mix love and music you get The Tedeschi/Trucks Band!
HE PUT ON HIS RAGE FACE!!!!!!!! (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
The Highline Ballroom was packed! Not surprisingly, the performance had sold out within days of tickets going on sale. The venue withheld the tickets for pick up at the club box office to deter ticket reselling, something I hadn’t dealt with before. There was no opening band and the band took to the stage a little after 8pm to a crazy excited audience.
Oteil Burbirdge (Photo by Suzy Perler)
I’d say that 75% of the audience were 40+ yr old men who needed a fix of their bro-crush from The Allman Brothers Band. Personally, I wondered how many of these men truly cared about anyone else on stage. Certainly, The Allman Brother’s fans noticed the amazing Oteil Burbridge on stage. I know I did. What a line up. Oteil’s brother, Kofi, took his rightful place behind the keyboard.
Kofi Burbridge (Photo by Suzy Perler)
As all Derek and Susan projects, Mike Mattison was on backup vocals. Then, there was Mark Rivers, someone who I had never heard of before and I can’t seem to find any information on. Send me a link if you find something! Their voices blended seamlessly with Susan’s but I didn’t really get a full effect from them closer to the end of the performance.
Susan & Derek (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
Tyler Greenwell, an alumni of the school of Colonel Bruce Hampton, made himself known on stage throughout the whole night with his thick drumming. Great musicality. JJ Johnson, the second drummer on stage, was a new name to my ears. His latest venture has been touring as John Mayer’s drummer. I’ve always loved John Mayer’s songwriting and lyrics but it stops with his music. Let’s hope JJ Johnson isn’t as much as a douche as Mr. Mayer like to portray himself. I am sure he isn’t because only great karma gets you a post within the band of one of these magnificent musicians!
Maurice Brown (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
Susan Tedeschi (Photo By Dino Perrucci)
The horn section was good. I want to say out of this world but I couldn’t really feel anything from two out of the three horn players. Sadly, I can’t find any mention of the names of the horn section either and the only person I recognized on stage was Maurice Brown on trumpet. Maurice was the horn player who throw it down until the encore. He was the stand out of the horn section as he ripped open his solo on Uptight (video below), as he twirled his trumpet to the beat like a cowboy does a gun and how he got down dancing completely into the groove when the music moved him. He is a pleasure to watch just like Oteil. Great stage presence. Each of the musicians on stage were connected to Derek and Susan in some way but I believe Maurice Brown is the only member not to have played with them before.
(Photo by Suzy Perler)
Derek Trucks (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
Kicking the set off with the instrumental Five Minute Rule, the entire 11-piece ensemble warmed up their instruments and busted out a bit of their chops. They were just itching to release their music upon us. They covered epically jamming covers like The Meter’s funky Just Kissed My Baby and Jimi Hendrix’s Manic Depression with Oteil on vocals. At a point in the song, the members on stage back off as Kofi and Oteil were being spotlighted. My eyes followed Derek and Susan as they sat down on some speakers. I watched Susan sit down, put her hand on her husband’s leg and smiled deeply into his eyes and mouthed “Hi!” It was so touching. During the drummer focus at the end of Stevie Wonder’s Uptight (Outta Sight), both drummers gave us a taste of their talent. Combined, we were delivered a sense of their sound and sensitivity.
The group sang a number of songs from their new album, Revolver. The soulful Love Has Something Else To Say was beautiful. As well, The Derek Trucks Band cover, Midnight in Harlem resonated through the venue as Susan’s emotive vocals carried it away.
Kofi & Susan (Photo by Suzy Perler)
Sly Stone’s Simple Song brought the absolute heat. Susan Tedeschi and Mike Mattison’s vocals was sultry and possessive of the energy in the room. Mattison’s standing out more for this one, however. Kofi Burbridge brought it up with the keys. Kofi just sounds better every time I hear him. Sadly, I don’t think I ever heard the flute. Maurice Brown took the best solo of the night from the horn players yet again, destroying the funky rock song with a huge jazz0filled solo. And behind it all, Oteil’s bass line could be heard solid and full of get down funky. They killed this song!!!
Maurice Brown (Photo by Dino Perrucci)
The set ended with Herbie Hancock’s Space Captain. Might have been the greatest, most upbeat song of the night!! The spotlight was on Kofi Burbridge as he busted out the intro on keys and was showcased throughout the song in his solos. Susan’s vocals filled in the rest and the drummers made themselves known. But it wasn’t until Derek Trucks ripped us his solo that I really lost it, weeping openly a few measures in. Derek Trucks shred our faces off!! Oteil followed me and went, well, nuts. bouncing all over the stage and dancing with his bass!! The man is brilliant. I lost my shit in the second row as I saw the musicians on stage putting on their rager faces and feeling Derek as well. Derek’s ever composed, precise, intense playing makes him one of the world’s greatest guitarist and a master at the slide. Susan threw her hands up in praise toward him and at that moment Highline Ballroom was Church and Derek Trucks was God!!
Susan & Oteil (Phot By Dino Perrucci)
With the ending of such a killer performance they could have gone out on that note and still gotten rave reviews. KILLER ending to a set but the audience wanted more!! Before the rest of the band came back to the stage, Kebbi on saxophone player began to rage. Kebbi ripped right into a hyper jazz solo which eventually was supplemented by JJ Johnson on drums. And yes, he was great! I also gotta say the saxophonist killed that part of the show so I take back what I said about Maurice owning the horn section all night. Eventually, everyone rejoined and the danceable funky blues song, Bound For Glory, the only song from their new album that is available for download, was the last song played.
The Tedeschi/Trucks band is absolutely brilliant. Having the past connections of playing with each other behind them, they are way past the rehearsal stage in their third show. With musicians with never ending talent and an amazing set list, the night’s performance was a solid treat for the middle of the week. Listening to this entire set and watching Derek Trucks, I realized that I hadn’t seen him so spirited in a long, LONG time. His smile was evident throughout the night as was his Rager face! Susan Tedeschi got me so into the mood that it brought tears to my eyes. I hadn’t felt this touched by music in a long, long time.
I thought the show/band was great — but with that much talent up there, how could they not be? If I had a criticism, it’s that the show was too short… we want more! ~ Jonathon A.
Derek Trucks (Photo by Suzy Perler)
SetList:
Five Minute Rule>
Love Has Something Else To Say
Midnight In Harlem
Just Kissed My Baby
Comin’ Home
Till You Remember
Sing A Simple Song
Nobody’s Free
That Did It
Uptight>Bass>Drums>
Manic Depression (Oteil vocal)
Space Captain
($33-$95) Tibet House Benefit Concert @ Carnegie Hall
Feat: Philip Glass, Tenzin Choegyal, The Flaming Lips, Angelique Kidjo, Taj Mahal, James McCartney, The Roots, Patti Smith, Jesse Smith and Michael Campbell, Michael Stipe
($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
Friday, March 4th, 2011
($7-$10) Official Conspirator After-Show feat. The Manhattan Project @ The Delancey
($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) 5th Annual Nolafunk Mardi Gras Ball: featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911 , Soul Rebels Brass Band and Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds @ Le Poisson Rouge
($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
($41-$331) Bon Jovi @ Madison Square Garden
Sunday, March 6tht, 2011
($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30) Fred Hersch & Joshua Redman Duo @ Jazz Standard
Monday, March 7th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
(Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Kush
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($15) Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves@ Knitting Factory Brooklyn
($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Band Show w/ Reckoning @ Sullivan Hall
($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series w/ The Yonrico Scott Band featuring Oteil and Kofi Burbridge @ Iridium Jazz Club
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
($7) Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30-$40) Al Dimeola World Sinofina @ The Blue Note (2 shows)
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
Monday, March 14th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Steve Martin performing with The Steep Canyon Rangers: An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo @ Highline Ballroom
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($5) That 1 Guy @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
($10) Gent Treadly @ The Sugar Bar
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery (2 shows)
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden
Thursday, March 17th, 2011
(Free) The Farewell Drifters @ Rockwood Music Hall
($5) Dead Kenny G’s @ Brooklyn Bowl
($15) Chris Morrisey Quartet w/ Mark Guiliana @ The Jazz Gallery
($18-$22) JJ Grey(MOFRO) solo acoustic with Shannon McNally @ City Winery
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
($50-$93) Celtic Women @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Friday, March 18th, 2011
(Free) Nutritious @ The Cove
($5) The Heavy Pets (GOLDYS BIRTHDAY PARTY) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($5) Buzz Universe & Afro Skull @ The Bowery Poetry Club
($30) Duduka Da Fonseca Quintet featuring Anat Cohen @ Jazz Standard
($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($12) A Post Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Scott Metzger / Will Bernard / Ron Johnson / Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
($10) Anders Osborne w/ Leroy Justice @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$40) Pat Martino Organ Quartet @ Birdland
($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
($20) Murder By Death @ Rocks Off Cruise
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($60-$200) Diana Ross – Greatest Hits Tour @ St. George Theater, S.I.
($75-$125) Benefit for Cornell Dupree w/ Cornell Dupree, Joe Cocker and Dr. John @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden
Monday, March 21st, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($10-$17) 101.9 Wrxp 3rd Anniversary Show Feat. Guster @ Irving Plaza
($25) Mingus Dynasty @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Rick Derringer @ Iridium Jazz Club
($50) Keyshia Cole @ B.B. Kings
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($18-$22) Noah and The Whale @ Bowery Ballroom
($25-$40) Paula Cole – DIVINALE: A Month of Wine, Women and Song @ City Winery
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
($10/$12) Heyoka, The Malah, Octopus Nebulae, Tucci @ Public Assembly (Mis Ter Bugsley)
($15) Surprise Me Mr. Davis @ The Bell House
($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($20-$25) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency w/ special guests Henry Butler , Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) and John Morgan Kimock @ Sullivan Hall
($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
($10) The Macpodz and Sister Sparrow And The Dirty Birds @ Studio at Webster Hall
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$52) Cold War Kids @ Radio City Music Hall
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Friday, March 25th, 2011
($??) Mahavishnu Project plays Jeff Beck (Wired, Blow By Blow, There & Back) @ Iridium Jazz Club
DVD Release Event for “Jeff Beck: Live at Iridium” [free DVD giveaways]
($12) A Post Furthur & Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Nigel Hall , Scott Metzger , Will Bernard , Ron Johnson , Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
($18-$20) The Wood Brothers with Carsie Blanton @ City Winery (2 shows)
($20) Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series Col. Bruce Hampton and Pharoah Gummitt Featuring Duane Trucks @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30) Steve Smith, Jon Herington and Col. Bruce Hampton @ Iridium Jazz Club
($32.50) Victor Wooten and Stanley Clarke @ BB Kings
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$47) Queens of the Stone Age @ Terminal 5
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($50-$60) Don McLean with Special Guest Dar Williams @ Town Hall
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Show with Reflections @ Sullivan Hall
($15-$20) Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($45-$65) Afro-Cuban All Stars @ The Concert Hall
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($100-$175) Rod Stewart / Stevie Nicks – Heart and Soul Tour @ Madison Square Garden
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
($8-$10) Dangermuffin @ The Rock Shop
($25) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($40) Harlem Gospel Choir @ BB Kings
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
Monday, March 28th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($25) New Sounds Live: So Percussion and Bobby Previte with John Medeski, Zeena Parkins, DJ Olive & Jen Shyu @ Merkin Concert Hall
($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($50-$117) Jeff Beck and Rock N Roll Party w/ Imelda May & Her Band @ Radio City Music Hall
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($5) BoomBox @ Brooklyn Bowl
($12-$65) Medeski Martin & Dunn, John Zorn & MASADA Marathon @ David H. Koch Theater
Featuring: Marc Ribot, Uri Caine, Dave Douglas, John Medeski, Secret Chiefs 3, Greg Cohen, Joey Baron, Cyro Baptista, Kenny Wollesen, Jamie Saft, Erik Friedlander, Mark Feldman, Sylvie Courvoisier, Trevor Dunn, and many others
($20) Billy Martin w/ Dj Oliver and Ikue @ The Stone
($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
($20) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency with special guests Marco Benevento , Marc Friedman (The Slip) , Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Breakscience) @ Sullivan Hall
($25) Reggie Watts @Music Hall of Williamsburg
($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
($35-$60) Aaron Neville @ BB Kings Blues Club
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery
Three Nights of The Funky Meters @ The Brooklyn Bowl (01.15-17.11)
This was an event! In the same spirit as Phanatics travel to Coventry for three nights of Phish, died hard Meters fans traveled far and wide to witness The Funky Meters magic occur over a span of three nights at the beloved Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY.
For having never been to New York, I have never felt more at home in a brand new place. I can’t help but compare the room to the Rock N Bowl in New Orleans, a similar venue with a bowling alley and large stage for music, but this room has a great layout. A bar in the back, with a large dance floor area, the stage straight ahead. And to the side, a few steps up, rows of bowling lanes, with a walkway in front, providing a side stage vantage that lets one really feel like part of the performance. Everywhere you stand, there is a great vantage point of the stage, the lighting is good and the sound quality anywhere in the room was great too. ~ NOLA resident, Ananda Atmore
I was lucky enough to have the wonderful New Orleans photographer Jeffrey Dupuis (Jeffrey Dupuis Photography) as a house guest for the three night run. We arrived in Brooklyn just in time to grab something to eat some scrumptious $3.50 falafel sandwiches at Oasis, one of my favorite spots to hit before heading to The Brooklyn Bowl.
The turn out for a Tuesday night was exactly what we thought it would be. The venue was no where near sold out but the place was full of people who knew what was going to take place on stage that night. And what a great warm-up performance it was.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
As they took the stage, each member had a blazing smile on their face and the audience was wild with applause. George Porter Jr. notices a couple in the audience wearing a “George Matters” tie-dyed tee shirt, the same shirt they had personally created and gifted to him many moons ago. “I recognize that shirt,” he states as he starts the first jam, which was so unbelievably funky.
The following four songs were from The Meters catalog. “The World” brought the funk full throttle as Brian Stoltz reminded me how much I had missed seeing him perform. He is truly superb with his rock-driven funk guitar styling. “Fire on The Bayou” and “Change/Reform” had the entire audience singing as they were the most recognizable Meters songs performed that night. Porter growled deeply into the microphone as they pounded out a wonderful “Here Comes the Jungle Man” that book-ended a “They Don’t Know” tease.
The noticeable covers of the night were Lee Dorsey‘s “Get Out of My Life, Woman”, Professor Longhair‘s “Going to Mardi Gras” and Tom Waits‘s “Way Down in the Hole”. Porter and Russell Batiste, Jr. both pulled out solos that earned their own spot in the set list! Art showed his age but with a smile on his face, he played through with energy and had a few golden moments himself.
Best reason to do three nights: Rare Songs ~ NOLA Photographer Jeffrey Dupuis
In the end, we were given almost two hours of pure Funky Meters gold and we all walked out of The Brooklyn Bowl terribly excited and putting together our wish list for tomorrow night’s set list!
Set List – Night I
A Jam*
The World Is A Little Under The Weather >
Chicken Strut >
…Fire On The Bayou >
Cardova >
Get Out Of My Life Woman >
Here Come’s The Jungle Man >
They Don’t Know (tease) >
Here Come’s The Jungle Man >
Change/Reform >
Hang ‘Em High >
Africa >
Going To Mardi Gras >
Cabbage Alley >
Going To Mardi Gras >
Porter’s bass solo >
Way Down in The Hole >
Russel Drum Clinic>
Just Kissed My Baby
Porter’s bass solo >
Just Kissed My Baby >
It Ain’t No Use
The second night had more of a turn out. People had heard the buzz about the previous night and the venue was now 60-70% full. My girlfriend, Ananda, was flying in from NOLA directly to the show. As she flew towards us to the airport, my NYC crew and I hightailed it from Rockwood Music Hall after watching Nigel Hall Band perform on their quaint stage. We all had our rage faces on as there would also be a third show we would be hitting after The Funky Meters. As well, we had the knowledge of knowing that the Nigel Hall Band would be joining The Funky Meters on stage later that night. The excitement was never ending.
I had flown in straight from New Orleans, made my way through the crowd of smiling faces. Instant reunion with Jam Cruisers, NOLA to NY music lovers and friends old and new. It was my turn to come to their town. Love was everywhere, and the hugs and smiles were abundant, on stage and off. ~ NOLA Resident, Ananda Atmore
Porter was wearing yet another form of tie-dye shirt and Batiste was in another sports jersey, this time white. The boys don’t stray too much from their signature styles. Just like their first night, they started off with songs from The Meters catalog with favorites like “Here Come The Meter Man” and “Look-Ka Py Py.”
“Love Slip Up on Ya” is a song specific to The Funky Meters catalog and Brian Stoltz once again blasted us with his masterful guitar. “Ride Me Dunky,” also a Funky Meters tune, saw Porter giving us his deep bass lines.
Stepping off stage for only a few moments, the fellas came on stage to perform “Be My Lady.” However, as amazing as they were alone, The Funky Meters show blasted out of control when the Nigel Hall Band took the stage for the remainder of the three-part encore. Nigel grabbed the microphone, Adam Deitch sat in on drums and Eric Krasno played a second guitar for Sly Stone’s “Sing A Simple Song” and “Higher.”
I heard the first few notes of a familiar song, and thought “could it be?”. Are they really going to play it? YES! It was “Be my Lady”! This is an old Meters song that I haven’t heard performed in several years now, and a long time favorite of mine. This was my golden musical moment, and hearing them perform this song made the whole trip worth it in one moment. ~ NOLA Resident Ananda Atmore
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
The energy on stage was palpable. Watching Eric Krasno play across from Brian Stoltz was magnificent. Two of my favorite guitarists having so much fun with each other on stage.Russell Batiste, Jr. banging on a cowbell, dancing all over the stage as he helped knock the energy up to another level. Art “Poppa Funk” Neville needed key changes shouted out a few times and then he left Nigel Hall to take over as he walked away for a breather and took the time to dance around to the music.
Set list – Night II
Here Comes The Meter Man >
Look-Ka Py Py >
Too Funky >
Bass intro Too >
Chug A Lug
Love Slip Up On Ya
Keep on Marching (Funky Soldier)
That Ain’t The Way to Carry On
Funkify Your Life
My Baby
Tipitina’
Hoo Chie Coo
Ride Me Dunky/Soul Island
Message From The Meters
People Say
Bass Intro too >
Big Chief>
Peace Pipe
Encore
Be My Lady
Sing A Simple Song*
Higher*
Them Changes*
Cissy Strut – tease*
Here we were, the third night of The Funky Meters. The house was packed and this time, I was going to rage front row, right under George Porter, Jr.. I had taken myself from the front of the stage the previous nights to write on the elevated side of The Brooklyn Bowl because I knew I would dance away from my responsibility of writing if I was up front. Again, he is my religion after all.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
As I walked around the venue throughout the show, I ran into musicians like Nikie Glaspie who was utilizing a bowling with her friends. Henry Butler was standing amongst the crowd with a huge smile on his face. Joe Russo and Eric Krasno were watching from backstage while the owner himself, Pete Shapiro, positioned himself atop a speaker right on the side stage sucking the entire thing in with a beaming persona.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
It started off the same as the nights previous. Batiste was wearing another green jersey, Porter was in yet another tie-die, Stoltz was in a button up with a few hipped out accessories. I forgot to mention his Kenny Rogers look he’s raging this tour. He pulls it off nicely! The tapers were out in full force. Sadly, even though I saw tapers each night, the third night was the only recording that could be found. Enjoy!
The funky foursome brought the heat immediately after a funky, funky warm-up jam got the night started right. Porter had his feet firmly planted into the ground as he put the bass in our face front row.
There was a KILLER Rock-a-billy vibe during “Big Boss Man”, a Luther Dixon song made famous by Jimmy Reed. They ran through “Simple Song” again, the Sly cover from the previous night. The crowd was on fire, singing along to everything, filling in the lyrics when Art couldn’t remember them as they barely got through The Allman Brothers‘ “Midnight Rider” where Stoltz saved the day with a ripping guitar solo.
We had a few repeats with “Funkify Your Life”, “Hoochie Coo”, “Fiyo On The Bayo”, “Junko Partner” and “Cabbage Alley” among others. All audience favorites that we didn’t mind hearing over and over again. “Aiko Aiko,” a James Crawford song made famous by the one and only Dr. John had the place erupting with dancing feet.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
The entire night was so high energy and the event was capping off such a full week of funky New Orleans Love, it was just outstanding. Towards the end of the night, Eric Krasno, Nikie Glaspie and ?uestlove joined the stage for a percussion driven rage. Batiste, Glaspie and ?uestlove took turns beating the drums, the cowbell and just about anything else they could find to hit within their reach. Krasno was back on guitar facing off across Stoltz.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
The encore saw Krasno leave the stage and then jump back on as they weren’t done with him yet. The wicked funky “Keep on Stretching Your Rubber Band” and “Audubon Zoo”, originally titled “All Asked For You” and changed by their manager, closed the three night run.
The 3rd night didn’t disappoint either. The set list speaks for itself really. They played again Sing a Simple Song, which had me on the front row jumping and smiling even more enthusiastically than before. And the encore of Keep on Stretching your rubber band. Pure Funky Meters magic. ~ NOLA Resident Ananda Atmore
The Funk Meter was off the charts this last night. Even though watching The Funky Meters is similar to watching Furthur, in the respect that they aren’t spring chickens anymore, they brought the FIYO to the Brooklyn Bowl the past three nights.
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
I watched as all the men got up, gathered in the center of the stage and bowed before us. Porter walked to the front of the stage and I got a smile and handshake from him as he continued down the line of people in the front row shaking hands and thanking the audience for coming. I might never wash this hand.
Allison Murphy caught Porter shaking my hand! (Photo by Alison Murphy)
The final part of this musical adventure placed me upstairs in the backstage area, shaking hands, hugging and taking pictures with George Porter Jr. It was a trio of nights that I will NEVER forget. I hope you enjoy(ed) the shows!!
Setlist: Night III
Jam >
Funky Miracle >
Funkify Your Life >
Rainy Day Women >
9 to 5
Hey Pocky Way >Cissy Strutt >
Love the one you’re with >
Hoochie Coo
He Bite Me (the Dragon) >
Voodoo Child* >
Fiyo on the Bayou >
Big Boss Man >
Aiko Aiko ^ >
Junko Partner >Midnight Rider >
Simple Song # >
Cabbage Alley >
Baby What you want me to do >
Hey Pocky Way
Encore
(Keep on Stretching) your Rubber Band
Audubon Zoo (All asked for you)
* w/ Billy Jean (Michael Jackson) tease
^ w/ She’ll be coming round the mountain
# w/ Krasno, ?uestlove, Nikki Galaspie
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 