Soulive members, the rhythmic Evans brothers Neal and Alan and guitarist Eric Krasno transformed The Brooklyn Bowl from a guitar god’s wet dream to a world of funk and Beatle Mania on the third night of Bowlive III.
However, before the show could start, there were a few adventures I went on that I would like to share. The most silly adventure was first. On Jam Cruise this year, a girl named Harmony held a pet adoption with stuffed animals (mostly sheep) of varying styles and sizes. What first occurred at The Catskill Chill Music Festival on a small scale last summer had now made it’s way to the Jam Cruise world on a large scale. As a result, musicians and their children, like New Orleans trombonist Big Sam (Big Sam’s Funky Nation) and Marco Benevento‘s daughter Ruby, adopted animals. Big Sam adopted a sheep and named her…what else? Harmony!
What’s with the stuffed animals, you ask?
Front row rage with Jessica, Laurie and LUCY!
Jam Cruisers and their animals were all over the Bowlive scene during the ten day residency but Big Sam is the only artists who engaged in the enjoyment of his adopted pet publicly. Before the show, I was with a friend who had brought her lamb, Lucy. We ran into Big Sam and asked about Harmony. He had her in a plastic bag in his hand. Right then and there, Harmony was brought out and Lucy and she “played” and “danced” a bit together before Big Sam took Harmony backstage! Over the run, Lucy (NY), Smiley-Face (MD), Harmony (NOLA), Fluffy (VA) and Jimmy (NJ) would make their way from various parts of America with their adoptive parents to enjoy Bowlive shows from the front row. Big Sam’s Harmony, however, was the only one who engaged in the back stage rage and got to dance on stage. Enjoy the clip:
At the end of the day, this new vein within our scene is representative of the curiosity and connection that we all posses and/or seek. Just as The Karma Wash and Fan Club Headquarters are relevant, so is this fun idea. Amazingly, lots of people have mascots and the addition of this adoption program has spawned multiple mascot meetups and adoptive front row rages around our scene. Be sure to look for a stuffed sheep or mascot near you and share a dance 🙂
Neal Evans (Photo by Phrazz)
The previous two evenings, the trio infused their sounds with special guest southern slide guitarist Luther Dickinson and jazz great John Scofield. On this night, Karl Denson (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe), Sam Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation), and Rahzel (The Roots) graced the stage with their flute and saxophone, trombone and beat boxing, respectively.
The organ-based jazz trio kicked off their set with “Steppin,” off their 2010 Live at the Blue Note Tokyo album and “Uncle Junior,” 2007 Get Downalbum. As the three core leaders of Bowlive, they immediately established that there would be no slowing down. By the middle of “Aladdin,” all three men on stage were fully invested. Krasno was taking his solos at the edge of the stage, sometimes rising onto his toes, while Neal Evans dominated the song with his bass keys and organ play and Alan Evans slammed his drums with ferocity.
Karl Denson (Photo by Phrazz)
Karl Denson was announced as the audience was told that he “just got off a plane and walked on this stage.” Karl Denson is one of the hardest working musicians in the business and his passion for his craft drips off every note he plays. He is a fast, funky band leader who is always consistent in his delivery. “The Swamp” and “Rudy’s Way” followed with Denson choosing to add his flute to the beautifully composed songs. The addition of Karl’s flute to the sound of our favorite trio added another dimension of emotion to the songs. They continued with “Shaheed,” off their 2001 albumDoin’ Something where Karl’s flute provided a softness to the hard-edged song. Krasno raged his guitar till the strings broke and had to change to a new guitar and Neal Evans kicked a drum solo into the audience’s guts.
Alan Evans, Karl Denson, Big Sam, Eric Krasno & Nigel Hall (Photo by Phrazz)
Joining the foursome on stage next was Nigel Hall (The Warren Haynes Band) and Sam Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation). There can be no doubt that the danceable and excitable energy that Big Sam brings is something you can’t find in many artists. The New Orleans native, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, danced out on stage with his horn, picked up a stage prop that he had brought (his stuffed sheep named Harmony) and began to dance all around the stage. Nigel and Big Sam began grooving it together and the entire audience couldn’t help but beam over the energy of it all. These are serious performances but it’s ALWAYS appropriate to have a good time and with just his presence; Big Sam will lift any crowd. The powerhouse of funk on stage slowed the rage down for the soulful, “Leave Me Alone,” sung by Hall. Karl Denson changed to his saxophone and kicked us a lightning fast solo to end the set.
Rage (Photo by Phrazz)
Rahzel Set Break Set (Photo by Phrazz)
Straying from the formula of the first two nights, during this set break the audience would not be staring at an empty stage waiting for the first set to start. Instead, Beat Boxer Rahzel, the “Godfather of Noyze,” came out to keep them engaged. Watching the audience react to this amazing addition to the night was almost as exciting as watching Rahzel. Specialize in the “fifth element of hip-hop,” Rahzel’s instrument is himself and a microphone. He is a vocal percussionist who uses his breath, mouth and body to imitate sounds, instruments and voices. He projected unmistakable beats from the Wu-Tang Clan and Run DMC. He became a DJ scratching records, created a buzzing insect around his head and brought Optimus Prime (Transforms) to life on stage with his robotic sounds. His signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew” is always the highlight of a Rahzel performance. Rahzel simultaneously sings the lyrics and works the beats. It is quite difficult to even comprehend how Rahzel does what he does! AMAZING!
Rubber Soulive Album
Before Beatle Mania could kick off the first set, Soulive joined Rahzel on stage and performed “I Am the Magnificent” and it was just that, magnificent. The entire first half of the second set consisting of songs chosen off Soulive’s latest album, Rubber Soulive. “Come Together,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” The audience sang along to the first song while the psychedelic lights and trippy sounds emanating off stage for “She’s So Heavy” was reinvented through the jazz trio.
Karl Denson, Big Sam, Nigel Hall and Lenesha Randolph (Photo by Phrazz)
Questlove (Photo by Phrazz)
Big Sam, Karl Denson, Nigel Hall and now, Lenesha Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band) joined the stage for “Too Much.” Randolph and Hall sang the up-beat tune while Karl and Big Sam took their turn at the mic delivering some of the hardest, funkiest horn solos that Bowlive audiences will experience this run. They kept up the pace with Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and Questlove (The Roots) replacing Alan Evans, who picked up a guitar.
Full Stage Rage (Photo by Phrazz)
The entire crew of Soulive and their special guests kicked off the end of the set with “Tuesday Night Squad.” Big Sam dominated a 3 minute long trombone rage, Alan was back on killin it on the drums, Nigel was on the Bongos before heading over to Neal where the pair did a little dance, if you will, shifting back and forth past each other to manipulate the various levels of keys that Neal’s kit provides. Hall sang James Brown’s “Beweildered,” a deep, soulful song that required Nigel to reach the top of his range, and then he walked off stage. It was back into “Tuesday Night Squad” to close the set.
Nigel and Neal Rage the Boards (Photo by Phrazz)
There was never really an encore because every musician on stage was so into the music and feeling the audience’s energy that they chose to just play through and give their fans that extra five minutes of music that every audience desires.
In three days Bowlive III had now brought us jazz, soul, psychedelic rock, New Orleans funk, hip-hop and southern-style blues in only three nights. The following evening, the party continued with Karl Denson sticking around for a second night and Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) joining with her funky trumpet and soulful voice.
Last Saturday, The Brooklyn Bowl played host to the 12th Annual Freaks Ball, a high-energy party hosted by the deeply-rooted, music-loving Yahoo! Group the NYC Freaks. With access to so much music, New Yorkers are privileged to see any act of their choice. In some cases, multiple times a year. However, it’s a show like The Freaks Ball that we wait for as music lovers in New York City.
A wonderful part of NYC’s underground musical culture, the NYC Freaks have been around as long as anyone can remember. After inquiring to a few members, many couldn’t recall when they were invited to join NYC’s hottest music list, but noted that they were happy members and the list was their main access to music knowledge and insight. This party would be for the Freaks. Seeing the collection of hugging friends as the city’s heaviest music-loving hitters entered the Brooklyn Bowl was inspirational. The pockets of positivity around me were wonderful. This wasn’t your typical gathering for a concert at Brooklyn Bowl. Freaks had taken over.
Over the years, this friendly, musical party has included musicians and projects that eventually went on to hit the national jam-band scene, including The Duo (Marco Benevento and Joe Russo), Robert Randolph, Apollo Sunshine, RANA, Bustle in Your Hedgerow, New Mastersounds and members of the extended Daptone family.
Opening the show was a quartet consisting of Eric Deutsch on keys, Joe Russo on drums, Scott Metzger (Wolf!) on guitar and Hagar Ben-Ari (Dap Kings) on bass. They played a tight set consisting of the Beatle’s “Day Tripper,” Grateful Dead’s “New Speedway Boogie,” a ‘Wolf!’ tune called “Get in The Van,” Erik Deutsch’s original “Funky Digits,” Neil Young’s “Don’t Let it Bring You Down” and an Ike Willis tune to close the set called “Funky Mule.” If one didn’t know any better, one might have thought that this was a polished group who rehearsed regularly. In reality, the set exposed four accomplished musicians with great talent coming together for a unique super jam that was solid, full of varying styles of music and fully preparing us for the main event that was about to hit the stage.
After a short intermission, we were delivered a Super Jam of E-P-I-C proportions with the Freaks Ball AllStars that included Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers), Eric Krasno (Soulive), Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), Joe Russo (Furthur), Marco Benevento (Surprise Me Mr. Davis), Ron Johnson and Alecia Chakour (Warren Haynes Band).
The collection of musical talent on stage was staggering. Over the course of the night, each musician rotated on and off the stage providing for a rare night of music. Each guitarist was distinctly different in sound covering songs like Sly Stone’s “Sing a Simple Song,” Howard Tate’s “You Don’t Know Nothing About Love” and The Meter’s “Funky Miracle.” Bassist Ron Johnson held it down for the entire set with the biggest smile, killing it during “Windjammer.”
The Brooklyn Bowl audience stood in a pile of their own tears as the super group displayed their love for the magnificent Etta James, who died just days earlier. Alecia Chakour’s voice shook the rafter’s as she and Warren Haynes shared a duet on “Little Wings” while Eric Krasno’s guitar gently wept through “I’d Rather Go Blind.”
The lights this evening were above par, complimenting Marco Benevento’s unique sound as he performed his original “Mephisto” and the Benevento/Russo Duo’s “Scratchitti.” Everyone joined the stage to close with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” A completely wonderful, ripping spectacle.
The Freaks Ball kicked off a trend of many more magical nights at the Brooklyn Bowl and raised the bar so high that it will be a long time before this night of music is topped. I look forward to running into more Freaks when that time comes.
($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’sKaddish, 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-$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
For the last three weeks, Steve Kimock held residency at New York City’s Sullivan Hall on the Lower East Side. The beauty of a residency is the opportunity to experience your favorite musician/group in various musical positions. Each week, Kimock was supported by a different line-up of musicians bringing us a dense Dead/New Orleans vibe his first week, creating vibrant jams with a younger generation of musicians the second week and finally destroying the audience with a fusion laden performance the third week. The guests were as follows:
Wednesday night’s performance capped off what was truly a magnificent run of music. The heavy fusion style was deeply evident throughout the night’s performance as Steve Kimock delivered the audience what I am boldly going to have to put into my “Top 10 Favorite Steve Kimock Shows” list. I can hear the gasps now but to be fair, I have only seen him maybe 35 times!! BUT STILL…how many can say that they have seen Steve Kimock sing, let alone sing a Beatles song?
I’ve been seeing Kimock in various iterations (Zero/TheOtherOnes/KVHW/SKB) since 1997. I have NEVER witnessed him singing… Mind = blown.. ~ Evan S.
The rock solid rhythm duo in John Molo (Bruce Hornsby, Phil & Friends) and the phenomenal Andy Hess (Govt Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) with the gorgeous ivory talent of Pete Sears (Hot Tuna) provided a support for Kimock that allowed him to showcase his talents effortlessly, to an extent that a fire RARELY seen in our wonderful Mr. Steve Kimock burst through over the progression of the night. Steve Kimock truly shined about as bright as I have ever seen him shine!
Kimock Residency!
John Molo!
When I arrived at the intimate Sullivan Hall, Kimock and friends had just began a Kimock original, It’s Up To You. The placed was packed! I was drawn to the stage immediately as Andy Hess’s bass lines wrapped themselves around my heart, pulling me closer. Nang Chalk Pipe, an Ernest Ranglin cover followed. Jamaican guitarist and composer Ernest Ranglin is someone I had never heard of until Kimock began covering this song. There is a guitar style found in nearly all ska music called “scratching” that some people might suggest was created by Ranglin.
If Eric Clapton is God, then Steve Kimock is the holy ghost ~ Josh W.
Kimock’s slow, calculated intro into the Jimmy Cliff tune Many Rivers To Cross was an audience favorite. Sadly, there was a large group of people talking in this small space and for the first time at a show in a while, I heard a large portion of the audience “shhhhh” the other portion. I LOVED that! Personally, I want a shirt that reads “Shut The Fuck Up While The Band Is Playing” on the front and back. Kimock utilized his Hawaiian lap steel to create the draw that defines the song. It was sullen and romantic at the same time. Couples swayed and smiles abounded on the audiences faces.
The jam into Baby Baby, a cover of Ronnie Shannon’s Baby, I Love You which was a hit for Aretha Franklin in the late 60s (thank you for this clarification, Mike), was wicked with Steve lifting off his seat and on to his feet with a smile creeping out from the sides of his generally stagnant lips.
Andy Hess’s bass line locked it down. Andy Hess’s bass line ALWAYS locks it down. For those of you not familiar with Andy Hess, I suggest seeing him immediately. He is an artist in our community who is criminally slept on, providing a solid foundation in every project he plays participant and is rarely given credit when credit is due. The ability of an artist to hold back is just as important in certain musical scenarios as raging through with your instruments. Musicians need to remember that and sometimes they do not. When musicians play with artists like Steve Kimock or John Scofield, they must remember to allow these guitarist to shine and not overpower them for any reason. It’s a skill you learn over time playing with different artists. Andy Hess can back any musician, allowing them to shine and still be dripping with sweat holding down his spot on stage with a fury. SOLID!
First Set: You’re the One, Nang Chalk Pipe, Many Rivers To Cross, Baby Baby
Andy Hess & John Molo
John Molo!
The second set was KILLER! A personal favorite, Tangled Hangers, had Steve dropping the fusion-y solos and John Molo’s rocking the audience out. However, it was when the first note of Tongue In Groove hit that made me so happy as it is my favorite Steve Kimock tune. As I inhaled the gorgeous beginning of this song, I looked around at the room which was filled almost solely with older men. The masculine beauty of this song was not lost on a single man 0r women in there. It’s the ultimate love song. Half way through, Pete Sears destroyed a solo that elevated the jam immensely. So tight! I am going to let the video speak for itself.
Steve Kimock
Golden Road‘s upbeat, dancing vibe brought out some hoots from the audience before people fell into their own dancing worlds. Peter Sears, yet again, showing his stellar ability on the keyboard without over shadowing Kimock. Another seasoned musician who knows how to withhold until given the window to let loose. John Molo holding down the rhythm with Andy Hess was such a pairing, the two melded seamlessly together. At times, I kept thinking they should be recording this for a live cd release.
I believe that many people’s disconnect with Steve Kimock possibly come from his lack of stage presence. I feel you on that. Tthere are times where he literally disappears off the stage for me but he never falters in his sound. The new generation of music lovers enjoy a hype show, that rager performance, the necessity of dancing and lights, the Chris Loftlin banging his head, Skerik raging in our faces. But with Kimock, well, he just sits on his stool with his glasses propped at the end of his nose dressed in all black, making it look effortless (almost boring as I know some feel). What you fail to see with this opinion is that he is pulling things off that other guitarists only dream of doing. So, when I watched as Steve Kimock walked to the microphone, busted out a killer smile and began singing Slow Down, which I believe is a Beatles tune, my jaw fell to the ground. YES, Steve Kimock sang. I couldn’t understand a word he said and that didn’t matter.
Last night’s show was the only time I’ve ever seen him say anything to the audience besides band introductions, and certainly the first time I’ve seen him sing (out of maybe…20 shows?). Even during interviews, he’s incredibly reticent, giving either two word answers, or near-nonsensical ramblings, punctuated by nervous laughter. ~ Josh W.
Second Set: Tangled Hangers, Tongue in Groove, Golden Road, Slow Down
This third and final performance of Steve Kimock’s residency had a distinct flow of comfortableness as a result of the musical experience that radiated off his musical support for the evening. Andy Hess, John Molo and Pete sears showed us how to do things right, putting Kimock on his well-deserved pedestal as they all shined along with him. And for someone who lacks stage presence during most of his performances, it was a wonderful treat to see Steve Kimock so spirited.
($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
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 