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.
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.
It was a night New Yorkers and beyond had been waiting for since it was first announced back in July. The Royal Family would be taking over Terminal 5 for a night of pure FUNKY RAGE hosting their 3rd Annual Royal Family Ball. Knowing that The Royal Family is a tight brotherhood that rolls deep with love, we die hard fans knew it would be a special night. A night to remember, a night of complete surprises, a night of of complete funk, of blues, of rock ‘n’ roll. A night requiring us to dance till we drop….simply a night we would NEVER forget.
Event Poster: The Royal Family Dream Team
For months, we have eagerly awaited this night. The Royal Family had enticing little offers before the show such as rewarding the first 100 people to purchase a ticket with an autographed poster of The Royal Family. Man, what a hilarious treat. I, of course, jumped on that offer, buying my ticket at 12:01 pm, right when they went on sale, closing the sale out at 12:03pm. Sadly, I didn’t get a poster but many of my friends did. I will some how rectify this 😉 You can be sure of that!
The importance of this night and the energy behind it hit me the second I woke up Saturday morning. I felt like it was Christmas. As much music as I see, this was a show that had me jumping on my toes. The anticipation was palpable. For weeks before the big night, I had numerous friends from outside NY toy with the idea of coming in for the show. However it was my dear friend Andy who was the only one to make the trip from Baltimore for the day/night.
“Street fair arepas… Gut bomb. Royal Family Revue… Funk bomb.” ~ Andy D.
They handed out party favors...
This was one of those events where traveling would be worth it. My phone had been blowing up all night prior to the show with friends wondering what was going down before the Rage. In the end, we summoned all our favorite Ragers to a “Ragehearsal,” as one of my dear friends has come to so aptly name our rendezvous before the shows. Everyone was eager to make a day of it. A 24-hour rage. The EPICNESS of what tonight might bring to our eyes and ears was lost on no one.
“Royals, you shook me, you shook me all night long. Powerful stuff.” ~ Robert M.
Of all the years I have been an Eric Krasno junkie, I have never been part of such a complete day and night full of The Royal Family. And the best part about it…there were guests. Oh yes, there were guests. Tonight’s rage would include performances by:
Terminal 5 doors opened at 6:30pm and we were all in the building by 7:30pm, not wanting to miss a single minute of the show. The venue was far from packed but by the end of the night, the 3,000-person venue was packed in on all sides. It was a night filled to the brim with the EPITOME of Funk, Soul, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop and more. They play it all ladies and gentleman. And it all began, as it almost always does, with a set from The Nigel Hall Band. Let’s get this Royal Party started…..
MVP OF THE NIGHT – It just needs to be said, flat out, hands down!!! ROYAL FAMILY MVP! Nigel Hall started the show, performed throughout the show and closed the show with the highest elevation of energy and the full embodiment of what RAGE truly entails. He had been rehearsing for weeks with new back-up singers and the rest of the crew to deliver what was quite possibly the greatest performance I had ever seen him lay out on a stage. As soon as I started seeing Nigel Hall perform many moons ago, I started recognizing a pattern prior to his performances and the pattern goes a little something like this…..
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Arriving early, I walk around the venue, listening to the audience talking. Many are not sure of who this magnificent singing, keys player is who will be opening for whatever Royal Family Project is slated to open that night. You hear a few people explain “It’s Nigel Hall!” but they do not elaborate. “Who is this Nigel Hall” you hear them wondering out loud? I always want to stop and answer each one of them but I know that Nigel will be answering for himself as soon as the music starts. And then he starts performing…and if not by the end of the first song, by the end of the second song the audience is locked in, jaws on the ground asking everyone around them, WHO IS THIS GUY!!!!?? But this time, they are really looking for answers, they actually care and are invested…floored by this magical singing machine.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
And so it was this night. I walked around the venue listening to people talking about what might happen on stage this night. Noticing so many people asking about the opener, Nigel Hall. What those around me didn’t realize yet was that he would steal the show.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Tonight The Nigel Hall Band consisted of a thick wall of solid musicians that we all recognized and a few new faces to the mix. His back up band consisted of those listed above. Eric Krasno, the King of the Royal Family, supporting his fellow Family member on bass guitar. Alan Evans stepping out of his drummer seat to sing backup vocals while Adam Deitch destroyed the drum kit. Not wanting to be left out, from my second level perch I noticed Neal Evans hanging over by Deitch striking things with a single drum stick. You might not have noticed him if you were on the ground level in front of the stage.
This was also the first time I had seen backup singers. Lindsay Lucas and Mel Flannery‘s voices, supported by Alan Evans, melted seamlessly with Nigel‘s smooth vocals. This line-up of The Nigel Hall Band hit a home run. To begin, the stage was set with each member on stage, warming up the mics and the instruments for a funky introduction which Nigel steps out to in an orange Argyle sweater with a smile so wide I couldn’t help but mirror the image. And so it began…right into Hang It Up.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Wait Till I Get Home had the Shady Horns completely blowing up the stage. Ryan Zoidis completely standing out on the baritone sax. Everywhere I looked…smiles. Second song in and the place was on fire. This is EXACTLY what Nigel Hall is meant to do and by GOD he does a GREAT job. Never Know saw the Shady Horns exit and Krasno and Smirnoff backing Nigel on keys through the slow and smooth flow.
“I loved the show. I felt that Nigel stood out as there were many great musicians but only 1 best singer. I myself was born under a bad sign so I can relate.” ~ Josh R.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Gimmie a Sign upped the funk meter ten-fold with Nigel funking up the keys. He then takes a moment to explain to the audience, “This is a song that has stuck with me over many years after I heard this song as a young boy. I hope you enjoy it.” And while Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff completely let loose on his guitar, Nigel sang a soulful Baby, I Do Love You.
“Give it up for the Horns,” screams Nigel. With Never Gonna Let You Go closing out his set, Nigel Hall sang smoothly as his backup singers filled in when he walked off the stage. And as Ryan Zoidis soloed on his axe of funk, Nigel came running back on stage, grabbing the mic, screaming “NEVER! NEVER! NEVEEEEER!” His passion and his lust for life provides a fuel to his energy that is unmatched. And this was only the first set 🙂
Nigel Hall Setlist: Intro, Hang It Up, Wait Till I Get Home, Too Sweet, Never Know, Gimme A Sign, Baby I Do Love You, Never Gonna Let You Go
NOTE TO TAPERS!! TAPE NIGEL’S SETS and post them. Where is the love??? He is just as much a part of this raging cycle of music as anyone of them. Just sayin….get with the program on that tip please.
After Nigel’s set, I decided to move from my second floorperch to ride the rail with my friends for a bit. Sadly, my crew was situated right in front of the DJ Booth. However, I could see neither drums nor the horns. Absolutely couldn’t stand that option for the rest of the night. Even though I wanted to chill with my friends, I thought, well, I do that every night and this was a show I really had to SEE and inhale completely. So, I reserved myself to chillin on the second perch alone while my crew raged the rail! As it should be 🙂 Watching them, waving to them, laughing with them, we were all still connected as I was completely visible to them. This was actually a part of the night that enhanced my happiness. Seeing them react to Warren coming on stage…their faces, their jumping, screaming, hugging. Perfection.
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib Kweli, Big Sam, John Scofield
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib Kweli, Big Sam, John Scofield
Soul singer Hall left the stage and was replaced by DA FUNKY FUNK!!!! One of my top ten favorite groups to have formed on this earth: LETTUCE. Going on a little before/after 9pm, the entire original crew graced the stage, to include the rare appearance by E.D. “Jesus” Combes on bass. Living on the West Coast, he is constantly working with big names such as Eminem, Dr. Dre and played bass and wrote/produced several tracks on Britney Spears new album Blackout. I love E.D. “Jesus” Combes because he puts a lot of thought into the notes he chooses to play, sometimes bursting to the front of the stage with a blast of funk through his body. He totally grinds into his playing which I LOVE!. He stands out with understated effort because his sound is unusual and not forced. You just got to hear him to understand.
“Excellent night all around. Nigel and Soulive were incredible, but Lettuce especially blew me away! Check out the rooftop area for a breather between sets. Nice joint!” ~ Markus S.
The stellar cast on stage played a handful of favorites to include Blast Off, Sam Huff’s Flying Ragin’ Machine and Last Suppitt before bringing out the guests. Let it be made very clear that Lettuce completely set the stage on fire even without the guests. They truly are so tight and on point every time and we were enjoying them so much. The guests were simply a blessed bonus. My hands were on the railing of my ledge and I was literally head banging with so much fury as their energy coursed through me. The horn section with it’s supplements was completely out of control. FIRE FUNK!
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib Kweli
“Talib was money” ~ Eric S.
“You have my quote on the evening… “Tits on bacon.” ~ Andy D.
The first guest and a personal favorite of the night was Talib Kweli. Rapper’s delight. He brought such an unusual layer to the revue. Bringing the urban into an already straight up funky urban rage, he rapped through Move Something.
The whole joint start shakin
This ain’t the time or place for you to prove something
Cut the stargazin’ yo, move somethin’! ~ Talib Kweli
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib & Nigel
The Blast saw Nigel Hall back on stage as he joined in on vocals with Talib Kweli. Nigel, man, the guy can do it all. Albeit, he is not a rapper in my mind and probably never will be. He did, however, bring a soulful layer to his rapping that Talib couldn’t touch as he continued to rap over/under Nigel. “Jazzfest energy” was a term I heard among my friends to describe the energy of Talib‘s trio of songs ending with Get By.
Talib and Nigel leave the stage for the originals, led by the ever amazing Eric Krasno, rage through Break Out and Relax. Eric Krasno, relentless, captivating. His sound and style, one you could pick out of any crowd of guitar players. Powerful musician…wonderful band leader. With all his projects and large catalog of musicians under his Royal Family records, Eric Krasno ensures that our nights in NYC are constantly filled with talented musical projects and shows. I can’t imagine the city without Krasno, Deitch and the lot. And here he was showcased in front of all his projects together in one night. Then as if things could get any better…John Scofield joined the stage…enjoy his warm up…
John Scofield, a legend. A complete and utter master at his trade. Being billed right off the bat, this was one of the highlights of the show that everyone was anticipating that evening. The Flu… it was amazing. John took a little time to warm up in my opinion but then it got rowdy. The horns were grimy, popping in sounds that reminded me of Skerik. It got powerful. The guitar standing out on top of it all, the audience slightly more quiet now, just watching it unfold.
The Shady Horns with Big Sam on trombone was out of this world. Orchestral. Everything was so tight and then Scofield would go off into trippy spacey scratching of the guitar making faces to match. He is endless with the sounds he can produce with a guitar.
Set II: Lettuce
And with a gracious introduction from Alan Evans, with the horns blasting out his name and with John Scofield still in the mix, Nigel Hall was brought back on stage to perform their Curtis Mayfield staple, Move On Up. As many times as I have heard Nigel sing this song and heard he say he was sick of singing it, this version was STELLAR!!! My video is not so great so just turn it down a little lower to hear it and watch it…
The one below is only 1 minute but much better sound. Thought I’d give ya everything 😉
One of the deepest, funkiest, raging songs of the night: Making My Way Back Home, a song about Nigel’s hometown of Washington, DC. Raised three hours away in Williamsburg, Virgina, I relate to this song well. The bass line is killer in this song. Nigel, so interactive with the audience, breaks it down and just continually bringing the energy UP, UP, UP Chuck Brown-style!!! SARDINES & KRAZ AND SCHMEENS!!
Lettuce Setlist: Intro, Blast Off Sam Huff’s Flying Ragin’ Machine, Last Suppitt, King of the Bergs, Move Something, The Blast, Get By, Break Out, Relax, The Flu, Move On Up, Makin My Way Back Home
Breaksciene’s Afterparty at The Loving Cup’s Cameo was announced and the merchandise was plugged….and the headlining group was finally announced. Soulive. Live it, learn it, love them!
You know about Soulive right? One of the greatest trios ever IMHO!! I sure hope you know who they are and if not, check them out. It’s a trio comprised of the virtuoso guitar player, Eric Krasno, drums played by Alan Evans and then there is Neal Evans who plays keys. The standout detail about this group is that Neal also plays the bass through the second layer of his keys. Seriously. Now…what kind of brain can do that? That takes a complicated mind right there. Such a cool combination of sounds/notes/vibes.
Set III: Soulive + Shady Horns
Soulive came out dressed in stylish suits and slammed into Beatles tunes. Their latest CD release, Rubber Soulive, has been something of a hot topic among talented music circles. It’s luscious, loud and worth every single penny. Bringing their own touch to classic Beatles tune such as Come Together, Something in the Way, and Eleanor Rigby, it’s just superb. Sing alongs ensued. Come Together found it’s way into everyone’s throats and the audience sang for their tickets as Soulive played for their lives. Jazz-filled funky rock. The following video is a wonderful collection of all the Beatles tunes. Sit back, turn it up and watch the magic. Best video of the article 🙂 Everyone say “Thank you Mike!”
Krasno completely ripped open the songs, jamming us all into the floor. Backed by the brothers of rage, the Beatles medley was one of the highlights of the show. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) was on a different level all together. Everyone thank my boy Scott for the excellent video below!!
“Was really great to see Soulive hit a comfort level with the Beatles material that they really ripped into it- I want you (She’s so heavy) seemed to really hit another gear of nastiness as they did with that song what most instrumentalists I know have always wanted to do with it.” ~ Russ A.
Set III: Shady Horns + some!!
And once the covers of the Rubber Soulive were done they blasted into their oldies but raging goodies with The Shady Horns (Sam Kinninger & Ryan Zoidis) joining the stage for El Ron. The place was utterly packed and from my second floor perch, I could see everyone moving, groovin’ and clapping. Christian Scott had joined the rage and John Scofield joins the stage again for What You See Is What You Get. Granted, Scofield is a god, but this song was stolen by Christian Scott‘s trumpet solo and Neal Evans‘s keys.
At this point, the show starts elevating into a high point that seems unreachable. Time for a horn rage. By this time Maurice Brown and Rashawn Ross have joined Christian Scott and the Shady Horns. A horn rage ensues but where is Big Sam Williams on the trombone?? Oh man….well, he tried to join the horn ledge, however, Christian Scott had taken his microphone so NOLA represented. Walking behind the drum kit to the front of the stage, Big Sam took over Eric Krasno‘s vocal mic for an intense in-your-face solo. Enjoy! (Turn down volume a bit – it’s one of mine)
Set III: Soulive!
It was time for Scofield to lead the show with one from his own catalog, the funk rock original Hottentot!! The whisper through the audience after this song was loud. This song choice made a lot of people happy, as it should. The song allowed for he & Krasno to trade licks and let loose for a great jam, which I thought might lead to the beginning of the end of Scofield’s addition to the stage, until possibly the encore. Boy….I had no idea what I was thinking. The best was totally yet to come…..
Since the album version was my ringtone for years, the surprise bust-out of Sco’s “Hottentot” was probably one of my favorite highlights. It had a slightly slower, nastier vibe to it that I really enjoyed. ~ Andy D.
WARREN joins the stage...
And if you just watched the video above, then the end just gave it away but THE BEST WAS TOTALLY YET TO COME!!! Warren Haynes……….WARREN HAYNES joined the stage. I literally grabbed the bars in front of me and screamed at the top of my lungs while flailing around. I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t believe it. What is more unbelievable is I had to tell all the people around me who that even was. I believe they were there for Talib Kweli but they had NO clue who Warren was. Unreal. And so it was that the venue erupted into a ball of energy that the night had yet to see.
Set III: Soulive + Warren + Sco
Born Under A Bad Sign, a song made popular by Cream and originally written by the legendary blues guitarist, Albert King. Yes SIR!! HOLY YES!!!!!! What can I say about this? It was phenomenal. Warren Haynes, John Scofield and Eric Krasno on the stage at one time…kidding me? Nigel Hall came out and sang alternating verses with Warren Haynes and there were mixed reviews over this move but I thought it was superb. Nigel, once again adding a layer to the mix that just felt right.
“Nigel’s voice is always a special treat. Being a longtime Soulive fan, I really appreciated their take on the Beatles. Oh Eleanor Rigby! Thank you Soulive, Nigel Hall and the whole crew for getting so many wonderful musicians together all on one stage for this major collaboration!” ~ Jessica B.
I’m actually a little torn on Nigel. I think Warren could have held the vocals down on “Born Under a Bad Sign” on his own, though Nigel did rip Too Much and the JB mini set. ~ Russ A.
I always did say Warren sings like an angel. ~ Jessica B.
This was just such a treat. You had Big Sam on his trombone as well. I mean, the $25 ticket was paid for so long ago but if anyone had any qualms, they were silenced by this mega, face-melting guitar threesome horn flip-out. Nigel‘s voice was killer. Warren was killer. The horns were unmatched. Scofield was melting into the floor with his guitar. Unreal. For a minute, I forgot who I was there to watch. Wondering who the true star of the show truly was. Scofield left the stage and the rest of the set was Nigel Hall tearing up the vocals and Soulive blasting the stage apart with funky goodness. It was so great!
(Doin the 2 Video is uploading. I’ll insert it tomorrow)
The encore was a James Brown Medley of all kinds of songs. John Scofield came back out. During the 3rd song, Nigel miscounted the beats and had a little rage to a stop and rewind the moment. TWENTY!!! And the second time around it went down right and they dropped the funk into our faces and dripped funk until they exited the stage. JAMES BROWN MEDLEY!! Think about that energy if you can! Those of you there, remember that? Nigel screaming, horns blasting…
There was some kind of swagger in the Soulive set that night. maybe it was that this was the biggest paying crowd for them headlining a show in nyc, maybe it was just feeling good on the material, maybe it was the hard work, but they played the hell out of those tunes. they owned those tunes. ~ Russ A.
Soulive Setlist: Come Together, Something In The Way, Eleanor Rigby, I Want You (She’s So Heavy),
El Ron, What You See Is What You Get, Hottentot, Born Under a Bad Sign, Do The 2, Too Much, JB Medley w/ John Scofield
It was a phenomenal night of music at Terminal this night. for $25 you just couldn’t beat what we had just witnessed. There was a fire on stage and an energy pumping thorugh the venue that I hadn’t felt before. The crowd being so diverse, some coming for Talib Kweli and not knowing Warren Haynes. Others knowing Warren Haynes but not Nigel Hall. Others boasting about Lettuce but knowing nothing of John Scofield. I think the greatest part of the night was knowing that a lot of people were introduced to a lot of new music and musicians this night. I hope they went home and looked up Warren Haynes and Talib Kweli and Nigel Hall.
The Royal Family ensures that New York City will remain at the forefront of musical collaborations and musical history. I feel as though whenever The Royal Family has a big to-do, they out do themselves every single time. Thank you Royal Family. Thank you for feeding us, supplying us with the music we need to survive.
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 