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January 2013 Music Calendar

Posted in Show Review, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »

January 2013 NYC Music Calendar

Calendar updated daily!

FESTIVALS

GLOBALFEST: Groundbreaking international music festival and a volunteer run non-profit organization dedicated to foster cultural exchange. globalFEST’s mission is cultural, social and political. It aims to bring down boundaries between countries and create cultural opportunities for individual artists and for governments, sponsors, scholars and critics to collaborate. Tours and cultural exchanges that result from globalFEST¹s showcases have helped to build an ever widening audience for world music and, by extension an increase in international cooperation and collaboration.

30th Next Wave Festival: returning for its 30th season, presenting an array of contemporary performance, artist talks, storytelling, visual art, and film that showcases work by emerging artists and innovative modern masters.

CONCERTS

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

  • ($18-$25) Joseph Arthur & Vernon Reid @ City Winery
  • ($20) Nigel Hall Band (Phish/Mule After-Party) @ The Blue Note
  • ($25) Rusted Root @ Stage 48
  • ($40-$75) Chris Botti @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

  • (Free) Brooklyn Shakedown w/ Nutritious @ Bembe (Late Night Set)
  • ($10-$12) New York Funk Exchange w/ Jane Lee Hooker @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($20) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland
  • ($35) “A Love Supreme” Azar Lawrence Quintet featuring Eddie Henderson @ Smoke Jazz & Supper Club-Lounge (7pm, 9pm, 10:30 sets)Sets)
  • ($40-$75) Chris Botti @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)

Thursday, January 3, 2013

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train @ Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($22) Howie Day @ City Winery
  • ($35) “A Love Supreme” Azar Lawrence Quintet featuring Eddie Henderson @ Smoke Jazz & Supper Club-Lounge (7pm, 9pm, 10:30 sets)
  • ($40-$70) New York Philharmonic @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($40-$75) Chris Botti @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)

Friday, January 4, 2013

  • ($8) Electic Method @ Knitting Factory
  • ($22) Howie Day @ City Winery
  • ($30) John Abercrombie Quartet @ Jazz Standard
  • ($40-$70) New York Philharmonic @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($40-$75) Chris Botti @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)

Saturday, January 5, 2013

  • ($8-$10) Ikebe Shakedown @ Cameo Gallery
  • ($20) Maurice Brown @ Ginny’s Supper Club (2 Sets)
  • ($30) John Abercrombie Quartet @ Jazz Standard
  • ($40-$70) New York Philharmonic @ Avery Fisher Hall
  • ($40-$75) Chris Botti @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)

Sunday, January 6, 2013

  • ($20) Earth, Wind & Fire @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill (Celebrating 40 Years)
  • ($25) John Abercrombie Quartet @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland
  • ($40) Harlem Gospel Choir Brunch @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
  • ($40-$75) Chris Botti @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)

Monday, January 7, 2013

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($8) “Bowling for Justice”: A Residency with Leroy Justice @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($10) Charlie Hunter @ The Living Room
  • ($10) Alecia Chakour Band: First Mondays @ Rockwood Music Hall
    • Join Alecia Chakour, Neal Evans, Sam Cohen, Alex Chakour, Miles Arntzen, Cochemea Gastelum and friends on the first Monday of every month at Rockwood Music Hall for their unique take on rock n’ soul…
  • ($18-$22) Diane Birch @ City Winery
  • ($25) “Mingus Mondays” w/ Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

  • ($15) The London Souls @ The Bowery Ballroom
  • ($18-$22) Diane Birch @ City Winery
  • ($20-$35) Donald Harrison, Ron Carter & Billy Cobham Trio @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)
  • ($30-$35) Johnny Winter – The 3rd Annual Winter in Winter Residency @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($40-$60) Nas with Anthony Decurtis @ Kaufmann Concert Hall, 92 Street Y

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

  • (Free) Brooklyn Shakedown w/ Nutritious @ Bembe (Late Night Set)
  • ($20-$35) Donald Harrison, Ron Carter & Billy Cobham Trio @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)
  • ($25) Robert Glasper and Friends @ S.O.B.’s
  • ($25) Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio @ Jazz Standard (2 sets)
  • ($25-$30) Shuggie Otis, People Get Ready, Ofei, Joshua Nelson, & DJ Kool Herc @ Highline Ballroom

Thursday, January 10, 2013

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train @ Brooklyn Bowl (late night DJ set)
  • ($10) Jamie McLean Band @ Rockwood Music Hall (10:15pm slot)
  • ($10-$13) Adam Ezra Group @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($20-$35) Donald Harrison, Ron Carter & Billy Cobham Trio @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)
  • ($25) Robert Glasper & Friends @ SOB’s

Friday, January 11, 2013(Biggest Musical Day of the Month)

  • (FREE) Zongo Junction @ Rockwood Music Hall (11:45pm slot)
  • ($7) Klezwoods @ Spike Hill
  • ($10) Spanglish Fly @ NuBlu
  • ($10-$13) Apollo Run w/ Midnight Spin @ Mercury Lounge
  • ($15) Slick Rick: The Ruler @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($15-$18) Snarky Puppy @ Rockwood Music Hall (10pm slot)
  • ($15-$20) APAP Showcase w/ The Iguanas, Mia Borders, Colin Lake & Sasha Masakowski @ Hill Country
  • ($20-$25) Big Sam’s Funky Nation, The Stooges Brass Band, Mia Borders, Christian Scott Sextet & Flow Tribe @ The Cutting Room
  • ($20-$35) Donald Harrison, Ron Carter & Billy Cobham Trio @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)
  • ($25-$30) Alan Doyle (of Great Big Sea), The Dunwells, & Amy Helm @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($30) Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio @ Jazz Standard
  • ($35) Marcus Strickland & TWI-LIFE @ Sullivan Hall (2013 NYC Winter Jazzfest)
  • ($35-$70) INDELIBLE FESTIVAL: Meshell Ndegeocello presents Spirit Music Jamia @ @ Highline Ballroom
    • Featuring: Cecil Taylor, DJ Questlove, AYO, Guy Davis, Gregoire Maret, THE DUST RAYS featuring Kirk Douglas & Mark Kelley of the Roots & Ricc Sheridan from Earl Greyhound & Surprise Special Guests
  • ($40-$50) Betty LaVette @ City Winery
  • ($50-$55) CAKE @ Bowery Ballroom
  • ($50-$90) Morrissey @ Brooklyn Academy of Music
  • ($60) David Murray Big Band featuring Macy Gray @ The Iridium

Saturday, January 12, 2013

  • ($10) Stooges Brass Band @ Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20) Arturo O’Farrill Trio @ Ginny’s Supper Club
  • ($20-$35) Ramsey Lewis & John Pizzarelli @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)
  • ($30) Dr. Lonnie Smith “In The Beginning” Octet @ Jazz Standard
  • ($30-$40) Paula Cole, Kris Allen, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution, Teitur, Leroy Bell and his Only Friends @ City Winery
  • ($40) Bettye LaVette @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($45-$75) Roberta Flack @ St. George Theatre
  • ($60) David Murray Big Band featuring Macy Gray @ The Iridium
  • ($68-$92) Def Squad and Method Man @ Hammerstein Ballroom

Sunday, January 13, 2013

  • ($10) Reggie Watts @ Grasslands Gallery, BK
  • ($20) Gregg Kallor Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert w/ Dave Eggar @ Culture Project
  • ($20-$35) Ramsey Lewis & John Pizzarelli @ The Blue Note (2 Sets)
  • ($25) The David Johansen Band @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($26-$64) Green Day @ Barclays Center
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($30) Dr. Lonnie Smith “In The Beginning” Octet @ Jazz Standard (2 sets)
  • ($40) Harlem Gospel Choir Brunch @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
  • ($40) The Stooges Brass Band at globalFEST @ Webster Hall
  • ($45) Cassandra Wilson @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($50-$200) Idina Menzel @ Carnegie Hall
  • ($60) David Murray Big Band featuring Macy Gray @ The Iridium

Monday, January 14, 2013

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($8) “Bowling for Justice”: A Residency with Leroy Justice @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($20) Jonathan Batiste @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($20-$40) International Guitar Night @ The Blue Note (1 Set)
    • feat. Martin Taylor (Scotland), Brian Gore (US), Solorazaf (Madagascar)
  • ($25) “Mingus Mondays” w/ Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Terence Blanchard Quintet @ Birdland

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

  • ($20-$40) John and Hank Green: An Evening of Awesome w/ The Mountain Goats @ Carnegie Hall
  • ($30-$35) Johnny Winter – The 3rd Annual Winter in Winter Residency @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($30-$35) The Airborne Toxic Event @ Webster Hall
  • ($35-$55) Little Feat / Leon Russell @ The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
  • ($40) Terence Blanchard Quintet @ Birdland
  • ($46-$85) Lynyrd Skynyrd @ Beacon Theatre

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

  • (Free) Brooklyn Shakedown w/ Nutritious @ Bembe (Late Night Set)
  • ($15-$20) Soundgarden @ Terminal 5
  • ($20-$25) Bob Schneider @ City Winery
  • ($20-$80) Meshell Ndegeocello @ BAM in Brooklyn, NY (Part of 30th Next Wave Festival)
    • When Past & Future Collide ~ Life Along the Borderline: A Tribute to Nico, Curated by John Cale
  • ($30-$35) Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum 40″ @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($30-$35) The Airborne Toxic Event @ Webster Hall
  • ($40) Terence Blanchard Quintet @ Birdland
  • ($40-$90) G. Love & Special Sauce @ Irving Plaza

Thursday, January 17, 2013

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train @ Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($12) Jeff Bujak @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($36-$40) Lalah Hathaway @ B. B. Kings Blues Club

Friday, January 18, 2013

  • ($25) Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($30-$40) Alejandro Escovedo with The Mastersons @ City Winery
  • ($30-$65) Umphrey’s McGee @ Beacon Theater
  • ($36) Guster & Yellowbirds @ The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
  • ($40) Terence Blanchard Quintet @ Birdland

Saturday, January 19, 2013

  • ($10) Driftwood @ Rockwood Music Hall
  • ($15) John Brown’s Body @ Maxwell’s Hoboken, NJ
  • ($20) Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven @ Stage 48
  • ($25) Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($30-$40) Alejandro Escovedo with The Mastersons @ City Winery
  • ($40) Terence Blanchard Quintet @ Birdland
  • ($50) Morrissey @ The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

Sunday, January 20, 2013

  • ($20) Talib Kweli @ S.O.B.’s
  • ($25) Toshi Reagon: Sacred Music Show w/ Bernice Johnson Reagon @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($30-$55) Béla Fleck BANJO SUMMIT @ Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts
    • Banjo mastermind, Béla Fleck will be joined by Tony Trischka, Bill Keith, Richie Stearns, Eric Weissberg, and Noam Pikelny.
  • ($40) Harlem Gospel Choir Brunch @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
  • (???) Juan Maclean DJ Set @ Le Bain at The Standard

Monday, January 21, 2013

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($8) “Bowling for Justice”: A Residency with Leroy Justice @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($25) “Mingus Mondays” w/ Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Tim Reynolds of the Dave Matthews Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
  • ($35) Living Colour @ Highline Ballroom (For The Million Man Mosh II)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

  • ($10) Zen Tricksters @ The Brooklyn Bowl
    • Special Guest: Rob Barraco (Phil Lesh & Friends, The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra) & Keith Kenny
  • ($30-$35) Johnny Winter – The 3rd Annual Winter in Winter Residency @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($65-$76) Soundgarden @ Hammerstein Ballroom

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

  • (Free) Brooklyn Shakedown w/ Nutritious @ Bembe (Late Night Set)
  • ($20) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
  • ($30-$35) Papa Roach @ Terminal 5
  • ($40) Trey Anastatio Band @ The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
  • ($66-$80) Soundgarden @ Hammerstein Ballroom

Thursday, January 24, 2013

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train @ Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($15) FLOODWOOD (feat. Al Schnier & Vinnie Amico of moe.) @ Rockwood Music Hall (9pm slot)
  • ($15) The Wailers (performing Survival & more) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($25-$45) Dirt Farmer Band featuring Larry Campbell, Amy Helm, Byron Isaacs, Justin Guip and Teresa Williams @ City Winery
  • ($40) Trey Anastatio Band @ The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
  • ($42.50) Austra @ Hammerstein

Friday, January 25, 2013

  • ($5) Austra (DJ Set) @ Glasslands Gallery
  • ($10) #1 Kid (feat. members of Rubblebucket) @ Rockwood Music Hall ~ Stage 2 (11pm Slot)
  • ($15-$20) Ryan Montbleau Band @ City Winery
  • ($25-$30) Sister Hazel @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($30-$42) Robert Earl Keen @ Irving Plaza powered by Klipsch
  • ($42.50) Austra @ Hammerstein

Saturday, January 26, 2013

  • ($10-$12) The Nigel Hall Band @ Sullivan Hall
  • ($15) Marion LoGuidice @ Joe’s Pub
  • ($15-$20) Ryan Montbleau Band @ City Winery
  • ($25-$30) Lotus w/ Moon Hooch @ Best Buy Theatre
  • ($30-$35)  Femi Kuti & Positive Force @ Webster Hall
  • ($42-$46)  Loudon Wainwright III @ Zankel Hall
  • ($50-$90) Pat Benatar @ The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

Sunday, January 27, 2013

  • ($30) Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
  • ($40) Harlem Gospel Choir Brunch @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill

Monday, January 28, 2013

  • ($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
  • ($8) “Bowling for Justice”: A Residency with Leroy Justice @ The Brooklyn Bowl
  • ($22.50) Reel Big Fish @ Irving Plaza
  • ($25) “Mingus Mondays” w/ Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
  • ($30) Johnny Winter – 3rd Annual residency @ B. B. Kings Blues Club
  • ($35-$50) Robert Earl Keen @ City Winery
  • ($40-$75) Tegan and Sara @ The Beacon Theater (SOLD OUT)

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

  • ($20) Alice Smith (Residency Week One) @ Rockwood Music Hall ~ Stage 2
  • ($40-$45) Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Highline Ballroom
  • ($40-$75) Tegan and Sara @ Beacon Theatre
  • ($50-$63) An Evening of the Blues Feat. Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite @ Irving Plaza

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

  • (Free) Brooklyn Shakedown w/ Nutritious @ Bembe (Late Night Set)

Thursday, January 31, 2013

  • ($5-$8) DJ ?uestlove Presents Bowl Train @ Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
  • ($25-$30) Gin Blossoms @ B. B. Kings Blues Club

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43rd New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival ~ 2nd Weekend Preview (05.03-06.12)

Posted in Show Review, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 26, 2012| 1 Comment »

As my fifth New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets closer, the anticipation gets stronger. This year is a little different- I have two friends coming to Jazz Fest on my say so, so I’m a little stressed, wanting to make sure they tell me what they want to hear, making sure they love it as much as I do. So in prepping for my favorite week of the year, here are some things you don’t want to miss:

At the fairgrounds:

Thursday, May 3rd

High School Gospel Choirs: I like to open my fest with the McMain Singing Mustangs – every year, these kids bring some serious firepower to the Gospel Tent.  McDonogh #35 High School also does some incredible stuff later in the afternoon.

New Orleans Music Legends: Bassist George Porter Jr. has probably played on your favorite album, whether with Tori Amos, David Byrne, being the bass line sampled for tons of hip hop classics, or with his own groundbreaking work with the legendary Meters. Do yourself a favor and see him. While you’re at it, check out piano virtuoso Henry Butler, and the boys and girl in Dumpstaphunk. All of em will make you wish you lived here and saw em more often.

Home Grown Up and Comers: I saw Mia Borders in a tiny club with a leaky roof on the lower east side last year and she was amazing. Probably got an awesome band with her, including NOLA saxman Khris Royal (who’s probably with George too), and her cover of Bill Wither‘s “Use Me” was just bananas last year.

2012 Fantasy Map

2012 Fantasy Map

Friday, May 4th

The One Woman Army, now with backup: Theresa Andersson is a tremendous singer, fiddle player, and all around musician. This year, she’s got a great krewe of musicians with her, including Hannah Krieger-Benson, a fantastic trumpet player and singer who’s doing her own stuff (Hannah KB Band) and some ska too (The Local Skank)

Pick your own Jazz Adventure:  Three amazing jazz sets happening right after Theresa, at the same time. I have no idea how I’ll do all three.  Big Chief Donald Harrison will be mixing his bebop and modern jazz skills with R&B and NOLA classics, ala the amazing cover of “Indian Red” he did for the Treme Season One Soundtrack.  Or, you can get your fill of low end saxophonics, with Roger Lewis (Dirty Dozen Brass Band) leading three Bari Saxes and a Bass Sax for Baritone Bliss (which was fantastic last year).  Or, you can see Preservation Hall trumpet man Mark Braud do his own thing in the Economy Hall tent.

Holy People: Bet on Mavis Staples, who was already among the top reasons we went with this weekend, to put on a ridiculous set at the gospel tent in honor of her friend (and ours), the late great Levon Helm.  I’m sure her set is going to be so great, I’ll probably miss Deacon John‘s killer cover of “Many Rivers to Cross” to get a spot. However, if I were you, I wouldn’t miss much else of his set.  Local music legend, a fantastic performer, a great singer, a helluva guitar player, just amazing stuff, see Deacon John.

Mahalia Jackson - Historic Jazz Fest Picture

Mahalia Jackson – Historic Jazz Fest Picture

Saturday May 5th

Family Preservation: Loads of famous families in the New Orleans tradition – on Saturday, the Brunious family represents in Economy Hall. A few hours before Mark Braud (nephew to the late John Brunious) takes the stage (and hopefully passes out some ice cream) with the
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, his other uncle (and brother to John) Wendell Brunious will step up to the stage- Wendell was on fire at BAM a couple weeks back, sitting in with Dr. John, so look for some tasty trumpet goodness all around.

Raisin’ Hell: Another scion of a famous musical family takes the Fais Do Do stage, Rockin Dopsie and his Zydeco Hellraisers.  I feel like a lot of my favorite Zydeco bands all seemed to be packed into first weekend, but Rockin Dopsie is a notable exception.

Local Greats to Look For: Anders Osborne is a beast on guitar, and his new album is a great mix of sweetness, of sadness, of blues and power.  Not sure who’s playing with them, but see it.  Paul Sanchez’s Rolling Road show is always packed with local stars, Joe Krown with Russell Batiste and Walter “Wolfman” Washington is a tight organ guitar drums trio that does it right. John Boutte‘s voice, which you may recognize from the theme song from Treme, is tremendous to hear in the Jazz Tent – he may spoil us with a great cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah”…if we’re lucky!

The Cafe du Monde stand between the Jazz and Blues tents, around 5:30pm.  Good time to hydrate and get some iced coffee.  Hard to see ending my Preservation Hall second line early, but gonna need to refuel. And what better place to do it? Herbie Hancock and his band in the Jazz Tent on your right, the Warren Haynes Band (with tinyrager.com faves Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour, as well as Dr. John, playing out) on your left in the Blues Tent.

Jazzfest 1975 Historic Poster

Jazz Fest 1975 Historic Poster

Sunday, May 6th

Sunday is always the most packed day, the closing day of the festival.  Of course, I can tell you to park at Gentilly Stage all day, or don’t miss Galactic, but hopefully you already know.  Here are a few things you might not know about:

The Family that Prays Together: Remember that John Boutte guy from Saturday?  He’s bringin’ his whole family to the gospel tent. You should get there too.

Arieal

Arieal

Glen David Andrews: Cousin to Trombone Shorty and James Andrews, the fire-breathing trombone player’s got an incredible performance you don’t want to miss.  Why he’s not taking his rightful place closing down the Gospel tent is beyond me, but at least it makes the FOMS (Fear of Missing Something) to close the festival a bit easier.

Camping at the Jazz and Heritage Stage: I don’t know the higher heights, but every other group at the Jazz and Heritage stage is a smoker, starting with War Chief Juan, the TBC Brass Band, Los Hombres Calientes will be incredible (why not in the Jazz tent?), and

Big Chief Bo Dollis: It’s not clear if the Big Chief is going to make it, he’s fallen ill, so I expect the boys to rock it out hard for him even if he can’t make it.  Look for Brooklynite turned Orleanian Billy Iuso wrecking shop on guitar (if not here, with Anders on Saturday), he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Close out with the Hall: Okay, so you’ve got 8, count em, 8 amazing sets lined up to end your fest. My pick is Preservation Hall – they’re going to have a lot of friends on stage with them and it’s going to be a lot of fun.  Also, I have no idea why they put Sharon Jones in the Blues Tent when she’s going to want the crowd up and dancing.

The night shows are a whole other animal, coming for part 2…

Words by Guest Writer: Russ Agdern

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Bowlive III: Night Ten – Final Recap for Soulive w/ Ledisi, Derek Trucks and The London Souls ~ Extended Review + Media (03.10.12)

Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Bowlive III: Night Ten – Finale Recap for Soulive w/ Ledisi, Derek Trucks and The London Souls ~ Extended Review + Media (03.10.12)

After nine nights of warming up, Soulive members Eric Kranso, Neal Evans and Alan Evans tore the roof off the Brooklyn Bowl Saturday night for the final night of their 3rd annual ten-night residency, Bowlive. Over the course of the last two weeks, Soulive presented their audience with talented guests from across the musical spectrum. Virtuoso guitarists such as jazz legend John Scofield, southern blues rocker Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), and the hard-bopping Warner Brothers artist Mark Whitfield created slaying duets with guitarist Eric Krasno. Renowned bassists Oteil Burbridge (The Allman Brothers Band) and George Porter, Jr. (The Meters) rocked the stage, adding to the cool bass keys Neal Evans plays so strikingly. Hip-hop drummer ?uestlove (The Roots), experimental percussionist Billy Martin (MMW) and world beat drummer Luke Quaranta took their turns leading the rhythm when the smoother than smooth Soulive drummer Alan Evans stepped aside to play rhythm guitar.

Guest vocalists Nigel Hall, Allen Stone, Jennifer Hartswick and Alecia Chakour brought their own style of strength and soul to the mic, Citizen Cope and Alice Smith sang an eclectic mix of blues, laid-back rock and folk while Rhazel and Ledisi delivered beat boxing and R&B/Soul into the eager ears of their audience. As well, for two night and two full sets, Royal Family recordings artists Lettuce, consisting of guitarist Adam Smirnoff, drummer Adam Deitch (Break Science), bassist ED “Jesus” Coomes, and The Bowlive horns, seared the stage with their urban funk flavor.

The Bowlive Horns, consisting of saxophonist James Casey, trumpeters Eric Bloom and Matt Owens and tenor saxophonist Ryan Zoidis were joined over the course of the run by numerous big name brass players.  Trombonist Sam “Big Sam” Williams (Big Sam’s Funky Nation), flautist/saxophonist Karl Denson (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe), trumpeters Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band) and Jennifer Hartswick, flautist Kofi Burbrudge (Derek Trucks Band) and wild improvisational saxophonist Skerik, rotated throughout the ten nights creating one of the sickest brass ensembles some have ever seen.

Other surprise guests included virtuoso pianist Eldar and organist Mitch Chakour while DJ Wyllys spun the ones and twos in between the weekend sets. When Soulive didn’t open the show themselves, the one man band, Zach Deputy, Royal Family recording artists The Nigel Hall Band, The Alecia Chakour Band and The London Souls amped the energy of the evening before Soulive took over to lay devastation upon the stage. It has been a two week rage of full on face melting, mind warping, soul filling, gut busting musicianship that accelerated with power each night and with audience members wondering how it could be topped.

Saturday night was the tenth and last night of Bowlive III. The audience, clad in white outfits for the evening’s White-Out Party theme, could be heard whispering their ideas of who the special guests might be. The London Souls, Ledisi and The Royal Family All-Stars were billed which could only mean that a surprise that couldn’t be named was being prepared.

The London Souls opened the evening with their Hendrix-style rock and roll sound. It is quite impossible to remain calm when guitarist Tash Neal, bassist Stu Mahan, and drummer Chris St. Hilaire are slamming away on their instruments.  The perfect opening for the end of a great run.

Soulive’s set started off with the super horn heavy, high-energy “El Ron”  However, during “Upright,” some unexpected technical difficulty occurred.  What could have been a rough moment turned into something special. There was three minutes where Alan Evans and his team worked at lightning speed to repair a broken drum head while the remaining members on stage worked together to keep the audience engaged. The audience clapped and cheered, supporting their favorite trio because there was importance in this moment. The band’s talent was exposed so much more during this time as they kept it together. The power from the applause in the audience when Evans’ silver shimmering drum kit was finally lifted in the air and put back in place was outstanding. It was a killer moment in rock n roll, a killer moment in Bowlive History. The trio ripped into the end of “Upright” and kept the momentum UP, UP, UP! They rolled through “Tuesday Night Squad” and Nigel Hall sang on the lively “Too Much” and the beautifully arranged “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears that segued into Bobby Caldwell’s “Open Your Eyes.”

When Ledisi was brought back on stage for the second night, the crowd exploded. Her R&B flavor had brought such joy to the previous night’s performance and we wanted more. Singing “Love Never Changes” off her Turn Me Loose album, Ledisi unleashed her massively powerful voice upon the audience. Her range and strength were unbelievable as she swiftly scatted her way through “Them Changes,” a Buddy Miles cover off of Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. Tash Neal also performed on this song where he and Krasno playfully raged a duet to end the set.

The second set began as multiple white balloons were tossed out into the audience while Soulive played “One in Seven.” The second technical difficulty of the night occurred as Neal Evans’ clavinet finally gave way after nine nights of solid pounding. Not to miss a beat, Alan Evans began jamming on his kit, delivering a tight an extended drum solo as the back line team fixed the issue.  It was then time for some Beatles love as they played an electric run of “Eleanor Rigby,” “She’s So Heavy” and “Get Back.”

Finally, the last surprise guest of this amazing musical journey was invited on the stage. Southern rock, slide guitarist Derek Trucks (The Allman Brothers Band) walked out on stage with Nigel Hall and Ledisi to perform Sam Cooke’s Civil Rights Era anthem “A Change Gonna Come,”. It was no wonder that while Ledisi and Hall sang with all their passion and Derek Trucks made his guitar cry, audience members began to weep where they stood. The meaning and epic delivery of this song wasn’t lost on a single soul. Soulive flipped the emotional script by following Cooke’s song with the raging Jimi Hendrix’s tune, “Manic Depression!” Derek Trucks, Eric Krasno, Neal Evans and Alan Evans delivered a sick rendition of the song with Trucks and Krasno playing off each other and Trucks taking a ripping solo to end the set.

Before the encore, Brooklyn Bowl owner, Pete Shapiro, came on stage with Rosemary and Lavender plants in his hands. He explained that everyone on the floor was to take a piece of the plants being passed around the audience in hopes that the aroma therapy would help us gather our strength for one last song. Ending their epic ten night run the way they began, our favorite trio, just the three of them, took the stage for “Aladdin.”

Bowlive III is now over, leaving some New Yorkers wondering what to do with themselves.  For two weeks, dedicated fans came to the Brooklyn Bowl to see Neal Evans, Alan Evans and Eric Krasno play their hearts out, touching on every musical genre and playing with many of Americas most talented musicians. Let us give thanks to Soulive for the dedication to their craft and their ability to express it through the creative outlet that is Bowlive. Thanks for their want to educate us on new talent, their need to put new twists on old classics, and their determination to raise the bar each and every night.

Let us give thanks to The Brooklyn Bowl, because without them there would be no Bowlive. Thanks for their wonderful environment, staff and treatment.  For the last 2 weeks the Brooklyn Bowl has been our community’s second home. We’ve feasted on their fantastic Blue Ribbon cuisine, felt at home on their plush leather couches and enjoyed their attentive staff.   Soulive + The Brooklyn Bowl = Bowlive and don’t you forget it!

A change has come to New York City. A change has come to the music community.  Soulive has created something so special in Bowlive.  There is nothing else like it in our scene and it’s through that unique way of doing things that Soulive will remain one of the most influential groups in our music community. Bowlive is the development of a passionate dream that is now reality. After three years, Bowlive is no-doubt a game changer in the music community and will continue to be for many years to come. Thank you Soulive!

– Karen E. Dugan
– Photo courtesy of Phrazz

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Bowlive III: Night Nine – Soulive w/ George Porter Jr., Ledisi and Skerik ~ Extended Review + Media (03.09.12)

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Bowlive III: Night Nine – Soulive w/ George Porter Jr., Ledisi and Skerik ~ Extended Review + Media (03.09.12): Bowlive Finale White Party Ledisi, The London Souls, and The Royal Family All-Stars TONIGHT!

Fire! Fire! Fire! These three little words are the simplest yet perfect definition of what occurred on the Brooklyn Bowl‘s stage last night for the ninth night of Soulive’s third annual ten night residency, Bowlive. So far, nine epically diverse nights of music have now been devoured by sold-out crowds of rabid NY music fans. The members of Soulive, the amazing Neal Evans on organ and bass keys, Eric Krasno, and the backbone of it all, Alan Evans on drums, were back at it for the last weekend of this fantastic run. After eight nights of raging musical collaborations, Soulive continued to deliver with an onslaught of some of America’s most influential musicians. The members of Soulive, The Bowlive Horns, George Porter, Jr., Eldar, Ledisi, Mark Whitfield, Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour invested all their energy into making last night’s audience react just as powerfully as these musicians performed.

Last night’s opening act is one of the newest musical collaborations within the Royal Family. Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour took to the stage with a “little help from their friends” to deliver a set of beautifully arranged classics.  These soul-filled vocalists are being compared to some of the greatest soul singing duos of our era and deserve all the love and recognition that comes their way. Supporting their slow, soulful vibe was drummer Adam Deitch (Break Science), trumpeter Eric Bloom (Diana Birch), guitarist Adam Smirnoff (Lettuce), saxophonist James Casey (6figures), Ryan Zoidis (Lettuce), and Alecia Chakour’s brother, bassist Alex Chakour. Nigel Hall sat behind his Rhodes keyboard while Alecia dominated the crowds command from the front of the stage. Performing such classics as Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” Hall and Chakour made the music their own with beautifully blended voices and arrangements of the songs. These two voices were meant to find each other and the audience couldn’t have been more invested in the harmonies and beauty resonating between them. Pure soul perfection. Keeping with the “Family Affair,” Mitch Chakour, Alecia and Alex’s father, was invited on stage to play keys for Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help From my Friends!” When Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour join forces on stage, their bond through music and their passion for soul pours out of them. This was only the second time the duo had performed as an organized set all their own and fans can be sure that it will not be their last. There is magic in this musical union that doesn’t come around often.

After such an touching set, NY-bsed DJ, Wyllys, spun on the 1’s and 2’s to keep the crowds elevated before Soulive took to the stage. When Soulive finally hit, they came out blasting with “Steppin.” This was the final weekend of Bowlive and the trio, who have been delivering us powerful sets for two weeks, raised their own bar a little higher.  After the short set with George Porter Jr. (The Meters) the previous night, Soulive jumped right into the second song by inviting New Orleans funkiest bassist back out on stage for “Pungee” and “Need More Time.” There is an energy that George Porter, Jr. brings to a stage that is tangible. Nigel Hall was back to join Porter for “Leave Me Alone,” but not before Nigel bowed at Porter’s feet letting the crowd know that this “was the funkiest black man in the universe!”

When special guest New Orleans singer-songwriter Ledisi was announced, the venue erupted. This portion of the set was so smokin’ that heat was rising from the stage. Performing “Knocking,” with Adam Deitch now on drums, Ledisi wowed the crowd with her powerful, demanding vocals and sensual style. There is no doubt that she deserves the multiple Grammy nominations that have come her way in the past few years as this was the definition of pure entertainment. “Chain of Fools” followed with The Bowlive Horns, Porter, and a surprise sit-in by Eldar, a fellow Grammy nominated pianist and composer. Surely one of the hottest portion of the night, confirmed by the buzz heard through the audience, Eldar delivered a complex piano solo while Ledisi scatted atop his gorgeous improvisational composition.  George Porter Jr. and the remaining musicians on stage supported this musical bliss to end one of the most magnificent sets of the run. Ledisi’s vocals supported by George Porter Jr. funky bass and combined with the jazzy vibe from Soulive and surprise guest Eldar was truly inspirational, uplifting and touched the audience’s soul. This is what Bowlive is all about, the deliverance of truly developed artists who are masters at their craft!!

Wyllys was spinning again for set break. Never using a set list, Wyllys kept the energy UP with choice selections of funk, R&B, and soul tunes. He kept the crowd dancing before Soulive came back for “Cannonball” supported by the Bowlive Horns. Always ready for something special and new, Soulive invited hard bop jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield on stage next for an electric rendition of George Benson’s “World is a Ghetto.” Following this amazing sit-in, George Porter, Jr. came back on stage and took the lead for the rest of the night performing multiple tunes from The Meters catalog, “Funky Miracle,” “The Dragon,” “People Say,” and “Ain’t No Use.”  The consistent funky bass lines and powerful, invested vocals coming from Porter during these selections fueled the set as well as the musicians sharing the stage. They were long arrangements making room for each artist to share their talent with rousing solos and epic extended jams. Tears were in the eyes of their audience as Eric Krasno and friends ended the set with a stunning, gorgeous arrangement of “Out in the Country.”

There are some music performances that are simply impossible to describe with words. Last night was one of those nights and any attempt at doing justice through written word seems unfulfilling after witnessing the magic of last night. The musical genius that poured off the stage resulted in emotional ballads and extended improvisational jams that expanded on the already amazing two weeks that Soulive has provided it’s audience. It’s painful to even imagine that this adventure is coming to an end. However, we still have one night!  A single night to enjoy one of the sickest musical residencies to happen to our musical community. Every night Soulive has stepped up their game, tightened their sound, and put together an arsenal of talented musicians to play some of the greatest songs ever written.  Tonight, Soulive invites Ledisi, The London Souls, and the Royal Family All-Stars to close out the residency. You can expect nothing but pure gold this evening as these boys will surely be going out with a bang! 

– Karen E. Dugan

– Photo courtesy of Marc Millman

*To see photos of these musicians and lots of other live music, please check out: http://www.marcmillmanphotos.com/music

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Bowlive III: Night Eight – Soulive w/ George Porter Jr., Zach Deputy, Citizen Cope and Alice Smith ~ Extended Review + Media (03.08.12)

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Bowlive III: Night Eight – Soulive w/ George Porter Jr., Zach Deputy, Citizen Cope and Alice Smith ~ Extended Review + Media (03.08.12)

For the eighth night, Soulive members, Eric Krasno, Alan Evans and Neal Evans, performed at the Brooklyn Bowl for their annual residency, Bowlive.  In its third year, Bowlive has become one of the most interesting, engaging, educational and smoking residencies in New York City. There are some, who might argue, in America. Each night has gotten heavier, deeper, tighter, and energetically more invested with each guest who joins the stage to breath more life into the already amazing trio.

The Alecia Chakour Band opened last night to a huge crowd. Chakour joined the Bowlive rooster last year.  In the masculine crew that makes up the artists on the Royal Family Records Label, Alecia Chakour is a breath of fresh female energy. With a voice and range as powerful as Aretha Franklin, Chakour rightful deserves to be on stage with the talented musicians who make up Soulive. Chakour’s band members consisted of trumpeter Igmar Thomas (The Cypher), organist Neal Evans (Soulive), bassist and brother Alex Chakour, drummer Miles Arntzen (Antibalas), guitarist Sam Cohen (Apollo Sunshine), and saxophonist James Casey (6figures).  A highlight was when surprise guest artist Kofi Burbridge (The Derek Trucks band) lent his fluttering flute to the bunch on their new tune, “Surely.” The Alecia Chakour Band is a sick, tight, funky crew who fit right into the rotation of amazing acts that we have so far seen over the two week run.

Soulive members (guitarist Eric Krasno and soul brothers Alan Evans on drums and Neal Evans on clavinet) welcomed numerous guests on stage last night, some announced and some a surprise. This is always to be expected and they never disappoint. “Steppin” was the only song Soulive ever stood alone on stage for. After that, the flood gates opened with Kofi Burbridge jumping in on “El Ron” with the Bowlive Horns: saxophonist James Casey, trumpeter Eric Bloom and tenor saxophonist Ryan Zoidis. Special guest and Brooklyn resident Citizen Cope was next to join the stage to perform his original “Bullet and a Target,” and “Something to Believe In.” Cope’s raw, uncommon chords and proactive lyrics have been recognized and covered by likes of Carlos Santana, Dido, Sheryl Crow and Slipknot. His vocals transformed the bowl into a new vibe, a slower yet passionate part of the set. Alice Smith, the second vocalist billed that night, joined for Cope’s last tunes, “Ain’t Gonna Stand for It” and “107 Degrees.” Alice Smith’s voice melded beautifully with Cope’s the same way that Alecia Chakour’s voice melds perfectly with Nigel Halls. She is aggressive, serious, powerful, and passionate with a 4-octave vocal range and stunning stage presence. Cope exited the stage and Alice Smith, with the Soulive trio backing her, performed Cee Lo Green’s, “Fool For You.” The Bowlive Horns helped closed out the set with “Tuesday Night Squad,”as trumpeter Eric Bloom’s excitement spilled out of his animated solo and Nigel Hall took over the keys.

The second set was dedicated exclusively to the musical power of New Orleans yet contained special guests of varying styles. This was definitely one of the best sets of the entire run. Special guests, world renowned New Orleans bassist George Porter, Jr. (The Meters), drummer ?uestlove (The Roots), Billy Martin (Martin, Medeski and Wood), flautistKofi Burbridge and saxophonist Skerik, out for his third night, piled on stage with Soulive and the Bowlive horns. Covering New Orleans and Meters favorites “Just Kissed My Baby, “Hey Pocky Way,” “Come Fly with Me,” and “Funkify Your Life,” the musical entourage on stage was the definition of a Jam Room. George Porter, Jr. brought such life to the younger musicians who were surrounding him. Each artist took their turn power housing their instruments because Porter believes in the journey of the song and allowing it to unfold, which is exactly what happened on “Africa,” when Skerik took his solo and the classic song turned into a completely different creature.

Experimental jazz percussionist Billy Martin was left to his own devices with a pile of instruments to create sounds with after drumming for “Hey Pokey Way.” Martin is the drumming member of his own jazz, funk trio so his addition to Soulive allowed for experimental sounds that enhanced the layers of the music. “Everything is Everything” closed the set with Nigel Hall on vocals and another night of Bowlive ended, this time without and encore.  ?uestlove’s Bowl Train DJ set saw out the rest of  the night and everyone danced their way through funky, old skool tunes until their weary bodies said enough.

It’s unbelievable to think that the members of Soulive have been going full speed for eight crazy nights. What a testament to their level of stamina, creativity, and their ability to surprise and entice their audience.  For those who can’t make the last two nights, check out the live feed on iClips.net. For those of you with the ability to make it this weekend, you won’t be disappointed. Continuing his New Orleans flavor from last night, special guest George Porter Jr. will be joined by Ledisi with Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour opening. We can only speculate who the surprise guests will be, but you can be sure they will bring in Bowlive’s final weekend in FULL RAGE!!!

BUY SINGLE DAY TICKETS NOW!
Can’t make the LIVE RAGE? Stream It on iClips.net!

– Karen E. Dugan
– Photo courtesy of Phrazz

Youtube Videos

Soulive feat. Citizen Cope – “Bullet & a Target” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoFGGhF_z2s

Soulive feat. George Porter & Nigel Hall – “Come Fly Away” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azUKgsH7ztY

Soulive feat Alice Smith & Citizen Cope – “107 Degrees” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdVFSkp-YEg

Soulive feat. George Por ter, Nigel & Kofi – “Voices Inside” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cRBqKlyAHc

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