So I'm freaking out slightly over Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson's new funky collab - 'Uptown Funk' and 'Feel Right', featuring the one and only...MYSTIKAL!!
I love everything that Bruno Mars does live so when I saw that he performed this on SNL, I had to check it out. I had no idea he had tapped into everything that is funky and created something that Prince, James Brown and George Clinton would be more than proud of. Bruno Mars' musical style with his backup singers/dancers, the Hooligans, and London-based producer Mark Ronson come together perfectly. Mark Ronson puts on a stellar funk guitar performance to back up Bruno Mars' dancing theatrics and the horn section was as tight as any I've seen (and let's be honest - I would say I'm a self-proclaimed horn section aficionado).
The 'Feel Right' performance blew my mind, Mystikal doing a fantastic combination of his unique New Orleans-style rap and a James Brown performance that was borderline uncanny. I have a new respect for Mystikal.
This Mark Ronson genius doesn't end here - the much-awaited album "Uptown Special" is expected for release on January 27th, 2015. You KNOW I'm ready.
can I have this framed?
Monday, November 24, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
They came, They Saw, They Got REALLLL Funky - Marc Broussard & Mingo Fishtrap - October 2nd, 2014 - The Hamilton Live, DC
OK, Hamilton Live. You've done it. You've officially given me the best show I've ever seen at your fine, fine venue. Not a difficult feat, however, when you combine two of my favorite artists: one of the best funk jam bands right now out of Austin, TX - Mingo Fishtrap - and one of the most soulful voices of our time - Mr. Marc Broussard.
Yesterday (written on October 3rd - sorry for the late post), Mingo Fishtrap and Marc Broussard joined forces to bring funk and soul music to the ears of DC's finest music venue. I had seen Marc Broussard several times by himself and each show was a little different - I've only seen him play with a full band once at Antone's (in other news, Antone's opened a new location in the East Riverside area of Austin, TX - that stupid location has thankfully shut down and is returning to downtown Austin - LONG LIVE, LIVE MUSIC!!). Every other performance has been an acoustic solo performance at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD - I adore this venue and most of Marc's acoustic ballads. However, I'm sure you know by now that I like to GET DOWN, so this acoustic setup didn't always do it for me. I had seen Mingo Fishtrap for the first time at The Hamilton in June, and been a fan for about 3 years - I would gladly see them at least once a month. How beyond enthusiastic I was to hear that Mingo Fishtrap AND Marc Broussard would be touring together and - no, it can't be - PLAYING TOGETHER?! Best band ever. And they did not disappoint.
I arrived at The Hamilton about a half hour before doors even open (which I don't normally do because...I'm too cool, I suppose - and because generally it's a monumental waste of time). This time around, it was completely necessary. The Hamilton Live venue is in the basement of the actual Hamilton restaurant and for a 6:30 doors show, there was already a line up the stairs at 6pm. For some show like - oh I don't know - THE FOO FIGHTERS PLAYING THE BLACKCAT - this is nothing because there was a 2 block radius line around the venue (sorry, I'm pretty bitter). But for The Hamilton Live, which has up-and-coming acts or funk and brass bands with the limited following, this was notable. I was meeting Dan the Man and my bestie Andrea and husband Peter (new to the vagabond blog, but will make more appearances soon). They were all coming from College Park, so I was responsible for getting a good spot in the standing room only area of the Hamilton. The Hamilton Live has no reserved seats, so everything is first come-first serve.
We got a great spot, got some delish pizza and waited anxiously (at least I did) for the show to start. We were met with a lovely surprise named Andy Suzuki. He's a local guy from Rockville who played a short acoustic set, including a cover of one of me and Dan the Man's favorite songs by Amos Lee, 'Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight'.
After a short intermission, what looked and sounded a lot like a New Orleans Second Line began parading around The Hamilton. COULD IT BE?! - MINGO FISHTRAP! It was time. Rewind to about 3 months before this show to when I had seen Mingo Fishtrap for the first time.
I've been a fan for a few years, going back to my days in Austin. Austin has a unique but also predictable sound - outlaw country, Texas swing, folk, with a little twinge of hippie rebellion (see Willie Nelson). Some of the Austin bands I've come to love - The Band of Heathens, Reckless Kelly - fit this bill quite nicely. And THEN I heard Mingo Fishtrap for the first time. Were they all actually from New Orleans and just fell in love with Austin the way I did? Was James Brown reincarnated into a hippie white dude from Mississippi? I love everything about this band.
Luckily, my partner in crime Andrea was willing to go to the front of the stage, which at the Hamilton, means you are basically ON stage. Mingo Fishtrap brought the funk immediately. They played some of my favorites from their new album, 'On Time', as well as some stellar soul covers. There were even some fireside chats - obviously the best part of any show. My favorite was the prelude to performing the title track of their album 'On Time'. Lead singer Roger Blevins, Jr. started by talking about how he was discussing with a man at a bar - the best way to begin a conversation - how much they both despise shows like The Voice and American Idol and how you will never get someone as uniquely talented as a Ray Charles or a James Brown from a manufactured show like this. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE - I live my life wondering why a band like Mingo Fishtrap is in the background and some other choice artists (not naming names) are in the spotlight for far less talent. I couldn't even imagine how upset this fact made Mingo Fishtrap and bands like them everywhere. But Mr. Blevins, Jr. surprised and impressed me with his humble and kind attitude by saying that he can't be mad at someone for having their time to shine if he is indeed trying to do the same thing. He named the song and the album 'On Time' as an optimistic message to say I'm not shining quite yet but I'll be 'on time' when I do. I think we can all take a lesson from that type of optimism.
After a few more funky numbers, it was time for the intermission between Mingo Fishtrap and the headliner - Marc Broussard. Initially hearing about this tour, I thought it was going to a be an opening act-headliner situation. MIND BLOWN: Mingo and Marc playing together. Meanwhile, Andrea and I had scored a sweet concert neighbor - older woman there by herself with what resembled an Indian sari and an African headwrap and some of the longest braids I've ever seen. The kind souls at the Hamilton let her all the way to the front middle of the stage where she comfortably placed her purse on the stage next to the amps (right in front of Marc's mic stand) and for all intents and purposes, had moved into the Hamilton for the night. When the music started she was my hero - some hippie arm motions, knowing every word to every Marc song AND every obscure Motown cover that I thought only a music nerd like myself - and my father - would know. Marc gave her a shout out a few times - pretty cute.
I digress - Marc started with a few of his popular slower songs, just him, his drummer and bassist. His band left the stage and he played a few heartfelt acoustic songs such as The Wanderer and provided some ammo for some audience call-and-response. When it was time to speed things up, his 3 piece band did not come back - no, no - but rather ALL of Mingo Fishtrap came on stage. Talk about a supergroup.
They really helped Marc rock out on his most popular number, 'Home', with a swampy, raw, bluesy sound. I've heard him do this song a few times acoustic and it does not do 'Home' justice. They KILLED some soul/Motown covers, one of Marc's most famous being 'Love and Happiness' as well as Bill Withers' 'Who is He (And What is He to You)'. Me and my older hippie spirit guide we rockin' this in the crowd. Totally normal. Then they went into Bob Marley's 'Waiting in Vain'. They do it all.
So much of this show was incredible, but the moment I think I had a cartoon-esque moment of my mind literally blowing up inside my skull was after Marc Broussard had introduced Mingo Fishtrap and walked off stage. Would it be totally insane to say that next, Mingo Fishtrap broke into a Lettuce funk cover? Well, my friends, it happened. I didn't know what to do. Me and Dan freaked. OUT.
As I stated in my opening argument, this was one of the best shows I've ever seen - definitely the best I've seen at the Hamilton. It's like these artists tapped into my soul and said "what would Nora like to hear tonight? Let's play THAT." Doesn't get much better.
Yesterday (written on October 3rd - sorry for the late post), Mingo Fishtrap and Marc Broussard joined forces to bring funk and soul music to the ears of DC's finest music venue. I had seen Marc Broussard several times by himself and each show was a little different - I've only seen him play with a full band once at Antone's (in other news, Antone's opened a new location in the East Riverside area of Austin, TX - that stupid location has thankfully shut down and is returning to downtown Austin - LONG LIVE, LIVE MUSIC!!). Every other performance has been an acoustic solo performance at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD - I adore this venue and most of Marc's acoustic ballads. However, I'm sure you know by now that I like to GET DOWN, so this acoustic setup didn't always do it for me. I had seen Mingo Fishtrap for the first time at The Hamilton in June, and been a fan for about 3 years - I would gladly see them at least once a month. How beyond enthusiastic I was to hear that Mingo Fishtrap AND Marc Broussard would be touring together and - no, it can't be - PLAYING TOGETHER?! Best band ever. And they did not disappoint.
 |
| The Musical Vagabond with her bestie (by that I mean me and Andrea) |
We got a great spot, got some delish pizza and waited anxiously (at least I did) for the show to start. We were met with a lovely surprise named Andy Suzuki. He's a local guy from Rockville who played a short acoustic set, including a cover of one of me and Dan the Man's favorite songs by Amos Lee, 'Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight'.
After a short intermission, what looked and sounded a lot like a New Orleans Second Line began parading around The Hamilton. COULD IT BE?! - MINGO FISHTRAP! It was time. Rewind to about 3 months before this show to when I had seen Mingo Fishtrap for the first time.
I've been a fan for a few years, going back to my days in Austin. Austin has a unique but also predictable sound - outlaw country, Texas swing, folk, with a little twinge of hippie rebellion (see Willie Nelson). Some of the Austin bands I've come to love - The Band of Heathens, Reckless Kelly - fit this bill quite nicely. And THEN I heard Mingo Fishtrap for the first time. Were they all actually from New Orleans and just fell in love with Austin the way I did? Was James Brown reincarnated into a hippie white dude from Mississippi? I love everything about this band.
Mingo Fishtrap @ Austin's legendary Stubb's
Luckily, my partner in crime Andrea was willing to go to the front of the stage, which at the Hamilton, means you are basically ON stage. Mingo Fishtrap brought the funk immediately. They played some of my favorites from their new album, 'On Time', as well as some stellar soul covers. There were even some fireside chats - obviously the best part of any show. My favorite was the prelude to performing the title track of their album 'On Time'. Lead singer Roger Blevins, Jr. started by talking about how he was discussing with a man at a bar - the best way to begin a conversation - how much they both despise shows like The Voice and American Idol and how you will never get someone as uniquely talented as a Ray Charles or a James Brown from a manufactured show like this. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE - I live my life wondering why a band like Mingo Fishtrap is in the background and some other choice artists (not naming names) are in the spotlight for far less talent. I couldn't even imagine how upset this fact made Mingo Fishtrap and bands like them everywhere. But Mr. Blevins, Jr. surprised and impressed me with his humble and kind attitude by saying that he can't be mad at someone for having their time to shine if he is indeed trying to do the same thing. He named the song and the album 'On Time' as an optimistic message to say I'm not shining quite yet but I'll be 'on time' when I do. I think we can all take a lesson from that type of optimism.
Mingo Fishtrap - "On Time"
After a few more funky numbers, it was time for the intermission between Mingo Fishtrap and the headliner - Marc Broussard. Initially hearing about this tour, I thought it was going to a be an opening act-headliner situation. MIND BLOWN: Mingo and Marc playing together. Meanwhile, Andrea and I had scored a sweet concert neighbor - older woman there by herself with what resembled an Indian sari and an African headwrap and some of the longest braids I've ever seen. The kind souls at the Hamilton let her all the way to the front middle of the stage where she comfortably placed her purse on the stage next to the amps (right in front of Marc's mic stand) and for all intents and purposes, had moved into the Hamilton for the night. When the music started she was my hero - some hippie arm motions, knowing every word to every Marc song AND every obscure Motown cover that I thought only a music nerd like myself - and my father - would know. Marc gave her a shout out a few times - pretty cute.
I digress - Marc started with a few of his popular slower songs, just him, his drummer and bassist. His band left the stage and he played a few heartfelt acoustic songs such as The Wanderer and provided some ammo for some audience call-and-response. When it was time to speed things up, his 3 piece band did not come back - no, no - but rather ALL of Mingo Fishtrap came on stage. Talk about a supergroup.
They really helped Marc rock out on his most popular number, 'Home', with a swampy, raw, bluesy sound. I've heard him do this song a few times acoustic and it does not do 'Home' justice. They KILLED some soul/Motown covers, one of Marc's most famous being 'Love and Happiness' as well as Bill Withers' 'Who is He (And What is He to You)'. Me and my older hippie spirit guide we rockin' this in the crowd. Totally normal. Then they went into Bob Marley's 'Waiting in Vain'. They do it all.
Mingo Fishtrap & Marc Broussard - "Waiting in Vain"
So much of this show was incredible, but the moment I think I had a cartoon-esque moment of my mind literally blowing up inside my skull was after Marc Broussard had introduced Mingo Fishtrap and walked off stage. Would it be totally insane to say that next, Mingo Fishtrap broke into a Lettuce funk cover? Well, my friends, it happened. I didn't know what to do. Me and Dan freaked. OUT.
As I stated in my opening argument, this was one of the best shows I've ever seen - definitely the best I've seen at the Hamilton. It's like these artists tapped into my soul and said "what would Nora like to hear tonight? Let's play THAT." Doesn't get much better.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Vintage Trouble: Bringin' the Soul to DC, one Pelvis thrust at a time - September 18th, 2014 - The Hamilton Live, DC
(written last night - September 18th)
Minutes ago, I returned home from another successful father-daughter evening at the Hamilton with Dan the Man. Usually I wait a few days (weeks, months, what have you) to write my posts because it gives me time to reflect on what talent I've had the opportunity to witness. But whatever - I'm feeling motivated this eve.
Don't get me wrong - Vintage Trouble could bring the FUNK. But this band is full of special talent, with each of the four musicians dedicated to preserving true American soul music, and bringing their audiences a memorable performance with face melting guitar riffs, mind blowing vocals, killer grooves and of course - pelvis pushing.
I had seen Vintage Trouble at Bonnaroo several months ago and wanted to experience them in a smaller club setting. They were a blast at 'Roo but the big atmosphere took a bit away from their energy. It wasn't until I saw them last night that I realized just what energy they had. Dan and I started at MXDC, an upscale Mexican restaurant right around the corner from the Hamilton. They had a BANGIN' happy hour so we hung there and discussed family and work matters, fightin' the man, etc. until we needed to go to the Hamilton to boogie down.
The band looked like extras from Boardwalk Empire meets Almost Famous. To keep their 'vintage' persona alive, they all wear three piece suits to match their three-piece band of a drummer, guitarist and bassist. Then there is the powerful voice of of lead singer Ty that brings it all together.
Lead singer Ty looks like a miniature version of James Brown on uppers - in the best way possible. He jumped around stage like Mick Jagger and twirled around like a ballerina. It was exhausting to watch. They started with some tunes to get the crowd going, even a what-would-have-been love song from his father to his mother 'Nancy Lee'. Throughout the show he would describe their sound as being that which you would find in a 1950s barn dance - um...can I attend a barn dance? That sounds phenomenal. The Hamilton Live dance floor will suffice I suppose. They followed up these up-tempo tunes with some acoustic songs off their new EP like "Not Alright By Me" and "Nobody Told Me" (my personal favorite) - followed appropriately by the ever-so-conservative 'Pelvis Pusher'. They finished up the show with the slide-guitar power hour that was 'Run like the River' - one of the best guitar solos I've seen in a long time. At one point I stopped moving all together and I'm fairly sure I was just staring with my mouth open. MAD RESPECT SIR. Ty ran around stage a bit more before jumping off stage and running around The Hamilton Live - a 6'8" bouncer attempting to follow him around and failing miserably. The show closed with the band exiting the stage except for the drummer and a slow solo. It was a perfect ending to a great night of soul music.
I appreciate any band that brings soul music back to its home - 'MERICA. We can all revere the fairly recent new wave British soul invasion - Adele, Amy Winehouse (RIP), Joss Stone, Sam Smith - with their powerful and soulful voices anyone could have swore came out of 1950s motown. Now I'm not saying I don't like the British - I love me some football and blood sausage. BUT soul music is and of America and it needed to come home. In addition, I would argue that these British soul singers are so tied to their heros of Motown that they become very cover-heavy. I love a good cover, but it is refreshing to hear bands like Vintage Trouble, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Allen Stone play all original music at their shows (or in Allen Stone's case, new arrangements of songs) and really make them their own, creating new classics for my generation.
Vintage Trouble played not one cover, with a nicely arranged set of party starters, acoustic ballads, call-and-responses, and -- more pelvis pushing.
(Sorry guys, these GIFs are just too good)
Minutes ago, I returned home from another successful father-daughter evening at the Hamilton with Dan the Man. Usually I wait a few days (weeks, months, what have you) to write my posts because it gives me time to reflect on what talent I've had the opportunity to witness. But whatever - I'm feeling motivated this eve.
Don't get me wrong - Vintage Trouble could bring the FUNK. But this band is full of special talent, with each of the four musicians dedicated to preserving true American soul music, and bringing their audiences a memorable performance with face melting guitar riffs, mind blowing vocals, killer grooves and of course - pelvis pushing.
I had seen Vintage Trouble at Bonnaroo several months ago and wanted to experience them in a smaller club setting. They were a blast at 'Roo but the big atmosphere took a bit away from their energy. It wasn't until I saw them last night that I realized just what energy they had. Dan and I started at MXDC, an upscale Mexican restaurant right around the corner from the Hamilton. They had a BANGIN' happy hour so we hung there and discussed family and work matters, fightin' the man, etc. until we needed to go to the Hamilton to boogie down.
The band looked like extras from Boardwalk Empire meets Almost Famous. To keep their 'vintage' persona alive, they all wear three piece suits to match their three-piece band of a drummer, guitarist and bassist. Then there is the powerful voice of of lead singer Ty that brings it all together.
 |
| VINTAGE TROUBLE |
I appreciate any band that brings soul music back to its home - 'MERICA. We can all revere the fairly recent new wave British soul invasion - Adele, Amy Winehouse (RIP), Joss Stone, Sam Smith - with their powerful and soulful voices anyone could have swore came out of 1950s motown. Now I'm not saying I don't like the British - I love me some football and blood sausage. BUT soul music is and of America and it needed to come home. In addition, I would argue that these British soul singers are so tied to their heros of Motown that they become very cover-heavy. I love a good cover, but it is refreshing to hear bands like Vintage Trouble, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Allen Stone play all original music at their shows (or in Allen Stone's case, new arrangements of songs) and really make them their own, creating new classics for my generation.
Vintage Trouble played not one cover, with a nicely arranged set of party starters, acoustic ballads, call-and-responses, and -- more pelvis pushing.
(Sorry guys, these GIFs are just too good)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
STEVIE WONDER ANNOUNCES 'SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE' TOUR!!! - Washington, DC, November 9th, 2014
OMG. OMG. OMG.
Thanks to my girl Andrea, I now am enlightened to know that the legend himself, STEVIE FREAKIN' WONDER, has announced a small fall 2014 tour of 11 cities - including DC on November 9th!
As soon as I found out, I rang up Dan the Man and let him know of this epic news. He then went into a chronicle of his childhood (one of my favorite traits about my old man) about how when he was 13, he was watching the Ed Sullivan show and Stevie Wonder made his first TV appearance playing 'Fingertips'. He explained his jaw dropping to the floor and thinking 'how can this blind kid make such beautiful music and all I can do is throw a baseball?' These memories and moments in time are what music is all about.
You best believe Andrea, myself, Dan the Man and Peter (Andrea's husband) will be attending this event in funky force.
We'll see how the ticket situation works out - I do have presale access, but if Verizon Center is asking me to pay with my first born child as they often do, I'll have to go the Sting/Paul Simon route and use my scalper hustlin' skills.
Thanks to my girl Andrea, I now am enlightened to know that the legend himself, STEVIE FREAKIN' WONDER, has announced a small fall 2014 tour of 11 cities - including DC on November 9th!
As soon as I found out, I rang up Dan the Man and let him know of this epic news. He then went into a chronicle of his childhood (one of my favorite traits about my old man) about how when he was 13, he was watching the Ed Sullivan show and Stevie Wonder made his first TV appearance playing 'Fingertips'. He explained his jaw dropping to the floor and thinking 'how can this blind kid make such beautiful music and all I can do is throw a baseball?' These memories and moments in time are what music is all about.
You best believe Andrea, myself, Dan the Man and Peter (Andrea's husband) will be attending this event in funky force.
We'll see how the ticket situation works out - I do have presale access, but if Verizon Center is asking me to pay with my first born child as they often do, I'll have to go the Sting/Paul Simon route and use my scalper hustlin' skills.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Brother Rod and Brother Carlos Breakin' it Down on a Tuesday - Santana & Rod Stewart - August 19th, 2014 - Verizon Center, DC
I know I owe you guys a Bonnaroo post, a Mingo Fishtrap post, and several others - sorry, so much to document and trying to make it perfect for my beautiful readers. So moving on to one of the most epic shows I've been to in a while.
Dan the Man and I are serious Santana aficionados so whenever he's in the immediate DC vicinity, you can usually count on us to be there jammin' with Carlos. This time around was no different. A few weeks ago though, DT informed me that we would be trekking to Buffalo so I would need to find a replacement. This was tough as I knew DT loves Santana and has always wanted to see Maggie Mae live, but no bother. I'll find a fun music friend to appreciate these 'old rockers' as my girl Morgan calls them.
Christine (from my Jazzfest adventures) didn't let me down. She was ready to jam.
Admittedly, our seats were quite high up at the Verizon Center, but Dan the Man planned it perfectly. Although high, our seats were to the side of the stage so as close as you could be. We tried to look cute to try to butter up some security guards as the show went on with hope that we could get a bit lower. BUT, the show was absolutely packed - as it should have been.
Santana started off the show, right on time at 7:30pm - kind of nice to get to a show when it says it's going to start and low and behold, IT ACTUALLY DOES! He started with a killer Latin-inspired jam sesh. There were 2 guitarist, including Brother Carlos, 2 vocalists and my favorite part of his set - FIVE drummers!! 3 actual drumsets and 2 conga drum stations. I felt like I was at a giant Carnivale party. After about 25 minute jam sesh, the crowd went wild and Carlos slowed it down for some Paul McCartney-esque fireside chats (thanks Kevin and Becca for giving this phenomenon an apt name). He goes into my favorite line of the night: "A lot of people wonder what me and Brother Rod have in common. We both like playing black music for white people." First of all, only Carlos Santana can get away with calling people 'brother' or 'sister' and then their first name - I want to begin this phenomenon. Christine and I have already started. Second, Brother Carlos has such a way with words when describing his music - what a gem. He played some of his classics like Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways, and Oye Como Va to get the crowd excited. Then he introduces 'Maria, Maria' by saying "me and Brother Rod also like to make the ladies go crazyyyyy'. Yes Santana, you do.
Santana - Oye Como Va
One of the coolest parts of the shows was the video streaming behind the stage. Especially during the encore portion of Santana's show. The video of Santana's Woodstock performance began and then the band broke out in Santana's FULL Woodstock set. A good way to commemorate Woodstock's 45th anniversary the weekend before the show.
Santana's 45th anniversary Woodstock set
Thanks for completely blowing my mind, Brother Carlos.
Brother Rod's set began about 30 minutes later and you would have thought you were at two completely different shows. Santana's stage set was very earth mother-friendly, in tune with Santana's "everyone is my brother and/or sister" vibe (don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to Stevie Ray Vaughn as Brother Stevie"). Rod Stewart's looked much more modern, a bit of an 80s feel, 4 less drum sets, etc. His band was also a bit different. By comparison, Santana's 1/5 drummer is a cool rocker chick with an afro who rocks super hard - doesn't surprise me looking at her that she is a phenomenal musician. Rod Stewart's band looked the Robert Palmer 'Addicted to Love' video with overly made up models making a weak attempt at fake-playing instruments but looking super hot. Rod Stewart's band was equally smokin' but 43095843098 times more talented. They had costume changes, danced like Beyonce, wore heels, and were unbelievable musicians. His backup singers should have record deals, his sax and trumpet players should be in a New Orleans jazz band, and they all should have model contracts. Looks can definitely be deceiving, but either way, I was floored.
Santana came out for a performance with Rod Stewart that made me melt - a cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind". And of course Santana's guitar playing had me on the verge of tears. Brother Rod did a few more of his old standbys and then featured all the talented women in his band. He even gave one of the backup singers take the lead on a Tina Turner-esque cover of "Proud Mary". Enough time for Brother Rod to change into a shinier suit than he had on previously. Throughout the show, he would have some trippy and unexpected video backdrops (see below) that led me and Christine to think "man, didn't think Rod had it in him". The finale to his show was as a English soccer fan, he is known for having a bunch of signed soccer balls into the crowd. Well this AARP superstar didn't just throw them into the stands - he punted them across the Verizon Center. Ummm can I be like that when I'm +70?
Santana-Rod Stewart Etta James cover - "I'd Rather Go Blind"
After seeing Santana several times, I was so excited for this show for him and his fantastic live shows. But this is why I love live music - I go to a show expecting one thing and being pleasantly surprised by totally out of left field.
In honor of the 45th anniversary of Woodstock, I'm always blown away by the talent, consistency and respect for music these great artists have that are about my parents' age. I think about how when they wrote these classic arrangements, they were my age when I was in college. What was I doing in college? Being hungover eating DP Dough? But really. It is quite inspiring to see these people leading such cool lives with music at the center of them. I hope I lead half as cool a life as these cats have. It also makes me appreciate how my mom and my pops have always exposed me to different types of music and made sure I appreciate the good stuff - thanks guys! And thanks for the tickets, DT!
Dan the Man and I are serious Santana aficionados so whenever he's in the immediate DC vicinity, you can usually count on us to be there jammin' with Carlos. This time around was no different. A few weeks ago though, DT informed me that we would be trekking to Buffalo so I would need to find a replacement. This was tough as I knew DT loves Santana and has always wanted to see Maggie Mae live, but no bother. I'll find a fun music friend to appreciate these 'old rockers' as my girl Morgan calls them.
Christine (from my Jazzfest adventures) didn't let me down. She was ready to jam.
 |
| Christine and me - ready to rock |
Santana started off the show, right on time at 7:30pm - kind of nice to get to a show when it says it's going to start and low and behold, IT ACTUALLY DOES! He started with a killer Latin-inspired jam sesh. There were 2 guitarist, including Brother Carlos, 2 vocalists and my favorite part of his set - FIVE drummers!! 3 actual drumsets and 2 conga drum stations. I felt like I was at a giant Carnivale party. After about 25 minute jam sesh, the crowd went wild and Carlos slowed it down for some Paul McCartney-esque fireside chats (thanks Kevin and Becca for giving this phenomenon an apt name). He goes into my favorite line of the night: "A lot of people wonder what me and Brother Rod have in common. We both like playing black music for white people." First of all, only Carlos Santana can get away with calling people 'brother' or 'sister' and then their first name - I want to begin this phenomenon. Christine and I have already started. Second, Brother Carlos has such a way with words when describing his music - what a gem. He played some of his classics like Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways, and Oye Como Va to get the crowd excited. Then he introduces 'Maria, Maria' by saying "me and Brother Rod also like to make the ladies go crazyyyyy'. Yes Santana, you do.
Santana - Oye Como Va
One of the coolest parts of the shows was the video streaming behind the stage. Especially during the encore portion of Santana's show. The video of Santana's Woodstock performance began and then the band broke out in Santana's FULL Woodstock set. A good way to commemorate Woodstock's 45th anniversary the weekend before the show.
Santana's 45th anniversary Woodstock set
Thanks for completely blowing my mind, Brother Carlos.
Brother Rod's set began about 30 minutes later and you would have thought you were at two completely different shows. Santana's stage set was very earth mother-friendly, in tune with Santana's "everyone is my brother and/or sister" vibe (don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to Stevie Ray Vaughn as Brother Stevie"). Rod Stewart's looked much more modern, a bit of an 80s feel, 4 less drum sets, etc. His band was also a bit different. By comparison, Santana's 1/5 drummer is a cool rocker chick with an afro who rocks super hard - doesn't surprise me looking at her that she is a phenomenal musician. Rod Stewart's band looked the Robert Palmer 'Addicted to Love' video with overly made up models making a weak attempt at fake-playing instruments but looking super hot. Rod Stewart's band was equally smokin' but 43095843098 times more talented. They had costume changes, danced like Beyonce, wore heels, and were unbelievable musicians. His backup singers should have record deals, his sax and trumpet players should be in a New Orleans jazz band, and they all should have model contracts. Looks can definitely be deceiving, but either way, I was floored.
Santana came out for a performance with Rod Stewart that made me melt - a cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind". And of course Santana's guitar playing had me on the verge of tears. Brother Rod did a few more of his old standbys and then featured all the talented women in his band. He even gave one of the backup singers take the lead on a Tina Turner-esque cover of "Proud Mary". Enough time for Brother Rod to change into a shinier suit than he had on previously. Throughout the show, he would have some trippy and unexpected video backdrops (see below) that led me and Christine to think "man, didn't think Rod had it in him". The finale to his show was as a English soccer fan, he is known for having a bunch of signed soccer balls into the crowd. Well this AARP superstar didn't just throw them into the stands - he punted them across the Verizon Center. Ummm can I be like that when I'm +70?
Santana-Rod Stewart Etta James cover - "I'd Rather Go Blind"
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| Brother Rod's trippiest backdrop |
After seeing Santana several times, I was so excited for this show for him and his fantastic live shows. But this is why I love live music - I go to a show expecting one thing and being pleasantly surprised by totally out of left field.
In honor of the 45th anniversary of Woodstock, I'm always blown away by the talent, consistency and respect for music these great artists have that are about my parents' age. I think about how when they wrote these classic arrangements, they were my age when I was in college. What was I doing in college? Being hungover eating DP Dough? But really. It is quite inspiring to see these people leading such cool lives with music at the center of them. I hope I lead half as cool a life as these cats have. It also makes me appreciate how my mom and my pops have always exposed me to different types of music and made sure I appreciate the good stuff - thanks guys! And thanks for the tickets, DT!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Fall 2014 - The Season of the Funk
OK, OK. I know that you're thinking EVERY season is the season of Funk for Nora Thomas. However, this fall it truly is. It seems like all of my favorite artists had a conference in Funkytown and were like "hey guys, Nora doesn't go to enough concerts as it is, so let's all go on tour at the exact same time!" Some people get amped about football season. And don't get me wrong - I also get very aroused by the thought of tailgating and football. But this girl can't wait for her fall 2014 concert lineup.
I'm not complaining. I always get bummed out when summer ends so a plethora of concerts is just the ticket (no pun intended). But seriously. I think I need to take a portion of my paycheck and put it all toward fall concerts. Because they will all be epic.
My fall season starts with 2 early fall shows at Merriwether - a goodbye to outdoor shows for the year. First are some classic rock icons - ZZ Top & Jeff Beck, accompanied by one my Austin blues guitar heros, Gary Clark Jr. Next is the Route 29 Revue with Amanda featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and bluegrass jam band Devil Makes Three.
September gets busy with some solid shows at the Hamilton - Vintage Trouble, and New Orleans' funksters George Porter & the Runnin' Pardners. Next, I finally get to see the Black Keys live followed by a trip to NYC to see musical soulmate Kevin and see NEEDTOBREATHE live.
October opens with a bang with two of my absolute favs - Marc Broussard and Mingo Fishtrap - playing together at the Hamilton. I've been waiting to see them jam together and finally my wish comes true. Not exactly Disneyworld, but close enough for me. Soulful hippie Allen Stone plays a few days later at 9:30 club with Bad Rabbits.
Halloween shall be epic. Lettuce AND Soulive are to play a Halloween set in NYC. These bands swap out members all the time, so to see them all together in Halloween garb will be a sight to be seen. Kevin, get ready for fall - 2 NYC trips in one season.
I go on a little break for most of November and then get crazy again with John Butler Trio and Wild Feathers in the same week!! AHHHH!!!
I'm not complaining. I always get bummed out when summer ends so a plethora of concerts is just the ticket (no pun intended). But seriously. I think I need to take a portion of my paycheck and put it all toward fall concerts. Because they will all be epic.
My fall season starts with 2 early fall shows at Merriwether - a goodbye to outdoor shows for the year. First are some classic rock icons - ZZ Top & Jeff Beck, accompanied by one my Austin blues guitar heros, Gary Clark Jr. Next is the Route 29 Revue with Amanda featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and bluegrass jam band Devil Makes Three.
Gary Clark Jr - Born Under a Bad Sign
ZZ Top - Bonnaroo 2013
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - St. James Infirmary
Vintage Trouble on Letterman
George Porter, Jr. & the Runnin' Pardners
NEEDTOBREATHE
Marc Broussard - Home
Mingo Fishtrap - Live at Stubb's
Allen Stone - Million
Lettuce - Live at Bear Creek
Soulive
John Butler Trio - Ocean
Wild Feathers - Hard Wind
Check out the 'Upcoming Shows' section of Musical Vagabond to see if there are any you want to join in on.Friday, July 11, 2014
NEW SEGMENT: Kevin Harrison's Lyrical Enlightenment of the Day
Everyone needs some encouragement in the morning when you have to deal with incompetent drivers/Metro riders/any annoying commute equivalent you deal with everyday.
Lately, my musical soulmate Kevin Harrison has been remedying my morning woes with some uplifting and comical lyrical text messages courtesy of some of our favorite bands.
He just started a new job at UNICEF in New York City to fund his other career as a musician and takes the East River ferry everyday from the hipster 'hood, Brooklyn, to Manhattan. In this time, he would text me some Chris Robinson wisdom via Black Crowes lyrics. As this trend has continued, we've moved on to other artists like Macklemore, American Aquarium...even 30 Seconds to Mars (I'm only OK with it because Jared Leto is my hippie fantasy man).
I thought all of my vagabond family could benefit from this lyrical therapy. So, Kevin Harrison's Lyrical Enlightenment of the Day segment on Musical Vagabond is born. Check back every day for a new lyric, as well as some textual commentary on said lyric.
(NOTE: I think this is even more appropriate since what is more 'vagabond' then taking a boat to work? Awesome.)
Enjoy your Fridays everyone, and keep on listening!
Lately, my musical soulmate Kevin Harrison has been remedying my morning woes with some uplifting and comical lyrical text messages courtesy of some of our favorite bands.
He just started a new job at UNICEF in New York City to fund his other career as a musician and takes the East River ferry everyday from the hipster 'hood, Brooklyn, to Manhattan. In this time, he would text me some Chris Robinson wisdom via Black Crowes lyrics. As this trend has continued, we've moved on to other artists like Macklemore, American Aquarium...even 30 Seconds to Mars (I'm only OK with it because Jared Leto is my hippie fantasy man).
I thought all of my vagabond family could benefit from this lyrical therapy. So, Kevin Harrison's Lyrical Enlightenment of the Day segment on Musical Vagabond is born. Check back every day for a new lyric, as well as some textual commentary on said lyric.
(NOTE: I think this is even more appropriate since what is more 'vagabond' then taking a boat to work? Awesome.)
Enjoy your Fridays everyone, and keep on listening!
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