tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38291771491614833922024-03-15T03:02:48.843-05:00My Musical JourneyMusic. The one thing that has been a constant in my life, and this is a reflection of my musical tastes, opinions, trivia and well quite frankly, rants. Music is in all of us, this is merely my journey.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-91331536205521561762018-07-11T11:01:00.001-05:002018-07-11T11:01:16.645-05:00Wayland - Q Casino June 29th, 2018In life we have all seen the rise of "something" in a way that almost seems to be destined. As a frame of reference I think of sports teams that have all of a sudden turned that corner and you can actually see that they are head and shoulders above the competition that they are on the field with or even in the same league with. I hearken back to 1985 to my beloved Chicago Bears and the fact that it seemed like no one could touch them on the field while pitying those that had to actually attempt playing against them. Very early on that season it became apparent how good they were and what their destiny was but what in the world so it came as no surprise to me on June 29th when I saw that again albeit in a much different format.<br />
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I was seventeen years old when the Chicago Bears started that run in 1985, I remember watching them early on that season with some nervousness until the third game of the season ended, then I realized that there was something special afoot with that team. The date was September 19th, 1985 (the night before my seventeenth birthday actually) and the Bears entered the game with their starting quarterback Jim McMahon on the bench with an injured back. The Bears were not playing their best, McMahon's replacement Steve Fuller was having a pedestrian day (13 - 18 passing for 124 yards with an interception) and lo and behold in the third quarter the Vikings led by Tommy Kramer took the lead by a score of 17 - 9.<br />
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Bears coach Mike Ditka stood on the precipice of disaster (okay that's a little thick but stick with me) and put an injured McMahon in the game, replacing Fuller. McMahon dominated the rest of the game, throwing three touchdown passes propelling the Bears to the victory with the final score 33 - 24. I was simply amazed by the performance, it was gritty, in your face and it felt like I had seen something extraordinary happen. The next evening was a small birthday celebration when I finally realized how good they really were as I sat and talked with my Uncle Jeff about the game. He exuded everything Chicago Bears and really was the person that led me to becoming a Bears fan about ten years earlier, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention how obvious his excitement was about the team following that one game.<br />
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Following that victory it became a forgone conclusion that the Bears were going to win, handily at least in my eyes (until the Monday Night Football debacle against the Miami Dolphins) all of the way through the Super Bowl. That team had "IT." It was so obvious that this team was destined to win it all so it came as no surprise. I've seen it time and time again since that day including the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 but few teams have been as blatant about it since those '85 Bears but then something strange happened, I saw it again but this time it wasn't a sports team.<br />
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The area in which I live is truly blessed with the variety and quality of national touring acts that come to our area an perform. It is a testament to the venues we have and those people that book these acts but also to those that attend these shows, I hear it time and time again from acts about all of the great things they hear about performing in our area, in fact in November I heard from the drummer of the band <b>Jackyl</b> how much they love coming to the area and playing because of the fans (remember that band for a moment). That night was a real treat in and of itself but was a little disheartening because the opening band couldn't make the trip, their name was Wayland.<br />
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Wayland is an interesting band if not for the simple reason that the drummer of Wayland happens to be the son of <b>Jesse James Dupree</b> of Jackyl. I have seen Wayland at least twice before so I kind of knew what to expect but this was going to be different because of the Jackyl connection, I thought it would be neat to see father and son back to back but that wasn't to be. It was announced that Wayland would come back to Dubuque so I knew I would be able to see them soon enough and I knew what I would get, a great rock show but I got much, much more than just that.<br />
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On June 29th, 2018 Wayland came to Dubuque, Iowa by way of the <a href="https://qcasinoandhotel.com/entertainment/" target="_blank">Q Casino</a> which is a fantastic venue with the Rick Monroe opening for them. When I had seen Wayland in the past they really were a great band, powerful and fun but I truly didn't expect what they brought to the table that extremely warm Friday night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNixCcoHD8pQCLJo4ThgLjdgtd86M48U8aWbzRPCy0kM3edzLONOSwP4dUPZLzQoS0s2c548dibriZF7M4w5fEWy59C9xCO_oYKUlFVVGkfjn1SfyLJHS17WDTrngfKhVtguP5YDnz2s/s1600/WAYLAND+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNixCcoHD8pQCLJo4ThgLjdgtd86M48U8aWbzRPCy0kM3edzLONOSwP4dUPZLzQoS0s2c548dibriZF7M4w5fEWy59C9xCO_oYKUlFVVGkfjn1SfyLJHS17WDTrngfKhVtguP5YDnz2s/s320/WAYLAND+-+1.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitch Arnold talking to a fan<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2018</td></tr>
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With only <b>Phillip Vilenski</b> (lead guitar) and <b>Nigel Dupree</b> (drums) on stage, Wayland began with acoustic flair belting out <i>Rabbit River Blues / From the Otherside</i> pulling Dupree on guitar duty as well from his riser. Brilliant would be the way I would describe the "soft open" if you will, I loved it. The song is blues as it is but has a "funk" feel to it that made me pen in my notes that it reminded me of a late '60's - early '70's song. It became immediately apparent that this didn't feel like the previous times I had seen Wayland, it felt different and I was eating it up.<br />
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There was a polish to Wayland that I hadn't seen before, but this polish added a sheen that was beginning to brighten as the night went on. The next several songs displayed that bluesy feel to their music that almost needed a description as to what genre one could assign the band. I was asked by a person near me if I thought the band was a "heavy metal" band which quickly fueled a "No" from me because they simply aren't.<br />
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That made for an interesting conundrum for me because it is easy to assign a label to most bands but Wayland is different. This band is like the proverbial onion because as you peel it there is yet another layer to it and they truly aren't any different in that regard. There is a simple complexity to their music, with undertones of country music, funk, rock, alternative, heck even some metal I suppose but a simple definition just wouldn't do. The best answer I could come up with was "they are a classic hard rock band" and that would have to do for a little while.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R Vilenski (guitar), Dupree (drums)<br />
and Dean Pizzazz (bass)<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2018</td></tr>
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The thing that makes them so difficult to label is that complexity because there are songs that you think you have pegged as to what it is and they switch up on you in midstream. That is reflective of the brilliance of the music itself I suppose and that makes it so exciting to experience live.<br />
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Within the song <i>Bloody Sunrise</i> there is an initial note that sounds like it is going to be some hard, screaming metal song then it breaks into an acoustic, almost country feel of a song that then turns bluesy and then goes back to hard rock then back and forth. Vocally there is a <u><b>Shinedown</b></u> feel to it with almost an anthem power behind it. This song live is bodacious and powerful.<br />
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Peeling that onion one more time takes us to <i>Shopping For A Savior</i>, a song that immediately reminds me of the powerhouse band <u><b>The Black Crowes</b></u>. This song triggers a visceral response that makes me tap my toes and hum along, its infectious and glancing around the crowd as they performed it I wasn't the only one. It's a delightful song and the band makes it look effortless as they performed it.<br />
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Let us look at the contrast of styles further with the very next song Wayland performed, it being <i>Fire Down Below</i>. This song takes you back in time to <u><b>Black Sabbath</b></u> intermixed with <u><b>Jimi Hendrix</b></u>, and Shinedown with a distinct smattering of the personality of Wayland itself. Although it doesn't seem like that combination would fit I can assure you that it does, perfectly. Live this song is a masterpiece.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayland's Set List from the Q Casino in Dubuque, Iowa July 29th, 2018<br />
© musicallead.blogspot.com - 2018</td></tr>
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At the point Wayland got to the song <i>Ghost</i> I had my epiphany, I immediately saw everything like I did with the 1985 Chicago Bears and I understood that this band has "IT." You can feel it, you can see it, you can feel it, Wayland is reaching the upper realm of their craft: Superstardom.<br />
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It becomes apparent how remarkable Wayland is when you listen to the song Ghost in the first place but live the song takes command. It has all of those influences I mentioned earlier but adds the intertwining of sounds of the band <b><u>Starset</u></b> but inside their live performance reflects their energy and the power of the lyrics. Without a doubt I truly believe this song sets them above their contemporaries by far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOvSQeEUIs28K_2xlKevip_bYP9Aserwn9Irb0jKw_tjYSFWR1Kfq-IphXZUNnVqyFAqlAkVkacTaGC8hHfqRU6FLpvw_LgpHkos0EdJ-0XQINgULVjfykWXoXVu8QFcbxVnU2maJKOE/s1600/WAYLAND+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOvSQeEUIs28K_2xlKevip_bYP9Aserwn9Irb0jKw_tjYSFWR1Kfq-IphXZUNnVqyFAqlAkVkacTaGC8hHfqRU6FLpvw_LgpHkos0EdJ-0XQINgULVjfykWXoXVu8QFcbxVnU2maJKOE/s400/WAYLAND+-+4.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R Vilenski, Kenzie Schumacher, Pizzazz<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2018</td></tr>
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With such vast and important influences as I have mentioned earlier being ever present in their music it is welcoming when you see the band make an effort to reach out to young artists and involve them in their music as well. Take <b>Kenzie Schumacher</b> for example. Schumacher, a 19 year old musician that plays fiddle and sings in her family band, the <b>Schumacher Family Band</b> (a bluegrass band), was asked by the band to appear during the performance and play on one of the bands songs. Schumacher took the stage before the band performed <i>Follow</i>, playing fiddle and despite looking nervous she was masterful.<br />
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After the performance I asked Nigel Dupree about Schumacher's performance and he reiterated that there was some nervousness on her part but despite that during rehearsal it became apparent that she had "IT" and that he was "<i>blown away by her on stage</i>." That is a very impressive statement by Dupree because it shows her prowess and stage presence being able to tackle her first performance with the band period let alone being able to play on such an iconic Wayland song.<br />
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What I found even more extraordinary about Schumacher's performance was the fact that she is incredibly humble, so much in fact that immediately following the performance she left, she went home but why? Well Schumacher is a manager at a local Starbucks and had to be up five hours later to go to work, and while others her age might be tempted to let the opportunity be her "rock star moment" she showed professionalism and loyalty to the other responsibilities in her life. Her performance was great, and her presence gave the song a little something more. Very well done!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R, Arnold, Pizzazz, Vilenski, Schumacher, Dupree performing Follow<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2018</td></tr>
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It goes without saying there are times that bands we see live throw little nuggets to us from time to time with unexpected song choices. I don't mean that one rare song that they pull out and brush off that was on their first album and then performed for the first time in fifteen years, I mean a song from another artist that is completely unexpected. As an example I remember seeing <b>KISS</b> back in the '80's and Gene Simmons breaking out the song <i>La Bamba</i> to which the crowd began to laugh and had a good time with it so I have to admit I didn't see Wayland performing a Black Crowes classic coming.<br />
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Having seen Wayland previously I couldn't remember the band taking on <i>She Talks to Angels</i> by <b>The Black Crowes</b> but the minute they did it was truly stunning! First of all it is possibly the single most iconic song for The Black Crowes and it is known by everyone but it also falls into the category of songs that should never be touched by anyone because it is that iconic. The song is dark and powerful but the vocal of <b>Mitch Arnold</b> takes you back into the original feel of the song. Arnold has a vocal range that reminds me of so many performers but it fits inside the vocal range of Chris Robinson (lead singer of The Black Crowes) perfectly. This song was indeed my favorite of the night, it was impactful, mysterious and dark I absolutely loved it!<br />
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One of the most interesting aspects of going to see a band perform live is where certain songs from the bands catalog may fall or which ones may be excluded, it seems to be a topic for debate in every show. As the night began to fade to its conclusion I heard some people wondering when they would be able to hear two of the biggest songs of Wayland and I kind of chuckled about it. I never asked the murmurers if they thought the band wouldn't perform <i>Get A Little</i> or <i>Reno</i> but you knew they had to be coming and they indeed did.<br />
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<i>Get A Little</i> is one of those songs that has indeed become an anthem of the band, it is truly their most recognizable song and one of its most successful (it reached #6 on ITunes Rock Chart) so as the band began the song the crowd responded in kind. The song has all of the elements of an anthem if you will, it is memorable, it has a great sound, and it makes you move. This one song will be in their set list for the rest of the time that the band is together and will be played in countless bars, receptions and parties for eons. It reminds me of the rock anthems of the '70's and '80's like Rock And Roll All Night by KISS if not for the simple reason that whenever that song is played everyone that listens to it sings along with it.<br />
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Its a catchy song but it really holds true to the idea of what everyone feels and the simple necessity of just letting go and having a great time. Watching the crowd as Wayland performs it proves my point, you can visibly see the self-satisfaction, and understanding of the fans as they sing along. You can honestly feel the fact that they agree with the "terms and conditions" of the lyrics if you will and it was blatantly obvious within the faces of those in attendance. It's impossible to NOT enjoy yourself listening to this song but seeing it live takes it to another level.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean Pizzazz (bass)<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2018</td></tr>
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That in a nutshell is the face of Wayland if you ask me. The music obviously makes up any band but what makes it stand out is the quality of its work so when the band holds off so late in a show to play that one song you know its probably their most popular, and with Get A Little you have that. Generally speaking when any band plays that one "big hit," that one song a band is known for that's it, the show is over, here come the house lights and go home but not Wayland.<br />
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As the band broke into the acapella beginning to <i>Reno</i> I was actually kind of taken aback because I expected that the show was actually over but to my surprise it wasn't. Reno is a great little song, about "The Biggest Little City In The World" Reno, Nevada and it seems kind of fitting. I've visited Reno a couple of times and I kind of always thought of it as the "ugly sister" of Las Vegas if you will, and although that doesn't sound like a complement it really is and the song kind of justifies it.<br />
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Reno is a city that has everything Vegas has but on a less grand scale but it is just as entertaining. Reno has a reputation to it, as does Vegas but for some reason it is treated like it isn't as big a deal as the flashy city to its south. The song says "<u><i>the streets are dirty and the girls are cocaine pretty, put it all on black when there's no place left to go, there's only one road in and one road out of Reno</i></u>" while those words may sound kind of dark and unappealing it makes me think that this is going to be one heck of a place to have fun. When I was a teenager there was a place that we had parties that had one way in and one way out, the exact same road because it dead-ended right at a set of railroad tracks and we had the best parties there. This song makes me see the revelry in the town "<u><i>where the streets are dirty and the girls are cocaine pretty</i></u>," it gives an exciting feel to the town and it makes the song playful as well. It's a great song and kudos to the band for making it the last one of the night because it's an underrated song compared to the song before it but it is just as entertaining. I would garner a guess that I wasn't the only one humming that song on the way out that night, it was a wonderful way to end the set!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigel Dupree (drums) performing at the Q Casino<br />in Dubuque, Iowa July 29th, 2018<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com-2018</td></tr>
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Have to admit something to you, I am a music snob, it's hard not to be. In 2017 I saw 147 different bands perform, including Wayland so if I go to see a band more than once it's because they are a good band and worth every minute of it. Having seen them perform previously I obviously knew what to expect when I saw Wayland perform at the Q Casino in Dubuque, Iowa June 29th, 2018 but there were some in attendance that didn't. When the band took the stage it became apparent however that I really didn't know what to expect after all. I kind of expected to see a really good rock band which was going to perform at a high level while entertaining everyone in attendance but just like the Chicago Bears in 1985 I saw something else. <br />
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What I saw was a band that has "IT" and make no mistake when you see them perform you too will see "IT." Wayland has "IT." What is "IT" you ask? It's not easily defined but it is easily explained. They have a stud lead vocalist in Mitch Arnold for example that in and of itself is crucial to the success of any band. Arnold has a vocal quality that fits the genre of music today like a glove. In Phillip Vilenski they have a guitar player that not only looks like a stereotypical guitar legend (long hair, smooth demeanor) but he can shred the crap out of the strings. He has a bluesy feel to his performance, almost Stevie Ray Vaughn like with that rocker edge to him, he truly is one of the best performing today.<br />
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Remember the '85 Bears reference? Do you remember the '85 Bears in general? They were a cast of characters with larger than life personalities and perhaps the biggest personality on that team was no other than William "The Refrigerator" Perry, good old #72 and I would contend that Wayland has their very own 'Fridge in <b>Dean Pizzazz</b>. Pizzazz plays bass for the band and before you think I am accusing him of any type of weight similarity to Perry I assure you I am not. What I am accusing him of is being like 'Fridge in tenacity, skill and that personality that reminds me of #72. In Pizzazz I saw a man on stage that engaged literally everyone in the crowd, looking amused as he performed and looked like he not only belonged there but owned it.<br />
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There is a final piece to the lineup of Wayland that really completes that "IT" factor, that being Nigel Dupree on drums. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Dupree is indeed the son of Jackyl frontman <b>Jesse James Dupree</b> and there are similarities to the two. Like his dad Dupree displays an extreme level of professionalism while on stage and at the same time looks like he is always having the time of his life. Dupree is an incredibly skilled, gifted drummer and while watching him beat the drums to the point that I thought he was going to break the stage I realized that he reminded me of a drummer that just left us. The drummer in which I am referring is no other than <b>Vinnie Paul Abbott</b>, the quintessential drummer from <b>Pantera</b>, <b>Damageplan</b> and most recently <b>HELLYEAH</b> passed away on June 22nd, 2018. <br />
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Abbott seriously dominated a drum kit like few others, I seriously felt bad for the drums watching the way he abused them in every performance, he gave everything to his craft and he is truly one of the greatest of all-time and I can see Nigel Dupree subscribing to that same performing style. Dupree is a BEAST on the drums and despite the lack of facial hair (like that of Vinnie Paul), I see Dupree performing like Abbott. He is confident, gifted and plays at a similar level to that of Abbott and I told Dupree myself that I see him as the next Vinnie Paul, he is that good.<br />
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In Wayland I see all of the intangibles that I did with the '85 Bears in the context of the "IT" Factor that is (I don't know how good the four members of Wayland would be on defense or if any of them could run like Walter Payton so there's that). This band is a force to be reckoned with, they are superior musicians, excellent songwriters, huge personalities, exceptional teammates and amazing performers. I would expect that in the years to come that the sky is the limit for this band, I think they can rival anything and anyone in music today.<br />
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What can I say about Wayland that I have yet to say? When I saw them that extremely warm June night I knew that I was in for one heck of a show, and when I left that evening I was mesmerized by the skill level and star quality that they have exploded forward with. Wayland is the real deal. Do yourself a favor and find this band online <a href="http://www.waylandtheband.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, take in a live show, buy their music and sit back, relax and enjoy it because this band is IT.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-10058660988391596132017-12-27T13:25:00.000-06:002017-12-27T15:24:08.842-06:00An Interview with Heidi RayeAfter seeing Heidi Raye live at a performance for a local radio station and reviewing two of her EP's I decided to reach out to her and see if she would want to participate in an interview so we could all get to know her better. Did she graciously accept? Well...<br />
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When I first heard the Heidi Raye song <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> for the first time I have to admit there was a certain amount of intrigue. The song has a quality to it that is smart and playful but it had a quality to it that had elements of modern country music interspersed with a smattering of tones that would be quite comfortable in any Top 40 rotation. The song was much more than that however, it showed a depth that only songwriters with exceptional resumes' and bodies of work seem to possess.<br />
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When the station I work at offered up the opportunity to see Raye perform at a local event I knew I had to take them up on it if not for the simple reason to see what the artist was like in a raw, acoustic event. I was completely blown away by the artist and artistry that is Heidi Raye and I asked her if she would be interested in the opportunity of participating in an interview and she said YES!<br />
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As Raye is a musician and was on tour we decided that the best way to conduct an interview was through email and with a little forethought I prepared some questions and sent them off.<br />
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<b>Hello Heidi! Let's start with a little background information, where were you born?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Fort St. John, British Columbia</i><br />
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<b>Where do you current live?</b><br />
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Heidi: <i>Nashville, TN</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Describe yourself in a sentence.</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Ambitious, quirky country singin’ go-getter.</i><br />
<br />
<b>So your fans can keep up with you, what is your website?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <a href="http://www.heidiraye.com/" target="_blank">www.heidiraye.com</a><br />
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<b>Who are some of your favorite writers, musicians and bands from the past and
present?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Dixie Chicks, George Strait, Dolly, Garth Brooks, Shania.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>What is THE song that always moves you?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>“How Great Thou Art.”</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>If you could create your perfect day, how would you design it?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>An 80 degree day in the spring or fall in Nashville, write a
song, go for a hike, dinner on a patio, preferably Mexican :).</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>What would your friends say they appreciate the most about you?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Probably my sense of humor. Laughing, joking around, teasing
and being a part of something funny is what I’m all about.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>If you could pick your "most valued possession," what would it be?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i> I just got a McPerson guitar. I’ve always wanted one and now
that I have it I’m so careful with it and appreciate it so much more than any
other guitar I’ve had.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Who were you, or would you be nervous to meet?</b></div>
<br />
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Heidi: <i> I've been star struck once in my life and that was when I met
<b>King George (Strait)</b>. He said “Hi Heidi! Nice to meet you!” And leaned in to shake my
hand and I just went through the motions not able to say much.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>What do you want to do in the future? Collaborate? Tour?
Vacation?</b></div>
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Heidi: <i>Yes to all three! To me, touring is like vacation in the way
that it’s what I love to do most and I get to see the world. I’d love to
collaborate with someone like <b>Brett Eldredge</b> or <b>Chris Young</b>. They’re just both
incredible vocalists and I think it’d make a fun project.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Where would you like to find yourself in ten years?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>I dream big so I’d say I’ll be doing what I’m doing now just
on a larger scale. I’d love to be playing arenas and stadiums, perform at the
CMA’s, and be in a position to start a charity and actively be helping people.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>What instruments can you play?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Piano/keys, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, trumpet.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>What is the biggest tour you have ever been on?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Opened an arena show for Randy Travis.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Do you have favorite sports / teams:</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Nashville Predators.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>What artists or songwriters have you collaborated with (written / performed)?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>I’ve been a staff writer in Nashville for 5 out of the 7
years I’ve lived there so I’ve got to be in the room with some pretty
incredible artists and writers over the years. Writers like <b>Craig Wiseman</b>, <b>Liz
Rose</b>, artist/writers like <b>Walker Hayes</b> and <b>John King</b>.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>Can you describe the difference between where you grew up and where you live now?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Actually not a whole lot. I’m from a small country town and
Nashville is just a big country town. I think healthcare and accents are the
two main differences!</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Tell us about your latest Project:</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>5 song EP, “Worth a Shot” (Produced by the amazing <b>Chuck
Ainlay</b>) available on all digital streaming/downloading services, Amazon, or <a href="http://www.heidiraye.com/">www.heidiraye.com.</a></i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Music requires creativity and creativity requires a source, what do you do outside of music that helps you be creative IN music?</b><br />
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Heidi: <i>Hiking. Walking alone outside with no music just the sounds
of the great out doors is my favorite activity.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b>How do you write your music? For others?</b><br />
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Heidi: <i>The process is always different; just depends on if you have
a melody idea or a lyric idea, who you’re writing with or who you’re writing
for. No two days are the same... keeps it interesting!</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>As a young, rising star performances are paramount to your success, where have you performed? Prefer small venues or large venues?
Dream performance?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>I've been performing since I was 3 so it’d take a while to
list the venues ;) The venue to me isn’t as important as the crowd. I love
performing for a crowd of country music fans that are there to have a good
time. Doesn’t matter if it’s a festival of thousands or the Bluebird Cafe with
60 people; I’ve had equally amazing experiences at both! I’d love to perform at
Madison Square Gardens or the Super Bowl.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Describe your biggest challenge as a musician?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Finding time to write when you’re on the road and there’s
just no time, or even the opposite scenario of having to write but you are
burnt out or out of ideas when you’re in writing mode. Sometimes I’ll be on the
road for a month and maybe only write one or two songs due to scheduling and
lack of time and sleep. Maybe another month I’m on music row writing every day
and after 30 songs I’m feeling like I need a creative break to get more
ideas.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Obviously your an accomplished and talented songwriter, what is your favorite song you have written. For yourself? For Others?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Myself: a song I wrote with my long time Nashville friend
<b>Isaac Rich</b> called “<u>Good Either Way</u>”. It’s just a real raw, emotional, acoustic
song that has some really powerful lyrics and moments.</i></div>
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<i>Others: a song I co-wrote with my good friend <b>Bill DiLuigi</b>
called “<u>Lifeline</u>” by <b>Aaron Pritchett</b>. It was on his Juno nominated album “<u>The
Score</u>”. It’s kind of moody, rockin’, and is super fun to play live.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Thank you for taking the time and answering my questions, I sincerely appreciate it. Is there anything you would like to add?</b><br />
<br />
Heidi: <i>Please find me on social media and say hi! I love meeting
new friends and fans. My handle on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube is
@heidirayemusic.</i><br />
<br />
Heidi Raye is an up and coming country artist that is destined to become a super star. Find Heidi's latest single <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> and her EP of the same title and pick it up it is beyond worth it! Check out the review I conducted on <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> and <u><i>Hot Mess Express</i></u> <a href="http://musicallead.blogspot.com/2017/12/heidi-raye-two-eps-one-review.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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Thank you again Heidi for the opportunity to interview you and I cannot wait to see what happens next in your career!<br />
<i></i></div>
James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-29113352087960031622017-12-15T14:06:00.001-06:002017-12-15T14:12:17.430-06:00 Heidi Raye - Two EP's, One ReviewWhen you think about country music what do you think of? Is it "old" country music with personalities like <b>Johnny Cash</b>, <b>Hank Williams</b> and <b>Patsy Cline</b>? Or do you think of the "new" stars of the genre like <b>Carrie Underwood</b>, <b>Blake Shelton</b> and <b>Tim McGraw</b>? Do you think that the only people in country music are from Nashville or the "Deep South" and are only Americans? Do you just assume that the music is without depth or substance? There is an artist out there today that might just change any negative thoughts you have about an entire genre that hearkens back to the days of old, with the edge of today's artists and so much more. Who is it you ask? Well...<br />
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When I started working in Country radio I confess I knew little beyond those "legends" of the genre that my parents listened to. I knew the music of Johnny Cash, <b>Kenny Rogers</b>, <b>Dolly Parton</b>, <b>Glen Campbell</b> etc., but I was not a fan - except for Johnny Cash, how could you NOT be a fan of Johnny Cash - but when it came to country music beyond the mid '80's I knew little other than their faces. I'm a rock guy, hardcore punk and heavy metal specifically and to be honest it was always hard NOT to be a country music fan, I was born and raised in the rural Midwest but I never was much of a fan.<br />
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I think as we grow up and we get exposure to all types of different aspects of life we pick up little bits and pieces along the way and that is no exception within our musical tastes. I can name probably a dozen songs right now that aren't of my music preferences that would make you scratch your head as to why I like that song but I would venture a guess that you too have your own. We have all been to weddings where we are exposed to other music that we seemingly hum for a few days after, or hear in a bar that we end up tapping our toes to for an unexplained reason. Those very songs make it into our psyches and invariably our playlists at times as guilty pleasures but also as blindside hits to our friends and families.<br />
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I had those artists that I knew and love(d) that filled my playlists but they were relatively sparse from the genre of country music. When I started in country radio I was behind the eight-ball if you will because I knew so little about today's artists. As with anything in our professional careers you simply must learn as much as you can because you cannot grow in that career if you don't. As I started hearing the artists I was playing I began listening to the rest of their bodies of work just to get to know them and it better. As I grow within the format I have really started to appreciate some of the greats even more and I have been blown away by the quality of some of the young artists that are starting their own paths.<br />
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When I started playing the music of <b>Heidi Raye</b> I was instantly intrigued because she really began to elicit many questions that forced me to focus on her and her music much closer. I learned that Raye lives in home of country music - Nashville - but is Canadian. I learned that she has a degree in nursing and that she is managed by the same person that manages country music legend George Strait. I also discovered that Raye has written over 200 songs with some of the finest in country music and that she had released a few of EP's so I made an effort to get a couple.<br />
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When I got the EP's - <b>Hot Mess Express</b> and <b>Worth A Shot</b> - I had heard only the single <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> which is the title track to that EP BUT I decided to start listening to the EP Raye released previous to it, <u><i>Hot Mess Express</i></u> if only to see where and how she started.<br />
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Within the first three or four seconds of the title track <b>Hot Mess Express</b> I was taken back into country music history. Initially the music reminds me of those days of my early country music experiences. It was a "poppy" beat, replete with steel guitar but a catchy beat that caught me and then as Raye began her vocal I immediately realized that the voice I heard was exactly what I expect from the stars of then and now. Raye has a vocal quality that could shine in ANY genre, I could see her with a hit on any Top 40 station and at the same time her voice is prototypically country. Seriously her voice is extraordinary. The song itself is exuberant and seems to be a cautionary tale of "exes," and what happens when they go back to that one crazy "ex." It's brilliant.<br />
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As I listened to <i><u>B.Y.O.T.</u></i>, the second track on <b>Hot Mess Express</b> I was caught by those days gone by within country music with references to a truck (Bring Your Own TRUCK) and I found myself smiling. It's a smile inducing song after all, reminiscent of the "field parties" we used to have as kids, and this is one of those songs you will hum for days after hearing it. The lyrics are amusing and it will indeed put a smile on your face.<br />
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I remember with some semblance of happiness a song from the "<b>Vision Quest</b>" soundtrack from my youth by Madonna called "<u><i>Crazy For You</i></u>" and as the third track of the EP started up I was taken back in a sense. For some reason the song "<i><u>Crazy 'Bout You</u></i>" transported me back to the Matthew Modine classic film if only for a moment. I would assume it was because of the similarity of the two song titles but on some level I think the two touched me on a similar level. <u><i>Crazy 'Bout You</i></u> is a slower song than the previous two and it is more about two people in that sweet part of a relationship (unlike <u>Hot Mess Express</u>). This is a song where "she" is professing her feelings for her "other half." It's a sweet song, almost emoting young love and the promise before them. This is my favorite song on the EP.<br />
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Inside every relationship is the dark side of sorrow and disappointment and the song <u><i>Just In Case</i></u> reflects that side. This song reflects how bad a relationship can be, how hurtful and how crushing to one inside of the relationship it can become. It shows the final stages of sadness and heartbreak and will make you sit back and reflect on those powerful lyrics. This song should come with a warning label because it is potent. It's mournful and extremely heartfelt which is reflective in the music itself and the tone of Raye's lyrics. I hate to label any song a "breakup song" but this is as close to that label as I can ever imagine. This song will make you take note and listen again and again. In Raye's entire catalog of music I don't think there could be a more poignant and introspective song.<br />
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The previous two songs - <u><i>Crazy 'Bout You</i></u> and <u><i>Just In Case</i></u> - are great relationship songs albeit 180 degrees from each other in the spectrum of relationship status but then there is the song <u><i>Sleep At Night</i></u>. <u><i>Sleep At Night</i></u> shows another part of a relationship that is even darker than a painful breakup, it shows the victim of domestic abuse. It explains the abuse and the only point of recourse in the opinion of the one being abused - it being her defense against her abuser. Much like the '80's movie "<b>Burning Bed</b>" the storyteller in this song ends the abuse and the life of that abuser. It's an extremely powerful song that explains the story of her nightmare and the sense of relief that she experiences after she knows she will not be harmed further by that individual. This is a song where you feel yourself understanding, supporting and agreeing with the victim as it is so impactful and intense.<br />
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Inside all of us is a need to heal emotionally for something in our lives, and seemingly the catalyst for healing is a failed relationship. Within the lyrics of <u><i>End Of The Day</i></u> we can feel a personal cry to start self-healing after what feels like a serious heartbreak. We feel the self-affirmations that we need to experience to show ourselves that we are worthy of happiness and how to start doing so. Inside the lyrics "<i>the ones who broke my heart won't get my tears anymore, they never did deserve me any way</i>, <i>if someone makes you cry then they aren't worth your time</i>" is the reaffirmation of self worth and the healing process. This song shows Raye's depth and strength in vivid tones.<br />
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The EP <b>Hot Mess Express</b> is a compelling release across the board but the final track <u><i>Good Either Way</i></u> may indeed be the pinnacle. I really think that this track is the culmination of what happens after the healing process I described happening in the previous track <u><i>End Of The Day</i></u> yet it shows a certain amount of trepidation and sadness that remains. Raye affirms "<i>I may be bruised but I'm not shattered so I think I'll leave you in that bed you've made. You can sink or watch me swim, you can lose or I can win I'm good either way</i>" and that to me sounds like a person that is now at peace, she has found that inner strength. It really is a great song and it is thought provoking. This song shows the power in Raye's songwriting and her heartfelt emotions she calls upon in her craft.<br />
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I really appreciate the depth of <b>Hot Mess Express</b>. It tackles subject matter that major stars won't do but it showcases the artist that is Heidi Raye. This release shows the soul of the performer and it is appreciated for its candor and serious subjects while remaining entertaining and making you interested in hearing each track with anticipation. If you like country music this is definitely a CD that you need to add to your collection immediately.<br />
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<u><b>WORTH A SHOT</b></u><br />
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There is much to be said about a songwriter that can take such a powerful piece of music like that of the EP <b>Hot Mess Express</b> and can then make you smile with another album release. After I listened to the previous EP I was really excited to put the 2017 release <b>Worth A Shot </b>by Heidi Raye in my CD player to see what she would bring to the table. I have heard one of the songs - the single <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> - as I play it often on the air but I had no idea what kind of menagerie may lay in front of me on the entire CD. The release itself is home to only five songs but these five songs are outstanding!<br />
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The first thing that was immediately noticeable with the first song on the EP was its immediate commercial quality. The song <u><i>Junkyard</i></u> is a humorous song, almost highlighting a typical "player" that is getting just a little old and dated for his own good. It questions the "player" asking them if (they) "<i>have done hard time, got a couple kids on the way, is there a woman out there wearin' your Grandma's ring</i>, <i>do you have a habit that you can't kick</i>" it reminds me of those among us that will never really mature or grow up because they simply can't and they will be stuck like that for all eternity. Raye is almost taunting the "player" asking them what they have in the junkyard that is their life, their past. This song will put a smile on your face, unless you self-identify with the subject that is. Its a real jewel on the EP!<br />
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Inside the lyrics of <u><i>Down Home</i></u> we see a self-reflective person that wants the simple parts of life, a big dog, a tire swing, just enjoying life without complication. This is what I expect from a country performer, it's a heartfelt message with a very simple, peaceful message and it is welcomed! The song is so well written and powerful in its simplicity. It takes life into perspective and makes you really think about what really is important. Incredible, just incredible! Please, please, please release this song as a single it is amazing!<br />
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Inasmuch as I described the song <u><i>Junkyard</i></u> as a song about a "player" I believe that Track 3 of this release - <u><i>Boys Are Stupid</i></u> - is about what happens when you actually date one. This song has such a bluster about the stupidity of men that really think they are the greatest thing in the history of the world, you know generally everyone of us. Okay I'm kidding but it does show what a guy that thinks he is the greatest thing ever really is like. I hearken back to the movie "<b>Sixteen Candles</b>" and the infamous "<u><i>oily bohunk</i></u>" that Molly Ringwald's movie dad described. I suppose it could be inferred that such a person would be a player or a long-term booty call, complete with another girlfriend and the attitude that follows them. Raye describes a couple of these types with hilarious detail so accurately I actually saw the faces of some guys I know that are exactly like this. Ladies this really is a cautionary tale of the male persuasion I hate to admit but it will make you smile and you will probably sing the chorus for the remainder of your life when you encounter any man that fits the description. Perfect on so many levels is this song!<br />
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What happens when we breakup with a significant other, or spouse? What happens if we breakup with that person and there is not a "clean" or amicable break and the other person wants to act like everything is perfectly fine and you can still be friends? Raye presents the answers to those questions within the lyrics of <u><i>We Ain't Friends</i></u>, a powerhouse of a song that shows pain after a breakup. It represents the emotions we experience of self doubt if you will whereby you can't understand how this person who professed love for you is now seemingly flippantly wanting to just end everything and thinks its possible to just "be friends." This is the raw emotion we see when we are hit in the gut with that horrible feeling of separation or finality of a breakup.<br />
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Raye responds to the question of "can we just be friends" by hitting back with "<i>friends don't stay up all night long makin' out in each others arms, fall asleep against your chest, they don't hold you like they won't let go and tell you that you're beautiful, all the things that you once did and we ain't friends</i>." That is what a person that has just been crushed would say and much like a haymaker to the chin it would be devastating to hear. It is pure sorrow and pain congealed into one massive nightmare for anyone to experience, the betrayal of feelings and almost ineptitude of realizing that the person you want to remain "friends" with had such powerful feelings that you couldn't comprehend them on any rational level. This is the ultimate breakup song, it is truly mind-numbing with the emotions Raye exudes and despite the somber tone and crushing message it is simply the best song on the EP without question.<br />
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Within the final track of the EP, the title track <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> is a necessity after the powerful message in the previous track. Inside <u><i>Worth A Shot</i></u> lies an answer to forgetting that bad relationship that really feels like wasn't much more than a passing thing. It makes you see the relief that something that really wasn't much of a relationship is over but does require some type of release and Raye quips "<i>I doubt that whiskey is the answer, but its worth a shot... Or two or three, I guess we'll just have to see.</i>" I think we have all been at that point at some time in our lives where you are just happy its over and done, so washing away that bad taste in your mouth of that relationship can only be accomplished with a stiff drink and then by moving on. This is definitely a song that shows just that and shows the sincere joy about doing so. It is truly a song that will make you feel good and elicit a smile from your face, I love it!<br />
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Five simple songs make up the EP <b>Worth A Shot</b>, just five songs but each song is so different it takes you across every emotion with little effort. This EP is exciting and it will make you smile, it will make you laugh but it will also stretch your heartstrings to epic proportions and it may even make you somewhat introspective. I am beyond impressed by this release, it is extraordinary and it will guide you to an emotional roller-coaster that will seriously make you want to listen to it over and over. Do yourself a favor and buy this album it is simply one of the best of the year across any and all genres.<br />
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Over the smattering of words that appear before you I talked about two releases by Heidi Raye, a young up and coming country artist and I realized something. I realized that inside the notes that I listened to, the lyrics I digested and the electricity that I felt from them is not something one can feel without reason or recourse. These two EP's <b>Hot Mess Express</b> and <b>Worth A Shot</b> are worthy of the praise and success of any album by any country music superstar today. Each has its own feel to it and its own individuality that shapes what the listener is hearing but there is an unmistakable tone to each song that every ear can identify with. There is a level of intelligence that Raye puts forth into her music that is unquestionable and unparalleled by her contemporaries. Raye has talent that will blow your mind and several songs that will force you to interact with yourself on an emotional level that is indeed special.<br />
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I am simply stunned by these releases and I highly recommend that you see for yourself how good this new country star really is. You can visit her website for more information or her music, tour and merchandise at <a href="https://www.heidiraye.com/" target="_blank">https://www.heidiraye.com/</a>. An upcoming interview with Heidi Raye will be here very soon! I am excited to give you the opportunity to see and hear a little more from Heidi Raye soon so check back often!<br />
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Great job Heidi and I cannot wait to see what awaits you in what will be a long country music career!<br />
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#heidiraye #heidirayemusic James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-14912859072224210782017-11-27T21:07:00.001-06:002017-11-27T21:07:26.028-06:00Brandon Gibbs - October Twenty Four EPWhat if... What if there were a performer that came from a small town in Iowa, belonged to a couple of "super groups" and has sang lead vocals for a legendary rock band and he released a new EP, do you think he would be interesting? What if I told you this same guy recorded music with some of the biggest names in '80's heavy metal and he is as humble as a dove? And what if I were to tell you that he is as big a talent as there is in music today? Would you want to hear more?<br />
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About three and a half years ago I attended a show at the Mississippi Moon Bar at the Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa for a band called "<a href="http://musicallead.blogspot.com/2014/03/cheap-thrill-mississippi-moon-bar.html" target="_blank">Cheap Thrill</a>" and I was mesmerized. That band consisted of Eric Brittingham and Jeff LaBar (from Cinderella), and Cheney Brannon (from Collective Soul) and a guy named Brandon Gibbs. I was blown away by the talent in that band, they played everything which included music from the bands represented by Brittingham, LaBar and Bannon but also music from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and others. It really was my "A-HA" moment with Gibbs because I knew the talent before me with the others and I knew their pedigrees but Gibbs became a "star to watch" if you will.<br />
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Since that night I have seen Gibbs in several iterations including Cheap Thrill, Devil City Angels and as a solo performer and every time it got even better. Take <a href="http://devilcityangels.com/Band.html" target="_blank">Devil City Angels</a> for a moment, the band consisted of Gibbs, Brittingham, Tracii Guns (LA Guns) and Rikki Rockett (Poison) a true "super group" if you will. When DCA started it was much like Cheap Thrill, they played music from their other projects and music from other people but this band was different, they weren't content simply playing that music, nope they recorded a <a href="http://musicallead.blogspot.com/2015/09/devil-city-angels-debut-album.html" target="_blank">record.</a> It was an incredible debut album, one of my favorite releases of 2015 and it really made fans crazy for the band.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDftYVgZ3x3b2VGwBZdLN1sDlp9ONosG8peTdfsH2OJmoQBJrg7o2QQwrzSjqBEu0h-uqz6rtzECXNBaPLU5Jqp1ZKVLVxbeSv2qGKv9cbop0pzz1LP0JnIuCqRykxk7xmAxJPVtrFKY/s1600/BGIBBS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="1261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDftYVgZ3x3b2VGwBZdLN1sDlp9ONosG8peTdfsH2OJmoQBJrg7o2QQwrzSjqBEu0h-uqz6rtzECXNBaPLU5Jqp1ZKVLVxbeSv2qGKv9cbop0pzz1LP0JnIuCqRykxk7xmAxJPVtrFKY/s320/BGIBBS2.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Gibbs at the Mississippi Moon Bar<br />November 2nd, 2017<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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The album was exceptionally well-written, musically spot on and it really filled a void for those fans of the bands represented and those that respect that genre of music. I truly loved the album and it really made me want more. DCA toured with a couple of changes in their lineup but the product stayed true and as other projects took precedence they performed together a little less but that will be changing. The great thing about DCA was that it was an album full of new material and it showcased the writing abilities of the band as a whole. This album had another feel to it though, it felt "bluesy" and "grounded" if you will, it seemingly had Gibbs' fingerprints all over it and I think that helped make it as solid no, as great as it was.<br />
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If I learned anything about Gibbs in the three and a half years since I first saw him it is he is tenacious, talented and he is one hell of a performer! What was so impressive through the iterations he has gone through professionally is that he has grown but at the same time remained static as a man. As a performer he gets better every day which is scary because his vocal skills and musicianship are at the top of the game but as a man he remains static, a humble father and eager to make sure every fan feels like he cares for them because he simply does. With all of that said when Gibbs announced on Facebook that there was an upcoming EP release I was excited because I wanted to see how much more he had grown.<br />
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That growth would be put to the test with the release of <u><i>October Twenty Four</i></u> if not for the basic reason that I had heard Gibbs perform at least one of the songs live previously (which I'll talk about shortly) and I was curious as to hear recorded. I work in radio and I have seen enumerate bands play music live before recording it and I treat it as a "litmus test" if you will because there are things that can be done in post-production to modify the song so the live version is always the real test for me. I made an executive decision and decided to wait to buy <u><i>October Twenty Four</i></u> until I saw Gibbs live at the <b>Mississippi Moon Bar</b> on November 2nd. 2017 for that very reason actually, I wanted to put it to the litmus test if you will and I'm glad I did (more on that in a bit).<br />
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<b><u>The EP - "OCTOBER TWENTY FOUR"</u></b><br />
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The first thing I noticed about the album was the five songs upon it and what felt like it might reflect the quiet, melodic side of the rocker that is Gibbs. I was surprised at the immediate depth of the album and within the very first song it became apparent that this album might be indicative of the soul within Brandon Gibbs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFvRdCq33sniD9piyxhfuJSkSfwRbaafSHJKfd9I-xIr8Jo-5IveEhDQifRft6KOUEJ8oGtj8Prqd_bMjbqHbJm4RRia9qrH2iyVBERqe1K4a-XxX0z26sbJKxt81sgCHH5dmEbaP8IY/s1600/BGIBBS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="789" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFvRdCq33sniD9piyxhfuJSkSfwRbaafSHJKfd9I-xIr8Jo-5IveEhDQifRft6KOUEJ8oGtj8Prqd_bMjbqHbJm4RRia9qrH2iyVBERqe1K4a-XxX0z26sbJKxt81sgCHH5dmEbaP8IY/s320/BGIBBS1.jpg" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Gibbs at the Mississippi Moon Bar<br />November 2nd, 2017<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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Take that very first song "<i><u>His Name</u></i>" for instance. The song is reflective of personal loss and shows that depth. What the listener can take from it is their own emotional state after a deep personal loss of a loved one and their pain following that loss. Gibbs is asking a seemingly invisible person that we have all encountered after a loss that almost unintentionally flippantly says "I'm sorry for your loss" and he almost begs you to just make that personal acknowledgement of that person by name. He apologizes to God for yelling at Him about the pain in the loss of that loved one. This song reflects that pain but shows how much love he has for them and it is powerful.<br />
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<u><i>His Name</i></u> is basically all of our emotions during our attempts at healing during a sorrowful, a mournful time in which nothing seems to be said or taken right by the person experiencing that loss. If I'm being honest this is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard, I can see myself in that situation on both ends of the spectrum and I can feel the devastation in his heart. What a PHENOMENAL introspective look into his soul, I LOVE THIS SONG!<br />
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Song number two or as Gibbs calls it "<u><i>Just Say</i></u>" is a much lighter song than <u><i>His Name</i></u> but is so well written. It's a bouncy song which might make you think its a happy little ditty but its deeper than that. With lyrics like "<i>Say the words that mean forgiveness, you know this love is like a river, and on and on it runs right through us, staring back at vengeful currents</i>..." you might ascertain that his isn't a love song rather it is a song about breaking up, separating and realizing that it is indeed over. It's a deep song and so well written, its one of those songs that will stay with you for some time. Brilliant!<br />
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Within the song "<u><i>Talk Softly</i></u>" we see another side of relationships that each of us has seemingly faced. It's a song of "a long gone wrong" and it feels like the emotional roller coaster of the end of the relationship and the "stuff" that descends upon the young, now separated couple. It's powerful and has a feel of almost trying to will just one more good emotion for at least one side of the couple. The experience within the song is heartfelt sadness and heartbreak this is Gibbs <u><i>"Every Rose Has It's Thorn"</i></u> (the Poison blockbuster hit) if you will, it is that raw.<br />
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Having seen Gibbs previously I had seen the live version of the song "<u><i>The Her</i><i>o</i></u>" and it has always had this power to the song that is truly one of respect. When performed live Gibbs has always prefaced the song by introducing it explaining that his twin brother and former bandmate, is a police officer and that the song is about the men and women that have become police officers, those we call on to protect us every single day. He goes on to say that it isn't a political statement, rather it is out of respect for those that serve in that capacity that he wrote the song. It really is a great song, you can hear reverence and respect in the vocal and the bluesy feel of the music makes it so strong. It really is a testament to those that risk everything for us daily to keep us safe and protected with very little thanks or respect. This song reflects that respect and is the gleaming crystal tower on the album.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMJzxMOdzFp4OxEbhEWNHGE8RogpvEmXwMDKQ8H_sW5gF3fKeAcc55qlzn73phKcDjB1eiyMFKUnpRc0F_QqRCWSa5LLC0XlPacmjt9hENLfTeWU010n9JGobKBrueQLlHH0SxNM2QFw/s1600/IMG_20171102_200205_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMJzxMOdzFp4OxEbhEWNHGE8RogpvEmXwMDKQ8H_sW5gF3fKeAcc55qlzn73phKcDjB1eiyMFKUnpRc0F_QqRCWSa5LLC0XlPacmjt9hENLfTeWU010n9JGobKBrueQLlHH0SxNM2QFw/s320/IMG_20171102_200205_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Gibbs at the Mississippi Moon Bar<br />November 2nd, 2017<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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Gibbs is an incredibly gifted musician and it really shines in the music that really references his blues influences. The final song on the EP is blues-rich, and it has the emotions that one comes to expect from any blues song. "<u><i>Walk Away</i></u>" is that song, it is powerful and steeped in the emotions that every good blues song must have. Imagine the person you really, really liked at some point in your life and you never made a move to tell them how you really felt about them, that is this song. Its a song about what happens later when you run across them once again, when you are either ready or have the courage to approach them and discover that they have moved on. I would love to call it a song about teenage angst or "young love" but it can be related to our adult lives as well I would bet. The song is heartfelt and powerful and really reflects those parts of our lives where we should have done something differently and now are faced with regret. It is the quintessential blues song and I absolutely love it!<br />
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The five songs that are on the <u><i>October Twenty Four</i></u> EP by Brandon Gibbs are special songs, they could cross genres and probably should. The EP really is excellent and should be another notch in a wonderful career that Gibbs has forged for himself already. This EP has gone into my rotation of favorite music that will be hard pressed to be replaced because it is not only solid, it is brilliant.<br />
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<u><b>Mississippi Moon Bar - November 2nd, 2017</b></u><br />
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I mentioned earlier that I waited until the appearance at the Mississippi Moon Bar for a reason, to test the EP in its purest, its rawest state that being an acoustic performance. I really am glad I did because it presented the entire EP in a different way and it shows the intelligence in the material that Gibbs put forth on the release. Each of the songs shined in their presentation and reflected the inner spirit of the writer that his Gibbs. It was incredible to hear the stories behind some of the songs but also to see the power of the stripped down acoustic versions of the music.<br />
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Not only did Gibbs perform those five songs but he performed material from his other projects and some from projects that members of his band are also in. From an incredible acoustic version of the <b>Collective Soul</b> classic <i>"</i><u><i>Shine</i></u><i>"</i> to a version of the <b>Michael Jackson</b> hit <i>"</i><u><i>The Way You Make Me Feel</i></u>", Gibbs shined. He really has a presence on stage that is usually reserved only for those performers that have decades under their belts, an old soul I suppose and I have to look no further than his performance of the <b>Poison</b> super-hit <i>"</i><u><i>Something To Believe In</i></u><i>"</i>.<br />
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I have seen the song performed by Poison live on several occasions, and even more by <b>Bret Michaels</b> with his solo band (in fact I think I have seen his four times this year perform the song) and I can tell you hands down that Gibbs performance was indeed the best version I have ever heard live. I mean that, it was simply brilliant. Remember it was only Gibbs on guitar, with Diane Gibbs doing some backup vocals and he stripped the song down to its core. The song showed its power, its lyrics are reflective of pain and sorrow and at this level, in this form it was simply the best I had ever heard regardless of band or lead vocalist (apologies to Poison and Michaels but it's indeed true). I was blown away by this version as were others in the crowd that echoed the same sentiment.<br />
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During the performance there were three other songs of note that must be discussed that Gibbs performed that were poignant and so well done that they have to be talked about AND... recorded.<br />
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Of the three songs two were originals of Gibbs, <i>"</i><u><i>Walk Off of the Earth</i></u><i>"</i> and <i>"</i><u><i>Goodbye Forever</i></u><i>"</i> and are the songs rock bands would kill to have in their catalog. <u><i>Walk Off of the Earth</i></u> was a song pitched to Disney and it is absolutely one of the finest songs Gibbs has written. It is powerful and has a feel of a song that could be a hit right now in Adult Contemporary and should be released because it is that amazing.<br />
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Of the two however my favorite is <i>"</i><u><i>Goodbye Forever</i></u><i>"</i> if not for the reason that it is about the passing of Gibbs grandfather and the emotion that fills each of us in that time of sorrow and unbelievable grief. Gibbs explained how close he was to his grandfather and how devastated he was at the loss of this person that touched his heart so powerfully and it shines through the lyrics. This one song is his career in a nutshell, it shows Gibbs as a man and not just a performer. It cries to his character and beckons you to open up and be vulnerable about the loss in your own life. It is truly the one event in our lives that we can be not only open with our sorrow but real and pure with our emotions and I beg Brandon to record this song in is purest, acoustic form.<br />
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I made mention earlier to some of the bands that Gibbs has "covered" over the times I have seen him (<u><i>Something to Believe In</i></u><i>,</i> <u><i>The Way You Make Me Feel</i></u> and <u><i>Shine</i></u> as an example) and others I have mentioned in other articles including Michael Jackson EPIC HIT "<u><i>Billie Jean</i></u>" and while those songs are indeed phenomenal there is another song that Gibbs does that I like even more: <i>"</i><u><i>Just the Way You Are</i></u>".<br />
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I am not a Contemporary radio kind of person, I have seen performers such as <b>P!nk</b> but I don't go out of my way to see 99.99% of them live nor do I listen to their music often BUT the <b>Bruno Mars</b> <i>"</i><u><i>Just the Way You Are</i></u><i>"</i> is one exception as it is an incredible song. Not to get off of the subject but this is a hit of epic proportions for Mars, having gone #1 on the following Billboard charts: Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 so it shouldn't be much of a surprise that someone would want to cover the song and Gibbs has. It's fascinating to me the songs people choose to cover at times and rarely they explain their reasons or intentions for doing so but in seemingly every performance I have seen with Gibbs he has closed with this song and he offers an explanation as to why.<br />
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Gibbs has a young daughter, and the life of a musician takes him away from his family, sometimes for periods of time and that can be brutal on a parent. Gibbs explained the reason he performs this song is simply because before he would leave for his adventures he would sing that one song to his daughter before departing for the road. I think that might make this the reason this song seems so special from a fans standpoint. Its a connection between the fan, the song and the performer that makes the song an individual memory and not simply a cool remake. I don't know how complicated it would be for Gibbs to record this song but I would encourage it because he could single-handedly take such an iconic song for one artist and make it the same thing for himself.<br />
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I took so much away from the performance of Gibbs that November evening, I thought I was there to see some music from the new release of <u><i>October Twenty Four</i></u> from Brandon Gibbs but there was so much more. The two songs I mentioned earlier have never been recorded and released and in fact Brandon told us that one of the songs he had never performed live before. That is an honor if you will because of those two songs I couldn't pick a pure favorite because they are that impressive. Both of those songs are extraordinary as is the entire EP itself. I took away from the experience something that I didn't think I would, a deeper appreciation of the artist that is Brandon Gibbs.<br />
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I would highly recommend picking up a copy of <u><i>October Twenty Four</i></u> (or Devil City Angels debut album for that matter) and following Gibbs on social media so as to not miss him if he is in your area. Gibbs is a special performer, songwriter and musician and it is imperative that you find out for yourself. This is a musician on a meteoric rise and will be one of the powers in rock for quite some time. What an incredible EP and performance!!!<br />
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<span class="_5yl5">For more information about Brandon Gibbs visit his <a href="http://www.bgibbsmusic.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> or his Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bgibbsmusic" target="_blank">PAGE</a>.<br /><br />#brandongibbs</span>James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-51519515618678018372017-10-16T15:07:00.001-05:002017-10-16T15:07:54.707-05:00Tom Petty - 1950 - 2017We all have taken some things away from music that are odd to others and tragic to some, interesting to a few and confusing to most it's because of our individual music tastes. For everyone of us that is a fan of Blues music, there are fifty that think it is stupid and for everyone that loves that one obscure song by <b>KISS</b> there are fifty that will tell you that they were never any good. That is the beauty of music, it is a passion and a trigger for opinions like no other. What if I told you there was a guy, a single performer that left such an indelible mark on music that regardless of his accomplishments my greatest memory of him references a child's fairy tale and a video?<br />
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The year 1985 is unlike any other year for me because of some personal tragedies and significant milestones that occurred in my life. I lost a very important uncle who was more like a brother to me than an uncle, I had a terrible car accident that scarred my leg and gave me concussion number four I think it was and it was the time that a medical condition kept me from enlisting into the military among other things. It was also a time where I ended my Junior year of high school and started my Senior year plus I had my Beloved <u><i>Chicago Bears</i></u> that went to and WON Super Bowl XX, and my favorite baseball team, the <u><i>Kansas City Royals</i></u> won the World Series so things were not all bad.<br />
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In 1985 the town I lived in despite being the largest town in the county didn't have <b>MTV</b> so to watch the offending, I mean the "awesome" channel I had to travel to my cousins house in Warren, Illinois a scant 20ish miles away. That used to drive me crazy because the town I lived in was not only the largest town in the county but also the county seat and we were last to actually get MTV on cable and that still didn't happen for a few YEARS so my chance to see videos was limited to time spent in Warren or on Friday nights when <b>NBC</b> had the aptly named show "<u><i>Friday Night Videos</i></u>." I watched that show every chance I could (restricted oddly enough to Friday nights) and it actually introduced me to some amazing acts during that time.<br />
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Friday Night Videos was rife with acts I had never heard of and some that became staples to my music tastes and loves. I harken back to what it must have felt like for the youth of the '50s and '60s to see their favorite artists in magazines as they listened to their "45's" (small, vinyl records that ran at 45 RPM on an actual record player for those of you that have never heard or seen such things) as I actually watched those artists perform their music. It was a cathartic release because you could not only hear the song, but you could get a mini-movie out of the deal to further entertain you. I am a massive movie buff so it was really special for me to see this little interpretation of the music.<br />
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It was fascinating to see these little interpretations but I remember the first time I watched the video for "<u><i>Don't Come Around Here No More</i></u>" from <b>Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers</b>, it was a tad disturbing if I'm being honest. The song itself has this almost slow, methodical beat like something you might think one might use to hypnotize one with. To this day I can still hear the sound of what is seemingly a zither or some Middle-Eastern sounding instrument in the background and it is haunting. I love that aspect of the song but what I always liked was the progressive rate in which it began to ramp up to a much faster sound as it ended, it has always been one of my favorite songs.<br />
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The disturbing part was never really with the song itself, which was written by Petty and <b>Dave Stewart</b> of the <b>Eurythmics</b> it was with the video itself. The origins of the song itself are "murky" based off of Stewart's explanation of the events that led to writing the song including a member of <b>Fleetwood Mac</b>, her trying on "Victorian Era" clothing at 5 AM, and her uttering the words "Don't Come Around Here No More" and how some of the events felt very much like <u><i>Alice in Wonderland</i></u> which leads me to the video. As Stewart appears at the beginning of the video as a caterpillar it begins to take on the Alice in Wonderland feel with massive drug addled undertones that are prevailing throughout the video. Okay that's being nice, the entire video is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland with Petty appearing as the Mad Hatter and an major role for Alice in the video. It culminates with her being turned into a giant cake and being eaten Petty and friends and at the very end Petty swallows Alice whole and burps. It is a bizarre, disturbing video that has always stuck with me and for good reason. It's an incredible video and one of my all-time favorites if not for the drug-addled symbolism, fairy tale qualities and copious amounts of what did I just watch.<br />
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By 1985 and the release of the album "<u><i>Southern Accents</i></u>" in which <u><i>Don't Come Around Here No More</i></u> was firmly seated, Petty had already released five other albums, five INCREDIBLE albums and the release of <i><u>Southern Accents</u></i> was far from disappointing. Petty's first release in 1976 was the self-titled "<i>Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers</i>" which went Gold and reached #55 on the Billboard Top 200. While "blockbuster" status wasn't achieved two of Petty's greatest singles ever were on that album: <u><i>Breakdown</i></u> and <i><u>American Girl</u></i>. The luster of Petty's music began to shine with the release of his next album "<u><i>You're Gonna Get It</i></u>" in 1978 reaching #23 on the Billboard Top 200 and with the 1979 release of "<u><i>Damn the Torpedoes</i></u>" Petty took his spot in rock royalty.<br />
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Rock royalty and only his third release how is that possible you ask? Consider this for a moment, the release of "<u><i>Damn the Torpedoes</i></u>" took Petty to #2 on the Billboard Top 200, going Gold THREE times, and Platinum TWICE and only Pink Floyd "The Wall" kept the record from going #1. Petty released three singles from the album (<u><i>Don't Do Me Like That</i></u>, <u><i>Refugee</i></u>, and <u><i>Here Comes My Girl</i></u>) with<u><i> Don't Do Me Like That</i></u> going #10 and Refugee hitting #15 on the charts. Damn the Torpedoes was an iconic album for Petty and it cemented him as one of the best in rock. With the releases of the albums <u><i>Hard Promises</i></u> and <u><i>Long After Dark </i></u>in 1981 and 1982 respectively continued his successes reaching #5 and #9 on the Billboard Top 200.<br />
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Including the "<u><i>Southern Accents</i></u>" album, Petty had now released FOUR albums that were #9 or better on the Billboard Top 200 (<u><i>Southern Accents</i></u> was #9). Petty's record sales garnered Gold status for each album, Platinum FIVE TIMES with FIVE songs in the Top 5 of the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts (<u><i>The Waiting</i></u> and <u><i>You Got Lucky</i></u> were #1, <u><i>Don't Come Around Here No More</i></u> was a #2, <u><i>A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)</i></u> and <u><i>Rebels</i></u> were both #5) that is simply amazing and it was all accomplished no later than 1985.<br />
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Petty had an incredible body of work, his music library is extensive and it isn't only confined to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty was also a solo artist, releasing albums under simply "Tom Petty" but he was also part of <b>Mudcrutch</b> and one of my personal favorite "super-groups" if you will, the <b>Traveling Wilburys</b>."<br />
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The Traveling Wilburys was a fascinating little band, it included some of the biggest names in music history quite frankly and they put out some wonderful music in the process. Comprised of Petty, <b>George Harrison</b> (<b>The Beatles</b>), <b>Jeff Lynne</b> (<b>Electric Light Orchestra</b>), <b>Roy Orbison</b> and <b>Bob Dylan</b>, the band performed is if they were brothers, adopting the pseudonyms Charlie T. Jr. (Petty), Nelson (Harrison), Otis (Lynne), Lefty (Orbison) and Lucky (Dylan) the band put out two incredible albums. What Petty and his cohorts accomplished with the Traveling Wilburys was two albums (Orbison died before the second studio album was recorded), the first being Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 which went #3 on the Billboard US Top 200, achieved Silver Record status and Platinum three times. That album had two #2 hits (<u><i>Handle With Care</i></u> and <u><i>End of the Line</i></u>).<br />
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Following its success the band released their second and final studio release called <u><i>Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3</i></u>. Despite the loss of Orbison Vol. 3 gathered it position at #11, it went Platinum and the single <u><i>She's My Baby</i></u> was a huge success at #2. The Traveling Wilburys were in itself an incredible band but following Orbison's death and waning record sales the band began to fizzle out in 1990 despite a rumored tour by Harrison. If I am being honest I really think that the Traveling Wilburys were an underrated band that had so much potential, I just wish it could have become even bigger and similarly lies the project Petty undertook called Mudcrutch.<br />
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Mudcrutch is a fascinating subject in and of itself honestly. Started in Gainesville, Florida in 1970 by Petty and <b>Tom Leadon</b> (left in 1972) Mudcrutch became the first real foray into fame for Petty. Petty and Leadon enlisted<b> Jim Lenehan</b> (vocals - left in 1972), <b>Randall Marsh</b> (drums) and <b>Mike Campbell</b> with <b>Benmont Tench</b> joining later to form Mudcrutch and they quickly became a Gainesville staple. In 1974 Mudcrutch was signed by the now defunct Shelter Records but following a release of an uncharted single in 1975 the band broke up completely but Petty, Campbell and Tench formed a little band called Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.<br />
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Mudcrutch remained dormant until 2007 whereby Petty reformed Mudcrutch bringing Marsh and Leadon back into the fold. Also in the mix were Campbell and Tench straight from the rolls of the Heartbreakers. By 2008 Mudcrutch had recorded and released their self-titled album Mudcrutch and hit with relative success reaching #8 on the Top 200. It's a real trend for Petty based bands to hit high on the Top 200 because with the release of Mudcrutch 2 was further success by reaching #10 on the same chart.<br />
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Isn't that extraordinary for a body of work for any musician? It seems that everything Petty touched was blessed with success, in fact Petty released twenty-one total studio albums (as either a solo artist, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Traveling Wilburys or Mudcrutch) of which FIFTEEN charted #10 or higher on the Billboard Top 200 (SEVEN as the Heartbreakers, THREE as Tom Petty, THREE as Traveling Wilburys, TWO as Mudcrutch), twelve live albums (eleven as Tom Petty and one as Mudcrutch). Petty released sixty-eight singles, THIRTY-THREE of which were #10 or better (two of these were as a guest performer) and eleven Videos / DVD's.<br />
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Petty is simply one of the most important musicians of our era and has been recognized as such. Petty has achieved status that few have, he received a "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999, the <b><u><i>George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement</i></u></b> in 1996, the <b><u><i>Billboard Century Award</i></u></b> in 2005 and the crowning jewel to any musicians career induction into the <b><u><i>Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</i></u></b> in 2001. Petty has been part and parcel to some of the most important music of the century and it is evident in his achievements.<br />
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On October 2nd, 2017 Tom Petty suffered full cardiac arrest at his home and was taken to the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California where he passed away later that evening. In the purest form of the internet, rumors began to swirl prematurely with some speculating erroneously and carelessly that Petty was one of the victims of the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas October 1st, 2017.<br />
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Petty is survived by his wife second wife Dana, a brother, two daughters, a stepson and a grandchild.<br />
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In a world of bipolar music, painful talent and subpar music content Petty will be sincerely missed. When I first saw that video for "Don't Come Around Here No More"
in 1985 I had no idea what an important song and video it truly was. As I left
the innocence of youth and started my own trek into the world at large
there was no way I could know or understand the complexity of life that
sat before me. Musicians and visionaries like Petty are rare but their
indelible mark upon our souls is real. For every soulless piece of
music that is spilled before us today there will still be works of art
by real artists and musicians like Petty although exceptionally rare. Musicians that really did
pour out their hearts and souls into their craft and gave us music we
could take with us each day of our lives. We don't have enough
musicians like Petty that can truly help us through our days with
intelligent music and his loss is indeed a sad day. God bless and Rest
In Peace.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-48565825717520699892017-09-13T14:21:00.000-05:002017-09-13T14:21:08.280-05:00P!nk - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - September 9th, 2017Subjectivity in music is an incredible thing. For many it is impossible to love more than one type or genre of music. There are the purest of hearts that will tell you that if you like (insert genre here) then that's it, there is no secondary likes possible. Sometimes music crosses genres and clouds those lines because of a message it gives or a personality that it or its star has that affords "crossover-worthy" status. Then again there are times where it just doesn't matter and you take in something that no one would have ever expected you would and their reaction to your "revelation" is one of classic lines and stories for years. What happens when a self-proclaimed punk rocker and thrash denizen enters the lions den and walks straight into a pop concert? Well?<br />
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When I was a teenager the music I was exposed to was incredible, I grew up in the '70's and '80's for God sake. In my home my parents exposed me to quite the range of music from Country, Disco, Big Bands, '60's rock, '70's rock and my uncle that lived with us introduced me to bands like <b>Rush</b>, <b>Black Sabbath</b>, <b>ELO</b> and the rest of the arena rockers. Growing up I was a massive <b>KISS</b> fan, and the '80's had so much interesting music in it like Punk Rock, "hair metal," Alternative, and heavy metal that it was almost hard to keep up. Heck look at all of the female bands of the '80's, bands like the <b>Bangles</b>, the <b>Go-Go's</b>, <b>Vixen</b>, <b>Heart</b> and performers like <b>Vanity</b>, and <b>Pat Benatar</b> then tell me a boy growing up during that time might not gravitate toward those bands.<br />
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Music of that generation was rife with incredibly talented women that most, if not a vast majority of young men during that time liked those acts (if not merely in secret). It was hard not to because those performers were incredibly attractive and for the most part the bands and performers I named previously had one hell of a serious edge to their music. As the ears of the youth moved toward the sound of electric guitar and bass and its performers became sex symbols both male and females did gravitate toward acts such as those. I have to look no further forward than to The Bangles version of "<u><i>Hazy Shade of Winter</i></u>" on the "<u><i>Less Than Zero</i></u>" soundtrack to see a band that was full of incredibly attractive women but that song had an edge, it had grit and it flat out rocked.<br />
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That was the thing about the '80's version of pop, it had crossover appeal and more often than not the "hook" for the music became the music and not merely the look of the band. It seems odd to address the misogynistic views of the record companies at the time and see a positive but I think the music became that positive. Bands like The Bangles and The Go-Go's made it palatable for all "guys" to like those bands. The Go-Go's has one of the strongest punk pedigrees in music and yet they approached pop with a full-on assault that only a punk band could. The Go-Go's music was "poppy" and had that bubblegum like feel to it but it had a feel to it like few of its contemporaries.<br />
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As the '80's waned and music took on that fake "grunge" attitude and feel, bands like The Bangles and The Go-Go's seemed to fade away like the sun did the fabric of the cheap flannel every kid seemed to strap on to be "original" and "hip." Pop music in general stayed the course but the '90's and 2000's brought about acts like Britney Spears and pop went back to the novelty stage. No it really did and it hasn't left for the most part.<br />
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I can look to bands like <b>Save Ferris</b>, and <b>No Doubt</b> however to still see the possibility that such crossover is potentially successful but it really is few-and-far-between, It seems like most music today has to have started and committed to a life in "pop music" or simply not succeed beyond its start. As you read those lines I am reminded of another band during that time, inside the early '90's that really didn't fit that bill though and had some moderate success with a catchy song, gritty lyrics and a thumb to the nose of the record companies that really seemed to wiggle itself nicely into the pop genre while remaining true to their roots of alternative / punk rock, and that band is <b>4 Non-Blondes</b>.<br />
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4 Non-Blondes had one of the most iconic songs of that era and they had great success with it to such an extent that it is still one of my favorites actually: <u><i>"What's Up</i></u>." That song has an aggressive edge to it, it cuts deep and does not reflect what pop was about to become in the slightest. Haunting lyrics, a droning beat and one hell of a hook for a chorus almost demands that after all of these years it has to still be not only relevant but important. As I reflect back I see the importance of that song because we were about to see a massive influx of hip hop and rap seriously hammer itself into the pop arena and that song seems to be reflective of that.<br />
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There is a certain sense of irony to that reference because during that era a young lady from Pennsylvania seemed to be facing that same reflection. According to the slightly matured iteration of that young lady she would "scream that song (What's Up) from the rooftop" when she was about 12 years old. With musical influences from the worlds of rock, pop, hip hop and the '60s and '70s this 12 year old was ready to set the world on fire with her own brand of music that crosses over the lines so often it has left them a mere blur on the paper they are written upon.<br />
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That is a fair depiction of the influence of <b>Alecia Beth Moore</b> and her impact on music today I think. Moore has taken all of those influences of genres and artists, swept them all into a giant bowl, mixed them together and poured them into the mold of the performer we call <b>Pink</b>.<br />
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I have to be honest, the amount of times I ever heard Pink's music was relegated to those times when I was with my wife or in and establishment that was playing some of her music, I was never really a fan of hers. That isn't a bad thing, its reflective of my own musical influences and how I shaped myself as I grew out of the '80s myself. I said it earlier, I love punk rock and thrash metal along with all of the '80s stuff with a healthy smattering of alternative but pop beyond 1994 never entered the equation. My wife had a couple of Pink CD's that she would listen to but I never became interested with the exception of the punk attitude Pink seemed to exude with great regularity, I could always get behind that.<br />
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When my wife asked if I wanted to go see Pink with her I didn't bristle at the offer, heck I have taken her to punk rock music festivals and she has sat through my favorite punk bands like <b>The Exploited</b>, the <b>Descendants</b> and the <b>Dickies</b> (among worse) and I thought it would be fun so I said "Sure why not?" As I drove to Tinley Park on September 9th, 2017 it was two days after our 21st wedding anniversary and it was a nice get-away but it started to kind of sink in where I was going. We had been to the <b>Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre </b>just the year before (almost to the day) to see <b>Black Sabbath</b> on their final tour and I was going back but now in a different environment to see a performer I knew little else about other than her name and the name of her husband which I was mistaken about so this would be interesting I thought. I was more than accurate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P!ink at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - September 9th, 2017<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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Arriving at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre that day we were minutes away from our hotel, we had a plan of action and we had a level of excitement starting to build if not in at least in my case because of nervous anticipation. My nerves were based on the unknown of what I might see, what I might like or even might not like but I knew that unlike every other concert I went to I would be in the minority of people that liked music that was much, much harder than Pink. Uhm, about that...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P!nk - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - September 9th, 2017<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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I was considerably wrong, for three seats away from me was a long hair extraordinaire replete with a <b>Cannibal Corpse</b> concert shirt, a guy with a Mohawk and a Misfits shirt, a young lady wearing a <b>Johnny Cash</b> shirt and even another guy wearing the same Black Sabbath shirt I was. Suddenly I realized I was in among my people and I began to settle in.<br />
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With that said, there was a lingering question that continued to ring through my head and it had little to do with the fans or even Pink but rather what in the name of all things music was this freaking truss standing there all by itself for and why did it need its own guard? It was a little perplexing (more on that in little bit). It actually became a talking point for many of those around us with little to no real explanation but lots of conjecture. <br />
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Tinley Park isn't far from Chicago and since it was September and getting dark the temperature began to cool to an extent but it didn't seem noticeable honestly because there was an energy flowing through the crowd that only can be described as palpable. It became apparent that those above us could see something and they began to cheer like everyone else was missing something, As the lights dimmed a single spotlight began over our shoulder about fifty feet away and then the video boards that don the sides of the stage burst on with the image of Pink walking through the crowd en route to the stage. I have to admit I was blown away by that, its just not something you see often (or at all for that matter, superstars normally don't wander through the crowd), not to mention that for a time I thought she was coming down the aisle in which our seats were next to. The crowd was insane at this point and as she reached the stage I began to understand the following of this woman.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P!nk - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - September 9th, 2017<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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In the last five years I have seen over 500 acts live and I honestly don't think I have seen a crowd as energized or a performer as energized as Pink that evening. Opening with her mega-hit "<u><i>Get It Started</i></u>" Pink literally took control from the onset and didn't let go. I have heard the song before but live it took on a characteristic that rock anthems do. The driving beat and video screens flashing images of Pink and her band as lyrics popped behind them was powerful and grabbed those in attendance by the throat and simply didn't let go.<br />
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Minus the encore (more on that in a bit), Pink performed nineteen songs, some of which I knew and others that I had never heard before. I was highly impressed by the depth of her performance and the music that she brought to our ears. Being a little older I was taken back to my younger days by a few of the songs that she performed that day. Look I knew her musical influences were deep but when she told the crowd that she was going to perform a <b>Led Zeppelin</b> song I took note. Now there is a catalog of music of Zeppelin that is beyond mindblowing so I was a little interested in hearing what it was and to my surprise she began "<u><i>Babe I'm Gonna Leave You</i></u>."<br />
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That is an iconic song by itself but it isn't originally their song, its a folk song written by <b>Anne Johannsen</b> in the late '50s and remade by the folk legend <b>Joan Baez</b> in 1962 THEN by Zeppelin in 1969 and a host of bodies since. That is inconsequential to the conversation however when you realize how incredible the version Pink performed was. Sincerely this song became her song in my eyes, I haven't heard a much better version of it from anyone including Baez or Zeppelin, it was truly a thing of beauty. This really was one of the best songs of her entire performance and I loved every minute of it.<br />
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When you look at the influences of Pink one name really stands out, that being the late, great <b>Janis Joplin</b>. Joplin was the quintessential '60s rock star, she had a voice that will haunt your soul and she died tragically far too young. Joplin had recorded only four albums in her short career but her impact was phenomenal. In fact when Joplin recorded the song "<u><i>Me and Bobby McGee</i></u>" in September and October of 1970 it was only days before her death, the song which was her biggest hit wasn't released until after her death. <i>"</i><u><i>Me and Bobby McGee</i></u><i>"</i> was written by country music legend <b>Kris Kristofferson </b>and <b>Fred Foster</b> but Joplin made that song her own. Pink lists Joplin as one of her biggest musical influences and as she performed the song that September night in Tinley Park, Illinois it became apparent. Although the Joplin version will be one that all others are judged against, Pink put on a performance of the song that is simply exquisite. The vocal on the song seems to be in the wheelhouse of Pink and she really makes her mark upon the song and it is obvious why it is a favorite of hers and her fans.<br />
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When I mentioned 4 Non-Blondes earlier it was because of the specific styling of the band and this incredible symbiosis of that band and a performer like Pink. The most iconic hit of the band "<u><i>What's Up</i></u>" is simply a song that I think reflected the end of that version of pop music with a thunderous roar and it signaled in the dawn of pop as we know it today. That song and that band as I alluded to earlier, had an edge to it and Pink simply picked up the baton and kept running with it. Her version of that generationally iconic song is indicative to her skill as an artist. It was superb in every method and fashion. Vocally stunning to begin with, her vocal makes it stand out loud and proud if you will but she interjects a power and force to the song that is simply brilliant. It's obvious for that matter as her fans literally take over the chorus and will drown her out but she guides them effortlessly through every word.<br />
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During her performance Pink made a concerted effort to talk with her fans, actually TALK with her fans and involving them as she performed. There were various gifts that she received throughout the show in which she quipped that she "is spoiled" and even when someone wished her a "Happy Birthday" (her birthday was the day before) she thanked them and even said she had a great birthday but what struck me was she didn't just say it, she looked at them and said it. She seemed to lock onto a person, wave at them, smile and even say hello at times and if I were a betting man I would say that it made those fans entire night and she deserves respect for that alone! Performers always play to their crowd and engage them to an extent but Pink seemed different, she was actually connecting with her fans and it was absolutely amazing to see.<br />
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While she was talking with the fans she eluded to somethings about her family but also to a song that she said "she wished she wrote" and it was a song I had never heard before so I took note. The song was by a British performer named <b>Bishop Briggs</b> and the song "<u><i>River</i></u>." I was blown away by the song and the message from the song, Pink's soulful vocal makes the dark sound of River even more resounding. After the performance I listened to the original version of the song and it is such an incredible song and although vocally the two do share a similar sound, the combination of Pink's vocal, it being live and her extraordinary band it was brilliant.<br />
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As I stood through the set I was taken aback by how powerful the music of Pink is. It does have the poppy overtones that one would expect but it is masterfully written material and musically her band dominates. I thought to myself about the "kitsch factor" of pop music and I tried to apply it to the music of Pink and while one could argue that there is that factor at times I would challenge you to NOT find a band of any popularity in any genre that doesn't indeed have some of that. What I saw in the performance of Pink was a brilliant show of talent and grace. She has the edge that one must have to succeed at any level in music and quite frankly she could be one of the best performers out there today period. I didn't know all of the songs of Pink that I heard that day, nor did I know all of the songs she performed that day but what I saw was absolutely brilliant. As she walked off of the stage following her performance of "<u><i>Raise Your Glass</i></u>" (which is a crowd favorite and very infectious) I wondered what she might do for an encore, how many songs and what in the heck that truss was for, and I didn't have to wait long for answers to all of those questions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P!nk - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - September 9th, 2017<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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As large cables came from the roof and the excitement of those around me began to raise because "she is going to fly" I was highly curious as to what that meant. As Pink walked to the front of the catwalk and began having those cables strapped to her I started to get a little excited because I thought I might see something <b>Tommy Lee</b> (of <b>Motley Crue</b>) worthy with acrobatics. I was correct because as the song "<u><i>So What</i></u>" started Pink began to sing the song and fly about the arena like Tinkerbell and at times landed on the trusses (there were two) whereby she positioned herself and continued to sing. If I am being honest that really blew me away, heck she landed about fifteen feet away from me on that one truss, and did it a couple of times it really was impressive.<br />
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She flew about the arena doing acrobatic moves, singing, hitting her marks and at all of the time at such a high level it was boggling to the mind.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P!nk - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - September 9th, 2017<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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I went to Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on September 9th, 2017 to see a performer that I had never seen before and I went there with an open mind because I had no real data on what I was about to see and hear. I went expecting to hear the music of a pop star that has garnered global appeal to such an extent that she is indeed a superstar. A performer who much like superstars before her had stylized their names (remember when Prince did it) and a performer that had become almost larger than life. I went to see a performer that captivates her audiences and hear those same fans gush about how incredible she was to see live, I went to see Pink.<br />
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I never knew anything about her music to be honest other than a few songs here and there but by the time I left that September evening I knew everything I needed to become a real fan. In Pink I see those bands from the '80's and '90's that took a misogynistic point of view and changed it into some incredibly powerful female performers. While Pink would have fit into that whole genre and time frame from talent to attractiveness there is an edge that would have propelled her into the category of punk rocker like Joan Jett. Much like Janis Joplin in the '60s and '70s and 4 Non-Blondes in the '90s Pink would have always been that enigma, that one performer that people look to for stature above normalcy. Pink would have been at the same level as Joplin in the '60s, dominated the '80s like Benatar and told the world to kiss her ass and do her music her way like 4 Non-Blondes did in the '90s.<br />
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When I went to see Pink I had some expectations, some "knowns" but a ton of "unknowns" and questions to boot as to what I was going to see and hear. Everything I experienced transcends those things and moved Pink into a category of one of the best shows I have ever seen live. So true are the statements of those that gush about how incredible she is live and so true are those that cannot simply categorize her as a pop star. Pink is much more than all of that, she is by far one of the best acts performing today across all genres. I assure you that the next time I am indeed able to see Pink live I will do so because she is that good as a performer.<br />
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Make sure you take the time to find a Pink show, buy a ticket and go regardless of your musical taste because you will be blown away by how incredible she is. Amazing, simply amazing!<br />
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#Pink #HollywoodCasinoAmpitheatre #TinleyParkJames Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-73375561795196105862017-09-11T16:05:00.001-05:002017-09-11T16:05:56.943-05:00Don WIlliams - 1939 - 2017On September 8th, 2107 country music lost one of the most beloved stars of the 70's and 80's: Don Williams. He was 78.<br />
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Don Williams was born on May 27th, 1939 in Floydada, Texas to Loveta Mae (née Lambert) and James Williams. Even from a young age Williams had an affinity to music even starting an "American Folk" music band called the <b>Pozo-Seco Singers</b> and in fact recorded the single "<b>Time</b>" in 1964. The single later achieved commercial success after being signed by <b>Columbia Records</b> in 1966 and its release by Columbia.<br />
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"Time" was successful as it reached #47 on the <i>Billboard Hot 100</i> charts but it skyrocketed to #3 on the <i>Billboard Easy Listening</i> charts while the album itself made it to #127. The Pozo-Seco Singers had moderate success, releasing three other albums by 1970 ("<u><i>I Can Make It With You</i></u>,"<u><i>Shades of Time</i></u>" and "<u><i>Spend Some Time With Me</i></u>") and in 2016 Williams released "<u><i>Follow Me Back to Louisville</i></u>" as Don Williams and the Poco-Seco Singers. By the fall of 1969 the band left Columbia Records and found themselves on the <b>Certron</b> label where they released their last album "<u><i>Spend Some Time With Me</i></u>" (until 2016). The album release was poorly timed by events that they couldn't predict which many blamed on the end of the popularity of "folk music" in the United States in 1970: the <b>Kent State Shooting</b>. By the time of the release of their final single, a remake of The Beatles classic "<u><i>Strawberry Fields</i></u>" in November of 1970 the band had disbanded.<br />
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Williams began his country career much the same way as many future country stars have, he became a songwriter. Williams was exceptional at it too for that matter writing music for Jack Clement in 1971 but by 1972 Williams started his own country music career as an artist. By 1973 Williams released his first album "<u><i>Don Williams Volume One</i></u>" which had great success hitting #5 on the Billboard Top Country chart while both singles on the album ("<u><i>Shelter of Your Eyes</i></u>" and "<u><i>Come Early Morning</i></u>") reached #14 and 12 respectively. Add into this mix that between that first release in 1973 to 1980 Williams released six albums with sixteen Top 10 Hits on the Top Country charts with not a single one being lower than #7 and of those sixteen a total of ten were #1's.<br />
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The 80's were a hugely successful time for Williams as he released eight more studio albums with twenty-six singles of which twenty-four were Top 10's with seven of those #1's. Take that in for a moment, it's terrifying. Williams was a brilliant songwriter and performer and the '80's itself proves that. For his career he released twenty-five studio albums, two live albums, and thirteen compilation albums. He released seven music videos, sixty-two singles and he had a mindblowing twenty-one #1 songs. Williams retired from music in March 2016 and released this statement: "It's time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I'm so
thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting
love and support."<br />
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On a personal note several of my favorite songs of all-time have come from Don Williams including "Time," "Tulsa Time," "I Believe In You" and "Amanda." Williams had a sense to his voice that was unlike his contemporaries, it was calming and his songwriting skills gave us some of the most haunting songs ever. While "Amanda" wasn't written by Williams (it was Bob McDill) his vocal makes that song powerful and although the Waylon Jennings version of the song is one of the best it wasn't until Chris Stapleton did it that I thought anyone could come close to Williams vocal. <br />
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Don Williams is the quintessential American Country Music legend. Williams is a member of the 2010 Class of the Country Music Hall of Fame, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, a CMA Country Male Vocalist of the Year but his music has been recorded by not only country music stars such as Lefty Frizzell, Josh Turner, Billy Dean and Alan Jackson, but by stars like Alison Krauss, Tortoise, and superstars like Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Kenny Rodgers and Johnny Cash. Williams talent and affect on country music cannot be questioned, he is simply a legend.<br />
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Williams passed away from complications from emphysema in Mobile, Alabama on September 8th, 2017 the same day that Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash. Williams is survived by his wife of 57 years Joy Bucher and two children Tim and Gary Williams.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-15085919930526258592017-09-11T14:25:00.002-05:002017-09-11T14:28:58.943-05:00Troy Gentry - 1967 - 2017On September 8th, 2017 country music lost of it is legends: Troy Gentry. Gentry, part of the iconic duo <b>Montgomery Gentry</b> was killed while the helicopter in which he was riding crashed in Medford, New Jersey. Gentry was en route to perform with his band later that day killing he and the pilot of the helicopter.<br />
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Troy Gentry, born April 5th, 1967 in Lexington, Kentucky was affectionately known to his fans as "<u><i>T-Roy</i></u>" started his career in 1990 as part of a band called "<b>Early Tymz</b>" which had been founded by <i><b>Eddie Montgomery</b></i> and <b><i>John Michael Montgomery</i></b> (Eddie's younger brother). Following the breakup of the band, Gentry became a solo performer and winner of the Jim Beam National Talent in 1994 and became an opening act for other headlining acts such as <b>Patty Loveless</b> and <b>Tracy Byrd</b>. Following a little time apart, Eddie Montgomery and Gentry decided to reunite and formed the band "Montgomery Gentry."<br />
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On April 6th, 1999 just one day after Gentry's 32nd birthday the band released their album "<u><i>Tattoos and Scars</i></u>" which not only reached #10 on the Billboard US Country charts but made in to #110 on the Billboard Top 200, as well as #2 on the US Top Heatseekers charts and #4 on the Canadian Country charts. Taking #2 on the US Top Heatseekers chart is pretty extraordinary, it's only 25 positions long and it is reserved for "new or developing acts." Acts that make it to the Heatseekers chart only remain on that chart until they hit the Top 100 in the Billboard Top 200 OR the Top 10 in various genre related categories (such as Top HipHop, Country, Latin, Christian or Gospel albums). It isn't uncommon for bands to stay in this chart for some time, in fact the band "<b>The Tragically Hip</b>" have been on that chart ten times between the years of 1992 and 2016 because they haven't met the previously outlined criteria. If you think about that by itself, a country act with its FIRST album cracked that chart and couldn't qualify again because of their immediate success.<br />
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Montgomery Gentry's success a mere flash-in-the-pan if you will, releasing eight studio albums, four compilation albums, twenty-three videos, thirty singles and garnered five #1 singles. That's very impressive for a body of work that spans only 18 years. Couple that with the fact that next six Montgomery Gentry albums reached no less than #9 on the US Country charts with two of those releases reaching #3 ("<u><i>My Town</i></u>" in 2002 and "<u><i>Back When I Knew It All</i></u>" in 2008) and one reaching #2 ("<u><i>You Do Your Thin</i><i>g</i></u>" in 2004 which included their first #1 single "<u><i>If You Ever Stop Loving Me</i></u>").<br />
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Montgomery Gentry was currently on tour at the time of the accident and Gentry was flying to the next location of their upcoming performance in Medford, New Jersey at the time of the crash. <br />
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The loss of Gentry is devastating to his family, friends, fans and to country music itself and he will be greatly missed. Gentry is survived by his wife Angie McClure and his two daughters Kaylee and Taylor.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-91717722843678706032017-08-30T12:23:00.000-05:002017-08-30T12:23:01.822-05:00Avatar - Rock USA - Ford Festival Park, Oshkosh, WI, USA July 13th, 2017When you think of rock music what do you remember? Do you remember just the music of the band or do you remember the way they look? Do you gravitate toward a band based on appearance or shock value before you do their music? Do you see the message of the band in their stage appearance and think to yourself that you really need to pay attention to this band because of it or do you discount them immediately based on appearance and refuse to give their music a chance? It's a legitimate question isn't it? It happens regularly in the workplace and in entertainment to this day, so which camp are you in? What if the very first time you EVER encountered a band you were presented with a split second to see their appearance and then hear their music, would it then matter?<br />
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I make no allusions to youth on my end because I truly am not young but I think that stigma can be a boon or a complete discounting factor when people see what I listen to. I grew up at a time in the '70's and '80's where rock music was as much about "eye candy" if you will as was the music of the band. When I was growing up music, rock music was still very much split from the cultural "norms" where it still wasn't 100%, heck 40% acceptable to see men with long hair, or facial hair for that matter. Musicians were looked to be "potheads" and "dopers" that had few redeeming qualities other than to briefly entertain us then go away.<br />
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It was such a tumultuous time to begin with, our parents simple "<i>rock and roll</i>" was being fractured and replaced by <i>disco</i>, <i>punk rock</i>, <i>acid rock</i>, <i>hard rock</i>, <i>anthem rock</i>, etc., but it was clear what was "rock and roll" under the care of <b>Elvis</b> was becoming an afterthought and blurb in music history. Bands began to emerge that didn't fit that diminutive Elvis look of a suit or sport jacket, greased back hair and a tie. The look was being replaced by long hair, tight jeans, attitudes and in your face music that quite frankly scared some into the bomb shelters they built when the Cold War began. While the parents of the era were still fans of <b>Dean Martin</b> and <b>Frank Sinatra</b> some were thawing toward Elvis but much beyond that was a deep chasm, a deep void of what became acceptable and contemporary.<br />
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When the band the <b>New York Dolls</b> emerged on the scene with their androgynous look and in your face music, the Nation as a whole couldn't have been more fragmented. Long gone was the issue the of Elvis shaking his hips and now MEN were dressing up in an effeminate way, wearing makeup and acting "strange" was becoming more commonplace. On the flipside were those bands that were emerging like the <b>Ramones</b> that came out looking like hoodlums with black leather jackets and playing music so fast that they were immediate pariahs and should be feared. Punk rock became something even worse in the eyes of the "establishment" than rock itself but the genie was out of the bottle and music would never be the same because of the Ramones and the New York Dolls.<br />
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Bands began to use "shock value" to help their popularity either through lyrics or volume of music but also appearance. Often times before a band had their music even heard they were judged because of how they looked. One has to look no further to the band <b>KISS</b> for immediate confirmation of that fact. Four grown men dressed up in costumes that reflected strange subject matter (for the time), spitting fire and blood, with screaming guitars and sexually fueled lyrics that spawned countless protests by every church group and every Tom-Dick-and-Harry that was offended by their message and decided they needed to protect US from them. The first KISS album I ever received was "<u><i>ALIVE II</i></u>," I got it for Christmas even and I remember to this day the things that my own Dad said about the band that were reflective of the acceptable norms of the time.<br />
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Even at that age I was chastised by him and even kids I went to school with because I listened to those "weirdos" and I think in a way much like every other kid in the world I was then drawn toward bands that had the ability to shock the masses. By the time the '80's hit, <i>heavy metal</i> was established as a real force and to succeed bands seemed to have to dress the shock and awe part just to maintain their chance at success. The "look" of the band seemed to fade away for a time but there were always those that tried to push the envelope a little further, people like <b>Rob Zombie</b> and <b>Marylin Manson</b> for example. Often times bands that do push the envelope are mere gimmicks, with little redeeming musical value other than a little shock but when I went to Rock USA on July 13th, 2017 I found one that is much, much more than a gimmick.<br />
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I love music,and I love finding out about new bands that I haven't heard before and when I looked at the schedule for Rock USA 2017 there were a few bands that really intrigued me. Take the band <a href="http://avatarmetal.com/" target="_blank"><b>Avatar</b></a> for example, I knew NOTHING about the band. When I saw they were at Rock USA I knew nothing about them (obviously) and I decided to not learn anything about the band before I went. I did that for a specific reason, I wanted to see from a completely fresh perspective how they were live so I could ascertain how I liked them before I heard any produced music. I have argued for years that one of the best ways to learn about how good a band really is one has to see them perform live so you can cut through the post-production work done and see what they are really like. Heck before I went to Rock USA I hadn't even seen a picture of the band so I was going in as blind as could be and I was excited.<br />
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I really was excited and I didn't know what to expect so as I watched the stage setup I was intrigued by a little yellow and red platform that made its way onto the stage and I began trying to discover what it was I was actually seeing. I was confused because atop of this platform was a large shower curtain looking thing and the stage was bare of musicians so when the curtain dropped and a tall doll looking person stood in the middle of the platform a strange smile began to form upon my face.<br />
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In front of the crowd stood a man dressed like an evil ringmaster from a circus complete with a walking stick and painted face and as the music started a massive grin went across his face, it really was the harbinger of what was to come. I had never seen the band before, not a single picture and as the band came out dressed like this figure before us I was immediately reminded of characters like <b>Alice Cooper</b>, Manson, and KISS but this was different, much different.<br />
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Before the crowd at Rock USA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin was a man that without speaking had immediate control of the crowd and he stood true. This looked like it could have been another gimmick band but it was far from it. It wasn't merely face paint and some choreographed movements on the stage like many others before them, there was an intelligence to this scene. As they hit that first song "<u><i>Hail the Apocalypse</i></u>" their abilities as songwriters and musicians became immediately apparent. That one song haunted me for DAYS after I first heard it, its beat is infectious and powerful. Hail the Apocalypse is the title track from the album "<u><i>Hail the Apocalypse</i></u>" which met with success on the <b>Billboard US Top Hard Rock Albums</b> in 2014 when it reached #6 and it is truly one of my favorite songs now. I listen to the song over and over and over because of it power and domination of the crowd, it is an INCREDIBLE song!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johannes Eckerström @ Rock USA 2017, July 13th, 2017<br />
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This entire band is phenomenal and watching the interaction among them on stage is a blast! Avatar is dominant on stage, holding the crowd in such a way that makes you think that they are rock royalty. I was blown away and the vocal power behind Avatar is <b>Johannes Eckerström</b>. Eckerström and the band Avatar are from Sweden but they know how to control American fans. Eckerström has a mindblowing range of vocals from the proverbial growl to the melodic tone that he interjects in the "kinder and gentler" moments of their music. Rock USA had some of the greatest voices in music today at it in July, 2017 but I can tell you my favorite vocal above all was indeed Eckerström.<br />
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As musicians this band is as intense as they are above their contemporaries. Take <b>Henrik Sandelin</b> (bass) as an example. Sandelin abused his bass right in front of the audience and people cheered, and I don't think he ever stopped moving for a moment. From whipping his head about and performing at such a high level I didn't want to see him stop performing, he was simply superb. Henrik Sandelin is a real talent on bass, he is truly the driving force of the power of Avatar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AVATAR - Rock USA - July 13th, 2017<br />
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With <b>Jonas Jarlsby</b> (AKA <b>Kungen</b>) on guitar and backing vocals Avatar has a force to be reckoned with plus more hair than anyone should be allowed to have. Kungen is truly a master of his craft and most importantly he holds the crowds attention as well as anyone. A truly gifted and talented guitar player, Kungen makes his job look effortless while playing music so well written and designed that it doesn't seem fair. Kungen is spectacular!<br />
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Avatar is stacked with talent and look no further than to guitar playing <b>Tim Öhrström</b> for confirmation. Öhrström was that bright shining moment on stage that caught my eye and really never let go. What a treat watching Öhrström, he was dynamic, intense and in command to such an extent that it became almost a distraction. Like his bandmates this man never stopped moving, and while the chaos erupts around him through the music and the fans he remained steadfast and professional and he was performing at a level that should be the bar for others to follow.<br />
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In 1986 I was in a horrendous car accident that caused serious injuries to myself and four others that were in the vehicle when we struck a tree at an exceptionally high rate of speed and why is that important you ask? Why am I talking about such things while writing about the band Avatar? It's quite simple actually and I think it has to do with a paradigm shift that occurred in the universe just two days before that accident. On February 14th, 1986 a boy was born into this world that today beats the skins off of drum sets worldwide causing loud thunderous crashes that emotes the greatest crescendo of beats that fuels the music of Avatar, and that boy was <b>John Alfredsson</b>.<br />
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It goes without need for further comment that a man that destroys the drums that he plays so masterfully with such violence must have been the cause for such an abomination of a traffic accident and not the fact that the driver did something he shouldn't have (no it wasn't me either). Alfredsson plays with such abandon and power that the driving force of Avatar is no doubt this man. Seriously though this man is a monster on the drums and I can think of no other that would have not only created this band but this masterpiece.<br />
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When I traveled to Rock USA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in July 2017 there were quite a few "knowns" for me. I knew what the food would be like, I knew what day would be best and I knew what bands would be a success. There really weren't that many variables for me nor were there many areas that I thought would be a massive surprise but I was seriously mistaken. I had no idea what I would be experiencing when the band Avatar took the stage that afternoon because I deliberately avoided knowing anything about the band beforehand. I suppose the entire idea of NOT wanting to know anything about the band was a bit risky but the potential reward outweighed the risk.<br />
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What I saw on the 13th of July was a performance by a band that completely blew me away! Avatar is not a gimmick, they are one of the premier metal bands today. As I listened to their live set I wanted to hear more and I began to inhale their music on YouTube as a result. I have been amazed at the intelligence behind their music and the talent to not only perform it but also the vocal skills that are mesmerizing. At a time in music where what passes for "rock" music let alone "metal" music of any form being is obscured by talentless performers that are poured forth by record labels at a pace like that of the '80's and '90's metal scene, Avatar is a breath of fresh air.<br />
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Avatar was one of the highlights of Rock USA (more to come on Rock USA later) but not only that they have become one of my favorite bands. The are brash, intelligent, high level performers that are simply better than almost everyone else without question. I have made it a point to find another Avatar show because this band is extraordinary and you should too! Take the time and find the music of this band, see them live and be prepared to be blown away by a band that seems to be doing everything right. Avatar is incredible and just like I was blown away by this band at Rock USA you too will be in whatever capacity you choose to listen to them.<br />
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This performance could be the highlight of my entire year! What an incredible band!<br /><br />#Johannes_Avatar #avatarmetal<br /> James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-36091262216167434722017-08-17T08:24:00.002-05:002017-08-17T08:32:57.772-05:00LA Guns - Poopy's In Savanna, Illinois - July 8th, 2017The late '80s - early '90s where a very strange time for music. There was a massive conglomeration of bands and artists all trying to look and sound the same while acting as if they were the true originals. While every band that came from the Sunset Strip had the hair, the attitude and the music down there were some bands that stood above them all. What if there was one man, a "Pied Piper" if you will that not only started one iconic band back then but started TWO? Two bands that traveled the same dingy streets of LA and became two of the greatest bands of that generation. What if one of those bands "reloaded" themselves and came back to do it all over again but this time even better?<br />
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I have three really simple questions for you about our youth, assuming of course you were born before 1990. Do you remember rock n' roll radio? Do you remember when <b>MTV</b> used to play videos? Oh and do you remember "<b>Headbangers Ball</b>?"<br />
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I remember those three things with blurred clarity because I was a music freak, I still am obviously but what I remember were these bands pounding out music about women, sex, partying and women some more. I remember a time where most of the bands were all men and they all had longer, poofier hair than women of the same era. I remember a time where music entertained you through audio and video, allowing us to put a face with the voices we heard over our car stereos and inevitably scratchy cassettes. I remember the "power ballad" and the campy, shticky songs that seemingly made no sense but had a driving beat and a video with gorgeous women that made it okay. I remember when bands came out in spandex and leather covered with lace and forearm guards covered in spikes. I remember the men in the bands so full of makeup that at first glance of a photo you might think that they were the hottest women you had ever seen.<br />
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There were bands that didn't always fit that bill, bands that weren't just about "glam," they were about rock n' roll and women, sex, partying and women some more too. They were about entertaining you and giving you a product that wasn't homogenized or followed the same script as the other 250,000 bands that were coming off of the Sunset Strip at the same time. Bands of that time had material that made you think while at the same time transported you into a fantasy land where you could wish to have the opulence and women that only their fame could. Some of the bands of the era were stacked with awesome musicians but few had musicians that could withstand the test of time and help transform music history.<br />
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As I flip through the pages of my remaining memories I see a time where videos kind of shaped music and when I do I see an image in my head every single time. There is a piece of video in my head of five guys all on motorcycles just riding and on the handlebars of one of the bikes is a giant "<b>ALF</b>" doll and its in my memory still to this day. The song is "<u><i>Electric Gypsy</i></u>" from <a href="http://www.laguns.net/" target="_blank"><b>LA Guns</b></a> and whenever I think about music videos on MTV I see that clip in my head. Why couldn't you actually? It's a great song but the imagery of these guys on bikes hurdling down roadways of the deserts of America kind of sticks out. First of all ALF was an incredible TV, I loved Gordon Shumway but his appearance in that video still makes me laugh. The fact of the matter that something that obscure reminds me of an entire genre is telling, and I think it is reflective in the power of the band LA Guns itself.<br />
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When <b>Tracii</b> <b>Guns</b> founded LA Guns in 1983 the "era of hair" was really firing up in full force and the power of the genre was being written by Guns himself. When LA Guns was formed the band started with Michael Jagosz as their lead singer but he was replaced by a gentleman named <b>William Bruce Rose Jr.</b>, or as he is affectionately known as <b>Axl Rose</b>. Rose decided to leave the band and start his own band then he and Guns joined forces again and formed another band called <b>Guns N'Roses</b> which Guns later left and subsequently reformed LA Guns. That is a powerful man right there, he literally formed TWO bands that are still at the apex of rock to this day some 33 years later.<br />
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Think about this for a moment, both bands have extraordinary pedigrees and success and while GNR has released six studio albums, one live album and two compilation albums, LA Guns has gone even further. LA Guns since its inception has released fourteen studio albums, six live albums, and eight compilation albums. It has released twenty videos, five EP's and four singles adding to an impressive pedigree if I should I say so myself.<br />
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Guns has always surrounded himself with artists that are far and away the best of the best, he really has and although the last time I saw Guns perform was with the band <b>Devil City Angels</b> (a bit of a supergroup in and of itself) I was anxious to see what LA Guns would bring to the table. Guns officially left LA Guns in 2012 and it wasn't until 2016 when Guns and <b>Phil Lewis</b> would rejoin forces once again and perform as "<b>L.A. Guns' Phil Lewis + Tracii Guns</b>." The history of LA Guns is very intensive and complicated but the abridged version would show that the last time that Lewis and Guns performed together was in 2002 marking the fourteen years between performances. That was a remarkable thing actually because how often in music do friendships, partnerships end and never rematerialize?<br />
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Cut ahead to December 2016 when Lewis announced that he was leaving the iteration of LA Guns he was involved in and rejoining Guns. That really was a boon for LA Guns fans because it reunited one of the most powerful and iconic voices in heavy metal with arguably one of the best guitar players of all-time. Neither of those statements are a stretch by the way, I challenge just about anyone to listen to just the Lewis vocal on any LA Guns song and ask them what band it is and I would venture a guess they will nail it every time. His voice is distinctive and has a quality that is reminiscent of a '70s gravelly rock voice but after 33 years has the voice stayed the same?<br />
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I went to Poopy's in Savanna, Illinois on July 8th, 2017 to find out how Lewis and LA Guns sounded because the last time I saw the two of them together would have been in 1989 - 1991ish. Poopy's is an incredible venue to begin with, bringing in great acts such as <b><a href="https://musicallead.blogspot.com/2017/07/warrant-poopies-in-savanna-illinois.html" target="_blank">Warrant</a></b>, <b>Wayland</b> and LA Guns and should really become a destination for any concert goer. The first thing that was noticeable about that July evening was how full it was. I had just left a rock festival a few days earlier and I was excited about seeing a little smaller crowd but I was pleasantly surprised by how full Poopy's was.<br />
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LA Guns came out with a fervor that I actually anticipated, its definitely a band that has its roots in that metal scene still but they play like they are trying to knock you out with every blow. There is a tenacity about their music but it is still music that makes you want to jump the shark at the end. There is a control to the music that still pulls you into it and surrounds you in memories and pure rock goodness. I was completely taken aback by how every member of this band really is and how dynamic they are as a whole, it was mesmerizing to watch.<br />
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Take <b>Johnny Martin</b> for example. Martin became an immediate target for me onstage for one very simple reason, he looked like <b>Johnny Ramone</b>. <b>The Ramones</b> are simply the most important band in the history of music without question making Johnny Ramone part and parcel to that success. Ramone was a guitar legend, and brandished an attitude that made him a bad boy even in punk terms. Any time someone attempts to look the part of a person like Ramone I start to watch intently. As I stated moments ago Ramone was the guitar player for The Ramones and Martin plays bass but he looks so much like the aforementioned Ramone that it was all I could think about watching him perform.<br />
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He was incredible playing that damned bass too! With it swung low, that Johnny Ramone stance and attitude coupled with the leather jacket and hair he really was reminiscent of Ramone. He really was incredible, you could see that punk attitude exuding forth in how he held himself onstage and his approach to the music he was performing. Martin was so fun to watch, he had the energy that every bass player should have and attitude that every bass player does have. What an amazing bass player!<br />
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The rhythm section of a band is as close to a necessity as is air to breathe and with <b>Shane Fitzgibbon</b> on drums, LA Guns is spot on perfect. Fitzgibbon has this affinity as he is playing to look like it is effortless while playing so hard I expected to see the floor beneath him collapse and swallow up the entire drum set and the drummer along with it. What was interesting was how young he looks but how talented he really is. A person that looks this young should not be playing at a level that makes you think he has the skills of John Bonham but does he ever. What a treat to see a drummer this good, he could be one of the elite very, very soon! Great job!!!<br />
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There is a real enigma in LA Guns, he plays guitar, isn't named Guns, plays like a madman and has the talent that I would liken to <b>Zakk Wylde</b> (he isn't name Wylde either). That enigma is named <b>Michael Grant</b> and can he shred the paint and strings off of a guitar. Watching Grant play is like watching a tornado, complete chaos, one purpose and freaky entertaining! One of my highlights for the night is when he performed the <b>Prince</b> classic "<u><i>Purple Rain</i></u>," what an INCREDIBLE version of the song! It is such a powerful song, deep, brooding and powerful but Grant really made the entire version an astounding success! That would be an excellent indicator of depth wouldn't it? As if the music of LA Guns isn't powerful, guitar driven and demanding enough, the technical masterpiece of a music icon (Prince) was performed at the highest possible level with unimagined success. Grant is a real gift on guitar and every LA Guns fan should take notice of him.<br />
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There is an iconic sound in every band, sometimes it is the guitar, sometimes it is the speed, sometimes it is the vocals and at other times it is the whole shooting match, and with LA Guns it really is everything, the "whole shooting match" if you will BUT... I think a massive "chunk" of the LA Guns sound lies in the vocals of <b>Phil Lewis</b>. Within the voice of Lewis is an aspect that I really don't think people give much thought to but it is so reminiscent inside the annals of rock it simply cannot be discounted. Lewis is British and when I hear him sing I can hear those incredible singers with names like <b>McCartney</b>, <b>Lennon</b>, <b>Davies</b>, <b>Daltry</b>, <b>Plant</b> and <b>Bolan</b>. There is a vocal quality that is befitting a British lead singer that is really indescribable but it adds power and soul to any song.<br />
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When Lewis started the band <b>Girl</b> in 1978 he was in the middle of so many British bands that were tearing the world up so it's hard to not imagine the bands mentioned earlier wouldn't have impacted him. Think about this for a moment, he started Girl in 1978 nearly 40 years ago and almost ten years after he started that band he joined LA Guns. I have mentioned other bands sounding better when they have switched lead singers previously but I cannot fathom LA Guns without Lewis at the helm.<br />
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Lewis has "it." Most importantly he hasn't lost "it" either. I have seen LA Guns on a few occasions previous to their performance at Poopy's but I don't think I could ever see the band without Lewis at the helm. In those thirty years since Lewis entered LA Guns he helped shape their sound, he became their voice and I don't think his vocals have changed in all of that time. Lewis on stage is still the man in charge, he is energetic, engaging and when he is singing it is obvious how much in control of the material and the crowd he still is. Lewis still has "it" and truly made a wonderous impression on those in attendance! I can't tell you enough what a legend this man is!<br />
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There is but one more person to talk about in LA Guns, that being the man, the myth, the legend Mr. Tracii Guns. Earlier I called Guns the "Pied Piper" and I did it for a great reason, he attracts the finest musicians to work with him. Guns has worked with Axl Rose, <b>Izzy Stradlin</b> and <b>Gilby Clarke</b> (all from GNR), <b>Michael Schenker</b>, <b>Bobby Blotzer</b>, <b>Scot Coogan</b>, <b>Nikki Sixx</b>, <b>Eric Brittingham</b>, <b>Rikki Rockett</b>, <b>Brandon Gibbs</b>, <b>Mick Taylor</b>, <b>Fred Coury</b>, <b>Pat Travers</b> and <b>Matt Sorum</b> to name a few. Guns has been in the bands Guns N' Roses, <b>Contraband</b>, <b>Brides of Destruction</b>, <b>Tracii Guns' League of Gentlemen</b>, <b>Poison</b>, <b>Quiet Riot</b>, and the Devil City Angels as well. He has been on countless albums and guest appearances onstage, he attracts the best musicians to him just like the "Pied Piper" and why you ask?<br />
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Tracii Guns is a legend. There are few that can play guitar on his level period. He is an excellent songwriter and he is still creating music that people want to be part of. The current iteration of LA Guns is by itself unequalled but with Guns back in the fold this band is unstoppable. While watching Guns on stage the passion in which he plays drips from him, and you can see that the members of the band see it too. Guns never stops while he is onstage, which makes me want to take young musicians and sit them down just to watch this guy perform. This is what a consummate professional and legend looks like. Still dominate after all of these years, keep it up Tracii!!!<br />
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When I traveled to Poopy's in Savanna, Illinois on July 8th, 2017 I had one purpose: to see a legendary rock band, LA Guns. I didn't know if the band would sound like it did since the last time I saw the band but I knew that the last time I did the band was minus Tracii Guns. I had to see for myself if the "old band" was back and how they sounded. The band had two massive cogs from that success back into the fold with Lewis and Guns but their supporting cast could make or break the entire deal.<br />
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Just like adding the wrong ingredients to make a cake can ruin it so too can adding the wrong members to a band but that wasn't the case. What I saw and heard was one of the finest metal bands of all-time come out to the stage and dominate. LA Guns performed at such a high level that I am still blown away by it all. I saw a band make a resurgence that is undeniable. LA Guns is back, with new music even and the fact of the matter is that it doesn't sound like they ever left. The additions of Johnny Martin, Shane Fitzgibbon and Michael Grant have propelled this band into the forefront once again and I don't think they will leave it any time soon.<br />
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LA Guns brought over thirty years of classic music and its power, its grace and its history to Savanna, Illinois that night and it felt like despite changes through the years that it never left. With Guns and Lewis at the front of this band I don't see anyone or anything getting in their way ever. I think back to the "<u><i>Electric Gypsy</i></u>" video and seeing ALF with his hair blown back as he rode on the front of that motorcycle and I think that after all of these years LA Guns is still leading the pack, hair blowing in the wind.<br />
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What an awesome performance and what a great job by the band! Find LA Guns and see them live because you won't be disappointed and make your way to Poopy's in Savanna, Illinois for the same reasons! Keep it up guys and I hope to see you live again soon!<br />
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#LA_GUNS #TRACIIGUNS James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-4917455682721258722017-08-14T15:23:00.001-05:002017-08-14T15:23:38.182-05:00Loud-N-Lima - Day 2 July 22nd, 2017The world is a giant music festival, or at least that is how it seems to be for me. I have traveled far and wide to go to even the smallest of music festivals. I have battled crowds so deep I think that people gave up trying to walk to the bathroom and just went where they stood. I have been to a festival that literally had a promoter asking people to foot the bar tab so they could still sell beer at the festival. I have been so sunburned that a year after the sunburn I still had a vicious tan line and I have seen things that cannot be unseen at music festivals that not even bleach and a great IT guy could wipe clean. But is it possible that another festival could make the list of obscure references that beg you for more information? Well...<br />
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I love the summer for a variety of reasons including baseball season, warm weather, and music festival season. Music festival season in the Midwest is confined to a very specific time because the cold weather forces us inside much sooner than those in the South and Southwest. I would dare any promoter to go out on a proverbial limb and book any major act to play outdoors in Minneapolis in January. I don't think you could even get a crowd outside to see the Rapture play out in Minneapolis in January let alone <b>The Who</b> so I am confident in my previous statement about there being a "music festival season."<br />
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I have been at a music festival in Minnesota in JULY where it was so cold on the final night even the acts themselves came out in winter coats. I'm not kidding, I actually had to find a Walmart to buy a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt just to prevent me becoming hypothermic while April Wine and Loverboy played. That statement alone questions my sanity, after all it was April Wine and Loverboy but I have been to a music festival in Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend and it was so hot you didn't want to go outside. While attending a music festival in September a couple of years ago in Chicago the crowd was so thick and it rained so much that I am fairly confident in saying that many in attendance couldn't make it from their spot to the portable toilets and found it easier to wet themselves than to make the trek.<br />
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Was that experience related to the crowd itself or was it do to the weather? I think that is a valid question and under the context of Midwest weather I think weather was as large a factor if not larger than the crowd itself. The opening day of that festival it was so rainy that even before I got to the venue itself I was soaked to the core but it rained so badly that for the next two days you fought mud so thick and slippery that standing in place seemed like the best possible solution to the problem. Regardless of location of a music festival rain is a terrible equalizer and killer of the music festival. In few other weather events can you find the need to be terrified about being electrocuted by a bolt of lightning cutting through the crowd like a hot knife through butter but if it is only raining that can make for just as miserable of a time.<br />
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I'm hard pressed to find a good part of standing in a monsoon, trying to stand upright and fighting for my one square foot of personal space as Drunky McDrunkpants screams over the vocals with a mind shattering "WHOO!!!" every three and a half seconds as he spills his overpriced Old Style down the backs of everyone within a square mile of him. Sure the rain washes off the sticky solution of beer and bad judgement but it will tend to aggravate a person. But while McDrunkpants is a really a microcosm of the festival, the weather is the macrocosm, it is ever present and it is everywhere. Rain really becomes the great equalizer of a music festival, it can make or break a festival worse than a horrible lineup. It's possible to ignore a bad band or two but when the skies open and it drops an inch or two of rain even the most hardcore fan will question their need to be drowned in Mother Nature's wrath.<br />
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It was decided earlier in the summer that we would make a trip to a new music festival called "<b>Loud-N-Lima</b>" that found itself smack dab in the middle of Lima, Ohio so as the date approached, the eyes began to watch the weather forecast and with good reason. There were a few things going this festival: We had never been to it before (it was new after all), we had never been to Lima, Ohio before and the lineup was pretty impressive so it was a bit of a win-win-win situation. The biggest fear we had however was that weather because as the date approached the forecast was not seeming to be our friend. We firmly expected humidity, its July in Ohio for God-sake if it isn't humid then I am firmly worrying but this forecast seemed bad. Everything I was beginning to read was showing that the storms we could encounter could be gully-washers of the firmest extreme, with the potential for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds but we continued forth on our newest music festival adventure.<br />
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After arriving at our hotel through a minute amount of rain optimism began to run high and the rooms themselves almost made it okay if the weather were to open up on us because we could have stayed in our rooms without issue. The rooms were gorgeous and comfortable so the festival be damned I quipped! The next morning our optimism began to wane because all night long we were in a deluge of rain but what really rang "<i>home</i>" about the rain (literally) was the fact that the storm we were now in had dumped so much rain back home that our downtown area was under a serious threat of being flooded and countywide damage from the storm was horrific.<br />
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When we arrived to the festival grounds we were told by a staff member that one of the first two bands had cancelled and that the other was being scrubbed because of the state of the area of the infield where General Admission and VIP were located. I was a little confused by what was meant by that until the same person told us that it was a giant mud bog and moving around was almost impossible but with those words came some optimism as the soundcheck for the <b>BulletBoys</b> was heard coming from the stage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOUD-N-LIMA - July 22nd, 2017<br />
©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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Walking toward the infield area I was taken aback by the layout of the event, it seemed a little big yet it didn't seem as if there were as many people there as I would have expected to see. But looking at the infield itself it became abundantly clear that we were really in a bog and I'm guessing few wanted to stand in a bog all day.<br />
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We have pretty much nothing but clay for soil where I live so I am used to being in the mess but what was fascinating was the number of people that seemingly have never walked in wet clay before. It was not an uncommon sight to see people slipping and falling regardless of alcohol consumption because they were walking like they were on ice. At one point in the evening I saw a woman standing still, talking to a security guard and as if an invisible rug had been yanked out from under her feet she fell straight on her back. There was no reason for her to have fallen either and it was laugh out loud worthy because it made no real sense.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance into the "PIT" at Loud-N-Lima<br />
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The damage was done to many a backside of the patrons and those that chose to brave the VIP and infield areas but I think there may have been more damage done to the footwear of those in attendance. Countless numbers of people were barefoot because of "blowouts" to their flip-flops or totally inappropriate shoes such as high-heels which shed their heels like a deer sheds their antlers in the Spring. I would almost be afraid to fall in certain areas because I know there are stiletto heels sticking out of the ground throughout as I watched women carrying their shoes minus a heel or two. My largest regret is that I didn't have the forethought to bring a shoe store with me because I could have made a small fortune just selling cheap flip-flops to those that broke or lost a piece of footwear.<br />
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As the day progressed, the rain held off allowing the bog to dry out under the sun and wind but the damage was already done because the mud was thick. Watching people wallow through the mud it was abundantly clear that many of them didn't think of the "stuff" that was also in that mud. Sure there was beer but what else was squeezing up around those phalanges, I didn't want to know or think about it.<br />
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There were attempts to rectify the situation to stop the falls such as 4X8 sheets of plywood that were laid down as walkways and places to stand but they became mud-caked and slippery with new mud being introduced onto them along with spilled beverages but there really isn't a much better stop-gap measure that could have been taken. The only way to stop falls from happening to the fans would have been to close the festival for the day but why? It's rock-n-roll for God sakes AND its an outdoor music festival, the mud was a mere distraction. There were murmurs from within the crowd about the necessity to bring in loads of straw and laying that on top of the muck, and even about loads of sand but that is far too time consuming, labor intensive and most importantly, expensive. It was mud, and it could be avoided if necessary. I did make my case to one of the gentlemen laying down the sheets of plywood by telling him to NOT do it because it was more fun to watch people fall. He called me a "hater" but that's profiling because I would have laughed at anyone that fell in that stuff so that isn't technically "hating" its being entertained in between acts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the "Pit"<br />
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What couldn't be avoided were the acts themselves and Day 2 was looking up to be a great one all the way around. I mentioned earlier that we were told that the first two acts were gone, security said that one of the two acts allegedly cancelled and another was scrubbed meaning that the BulletBoys were the opener. I have written extensively about the Bulletboys and how great they are on stage and that simply didn't change. <b>Marq Torien </b>is one of the most explosive, vibrant and exciting frontmen in music still to this day and his bandmates (<b>Joaquin Revulta</b> - Drums, <b>Chad MacDonald</b> - Bass and <b>Nick Rozz</b> - Guitar) are dynamic!<br />
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Each of the members of the BulletBoys are superior musicians with backgrounds that are befitting the best punk bands and these guys can just plain rock. The BulletBoys took control of the crowd and the situation by giving one of the best performances of the day but it was also one that made many scratch their heads. Before I say another word that had NOTHING to do with the BulletBoys but to what I am alluding to is the fact that their set was only five or six songs long, with Torien telling the crowd that "we've been told that this is our last song" alluding to the fact that their set was trimmed without their knowledge. That's sad because had Torien and the BulletBoys been allowed their full set (or allotment of time) they could have really turned a very soggy and miserable start to the day into a win-win for everyone at hand. Regardless of that, the BulletBoys performed in a fashion that is the only way they know how: Spectacular!<br />
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During the "era of hair" there were some givens regarding that genre that simply couldn't equate into success had they not been there in some combination and form. As an example there always had to be a "stud" for a lead singer, he had to have a vocal range that would allow them to hit a high note so high that dogs would jump off of bridges and there had to be a power ballad, and without those details they simply didn't succeed. If you are a disbeliever look no further than the band <b>Steelheart</b>.<br />
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Steelheart had a heartthrob of a lead singer (<b>Miljenko "Mili" Matijevic</b>) and his vocal range that would tear groin muscles for any man that tried to hit those freaking high notes and the "Mother-of-all" power ballads: "<u><i>I'll Never Let You Go</i></u>." Having seen Steelheart at countless festivals it is safe for me to say that I have never walked away disappointed by a performance of the band so booking them for your festival is a no-brainer. I was excited to see that the band would be taking the stage at Loud-N-Lima and they promptly did just that following the BulletBoys. Matijevic takes the stage with such a presence and he remains that presence the entire performance so it wasn't surprising in the least when he did just that in Lima.<br />
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Matijevic is a BEAST vocally and he knows his voice, its capabilities and he trusts himself as he approaches and hits those monster notes. He is still vocally superior to his contemporaries and his band (<b>Uros Raskovski</b> - Guitar, <b>Rev Jones</b> - Bass and <b>Mike Humbert</b> - Drums) are some of the finest musicians together today. Raskovski is a maestro on the guitar, Jones who reminds me of <b>Flea</b> (<b>Red Hot Chili Peppers</b>) in looks and in performance is simply one of the best and Humbert on drums makes the drums bleed he abuses them so hard while playing. They really are the backbone to Steelheart and it shows.<br />
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When I mentioned "<u><i>I'll Never Let You Go</i></u>" earlier it was for a couple of reasons, one of which was to point out one of the greatest ballads ever but the other was to highlight something I have seen Matijevic do live on several occasions. When he begins the song he is playing the acoustic guitar but he is not playing the song the way we all remember it. The song has a super strong message but he begins it with reverence and subdued vocals that draw you in and pulls that emotion forward which then leads to the song that we remember and love. It is simply brilliant and something I look forward to every single time I see them live.<br />
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Steelheart seemed to be under a similar time constraint that they didn't know about as Matijevic pointed it out on stage as well and unfortunately that meant that they had to cut one of my favorite songs from the set, "<u><i>Everybody Loves Eileen</i></u>." It was kind of sad for me at least because that is one of the highlights of their set but as with every performance I have seen from the band they were brilliant! I truly think that this shortened set was one of the best I have seen them accomplish bar-none.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GA Seating - Loud-N-Lima<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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While Steelheart has those three intangibles that were requirements for success in the "era of hair" they weren't the only ones to hold the position. When I think about that time I know for a fact that there were times when I couldn't tell the difference between Steelheart and the band <b>FireHouse</b>. Before you begin to rant and throw things let me explain. Vocally they have a similar tone but each lead singer is entirely different BUT both Matijevic and <b>CJ Snare</b> (lead singer - FireHouse) had such power in their voices and that range which is mind-blowing for me still to this day. Both singers had powerful looks and their power ballads were unquestionably some of the best of the entire genre.<br />
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Ask yourself this one question, when songs by either band came on the radio did you try to sing like them? Did you try to hit those notes? How many of you made mix tapes that had "I'll Never Let You Go" AND "Love of a Lifetime" on them? That was the power of those bands and why I said I couldn't tell the proverbial difference, I knew the lyrics of both but both had the same intangibles, they were that good!<br />
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Just like those mixtapes from years gone by, Steelheart and FireHouse shared time together once again. Following the incredible set of Steelheart was Snare and the incomparable FireHouse. By that time, the sun began to pummel the crowd and the humidity began to reign supreme but FireHouse never skipped a beat. Snare still has that quality in his voice that is still the definition of that era, it's eerie how familiar every note still is. The man can belt out all of the FireHouse classics in such a way you are transported back to those days. FireHouse is one of those bands that themselves has never disappointed me on stage, they have an extra gear it seems that propels them to the front of the pack still to this day.<br />
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Why wouldn't they? FireHouse has EXCELLENT members in this band and each feeds off of the other. They are tenacious on stage, and execute their music with the precision of a Swiss watch. <b>Allan McKenzie</b> on bass (and apparently an Ohio boy to boot) has a presence on stage that really is larger than life and a skill set that makes the backbone of the band as rigid as steel. If McKenzie is the steel making up the backbone then <b>Michael Foster</b> on drums is the concrete because these two are as solid and strong as any combination in music today.<br />
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Another aspect to bands from the "era of hair" has to be guitar players because a great guitar player sets the pace and drives your emotions so with <b>Bill Leverty</b> in that role it goes without saying that FireHouse is set. Leverty is a treat to watch, he is so professional and makes the entire performance effortless but there are few with more passion and skill than he. Leverty makes it look so easy to be that good but few are.<br />
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There was a trend during the earliest performances at Loud-N-Lima that I touched on, that being shorter sets and at one point Snare himself said "<i>we have been told that this is our last song but we are going to play three more instead</i>" and that made the experience all better right there. What a better feeling that to see a rock star tell the "<i>man to shove it</i>" as one patron told me. He was right you know. Schedules be damned, the fans there paid quite a bit of money to see these acts and didn't deserve to see their sets cut short.<br />
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Snare and the rest of FireHouse were worth the 400 mile one-way trip to Lima, Ohio for me because they are always on point and they are always that good! If you have never been able to see FireHouse live and they are within 400 miles of you, go for it you will NOT be disappointed! Awesome job!!!<br />
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While the sun was high in the sky and the clay-filled mud began to bake off some of its water we decided to venture through the festival grounds looking for flip-flops and food because both were vital to long term success of the day. There were no vendors selling any type of flip-flop or other footwear but we did find an AWESOME wood fired pizza vendor so we gathered up the food and settled in to listen to the next band: <b>Geoff Tate's Operation Mindcrime</b>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geoff Tate's Operation Mindcrime<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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After Tate had left Queensrÿche we saw that band on their first show minus Tate at Halfway Jam (a music festival in Royalton, Minnesota) and I obviously knew the music of band because how could you not? Part and parcel to the success to the band Queensrÿche was Geoff Tate, and I still can't think of Tate without remembering his haunting vocal on "<u><i>Silent Lucidity</i></u>." That is one of my all-time favorite songs just because of his vocals alone. The wonderful part of Geoff Tate's Operation Mindcrime is the fact that every note is familiar, every vocal is warm and not a note has seemingly changed.<br />
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Tate told a great story about going to the store to purchase some products for his wife and a fan who confronted him, telling him about his favorite Queensrÿche song, it being "Silent in Tennessee" and I wish I hadn't been eating flaming hot pizza at the time because I think I burned a chunk of pepperoni in the top of my sinus cavity as I began to chortle and later choke. Tate was engaging, his vocals sounded like they did before "Silent Lucidity" but it was terrifyingly apparent that he hasn't lost a moment of his vocal prowess. Tate and his bandmates are superior and it was like seeing an old friend once again after all of these years. Job well done!<br />
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There were a few parts of the "era of hair" that men seeming chose to forgot about, mainly those female bands that we weren't supposed to like. Bands like <b>Femme Fatale</b>, <b>Vixen</b> and an artist named <b>Lita Ford</b> were to be admired because they were "hot" but their music was to be immediately discounted because of preconceived misogynistic ideals. It's true and any guy that claims that wasn't true is not telling you the truth and while some female artists were shtick and used as eye candy to sell records Ford never fit those categories.<br />
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Ford has a pedigree that many men and women didn't have during that era or even today for that matter. Ford was part of <b>The Runaways</b>, one of the greatest bands of all-time with <b>Joan Jett</b>, <b>Cherie Currie</b>, <b>Jackie Fox</b> and <b>Sandy West</b>. Depending on who you ask you will be told they were one of the best hard rock bands of the era or by me one of the best punk bands of that era but they were phenomenal. After leaving The Runaways Ford went on to collaborate with the likes of the immortal <b>Lemmy Kilmister</b> and the self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness <b>Ozzy Osbourne</b>. Ford is not a flash-in-the-pan, nor was she just a pretty face, that woman can shred a guitar!<br />
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Ford has a propensity to tell incredible stories about those she has collaborated with and she tells an incredible story about working with Kilmister on the song "<u><i>Can't Catch Me</i></u>" and she makes the man an even larger-than-life character that music misses more daily. Ford is engaging with the crowd, she pulls no punches but what she does do is DOMINATE on stage. Watching her play guitar is a thing of beauty because you can see the dedication she has put into her craft. Vocally she still is a legend and her voice really is one that is immediately recognizable.<br />
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I mentioned that Ford also collaborated with Ozzy Osbourne, the song "<u><i>If I Close My Eyes Forever</i></u>" to be more specific and as that is a duet one would think it would be hard to bring Osbourne out on stage every night for just one song but Ford doesn't need too. The person that helps sing the part of Osbourne is Ford's guitar player <b>Patrick Kennison</b>. Kennison has a quality in his voice that while it isn't Osbourne-esque it has a quality that I like much better actually. Kennison is an exceptional guitar player to begin with but he can just beat the crap out of that guitar and make it scream like a banshee.<br />
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Metal, punk and plain hard rock needs a bass player that is befitting a beast on stage and Ford has that person in <b>Marty O'Brien</b>. O'Brien has this wicked accountant look to him with, and befitting that description is the fact that he seemingly beats that bass like it owes him money. He has incredible stage presence and skill set that makes him a key part in the sound of the band, and not just a guy that plays bass, holding that spot for someone else. O'Brien is the quintessential bass player, and one of the best. Then there is this next guy, a guy I've been holding off on talking about because he is that LEGENDARY: <b>Bobby Rock</b>.<br />
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There are few drummers I can wax poetic about but Rock is one because he has an energy about him as he performs that cannot be believed if you have never seen him before. Rock is a huge man to begin with, and his entire performance the drum kit is rocking. I would really like to know how much equipment he goes through in a single performance because he flails on the drums with such power one is awestruck. Rock is the prototypical rock drummer, no he really is in a class all by himself.<br />
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The performance that Ford, Kennison, O'Brien and Rock put on at Loud-N-Lima was awesome and judging by the length of their set they didn't fall prey to the set time reaper. What a great show by them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound Booth Facing the Stage - Loud-N-Lima<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2017</td></tr>
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While I wrote this I kind of struggled with this next part a little, not because I didn't like the next performer but because of a set of circumstances that fell in right about here. I mentioned that two bands did not perform on Day 2 for whatever reason but on the way to the festival I learned that <b>Tom Keifer</b> from Cinderella was scheduled to appear but couldn't because of doctor's orders, he had to rest his voice. My wife knew, I simply didn't but that wasn't a deterrent for me regardless with that said part of the confusion lay within the fans that were from the area of Lima and didn't realize Keifer wasn't going to be there. People knew, my wife knew and we were 400 miles away but blaming the promoters really misguided and shortsighted.<br />
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With that said Keifer had cancelled previous to the day of the performance so I still don't understand why other acts were allegedly cut short because it wouldn't interfere with the headliner since Keifer's spot wasn't filled. Part of my struggle was with the fact that the next band was scheduled to take the stage BEFORE Keifer but ended up playing before the headliner so for continuity sake I decided to outline it the way I did.<br />
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What was scheduled to happen was that after Lita Ford left the stage, the band <b>Warrant</b> was supposed to jump on and then give way to Keifer BUT... When Warrant entered the night time at Loud-N-Lima, the air was beginning to cool, the mud was drying and the crowd was filling in nicely. Warrant came out with the energy befitting the headliner, it was incredible! I'm not kidding, I could have gone home right after their set and been ecstatic because they dominated. I heard a few well placed imbeciles scream things about Jani Lane, trying to almost taunt Robert Mason, lead singer for Warrant but ladies and gentlemen Mason is far too good!<br />
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Mason is in an unenviable role where he is trying to fill the shoes of who people remember from videos as the voice and face of Warrant but in my opinion there are songs that Mason sounds better singing than Lane. Mason is a frontman that most people would have killed to become during the "era of hair." He is engaging, with a powerful voice and a Texas-sized personality that makes a person smile while he is performing. Mason said early in the performance that they wouldn't talk much so the headliner could get out there but there wasn't a need to because there weren't time issues.<br />
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Mason destroyed the crowd that Saturday night, with skills like no other and when I saw him a few days later at Poopy's in Savanna, Illinois when they performed (<a href="https://musicallead.blogspot.com/2017/07/warrant-poopies-in-savanna-illinois.html" target="_blank">LINK</a>) I told him that and he was beyond gracious. The entire band of Warrant is but above that they are extremely good at their jobs. Take <b>Erik Turner</b> for instance. Turner is a guitar legend, he is entertaining but he is a true professional and I still cannot get over how much he seems to love his fans. He really is a rock star. Then there is the man, the myth, the <b>Joey Allen</b> another guitar legend. Allen has that personality that you want to watch him on stage because he is larger than life, he is a treat, a real treat!<br />
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The drum master, or beat master if you will for Warrant is <b>Steven Sweet</b>. Sweet has a very omnipresent personality that makes you lock onto him, not to mention that he sings backing vocals and he destroys the drums! Sweet is really fun to watch, he is beyond amazing! It's simple band mathematics when you think to yourself that every band needs that one part that keeps the pulse flowing and the heart pumping and that part is <b>Jerry Dixon</b> and his bass guitar. Dixon looks so stern on stage but I think it is the true professionalism that a bass played of his caliber must maintain. Dixon is a breath of fresh air when it comes to playing bass, he is technical but he is willing to literally engage fans as he is playing.<br />
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What an incredible gift did the fans of Loud-N-Lima receive when they had Warrant fall into their lap when they signed up! Warrant really should be nothing less than a headliner at any show or festival and their performance really proved that point sevenfold. I loved their performance!!!<br />
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Soon after Warrant left the stage something incredible happened, very few people left the place they were standing and that really doesn't happen all that often. Usually in between acts people run for the restrooms and meander off to get their next beverage but surprisingly few did. Add to that list the fact that more people began to wander into the voids where people weren't standing and you have the "headliner effect." What is that? It's the condition that occurs just before an anticipated headliner is about to take the stage and people don't want to leave their spots and that what was beginning to happen.<br />
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It usually happens about that time too where <b>Bret Michaels Band</b> fans begin to waft their way closer to the stage to get a closer glimpse at the Pennsylvania native. It is usually a great way to equalize any voids that may have been present in the crowd. Michaels is such a HUGE draw and the things he does for our veterans is beyond admirable it really makes finding your spot very early very important. Michaels came out with the fanfare that one would expect, amid the lights and cheers showcasing his vocals that have lost little in all of those years gone by.<br />
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Michaels has a huge stage presence and he engages his fans like no other can or will do because they really can't do it better, he truly is the best at it. It is possible that many would come to see Michaels live even if he just stood up there and talked but I would suffice it to say that the vast majority are there to hear him sing and he needs a band to do that. Michaels doesn't just have a band, he has a superband if you will with two heavy hitters in <b>Pete Evick</b> and <b>Eric Brittingham</b>.<br />
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Evick is a powerhouse on guitar, he is a producer, and a songwriter but what he is in all reality is a whirling dervish on stage that will out play the world. Evick is a blast to watch, his facial expressions alone are worth it and he truly is the soul behind the guitar of the BMB. What can be said about the other gentleman I just named, Eric Brittingham? Brittingham is a bass legend, member of Cinderella and one of the nicest guys in music today. I've talked with Brittingham before and he will talk about anything and he will listen which translates to how he is on stage perfectly. Brittingham is engaging with the fans, he his warm and friendly and always smiling but the guy wields that bass like a freaking rocket launcher and will destroy his contemporaries with his skills hands down. The Bret Michaels Band really was the epitome of what a headliner should be that Saturday evening in Lima, they were extraordinary!<br />
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<b><u>FINAL OBSERVATIONS</u></b><br />
Through all of the mud, weather and stuff that happened at Loud-N-Lima they were really minor bumps along the way and I can joke about there were a few things that I saw that were disturbing. During Michaels set for instance there were people behind us that decided that throwing beers at others was a really cool idea. On several occasions people in the pit were hit with full drinks (cups of beer, even water bottles) and I saw on three occasions security get told about it and them simply shrug their shoulders. At one point the only thing that stopped the flying cups was a person near those doing it and mentioning to them he would "beat (their) asses if they kept doing it" and judging by the size of the gentleman that said it it would have happened. It did stop for a little while but either the giant man moved or the throwers did because it started up again.<br />
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There really wasn't much of a presence of police in that area because of the mud I suspect but security was actually quite thick in that area really did little more but keep people from going into the "pit" without the proper wristband. It's a shame too because as I said that the area filled IN before Michaels, about three-quarters of the way through the set it emptied to about half with many leaving because of the stupidity of cup throwing. It seemed that at times security was more worried about wristbands than the other extraneous activities.<br />
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Loud-N-Lima Day 2 had something bad happen to it that it simply couldn't control, that being Mother Nature. She dumped epic amounts of rain on the event the night before which made the entire area a giant mud bog and I have read that next year they already have plans to address that and make it a total non-issue which would fix any real serious problems should it rain that way again during Loud-N-Lima. I suspect that the issue will be a moot point and everything will go off without a hitch. <br />
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The set time issues were bothersome with reasons for it only allegations and it wouldn't be fair to anyone to go down that road. Some of the issues with set times and setup times could be addressed by adding a second stage that would accommodate downtime between acts and give stage setup or other necessary maintenance the ability to get completed and not slowing down the flow of the event or penalizing the performers and fans themselves.<br />
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As I see it the positives outweigh the negatives hands down however. For the vast majority of the time there weren't security issues, nor were there any real fights or fighting which is a huge positive. The real winner in all of this was the fans because the lineup for Day Two was incredible (judging by what I saw Days 1 and 3 were great as well)! There really wasn't a band that shouldn't have been there and each one played to their highest possible level! Each performer deserves a pat on the back and a sincere thank you but so does the support staff, promoters, organizers and the vendors because this was very well done!<br />
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The 403 mile one way trek to Loud-N-Lima took me into another part of the world that I had never been in. I have driven in Indiana and Ohio before but I had never been all of the way through Indiana (while driving myself) nor had I ever driven in that portion of Ohio. It was much like driving back home, and with the monsoons that hit us in Ohio (and at our home in Illinois) it was like we were still there. Although the town had a rural, small town feel to it I understand that Lima isn't that small but it was inviting and a great place to visit. It was such a treat to be able to take that trek and enjoy every aspect of it.<br />
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There is one lingering question I still have though and I refused to ask it while I was there because I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb and give it away that I wasn't from there: Is it Lima like the bean or Leema like the Peruvian capitol? Regardless of the answer great job by everyone! Keep up the great work, I hope we can make it again next year too!<br />
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#BulletBoys #Steelheart #FireHouse #GeoffTateOperationMindcrime #LitaFord #WarrantRocks #BretMichaelsBand #LoudNLimaJames Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-41670840131093264862017-08-10T13:43:00.001-05:002017-08-10T13:43:07.703-05:00The Story of My Life or at Least Part of It.What if we could look back at a part of our lives and have everything revealed with one simple trigger? Sure we can see a singular event and have a flood of memories flood us but what if everything that happened was like walking back in the same footsteps in an ordinary day of our lives? What if that one ordinary day really had no significance and it really was only just a standard day in our life but its meaning was everything we ever had or wanted? This sounds complex, isn't this entire blog about music and not a jaunt down memory lane?<br />
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What seems like a millennia ago to me was the time I spent living in a city in Northern Illinois called Rockford. Rockford has a rich history that is as convoluted as it is fascinating and although the last thirty years or so haven't been its best days, there was a hot minute when I was actually part of that history no matter how far in passing it was. Following the time I graduated from college, I took a position working for a civil and structural engineering firm in Rockford but made a small daily commute from a small town a few miles west of the city.<br />
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The trip from Pecatonica to Rockford which I made for about a year was always uneventful, Highway 20 was a bumptastic good time and the 1976 Buick Regal that I owned with the 350 motor really made for some Daytona 500 worthy trips each day. That was probably the favorite car I ever bought to be honest, it was big, fast and it was built like a granite mountain, you simply couldn't kill the thing. Seriously I was hit by a smaller car one time which put a small dent behind the headlight / fender connection on the passenger side of my Regal which caused nothing more than a story for me BUT it totaled the car that hit me. Another time I hit a deer and the deer landed on the hood of the car, stood up and much like Speedy Gonzalez of "Looney Toons" fame it began to spin its feet as it tried to run off of the hood with barely a scratch to the paint.<br />
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The car is significant because as I traveled down E. State Street each day from Highway 20 I was driving through a part of the city that many refused to. It never bothered me, yes it was one of the hardest hit economically parts of the city and the crime rate was higher in that area but I knew that beast of a car would protect me like a mother pitbull would her pups. That car went everywhere in Rockford with me and my daily, mundane commute consisted of getting to and from work every day and little more. As mundane travel goes I drove past the courthouse, police station, city hall, bus terminal, restaurants, bars, strip joints, tattoo parlors, a gorgeous theater and the mother of all flophouses, an old rundown, hotel that faced our parking lot; the Inn Town.<br />
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The Inn Town was a scary little place, with a police presence always there and its clientele might have been best described as "sketchy" if I'm being honest. Sketchy wasn't how you would describe the hotel though, I would describe it as bed bug infestation meets the Devil's Playground and that might not be nearly enough. Bad things man, bad things might do the description justice actually but the one thing that had was the view of our parking lot. Every day I pulled into that lot with some type of music playing, usually metal or punk which meant <b>Social Distortion</b>.<br />
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We all have that one band in our lives that we can point to and see ourselves as well as our lives shaped by with Social Distortion being mine. The lyrics and music that lies under the surface of every SD song is the soul of <b>Mike Ness</b>, the band's founder. Ness is gritty, with a dark past, a razors edge of insanity and baggage that is befitting our (and his) darkest thoughts and emotions. SD and Ness are the epitome of American Punk Rock and they are part and parcel the backbone of that movement worldwide. Looking across the hood of that Buick at The Inn Town I could see the underbelly of grit and misery which is similar to what many believe to be the cornerstone of punk rock. Hearing Ness belt out those vocals, The Inn Town seemed just as misunderstood as Social Distortion, Ness himself and Rockford too for that matter.<br />
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I suppose that Buick and the music that poured out from its speakers was a microcosm for my world one of which has slowly revealed itself into one of the most important parts of my life. So too was a little restaurant just a block or so away from the front door of my office, a white clad former drive-in with blue trim and the best damned gyros I have ever eaten: <b>Uncle Nick's</b>. Nick's would fit into a Social Distortion song like a plug that didn't need a ground adapter, it was identical to everything around it but it's core, it's food was the greatest attribute of the neighborhood.<br />
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Many days were spent getting lunch from Nick's (a gyro plain with ONLY mozzarella cheese, an order of fries and a soda) and then taking the same order home the same night. Nick's was something I craved all of the time when I was there, maybe it was the ambiance, the neighborhood, the parallels to punk rock or hell maybe even the ambiance of being in the presence of chaos of the Inn Town and the professional side of engineering all woven into the same fabric. It didn't matter really, Nick's was an institution then and now.<br />
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I finally left Rockford in 1995, leaving behind my apartment (I actually moved into Rockford in 1994 I think it was), my career, my friends, my life and honestly a wonderful time of being a citizen of Rockford. I loved the city but I met my wife in my hometown, we began to date, I stopped drinking and we started planning our future. The last day I worked at Hanson Engineers my friends took me to Uncle Nick's one last time, I had the same order and I knew I would be back one day to see them AND Nick's again. I talked about the city and Nick's for years and my wife and I always talked about a day-trip to visit but it just never materialized. Life happens and simple plans disappear making way for family plans but it was always still in the back of my mind to make the trek again.<br />
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I have been back to Rockford or just "through" Rockford too for that matter but we have either been on a tight schedule or plans really didn't allow for just a day-trip. As we looked for a simple, no plans kind of weekend my wife and I decided to drive down one Saturday, August 5th, 2017 actually and see my "past life" I would call it.<br />
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As I traveled left onto East State Street in Rockford from Highway 20 a semblance of calm and a small smile began to take shape. It would be easy to say that I went into "tour guide" mode with my wife I think because I began to talk about the things I saw every day on that commute, the mundane stuff. I pointed out an "ancient" site of a drive-in movie theater, and a gas station not that far from coming into town where one day I got gas and driving home that night I saw police cars and yellow tape outlining that same gas station. You see the young man that I paid for my gas earlier in the day was robbed and murdered. He was such I nice kid and it couldn't have happened long after I left that day.<br />
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I pointed out a restaurant that I delivered equipment to before I lived there and I told my wife the story about the owner that called me "white boy" over and over which prompted his grandson (who was helping us unload) to apologize to me because his grandfather was a little "racist" and that he was only doing it because it would bother me. I assured him that it didn't because many people called me that, "White boy" because my last name is "White" and he told me laughing not to tell granddad that because he would come up with something worse to call me. I never took offense by it but it was a great anecdote to my life.<br />
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Weaving our way through an area where the City of Rockford really made a huge impact with State Street by removing so many old decrepit houses and buildings and routing the street about I told Sara about an old motorcycle club that was on a corner 'just about here" because I couldn't remember exactly where it was since it was removed in those improvements. I told her about driving through the day after the abomination that was the verdict in the Rodney King beating case and seeing an entire neighborhood become so tense it was ready to explode.<br />
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I pointed out the City Commuter Bus Terminal that my old company designed, and the old store that is long gone but had in its window a jar with a giant snake inside of it filled with some type of liquid and how I saw it every day at the same stop light. I pointed out where we used to get pizzas for company lunches, and City Hall where I first did some materials testing when they renovated it and then there was that beautiful old Midway Theater just doors from my office. Then there was The Inn Town, or rather the large grass lot that became The Inn Town and my old office which is now a market and HOLY CRAP UNCLE NICK'S!!!<br />
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There it stood, in its white clad glory, blue trim gleaming in the sun but we had to drive past because we had to go to the bathroom so we would venture further to accomplish that task first. As I remembered it Nick's didn't have public bathrooms or seating so venturing past made sense. I showed her the "limits" of walking for lunch for us because of time constraints and the apartment of an old co-worker but we kept driving and that smile stayed there on my face. Memory Lane became the name for State Street for that Saturday and the old haunts kept coming by. There was the "Happy Wok" I would eat at sometimes, and there was the restaurant we had a going away party one night (but I couldn't remember the name since it was long closed). There was the old gym I went to, and the old area (but the building was long gone) where we used to buy our CAD software, it was all there.<br />
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As the need to use the facilities waned (thanks to a well placed McDonald's) we decided to eat and there it was another beacon of food bliss, HOLY CRAP ANOTHER UNCLE NICK'S! I used to eat at that location as well, it was always good but was it as good as the original? There was really only one way to know so we entered the establishment, placed our order and waited. The thought of a gyro was maddening to me, my belly hadn't been well but I had to have one and when I got it I was floored because it was everything I remembered, it was truly Nirvana (no not the band, I hated them)! It had been 22 years since my last visit to any Uncle Nick's and I was blown away by it all and even if the day ended right then it was made just because I got to share Nick's with my wife.<br />
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Nick's isn't fine dining, but it was something I was never able to do with my wife before and it felt as if I was doing something that we should have done while we were dating 22 years earlier. The smile kept its pace on my face and we decided to visit some family so I asked Sara to put into the GPS the location of a restaurant so we could get to where they were at and my whirlwind continued. There was the <b>Logli</b> where I would get groceries oh and this left we are taking takes us down Mulford and there is my old apartment I told Sara.<br />
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"After this Logli moved" I told Sara, "I used to shop at another grocery store but I can't remember its name but I think it was right THERE" I pointed to her right. Something wild happened literally after I said that, a song came on my satellite radio "<u><i>Story of My Life</i></u>" by Social Distortion and a flood of emotions came over me.<br />
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I saw many of my old friends pop into my head, some I haven't seen since 1995, some that have passed away (God Bless you and Rest In Peace Larry "Bud," Carol and Dutch), some of those places and old haunts and those things I did while I was there. I love the song to begin with but each word made its impact as all of that stuff began to flow through.<br />
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I heard the words: "<u><i>Life goes by so fast, you only wanna do what you think is right, close your eyes and it passed. Story of My Life.</i></u>" and the warmth of all of that stuff just overwhelmed me.<br />
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I thought of our old Hanson "5:01 Club" where we would go to a bar on a Friday night from time-to-time and just unwind, it was just down the street from the office and right across the street from UNCLE NICK'S and I wondered what it is now because it wasn't there when we drove by earlier. Ness made it back into my head with the line "<u><i>And I went down to my old neighborhood, the faces have all changed, there's no one left to talk to</i></u>" and that was true. There were no familiar faces, most of the places I went to were gone and it struck a chord with me.<br />
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I soon realized that in a city of any size faces changes, places change but as the city size increases so does that loss. Life is full of that loss, and time doesn't stop for us to catch up. I was reminded of that fact as Ness sang the words: "<u><i>Good times come and good times go, I only wish the good times would last a little longer, I think about the good times we had and why they had to end</i></u>." It's true isn't it? Don't we really have to look at why "they had to end?" I started to do that, and so understood why.<br />
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From the time I left MIT (yes I attended MIT, Morrison Institute of Technology duh) until 1995 I had everything figured out or so I thought. I realized as the song wound down that I didn't have the "story of my life" until after I left Rockford. I was 27 years old, I had life experiences and I had ideas of what I wanted to do with my life, big plans if you will, but I don't think that the parts of my life that have made me happen if I stayed in Rockford actually would have. I had so many memories that came from that time frame that it was always one of the most special times of my life. Here's a neat little factoid that could have changed everything had I not done one simple thing, I came home for the 4th of July in 1995.<br />
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Had I not come home for the 4th I would have never gone to a gas station in Galena to visit a friend of mine. I would have never been introduced to her friend, and she would have never gone to the City of Dubuque Fireworks with me. Had that not happened I would have never met my wife Sara, we wouldn't have had two of the greatest children I could have ever hoped for. I would have never approached struggles, problems, failures and losses the same way without Sara in my life. I would have never been with the one person that can define everything with just a simple look. I would have never fallen in love with the most important person in my life (apart from our children of course).<br />
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I wouldn't have faced the things that define me here because I would have never been here in the first place. I get it now, I see it now. Just like staring out the windshield of my car at The Inn Town each work day, I wouldn't have seen the grit and the mundane but I also wouldn't have seen past all of that and gotten past the stereotype of what it could be. I got to live that story my way while understanding that there are always curveballs we will face. I soon realized that in the "Story of My Life" I wouldn't change a chapter, a page or a line, not a single one. I realized that the subjects that I visited in that story defined me. It not only defined me but it made me, it is <u><b>MY</b></u> story. My story has everything I need it to have, it has intrigue, beautiful women, danger, music and the greatest gyros in the history of the world. It's all we can ask for in life it really is.<br />
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To think that one simple, overdue day-trip brought it all back in black and white: The Story of My Life.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-43277567311986713542017-07-31T15:07:00.001-05:002017-07-31T16:20:25.809-05:00WARRANT - Poopy's in Savanna, Illinois - July 29th, 2017The history of rock music has enigmas woven inside its very fabric so tight that at times it becomes what is the enigma and what is reality. Any fan of music from the late '80's - early '90's surely understands because that whole time frame is that hazy. While the number of bands that entered into the foray of "hair metal" was seemingly in the tens of thousands few remained viable in any capacity after the popularity began to fade like many hairlines. What if one of those that remained was still out there, as popular as before and what if they went from enigma to stalwart?<br />
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That is a legitimate question; what if they went from an enigma to a stalwart? What does that even mean you ask? An enigma is a puzzling situation in its basic form and a stalwart is strong, imposing even but in life we encounter dozens of these transformations. For example how did the Chicago Cubs garner all of those fans during the 108 years in between World Series wins? How does a lovable loser remain that popular without real rational thought because that is the definition of an enigma. Is it possible that the Cubs could become a powerful team for years to come because that would take them into the stalwart position in winning and it would wrestle the role away from their stalwart position as lovable losers.<br />
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Music is no different. Don't believe me? Just look at all of the "one hit wonders" out there that never progress to any success other than that one shot. The "era of hair" was full of bands like "<i>House of Lords</i>," "<i>Autograph</i>," and "<i>Ugly Kid Joe</i>" that were great bands but never materialized into the next "<i>Poison</i>." That was the nature of the beast then as record labels pushed out so much music that sounded alike, with similar content in the music that the music consumer had enough and the false belief that "grunge" killed that era was born.<br />
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I would almost contend with confidence that the only thing that separated the enigmas from the stalwarts of the time was really WHEN they entered the scene itself and achieved popularity. I think it goes without saying a band like "<i>Guns 'N' Roses</i>" was going to become what they became regardless but some bands fell into it and then there were those that actually made it because they were that talented, take <b>WARRANT</b> for example.<br />
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Warrant was founded in 1984 and despite being what one might consider chaff during that era, just like every other band that graced the streets of Hollywood and Los Angeles during the 1980's they never really were. Despite being lumped into that era as "just another band" Warrant was different. I was never huge into the music of the era when I was in that era myself, I liked punk and bands like <i>Testament</i> and <i>Slayer</i> but I can remember when I first heard the band with vivid recall. When I was younger I used to have parties every weekend and we would always watch "<i>Headbangers Ball</i>" on MTV so I usually saw my fair share of <i>Bon Jovi</i> and <i>Motley Crue</i> videos and I discounted the bands I saw there quickly because of the cheesy videos and stupid lyrics that graced every song. I was a snob like that, it was awesome but what usually got me to like a band was to hear them before I saw them first.<br />
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A friend of mine and I were together one night and he brought this cassette from "Warrant" and we listened to it much of the night. It was intriguing to me to say the least, yes there were similarities to other songs by other bands but there was a grit to the music that most of its contemporaries just didn't. That was brutally apparent with their second release "<u><b>Cherry Pie</b></u>" in 1990 because it was powerful and lyrically superior. To this day I am still blown away by the song "<u><b>Uncle Tom's Cabin</b></u>" in fact, it is not content one expected from a band from that era. Warrant continued to put out incredible albums with content that still blows my mind, and securing their rightful place in rock royalty in my mind's eye.<br />
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As we fast forward to July 29th, 2017 when Warrant appeared at <u><b>Poopy's</b></u> in Savanna, Illinois much more history, music and tragedy had befallen the band since that first album but they took the stage with a lineup that is even better today. I mean that sincerely, this is not the same band that was formed in 1984, much like every band there are changes and tragedies but for the most part it has been the same band since 2004 with three of the four members having been on the roster since then. Each member is cog that really does make their role conducive to success of the others individually and the band as a whole.<br />
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<b>Erik Turner</b>, the Omaha, Nebraska native and founder of Warrant is still an absolute master at his craft. I was so impressed by how he interacts with the fans during his performance and how effortless he makes it look. Turner has a stage demeanor that is that of nothing less than a complete professional, he is entertaining and shines as he looks over his fans while performing. Turner is a performer that makes it look effortless but he is smiling and having fun at the same time which connects himself with the fans because he just looks like he is having the time of his life. Erik Turner is a quintessential rock star.<br />
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I have seen Warrant several times since 2011 and every time I do I have to look back at pictures of the band to try to place the next performer: <b>Joey Allen</b>. Allen joined Warrant on lead guitar in 1987 with a full head of hair and immense talent and although the talent has grown expansively, Allen rocks a bald head on stage. That is the reason I have to look at the old pictures because I still have it ingrained in my head that members of any band from the "era of hair" will have copious amounts of flowing locks but Allen will have none of that. What Allen will have is a skill set that is unquestionably one of the best in music today. Allen has that swagger that is befitting a lead guitar player and the stage presence that makes the best indeed that.<br />
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<b>Steven Sweet</b> is the drummer extraordinaire for Warrant and as Robert Mason said "he's the guy singing all of those high notes" and he is damned gifted as both. As Sweet was performing I looked toward the riser and amid flashing lights he beat the drums with a skilled ferocity. I would harken the name Mike Tyson while comparing Sweet on the drums but I'm not sure that would be fair to Sweet. Although Sweet has probably never bitten off the ear of an opponent he has the focus that Tyson seemingly lacked as his career waned. Sweet doesn't show any signs of waning any time in the future for that matter and he remains at the top of his game and it is reflective in the drive of the music and the pace of a Warrant show.<br />
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The heart and soul of a rock band is that driving beat and it is achieved through the drums and the bass guitar. To accomplish that task with Warrant is Sweet on drums and <b>Jerry Dixon</b> on bass with the combination of the two being dominant in doing so. Dixon is what a think a rock star should look like, he just has "it." What is "it" you ask and I will answer I have no idea entirely. While Dixon is on stage he looks stern, exuding an attitude of being there to dominate the stage. He is there to make your toes tap, your head to bang (or bob depending on your age) but he is there to make Warrant run like a well-oiled machine. Dixon has the rock star confidence but why wouldn't he, he is a BEAST on bass. Seriously this is a guy that looks the role, he has a skill set that FEW can compare with and he is a professional master on that damned bass guitar. While Dixon looks "stern" he smiles throughout, interacts with fans but I would say he wants to be the best he can be every time out and it shows. Jerry Dixon is a phenomenal bass player that would be home in any band and would improve any band immediately before even playing a note for them.<br />
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Warrant is an iconic band and every iconic band gets there with a "face of the band," the lead singer and I think its hard to not think back to those early videos with the "face of he band" being so prevalent with not equating it with someone different. How could you not? The first seven albums of Warrant were the vocal playground of <b>Jani Lane</b> but Lane left the band totally in 2008 (after a comeback following a previous departure in 2004) and vocal duties were taken over once by <b>Jamie St. James</b> and then by <b>Robert Mason</b>.<br />
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I brought up Lane for a specific reason and it wasn't for comparison reasons actually. There are certain bands that I think are BETTER despite a change of lead vocalists and there are bands that had massive hits fronted by someone that I think sound better with the new vocalist and <b>Robert Mason</b> has done that in Warrant.<br />
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Robert Mason, the blonde prototypical front man is similar to Dixon, he just has "it." He really is the entire package in a lead singer. He has the attitude, the demeanor, the skills, the look and the voice in which I think sounds better on all of those Warrant classics than Lane. I've said this before about other bands including <b>Myles Kennedy</b> with <b>Slash</b> singing all of those GNR classics, and I said it about <b>Johnny Solinger</b> when he was with <b>SkidRow</b>, both singers make that music even better. Mason has a vocal range that is superior to that of Lane (and St. James). He has a vocal quality that makes the songs more robust and rich. He has a fire in his belly though that feeds off of his bandmates that takes the band to an entirely different level. The man never stops moving, ever. He is a whirling dervish but he engages the crowd with every breath and fiber that I simply cannot fathom.<br />
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At one point in the show, very early on in the show, Mason had propped up his mic stand literally against a post right next to where I was standing and he spun away from the post and the mic stand came within inches of my face. To prove to you how in control this man is I would have assumed it was an accident and a pure gift of God that he didn't knock me for a loop but Mason looked back at me and smiled, he is that in control. He was singing and navigating cords when he was doing that, hell he could have hit me and knocked me clean out but he never missed a beat. Warrant is better with Mason just plain and simple.<br />
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Those are fighting words for some fans I know but I stand by it and I think the fans that saw Warrant at Poopy's on July 29th, 2017 would agree with me. The entire band was tight, vocally they were superior and I think that those in attendance saw exactly the same thing I did. A kick ass performance by a band that came into the world of rock at the same time hundreds of contemporaries did. The problem was that they had the chance to be an enigma or a stalwart and I think in some ways Warrant was both.<br />
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Warrant was an enigma when you think to yourself that they did something so many did not; they succeeded. They were successful during a time when other bands blew in and blew out just as fast. They put out music that was smarter, harder and in such a way that few others could.<br />
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Warrant was a stalwart as well. How else could you explain nine studio albums, one live album and three compilation albums? Two Top 10 albums each which went double platinum and a third that went gold? The band cannot be a stalwart if they just blew in and blew out, they formed in 1984 so they have the longevity behind them as well.<br />
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Warrant earned both titles but what they also earned is the respect from fans worldwide and still bring their brand of rock to the stage that is head and shoulders above their contemporaries. Should you get a chance to see Warrant on tour make sure you do because you will leave with a sense of respect and awe of this band that I cannot put into words properly for you. Warrant put on one of the best shows I have seen this year regardless of genre this year and when you see them you won't be disappointed by any stretch of the imagination!<br />
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Great job guys! I can't wait to see what is next, what an awesome show!!James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-34873880362052786332016-08-25T14:32:00.003-05:002016-08-25T14:32:52.546-05:00Gene Simmons - Happy BirthdayHappy Birthday to Gene Simmons today! Born August 25th, 1949 Chaim Witz became one of the iconic performers that formed the band, <b>KISS</b>. For those of us that are mathematically challenged that means Simmons is 67 years old today. While most 67 year old men are out playing golf on their birthday, Simmons and his bandmates are ON TOUR right now on the "<b>Freedom To Rock</b> <b>Tour</b>".<br />
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When KISS released their first, self titled album in 1974 it met with some success, reaching the <i>US Billboard Top 200</i> peaking at 87 (and 82 in Canada). The album was certified Gold in the US and Canada but that was far from the last bit of success for the band. In the forty-two years since the release of that album, the band has released a total of twenty studio albums, seven live albums, thirteen compilation albums, eight boxed sets, sixty singles, four solo albums, and three instant live albums. That is fifty-five total albums (including the boxed sets) which is incredible.<br />
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August 20th, 2016 I saw Simmons and KISS at the <b>BMO Harris Bank Center</b> in Rockford, Illinois and it didn't look like Simmons was 66 (now 67) years old. There will be a review of the performance forthcoming so stay tuned for that. Simmons was incredible, he performed at a level that I remember when I saw my first KISS concert in the '80's.<br />
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Happy Birthday Gene!!! <br />
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Check out KISS and The Dead Daisies on their 2016 Freedom To Rock Tour, for dates when they may be at a venue near you, click <a href="http://www.kissonline.com/tour" target="_blank">HERE</a>.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-2473299517661986622016-08-23T22:43:00.001-05:002016-08-23T22:43:28.368-05:00The Dead Daisies - BMO Harris Bank Center Rockford, IL - August 20th, 2016With a few exceptions there are some times of the year that are really, really special, take Spring for example. As the snow melts (for those of us that see snow), we get the first peek at the grass as it takes in the rays of the sun, popping between the other dormant blades of grass and the patches of snow. Summer brings the heat, and the world is renewed but as Fall approaches the green of the grass, and the petals of the flowers begin to fade and fall. The leaves begin to cover the ground and the flowers die but what it I told you I have seen some dead flowers that are full of life right smack in the middle of Summer? Would you believe it? Well?<br />
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We all know people that have a "green thumb," they always have a perfectly manicured yard, beautiful gardens and spectacular flowers. We know that in their offices or in their homes their house plants thrive just as well making us envious of their glory and splendor and generally we hate them. As much as it pains us to say there are some among us that could kill a cactus, and our flower gardens are rife with huge, magnificent weeds. I can simply go outside my front door and see some weeds that I have been trying to kill for ten years and no matter what I do they come back each year, and with a vengeance.<br />
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Seriously, there is a plant in my yard that I have been trying to kill for years. I have cut it down, pulled it out (along with a part of my stone foundation), poisoned it (I apologize for the Round-Up there was no other way), I have done everything I know how to do except for one thing: Fire. Yes I said fire but I can't use fire because the weed seems to have a brain and common sense because it rooted itself directly below my gas meter. <br />
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Tell me that the noxious plant of doom doesn't know where it is, it knows I can't use fire to kill it because knowing me and my reckless disregard my house would be orbiting Jupiter should I apply flame to the vile weed. Despite all of that I have had success with some flowers in our yard namely Black-Eyed Susan's. I love those flowers, and they are prolific in my yard as are many hostas but that is really about it. My green thumb is challenged apparently because everything else I plant dies so perhaps I should start trying to plant weeds so they would die. Hmm, interesting concept I will think upon it. Through it all there has to be a survivor to the onslaught of of Summer, there has to be doesn't there?<br />
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On Friday August 19th, 2016 I went to a music store to buy a couple of new CD's that included the <b>Descendents</b> (stay tuned for a review later) and one of the survivors of the Summer, <a href="http://thedeaddaisies.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Dead Daisies</b></a>. After we got back into our vehicle we quickly put the new CD of The Dead Daisies in the CD player and I was blown away. I will be doing a review of their new album "<b>Make Some Noise</b>" shortly but let me tell you (SPOILER ALERT) it is incredible! Seriously it is great, so great in fact that the next day I had a chance to see The Dead Daisies live but I had a decision to make whether to see them live or a different power band so ask yourself "did he take the opportunity to see them live?" Yes, yes I did.<br />
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On August 20th, 2016 I traveled to <b>Rockford, Illinois</b> to see <b>KISS</b> and The Dead Daisies perform at the <b>BMO Harris Bank Center</b> on KISS's "<b>Freedom To Rock</b>" tour. It was quite the weekend for music for me depending on which way I was leaning, I could travel to Minnesota to see <b>Metallica</b>, <b>Volbeat</b> and <b>Avenged Sevenfold</b> or I could go to Rockford and because of the CD I purchased the night before we decided that we were indeed heading to Rockford. I have seen KISS quite a few times, I think 18 times now but that doesn't matter it's KISS. Yes I am part of the Gene Simmons retirement plan, because I have bought a TON of KISS things in my past and I will be writing about that performance soon too. It is obvious I love KISS but I was more excited to see The Dead Daisies just because of that one album, it was insane.<br />
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When the lights went down for the band to come out the crowd was still interspersed in the halls of the BMO Harris Bank Center, finishing up their merch table buys and getting that last beer before the music would start. The problem was that unlike many bands, The Dead Daisies started EXACTLY on time so there would be stragglers. It became immediately apparent to those in attendance that the band was ready to just come out and play. Energized would be the proper description of The Dead Daisies because the crowd immediately responded, it was fascinating. From the moment the band began the crowd filed in and by the end of the performance it was obvious this crowd was really into the band's music. It really was incredible.<br />
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The Dead Daisies are a very interesting band if not for their lineup alone. We have all heard about the term "super group" and I would venture a guess that we all know what makes up a "super group," but until you realize the lineup this band can bring, you don't know what one truly is. Look at the musicians that are still associated with this band, its phenomenal. Performers like <b>Dizzy Reed</b> (GNR), <b>Richard Fortus</b> (GNR), <b>John Tempesta</b> (White Zombie), <b>Darryl Jones</b> (The Rolling Stones) and <b>Frank Ferrer</b> (GNR) to name just a few. This band is stacked with a stable full of rock legends and this iteration of the band is one of the best lineups performing today of ANY band.<br />
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The lineup of The Dead Daisies as I saw it on August 20th, 2016 is really one of the great pedigrees in music. <b>Brian Tichy</b> for example is a drummer who has been part and parcel to <b>Billy Idol</b>, <b>Foreigner</b>, <b>Ozzy Osbourne</b> and <b>Whitesnake</b>. Those bands by themselves account for a large portion of rock history and music in the '80's and inside The Dead Daisies it shows. Tichy is phenomenal. I loved watching him play, he isn't a gimmick guy he just beats the pi... tar, he beats the TAR out of his drums. I was slightly transfixed watching him because he has the energy that a real rock drummer should have. Certain drummers have that nervous part to their persona, kind of twitchy, just a ball of energy that wants to perform and Tichy is that ball of energy. Tichy presents a serious professional attitude on stage however that doesn't make one think he is unapproachable, if anything he was a blast to meet. Tichy is my prototypical drummer that I will use to rate others from this day forward.<br />
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Bassists are an interesting breed, and despite the fact that I can't play the bass I could see myself doing so. I'm not really sure why that is but I tend to be of the mindset that a musician is either born to play the bass or they aren't, I think it is really that simple. <b>Marco Mendoza</b> looks the part and he also exudes the bassists persona. Mendoza has been in the bands <b>Thin Lizzy</b>, <b>Blue Murder</b>, <b>Ted Nugent</b>, <b>Whitesnake</b> and <b>Lynch Mob</b> and lest we forget the fact that he was also in the solo band of <b>Bill Ward</b> (Black Sabbath). This is not a performer that needs gimmicks either, the guy just flat out plays bass. He plays with authority and a little violence at the same time. Before you judge the man because of the "little violence" comment I mean he plays the bass with a purpose, he's great at it and he seemingly wants to provide evidence of that fact with his appearance on stage. This is a stud of a bass player.<br />
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Through the mists of time many musicians travel through the realm of music with an almost mystic path before them, with that said it comes to a point where they fit together like puzzle pieces. <b>Doug Aldrich</b> has done that with The Dead Daisies. Aldrich, a former guitar player for <b>Hurricane</b>, <b>House of Lords</b>, <b>Whitesnake</b> and <b>Dio</b>, assumed his role in The Dead Daisies in early 2016 when Richard Fortus left the band to go on tour with <b>Guns N' Roses</b>. Aldrich is one of those guitar players that you can almost feel is a complete perfectionist when he plays. It is obvious watching him that he really loves what he does but more than that he is engaging on stage, and off stage for that matter. Aldrich has skills that 99% of all performers wish they had because he is intense and beyond gifted. He is really fun to watch on stage because he is that good.<br />
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We all know that to start a band someone has to be the one to actually decide to start the band and when The Dead Daisies formed it was the brain child of <b>Jon Stevens</b> and <b>David Lowy</b>. Stevens left the band in 2015 leaving Lowy in place. Lowy has been in several successful acts in Australia but don't discount this mans skills because he is incredible! Seriously good guitar wizard type stuff, and as I look at this band you can see Lowy's fingerprints all over it. Lowy has assembled some of the finest musicians for the roster of The Dead Daisies including Lowy himself. This band is stacked obviously and with five people on stage I had to not be transfixed on just one performer but Lowy on guitar is seriously entertaining. None of the people in this band are"over-the-top" kind of performers but Lowy is definitely fun to watch.<br />
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In the time I have been writing I have encountered and met some incredible performers, guitar players, drummers, bassists and singers but of all of those there was an enigma for me. This performer has a pedigree unlike most in music today, that person is <b>John Corabi</b>. Corabi has this look of a hippie / rock singer that I really can't describe in other terms. I can however describe the bands he has been in just by name alone and they will boggle your mind. I'm not kidding, Corabi has been in <b>ESP</b>, <b>Ratt</b>, <b>Twenty 4 Seven</b>, <b>Brides of Destruction</b> (with <b>Nikki Sixx</b> and <b>Tracii Guns</b>), <b>Angel City Outlaws</b> and a little band named<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <b>Mötley Crüe</b>.</span> What I know about Corabi is that he is the voice of two of my all time favorite </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Crüe</span></span> songs, "<b>Hooligan's Holiday</b>" and "<b>Loveshine</b>" and I'm not sorry about that either!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Several years after the self titled </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mötley Crüe<b> </b></span></span>album that both of those songs was on, I was able to see Corabi a couple of times with another "super group" called "<b>Cheap Thrill</b>" where Corabi played guitar and as well as vocals. Corabi impressed me when I was able to see him live with Cheap Thrill but I was blown away when I saw him live with The Dead Daises. Corabi has the classic rock voice, it fits so many styles and and different bands which is a testament to how good he really is. Corabi takes command of the stage, and he belts out some of the best vocals on two classic songs "<b>Join Together</b>" (<b>The Who</b>) and "<b>Fortunate Son</b>" (<b>Creedence Clearwater Revival</b>) that I have ever heard. That is part of that persona I mentioned earlier, the hippie / rock singer or another way to look at it is he seems to be from that classic rock era of the late '60's and early '70's, he sings exactly like that. Who actually can cover The Who and make it sound good? What about Creedence? Bands have been covering their songs for decades now with little success but Corabi has it and can do it. Corabi is in the perfect place within this band, his songwriting is extraordinary and on stage Corabi shows his role as the keystone of this band. Corabi really is that good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Every great band has a cohesive bond that transforms itself into the actual persona of the band. What I mean by that it is by looking at a band and seeing that they feed off of one another they take that ability, adapt it and become it. The Dead Daisies are a band that has taken their personal influences from the '60's, '70's and early '80's plus their experiences in some of the greatest rock bands of all time and adapted all of that to this band. This band has a signature sound and it is an amalgamation of all of that stuff. Classic guitars, driving bass and vocals that sound like rock history, the Dead Daisies are amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">What I saw on August 20th, 2016 at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, Illinois was a band that blows away any idea of what rock is supposed to be, they show you what rock really is. The band is stacked in its favor for success, I would book this band in a heartbeat if I could. Corabi, Aldrich, Lowy, Tichy and Mendoza have a band that is headliner worthy, I love this band.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Among the heat of the Summer and the approaching Fall plants are beginning to wither in preparation for the coming Winter. Although the hostas are still holding strong and the Black-Eyed Susan's are still in bloom there is a burgeoning reality that the end is neigh. Before too long all of the plants will take their place in their cycle in nature and everything will fall dormant and brown. Surely that reality will prove itself wrong with The Dead Daisies. The flowers and plants will fall down and die but the band The Dead Daisies will grow stronger and stronger. Great job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">For tickets <a href="http://thedeaddaisies.com/shows/" target="_blank">HERE</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Follow The Dead Daisies on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheDeadDaisies" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDeadDaisies" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/thedeaddaisies" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</span>James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-83732711494825148212016-08-22T15:28:00.001-05:002016-08-22T15:28:04.159-05:00C'el Revuelta: Black Flag and BeyondWhat do you remember about your last year in high school? Do you remember the name of your US History teacher? Your favorite move? Your first girl/boyfriend? I remember the events of my senior year because there were indeed life changing moments that I could have never anticipated. That is the interesting part of our lives isn't it? What?<br />
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Dateline 1986: James White graduates from "good ol' Galena High School and that is where the good times kind of wear off like the crappy tires on my Chevy Nova. That year saw the loss of my uncle that was more like my brother than an uncle, it saw my dreams of joining the military get crushed because of a heart murmur, and it saw my involvement in a traffic accident that nearly killed me. Each of those events made me stronger in a way I suppose but each of them was brutal to get over.<br />
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I always wanted to join the military, it was all that I thought of and when I took my aptitude test I scored very high making it the first time I actually felt smart. I went for my physical days after that test, traveling to Des Moines, Iowa, and when the doctors told me I was ineligible to join because of that murmur I was devastated. The ride home that day seemed like it took a week although it was only a few hours. When I got home I arrived to fifteen cars parked on Wight Street by my grandparents house, and I immediately assumed an older uncle of mine had died, I was quite wrong. The uncle I assumed that had passed away had some cardiac issues before that and for whatever reason I was prepared for it to be him.<br />
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The devastation that sat before me was insurmountable. The uncle I grew up with, only six years older than me, had died. It was unexpected, he was healthy but he was indeed gone. I had lost a brother and everything seemed to change.<br />
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If I were to garner a guess that is where my love of music began as well as the cathartic nature of music took over. That year, 1986, stood before me and the "era of hair" was in full swing so I began burying myself in the likes of <b>Quiet Riot</b> and <b>Motley Crue</b> but it was also the time where I discovered punk rock and the way I did it is kind of bizarre.<br />
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Living in a small town, ninety-nine percent of the people in the area DIDN'T listen to punk rock but they did listen to rock, country, hair metal and so on but the one percent listened to "alternative" and "punk." The one percent started piquing my interest with their choices of music, their odd clothing, t-shirts of strange bands and the scribbles on their notebooks. Remember doing that? It was how you defined a person really, but I was shy and I didn't like raising attention to myself so I stayed stoic, scribbling "<b></b><b>KISS</b>," "<b>Twisted Sister</b>" and "<b>Def Leppard</b>" on mine. My cousins were really into the "hair metal" scene, growing their hair and reading "<b>Circus Magazine</b>" and I followed suit. As I look at it Circus Magazine and "<b>Hit Parader</b>" may have fueled that desire because as I would flip through the ads I saw "<b>SST Records</b>" and these strange bands in the ads.<br />
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As I started to see these ads, I remembered seeing the scratchings on the notebooks of kids, the one percent if you will, that were older than me and even younger for that matter of those strange bands, that was my "AHA" moment I think. I was drawn to these ads for a band that had a peculiar name, one that was affiliated with pest control and not one I would associate with music: <b>Black Flag</b>.<br />
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When I was young I was pretty shy and even around my cousins (there were so many of us around the same age), I kept things like that quiet. When I ordered that first <i>Black Flag</i> album the shy behavior was magnified because I was buying an album that had a drawing of a nun with one arm wrapped around a naked leg. The album name you ask: <b>Slip It In</b>.<br />
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I never told my cousins about that album but I wore it out, I would listen to it over and over. My cousins and I were getting older, leaving high school, getting jobs so I really never revealed my music choices but I just dug into it like a beaver through a tree. I loved that album and through some people I met while working at a ski resort I started to listen to even more punk, and it slowly began to take over my listening pleasure. Really one of the most incredible parts of listening to <i>Black Flag</i> was the power of <b>Henry Rollins</b> vocals, they sounded angry and they felt angry. Through Rollins a signature vocal sound was born but unlike most of the popular singers of the time, he sounded like he was educated and angry and <i>Black Flag</i> fans ate it up.<br />
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<i>Black Flag</i> in 1986 was in its spiral of doom with it being the bands breakup, but I hadn't a clue about that, I had little information about the band living where I did, not to mention that I no longer read <i>Hit Parader</i> or <i>Circus Magazine</i> and they never covered those bands to begin with. In a way it feels like <i>Black Flag</i> and I both had that same spiral of doom and they kind of started at the same time. For <i>Black Flag</i> in 1986 they lost bassist <b>Kira Roessler</b> who had been in the band since 1983 when <b>Chuck Dukowski</b> left (he joined the band in 1977). Those are actually pretty big shoes to fill but <i>Black Flag</i> did so with <b>Cel Revuelta</b>.<br />
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With Rollins as the lead singer of <i>Black Flag </i>the music took a very serious turn and it is reflected in the sound of the bass. There is almost a signature distortion to the bass in their music as well, it has gravel in its sound, it raises your pulse and Revuelta had the unenviable task to try to duplicate that sound. When Revuelta joined <i>Black Flag</i> in January, 1986 the band was well established obviously but he didn't have the look of a prototypical West Coast punk rock bassist. Revuelta entered the band with a no-no in the eyes of the masses in punk rock, he had long hair.<br />
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Punk bands like the <b>Ramones</b> had long hair, but they were from the East Coast and on the West Coast long hair just wasn't the norm. When Revuelta joined <i>Black Flag</i> it was flat in the middle the infamous "era of hair" so a long haired bass player would have be more likely in a band like <i>Quiet Riot</i> but not <i>Black Flag</i>. If punk rock is anything it is about the individual and their angst of being anti-establishment and far from conformist so when a guy joins a band looking like <b>Rudy Sarzo</b> he must be damn good or he won't be accepted. Revuelta remained with the band through that 1986 tour ending in June of that year which also signaled the end of<i> Black Flag</i>. <br />
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As<i> Black Flag</i> ended its existence that June (until reforming in 2003), so did my high school experience because I graduated that same month. I suppose the parallels between <i>Black Flag</i> and I end right about there but we all moved ahead with our lives. Revuelta went back to school and pursued a degree in Graphic Design, and despite the fact that <b>Perry Farrell</b> asked him to join his band TWICE, Revuelta declined.<br />
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Don't think for a minute that Revuelta was just a flash-in-the-pan with <i>Black Flag</i> either because he wasn't. When the band reformed in 2003 to play three shows the band which consisted of Black Flag founder <b>Greg Ginn</b> (guitar), <b>Dez Cadena</b> (vocals), <b>Robo</b> aka Roberto Valverde (drums) and Cel Revuelta on bass. Think about that lineup for a minute, of all the bass players Ginn could have selected to play bass for those three shows, he selected Revuelta. That is very telling isn't it and it shows a level of respect for the performer. What's interesting about a person like Revuelta is that at a time where bands try to ditch their past some of it still shines through.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9_Nw4bHTMpcKJeC7gHikNlFoKJPirl8NGEWjxISpOLI8KzvVGpidHUJFizyNFl4V1vmy7YHN2Jherco_C9URT2ON6vKCNcOGZuBP1YKyWMv8KXoDU1ScCUjwUGr1rWtaspVmwiy3xtc/s1600/Cel+and+Stephen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9_Nw4bHTMpcKJeC7gHikNlFoKJPirl8NGEWjxISpOLI8KzvVGpidHUJFizyNFl4V1vmy7YHN2Jherco_C9URT2ON6vKCNcOGZuBP1YKyWMv8KXoDU1ScCUjwUGr1rWtaspVmwiy3xtc/s1600/Cel+and+Stephen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cel Revuelta (L) and Stephen Pearcy (R)<br />
Photo courtesy of Joaquin Revuelta - 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Cel Revuelta is an extraordinary bassist, he is well respected in and out of music, and he is battling cancer. Revuelta has been diagnosed with brain cancer in which surgery has removed the tumor and he is now undergoing treatment for it. Life is funny, and I think we all have our own moments of "<i>Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon</i>" and the parallels we all face at times seem scary, daunting if you will. But I think those parallels are what make us, well us quite frankly. I look at those parallels in my own life and I shake my head because through the brightest and darkest times we manage to get through.<br />
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By bettering ourselves through the best and worst of our days we can see the big picture. Thirty years ago I had those bright and dark days and because of them I think I had an epiphany that I never realized. I think back to those days and I realize that through my own personal tragedy I found solace in music. I found within the darkest days of my life a sense of tranquility inside the music of the day and my own little hidden stash of punk rock.<br />
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At the same time a bass player from California was departing on his own road heading into his brightest days within a band that I kept hidden from all seers. His own journey with that band brought him respect, tranquility and something that few of us have ever garnered, a place in history. It's true, oh yes it is. Cel Revuelta joined forces with one of the most iconic bands ever as the members of <i>Black Flag</i> welcomed him in. The names of it's members are etched into the walls of punk rock history, well at least spray painted on the walls they are a punk band after all.<br />
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Here's what I want you to do, after you read this, dig out your old CD's, vinyl, iPod, MP3 player, or go to YouTube or iTunes and just listen to some <i>Black Flag</i>. When you do so you will hear the complexity of the music, the angst, the anger, the passion and you will see that to be accepted into that group means you have some serious skills and wicked talent. Cel Revuelta was taken into that group with the likes of Captain Intensity Henry Rollins, Greg Ginn, and so on, but the fact of the matter is that as fans or even just readers know that this man cannot be counted out, he's too good.<br />
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Keep Cel Revuelta in your thoughts and prayers because its the human thing to do BUT for the fans of <i>Black Flag</i> stay just as intense and keep him in the fight because that is the PUNK thing to do! God bless you sir! <br />
<br />James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-32102669208900786332016-08-22T14:12:00.000-05:002016-08-22T14:12:01.508-05:00Evanescence - 2016 Fall Tour AnnouncedI am proud to announce a new feature for musciallead.blogspot.com, that feature being announcements of new tours as they happen. What an excellent band to announce first, Evanescence.<br />
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Evanescence was started in 1995 by Ben Moody and Amy Lee after meeting each other at a youth camp in 1994. With three albums in their catalog and the iconic, haunting voice of Lee the band have sold over 25 million copies worldwide since the 2003 release of the album "Fallen."<br />
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Evanescence will begin their Fall your October 28th, 2016 at the South Side Ballroom in Dallas, Texas and will continue through November. For more information about the tour, check out their Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Evanescence/events" target="_blank">PAGE</a>, or their <a href="http://evanescence.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a>.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-91762158548669933072016-07-30T16:22:00.003-05:002016-07-30T16:22:17.959-05:00Saints of Las Vegas - Hard Rock Cafe, May 27th, 2016It goes without saying that I am a big music guy, I listen to literally everything, no really you should see my iPod its packed full of music of so many genres I pull ligaments and tendons in my hand as I peruse it. I debate myself constantly about many of those genres and what qualifies inside of said genres and I think the hardest area to define is "metal," "hair metal," and "hard rock." The problem is never if music is good (or bad) enough to qualify itself for those genres, its actually more complex than that. Think about it like this for a moment, what if there was a band that had its roots in the L.A. music scene, the L.A. club scene and tours with bands like <b>Alice Cooper</b>,<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Motörhead</b>, </span><b>KISS</b> and <b>M<span style="font-size: small;">ö</span>tley Cr</b><b>üe</b>, was still alive and kicking today? Would that be a pretty important band? Well?<br />
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I live in a small town, its historic, it has historic architecture and scenic splendor but when I was eighteen it sucked. I always told people that it was a beautiful place to visit but it sucked to be a kid there because the only entertainment we had was watching cars rust. It was only about twelve miles from my home to a larger city but if you didn't have a car you were stuck. The first car I purchased was a "beautiful" 1976 Chevy Nova with a small V8 motor, four doors, chocolate brown paint and a mind of its own, it would turn for no reason.<br />
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When I got the car it was freeing, I could go where I wanted and with my spiffy "Sparkomatic" cassette deck and Jensen speakers it was... it was still a crappy car but man could I make those speakers pop right out of the rear window deck! Okay the reason they could pop out of the deck was because the speakers didn't fit in the deck from the bottom so I cut out the top of the deck and just placed them in the holes, and to be fair I could make them pop out of the top just by driving normally and hitting bumps at high speed (or as I refer to it as my normal speed). One of the things that I did do with that car besides terrorize corn fields, tourists and my passengers was go to our only video store, I loved being able to do that too because I am a movie junkie as well.<br />
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One day I decided to see what they had at the video store and I ran into two movies I had to rent: <b><i>Decline of Western Civilization</i></b> and <i><b>Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years</b></i>. The movies were incredible, the first about the punk scene in the early '80's (which introduced me to so many great bands) and the second the "heavy metal" scene of Los Angeles. The number of great bands in that movie was mind numbing but I recall with some clarity (that is difficult for me knowing what I have done to my brain cells) a particular band: <b>Faster Pussycat</b>.<br />
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For me Faster Pussycat really defined the "glam metal" scene or as I like to call it "the Era of Hair" and that movie really made me look to them as the pinnacle of what that era meant. The band I saw had this aura about it, their energy was palpable not to mention the fact that one of the members of that band was an owner of a bar on the Strip, it all made sense. Soon after that I went to the nearest record store and bought the soundtrack to <i>Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years</i> and the self-titled <b><i>Faster Pussycat</i></b>.<br />
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I inhaled their music, I wore out <i>Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years</i><b> </b>and I lost the original Faster Pussycat cassette but replaced it. That album was as complex as it was simple, it really became the identifier for that era. With roots that are interspersed within punk rock and "the Era of Hair" it was pure irony and chance that I would venture to the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada and see a band called the "<b>Saints of Las Vegas</b>." Did I mention that the Saints of Las Vegas are fronted by a gentleman named <b>Brent Muscat</b>, the same Brent Muscat that was one of the founders of Faster Pussycat?<br />
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I think that is really one of the interesting things about doing what I do when I attend festivals (I was in Las Vegas attending <b>"Punk Rock Bowling"</b> later that week), is seeking out bands that aren't part of the landscape of what I am there for. As I sat at the <b>Hard Rock Cafe</b> eating a cheeseburger, watching a baseball game and looking at the rock memorabilia scattered about, this band began assemble out on the coolest patio overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. We made our way out onto the patio and began to listen to the band I was immediately struck by how good they are.<br />
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When we sat down to watch the band that night I had no idea who was in the band, except for Brent Muscat so I took notes with descriptions of the band partially so I can remember them until such a time that I can figure out who they are and one member seemingly had a pedigree immediately: <b>Brian D. Litton</b>. Litton struck a chord with me immediately because of the tattoos that adorned his arms, the bass he was playing and how much he looked like <b>Nikki Sixx</b>. That makes a person fairly easy to remember but what set Litton up as himself was how good he is on the bass. The setlist is not the easiest, and the variety of bands that are covered is insane but Litton simply played his hind end clean off. He is an incredible performer, moving about the entire time and not missing a beat, this is what a real bass player looks and sounds like.<br />
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The heart and soul of any band has to be the drummer, it's true as without a drummer all you have is a band that sounds like a giant guitar / bass solo. Drummers are often maligned with the fans of a band just because they aren't front and center. While sitting on the patio of the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip I watched with amazement a drummer that had command of the band in which he played. The drummer that is <b>Robert Cournoyer</b> is so impressive, he seems to slow down almost never. As I sat and watched the band the entire time he was doing something. What I mean by that is even during the breaks in between songs he was doing something, not just sitting there. I think that is the sense of energy that a band needs to be a great band, it separates the great from the good and this man is phenomenal.<br />
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What impressed me when the band start playing was the fact that they decided to take on two of the greatest Rolling Stones songs immediately. I was seriously taken aback when I heard <b>Anthony Serrano</b> belt out "<i><b>Under My Thumb</b></i>." That song is not an easy song for Mick Jagger to sing let alone a young man that I had never heard of. When Serrano began the vocals I was amazed as his skill, he was so good on vocals. Serrano showed not only his range on that song but on the other songs that he took on. I have said repeatedly that there are certain songs that should never be remade and Serrano and his Saints of Las Vegas cohorts took on one song that TWO bands did perfectly and should never, EVER be remade: <b>Ring of Fire</b>.<br />
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That <b>Johnny Cash</b> song is really his "signature song" meaning NO band or musician should ever try to remake it because the can never sound like Cash and his band or do it justice. With that said there is an exception to that rule and the exception is <b>Mike Ness </b>and<b> Social Distortion.</b> The version of the song that they did was brilliant. Social Distortion didn't try to sound like Cash, they put a Mike Ness spin, a punk spin on the song and it was brilliant. For the most part that's it, no one can do better or even well enough to be in the conversation until May 27th, 2016 that is. As the Saints of Las Vegas began to play the iconic beginning to that song my ears immediately perked up. It was definitely "<i>Ring of Fire</i><b><i>"</i> </b>and it was definitely in the fashion of Social Distortion. It sounded incredible and the cherry on top was Serrano's vocals. His vocals are so good, they were in the fashion of Ness and so similar it was beyond impressive. I loved it.<br />
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What is interesting about Serrano was how good he is on guitar as well. For a younger performer, without the battle scars of the veterans in the band this gentleman can play every bit as well as any of his contemporaries and those that have decades more experience. Very impressive, and a well rounded performer!<br />
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Brent Muscat, one of the founders of Faster Pussycat, a man who literally influenced innumerate young men and women to begin playing guitar and starting a band was the first vocal I heard from the band that night. Listening to Muscat start singing "<i><b>Miss You</b></i>," the first of the two consecutive Rolling Stones was refreshing. I have seen many bands that have splintered off from other bands and often they play only songs from their previous bands so as <i>Miss You</i> started I knew that Muscat was ready to entertain and show off his serious chops. However, don't think for a minute I didn't want to hear songs from Faster Pussycat because I assure you I did.<br />
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In 2005 Muscat was diagnosed and treated for oral cancer for which he has recovered but treating any form of the disease is devastating to the person afflicted. For a performer like Muscat, a singer, oral cancer and the treatment of it could seriously diminish his ability to perform at a level his fans remember. As Serrano finished "<i>Under My Thumb</i>" I was able to hear him perform one of those classic Faster Pussycat songs, "<i><b>Bathroom Wall</b></i>" and was I impressed. Muscat sounded incredible! If I were to garner an opinion I would say that the aforementioned song was always my favorite and Muscat didn't detract from that opinion in the slightest. Vocally he has the iconic "voice of the era" it is really remarkable how good he sounds.<br />
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There is a definite feel of the "Era of Hair" in Muscat's guitar playing but you can feel that gritty edge that is influenced by punk rock. He plays with fluidity and attitude inside of it which is a testament to the performer that he is. Don't ever think that this man should or could be counted out because he is spectacular.<br />
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There is a complexity to the setlist of the Saints of Las Vegas that most bands don't like to do but this band seems to revel in it. From the three bands I mentioned earlier (Rolling Stones, Faster Pussycat and Johnny Cash) to the likes of <b>Elvis Presley</b>, the <b>Ramones</b> and even a little <b>Lynyrd Skynyrd</b> those are some very serious, artistically different bands. I honestly do not believe that this band would shy away from any music so hopefully they will continue to prove me right and throw in another Social Distortion or even <b>Clash</b> song (<i>hint, hint</i>).<br />
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Music genres are always a point of contention, they have to be because it is a source of delineation to divide music into categories. It goes without saying that a person who was listening to <b>Dottie West</b> on the radio and enjoying it, might not like hearing <b>The Exploited</b> come bursting through the speakers next (I would). That's the beauty of genres isn't it? We can define our entire listening experience and tastes specifically to something. Music is subjective if you want it to be and much like those speakers in my 1976 Chevy Nova it can jump right out at you and surprise you. Inasmuch as that is true, we are defined by what we make ourselves to be, but there is always room for change.<br />
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There are many bands and performers that change their stripes as often as we brush our teeth, they are not afraid to change because they know they will gather new fans and the old fans will either stay loving them in the band they have always known or those that follow them across genres. Examples would be Kid Rock, Steven Tyler, and Bret Michaels with many other others but the point is it's not unheard of. That's where Brent Muscat and the Saints of Las Vegas comes into the picture. It's obvious that the band has punk influences but is that all? No.<br />
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This band has a depth to it that can only come from multiple genres which also includes hard rock, hair metal, heavy metal, adult contemporary and even Southern rock. This is not a band that has to be pigeonholed or classified, this is a band that is just great. They really are the means to the whole from Muscat to Serrano to Cournoyer to Litton and all of their influences this is a complete band, a phenomenal band.<br />
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I suppose music is as cyclical as it is subjective, it's freeing and if I were to venture a guess its that way for all of us. There wouldn't be much of a stretch for me to call my first car, that horrible Nova with cobbled speakers just as freeing as the music I played in it. As a teenager I could buy any music I wanted, I could listen to whoever or whatever I wanted. That crappy car had so many good times, miles on tires and my music that it became my first real freedom. Despite that I could have been labeled, defined by the car and the music I listened to, but no matter what I really didn't fit into a specific category because I was just me. Categories are helpful, genres are basic definitions but we really can't rely on them all of the time. By doing so we stand a chance to miss something that could be our freeing moment and The Saints of Las Vegas are a perfect example.<br />
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The Saints of Las Vegas have grown from the weeds that was the "Era of Hair," glam rock, glam metal whatever one wants to call the '80's L.A. Sunset Strip music scene. This band emerged from those weeds into the most perfect flower, and it's so awesome to see. This is a great band, and if you are in Las Vegas make sure you find them because you simply will not be disappointed! Great job gentlemen!<br />
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Follow The Saints of Las Vegas on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSaintsLV/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-16886237918431692592016-07-01T12:36:00.001-05:002016-07-01T12:36:50.037-05:00Brandon Gibbs Band - Rascals Live - April 29th, 2016Pedigrees are very telling instruments aren't they? At times a pedigree can be chock full of unimportant sources that look like simple filler with nothing more than blah, blah, blah, blah, blah gushing through the ink on the paper that they cover. When a pedigree exudes that kind of emotion it becomes quick work to discredit the pedigree in rather quick fashion. Yes at times they can seem to be just dripping with droll moments in their history that are mere chaff upon the threshing floor but at times there are pedigrees that stand out and should be noticed. Right?<br />
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What is a pedigree when it pertains to music? Well, think about it this way Mozart, and Beethoven have the pedigree, I think you get that automatically when you have influenced thousands upon thousands of musicians and history BUT, in current terms of a pedigree look no further than Clem Burke. Burke is one of those artists that has everything that an influential artist should have to secure a really important, viable lineage in rock history.<br />
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Burke, the drummer from New Jersey started his route to rock history after being selected by Debbie Harry when she founded Blondie in 1974. Burke has been a member for the entire life of the band and has played drums on all ten albums. Unfortunately or is it fortunately, that does not make a pedigree. In the forty-two years since that first Blondie album, Burke has been part and parcel to some of the most incredible bands ever. I'm not kidding. During his entire tenure with Blondie and during the fifteen years the band was actually broken up Burke was in bands like: The Romantics, Pete Townshend (solo band), Bob Dylan, Eurythmics, Dramarama, the Fleshtones, Iggy Pop, and Joan Jett. Wait there is more. Chequered Past (with Sex Pistols founding member Steve Jones), a little band called the Ramones (for a couple of shows as Elvis Ramone), the Ramones (AGAIN for the "Ramones Beat on Cancer"), Slinky Vagabond (consisting of David Bowie, Earl Slick, Glen Matlock, Keanan Duffty), Magic Christian and Hugh Cornwell. Oh, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Blondie in 2006. Ladies and gentlemen that is a proper pedigree.<br />
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Its a real treat to see a performer with that kind of power behind their name and talent isn't it? In the world of music where "superstars" rely on "auto-tune," synthesizers, and at times no band at all, a guy like Burke is the target and not the norm. There are other performers in this world that have that type of power behind there name look at the band KISS. Not only does this band still fill stadiums, it has "rock anthems" in their library of work, countless gold and platinum albums, larger than life characters that people around the entire PLANET can recognize, that too would constitute a pedigree. There are so many other bands that one could mention but can a performer that hasn't been in music for 30 - 40 years have a pedigree? Why yes they can thank you kindly.<br />
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At a time when so many "classic" bands have reemerged from their time in the "era of hair metal" there are performers that have quite successfully jump-started their careers that may have ended 25 years ago, and quite a few younger performers have joined in with them. As an example look at the performer Brandon Gibbs. Gibbs is an anomaly in the music world because not only is he one heck of a performer, he has found success with some of those "classic" bands and performers but also as a solo performer. I have seen Gibbs live at least ten times in various iterations of bands but he is such a great performer and he has quite a pedigree.<br />
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The first time I saw Gibbs at the Mississippi Moon Bar he was in a band called "Cheap Thrill," a band that consisted of Gibbs, Eric Brittingham (Cinderella), Jeff LeBar (Cinderella) and Cheney Brannon (Collective Soul). I have seen Gibbs perform with John Corabi (Motley Crue, Union, ESP, Brides of Destruction, Ratt), Joel <span class="text_exposed_show">Kosche (Collective Soul), Tracii Guns (Guns N' Roses, L.A. Guns, Brides of Destruction), Rikki Rockett (Poison), and </span>Sal Giancarelli (Staind). Gibbs has performed with <span class="text_exposed_show"> Troy Patrick Farrell (Gilby Clarke, White Lion) and Sean McNabb (Dokken, Lynch Mob, Great White, XYZ) and he has performed with the band Poison as lead vocalist so you can add C.C. DeVille and Bobby Dall to the list. He has been a member of <a href="http://musicallead.blogspot.com/2014/08/cheap-thrill-summers-last-blast-august.html" target="_blank">Cheap Thrill</a>, <a href="http://musicallead.blogspot.com/2015/09/devil-city-angels-debut-album.html" target="_blank">Devil City Angels</a>, Gibbs Brothers Band and the Brandon Gibbs Band as well. If you will think about those performers and associated bands for a moment, its actually pretty scary.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">That makes a pedigree wouldn't you agree? Gibbs is such a performer that it is an experience to see him live. How often does a person from a small town get to perform with that much firepower behind him? The number of records sold and the innumerate number of times you have heard those bands and associated performers on the radio or live in concert is mind blowing. I think its pretty telling how well received Gibbs is, all of the shows I have been to have been just jam-packed so much that you should get there early or you are definitely standing. When we traveled to <a href="http://musicallead.blogspot.com/2016/06/rascals-live-moline-illinois.html" target="_blank">Rascals Live</a> in Moline, Illinois on April 29th, 2016 we got there early to avoid having to stand but at Rascals there isn't a bad place to stand or sit to begin with.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">As we crossed over to the other side (no we weren't dead) of Rascals Live the venue began to fill up quickly and as I sat there scratching away at my notes I couldn't believe my ears or my eyes. While the Brandon Gibbs Band was opening for Great White that evening the buzz was really about Gibbs. It was really fun to see actually because the number of people that were there really seemed like they were there for just him. That is a big deal if I think about it because Great White is a classic rock band, firmly entrenched in the fabric of that era and to be larger than a band of that caliber is impressive. Gibbs took the reins in a way that is befitting of a headliner probably because of those who he has performed with and where on many lineups.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">When the Brandon Gibbs Band took the stage the energy was palpable, and I think that through the fans at Rascals Live it became a real whirlwind. Brandon has been in many bands in his history as I mentioned but probably one of the bands he would tell you is the band he was in with his twin brother Brent. The last few times of seeing Brandon perform Brent has been his drummer and that April night he was once again. Brent Gibbs is a full-time police officer but the thing that is so interesting is that he is a killer drummer. Although the influences for Brandon are pretty easy to understand and see, Brent would be a little more difficult. The interesting thing was the feeling of a '70's rock feel he had but the way Brent hits those drums he has there is a serious '80's - '90's Alice In Chains power behind every strike and it was apparent in a well placed drum solo. Officer Gibbs could easily hang up his uniform and take on drumming for any band that was or is today, he is great!</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Drums and bass go hand in hand and it seems that every time I write about a band the two are stacked one after the other and I think the reason is that they are the backbone. Without the bass and drums it becomes Jerry Garcia singing "Whiskey in the Jar." That's not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination but because of the symbiotic relationship between Brent Gibbs and D</span><span class="_5yl5">ave Schwarm on bass. Schwarm doesn't have that prototypical look of a bass player, he doesn't look like Nikki Sixx but he can play that bass with authority. While Schwarm looks the part of a teacher or an accountant I was blown away by his skills. The set Brandon performs has some intensive rock songs from Devil City Angels and Poison so it takes a pretty great performer to do it justice and Schwarm does.</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5">While I live in a small town in the Northwest corner of the State of Illinois with just about 3200 people in it we don't know every person in the town. Small town life isn't what Andy Griffith made it to look like and one looks to look no further than to Chad Robbins to understand that. Robbins lives in the same town that I do yet I have never met the man and he plays guitar in the Brandon Gibbs Band. I think that's kind of cool actually because it makes me want to meet more of my neighbors but its sad also because Robbins is one heck of a guitar player, I wish I knew about him sooner. Robbins is subdued on stage but man the guy can play like a rock star. He has that demeanor on stage that his so professional he almost makes it look effortless. He has this vibe about him when he performs, its like he has an alternative / college radio sense about him. I think it hearkens back to the days of performers like Frank Zappa and Phish with a firm dash of punk rock. Robbins can't be pigeon-holed like that however, there is a serious depth to his skills, he is absolutely incredible!</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5">The basis of any band that isn't Mannheim Steamroller is killer vocals and Brandon Gibbs is one of the best vocalists in music today. He has a depth and presence on stage that is really unrivaled by many contemporaries and should be looked it as such. I've been trying to think of who to compare Gibbs to and its difficult really. Gibbs has a depth (I know I just said that but keep reading) that has this warm tone that really can't be described. I think its a soulful voice, reminiscent of Tom Keifer but smoother not as raspy however, for as he sings he can grasp the vocals in such a way that is befitting the lyrics. As an example one of the songs Gibbs sang that night was an iconic song by the band Poison called "Every Rose Has It's Thorn." The vocals of Gibbs are different than those of Poison front man Bret Michaels but inside the vocals is that sense of urgency that isn't in the original song, its that level that Gibbs performs. Before people go medieval on me I'm not inferring that Gibbs is better than Michaels, its just in the way he sings.</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5">Gibbs is an incredible singer, totally gifted guitar player (one of the best that is performing today) but he is the consummate front man. He really controls the crowd, he elicits the responses that make a performance fun not only for the crowd but also the band itself. What makes the whole Brandon Gibbs Band experience fun is that regardless of it being your first time seeing the band or the fiftieth, Gibbs will leave you wanting more.</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5">The world of music is rife with bands that have gimmicks and often we the fans, are the reason those bands do that. From the leather bondage gear worn by Judas Priest, to the foam costumes worn by Gwar music fans love a gimmick. If you have ever attended a KISS concert you know what I mean, there are dozens of people that are dressed like their favorite KISS member and they are rabid about it. Even "grunge" fans fall prey to a "standard uniform" with flannel shirts and short, messy hair but to become popular in music you don't need a gimmick. As I have traveled venue to venue I have learned one thing great musicians flock to other great musicians and that leads to a pedigree, Brandon Gibbs has that pedigree.</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5">What Gibbs has done his entire career is find like musicians so he can entertain his fans at the highest possible level. When I saw the Brandon Gibbs Band it became blatantly obvious that Gibbs has surrounded himself with great musicians, not necessarily household names, but great musicians. This band has nothing but mad skills, and watching them perform it is obvious. Of everything that can be said of that night in late April at Rascals Live is that this band wanted to just have fun while making it look effortless. That is the final sign of a great pedigree. Job well done gentlemen!</span><br />
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<span class="_5yl5">For more information about Brandon Gibbs visit his <a href="http://www.bgibbsmusic.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> or his Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bgibbsmusic" target="_blank">PAGE</a>.</span>James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-46810594894169356762016-06-30T13:56:00.000-05:002016-06-30T13:56:16.207-05:00Rascals Live - Moline, IllinoisLive music is a passion of mine, its cathartic to such an extreme with me that I feel almost lost not seeing a live show. It's probably some type of addiction I have or just a way to extend my childhood once again. My childhood had so many layers inside of it that it is possible that some of the areas are in a strange way intertwined. Without question I have seen to so many live shows that they at times melt together like those old plastic toy cars I had as a child. What?<br />
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As a child I played with Matchbox cars and these really, really cheap cars that you could get for just a couple of bucks at any K-Mart. The cars were so cheap that you really never missed them if something happened to one of them. The plastic was thin and the wheels were mounted to straight shafts that would bend so when it happened the car would wobble like it had a flat tire. The cars were resilient though, so much in fact that if you pushed them really, really fast into a wall they would just bounce off of concrete walls and yes I did that.<br />
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That was a problem at times you see because my cousin Ron and I had this strange desire to smash toy cars together like they were in some sort of traffic accident. We would hit those things together so hard and they would just bounce off of each other and Ron at times would want his Matchbox cars to really look like damage from a traffic accident so he might hit them with a rock or even bounce them off of the sidewalk to get the desired effect. One of the memories I still have to this day some 35 or so years later was Ron taking this little Matchbox station wagon and smashing it against a big tree at their house in Roscoe, Illinois. That takes us full circle to the cheap plastic cars, and the explanation of melting together.<br />
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As a youth we lived in the country and my Mom worked during the day and my Dad was a truck driver so when Ron and his sister Rachel would stay during the summer we had some time on our hands. One summer we were outside with those cheap cars and we weren't getting the desired effects from their act of crashing so we decided to make the cars look more "realistic." Since my Mom and our Uncle Jeff both smoked we found a lighter and we began to melt the cars and pushed them together and much like the directions on a shampoo bottle are "wash, rinse, repeat" we continued our melting. Our Uncle Jeff came home and saw the carnage and put the melted, destroyed remains in his old Chevelle to take away the evidence so my Mom wouldn't see it, laughing as he did. On an interesting side note I know understand why I wanted to be an EMT, it was those damned flaming plastic fireballs with bent axles wobbling down the driveway.<br />
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With time and age I started to mix my love of music, all kinds of music and a desire to see some of the bands I loved actually play their music live. Early in life my Mom and Aunt Cheryl took my cousin and I to see Elvis Presley, and before that was Dr. Hook at an old minor league baseball field in Dubuque, Iowa but my love for the band KISS started me on the path of loving live music with seeing them live at a small arena in Dubuque, Iowa. That really seems to be the recurring theme in my life, I have seen bands all over the country from little dive bars to massive stadiums and clearly many of those bands were those I loved as a kid.<br />
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I have developed lots of friends and contacts throughout the journal of the music I have seen live and I always try to see or visit them along the way. I met a man named Kenny Bailey at Taste of Minnesota at the booth for the band OWL and I recognized him as the tour manager for Brandon Gibbs. We talked for a little while and Kenny told me that he had a bar in Moline, Illinois which isn't too far from home, it is after all closer that Taste of Minnesota. Kenny told me I should come down some time and until April 29th, 2016 the schedules really never meshed.<br />
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Making the trek that evening we intended to see Great White and Brandon Gibbs Band play at <a href="http://www.rascalsmoline.com/index.php" target="_blank">Rascals Live</a>. Rascals Live is a quaint, neighborhood bar or so I thought. We walked into the bar and were immediately greeted by the bartender, got our tickets for the show and then I started to look around. The very first thing I saw was an old quarter video game, and eagerly threw a quarter in to play Dig Dug (I was really good at that game as a kid but apparently not as an adult). As the luster from my eyes washed away getting crushed in Dig Dug I started to look around and I began seeing guitars on the wall, autographed guitars from some INCREDIBLE bands like Megadeth, Anthrax, B.B. King, and Bruce Springsteen. There are also drum heads and pictures autographed by the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Frank Sinatra. As I stood there I had that seminal moment as if I wee standing in that Dyersville, Iowa baseball field made famous in "Field of Dreams" and I asked myself "Is this heaven?" and I answered myself "No, Moline."<br />
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Rascals is very interesting because there are two sides to the building, the side that I entered and next door where another bar and stage reside. When I walked into the other side I was really impressed for many reasons but the striking part was the stage. The stage was obvious, it was taller that the little "one step" stage you see in the average bar, this stage has substance and with its height there isn't a bad place to sit or stand in that area.<br />
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I have been to many bars to see live music and often the sound that is being pumped into the to ears of its patrons is so loud and distorted it becomes painful to listen to but that isn't even in the equation at Rascals Live. I wasn't blown into the next county or across the river into Iowa but what I found was that there is a very nice mix of loudness and comfort. The building itself lends itself to the potential of mind numbing sound issues but the staff has it down perfectly. The bands that I saw that evening were clear to the ear and even more importantly made it quite enjoyable.<br />
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The staff on both sides of Rascals Live were friendly and helpful and even joked with me about the video game I got slaughtered on when I asked for another dollars worth of quarters. The bartender joked that watching me play saying "that was quick." She was right, Dig Dug did bury me quickly which made me very sad (no I am not that needy). Despite my failure playing that game I found that their staff didn't waiver on either side in the midst of the craziness of the night. When I went to the bar during the show the bartenders were quick to notice customers and deliver their drinks almost right away, they were great!<br />
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Rascals Live and live music really does take me back to the earliest days of my love of seeing live music. Since my earliest days I have been part and parcel to seeing a cornucopia of bands live and the number of venues I have seen those bands in blurs together. Its kind of like those cheap plastic cars we would melt together when I was a youth. It is with some certainty I can tell you about melting those cars together successfully but I can't tell you what the cars looked like. It becomes blurry probably because of the toxic fumes we introduced to our young lungs and the atmosphere but having seen many bands I can't remember the facility that I saw them. That isn't indicative of any of the bands I saw throughout my life but too often the places I see them just melt together, Rascals Live is different.<br />
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Rascals Live stands out just like that Matchbox station wagon Ron threw against the tree, not because of the implied carnage but because it is memorable. The crushed car and the actual action to "crush" it stand out because it was fun, it was cool. That's what makes Rascals Live so memorable, its fun and cool. In a world full of venues that "melt together" Rascals Live stands out because of their atmosphere, their staff and their attention to detail. As I look back at the the parallel between my cousin Ron with that Matchbox station wagon and Rascals Live, they both accomplished the same thing: they crushed it.<br />
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Check out their <a href="http://www.rascalsmoline.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for upcoming events and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rascals?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> as well or stop in and say hello, you will NOT be disappointed.James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-16191283806128663282016-05-12T21:19:00.001-05:002016-05-12T21:19:08.579-05:00Firehouse - Mystique Casino April 16th, 2016What defines us? Are we defined by our personality? By our choices? Or are we defined by just random events and traits? Those are fair questions but I would tend to think that for each of us we can't be defined the same way as any other person. It's like the old adage "never judge a book by its cover" because until you open that book you can't make an accurate judgement and if you try to and you are wrong then you risk being judged yourself. Right?<br />
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Think for a minute about a person you have met in your life that you might have thought was not a good person or even about a person you might have thought was going to be really interesting only to learn they were the exact opposite. It happens all of the time, to all of us so its a fair assumption that we have felt really bad when we discovered the truth. Don't think for a minute that these assumptions only happen when we are young or just as we "mature" because that too would be quite wrong.<br />
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Music isn't immune to those assumptions, in fact it is just as common. Many people assume that because someone has long hair they have to be into heavy metal, or if they have a mullet they love "Southern Rock," or because a person has dreadlocks they are into Bob Marley, okay that one is probably true, just kidding but you get the picture. It is just so easy to say that we have to conform to those stereotypes but anyone that strives to be an individual understands the nuances that make life easier. Sure we can think that all country music is full of rednecks, punk music is full of cretins (the Ramones did have a song called "Cretin Hop" so maybe), and "screamo" bands make no sense but that is shortsighted.<br />
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If we learned nothing from the '80's music scene its that there is music out there that are guilty pleasures and they go across genres all of the time. When I was writing this it was announced that Prince had died and the number of people that I would have never expected expressed their sadness. That shows a blind assumption that I made that really that was very shortsighted and points out I am far from immune. It is easy to venture a guess that it is some type of human nature issue that leads us to do that but I am not a sociologist. The same really is true about band's from the '80's and the music that propelled them into the national spotlight.<br />
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Music of that era was incredible across genres but those bands of the genre of hard rock / metal were particularly good. The music was full of romance although at times it could be a little high on the cheese factor and occasionally incredibly sexual, but the lyrics came from a place that would transcend all of that. While it was easy to discount everything there was a real sense of purpose behind the words. The problem that lies within is that a handful of songs could cast the strongest bands in a role they could never seem to get out of. In the movie / television world its is called "typecasting" and unfortunately it exists in music as well. It felt like at times the only thing that some bands tied their horse to were a ballad or two and they fed off of that, acting as if it was their only creative outlet. It wasn't always true and one band that had some classic ballads, really great love songs and had so much more, that band is <b>FireHouse</b>.<br />
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FireHouse formed in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1989, began their musical quest right as the aforementioned "era of hair" was on its death bed. While the other bands were dropping off into the abyss, FireHouse seemingly went on the attack. Remember that in the late '80's and early '90's a new "genre" of music was formed, they called it "<b>grunge</b>." Grunge was an edgy name for college music, or alternative or even "punk with flannel" (I like that one the best, I came up with it), but the fact of the matter is it was already done by thousands of artists before them. Regardless of the name hard rock and/or hair metal bands died like potted plants at my house but the fact of the matter is that FireHouse didn't just survive they thrived.<br />
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When FireHouse released the self-titled "FireHouse" in 1990 the album was steeped with great rock songs and a ballad ("<b>Love of a Lifetime</b>" #5 Billboard Hot 100). The album went double platinum, one song ("<b>Don't Walk Away</b>") was used in the movie "<b>The Wrestler</b>" and "<b>Overnight Sensation</b>" was in the soundtrack to a video game (<b>Brutal Legend</b>). That's an awful lot of great stuff to happen to any band! It never stopped either, FireHouse released eight studio albums, one live album and three compilation albums plus eight singles with two in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 100 and over seven million records sold.<br />
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It goes without saying if a band survives 25 + years and is still producing and performing great music then the band is far from a "one trick pony." That is quite true when describing FireHouse, they never seemed to take a break and after that first album was released the band just kept on going. Of the band three of the four original members still remain in the band to this day, and those three continue to create great music. Isn't that the thing that legendary bands do, stay together? There are so many bands touring that consist of "the voice of..." or they are a band made up of the founder and the rest are just plug-ins don't get me wrong that isn't necessarily a bad thing but FireHouse seems to be the exception to the norm.<br />
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On April 16th, 2016 I traveled to the <a href="http://www.mystiquedbq.com/entertainment" target="_blank">Mystique Casino</a> in Dubuque, Iowa to see FireHouse perform and I have to be honest it was a unique experience for me. The venue is relatively close to my home, in fact I travel to Dubuque several times a week but this event was special, it was the first time I had attended a concert at this venue. I have been to quite a few shows at the Mystique for hypnotists, comedians, psychics and mediums and a "battle of the bands" once but none of those bands could hold a candle to how loud this show could be. The "battle of the bands" was an event for local bands and although one of those bands was a "metal band" I knew an accurate comparison couldn't be made for the acoustics of the venue or for the size of the potential crowd that FireHouse would bring.<br />
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The venue at the Mystique Casino, the Cabaret as it is called, is a smaller room but it is a venue that people that love General Admission events will adore. With a full bar on one side and a smaller mobile bar on the opposite side it is quite easy to get your favorite beverage without much effort. Any event can be difficult to have staffed but I have to tell you for this event the staff was flawless. It was easy to get in and out of the event and overcrowding wasn't an issue, I love this venue! It seems that the management at the Mystique must see the necessity to bring high-quality live music because they appear to be bringing in more and more national acts interspersed with some great local bands as well.<br />
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When FireHouse took the stage I wasn't sure if they would sound "washed out," or muffled but the acoustics of the room are incredible. You could feel the bass hitting you in the chest, the vocals were clear and at no time did there appear to be any major acoustic flaws in the room, it held up impeccably! Sound is paramount for any band because if they sound really bad you will not want to see them again, that simply goes without saying. What a killer job the sound people had controlling the room.<br />
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Earlier I said that FireHouse is made up of three original members (<b>C.J. Snare</b> - vocals/keyboards, <b>Bill Leverty</b> - guitar, and <b>Michael Foster</b> - drums) leaving only <b>Alan McKenzie</b> on bass. McKenzie is an interesting member of the band, he has served in the military and at one time he was in the solo band of the late Jani Lane, former lead singer of <b>Warrant</b>. McKenzie is what I see when I think of a bass player. He has that confidence about him that shows in the way he holds himself while just looking the part, with skills that transcend all of that. Earlier I alluded to the fact that McKenzie isn't the original bass player of FireHouse it just seems like he is. He is flawless in the way he performs really making you feel like his fingerprints are all over the catalog of music that FireHouse has released. That is a testament to how good McKenzie is, what a treat to watch!<br />
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When I was younger I loved a television show called "<b>The Muppet Show</b>," partially because one member of the band "<b>Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem</b>" more specifically the drummer, <b>Animal. </b>I loved Animal so much that a family friend once made me a puppet of "Animal" of which I still have to this day but what I loved about that character was the beast he seemingly portrayed as a drummer. Obviously the reason he was called "Animal" was because of how he beat the tar out of those drums and watching <b>Michael Foster</b> play the drums for FireHouse it is safe to assume he could be called "Animal" as well. Foster is a beast in his own right, he beat those drums so hard one of his own drums, the snare, was beaten into oblivion forcing a quick replacement. He plays the drums like they owe him money and they are refusing to pay him. I look to the drum solo Foster performed whereby I seriously thought I was watching a man that thought he was the aforementioned "Animal." This ladies and gentlemen, is my new prototype for a drummer, he is incredible.<br />
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Ask yourself a question, what does a "rock" guitar player look like? The obligatory answer would probably be long hair which they flip throughout the performance, leather pants, maybe ripped jeans, and the attitude of everyone is beneath them but is that accurate? The right answer is maybe, sure some guitar players ARE befitting that stereotype but not <b>Bill Leverty</b>. Leverty began performing in his own band called "<b>White Heat</b>" in 1984 where he auditioned and hooked up Michael Foster to be his drummer and later he hired a certain lead singer (more on him to come). Leverty does not look like the stereotypical guitar player I mentioned earlier. When I saw Leverty at the Cabaret room at the Mystique Casino he was wearing blue jeans, a shirt with a collar and he was sporting short hair, he looked as if he just got off of work as an accountant but don't let that analogy fool you, he's no accountant. Leverty is INCREDIBLE on guitar, he is the maestro if you will, he is in control and knows exactly what to do to leave you speechless as a performer.<br />
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One couldn't expect less from a guy that is one of the founders of the band, he has been and is a major contributor, co-writer to much of the music of FireHouse and Leverty has had a successful solo career as well. Leverty is one of the real exceptions to what one might think a rock guitar player should look like but he doesn't play like anything but rock royalty. This is definitely a man that can out perform anyone you hold him up against.<br />
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It's time for a brief '80's - '90's rock music lesson, what is the one thing you remember most about lead singers during that time period? The answer is: Hitting the high note. Yes high notes, it seemed as if every band had at least one song where it sounds as if you just kicked the lead singer firmly between his "bass drums." No one has ever said that I have the voice of an angel but I have tried to hit a note that high and I can assure you all that I ever "eked" out was something that made me unable to talk for a couple of days but that era was chock full of those that could. When Leverty saw <b>C.J. Snare</b> perform in the band "<b>Maxx Warrior</b>" he became determined to merge his band White Heat with Snare and his band forming FireHouse. It is with some curiosity that I wonder if one of the things that was so striking for Leverty and Foster was the fact that Snare could hit that high note.<br />
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Snare is a special singer, he can do so much with his voice even to this day. All too often lead singers of that era think they can still swing for the fences and hit those notes but few can. Snare has one other thing that many of the other lead singers of that era didn't: Great songs. Snare is co-author of many of the FireHouse songs (along with his bandmates) and because of that you can see his attachment to each one of them. Snare is energetic, he holds the crowd in the palm of his hand, he is engaging and he can still sing like all get out. What I find incredible that after all of this time and all of the successes that the band have had, Snare still loves his fans. As an example while at Mystique he engaged with some fans that just expressed how much they loved their music. He actually made eye contact and talked TO them, not blindly over the crowd.<br />
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The $64,000 dollar question must be whether or not Snare can still hit that high note isn't it? I assume that because I mentioned it earlier and I can tell you with confidence that he can still sing better than a vast majority of his contemporaries. The man has an incredible voice, he knows how to take care of it on stage and when it is called for Snare will hit those notes with relative ease. It is with a certain amount of trepidation that I can safely say we all have more than likely seen a band or two where the lead singer tries to do too much and they act like they have to over sing every song but that just isn't the case with Snare, He is phenomenal!<br />
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FireHouse is the prototypical rock band. I think I could easily compare them with bands like "<b>April Wine</b>" and "<b>Nazareth</b>" because of their comparative bodies of work. Both of those bands are known for classic ballads but at the same time they were first and foremost rock bands just like FireHouse. It's wrong to assume that this band was anything other than a great rock band with incredible staying power. There are few bands that came from that era that can say they have three-quarters of the band still actually IN the band and it is reflected in the continuity and success of FireHouse. Really that foregoes any other condition or description, a stupid title means nothing when you know that their fans understand what the band is and stands for.<br />
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It would be easy to attempt to discredit anyone or anything because it happens daily in the lives of the ordinary person. For FireHouse fans the only thing they know is that this band has been playing great hard rock music since its inception, since the two bands White Heat and Maxx Warrior merged into one of the greatest bands in the late '80's and early '90's, heck that isn't fair either because this band passed that time frame and continued on. The band FireHouse is so much more than a title they are dedicated to their music and their fans.<br />
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When I traveled to Mystique Casino on April 26th, 2016 to see FireHouse I knew their hits, I knew their catalog and I knew their fans but that one night was so much more. I saw a band that educated each and every person at the Mystique Casino and at the same time I saw the fans show their appreciation for the band that has given so much to hard rock since its earliest days. Ladies and gentlemen I highly recommend you take the time to brush up on your FireHouse, then take the time to dig into their schedule, find a venue and see them live. I promise you beyond the shadow of a doubt that you will be blown away!<br />
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What an incredible job by Snare, Leverty, Foster and McKenzie! Thank you for one heck of a performance!James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-49369635924877104972016-04-21T14:52:00.001-05:002016-04-21T14:52:32.756-05:00Prince - June 7th, 1958 - April 21st, 2016Icon. Pioneer. Genius. Eccentric. Those four simple words define one of the greatest artists of all time and I think that artist is the right label for the man simply known as "Prince." On April 21st, 2016 at 12:10 PM CST I was writing an article about a different artist and then I opened Facebook and all of my thoughts immediately switched gears to the "Artist formerly known as Prince." What?<br />
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I live about eighty miles away from Moline, Illinois and on Friday April 15th, 2016 I was jostled about when I read the headline "<b>Prince Taken to Moline Hospital After Emergency Landing</b>." It was a scary headline and I was relieved to hear that shortly after he his plane made the emergency landing that Prince was released with what was thought to be the flu. Planes land all of the time for ill passengers and when he was released it seemed that it was not a big deal and life for all of us went on.<br />
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While I write I take little respites when I hit a case of writers block on April 21st, 2016 I hit that wall. I decided to go into Facebook and root around a little so when I did open the social media platform I think my jaw bounced off of the keyboard. For whatever reason the very first story I saw was from SPIN magazine and the headline read "<b>Prince Dead at 57. According to TMZ</b>," it felt like I was kicked in the stomach.<br />
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It was pretty hard to be a teenager in the '80's and not have had some respect for the artist and his music. What I took from his meteoric rise to "super-stardom" was his brilliance as a songwriter and a performer. The man and the myth at times seemed to be the same when it came to Prince and it started an an extremely early age.<br />
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Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7th, 1958 in Minneapolis to Mattie Della (Shaw) and John Lewis Nelson who later recalled the reason for the name "Prince" was because he "wanted him to do everything I wanted to do." Prince was born with a God-given gift for music, at seven years old he penned his first song while playing his father's piano, he called the song "<b>Funk Machine</b>." It's incredible to think that at that early age the man who wrote that song, would go onto become an icon in "funk" and "R&B." How could he not, think of the era he grew up in with influences like "<b>George Clinton and the Parliment-Funkadelic</b>," "<b>Earth, Wind and Fire</b>" and "<b>Sly and the Family Stone</b>."<br />
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After being part of several bands, including the band "<b>Grand Central</b>" which later included <b>Morris Day</b> on drums, Prince recorded his first demo in 1976 and by 1978 Prince had recorded his first studio album called "<b>For You</b>." His first chart successes came shortly after releasing the self-titled "Prince" in 1979, with "<b>I Wanna Be Your Lover</b>" as it reached #1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart and #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself garnered a #4 position in the Billboard Top R&B / Black Albums and mainstream success as it reached #22 on the Billboard Top 200.<br />
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By 1982 Prince was well established in the R&B genre but when the album "<b>1999</b>" was released his success went global selling over three million copies. From the album "1999" came three Top 10 hits including "<b>1999</b>" (#12 US and #4 US R&B), "<b>Little Red Corvett</b>e" (#6 US and #15 US R&B) and "<b>Delirious</b>" (#8 US and #18 US R&B). The album was sheer genius, with that funky sound and that "make you want to dance" it also included a rock side with "Little Red Corvette" and one of my all time favorites "Delirious." Delirious was a peppy, heart pumping sound that seemingly became a signature sound, at least in my eyes. As the world spiraled toward the end of he century and millennium, amidst the fear of Y2K "1999" entered a very heavy rotation and was "the" song at New Year's Eve parties including one I attended. What a great idea he had, using a year as a song title because it immediately becomes relevant even seventeen years later.<br />
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The pinnacle of the careers of many bands seems to be when they hit the glass ceiling of so much success so quickly but Prince was undeterred and in 1984 he released one of the greatest records of all time: <b>Purple Rain</b>. Purple Rain sold thirteen million copies, reached Platinum 13 times, twenty-four weeks at #1 on Billboard Top 200, it had four Top 10 hits of which two were #1 ("<b>When Doves Cry</b>" and "<b>Let's Go Crazy</b>"), two Grammy's and it was nominated for Album of the Year. Lest I forget to mention that "Purple Rain" was actually a movie soundtrack and it won the <b>Academy Award for Best Original Sound Score</b>, grossing over $80 million at the box office worldwide.<br />
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Purple Rain wasn't without its detractors one of which was <b>Tipper Gore</b> (wife to Former Vice President of the United States <b>Al Gore</b>). Gore founded the <b>PMRS</b> (Parents Music Resource Center) after she heard her daughter listening to the <i>racy</i> to some and to others <i>filthy</i> "<b>Darling Nikki</b>." Gore used "Darling Nikki" as a firebrand to stir emotions to a fever pitch to bring "voluntary labeling" to recorded music which at the time and to this day just smacks of censorship in my eyes. In a delicious form of irony many artists that "voluntarily" labeled their music had greater success because of the taboo of having the label on their music.<br />
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Prince was a visionary, he released 39 studio albums (sixteen Top 10's, four of which were #1), four live albums, one hundred and four singles, one hundred and thirty six videos, and over one-hundred million albums sales worldwide. As if his legend wasn't larger than life, he was inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 on the first ballot of his nomination.<br />
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What can a rock guy say about Prince? I think what I can say is he was a visionary, he had this intoxicating way about his music, he could pull anyone that listened into his world. While its true I am a "rock" guy I can still remember the first time I ever heard his song "<b>7</b>" and that thumping, kick you in the teeth bass. After I heard that song I went to a record store and I bought the cassette single of the single and I wore it out. Even years later I remember that New Years Eve party I mentioned earlier as the DJ played "1999" and the dance floor filled to capacity and right at midnight the music changed to "R.E.M. - It's the End of the World As We Know It (and I Feel Fine) ringing in the year 2000."<br />
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On April 21st, 2016 the world of music and pop culture lost one of its greatest icons and whether you call him Prince Rogers Nelson, Alexander Nevermind, The Purple One, The Symbol, TAFKAP or Prince it is all the same. Prince died at home in Chanhassen, Minnesota shortly after experiencing flu-like symptoms and the emergency landing at the Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, Illinois on April 15th, 2016 he was transported to a local hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, a sister and brother. He is survived by one brother and three sisters. It's a very sad day in music and in a year that has seen so many musical icons leave us it almost feels like it will never stop. Prince said it best in his song "7":<br />
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"<i>All 7 and we'll watch them fall. They stand in the way of love and we will smoke them all. With an intellect and a savior faire, no one in the whole universe will ever compare. I am yours now and you are mine and together we'll love through all space and time, so don't cry. One day all 7 will die</i>." Prince - 1992<span></span></div>
James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-32648837219208116902016-04-18T22:12:00.001-05:002016-04-19T13:04:34.222-05:00Lita Ford - Mississippi Moon Bar April 17th, 2016Music is full of legends and inside of that are the stories of their life that at times are told in their music. At times those legends are caught inside of their own environment or stereotypes which can muddy those legends. All too often those legends aren't legends with just a little afterthought and deep introspective search. What if we looked at those legends and tried to reshape their legend into its proper spot in music? Well?<br />
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Imagine if you will one of the real legends of rock music were mislabeled inside their genre, until a time where they morph into not only a legend but a real pioneer. I may have channeled Rod Serling for a moment as I said that and for those of you that don't have a clue who he is, he was THE man behind "The Twilight Zone" in the '60's and yes I am that old to remember that. The point is what if you could look at a real pioneer in music, a stalwart of music in the '80's and realize that they aren't where the are supposed to be?<br />
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Yes there is a level of confusion in that description but for understanding you have to look no further to the metal scene of the '80's. In that era bands like Motley Crue, Ratt, KISS and Guns N' Roses dominated the scene and every week a new hot "metal band" emerged into a scene that at times looked like they would take over. The music that plugged the airwaves and the videos were full of sexual innuendo and stories of hard drinking, drug using, misogynistic party animals that made up the bands were mind numbing at times. Through every new album that was released was the overt, in your face tales of bands that lived to just get loaded and laid. At that time it seemed that every teenage boy wanted to live vicariously through those bands and the era of the "hair band" was born.<br />
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I often refer to the "<b><u>era of hair</u></b>" and the bands that made the era fairly important in the annals of music. All too often bands in that era are considered to be "<i>heavy metal</i>" but that blanket statement is usually really shortsighted and far too reaching for it to be correct. During a conversation I had recently I had an introspective moment where I tried to decipher what the difference between "the era of hair" and "heavy metal" is and I think the one thing that separates the two is pretty simple. "Heavy metal" is this loud, driving, hardcore message of things that aren't about simply sex, and partying while "<i>hair metal</i>" is the exact opposite to some extent. Think about bands like <b>Anthrax</b>, <b>WASP</b>, <b>Slayer</b>, and <b>Megadeth</b> they are the epitome of "heavy metal" and bands like <b>Poison</b>, <b>Britny Fox</b>, and <b>Cinderella</b> would fit into that "hair metal" category.<br />
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Before a riot ensues, or a stern discussion for that matter, the music of anyone from the "hair metal" side of the aisle is not to be discounted. If I'm being honest <b>Motley Crue</b> would fit into the description of "hair metal" too but they also fit the "heavy metal" moniker as well. Today I would consider Motley Crue to be a metal band but I think that many of those bands that are "hair metal" are hard rock bands and most of them were pretty damn good wherever they reside. Motley Crue is a legend without question but there are other performers that translate just as well as legendary and that is where <b>Lita Ford</b> comes into the conversation.<br />
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Lita Ford is a legend and a pioneer. Ford belonged to one of the great all-women bands in the history of music, "<b>The Runaways</b>" they were true pioneers in music. Think about this for a moment, of the members of the band were <b>Joan Jett</b> (inducted to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame - 2016), <b>Micki Steele</b> (bass player with the '80's band "The Bangles"), <b>Cherie Currie</b> (solo artist, actress) and the late <b>Sandy West</b> to name a few. Ford joined the band in 1975 and was part and parcel of their 1976 self titled album "<i>The Runaways</i>" as well as the albums "<i>Queens of Noise</i>," "<i>Waitin' for the Night</i>," and "<i>And Now... The Runaways</i>."<br />
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Depending on who one talks to the band fell into many categories of rock music including "glam rock," "hard rock," "heavy metal" and the category I tend to lean toward "punk rock." The Runaways put together some of the best music during that period in my opinion but right on the cusp of the '80's the band called it quits in 1979. I think that the breakup in a way was a godsend because of the fact that Jett became a pinnacle in rock history and Ford was ready to take on rock in a much different way.<br />
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At a time where women in hard rock were a "novelty" Ford took on a very rocky path to her own legend. When Ford released "<i>Out for Blood</i>" in 1983 <b>Pat Benatar</b> was THE name for women in rock while artists like <b>Patti Austin</b>, <b>Irene Cara</b>, <b>Bonnie Tyler</b> and <b>Dolly Parton</b> were the only women of note that were charting. That's really sad in retrospect but when looking at the uphill battle artists like Ford had is very telling. With each subsequent release of her albums Ford grew as an artist and as a fan favorite and by the time her self-titled album "<i>Lita</i>" was released, she found herself in the middle of that "era of hair" metal. This is the point where I tell you how Ford is mislabeled as a member of the "era of hair" because she never was.<br />
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In spite of the fact that Ford was gaining popularity at that time there is very little in her music that could be considered "hair metal" and for critics that point out the ballads that were intertwined in her albums, nearly every album had ballads for nearly every artist during that time. The hard edge of Ford's music is clearly visible when you realize that she collaborated with artists and songwriters like <b>Nikki Sixx</b>, <b>Ozzy Osbourne</b> and the late - great <b>Lemmy Kilmister</b>. Ford enlisted some of the best musicians in rock during that time as well including <b>Randy Castillo</b> (drums - <i>Ozzy Osbourne</i>), <b>Aldo Nova</b>, <b>Hugh McDonald</b> (bass - <i>Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi</i>) and <b>Myron Grombacher</b> (drums - <i>Pat Benatar</i>). Each gave Ford's music a very sharp edge, that actual edge that only real metal can hold.<br />
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For the naysayers, those that think Ford was only a product of that "era of hair" I can tell you that the minute you hear Ford perform live you quickly realize this is a true pioneer in HEAVY METAL music. I have seen Ford on several occasions, even traveling 100+ miles at one time to see her live so while I knew what to expect I was excited to see her live once again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR2ZL8NQMHhnBdMcEBvd4o3syJx4BoKllas0Wq5So4uI1ElOsOX-PpPP0a_xSTyv8nIUK8s-vbGl2SNIuZbHkjARRDHVJ6cWNz78NojOEtyTlQBZzGFjk61OJ0IItJmdrRXkJFAzHFGM/s1600/LITA+FORD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR2ZL8NQMHhnBdMcEBvd4o3syJx4BoKllas0Wq5So4uI1ElOsOX-PpPP0a_xSTyv8nIUK8s-vbGl2SNIuZbHkjARRDHVJ6cWNz78NojOEtyTlQBZzGFjk61OJ0IItJmdrRXkJFAzHFGM/s400/LITA+FORD.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lita Ford performing at the Mississippi Moon Bar<br />April 17th, 2016<br />©musicallead.blogspot.com - 2016</span></td></tr>
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On April 17th, 2016 I traveled to the <b>Mississippi Moon Bar</b> in Dubuque, Iowa to see Ford and her band take the stage. As Ford began started her set with "<i>Gotta Let Go</i>" the fever pitch that seemed to fill the MMB was incredible! Ford still looks the part of a rock star, with long-flowing hair, wearing white leather and tattoos there is no forgetting that this woman can still perform at a level that one could only hope to in their early twenties. What is so incredible about Ford is without a doubt her voice, yes it has changed to a small extent but the power vocals that she possesses is phenomenal. Make no dispersion about this woman's guitar skills because I think she has to be in the top 10 guitar players in rock today without a doubt. With a sharp tongue and wit to back it up Ford talks with great reverence of those that have come into her life. Being a huge <b>Motörhead</b> fan I loved hearing Ford describe how she and the legendary Lemmy collaborated on "<i>Can't Catch Me</i>." That song has always felt like a Motörhead song but the skill that she puts into that incredible guitar solo in the middle of the song is a thing of beauty. It was wonderful to hear her wax poetic about Kilmister and talk about him like he was still with us, it shows her reverence for the man and performer Kilmister was.<br />
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Ford's description on how Nikki Sixx helped write "<i>Falling In and Out of Love</i>" and how she obtained her "piss yellow" guitar from the Hard Rock showed us the performer in another light and in all honesty she makes her fans feel like she could just kick back with anyone, have a drink and just have fun. Ford really is the type of performer that seems to have checked her baggage at the door and is just a down to earth rock star. Lita Ford is simply amazing!<br />
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One of the biggest fan favorites and hits for Ford came from the 1988 album "Lita," that being "<i>Close My Eyes Forever</i>," the collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne, so its always been an interesting song for me to see live because it is a duet and unless Osbourne is a special guest how does she approach it. Face it, its a fan favorite and Ford can sing it solo but on that beautiful April evening Ford did her part and the part made famous by Ozzy was done by <b>Patrick Kennison</b>. Kennison's voice was a perfect complement to Ford, it has a substance in the voice that really makes the Osbourne part his own. It shouldn't be any surprise honestly as Kennison is the lead vocalist of the band he founded called "<i>Union Underground</i>" AND "<i>Heaven Below</i>"but Kennison is also in the unenviable position of playing guitar on the same stage as Ford. It didn't take much time for Kennison to prove himself on stage the guy is a phenom on guitar and I loved the fact that he seemed at times to resemble <b>Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor</b> from Motörhead. This man fits the bill of a metal guitar player and fits into this band like a glove. I love this guy and his role!<br />
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There is a part of every metal song that really makes one "head bang" until the effects of a severe concussion forces you to stop and that part is driven by the bass player. As I watched Ford and her bandmates attack the stage that Sunday evening it became very apparent that <b>Marty O'Brien</b> is deeply cemented into that role of bass player. What I saw was a man that has the wicked skills that have found him in bands that range from <b>Methods of Mayhem</b>, <b>Disturbed</b> and <b>Tommy Lee</b> while being this modest presence on the stage. Its fun to watch someone that is that gifted and knows it but doesn't want to draw attention to himself. The Energizer bunny couldn't keep up with this man, he exudes spirit and energy and was really fun to watch. I think the thing that you can take away from this guy is he's a consummate pro, and a real treat!<br />
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Have you ever been to a live show and watched those around you? I do it all of the time and what I see that amazes me is those that begin to tap their feet to the beat of the drums. Regardless of the band the crowd is full of those people just kicking the crap out of those bass drums, you would swear they are actually performing. As I watched Ford and her bandmates I caught myself tapping my toes with the fury of a duck on a hotplate, relax its a <i>WKRP in Cincinnati</i> reference. <b>Bobby Rock</b> is the reason for that response for myself and the rest of those at the MMB. I have to be honest, Rock is a beast on the drums and as Ford wailed away on the guitar, he beat the drums into submission. I really took notice of his skills in the song "<i>Aces & Eights</i>," and during his drum solo he smashed those drums so hard and fast I thought I was going to have a heart attack from my own toe tapping. Rock is a drum legend, his resume' is very deep so Ford wanting to have Rock in her band really shows how talented and gifted this guy really is.<br />
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As I think about that Rod Serling moment I had earlier I think to myself that Lita Ford has been mislabeled all of this time. Ford has been in music since the '70's, she has seen the rise and fall of entire genres, she has been in bands that were considered a novelty (by the mainstream), she has seen her fan base grow steadily. She can look to the success of her former bandmates with a smile knowing that she and they made each other better, and she can look at the infamous "era of hair" and know that despite the efforts to treat her like some type of novelty in that era she never was in that era in the first place. Inasmuch as bands the likes of Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses were called "hair bands" incorrectly so is Ford.<br />
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Ford has a metal edge, she really is a legend in heavy metal. In the history of rock music there are few women that have succeeded not because they weren't good or great but because of stupidity. Ford has risen above all of that nonsense and her music, its content and the woman herself are to be respected and revisited. I assure you that Lita Ford regardless of ANY label is an incredible rocker and is a whirling dervish on stage. With skill and an unquenchable desire to make her fans happy, Ford is the professional every performer should strive to be.<br />
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When I went to the Mississippi Moon Bar Sunday April 17th, 2016 I already expected to see one of the best shows in rock today. Lita Ford is far from disappointing live or recorded, she will grab you by the back of the head and shake you to the core with energy, killer band members and music that is steeped in tradition and rife with her own brand of music. She stands alone on her laurels and entertains fans to this day, just like rock royalty. Ford is a pioneer and a legend so do yourself a favor find a live show and go there because you will be blown away.<br />
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What an INCREDIBLE show!James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-88508381971429022462016-03-29T20:43:00.000-05:002016-03-29T20:43:01.699-05:00Hookers and Blow - Tailgaters - Bolingbrook, Illinois - February 12th, 2016I am amazed by the bands I see every year, they are at times some incredibly well known, well established acts and other times they are little known bands. In 2015 I saw 157 different acts perform, and much like a band on a massive tour it becomes cumbersome remembering where I was on a particular date. Sure its possible to remember a music festival or one of the iconic acts but at times it is nothing more than a simple name that sticks out never to be forgotten.<br />
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Rock bands are notorious for their on and off stage antics replete with groupies, one-nightstands, advanced "pharmaceuticals" and gallons of adult beverages. Novels have been written about the exploits of bands and the members of the bands, heck there have even been movies written about them (one of the greatest movies of all-time "<i>This is Spinal Tap</i>"). Today there seem to be fewer acts that live up to that billing, what do you expect with all of the "teen idols" today catering to the prepubescent girls that scream for the likes of that Bieber guy (I refuse to use his complete name). While hip-hop and the person I named a sentence ago are seemingly all people remember in music today there are plenty of artists that can still bludgeon their fans with music so hard they forget the other stuff.<br />
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As I travel about the republic enjoying live music (take a page from Nike <i>"Just Do It"</i> yourself), I see those bands that used to rock and still are. For every <i>Def Leppard, Motley Crue</i> (R.I.P.) and <i>Social Distortion</i> there are up and comers that relish their foothold in rock. <i>Saving Abel, Volbeat, Texas Hippie Coalition</i> and so many others will slap you so hard that your great, great grandparents will feel it but lying somewhere in the middle there are the "<u><i>tweeners</i></u>." You have just asked yourself "What in the hell is a "tweener" didn't you? Let me explain.<br />
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In the terms of music a "tweener" has nothing to do with the awkward world of the pre-teen / early teen, in fact if it does then someone should call the authorities. In music terms a "tweener" is a member of a band that came in some time in the life of a band that has already had success. A "tweener" would be considered a person that has come into a band after someone left the band such as <i>AC/DC</i> for example. As I write this AC/DC is in flux following the departure of <i>Brian Johnson</i> and the singer that comes in to replace him (it sounds like <i>Axl Rose</i> at this time, more on that in another article) would be a "tweener." Interestingly enough Johnson would be by definition a "tweener" as he took over full-time vocal duties following the unfortunate passing of <i>Bon Scott</i>.<br />
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Before you go all medieval on me that "tweener" definition means NOTHING about their talent, it simply means that they joined a band and weren't an original member. Need proof? Think about <i>Ozzy Osbourne</i> and his band following the death of one of the greatest guitar players of all-time: <i>Randy Rhodes</i>. After Rhodes Ozzy had the likes of <i>Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde</i> and <i>Gus G</i>. come into his band and each of those guys is beyond brilliant but by my definition "tweeners."<br />
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When I traveled to Bolingbrook, Illinois February 12th, 2016 it marked the second time I visited "<u><b>Tailgaters</b></u>" having been there to see Lita Ford, I knew what I was about to experience, I really did but the name of the band was a "tad" perplexing. The name "<u><b>Hookers and Blow</b></u>" really resonates the era of rock I mentioned earlier but even all of these years later I still caught myself almost whispering the name. I'm an old dude, okay not old, seasoned but when talking about the name I almost felt like our grandparents talking about sex. I would talk about the upcoming show and how excited I was but the minute I got to the name I would whisper it almost.<br />
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Its a shame that I felt like that because the pedigrees of the members of this band make you excited because they are that freaking good. The band is made up of an incredible group of performers: <u><b>Dizzy Reed</b></u> (<i>Guns 'n Roses</i> - vocals, keyboards), <u><b>Mike Duda</b></u> (<i>W.A.S.P. </i>- bass), <u><b>Alex Grossi</b></u> (<i>Quiet Riot</i>, - guitar), <u><b>Johnny Kelly</b></u> (<i>Type O Negative </i>- drums) and <b>Don Jamieson</b> (<i>That Metal Show</i>). Each member brings something to the table that complements the other members of the band making one heck of a "super group."<br />
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The "master of ceremonies" if you will is Don Jamieson from the former VH1 show "That Metal Show." With a quick wit, a sense of humor that would make <i>Sam Kinison</i> envious and the experiences that only a person that has been part and parcel to some of the greatest acts in music, Jamieson will make you shake your head, begging for more. Jamieson will keep you shaking your head as you laugh so hard that your whole body hurts. That's the plus of having a comedian "open" a concert in my eyes because you aren't always sure what you are going to get with another musical act but Jamieson kills it every time he is out there.<br />
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When I mentioned Randy Rhodes earlier I talked about the guitar players that followed his footsteps after this untimely passing but Rhodes also left the band Quiet Riot and was replaced by <i>Carlos Cavazo</i>, interestingly at some point in the future Alex Grossi took over the role of guitar for Quiet Riot. That passing of the torch didn't happen until 2004 whereby other guitar players assumed that role at various points along the way. Grossi is a brilliant guitar player, he really puts me in the mindset of Cavazo and Rhodes, he is such a talent and he makes it look effortless. He has energy and he seemingly has the swagger that guitar players in a metal band MUST HAVE. In all honesty his role in this band is cemented in his skill.<br />
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Drummers have a reputation of being the wild ones of the bunch just look at <i>Keith Moon</i> and <i>John Bonham</i>, they had that undeniable characteristic that set them apart from many contemporaries, and Johnny Kelly follows right along with them. Think for a moment about what a drummer is, he is the speed of a band, the gas pedal and Johnny Kelly is that guy. Kelly was the drummer for the band Type O Negative from 1994 until the band disbanded in 2010 following the tragic loss of <i>Peter Steele</i>. Type O Negative was metal with a dark, nasty edge and one of my favorite songs by the band has to be "<u>Love You To Death</u>." It's dark, and despite the relative steady, slow sound Kelly's drums are the pulse of the song, its control, that is what Kelly brings to the table. Kelly is so much more than that though, he feeds off of the crowd during and after the performance. He is personable and was always smiling, the guy is freaking great!<br />
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Here's a neat piece of trivia about my blog, one of the very first articles I wrote was about <i>Stephen Pearcy and the Ratt Bastards</i> at the Mississippi Moon Bar and that night I met a couple of members of the band. Performing that evening for Pearcy on bass was Mike Duda. That night Duda took literally two or three hours just talking to us after the show and that always stuck with me, its really part of the reason I actually wrote that first article. Flash forward to February 12th, 2016 with Duda playing bass for "Hookers and Blow" with the same energy and precision that a bass player must have. How hard would it be to play in W.A.S.P. for <i>Blackie Lawless</i>, the man is a legend but I can tell you emphatically the reason he plays for Lawless and "Hookers and Blow" is because he is incredibly gifted. The man moved the entire night and he never missed a beat, once again Duda proved how skilled he is and judging by how long he spent talking to fans after the show proves how much he values his fans.<br />
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What if I were to tell you that Guns N' Roses had a guy performing with them since 1990 that played piano and keyboards? Would you point out the seeming lack of keyboards / piano on songs like "<u>Welcome To The Jungle</u>" and "<u>Sweet Child of Mine</u>?" What if I pointed out that with the release of "<u>Use Your Illusion I and II</u>" had heavy use of keyboards on songs like "<u>Civil War</u>," "<u>Live and Let Die</u>," "<u>Yesterdays</u>" and "<u>November Rain</u>" and I told you that Dizzy Reed was the guy that performed those keyboard parts? Well I wouldn't be lying because Reed did indeed perform on most of those songs and in the auspices of "Hookers and Blow" Reed plays keyboards and sings lead vocals. Reed really shows why he has the resume' he does. I was excited to hear Reed perform and the guy did not disappoint. Vocally he fits so well within the songs they performed which were a mishmash of songs across the board, the guy really has a gift, he was a what I really want every lead vocalist be: energetic, funny, skilled and loving his fans.<br />
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The venue that is Tailgaters in Bolingbrook, Illinois is a fascinating place, I have visited there once before to see Lita Ford and the staff is top-notch as is the entire venue itself. It's a great place to see and hear live music so when the opportunity arose to see "Hookers and Blow" came up we jumped on it. I was transfixed wanting to see what kind of product they would give us and wasn't disappointed. This band is one of the reasons I tell readers so often to support live music because unless you do the opportunity to see a band the caliber of "Hookers and Blow" doesn't happen unless you make the effort to go out and spend the time. Supporting local music doesn't only mean supporting local bands but local venues as well because without an establishment like Tailgaters you don't see a band like this. <br />
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Earlier I talked about "tweeners," groupies, consumption of a variety of pharmaceuticals and the exploits of some music acts I also talked about the contributions those performers can have in regards to that of an established band. In the grandiose, flowery terms I described the crux of the matter is that I heard about a performance of a band called "Hookers and Blow" and knowing the caliber of the members of the band it was an immediate no-brainer. As this band wanders about this country it behooves you to take that same no-brainer approach and go see them live. When you do see them, make sure you take the approach to have fun, support local venues and sit down and enjoy one of the best bands that are out there. I promise you the next time I get the chance to see them I will be there.<br />
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What an absolute treat! Great job guys!!!James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3829177149161483392.post-92230236612651388172016-03-28T21:56:00.002-05:002016-03-28T21:56:34.768-05:00Elle Carpenter - Complex SimplicityFrom time to time we all experience little "perks" in our lives, the extra cheese on a pizza without asking, being given a warning instead of a speeding ticket despite our guilt, even the thank you from a stranger for holding a door. We all have those perks but in my little world usually those come along the lines of music. Its a strange world music isn't it? More often or not we hear faceless musicians playing our favorite songs in a heavy rotation on satellite and regular old radio but the perks are a little more rare in those terms. Huh?<br />
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For as long as I have been writing this blog I have had everyone tell me about bands that they like and that they think I would like, and with very, very minuscule exceptions every band people have told me about have been incredible! I have friends from every walk of life that give me the heads-up about some bands that have become staples in my listening experience. The perks I mentioned earlier often come from the musicians I have met and their recommendations come from the artists that they get to hear or know on another level.<br />
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It goes without saying that I listen to an exceptionally eclectic music catalog, in fact if one were to look at my iPod briefly they would hear the likes of <i>Slayer</i> and then <i>Tony Bennett</i> and even <i>David + David</i> so I love it when these artists have that a similar taste because those little nuggets can pay off in spades. I was introduced by a drummer friend of mine to an artist named <i>Elle Carpenter</i> and I have to admit when I got the recommendation I was pretty excited. The reason for my excitement was based on the description of an artist that was in the genre of "<b><u>Americana</u></b>."<br />
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"<i>Americana</i>" elicits images of baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet but it also makes me think of <i>Woody Guthrie</i>, Fourth of July parades and folk music. As I ventured into the world of "<i>Americana</i>" I was thinking of <i>Woodstock</i>, heck hippies, smelly hippies and I thought of all of those performers that took the stage along with <i>Arlo Guthrie </i>(he is the son of <i>Woody Guthrie</i>). Bands like <i>The Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival</i> and even <i>Sha Na Na</i> performed there along with Guthrie, <i>Ravi Shankar</i>, and <i>Joan Baez</i>. Along with Baez and Guthrie stood the foundations of the '60's folk music so the line where <i>"Americana"</i> and <i>Woodstock</i> is blurred. That really is the acid test when it comes to the moniker of "<i>Americana</i>" in the terms of music isn't it? Certainly it becomes more relative in the eyes of those that perform in the "folk" sense of music, but does Carpenter's music fit that shoe?<br />
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It's probable but to a minute sense I think if I'm being honest. Carpenter has a voice that is indicative to that sense of Baez and to an extent <i>Janis Joplin</i> but her voice is unique. That is a better way to put it, its unique, very melodic and soulful. Her voice is the kind that eases into your very appreciative ear. It's calming and almost hypnotic and much like Baez her words have that intelligence that is gripping.<br />
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Unlike music I have written about in the past, <i>Pomplamoose</i> is the exception, Carpenter's music doesn't have squealing guitar and pounding bass, it has an easy tone that grips your ear. When I started writing this article I really didn't have any of her work to listen to so I went my old favorite YouTube and I made a playlist of nine of her songs and I just let it play. I listened to her over and over and it was striking how beautiful and soothing her vocals, her tone really is. There is a certain level of intelligence and beauty in her music. <br />
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For an example I look no further than the song "<u><i>The Future of America</i></u>," its haunting just her and the acoustic guitar but without the power of an electric guitar screaming, screaming in your ear she hits you square between the eyes with the opening line "<i>If you don't care about the future of America then I have nothing more to say to you</i>." As we near the Presidential election that really makes you think because regardless of our individual political fronts that line resonates across the board. Think about that line for a moment, I could ask a thousand people and they would agree with it and yet the song is powerful while refined, I love that song.<br />
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There are many songs in this world that I will argue with you should never be remade by ANYONE because they are simply perfect in their original form and yet they become like regurgitated pap on television talent shows. I scream constantly at the judges and competitors that find it necessary to butcher songs and for the vast majority of the catalog of one of the greatest bands of all-time, <i>The Eagles</i> I hold it in that regard. On that playlist I mentioned earlier Carpenter has a version of one of the greatest Eagles songs, "<i><u>Best Of My Love</u></i>" and I was worried as the song began. To be fair I never thought that it would be a <i>William Hung</i> version of the song but I approached with immediate distrust. That was quite dumb because her version is both respectful and incredible. The vocals of Carpenter on that song are exquisite coupled with the simple beauty of the song it has achieved a status that few ever will or can. Brilliant!<br />
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While I was describing "<i>Americana</i>" earlier I mentioned a variety of bands that seemingly fit the bill and for me the song "<u><i>Teach Your Children</i></u>" is as close to that description as possible. The song was written by the incomparable <i>Graham Nash</i> and recorded by his band <i>Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young </i>and released in 1970 on their album "<u><i>Déjà Vu</i></u>." That song made it to #16 on the <u>Billboard Hot 100</u> and is really one of the iconic songs of the '70's, one of my favorites and as Carpenter croons her version it too has entered that classification.<br />
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I really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and as I travel about the world of music it goes without question that its populated with those folks. I tend to gravitate toward drummers and bass players, I have no idea why but I digress, and I have had some of the greatest recommendations about music from them. The friend of mine that recommended Elle Carpenter is a drummer and I trust his recommendations emphatically. He told me that she was a great performer and a heck of a musician, he was spot on.<br />
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I made comparisons early on to "<i>Americana</i>" and the impact <i>Woodstock </i>and the artists that performed there had on that subject but Carpenter is far too deep to be just chucked into the mix of those bands. Each of those bands and performers I mentioned earlier are iconic and I would be lying if I didn't say that but through the history of that period, Carpenter has added another layer of depth to the definition. Remiss would be the term I would use to describe myself if I were to just put her in that jumble of artists because Elle Carpenter shows her influences, polishes them and presents them in a refined manner that many of the acts that preceded her ever could.<br />
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The '60's and '70's were full of acts that were just winging it because they were the pioneers of those decades but Carpenter takes the reins and doesn't look back. Several times I have called Carpenter brilliant in this article and its a fair assessment because much like Michelangelo single words are used to describe the work of a true master. Elle Carpenter is far more complex than just one word but it is easy to find the necessity to use just one: brilliant. I would highly recommend that you find Elle Carpenter on YouTube and assimilate yourself into the complex simplicity that is her work. If you see a CD, buy it. If she is performing nearby, attend. I think that Elle Carpenter is that kind of artist, simply brilliant. James Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504527072774070276noreply@blogger.com0