Category Archives: SHOW “G”-Views

This year Henry Rollins turned 50 years old and to celebrate he set up some stops around the world to share some thoughts. The show was filled with the type of open minded stories and ideas that were very well received here in Madison. Mr. Rollins has some history here in Madison, which clearly makes his time spent here very special to him. He spoke for about two and a half hours with no break, no water……just pure anger with a purpose. He makes many in the audience contemplate, chuckle and even cringe at times with his tales of other lands. The “Who” he has met doesn’t matter as much as the situations that often present themselves to him as he travels. From times during Black Flag’s shows in the bottom of New York City’s underground scene to his time in Nelson Mandela’s personal mail collection, the show has twists and turns that were surprising, yet almost always seems to concluded with connection. I believe that Mr. Rollins truly gets the idea that we are ALL in this together and why the hell are some of us so blind to that fact. This is one show to catch, if it comes to a place near you. Your open mind will appreciate your efforts.

On my way back to the capitol, stopped by the Overture Center to check out what was happening during the 30th Anniversary of the international Festival. There were foods and wares and goods from many nations and of course there was cultural enrichment via the arts. Took in some swinging reels and jigs with Last Gaspé, a little smooth guitar sounds from Cuba by Sergio, and the Madison Chinese Cultural Association brought out colorful dances, costumes and music steeped in the ancient traditions of the Chinese culture. Certainly the time spent here was enjoyable and a pleasant distraction from the true reason for being downtown, the crowd in and out of the Overture to be a part of this spectacular festival was strong and steady.

The High Noon Saloon has been home to many interesting shows for me personally since becoming a Madisonian, but I was truly curious as to what the Portland Cello Project would do to me as they prepared to have seven cellos spilling over onto the stage on this first Friday night in March. Opening artist and touring partner, Laura Gibson was such a treat for me with her vocals and arrangements together as unique as the moments shared together in a live music setting. Her touch to the words and sound altering microphone work gave me shivers at times and goosebumps at others. She had one and then two of the members of the Cello Project accompany her on a few tunes and then the night switched. The Portland Cello Project is a sight to behold and behear. I was blown away at the sound togetherness brings to songs that our ears are often trained to hear a certain way. From the Star Trek Theme to Rhianna, the Muppet Show Theme to Pantera, there were original Diva pieces in foreign tongue to a classic Duke Ellington standard. The lush plush nature of the instrument at times turned into a thumping terror and dance party leader. For me, when Laura Gibson came back out and did a rendition of the Leadbelly song, “In the Pines”, my night was solidified as a complete surprise and the joy of felling like I was part of something that was more memorable than I could have thought, reminds me why I support the scene.

….is so downright filled with meaning and sass that I don’t quite know how to describe it. Miss Meaghan Owens is a delight as a person and a treat as a story teller and stage presence. Don’t let her “cute’ fool ya either. She can sing you a song that’ll make you blush but the next one can make you want to watch your back on the way out and all the way home. This night she was playing at a local spot and while people enjoyed the dining experience, many made sure to wave goodbye and share a wink or a smile with Meaghan. She is a memorable singer/songwriter and I wouldn’t just take it from me, check her out and she when/if you’ll have a chance to catch up with her next.

photo: Sweet William Images

The great hall of the Memorial Union here on the campus of the University of Wisconsin Madison has many faces on tonight. As the music began it was Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole causing a whole lotta happiness, dancing happiness from the first note all the way through. Playing songs that obviously had much meaning to the band, which carried right over to the crowd filling the hall. Ced went from fiddle to accordion and Lance Boston’s clarinet found a home right on the tips of my inner ear that I swear was the tickle of the band that I felt was personal to me. I would always make sure I’d see a show where this band, in any form was a part of the scene. A good time is sure to follow! Speaking of, right after Cedric and Bijou Creole, we were treated to the unique stylings of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. As Steve mentioned in our recent conversation on the show, this album “GRAND ISLE”, is a pot filled with “Survivor Joy” and gets much of it’s meaning and backbone from the Cajun people and their strong will through many struggles and such devastating atrocities. Both Steve and co-leader, David Greely take that energy while playing the new tunes but sure seem to add that “truth” to the tracks they played that came along before some of the more recent events in memory. A Madison crowd certainly takes to that real feel and the dancing was continued to be driven with smiles at the wheel. What a perfect billing of two incredible acts that share so much tradition being kept alive by the very people who reflect the sounds that continue to come from the souls of the Cajun people. From solo ballads to swamp pop blasts and funkified two-steps, this night had it all.

The feeling was easy to let you get away, as the Wailers were in town to bring their mighty soul and sound into Madison on a night where temperatures were hovering at 0 degrees all night long. The Majestic Theater was almost filled with an all ages Reggae fest that closed up with the HIGHlite of the night, the band that “Legends” were made from. Opening the night was, Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds and Duane Stephenson. I caught a couple of tunes by Duane Stephenson which carried the roots/dancehall rhythms with it wrapped tightly in a positive vibe and a beautiful voice. The Wailers came on with the beautiful “Coming in from the Cold” off up UPRISING, which was the album they decided to sample throughout the night here in Madtown. The sound immediately took over the crowd with an ebb and flow that must have carried itself out onto the streets downtown, as a really interesting “I Shot the Sheriff” weaved its way past the renditions we all were accustomed to and led us off the path to familiarity where only live music can. As the show went on, the band took on a taste of the favorites with many tracks off of LEGEND, which had the crowd voice tested several times as they sang along as if they too were in the studio feeling the song for the first time. Aston Barrett’s bass thumps stretched out over the room as a center point to the groups legacy, and I for one was glad my ears got another chance at grabbing at that sound in a setting other than an outside large music festival setting. The sound of his bass was like a handshake between friends. This event was well attended by ages groups that covered a wide range, and here in Madison…..I think we like it that way.

The treat during winter time is when artists come on into Madison and warm the place up. That is exactly what the uncanny charm of Keller Williams seemed to do tonight as he brought his guitar goodness to the Majestic. He has his stage set up for antics and “in the moment”-ness, but it’s the sound and crowd involvement that really sets the show apart. He quickly got the “MADISON” portion of his show nailed down, including the city in many of his tunes. His bass loops gave the show it’s heartbeat that danced on into the night. It is always a festival feel when Keller gets it going. The environment was filled with happy-go-lucky listeners and groovers that stayed with him in the moment. As some Dead came off his strings, you just had to poke around a few steps away for the heart of the crowd. As usual, Keller put forth many covers done in a way only a loop-star can pull off and there were plenty of KW originals in the mix to keep the crowd on their improvisational toes. Whenever I see Keller Williams live, the one thing I can always appreciate is the “expect the unexpected” and that is exactly just what I believe live music is mostly about.

A dream line up for my ears. I have been a fan of Forro in the Dark for many years now, interviewing friend of the program, Mauro Refosco on a couple of occasions~most recently this past show on greenarrowradio. Forro opened up the evening with a blend of tradition and danceable party music that had bodies moving instantaneously and this Halloween audience was ready to party. The humble nature of this band settled in nicely with the folks in Madison at the Overture Center, who must have walked away from Forro in the Dark thinking of inviting them back into their community anytime. Next was Gogol Bordello, who was a perfect treat on a night of tricks. The energy dripped off onto the crowd, raucous rowdy organized chaos ensued with heavy rock and hearty rolls that there was no where to go but up up up. The messages rang loud and clear and to people who were listening. I’d have to say that the world of music is a better place for having Gogol Bordello around doing it as they do. Its mayhem that makes pure sense. If the chance arises, theses are acts not to be missed.

Stopped through at Library Mall (yes, the same place President Obama was less than a week earlier)for the 40th annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival for a little bit and caught some tunes, but mostly caught on to some good vibes from people who are working on a cause. Whether it is a cause you personally believe in or not, the times surrounding this festival are certainly peaceful high times. I had a chance to listen to some speakers discuss why medical marijuana is still needed to be taken more seriously, and others about how we could balance the budget with some swift smart moves based around this free growing source. Caught some of Nama Rupa‘s happy time good vibe music and the day was picture perfect to just lay down and look up.

The 2010 Madison World Music Festival once again had a brilliant line-up that kept the innovative movers and shakers around here very happy. The smell of foods and incense filled air coupled with mini-parades and street acts made the intermission times as easy to celebrate as the acts I went out to catch this year. I was pleased to catch two separate performances by Cimarrón. They are the most accomplished llanera group in Colombia. A seven piece led by harpist and composer Carlos Rojas, they have been working for over twenty years and have performed the world over. These musicians are immersed in the sounds of ‘los llanos’; they seek to explore and experiment with their rich heritage whilst retaining the essence of the tradition. And it really had a feel to it that was unearthly at times, too rich and true to be of here. Then, called the “Nightingale of the North”, Khaira Arby from Mali brought her rockin’ band here for some business. Her beautiful voice cements the sound of a tight, jammin’ of traditional Malian bluesy riffs (more like Vieux Farka Toure than his Father Ali), combined with a colorful modernization makes her stop her very pleasing to me. I would have to say, look on her calendar and see when\/where you might get the chance to be a witness. Her new album “TIMBUKTU TARAB” will lead you there, but it’s the live sound that really clears things up. She’s got it! The final act for me on such a night (with the local brews flowing like the Mississippi River), I was psyched to get my dose of the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars….there was the kitchen sink for me. Filled to the rim with danceable afro-rock sounds with a message of oneness and rebel spirit….I immediately felt that connection I search for with music. Their groove is my groove and I share their celebration of culture with a breath of unity, and the sound of their music….the roots, the stems, the seeds……the whole plant and the soil is where the Sierra Leone Refugee All Star’s sound comes from, it creates.

In my days as a radio show host, I have met up with many interesting people and shared many interesting tales. On a night like this I was able to share words with another legend, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. We shared stories of life together (I did a lot of listening), we caught the opening act together after sneaking around the underworld of the Stoughton Opera House from the backstage to the front room, and we made a “Cowboy” like connection. Hanging out in a stairwell telling stories has never been such a good time as it was with Jack, he is captivating beyond believe and genuine and sincere as a gentleman could be. Oh, and he ended up ditching me to go on stage and play a show that was much like the stairwell, opening the cover of the old book to add some new pages into it. His arrangements of other’s tunes has you in the prairie at times, riding a stallion at others but most of all, you, like me……could feel as if you were side by side with Jack living it for the first time together. Opening the show was friend of the proGram, Miss Meaghan Owens. Meaghan is a sweet songwriter with a Nashville appeal that captivated this night’s audience and is sure to make more splashes down the road with her beauty on stage as a person, her witty stylings and songs that ring true and remain in your mind after the show has ended. Oh yes, this was a good night.

all images by SWEET WILLIAM images.

Well, let me first thank the fine people at Rhymesayers Entertainment for bringing the Minneapolis feel of hip hop/rhythm & Blues and some damn heavy soulfulness to Madison. We sold out the Orpheum with a sea of ready for action fans of the heavy hitting group Atmosphere. This was the first night of their “To all my Friends” tour and it was easy to see how electric the crowd made the band feel and come to life as the building became one united front conquering rhyme, rhythm and beats together. One of the most accomplished MC/producer duos Slug & Ant certainly are the blood within the touring bands heart but man, the heart itself on stage is a sick combination that brings some sweet sounding old soul and R -n- B to the front while being painted with deeply thought out, story boarding lyrics that are at times heavy on the mind and other times catchy to the vocal cords….many chances for a great crowd like we had in Madison to be in the driver seat along with Atmosphere. The extra heart pieces on the tour front are: Mankwe Ndosi on Vocals and Spirit, Nate Collis on guitar & Erick Anderson on keys. Surely a show to catch if you get a chance, as is any artist associated with this Minneapolis independent entertainment group known as Rhymesayers.

Big Thanks to J Web for all she does!!

I have been spinning Oliver Wood’s music for so many years now…from King Johnson to the Wood Brothers, this soulful sound has accompanied my sets as focal points and finally I got the chance to see the Wood Brothers and say an overdue face to face hello to Oliver. We got dashes from sounds off the new album (out soon) and many of the classic Wood Brothers tunes (Atlas, Chocolate on my Tongue) that make me lick my lips in a savory satisfaction. The crowd was deep, sweaty and into the steady rockin’ smooth groove of this trio had in store for us on that particular Madison evening by the lakeside. We had many the opportunity to get our deep moves on but the key to the success of these guys to my ears is what they do does to my soul. I feel the music and I truly feel like I am sitting on a bus stop bench waiting with some of the words that are put to the music that has me captured. This is a band that the music really moves me.

Well, it was a joy to be able to hang out with an old friend Marcus James Henderson (Keys/Flute/Sax/Vocals) as Marshall Tucker invaded the Ho-Chunk Casino with opening act The Georgia Satellites. The set for MTB was filled with exactly what one would expect…except for those on stage as they never no what frontman and the true original member of the band, Doug Gray is going to call out from song to song. And with over 39 years of making music there is a whole lot to choose from. It is a show still worth getting involved in as these fellas sure know how to get the crowd frenzied into a Southern Rock mentality and the jams are still as fresh and filling as ever. With their true soundman taking care of some personal things back home, the boys took care of business…just as you’d expect the Marshall Tucker Band to do, and they will do it for you the next time they are in town.

Day 2

It was easy to see why so many people are paying attention to Ontario’s Great Lake Swimmers, the songwriting and expression are easily shared with the band and the audience, just like at the Marquette festival. A shower of rain was fitting as was the moment when the sun peeked out to stay at the wail of the vocals calling it to……This is a band that tells a story, with its storytelling.

Great Lake Swimmers at the Marquette Waterfront Fest 6/13

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The Tony Allen Band at the Marquette Waterfront Festival 6/13

Now this is what it is all about for me. I felt the moment the drums were struck that I was back home…wherever that truly is. Tony Allen and his band made the music festivals are all about, but more importantly to me as an individual…it is the music I feel so close to. Afro Beat is, and that’s because of Mr. Tony Allen. It was an honor to hear him and his band smoke it live and it was filled with grooves that make the spot you are in feel so close to home.

DAY 1
Chico Trujillo at the Marquette Waterfront Festival Saturday 6/12

Chile’s Chico Trujillo made themselves known at this festival with music that has a happy grin attached to it. The style and flare of the Chilean culture brought magic to the waterfront with interpretaciones de cumbias tradicionales, lo que dio como mezcla una banda tocando cumbias, boleros y ska….but what did it for me was the way the music made my insides feel while the rest of me shook to the sound. This is a band not to miss at a festival or in a small room. They pack a punch that is filled with happiness.

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Grupo Fantasma at the Marquette Waterfront festival 6/12

After interviewing producer and guitarist Adrian Quesada and going over his resume,( I have been spinning his works in many shapes & forms for years now) I know what I was in for, but could tell not everyone else at the festival was….and man, they were blown away. The weather was warm and the funky Latin orchestra sounds were ten paces to the hott side of that…….While there is definitively some nostalgia to the music, this band is moving/shaking into new territories musically (as one might expect from a band that routinely backs Prince) and while their newest album is just hitting the streets…..this band has been running strong for some 10 years now and is a must see wherever you are, when they come close. I have few words to tell you other than….it’s a must see.

I felt as if I had been thrown back in time just a little, and maybe even displace to a place I long for…..the Marin County scene….ok, I’ll awaken from it now. But Moonalice brought me to a place in space that I always long to go back to, the psychedelic folk rock scene. But when I looked around more clearly, I recognized the perfect venue here for this show, the High Noon Saloon. When I interviewed Roger Mcnamee of the group, I was excited for the sounds I knew I would get live, but it was the innovative ideas of being able to watch the show back (they video the shows and you can be part of the “Music Video”). Along with Roger (bass,guitar & vocals) is Barry Sless–bass, guitar, pedal steel, vocals
/Pete Sears– bass, keyboards, accordion, guitar, vocals
/John Molo–bass and drums/Ann McNamee–bass, keyboards, percussion, vocals
. This is a band devoted to bringing that very scene I missed out on, back into our lives. While the sets were building and the band was transporting people into plains of being only sound can penetrate…I stepped outside and had myself the time so many people wish for, I got to hang with Jerry Garcia’s main man, Mr. Steve Parish. What a truly cool time is was listening to tales being woven and memories being re-lived. Somehow, on this night….it was even better than expected and if Moonalice is near your neck of the woods….I am a believer that they will bring that same sort of experience into your world, if you just let ’em!

Man, did I not believe it when I heard the albums or what? Just like guest to the show and founder of the band David Skogan said in our interview on yesterdays show, the Youngblood Brass Band makes rhythms and brass beat you up and down with dancing feet and free jam sound. There is a mixture here in the live setting that allows the different styles to take off into their own, from the unknown nature of the jazz behind it all to the N’Orleans second line procession march rhythms all the way to the Michael Jackson covers and hip hop rhymes…..this is an act I would go see anytime anywhere. It was no wonder that local boy David and the band had a sold out High Noon Saloon to party with like it was a bunch of friends…and it was.

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound brought it to the Terrace in such a hip soulful way tonight that I left the place not only in a buzz, but hearing a buzz coming from the crowd as we grooved past one another in front of the stage, by the lake and even on the way to the car. Little did I know that good friend, Mr Greenweedz was the nights MC of sorts. His on the spot word rhyming machine that keeps the interludes as fresh as the new sound this band creates. One part James Brown, one part Soul Train and one part Liquid Soul mixes up brings on a true reason to be happy that your soul survives. JC Brooks has the charm and presence that commands your attention, because you WANT to hear what he is sayin’ as he walks you into a song……The horns were tight and the guitar work ripped nasty…but Greenweedz in the moment rhyme attack put a hip hop hug on an already well wrapped musical package. One with a soul’s soul. I was happy to run into my old friend and glad to make more musical friends like JC and the band to encourage new ears to open up for…This is a band that realizes that soul music ain’t only just begun….but its always in it’s beginning stages. They have borrowed something from the great legends and added the right amount of themselves to be worthy of such danceable now times and look back times that’ll last decades. Speaking of making music that lasts…JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound had the pleasure, wait maybe it was our pleasure, of opening up this night for The Heavy.

After having a chance to listen to the new album (self titled and dropping May 25th on Silver Arrow Records) and connect up with Smitty for a phoner, I was pretty sure that I was going to be digging on some live Truth & Salvage CO. in Der Rathskeller and man was I ever hitting that nail on the head. They were to play outside on the Terrace but the weather forced us in…I only wonder what the experience would be like in front of the lake? The bands parts hail from diverse Southern and mid-Western backgrounds, but make up a sound that feels so real and true, like these cats were all brothers that have made these songs grow together as they grew up individually and added their pieces to the sounds and words. They have recently done tours with the Black Crowes (Chris Robinson produced the new album) and the Avett Brothers, this six piece band is lyrically clever and witty, while engaging the listeners into some backyard story telling at times. But the side of the band that caught my ear as the night moved on was the complete rockin’ side. The groups riveting set closer “Pure Mountain Angel” and a healthy rendition of the Band’s “Shape I’m in” still have my ass kicked, the boot mark on my jeans proves it. These guys are booking around playing out in many places, I hope you’ll get a chance to meet up with them and say hello. Maybe some of you will catch them at Bonaroo on June 11th, and they still have a couple of gigs on the schedule left with the Crowes coming up mid summer. Either way, look for Truth & Salvage CO. to be knocking on your I-Pod’s door sometime in the nEAR future with an “ADD ME” sign, and I hope you’ll oblige.