Latest Posts Page

Sierra Hull Live at the Rams Head

Annapolis Maryland 02-03-2016

Photos and Words by Stuart Dahne

Let me start off by saying that in all my times of seeing and hearing Sierra Hull perform with many different musicians I have to say that this performance blew me away!

Sierra’s tour revolving around her latest release; Weighted Mind on Rounder Records is an entirely new shift in the style of her music. It amazes me that at the ripe old age of 24 you can not only have a successful career but you can also have a major change in your entire style of music!

It was great to see that Sierra was performing again with Justin Moses who absolutely enriches the sound of Sierra’s performance and I would like to be so bold as to believe that Justin would enrich the sound of whomever he was performing with! Justin’s musical talent and ability to play so many different instruments just keeps me on the edge of my seat!

Now let’s talk about “the new kid on the block”! It was funny that the morning before this show I was on the internet, I was on the FaceBook to be exact when I came across a post that read; “Your Band is Only as Good as Your Bass Player” and I thought, hmmmm… that could go either way! Well let’s just say that when Sierra chose Ethan Jodziewicz there was only one way this could go! With Ethan’s amazing talent and his truly tasteful choices He was such a welcomed addition to the band. I guess that it should be no surprise when you realize that he was recommended by the infamous Edgar Meyer!!!

With all of this amazing support you then realize that Sierra’s own playing is continuing to rise to that next level and her voice is more beautiful than ever. The one other thing to witness that is so nice is to watch how much fun they are having on stage!

If you have the opportunity to see one of Sierra’s shows in the near future I highly recommend it!!!! If not, consider seeing her in May at Delfest where she is listed on the schedule as “Sierra Hull (Artist at Large)! When I asked Sierra what that meant she said, “that means that I will be playing my sets with Ethan & Justin and when I am not playing with them I will be sitting in with everyone else!” So come on out to DelFest and join in on the fun!

Grace Potter at the Saenger, Mobile, AL

Grace Potter at the Saenger

Mobile, AL January 28, 2016

Images by Beth Childs

HUKA Entertainment & 92 ZEW presented Grace Potter plus Eliza Hardy Jones to Mobile, Al and it was a HIT! The show was packed, the music was Hot, and the fans ate it up and wanted more. Mobile continues to bring great music to our local music venues and make sure you do not miss the next great act or upcoming bands that come through our port city! Keep up the great work local radio, local music venues, and theaters.

[From Al.com, Lawrence Specker] Potter broke through to national notice with the 2010 album “Grace Potter & The Nocturnals,” with Rolling Stone picking the group as one of seven new bands of the year on the strength of its soulful rock. The group appeared at the Hangout Music Fest in 2010 and 2011 and performed at BayFest in 2012. The Nocturnals followed with another Top 20 album, “The Lion the Beast the Beat,” in 2012.

In August, Potter released a solo album titled “Midnight.” An NPR reviewer described it as a fun, pop-oriented collection of songs, saying that Potter “remains her aggressive, earthy self while getting playful in new ways. With its songs about sex and dancing, self-confidence and risk, ‘Midnight’ is a mid-career turn for Potter that proves genuinely freeing.”

Umphrey’s McGee/Tauk Winter Tour 2016

Kick off their joint tour at The Orpheum Theater – Madison, Wisconsin, and then Wings Event Center – Kalamazoo, Michigan. ©Phierce Photo

Jam Cruise 14 Full Photo Gallery

Jam Cruise 14 Photo Gallery

Jan 6-11, 2015

©Phierce Photo, Keith Griner

« ‹ of 13 › »

Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Park City Live

Review and Photography by Phil Santala

Full photo album can be found HERE

Fresh of their New Year’s run at Cervantes in Denver, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood breezed into town. The chilly Park City air greeted patrons who stood patiently outside the sold out venue. Park City Live welcomed them all in, with cold beers and whiskey drinks ready for one and all. Utah provides on thing in spades, an appreciative crowd. Drink tabs piled up as cheers erupted from the crowd. Locals and ski vacationers alike were clearly ready to get down.

The band too provided a high level of enthusiasm. Bassist Mark Dutton and drummer Tony Leone could often be seen sharing a look, and a laugh, from the back of the stage. From the candid joyous moments of the deep end to the subtle smirks on Neal Casal face as the night moved on, it was clear these guys all enjoy their day jobs.

The band’s support join in the good times by passing out shirts to me and women deemed to have been boogieing down hard enough. The casual shirt toss has been done before, but this was far different…roadies picked out individual concert goers and handed them CRB shirts from the stage. Pretty awesome stuff.

The band infused the crowd with a syrup mixture of jams blended in and out of both originals and covers to keep everyone moving.. Like moonshine made from magic mushrooms (shroomshine?) it infected and awakened the senses. Covers like “Never Been to Spain” and “After Midnight” are presented in a CRB-ed manner. The result is pure psychedelic rock. Their original ballads blend seamlessly into the set with the covers when presented like this.
The crowd may have entered cold and breathless from the chilly night air, but they left sweaty and breathless from the big joyous sounds. Chris Robinson Brotherhood might come onto the stage dressed like could be pulling plants and stilling shine in Northern California (or southern Georgia), but they jam like the 20 plus year experienced road dogs that they are.

Rebelution @ The Moon Venue

Tallahassee, Fl

1/7/16

Words and photos by: Robbey Pye

Rebelution, a modern popular Reggae rock band, came in with a boom this start of the new year in Tallahassee at The Moon. Theystormed out to a star wars tune played by the sound guy. The Moon venue hass a nice atmosphere with a spacey vibe and good lighting on stage. Rebelution played a solid set with five songs from their new album “Count Me In” and a bunch of other older classics, like “Green to Black,” “Feeling Alright”->”Attention Span”. The lead singer, Eric Rachemy, is very energetic and sometimes shows some pretty entertaining expressions. There was a lot of passion coming from them on stage, and the audience seemed to enjoy it even more. The Moon and Rebelution did a fantastic job giving Tallahasse a solid performance.

Setlist below that I got from the band.

SKY IS THE LIMIT, GOOD VIBES->BUMP, MORE THAN EVER, GREEN TO BLACK->FROM THE WINDOW ->LAZY AFTERNOON ->MEANT TO BE, BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE->DE-STRESS->OUTTA CONTROL, FADE AWAY->FEELING ALRIGHT, ATTENTION SPAN, INHALE EXHALE, SO HIGH, COMFORT ZONE, MORE LOVE, OTHER SIDE, COUNT ME IN,

(encore) LOST IN DREAMS, SAFE AND SOUND->ROOTS REGGAE MUSIC

Lettuce, Future Rock, Break Science & Turbo Suit NYE

Riviera Theater – Chicago, Illinois – ©Phierce Photo – Dec. 31, 2015

All of these bands came to the Riviera Theater in Chicago to ring in the New Year 2016. Keith Griner of Phierce Photo was on hand to capture the great moments of the performances.

Mobile, Music, and the Holidays 2015

Written by: Clayton Roberts and Rosemary A.W. Roberts

We do not always get what we want in life, but during the Holidays in Mobile, AL you can count on Chris Spies delivering another installment of Mobile’s Dead at Thanksgiving, and John Milham bringing the Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas to town in December. Well, this year was right on cue.

Thanksgiving brought Chris Spies and Mobile’s Dead downtown, but this year with a twist. Not only was the all star band going to perform Grateful Dead tunes, especially meaningful with the 50^th anniversary celebration of the Grateful Dead taking place this year; but they also went the extra mile, bringing out a true Thanksgiving tradition and covering some of The Band’s Last Waltz tunes. The lineup consisted of Chris Spies, Albert Simpson, Ben Jernigan, Donna Hall (Wet Willie), Aron Wilkinson (Honey Island Swamp Band), Kevin Scott, and Greg DeLuca. The event was held once again at The Brickyard and the event was stellar. The Southern Rambler‘s Michelle Stancil has shared some great photos of the event for us.

When December rolls around, chills are in the air for the Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas that John Milham has made an annual tradition. For this seventh annual concert, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the beloved animated classic, The Joe Cool Trio with John Milham (drums), Chris Spies (piano) and Chris Severin (bass) performed Vince Guaraldi’s Soundtrack “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Follow-up sets would include Mobile’s own The Hall Family Christmas (featuring Jimmy & Donna Hall from Wet Willie). Plus, special guests Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet player and vocalist for the Trey Anastasio Band) and Christopher Spies Jr. (sax) would join the soiree, performing their favorite Christmas tunes.

The show was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Many people truly don’t understand the incredible talent pool that Mobile, AL has to offer to the music and arts of the world. Catt Sirten stated this so eloquently when presenting the acts as they rolled across the stage, thanking local baseball professional pitcher Jake Peavy (San Francisco Giants) for supporting the concert, and AL.com journalist Lawrence Specker for helping raise awareness of Mobile’s shining stars. The Joe Cool Trio could play any stage as the words that come to mind are ‘true professionals on their instruments’. Chris Severin laid down some thick heavy vibes on his upright bass; John Milham never ceases to amaze with his laidback yet so-precise drumming; and Chris Spies can rock any keys, but sounded absolutely beautiful stretching out melodies on the grand piano.

Jennifer Hartswick blows that horn like no tomorrow, and during the second set her voice echoed throughout the Saenger Theatre bringing sultry beauty to “White Christmas” and “Merry Christmas, Baby”. Meanwhile Christopher Spies Jr. continues to flourish on sax: musical genes run strong in the Spies family! Always a pleasure to see them play; and THEN (speaking of strong musical genes) the Hall Family Christmas program followed. If you are from Mobile, as Catt stated, you are either in the family by Blood or Love. Jimmy Hall is so amazing and yes, he and his family played some Wet Willie tunes, including “Country Side of Life” and “Keep on Smiling”. Plus, they treated us to many great Christmas gospels and favorites. Jimmy’s voice was angelic for “O Holy Night”, and he and his sisters Donna Hall, Cindy Hall McQuillen, and Susie Hall Hewitt brought extra helpings of soul for “Go Tell It On the Mountain” and “Silent Night”. With children and grandchildren joining with instruments and voices, it really was a family celebration, and the audience certainly left the Saenger feeling very merry and bright!

Dear Mobile: always remember what we have right here in our own backyard to offer our ears and senses in regards to some of the finest music in the world. Be grateful for our top-notch homegrown music, and support live musical performances every chance you get! See you next year!!

Anders Osborne’s Holiday Spectacular

Anders Osborne’s 4th Holiday Spectacular – Dec.18-19, 2015

Review and Photos By: Beth Childs

Anders Osborne played host to an all star cast with 2 sold out shows at Tipitinas for his 4th annual Holiday Spectacular in his hometown of New Orleans. Friday night he was joined on stage by Blues Traveler front man and harmonica master John Popper and fellow Southern Soul Assembly member JJ Grey. The show included originals by each artist with clever cover choices thrown into the pot. Osborne opened the show off with original tunes “Old Country” and “ Back Together”. “Five Bullets”, a song about gun violence in New Orleans, was a stand out in set one. Popper played his wildly popular 90’s hits “Hook” and “Run Around”. He also joined Osborne on “Coming Down” a rich, poignant song about overcoming the struggles of addiction. JJ Grey expressed his admiration for Osborne saying “This guy is like Santa Claus to me. He just gives and gives and gives. He brightens up the world.” Grey played crowd favorites “99 Shades of Crazy” and “Brighter Days”. He also led the crowd into a sing along of Osborne’s funky reggae original “Marmalade”. Grateful Dead song “Going Down The Road Feelin’ Bad” was also stirred into the mix and a saucy rendition of Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” closed the show.

Saturday night Osborne welcomed guitar guru, Jackie Greene and mandolin bluegrass pioneer, Sam Bush. Osborne opened the show with “Echoes of my Sins” and “Back to Mississippi”, both of which showcase his ﬂavorful and innovative guitar style. Bush added texture to “Lafayette” with a crisp mandolin solo. Greene rocked Spread-Heads into a full on hippie shufﬂe with his soulful cover of JJ Cale’s “Traveling Light”. A nod was given to the late great Allen Toussaint with “Get Out my life my Woman” (a personal favorite). Osborne kicked the 2nd set into to high gear with his rocking classic ”Charlie Parker”. Sam Bush brought the heat with “Same Ole Blues”. Kirk Joseph and Kevin Harris of Dirty Dozen Brass Band joined the stage adding even more ﬂavor to Osborne’s sticky roux. All the while some of New Orleans’ tastiest musicians kept the show at a steady rockin’ rollin’ boil (i.e. Carl Dufrene Jr– Bass; John Fohl– guitar; John “Papa” Gros– Piano/Keys, Chad Cromwell– drums). Needless to say, Anders Osborne and friends served up a smokin’ hot helping of some mighty ﬁne music gumbo leaving his audience nothing short of satisﬁed.

Friday 12/18/15 – Set One: Old Country, Back Together, Back On Dumaine > Hook, Big Talk, Five Bullets, Every Minute, 99 Shades of Crazy // – Set Two: Born To Die Together, Coming Down, Had My Reasons, Carolina Blues, Brighter Days, Marmalade, Burning on the Inside, Run Around, Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad // Encore: Mannish Boy

Saturday 12/19/15 – Set One: Echoes of My Sins, Back To Mississippi, Lafayette, Speak of the Devil, Aim Way High, Traveling Light, Light Up Your Window, Get Out of My Life Woman // – Set Two: On the Road to Charlie Parker, Dyin’ Days > Down By the River, Gone Wanderin, Scarlet Begonias, Windows, I Got Da Same O’ Blues, Fools Gold, Time To Be A Hippie // Encore: On Your Way Down

Earth Night V at the Tabernacle

Papadosio , Tauk, & Thundercat – Tabernacle – Atlanta, Georgia – © Phierce Photo – Dec 19th, 2015 ‪#‎phiercephoto ‪#‎earthnight

Papadosio Setlist – Glimpse, We Can Always, Monochrome > Advocate of Change, Cue > Out of hiding, planting the seeds, 2AM, Therian, Snorkle (with Dan Cox) Encore- Gazing the Great, Moon Entendre

Tauk Setlist – Fraction, Darkwing, Realize, Shenanigans, Flashback, Eleanor Rigby, Mindshift.