Southern Soul Assembly—Saenger Theatre—Mobile, AL—04/01/2014

Written by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

Photos by: Clayton Roberts

On Tuesday April 1, the stars were shining bright in Mobile from many directions. First, a gorgeous brand-new crescent moon hung in the early evening sky, and stars began twinkling as it grew darker. Secondly, there was a full movie production crew set up in the middle of Joachim Street, directly in front of the historic Saenger Theatre, filming the upcoming movie Vice starring Bruce Willis…and no, that is NOT an April Fool’s joke! But without a doubt, the brightest stars of the evening were to be found on the Saenger stage, with a theatre filled with music lovers surrounding them and hanging on their every note.

HUKA Entertainment gave Mobile, AL reason to head downtown for an intimate evening of Southern Songwriters in the Round, as they presented the Southern Soul Assembly, comprised of songwriting singer/guitarists Marc Broussard, Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), JJ Grey (Mofro), and Anders Osborne. The four accomplished musicians sat comfortably on stage with acoustic guitars in hand, and graciously took turns presenting their songs with the other gentlemen as support. It was almost like being in their living room, hanging out and listening as they told stories and sang songs to make us laugh and cry. The audience was respectful and gave silent attentiveness when needed, but also loudly hooted, hollered, and applauded when the time was right. All of these elements combined to produce a truly magnificent concert experience that instantly became one of my favorites I’ve ever seen.

By the time we made our way inside, escorted by one of the movie production guys, Marc Broussard was finishing a song, and then JJ Grey played “Brighter Days”, as his voice carried deep through the theatre. Next was Anders Osborne, with the poignant and beautiful title track from his album Peace. Luther Dickinson then shared one of the songs off his new album Rock ‘N Roll Blues called “Karmic Debt”, a comforting melody with a story-song about a sailor and his love back home. Marc described his next song as possibly the “most depressing song” he’s ever written. His pristine voice gave honest witness to a time he was “So Far Down”, and Anders played an acoustic lead that quite literally brought me to tears. Luther played an acoustic bass while JJ sang “This River”, a heart-heavy piece that featured the line “Where Did My Soul Go?” Suddenly I was acutely aware that each member of this aptly named ensemble would be baring their Souls for us all evening, raw and exposed, using their gifts as musicians to allow us a glimpse inside of them. Luther Dickinson’s “Mojo, Mojo” featured his gorgeous guitar work supplemented by gentle harmonica from JJ Grey. Marc Broussard’s “Lonely Night In Georgia” and especially “Life Worth Living” were absolute soul-revelations, as was Anders Osborne’s “Boxes, Bills, and Pain”.

There would, however, also be moments of levity and liveliness scattered amongst

the heavier songs, allowing all of our souls a chance to breathe and recover in between. Anders gave us “(My Momma Likes) Marmalade” with a Caribbean vibe, and loaned his Jamaica hoodie to JJ Grey for the song, very fitting for the reggae rapping that JJ skillfully threw down. Luther told us a story about how much he does NOT enjoy lawn maintenance with the laugh-inducing “Yard Man”.  JJ told us an amusing story before launching into “Slow Hot & Sweaty”, and he thrilled this Mobile Alabama crowd when he played his ultra-fun song about partying on the Gulf Coast at the “Flora-Bama”. The locals’ appreciation was also in full effect for Anders’ “Summertime in New Orleans”, an ode to the great city that we consider our sister. And when Luther said it was time to “shake some ass” and they kicked off the North Mississippi Allstars’ classic “Shake”, everyone got on their feet and took the chance to dance. The elated crowd remained standing as the Southern Soul Assembly took their bow and headed offstage, amidst cheering so loud and sincere that an Encore was inevitable. It was especially awesome to hear Marc Broussard tell us that our local radio station 92-WZEW had played this song more than any other station in the world, and they played a grooving acoustic version of “Home”.

I fully expected the Southern Soul Assembly to provide an enjoyable evening; but they far exceeded my expectations! All four of these musicians are filled with such talent and truth, and it is made utterly apparent when they are sharing the stage in this type of intimate atmosphere. They were all having a great time, they each expressed a humble sense of honor to be playing with each other, and they thanked JJ Grey for putting the Assembly together for this special tour. There are a few remaining shows in Louisiana and Texas; then they head to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, and West Virginia before they wrap up in DC. Tour dates can be found here: http://southernsoulassembly.com/

I am so grateful I had the chance to see a concert from this tour, and would certainly recommend catching a show if you can. It’s definitely good for the Soul!

Widespread Panic– Grand Sierra Theatre – Reno, NV– 3/30/2014

Review By: Trevor Bexon

Reno, Nevada is always an interesting city in which to see a Widespread Panic show. Usually thrown into the tour in between bigger California shows, it is often a sleeper show that provides amazing setlists in a laid back casino setting. The previous two 2014 shows were located in Oakland, California at the Fox Theater for a Friday and Saturday night throw down in the Bay area. Before they headed to Santa Barbara on Thursday night, Panic decided to make a stop in the Biggest Little City for their first Sunday night show of the tour. In classic Reno fashion they held their ground when it comes to the saying, “never miss a Sunday show.”

Widespread Panic has a history with the Grand Sierra Resort that is located on its own just out of reach from Downtown Reno, which means fans takeover the hotel/casino for an evening and are centrally located in one building, instead of spread out on a casino “strip.” This year fans had the company of a “fur” convention that was also taking place at the casino over the weekend. For those that don’t know, a fur convention is a gathering of furry-animal-suit-wearing enthusiasts, who create their costumes and come together to share them within their community.

The concert was sold out and many fans were looking for extra tickets pre show. At 8:20, fans who wanted a spot on the rail could still grab it and at 8:30 Widespread Panic walked onto the stage. Reno is the kind of place you can get a great spot with not a lot of work. The first set was energetic but mellow and the energy was built level by level going to setbreak.

The second set provided a dance party atmosphere and kicked things off with “Conrad the Caterpillar”. The “Shut Up and Drive>I Walk on Guilded Splinters” was some of the best Panic out there. “Guilded” provided the place of fan’s dreams and sent the crowd on a funky trail in the dusty town of Reno. Jimmy Herring, John Bell and Dave Schools’ interplay on this song is a craft that is hard to match on stage. JoJo Hermann‘s effects are some of the devil’s finest work when swerving in and out of the guys up front. “Chainsaw City”, “Mercy > All Along the Watchtower > Pigeons” was all top notch and had the crowd moving beautifully in the plentiful dance space of the Grand Sierra Theatre.

Reno may get a lot of smack but the city and its sister, Lake Tahoe, provide an amazing location and vibrations for music to be created and shared. Widespread Panic has honed into the Reno magic and has been for some time now. Where else can you see a Panic show and walk among hundreds of fully dressed furry animal people?

Lotus / Higher Learning–Buckhead Theatre–Atlanta, GA–March 30, 2014

Photography and Review by:

Lucas Armstrong #lukebox17 www.lucasarmstrong.com

Lotus returned to Atlanta Georgia and played the Buckhead Theatre on Saturday March 30, 2014. The venue is in Buckhead, a sort of uptown Atlanta where bars and nightlife take over as the daily commuters return home after work.

Opening the night, a local group called Higher Learning jammed a rockin’ set. Keeping it tight, dark and funky, Higher Learning is a talented group from Atlanta; I suggest checking them out @higherlearningATL and higherlearning.com. They definitely psyched up the crowd and prepped everyone for the almost indescribable sounds of Lotus.

I’ve been watching Lotus live since 2005. The first time I saw them they performed at a small bar called the Main Pub in Manchester CT.(https://archive.org/details/lotus2005-10-04.flac16f ) It was a small show maybe 50-60 people. Lotus performed on the floor while we stood eye level with them. They had their white van and trailer out front and were loading and unloading their own gear. I knew that night they were special, and since then they’ve played shows all over the world selling out shows at venues like Red Rocks in Colorado.

Lotus took the stage and the crowd roared; this sold out show was ready to rock. Opening the evening with a newer song “What Did I Do Wrong?”, they addressed the crowd and jammed a set full of colorful jamtronic melodies that took its fans to outer space and back. First set highlights included “Bubonic” into “Cut Dick” and then “Sid” into “Golden Ghost” into one of the most outrageous versions of “Flower Sermon” I’ve ever experienced. This set ended intense with “Behind Midwest Storefronts”.

The second set was exciting and uplifting, playing songs like “Expired Slang -> Tip of the Tongue” and “Wooly Mammoth”. The great thing about Lotus is you get that live band show with some peppered in electronic style music. If you want a word to genre Lotus by, try Jamtronica. I believe what we have here is truly the future of music. If you’re looking for a unique experience and a great live band rave style situation I suggest getting out and seeing Lotus on their spring tour. Check them out on facebook or at lotusvibes.com These songs have many starts, stops, ups and downs. The fans ate it up as Lotus brought this from a party to a rave. Towards the end of the night Lotus broke out a Deadmau5 song called “Ghosts N’ Stuff” sandwiched between a long version of “Sunrain”. Then encoring with “Umbillical Moonrise” and “Greet the Mind” put an exclamation point at the end of the fabulous musical evening.

Setlist 2014.3.29 Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA

What Did I Do Wrong?, Bubonic Tonic ->, Cut Dick, Sid ->, Golden Ghost ->, Flower Sermon, Behind Midwest Storefronts,

Expired Slang ->, Tip of the Tongue, Wooly Mammoth, 128, IACTMN->, Sunrain ->, Ghosts N’ Stuff* ->, Sunrain

E: Umbillical Moonrise, Greet the Mind

*Deadmau5

Southern Soul Assembly Tour

Taft Theatre–Cincinnati, OH–March 19, 2014

Written by: Zen Wild

Photos by: Tony Vasquez

Gallery Link:  http://jamsplus.smugmug.com/TonyVasquezPhotography/The-Southern-Soul-Assembly/

Southern Soul Assembly is such a fitting name for the current tour featuring songwriters Marc Broussard, Anders Osborne, Luther Dickinson, and JJ Grey.  Every member brings to the table buckets and buckets of soul, all with a bit of southern twang.  When we arrive at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati to watch their performance, there are many others surrounding us who have obviously come to appreciate these things as well.  While the show isn’t sold out, unless some people have simply chosen not to appear, it is very packed, especially near the front of the theatre, where fans have filled the seats closest to the stage in an effort to be as near to the performers as possible.  The sound system carries the voices of the musicians and their instruments throughout the building, but there is no substitute for being right up front, listening to them as they banter back and forth, telling stories, and endearing themselves to the audience with a bit of Southern charm and hospitality.  There is no opening band and there doesn’t need to be. 

From the moment the musicians walk on to the stage, the applause and shouts of appreciation start.  Undoubtedly, some members of the audience have come here being fans of specific performers, without being well-versed in the musical catalogs of some of the other artists; but I’m sure that by the end of the show, everyone was eager to fully delve into each musician’s repertoire.

Marc Broussard starts the rotation off with a song, “Evangeline Rose,” written for his eldest daughter.  It’s a beautifully sweet little tune.  JJ Grey follows him with the song, “Brighter Days,” off his album of the same name.  When he finishes, and people

are showing their appreciation, he mentions how he was the last one to sign on to the tour and how glad he was that he did so.  “Every one of these boys up here can sing,” he says.  It’s about as true as a statement could be.

Anders Osborne’s first song of the night is “Me and Lola,” a melancholy love song, that I personally think is amazing.  His voice, loaded with emotion, sends the lyrics soaring throughout the auditorium.  When Luther Dickinson gets his first turn to showcase his talents, he plays “Karmic Debt,” a song off his album Rock ‘n Roll Blues, and he tears through it, everyone in the audience bearing witness to his particularly nasty ability with the slide.  It’s an incredible talent that he’ll display all evening, often joining in on the other musicians’ songs.

With the rotation established, the artists continue to play songs for the duration of the roughly two-hour set, cutting up and telling jokes and stories in between.  JJ Grey introduces a new song, “Tic Tac Toe,” which he says will probably be on his new record with his band, Mofro.  All of the other musicians on stage join in on this one, with Luther playing the electric bass and Marc and Anders on guitars.  It is the first song that we’ll hear in which everyone on stage is getting in on the action.

Anders Osborne plays “Peace” afterwards, the title track off his newest album, and again we see all the artists join in.  This song is just heart-rending, and Anders’ delivery is absolutely incredible.  While he certainly isn’t the only wonderful songwriter on stage, his ability to write melodies that fit alongside his revealing, storytelling lyrics is simply first-class.

Marc follows up a bit later with a soft love song, “Send Me a Sign,” and as he sings, his voice is like silk.  That man’s vocal range is staggering.  After JJ plays the title track off his latest album, This River, Anders graces us with another astonishing song, “Boxes, Bills, and Pain,” a deep, soulful blues number.  He tells the others on stage, “This song only got one chord, boy, y’all can jam as much as you want!”  They do.  Again, everyone takes part, with Marc picking up the bass, and JJ whipping out his harmonica, while Luther, once more, plays some scintillating lines on slide guitar.  The song lasts for 10 minutes, at least, and as it finishes I know that I would be perfectly content if it lasted another 10 minutes.  I love to hear

musicians jamming on the blues, taking a short song and stretching it out.

Luther follows this with another blues tune, “Yard Man,” also off his album, Rock ‘n Roll Blues.  He and Marc tell stories about how Luther hates to cut grass and would rather pay someone to do it, while Marc loves to ride the mower out in the Southern sunshine.  The audience is bursting with laughter and this is truly part of what makes this current tour so enjoyable: the ability of the musicians not only to write and perform songs, but their ability to tell stories and make the concert a personal experience.  This is something that goes on throughout the night.

Finally, when the artists decide that the set is over, after another 10-minute jam, this time on JJ’s song, “On Fire,” from the JJ Grey and Mofro album, Orange Blossoms, they get up and walk off stage, but applause and shouts of approval are enough to bring them back for a 2-song encore.  JJ and Marc close the show with a couple of their songs, Marc playing “Lonely Night in Georgia,” which features some impressive solos by Anders, and then JJ finishing with “Lochloosa.”  From start to finish, the concert has lasted right at 2 hours, and I’m sure that everyone would agree that they could have listened for another couple of hours without any issue, but unfortunately all good things must end, as pleasant as they might be.  There’s always the next city.  There’s always the next show.  To anyone who hasn’t made a point to purchase a ticket for the Southern Soul Assembly’s next show in the next city, all I can say is, make it a point to do so.  It will be money and time well spent.

Umphrey’s McGee –  Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – 3/8/2014

Review By: Trevor Bexon

Daylight Savings Time in March is a common time for Umphrey’s McGee to be in the Northern California area. If you’re a fan of the band on the west coast, you can mark out this time to plan on seeing these guys somewhere in your backyard.

The first time UM played the Fox Theater in 2012 it was a big deal because it signified their growth on the west coast and it was the biggest venue they had played on this side of the country. The venue and band are a perfect fit for many reasons: venue size, light rigging possibilities, friendly staff, beautiful colors and statues throughout the venue all play a roll in the special feeling within the room. After attending UM at the Fox the past three years, I believe this year was the largest attendance yet.

The opening intro was the “Jaws Theme”, which is always a sign of good times ahead. I really enjoy how UM uses intros to their shows; it allows the band to take the stage with force in a different and powerful way, especially on the west coast where the crowds are laid back and not as ferocious as other parts of the country. The crowd this year was high energy and fully into it from the opening notes until everyone stepped outside onto the streets after the show.

Set one: In The Kitchen > Mullet (Over), There’s No Crying In Mexico > Spires, Glory > Wife Soup, Nothing Too Fancy> In Bloom, Wappy Sprayberry > In The Kitchen.

The meat of the first set was “Nothing Too Fancy” through “In the Kitchen” to end the set. The energy was high at the beginning but the roof was blown off with the last 4 songs, bringing us to setbreak and craving for the lights to go down for the second set. A lot of talk during setbreak offered surprise at such a powerful first set.

The first set provided a dance party atmosphere, while the second set provided more of a musical journey with beautiful flow. One of the things I really enjoy about UM is they can provide a set or a show with amazing flow. It allows you to go on a journey through the music; the ups and downs and emotions within the music carry you away for a few hours and deeply immerses you into the UM experience. As with any musical experience, you must focus, and I find this to be even more true with UM compared to other bands.

Set two: Wizard Burial Ground, Bad Friday, Mulche’s Odyssey, Tango Mike > Higgins, Life During Exodus, Partyin’ Peeps – Encore: Bridgeless > Regulate > Bridgeless.

The “Wizard Burial Ground” set the tone for the second set. “Bad Friday” was cool to hear and they are starting to extend it a bit which is a nice treatment. “Life During Exodus” mashup was really something to hear, I love their mashups and this one brought the energy. The encore was not only “Bridgeless” but also a sandwich with “Regulate” thrown in there. It was cool to hear Andy Farag doing his rap with the tune at the front of the stage.

One of the thoughts I had during the show was how the band has grown in developing a rock and roll sound and production that fills theaters in an impressive manner. Having seen UM in smaller venues, most only a couple hundred people, it was great to see them dominate the big Fox Theater in such masterful fashion.

Next time Daylight Savings Time rolls around be sure to “spring forward” to the west coast and check out UM at the Fox, it will properly jump start your live music year ahead.