If my buddy Jay Erter is reading this who administers the blog "You Remind Me of a TV Show" (check it out for a nice wrap-up of Bonnaroo), he can attest to the fact that while living in Nashville in 2005, I flat out denied an invitation to see New Pornographers at a tiny indoor club in Nashville, right after the release of their finest record, Twin Cinema. Seriously - what the heck is wrong with me. You don't turn down a ticket to a hugely sold out show from one of the decade's greatest indie rock bands at a club that supports a max of 600 people. Just flat out dumb. I've since redeemed myself having seen them 3x times at D.C.'s 9:30 club in 2007, 2008, and last night.
Last night's sold out show was straight up fantastic. But my elation didn't strictly stem from the music which primarily showcased some of my favorite selections from Twin Cinema and this year's Together in a strong return to form after 2007's mediocre Challengers, but also from the site of seeing all 9 band members together on stage, which historically, isn't an easy feat for this crew. Neko Case isn't a surefire thing on tour with NP these days especially given the burgeoning success of her solo career, and Dan Bejar is always a wild card, but an extremely welcome and almost necessary addition to the live experience given the punky edge to his songs that drastically differ from the explosive power pop delivered by A.C. Newman and Case. If you get all of them together on one stage, I can't think of a better live band with a more robust sound (maybe Wilco). Newman expressed that D.C. is his FAVORITE market to play in the world, and continuously mentioned that he was really feeding off our energy. Case was radiant with her stark red hair and explosive on the mic. She may have the best female rock voice in the industry. I challenge you to find me someone better.
Overall a great night from a great band which on evenings such as this one, is untouchable by anyone in their genre.
Setlist:
Sing Me Spanish Techno
Up in the Dark
Myriad Harbour
Use It
Crash Years
All the Old Showstoppers
Jackie, Dressed in Cobras
Adventures in Solitude
It's Only Divine Right
Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
Challengers
We End Up Together
Execution Day
Go Places
Moves
Your Hands (Together)
These are the Fables
The Laws Have Changed
Silver Jenny Dollar
Mass Romantic
The Bleeding Heart Show
Encore:
The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism
Letter From an Occupant
Testament to Youth in Verse
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Idol at Wolf Trap...
Well not American Idol (Adam Lambert is this Monday at 9:30 club)...but one of my idols - Béla Fleck! He's been at Wolf Trap several times in the past, but today was the first opportunity I had for an intro, and it was certainly a unique experience. Around 4 pm today, I was asked to show up backstage at 6pm to take a few photos of Béla Fleck with a stuffed bison (yep) for a National Park Service promotion featuring celebrity photos. I happily obliged and headed over to find an affable Fleck in ultimate pre-show chill out mode, ready for the shoot. Six shots later we had what we needed, and I capped the experience by having my colleague Barbara take a photo of Béla and me together.
I've been a gigantic fan of his since I was in high school, particularly his work with The Flecktones, featuring horn player Jeff Coffin (who has recently taken a hiatus from the band to tour as the replacement saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band upon losing Leroi Moore last year to an ATV accident), bassist Victor Wooten, and percussionist Roy Wooten "Futureman". A more talented group of guys, I cannot imagine. They literally send you to another world during a live performance with their crazy experimental blend of jazz, funk, rock, and R&B. I've somewhat lost track of Béla's career over the past five years or so as my taste in music has recently taken a turn towards indie, bluegrass, and certain forms of electronica (Yeasayer, LCD Soundsystem type electronica, not house and techno), but my meeting with him has inspired me to re-invest myself in his catalogue, starting with the later Flecktone records, ultimately moving towards his work as part of the Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer Trio, which is appearing tonight at Wolf Trap on the bill with Chick Corea Freedom Band. Plenty of tickets are still on-sale, so brave the heat, bring a cooler of your most refreshing libations and plop yourself on the lawn for an evening of musical virtuosity.
Click here for a great interview with Béla and audio b-roll of a 2008 gig in Colorado courtesy of PlumTV.
I've been a gigantic fan of his since I was in high school, particularly his work with The Flecktones, featuring horn player Jeff Coffin (who has recently taken a hiatus from the band to tour as the replacement saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band upon losing Leroi Moore last year to an ATV accident), bassist Victor Wooten, and percussionist Roy Wooten "Futureman". A more talented group of guys, I cannot imagine. They literally send you to another world during a live performance with their crazy experimental blend of jazz, funk, rock, and R&B. I've somewhat lost track of Béla's career over the past five years or so as my taste in music has recently taken a turn towards indie, bluegrass, and certain forms of electronica (Yeasayer, LCD Soundsystem type electronica, not house and techno), but my meeting with him has inspired me to re-invest myself in his catalogue, starting with the later Flecktone records, ultimately moving towards his work as part of the Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer Trio, which is appearing tonight at Wolf Trap on the bill with Chick Corea Freedom Band. Plenty of tickets are still on-sale, so brave the heat, bring a cooler of your most refreshing libations and plop yourself on the lawn for an evening of musical virtuosity.
Click here for a great interview with Béla and audio b-roll of a 2008 gig in Colorado courtesy of PlumTV.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Guest Blog Post from my Resident Videographer
Starting out at Wolf Trap this summer as a Wolf Trap's videographer, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The internship has been more than just working a 9 to 5 and doing what I’m told. Instead, I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to delve into my craft, all the while being surrounded by various music and arts. This experience has been culturally enlightening and continues to demonstrate another side to life—especially in arts.
I’ve always felt that the arts have a special way to make a difference within people’s lives and tonight, I will be filming State Radio and the John Butler Trio—two amazingly talented groups on and off the stage who display my exact sentiment. Newly introduced to their music, I am excited to experience their thought-provoking and politically challenging lyrics, a pleasant shift from typical focus on sex and love or guns and violence. These bands make music about issues that matter and are globally relevant; and they challenge their fans to truly listen and find a way to join the movement.
The best kind of music is that which touches its listener’s soul, reaches them and sometimes even teaches them about the important things in life. Both groups inspire people to make change on top of daring them to represent something more than the norm. Practicing what they preach, State Radio and John Butler Trio do just that—they stand out. Instead of being the typical celebrity, they use their image and their art for the betterment of others.
What better show to film, witness, or experience?
Without a doubt, I am genuinely eager to capture State Radio and John Butler Trio tonight with good video and audio quality with some good sound bytes mixed in. Angus & Julia Stone will be opening for both groups. All this on top of the opportunity to hear brand new tunes in a live setting as State Radio and John Butler Trio perform hits from their new respective albums “Let It Go” and “April Uprising.”
-D’Ambour Lewis
I’ve always felt that the arts have a special way to make a difference within people’s lives and tonight, I will be filming State Radio and the John Butler Trio—two amazingly talented groups on and off the stage who display my exact sentiment. Newly introduced to their music, I am excited to experience their thought-provoking and politically challenging lyrics, a pleasant shift from typical focus on sex and love or guns and violence. These bands make music about issues that matter and are globally relevant; and they challenge their fans to truly listen and find a way to join the movement.
The best kind of music is that which touches its listener’s soul, reaches them and sometimes even teaches them about the important things in life. Both groups inspire people to make change on top of daring them to represent something more than the norm. Practicing what they preach, State Radio and John Butler Trio do just that—they stand out. Instead of being the typical celebrity, they use their image and their art for the betterment of others.
What better show to film, witness, or experience?
Without a doubt, I am genuinely eager to capture State Radio and John Butler Trio tonight with good video and audio quality with some good sound bytes mixed in. Angus & Julia Stone will be opening for both groups. All this on top of the opportunity to hear brand new tunes in a live setting as State Radio and John Butler Trio perform hits from their new respective albums “Let It Go” and “April Uprising.”
-D’Ambour Lewis
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Backstreet's Back at Wolf Trap
They're back at Wolf Trap for a return performance after a pretty decent sized turnout in 2008. The show is close to sold out and it's a scene out there on the lawn. Luckily, the rain has held out and we're 20 minutes from performance time. Admittedly, I've never been a fan, but I can't help but harbor a massive curiosity for what is about to take place on our stage. Pyrotechnics? Maybe...Strobe lights? Almost definitely. Screaming girls which in turn solicit blank stares from their boyfriends? Well that's already happening and the show hasn't even begun.
There are a couple of Backstreet Boys management approved photographers shooting the first two songs for separate online entertainment sites, and they both claim to shoot shows all over the region 2-3 times each week. I'm shocked because I've never seen them at Wolf Trap, and I'm at the press office for 75% of the shows. Just goes to show you that this type of performance draws a VERY different demographic from what we're used to here at Wolf Trap, and the media covering is definitely reflective of that crowd.
Stepped away for 30 minutes, and I'm back to finish this entry while listening to "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" after A.J. McLean declared that they're going to launch into a medley of "Oldies but Goodies." Now it's on to "As Long as You Love Me"! I must have been 16-17 when these songs first hit the radio waves. Good to see these guys pressing on in a music culture where boy bands are almost non-existent. And they still have a huge fan base - according to the reactions from the massive crowd outside.
Tomorrow night - Jimmy Cliff! Gotta love the diversity at Wolf Trap...
There are a couple of Backstreet Boys management approved photographers shooting the first two songs for separate online entertainment sites, and they both claim to shoot shows all over the region 2-3 times each week. I'm shocked because I've never seen them at Wolf Trap, and I'm at the press office for 75% of the shows. Just goes to show you that this type of performance draws a VERY different demographic from what we're used to here at Wolf Trap, and the media covering is definitely reflective of that crowd.
Stepped away for 30 minutes, and I'm back to finish this entry while listening to "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" after A.J. McLean declared that they're going to launch into a medley of "Oldies but Goodies." Now it's on to "As Long as You Love Me"! I must have been 16-17 when these songs first hit the radio waves. Good to see these guys pressing on in a music culture where boy bands are almost non-existent. And they still have a huge fan base - according to the reactions from the massive crowd outside.
Tomorrow night - Jimmy Cliff! Gotta love the diversity at Wolf Trap...
Monday, June 7, 2010
Divine Experimentation
Jeff Beck--legendary Yardbirds guitarist and guitar-God through and through--has become notorious for the way he pushes guitar instrumentation to the limits…and you never want to challenge him to a game of Guitar Hero! Beck is one of the greatest guitarists to be heard in any setting, but primarily live. His innovative techniques and ability to fuse multiple genres together sets him apart from other musicians, even though he hasn’t achieved the same level of commercial success as many of his guitar-God contemporaries..
Emotion & Commotion, Beck’s latest release, is a great example of his wide range and musical skills. The album peaked at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 and encompasses an eclectic sound that is creatively backed by a full orchestra. This interesting alignment of guitar and orchestra entices a melodic lyricism that showcases a level of difficulty unattainable by most musicians. Most of the songs on Emotion & Commotion are smooth, serene, and even kind of sultry, as Beck plays with ease and makes you forget you are listening to a guitar.
Beck recently received his fifth Grammy award for his version of "A Day in the Life," an instrumental from his platinum-certified DVD, "Jeff Beck Performing This Week . . . Live at Ronnie Scott's."
If you’re a guitar-lover or just looking to get out for the night and experience a clean, original show, you should check out Jeff Beck performing at Wolf Trap tonight at 8pm with Erin McCarley as a special guest. Decent amount of lawn tickets still available, so come on by.
There's also a great feature in the Washington Post by Ernest Suarez. I'd encourage you to peruse for some more in-depth detail on the life and times of Jeff Beck.
Emotion & Commotion, Beck’s latest release, is a great example of his wide range and musical skills. The album peaked at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 and encompasses an eclectic sound that is creatively backed by a full orchestra. This interesting alignment of guitar and orchestra entices a melodic lyricism that showcases a level of difficulty unattainable by most musicians. Most of the songs on Emotion & Commotion are smooth, serene, and even kind of sultry, as Beck plays with ease and makes you forget you are listening to a guitar.
Beck recently received his fifth Grammy award for his version of "A Day in the Life," an instrumental from his platinum-certified DVD, "Jeff Beck Performing This Week . . . Live at Ronnie Scott's."
If you’re a guitar-lover or just looking to get out for the night and experience a clean, original show, you should check out Jeff Beck performing at Wolf Trap tonight at 8pm with Erin McCarley as a special guest. Decent amount of lawn tickets still available, so come on by.
There's also a great feature in the Washington Post by Ernest Suarez. I'd encourage you to peruse for some more in-depth detail on the life and times of Jeff Beck.
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