Our Musical Journey Around New England and Beyond

Bachelor Party at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

2008-09-06T18:29:00.005-04:00

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
Grateful Fest #9

Strawbery Park Forever 2008

2008-09-06T18:08:00.004-04:00

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Peter Rowan and His Bluegrass Band

Peter Rowan has his bluegrass band a blazing during the afternoon set. He planned many traditional tunes. This was the second time I saw him. The first was at the Gathering of the Vibes 2004. This time was much nicer given the proximity to the band.

I pretty much crawled around the speakers to sit on a rock at the base of the stage to take the follow night pictures. I didn't use a flash in respect to the band. So I got some interesting duds.

This year was another wonder time in Preston, CT just a stone throw from us. I like the festival in general because of the atmosphere. Not many freaks or wookies, in fact, I only saw one weirdo. It was a nice kick-off to the summer season of outdoor music.

2008-08-15T17:32:00.000-04:00

http://www.lala.com/#playlist/43880P1806

Los Lobos, Hamden, CT 07/11/08

2008-07-13T18:19:00.013-04:00

Ray Lamontagne at the Calvin Theater

2008-06-12T13:27:00.005-04:00

Ray Lamontagne

We have patiently waited years to see this guy in person. It was well worth the wait. This guy is really soulful. His music touches me at the core. The song Empty was pure magic live.

"Lay your blouse across the chair

Let fall the flowers from your hair

And kiss me with that country mouth so plain

Outside the rain is tapping on the leaves

To me it sounds like they're applauding us

The quiet love we"

During the show it felt like we were on a slow river boat floating and bouncing through peaceful waters.

Hannah was spectacular. Kari and I were so happy to hear that. I love the intro:

"I lost all of my vanity

when I peered into the pool

I lost all of my innocence

When I fell in love with you

I never knew a man fall so far until I landed here

Where all of my wounds turn into gold when I kissed your hair"

His version of you You Can Bring Me Flowers was straight up honky tonk with soul. That to me was the highlight of the show. This show will be one we will not forget. But we couldn't help but feel that Ray has some issues with his confidence. He is so withdrawn and seems to have such a quite personality that his voice doesn't match his personality. I wish he would realize so many people love his work and he can relax and just jam. After the show I did some searching and found that he cancelled his summer gigs including Rothbury! Man I am glad I didn't spend money to go to that over crowded fest in Michigan. Look for Ray's new album int he fall. I am a bit disappointed Heaven is a Honkeytonk will not be on the album.

You Can Bring Me Flowers

"My eyes have dried, my hands are tied

Nothing I can say

If you feel the need to go

I won't stand in your way

Sit and think

Drown in drink

Sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone

Fate has played his hand so cruel

There ain't nothing I can do

You say you lost your love for me

Me my love for you

Sit and cry

And say goodbye

And sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone

So when you're lying in his arms

Think of me and know

The choice you made it free and clear

It cost me a heavy toll

Sit and think

Drown in drink

And sing this sad, sad song

You can bring me flowers, baby

When I'm dead and gone"-Ray Lamontagne

To close I think the reason I love this guys stuff is because I like stories of the hopeless romantic that story has always got me. His song Jolene epitomizes this theme of not quite getting to reach your self to give to others:

"Lately my hands they don't feel like mine

My eyes been stung with dust, I'm blind

Held you in my arms one time

Lost you just the same

Jolene I ain't about to go straight

It's too late

I found myself face down in the ditch

Booze on my hair

Blood on my lips

A picture of you, holding a picture of me

in the pocket of my blue jeans

Still don't know what love means

Still don't know what love means"

Here are some words and songs from Ray:
http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/2006/11/you-asked-ray-lamontagne-live.html
http://fuelfriends.blogspot.com/search?q=lamontagne

Los Lobos Northampton MA

2008-03-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

Los Lobos ripped it up!

We had such a great time . We were so happy to get to meet the guys. Man those are truly the coolest vatos on the planet. I got to tell Louie thanks for the latest Latin Playboys album. We got to tell Conrad how he makes my fiance smile just from watching him. We got to thanks Steve to. Both he and Conrad thanked us repeatedly for coming out. We told them we wouldn't miss it for the world. Cesar was awesome as always. We told him thanks for taking a picture on stage with us a few years ago. He did the common ese nod to that comment. He was still feeling sick I think. Oh and he wouldn't shake hands just knuckled up. Again the coolest vato alive. I wouldn't want any more germs after getting the flu too. Finally, David Hidalgo just made it up as we neared the end of the line. Man I got to stand right next to the MAN! To imagine all the things I could have said to him but I just said, "You are looking more like Jerry Garcia as the days go by". His beard made me feel like Jerry was in the room. He only laughed a bit and said thanks for coming. I know David is his own man and his style is unique but I can't help making the comparison. If only I wasn't so nervous I would have said, "Thanks for making me proud to be Mexican American". Thanks for playing and spreading the music my grandparents and parents like (Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio!!!). Thanks for making music that connects people of all cultures. Thanks for making music that will stand the test of time! I could have said so many things. Just having the chance to is worth so much. Last night was a great experience. These guys never let their fans down!

Newport Folk Festival on Sunday 2007

2007-08-16T20:12:00.001-04:00

Newport on Sunday was truly folk. The Saturday line up consisted on Allman Brothers and others from the jam band community. We avoided that day because we knew we would get our fill of jams at the Gathering of the Vibes. So I opted for my birthday to attend the Folk Fest on Sunday. The main reason was to see my hero Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. The line up perfectly matched my music taste.

Alejandro Escovedo waits as the legend steps off the acoustic stage.

Ralph is doing his song that is on the radio with Josh Turner. Great song but he did it accapela...that was such a joy.
Donuts and Cops, humm that is fitting.

Ralph Sr and Jr. Long live the Stanleys!

Ralph picked his banjo for two songs and was really having fun. I am blessed to see him rip the claw hammer style.

Alejandro Escovedo

Alejandro Escovedo was loud but damn this guy rips. I really enjoyed his music live because it is something that doesn't fit in a box. I had to catch this guy and thank him for inspiring people to have hope and strength in the midst of illness. I caught him just after the Ralph Stanley set. He was so cool. I walked right over to Alejandro extended my hand and he shook it as I said "Gracias Amigo" and he replied "Did you like it?". I said very little other than, "you are the man". He laughed. He is such a joy to see in person his smile reminds me of my uncle. Overall, I am now a fan.

Amos Lee

If chilling out and relaxing is what you are into Amos Lee will fit your style. I have all this guy's work and was really excited to see him live. He did not disappoint. Sorry this is not the best picture. Amos and his band have so much fun up there and he is a gifted song writer. I highly recommend these songs Colors, Bottom of the Barrel, Supply and Demand, and Sweet Pea. Check out chill my playlist on Lala.com. Get familiar with Amos Lee! He will not let you down.
The park was so nice. The only draw back was the heat! we made it through with some heavy sun burn but I am so glad we went. Really this venue was the nicest we have been to in years.
I like donuts and coffee but not in 100 degree temperature.

This is the Newport bridge. The view from the bridge is spectacular.
The fort really was fascinating to look at. Imagine a war once took place on this land and now the folk is in effect. Peace and harmony is better than cannons and war.

Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem

What a surprise treat. I check out a few of their songs before hand but really didn't get the feelings until they took the stage. This band is really something special. I was blown back by the guitarist. Here is what is on the website:

"What does it sound like? Start with a fiddle, a guitar, and a stand up bass. Add a cardboard box with a suitcase bass drum and tin can cymbals, played by an ex-rock and zydeco drummer. Over that fine groove, hang Rani Arbo's expressive alto, seamless four-part harmonies, and a splash of banjo and ukulele, and you have it. "

I am hooked on this band's sound. They have no genre label and they are playing roots music in the modern age. The percussion is amazing. The dude uses a cardboard box, suitcase, and a bunch of other common things to make noise. This band is a joy to watch live a their recent albums are worth the buy.

Gathering of the Vibes at Seaside Park 2007

2007-08-15T22:13:00.001-04:00

The atmosphere was so fun. As you can see several side acts kept your eyes alert. The nicest thing was having the ocean/sound right there to cool us off. The venue was awesome.
This was the conga line started by the kids on Sunday that led to the the Dirty Dozen Brass Band show.
This hobo clown was funny to watch he was doing a yo yo like act and just made the kids so happy. A side note above dudes head (you can't see it) was a giant nest of wild canaries. Cool to learn about that on the Vibes forums. I also learned someone had a remote control flying saucer that hovered above the concert field on Saturday! Adults that have never grown up are the coolest to hang with.
Some folks stacked these rocks. I love these photos.
Vibes 2007 was well worth the wait!

Claypool and Weir bands morph into Rat Brigade at 2007 at the Vibes

2007-08-15T21:45:00.001-04:00

Well, well, well who would figure my dream of seeing Claypool in the pig mask would come true. First of all Claypool took the stage solo on, I think a bassjo. Straight up billy rock at its best. Check out the torrent. I think D's Diner was the pick of the set. Oh and Les went calmly off of some fool for throwing a jug of juice at him. Check it out I really don't want to repeat what he said but it was funny. Bottom line don't throw crap at a dude who picks a bassjo, sings about slapping you up side the head with an aluminum baseball bat and calls him self mud and wears a freakin pig mask or he will make you look like a fool inf front of thousands. Respect Les Claypool! Funniest part of the show was when Claypool introuduced Bob Weir jokely as Mr. Edward Van Halen. I thought that was so funny since every hippy can pratically smell when a fromer Dead member is around. This show was off the hook. I think I am part Billy now. Mexi-Billy and I want to go to D's Diner!

Keller Williams, minus the Keels, and plus Bob Weir

2007-08-15T19:06:00.001-04:00

Please forgive me. The rain on Friday and not being close enough for pictures kept me from taking shots until the Keller Williams on Saturday 6:20 pm. I really wished I had pictures of Railroad Earth and George Clinton from Friday but the rain got every thing wet. Railroad Earth was full of down pours yet we both agreed that the music made the rain tolerable. When the rain finally let up George Clinton and P-Funk covered the venue in that stanky funk. Believe me you could literally felt something in the air when P-Funk was on. Clinton's granddaughter is a sick lyricists! I can only explain the funk as some thing that gets in one makes you move like you got something crawling all over you. It is just the funk and boy was it nice to see Clinton again. The dude it the man diaper was not Bootsy but any grown dude ripping the funk and wearing a man diaper is cool to me.

Anyway, Keller Williams was easy to get close to the stage. She likes him so we sat up close. Keller is fun to watch loop and create music all by himself but we both looked forward to seeing him with the keys. He included in his rant that the Keels got tied up in the air and he was on his own. Looking before we went to the fest at Keller's recent lists I knew he would be joined by Bob Weir. Sure enough our came Bobby!

I really enjoyed the cover of Willin'. What a great song. Good old trucking songs make me think of Convoy the movie from the 80's. Haven't found the set list on this yet but really enjoyed the show when Keller and Weir played.

Los Lobos at the Gathering of the Vibes 2007 Seaside Park, Bridgeport , CT

2007-08-14T22:49:00.001-04:00

The set list was amazing. First of all the, the stage hand heard a bunch of us yelling to see a copy of the set list and he held it up for a while. Then he just crumbled it up in a ball and threw it to a guy a few feet over. That guy was very cool. He let us all look at it and I took pictures with my old school camera. Here is the link.

The hippies that were left were dancing throughout. I kept looking back and laughing. Really, this was the best show we have seen because there set list was so open. David at one point was taking suggestions. He had the accordion in had so all he heard was KIKO! Heard it many times but this version was rocked out. We are so glad we stayed the four days to feel the true vibes and enjoy Los Lobos with the Grateful Dead Family. Wavy Gravy! Freaks! Clowns! Jugglers! Wookies! and Los Lobos fans! What a great time. The venue was nice too. The sound was very refreshing. I highly recommend this festival, especially if they have at Seaside again. Thank you Los Lobos for making the summer of 2007 a very memorable one for us.

Milonga Song?

2007-02-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

Often times in my life I am caught by a tune or lyric that compels me. For instance, when I first heard Lila Downs voice, I knew that I must continue to learn about the region of Mexico she hails from. In the journey of seeking knowledge, I find new perspectives to music and even deeper into the heart of life around the globe. I must admit I travelled the globe very little. But through music I have envisioned the glory of the world in my mind's eye.

It's the time of year when Los Lobos bust out their acoustic guitarons, quatros, violins, and several other instruments to play folk songs. I recommend the CD Acoustic En Vivo for a piece of Mexican or Latin folk music. Or check out the torrent on bt.etree right now. The show was on 2/8/07 and is a gem. I was caught by a song labeled on the set list as "Milonga". It is a purely soulful tune with wonderful guitar work and what sounds like a flute in mix. I wish I could find a video recording of the boys playing this song. Well I found a bit about the term from wikipedia. I know it is style of song played to a dance. Wow, I could just imagine the dance movements. So I posted on Los Lobos Neighborhood to ask for info and sure enough some helpful Lobos fan came to the call. Oye vato, if you read this thanks a bunch! I have found out that Abel Carlevaro is the man of los milongas or something like that. I requested two cds with Abel and another vato named Eduardo Isaac who the Lobos fan recommended. Here are some milongas I found on line.

The journey to learn more about this style of music has compelled me to revert back to my collections of music from Latin America and Mexico. Thanks to those who keep our ears happy with new sounds that span the globe.

Peace and Prosperity to all who seek it.

What's on the radar?

2007-02-18T18:58:00.000-05:00

Well the festival line ups are being announced. The snow is falling yet the call of summer is in the air. Bonnaroo line up looks crazy. Well of all the bands there I would love to see. Tool, Rat Dog, Damien Rice, Ben Harper, String Cheese (farewell), Gov't Mule, Gillian Welch, Keller Williams, Dr. Stanley, Xavier Rudd, T-Bone Burnett, Mavis Staples, and Railroad Earth. But since it is 18 hours away and the amount of walking is simply unbearable plus the heat makes it an easy time to pass. We went in 2005 and that is pretty much good enough for me.

The fest I am most hyped about is Gathering of the Vibes. It will be held in Bridgeport this year and not in the hills of New York. Close to home and the killer is the headliners...Los Lobos, Rat Dog, Buddy Guy, Assembly of Dust, with Wavy Gravy directing things! Hands down the moment of the summer. Ordered our tickets and have been getting hyped.

We went to the Vibes in 2005 too and it was the best festival we've attended. The wait in line sucked but the size and the bands made time well spent. Plus we won the tickets through Relix! So it was free to get in so more money other things.

Of Course we plan to see Rhonda Vincent at the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival too. Check out my post from 2006. Plus this year Chris Thile and Bryan Sutton will be there! Nothing like kicking it off with Bluegrass.

If I had the time, money, and willing partner, I would go to the Mountain Jam in New York. Hosted by Gov't Mule and with friends like Ozomatli, this would be a blast. So maybe something will come around that is close to make up for missing this and Bonnaroo.

G-Love at Thanksgiving in Nueva York

2006-11-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

G-Love and the Special Sauce

G-Love was on point and kept the spirits thankful. Since the show, I have aquired a shake when I play just to simply act cool like G-Love. Dude shakes in his seat while playing, which to some may seem odd, but I have this recording of the great Son House fliping out on slide guitar making movements and sound just sitting there with an instrument. The recording in on Roots Music DVD from PBS. This is a four disk set. It covers Conjunto (Flaco Jimenez), Bluegrass (Bill Monore), Honky Tonk (Willis, Cash, Haggard,..), Zydeco (Clifton Chanier), Cajun (Balfa Brothers). I was caught by the song on the DVD from the Balfa Brothers, Port Arthur Blues. Those vatos or whatever is slang in creole for cool dudes, are singing their soul out on that cut.

Oh yeah, G-Love he is tight, he has the blues harmonica down to a science, and he is obviously aware of all the greats since he mentions pretty much every artist he has been influenced by on one song but I forgot which one it was. It may have been Banger with an extended rap. Here is the set list, if a torrent is out there, I have not found it.

Where to go for jams?

2006-10-03T18:32:00.000-04:00

Now that summer is over and the sun falls everyday before 6 pm, what better to do than search for new bands to see next summer. The sites I search the most are torrent spy,
archive , amazon.com, and bestbuy.com.

I can tell you that each year brings a new band. This time last year I never heard of the Subdudes if it weren't for searching the net and of course LaLa.com. If you have disk you want to trade then LaLa is for you.

Dance with Los Lobos Blues Band!

2006-09-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

LOS LOBOS

01-Sep-06 Boarding House Park, Lowell MA

David Hidalgo-El hombre mas chingon on the guitar. We set up in front of him this show to bear witness to the greatness. Nothing short of spectacular. I was simply laughing during his solos, it was true joy hearing him rip up the summer night. This vato is truly gifted and I was honored to see him twice this summer! Gracis David. We got to see him close up when he invited us to dance on stage during La Bamba>Good Loving>La Bamba.

The Set List:

Wow! This evening was so much fun. The set list was rocking and quickly slipped into dancing music. Here is the set list:

The Neighborhood-very nice opener I Walk Alone-rather fast jaming on this cut. Reva’s House-nice to hear some Kiko stuff. Chuco’s Cumbia-Cesar asked if every one was ready to cumbia before this song. Don’t Worry Baby-very nice version. Still like to see Flaco Jimenez onstage with them once. Come On, Let’s Go-Before this song Cesar said, "This is for the youngsters in the crowd". Hold On-What can you say other that the lyrics to this tune are awesome and powerful. *Maricela-The vato on the congas was nice! Manny’s Bones-They played a short version on this. The Road to Gila Bend-This tune is growing on me. Good Monring Aztlán-Awesome! Kiko and the Lavender Moon-David gave a Birthday shout out and ripped up the accordion. Let’s Say Goodnight-Ok. now everyone is dancing by now. Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio-My favorite! What a great song. If only Flaco was there. Maria Christina-Very happy dancing. +I Got Loaded (w/Lovelight verse)-So much fun. #Mas y Mas-What?! The horn section was amazing. @Cumbia Raza-The best Cumbia Raza I have heard with the whole opening band supporting. *La Bamba>David intivet all of us on stage to dance and sing!! *Good Lovin’> *La Bamba --- Encores: &Hey Joe &Georgia Slop-Oh my! This was such an energized song. &Baby What You Want Me To Do?-Barrance has so much energy. He was doing flips on the stage and caused me to freakout with him. Controlled freak out of course. What a great encore. *-w/Yahuba Garcia on congas +-w/Cory B. on trombone, Henley Douglas Jr. on saxophone, and Mark Mullins on trumpet #-w/Cory B. on trombone, Henley Douglas Jr. on saxophone, Mark Mullins on trumpet, and Yahuba Garcia on congas @-w/Jen Kearney on keyboards, Cory B. on trombone, Henley Douglas Jr. on saxophone, Mark Mullins on trumpet, and Yahuba Garcia on congas &-w/Barrance Whitfield on vocals

Cougar Estrada-I can never get a good shot of this guy. This was during his drum solo.

Jen Kearney on keyboards. This woman can sing and is sick on the keys. She was rather fine to look at as well.

Cesar Rosas-He was on once again. He talked a lot tonight. He made fun of us for sitting during the first five songs. He got us all on our feet by the end of the evening.

Barrance Whitfield on vocals. This guy is a ball of fire. If anyone was sitting during his songs then they must have been deaf. I think I have been saved! This dude had the spirit of a revival preacher. In the words of John Lee Hooker "The blues a healer, it can heal you, it can heal me".

Louie Pérez-This guy is a quiet bad ass with the wisdom of an ancient curandero. I suggest checking out the i-tunes podcast to get a feel of his true wisdom on song writting. (Below) He and the masterful Steve Berlin jam. (Above) Louie was on fire duirng La Bamba with his quatro. I was about four feet from him on stage dancing with Kari.

Yahuba Garcia on congas looked to be having a great time with the boys. He was sporting a Carlos Beltran jersey from the Puertorican National team. Go Mets!

Conrad Lozano-Such a nice guy. We walked by him before the show as he walked around the city of Lowell. I would have missed him if it weren't Kari pointing him out. She said, "Hey isn't that one guy who is always happy on satge." Sure enough it was Conrad. We just stopped and stared for a second and went on our way. One of the best bassists living just walking around just a simple man. Que vida.

During La Bamba, Steve Berlin turned his mic to the kids and said sign! Sure enough these little kids, I am sure not native Spanish speakers, sang La Bamba to perfection! These ninos nailed it. I love these times, la cultura de la raza es en todo mundo! Talk about assimliation. Los Lobos have done so much for us by encouraging tolerence through music.

What a great summer! Gracia a Los Lobos!

Any tapers out there??????

Gracias~Here is the torrent!!!!

On the way out, I caught this shot. This show got me ready for the new album The Town and the City. Can't wait to hear the story line.

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

2006-08-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage
8/6/2006 Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun: Wolf Den

Our first LOS LOBOS show!!!

2006-08-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

Los Lobos
Del Este Los Angeles
8/3/2006: N.Hampton, MA

Los Lobos were on the loose last night. The pick (Fender Heavy) is Cesar's. It was given to me by a crew guy. Thanks so much for this and the picture. During the hour and a half drive home, all we could do was laugh and smile. The show was absolutely amazing. We really enjoyed the venue. Look Park was very neat and peaceful. We drove through the town and got directions to the venue from the Subway lady. Thanks!

Cesar Rosas rulz! Wow, when I noticed the crew guy motioning me over to him, I was a bit scared. I thought what was I doing wrong. But after a few moments, I noticed his smile as he insisted I walk over to him. Reluctantly, I went and to my surprise he asked me, "Do you want me to take your picture with your girlfriend?" I should have said, "Simon, Ese" but I was shocked and I called Kari over to me. I gave him my camera and we struck a pose, he said, "No come up on stage". We looked at each other and I helped her up on stage. The vato asked me if I wanted to take it with Cesar. What!? Heck yes. So we danced a bit on stage and then Cesar came over and posed with us, during the song. I recall the crowd cheering when the camera flashed. That was truly special. We thank Cesar, the crew guy and the rest of Los Lobos and crew for a memorable evening. The crowd was so pleasant too. Man the kids there are so luck to have seen legends at such a young age. I had to wait 28 years! Well worth the wait.

We stood right infront of Cesar. I got a lot of shots of him. He is the coolest vato alive!

It was a joy hearing Maricela and Cumbia Raza. The crowd was really into the Latin sounds.

Ruth Ungar of the Mammals really tore it up with the boys during the first song of the set. The Mammals were really nice to watch. They mix up Bluegrass with Latin and Folk to make some really good dancing music. Check out their website. The Mammals

Conrad looks like he is having so much fun on stage. I noticed he is a Budweiser man too. As if the picture and guitar pick weren't enough, I got to shake Conrad's hand and tell him, "Gracias for all the great music he has been a part of". He told me, "Thanks for listening". What a classy hombre.

Cougar Estrada was on point. This was during his solo. Real nice jam.

Louie was fun to watch. This vato changes instruments every song. Notice his hand is blurry because he was playing the heck out this song. Simply an amazing musician. He was on drums for a minute too. That picture didn't come out well.

David on acordion. Conjunto at its best. So much fun dancing. Depsite a bum-knee, being barefoot, and dancing on the mud, I had no care in the world. My girlfreind looked to be having a great time too. David knows that chicks dig dancing to the acordion.

The set list was on fire. But during the first couples songs they improvised because David's amp had problems. That jam was real nice.

The evening was well worth the drive. The trip home seemed to fly by as we laughed. Los Lobos put on an amazing show.

Now the Black Crowes

2006-07-20T16:09:00.000-04:00

THE BLACK CROWES 7/18/2006

Now I have waited two days to process the show. First check out the set list. I think I made myself clear that I really like the Crowes music. The show at the Mohegan Sun was just not that good. For these reasons. First the sound was at best tolerable. The lyrics were difficult to hear over the guitars. Really this is the only show I have ever been to that I wish I had ear plugs. This is really not the bands fault the venue may just not be the best for their sound. And finally I was left with a sour taste after the show due to Chris' comments directed to some jack ass who threw something on stage at the end. Chris comments were, "Which ever one of you assholes just threw something at us, I'll meet you back stage to kick your ass". He went on to say something about the rest of the crowd should have a peaceful night. Well I am sorry Chris your words are not consistent. Peace or violence? One or the other. You really don't impress your fans nor make yourself look cool reacting like that. I really wish he would have just laughed it off.
That said, I think a bad Crowes show is better than sitting at home jamming them on my ipod. We danced and had fun anyway. I noticed the jams were really draw out. My friend commented that he thought most people want to hear the hits not hippy jams. Well I think the jams are what the Crowes are live but my trouble is with thier song selection. I have heard them jam so many songs I didn't hear the best this night.

Sorry for not getting a good picture of Marc Ford. He was tearing it up that night. My camera wasn't cooperating.

This guy was freaking me out. Not sure what this was about but I had to take a picture.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band!!!

2006-07-20T12:13:00.000-04:00

Robert Randolph and the Family Band 7/18/2006

Wow! Not much to say. This band is truly a joy to watch. I think what is most appealing is that Robert Randolph seems to be having the time of his life playing. This was my first live experience of RRFB and it was so much fun. Unfortunately, we did not get to dance because our seats were next to these biker types that made the vibe unwelcoming. The biker lady also took time to question my girlfriend during the Jimi Hendrix cover they played. The lady asked, "Do you know who is Jimmi Hendrix is?" Like we are five years old or something. Then she went on to talk about seeing him trippin on paper back in the day. Well this lady was not really fun to sit next to. She was also a screamer. You know the type that needs to yell "Whooo" during and after every song. We moved away from her and the a biker crew after RRFB.

Despite the nuisance next to us the show was killer. The bassist was surely sick with the spirit because he was freaking out. I have never seen hands move so fast and make sounds in the same motions. Simply jaw dropping. I really like how this band plays progressive jams. Jams that lead you up to something and back down again, like a trek up a mountain. These guys just simply know how to utilize music as a spiritual healing tool. I really think they have tapped into something great. They still have me singing "Jesus is just alright with me". Finally the coolest thing is they can play songs that we all know but minus the lyrics because Robert Randoplh speaks and sings with his sacred pedal steel. Robert Randolph has really opened my ears to the sacred sounds of the pedal steel guitar. Check out these other pedal steel guitarists. Who is your favorite? Jerry was pretty good especially with the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Drive By Truckers Recap

2006-07-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

Drive By Truckers 7/18/2006

These guys and girl were fun to watch. Three guitarists and a chick bassist! I like the song the Swamp and Aftermath USA. Overall pretty cool band. They really rocked and the sound was alright. I would see them again. Being at an inside venue really stifled the sound, I bet these guys are cool to watch outdoors. They are comparable to My Morning Jacket in the sense that they bombard you with guitar riffs. Good show. Pictures will be posted soon.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band. What?!

2006-07-18T15:26:00.000-04:00

I have a geriatric umpire friend from the Virgin Islands who always says "What?!" when he hears something unbelievable. Just knowing RRFB http://www.robertrandolph.netwill be tearing up some gospel jams from heaven makes me exclaim "What?!" Just like Ol' Pops says. I first learned of these guys from the Bonnaroo CD and DVD http://stores.musictoday.com/store/dept.asp?band_id=402&dept_id=1150&sfid=2. I highly recommend the DVD to witness RR a few times. The best is when he and DJ Logic chop up bluegrass with Del McCoury. I hope RRFB come full with the spirit, cus' I need me some good vibes.

Oh Yeah there are two more bands tonight! The Drive by Truckers.

2006-07-18T15:06:00.000-04:00

The Drive by Truckers what a freaking name, so cool. I always like to learn about bands before I see them so here goes. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive-By_Truckers. Three guitars nice. Visit http://torrentspy.com to find their latest album. I am liking the song Aftermath USA alot. Pretty cool yet a disturbing story about finding out your ol'lady has been stepping out or in this case stepping in the car on ya. They should be a joy to hear all twanged out. Also check out http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5546929 for a live stream of some live stuff of theirs. As they say down south...or at least I am saying it now here in the north "Happy moonshining!"

Set the Black Crowes controls straight for the Sun!

2006-07-18T14:08:00.000-04:00

Holy Black Crowes crap it is hot. Close to 100 today in CT. Really hyped to see the Crowes tonight at the Mohegan Sun. We will be sure to post pictures of this one. I hope to hear Boomer's Story and Hotel Illness tonight and maybe Space Captain and possibly Brokedown Palace...sorry I am still at Bonnaroo 2005 (A Chrisim-"Remember psilocybin will make you dry") http://www.crowesbase.com/tapelisting.cfm?TapeID=1674 Man the Crowes have sustained a break up, drugs, and movie stars. I recall watching their video kick ass on MTV Countdown back in the 90's when Southern Harmony was out. Not many of my friends dug them but I sure did. My mom even got me the "Who Killed That Bird Out On Your Windowsil" video. Oh if she only knew what those guys were on http://blackcrowes.com/LostCrowes.htm Oh the memories of years gone by. The Crowes are truly my first favorite band and one of my favorites now.

And the Cheese

2006-07-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

String Cheese IncidentThe Cheese and Bob Weir really smoked during the first set. We got to hear Panama Red, KC Moan, and Dim Lights Thick Smoke! Thanks Cheesedog! You can find a good write up on Jambands http://www.jambands.com/News.phtml?newsfile=redesign_news284.html#7-17-16

The String Cheese Incident is really a pleasure to watch perform. I was recently watching the show on Bob Dylan, No Direction Home, running on PBS http://www.pbs.org/went/americanmasters/dylan/index.html It was funny watching Dylan's personality shine while he and his band stood for music they believed in, which happen to be "electric/folk/rock" or whatever. Dylan used to perform an acoustic set with his classic and progressive songs that worked in such a setting. He then gave the crowd the pleasure of truly jamming, all plugged in and raw during the second set. During such sets people would actually boo and yell with disgust for their hero had deviated from "Folk Tradition". Well now such an act is the norm for bands like the SCI. In fact this set-up truly worked for us on a hot summer day in MA with the SCI, Ratdog, and Cheesedog! It started out cool and smooth and ended in pleasant frenzy of electric jams.

Ratdog and The String Cheese Incident Mansfield, MA 7/15/2006

2006-07-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

Ratdog

Rotdog surely made my girlfriend and I happy dancers on Saturday night in Mansfield, MA the Tweeter Center or Greatwoods or somethings? Peace to J.B. for keeping the clouds near for the show.

The setlist was on fire. I am listening to it right now again. The torrent can be downloaded at http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=27185 Here is the setlist:
Jam
Big RailRoad Blues
All Along the Watchtower
Dark Star jam
Little Red Rooster
Golden Road (to unlimited devotion)
Dark Star (verse 1)
She Said
Foolish Heart

Set two
When I paint my Masterpiece
Corrina >Silvio > Tequilla > Silvio
West LA Fade Away
Aiko Aiko
Drums
Stuff
Come Together
Dark Star (verse 2)
Sugar Magolia
Ripple
One More Saturday Night

Wha 'cha contemplating ol'friend?

This was a truly memorable setlist. Aiko Aiko was so much fun and Ripple was simply magical. Bob Weir is a living legend. I am sorry Phil but I saw you and your frineds at Lupo's in the winter and nearly feel asleep. Bobby sure looks and sounds like he can carry the jam for many years to come. For more on the songs played check out http://arts.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/#songs

It was an honor to witness Bob Weir and Ratdog. I can honestly say I never saw Jerry in his blessed life but in the cloud of haze that gathered around "Cheesedog" during Ripple, I swore I saw his face appear with a gleam of approval, for the music has truly never stopped.

Gracias a Dios!

Strawberry Park 2006

2006-07-16T21:19:00.000-04:00

This years lineup included: Rhonda Vincent (beautiful!), April Verch, Tim O'Brien (kicked grass! w Casey Driesen), The Green Cards, The Gibson Brothers, The Grascals, Peter Rowan (missed it), Mountain Heart, Blue Highway (wonderful show!) and many more! Above is the Bluegrass Gospel Project from Sunday morning they played a blessed show.

I recommend this festival to anyone interested in getting and dirty down in the bluegrass:
Strawberry Park http://www.strawberrypark.net/bluegrass.htm (860) 886-1944
PrestonUS

Nothin' Fancy at Starwaberry Park. This was a gathering of some of bluegrass finest. There is Folk Festival in September. We will be sure to be there to check out BGP again and to hear Slaid Cleaves. See ya back at Strawberry Park in September.