Swing In The Holidays

P. D. Kelley

What a show Grants Pass was treated to this past Friday, December 15th!  Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and his exceptional band mates were in the house and gave us a razzle dazzle holiday show in the styles of neo-swing, jump, jive, up tempo blues and jazz with flavorings of lounge and fifties rock.  Band leader and lead vocalist Scotty Morris looked snappy in his retro suit and fedora hat.  He’s got the perfect voice for this kind of music, mellow but energetic and oh so cool.  He plays a mean guitar and banjo as well.  This band has been together for a few decades and Morris co-founded the group with drummer Kurt Sodergren.  Swing music takes a versatile percussive style and Sodergren has it down.  Dirk Shumaker on the upright bass was having some fun plucking most excellently, singing in a rich baritone, delivering a mean rendition of Mister Grinch and every now and then spinning that big fiddle round and round.  Joshua Levy was another cool cat on the piano and he also does some musical arrangements for the band.  The standout sound, at least for swing, is the horn section and, oh man, we had some brass.  Andy “The Big Man” Rowley was just about flawless on the baritone saxophone and Karl Hunter on the saxophone and clarinet was also outstanding.  Lead trumpet Mitchell Cooper, Alex “Crazy Legs” Henderson on the trombone and Glen “The Kid” Marhevka on trumpet added to the mix and made everything come alive.  These guys are all gifted showmen so we had the horns lifted to the sky at times, with some “say hey” hand gestures and it was all so much fun.  Everybody got to solo, especially Rowley on the bari sax and the whole section gave a sweet rendition of “We Three Kings”, the only non-secular number in the show.  This group is tight, professional, stylish and just way cool.  What a great way to swing in the holidays.

Catch you on the flip side…

Reggae Revival

P. D. Kelley

On Sunday, December 10th, two bands played at the Rogue that are a big part of the Reggae Revival movement which is building a large and enthusiastic fan base all over the world.  Opening was Jesse Royal and company who revved the crowd up with some tasty (as the fans would say) song treats, promoting his recently released album Lily of da Valley.  Jamaican born Royal was fun to watch as he swayed gracefully to the beat, dreds waving, voice caressing and then cajoling the audience to sing along and join the party.  His band mates were equally appealing and fine musicians as well.  The drummer, especially, had a beatific smile on his face most of the time and who could object to the group’s message of peace and love.  The main event was Collie Buddz (a.k.a. Colin Patrick Harper) and his ensemble who raised the roof just a touch more with some “get on your feet and dance” reggae which included some songs from his new album Good Life as well as favorites like  “Come Around” and “Mamacita”.  Buddz was an electric presence on stage, with a mellifluous voice, looking something like a cross between Eminem and Phil Collins.  He is not a white wannabe, however.  He grew up in Bermuda and his roots in Caribbean music go deep.  He, too, exhorted the crowd to sing, dance, and “be livin’ da good life, mon.”  And if a few audience members took that too much to heart on occasion, the Rogue’s dedicated security staff was there to keep us all safe so everyone could enjoy the show.  Fine job, guys, and thanks.   Buddz seemed surprised and pleased at the love he got from Grants Pass and thanked the audience for coming out on a Sunday night.  The challenge with playing two hours of reggae is keeping the music fresh and slightly different in tone and tempo and Buddz and his mates did a credible job with changes of pace, a few ballads and a lovely female vocalist who added nicely to the mix with a rich and compelling voice.   This band is reported to be one of the most commercially successful modern reggae groups and Buddz tours extensively, mainly in Europe and North America.  Well worth a ticket and he should be back with us at the Rogue again, as he seemed to love the folks and the theatre and vice versa.

Catch you on the flip side…

With A Whole Lotta Love

P. D. Kelley

Just before 8 p.m. on Friday, December 8th, about fifteen or twenty fans (all male) gathered around the Rogue Theatre’s stage in what looked like high anticipation.  Hmm, could it be that they knew they were about to view, up close and personal, four beautiful women in sexy but elegant costumes, who were also really really good musicians?   If the answer is “yes” then it could only be Zepparella!  Of course, this tribute band to Led Zeppelin has fans of all ages and both sexes and I use the word “tribute” with some caution.  Clearly they love all things Zeppelin and do their best to honor one of the greatest and most innovative rock and roll groups of all time.  But they are not trying to sound just like their icons.  Zepparella has their own unique style and flavor.  They do channel the energy and spirit of Led Zeppelin and it is thrilling.  Drummer Clementine (could not find a last name anywhere) said she co-founded the band twelve years ago along with guitarist Gretchen Menn.  Bassist Angeline Saris got on board along with vocalists Anna Kristina who left, replaced by Noelle Doughty, who left, and Kristina stepped in again.  I suspect some drama there as I watched Kristina’s face when she chatted with me after the show, but she was very circumspect and just said she had always kept in touch with the band and was glad to be singing with them again.  Fans are glad, as well, as her voice is versatile (she has sung everything from jazz to blues to country) and on point at all times.  She appears strung like a high wire, with legs and arms vibrating, and is mesmerizing to watch.  Clementine on drums is a force of nature.  “Fierce” is the word I thought of as I was watching her.  To say she “drums like a man” would do her a disservice but I’ll bet she’s heard that a time or two in her long career.  I’m guessing John Bonham would have been impressed.   Gretchen Menn was simply sterling on guitar as was Angeline Saris on bass.  Menn told me that “I feel like I’m fifteen again every time I step on stage.”  I felt like I was fifteen again listening to these marvelous women.  I remember my father walking into my bedroom when I was playing LZ (vinyl on a bad stereo) and the horrified look on his face said, “Civilization as we know it has ended!”  He also told me that The Beatles wouldn’t last.

What really made me happy was that, to a woman, they loved the energy of the audience and Kristina exclaimed, “I just love this room!”  Don’t miss Zepparella if you can help it.  They’re from the Bay area so a road trip might be in order.

Catch you on the flip side…

A Craving for Cray

P.D. Kelley

Before the craving for Cray was satisfied, the crowd was served a juicy appetizer in the guise of Michael Ray who last was at the Rogue opening for Dave Mason in October. I wrote then that I would be glad to see him and any of his band mates again and, though it was just Ray on stage, he is still a cool blues cat, still plays his Fender Stratocaster upside down, and still pumps out original and entertaining numbers. I talked to him later as he stood outside the theatre in the cold, guitar on his back, waiting for a cab to take him to the bus station for the long ride back to Sacramento. He is just as nice as he is talented. I hope he remembers these days when he was really good, just not famous. I’m betting somebody will be opening for him one day.

And then there was Robert Cray who was in the house this December 6th. I missed him the last time he was here so I was happy to be part of the appreciative audience that spread some love for this superlative band. A couple of times Cray asked, “Is this really Wednesday? Seems like a Friday night!” because the crowd was so lively. Now in his mid sixties, Cray has been around for 30 plus years, honing his skills as a versatile guitarist and singer. His roots are in soul and R & B and he’s played with some of the greats in blues and jazz. His critics have said that he’s just a little too smooth, not the real, raw deal like some of the folks who have influenced him, such as Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker. That didn’t stop him from winning more than a few Grammys and developing a successful career. The phrase “consummate professional” comes to mind and the set he and his band performed was tight, technically close to perfection and everyone knew what they were about. There was, of course, Cray with that creamy voice, exhibiting superb control and lots of range. That goes for his guitar playing as well. Long time band mate Richard Cousins played several bass guitars from an old school hollow body to a later model Fender. Complete masterly here. Looking like an accountant who had just escaped the office was Dover “White Cliffs” Weinberg on keyboards. Looks are deceiving because the man played with soul and style. Terrance Clark on drums was also a wonder and, excuse the pun, didn’t miss a beat. We heard upbeat rhythm and blues, some soulful ballads, a little funk, and a bit of sassy jazz. Cray’s style is as versatile as it is distinctive. I know it’s him within a few seconds of hearing one of his songs . And I listen with enjoyment every time. If you want to see Cray and the band any time soon, good luck. He’s touring in Australia starting early next year. He’ll be back to the Rogue, though. We have a grand old gal of a venue and crowds that know how to show their support.

Catch you on the flip side…

Bluegrass At Its Best

P.D. Kelley

I wasn’t much of a Bluegrass fan but The Del McCoury Band changed things up for me a bit and had me toe tapping throughout their performance on Sunday, December 3rd. I might have let out a little yip or two. When musicians are this good at what they do, ya jess cain’t hep yoself! This is definitely a family affair with Del on guitar, son Rob on the banjo, another son Ronnie playing mandolin and, coming on for the second set, grandson Heaven (that is not a misprint) also on guitar. Rounding things out were long-time band members Jason Carter on the fiddle and Alan Bartram on the upright bass. Oh, and in the lobby working the merch table was Del’s wife Jean. And all these folks tour together? Coming from a family where plates were thrown regularly and cars peeled out of the driveway spewing gravel, I can’t imagine spending more than 10 minutes with my relatives in a confined space. Yet these people seemed to genuinely like each other and like making music together. And what music. Blue grass for sure with some country and folk influences, much original material as well as charming versions of old favorites and some quirky tunes as well. Although The Lovin Spoonful recorded Nashville Cats back in the mid 60’s, it seems tailor-made for this band’s style of pickin’ and splendid three, four, or five part harmonies. The ensemble consisted of almost all acoustic instruments, amplified only by standing mikes. Del has an “aw shucks” stage demeanor and he bantered with the crowd, often making fun of himself. He seemed genuinely delighted to still be on stage at age 78 (79 next February 1st) and he has an impeccable blue grass pedigree, starting out with Bill Monroe and the iconic Blue Grass Boys in the early 60’s, eventually forming his own band, The Dixie Pals, which has morphed into what we see and hear today. He, the band, and all the band members have received numerous awards for musical excellence, including highest honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association. His fans are a curious mix of oldsters who grew up with The Grand Ole Opry and sway in their seats, and new age millennials who hop and bop down front. As for me, I’m still not particularly fond of Bluegrass, but I am a fan of The Del McCoury Band.

Catch you on the flip side.

Go Jonny, Go!

P.D. Kelley

The house was packed the first day of December and an electric sense of anticipation crackled the air.  Although alcohol was served, it was not needed to ramp up this audience.  My internal monologue kept looping:  Oh my God, Jonny Lang is here at the Rogue Theatre! And indeed there he was in his Pink Floyd sweatshirt and tight jeans looking at least 10 years younger than his 36 years (he’ll be 37 next month).  With a boyish grin he raked back his long crew cut and launched into a loud, raucous blues/ rock number.   And thus began one of the best live performances I have ever seen.  We got some of his older stuff as well as cuts from his recently released album Signs which this tour is clearly meant to promote.  Of course there were some raw blues numbers and in recent interviews, Lang has said he was moved to return to his roots and his musical icons like Howlin’ Wolf.

Some elegant jazz tunes emerged as well as some swampy gospel, then some mesmerizing blues again plus more hard, loud, rock.  Near the end of the set Lang broke into Red Light but slowed it down and let his spiritual message gently float over the crowd, nothing pushy but Lang has been clear in interviews that he had a profound spiritual experience years ago and it has informed his life and his music ever since.  Fans at that time worried that he would lose his juice but I am here to tell you that it just got better.  The encore number was, of course, Lie to Me but again the pace initially was slow and raw.  Then he and the band picked up the tempo and closed the set with the audience on their feet.  Lang is generous in his acknowledgement of his band mates and each had at least one solo with Lang seemingly enjoying the performance as much as the audience.  Barry Alexander on drums was top flight as was Tyrus Sass on keyboards.  Jimmy Anton whaled on the bass and Zane Carney on rhythm and lead guitar was every bit as technically proficient as Lang and that said, I have never seen anyone play with such passion and intensity as Lang.  It is what sets him apart and why fans adore him.  Carney, in fact, opened for Lang and gave a masterful performance with jazz, blues, rock and folk numbers.  He has his own band and has collaborated, played with or opened for some legendary groups to include U2 and The Black Crowes.  He mentioned that he and Jonny have known each other since they were kids and I can see these two growing up together, each musical prodigies, each following different but eventually converging paths.  It was a privilege to be in the house this past Friday and if you have not yet seen Jonny Lang, put it on your “Ten things I need to do before I leave the planet” list.  To quote Chuck Berry again, “Jonny Be Good!”

Catch you on the flip side.