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.

Retro Rock Never Sounded So New

P.D. Kelley

Opening for Hard Working Americans this past Sunday, November 5th was Jerry Joseph, one of the most fascinating musicians I never heard of.  He is one man small in stature but big in heart, talent and guts.  He’s been around awhile and had some true admirers in the audience with several fans yelling out, “We’ve loved you for twenty years, Jerry!”  His lyrics and musicianship have graced a number of groups to include Widespread Panic, his 80’s reggae band, Little Women, and more recently The Jackmormons.  Name a country in the world and he has probably been there playing his heart out.  According to his website, at one time he volunteered to teach rock music in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Really?  Who does that?  On this evening it was just him, his guitar and a booming voice playing a mash of Americana folk and rock.  His message is one of love and togetherness, and he would have fit right in to the 60’s protest movement as some of his content is political and he asked us to “think on these things.” It’s clear he has honed his craft over the years and what he does, he does well.  Apparently, he tours at least 150 days a year so if you see his name on the marque somewhere, make a trip to the box office.

 

Now about those Hard Working Americans.  They are, indeed, and delivered nearly two and a half hours of non-stop music with some songs rolling into another with no break even to rehydrate.  And lead singer Todd Snider could have used some liquid.  Half way through the performance his shirt was almost completely soaked with sweat.  Everyone on stage was all the way in on every song.  Awe-inspiring to say the least.  The sound is mostly hard-driving rock with touches of folk and country.  Jim Morrison was dead at 29 and buried in Paris years before some of these guys were born and yet I heard The Doors a bit, plus just a touch of other classic rock bands from the vinyl era.  And then this band has their own unique sound and it is really good.  I am basically an old person but I found myself toe-tapping and hip-twitching.  And it was loud!  Still liked most of it but I did need a nap afterwards.  The crowd, mostly young folks with a few gray hairs sprinkled in, LOVED it!  The pedigree on the band members is long and legendary.  Most have had solo careers and/or played well with others in addition to having famous musicians in their families.  His band mates refer to bassist Dave Schools as “our leader” and he is smooth and in control.  Great voice as well.  Drummer Duane Trucks is not flashy but oh so talented on the skins.  He pounded a riveting solo that set the house on fire. Lead guitarist Neal Casal also not flashy but so intense and driven in his playing.  I use the term “lead” with some provision as these men work so tightly together, ego does not seem to drive any individual musician.  On keyboards was Chad Staehly, demonstrating some interesting moves which I wish I could have seen more clearly.  The newest member of the group is Jesse Aycock on guitar and steel guitar.  Very sweet.  Already mentioned Todd Snider on lead vocals has the  perfect voice for this genre; a bit rough but still melodic and, like the rest of his mates, intense and committed.  Snider helped form the band in 2013 and I predict they are going to be one of the most influential and listened to rock bands of the decade.  Their fan base is growing and rightly so.

 

Catch you on the flip side…

Baby Boomers Rock Out

P.D. Kelley 

On Friday, September 29th, I didn’t see anyone in the house under 50 including the star of the evening, Dave Mason, who is 71. I’m sure there were some young’uns present and two of them were on stage as the opening act and what a sweet treat Michael Ray and Matthew Hevesh were as they played some juicy blues to warm up the crowd.   Ray has special talents indeed as he played a Fender Stratocaster upside down Jimi H. style. This solves the problem of a southpaw playing a right-handed guitar but it takes some impressive maneuvering to do it right and Ray did it right. Also impressive on guitar but rendering some bass licks was Hevesh whose long gleaming tresses prompted someone in the audience to yell out “Nice hair!” Ray immediately quipped, “Yeah, I keep asking him what conditioner he uses but he won’t tell me.” The crowd loved these two and they loved the crowd right back. They hail from Sacramento and feature some more talented musicians on the CD I listened to on the way home so, come on up again boys and bring your mates. I’d certainly give them another listen.

Back to the old folks. It doesn’t seem like Mason has lost any of his mojo. His playing is superb and his voice is strong and on point. On this night his fellow artists were Alvino Bennett on drums, Tony Patler on keyboards and Johnne Sambataro on what I later found out was a Line 6 Variax electric which has built- in software, enabling the guitar, with the twist of a knob, to sound like anything from a bass to a banjo. Sambataro showed complete mastery here and this level of excellence extended to everyone on stage. Tight is the word that kept coming to mind. It’s a thrill to watch and listen to musicians who are tuned into each other so well.   There was a screen hanging above the band that projected a picture show of Mason’s musical history, and since he’s played with or for so many famous bands and musicians, this was like a review of the last forty years of rock from his days with Traffic to his stint with early Fleetwood Mac to his long collaboration with Jimi Hendrix. He played some new stuff and some old tunes as well to include his monster top 40 hit “We Just Disagree”, “All Along the Watchtower” as a tribute to Jimi, and he brought the house down with “Doin’ All Right.” After the concert one sixty-plus fan came past me up the aisle shaking his head, saying, “Man, it’s been forty years since I last heard him.” I think his eyes were a little misty. That kinda says it all.

Catch you on the flip side…

Birds of a Different Feather

P.D. Kelley 

I finally met two fans (short for “fanatics”) who define the term.  Darryl and his lady told me they have followed The Black Crowes and now The Magpie Salute for the past thirteen years and calculate they have been to over 100 performances including the one this past Monday, September 25th here at the Rogue Theatre.  These folks were not bug-eyed, did not drool or twitch; they appeared to be a normal couple who just really love this band in any of its incarnations.  Darryl touched my heart when he said that when he was coming of age in the 90’s “there was just no true rock and roll anymore” until he started listening to The Black Crowes.  Dude, I’m so sorry you missed Woodstock.  I did too, although I was a mere 400 miles away.  Still regret not going.  Original BC member Rich Robinson led the troupe on this evening with some stellar lead guitar.  Robinson’s philosophy must be “a guitar for every song and a song for every guitar”.  Darryl’s lady showed me a play list which mapped out 14 guitars for the 20 plus songs Magpie played in a little over two hours, without a break, I might add.  This is one hard-working band.  If you are a guitar nut you would have been privileged to see Robinson play a gorgeous hollow-bodied Gretch, a variety of Telecasters, a Gibson Les Paul, and an acoustic electric.  I’m sure I missed a few.  Another former Crowe and also playing lead and whatever else was called for was Marc Ford, a prolific composer and consummate professional.   Former BC member Sven Pipien on bass held his own with style and grace.  Such a solid player, the kind the rest of the band knows they can count on.  According to Darryl, when the insanity of drugs and alcohol started shredding the Crowes in the last decade, Pipien was the one “nobody had issues with.  He was good with everybody.”  New Magpie members were Joe Magistro on drums and either Michael Bellar on keyboards or Chris…?  I thought that’s the name Robinson said on stage and my research could not confirm this.  Damn, Darryl would know!  Also on  guitar was Nico Bereciartua and another guitarist whose name I could not find.  Sorry guys but I can certainly say, “Fine job one and all.  Hiding almost off stage was Enrique on congas and other percussion instruments.  Again, could not confirm a last name.  A talented group of backup singers and lovely to look at as well were Charity White, Katrine Ottosen and Adrien Reju.  New lead singer straight outta England was John Hogg, an energetic and dramatic vocalist, very stylish in short dreds, vest and hat.  His voice seemed strained at times and I think Robinson and Ford have better pipes than Hogg, but I quibble here.  The music overall was vibrant, rich, sometimes bold.  I didn’t like all but I liked most and loved some. There was variety from hard driving rock to ballads to a folk rock sound a time or two.  They did some cover stuff: Little Feet’s “Fat Man in the Bathtub”, for instance, but most material seemed original.  What impressed me the most was how professional these birds were and how much thought and effort went into the show.  The Magpie Salute left it all on stage on Monday and it didn’t matter that they weren’t playing to a full house.  So where were you, Rogue Valley?  A musical banquet was served but there were empty seats at the table.  Legend has it that if you see a magpie and you want good luck, give a salute.  Here’s my salute to those fine feathered new friends of mine. 

 

Please don’t miss Rogue Theatre’s next show this Friday, September 29th when Dave Mason will be in the house.  Think of the biggest names in Rock/ Popular music and Mason has been part of their band or has played on their albums.  This is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as co-founder of the band Traffic.  I hear his voice and his playing are as strong as ever.  Clean living, probably.  See you there. 

 

Catch you on the flip side… 

Black Moon Rising Plus More Zen

P.D. Kelley

Ottmar Liebert and his band Luna Negra thrilled the Rogue Theatre house on September 16th with a mix of Latin, pop, jazz, and so called “Nouveau Flamenco”. The band itself is fluid and kind of like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: you never know who will be on stage or how many or what kind of instruments will be supporting Liebert’s classical guitar. This night it was Jon Gagen on bass and Chris Steele on drums. This trio was absolutely mesmerizing and here’s one reason why. Every musician on the stage is a consummate artist in his own right. Gagen has several albums under his guitar strap and is a gifted composer and arranger. His bass line sometimes provided the traditional rumbling background and sometimes came to the forefront for a sound that was both supportive and stunning. Chris Steele has played on an album or toured with everyone from Kenny Burrell to Barry Manilow to the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He has a Bachelor’s in Classical Percussion and a Masters in Jazz Studies and is simply the best percussionist I have ever seen perform live. He has all the bells and whistles on his set and is fascinating to watch. Liebert sat in the middle of these two, barefoot, with clean-shaven face and head in the simplest of shirt and pants. Sometimes a gentle smile would appear as he appreciated the talents of Gagen and Steele and he was generous in sharing the spotlight. And a true joy to listen to. Wonderful melodies and rhythms emerged from his guitar, mellow at times, sometimes robust and surprising, always in tune with the other players with smooth, seemingly effortless transitions. Not so effortless from a physical standpoint. He requested a bucket of ice at the end of the show to soak his fingers in. The best make it look easy and pay the price. Thanks, Rogue Theatre for bringing such a class act to Grants Pass.

Next up on September 25th is the newly birthed Magpie Salute. Former Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson put together the band last October along with former BC bandmates Marc Ford and Sven Pipien. I checked them out on You Tube and there should be a host of other talented musicians on stage, some of whom Black Crowe fans will recognize. This is classic rock and roll and it brought me back to my 60’s roots. They’ve played to sold out shows and have had success with their eponymous first album which came out in June of this year. Put your money down now for a show that promises some great fun for rockers of all ages.

Catch you on the flip side. . .

Zen and the Black Moon

P.D. Kelley
As I sit here listening to Ottmar Liebert and his band, Luna Negra (Black Moon), my enthusiasm is building for his show at the Rogue Theatre coming this Saturday, September 16th. This guy is all about fusion. Mix classical guitar with a modern Latin beat, a hint of jazz, and more than a pinch of flamenco and maybe the essence of his style can be defined. If one is not careful, his music could be dismissed as simply easy listening. A mistake. Just as the listener settles back for a relaxing ride, Liebert does something surprising, often impressive in skill level and technique. There’s fusion in his personal history as well. Of Chinese, German, and Hungarian descent, he traveled Europe as a kid and became interested in various cultures and musical styles. In 2006 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist Monk. In an interview earlier this year he explained, “I have played the guitar since I was 11 and sat in meditation since I was 15. The two practices are so connected in my mind, I can’t tell where one stops and the other begins.” Yep. Fusion. With over 40 albums and several grammys in his discography, I’m thinking this show is not one to miss. He has dedicated fans all over the world and a chunk of them are right here, based on my conversations with local music aficionados. Get those tickets now.
Catch you on the flip side.

Blues and Other Stuff Too

P. D. Kelley

I feel privileged to join the Rogue Theatre family where I plan to review musical performances, to perk up interest in upcoming events, get some background info on the artists (maybe some interviews…uh, first dibs on Jonny Lang!) and, in general, promote the jewel of our fair city and the Rogue Valley, this marvelous gem of a theatre that has survived the end of the Great Depression, a World War, Vietnam, the protests of the Civil Rights era, Women’s Liberation, and, (gasp!) DISCO! The architecture and décor of the Rogue is Art Moderne and was one of the era’s state of the art movie venues; also that her “futuristic” look was a conscious departure from the more ornate theatre designs of the 30’s and 40’s. I just know that I feel like I’m stepping into the elegant past when I enter the lobby. She’ll be 80 years old next year and she’s had a few face lifts over the decades. Here’s hoping she can get a bit more than that in the near future if funding comes through. I’ve heard more than one artist admire her style and say onstage something like, “You’ve got a thing of beauty here.” I agree.

 

I know more about theater than I do musical performances but I’ve been around music and musicians all my life. My instrument has been my voice but I’ve played piano and am a novice bass guitar player. Growing up in the sixties means I got to hear some music icons (The Who, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Jimi Hendrix, etc.) I even remember most of it. So this blog will be the work of an aficionado with more enthusiasm than knowledge but I got peeps who have promised to keep me from wandering off into the weeds.

 

I was lucky enough to have a seat in the house Saturday, August 12th when The Weepies came to town. I knew nothing about this husband and wife duo but am now a fan. According to their social media pages they have an “Aw shucks” story. Girl (Deb Talan) admires the work of Boy (Steve Tannen) and vice versa. The two singer/songwriters finally meet up, play music, fall in love, become The Weepies, record music in bedrooms, get a record deal, make CD’s, develop a following, get their music on the soundtracks of television and films, go on tour and presto! Some years (and three kids) later show up in Grants Pass. No big tour bus, just them, the kids, a nanny, a mini -van and two guitars.   They used the house equipment for the most part, and were unassuming, funny, clearly still gob-smacked with each other and lots of fun to watch and listen to. The music is a mix of folk, pop, and indie and consists mostly of original material. Both are talented guitarists and Steve did a turn on the house piano. He is an excellent story-teller, and has no trouble making fun of how unstylish they are. Which, of course, makes them very stylish indeed. They seem to have a loyal fan base and inspire folks to come up to them later and relate how a particular song “changed my life.” If this sounds like your cuppa, be sure to catch them next time as I’m guessing they’ll be back.

 

Opening for The Weepies was a local duo, Verbs and Nouns, featuring Jared Masters on electric guitar and Emily Turner on the standup (or upright) bass. I gathered from Emily’s Facebook page and some local reviews that they have been together a little more than a year and have local fans sending out lots of positive chatter. I can see why. Smooooth is the word I would use for their blend of jazz and blues with a hint of Latin swing. Turner’s voice is made for a slow and sultry delivery and she even did a bit of scat. And oh, man, she rips on that bass which is taller than she is in heels. Masters has a bright, intense sound on his strat style guitar and the combination is the definition of easy listening with an edgy surprise every once in awhile. If I have one complaint it is that every number had almost the same tempo. They played original songs and put their spin on some old favorites (Summertime and Fever) but if they called and asked, I would tell them to mix it up a bit. Also I would beg Turner for some bass lessons. Watch social media for where they will be next.

 

Catch you on the flip side…