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Big Sky Regional Report
Edited by David Shulman - davids@sterlingdirect.comHi all,
Let me start off by congratulating the Budnick's on the birth of their daughter...Caroline Barrett Budnick!!! Being a father of 3 I know the absolute joy of raising children (well, the diaper part is a bit of a drag) and seeing them learn and grow every day. Have fun with it Dean!!!
Yours truly has been very busy this past month, which included completing the first of what looks like to be many Mimi Fishman auctions for charity (raised over $1,500!!), helping Brandon with organizing the upcoming Mimi Fishman B-day party concert for charity (actually Brandon has done most of the work, but I have been there for some marketing ideas and as a "soundboard"), a 10 day out of the country vacation, not to mention work and family life...what a month!!!
Speaking of the Mimi Fishman B-Day concert, you can link to the info on the jambands.com home page. A great lineup over 2 nights, including String Cheese, Jazz Mandolin, Ominous Seapods, and viperHouse!!!!!!
Their will not be a "Minutes with Mimi" article this month so I can concentrate on the next auction, which looks to be shaping up with some exciting items.
Also, check out the St. Louis March and April concert schedule below!! Looks like the string of wonderful shows is continuing. I know Chad at Cicero's has been working hard to book some exciting "jambands" and his efforts seem to be paying off.
Have a great month!!!
Nebraska Report
Paul L. Pearson, Ph.D.
pro@strangepleasures.comFebruary 11, 1999-Strange Pleasures and Meandering Blue, Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE. Setlist at http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990211set.htm
Meandering Blue
Terry Kishiyami-guitar, vocals
Matt Loweski-bass, vocals
Tom-drums, vocals
Sound-me
It was nice to see the boys from Meandering Blue again-the last time I saw them play, it was with Strange Pleasures at Knickerbocker's in Lincoln NE back in September 1998. Then they were a four-piece band-Steven Petty (now with Strange Pleasures) was the bassist and Matt played guitar. Their repertoire is almost entirely original jams with a few scattered covers woven together with Allman-like fluidity and tight tempo shifts. I consider Kish and Matt to be one of the top guitar duos in the area. Familiarity from hours and hours of practice allows them to mirror one another musically (and literally on stage, as Matt is left-handed) and, for lack of a better term, MEANDER their way around the fretboard and the mood of the moment.
Their first show in front of the Thursday night Saddle Creek crowd was a rousing success. The boys took a little while to find each other, figure out just where they wanted to go and get the groove engaged. But when they did, it was a trip on their time. Despite the switch to bass by Matt, he and Kish remain a tight, tasty duo. Although we would normally have cut them off by 10:30, about the time they played their fun-filled 'Bullfrog Reggae', we couldn't. They were in a zone. Erik (of SP) and I agreed that they had just gotten warmed up and found the hose, so we told them to keep playing. Freed from that restriction, they proceeded into another 15 minute jam session that brought the crowd to screaming ovation. I'd love to see them pick up a new bass player and reunite the dynamic duo-they're just too smooth.
Greg Beebe-guitar/vox, Erik Blomenkamp-guitar, Steven Petty-bass/vox, Greg McWhorter-drums, Scott Moore-keys/vox
Sound-me
Strange Pleasures took the stage soon after with a little jam on SRV's 'Cold Shot.' 'Franklin's Tower' caused the bass amp to overheat, so we had to take an early set break. Scott Moore, the new addition on keys, brought the second set in with Linus and Lucy (aka Peanuts theme) accompanied by the other members as they settled in. 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' was a surprise here a few songs into the set, but was just what the doctor needed. As Brothers broke into Greg McWhorter's drum solo, things warped slightly and the groove really hit. Greg walked around the kit, played some beer glasses and showed off like only he can. The jam of the night came just after as 'Lovelight>The Other One>Not Fade Away' ensued. The best 'Other One' we've done, the pulse was infectious and almost angular. 'Steve's Anti-Gov't Rag>China Cat Sunflower' was a bit of an anti-climax as a pseudo-encore, but nonetheless solid. A fine show of patience by both bands, making for an enjoyable evening of music.
2/12/99-S.O.U.P. (aka Grateful Dudes)-Saddle Creek, Omaha NE; The Johnsen Brothers-Trovato's, Omaha NE Russell-guitar/vox, Zap-bass/vox, Tim Zoucha-drums, Elmo-guitar/vox, Randy Miller-keys/vox; Greg Hill-sound
Kind of a sparse crowd when I walked in on the end of the Dudes' first set. They were in the midst of some Allmanesque jams to get everyone (including themselves) warmed and primed. Second set started with an instrumental followed by 'Crashed Out Under the Stars'. I was juiced when they fired up 'Throwing Stones', which led into a tight 'Not Fade Away' followed by 'Eyes of the World>Samson and Delilah'. Good versions all, with Russell and Elmo sharing the solos. I wasn't expecting a Little Feat song, but Elmo broke out the slide as they ended the set. "I've been down, but not like this before"-can't remember the correct title, but it made my night perk up a bit. I decided to take the set break in the car on the way to Trovato's and check out some other friends.
Johnsen Brothers-Neil Johnsen-guitar, vocals; Steve Johnsen-bass, vocals; Greg McWhorter (also of Strange Pleasures)-drums; with special guest Brad Hayes (of Blue Tango)-harmonica and vocals
Sound/recording: Matthew Johnsen (Brown Paper Bags)
Calling the Johnsen Brothers a jamband is probably inaccurate in the strictest sense. They play mainly blues and jazz covers and originals, with moderate stretching out of solos. (You won't see them go into a 20 minute 'Drumz>Space' any time soon.) But, they have been playing the Omaha scene for a couple of decades and are as smooth and seasoned as any band around. They also are not shy about pulling good musicians up to jam and have some fun. Tonight's second set guest was Brad Hayes (Blue Tango) of Lincoln NE jamming with the Johnsens for the first time, to obvious mutual enjoyment. The talented front man of Blue Tango blazed away on 'Crossroads' and 'Let Me Love You Baby', trading licks with Neil. Brad stepped down and the Johnsens went into Midnight Cannonball, followed by a catchy blues with the lyrics "you can't see the hook til you're already on the line." All I can say is "what TONE!!" Neil Johnsen may not be a well-known guitarist, but he certainly doesn't have to take a back seat. His phrasing combined with his taste and tone distinguish him from the merely superior blues/rock guitarist-he can cover it all and then some. 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' and a high-energy 'Maybelline' followed before Miss April Domet took the stage to belt out 'Love Me Like a Man' which drew a big response. The last song of the night, a dirty blues instrumental groove called 'Big Dog'. This one turned into a nice jam, with McWhorter taking an extended solo before going right back into the last verse. I was so glad I made the trip to Trovato's for this show-the Johnsens helped me find the groove I was looking for.
2/24/99-Brown Paper Bags-Zoo Bar, Lincoln NE; Cosmic Ripple-Bodega's Alley, Lincoln NE
Although we had played a couple shows with the Brown Paper Bags in the past year, I had yet to hear them. When bassist Matt Johnsen (formerly of Strange Pleasures) described some of their music as 'satire rock', I really wasn't sure what to expect. But, I wasn't going to miss this show. I'd categorize the Bags as blues/rock with a humorous rural twist, but they definitely jam. They jam when it's unexpected and it's effective. Guitar, bass, keys, drums and two female vocalists make up the stage-don't know everyone's name yet. Mark is the guitarist, and he's pretty damn good.
Brown Paper Bags
Set one
Lies, Lies, Lies Goin'Back to Georgia (Commander Cody-esque) Alone in the Dark (original, moody, extended jam that finally allowed the guitar to break through and roll over into some nice feedback) Don't Ease Me In (12 bar boogie) Just Can't Beat the Blues (original vocal jam with 5-part harmony, dedicated to me!) Santa Fe (original) The Highway Song (original) Leaving Cheyenne (original, Cowboy Junkies-like song with an extended jam that picked up in intensity and tempo to a set ending cruise with some nice guitar work)A FUN set. I was fairly impressed from song one, and my appreciation grew as things rolled forth. Having a song dedicated to me at the Zoo Bar was an unexpected pleasure-can't wait until I hear them play the REST of the song.
At that point, several of us decided to swing around the corner to Bodega's Alley and check out the Dead Hour jam with Cosmic Ripple, featuring former members of Lincoln's Ripple Effect and other bands. It was my first time hearing this particular collection of musicians, and I think it'll take me a couple of times with Cosmic Ripple to get in tune with their repertoire and style. 'Feelin' Alright' was the highlight of the set for me, and I even stepped in and helped Aaron Dietrich. with the sound until deciding to head back to the Zoo.
Possum (I missed it, dammit!) Down By the River Six Pack of Tall Boys (bluesy original: "If you can still get it up after a six pack of tall boys then you're a better man than me") Man In Black Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad (yeah!!!!)A fun evening in Lincoln with a couple of good bands and another testament to the growing scene?
2/25/99-Strange Pleasures-Saddle Creek, Omaha NE
setlist at http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990225set.htmFirst set highlights, unexpected 'Mary Jane's Last Dance', and an intense 'Steve's Anti-Gov't Rag>China Cat Sunflower>Steve's' jam (first segue back into Steve's). The set break was an absolute necessity and everyone came back in a little better mood. Charley Cioffero even showed up to tape the room for rest of the show.
Second set started out fun with a 'Tarkus' jam featuring Scott Moore, 'Tangled' and a crowd pleasing 'Linus and Lucy'. 'Porch Song' started with only Scott and Beebe playing (and myself on some backing vocals), but soon warped into a full-fledged spacey jam with China Cat teases. Scott Halverson contributed backing vocals on 'Franklin's Tower', and Miss April Domet tore it up to end the second set with a powerful "Love Me Like a Man."
Third set started with "Third Stone" and everyone, including the band, was having fun. The intensity level was kicked up another notch on 'I Can't Do This Again' and 'Brothers.' This 'Suzy>Werewolves>Other One>Not Fade Away>jam' to end the night kicked ass and sent everyone home satisfied.
S.O.U.P. (aka Grateful Dudes)-Duggan's Pub, Lincoln NE
I was a little disappointed with the crowd at the other Dudes show I hit this month, so I was happy when there was a fairly full house for them in Lincoln. Duggan's is a good venue that hosts a variety of bands, mainly blues and local artists. The clientele generally includes a fair number of bikers and Husker fans, but on this night the hippies were there as well. I came in near the end of the second set to find everyone warmed up and ready to go.
Set two started off with Chris Doorly (sp?) jumping on stage to play baritone sax on a Santana song, 'Start All Over Again', 'Knock on Wood', 'Blues Creepin' In' (very good) all followed and had the crowd dancing and drinking. I knew what I wanted to hear, so I yelled out "China Cat." They pulled Greg Beebe (of Strange Pleasures) up to sing it, bringing cheers from the crowd. They ripped off 'China>Rider' some nice jamming and four part vocal harmony. That wasn't quite enough, so they busted into 'Franklin's' with Beebe on vocals. A huge ovation followed and the crowd was definitely ready for more, but the clock on the wall said 1:00 and we had to leave without an encore. Tight show, and a nice job on sound by Greg Hill.
3/7/99-Strange Pleasures and Paddy O' Furniture-Stork Club, Omaha NE
setlist at http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990307set.htmVince-sound
The promise of a big snow kept a bunch of people at home, so the crowd was thinner than expected. The Stork Club is a swing club most nights, but Sunday night is for local bands. I had personally never seen Paddy O'Furniture before, so I was interested to see what they were about. Nils, the lead singer, owns Rainbow Music in Omaha and has put together a collection of good musicians who just want to have fun-they've only been together for about 3.5 months, playing smaller venues and comedy clubs since then.
Strange Pleasures began just as the snow started to fall, but the sparkle wasn't only under the streetlights. A very solid, fun, energetic set. 'You're the One' was slower than usual, broke down into some funk and dissonance and then into 'Linus and Lucy'. Unfortunately there was a problem with the signal from the keys, so Scott's talents were tough to hear. 'Linus' then moved into a weirdly little jam with 'China Cat' teases. Miss April Domet added another stellar "Love Me Like a Man", 'Lyin in the Sun' included virtual steel drums by Scott, and the show ended with a typically tight and exploratory 'Steve's>China' and the popular original 'Brothers' complete with drum and slide solos. Fun show.
Paddy O'Furniture then took the stage. The whole stage. Nine people total on stage. Vocalist Nils, vocals/percussion-Michelle, Jim Autry-guitar, acoustic guitar/vocals, Dan-drums, cello, Rick-mandolin/violin, flute/bubble saxophone and bass. Paddy O' are self-described as 'Omaha's tallest cajun funk, Irish punk, reggae ska band.' I was going to leave early and even had my coat on at one point, but was having too much fun. I won't detail each song, but the lyrics were clever, hilarious and the songs were engaging. The band says they never rehearse and are playing for fun. Songs like 'Fix My Brain' about psychotherapy or having a nice cup of tea, 'If you can't dance, if you can't fuck', 'Some women grow up to be their mom' and 'One Night Stand' definitely put them in the sarcastic humor category. Don't be fooled, however, the members of Paddy O' are talented musicians as well-keeping 9 people in sync should be tougher than this. Jim Autry was particularly impressive on guitar. Can't wait to see them open for Strange Pleasures on April Fools Day.
That's all for Nebraska this month. Sorry to hear that Einstein Electric (Lawrence) broke up. It was rumored that Happy Dog (Lincoln) broke up also, but word is they are still together. Nice to see the remnants of Ripple Effect jamming again? Should be some good shows this coming month, including Strange Pleasures and The Disco Biscuits at the Saddle Creek in Omaha on St. Patrick's Day, Strange Pleasures at the Creek on the 18th and 25th of March and 1st and 8th of April, Grateful Dudes at the Creek on March 19th and 20th, and the Big Wu at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln on March 25th as well.
Take care, Pro (pro@strangepleasures.com)
Day by the River
3/6/99 Cicero's, St. Louis, MO(One Set)
Moanin' Lisa, Story, 411, Taking Over, Superstitious, Mountain, NakedThis show was an opening slot before the Ominous Seapods. It was the first time in St. Louis for both bands, and the show was more than half sold out in advance. It did in fact wind up selling out long before showtime, and Cicero's was packed. Great to see these bands attract such a crowd in their first visit to the city. Unfortunately, the limitations of an opening slot kept the DBR set much tamer than the Memphis and Carbondale gigs which sandwiched it. There were no wild roaring exploratory jams like at those shows, just some very solidly played songs.
Moanin' Lisa had its usual funky dunky groove, and got some booties jiggling. Just have to love those instrumental tunes. Tah tah tah tah tah tah taaaaahhhh!!!!
I believe it was after Moanin' Lisa that Walta B made an announcement concerning the unfairness of the recent treatment given to The Slip over in Utah. I imagine most of you have heard about this by now. For what it's worth, if you are up to giving them a small donation to aid with their overblown legal punishment over a minor crime, try getting hold of Caroline Davidson at popawheelie@erols.com and let her know. I'm sure they would appreciate it. Story was played after Moanin' Lisa and was definitely a very clean, well-played version. Showed the St. Louis newbies a thing or two, I'm sure.
411 was great fun for me. It was a pretty straight forward version for the most part, but I had some fun during the 555-1212 part. I did the 5 5 5 1 2 1 2 hand jive as usual, but during the part where they sing "Information.." I gave Pat the finger, like Missy has been known to do to get Pat to fuck up. I thought it was funny as hell, and apparently Pat did too because as soon as he noticed me he like half-smirked and stared at his feet the rest of the song and avoided eye contact. Heh... then, during the final "In'for'ma'tion..." part he quite clearly sang "Fu'uck Y'ou.." just as he would have "Information." Pretty funny shit, especially to be right there in the thick of it. I doubt too many more people in the room caught it, but hell if I didn't thoroughly get a kick out of it.
Taking Over ripped up any sense of serenity or calm or peacefulness or whatever that anybody might have felt in the room. It was fast and furious, and Jason played like a man possessed. I later had a guy tell me he thought Jason sounded too much like a rock star during the jam in Nova. Heh... if the shoe fits... ;-)
Superstitious and Mountain were well played and both unexpected. Superstitious continued the momentum generated by Taking Over and there was quite a bit of noise from the crowd when they realized what it was. I guess St. Louis digs Stevie Wonder. Cool by my book. Mountain isn't played all that often and came as a surprise to me. If I remember correctly, it was much like the "Fly" version in structure, more condensed than usual. I guess that's what happens when you give DBR a 65 minute set and they squeeze in 8 songs.
I honestly expected Naked, and got it. Not that I got naked... ah, you get the idea. The intro section before the lyrics was different than I remember having ever heard it, and Ted's spoken rap part was pretty funny. He basically got the crowd's attention by asking us to listen to the people in the back speaking and try to imagine what they were saying. He went on talking about something or other (memory fails me) and asked the crowd "Can I get an AMEN??" a few times, each of which got their complete attention. The room was then filled with a few hundred converts to DBRism who gladly complied. "AMEN!"
Good, well-played set, but not to the level of what was to come in Carbondale or what happened in Memphis. In short, most everything was well-done and clean rather than full of surprises, risks, or much craziness. Hopefully next time in St. Louis will be a sold-out solo two set show. I can't wait... if the recent shows are any indication, these guys are only going to continue to improve and kick major, major, major ass for some time to come. Hot damn, I'm all giddy. ;-)
Here's to good music in St. Louis! Woohoo!!!
- Rich Bob Vining
March Fri. Mar 5th The Schwag *** The Bypass, Joplin, MO Fri. Mar 5th Madahoochi / El Buho *** Cicero's Sat. Mar 6th Day By The River / Ominous Seapods *** Cicero's Sun. Mar 7th Day By The River *** The Copper Dragon, Carbondale, IL Sun. Mar 7th The Samples ***(AUD only bring yer mics!) Mississippi Nights Wed. Mar 10th The Recipe (opening for Kerosene Willie) *** Cicero's Thur. Mar 11th Gov't. Mule *** The Copper Dragon, Carbondale, IL Fri. Mar 12th Eugene Chadbourne Cicero's Fri. Mar 12th Blue Dixie *** Mississippi Nights Sat. Mar 13th Jakes's Leg *** Cicero's Wed. Mar 17th Into The Woods *** Cicero's Fri. Mar 19th Rusted Root ***? American Theater Sat. Mar 20th David Grisman ***? Mississippi Nights Mon. Mar 22nd Disco Biscuits *** Cicero's Wed. Mar 24th The Slip / Kerosene Willie *** Cicero's Thur. Mar 25th The Slip / Jazz Mandolin Project *** Cicero's Fri. Mar 26th The Amorphous Band / Sunny Daze *** Calvin Opera House, Wash., MO Tue. Mar 30th Schleigho *** Cicero's Wed. Mar 31st Kerosene Willie / Amorphous Band (open) *** Cicero's April Fri. Apr 2nd String Cheese Incident / Chris Whitley *** American Theater Sat. Apr 3rd Seven Days / Brother Jed Cicero's Wed. Apr 7th Dexter Grove *** Cicero's Tue. Apr 13th Gordon Stone *** Cicero's Mon. Apr 19th Maceo Parker (no taping) Shryock Aud. Carbondale, IL Sat. Apr 17th The Big Wu *** The Firehouse May Sat. May 15th The Big Wu *** The Copper Dragon, Carbondale, IL
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