You get what you give...

So, I admit it.  At first I didn't like the Zac Brown Band at all.  I thought Chicken Fried was an irritating little ditty that would amount to nothing more than a one hit wonder.  The second release from their debut album Whatever it Is - ehhh...it was a good song but still didn't have me hooked. Ok, so then they had another hit with Toes in the Water.  Jimmy Buffett wannabe I scoffed.  Finally, somewhere between Highway 20 Ride and Free,  I was interested.    It was soon after that I finally went to my first ZBB concert.  And from that point on, I was in love - L O V E!  I've never been a country girl, but ZBB hit all the right notes with a mix of traditional country, rock, trop-rock, bluegrass, etc.  I also realized that these guys were more than a one hit wonder and were here to stay. A week later I went to my second ZBB show at Merlefest.

A couple of weeks ago, Jay and I made the trek to see ZBB for a third time.  We had originally planned to  head down to Athens, GA for the weekend to see Blackberry Smoke but as it would happen the stars alined and ZBB announced a show the night before the BBS show.  Well.....since we were headed in that general direction, we decided to make a weekend of it - a musical journey if you will....

We arrived a few hours before the doors opened as we had general admission tickets as we wanted a spot close to the stage ( you should all know the drill by now). And close to the stage we got!  First I want to give my kudos to the best security officer I have ever met at a show - Ronn Moss.  He introduced himself right off and stated he wanted everyone to have a good time.  I'm sure these guys have to deal with a lot of crap and could be real douches if they wanted to be.  But Ronn really wanted us to have a blast.  We just felt bad that he couldn't turn around and watch the show.  But we realized the importance of him keeping his eye on the crowd when he leapt forward to help a lady that passed out! Thanks Ronn for making our concert experience a great one.

So back to the show - Nic Cowan opened.  Jay rightly dubbed Nic as ZB's eye candy for the Southern Ground label. But he is more than easy on the eyes - he is a talented musician in his own right.  A singer songwriter, he is a little country and little funky.  Cowan's songs are fun, quirky and a little tongue and cheek.  Hardheaded is the title track from his album and is written from the male perspective of someone not ready to settle down.  However, it's easily relatable to females as well.  I strongly suggest catching Nic the next time he hits your town.

So next up was Trombone Shorty.  I knew nothing, nada, zero, about Trombone Shorty.  I even put my camera away saying to Jay that I wasn't going to take any pictures.  That lasted about 0.01 seconds as soon as Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue took the stage.  I can't even begin to accurately describe the amazing talent displayed in this performance.  Simply put -  this was one of the best and surprising shows I have seen in years.  Trombone Shorty and his band of musicians are a vibrant concoction of rock, jazz, blues, funk all in one incredible package.  They are an explosion of energy on stage.  Go...Go...RUN to see them.

So after two opening acts, we were in the right mood for ZBB. Out of no where an ogre appears- yes an ogre as in Shrek except not at nice.  This big asswipe, breaking all the unwritten rules of general admission pushed his way up front.  The crowd around us was pissed.  One girl cried - well that was kind of funny -but this dude, Big Bird as he proclaimed his name to be, wasn't budging. So for the record, when in general admission area, be respectful and follow the unwritten rules.  And remember, you get what you give.....Otherwise, you might find yourself highlighted in someone's blog.

Big Bird or Big Poopyhead?             

ZBB took the stage as an unstoppable force.  Zac Brown Band are more than bearded wannabes- they are the real deal.  Each member of the band are incredible musicians in their own right.  More importantly, Zac gives them each the opportunity to shine during various songs.  If you haven't seen this band perform Devil Went Down to Georgia - you are truly missing one of the greatest demonstrations of musical talent that I have ever seen.  The band offers up a no holds barred, high energy rendition of this classic song.  Seemingly they take flight during this song.  Speaking of taking flight -  I wonder how they came up with the idea of sending Clay up a zipline and across the audience.  Was this an alcohol induced lost bet on his part?

Clay Takes Flight

One last though on ZBB - their songs are believable.  Their songs are thoughtful.  Their songs evoke feelings (especially if you are southern born and bred) of a time long since passed.  No Hurry offers us the idea of leading a slower pace of life and to stop worrying about the things we can't change.  Toes, Knee Deep and Where the Boat Leaves From,  all paint us a picture of a laid back island lifestyle even if that lifestyle leads us just around a kiddie pool in our back yard.  The last musician to accomplish this style of escapism music is Jimmy Buffett. And it seems ZB has taken notes on his buddy JB, as he is already marketing himself in a way that Buffett was only able to accomplish years into is career.  Perhaps the tiki torch has been passed.  Even ZBB's fans are beginning to mimic the tailgating escapades that Buffett fans have been doing for years. Let it Go - my favorite song, well, this songs suggests that there are some things in life that are out of our control.  There are something best forgotten, and then again sometimes life is better taken to chance

 Looking back now on my life I can't say I regret it

And all the places that I ended up not the way Ma woulda had it

But you only get once chance at life to leave your mark upon it

And when a pony he comes riding by you better set your sweet ass on it

So while ZBB may not be a crossover band, the fans have crossed over to them - namely this one.  And ZBB known for their eat and greets before the show (the band cooks and eats with their fans) have served up a heaping helping of southern fried music with a twist.  

"I bet Elton John never said stink on shit!"

First of all, let me express that today's title has nothing to do with Elton John's talent or ability. So all my apologies to any Elton John fans I have offended out there.

This blog will be a little different than most as I had the fortunate opportunity to see Blackberry Smoke twice within a week of each other.  And chalk it up to being busy with real life (or lazy), I'm going to blog about both at once.  Shoot me now.

3.16.12- Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC.  We were not able to leave Greensboro for this show until 6pm.  So with and an hour drive ahead of us, I was nervous about obtaining the ever elicit "rail space" in front of the stage.  Jay will tell you, I FREAK out until we get our spots and I know for sure I will be able to see.  Hey, being just a little over 5 foot tall I deserve to freak a bit.  As we were driving into Raleigh we hit a little traffic congestion and as it turns out was due to an Elton John concert that night.  But that evening, the traffic gods smiled upon us and we got there well before the venue opened.

Once inside we got comfortable as we knew it would be a long wait until BBS took the stage.  The first opening band Scarletta was forgettable at best.  They were a young band best suited for dancing with the stars due to their heavily choreographed routines and artificial poses on stage.  And that's all I'm saying about them.  The next to take the stage was Tim Montana who we enjoyed a bit more.  His style of music was kind of like a mix between grunge and country.  Yep, someone was able to do that.  I was very entertained by his guitarist that looked like a cross between Elvis, Unknown Hinson and Billy Ray Cyrus - FOR REAL - LOOK!

Finally, BBS took the stage.  I think this must have been one of their first weekend shows at the Lincoln Theatre and just had to be sold out.   It seems the word in NC has spread like wild fire and their fan base is solid in the Tarheel State.  I think everybody abided by the old bring a friend adage.  We also met a number of people who had just got into BBS because they had seen the Direct TV show that has aired many times.  Either way, the crowd was excited and a good vibe in the air.  The one problem with going to see a band sooo many times, is that their set list becomes predictable. This is NOTHING against the band and it's understandable why they keep the same set list. All musicians for the most part do this.  However, we did get to hear Testify which we hadn't heard live very often.  After playing Sleeping Dog, Charlie proclaimed, "I hear Elton John is in town. I bet he never said stink on shit!"  Ha, somehow I think Mr. Starr is correct about that one.  Quickly, becoming one of my favorites is Whippoorwill that Charlie wrote for his grandmother.  Just before playing this one, Charlie requested "Hey, Mr Light Man, make it cool and spooky in here".  The lights went low and Mr. Light Man created a spinning star effect throughout the theatre.   The night ended with the band playing White Lightening dedicated to a wheelchair bound fan.

3.24.12 - Georgia Theatre, Athens , Georgia.  So fast forward a week later.  Jay and I are southbound and down headed to Athens. (Yes I know it's eastbound and down - but it's my blog so today its southbound and down.)   We had just attended the Zac Brown show in Columbia the night before - which I will write about later.  We were fortunate to be in attendance for the DVD filming of the Georgia Theatre show last summer and were excited to be heading back.  This time we had plenty of time to get in line for the show - but I was still stressing.  The doors opened at 8:00 pm so we arrived at 6:30 pm and were excited to be first in line.  Whew! Soon after taking camp in front of the door we were joined by a nice couple Mike and Tonya who had seen the band only once at the Buckhead show.  They were fans of being up front and in the crotch as well!    Soon the line formed, however a number of folks headed to the roof top bar. The rumor spread that they let everyone up there in before the line at the door.  We asked an employee at the Georgia Theatre and he assured us that this was incorrect and everyone would be let in at the same time.  We soon found out he was wrong.  Mr. Doorman came to the door at about 7:50pm and said "you two- (pointing to Jay and myself) come in".  He then explained as it turns out, that the bar DID let people in early.  BOO to the Georgia Theatre for not making this policy public knowledge. BOO!  As it turns out, we were still able to get up front but several people who had waited behind us specifically to get a seat, did not.  I have no doubt that they waited longer than most people in the bar.  It just made me sad for them.

First in Line

The opening band was Thomas Wynn and the Believers from Orlando.  Unlike, many people in the crowd I did not find them to be unbelievably awesome.  They were a good bar band.  Other than the harmonica player, there was nothing out of the ordinary about them.  The harmonica player on the other   hand was A-MAZ-ING!

As we were waiting for the stage change we found out that almost everyone around us had been at the live DVD taping.  And we had all stood in the same general area.  It was a pretty cool realization.  BBS took the stage around 10:30pm and the energy was incredible.  There was something in the air - an electricity. I can't put my finger on it, but it seemed as the theatre itself was alive.   Maybe it's because they had just sold out the Georgia Theatre for the second time or because their families were there, but the band seemed to be having the times of their lives.  The time flew by and before we knew it, they were taking their bows.

Here is where I will depart from the usual replay of the night.  Jay asked me on the drive home what made me love BBS and their music.  After thinking for a bit, I came to this conclusion.  To say the band is humble, is passe at this point.  I think a better description is that they are real.  Real people with real lives and real families.  And they share all of this with us.  They do real things like shop for shoes.  Upon arriving in Athens, we went to eat and them had some time to walk about town.  Jay wanted to go into a specific shoe store that had a number Vans in the window.  As we were shopping, we ran into Paul, who immediately said hello to us.  I stuck out my hand to shake hands with him and he hugged me.  Like a long time friend or a family member.  And this is what makes BBS special.  We are all friends with them on Facebook.  We are watching their children grow up.  We see the birthdays, holidays, etc and everything else that makes this band real  We ARE a part of their lives.  And we are making friends with each other because of this common bond.  So we are in turn becoming a part of an even bigger family with each other.

So to their families- Thank you.  Thank you for sharing your loved ones with us.  We know it means missing special time together.  Missed parties, school plays, ball games, recitals, etc.  We know you are sacrificing a lot.  In turn, please know that their music is something special.  It makes our lives brighter. When we go to a show, we are able to turn off our problems and get lost in the moment.  When we listen to a cd, we are reminded of more carefree times in our lives.  So to the wives, girlfriends, and children of these amazing musicians - thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We hope one day we can repay you.

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Crowfield puts their bigfoot down...

Last fall, Jay and I went to see Edwin McCain at Ziggy's.  It just so happened at the show, a band named Crowfield opened for him.  We got there early (as usual - you know the whole being up in the crotch thing) and Crowfield was finishing up their soundcheck.  Apparently, there were some problems with the soundcheck and the band didn't seem happy.   When they finally took the stage, we could barely hear the lead singer and the music overpowered the vocals.  Even still, we enjoyed their music.  It wasn't until their last song "Bigfoot", that we realized just how much we would like them.   Lead singer Tyler Mechem, up to that point had been toying with us. He had just been fishing with us -dangling the lure in front of our faces. With "Bigfoot", he yanked the hook and reeled us in.  The energy level went from 50mph to 100mph in a split second- an unexpected treat.  "Bigfoot" produced a big sound with a strong rhythm, soulful vocals, and thoughtful lyrics.  This could very well be this band's anthem.  As you, may know, I don't like every band I see.  And I certainly don't clamor for a set list from every band I see.  But I LOVE THIS BAND.  After, the band finished and was packing up their gear, I asked guitarist Micah Nichols for their set list.  "It's on a paper plate" he replied.  And that is exactly one of the reasons I wanted it.

So, last Thursday night, Jay and I made the trek to Chapel Hill to see Crowfield perform at the Local 506 club.  They were opening for a band called the Dirty Guv'nahs - who we would not stay and see as it was work night for both Jay and I.  Since that first show, we has actually got to see, Tyler play in a Greensboro coffee house for a charity benefit.  As soon as we walked in on Thursday, we were greeted by Tyler. He remembered us by name and seemed genuinely excited to see a couple of fans in this somewhat uncharted territory for them.

Crowfield opened with a few songs from their debut album, including the ardent and thoughtful song"Give".  As the song goes, "It ain't what you got"  when you are in love -it's about giving it all to the one you love".  They also played my favorite "Jesus in my Pocket".  Having worn this song out in my car's cd player, I was excited to hear it live. The lyrics meaningful, powerful and moving - 

"The pain don't break me down these days
I've got a Jesus in my pocket, blue eyes and a better way
It helps remind me faith is a powerful thing
Gives you more reasons to live than die any day"


The band also gave us a sneak peak of one of their songs off the new album.  A few months ago, the band launched a kickstarter campaign, asking fans to help them raise the money to make a new album.  Their fans answered the call, helping them raise almost $20,000 in just a few short weeks. This was enough to send the band into the studio for two weeks to work on the album.  And I cannot wait to hear what they have waiting for us.

Ending once again with Bigfoot, except this time, it was a sneak attack.  Starting with a funky sound, Jay and I looked at each other and said "They aren't ending with Bigfoot." Ha- but they showed us.  For this version, they slowed the song down a bit, but it was as powerful as the first time we heard it. Tyler's voice was strong and confident, commanding attention even as he ended with a high falsetto voice reminiscent of The Edge.  Interestingly enough, Micah's guitar playing and use of pedal effects mimic (quite affectively) the style of The Edge as well.  This song begs you to stomp around but Tyler does all of the stomping for you.  The band ended Bigfoot with a roar as Tyler and Micah clamored all over the stage.

To say Crowfield is soulful is an understatement. They have soul - they have funk- they are alternative and country mixed into one.  Most of all they have a raw, edge with inspired and intelligent lyrics.  These guys are solid musicians with the heart of songwriters - a combination that is sometimes hard to find. But they are soulful even beyond their music.  The thing that resonates the most for me is that they have a sincere humbleness about them and are easily approachable.

I am very much looking forward to seeing much more of Crowfield.  Until then, they will retain a top spot in my cd changer.

From the Sky Down

Last summer I had the opportunity to see U2 in Baltimore, MD.  Without sounding cliche, U2 is by far my favorite band.  My brother, Scotty, introduced me to them when I was a young teen.  For 20 years, I have dreamed of being front row at a U2 show.  In June, that dream came true as I found myself standing basically front row within 10 feet of The Edge.  It is a night I won't soon forget.
   

   

So it was with great anticipation that I awaited the release of From the Sky Down - a documentary of a tumultuous time in U2's past as they struggled to come to terms with who they were and who they would become.  At that time, U2 had just come off a wildly successful tour of The Joshua Tree, however the band felt as they had lost their identity. At the end of the last concert of the tour, Bono said ( and I am paraphrasing here) "We need to go away and dream it up again".  Fans feared this was the inevitable, somewhat cliche breakup.   The film is about the making of the album Achtung Baby in Berlin and focuses on the walls the band put up as the Berlin wall came down.   


So the documentary was made quite accidently.  Apparently, U2 likes to have cameras rolling during all of their recording sessions.  Once they told a camera man, "It's the times you think you don't need to be filming, that you need to be". And now, twenty years later as the bad revisits the album in same recording studio in Berlin, we see the band raw and naked.  The band, on the verge of collapse, tackled long recording sessions. As each dealt with intensely personal issues (including The Edge's failed marriage), they attempted to create an album and avoid implosion.  What I found most interesting was the way they wrote together.  Chords and melodies were created as Bono improvised, often, with the most nonsensical lyrics.  The songs were just kind of came to be after being nurtured over a period of time. Bono equated it with trying to "build a house from the sky down".  And then came that pivotal moment - One was born.  It came from the second bridge from the original inception of Mysterious Ways.  And that- that was the moment the band was waiting for during all that time. The band would not break up  - they would tear down their walls, put away their artistic differences and make perhaps one of the  greatest albums in musical history.  Also examined is the creation of Bono's alterego "The Fly".  He described it as the armor he donned as he revealed part of his soul.


The film also offers The Edge singing an acoustic version of Love is Blindness and Bono solo on a particularly poignant version of So Cruel.   

Twenty year and I am now all grown up and appreciate U2 more than I did as a teen.  There music is simply thoughtful, intelligent, and poetic. For the U2 fan,  this film is a must see, must have, must watch. I remember my love of Rattle and Hum so many years ago.  I watched it so many times that I wore the VHS tape out.  And now, I anticipate watching From the Sky Down just as much.  It seem U2  is all grown up as well.

The Road Goes On and On (Toby Keith Sucks)

So as the story goes, Toby Keith ripped off Robert Earl Keen and The Road Goes on Forever.  REK could have sued Toby for plagiarism.  He could have bashed him in the media.  He could have made Toby pay.  But as it would happen, REK just wrote a song about Toby.  That's just how he rolls. Or at least that's how the rumor goes...

"Yeah, you're a regular jack in the box
In your clown suit and your goldilocks
All duded up in your cowboy crocs singing the same old song
How in the hell do you think you'll make it
When the real test comes and you just can't fake it"

                -The Road Goes On and On"   Robert Earl Keen


As you can imagine, I was extremely excited to see the legend in person at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, NC.  Even if it meant getting into bed very late on a Sunday night/Monday morning and going to work the next day.  (You'll learn that I value sleep among anything else).  Jay and I drove 1.5 hours to Raleigh and arrived about an hour before the doors opened.  We opted to quickly get something to eat at a BBQ place named Dickey's and enjoy a beer before the show.  Texas Brisket at that! I highly recommend this place if you are near the Lincoln Theatre.  But since this is not a food blog, I'll move on.


The opener was a band named The Deep Dark Woods from Saskatchewan, Canada (yea I had to google the correct spelling of that one).  Close your eyes.  What do you see when you think of the deep dark woods?  Do you see tall dark pines, thinly veiled in a blanket of fog, with hushed whispers coming from the dark corners of the forest?  Do you think of towering mountains and the people who live within them? Folk? Bluegrass, tales of days gone by? These guys have a charming geekiness about them and definite unique style.  Technically classified, I guess, as indie folk music, they are a little edgier than that.    Together, they create warm harmonies with sometimes dark lyrics that envelope you and pull you into the deep dark woods- a place that can be somewhat deceiving.  We learned they are playing Merlefest in April and I think they will fit in with the hippy, folksy atmosphere there.  Hopefully, I'll get to see more of these guys then.

The Deep Dark Woods

After a quick stage change, REK came on and immediately walked up to the microphone.  "I'm sorry I'm late folks".  A quick look at my phone (who owns a watch these days?) and I observed that it was about 9:10.   I was puzzled, because after all who REALLY starts on time.  Well, apparently, REK starts on time.  But, this time as he explained he got caught up watching, the Liam Neeson movie Taken  and couldn't tear himself away.   Also, apparently, some cowboys don't wear boots.  Nope, apparently they wear blue and orange running shoes.  Or perhaps, having lost track of time he looked at the clock and said "Oh s#*t!  I'm late" and he ran out with his sneakers on. 

Forgot my Boots

REK played most of the songs one would expect with a couple of new ones sprinkled in.  What impressed me the most was how he acknowledged his band immediately giving props to his guitarist saying he was one of the most talented musicians he knew.  REK, though, has the innate ability to tell stories with each of his song.  He spins tells that somehow you KNOW they really happened to him.  His dislike for the CURRENT country music scene is apparent however.  And no more apparent is his disdain  for Toby Keith in the song The Road Goes On and On...I kept waiting for my opportunity to yell, "Toby Keith Sucks" but the crowd was too loud and he immediately launched into The Road Goes on Forever...

He did play one song that touched me to the core was "Lay Down my Brother" off of Ready for Confetti. It is a haunting ballad seeming calling out to someone to rest.  "Lay down my brother, take it easy take it slow.  Lay down my brother rest awhile, let it go".  It seemingly urges us to slow, take it in and appreciate life - for life is too short to worry about the petty stuff.  Having only heard this once, and not having the lyrics, this is only my initial take away. 

Having never been to an REK show I wasn't sure what to expect. He was like that uncle at Thanksgiving dinner, the one that didn't give a crap and would fart, cuss and essentially do what ever the heck he wanted.   Well, that was Robert Earl Keen.  He is a Texas Troubadour who lacks nothing in the ability to tell a story or a Texas Aggie joke. His music takes you back (even if you've never been) to a dusty, roadhouse where the smell of beer permeates the air.  Your are proud to be Texan even if you aren't Texan!

Walking away from this show, I developed an even deeper appreciation for singer/songwriters.  They are not going to sell out large stadiums or appeal to the masses.  But the sincerity of their music and dedication to their fans is unsurpassed.  

Do you think I'm a groupie yet.....

So this was a big weekend for live music for Jay and myself.  Saturday was the long awaited Blackberry Smoke show at Ziggy's in Winston Salem.  Yes, I just reviewed BBS a little over a month ago.  Guess what?  I'm going to review them again because it's MY blog.  I can do what I want (said in my best Cartman voice).

To say that BBS attract fans from across the spectrum is an understatement. Take Jay and I for example - we are average joe schmoes.  However, you can see it all at one show.  BBS is Music for ALL people.  Rednecks, good ole boys and girls, preppy types, hippies and artists.  Everyone is usually accepting and inviting however, the worst one of them all is the drunk.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I have been known to imbibe from time to time.  Heck, I've been known to down multiple tequila shots just to be able to keep the pretty bottle.  But, I always tried to sober up before the show. And as of late, I'm pretty much stone sober at all of the shows I go to.  Perhaps, that is why the drunk is a little more annoying to me these days.  So here I am stuck next to drunk Tammy Faye Baker look alike as the first band took the stage.  "I want Blackberry Smooooooooke" she screamed...all while flailing her beer dangerously close to my head. I could write an entire blog about my new BFF.  She herself is in a band.  She proudly proclaimed, "I'm loud and don't shut up (oh great....) so they put me in the band!" Jay took mercy on me and switched places...

The first band was a two piece band from Rolesville, NC.  One played the snare (with brushes), bass and cymbals while his partner played guitar.  These guys opened for BBS in Wilmington, NC and I have to say the second time around I was pleasantly surprised with "d-sass"(as I had finally learned their name).  These two guys love to entertain as is apparent with their own brand of energy around their music.  They harmonize extremely well and connect easily with the audience. I'm a believer that they need to get an airstream trailer and travel around the US spreading their d-sass gospel!

Next up we had Old Southern Moonshine Revival (from here on out to be referred to as OSMR because I am lazy and their name is too dang long to type multiple times).  To say I was pleasantly surprised with the first band, then I was blown away with these guys.  They came roaring on stage with their first song like hell on wheels.  From their first few chords until the last note, these guys were there for the party.  Jay looked over at me during one song titled Two Shells Gone and said "This could be a huge hit on any radio station".  And I agreed.  OSMR is a mixture of country and rock.  They are reminiscent of the Eagles but also remind me of the energy of the Zac Brown Band.  They have the swagger of a seasoned band but a freshness to their music.  They are good songwriters and only relied on two cover songs to please the crowd.  I can really only say one negative thing about them.  And it is really a very minor thing.  They wore trucker hats and shiny sunglasses on stage - well, all of them except the drummer.  It reminded me of a band created by music execs to please the masses.  Yeah, yeah, I know it "the look" these days but it seemed so cliche for a not so cliche band.  As creative and energetic as these guys are, I hope they can come up with their own look and style to match that of their musical talent.  Oh yea, one last thing.  It was uber cool when the drummer came up and gave my friend's son his drumsticks and even cooler when I scored a free cd (which is now in rotation in the car cd player along with Ryan Adams, Lindsey Buckingham, Counting Crows, Blackberry Smoke and Crowfield).  Way to keep it real guys...

Have I told you Blackberry Smoke is my new favorite band? We already have at least two more road trips planned to see them in the upcoming months.  And once again we were up in the crotch as the boys took the stage.  Each time I see them, I don't think it can get any better - but it does. With their feet rooted in Dixie, these guys are filling a void that has been missing in music for quite some time.  They are taking us back to a time when southern rock filled the air waves and drifted out of muscle cars across the country.  Take a little rock, a pinch of blues, smidgen of gospel, a handful of country and VOILA- you have Blackberry Smoke. From the time BBS takes the stage they own it.  They are a boot stomping, bootie shaking,  head bobbing good time.  They have a look that is quite hard to describe - with their long hair and scruffy beards, one might be quick to pass judgment on these guys.  However, they are some of the nicest guys and band that one could meet. And you can tell by the looks on their faces, they are living the dream.  I love seeing the joy on their faces especially Paul's whose smile connects to the audience.  And with each show I am beginning to love the songs that are surfacing off the new album. Leave a Scar has quickly became one of my new favorite songs.  Now back to the crowd - Even more annoying than the drunk is the drunk who insists on shouting song request EVEN THOUGH THE BAND HAS A PLAY LIST!  For me, it's a matter of respecting the band unless of course, they ask you to yell requests.  The band however, unfazed gave another incredible, high energy, kick some ass performance.  Charlie, at one point came out in front of us and gave my friend's son a guitar pick (score for him 2 drumsticks and a pick - quite an exciting night for a 13 year old).  I wonder, if they realize, for many kids they are rock gods. Heck, I'm still tongue tied when I meet them at a meet and greet. And to reach out to young fan is an incredible thing. My boyfriend's son (age 13) didn't want to wash the underage X's off his hands because he had such a great time.  Somehow, I think they realize what great power they hold, however, they refuse to abuse it. And it is this humbleness that will continue to carry them to great things.

The crowd was bigger this time than the last - a sold out show.  Each time I see them, I am reminded of their impending rise to greatness.  However, there is a little fear in my heart (selfishly on my part) that there will come a time when I'm so far from the stage that I can't see the mischievous glint in Charlie's eyes, Paul's big smile, Richard's rock star stance, Brandon's soulful gaze, and  Brit's big beard (well, I'm sure I'll still be able to see that).  Yea...I'm selfish....

Go see them.  'Nuff said.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival - Wholly Disappointed

Let me say that I do NOT want to write this review.  These guys were students when I worked at Greensboro College and performed together in the Family Weekend Festivities that I used to plan.  Back then, I remember how they wowed the parents and had everyone on their feet.  Their mix of ragtime, swing and bluegrass was a breath of fresh air and the energy contagious. Everyone loved them and as they grew into the Holy Ghost Tent Revival, their popularity grew in the Greensboro Community.

Now fast forward a few years.  They are staple in the Greensboro club scene.  So it was with great anticipation and excitement that we would go to see them at the Blind Tiger for New Years Eve.  I knew a few things going in.  1.  I knew that the crowd would be largely twenty somethings and many would be under twenty-one (it was advertised as an all ages show).  2.  I knew that it would be a late night.  3.  I knew- or so I thought- the music would be great.

Doors opened at 8:00 so we arrived around 9pm to claim our spot "in the crotch" (see previous article for clarification of this term).  We anticipated music would start around 9:30 pm so we were not expecting to wait for an hour and a half for the opening band.  Finally, at 10:30 pm, the opening band took the stage.  I'm really not that old (or so I like to think), but just starting at 10:30 was a little RIDICULOUS!

The best thing about the opening band was they had a tambourine/maraca player that kept us well entertained.  Sometime during one of the first few songs, he lost one of his maracas and it went flying down between a speaker and the stage right in front of us.  He somewhat quickly regained form, however, remained with one less maraca for the remainder of the show.  He did not seem to know the words to the songs however.  We hypothesized that he was a friend of the band that had no NYE plans and they just said "Dude, stand up there and play these".  Even at the halfway point of the show, the band had still not introduced themselves.  Finally at some point they said, "we are Floating ...mumble...mumble...from Asheville".  It wasn't until I asked someone standing near me and they had deciphered the name and I learned they were named "Floating Action".  You will rarely hear me say this...this band was BAD.  Really BAD.  I usually try to find goodness in almost everything so fact that the only goodness that I could find was the somewhat clueless maraca guy is a stretch for me.  This band is probably best for playing frat parties where no one really cares about the quality of music but rather having background noise as they play beer pong.  Perhaps they are still unseasoned as performers.  Maybe they had an off night.  Maybe they were that bad.  Yea...that's about it on Floating Action. Oh, by the way, we helped maraca/tambourine guy retrieve his lost maraca from the crevice in front of the stage.  I think it made his night.

Play me a song Mr Tambourine/Maraca Man

So as midnight rolled around, we could see that HGTR would probably take the stage right after midnight.  And indeed as the last few minutes of 2011 ticked down, we could see they were making their move.  As the clock reached 11:59 they appeared on stage swigging out of a cheap champagne bottle (it could have been Asti) however, it felt to me as if they were a little full of themselves. A little to much swagger and cockiness.  Who does that?  I remember Sammy Hagar doing so with a Jack Daniel's bottle years ago.  But never anyone drinking cheap champagne on a club stage.  I guess there is a first time for everything.  It was also quite annoying when the guy running their sound board lit up a cigarette in a smoke free club.  Perhaps, he realized my annoyance (after giving him the stink eye) because he offered up a PBR to Jay and I as a truce.  We accepted.

After midnight, they began to play and all I can say is how surprised I was at that point.  While they are still talented musicians, their sound was completely different. They were so generic...so vanilla.  Where was the banjo?  Where was the upright bass?  They still had the horns which was somewhat of a saving grace, it was still not the show I had anticipated seeing.  I was (and still am) disappointed.   Jay was as disappointed as I was as well.  The rest of our group had either already left or retreated to the outdoor patio when we finally threw in the towel just after 1am.  In their defense, maybe, they brought out the banjo and bass after we left (however they were no where to be seen on stage).

Holy Ghost Tent Revival

Again, I must emphasize, these guys are very talented musicians.  That's why I am left scratching my head as to why their sound is so different. I just don't understand this departure in sound. I will continue to follow them as I DO think they are going somewhere, but I have to wonder if someone has advised them to change?  Maybe it was just an off night, maybe the banjo was in the shop for repair.  I just hope these guys will get back to what made them so special.