Tony Bennett — Chastain (7/24)
A bit of a departure for this site, but we were invited to go see Tony Bennett tomorrow night. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Frank Sinatra, so I was very excited when I was asked if I was interested in free Tony tickets for tomorrow night. Actually, Frank famously claimed in an interview with Walter Kronkite that Tony was his favorite singer. We’ll report back on our thoughts on the show.
Mulberry Music Festival — 9/11 – 9/13
Leftover Salmon, Umphrey’s McGee, The Wailers, Perpetual Groove, etc., etc….
Mike Gordon Contest — Hurry! Winner Picked 8/1
Check out the sweet package they are giving away in this contest.
Phish — 11 Years Later (7/23/1997)
Nestled in the heart of urban Atlanta, Lakewood Ampitheatre was the site of this monster, space funk show. I attended with one of my college roomates and we both agreed at the time that this Phish was much, much different than the band that composed and performed Gamhendge.
 07/23/97 Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GASet I: Julius, Dirt, NICU, Dogs Stole Things, Ginseng Sullivan, Water in the Sky, Limb By Limb, Split Open and Melt, Billy Breathes, Possum Set II: Punch You in the Eye, Ghost> Sample in a Jar, You Enjoy Myself> Rocky Mountain Way1, Chalkdust Torture Encore: Frankenstein 1 First time played; Joe Walsh cover |
(Link to download to come.)
New CS&N
My favorite trio, Crosby, Stills & Nash, recently announced that they’re working on a new album of “well known” covers with producer Rick Rubin. This will be their first studio album since 1994.
I am so, so excited. I’m a fan of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings, which Rick produced (and yes, I’m on a first-name basis with good ole’ Rick), so I expect great things!
Graham Nash said, “Rick Rubin’s a brilliant man, and what he wants is an album with no CSN songs. He wants to do an album of all the songs we love, all the songs we wish we’ve written.”
They aren’t “truckin’ on”
I traded in my SUV recently and bought a fuel-efficient car (and by “I traded in my SUV”, I mean “I totaled my Xterra and had no choice but buy something else”…but I digress). I thought we were doing a good thing as Matt and I both had SUVs and now drive almost 40 miles a day round trip (each) since we moved to the ‘burbs. However our carbon footprint is still MUCH larger than his band’s.
This first caught my attention because I knew the bassist in high school. His band, Ginger Ninjas, is part of the Pleasant Revolution which travels to and from shows – and powers all shows – by bicycle. They were inspired by the 2007 Bicycle Music Festival (coincidentally, the 2008 festival was yesterday).
The Ginger Ninjas, along with numerous other bands that are part of this movement, are probably cruising on their bikes right now and enjoying the fresh night air. Meanwhile, I’m curled up on my couch in a sedentary state and writing this blog.
Umphrey’s McGee — 6/11/2004
I know everybody has heard this show, but it’s worth posting for anyone that may have missed it. This was the first UM show I attended and let me tell ya, they really, really brought the heat. Strong versions of every song and moe. even makes an appearance. Throw in some stellar Metallic and Flock Of Seagulls and you have a monumental show.
Leo Kottke — Rings (3/4/1988)
All couples have “their songs”. Kelly and I are no exception. We had our wedding band play this at our reception (actually they played it twice), as it is “our song”. We especially like the version off of Mike & Leo’s, 66 Steps. Even though I’ve heard this song a bajillion times, it still gives me a special feeling. Guess I’m a romantic.
What are you and your special somebody’s song?
NOTE: If you want to skip the intro, skip to 3:25 on the clip
Traffic — Live in Santa Monica 1972
Traffic Live in Santa Monica 1972
Dear Mr. Fantasy
John Barley Corn
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Light Up or Leave me alone
Rainmaker
Glad
Fourty Thousand Headman
Freedom Rider
Dear Mr. Fantasy:
John Barleycorn Must Die:
The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys:
Light Up Or Leave Me Alone:
Rainmaker:
Glad:
Forty Thousand Headman:
Freedom Rider:
Phish — Ghost (7/6/1998)
From the recent Live Phish release. Recorded at the Lucerna Theatre in Prague, Czech Republic. Note Trey in full rock star mode giving an inspired and highly spirited solo.
