Life is Music™

Together for their first shows since the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis last year, The Jayhawks reunited for a long awaited trio of concerts at First Avenue.  The band warmed up for these concerts with an in-store performance at the Electric Fetus record store and a live taping on 89.3 The Current.  After that it was three shows at the infamous First Avenue.

I attended nights one and two.  With the sold out “Rock the Garden” concert keeping the younger crowd busy just across town, the capacity crowd on this Saturday was predominantly middle aged and brimming with energy.  The Brooklyn based duo, KaiserCartel, opened before The Jayhawks finally took stage.  At that time I looked throughout the crowd and saw nothing but smiles.  The band opened with the hit “Wichita” from their classic 1992 record Hollywood Town Hall.  From their they worked through songs from every era of the band before ending the show with a five song encore.

The Jayhawks

Gary Louris

Gary Louris & Mark Olson

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Wichita
Pray For Me
Real Light
Red’s Song
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow The Green Grass
Let The Critics Wonder
Two Hearts
Settled Down Like Rain
Nevada Ca.
Falling Star
Two Angels
Blue
I’d Run Away
I Don’t Want [Sir Douglas Quintet]
Miss Williams Guitar
Lights
Bad Time
People in This Place on Every Side

Encore:
Waiting For The Sun
Ann Jane
Will I Be Married
Over My Shoulder
Last Cigarette

Sunday night the crowd was more mixed with younger people but the smiles didn’t change.  Once again First Avenue was electric with anticipation for the legendary hometown band.  After local band Strange Lights got things going with a moody rock set, The Jayhawks took the stage with ease and all smiles.  They opened the night with the song “People in This Place on Every Side” from their recently released The Bunkhouse Album.  Once again they worked in their hits including another beautiful version of “Blue”.  That song has never sounded better and will never get old.  They ended the night with a four song encore including an absolute goose-bump inducing “Tampa to Tulsa”.

Each night I witnessed professional musicians at their finest.  The Jayhawks were smooth, playing as though they had never taken a break.  The band didn’t hesitate to call out friends in the crowd making each night feel intimate and fun.  The Jayhawks are an amazing band.  Lets hope that they continue playing together.

Mark Olson & Gary Louris

Gary Louris

Marc Perlman

The Jayhawks

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Sunday, June 20th, 2010

People in This Place on Every Side
Up Above My Head
Red’s Song
Real Light
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow the Green Grass
King of Kings
Two Hearts
Clouds Settled Down Like Rain
Someone Will
See Him on the Streets
Blue
I’d Run Away
I Don’t Want [Sir Douglas Quintet]
Miss Williams GuitarLights
Bad Time
Wichita

Encore:
Ain’t No End
Sister Cry
Tampa To Tulsa
Will I Be Married

The Jayhawks – First Avenue – Monday, June 21th, 2010
Wichita
Over My Shoulder
Real Light
Red’s Song
Nothing Left To Borrow
Tomorrow The Green Grass
Let The Critics Wonder
King of Kings
Two Hearts
Settled Down Like Rain
Martin’s Song
Take Me With You When You Go
She’s Not Alone Anymore
Blue
I’d Run Away
Miss Williams Guitar
Lights
Bad Time
People In This Place On Every Side

Encore:
Tampa To Tulsa
Waiting For The Sun
Will I Be Married
Almost Saturday Night* [John Fogerty]

The New Standards know how to play.  Putting a jazz twist on everyday pop songs, this trio of accomplished Minnesota musicians has created a style all their own.  I was quite fortunate to witness their late night set at the wonderful Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, June 5th.

With John Munson (formerly of Semisonic & Trip Shakespeare) on upright bass, Chan Poling (formerly of The Suburbs) behind the piano, and Steve Roehm on the vibraphone, The New Standards played an exceptionally entertaining set of pop covers.  The intimate brick lined Dakota Jazz Club was the perfect venue for the near capacity concert.  The crowd listened along with attentive ears and a respectful quietness, although the band’s humor and interesting choice of songs induced chuckles at times.  Britney Spears’ song “Toxic” was my favorite with Steve Roehm taking it out with some very impressive vibraphone work.  Their version of The Clash’s “London Calling” opened my eyes to the song.

Later in the evening, Twin Cities jazz singer Kristin Rooney joined the band for a few songs.  Then the Minneapolis alt-country legend Gary Louris (The Jayhawks) sat in and sung along.  The night ended with a satisfied crowd yelling for more.  Go see this band when they are in your area.  They put on a fantastic show.

Here are a few samples of their music.  More songs and tour dates are available on their website.

Hey Ya (Outcast)
London Calling (The Clash)
Toxic (Britney Spears)

The New Standards

The New Standards

The New Standards

The New Standards with Kristin Mooney & Gary Louris

Trampled by Turtles gets their star

Trampled by Turtles have come a long way.  Knowing this, on Saturday, April 10th, 2010 the management of First Avenue awarded the alt-bluegrassers with their very own star on the infamous exterior wall of the finest rock club in the Midwest.  Later that night singer and guitarist, Dave Simonett, sincerely explained how that was one of the biggest honors to date for the band.

The bluegrass boys from Duluth, MN were in fine form for night two of their album release weekend at First Avenue.  Palomino is the title of the band’s fifth album in six years, and if their live performance of each track  is any indication, it is destined to be one of Trampled by Turtles’ best.

Dave Simonett starts things off with "Wait So Long" from Palomino

After Minneapolis band, A Night in the Box, opened things up, the superb California Americana-playing, Devil Makes Three, kept things rolling with a terrific set of rebel country.  Then as they did the night before, Trampled by Turtles opened their set by playing straight through their new release Palomino.  The crowd attentively bounced along to the new songs before the band finally mixed in older material to take the show out.  That’s when the crowd did its best to rage, but on this night it seemed there wasn’t enough energy to rage.

It was a rather mellow yet nice show, and the band’s version of “Breathe” by Pink Floyd was a fantastic piece of their first encore.  The band ended the night with their raucous hit “Codeine”, from their 2005 release, Blue Sky and the Devil.  The joyful and animated crowd then dissipated, all smiles, into the streets of downtown Minneapolis with appreciation of one of Minnesota’s greatest musical treasures.

Erik Berry on mandolin

Trampled by Turtles

Trampled by Turtles

Brendan Bayliss shines

“I’m just being a representative of the Midwest.”

Brendan Bayliss sings that lyric in the Umphrey’s McGee’s tune, “Slacker”. Yet when it comes to playing shows in the Midwest, Umphrey’s McGee has never slacked. Instead they continuously bring multi-day runs to the heart of their fan base and the fans show up big, oftentimes from all parts of the country. In their fourth year at the best rock club in the Midwest, the prog-rocking powerhouse brought it larger than ever with the inclusion of their newly innovative and wonderfully orchestrated Stew Art series (S2).

In the Stew Art series (named after “Jimmy Stewart” which is what the band calls their improvisational jams), a very limited amount of fans not only get to direct the music the band plays, but there is a question & answer and meet & greet session. I was fortunate to have taken part in this and it was a fantastic experience that I’ll never forget.

On Friday, March 12th, a capacity crowd welcomed the Chicago band with high spirits as Umphrey’s McGee returned to Minneapolis for night one of their three night run at First Avenue. The first set was a good primer for things to come. The second set rocked. And their were still two days left.

Friday, March 15th, 2010 setlist:
Set I:  Spires, “Jimmy Stewart” > Linear > Mulche’s Odyssey, Much Obliged > Hajimemashite > Glory > Hajimemashite, Hurt Bird Bath

Set II:  Professor Wormbog > Booth Love*, Cemetery Walk II > Making Flippy Floppy**, Gulf Stream > Miss Tinkle’s Overture > Masoka Tango > Miss Tinkle’s Overture
Encore:
Got Your Milk (Right Here), Waiting Room

Notes:
* with Get Up, Stand Up jam
** with Can’t You Hear Me Knocking jam

Brendan Bayliss

Umphrey's McGee

Ryan Stasik

Umphrey's Mcgee

Saturday afternoon I was one of fifty people to take part in the Minneapolis edition of the Stew Art series (S2) which the band started last fall in select cities. When we entered First Avenue, the shadowy club was dimly lit and a large projector screen stood upon stands on the main floor. Pizza and refreshments were provided and half an hour later things got started.

The idea behind Stew Art is to give the fans ultimate control over what the band plays. Fans text message ideas to the sound guru, Kevin Browning, who then displays them on the screen for the band to read. The band makes up the music on the spot and plays a few minutes before molding directly into the next idea which is highlighted. Entering (S2), I was a bit skeptical about this process, but Umphrey’s McGee quickly put those thoughts to rest. The precision of how they play while directing each other is nothing short of amazing. The band’s Midwestern humor has always been evident to me, and on this day hilarity oftentimes ensued from the ideas the fans sent in. Imagine for a moment the band playing as Revenge of the Nerds, or guitarist Jake Cinninger making up words to “Divisions” as he sang like Johnny Cash. That’s how things ended, and when it was over, it took a long while before I could wipe the smile off my face.

After a little over an hour of music, the band then stepped onto the floor to talk and sign autographs. It was a nice experience to talk to the band and their crew. Guitarist, Jake Cinninger, summed up the musical energy the band brings to every show. With a goofy smile on his face he illustrated to me how moments of their live shows peak, “It goes to you, it goes to me, it goes to you, it goes to me, it goes to you, it goes to me…..” The band’s openness and sincere appreciation of their fans is something to be admired.

Stew Art (S2)

Stew Art (S2)

Stew Art (S2) - Waful designs #1

Stew Art (S2) - Waful designs #2

Stew Art (S2) - Waful designs #3

Those who attended the Stew Art got to stay in the venue for the night’s show. Doors opened at 6PM and the venue was quick to fill. The band sounded well rested and they brought great energy straight from the start. The first set rocked.   The second set opened with the title track to their spectacular 2009 release, Mantis. The song was huge and from there I knew the second set was going to get heavy.  The band worked into a jazzed up version of “Wappy Spayberry” with the help of Minneapolis  saxophonist, Kevin Sinclair.  “Fussy Dutchman” was excellent before a dark and nasty “Ocean Billy” into “Plunger” mash. This was the best show I witnessed all weekend, and one of my favorite Umphrey’s McGee shows ever.

Saturday, March 13th, 2010 setlist:
Set I:  Prowler > In the Kitchen, Cemetery Walk > Pay the Snucka (parts I & II) > Atmosfarag > Resolution* > In the Kitchen , That’s All > Pay the Snucka (part III)

Set II:  Preamble > Mantis > Wappy Sprayberry^ > Mantis, The Fussy Dutchman, Push the Pig, Steppin’ Razor > Ocean Billy > Plunger > Kula > Plunger > Ocean Billy
Encore:
Alex’s House^, 1348

Notes:
* with Norwegian Wood jam and Rock Your Body (Justin Timberlake) teases
^ with Kevin Sinclair on sax

Brendan Bayliss as yoda

Jake Cinninger

Kris Myers

Joel Cummins

Jake Cinninger shreads

Umphrey's McGee

Sunday, March 14th was the finale of their recent American tour. Minneapolis’ own, Heatbox, opened the show with some funk driven hip-hop. Heatbox is a one-man band minus the tangible instruments. He plays beats and instrumentations with his voice and samples them over before adding lyrics. Umphrey’s McGee joined in for his last tune, and worked straight into “Jazz Odyssey” to start their show as he picked up his gear and left the stage. That’s not a show introduction one often sees.

First Avenue was maybe over two-thirds full leaving ample space to move. This was appreciative on a Sunday night as the band once again rocked for the hard cores. Last year I made some friends at the First Avenue shows. We labeled ourselves the “Circle of Trust” and on this night we returned to the same balcony rail that we met at a year before.

Set one was fun, but set two was powerful. The “Nothing Too Fancy” and “Andy’s Last Beer” mashes got things moving and the wicked “Wizard Burial Ground” encore tore the place down.  This was another terrific show and a great way to end the weekend.

Sunday, March 14th, 2010 setlist:
Set I:  #Jazz Odyssey > Hangover > Wife Soup > The Triple Wide*, Slacker > Dear Lord > Slacker, Rocker (part II) > YYZ > Hangover

Set II:  Nothing Too Fancy > Higgins > Get In the Van > Nothing Too Fancy, Andy’s Last Beer > Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty > Andy’s Last Beer, JaJunk > London Calling > JaJunk
Encore:
Wizard Burial Ground> Made to Measure > Wizard Burial Ground

Notes:
Heatbox opened
# during his closing jam, Heatbox was replaced by Umphrey’s before seguing into Hangover
* with Rhiannon teases

If Umphrey’s McGee can top this weekend in their next Minneapolis run, I’d be a little surprised. But then again nothing this band does should be surprising. After all, it was Sunday night when singer Brendan Bayliss also sang in “Slacker”, “In the end I must confess, you have yet to even witness our best.”

Jake Cinninger

Ryan Stasik

Jake Cinninger

Brendan Bayliss

Brendan Bayliss

Saturday Set Break

Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB

On Saturday, February 20th, 2010, Trey Anastasio made his triumphant return to the Twin Cities. He was last in Minneapolis in 2005 with his side project, 70 Volt Parade. But most importantly has been the absence of his powerhouse jamband, Phish. The last Phish show in Minneapolis was September, 24th 2000. Jesse Ventura was the governor of Minnesota then. It’s been a while, and most would say too long. But on this night Anastasio tried to make up for lost time with an extensive meandering performance in the company of his original Trey Anastasio Band.

The show opened with “Last Tube” and from there worked into a massive set of TAB tunes as well as the shuffling bass-heavy Phish tune, “Sand”. Their version of “Tuesday” on this night was utterly spectacular.  Trey then stood alone onstage with an acoustic guitar. This is something one doesn’t get to see everyday and it was a real treat. Anastasio wasn’t sure what to play straight off, and fumbled around a bit to the liking of the crowd before finally playing “Joy”.

Trey taps along to the crowd singing "Bathtub Gin"

He then went into four more Phish tunes and had the crowd yelling and singing along emphatically. “Bathtub Gin” had the crowd happily playing their part, and the wonderful acoustics of the State Theatre had Anastasio smiling and laughing. From there, Trey went into “Farmhouse”, a gorgeous “Waste”, and ended with “Chalkdust Torture”.

The Phish tune “Gotta Jibboo” opened up set two. It started off with its repetitive nature, but by the end Trey pushed it as high as it could go. Soon after the band played a slow piano-driven, funk-swinging tune called “Alaska”. This was a nice change of pace to the upbeat nature of most of the show.

Towards the end of set two, singer and trumpeter, Jennifer Hartswick, took the microphone for a ridiculously good version of Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog”. She nailed this song with the hammer of the gods and seeing Trey’s appreciation for her effort was amusing to say the least. He faced her throughout the song, blasting his Languedoc guitar at her in a way that would have made Jimmy Page proud. She took his energy and wailed!

The night ended with a pretty standard version of “First Tube”. Anastasio took the song out like a Jedi, wielding his guitar overhead and swinging it forward with feedback reverberating.  By this time it was after midnight, and the capacity crowd was stirring wildly. When this lengthy show (over 3 hours) was finally over, it was evident by the look on all the fans faces that they got their moneys worth. Trey Anastasio and his Classic TAB were excellent. Hopefully Anastasio doesn’t forget the Twin Cities fans for long, as a stop on Phish’s fall tour is now a decade overdue.

Live at The State Theatre

Trey Anastasio Band

Trey plays acoustic I

Trey plays acoustic II

Trey Anastasio Band

Trey Anastasio Band

"First Tube" encore

Trey Anastasio with Classic TAB – State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN 2.20.10 Setlist:
Set I:
Last Tube
Shine
Caymen Review
Push on til the Day
Mozambique
Drifting
Night Speaks to a Woman
Tuesday
Sand
Joy (acoustic)
Water in the Sky (acoustic)
Bathtub Gin (acoustic)
Sleep Again (acoustic)
Farmhouse (acoustic)
Waste (acoustic)
Chalkdust Torture (acoustic)

Set II:
Gotta Jibboo
Valentine
Money, Love and Change
Liquid Time
Alaska
Goodbye Head
Mr. Completely
Show of Life
Black Dog (Led Zeppelin cover)
encore:
First Tube

I am a great believer in quality over quantity, therefore 2009 was a good year for me musically.  I hope the new decade is filled with more great music for everyone.  Here are my top nine concerts of 2009.  Minnesota ROCKS!

1. The Hold Steady at Basilica Block Party – Minneapolis, MN 7.11.09- Wow, wow, wow!  This show was a musical riot.  It was spiritual.  It was energetic.  It was a perfect summer evening.  When The Hold Steady play Minneapolis one can expect fireworks, but I didn’t expect this.  Standing front and center of The Hold Steady’s preacher, Craig Finn, as the historic Basilica of St. Mary church shadowed the crowd from behind is something I will never forget.  I have been a part of many rock concerts, but there are only a handful of shows I have witnessed that compared to this.  The band was insane and the crowd was dieing for more.  It was a fist-pumping, musical uniting, rock-n-roll religious experience for the ages.  This was easily a top 10 concert ever for me.
2. The Decemberists at Walker Art Center – Minneapolis, MN 6.20.09- 2009’s version of “Rock the Garden” was a great success.  It was a hot summer day but thankfully when the headliner, The Decemberists, hit the stage, the sun had finally surrendered.  The band wasted no time working straight through their gorgeous 2009 rock-opera album, The Hazards of Love.  The addition of Becky Stark who played the role of the beautiful princess, and Shara Worden who played the evil forest queen was priceless.  Their added theatrics made this much more than any old rock concert.  I witnessed poetry in motion.  Singer/songwriter, Colin Meloy, appeared to be having a blast as 10,000 fans rocked across the grassy landscape behind the wonderful Walker Art Center.  Once again the crowd was terrific making this an unforgettable summer evening.
3. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit at The Turf Club – St. Paul, MN 4.15.09 – This was the most soulful concert I witnessed in 2009.  The former Drive-by Truckers singer and guitarist has been on his own for a few years, and on this night he showed all of the strengths of that experience.  Jason Isbell’s voice is pure.  Very few voices move me the way Isbell’s can, and I was fortunate to witness him at his very best this night.  His backing band, the 400 Unit, must be complimented as well.  They played flawlessly to a respectfully attentive sell-out crowd.  This night was beautiful, and leagues better than when they returned to the The Turf Club on November 20th.  That night they sounded tired.
4. Wilco at 10,000 Lakes Music Festival – Detroit Lakes, MN 7.23.09 – Leave it to Wilco to cue “The Price is Right” theme song before stepping on stage.  Wilco was the main stage headliner on Thursday night of the seventh annual 10,000 Lakes Music Festival in Detroit Lakes, MN.  Having the alt-rocking powerhouse band, Wilco, headline a night at a predominantly jamband festival had me a bit worried, but Wilco prevailed, even while being under the barrage of glowsticks at one point.  Although Jeff Tweedy is the singer/songwriter of the band, there really is no leader.  Wilco is a band, the very definition of it.  Each member is a master of their instrument and while a good portion of the crowd seemed unfamiliar with their work, Wilco proceeded along with their eternal professionalism and had the crowd rocking.  Most of the material was from their 2009 album, Wilco (the album), but they balanced their set wonderfully with songs from the past.  This show was fantastic, and added a wonderful mix to a wonderful festival.
5. Umphrey’s McGee at First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN 1.31.09 – Night two of Umphrey’s McGee’s three-night run at First Avenue rocked!!  Just over a week after the release of their brilliant prog-rocking album, Mantis, the band introduced the new tunes with force while mixing in plenty of older favorites.  Friday night was for the rookies, but this night was for the pros.  First Avenue was filled with the hardcores, making it an amazing experience.  The night opened with the heavy head-bobbing “Push the Pig”, and ended with an awesome “Syncopated Strangers > Cemetery Walk II > Syncopated Strangers” mash.  This was an amazing night that shook the cold winter blues.  I’m grateful for the new friends I made this weekend.
6. The Swell Season at The State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN 12.5.09 – This was a beautiful show.  The Swell Season are made up of The Frames’, Glen Hansard, and Czech pianist, Marketa Irglova.  Together they won a an Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture for the ballad “Falling Slowly” from the low budget Irish film, Once (a must see if you haven’t already).  On this tour they were supported by Hansard’s band, The Frames.  The night was mixed with songs by the duo, Glen Hansard playing solo, and together with the addition of The Frames.  They even included a nice cover of “Two-Step” by the Minnesota band, Low.  The State Theatre was the absolute perfect venue for this wonderfully moving show.
7. The Jayhawks at Basilica Block Party - Minneapolis, MN 7.10.09 – Seeing the Basilica of St. Mary gospel choir back up The Jayhawks on “Blue” while rain fell steadily is one of my biggest musical highlights of 2009.  There was a lot of anticipation for this show since the only other date the band reunited for in 2009 was for a festival in Barcelona, Spain.  It was unfortunate that it rained through most of the concert, but the packed crowd welcomed the music with little regard.  All night the fans could be heard singing along to the songs of these Minneapolis alt-rocking legends.  And Gary Louris’ guitar work impressed me more than I ever could have imagined.  I am very grateful to have been a part of this show.
8. Trampled by Turtles at First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN 11.6.09 – There is no questioning that this band is for real.  Trampled by Turtles is a quintet from Duluth, MN who play their own brand of bluegrass.  On this night they were on, and the sold-out crowd that packed First Avenue to witness it were blessed with an amazing performance.  I’ve seen Trampled by Turtles a lot of times, but this night was special.  A Radiohead cover started things off, and from their they hammered through songs from their four albums and also tunes from their currently untitled fifth album which is due next April.  It was a great night to celebrate Minnesota, a great night to celebrate Trampled by Turtles.  This band deserves the success they are starting to see.
9. Dan Auerbach at First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN 3.7.09 – I am probably one of the only ones around who think that Dan Auerbach is better with his solo band than he is with drummer, Patrick Carney, as the duo, The Black Keys.  This show at First Avenue made me realize how great of a songwriter Auerbach really is.  He plays guitar like an old bluesman sitting on a front porch, yet with catchy bounce that is hard to resist.  His solo album, Keep It Hid, that he was touring behind is fantastic.  The band, Hacienda, acted as his band on the record and tour and they were very impressive.  The addition of My Morning Jacket’s, Patrick Hallahan, on percussion certainly didn’t hurt matters either.  This was a great show.  Dan Auerbach is a legend in the making.

Glen Hansard

The Swell Season ended their 2009 US tour in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, December 5th. The unlikely Oscar-winning duo made up of The Frames’ front man, Glen Hansard, and the soft spoken Czech, Marketa Irglova, were nothing short of brilliant.

The always lovely and eternally heartbroken Rachael Yamagata opened the show to a filled State Theatre of considerate yet enthusiastic fans. Yamagata’s set was short and sweet, with her imagery of each song oftentimes leaning towards the fixture of love, and her troubles in keeping it.

Glen and Marketa took the stage alone and opened their set on their knees with “Fallen From the Sky”; a pinging digital drum track from a small Casio keyboard provided the rhythm. Marketa looked a bit like a gypsy while wearing a traditional eastern European skirt and blouse, while Glen Hansard looked like a true Irishman, bushy red hair and beard moreover. Together they put on one of the most sincere and intimate shows I can remember.

Glen Hansard is a true singer/songwriter. He is earnest, appreciative, and genuine with a tattered acoustic guitar baring the skeletal structure of his passion. He and Irglova worked through a few songs as a duo before The Frames also took the stage to add more instrumentation. They worked through most of the songs from the fantastic movie Once (which everyone must see), other Swell Season songs, a few older songs by The Frames, and towards the end of the set Hansard covered “Astral Weeks” by fellow Irishman, Van Morrison. His poignant playing of that song induced a standing ovation.

Throughout the evening Glen wasn’t afraid to keep the crowd’s consideration with some lively endearing banter. Before a song when an 18th century violin was accidentally knocked over from its stand by The Frames’ violinist, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Glen took several minutes to heal the beautiful instrument with some monk-like chanting. Thankfully the instrument lingered unscathed. But when he took time to describe the old women he had met recently who had lost her son in the World Trade Center attacks, I think a good portion of the crowd was on the edge of tears. From that story he went to the rim of the stage and half screamed out the most dynamic song of the night, “Say it to Me Now”. It was truly chilling.

One of the last songs he played solo was a traditional Irish song that he dedicated to the last remaining member of the original Irish rock-n-roll band, The Clancy Brothers, who had passed away just the day before. This time it was Glen who seemed to be on the edge of tears as he had the crowd singing along, “Raise a glass”.

The Frames have been around for twenty years. Their intricate playing complimented Hansard and Irglova beautifully, not once overpowering the duo as they embarked on perhaps their last US gig together for some time. Throughout the evening the tension of their relationship was palpable, and those emotions rang through every song.

Glen Hansard took the show out with an all-acoustic and unplugged version of “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” by Bob Dylan. The full cast of the night’s show including Rachael Yamagata joined in. The song started at the front edge of the stage and ended with Hansard leading a snaking march around the stage with everyone following. The crowd was singing along, “Hoo wee, Ride me high, Tomorrow’s the day my bride’s gonna come, Hoo wee, Are we gonna fly, Down into the easy chair?”

I went to this show with no expectations, and left thoroughly in awe. The Swell Season were fantastic on this chilly late fall evening in Minneapolis. It was clear that Glen Hansard warmed the hearts of many though. He is a shining man. His love for music is real.

The Swell Season at The State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN 12.5.09 Setlist
Fallen From the Sky (duet)
Lies (duet)
Low Rising
Feeling the Pull
In These Arms
The Moon
If You Want Me (sung by Irglova)
Fantasy Man (sung by Irglova)
Say It to Me Now (Hansard solo)
Leave (Hansard solo)
What Happens When the Heart Stops? (Hansard solo)
Astral Weeks (Van Morrison cover, Hansard solo)
Traditional Irish song (Hansard solo)
The Court of Newton (violin solo by Colm Mac Con Iomaire)
Alone Apart (sung by Irglova)
Two-Step (Low cover)
When Your Mind’s Made Up

Encore:
Falling Slowly (duet)
High Hope
All This Means Nothing Without You (sung by opener Rachael Yamagata)
High Horses

Second encore:
Red Chord
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Bob Dylan cover)

The Swell Season sell out the State Theatre

The Swell Season

Glen Hansard of The Swell Season

Trampled by Turtles rock to a sell out crowd of faithful fans

It’s been just under a year since Trampled by Turtles last filled First Avenue to capacity.  After a recent stint on the east coast and a Halloween show in their hometown of Duluth, MN,  the Minnesota boys were back at the best rock club in the midwest and their fans were ready.  First Avenue sold out once again.

Charlie Parr

A guitarist and drummer from Duluth called The Boomchucks opened the show.  They were very appreciative to be onstage at First Avenue and played a nice and short set to get the night started. 

By the time humble and brilliant Northwoods folkster, Charlie Parr, took the stage, First Avenue was filled.  No time was wasted on stirring the crowd as he thumped his boot down on a homemade kick box and squealed across the strings of his trademark steel resonator guitar. The lively and youthful crowd bounced along with a roar and they didn’t ease until Trampled by Turtles walked off the stage some three hours later.  Charlie Parr was accompanied by Mikkel Beckmen from The Brass Kings on washboard. Dave Simonett, the singer and guitarist of Trampled by Turtles, later joined the two.  For Parr’s final song, the remaining members of Trampled by Turtles took their respective places on stage to create a smile-inducing jamboree. 

Soon after, the curtain was raised for Trampled by Turtles.  Never to be underestimated, the band brought in their sold out show with a wonderful version of “No Surprises” by Radiohead.  They then rocked through songs from each of their four albums as First Avenue heated up into a sweltery sauna.  It was so hot that security sprayed water into the crowd at times.  Simonett did his best to cool things down as he calmly sang the cold and slow moving lyrics of “Duluth”, the title track of their fourth album.  The fans who made the voyage down from the town made their presence known by singing along, “Still I like the quiet, of Duluth in the winter.  In the sacred morning, there’s no place like home.” The local support was nice to see and certainly not surprising.

Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles

Singer and guitarist, Dave Simonett, announced in the middle of the set that they just finished recording their fifth album which is due out in the spring.  The band then played several new songs from it and the crowd slowed down with attentive ears open.  The new songs were very good. Bassist, Tim Saxhaug, later took the vocal reigns to lead a uniting sing-along of the classic ”Stand By Me”.  It was upbeat and fantastic.  All night the band was relaxed and I’ve never seen them play a better live show.  The live experience of the band was more obvious than ever as they burned through a wonderful set for their favorite local fans.  Big things are due for these talented alternative bluegrass rockers, and rightfully so.  Go see this band!

Charlie Parr & Mikkel Beckman

Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles jamboree

Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles

Erik Berry of Trampled by Turtles

The reigning queen of alt-country, Lucinda Williams, brought her band, the Buick 6, to First Avenue on Friday, September 18th, 2009 for a stop on her 30th Anniversary Tour.  Before the night was over she was a married woman.  She hit the stage alone, nicely dressed in black skirt and a low-cut jacket top and it was obvious from the beginning that it was an emotional and butterfly-inducing occasion as she brought in the sold-out show with a couple of acoustic songs from her first album, Ramblin.

She then brought the Buick 6 onstage and proceeded to work through songs from all of her albums chronologically, ending the set with 2008’s acclaimed album Little Honey that was released on Lost Highway Records.  The Buick 6 were slow to move, but by the middle of the show the engines were revving high with former Iggy Pop guitarist Eric Schermerhorn leading the way.  The set ended with Lucinda playing acoustic once again including a song (lyrics) by Hank Williams that she wrote the music to.  She fought back tears several times before finally setting the guitar down and stepping off the stage. 

Moments later Lucinda took the stage with her poet-father Miller Williams, a tall gaunt gentleman with a soft southern voice.  He spoke of Lucinda and how as a child she was in the room the day he met Hank Williams who died soon after.  Then Miller finally read his most famous poem “The Caterpillar” which was written about Lucinda when she was seven.  Lucinda stood behind her father in the corner of the stage smiling admirably the entire time.  After the poem, the stage filled with family and friends.  The ceremony proceeded with unique vows led by a tall elderly minister and when it was time for the kiss, First Avenue exploded with streamers and confetti.  The ceremony seemed rather unorganized, but it all made for a very memorable rock-n-roll experience and Lucinda and her new husband (Minnesota native) Tom Overby appeared to be truly happy.

After the stage cleared, the band encored with “Happy” by the Rolling Stones.  Lucinda persuaded her groom to join her onstage and he finally did, holding onto her side as she wailed from the center of the stage.  Tom then picked up a white Fender Telecaster and strummed along timidly as the band played an alt-country version of AC/DC’s “Long Way to the Top”.  That’s how this unique and interesting evening ended and it will go down as one of the more memorable experiences I’ve ever had at First Avenue.  The music was good too.

photo courtesy of Julie S.

Yonder Mountain String Band are best heard when the sun is shining bright.  I have fond memories of listening to these guys while traveling down the highway with my sunglasses on, the windows down, and the sun beating bright and warm.  But on Saturday, August 15th there was no need for sunglasses.  A rain coat would have been a better accessory as Yonder Mountain String Band were back at the Weesner Amphitheatre at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN playing to a sold-out crowd.

With rain showers threatening, the band got an early start at 7:30PM.  It wasn’t but a few minutes before the first light rain came but it was gone soon enough leaving the sold-out crowd who finally packed the small gem of a venue wet.  The first set was full of new songs from their upcoming album, The Show, which is due for release on September 1st.  Even with new songs being played by one of the best bluegrass bands around, the weather was a distraction and it continued to be all night as evident by the relatively motionless crowd.

The band took a set break and when they returned singing and mandolin playing, Jeff Austin, said they would play as long as they could.  They played a new and currently untitled instrumental track written by banjo-playing, Dave Johnston, then bassist Ben Kaufman got things moving with an awesome “Traffic Jam” medley.  Later Jeff Austin, ripped through another oldie-but-goodie, “Ramblin’ in the Rambler” and the rains returned.  The skies had an ominous darkness as Ben Kaufman played the beautiful slow song, “River”.  That song is incredible!  The band was playing “If You’re Ever in Oklahoma” when lightning flashed in the skies behind the stage and that is where the show stopped.

The band promised to come back if they could, but we knew better and barely made it past the top of the small amphitheatre when the rains really came down.  Sheets of rain poured while thunder shook the zoo.  It was an eventful evening and fun nonetheless, but it could have been much better had the weather cooperated.  Better luck next time I suppose.

Yonder Mountain String Band – Weesner Ampitheater at Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN – August 15th, 2009

(I do not think this is the correct order…taken from phantasy tour)

Set I:
Going Where They Do Not Know My Name
Ain’t Been Myself In Years>
Let Me Fall
Jail Son
I’d Like Off>
Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie
You’re No Good
All Your Dreams
Traffic Jam>
I Am The Slime>
Traffic Jam

Set II:
Ramblin’ in the Rambler>
My Gal>
My Sisters and Brothers>
Ramblin’ in the Rambler
New song (no name given)
Long Time
This Lonesome Heart
River
If You’re Ever In Oklahoma 1

1 show ends due to rain