Concerts

Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet - 2/15/09 – It is an absolute shame that this was the last concert of these four musicians for the foreseeable future.  The show was stunning from beginning to end.  Abigail Washburn, Ben Sollee, Bela Fleck, and Casey Driessen…all virtuosos on their particular instruments absolutely set Comstock Hall on fire with their brand of music.  It was a genre all it’s own with bluegrass influence, Chinese culture, and a little of the Beatles thrown in for good measure.  To see such a high calibre of musicians in such an intimate setting at an amazing price was absolutely incredible.  The sell-out crowd was very appreciative of the group who played for nearly three hours.  We didn’t really want it to end.

Kings of Leon - 1/20/09 – Thanks to The Neighbors, I was able to get to this show at The Palace.  I was not a huge fan of Kings of Leon having only heard their first album “Holy Roller Novocaine,” but as the show progressed I found myself being entranced by the driving rhythm and intense guitar work.  Their new album, which I believe they played a great deal of last night, is quite good…one of my favorites being “Sex on Fire.”  There were also a couple others which I found very enticing, but I do not know their names.  Anyway, it was a very good concert aside from the ego-stroking minutes between show and encore.  Seriously…if you haven’t decided on an encore, then bring the lights up and let the crowd cheer for more.  If you need to use the bathroom, do it quick and get your ass back on stage.  But, when we see the roadies tuning your guitar while all the twenty-somethings scream themselves hoarse and you’re gone for more than 3 minutes…that’s just arrogance.  Still, all in all, a very good show.  Although, the lighting might’ve been a little much.  Let’s save some energy shall we?  How much does it really add?

John Prine - 11/14/08 – C. was super-psyched for this show and I was moderately interested.  Unfortunately, I only really know about three John Prine songs…but he played all three, including “Paradise” for an encore with Jim James from My Morning Jacket.  I’m not a huge MMJ fan either, but it was cool that he was in on this one.  Prine may have lost a step or two, but he’s still an excellent musician who connects with the fans, especially here in Kentucky where he’s from.  The sound wasn’t great at the Louisville Palace and at times it was difficult to hear/understand the lyrics.  But Prine played for 2 and a half hours after the opening act, whose name I can’t remember, but he was good too…so we definitely got our money’s worth.

Ben Folds w/ The Louisville Orchestra - 10/4/08  – This was the first in the new L.O. concert series, Strings Attached, and what a way to start it off.  The first half was the orchestra performing some classics, a little Stravinsky, a little Tchaikovsky, a little Copland, a little Star Trek…wait, wha?!  Yes, a Star Trek medley…and though I tend to the Star Wars side of things, I have always enjoyed Star Trek music, especially DS9 which they played second in the medley.  And who doesn’t like Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man”?!  Anyway, after the intermission, Ben came out to wild applause and launched into “Zak and Sara” which sounded like it was written for orchestra.  It was amazing.  Sometimes these Pops-style concerts are a little cheesy, e.g. Sha-Na-Na and Tony Orlando…but I was impressed with their ability to work together and create new works from old songs.  I think it worked really well and I’ll be interested to see who they get as their next performer in February.

Amos Lee w/ Priscilla Ahn - 7/23/08 – Okay, so let me say that the ticket to this concert, for me, was free…so, I don’t want to bitch too much.  And honestly, the music was outstanding.  I don’t usually like opening acts, but Priscilla was good (a little nervous, it seemed) and what I heard of Amos was awesome.  However, I want to bitch about the venue.  Headliners has been around for a long time.  I’ve been reviewing shows there since at least 2003.  In all that time, they don’t appear to have done ANYTHING to upgrade this venue.  Louisville went non-smoking a few months ago and the sound baffles still hang with the dust/smoke detritus from the ceiling.  The floors may have never been cleaned and the decor is still from the days of the distillery cafeteria.  The only money they’ve spent seems to be the couches upstairs which were probably bought used somewhere.  AND…oh my gawd, the HEAT.  It was a pleasant day outside yesterday and inside it was about 120 degrees…and this was before the place even really got filled up.  I’ve been in saunas that were colder.  We had to leave after 45 minutes of Amos because we just couldn’t stand it anymore.  Not to mention, both performers spoke of the heat in the building.  Would it kill you to buy a fan, or vent the place a little, or something?!  Ridiculous.

Voces Novae Rejoicing in our Heritage - 6/1/08 – This was an outstanding review of songs sung by this group over the last 15 years of their existence. It also included a new number from Harry Pickens which wowed the audience as well as the members of VN. It’s somewhat difficult to review this concert as I was a part of it. The audience also consisted of some 40 alumni members who were invited to take part in five songs at the end of the concert and I enjoyed it quite a bit. If you’ve not heard this group, I highly recommend it, and not just because I’m a (former) member. They are truly one of the best choral groups in the nation in my opinion and they continue to get better.

Ingrid Michaelson w/Matthew Perryman-Jones - 2/11/08 – We braved the ice and snow to check out our latest favorite Ingrid Michaelson at the newest venue, the 930 Listening Room. Matthew Perryman-Jones opened the show with a few folky type songs, and a decent impersonation of Kermit the Frog among others. But Ingrid was the consummate star of the evening. She felt at ease with the audience from the get go and had no problem sharing a ton of songs and a ton of stories with us. It was like having your best friend in your living room playing their favorite music with you. By far, the best concert (albeit the first) of the year. We can’t wait for her to come back to Louisville to share more with us.

Dave Brubeck Quartet - 11/10/07 – Very rarely do you get to hear a legend who’s still living. Usually by the time a person’s a legend, they’ve succumbed to an early demise. Dave Brubeck is that rarity. A spry 86-year-old who still enjoys a good laugh and can absolutely finesse a piano into some amazing jazz. The nearly 2-hour concert was filled with standards and new pieces that had the “4 old guys” absolutely jamming away. A seven-minute drum solo is no mean feat even for the younger generation, but the highlight (for me anyway) was the piano/flute combo on Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I literally could’ve listened to it for hours. I don’t know how much longer Dave’s gonna play, but you should definitely check it out if you’re anywhere near a concert in the future.

The Police - 7/14/07 – I didn’t see many concerts when I was younger. I just wasn’t into the concert-going scene. Regardless, I probably would have not seen The Police in concert in earlier years because the last time they were in Kentucky, I was in the 4th grade. But let me just say, they haven’t lost anything in the intervening 25 years. Their concert at Churchill Downs was stellar. Three encores of music I grew up listening to and enjoyed. They played all the favorites and didn’t mess around with the arrangements. Sting, Andy, and Stewart transcended the decades and played as if they’d never left the stage. It was a night to remember.

WFPK Listener Appreciation Concerts – 5/18-19/07 – This year, again, I attended the WFPK Listener Appreciation concerts and for the most part, I was totally enthralled. Although, I must admit up front that I did not attend all the sets of either concert. The first night I saw Martin Sexton, Keller Williams, The Nightwatchman aka Tom Morello (formerly of Rage Against the Machine) and Angelique Kidjo. Martin Sexton’s latest album, Seeds, promises to be the best thing you hear all summer. I loved his set, especially, the old-timey feel of the few songs they did at the front of the stage. I like Keller Williams goofiness, and the things he does with a loop machine are awesome. The Night Watchman is basically a forum for Morello’s rants about government with an acoustic guitar. It doesn’t much work. He just seems angry, and while he has every right to be, given this administration’s mismanagement of just about everything, I don’t think he has quite the gimmick for it just yet. Finally, Angelique Kidjo set the building on fire with her set. Her percussionist was amazing, but her lead guitarist was a little offputting because his microphone didn’t work properly and he grimaced through the entire evening about it. Even so, the music for the entire evening was a little too loud. The second night, I saw Paula Cole, Charlie Louvin, and Suzanne Vega. Paula Cole did a jazz number at the end which was sultry and stunning…plus, she did “Carmen” which is a gorgeous song. Great drummer. Charlie Louvin was a tip of the hat to the bluegrass/old time country crowd. He was fine, but not my thing. Suzanne Vega did “Tom’s Diner” and “My Name is Luka”which capped the evening for me…and her new album “Beauty & Crime” also promises to be among the best things this summer. Fortunately, for me, based on other synopses of the evenings, I skipped out on some crappy music and didn’t miss much. So, all in all, it was a good weekend.

Voces Novae Portraits:The Many Facets of Harry Pickens - 3/4/07 – I’m always entertained by this group that I used to sing with, but this concert was a new direction that introduced a whole new level of experience. The spontaneity and excitement of the jazz ensemble led by Harry Pickens created an atmosphere of easiness and relaxation within the room. The choir seemed at the top of their game while performing several differently-styled numbers of Harry’s. Several choral members got a chance to shine as soloists within the confines of the jazz world and their jubilance was infectious. My favorite pieces were “Rise Up” and “Search”. I can’t wait for their Celtic concert in May. (C-J Review)

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – 7/16/06 – A somewhat disorganized concert at the Louisville Science Center, but to hear these guys is to experience music. I got to see them at the sound check and they just looked bored, but then when they came out on stage…stunning! I love their sound and there’s something about the feeling you get when they sing. You can tell they’re having a good time. Plus, they sang Unomathemba which is my favorite of their songs.

Alejandro Escovedo/Yonder Mountain String Band/Alexi Murdoch/Ralph Stanley/Drive-ByTruckers – 5/20/06 - Alejandro blew the doors off the place. I had never really listened to him before, but he was outstanding. His band rocked hard. We went to get something to eat during Yonder Mountain. Not big fans. Alexi Murdoch on the other hand played a great set in front of the curtain. He’s a bit like Nick Drake. Ralph Stanley brought the house down. The man is almost 80 years old and he can still flat play the banjo. He was awesome. The Clinch Mountain Boys were excellent as well. We didn’t stay for the Drive-By Truckers.

The Bottle Rockets/World Party/Umphrey’s McGee/Los Lonely Boys – 5/19/06 – I was able to work backstage for this concert. I was the “muscle” if you will at the Brown Theatre to make sure people didn’t come backstage. So, I didn’t actually see this concert except from the wings. The Bottle Rockets were okay…not my kind of music. World Party was not quite up to the hype as far I was concerned, sort of a CSN sound. Umphree’s McGee was the best of the night. It was like an upbeat Sea & Cake. Los Lonely Boys were good, but they’re quickly outgrowing their britches. We all had to move to one side of the stage because they didn’t want to see anyone before they came out on stage. What a bunch of primadonnas.

Coldplay w/Fiona Apple – 2/23/06 – Freedom Hall is not the best place to hear a concert…but what a concert it was. Fiona started out the show and played some of her old stuff mostly. She sounded like she was losing her voice, but then later it seemed like she had full control. Fiona…you really shouldn’t strain your chords like that. I’m just sayin’. Anyway, Coldplay was unlike any concert I’ve been to, with the exception of David Gray. From “Yellow” with the giant confetti filled balloons to “Lights” as the final to the encore…it was magical. I wish we had been closer, but the decibel level was fine where we were.

Voces Novae Life: Embodying the Spirit – 11/21/05 – Sitting out these concerts is hard on my heart, but attending them is like a
great warm hug. It was wonderful to hear “old familiar tunes” and new songs that are sure to become favorites to a great many people. I find it difficult to pick a favorite because each was special in it’s own right. Still, I loved the transition from “Veni Creator Spiritus” to “A New Song”. And I naturally loved the Dawson spirituals at the end. Those are always feel good moments.

Voces Novae Prisms:Light- 11/20-21/04 – My first time back in the ranks since sitting out a year. Tears still well up in my eyes
when the emotion from the music breaks through. “Lux Aurumque” by Whitacre is stunning and my new favorite piece is “The Creation” by Richter. The piece that was the most difficult for me was the Clausen “La Lumiere”. The tonality in that piece is nearly impossible to sing. The finale of Hampton’s “True Light” made for a wonderful afternoon/evening Aside: depending on which concert you
attended and while it was not reviewed, those who were in attendance were treated to an absolute de-”light”.

Bobby McFerrin/Savion Glover – 11/7/04 – As if a single stage could hold such an incredible assembly of talent. First, it’s an insult to call Savion Glover’s band a “backup” band. They could hold their own as one of the best jazz quartets in the country. But to add Glover’s fiery dance steps and unstoppable energy…well, it’s a wonder it didn’t burn the place down. Now, most of you remember Don’t Worry, Be Happy and it’s infectious melody and happy-go-lucky attitude. Bobby McFerrin is so much more than that song. His adaptations of Suzi Q and Blackbird were scintillating, but his take on The Wizard of Oz was an absolute frolic through timeless classics from the film. And to see McFerrin and Glover together…jamming as only they can. Well…you just can’t imagine the possibilities. Read the C-J review here.

Voces Novae – 5/17/04 – Absolute heaven! I may be a biased reviewer of this group since I’m a former (and hope soon to be, current) member…but I doubt you’ll find one person who could disagree with the abilities of Voces Novae and the genuine talent that Frank Heller, III coaxes from his colleagues. Again, the highlight of the evening was a piece by Eric Whitacre, “When David Heard…” The anguish and heartfelt sorrow was evident in all measures of the piece. But never a choir to leave you feeling down, Moses Hogan’s “Old Time Religion” and “Elijah Rock” set the rafters of Christ Church Cathedral ringing and it was a mighty night for the choir. Read the C-J review here.

Ben Folds/The Holmes Brothers/Patty Griffin/Zero 7 – 5/14/04 – This concert was at the Brown Theatre as part of the 4th Annual Non-CommVention sponsored by WFPK. If you find a better lineup anywhere, you let me know. Ben Folds was absolute high energy and gave the “Louisville Choir” a chance to shine on a William Shatner record he’s producing. The Holmes Brothers brought the house down with their blues rock and occasional gospel. I can’t tell you how much Patty Griffin’s music means to me and she
always has an outstanding set. A true ‘first lady’ of all music. Zero 7 took me by surprise. I’d heard their stuff and wasn’t expecting to be wowed, but all of their vocalists bring a vibrancy to the music that was simply gorgeous.

Voces Novae – 3/7/04 – This is the first time I’ve been able to hear “my” group since I joined. It was wonderful seeing old and new faces and I’m looking forward to being back with them. I can only gush with effusive joy at the sound of the group. The dynamics,
the tone, the sheer delight of the day ringing the rafters of Church of the Ascension. The opening piece by Eleanor Daley (The Stars are with the Voyager) was simply stunning as sung by the tenors and basses. And…well, I simply can’t say enough about the choir’s ability on the Eric Whitacre pieces. Eric Whitacre is one of the most dynamic composers of the new century and I’m hoping to lend my voice soon to one of his selections. Also, thank you Frank…Daley’s For the Fallen was the highlight of my day. It brought me to tears for all the right reasons. Martin and Melisa, I miss you. Read the C-J review here.

Sam Bush – 12/5/03 – Wonderful show at the Brown Theatre. Sam Bush never disappoints and this time was no exception. He played for a solid 3 hours to a crowd that seemed a bit older than I expected. The final couple of pieces with the local banjo player were the highlight of the evening. I could have listened to them jam all night. If you’ve not heard Sam Bush, find him now and listen. Absolutely outstanding performer. Oh, and Sam, if you’re reading this…we really do believe you have a new album coming out…we REALLY do.

The Sea and Cake – Very nice show at Headliners. Ordinarily I don’t care for shows at Headliners because they’re so packed that you can’t breathe, but this was a nice evening out. People were sitting and enjoying themselves. The crowd was appreciative but not
overbearing. I didn’t know much about the band before going as I’d only heard one of their albums. This is, however, high quality music for the discerning listener. Looking forward to hearing them again soon.

Erin McKeown – I love Erin McKeown. She is the epitome of spunky. She’s got all this fire in this little tiny body and it comes right out of her fingers to splash across the guitar. The show was at Uncle Pleasant’s which I want desperately to become my favorite neighborhood hangout. This is not your father’s Uncle Pleasant’s as it has been totally redone on the inside and although I never went there in the 80s Aside: too young you understand the beer selection is almighty. Anyway, back to Erin. She played a short show…about an hour, so it was kind of disappointing for $10, still it’s the power in that time frame that keeps you wanting more. Her drummer was quite the rhythmic dynamo accompanying the Lady during her short set. She ended with a rousing version “Oh
Estelle” that may or may not have been heard in Lexington. Here’s to hoping she’ll come back soon.

Jay Farrar w/Canyon – This was Carrie’s pick. Jay Farrar was playing Headliner’s. The Red Sox were playing Yankee Stadium. It was a tough choice, but Carrie REALLY wanted to go to the show, and to be fair, I’d really forced her to watch enough baseball as it was. First, of all, I barely know Jay Farrar. I mean, I know some of his songs…but I didn’t realize that Canyon was still playing when we got there. So Jay comes out and begins to play and it’s so automatic for him. He barely speaks between songs other than to mumble a half-hearted thank you, and I recognized a grand total of zero songs. I thought it was going to be a wash, but he came back for an encore and it was great. Then…after the encore, the lights came up and we were told to pay our tabs and quickly exit through the side door. There was apparently a MASSIVE hip-hop parade going on in this place after the Jay Farrar show. So all these alt.country fans are filing slowly out of the side exit and the line of “Goodtimer’s” (Apparently there’s a group called Goodtimer’s and they were having a party at Headliners) stretched through the parking lot and down Lexington Road. It was truly a bizarre spectacle. If anyone knows what Goodtimer’s is…email me. I think we might be missing out on something. Anyway, Jay’s
second part of the show was great, but I think he needs to work on his stage presence a little more.