Chris Pierce, Live at 72 North ~ May 21, 2010

“This is such a beautiful place to make music…”

Chris Pierce

To make music, indeed.  I heard these words spoken by a man who conjures soulful music from a place deep inside and releases it into the universe for all to enjoy.  It is a wonder to see.

My wife and I were invited by very close friends to enjoy dinner out on Friday night, and it was an invitation we were very much looking forward to.  Our busy lives prevented us from getting together too early, but by 7:30 we were on the road and headed toward Pasadena for a night on the town.  The company was fantastic, and the short ride was filled with laughter and great conversation, only to be continued at the dinner table.  After we had had our fill the four of us piled back into the car with no destination in mind, and by fate or luck we found ourselves eagerly anticipating a night of music.

If you have read this blog before (and I know you haven’t), you may have discovered that I love live music.  Music is intoxicating, weaving its way into our heart and soul and stamping a lasting impression onto our lives.  Like ancient mariners before me, I am vulnerable to the Siren, becoming a helpless slave to the mistress that is music.  It is a weakness of which I have no shame.

But I digress, so let me start from the beginning.  A few years ago I created a MySpace page as a fun side project for Morton Design Works.  I found it interesting, but networking sites aren’t really my cup of tea and at first it was a challenge.  I noticed almost immediately, however, that MySpace is GREAT for finding new music.  As it were, I have discovered (for myself) a bunch of talented singers, songwriters, and bands that I may not have discovered otherwise.  One such artist was Chris Pierce.

But I don’t want to mislead you…I have a history with Mr. Pierce.  We knew each other as kids, and as young adults in high school.  We were friends on some level, but had never formed any lasting bond.  After high school I left, and didn’t look back.  Until MySpace.

I was impressed and actually excited to see him doing what he does best, sing.  He has gotten incredible reviews, performed with some unbelievable names in music and seems to be making a living doing what he loves.  PLUS…he is a Claremont guy (school, anyway) so I gotta support him.

I reconnected with him on Facebook (a network site more my speed), and have followed him ever since.  WELL…as my wife will attest I probably spend too much time on FB, and as such I noticed Chris’ post that he was going to be in Pasadena on Friday night performing an acoustic set at 72 North.  So when our group of four found ourselves with no destination after dinner, I suggested we go see Chris.  Thanks to my wife, Carrie and Bobby for humoring me…

72 North has an outdoor courtyard with tables and chairs; a charming venue for a man and his guitar.  Though the night was a little chilly, the atmosphere was perfect.  Not long before his set was to begin I recognized the tall, smooth cat come strolling in, guitar in hand.  It’s almost surreal to see someone after twenty years and instantly recognize them.  By chance, he sat behind me as he waited for his time to begin.

I introduced myself, nervous after so long that he would even remember me.  He did, and I was fortunate enough for him to share a few moments before he was to start.  We briefly caught up, I introduced my wife and friends and then it was time.

Chris set up his guitar, plugged in, tuned up and relaxed himself in his chair in front of the microphone.  That is when he expressed what a beautiful place the courtyard was to make music.  To make music.  To me the words meant something, and his warmth and generosity seemed to wash over the courtyard.  He wasn’t going to perform for us, he wasn’t going to sing.  This man was going to make something for us.  Make music.

From each note he poured from his electric/acoustic guitar to the harmony he unveiled from his lips, he made music.  He rocked in his chair, bellowing the love and pain that was in his heart with each breath he took.  With his strong voice he filled the brisk night air with energy, and emotion.  I was, and am, in awe.

Chris Pierce seems to live each second as if it means more than the last.  His music is borne from rhythm and blues, made on the porch or in the saloon where love is often found and more often lost.  His voiced is filled with hope and pride, but also betrays a sense of innocence lost.  An awakening.  An appreciation.  It is beautiful when he makes music.  A number of the songs felt like jams, his bluesy riffs and scatting taking the listener back to the old world when music was made on instinct.  At one point he pulled his harmonica from inside his coat, adding another dimension to a man and his guitar.  The crescendo wail of the tiny instrument seemed to feed off the vitality that was life at that moment.  Nothing more, nothing less.

And before we knew it, he was done.

He had made music, and left us all feeling better because of it.  The sound of his voice resonated for the rest of the night, a memory forever stamped onto my life.  But it left me wanting more.  The kind of want you feel without guilt or remorse.  The kind of want you feel everyone deserves.  Music is a healing, when it’s made right.

Our paths crossed for one night, and it was a blessing.  Maybe they are meant to cross again, who knows.  I’ll let fate or luck determine that.  But if only in the shadows of a club or the turn of a cd, I hope to reconnect with my old friend soon.

(connect with Chris Pierce & listen for yourself…goto www.ChrisPierce.com for more details)

Colbie Caillat at the Grove of Anaheim ~ 2/06/08

(originally posted on MySpace on February 7, 2008)

Colbie Caillat at the Grove of Anaheim ~ 2/06/08  

It seems like forever since I have been to a show, so Wednesday night was a refreshing and very welcome event to look forward to.  For a few reasons.  My wife and I have never been to the Grove of Anaheim before, we have never seen Colbie Caillat in concert before, and we have never been to a show with our twin girls.  A milestone in our house, to be sure. 

 For those of you reading this (and I doubt there is anyone), please forgive me as I take a bit of time to provide some background on my expectations for the evening.  Not that I am any musical pioneer, but I have been listening and following Colbie for some time.  It wasn’t long after I was introduced to both the realm of MySpace and the music of Tyrone Wells that I began foraging the plains of opportunity for new music.  I found Colbie online as a friend of a friend (or however that works) and was immediately taken with her sound.  At the time she didn’t yet have an album, but the few songs she did have on MySpace were worth visiting time and again.  It wasn’t too long after that Bubbly became a hit single, and the entire album was released.  The three ladies in my house (whom if I didn’t know better were actually triplets) were soon listening to her album on their own and becoming big fans.  So, it was with joy that my wife called me a few months ago to say that she had purchased tickets for the four of us to see Colbie in Anaheim.

 Being an adopted southern California native, the city of Anaheim has always been an oft visited destination for entertainment.  It is host to the world champion Angels baseball team, the world champion Ducks hockey team, a former host of the Rams football team, and of course…Disneyland.  Knowing the show was at the Grove of Anaheim, I was familiar with the location having driven past it a million times.  But, I’ve never been inside.  The doors were to open at seven, with the show starting at eight.  It being a weeknight, and considering work traffic and the kid’s schoolwork, we planned to arrive shortly before seven.  When we arrived we were loathed to find a long line forming out into the parking lot on what was a brisk California evening.  But, what would a little fun be without fifteen minutes of cold misery waiting in line?  Once in, the venue itself is larger than I had expected, with tiered flooring, and filling up quick. 

 The opening act was Trevor Hall and his percussionist, Chris Steele.  I wouldn’t say the sound on the vocals was perfect, as I didn’t figure out the names until today when doing a little research online.  HOWEVER, the music was excellent.  Eclectic, reggae infused acoustic guitar rhythms, a quirky voice, an organic mix of tribal like chants, singing and talking (not really rapping, not really singing) and a thundering accompaniment from the percussionist’s Cajon.  Now on a side note, the Cajon is fast becoming one of my favorite instruments ever.  Mark Chiapello uses one, and the sound is beyond compare.  So, to see this act using one was great!  And the percussionist really worked it.  The percussion was both bass line and drums, and really set the tone for the artist’s set.  Trevor’s lyrics and sound are great and in many ways unique, but lack some emotional connection.  However, the combination of Trevor’s voice and guitar with that of the percussion makes the act something special indeed.  I often hate comparisons, but couldn’t help making one with Trevor and Eddie Vedder.  But more emotional than Eddie.  I know, I know.  I just got done saying he lacks an emotional connection.  Eddie Vedder’s voice is mostly mono-tone, whereas Trevor Hall’s voice is an array of peaks and valleys.  This adds more emotion to the sound, but doesn’t necessarily have an emotional impact.  When the boom-boom of the Cajon kicks in, the peaks and valleys start to mean something.  The chanting starts to add to the organic feel to the whole arrangement.  Anyway, the song Ghosts and Chris Steele’s percussive solo were the highlights of the set for me.  The great thing about opening acts is the exploration for the audience.  I would love to see this guy in concert again.

 After a brief waiting period of watching the sound technicians do their thing onstage, the lights dimmed for the headliner.  Dressed in a short summer dress and with a flower in her hair, Colbie emerged from backstage and started the set with Oxygen.  She looked fantastic, and sounded radio perfect (forgiving the sins of the sound booth).  Her band consisted of keyboards, drums, bass and lead and rhythm guitars.  And although she plays the guitar herself, she spent almost the entire set up front with just the microphone in hand. 

There are a couple of key points that I would like to make.  First, this is a completely different musical experience than I am used to.  This is a female headliner, singing mostly love songs.  My point being that this isn’t a rocking out, party type of atmosphere.  She rocks, for sure, but it is different.  Not less, just different.  Second, this isn’t teeny-bopper, all looks and no brains, MTV, who is my boyfriend this minute, kinda female headliner, either.  To point that she looks fantastic is important.  She does.  She looks beautiful, take her home to meet your Nana, she has a ton of class, fantastic.  And the sound is real.  The lyrics are heartfelt, and her performance really makes you feel the same way she does about whatever it is she is singing about. Gitit?  The reason she sold-out this show was pretty obvious.  Her music is infectious, and fun to sing along with, guy or girl.  I know this, because of the small group of teenagers standing directly in front of us (four boys and two girls); the boys were doing as much of the singing along as the girls were.  And having a great time, too.  Oh, yea, and I was also. The themes of her music are universal, and she sings in a way that immediately makes that emotional connection that is so important. 

She is pretty stinking cool, too.  She covered the Bob Marley classic Turn Your Lights Down Low, completely making it her own.  It was the kind of moment that defines what loving someone should be about.  She has the ability to make you feel like she is singing just to you.  For everyone.  She really is saying what girls are feeling, and what guys wish they could know to say in return.  Good stuff. 

With the sound of the ukulele kicking in, she introduced her band, let loose her island infused Tied Down, and really got the crowd into the mood.  With a brief parlay in the middle to pay homage to Bob Marley once again, this song proved to be my favorite of the night and a real crowd pleaser. 

In the end, the show exceeded all of my expectations.  She played guitar on Bubbly, as the crowd sang every word, and managed to make a Rolling Stones song incredibly sexy during her two song encore.  It is refreshing and exciting to experience a young artist who has a feel for the history of music and has so much to add herself.  She has tremendous substance in her work, and it was readily apparent on Wednesday night.  Overall, she seems to have all of the makings of a classic, with her first album the foundation for what we can expect for years to come. I wouldn’t call her a female Jack Johnson or even compare her to her female contemporaries.  She is both a throw-back to what has been great in the past, and a clear indication of what will be great in the future of female artists.  She is proving it is the little things that are setting her apart from the pack…

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band w/k.d. lang @ Greek Theatre, July 26

(originally posted on MySpace on October 6, 2007)

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band w/ k.d. lang @ Greek Theatre, July 26  

It has been a while, and I’ve had a few things to blog about.  I just haven’t taken the time.  Busy, busy, busy…

 (not that anyone is reading this anyway)

             My wife and I had an opportunity to see k.d. lang and Lyle Lovett & His Large Band at the Greek Theatre on July 26.  Now, this is not ordinarily a show I would pay to go see.  Not that I have anything against these two artists, but I’m not a country listener per se.  I have been known to enjoy a Merle Haggard, Ronny Milsap or even a Buck Owens now and then.  Oak Ridge Boys and Statler Brothers were also a staple in my youth, thanks to my parents.  I have found my favorites to be both Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.  The kids today will have no idea who I am talking about (maybe Johnny Cash because of the movie), but suffice it to say I prefer older country over today’s offerings.  However, I do really enjoy Bluegrass, but will save that conversation for a later blog.  

            Where was I?  Oh, right….k.d. and Lyle.  So, I was fortunate enough to be offered free tickets for this show, and I’m not one to turn down a free night out.  It was Thursday night, which was a little discouraging, but my wife and I decided to go anyway.  We like to stay close to home during the week, but since we aren’t that old, we risked it.  If you have never been to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, you are missing out on a gorgeous venue.  It is outdoors, amphitheater style, set in the hills north west of downtown.  Being it was July; the evening was warm but not hot or uncomfortable.  Our seats were about eight or nine rows back from the pit seating.  Pretty close.  We got there early, and were fortunate enough to see a couple of celebrities (Fran Drescher, Penn Gillette).  Overall it was a nice night for an evening.

            k.d. lang, wearing an all white suit sans tie, came out on stage with very little fanfare.  I have only ever heard the one song they play on crossover radio stations, Constant Craving.  I can’t say that I love that song, but I can’t really say that I hate it either.  I’m familiar with it…but I digress.  k.d. doesn’t need a lot of fanfare apparently, as the crowd gave her a standing ovation when she walked out with her band.  It is always nice to have a warm reception, and she appreciated it.  

            I should probably preface this whole blog by saying the details are gonna be a little fuzzy.  It has been a few moons since I was actually at the concert, but I still felt compelled to write about it.  If there isn’t a whole lotta details, please forgive…

            k.d. lang has a fantastic sense of humor.  That much I do remember.  She was barefoot too.  She just seemed so at home on stage, and the night was so beautiful.  Ugh, I can’t for the life of me remember her song set, but let me tell you….she was absolutely fantastic!  She is a crooner, and I was shocked to find that out.  By the third song I was giddy that my wife and I took a chance and went to the show.  It was a pleasant surprise.  That chick can really sing, man.  Her voice, too, was flawless.  Seriously.  Every note was perfect.  Her set didn’t have any hints that you were listening to a stage performance and the sound wasn’t what you’d expect.  It was better.  She had so much emotion and power in each song; I didn’t want it to end.  Toward the end of her set, she got a little theatrical and brought out a chair, a table and a cigarette.  She was telling jokes, and telling a story.  Then she broke out into Patsy Cline’s Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray.  Uh, she killed it.  Brought down the H O U S E.  She gave me goose bumps on every song, but this song made me wanna crumble.  I’m telling ya, her voice is something else.  After her show, I am totally a fan.  She was the ultimate professional, the ultimate performer.  I know she is huge, but she should be bigger.  Talent and entertainment like hers are underrated by far.  Obviously I don’t have a bad thing to say, eh?  I am so impressed by her show that I find myself just kinda rambling about how much I enjoyed it.  I am too young to have seen Frank and the Rat Pack perform, but I love that kinda music.  This show had that kind of classic energy for me.  It wasn’t starched shirts, ridiculous hats and buckles Country music.  It was just good music.  I would go see k.d. lang again anytime….

            And so, it was Lyle Lovett’s turn.  My knowledge of Lyle Lovett, you ask?  Hmmm….That song from Toy Story and his brief marriage to Julia Roberts.  Ok, so I’m no expert.  I was intrigued, I must tell you, about the & His Large Band portion of the headline.  Really, how large could it be?  Was it large it numbers or was every member over six feet tall?  What kinda large are we talking about?  Turns out, the large refers to the number of members, which my wife and I counted at seventeen.  Ok, I agree.  His band is large.  We can move on.  

            The first song is essentially his band, with back up singers sans the man himself.  As with k.d.’s show, I wouldn’t necessarily call this Country music by today’s standards.  It has a feel to it, but not one that can be stereotyped as twangy voices and really really tight denim.  I actually thought the whole show had a party feel to it, not unlike Jimmy Buffett’s show.  It wasn’t the same drinking and doing nothing kinda thing, but just a having a good time with good music kinda thing.  Get it?  Anyway, the show was fantastic.  He is a really funny guy as well, and the in-between-songs banter was hilarious.  His voice, too, was pretty flawless.  For me, the performance was great.  I enjoyed the power and emotion of k.d.’s show more, but Lyle’s show is nothing short of fantastic.  My favorite of the evening from him was the three bluegrass songs, performed by him and only three others of his band.  The songs were funny and charming, and the bluegrass sound is more to my liking anyway.  Overall, it turned out to be a great night.  

            I learned a valuable lesson, too.  A live performance provides you with an opportunity to experience the real artist.  Great artists like k.d. and Lyle will leave you with a lasting memory.  I learned that it really was worth my while to get out of my comfort zone and go experience something different.

Part II ~ Ernie

(originally posted on MySpace on June 30, 2007)

            I wrote this blog in two parts to keep from having one insanely large post.  If you are just interested in reading what I have to say about Ernie Halter, without needing the left field musings as to why I feel the way I do, please continue reading.  If you have a little time on your hands and would like some insight as to why I ramble in such a way, please read the Part I – The Giants blog first, and then come back here.  Either way, I hope you enjoy…

             I had been anticipating Friday night for a week.  Not just that it was the end of the work week, but my wife and I and our close friend Jennifer were going to see Ernie perform in Los Angeles.  I am also now on vacation for a week, so I’ve had high expectations that seeing Ernie is a great way to jump start my time off from work.  Genghis Cohen is a Szechuan restaurant, with a music room on the side that seats about sixty or so people.  Berg, Eva Castillo and Kelley James were also on the bill.  Great, but we came for Ernie.  Weird little venue, but cool and cozy.  Berg opened with a one man acoustic set.  He is from the East Coast, but looks like a SoCal surfer.  His music is middle of the road good, singer/songwriter kinda stuff.  Jennifer really liked him, and the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves.  His show stopper was fantastic, a cover of an Oasis song that really got the crowd started.  Eva Castillo followed; a one woman acoustic set.  She is cute, funny, very energetic and talkative.  And then she starts singing and watch out! Man, she can groove.  Distorted Vision was the best in my opinion, but every song really sounded great.  She is funky, and she really seems to enjoy herself onstage and that becomes infectious.  She absolutely tore up Etta James’ At Last, and the crowd went nuts.  I was a little worried when she said she was gonna perform that song, but she really pulled it out.  Great Stuff.  I hope to see her again soon. 

 Part II – Ernie

             I’m not even sure where to begin.  I mentioned that I was anticipating this for a week, right?  Ok, so now here it is.  Cozy little venue, crowd is going, acoustics are great for the room, and Ernie walks out with Aaron Bishop following.  The energy in the room jumps from buzzing to bursting.  He sets up, stands at the microphone and the crowd warmly welcomes him with hoots, hollars and clapping.  He mentions that he has had a bad day, and that he really appreciates the welcome.  Then, alone for now, he begins with Whisper.

            Now, let me digress for a moment.  I have been anticipating seeing this guy for a week, right?  Anticipation.  Expectations for something to really knock my socks off.  I’m ready to unload all of my frustrations from the week and have a great time.  I’ve eaten, I have my best friend (my wife) with me…I’m ready.  But for a very brief second I panicked when he said he had had a bad day.  Brief, but it was there.  I’ve seen this guy twice, the second time exceeding all of my expectations, but now what?  He’s had a bad day, what does that mean for me?  I know, I know…so selfish.  I’m sorry.  Remember, though, I said the feeling was brief.  Because he begins with Whisper…

            I know this song, know the lyrics.  I love this song.  I’m not trying to get my girl back, I’ve already got her.  But I love this song.  Friday night, Ernie is telling me how much he wants this girl.  He is telling God how much he wants this girl.  It feels like he is confessing to me that he knows something isn’t right in his world, but he wants to change that.  He is sharing a secret with me, as if my knowing will help God understand this mistake needs to be fixed.  The voice is honest and heartfelt.  The song is perfect.  And after the song is over he has the biggest smile I have ever seen, on his face.  In the span of five or so minutes, my day went from total expectation, complete panic and possible let down to being blown away.  I could have left after the first song and been thrilled I waited all week to see him.  To me, it’s as if he put all of his life and soul into making that first song, that first performance, the best it has ever been.  And it was.  The night far exceeded expectations.  With Aaron Bishop eventually joining Ernie onstage, the show really got rocking and the night was a total jam.  Such great fun.  Ernie has that quality that transcends that style of music he is playing.  His emotion, his voice, his delivery is so much bigger than just a guy standing on stage playing a guitar and singing.  He invites you in to what he is going through, and together the party rolls.  My favorite highlights…

 Aaron Bishop walking through the door with Ernie Halter.  Ernie is great alone, but the two onstage together add a new dimension, both musically and in between songs.  Aaron’s presence compliments Ernie’s overall performance, and sets the groove deep for you to fall in.  

 ”That’s right, Bish!” / “Look at me, Bish!” / “This is my Bish!” – Oh so hilarious.  

 Family Night At the Apollo – Mom and Dad sitting behind us…Mom is so adorable.  And a great singer and dancer.  It’s not a party until something gets broken…

Mona Lisa.  The story is fantastic; Ernie’s Mom sang the whole song.  She was as much fun to listen to as he was.  It felt like we were invited to a family party, Cubano style.  

Melissa never get’s old.  It is now a third time in a row I got chills at the end.  Food Network Dinner Impossible style, right?  lol

Freestyle with Kelley James.  The party is in full swing now…

Something’s Come Over Me…the last song (without the visuals, lol).

For those of you that read the blog Part I – The  Giants, the first song and last song in Ernie’s set are the reason I wrote it.  I immediately thought of Otis Redding the first time I heard Something’s Come Over Me.  No kidding.  I laughed when I saw that Ernie covered two of Otis’ songs.  Ernie’s music touches you the same way Otis’ does.  It is not a quality you can teach.  In fact, after meeting Ernie’s mom, I firmly believe the quality runs in the family.  I know now that I can expect to be moved every time I hear his music.  I can expect to be taken back to someplace I’ve been or taken to someplace I’d rather be.  The great ones are like that.  I know now what to expect, even if he has had a bad day.

Part I ~ The Giants

(originally posted on MySpace on June 30, 2007)

Ok, so I’ve thought about this blog entry for a bit, and I’m a little hesitant to get it started.  My wife and I and our close friend Jennifer drove out to Genghis Cohen last night to see Ernie Halter perform.  Such a great night, and I have SO MUCH to say.  His performance got me a little philosophical about good ole fashioned rock and roll soul….so this post may have to be in two parts.  First, a little history from my perspective…

 Part I – The Giants

There are two greats in the music industry that transcend all genres of music, and provide a blueprint for success for future artists; Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’m certainly not saying these two are the only giants of music, but they are definitely giants.  Ever hear a Sam or Otis song?  They are both gone, and their music isn’t as mainstream today as it should be or as it was.  However, the undeniable factor for each is their ability to stop a room and fill it with their work.  If you’ve ever enjoyed them, you know of what I speak.  You can’t just hear a song of theirs playing and not acknowledge who is singing.  At least I can’t.  It is because their voices and their music are so heartfelt and honest that it creates a memory every time you hear it.  It creates a memory, it brings back a memory, it takes you someplace you were or reminds you of a place you’d rather be.  Listen to Sam Cooke’s You Send Me, Cupid or Twistin’ the Night Away.  I believe these were his biggest hits, and for good reason.  Each song puts you in a great mood almost immediately.  The rhythm, the voice, the lyrics…all good stuff.  And cool for everyone.  Who hasn’t been in love before or who doesn’t just want to twist the night away?  Honest sentiments from an incredible voice that touches you every single time.  At least to me.

And Otis Redding.  I think the younger crowd might know Otis by one of two songs (or of course both) – Try a Little Tenderness and Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.  Both songs are timeless, classics and absolutely incredible.  Tenderness builds and builds the emotion, giving us a hint of the pain and love and soul about to unload.  And then it does, in a whirlwind of horns, drums, guitars, keyboards and that unmistakable ingredient that makes the whole dish your favorite, his voice.  His voice fills all of your senses, making your heart beat a little faster, your mind relax completely and your body shake and groove with each beat.  You don’t care about anything else but being as close to the music as you can.  Otis was soul, was rock, was love.  And my favorite opportunity to hear the emotion, to really experience every ache and pain of what it is like to feel something deep inside you is in These Arms of Mine.  Each time I hear it I feel like I’m eavesdropping on a private confession; like I’m not really supposed to be hearing what I’m hearing.  But I am, because Otis made this gem for everyone to enjoy.  He poured his heart out on this record for all of us to share with him the joy and pain of life and love.  Good and bad.  It makes us feel like he really wants to share his life with ours, and it makes us feel good.  And it makes the world a better place…

Tyrone Wells, Ernie Halter, Kalai ~ House of Blues Anaheim June 23rd

(originally posted on MySpace on June 26, 2007)

Tyrone Wells, Ernie Halter, Kalai – House of Blues Anaheim June 23rd  

Ok, so let it be known (as it has before) that my wife and I enjoy that of the Tyrone Wells show.  Saturday night we went to the show at the House of Blues in Anaheim in Downtown Disney.  Uh, yea, needless to say (though I will say it anyway) we had a blast!  Price is right for the tickets, this venue is world famous, and Tyrone is getting better every time we see him.  And I have to say that it is becoming quite fun to travel around the southland to see his shows.  We are getting to see great opening acts, great venues, and of course Tyrone… 

Ernie Halter opened the evening.  We first saw him open for Tyrone a few months ago at Chapman University (read The Music of Teen Angst blog).  Anyhoo, after that show I promptly purchased his studio album from Amazon.com, then downloaded his album Lo Fidelity from iTunes.  Good stuff if you haven’t heard it…I recommend.  So, to see him Saturday night after I have worn a groove in the disc playing it so much was a great experience.  I knew all of the words, knew all of the songs.  It was great.  He is fun, gets the crowd involved, and the music is move your body, sing-along great.  I am awed by those that play an instrument and perform live in front of people.  My best friend is a singer/musician…and I love to hear him perform.  Something about live music just gets ya going.  Live music is this organic thing.  Think about it.  The artist sings it a little different each time, but mostly still the same.  The speakers are blasting you out of your eardrums, but you want more.  The room is so hot from all of the lights and people…everyone is moving and shaking and dancing.  And sweating.  The crowd is singing loud.  UH, I love it.  Anyway, Ernie is a professional and he is so much fun to watch.  It was worth it just to see him.  

Kalai performed after Ernie.  Now, I’ve never even heard of this guy before.  I kinda figured that if he was on the same bill as Ernie and Tyrone that I’d enjoy him.  I just didn’t know what to expect.  So the curtain pulls back and this guy is sitting center stage with an acoustic guitar, to his left a scraggly looking white dude in flip flops is on bass, and buried behind this eclectic looking drum kit is the drummer.  Kalai tears into the first song, classically picking his guitar, while the bass guitar assaults my chest and the drums tear up the room.  The best that I can describe it is eclectic blues.  Very enchanting, mystical kinda stuff.  Unfortunately the sound was a little off on the microphone, so the lyrics got lost in the music.  But, oh, that music.  I fell in love immediately.  Now, if you have read my blogs before (and I know you haven’t), you would know that I love the blues.  Blues and reggae are my mistresses.  Oh, such great storytelling rhythms.  Good stuff.  I like all kinds of stuff, but I’m always drawn back to the blues and reggae.  But I digress.  The first song was like ten minutes long, and the guy never stopped picking his guitar.  I have an acoustic guitar that I attempt two and three chord songs on and after ten minutes my hand starts to cramp.  Kalai roared through his first song and seduced a note from every inch of that guitar for TEN MINUTES.  I am very impressed.  So now….the comparison.  If you’ve never heard him, he might remind you of Ben Harper in a way.  However, this guy is way bluesier.  Kalai’s music takes over the electric charges in your body that tell you when to move and makes you rock and roll.  This show is what live performances are all about.  Seeing something you’ve never seen before, and knowing immediately that you are glad you are immersed in the sounds filling the room.  And his show stopper KILLED!!!  Go see for yourself.  His last song was a cover, and it absolutely shook.  Anyway, I was caught off guard by the second act, as it was totally different from Ernie or Tyrone, but so perfect for the night.  I’m looking forward to seeing Kalai again soon. 

            Tyrone Wells.  The show in Anaheim was concluding a mini three month tour nationwide.  After Saturday, my wife and I have now seen him four times.  Like I said before, the price is right on the tickets, the venues are cool, the opening acts are worth the price of admission alone, and Tyrone really puts on a great show.  Good, clean fun.  We don’t have to worry about unruly crowds, horrible seats or the artist possibly being too drunk to play his one hit.  Each show has been enough of the same that we feel comfortable with what to expect, but different enough that each show feels fresh.  Saturday he played a few new songs that had been written on this recent road trip.  Yes, we are looking forward to him coming back to SoCal so we can see him again, and we look forward to a new album in the not-too-distant future.  I won’t go too in-depth about the show (as you may have overload from previous blogs), HOWEVER….

 Why I enjoy the Tyrone Wells show…By Greg Morton.  

The whole band is obviously having fun.  For instance…J. Michael jams on the keyboards and always has a smile on his face.  It is fun to hear, and fun to watch.  At one point, J. Michael lets loose a fury of sounds during a solo, and I saw Tyrone lean over to Aaron Bishop and say that he loves it when he does that…Jason reminds me of a cat ready to pounce.  Each song he plays along like a kid with a new guitar, and then the lead part comes and he steps to the front of the stage and unloads.  Subtle.  Excellent….Aaron Bishop never really smiles, but you can tell by the way he moves with every song that he is right there, enjoying every minute of it.  I think the bass is underrated, but Aaron puts the head bobbing groove in each song…Mark Chiapello has an infectious way about him that really comes through to the crowd.  It starts with the Cajon.  Tyrone’s UCLA story.  The way Mark smiles, grooves and sings along during No Good Without You.  Old School.  The solos and fills behind the drum kit.  I think he knows all the words to each song only because you can see him singing along.  Am I the only one who finds that totally cool?  Mark appears to be a fan getting away with being on stage.  I am so jealous….Tyrone.  The perfect lyrics to the love songs.  Old School.  The Man in Black.  And you thought only Heidi yodeled.  The new stuff, the old old stuff.  Dream Like New York and Sea Breeze.  Where does a tall skinny white kid find a reggae riddim in Baby Don’t You Change?    The guitar, the harmonica, the pipes…When All is Said and Done.     

Need I say more?

John Mayer @ The Hollywood Bowl ~ June 9th

(originally posted on MySpace on June 16, 2007)

John Mayer @ The Hollywood Bowl – June 9th  

It has been a while since I have posted anything (not that anyone is here to read it…), but I wanted to share my experience from the John Mayer concert at the Hollywood Bowl from June 9th.  Bought tickets for me and my wife the day they went on sale, and got pretty good tickets for the budget.  It was my first time at the HB, so I was pretty excited to be seeing a big show at such a legendary venue.  It was a beautiful day, and turned into a beautiful night.  Rocco DeLuca and the Burden, and then Ben Folds opened.  I was impressed with Rocco DeLuca, not so much with Ben Folds. 

Anyway, I like John Mayer’s music, and was really excited when he finally came out.  His music is catchy, great for tapping your foot and perfect for getting your lady in the mood.  Life is too short to be too macho to enjoy the good stuff.  He started with No Such Thing, then proceeded to play almost every song from the Continuum album. An older hit here or there, but mostly the new album.  He sounded so great.  Arguably one of the greatest guitarists, certainly of the blues genre.  He is a little more technical than Stevie Ray Vaughn was, but packs more of a punch than Eric Clapton (in my humble opinion). Jimi was never a tight guitarist, more so a complete entertainment package, and Paige was a little more experimental.  Did I cover all of the modern day greats?  Sure, you might argue someone, somewhere accomplished this or created that….but it’s my blog and I’m sticking to it.  Suffice it to say, as a novice blues geek, the JM show had enough to please.  Enough pop for the chicks in the audience (and there were plenty!) and enough good times for all I think. 

Oh, yea, and the Bowl itself.  Ever seen a show at the Hollywood Bowl?  Man, what a treat.  Watching the light show of the Bowl was as much fun as the music itself.  Add to the afternoon/evening the experience of the picnic basket dinner and it was so much fun. So far the greatest show I’ve seen yet, and I’ve enjoyed all I’ve seen.  I highly recommend seeing John Mayer or any show at the Bowl.  It doesn’t get any better than a summer show in SoCal.

Home Sweet Home ~ Claremont, California

(originally posted on MySpace on March 22, 2007)

Home Sweet Home – Claremont, California
 
            If any of you read my little prose on teen angst music (and you haven’t by the looks of the counter), I may have been a little misleading.  Not intentionally, but misleading nonetheless.  I stated that I am a suburban raised white boy from SoCal.  I must confess I wasn’t born in SoCal.  Been here since I was six (long time ago), but not a native as it were.  I’m technically a cheese-head from the brew town (figure it out).  But, since I have VERY little recollection of life before SoCal, I speak as though I belong.  With that said, I will ramble a little on the Claremont contingent in my friends section. 

            The tiny little hamlet of Claremont, California was the scene of my re-birth; otherwise known as my hometown.  It is nestled in the foothills on the fringe of the now world famous Inland Empire, east of Los Angeles.  Claremont is a strange mix of conservative politics and a liberal community.  The city is home to five undergraduate schools, two graduate schools, and the Claremont School of Theology.  All of the schools essentially share one large campus, collectively known as the Claremont Colleges.  They are also sometimes referred to as Ivy League West, a reference to their distinguished curriculum and use of climbing ivy on many of the historic buildings.  In a town that does not allow fast food restaurants (all fast food chains sit just outside city limits), the colleges provide a unique resource for cultural experimentation.  The Village is a great place to visit as well; anchoring the south side of campus.  Some notable landmarks in the Village include Some Crust Bakery, Rhino Records, and Nick’s Café.  Also, visit the Claremont Folk Festival friend to learn more about that festival and the Folk Music Center.

            I love my hometown, and love that it hasn’t changed too much since the freeway cut the town in two a few years back.  I still live nearby, and visit often.  It is a great place to visit.  If you don’t get a chance to visit (live in the cold tundra that is the East Coast?), then catch a little flavor by visiting the KSPC radio website.  I highly recommend the Reggae Connection on Monday nights.  Respect!

            Uh, yea, Claremont isn’t paying me either.  Read this and understand that I write because I love.  Peace to ya…

The Music of Teen Angst

(originally posted on MySpace on March 19, 2007)

The Music of Teen Angst

I have been addicted to music as of late.  Actually, I’ve been addicted to music ever since my mom and dad played Barry Manilow and Merle Haggard tapes in the car when I was a kid.  Lately, however, I’ve had the fever.  A few months ago my wife’s cousin turned us onto this guy named Tyrone Wells.  I heard his music (the live album is my favorite), and we went to see him at Redlands University in October.  Uh, his live show will blow you away.  Tyrone can sing.  Good stuff.  My wife has been addicted ever since (she has it bad, I must say).  If he was talented, good looking and on the rise…I might be worried.  What??  Just kidding.  He has a great message, and did I mention the music was good?  Anyway, I am a fan of all genres of music and Tyrone immediately went to top 5 all time.  You’d think he was paying me for this blog, but he isn’t.

So recently my wife and I go see Tyrone at Chapman University.  He has this guy named Ernie Halter open up for him.  THIS guy kills it.  We were having so much fun, it was bittersweet for him to end.  Anyway, I bought his album too and I love it.  He isn’t paying me either.  Go figure.  His live show was incredible also.  The album is fantastic.

But I want more.  Not that I’m selfish, but I want to keep searching for what is out there.  Who has that something that will touch a nerve for me?  I still listen to my Police, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Ray Vaughn.  I love the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.  But right now I want something more.  Something different.  Or do I?  Somehow I stumbled across an old friend, figuratively speaking.  First, lemme give ya some background on me.

I’m a suburban raised white kid from Southern California.  The late eighties and early nineties were my formative, teen angst years.  The rebels of the time were bands like Run DMC, Public Enemy, BDP, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few.  I was after punk, didn’t care about metal, avoided country, and was too embarrassed to admit liking Top 40.  Alternative was making a name for itself with bands like the Cure and the Smiths on Los Angeles’ world famous KROQ.  I listened and loved, but something was missing.  I liked most of the other bands I mentioned, but couldn’t relate to rap anymore when NWA hit it big (not that I really related to New Yorker’s Public Enemy either).  NWA was different, and not for me.  I recognized their talent, but they didn’t speak to my teen angst.  It wasn’t until a friend of mine’s MOM was playing Bob Marley that I found what I was looking for.  It had catchy rhythms, danceable music, songs of struggle with everyday life.   Not that I could relate to a Jamacian artist from the ghetto either.  But Marley’s songs weren’t all about struggle.  He sang about hope, about love, about needing to make a change if things aren’t what they needed to be.  Reggae was my teen angst music.  It provided a voice to the anger a youth feels about being a youth.  But it wasn’t pessimistic or dooming.  It was real, honest, and clear.  I could relate to the messages of unity, peace, and love; of fighting for what you believe in, and making a change.  Urban music in the United States didn’t offer that same hope.  It still doesn’t.  Though I don’t listen to Bob or Burning Spear or Dennis Brown or Black Uhuru or Steel Pulse or Peter Tosh or Culture or Toots and the Maytals as much as I used to, I still love the way it makes me feel when I do hear it.

So back to that old friend I was talking about.  The course of reggae music changed with the passing of the old guard, and the emergence and popularity of hip-hop in America.  The roots rockers were being upstaged by the dance-hallers.  That is alright, but not what I could relate to.  I still listened to the older artists, followed some of the up and comers, transitioned into ska for a long time and back again.  The other day I stumbled upon Stephen Marley.  He sounds eerily like his father, and that is comforting.  But his style is contemporary, and that too is comforting.  He is a perfect blend of current relevance and classic timelessness.  I will be picking up his album tomorrow when it releases.  Did I ramble too much?  Probably.  Anyway, Stephen isn’t paying me either, but I thought I’d give you a little insight into me and maybe turn you onto to something new.  My next rant may be about Miles, Sam Cooke or Otis Redding.  Maybe about how I think Nirvana is my generation’s Beatles (intrigued?).  Thanks for letting kill a little time…