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Own and operate the Flying Eye Radio Network. We are the antidote to commercial radio. Flying Eye began broadcasting in 2007, and broadcasts the entire spectrum of musical colors with subscriptions well over 14,193 across 70 countries, and 49 of our 52 states. Interviews are a staple of our programming and recent interviews have included Steve Lukather, Ozomatli, Former Yankee & World Series MVP Bernie Williams, Rosie Flores, Albert Lee, Mike Finnigan (Bonnie Raitt), Billy Vera, Jimmy Vivino (Conan O'Brien), Joe Bonamassa, Ian Hunter, Paul Barrere, Bill Payne & Kenny Gradney (Little Feat), David Lindley, Coco Montoya, and many more.
ASG, Out & About, View From The Flying Eye

Ghost-Note April 22, 2017 Whirled Pies Eugene, Oregon

Ghost-Note April 22, 2017 Whirled Pies – Eugene, Oregon
By Andy Goldfinger

Another outstanding night at Whirled Pies in Downtown Eugene.  An evening with Ghost-Note which features two of the literal driving forces fDSC_0464or the Grammy Award winning band Snarky Puppy.  Nate Werth and Robert Searight drummer and percussionist with Snarky Puppy put on a show that was filled with a groove that is tough to put into words, but suffice to say the feeling was spectacular.

Musically this pair is more than a dynamic duo.  Their credits speak for themselves, but I will take a moment to elaborate.  Mr. Werth, no relation to the baseball player, is one of the most inventive and versatile percussionists currently in our path of vision.  Coming from the great state of IndDSC_0518iana, his approach to a myriad of musical styles, as well as an innovative use of a variety of percussion, offers his sound to be unique. He attended the prestigious University of North Texas where he refined his technical skills and studied with legendary musicians and educators, including Poovalur Sriji, Jose Aponte, Gideon Alorwoyie, Paul Rennick, Christopher Deane, and Mark Ford.

Nate has been actively recording and touring worldwide for the past decade. He has worked with internationally acclaimed artists such as Snarky Puppy, David Crosby, Lalah Hathaway, Susana Baca, The Lee Boys, and The Metropole Orchestra.

Robert “Sput” Searight is one of the most talented and versatile drummers andDSC_0505 producers in modern music.  With a family of musicians based in Dallas, Texas, Searight came up alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Norah Jones, and Roy Hargrove at the world-famous Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Arts.  He won a Grammy Award at age 18 with his own group, God’s Property, who chDSC_0521anged the face of Gospel music with their debut album.  Artists like Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, P Diddy, Myron Butler, and Kirk Franklin employ Sput’s talents regularly.

With Ghost-Note the gents have assembled some of the finest young musicians to get on the stage.  The horn section features the stylings of Sylvester Onyjiaka who was last seen playing with a guy named Prince, DSC_0476and tending the flute, tenor, and baritone sax.  Then manning the other horn you have Jonathan Mones (Funky Knuckles, RC and the Gritz) playing flute, alto, and tenor saxophone.  On the keys Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy) and manning the bass for the last time A.J. Brown.

The band DSC_0516tore through songs for their debut effort “Fortified” and also tantalized the cDSC_0507rowd with songs from an upcoming album soon to be released.  Two sets of unbridled jazz and funk.

If you live in Eugene and have not been to Whirled Pies downtown for a show, this is something that must change.  Talk about comfort, you want tables to sit at,DSC_0453 yep.  How about a nice comfy couch, got it.  Dance floor, check.  Beer and food, yes sir.  And, the proprietors and crew, just exceptional.  Keep your eyes peeled and come to a show at Whirled Pies.

Check out all the photos from that night.

ASG, Out & About

Farnell Newton & the Othership Connection – April 19, 2017 Whirled Pies – Eugene, Oregon

Farnell Newton & the Othership Connection – April 19, 2017 Whirled Pies – Eugene, Oregon
By Andy Goldfinger

Wednesday night I had the privilege of shooting photos and doing a little writing on a band fronted by DSC_0356mad trumpeter Farnell Newton along with the ever-present Othership Connection.  If the name has a familiar ring to it, could be that among the myriad of artists that Farnell has had the opportunity to collaborate with Bootsy Collins is at the forefront, an original member of the Mothership of Funk.

Farnell has DSC_0375established himself as one of the most versatile musicians in the arena and that would explain the pedigree from his short list of collaborators that include Stevie Wonder, Ronald Isley, Cee-Lo Green, Karl Denson, Gladys Knight, George Duke, Lalah Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Bootsy Collins, Lettuce, Earth, Wind and Fire just to name a few.  his sense of love for the music, his band, and the audience is clearly on display throughout the set.

With a dynamic sound reminiscent of the old funk mixed with a new and powerful sound the Othership Connection provides a groove of funkified proportions. DSC_0406 Some might call it a revitalization others a continuation, but regardless they are building a tremendous reputation as a band that can go all night, and Wednesday at Whirled Pies was no different.  They tore through a couple of Prince songs in preparation for their upcoming show in Portland Friday April 21st and closed the first set with Maceo’s “Shakin With Everything You Got”.  The range and sound of the band was exceptional.

The band?  Wow.  Guitarist Agyel Ptah – Hotep Marshall was just electric alDSC_0400l night long with thoughtful soulful solos and an amazing rhythm that got those in attendance moving and grooving.  Couple that with drummer Tyronne Hendrix and bass player R.J. Reyes, the recipe was set, and the chefs were just cookin.

DSC_0383Kyle Molitor began playing trombone at 12 years old and is currently spending his time with one Bootsy Collins, Doo Doo Funk All-Stars, and the Rose City Horns.  He may be the youngest member of the band, but guitarist Agyel Ptah – Hotep Marshall brings an originality that melds funk and DSC_0378rock into a blissful funkination of sound and imagery.  On the vocals the incredible Arietta Ward, wDSC_0424ho snag with passion and love.   Now back to the rhythm section.  Banging on the skins is drummer Tyrone Hendrix, one of the most sought after drummer’s period, and Wednesday night was clear evidence as to why.   The bass was being manned by R.J. Reyes.  Wednesday was his first gig with the DSC_0407band and he just killed it.

With an album in the works the future looks limitless for this band.

I would also like to commend Whirled Pies on turning the downtown pie place in to an outstanding venue to see a show.  The sound is excellent and the place has pretty much everything you could want from a food and drinking perspective.  Cannot wait for the next show.  This is steadily becoming one of Eugene’s premier venues for music.

Check out all the pics here!

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

The Wood Brothers – January 29, 2016 McDonald Theater Eugene, Oregon

The Wood Brothers – January 29, 2016 McDonald Theater Eugene, Oregon
By Andy Goldfinger

The Wood Brothers made their way through Eugene, Oregon not too long ago. They are an American folk band consisting of brothers Chris (Upright Bass) and Oliver Wood (Acoustic and electric guitars), as well as multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. The majestic McDonald Theater was packed to eth gills with folks eager to hear the boys play the old classics as weIMG_2864ll as the new songs from the “Paradise” album, and they did not disappoint.

The new album ‘Paradise’ is an album that is clearly the band’s most sophisticated work to date. It is also their most grooving, with Chris Wood playing electric bass on several tracks for the first time. The album was recorded at Dan Auerbach’s (Black Keys) Easy Eye studio in Nashville, and clearly captures the latest chapter in the ongoing evolution of this great band.

The show opened with a rousing version of Trouble before going into the title cut from the Muse album. The show was a wonderful mix of older songs and new songs froIMG_2873m the Paradise album. New songs like “Snake Eyes”, “Heartbreak Lullaby”, “River of Sin” mixed in with vintage songs like “Raindrop”, “Postcards From Hell” and “Pay Attention” made for an evening of immense satisfaction.

The band was in rare form, and bringing up opening artist Liz Vice just electrified the crowd. Her voice was such a tremendous accompaniment to the boys playing. The crowd could not get enough and was howling for her to stay on the stage. The evening could not have a more fitting end than the uplifting and grooving “Honey Jar” sending the crowd happily into the streets of Eugene.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – January 26, 2016 WOW Hall Eugene, Oregon

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – January 26, 2016 WOW Hall Eugene, Oregon
By Andy Goldfinger

Many of you may have heard of Ladysmith Black Mambazo through Paul Simon’s Graceland album from 1986, but the group had its beginnings in the early 1960s. IMG_2851Their first album Amabutho was released in 1973, and this along with many subsequent albums went on to be certified gold and platinum. Amabutho was the first album by a group from South Africa to receive a gold record.

The group was formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1964 after a mess of recurring dreams in his sleep, featuring a choir singing in perfect harmony. Using his brothers and cousins he then set out to create the vocal sound that we now hear today. Their historical significance cannot be overstated. From their groundbreaking albums to escorting Nelson Mandela to accept the Noble Peace prize Ladysmith has been a force for world peace.

The show at the WOW Hall in Eugene was a surreal experience. The WOW had set a portion of the venue for seating this time, and as always the atmosphere at the WOW Hall is really a wonderful experience. There was plenty of room to stand and it was well worth it.  Having seen several artists there the sound again was truly exceptional.  The energy created byIMG_2847 Ladysmith Black Mambazo using only their voices as instruments was truly mesmerizing. I cannot imagine there were very many people who could understand what was being sung, but that did not matter one bit. The pure harmonies that emanated from those men was incredible. It was so moving and emotional, you could feel the audience just hanging on every note.

Their versions of “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” and “Homeless” from the Graceland album were astounding. Vocal harmonies so pure and the expressiveness of their faces was infectious throughout the crowd. With two members that have been in the group over 40 years and 4 sons of founder Joseph Shabalala the lineage has been carried on without doubt. Two encores closed the show with the final song being an inspiring version of “Amazing Grace” that once again demonstrates why people like Paul Simon, Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, and Taj Mahal want to record with them.

Their most recent album “Live: Singing For Peace Around The World” won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 2013. In January 2014,IMG_2843 Ladysmith released Always With Us, as a tribute to Joseph Shabalala’s deceased wife. They are currently recording an album of American gospel songs, which is rumored to have a well known American singer joining them on the record. They are also recording a follow-up recording to their recent Grammy-winning CD, to be called Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents Around the World.

Their music can be heard regularly on the Flying Eye Radio Network’s Music Gumbo (gumbo.flyingeye.com) which airs each and every Friday. It’s a podcast, you can listen anytime.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Yo La Tengo – November 17, 2015 WOW Hall Eugene, Oregon

Yo La Tengo – November 17, 2015 WOW Hall Eugene, Oregon
By Andy Goldfinger

This was my first time seeing Yo La Tengo live, after many many years  of playing their music on Flying Eye, and they did not disappoint. Their show at the WOW Hall in Eugene, packed with eager fans. Their new album, Stuff Like That There is a collection of obscure cover songs and a couple of new originals. They have reteamed with former member Dave Schramm on guitar and the quartet which of course includes founding members Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and bassist James McNew.

The band was masterful in their 2 sets at the WOW dipping into the history books with some old songs from their extensive catalogue. As YLT_Packshot-lowell as dusting us with songs from the new album. The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” was spectacular with astounding vocals that sounded incredible in the Hall. Another cover song was “This Diamond Ring” which went to Number 1 for Gary Lewis & the playboys in 1965, and featured the Wrecking Crew with Hal Blaine on Drums, Carol Kaye on bass, and Leon Russell on keyboards.

The band hit their stride with “I can Feel the Ice Melting” and “the Ballad of Red Buckets” as part of what turned out to be a well over 2 hour show. THE bands instrumental timing and genuine love for each other was clearly on display as they started and stopped several songs, much to the joy of the crowd.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Jonny Lang – November 8, 2015 McDonald Theater Eugene, Oregon

Jonny Lang – November 8, 2015 McDonald Theater Eugene, Oregon
By Andy Goldfinger

The first time I saw Jonny Lang he was either 16 or 17 years old, and even then it was just one of those are you kidding me kind of shows. In the years that have followed it seems every t3ime I see him it is one of those, are you kidding me shows. The show he did a the McDonald Theater in Eugene, which by the way is an unreal venue to see a show, but he left many in the crowd speechless. I myself struggled to come up with rods to describe how effortless he played. I was in the back of the bottom floor watching the show and started talking to one of the locals and he really summed it up best. He said right before Stevie Ray Vaughn died Eric Clapton said he was playing at a level where he didn’t have to think about where he was going next. And that is how Jonny Lang played on this night. That was it.

You could see he was just effortlessly playing and it just came out without thought or provocation. Not to mention the fact that he looks exactly the same as when I first saw him and seem to have gotten much much older. Even the obligatory1 Rack em Up was profoundly smooth. While his set was a little short by Eugene standards he had the whole place up and dancing at several points during the hour and 45 minute set. I was surprised to see a couple of articles recently written about Lang that were less than flattering.  It seems some in the blues community feel he has been less than a true blues man. I couldn’t imagine anyone finding anything less than effusive to describe his performance in Eugene this past Sunday.

His most recent album, his seventh, was the first album done on his own label, and featured his touring band drummer Barry Alexander, bassist James A2nton, rhythm guitarist Akil Thompson, keyboardist Dwan Hill and background vocalist Missi Hale. Keyboardist Dwan Hill was particularly impressive in Sunday night’s performance regularly trading licks with Lang. Anyone who thinks he has gotten soft or isn’t singing the blues, whoa Nellie.

A really nice surprise was the opening band Runaway Saints, currently based out of Los Angeles. They had what was a pretty full theater for an opening band and the place just hoppin. With a very tribal sound the three piece band it was hard for even the stiffest of patrons not to get up and move. The trio of Johnny Gates, Jamie Jarbeau, Matt Scanlon delivered an inspired performance as it was the end of their tour of duty with Jonny Lang.  Jonny, however was not their first rodeo they have opened for Rod Stewart among others. Originally from Nashville, they now make their home in Los Angeles and they told me they often play the Troubadour and the Mint among other L.A. area venues.   Keep your eyes peeled for them. And expect to hear their music on the Flying Eye Radio Network.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Graham Nash – McDonald Theater, Eugene Oregon July 17, 2015

Graham Nash – McDonald Theater, Eugene Oregon July 17, 2015
By Andy Goldfinger

For the first time in over a decade Graham Nash has taken to the road by himself and he is drawing from 50 years worth of material, all his own. On stage he is joined by longtime Crosby, Still & Nash guitarist Shane Fontayne. Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee-with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and with the Hollies. In addition, he was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame twice, as a solo artist and with CSN. Let’s not forget he is also a Grammy Award winner.

Finally, In September 2013 Nash released his long-awaited autobiography Wild Tales, which provides a mesmerizing, truthful look through time at his remarkable career, and the music that helped change a generation and a culture. It found him on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and will be released in paperback format this fall.  As if that’s not enough. In recognition for his contributions as a musician and philanthropist, Graham was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth.

The performance in Eugene was emotional and stirring as he played songs from his entire catalogue. Songs like King Midas in Reverse from the Hollies, Immigration Man, Military Madness, To The Last Whale, Simple Man, Used To be A King, and so many more. Each song played and sung flawlessly. The new songs were thoughtful, truthful, and to the point. Graham’s stories and the thoughts behind the songs was an added bonus.

We had the opportunity to sit down before the show in Eugene and discussed a wide range of topics including Graham’s first memories of music he heard as a kid, why Neil Young was brought into CSN and so many other topics. While his musical legacy continues to expand with rich new music, Nash is also a renowned photographer and visual artist whose work has been shown in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian.

Nash’s passionate voice continues to be heard in support of peace, and social and environmental justice. The No Nukes/Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts he organized with Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt in 1979 remain seminal benefit events. In 2011, Nash was instrumental in bringing MUSE back to the forefront with a concert to benefit Japan disaster relief and groups promoting non-nuclear energy worldwide.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Dirty Knobs – June 12, 2015 The Sweetwater Café, Mill Valley , CA

Dirty Knobs – June 12, 2015 The Sweetwater Café, Mill Valley , CA
By Andy Goldfinger

The Dirty Knobs have hit the road.  That’s right folks a little mini tour 3 nights in a row starting June 10th at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, followed by June 11th at the City Winery in Napa and then, yes, the Sweetwater Café in Mill Valley, and let’s not forget the finale at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach, CA on Friday June 19th.  I was very fortunate to be able to attend the show at the Sweetwater and the Lido in Newport Beach.

I was just ecstatic to see the place packed to the gills with Mill Valleyites and the San Franciscans.  The Knobs did not disappoint.  The set included rousing versions of Humdinger, Easy Wind and the new songs Stop Yankin My Johnson and Choke the Chicken.  The band’s four piece power quartet featuring Gator on guitar, Ape on Guitar, Swampfox banging the skins and Crawdaddy slappin the bass.  The giant sound that these four expert musicians produce is second to none.

Anytime the Dirty Knobs are out on the town playing live do not miss the opportunity to see them.  A Rock n Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and some of the most talented and accomplished musicians you will ever come across are not to be missed

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Benefit for Marty Grebb – May 27, 2015 Canyon Club Agoura Hills, CA

Benefit for Marty Grebb – May 27, 2015 Canyon Club Agoura, CA
By Andy Goldfinger

This was a show for the ages. A benefit by the greatest organization for championing musicians, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and they brought together one of the most prolific and giving groups of individuals on this night. We’ll start with the man this event was for, Marty Grebb, who opened the show with an amazing set. He did not look like a man fighting for his life. He played multiple instruments with incredible deft, alto sax, keyboards & guitar. His band was just incredible with a horn section featuring Jimmy Roberts among others plus Jon Woodhead on guitar, the amazing Gary Malabar on drums (he also played with Leon Russell), and several others coming in and out, including Dennis Tufano, founding member of the Buckinghams along with Marty, and they ripped off a couple Buckinghams songs. Mart’s voice was in fine form.

Next up was Ivan Neville who shared the horn section Marty had out there and ripped off a set that got the place alive with the sounds of Nawlins. With Marty sticking around playing keys and his son and nephew joining him on a couple of songs I am here to tell you there is a torch being passed. I was fairly pessimistic of late as to whether there is a new generation of musicians to take the torch from the likes of these incredible folks, and I do believe we have hope people. Without a doubt Ivan brought the funk, and the family lineage is most certainly being passed on.  Ivan played several instruments while wandering the stage and getting the massively packed crowd into grooving frenzy.

Then there was Leon Russell. Man oh man. I had heard things about Leon, and they were not necessarily positive. Well folks, I am here to tell you, go see Leon! He was outstanding. Voice was exceptional, told some great stories, especially about B.B. King and some of their sessions. He then launched into one of his songs that B.B. had recorded. His piano playing was really really good and he kept the band and audience engaged. Then, he was joined on stage by a 15 year old phenom, Ray Goren. Remember I mentioned the torch being passed, good lord. This young man had the crowd mesmerized, playing Red House with Leon and the band. Not only unbelievable chops, but passion and emotion in his playing very rarely seen by someone his age, and just the nicest kid. And his family just as nice. Truly gives me hope for the future of music.

And then the queen. The incomparable, beautiful, unimaginably gifted Bonnie Raitt. What can one say, holy carp. Her voice and her playing was so exceptional, as it always is, but the emotion and love on this night was clearly evident. Bonnie had with her on stage 4 decades of band mates including Frebo and Johnnie Lee Schell, plus her current band of Ricky Fataar (drummer extraordinaire), Hutch Hutchinson (bass), Mike Finnigan (keys). The versions of Angel From Montgomery and Nick of Time were spellbinding, and that is only a couple of the songs in her lengthy set. Her set was full of stories and heartfelt emotion as was everyone’s. Marty Grebb is truly loved by his friends and peers.

Once they become available I will add photos from the supremely talented Rich Saputo.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Dirty Knobs – May 23, 2015 Soho Santa Barbara, CA

Dirty Knobs – May 23, 2015 Soho Santa Barbara, CA
By Andy Goldfinger

Tonight marked what was the unofficial beginning of The Dirty Knobs summer 2015 tour, their first real tour ever.   Without a doubt the only place to start is their favorite place to play, the Soho in Santa Barbara. If you have never been to Soho put it on your list of venues to see a show. Excellent ambiance, bar and all the amenities, even a killer patio, and with newly renovated stage. Sadly there is a design flaw in the new stage and that is there are 4 small steps in the front of the stage. This was clearly an oversight as when the end of the evening was approaching and the alcohol had been flowing inevitably there were wanderers, and a couple did wander up. Luckily they left the stage before Chinner permanently disposed of them.

It turned out to be a classic Dirty Knobs evening, complete with several shout outs to “Dan the Pool Man” more than the usual customary shout out, but with the wives not in attendance things were a bit looser for sure. As Gator announced that the upcoming song “Don’t Jerk My Johnson”, a new song written for longtime manager and stage impresario Chinner, was part of the Penis trilogy, as was the “Don’t Choke My Chicken”.

They played several new songs all of which are just smoking with that sound that only the Knobs can bring. The evening also saw some vocalizations by drummer Swampfox who Gator dubbed as the best singer in the bunch. The evening also saw Ape play one of his songs with the band. IT was a raucous crowd with many spilling out onto the patio.

The tour picks up June 10th in Santa Cruz at Moe’s Alley, and then continues up to Marin on the 11th, The Sweetwater in Mill Valley the 12th and then concluding at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

The Waterboys – Fonda Theater 5/13/15 Los Angeles, CA

The Waterboys – Fonda Theater 5/13/15 Los Angeles, CA
By Andy Goldfinger

The_Waterboys_in_Antwerp_2003_5May 13, 2015 – I had the good fortune to see the Waterboys this past Wednesday at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood (Thank you Goldenvoice).  While I am familiar with their music from 30 years ago I admit I have not kept up with the band too much.  It was not until a very good friend passed away last year that I began to revisit the band’s music because of his love for the band, and as is my way I was playing tributes on the Flying Eye, and the Waterboys became a new staple.

Their music has been evolving unbeknownst to me.  Mike Scott has kept things going in a fantastic way.  If you recall the early sounds of the band it was heavily flavored with the an Irish sound, that has now given way to a much more wise ranging sound.  The current band, which boasts an alumni of over 70 musicians, is lead by founder and clear front man Mike Scott – vocals, guitar, piano, longtime member Steve Wickham – electric fiddle, mandolin, Ralph Salmins – drums, Paul Brown – keyboards, backing vocals, Zach Ernst – guitar and David Hood – bass.  The band was quite tight and the crowd were clearly there for them, with many in the crowd actually dancing, a phenomenon rarely seen.

In January 2015 the album Modern Blues was released and they ran through several cuts including “Still a Freak” and “I Can See Elvis”, both of which were featured just this week on Music Gumbo and Monday Music Massage (http://archive.flyingeye.com).  The new music is excellent and offers a wide range of sounds which is something I personally find appealing.  As an added bonus the opening band Connor Kennedy & the Minstrel was outstanding.  They have a album of live music which I managed to commandeer.  You will be able to hear their music in the upcoming weeks here on the Flying Eye Radio Network.

The Flying Eye archive is always at your disposal (http://archive.flyingeye.com)

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Which One’s Pink – The Wall April 25, 2015 Canyon Club

Which One’s Pink – The Wall April 25, 2015 Canyon Club
By Andy Goldfinger

Jeeez where to start with these guys. I have been witnessing their amazing reconstitution of Pink Floyd’s music for over 10 years now, and each time I am stunned. This was no different. The band ran through The Wall in a manner I have not seen them play in a couple of years. They seemed truly invigorated by the crowd and the songs they were playing that particular night. And, on this night there was no break during The Wall performance, they played it straight through, a fairly gargantuan feat. One they accomplished quite well.

After the break they came back with a wonderful selection of greatest hits. The highlight always being the performance of Great Gig In The Sky by Natalie Azerad. Her performances are truly spellbinding and chilling.

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The Concert For Social Justice – Live From the Fonda Theater Hollywood, CA

Concert For Social Justice April 8, 2015  –  Fonda Theater Hollywood
By Andy Goldfinger

There are times I hate email, and then there are times I love email. For instance, when this one came about, the “Concert for Social Justice” with the likes of Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Melissa Etheridge and Tom Morello performing it was pretty much a no brainer. Not to mention it is being held at the Fonda Theater, one of the most excellent venues still left in Los Angeles. The event was sponsored by the Grammy Museum and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation which funds the organizations’ “Speak Up, Sing Out: Songs Of Conscience” program that gets kids K-12 to write songs about social justice issues. The evening also featured special performances from actors Dennis Haysbert, Catherine keener, Martin Sheen and Alfre Woodard, as well as the winners of the speak up, sing out songwriting competition.

 

The marvelous Rocky Dawuni performed his tune, “Shine A Light” from the new album, Branches Of The Same Tree was a true treat. I was not aware he would be performing so when he took the stage it was an excellent surprise. His message of peace and love and truth was echoed throughout the evening.

Up next was the Grammy winning group, La Santa Cecilia who I had the pleasure of seeing at the Whole Earth Foundation’s pre-Grammy party. Their Latin jams Led by La Marisoul got the entire place up and dancing. They have been featured on the Flying Eye from time to time. Their music is truly infectious, and it is tough to stay still when they are on the stage. Their version of Strawberry Fields Forever was incredible. Mixing multiple musical styling with each verse it was the most inventive rendition of the song I have ever heard.

Tom Morello is one badass dude.   People were yelling for him before he even took the stage – and once there proceeded to just light the place up. He is a character, and loves to engage the audience. The Nightwatchman and his Freedom Fighter Orchestra had some technical difficulties (like, no sound from the guitar – “The rock can’t happen with no guitar.”), and while this was being fixed by a frantic crew Morello then proceeded to do what every concert promoter fears the most. He told everyone to move up closer to the stage for an up close and personal performance.

With the crowd now snugly up front like a good ol fashion Dead show, they lit into “One Man Revolution”, with its fresh verse change to say, “On the streets of South Carolina, they’re ready to blow” – referring to the murder of the unarmed Walter Scott, that this time was fully caught on tape. “Black Spartacus Heart Attack Machine” pushed the house to its limits, and then went into “The Ghost Of Tom Joad”, dedicated to Robert F. Kennedy. Now, with the again changed line “Wherever there’s a cop shooting a guy … Look for me, Ma, I’ll be there!” We ALL need to be there now. When Morello to his guitar to do his teeth solo, he had a sign on underside of the guitar, “I Can’t Breathe!” What more can you say, he is a dude of the highest order.

Next up Melissa Ethridge and she starts by saying, “They said Social Justice, and I said ‘Yeah’”. One of the highlights was when Melissa talked about the ever present issue of the legalization of cannabis (That’s marijuana, pot, tea, weed, twak, herb), starting “Plant medicine is good medicine. The freedom to explore our consciousness is a very important freedom” the crowd went wild, as Californians have been known to do. She then launched into a stellar version of Brandy Clark’s “Get High”. It was most excellent, and we had to play Brandy Clark’s version on the Flying Eye.

She then got to introduce the next act which happened to be her Bio Dad David Crosby ad Graham Nash, and she confided that she’d originally thought of Jackson Browne as her sperm donor, but they went with David Crosby to be her childrens’ “Bio Dad”.

The boys were in fine voice, as these two usually are. They started with “Long Time Gone” and followed it up with “Military Madness”, a song that is still as poignant now as it was when it was first written over 30 years ago. Graham then headed over to the piano for the venerable, “Chicago “, and the everyone loved it.  And then, as Graham said “It all starts with teaching the kids the right way,” introducing “Teach Your Children.” Anyone with a voice was singing, and pretty much yelled the “And know they love you!” part.

Kerry Kennedy said that when they were talking about the musicians they wanted for the concert, musicians who have dedicated their lives to singing – and acting – for social justice. “The first person I called was Jackson Browne, and he not only said yes immediately, he called his friends to join him.”

Jackson Browne, then came out saying just that. He’d always just wanted to sing songs about social justice, and so he did. His song selection that night clearly was about social justice . “Lives In The Balance”, “Far From The Arms Of Hunger” , “Looking East”, and then covering “I Am A Patriot” by Little Steven just got the place dancing again with its tribal beat.

As always no social justice jamboree would be complete without the obligatory All Star Jam. Tom Morello is one of the better ringleaders for this type of thing, he grabbed the mic and told the crowd, “No Social Justice concert would be complete without a Woody Guthrie song to anchor that shit (Sorry, kids – the fight for social justice is not always PG13)! … Whether you’re of the Occupy Wall Street generation or the Aquarius generation … This land is your land!”

All the artists returned to the stage, except for Crosby and Nash strangely. But, everyone else was there to rip out the “Alternative National Anthem” together as one. La Santa Cecilia’s accordion player added a lovely touch to this version, and folks took turns singing the ALL the verses, including the previously censored ones. It was especially great when young Jade Rhodes got her turn to take a verse, happily sandwiched between Tom Morello and Jackson Browne.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers / Steve Winwood – The Gorge 2014

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers / Steve Winwood – The Gorge 2014
By Andy Goldfinger

I was once again fortunate to see Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers out of state.  A special thank you to the folks at LiveNation for providing me with media credentials for the show, and this show featured Steve Winwood as the opening act. More on him momentarily.

First though it is Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, they were just smoking as they continued on this mini North American tour I support of the “Hypnotic Eye” album, which has become one of my favorites. They played a spirited set which included Tweeter and the Monkey Man, an excellent Traveling Wilbury’s song. Also in the cover song section Baby, Please Don’t Go ((Big Joe Williams) and So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (The Byrds).

If you have never been to the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington it is one of the most majestic venues in all the United States, so I would highly recommend it.

No getting back to Steve Winwood. If you like Traffic or Blind Faith or his solo stuff you will love his performance. His voice is sounding unbelievably clear and true. He plays all the classics, Low Spark, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Arc of A Diver, and his band is just smokin.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Outside Lands August 2014 – San Francisco CA

Outside Lands August 2014 – San Francisco CA
By Andy Goldfinger

Yes, we finally were able to attend the Outside Lands festival in Golden Gate Park (thank you Mike & Marcie Campbell).  The main attraction for us Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.  They are on a mini tour in support of their Hypnotic Eye Album.  Having not been to a festival in well over 20 years I was not all that keen, but I was happily surprised at the way they did Outside Lands. First of all, if you have not been to Golden Gate Park, it is humungous, I mean ginormous. There were stages and booths everywhere, but the sound was amazingly restricted to the areas where the stages actually were. There was very little bleed over, and this also dissipated the crowds as well, which for a veteran such as myself was a welcome feature.

Now the music, I’ll start with the heartbreakers. It’s funny how the fan’s perception is vastly different that those of the actual musicians. I though their performance at Outside Lands was superb, and yet there are those in the band who did not have the same enthusiasm for the performance as I, and the many thousands of fans saw. I am extremely fortunate to be friendly with a few members of the band, and I emcee an event in Ls Angels at the Troubadour where some of the Heartbreakers perform for this charity gala, and I was talking with Scott Thurston about the show at Outside Lands. He was not nearly as impressed as I was with their performance. I got to see the Heartbreakers a week later, but that’s another post from the road.

Back to Outside lands. The music was just incredible Deathcab for Cutie whipped the crowd into a frenzy before the Heartbreakers came on. I stumbled into tents where there were jazz trios and bluegrass pickers going at it. Off of the main stages were incredible acts like the Jon Butler Trio who just blew away a small meadow, Arctic Monkeys, Ray LaMontagne, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and so many more. It was an unbelievable event, and the best part of the whole thing was seeing all the kids singing along to every Tom Petty song.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Albert Lee’s 70th Birthday / All-star Concert @ The Canyon Club 1/9/2014

Albert Lee’s 70th Birthday January 9, 2014 @ The Canyon Club
By Andy Goldfinger

We are backstage at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills California, and I have the good fortune of interviewing one of the all-time great guitarists in Albert Lee, at his birthday bash no less. I must give you some background first on my introduction to Albert Lee. The first time I saw Albert play was in 1981, and he was part of Eric Clapton’s band. The beautiful thing about EC is that he always loved to showcase his band and Albert got to play a few of his songs, with CLAPTON backing him up. Holy crap, I was hooked. Went out the next day and bought as many Albert Lee albums as I could find, and then started buying the albums he played on. Of which there are soooooooo many. Let’s see, Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Dave Edmonds, Dolly Parton, Jackson Browne, The Everly Brothers (responsible for getting them back together), to name a smattering.

My first personal encounter with Albert was in 2009 for a benefit to raise money for departed Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward, coincidentally also at the canyon Club, and Albert was one of the performers that day. I’ll never forget how he introduced himself, and imagine this now in your best English accent, and he says “hi I’m Albert lee, not Alvin, Albert”, hysterical. You will never meet a more humble, giving person. On this particular day he showed up at the venue around noon, and was essentially everyone else’s roadie, the whole day, and night. Then he finally played his set and blew the place apart.

Now here we are in 2014 and Albert has amazingly turned 70, and the people that have come out to pay homage to this gentlemen’s gentlemen are unbelievable. Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Don Peake (Legendary wrecking crew member), Rosie Flores, Ramblin Jack Elliot, Denny Laine, Peter Asher, Laurence Juber, the whole Desert Rose Band and so many more. It was a tremendous evening with Albert taking the stage with everyone and just so masterful and eloquent with his guitar as always. The performances by Emmylou and Rodney doing such classics as Poncho and Lefty and Luxury Liner, and the entire Desert Rose Band (Chris Hillman, Herb Pederson, etc.) doing Love Reunited, He’s Back and more. Seeing Don Peake (if you don’t know look him up) of the Wrecking Crew playing with Peter Asher on World Without Love and others. That man has played on just so many songs. Talking to him was unbelievable, the songs he has played on, holy moly. He would sit , well actually stand backstage just playing all these riffs from the Jackson 5, Ray Charles, The Temptations, the Monkees, and you realize the breadth of work.

Now backstage and talking with Albert we discuss his longevity and he is really taken aback by all the attention he is getting from his peers. He also reluctantly actually does take credit for bringing the Everly brothers back together in the 1980s. The number of songs and people Albert has played with is quite remarkable. Here is the short list of people he has played with: Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, Jimmy Page, Rosanne Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joe Cocker, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Linda Ronstadt, Rosie Flores, Michelle Shocked, The Everly Brothers, Earl Scruggs, Jackson Browne, You can listen to the interview (http://flyingeyeradionetwork.com/includes/stream_interviews.cfm?filename=AlbertLee01-09-14.mp3) in all its glory. That same evening I was lucky enough to sit down with Rosie Flores as well and that interview is available as well on our website (http://flyingeyeradionetwork.com/includes/stream_interviews.cfm?filename=RosieFlores01-09-14.mp3).

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Phish – The Gorge Washington August 2013

Phish – The Gorge Washington August 2013
By Andy Goldfinger

It has been over 20 years since I have seen Phish live, but what an opportunity this was. Not only will I get to see them in one of the most majestic venues in all of the united states (The Washington Gorge Amphitheater), but I am meeting my boy and his crew there for a weekend of music and bedlam.

The band was on fire, having recently reformed a few years ago. Their reemerge was done by playing the entire Little Feat, Waiting for Columbus album on Halloween. The shows at the Gorge were outstanding. They ran through all the songs I knew, which was very cool, and they did some new songs that are going to be on a soon to be released new album.

The highlight though was completely unexpected and just unbelievable Known for some of the outstanding cover versions of songs they perform Phish came out and pulled off something I was just left speechless. Knowing their love for Little Feat, as evidenced by their coming out show, I thought they might do a Feat cover or maybe a Grateful Dead song, but no. They come out and they play two true rarities, and not only rarities, but two of my most favorite rarities. The first a Robert Palmer song which features The Meters and Lowell George (yep, Little Feat) and it was “Sneaking Sally Through The Alley” I about lost my mind. Then they go and do my all-time favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song, “Ballad of Curtis Lowe” and I admit it, I cried. Ti was just overwhelming, and then to share it with my boy, just unbelievable.

ASG, View From The Flying Eye

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Paris, France June 27, 2012

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Paris, France June 27, 2012
By Andy Goldfinger

Here at Le Grand Rex in Paris, France to see Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers courtesy once again of the incredibly generous Campbell’s. This venue is incredibly classic. Everything is just so much older and well respected in Europe. This is the first time I have experienced a true concert overseas. What an experience. I have never heard a crowd that loud in my life, and I have been to a concert or two. Unreal.

As were my seats. As usual Mrs. C took care of me. They opened with Listen To Your Heart and then just ripped into You Wreck Me, throwing a Wilbury’s song (Handle with Care) and several other covers (Carol – Chuck Berry, Oh Well – Fleetwood Mac). It was just tighter than tight. It’s Good To Be King and Mary Jane’s Last Dance always good to hear.

Such an interesting crowd attending the show, all walks of life and in Europe that could mean anything. Truly a treat and I would highly recommend trying to see your favorite band overseas