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 well 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 from 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.

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. Their 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 by 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, 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.

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 well 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.

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 time 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 obligatory 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 Anton, 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

May 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)

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.

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.

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.