Concert review: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Simo

Big Head Todd and the Monsters performing at House of Blues Anaheim on Dec. 14, 2017.

In the World Series – no matter how great both baseball teams are – there can ultimately be only one team that goes home with the trophy.

Todd Park Mohr in action at
House of Blues in Anaheim.

Fortunately, when it comes to the art of making music, two talented teams can both perform flawlessly and walk off the field of play as champions. Such was the case at the House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday night (Dec. 14, 2017), where headliner Big Head Todd and the Monsters as well as opener Simo delivered masterful and memorable sets.

Making their first-ever performance in Orange County, California with this appearance, Nashville, Tennessee-based Simo roused early concertgoers with a 55-minute set of rock blending blues, roots, psychedelic, jazz, folk and other styles with an intoxicating touch. Led by singer-guitarist JD Simo and also featuring bassist Elad Shapiro and drummer Adam Abrashoff, the band opened with "Return" (the first track off the trio's new album Rise & Shine). JD Simo used a variety of sounds and effects to enhance his excellent guitar work on that song, a skill that frequently helped elevate all of the six tracks performed during the set.

JD Simo performing on Dec. 14.

The range of the material drew comparisons with the diverse likes of Ryan Adams, Ten Years After and Gary Clark Jr., but all of it completely original and performed with bona fide power by the three musicians. One of the most wonderful surprises was when the group performed "I Want Love," JD Simo singing in a tender falsetto while the richly-delivered song with its quiet moments and dramatic swells was chilling in its power. A beautiful slide guitar solo was one of many dramatic moments in the 9-minute song.

Simo closed with a powerful one-two punch, first delivering the mighty original Southern rocker "Light The Candle" (this extended version of the song was bolstered by an amazing jazz-styled section in the middle of the song), followed by a potent reworking of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Todd Park Mohr displaying vocal and guitar chops.

Big Head Todd was equally perfect this night. The set was heavily weighted in favor of the Colorado-based quartet's outstanding new album New World Arisin', but there were plenty of classics to keep the faithful happy. After opening with the explosive "Room Full of Mirrors" (off the band's new album), a sweeping "Resignation Superman" complete with a dazzling guitar solo from singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr was unleashed; the latter's rich tapestry was further enhanced by Jeremy Lawton's expansive keyboards.

Jeremy Lawton

The strong opening featuring those two great tracks was only the beginning of a rewarding and fast-moving night. Other early-set highlights included the dynamic blues-rocker "Wipeout Turn," a decidedly funky-blues turn via "Long Coal Train" and a gentle folk rock-flavored "Bittersweet" showcasing Mohr's emotive and distinctive vocals.

Later-set standouts featured during Big Head Todd and the Monsters' 100-minute concert was the heavy Delta blues of "New World Arisin,' and the semi-acoustic "Broken Hearted Savior."

Rob Squires at Anaheim House of Blues

"Glow" is one of the most stunning tracks on Big Head Todd's new album New World Arisin'. A live version of that stunner kicked off the band's encore on Thursday; the eight-minute song displayed a troupe – 30 years into its run – that continues to push its sound in new and exciting directions. The blend of harmonies, stellar guitar work and a propulsive groove featuring the work of drummer Brian Nevin and bassist Rob Squires also added welcome firepower to the performance. 

Brian Nevin in action

The set-ending "Circle" began quietly, but across the song's 7-minute path there were nuanced and dramatic shifts, peaks and valleys, with Mohr's voice at one point almost screaming before his lead guitar work assumed the song's driving force. 

A very special night of rock 'n' roll to be sure.


Review: Robert Kinsler

Photos: Bob Steshetz

Editor's Note: A very special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for his amazing photographs!

Concert review: Billy Idol headlines at new House of Blues Anaheim

This concert review originally ran on The Orange County Register website and was published on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos courtesy of Kelly A. Swift

Billy Idol performing at House of Blues Anaheim on Monday, March 13, 2017.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

It has been 35 years since British rocker Billy Idol's self-titled debut album helped catapult him to stardom in the U.S. And with the music of the 1980s seemingly as popular as ever, it's no wonder the Stanmore, England native's concert at the new House of Blues Anaheim on Monday night (March 13, 2017) played out before a sold-out crowd.

Defying time with his bleached-blond hair and still wearing his signature black leather jacket, the 61-year-old artist brought his collection of '80s radio and MTV staples to Anaheim for a 13-song set that spanned 80 minutes.

Steve Stevens, left, and Billy Idol at House of Blues
Anaheim on March 13. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Guitarist Steve Stevens has long been a critical part of Idol's biggest successes, helping craft a muscular sound blending both post-punk rhythms and hard rock lead guitar-heavy styles. The palpable dynamic between Stevens' distinctive guitar work and Idol's forceful vocals was a formula that worked well, with a strong four-man band providing additional firepower during the set.

From the time Idol took the stage, it was clear he has lost little of the personae that made him a star. Frequently clinching his right fist, Idol led the band through a set of songs that were at times faithful to the studio recordings but were usually extended to allow for audience participation or to highlight Stevens' guitar prowess. "Dancing With Myself" captured the spirit of the original version, but "Flesh For Fantasy" benefited from an extended Stevens solo and a dramatic close featuring the full ensemble (drummer Erik Eldenius, bassist Stephen McGrath, keyboardist Paul Trudeau and guitarist Billy Morrison).

"Can't Break Me Down," a track off Idol's stellar 2014 comeback Kings & Queens of the Underground, and the Americana-tinged "John Wayne" were among early standouts of the set. Idol scaled back the rock attack for a nuanced approach on "Eyes Without a Face," where a sea of synth sounds and Stevens' acoustic-flavored guitar set the tone for the song's opening half before the full-scale rock sound marked the song's final chapter.

Steve Stevens, left, and Billy Idol at
House of Blues Anaheim.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

"Don't Need a Gun" also benefited from a more scaled back approach, with Stevens playing a flamenco style. 

A true highlight of the night was a take on "Blue Highway." From the time the song was launched, Stevens firing away while bathed in a shower of blue light, through Idol's emotional delivery of the lyrics, it captured the more progressive side of Idol's musical approach. "Fantastic Steve," Idol remarked to Stevens after the song. "That was beautiful."

After ending the set with a spirited audience shout-along of "Rebel Yell," Idol returned for "White Wedding." The song was launched with only Idol and Stevens on stage, performing a dramatically acoustic-minded version before the band joined them to rock the night to a close.


Billy Idol's setlist at House of Blues Anaheim on March 13
Shock to the System / Dancing With Myself / Flesh For Fantasy / Can't Break Me Down / Scream / John Wayne / Eyes Without a Face / (Steve Stevens guitar solo) / Don't Need a Gun / King Rocker / Blue Highway / Rebel Yell
Encore:
White Wedding

Vintage Trouble, Main Squeeze, Brother Yusef impress at House of Blues Anaheim grand opening

Singer Ty Taylor and bassist Rick Barrio Dill of the band Vintage Trouble at the opening of
House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Blues Brothers Dan Aykroyd, left, and Jim Belushi introducing Vintage Trouble
at the opening of House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, February 25, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

For those who scored admission to the grand opening of the new House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday night (Feb. 25, 2017) located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. There is far more room to roam than there was at the previous smaller location located in Downtown Disney that closed in May 2016; there are great sight lines in the various rooms (large and small) that featured live music throughout the event. An impressive lineup of concerts has already been announced, including performances from Orange County-based artists Social Distortion this week and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness in early March.

Guitarist Nalle Colt and drummer Richard Danielson
of the band Vintage Trouble performing on Feb. 25.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Beyond being among the first to see the first new House of Blues location in nine years, getting to catch up-and-coming rock 'n' soul quartet Vintage Trouble made getting into the venue a priority for yours truly. The band was the event's headliner, and delivered a powerful 65-minute set that allowed the Los Angeles-based outfit to perform well-known favorites as well as new material that will likely be featured on their next album. From the moment the foursome took the stage, they seemed on a mission to win over those who hadn't yet somehow heard of the band as well as reward longtime fans with another memorable show to treasure.

Ty Taylor of the band Vintage Trouble singing at
House  of Blues Anaheim on February 25, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Among the early standouts in the band's set was the soulful R&B ballad "Doin' What You Were Doin'," a cut on the group's 2015 album 1 Hopeful Rd. While singer Ty Taylor is a dynamic and powerful frontman who inspires with his physical presence and dazzling stage moves, he is equally gifted with a great voice able to convey emotion with the range of the late great artists Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. 

Although it was a treat when the Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd in his alter ego of Elwood Blues and Jim Belushi in the role of Brother Zee Blues) introduced Vintage Trouble, imagine the crowd's surprise when the two performers joined Vintage Trouble on stage to join forces on a fun-filled version of the old '50s jump blues tune "Flip Flop and Fly." Aykroyd (in the role of Elwood Blues) blew some mighty harmonica and everyone on stage had a genuine blast in the moment. 

Vintage Trouble thrilling the crowd at the grand opening
celebration of the new House of Blues Anaheim on Feb. 25,
2017. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

The group performed several impressive new songs (I don't know the exact titles, so I won't guess) that were strong, as well as well-known songs from their previous studio albums including the potent soulful rocker "Knock Me Out," the freewheeling "Run Like the River" where Taylor ventured far into the crowd, and the powerful "Not Alright By Me." Vintage Trouble closed with a blistering version of their infectious rocker "Blues Hand Me Down." This marked my fifth time catching Vintage Trouble live, and I remain convinced they are one of the best live acts making music today. In addition to Taylor, Vintage Trouble's original lineup includes guitarist Nalle Colt, drummer Richard Danielson and bassist Rick Barrio Dill.

Performing just before Vintage Trouble, the Main Squeeze brought a hard-hitting funk sound to Anaheim. Headed by sweet-voiced vocalist Corey Frye, the band impressed with heavy grooves and an impressive duel pitting guitarist Max Newman and keyboardist Ben "Smiley" Silverstein against each other on the cool "Dr. Funk."

Brother Yusef playing at House of Blues Anaheim.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

I was truly impressed by area bluesman Brother Yusef, whose self-described "organic Deep Fried Fattback Blues" really brought an authentic tone to the night. His mix of virtuoso guitar play and real life emotion came alive via "Nothing But the Blues," one of several original songs I caught him performing.


Review and photos:
Robert Kinsler

Carlos Santana to bring Transmogrify Tour to the U.S. this spring

Ten time GRAMMY®-Award, three time Latin GRAMMY®-Award winning rock icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana and his band SANTANA will bring The Transmogrify Tour to the U.S. this spring, performing passion-filled songs from their forty years of career, including fan favorites from Woodstock to Supernatural and beyond. For tickets and information click here: www.santana.com. More tour dates will be announced soon.

Delivered with a level of passion and soul equal to the legendary sonic charge of his guitar, the sound of Carlos Santana is one of the world's best-known musical signatures. For more than four decades—from Santana's earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco—Carlos has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries.

The Transmogrify Tour 2017:

6/23/17	Woodinville, WA	Chateau Ste. Michelle
6/24/17	Woodinville, WA	Chateau Ste. Michelle
6/25/17	Goldendale, WA	Maryhill Winery
6/27/17	Boise, ID	Idaho Botanical Garden
6/30/17	Phoenix, AZ	Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/1/17	Albuquerque, NM	Isleta Amphitheater
7/3/17	Sugar Land, TX	Smart Financial Centre
7/4/17	San Antonio, TX	Majestic Theatre
7/7/17	Durant, OK	Choctaw Grand Theater
7/8/17	Durant, OK	Choctaw Grand Theater
7/10/17	Morrison, CO	Red Rocks Amphitheatre
7/12/17	St. Louis, MO	Fox Theatre
8/4/17	Bethlehem, PA	Musikfest
8/5/17	Bethel Woods, NY	Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
8/9/17	Sterling Heights, MI	Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
8/13/17	Nashville, TN	Ascend Amphitheater
8/18/17	Canandaigua, NY	Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
8/19/17	Uncasville, CT	Mohegan Sun Arena
8/20/17	Atlantic City, NJ	Borgata Spa & Resort
9/11/17	Anaheim, CA	House of Blues Anaheim

About Carlos Santana:For 40 years and as many albums later, Santana has sold more than 100 million records and reached more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide. To date, Santana has won ten GRAMMY® Awards and three Latin GRAMMY® Awards. He won a record-tying nine GRAMMYs for a single project for 1999's Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Smooth") as well as three Latin GRAMMY's. He has also received the Billboard Century Award (1996), was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998), received the Billboard Latin Music Awards' Lifetime Achievement honor (2009), and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award (2013). Among many other honors, Carlos Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone as #15 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." And, with the 2014 release of Corazón, Santana surpassed the Rolling Stones and is one of only two music acts in Billboard history to score at least one Top Ten album for six consecutive decades from the 1960s on. April 15, 2016 marked the release date of Santana IV, which debuted at No. 5 on Billboard's Top 200 Chart and marks Santana's fourteenth Top 10 album. Santana is currently headlining a multi-year residency at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In the fall of 2014, Carlos Santana released his memoir "The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light."