Showing posts with label The Ramones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Ramones. Show all posts

Friday, November 11, 2022

Big Head Todd and the Monsters make triumphant return to The Coach House

Big Head Todd and the Monsters performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on Wednesday night, Nov. 9, 2022.

Who: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Jim Dalton & Jeremy Lawton

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Next: Big Head Todd and the Monsters has a number of upcoming Southern California dates. The band performs in Ventura on Nov. 11; in Solana Beach on Nov. 12 and 13; and in Pioneertown on Nov 14

Information: bigheadtodd.com

Todd Park Mohr at The Coach
House on Nov. 9, 2022.




Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz


Playing their signature blend of blues, rock, funk and jam with artful force, Big Head Todd and the Monsters returned to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Wednesday night to thrill a packed and enthusiastic crowd. Performing a 110-minute set of material, Todd Park Mohr (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Nevin (drums), Rob Squires (bass) and Jeremy Lawton (keyboards, slide guitar) impressed from the moment they hit the stage of the legendary venue.

Opening with their enticing blues-flavored original "Josephina" (a track off their wonderful 2014 album Black Beehive), the quartet offered up the track with the perfect blend of raw power and nuanced virtuosity.

Todd Park Mohr immersed in the 
music on Nov. 9, 2022.

From there, BHTM performed a fantastic new original, "Thunderbird." A catchy country-tinged riff rocker bolstered by a fiery lead guitar solo courtesy of Mohr, the other three members of the outfit created a dynamic approach further amplifying the power of the cut. 

Brian Nevin behind the kit at The Coach House. 

With the exception of a brief hiccup during "King Kong" 
— where Mohr's guitar cut out — BHTM energetically delivered each song as if it was their greatest hit. An emotive laid back nugget, "Ellis Island" allowed the troupe to explore the corner of the sonic universe where blues and jazz meet; the foursome turned on a dime performing the '90s-styled reggae rocker "Please Don't Tell Her" with a breezy vibe adding to the magic. 

Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Other standouts of the set included the Texas-blues mining "Dirty Juice" with Lawton tearing it up on slide guitar and Mohr's powerhouse vocals showcased, the groove-and-blues gem "New World Arisin'," "Vincent Of Jersey" with Mohr taking the beginning alone accompanied by his guitar, and a flat-out bewitching version of the band's 1993 hit "Bittersweet," the latter a sweeping and zestful version enhanced by the work of all four band members.

Bassist Rob Squires on Nov. 9, 2022.

BHTM also celebrated several of their heroes during the set; early there was a ferocious Chicago blues take on Buddy Guy's "Sit and Cry (The Blues)"  
— originally recorded back in 1958 — while later on they covered John Lee Hooker's timeless "Boom Boom" with equal abandon.

From left, Todd Park Mohr and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

The encore was definitely worth the wait. The Boulder, Colorado band delivered a mighty version of "Circle," the rousing single from the band's major label debut Sister Sweetly. Park's emotive and convincing vocals were fully in sync with the song's refined beginnings and build to a huge classic rock-styled finale.


BHTM closed out the memorable set with a fun run through the Ramones' "I Want To Be Sedated."


From left, Jim Dalton and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Opening the night with a 45-minute set of Americana-meets-blues, Jim Dalton 
— accompanied by the aforementioned Jeremy Lawton — featured tracks from Dalton's full-length 2021 album In My Head.  

From left, Jim Dalton and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Dalton, the lead guitarist of Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, brought a loose and authentic approach to his performance. The countrified "Amigos" and satiric "Serial Killer" (Dalton wrote the latter song after reading a news report about a young woman who wanted to marry serial killer Charles Manson) were among the standouts. My favorite song of the pair's set was Dalton's absolutely luxurious ballad "In My Head." 


Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Sights and Sounds: 'New Orleans: The City of Music'; music superfans documentary; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Looking to catch some music entertainment at home? Here is a roundup of several noteworthy media releases to land in my inbox...


EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT AND MICHAEL MURPHY PRODUCTIONS ARE PROUD TO PRESENT A VIRTUAL CINEMA RELEASE OF 

UP FROM THE STREETS ®: NEW ORLEANS: THE CITY OF MUSIC

~STARTING MAY 15, 2020~
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
VIEW TRAILER HERE

Starting May 15, Eagle Rock Entertainment and Michael Murphy Productions will present a virtual cinema release of the celebrated New Orleans documentary Up From The Streets ®: New Orleans: The City of Music. In an effort to assist the brilliant musical artists of New Orleans, a portion of the proceeds from each $12 “ticket” sale will be donated to The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund -- a statewide relief initiative supporting Louisiana musicians who have lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Viewers will be able to buy a ticket to the film from one of their local cinemas and watch the film at home, while supporting their favorite independent movie theaters as they practice social distancing and self-quarantine. Over 50 theaters nationwide are participating. The order will be good for 7 days, and the viewer will have 72 hours to finish the film once they have started watching it. Virtual cinema tickets will be available here.
Originally premiering at the 30th Annual New Orleans Film Festival in October 2019, Up From The Streets explores the unparalleled, historical musical heritage of New Orleans. Produced and directed by Michael Murphy and hosted by Oscar-nominated and six-time Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter / composer Terence Blanchard – Up From The Streets dissects the evolution of the city’s music, from early innovations in Jazz through R&B and Funk. Archival and newly filmed performances by such legends as Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, and, of course, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band are weaved between conversations with such impactful New Orleans musicians as Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., Mannie Fresh, and Dr. Michael White, as well as commentary by Robert Plant, Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, and Sting. “Anyone interested in the culture and music of New Orleans will love this film,” states Terence Blanchard. “The resilience of the people of New Orleans reflects the story of America.”
An intricate study and celebration of a quintessential cultural epicenter, Up From The Streets ®: New Orleans: The City of Music is a definitive look at one of the most influential components of American music.
About The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation:
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is the non-profit organization that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. In response to the devastating effects that COVID-19 has left on Louisiana's music community, the Foundation has established the Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund – a statewide relief fund created to support Louisiana musicians and music industry workers whose livelihoods have been adversely impacted by this unprecedented crisis. For more about the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, please visit us online at www.jazzandheritage.org
Additional support is provided by the City of New Orleans “Embrace The Culture” series utilizing resources to activate art through virtual experiences.
About Eagle Rock Entertainment:
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the world-leading producer and distributor of music documentary and concert films. Founded in 1997, the multi-award-winning company releases over 50 productions a year and controls the distribution of over 2,000 hours of music programming. The catalogue includes work by award-winning filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Brett Morgan, Stanley Nelson, Paul Dugdale, Bob Smeaton, Jeremy Marre, Mike Figgis, Leslie Woodhead and Michael Epstein. Eagle Rock works with a wide spectrum of artists including the Rolling Stones, Eminem, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Muse, Steven Wilson, Slash, Iggy Pop, Jeff Beck, Paul McCartney, Shania Twain and Van Morrison. Eagle Rock is headquartered in London.

The Untold Story of Rock n Roll’s Legendary Superfans

DENNIS AND LOIS:
An award winning Documentary by Chris Cassidy

Featuring: Happy Mondays, Peter Hook (New Order), Andy Rourke (The Smiths), Jimi Goodwin (DOVES) and many more
STREAM FILM via AMAZON or iTUNES

There are bands, there are fans, and then there’s Dennis and Lois. It’s official, April 28, 2020 is the release date for the long awaited, award winning documentary called DENNIS AND LOIS. A story about a New York couple that transcended beyond just being ‘music fans’, to become the legends behind the legends.
WATCH PETER HOOK EXCLUSIVE CLIP via ROLLING STONE or VIMEO
More on Dennis and Lois:
In the Rock n Roll world, the word ‘Legends’ is normally reserved for the performers and the stars, but every now and then, certain people rise up between the cracks of celebrity and fame to cement their own legacy. Dennis and Lois are such people.
It all began in the mid-70s at a gritty little club in New York City called CBGB’s where Dennis and Lois befriended an up-and-coming band, The Ramones. They quickly became part of The Ramones inner circle, selling merchandise and assisting the future punk legends on tours around the world. This experience changed their lives forever.

Through the years, Dennis and Lois continue to build friendships and sell merchandise for the bands they admire. Happy Mondays immortalized them in song and SPIN Magazine published a comic strip celebrating their ‘War Stories from the Road’. Dennis and Lois are considered by many to be rock n roll Icons, but as age and illness start to threaten their lifelong tour, they need to rely on the friends they’ve collected along the way and the music that energizes them to keep it going.
Dennis and Lois is a documentary about love, passion and the power of music. Its about a couple who’ve always lived life on their own terms, and who have dedicated their lives to the spirit of Rock n Roll with a self-imposed moral obligation to give back to those who create the music that moves them. It’s a film about the long list of artists that they’ve come to call friends, who consider Dennis and Lois an integral part of their own success and purpose.
Dennis And Lois Links:
 
Website
Instagram
Facebook


Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Video Vault Spotlights Class of 2000 This Week

30+ uncut Induction videos released including Bonnie Raitt and Melissa Etheridge and a superjam tribute to Nat “King” Cole on “Route 66”

CLEVELAND – Turn back the clock twenty years with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and explore the class of 2000 Induction Ceremony. Each week, the Rock Hall is opening its video vault and featuring full Induction Ceremony speeches and performance videos, along with never-before available programs. Videos are available on the Rock Hall’s YouTube channel.


Watch memorable live performances from the 2000 Induction Ceremony, including:

Amplify your experience with free online learning resources at Rock Hall EDU, including a playlist celebrating the blues roots of Inductees Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt. 

Plus, this Mother’s Day, show your mom how much she rocks with a curated rock gift set, including The Rebel collection with a stylish rock & roll wristlet. Shop Rock Hall’s online store now and take advantage of 15% off all women’s clothing items that will make it into your mom’s “greatest hits” collection. 

Stay connected on rockhall.com and across the Rock Hall’s social channels on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more ways to explore the Rock Hall online, visit rockhall.com/explore-online. 

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock! 

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The US Generation - a feature film documentary about the 1982 US Festival with remastered music and never-before-seen footage

Before Coachella, before Bonnaroo and the modern-day explosion of music fests there was the US Festival. Read on friends...


Remember the US FESTIVAL!
When Music, Technology, People Were UNITED... IN SONG

New documentary film on the innovative and influential 1982 US FESTIVAL - remastered music; never-before-told stories; never-before-seen footage; 
featured interviews from then and now; campaign now live on Kickstarter


LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2016) -  On a blistering hot, Labor Day weekend in 1982, about an hour's drive from Los Angeles, The Ramones, B-52's, Talking Heads, and The Police all took the stage in front of over 100,000 fans. The Police were in mid-tour for Ghosts in the Machine and as Stewart Copeland recollects: "we were whip-cracking hot - and we scorched Southern California". The next day, Eddie Money, Santana, The Cars, The Kinks, Pat Benatar, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers rocked to an even larger crowd. Sunday morning, The Grateful Dead took the stage bright and early - billed as "Breakfast in Bed with the Grateful Dead", and they were followed by a lineup that included Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band and Jackson Browne.  Fleetwood Mac closed the show. This was The 1982 US Festival.

Steve Wozniak
"The US Festival was financed by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple," says Glenn Aveni, of Icon Music TV, an indie filmmaker who has produced and directed music documentaries on John Entwistle, The Clash, and Les Paul.  "It was produced by Bill Graham. The 350,000 fans that were there still consider it a highlight of their concert-going lives. Yet for all its talent, and for all its influence and innovation, the US Festival is not so readily remembered, because there never was a film about it... Until now."




"Woz felt the 1970's were The 'Me' Generation and that it was time for the world to embrace a less selfish credo, one of unity and togetherness," explains Aveni, Director of the documentary. "He created UNUSON - short for 'Unite Us In Song' to produce a huge 3-day outdoor state-of-the-art concert that married music and technology. I have entitled this documentary "The US Generation" in tribute to Woz and his message of unity. It's not lost on me that a message of unity should resonate with all of us today." 
"Wozniak had the vision and the money and the determination to get it done. The opportunity arose, and he took it," adds Mickey Hart, in an interview for the film.
Stewart Copeland of The Police
Aveni has worked on the film since 2012 and says it is mostly done. To help clear and remaster additional music for it, he has launched a campaign on Kickstarter: http://kck.st/2fjAz8u. In an unusual concession from his distribution partner, he has arranged for the "rewards" from Kickstarter - including copies the film - to be immediately available after the film's completion, before any festival screenings, theatrical releases, or TV premier. "My distributor agreed that the people who were there have already waited 30+ years," he explains.
The innovations of the 1982 US Festival were as legendary as its performances. The venue was built from scratch in San Bernardino, on the site of a former prison farm, in a matter of a few months. It is still the largest outdoor amphitheater in America today. The US Festival invented misting stations, pioneered water cannons to cool the crowd, unveiled the debut of Diamond Vision - a huge screen actually visible during the day, and helped pioneer digital sound delay, so that fans in the back could hear sound in real time. 

"The 1982 US Festival executed. They did it right, and showed it could be done right, setting the stage for future mega-shows from Live Aid to Bonnaroo and Coachella," says Gregg Perloff of Another Planet, who was with Bill Graham Presents at the time and was interviewed for the film.

"Prior to The US Festival in 1982", adds Aveni "No multi-day outdoor permit had been issued by any municipality since 1969 - the year of Woodstock and Altamont, both of which had serious operational difficulties and safety issues. If not for this event, who knows if and when other events would have occurred."
Free water and shade tents were everywhere. The stage was the largest yet seen, and the sound was powered by 400,000 watts. There was a tech pavilion under 5 air-conditioned tents, stocked by Woz and his friends with the latest gadgets and some prototypes of what was yet to come. They even piped music over satellite feed into the USSR - crossing The Iron Curtain. 
"It's a great untold story full of awesome music, amazing anecdotes and larger than life personalities," adds Aveni.  The US Generation documentary is a blend of music, archival footage, and interviews with the crowd and with performers. Besides Perloff and Hart, there are insightful present-day interviews with Stewart Copeland (The Police), Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Eddie Money, Marky Ramone, Kate Pierson (B-52's), and Wozniak himself, all speaking fondly and candidly about the event. Among those interviewed archivally are Sting, Pat Benatar, David Byrne, Ric Ocasek, Carlos Santana, and DaveDavies, along with Woz and Graham. The film also covers how the event was conceived, and regales with the on-site hijinks, challenges, and lively battles between Graham and Woz.


The Kickstarter campaign is offering the first copies of the film, in digital download, DVD, and Blu Ray, with options for extra music, and added celeb commentary. "We've gone to town on these Rewards," says Aveni. "If you love classic rock and have pined for something new, here you go." 
Filmmaker Aveni lived and worked for many years in LA and now resides in the Milwaukee area where he grew up. He is available for interviews. 

The Kickstarter campaign is now live at http://kck.st/2fjAz8u.

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Sights and Sounds: Maurice White, Jeff Lynne's ELO, Ramones' 40th Anniversary, Rusty Anderson

Another fast-moving day in the music-related universe...

First, on a sad note (haven't there been too many of those sad notes lately?), Earth, Wind & Fire founding member Maurice White has died after losing a long-time battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 74.

The Recording Academy® Statement regarding Maurice White
Feb. 4, 2016
"We are very saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner Maurice White. A founding member and leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, who are receiving our Lifetime Achievement Award this year, Maurice was the guiding force behind the group’s success and helped create hit songs such as "Shining Star," "September," "After The Love Has Gone," and so many memorable others. His unerring instincts as a musician and showman helped propel the band to international stardom, influencing countless fellow musicians in the process. While he will be greatly missed, Maurice’s contributions to music will live on. We offer our condolences to his family, friends and creative collaborators."  
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy


I have seen Earth, Wind & Fire a number of times (sadly, White had retreated from public performances before I started attending the group's concerts a decade or so ago), and you can click here to read my Orange County Register review of the troupe's February 2011 concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Click here to read an article posted today on the legendary White and the lasting influence of Earth, Wind & Fire.

On a much more positive note, Jeff Lynne's ELO has announced a trio of dates at the Hollywood Bowl (Sept. 9, 10 and 11, 2016). Read the article posted today in the Los Angeles Times for all the details.


The Ramones. Photo: Danny Fields
The GRAMMY Museum and Queens Museum are set to celebrate the Ramones' 40th Anniversary with a new two-part exhibition. "Hey! Ho! Let's Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk" is set to debut April 10, 2016 at Queens Museum in New York, and then come to the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Sept. 16, 2016.

The two-part exhibition, co-curated by the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE and the Queens Museum, in collaboration with Ramones Productions Inc., will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the release of the Ramones' 1976 self-titled debut album and will explore the lasting influence the punk rockers had on their hometown. The GRAMMY Museum is located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015.

For more information, visit the official Queens Museum Web site here or the GRAMMY Museum Web site here.


Rusty Anderson, best known as the long-time lead guitarist for Paul McCartney, is coming to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Coach House Web site here. You can check out Anderson's artful single "Effortless" via a great video available on YouTube. It is embedded below: