Matthew Sweet in concert: it's all about the songs

Matthew Sweet is seen here in concert, and having his photo taken with me backstage at the Coach House after the show.

After catching Matthew Sweet's concert at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday night, Aug. 27, I'm not necessarily sure the show would have pleased everybody.

Admittedly, Sweet and his band were a bit rusty in tackling arrangements of some of the material, and at times Sweet seemed to taking care to not tax his voice since so much of the material on his latest album finds him singing at the top of his vocal register.

But did I love the show? You bet. Kicking things off with the psychedelic rock of "Time Machine," his 75-minute set featured most of the songs from his newly-issued "Sunshine Lies" album released by Shout! Factory the day before he played at the Coach House.

Before kicking off "Byrdgirl," his third song of the night, he noted the show felt like a rehearsal. And as a music writer who has witnessed more slick Vegas-styled concerts than I'll ever be able to count, the loose and rollicking Matthew Sweet show was a refreshing change. Highlights for me were the aforementioned "Byrdgirl" (my favorite track on the new album), hard-charging "Flying," Cheap Trick-mining "Let's Love" and dreamy "Daisychain."

After the show I had the opportunity to meet Matthew Sweet for the first time and he couldn't have been nicer. We chatted for 10 minutes or so and he really seems excited about his new album, and the next "Under the Covers" project he is working on with one-time Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs and that should be out next year.

Toad the Wet Sprocket to play in O.C. on Aug. 30

Toad the Wet Sprocket will perform at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night, Aug. 30.

As the lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket, singer-songwriter Glen Phillips was instrumental in the success of one of the best alternative rock bands of the 1990s.
The Santa Barbara-based quartet – famously named after a Monty Python comedy sketch – released a string of outstanding albums last decade, including "Pale" (1990), "Fear" (1991), ""Dulcinea" (1994) and "Coil" (1997).

Although Toad the Wet Sprocket officially disbanded in July 1998, just over a decade later fans of the legendary outfit have a chance to see the melodic rock outfit when they perform a rare show at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night, Aug. 30.

"I think we finally found the balance that makes it work for us. I don't think we could do another album; there is a certain kind of electricity that you want in a band … the reason we broke up was because we didn't have that anymore," said Phillips in an Aug. 14 phone interview from his home in Santa Barbara, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. Toad the Wet Sprocket was formed in 1986 by four students at San Marcos High School and still features an all-original lineup including Phillips, lead guitarist Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning and drummer Randy Guss.
The band's best-known hits include "Whatever I Fear," "All I Want," "Something's Always Wrong," "Walk on the Ocean" and "Fall Down."
Toad the Wet Sprocket may only play a handful of dates every year or two, but Phillips and the other members of the outfit remain busy.

"I think we're all pretty happy creatively with what we're doing these days," Phillips explained.
"The years have gone by; Dean has started doing compositions and voice acting, Todd is producing and recording bands in his studio, and Randy has been playing with a number of people, so everybody has really moved on."
Phillips has released a number of excellent albums in the '00s, including "Winter Pays for Summer" (2005) and "Mr. Lemons" (2006). His most recent release is "Secrets of the New Explorers," an excellent six-song concept album he released earlier this year.
"It was a pretty quick thing. I had planned to do an EP (Usually 4-6 songs) with my friend John Askew and I thought I'd have a whole bunch of songs ready and when he showed up I had nothing. And we decided 'Let's do a concept album' and I said 'What are you reading about?' and he said 'Privatized space travel' and we had both just read the same article about Robert Bigelow and the X Prize."
Phillips and Askew approached the project with the aim of completing the songs and recordings with a rocketlike speed in tune with the cosmic-minded theme of the project
"We had five days (to complete the project) and I think the first day was a complete waste because we didn't know what we were doing and then we started three of the songs," Phillips recalled.
"Three of the songs (were done) with John and three were done by myself. And I kind of finished it up and mixed it by myself. It was a really fun project. In general, I like to make records quickly."

The variety of projects revolving in his sonic universe definitely keeps things interesting for Phillips.
"I think there was a period for me mentally when I was always comparing it (Toad the Wet Sprocket) with my solo career," Phillips admitted.
"I finally realized I'm not in a rock band anymore. And this audience, they all were in college or high school when they heard these songs. It's about memories for them. (Today) I'm doing folk music – if I'm doing electronica or whatever else – but I like playing for a more engaged, adult audience. I don't feel the need to communicate through these rock 'n' roll gestures. So I finally got to really enjoy it (playing with Toad). I get to go out, play electric guitar, sing a little harder and move around a little more and it's a great night. Then I really feel really good about going back to my own stuff where the audience is listening to every word.
"But it's great to get to go back and play these songs we wrote and visit it (the past), but know I don't have to live there and it doesn't have anything to do with what I'm doing now."

For more information on "Secrets of the New Explorers," visit www.GlenPhillips.com.

Matthew Sweet is back

Fans of singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet who believe his best albums are 1991's "Girlfriend," 1993's "Altered Beast" and 1995's "100% Fun" haven't been listening to his work from this decade.

In 2003, he joined forces with Pete Droge and Shawn Mullins to release the eponymous album from the Thorns, a masterful 13-song collection recalling the style of Crosby, Stills & Nash via stunning three-part vocal harmonies and breezy acoustic rock. And in 2006, Sweet and former Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs teamed up on "Under the Covers, Vol. 1," a wonderful collection of tuneful covers from the 1960s such as the Beatles' "And Your Bird Can Sing" and the Who's "The Kids Are Alright."

Now fans of intelligent, tuneful and groundbreaking melodic rock can get ready to welcome another disc to their growing collection of favorite Sweet albums.
"Sunshine Lies," which is being released by Shout! Factory on Aug. 26, 2008, is every bit as strong as his aforementioned classic '90s releases.

"I felt very good about this record during the making of it," said Sweet during phone interview on Aug. 15, 2008. Sweet completed the recording of "Sunshine Lies" at Lolina Green Studios, his Los Angeles-area home studio.
"I'm comfortable working in my home studio now whereas earlier in the decade I was just kind of learning how to do that (make professional recordings at home)."

His 10th full-length commercial release, the 13-song "Sunshine Lies," boasts up-tempo riff rock ("Room to Rock," "Flying"), psychedelic forays (the aptly-titled "Daisy chain"), tender ballads ("Feel Fear") and shimmering power pop ("Time Machine," "Byrdgirl").
"The way this particular record took shape was an unusual trajectory. First of all, it was made over a longer period time," Sweet explained.
"Initially, it was all rock songs like 'Flying' and 'Room to Rock' and songs like that. But I kind of felt it was missing other dimensions. Almost always when I make a record I try to make sure to have a variety of kinds of things on it, so it doesn't just only represent one way."

Sweet is generally recognized as one of the great power pop architects to emerge since the 1980s. Although the genre had its share of commercial heroes in the 1970s (notably the Raspberries, Badfinger, Big Star and Cheap Trick), the Lincoln, Nebraska-born Sweet was among a handful of successful artists to bring new life to the field in more recent times.
But while Sweet's music is accessible, his recordings simultaneously offer up lush and colorful sonic arrangements rarely equaled in modern music.
"My main complaint about music now is it's so perfected that it sounds boring and canned."
Sweet noted that music fans attending the upcoming show at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano can expect to hear material off "Sunshine Lies," as well as off his well-known '90s albums.
"Those (a trio of Southern California club shows in late August) are warm-up dates for us," Sweet said. "We'll go to the rest of the country in October."

Matthew Sweet and Orange County's Fallen Stars perform at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008.

I hope to see you all there!

Sports injury throws Brett Young a sonic curve

Photo credit: SEREYNA AVILA


A few years ago, Brett Young was a promising pitcher at Fresno State whose future seemed to be that of a hurler headed for a career in the big leagues.

After a serious elbow injury put an end to his goal of being a professional athlete, he had time to rediscover his love of music and has since emerged as one of Orange County's most promising singer-songwriters.

Young's self-titled debut, released in 2007, boasts an array of authentic and heartfelt songs that effortlessly mix together rock, blues, folk and soul in a way that recalls the artful approach of genre-blending heroes as Gavin DeGraw, John Mayer and Tyrone Wells.

"The only way to have longevity is to have good songs," Young said this week. "John Mayer will be around forever, like the Eagles and Eric Clapton. It's your songs."
Increasingly, discerning listeners are getting the chance to hear those songs. On Aug. 10, Young performed on an outstanding bill with Tyler Hilton, Terra Naomi, Kelley James, John West and several other artists as part of the sold-out 3 Hour Tour IV, an afternoon concert event staged on a yacht cruising through Newport Harbor.
The unique setting allowed Young to perform with many of the other performers, including Caitlin Crosby.

"It was cool," Young said of the chance to appear in front of so many music lovers in Newport Beach. "Caitlin Crosby and I were able to do one of our songs we wrote together. At the end, we (all of the musicians) did a Bob Marley song and even a Journey song."
The Westminster resident's introduction to a musical career began in the late 1990s when he was attending Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa.
"I started helping the worship leader on Friday mornings," explained Young, noting his initial participation was simply playing some guitar. However, one week he was told that the leader of the band was going to be gone one Friday and he would have to lead hundreds of students in song.
"At that point, I had never sung in front of anyone. He tossed me into the fire and it didn't go half-bad."

However, while Young enjoyed singing and playing guitar, baseball seemed to loom large in his future. During his senior year, Young helped lead his high school squad to a 28-1 record and a CIF championship, going 15-0 with a 0.90 ERA and 130 strikeouts that year.
"I was playing college baseball, injured my elbow and was not able to pitch anymore," Young recalled. "Actually, Gavin DeGraw is the reason I started playing music again. I heard his first album (2004's 'Chariot') and said 'I could do this.' I followed him around and saw him 12 times. He is such a great performer and good singer."

Young is a fan of many of the artists whose styles draw natural comparisons with his own, but his sound – and songs – are clearly his own. Tracks such as the emotionally-charged "Define Me," alt country-tinged "Fly" and chiming "I'm the One You Need" strike with plenty of authenticity.
"In terms of themes, (it's usually) sadness and heartbreak. When you go through something difficult, it's much easier to write about it," Young said.
"I have to be inspired to write a song."
Young says one of the reasons he enjoys playing at intimate venues such as the Hotel Café in Los Angeles, Plush Café in Fullerton and as part of the recent 3 Hour Tour music cruise is the opportunity for him to make a strong connection with fans who love music.
"I'm very approachable and want to meet everybody."
Information: www.MySpace.com/BrettYoungsMusic.

Been Gone So Long: Mt. Whitney, other updates

I can't remember the last time I posted anything on my Blog, so some sort of excuse should be in order.

It seems like forever since I returned from the Eastern Sierras, but I do want to provide a short update on activities outside my music-listening universe.

Four friends and I scored our day permits and made the hike up Mt. Whitney on Tuesday, July 29.

Without going into every detail of the day-long hike, I will tell you we left at 3 a.m. sharp from the Whitney Portal and I arrived at the top of the mountain - 14,497 feet high - a few minutes before noon. I still can't believe it took me 9 hours to hike the 10.7 miles up the mountain, and just over 6 hours to hike down, but it did. The photo you see here was taken by one of my pals right after I made it to the top of Mt. Whitney. I didn't know if I could make it to the top; the last mile or so it very difficult and I had to stop often to catch my breath.

It was an absolutely beautiful day and incredible experience. Worth all the pain, blisters and fatigue it took to make it. I should also mention all the training hikes dating back to last year played a part too. Congrats to my friends (Tom Dubuque, Scott Tyrrell, Jon Ferguson) who made it and it was great Ron Bronsgeest made it to Trail Camp too (that is as far as I made it in 2007).

Chris Isaak and Vanessa Carlton, Wailers revisited

Sorry I have not posted in a bit. I've been busy training to climb Mount Whitney next week (I have a permit to climb the tallest mountain in California on Tuesday, July 29), so I've been spending a good deal of my free time at the gym and fitting in weekend climbs in the San Gabriels.

But I have covered a few shows for the Orange County Register this month, including a strong bill with Chris Isaak and Vanessa Carlton on July 13, and a reggae show headlined by the Wailers on July 17.

I have reposted the reviews as they ran in the Orange County Register below:

Monday, July 14, 2008
Chris Isaak does his usual thing and that's not a 'bad, bad thing'
There was a time – say 10 years or so ago – when singer-songwriter Chris Isaak seemed destined to be forever identified solely with his best-known hit, the haunting and timeless "Wicked Game" off 1989's breakout recording "Heart Shaped World."
However, when an entertainer has the musical instincts, a captivating Roy Orbison-styled vocal style and a top-notch five-man band, it might not matter if he ever had a single hit on commercial radio for a near-capacity crowd to enjoy the best ride of the day at the Orange County Fair thanks to his two-dozen song set on Sunday (July 13, 2008).

Isaak may not be the most innovative artist of all time – in fact, the personable singer-songwriter covered tunes from several of his 1950s era heroes over the course of his 95-minute set – but his retro-tinged rock 'n' roll is much more than a bland nostalgic act.
While the haunting "Wicked Game" may be his masterpiece, several new songs set for release on his next album achieved nearly equal power in the live setting.

In particular, one song ("We Let Her Down") was particularly strong, with its sparse and moody delivery enhanced by lead guitarist Hershel Yatovitz echo-drenched guitar work.
Isaak was so much in control of the crowd, he could alternate between raucous rockers such as a cover of "I Want You to Want Me" and his own "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing" and hushed acoustic titles like "Dark Moon" and "Two Hearts" while keeping the momentum going strong.
Isaak closed his full-length show with a poignant, acoustic version of "Forever Blue," a fitting finale to the best show this writer has caught by Isaak.

Opener Vanessa Carlton was anchored to her piano throughout her 45-minute set, but that didn't prevent the Pennsylvania native from playing her accessible material in an entertaining nine-song showcase.
The best songs in her Sunday set came off her third album, 2007's "Heroes & Thieves," which find Carlton exploring deeper issues than her better-known 2002 debut "Be Not Nobody."
Whether singing about being dropped from her first record label in "Nolita Fairytale," the joys of an exciting romance in the wonderful "Hands on Me" and a magical walk through New York's Central Park chronicled in "Heroes & Thieves," her fine piano playing and vulnerable voice (often cracking artfully at its upper range) made for a particularly good outing.

Friday, July 18, 2008
Reggae night smokes at the O.C. Fair
Because the Wailers are rightfully identified with some of the biggest and most significant reggae recordings of all time, fans of the genre are justified in making it to at least one of the band's shows.
And while singer-songwriter Bob Marley died in 1981, several longtime members of the Wailers (notably bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett) continue to play as part of the ensemble, which was fronted this evening by the singer Yvad.
In a 90-minute set before a near-capacity crowd at the Pacific Amphitheatre on Thursday night (July 17, 2008), the Wailers proved that good songs are timeless and classics such as "No Woman No Cry," "Is This Love," "One Love" and inspired night-ending "Exodus" continue to shine when played with the kind of magic put on display under a bright full moon in Costa Mesa.

Although the group's first few songs were not played with quite enough firepower, the group hit its stride when it turned the outdoor venue into a giant dance floor with a feel good-styled "Keep on Movin'" and "Stir It Up." A strong vocal performance highlighted "I Shot the Sheriff" minutes later and that set the strong tone for the rest of the night.
The Wailers seem to have a few new tricks up their sonic sleeve, with Yvad kicking off the encore with an acoustic guitar and playing the folk-styled "Buffalo Country" that could have been at home in a Neil Young set.

Eek-A-Mouse might be the talent that launched a well-known vocal style (sing-jay, where a singer uses vocals to fuse singing and DJ-styled chant together), but the Kingston, Jamaica, native's 35-minute lackluster set seemed at odds with the ready-to-cut-loose crowd that greeted his initial arrival.
Ultimately, Eek-A-Mouse's performance was a backdrop to everything else happening in the crowd (more on that a bit later). Had he simply performed "Biddy Biddy Beng" or "Sensee Party" over and over, he would have been greeted with the same cheers.

Although many in the crowd had not yet arrived when Pato Banton kicked off the night with his own 35-minute set of original music, the Birmingham, England, singer actually accomplished something the night's subsequent acts did not.
Armed with his engaging personality and an extended walk through the crowd early in his set, he had the party-minded audience actually listening to his songs.
Songs such as "Stay Positive" and "Don't Sniff Coke" hit home with his emotive vocals and strong performances from the seven members of the Mystic Roots Band and two backup singers.
On another note, anyone interested in enjoying the show solely for music-related reasons would have been disappointed. From the time Eek-A-Mouse took the stage, many in the crowd were more interested in snapping photos with their friends, talking on their cell phones, hitting beach balls and – this was a reggae show after all – smoking and drinking to the point where at least one concert-goer was so sick in the row in front of me he had to be escorted out before the Wailers even hit the stage.
"Exodus," indeed.

Orange County Fair puts power pop on display

The Barry Holdship Four will play at the Orange County Fair on Sunday, July 13.

If there is a style of music ideally suited for the long, warm days of summer, it is power pop.

Now fans of jangly pop-rock and lush vocal harmonies will have a number of opportunities to catch regional proponents of Rickenbacker-powered sounds thanks to a trio of shows coming to the Orange County Fair.

Time Warner Cable is sponsoring entertainment on the Plaza Arts Stage at the fairgrounds throughout the event, but has specifically set aside three Sundays to host mini-music festivals.
"The Damage Done and I are excited and honored to be a part of this year's Orange County Fair," said Courtney Chambers, who inaugurates the bill on July 13 with a 10:30 a.m. set. "We're looking forward to kicking off the show and unveiling some new songs in our live set."

Orange County's music scene will be represented throughout a series of concerts sponsored by Time Warner Cable. Courtney Chambers & the Damage Done, Sparkle*Jets UK, Kenny Howes, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings and the Barry Holdship Four will perform on July 13, while a so-called "Night After Prom" event will feature students from the Commercial Recording Arts Department at Huntington Beach High School performing songs from the Beatles' "Rubber Soul" and the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" as well as original material from 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30 p.m. on July 20.
The series of special concerts ends when the Orange County Fair hosts International Pop Overthrow (better known as "IPO") for a day, with 10 bands set to perform between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 3. That lineup features several regional acts such as Orange County's X86, as well as artists from around the world (including Japan's Strawberry Mud Pie and Canada's the Irises).
"I suggested to David Bash that we hold an IPO show at the Orange County Fair," said John Borack, who has been assisting IPO founder David Bash organize events in Orange County since the annual pop festival was launched in 1998.
"This is the second year that we (Time Warner Cable) have been a sponsor of that stage. Last year, I noticed the stage was empty sometimes during the day. I thought, I know a lot of bands and people in bands. I checked with the people we deal with at the fair and they were excited by it.
"It's a whole untapped audience that otherwise might not hear this music."

So while Borack has been busy organizing the trio of concerts at the Orange County Fair, the Fountain Valley resident will take a break from organizing concerts so he can play in some too. He will play drums with the Barry Holdship Four at the fair on July 13 and at the Fountain Valley Summer Concert Series from 6-8 p.m. on July 17; he will also get behind the kit with the Popdudes as part of an IPO date at Fitzgerald's in Huntington Beach on July 26.
In addition, Borack is busy planning to pen a follow-up to his "Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide" that was published by Not Lame Recording Company in late 2007. The ambitious and fully-illustrated book has sold several thousand copies and a follow-up is already in the works.
"I have been playing with Barry (Holdship) for more than two years and had never recorded with him. (I thought) it would be great to do something and it be exclusive for the CD recording that accompanies the next book," Borack explained.
Earlier this year, the Barry Holdship Four went into Clevenger's studio to record a version of Elvis Presley's "Girl Happy." An early mix of that recording can be heard at www.myspace.com/barryholdship.

Borack said the real treat for music lovers is to see power pop acts in a festive live setting such as the Orange County Fair on Sunday afternoon.
"I think it will be a real treat for fairgoers. The music appeals to kids who like Green Day and to their parents and grandparents who grew up and listened to the Beatles. The bands booked to play at the fair represent a wide range (of styles) that people will like," Borack said.
For general information about the Orange County Fair, visit www.ocfair.com. For more specific information on any of the events, email Borack at Popdude@aol.com.

Laurel Canyon Ramblers to perform in library series

One of the most popular groups to ever perform as part of the Music at the Library concert series will make a much-anticipated return to San Juan Capistrano with two performances this weekend.
Laurel Canyon Ramblers will bring an intoxicating blend of bluegrass, folk, country-western and Americana styles to the upcoming shows at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library. Led by Herb Pedersen (vocals, banjo, guitar), Laurel Canyon Ramblers’ strong lineup also features Kenny Blackwell (vocals, mandolin), Richard Reed (vocals, guitar), Bill Bryson (bass) and Gabe Witcher (fiddle). The ensemble has released a trio of winning albums, including “Rambler’s Blues” (1995), “Blue Rambler 2” (1996) and “Back on the Streets Again” (1998).
Catching Laurel Canyon Ramblers in such an intimate setting as the outdoor courtyard at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library is a treat for fans of progressive country music. Pedersen has been a key member of seminal groups such as the Desert Rose Band and his singing and banjo playing with the Dillards and Country Gazette is recalled with his work with Laurel Canyon Ramblers. Laurel Canyon Ramblers will perform at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2008. Tickets for the show are $ 1 0 for adults, $5 for children under 1 2. For more information: www.musicatthelibrary.com.
Herb Pedersen

Satisfaction satisfies with blend of old and new sounds

Story originally published by the Orange County Register on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

SATISFACTION: The band features, from left, bassist Aaron Wahlman, keyboardist Matthew Fletcher, singer-guitarist Michael Rosas and drummer Michael Nielsen (who is temporarily filling in for regular percussionist James Fletcher this month).

Photo credit: ROBERT GIAMPA

The capacity crowd that caught Matt Costa's headlining show at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa on April 24 was collectively and pleasantly caught off guard by the powerful opening act, Orange County's own Satisfaction.

I was among the countless concert-goers who won't soon forget the powerful performance that singer-guitarist Michael Rosas, keyboardist Matthew Fletcher, bassist Aaron Wahlman and drummer James Fletcher delivered that night.
Led by ex-Smile front man Rosas, the quartet's propulsive attack was truly formidable. Rousing performances of songs such as "So We'll Just Take the Night" and "Feel So Stupid" were among the highlights of Satisfaction's 40-minute set.

But don't fret if you missed that terrific show two months ago; Satisfaction will be featuring songs from the band's latest CD "Cougars, Sharks & Flying Sparks" at a number of upcoming performances over the next few weeks.
Satisfaction is that rare and gifted musical chameleon able to deliver songs that rock without losing their melodic way. And the group's original tunes somehow fuse the best of 1970s artists such as Paul McCartney & Wings and Harry Nilsson with the modern attack of neo-new wave proponents such as Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand.

"The ideas that have stuck for us are things that we (initially) throw out and ourselves then laughed about at first," Rosas explained earlier this week at a Costa Mesa coffeehouse before he headed off to rehearsal.
"It was something ridiculous and then we say, 'No, we should really do that.' The less we think about it in the creative process, the better it comes out," Rosas said.
When asked to provide more details about how the four members of Satisfaction craft their songs, he added: "Like any band, (we) filter the things we don't like and embrace the things we do like."
Satisfaction's blend of strong chemistry among the members, winning vocals, virtuoso musicianship and timeless sound make for something special.
"We like a lot of music that's commercial, but also like things underground and indie. We try to inject a bit of avant-garde into the sound," Rosas said.

Performing together since 2004, the four members came together out of the burgeoning Costa Mesa music scene that revolves around the Detroit Bar.
Now the group is playing high-profile shows at celebrated venues and has scored airplay on both Indie 103.1 FM and KROQ/106.7 FM.
"We feel really lucky to be in a band like this. We are four distinct personalities on stage," Matthew Fletcher said of band's music and strong friendships established within the outfit.
"I will be able to someday play this (music) for my grandkids and they'll say, 'Whoa, this is amazing,'" Matthew Fletcher said.

Satisfaction will headline at La Cave in Costa Mesa at 9 p.m. on June 25, open for the Shys at OC Tavern in San Clemente at 8 p.m. on June 26 and open for the 88 at the Roxy in West Hollywood at 8 p.m. on June 28.
Information: www.satisfactionmusic.com or www.myspace.com/satisfaction.

Plena Libre will perform two shows on June 14

Although Plena Libre won’t release its next CD “Plena al Salsero – Live in Monterrey, Mexico” until June 17, fans of the group can get a preview of that album when they catch the ensemble perform as part of the Music at the Library concert series in San Juan Capistrano on June 14.

Founded by composer/bass player Gary Núñez, Plena Libre has released a dozen albums that have earned the troupe four Grammy nominations. Plena Libre’s most recent CD, the Grammy- and Latin Grammy-nominated “Evolución,” was released in 2006. “Plena al Salsero” will be the group’s 13th full-length album.

“This idea of a live recording was something that I had been encouraged to do for years,” Núñez said in a recently-posted update on Plena Libre's official Web site.
“But in the past year the personnel and the chemistry in the band had gelled so much that I knew that the timing was now ripe. The evolution of the musical sound, excitement and energy of Plena Libre’s live show over this past year was something I had never experienced with the group before.”

So in November 2007, with Plena Libre invited to perform five concerts in Monterrey, Mexico. After performing the first two shows, Núñez realized the setting and sound was perfect to complete a concert recording. He found a recording studio titled El Cielo Recording Studios (“Heaven” in English) and it happened the engineer was able to bring all of his equipment to Monterrey’s Parque Fundidora on short notice to perform the final nights.
The best tracks from those live sessions are featured on “Plena al Salsero.”
Fusing the sounds of Puerto Rico’s plena and bomba sonic traditions with African-styled rhythms, Plena Libre has been featured on celebrated stages such as New York’s Lincoln Center and Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center.
But local audiences in Orange County can be thrilled that Plena Libre is celebrating the release of “Plena al Salsero” with two special shows in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night.

Plena Libre will perform at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.
Tickets are either show are $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12.
Information: 949-493-1752.

Aimee Mann delivers amazing performance in Anaheim

Aimee Mann as photographed by Kelly A. Swift on June 6 at House of Blues, Anaheim.

Aimee Mann's melodic folk rock sounds nothing like the loose, freewheeling mix of alt country folk and rock 'n' roll grunge pioneered by Neil Young, but the two artists do have something in common.

Both artists have unique voices and styles that involve listeners for reasons related to powerful songwriting and how those songs eternally seem to work their magic as we go through life.

If what I'm writing here doesn't make very much sense, check out Aimee Mann's latest CD, "@#%$*! Smilers," and then make sure to catch her in concert as soon as possible. For my part, I couldn't have been more pleased with her amazing performance at House of Blues, Anaheim, on Friday, June 6. In addition to her role on lead vocals, acoustic guitars and keyboards, Mann was backed by a simple two-man lineup of bassist Paul Bryant and keyboardist Jamie Edwards. But the sparse lineup and compelling arrangements suited material from throughout her career delivered well on this night early in her summer tour.

She began her set featuring material from her latest CD, including opening with the infectious single "Freeway" and going on to play many of that disc's greatest tracks, including "31 Today" and "Medicine Wheel." She also played several reworked covers (a highlight being Elton John's "My Father's Gun") and plenty of surefire works from her own career. "Red Vines" and "Invisible Ink."

She was relaxed and sang and told stories and it was a wonderful night. By the time she finished with a rocking version of "Deathly," I knew I had just caught one of my favorite shows of 2008.

Lit Drummer Allen Shellenberger diagnosed with Malignant Brain Tumor

I just received the following press release from Ken Phillips Publicity Group, Inc. today:

Allen Shellenberger, 38 year-old drummer for Orange County rock band Lit, has been diagnosed with amalignant brain tumor. Lit made an initial announcement over their website on May 5th that a brain tumor had been discovered and the band was canceling their European tour dates with KISS.

Biopsy results identified Shellenberger's cancer as malignant glioma. According to the National Cancer Institute, malignant glioma affects approximately 10,000 Americans per year. It is the same type of cancer Senator Edward M. Kennedy is battling. Allen's symptoms prior to diagnosis were numbness and tingling in the left side of his body. Shellenberger is under the care of world-renownedneurosurgeons Dr. Hunt and Dr. Black at theCedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute where he is pursuing radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Despite the news, Allen is in good spirits and committed to the fight. Lit, which has been both a brotherhood and a band forover 20 years, has enjoyed multi-platinum success and chart-topping singles including "My Own Worst Enemy,""Miserable," and others. After two decades together, the band continues to write, record and tour.

"Allen's young and healthy and if anyone has a chance to beat this, it's him," says Lit guitarist Jeremy Popoff. "As sad and scared as we all are, we're standing by him and staying positive. We're going to fight this together."

Doheny Blues Fest closes with a series of superb sets

Bonnie Raitt, Joe Bonamassa (seen here), Watermelon Slim and Shawn Jones were all standouts on the fest's second day.

With a bright full moon positioned over the waters of the Pacific, Bonnie Raitt brought a magical close to the 11th annual Doheny Blues Festival on Sunday night.
Her 90-minute set capped more than two dozen performances that played out at the two-day festival staged at Doheny State Beach over the weekend. For those – and I count myself in that camp – who had only seen the 58-year-old singer-guitarist play in an indoor venue, watching Raitt perform at an outdoor event was a decidedly different affair.
Her trademark skills as a slide guitarist and nuanced vocalist were on display, but there was a casual attitude that goes with being at a blues fest that found Raitt inviting a fan on stage at one point and bantering back and forth with members of the crowd. Indeed, at one point when one fan yelled out a request for a favorite song, Raitt good-naturedly replied, "I can't play them all. I've been around too long."
However, few in the capacity crowd seemed anything but thrilled with the song choices and their presentation in Dana Point. Whether performing radio favorites such as the upbeat blues-rock of "Thing Called Love" and "Something to Talk About" or bringing many in the audience to tears with the beautiful "I Can't Make You Love Me," her set was truly outstanding.

Earlier in the day, the full scope of roots and blues music was showcased via a wide range of artists. Those arriving by 11:15 got to see singer-guitarist Shawn Jones kick things off on the Main Stage with an accessible and infectious blend of original blues-rock. His guitar playing, voice and songwriting won over many who didn't know this newcomer from the Inland Empire. Songs such as the confessional "Glorybound" and high-octane rocker "Savin' the Best for Last" were among the highlights of his 45-minute set.

And from the excitement and overheard comments from everyone positioned around the Main Stage, few will forget their introduction to Joe Bonamassa. The 31-year-old Bonamassa is this generation's real life guitar hero, a fret master who has a vast number of musical ideas and an arsenal of electric and acoustic guitar chops to express those dreams in full.
On Sunday afternoon, his style of heavy blues recalled strong guitar players such as Walter Trout and Gary Moore, but Bonamassa showcased his own voice with original material such as the beautiful rocker "Sloe Gin" and Delta blues-tinged "High Water Everywhere."

Although it's anyone's guess when Watermelon Slim & the Workers will find their way back to Orange County, the talented and original blues quartet performed an enjoyable 45-minute set of blues on the Backporch stage. Watermelon Slim proved to be both charismatic and engaging in the intimate setting, singing, playing harmonica and slide guitar with fervor.
There was an authentic, retro quality across the troupe's fiery set, with "Devil's Cadillac" and "Ash Tray" illustrating the loose and freewheeling style the commanding ensemble has made their own.

11th annual Doheny Blues Fest gets off to a smoking start

Review published on http://www.ocregister.com/ on Sunday, May 11, 2008

There are headlining performers who often earn top billing via name recognition and album sales. But in the world of blues, the formula for success seems to be divided between those who have been around forever (B.B. King, the late John Lee Hooker) or bust out of the gate so quickly that fans want to know what all the fuss is about.

But day one at the 11th running of Omega Events' Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point - staged on Saturday, May 17, 2008 - found there can be a happy medium.
When Jonny Lang burst on the scene in 1996, he was a fresh-faced 15-year-old kid from Fargo, N.D., who nevertheless played powerfully on electric guitar and already had a voice that recalled a young Joe Cocker.
Now 27, Lang used the occasion of his night-ending spot before a capacity-crowd on the Main Stage to demonstrate he is now a singer, guitarist and frontman whose time has clearly arrived.
When Lang last performed at the Doheny Blues Fest in 2003, he was good, but this time he was great over the course of his 90-minute showcase. The searing guitar attack now is part of a wider artistic focus that still involves the well-known early staples of his set ("Wander This World," "I Am," "Lie to Me"), but also features gospel and R&B influences in mature songs such as "Thankful" and "Turn Around."

Of the other big names performing on Saturday, Robert Cray's story is much like Lang's. He came to prominence in the 1980s, finding popularity outside of the blues world with his "Strong Persuader" album and the sure-fire hit "Smoking Gun."
But Cray has done nothing but keep moving forward. In Dana Point, he used his soulful and wonderful voice and strong guitar playing in the service of gems such as "The One in the Middle" and "Right Next Door (Because of Me)."

Although Eric Burdon was one of the architects of the British Invasion in the 1960s, his Saturday performance was far from essential. In one of the biggest disappointments of the day, Burdon & the Animals played big hits such as "We Gotta Get Out of this Place," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "House of the Rising Sun" to the delight of casual fans. But Burdon's once-masterful voice has lost its range and power, and the arrangements sounded closer to a bar band's delivery than that of a seminal force from the 1960s.

However, most of the day's performances were strong and worth the walking required to get to all three stages as they offered a rotating schedule of artists. On the acoustic Backporch, Bobby Rush told stories and sang the blues from throughout his 53-year recording career. And earlier on the same stage, harmonica wiz Lazy Lester teamed with Kid Ramos, Johnny Bazz and Bill Bateman for some Louisiana-styled Delta offerings that quickly helped the crowd forget about the noontime sun.
Part of Doheny's contribution to audiences is presenting influential artists to bring depth to the fest. At 94, singer-keyboardist Pinetop Perkins is truly one of the last of the original guard of Mississippi bluesmen. He remains an important voice in the blues, and teamed with 77-year-old guitarist Hubert Sumlin (a longtime player with Howlin' Wolf's band) and harmonica great Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (the youngster in the trio, he turns 72 this year) to play a mix of Chicago and Delta blues.

And those who didn't get to the blues fest until late missed the so-called Breakfast Set, with guitar virtuosos Pat Hennessy and Terry Medeiros playing instrumentals such as "Rude Mood" and a strong original, "Long Lean Woman." And kicking things off on the Main Stage, Elnora and Sumpthin' Cookin' also turned in a strong set of jazz-tinged blues tunes. And area singer-guitarist Leff Rogers also impressed the early arriving fans with a set of electric guitar-styled blues throughout his 45-minute set.

Doheny Blues is coming this weekend

Photo cutline information: Singer-guitarist Joe Bonamassa will perform at the Doheny Blues Festival on Sunday.

There are plenty of famed artists set to perform at the 11th annual Doheny Blues Festival this weekend (May 17 and 18), with Jonny Lang set to headline on Saturday night and nine-time Grammy Award winner Bonnie Raitt scheduled to close things out on Sunday evening.
There will be a wealth of not-to-be-missed performances both days, with the Robert Cray Band, Eric Burdon & the Animals and J.J. Grey & MOFRO all set to appear on Saturday.

In addition to Raitt, Sunday’s lineup features Little Feat with special guest-guitarist Coco Montoya, singer-guitarist Joe Bonamassa and the Bobby Rush Revue.
In all, three stages will feature a total of 26 performances over the two-day festival.
Omega Events has once again put together an exciting festival that features young up-and-coming artists (Bonamassa, Lang), as well as legendary names such as Raitt and Cray.

Some of the genre’s most treasured champions are set to play on Saturday, including 94-year-old piano player Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins (among the last of the great Mississippi bluesmen) and 77-year-old blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin (a long-time member of the late Howlin’ Wolf’s band).
Burdon – who along with the Beatles and Rolling Stones led the British Invasion of the 1960s – will likely play a mix of blues and hits like “House of the Rising Sun,” “Spill the Wine” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” when he plays on the first day of the festival.
For those coming to the festival on Sunday, best not to miss the afternoon set from Bonamassa. Named Best Blues Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine’s readers in 2007 and 2008, the New York native is truly one of today’s most amazing electric blues guitar players. He will likely feature material off recent albums such as “You & Me” and “Sloe Gin” at the fest.
The Doheny Blues Festival will be held at Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point on May 17 and 18.
The doors open at 11 a.m. daily, and the music ends at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For those waiting in line before the doors open, there will be live music and a coffee cart outside the front gate.For more information on the 11th annual Doheny Blues Festival, including ticket information, visit www.omegaevents.com.

The Smithereens are coming to town this week

The Smithereens are back.
Not only is the New Jersey rock quartet issuing a wonderful new collection, “Live in Concert – Greatest Hits and More” on May 27, but the band will be returning to headline at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday night, May 15.

The forthcoming KOCH Records commercial release showcases tracks captured during the Smithereens’ four-night run at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that played out Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2008.

The shows marked a true homecoming celebration since the band (singer-guitarist Pat DiNizio, lead guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo ‘The Thrilla’ Jornacion) was launched from nearby Carteret and Scotch Plains, New Jersey and often performed at the Court Tavern at the beginning of their career.

All of the band’s best-known hits are delivered powerfully on the new disc, including gems such as the set-opening “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” explosive “A Girl Like You” and haunting “Only a Memory.” But long-time fans of the group will also be eager to hear two new songs, “Any Other Way” and “Since you Went Away.”
The Smithereens are fronted by DiNizio, who has a distinctive and powerful baritone voice able to fully deliver material that recalls the rich tradition of artists such as the Byrds, Buddy Holly, the Who and Nick Lowe. But the band’s sound is truly its own and the Smithereens’ performances at the Coach House are legendary, with DiNizio and Babjak often walking out on the tables while deploying all their skills on electric guitar.

Anyone who has seen the Smithereens since the outfit exploded on the scene in the mid-1980s knows the powerful approach, best described as the perfect blend of Beatles melody-making and AC/DC riff rock. The Smithereens remain a enduring reminder of how much rock ‘n’ roll matters, and those attending the upcoming show at the Coach House will have plenty of chances to sing-along and cheer for one of America’s few artists able to masterfully blend hard rock, power pop and singer-songwriter instincts together into a perfect brew.

The Smithereens and Orange County's own the Relatives will perform at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on May 15.
Admission is $20 in advance or $23 on the day of the show.
Information: 949-496-8930.

Stagecoach Festival 2008: A Look Back

BIG-RIG-JIG: This impressive sculpture was among the countless visual highlights displayed at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio this year. The music was often good too, as evidenced by Shooter Jennings' (seen here, courtesy of my up-close view) set on May 2.

I didn't make it to the Coachella Festival last month, but I did get to attend my first-ever Stagecoach Festival when I went to check out the action on Friday, May 2. That was day one of the three-day run of the event, and was really the only day I was excited about considering the 90-something degree daytime temps in Indio.

After spending an hour or so inside the Empire Polo Field, checking out the artwork and vendor booths, it was time to head over to the Palomino Stage. I had never seen Shooter Jennings and I was glad I did on this day. His 45-minute set included inventive Southern rockers such as "Bad Magick," the tender fury of "Daddy's Farm" and beauty of "Gone To Carolina." His guitar playing was as inspired as his time behind the keyboards and he proved to be every bit as authentic as I had heard he was. I hope to see him again in concert soon.

Next, I headed over to the Tundra Mane Stage where I would see the next four sets. Shelby Lynne basically sank her own set because from the time she came out, she was angry about a VIP-only area near the stage that kept the crowds and her apart. So with the notable exception of her strong version of "Jesus on a Greyhound," I found very little to recommend about her 50-minute set.

Her latest album, "Just a Little Lovin'," is a loving tribute to Dusty Springfield and has been scoring strong praise since its release in January 2008. However, her anger and approach in Indio derailed the strength of tracks such as "Breakfast in Bed" and "I Only Want to Be With You" as rendered this day.

Trisha Yearwood couldn't have been more different in terms of her approach to playing at Stagecoach. The likeable singer may not be the tour de force entertainer of a Garth Brooks or other stars of country music, but she has a pleasing voice and used it wonderfully throughout her 45-minute set here. Highlights included "Xxxs and Ooos (An American Girl)" and "Cowboys Are My Weakness," as well as the title track from her 2007 album "Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love."

Anyone who has read my posts here or stories in the Orange County Register over the years knows I am a big - repeat BIG - John Fogerty fan. So it will come as no surprise that I was thrilled with his impressive hour-long set on Friday night. Kicking things off at 7:43 p.m. with "Born On The Bayou" and playing the last notes of "Proud Mary" at 8:52, his 17-song set was another clear and powerful reminder that he is one of the best and most original rock artists in the fiftysomething-year history of the genre. His voice and guitar playing were strong throughout, including on the acoustic-styled "Who'll Stop The Rain" and "Broken Down Cowboy," as well as the fiery "Fortunate Son," guitar-anchored "Keep On Chooglin'" and country-tinged "Bad Moon Rising."

Going into the home stretch on Friday night, I had high hopes with the Eagles. I saw the band back in the early 1990s during the "Hell Freezes Over" tour or whatever it was called, and the band was great. But while I enjoyed the Eagles when they played Eagles classics such as "Peaceful Easy Feeling," "Lyin' Eyes" and "Hotel California," there were too many bumps in the road for me this night. Maybe it was I just don't want to see Joe Walsh sing "Life's Been Good" or Don Henley "Dirty Laundry" sounds as dated as its 1982 release date, I wish the Eagles would have stuck to Eagles stuff. And the magic that I felt when I saw the Eagles the first time just wasn't there for me at Stagecoach. Sorry guys.

To the band's credit, I did like the Eagles kicking off with a new song, "How Long," which benefited from some great harmonies and emotive musicianship. But by the time the band ended the night with "Desperado" at 11:25 p.m., I was ready to saddle up and head for home.

The Fallen Stars are on the rise

Note: This story was originally published on www.ocregister.com on May 7, 2008.

For fans of the Fallen Stars, good things truly come to those who wait.
The Fallen Stars are celebrating the release of their latest studio collection, the 13-song "Where the Road Bends," and the bonus seven-song concert recording, "Vayo Con Queso," with two shows this weekend. The Fallen Stars perform at the Marlin Bar in Huntington Beach on Saturday, May 10, and then play at the Grand Ole Echo in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 11.

"We started recording the tracks in November of '06," said lead guitarist Gregg Braught. The Huntington Beach-based group also features singer-guitarist Bobbo Byrnes, singer-bassist Tracy Byrnes, drummer John Vowell and keyboardist-mandolin player Geoff Geib.
There were a number of reasons it took 18 months to complete "Where the Road Bends," including a process of recording with Rami Jaffee at Chicasa Studios in Malibu, and then more recently, with Shawn Lindell at Lindell Productions in Westminster.

"Without deadlines, nothing would ever get done," admitted singer-guitarist Bobbo Byrnes. "Thirty-five songs were tracked in the studio; a couple of them were recorded a couple of times."
Tracy Byrnes noted the band had a good reason for doing a sonic double-take: "One of the reasons why we rerecorded at the end was we were a better band."

Highlights on "Where the Road Bends" include the freewheeling alt-country rocker "St. George's Bank," heartland-flavored "One, Two, Three," the folk rock of "Raining in Hollywood" and traditional country-western gem "Diner Door."
"We recorded more songs than what landed on the CD," Vowell explained. "We're not in a hurry to be rushed into something."
The aforementioned "One, Two, Three" was among the songs written only a few weeks before the CD was sent into production.

"The last five (songs) we cut were kind of tough," Bobbo Byrnes said of favorite tracks left off "Where the Road Bends."
Added Geib: "But they are still a big part of our live set list."

Geib was recruited to join the band last year.
"In July or August '07, Geoff came in and almost immediately was in the recording studio doing something," Vowell recalled.
Another winning element in the Fallen Stars' sound is the effective way that husband-and-wife team of Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes handle lead vocal duties, as well as the adventurous way they blend those voices beautifully together on songs such as "House of Cards" and "APB."
"Combined vocals are really what we're going for," said Tracy Byrnes, adding that Braught also provides vocal harmonies on many of the new songs.
"I have so much fun singing with them," Braught said. "That adds a big element to our sound."

Another successful component of the Fallen Stars' live shows is the masterful presentation of select covers.
"We only play covers from people we like," Vowell said. Members noted that songs by the Clash, Bruce Springsteen, Gram Parsons and the Rolling Stones have made that grade.
"Vayo Con Queso" is a live recording of the Fallen Stars captured when the band played at the Coach House on Feb. 21 of this year. Tracks on that set include "Sioux City," "Outlaws & Angels" and "Vegas."
Anyone who purchases "Where the Road Bends" at the band's shows this weekend will get a free copy of "Vayo Con Queso."
Whether recording in the studio or performing live, the Fallen Stars are truly on the rise, as evidenced by the group taking top honors as best live acoustic band at the 2008 Orange County Music Awards held in March.
"It's all about what's best for the song," Tracy Byrnes said.
Information: www.TheFallenStars.com or www.myspace.com/thefallenstars.

Michael Ubaldini has issued another winning album, the aptly-titled "Street Singin' Troubadour."

It's almost impossible for many modern rock artists to comprehend issuing a new full-length album every year. For example, Coldplay's forthcoming "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" will be the band's first studio effort since 2005. R.E.M.'s recently-issued "Accelerate" marked the group's first new studio album in four years and fans of Radiohead had to wait just as long between the release of 2003's "Hail to the Thief" and 2007's "In Rainbows."

Fountain Valley singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini has been on an unbelievable tear since the beginning of the decade, issuing one memorable album after another at a breathtaking pace – especially impressive since he books his own shows, including out-of-state and European tours. In addition to the release of 2007's "Storybook," 2006's "Empty Bottles & Broken Guitar Strings" and 2004's "Avenue of Ten Cent Hearts," he even had time to pen a book filled with his original writings, "Lost American Nights: Lyrics & Poems," published by Moon Tide Press in 2006.

His latest disc, "Street Singin' Troubadour," boasts 13 songs written at the end of 2007 and beginning of this year. Fans can get the new disc when Ubaldini appears at two album release parties, including an afternoon show at Pepperland Music in Orange on May 10 and an evening performance at Alta Coffee in Newport Beach on May 15. Admission to both shows is free.

"The album was written at the end of '07 and beginning of '08. Songs like 'Sound of the Age,' 'World Peace in 10 Easy Lessons' and "Sidewalk Musicians' all were written in '08," Ubaldini explained when we got together for a recent interview chat.

"I've been doing lots of acoustic gigs. This ('Street Singin' Troubadour') is different from 'Acoustic Rumble' (his 1999 release). I wanted to have lyrics that were not about finger pointing. I don't care about blue/red divisions," Ubaldini said. "I write from the point of being an outsider from all these trendy groups."

Indeed, his album takes a thoughtful approach to weighty subjects such as war, terrorism, faith and our own mortality.
"I just write what I feel like writing," he said.

With the exception of collections such as Bruce Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad," there have not been many folk albums like "Street Singin' Troubadour" issued in years. Building his lyrical tales with nothing but an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his own emotive baritone, Ubaldini wanted to tap into the forces that make folk so timeless.
"It's straight," he said of his album. "Like early records from Bob Dylan and the late (Rick Rubin-produced) ones from Johnny Cash. It's my answer to all the overproduced, over-compressed records."
"The record is a natural extension of all my records. A lot of artists tap into that."

Material ranges from a confessional tale "Dem' Ol' Pneumonia Blues" he wrote when returning from the hospital to a moving tale of a Catholic priest who takes his own life when he is falsely accused of a crime in the artfully delivered "Ballad of Father Patrick." And "Sad Empty Streets of Sunday" is one of the most beautiful and sparse songs Ubaldini has ever recorded.

"It's an intimate record set in an intimate setting," Ubaldini said.
Although there is a thriving regional and national Americana and roots scene now, it's easy to forget that Ubaldini has been at the forefront of the movement since his Lee Rocker-produced "Mystery Train" was released in 1994. The Fallen Stars, Mike Ness, Limbeck and Dusty Rhodes and the River Band are among the crop of locals whose current work ultimately celebrates the territory Ubaldini has been exploring since the early 1990s.
Ubaldini used a mere 18 hours of studio time to record "Street Singin' Troubadour" and is proud of the authentic sound and emotion that comes across the album. Like on his previous discs, Ubaldini hopes the songs will stand the test of time.
"I'm just playing guitar and signing, but I don't think that's retro."

Ubaldini will perform at Pepperland Music, 850 N. Tustin Ave., Orange, at 2 p.m. on May 10. He will also be at Alta Coffee, 506 31st St., Newport Beach, from 8-10 p.m. on May 15.
Information: www.rocknrollpoet.com.

A tale of two shows: Matt Costa vs. Sly Stone

Sly Stone, photographed by Kelly A. Swift at the House of Blues in January 2007, performed a full-length show at the same venue over the weekend.

I reviewed shows two nights in a row (Matt Costa and Satisfaction on April 24 and Sly & the Family Stone and Jupiter Rising on April 25) and the experiences couldn't have been more different.

When an artist keeps an audience waiting two hours just to hear a mere hour's worth of music, the show better be amazing.
Sly Stone's own remarks early in his set at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Friday night (April 25, 2008) were likely a bit revealing: "Everybody made the rehearsals except me, but I made the gig!"

And while the concert marked the first full-length appearance by Sly and the Family Stone in decades, the reclusive and little-understood 65-year-old leader of the pioneering '60s-spawned funk act did show up as promised to lead his large band through their best-known hits.
And to be fair, Stone was much more impressive and engaging at the Mouse House on Friday night than the odd reunion appearance at the 2006 Grammy Awards.

"Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," "I Want to Take You Higher" and "Family Affair" are among Stone's best-remembered tracks and it was historic to hear them performed by their architect in the intimate setting.
But Stone, who blended funk, soul and psychedelia in the late 1960s and early '70s, came off much like Brian Wilson, a man truly alone even in the largest and most public of settings. Stone's voice was strong in brief spurts, but both his singing and keyboard playing reflected the fragile nature of his condition.
From the opening strains of "Sing a Simple Song" that kicked off the show to an a cappella version of a new tune featuring the lyrics "I'm a Real Model, not a role model," there was more of a sense of being at a historic event rather than at a great show.

Opening act Jupiter Rising played an energetic mix of hip-hop and pop that failed to connect with the crowd.
Although lead singer Jessie Payo and rapper Spencer Nezey delivered songs such as the sexually-charged "Flip My Switch" and melodic "Electropop" with fire, this crowd was on hand to hear Sly. Little did they know when Jupiter Rising left the stage after a quick six-song set at 8:24 p.m., they would have to wait until 10:15 for Sly & company to show.

What about the show I caught a night earlier featuring headliner Matt Costa and opening outfit Satisfaction?

Indeed, Costa's laid back approach proves to be a perfect fit with his intricate style of songcraft, while Satisfaction impresses with a retro-tinged attack.

Performing before a sold-out crowd as part of the Orange County Performing Arts Center's Off Center Series on Thursday night, Huntington Beach native Matt Costa delivered exactly the kind of pleasing, no-frills show a casual listener might expect.

Whereas many of his contemporaries are all about in-your-face style and attitude, Costa proved his prowess continues to be about intricate song craft and how he can help listeners connect with those tunes.
Armed with his acoustic guitar – and occasionally adding harmonica or electric keyboards to his on-stage arsenal – Costa and his four-man band offered up solid versions of his best-known folk rock and alt country-styled material over the course of 90 minutes.

Although he wears many of his influences on his sonic sleeve – notably Donovan, the Beatles and Neil Young – it would not be smart to dismiss Costa's gifts as something strictly out of the past packaged for today's audiences. He proved throughout his set that complex chord patterns, melodic choruses and an emotive voice can be lethal weapons in the quest to get ears turned his way.

Although fans seem most delighted with the performance of the breezy '70s-styled "Cold December" and "Yellow Taxi," the upbeat country of "Sweet Rose" and "Ballad of Miss Kate" also got the general admission audience on the floor moving to the music.
Material from his most recent album, 2008's "Unfamiliar Faces," also worked well in the set, notably the Kinks-flavored "Trying to Lose My Mind" and bouncy "Miss Magnolia."

If members of the Dave Clark Five, Raspberries and Franz Ferdinand had bridged the distance between their respective generations and formed a band together, it might well sound like Orange County's own Satisfaction.
Led by ex-Smile frontman singer-guitarist Michael Rosas, the quartet's propulsive attack was truly formidable.
Playing eight songs across 40 minutes, Satisfaction (rounded out by bassist Aaron Wahlman and brothers Matthew Fletcher on keyboards and James Fletcher on drums) featured songs from the band's wonderful 2007 release "Cougars, Sharks & Flying Sparks."
It's not a surprise that Costa specifically praised Satisfaction during his set. Songs such as the infectiously raucous "Feel So Stupid" and "So We'll Just Take the Night" should continue to draw new audiences to this wonderful troupe.