[Jim Price]

CHRISTMAS WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 12/26/06

BROKEN PONY @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 12/20/06

My usual Wednesday “hell night” at the workplace wasn’t too hellacious on me this week, enabling me to escape fairly early to check in with Broken Pony during the Hitching Post’s Wednesday “Country Night.”

It wasn't as crowded for Broken Pony this night as it was the previous time I came here to see them, so I was able to procure a good strategic vantage point at one of the tables in the band room side of the bar. Singer/acoustic guitarist Pat McGinnis, electric guitarist Randy "Jackson" Rutherford, Dean Berkheimer on banjo, Kim Metzger on pedal steel and Les Beatty on drums played a mixture of Americana country, blues and classics. Pat was singing lead on "Miss Me When I'm Gone" as I arrived, and the group also performed renditions of Delbert McClinton's "Two More Bottles of Wine," Jerry Jeff Walker's "Redneck Mother," Roger Miller's "King of the Road," and other selections. The group took a lighthearted stab at "Dueling Banjos," but the train ran off the tracks as the song accelerated. They then finished the set with Jimmy Reed's "Bright Lights, Big City."

Broken Pony's nightcap set continued the mixture of country, blues and classics. This set included renditions of Neil Young's "Long May You Run," Fleetwood Mac's "Gold Dust Woman," J.J. Cale's "Crazy Mama," the Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers," and Marshall Tucker Band's "Heard It in a Love Song." The night ended with a special treat, as Erika Marino and Evan Rutherford from Nine Planet Tour joined the group onstage; Erika sang lead and Evan played drums alongside his father, Randy, on renditions of Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobby McGee" and a tune I didn't recognize, "Turn Me On."

Overall, it was an enjoyable show. These seasoned players made it sound smooth and polished, and they kept the mood laid-back and relaxed. And it was a treat to see father and son – Randy and Evan – performing side by side. A good time.

Pat McGinnis and substitute drummer Les Beatty of Broken Pony.

Kim Metzger of Broken Pony.

Randy Rutherford of Broken Pony.

Broken Pony, performing country sounds to devour mass quantities of Hitching Post ribs to.

Son and father on the same stage: Evan and Randy Rutherford.

DUSTIN BURLEY @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 12/20/06

Needing to procure Claudio's January schedule of bands for Pennsylvania Musician, I next headed to City Limits. This also provided me with an opportunity to catch Dustin Burley's weekly Wednesday night acoustic performance.

It was a quaint but respectable group of people in attendance as I arrived. While conducting magazine business with Claudio, I listened as Dustin did an interesting and eclectic mixture of sounds. I noted renditions of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads," Phish's "Ya Mar," Men At Work's "Down Under," and Ween's "Roses Are Free" to end the set.

A few more folks arrived at City Limits during Dustin's performance and the intermission, and while not crowded by any means, there was a nice little gathering present to cheer Dustin on as his next set commenced. Highlights during this set included Dustin's interesting fusion of Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" with Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again," along with renditions of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer," Phish's "Timber," Snoop Dogg's "Gin & Juice" and more. The mood became more festive as the show progressed, fed by several fans' crazy antics around the microphone. Good, clean fun.

A tableside view of Dustin Burley in action.

Again, Dustin Burley.

Once again, from over the table and beer bottles, Dustin Burley.

ROCK & RYE @ BELMAR HOTEL, ALTOONA 12/21/06

Having seen Dustin Burley the night before, I thought it was time to check in with his father, Greg Burley, and the latest with his acoustic project, Rock & Rye.

Owing to my usual sense of bad timing, Rock & Rye were on the last song of their first set as I arrived, Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See.” I had arrived just in time for intermission. I quickly noticed that Rock & Rye were operating as a trio, with Greg (“Rock”) on lead vocals and guitar, accomplice Ryan Clark (“Rye”) on guitar and backing vocals, and a special guest named Sav playing upright bass. According to Greg and Ryan, Sav had been sitting in with the duo during the past few weeks.

Eventually the three musicians returned to the stage for the next round. Rock & Rye & Sav opened with Stone Sour’s “Through Glass,” and mixed classic, current rock and other favorites. The three tackled The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” Fuel’s “Shimmer,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Tuesday’s Gone,” the Johnny Cash double-shot of “Cocaine Blues” and “I Walk the Line” (with Greg providing the convincing low-toned Man-In-Black growl), Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue On Black,” and to end the set, Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry.”

Besides sounding good in their performance thus far, Rock & Rye were also in good form comically, bringing laughs from the Belmar audience a couple of times during the set. At one point, Rock beckoned to the Belmar wait staff to bring him a shot, remarking “I’m important!” Rye responded with “No, you’re impotent.” Later in the set, after a Salvation Army bell was rung at the main bar to attract tips and donations, Rock commented “There’s no salvation where we’re going.”

The music and merriment soon resumed, with Rock & Rye & Sav opening their final set with Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home).” After following with the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil,” the musicians broke out a Christmas-themed tune, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” The set continued with Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song,” Bob Dylan’s “Like A Hurricane” and Puddle Of Mudd’s “She Hates Me,” before some more comedy in the form of Denis Leary’s “A—hole Song.” Rock & Rye & Sav then tackled Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” before ending the set with their unique, two-acoustic-guitars-and-upright-bass rendition of Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Nite.” With Belmar main man Al Jr. requesting an encore, Rock & Rye & Sav returned to their instruments to do one more song, the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” with Al and an accomplice singing along, providing a fun and lighthearted end of the evening.

It was good-time acoustic intoxication, fun and holiday season merriment rolled into one. Rock & Rye & Sav brought smiles-a-plenty to the Belmar audience; and this show increased the cheer level heading into this special holiday weekend.

Rock & Rye raise yuletide spirits at the Belmar.

Greg “Rock” Burley.

Rock & Rye & Sav (on left).

HALF TEMPTED @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 12/22/06

With rain and fog on the mountain tops this night, and work-related Christmas parties keeping me in town through early evening, I decided to stick around the Altoona area this Friday night, and relax with some friends and good old rock’n’roll with Half Tempted at the Hitching Post. This would also be bassist “Big Jim” Ricotta’s final Altoona show with the group, as he departs Half Tempted in January for career reasons.

Half Tempted delivered rip-roaring classic rock from the get-go, firing into their first set with Drivin’n’Cryin’s “Fly Me Courageous.” The group – the aforementioned Big Jim on bass, singer and guitarist Ron Dalansky and drummer Steve McCulley – continued with rapid fire back-to-back classics from AC/DC, Steve Miller Band, Black Sabbath, The Who, Poison, Free, Brownsville Station, Aerosmith and more. Towards the end of the first set, the group welcomed Backdraft’s Brian Cupples up to sing and play guitar on Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” and Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” before closing out their first salvo with AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie.”

There was a good crowd in the house for Big Jim’s final Altoona show with the group. A number of musicians were present and showing support as well, including members of Lies, Inc., The Syrins, Nine Planet Tour and the aforementioned Brian from Backdraft. Christmas weekend had arrived, and cheer and good spirits were in abundance at the Hitching Post this night.

A special treat kicked off Half Tempted’s second set, as The Syrins contingent of singer/guitarist Tom Fronauer, bassist/singer Mike Furry and drummer Chris Conrad stepped up to perform a kickass rendition of a Deep Purple deep cut, “Maybe I’m a Leo.” Half Tempted then returned to their instruments and resumed with Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City,” before the group’s frequent-flyer guest, Denise “Nece” Neely, joined Ron on lead vocals for AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long.” After Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny,” Half Tempted did an acoustic rendition of Five Man Electrical Band/Tesla’s “Signs.” They then picked the tempo back up with songs from Seven Mary Three, Nirvana, Judas Priest, Ted Nugent, and AC/DC’s “The Jack” to close out the second set.

A special Christmas display kicked off the third set, as guest Brian Cupples returned to the stage to sing and play guitar on a nice rendition of “Silent Night.” Half Tempted then reconvened the hard-rocking party with numbers from Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, a “Nece”-fronted version of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” Blur, Cheap Trick and John Mellencamp, finally culminating in the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” to end the night.

In reliable fashion, Half Tempted came, saw, and rocked the house! Ron, Big Jim and Steve fired away at a fast clip, keeping the musical action steady and constant. Their guests provided some cool highlights and side journeys; all providing ample reasons for the Hitching Post crowd to cheer, rock and dance along through the course of the evening. Big Jim was given a warm Altoona send-off, and the holiday weekend mood escalated further skyward. A kickass good time!

Three-fourths of The Syrins make a cameo appearance during Half Tempted’s performance.

Again, Mike, Chris and Tom of The Syrins.

Chris Conrad of The Syrins.

Playing his final Altoona show with Half Tempted this night, Big Jim.

Frequent flyer guest Denise “Nece” Neely belts out some voice with Half Tempted.

Again, Half Tempted with Denise on vocals.

More Half Tempted with Denise.

Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted.

Half Tempted rocks the Hitching Post.

A Ron-Denise duet during Half Tempted’s show.

Steve McCulley of Half Tempted.

Once again, Half Tempted.

Again, Big Jim of Half Tempted.

“DUANEFEST” APPLIANCE OUTLET CHRISTMAS PARTY, ALTOONA 12/23/06

For a number of years, one of the Christmas holiday season events I have always looked forward to attending is the annual combination Christmas and birthday party thrown by semi-retired local musician and proprietor of the Appliance Outlet in Altoona, Duane Sipe. Duane is a former co-worker of mine at the previous radio station I worked for, and he's thrown this little shindig just about every year since he opened Appliance Outlet, in an upper floor above the store. I hadn't received an invitation to this year's party, and was starting to believe Duane wasn't doing it this year, or had decided not to invite me (I didn't gorge down that many peel-and-eat shrimps last year!). Anyway, the email showed up in my computer two days before the party, and thus, my Christmas Eve's eve kicked off with Duane's party.

The reason I recap this private party event is because live music is a part of it every year. And this year was no exception. Instruments and gear were set up, and the party featured an impromptu open mic of various musicians and audience members. Recognizable names taking part during the time I was there included party host Duane himself on bass, Midnight Rodeo members Mark Diehl on guitar and Terry Feathers helping with vocals, and Happy Valley's Steve Yetzko on voice. Other participants included an aspiring teenage drummer (I didn't catch his name) who brought his own kit, and Appliance Outlet employee Matt Shoerner on vocals and guitar (this guy is good!). I didn't have a notepad (it was a party, not a show), so I didn't jot down songs performed, but a selection of common rock'n'roll favorites were jammed upon by the aforementioned musicians and others through the course of the evening.

One sidelight of this project was Mark Diehl playing for me some impressive-sounding tracks from a young band he has been recording in his Bedford studio, The Overthrow. He gave me a copy of The Overthrow's demo, and the group – based in Indiana – is now booked to appear on Q94's "Backyard Rocker" on May 6.

The jam session was fun, the food selection was good (the shrimp disappeared pretty quickly this year, and I wasn't totally responsible!), and the mood was cheerful and friendly. Tradition was served once again, and I had a good time. Thanks again Duane for letting me be a part of it!

Musical activity during the Appliance Outlet Christmas party.

More musical fun during the Appliance Outlet Christmas party.

“ONE VOICE MUSICAL SHOWCASE” @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 12/23/06

The reason I left the merriment of the Appliance Outlet Christmas party was to catch the latest installment of Dave Moses' "One Voice Musical Showcase" benefit concert series, taking place at Aldo's for the benefit of American Rescue Workers. Three bands were on the bill; I missed the first group, Lies, Inc., but arrived in time to catch the other two bands, The Embalmed and Choking Faith.

This was the first opportunity I had to witness The Embalmed since the Straw brothers, Jason and Chad, reformed the group earlier in the fall. Both brothers play guitars and snarl 'vokills,' while former Saucemonster/Hexhed bassman Greg "Uncle Scabby" Hatch provides bottom end and Darren Byer plays drums. The Embalmed's new era of maelstrom - as during their earlier era - is defined by immensely heavy metal grooves and intense, caustic vocals. The Embalmed introduced several new assaults during the last half of their set, including "Reputation for Decapitation" and "Lesson Burned;" and also resurrected former Embalmed assaults such as "Barbed Wire Morgue" and "Writhe." The group also pulled a song from Jason's dormant project House Of Cain, performing "Emissary." This edition of The Embalmed sounded tight and seasoned, and their performance was confident and in the faces of the Aldo's audience. I found this new edition of The Embalmed interesting, because after both Jason and Chad logged time fronting House Of Cain and Killjingle respectively, the new Embalmed sound suggested the interlocking of puzzle pieces between the other two projects. I could detect elements of both House Of Cain and Killjingle present in the overall Embalmed sound; which makes sense, since both projects first arose indirectly from the ashes of The Embalmed's first stint (and after the short-lived project in-between, Deviance). Bottom line, The Embalmed delivered some impressive wall-scalding sounds in their first Altoona visit since their return, and I'll be interested to hear what this band's future brings.

Chad Straw of The Embalmed.

The Embalmed extends season’s beatings onstage at Aldo’s.

Chad Straw and Greg Hatch of The Embalmed.

Again, The Embalmed.

Once again, The Embalmed.

A decent-sized crowd was on hand at Aldo's to support the One Voice Musical Showcase; good considering all the Christmas parties and holiday get-togethers likely taking place this night. It was again good to see people supporting this series, which showcases original-geared bands and artists, with proceeds helping out charity.

With frontman Jason Mittan's trademark bellowing of "Make some noise Gawdammit!," Choking Faith was set to slam the lid on the night with their bristling brand of metal. The group opened with a volley of four scorchers from their recently-issued CD Thru the Ashes: "Porno Tongue," "Wait," "Train Wreck of Life" and "Oblivion." They then introduced a new assault, I think called "Fall Away." After another new number, "Six," Choking Faith gave a monstrous read to Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls," followed by Skid Row's "Youth Gone Wild" and another original favorite, "Freedom in a Body Bag" to close the night. Choking Faith was appropriately punishing, with Jason delivering his all-out roar atop the wall of metal sound generated by guitarist Dan Miller, bassist Steve Seymore and drummer Joe Richards.

Based on the attendance at least, a good chunk of change was raised for the American Rescue Workers, and the One Voice Musical Showcase was again a success. Here's hoping Dave Moses puts a few more of these together in 2007!

Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

Dan Miller of Choking Faith.

Joe Richards of Choking Faith.

Again, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

With Second Offense’s Myke Long assisting on backing vocals, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

A fan’s eye view of Choking Faith.

Choking Faith, with Suicide Switch frontman Cheeze helping with backing vocals.

Jason Mittan and Steve Seymore of Choking Faith, with special guest Cheeze.

Again, Jason and Cheeze.

The Choking Faith maelstrom continues.

Again, Joe Richards of Choking Faith.

Joe Richards and Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.

Again, Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.

Once again, Jason Mittan of Choking Faith.

Again, Dan Miller of Choking Faith.

Once again, Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.

Once again, Joe Richards and Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.

HELLO VIXEN @ 4D’S LOUNGE, ALTOONA 12/25/06

For everybody who had experienced their fill of food and relatives on Christmas night, there was live music to be had at the 4D's Lounge, with Hello, Vixen provising the sounds.

A large crowd was already in place as I arrived shortly before the start of Hello, Vixen's first set. Hello Vixen soon had a good portion of that crowd on the Dees' dance floor as they fired off a blend of uptempo original songs and favorites. Singer Mark Simanski, lead guitarist Bill Maguire, rhythm guitarist Brian Simanski, bassist Justin Brown and drummer Steve Holtz brought the party to life with tunes from Vanilla Ice, Neil Young, Blink 182, Weezer, Breaking Benjamin, James, 311, Bowling for Soup, Green Day and more. The group did one of their own during the first set, the power pop/punk-flavored "Be a Friend, Not a Photographer."

As expected, Hello, Vixen delivered a high-octane party thus far. The group pounded song after song, keeping the tempo high and the action constant. More people filed into the 4D's as the set continued, and the dance floor correspondingly became busier and more packed.

It was close to wall to wall people as Hello, Vixen unleashed their nightcap set. This set featured tunes from Sublime, Romantics, Sponge, more Weezer, Puddle of Mudd, Green Day, Crease, The Proclaimers, Nirvana, Bush, Rancid and more. The group did a few more originals as well, such as "Love Is a Myth" and "You Can't Sing a Song You've Never Heard." The group welcomed some guests onstage for their version of Goldfinger/Nena's "99 Redballoons;" Mark and Brian's sister, Jill Simanski, who sang lead and backing vocals, and another guest named Pat who helped with vocals as well. With the crowd well partied, Hello, Vixen closed out the night with Green Day's ever-popular "Good Riddance (Time of My Life)."

It was a fun vibe from start to finish, as Christmas cheer permeated the room, and Hello, Vixen transformed those good vibes into a high-energy, rock'n'roll good time.

Here is some video footage from Hello, Vixen’s performance:

http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09236.MPG


Bill Maguire of Hello, Vixen.

Mark Simanski and Bill Maguire of Hello, Vixen.

Partying down a packed house Christmas night crowd at the 4D’s, Hello, Vixen.

Two-fisted drinkers and party mayhem with Hello, Vixen.

Hello, Vixen’s good-time party continues.

Again, Hello, Vixen.

Mark Simanski of Hello, Vixen.

More Christmas night fun with Hello, Vixen.

Guest singers Pat and Jill Simanski sing during Hello, Vixen’s performance.

Jill Simanski.

Sister and brother: Jill and Mark Simanski.

Brian Simanski and Justin Brown of Hello, Vixen.

Christmas beer and Christmas cheer with the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse during Hello’ Vixen’s show.

JP’s HAIKU

Half Tempted at Post
Yuletide classic rocking fun
Big Jim’s last hoorah
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http://pamusician.net

[Jim Price]

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http://pamusician.net