Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
|
 Posted: Thursday Jun 26, 2008 |
|
|
WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 3/13/06
RON & ADAM (& BIG JIM) @ BELMAR HOTEL, ALTOONA 3/7/06
After putting in a long evening in the workplace, I decided to swing by the Belmar to catch what I could of the weekly Tuesday get-together of Ron Dalansky and Adam D.
When I arrived, I discovered that a third musician was in the house and helping out on stage, “Big Jim” Ricotta. The three musicians were platooning on and off the stage, pairing in various tag-team arrangements on a variety of classic rock and pop hits. As I entered, Jim and Adam were performing The Who’s “Squeeze Box,” followed by Ron and Jim teaming for a rendition of Bad Company’s “Shooting Star.” Adam then did an edition of “Stump the Professor,” successfully nailing me on an obscure Triumvirat number (then again, what Triumvirat number isn’t obscure?). Adam then broke out an unlikely selection, Blue Swede’s early 70’s hit “Hooked on a Feeling.” Ron and Jim then teamed up for “Hey Joe” with Ron singing lead, before Adam closed the evening with his solo rendition of Journey’s “Faithfully.”
It all sounded good, and provided good musical fun while I enjoyed a plate of the Belmar’s Cajun wings.
RUSTY GUN REVIVAL @ THE HITCHING POST, ALTOONA 3/8/06
After completing workplace duties this Wednesday night, I was off to the Hitching Post for another installment of Wednesday “Country Night,” with Rusty Gun Revival providing the rural-flavored tunage.
I arrived just before the group started into their nightcap set. Slim, Red and the Reverend started off with the Old Crow Medicine Show-popularized “Tell It to Me,” and continued with Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes,” Elvis’ “Devil in Disguise” and another tradition number made popular by Old Crow Medicine Show, “Wagon Wheel.” Next was a tune I didin’t recognize with a railroad theme, followed by the group’s rural treatment of Social Distortion’s “Ball and Chain” and Big Bill Broonzy’s “Long Tall Mama.” After Johnny Cash’s “Cry Cry Cry,” Rusty Gun Revival closed out the performance with one of their own, doing “Requiem for America” from their Blind Jonny Death incarnation.
Rusty Gun Revival’s Americana sounds and the Hitching Post’s barbecue ribs made for another tasty combination to brighten up a “Hump-day” night.
Rusty Gun Revival, bringing hootin’ and hollerin’ fun to the Hitching Post.
Again, Rusty Gun Revival.
Marc “L.C. Slim” Prave of Rusty Gun Revival.
Playing some horny bass, Ed “red” McDonald of Rusty Gun Revival.
“The Reverend” Tom Hipps of Rusty Gun Revival.
NOTHING SACRED @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 3/9/06
This night, I checked in with the acoustic alter ego collaboration of Chapter 5 and Suicide Switch members, Nothing Sacred, at Aldo’s.
With Tim Mort and Tom Noel on acoustics and Cheeze doing the singing, Nothing Sacred performed acoustic-geared favorites, punk-geared deep cuts and some original tunes. This particular set featured songs from the Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Johnny Cash, Alice In Chains, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Dobie Gray and more. The trio did at least one original song, “Said and Done,” displaying some surprising vocal harmonies you wouldn’t expect to hear given what these guys normally do in their established heavy rocking projects. And they even broke out an old Chapter 5 tune acoustically as well.
Nothing Sacred kept the mood relaxed and lighthearted, never taking things too seriously. This acoustic project showed a totally different side of these performers’ musical personalities, apart from their respective plugged-in projects.
Nothing Sacred’s nightcap set began with Social Distortion’s “Ball and Chain,” followed by Weezer’s “Beverly Hills.” Next was a lesser-known punk gem, Against Me’s “Pints of Guinness Make Me Stronger.” The group then tackled a song they hadn’t performed before, Rancid’s “Ruby Soho.” After a version of Dropkick Murphys’ “The Torch,” Nothing Sacred introduced two more original numbers, “Danny’s Song” and “King of Mistakes,” before leading the Aldo’s audience on a singalong rendition of Guns N’Roses’ “Patience.” The group then broke out their spin on Prince’s “Purple Rain,” before closing things out with a Red Hot Chili Peppers number and a repeat of “Ruby Soho.”
Again, this was laid-back and enjoyable, as Nothing Sacred kicked back and had some fun on the acoustic side of the spectrum. The Aldo’s audience seemed to enjoy it, with a few fans even stepping to the front of the stage to cheer the group on. A good time.
Nothing Sacred livens up a Thursday night at Aldo’s.
Again, Nothing Sacred.
Cheeze of Nothing Sacred.
Tom Noel of Nothing Sacred.
TIE DOWN @ MAGOO’S, CRESSON 3/10/06
I had recently received an email from former Delirium bassist Eric Biter – now based in Hickory, North Carolina – telling me about his new band, The King Biscuit Trio. The email prompted me to wonder if any of the other Delirium alumni had anything new and musical going on.
As it turns out, the answer is yes. I received another email from Craig Fitzpatrick, informing me of his new band, Tie Down, which featured two former Delirium members, singer Scott Walk and guitarist Brett O’Donnell. Craig invited me to come check out Tie Down’s next show, their first appearance at Magoo’s in Cresson. While the temptation was strong to head to Aldo’s this night and see bartender Rich serving duty in a dress (the result of his losing a Super Bowl wager), I followed my sense of duty and headed to Magoo’s to discover what this new band was all about.
Upon my arrival in Cresson, I was surprised to find that the parking lot across Front Street from Magoo’s was completely filled up, and I actually had to park a good block down the street. And I was just as surprised to find a full house at Magoo’s when I entered – either Tie Down did a great job promoting this debut appearance at Magoo’s, or they had a lot of loyal friends, fans and family! The crowd was probably the result of those factors, plus the unseasonably warm early March weather.
I entered during the latter part of Tie Down’s first set, and although I got tied up in conversation at the bar while awaiting my first beer (a constant theme and down side to this night, long waits at the bar for brewskis), I heard as Tie Down rocked the house with Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin,’” Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me;” and as I finally obtained my first beer and entered the main band room area, Donnie Iris’ “Ah Leah” and Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” to bring the first set to a close.
Speaking with the members of Tie Down – Craig on bass, Scott on vocals, Brett and Tim Eckenrode on guitars, and Jason Grodis on drums – during set break, they seemed as shocked as I was about the large crowd at Magoo’s this night, and the fact that some of them were dancing during the first set. But needless to say, they were elated about it. It was a large crowd, and it was a smoky crowd, with a charred tobacco-induced haze wafting through the air and through my clothes. I hadn’t experienced smoke like this since the woebegone days of Peter C’s (R.I.P.). Although all the tables and booths were occupied, I was able to procure a vantage point at a seat in front of one of the unused video games, and awaited the start of Tie Down’s second set.
Soon the band returned, and resumed the tunage with Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band.” Then the group threw an interesting curve I wasn’t expecting to hear this night – a Smithereens double shot, featuring “Blues Before & After” and “Girl Like You!” The latter song drew some ladies – and one wild, drunken guy – onto the dance floor. Tie Down continued with Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” words of advice not heeded by at least one dancing lady, who grabbed my arm and jerked me onto the dance floor…Cresson was obviously in serious party mode this night! After briefly cutting the rug with the aforementioned lass, I stayed near the stage to observe as Tie Down kept the party going with Motley Crue/Brownsville Station’s “Smokin’ in The Boys’ Room,” Poison/Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove,” the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and the adopted national anthem of Cresson, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” to close out the set.
Thus far, Tie Down was giving a respectable performance. The group was finding their groove, and had things pretty well together. I was hearing the occasional miscues associated with a band’s first or second gig, but nothing fatal. It was good to see Scott blasting out the voice once again, and he and Brett back in action on area stages. No doubt fueled by the large crowd and dance floor contingent, these guys were clearly having fun thus far, and things would only get wilder and crazier during the nightcap set to follow.
Magoo’s was anxious to resume the party as Tie Down returned to the stage and commenced their third set with Dead Or Alive’s “You Spin Me (Like A Record).” As the band started into Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” I maneuvered to position myself in front of the other side of the stage to get some more photos, and quickly had Cresson women bumping and grinding on me – what a festive bunch! Tie Down’s party continued with Alice In Chains’ “Man In The Box” and the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right (to Party),” and the party continued to escalate. Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” and the Fear Factory read of Gary Numan’s “Cars” led to Southern Culture On The Skids’ “Camel Walk,” featuring the impromptu push-and-shove onstage between two ladies wanting to bump and grind with Brett! Tie Down’s rocking party hit a feverish pitch with Neil Young’s “Rocking In The Free World,” followed by Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock” and Stone Temple Pilots’ “Crackerman” (during which one inebriated male celebrant wanted to do a ‘man hug’ on me; things were indeed getting crazy up front in the trenches!). Tie Down finished the set with one more song, Kiss’ “God Of Thunder.” But Magoo’s wasn’t ready to end the night yet, and quickly demanded more; Tie Down answered with an encore rendition of Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” to bring the night to a close.
Tie Down delivered the party, and kept the beered-up Cresson masses happy for the entire evening. For only their second show, Tie Down did a good job. I detected that Scott’s voice wasn’t up for that much cigarette smoke just yet, as he had a few problems reaching for the high notes on “I Wanna Rock;” he’ll have to build his endurance back up after the layoff from area stage action! It was a good night, and Tie Down should be a name to watch for as they gain more shows under their belts and tighten things up along the way. Combined with the party-hardy Cresson crowd, this was a good blowout to usher in the weekend with – good time!
Making their Magoo’s debut, Tie Down.
Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Brett O’Donnell of Tie Down.
Jason Grodis of Tie Down.
Again, Tie Down.
From another angle, Tie Down.
Tim Eckenrode of Tie Down.
Craig Fitzpatrick of Tie Down.
Craig Fitzpatrick and Scott Walk of Tie Down.
Once again, Tie Down.
Once again, Scott Walk of Tie Down.
SEAN MOREY/JILL WEST AND BLUES ATTACK @ BURGI’S ROUNDHOUSE, ALTOONA 3/11/06
My day job and night job collided this night at Burgi’s Roundhouse. Q94 was sponsoring the second night of a two-night stand for comedian Sean Morey to open the evening; and then esteemed Pittsburgh blues band Jill West and Blues Attack would close out the night.
Sean Morey’s show kicked off the evening. Armed with his acoustic guitar, Sean brought laughter from the Burgi’s audience with his blend of jokes and comedy songs, working in lots of audience participation. Sean’s routine included a lot of age humor this night, as well as some sex jokes and Bulls Creek abuse. Among the song parodies Sean did this night were many of the ones often heard on Q94, such as “Ghost Chickens in the Sky,” “Hairy Ass” (his spoof of “Aquarius”) and “Yesterday.” He also did “Sex Now,” “You Need Chocolate,” “The Man Who Doesn’t Exist,” “He Said She Heard,” “Bottom of a Woman’s Purse,” and to close, his popular “The Man Song.” The Burgi’s audience clearly enjoyed Sean’s performance, except for one heckler who piped up midway through, and soon got escorted from the building. There’s got to be one in every audience, I guess…
Sean Morey, making ‘em laugh at Burgi’s.
Again, Sean Morey.
Although it was hoped that the audience that came to see Sean Morey would stick around to check out Jill West and Blues Attack, a lot of people had departed by the time the group began their performance after an hour intermission. Most of my Q94 cohorts had vanished as well, so I had procured a table for myself to view the musical proceedings, but was soon invited to join some Q94 listeners from Gallitzin who were sticking around for the music. Thanks to Cris and Darlene – “the two coolest grannies in the world” – and Heather and Chrissy for sharing the table, seating space and hospitality!
The third-place finishers in last year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Jill West and Blues Attack brought a blazing mixture of blues, soul and rock’n’roll, including original songs and remakes of classics. Opening with “25 Hours a Day,” the group mixed up the styles as they went along. They did original tunes such as “Watchin’ and Waitin’” and “Four Letter Word” off their latest CD, Faceful of Blues. Other songs they did during this set included their own bluesy spin on the Elvis classic “Hound Dog,” Willie Dixon’s “Let Me Love You Baby,” Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood” and more.
Jill West sang with a full, powerful, soulful voice and robust delivery; it didn’t take long for the power of her performance to get feet tapping and heads nodding along. Her band was tight and in the pocket, and both of their guitarists, Mark Cholewski and Gregg Krupa, brought their ‘A’ game with dazzling solo work.
Unfortunately, the audience continued to dwindle as the night progressed, and only the hardcore blues fans remained by the time Jill West and Blues Attack kicked off their nightcap set. This set featured more dazzling vocal displays from Jill, and stunning instrumental displays from her Blues Attack henchmen as they did stirring renditions of Ray Charles’ “Unchain My Heart,” Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “House Is a Rockin,’” Tyrone Davis’ “Can I Change My Mind,” etta James’ “Damn Your Eyes” and more. They closed the night with two more of their own, doing “Don’t Worry About the Weather” from Faceful of Blues and “Youre the 1” off their 1997 album, Code Blue.
My first experience viewing Jill West and Blues Attack was a memorable one, as this band put on an excellent performance for those fans who did stick around. Hopefully Burgi’s will keep fighting the good fight to bring great blues to this area, and we’ll see another visit from Jill West and Blues Attack sometime soon.
Making their Altoona debut, Jill West and Blues Attack.
Gregg Krupa of Jill West and Blues Attack.
Again, Jill West and Blues Attack.
The namesake of Jill West and Blues Attack, Jill West.
Mark Cholewski of Jill West and Blues Attack.
One more time, Jill West and Blues Attack.
TRUST FACTOR @ CITY LIMITS, ALTOONA 3/11/06
With Jill West and Blues Attack calling it a night just shy of 1 AM, I had time to catch the tail end of Trust Factor’s performance at City Limits.
A midsized crowd was in the house as I arrived, and Trust Factor was in the homestretch of their final set. I got to see three songs, as the group did a Godsmack number, Creed’s “My Own Prison” and Silverchair’s “Tomorrow” to finish out the night.
Trust Factor, finishing up the night at City Limits.
This guy was acting a little squirrelly this night at City Limits.
And these ladies were liking it…
BACKSTREET LAW @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 3/12/06
Completing my clean-up duties from the “Backyard Rocker” Acoustic Jam Special (great show!) well after midnight, I headed to Pellegrine’s to catch what I could of Backstreet Law’s regularly-scheduled visit.
I arrived during intermission prior to the third set, and found myself in the dilemma I frequently face at Pelly’s on Sunday nights any more…Do I go out front and watch the band, or do I get hooked into watching whatever DVD the Right Honorable Guv’nor Jesse brought along to watch on the big screen in the rear of Pelly’s by the entrance? Since the DVD of choice this week was Star Trek: The Next Generation second season episodes, I was able to pull myself out front to check out the Backstreet Law party for a little while.
And it was a party, as expected. Backstreet Law was again entertaining a large mass of humanity on Pelly’s dance floor. Their third set kicked off with a version of Trapt’s “Headstrong,” and mixed hard-hitting modern and classic rock favorites and originals. Highlights included a powerful spin on Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and the Jamie Morral-fronted rendition of Pantera’s “Walk,” as well as the original tune “Hollow.” After the group finished the set with Tool’s “Sober,” calls from the Pellegrine’s stagefront crowd not only demanded an encore, but the song as well – “Seatbelt!” Backstreet Law obliged, playing the favorite to close out the night.
It was business as usual for Backstreet Law, rocking the large crowd and keeping them happy. And once again, this rocking party band juggernaut slammed the lid on my weekend!
Jeremy Edge and Goody of Backstreet Law.
Goody of Backstreet Law.
Again, Goody of Backstreet Law.
A familiar sight: Backstreet Law and a crowd in front of the stage at Pellegrine’s.
One more time, Goody of Backstreet Law and a crowd of fans.
_________________
http://pamusician.net |
|
