log in · your profile · private messages · members · search · help · register
   
· Home
· Band Pages
· Show Schedule
· The Forums
· The Final Cut
JP HIGHLIGHT REEL - 2010
Post new topic   Reply to topic
ROCKPAGE Forum Index » JP's Corner
previous topic :: next topic  
Author Message
Jim Price
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA

 Post Posted: Friday Jan 14, 2011 
Reply with quote

JP’S HIGHLIGHT REEL – 2010

Time to close the book on another year! And considering how the last 5 weeks of 2010 were for me, I’m all too glad to slam this book closed, give it a swift kick out the door and tell it not to let the door hit it in the behind! Bring on 2011! But the past year did have some happy moments too. Below I’ll share my impressions of the year just completed, list some of my favorite music, and pick out fifty of my favorite photographic memories from 2010. Remember, these are just my views and opinions; your mileage may vary. Enjoy!

JP’s HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHTS OF 2010

HIGHLIGHT: THE RETURN OF BURGI’S. Burgi’s Roundhouse reopened its doors after two years away. It’s good to see this live music venue back and supporting live music again! So far, attendance seems to be good, including excellent turnout for the early December Burgi’s Bluesfest! Here’s hoping this venue remains a permanent fixture on the Altoona live music scene this time!

LOWLIGHT: LOW ATTENDANCE AT SHOWS CONTINUES. I saw way too many sparsely-attended shows and empty rooms in 2010. Any number of factors played into the low attendance, from the bad economy and people still worried about their jobs and money, to DUI checkpoints, competition from home entertainment and Internet, rising drink and food prices, lackadaisical attitudes from venues and musicians about promoting their shows, and more. When folks did attend shows, it was either for publicized special show situations and benefits, or for “safe bet” bands whose music and shows they were already familiar with. Sadly, I don’t see this situation improving in 2011 unless the economy and people’s financial situations improve, and the music scene takes a more proactive approach to motivating people to come out to support it. (And it would be a great help if the next “Lowlight” item doesn’t repeat itself in 2011…)

LOWLIGHT: POLICE BEATING AT PELLEGRINE’S. One of the most publicized news stories in Altoona during 2010 was the Memorial Day eve incident at Pellegrine’s in which two off-duty Altoona police officers allegedly beat up two men inside Pelly’s men’s rest room. To date, several police officers have resigned or have been fired in connection with this incident, a grand jury investigation into the incident and possible cover-ups continues, and lawsuits are pending. And Pellegrine’s business has suffered ever since, with dismal attendance for bands most Sunday nights, enhanced by repeat bad publicity every time a new update on the incident is reported in the news media. (For the record, where was the media and their reports when Pellegrine’s hosted the “Benefit for Eugene” or the Jimmy Rossi 10-Year Memorial Jam for the St. Vincent De Paul Food Kitchen this past year? It’s woeful how local news media sensationalizes bad happenings at a venue but ignores good ones!) Hopefully justice will be served on the perpetrators of this crime in 2011, and a concerted effort can be made to convince people that this incident was the exception and not the rule at this venue, and that it’s safe to return here on Sunday nights. People need to support live music at Pellegrine’s, now!

HIGHLIGHT: THE HURRICANES GO TO MEMPHIS. Felix & the Hurricanes represented western Pennsylvania at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis during January. Although the Hurricanes didn’t win the Blues Challenge itself (the band that did eventually win it came from the same pool of bands the Hurricanes were in), the group – as well as the many area fans who traveled to Memphis with them – had a great time. And the experience inspired a great new Jeff Clapper-penned Hurricanes original song, “Beale Street.”

LOWLIGHT: DAY OF ROCK. What started as a fun day of sunshine and live music near Bakers Summit to raise money for Easter Seals turned into a show-ending melee as the sun set; due to drunken fisticuffs, a reportedly arrogant and uncooperative venue owner, and an unprovoked assault on the soundman that required paramedics and stitches! What a stupid ending to a concert! Time will tell if this benefit concert event returns in 2011.

HIGHLIGHT: JP’S MUSICAL RENAISSANCE. 2010 was the year I seriously got back into actively playing music again. It started when Adam D introduced the weekly Wednesday “Open Mic/Jam Night,” and I began bringing my bongos and cajon to play along. It continued when the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective started up at Penn State Altoona in March, whetting my interest in purchasing a ukulele. I purchased one in June, and learning the uke subsequently got me interested in picking up my acoustic guitar again. I expect to keep practicing and learning on all of these instruments in 2011, and maybe I’ll break out my harmonicas again before all is said and done!

LOWLIGHT/HIGHLIGHT: A CHANGING OF PROFESSOR-MOBILES. We were reminded late in 2010 that my ability to cover and report on this area’s music scene becomes severely limited without a reliable set of wheels! The transmission on my previous Professor-mobile, a 1998 Ford Escort SE wagon, went bad during Thanksgiving weekend; forcing me to scramble for alternative transportation and help in delivering the December issues of Pennsylvania Musician. Thanks to some friends, I eventually was hooked up with a temporary loaner vehicle, which enabled me to search for a new Professor-mobile. That car was found and purchased on Christmas Eve, and in my driveway just before New Year’s Eve. Thanks to Dewayne at Park Motors for hooking me up with the new Kia Professor-mobile; thanks to Chris, John, Kiwi and Sherry for connecting me with the loaner ride, and thanks to everyone who provided taxi service for me when I needed it!

LOWLIGHT: MORE MUSICAL FRIENDS PASSED. 2010 was a rough year for the passing of area musicians and music scene friends. We said goodbye to many; including former Diamond Reo/Silencers guitarist Warren King, Dirty Looks bassist Gregory Pianka, former Harpo light man Dave Whipple, former Gypsy/Sapphire singer Jill Churner, WithOut Warning singer/guitarist Mike Burda, Clearfield music legend Bud Moore, Half Tempted/Korruption drummer Steve McCulley, Wally Chidboy, former Ice/Bitter Route drummer Leon Noel, Glenn Pavone, former Forces/Dreamcatcher/Austin Nichols singer/guitarist Robert “Bobby Lee” Rubaker, and John Grum.

HIGHLIGHT: MYSTERYTRAIN FESTIVALS. A growing summertime highlight in our neck of the woods is the series of outdoor festival events organized and staged by local “psychedelic hoedown” specialists Mysterytrain. During the summer months this year, Mysterytrain had something going on nearly every weekend, at pastoral locations like the Sinking Valley Fairgrounds, the PPG Pavilion near Tipton, the Sun-sational Campground near Lewisburg, and other rural outdoor locations. These festivals are laid-back, fun events headlined by Mysterytrain; and also featuring numerous guest local and regional bands and performers, including many who don’t frequent the bar scene stages. The moods of these events are friendly and welcoming, the music interesting and entertaining, and the settings relaxing and stress-relieving. Often after the main stage music ended, there were drum circles and cordial get-togethers around bonfires. For those not wanting to deal with the bar scene, Mysterytrain’s festivals provided a fun alternative; here’s hoping the group stages more of them in 2011!

HIGHLIGHT: 20 YEARS OF CRAZY FEST. Local entertainer, balloon artist and magician Dennie Huber’s annual showcase for aspiring youth entertainers, Crazy Fest, achieved the two-decade milestone in 2010. Dennie continues to provide an opportunity for young entertainers to experience the limelight and expose their talents in front of families, friends and an appreciative audience. Dennie left the question open on whether Crazy Fest would return for a 21st edition in 2010, citing his own health and other factors. But I sincerely hope he keeps this event going; the area kids need and appreciate this opportunity to strut their stuff!

LOWLIGHT: END OF END OF SUMMER JAM? Although a few people noticed, many others did not notice, miss or care that the 20th annual “End Of Summer Jam” benefit for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh did not happen in 2010. Several factors prevented this year’s show from happening; including financial hardships for the organizers, increased insurance liability costs for staging the event at its most recent location, and dwindling attendance in recent years. There has been some interest expressed in reorganizing and bringing this event back in 2011, possibly with a new name and location; details when or if they become available.

JP'S TEN FAVORITE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE MOMENTS OF 2010:

Next, I'll list my ten favorite shows and moments on the area/regional music scene during the past year. These are in no particular order.

1. THE ALL-STAR LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE DURING “EVERYBODY FEST.” Anybody who witnessed it will never forget it! Fourteen area musicians joined forces on the stage of the Oriental Ballroom in Gallitzin to celebrate the music of Led Zeppelin, and delivered an incredible performance! “Everybody Fest” organizer Ray Springsteel, Steve Oswalt and 15-year-old Aislinn Feathers on lead vocals; Aislinn’s father, Jason Feathers, on lead guitar; Jeremy Nelson on guitar and mandolin; Todd Holes and Dave Odelle on guitars; Dwane Edmiston on acoustic guitar; Brett Fanelli on keys; Kelly Montgomery on bass; Randy Servello and Nate Woods on dual drumkits; Shawn Gority on bagpipes, recorder and flute; and in a cameo role, John Stevens on harmonica tackled a wide range of Zeppelin song material, spanning from popular to some of the more challenging canons of the Zeppelin catalog. The musicianship was often jaw-droppingly spectacular with numerous highlights; including Jason taking a bow to his guitar strings during “Dazed and Confused,” both drummers lighting up their respective kits on “Moby Dick,” the acoustic mini-set of “Gallow’s Pole,” “Tangerine” and “Battle of Evermore,” the Steve and Aislinn duet on “In The Light,” remarkable renditions of “Kashmir,” “Ten Years Gone” and “No Quarter,” and Aislinn singing solo lead on the climactic homestretch version of “Stairway to Heaven,” which brought unanimous cheers of approval from the entire house! Here’s hoping there’s a sequel sometime in 2011!

2. “PASTOR PIEROGI” JOINS ROY HANDY & THE MOONSHOT. During the annual Polish Picnic at St. Barbara’s Church in Houtzdale in late August, a pierogi jammed guitar onstage with Gerry Stanek’s kid-geared rock project, Roy Handy & the Moonshot. That pierogi was Father Scott Lill, a musician himself, who donned a pierogi outfit and first appeared in front of the stage to entertain youngsters in the audience. Going by the monicker “Pastor Pierogi,” he soon strapped on Gerry’s guitar and jammed with the band while Gerry stepped off stage to hand out candy to the youngsters. Gerry remarked afterward, “I’ve been playing gigs all my life, and I’ve never played on stage with a priest or a pierogi until today!”

3. THE JIMMY ROSSI 10-YEAR MEMORIAL JAM. Brothers Jimmy and Mark Rossi helped forge a musical brotherhood with the U.S. Hotel House Band’s weekly Wednesday night jams at Hollidaysburg’s U.S. Hotel in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Almost ten years after Jimmy’s passing on Christmas Day 2000, Mark and his current House Band hosted the Jimmy Rossi 10-Year Memorial Jam at Pellegrine’s the weekend before Christmas. What a grand night this turned into, as some 28 different people helped make the music, including much of the cream of the crop of the Altoona music scene, before a jam-packed house! The whole night turned into one big highlight from start to end, with plentiful musical memories, plus money and food items being raised for Altoona’s St. Vincent De Paul Food Kitchen.

4. FLIGHT 19’S HELPING “HAND” AT THE WINGOFF. Flight 19’s “Party Plane” took on a pint-sized guest crew member during their Lakemont Park WingOff journey in July. Drummer Darin Hand’s young son, Balin, brought toy guitar onstage and jammed along with the band for almost the entire duration of their performance, and became the star of the show! Balin grinned and had a blast as he rocked with the rest of the Flight 19 crew, with fans raucously cheering him on. With Darin retiring from the Flight 19 drum helm at year’s end, this summer evening at the WingOff might have given a preview of a future local musician in the making!

5. FETZERFEST III. What if you could have nearly 40 bands and artists perform for your birthday party? Eastern PA-based promoter Jim Fetzer did just that at his third annual birthday shindig, FetzerFest III, staged in late March at Allentown’s Sterling Hotel. (Originally, Jim had 57 bands signed up to perform at nearby Crocodile Rock, but the venue double-booked FetzerFest with national recording act Third Eye Blind, and the event had to be moved to the smaller Sterling Hotel facility.) The event played out over three stages and featured a number of excellent acts from throughout Pennsylvania and the Northeast; including central PA representatives Mindspine, Washington DC’s bob (now Super bob), northeastern PA powerhouse Absolution, Ohio’s Drenalin, New York City’s The Cringe (featuring “Mr. Rachael Ray,” John Cusimano), Reading’s Dead End Cruisers and Comic Book Heroes, Philadelphia’s Dick & the Deer Gutters and many more. My head was swimming at night’s end from the continuous band barrage; but it was a great time and I might return for the 2011 edition!

6. THE JOHN McKNIGHT CHRISTMAS JAM. When John McKnight came marching home for Christmas, one of the results was the Christmas night jam fest at 30 Something. Through the course of the night, the former Hurricanes drummer and singer was joined by 16 of his area musical brethren, including many who weren’t onstage during the previous weekend’s Jimmy Rossi 10-Year Memorial Jam! Again, every song turned into a highlight, with all the musicians playing at the tops of their respective games! Two unforgettable jam sessions within one week!

7. MILLENNIUM MUSIC CONFERENCE LAST-MINUTE CLOSING FINALE. The Millennium Music Conference had wrapped up on Saturday night, and no band showcases were initially planned for Sunday night. But a sequence of events during the Sunday morning brunch at the conference’s host Radisson Penn Harris Hotel dining area changed that. Members of Reading’s Dead End Cruisers and U.K. rockers The Stella Frays both expressed a desire to play onstage somewhere before the latter band boarded the plane back home to England early Monday morning. Promoter Jim Fetzer was present, as was my fellow Pennsylvania Musician Magazine cohort RachelRocks with a cell phone. Some calls were made, and within minutes, an impromptu Millennium wrap-up party had been organized for Sunday night at Harrisburg’s Appalachian Brewing Company. With promotion of the event done solely through Facebook, Myspace and Twitter; a contingent of music fans descended on the ABC that night to witness the two aforementioned bands, New Jersey singer/songwriter Kelly Carvin and Where Eagles Dare. The energy and excitement was off the map, and the Stella Frays and Dead End Cruisers slammed the lid on Millennium weekend in grand fashion!

8. THE JEFF WALLACK MEMORIAL JAM. The 6th annual Jeff Wallack Memorial Jam at Aldo’s in early April was the biggest and best yet. Marking the 5th anniversary of the passing of one of Altoona’s most talented and popular guitarists, the evening featured seven different performances, including many of Jeff’s former bandmates and music scene peers. The night saw sets from Adam D, I-Enemy, NailDriver, Felix & the Hurricanes, and a Fatal Maim reunion; plus collaborations Mushroom Stamp (featuring members of Flight 19, The Edge and Rapid Fire) and Fried Pickle (featuring members of Half Tempted, Flight 19 and Without Zerb), and comedian John Anderson. The atmosphere was charged the entire night, with top-notch performances and the connecting thread of Jeff Wallack’s life and friendship keeping spirits high for the duration. The benefit’s proceeds went to the Jeff Wallack Music Education Fund, which will provide instruments and lessons to aspiring young area musicians whose families can’t afford them.

9. THE NIGHTHAWKS AND HURRICANES LIGHT UP PELLEGRINE’S. Washington D.C. blues legends The Nighthawks made their first-ever visit to an Altoona stage in March, performing at Pellegrine’s with special guests The Hurricanes. Mark Wenner of The Nighthawks was invited up to play some harmonica during the Hurricanes’ opening set; and later returned the favor by inviting Hurricane Felix to play guitar on several numbers. With a good-sized crowd in the house, the atmosphere was fun and festive throughout this show. Here’s hoping we see more shows like this in 2011!

10. CITY HOTEL’S INAUGURAL BATTLE OF THE ACOUSTICS. This wasn’t a singular moment, but a succession of five Thursday nights in late April and May that celebrated the area’s acoustic talent. City Hotel in Northern Cambria staged their first “Battle Of The Acoustics,” with preliminary rounds taking place during the first four Thursday nights, and the finalists performing for prize money on the last night. While the merits of “battle” events will be argued until the end of time, this one turned out well; the musicians largely appreciated that beyond the question of who “won,” they were all getting to perform their music and showcase their talents in front of large audiences; something they likely wouldn’t be able to do in an ordinary performance situation. The atmosphere was charged for all five nights, and the music was diverse and interesting. When the votes had been tallied on the final night, hometown Northern Cambria father-and-son duo Jerry and Jared Carnevali – going by the name 2nd Street – won first prize. But many other performers won exposure and attention over this five week span, and some even earned regular paying gigs at the City Hotel with their efforts. A sequel will happen in April 2011.

And I’ll throw in two music scene moments during 2010 that I’m kicking myself for barely missing…

STEVIE MOSES’ WIPEOUT AT MUSIC EMPORIUM I arrived at Music Emporium just after this happened. Youth rockers E.V.K. were performing under the tent outside of Altoona’s Music Emporium during the store’s 20th anniversary celebration. Pint-sized guitarist Stevie Moses was running around the parking lot with a cordless guitar when he wiped out; damaging the guitar and scraping himself up. A new guitar was quickly hooked up, and although he was bleeding, Stevie quickly strapped on the guitar and continued the show. According to several observers, it was a “pure punk rock moment.”

FELIX’S “MIRACLE” AT ROAR IN THE MOUNTAINS On a beautiful moonlit late September evening, Felix & the Hurricanes were entertaining bikers and music fans during the first night of the 5th annual Roar In the Mountains motorcycle rally at Hollidaysburg’s Legion Park. As the Hurricanes played, a small group of people approached the stage, including an elderly woman in a wheelchair, being pushed by a large biker-looking guy. Lead Hurricane Felix Kos immediately went over to the edge of the stage in front of the woman and played his guitar directly toward her, and she sat and grooved in the wheelchair. When the Hurricanes finished out their performance, I headed to my car, since I had another gig to attend that night. I heard the opening notes of “Green Grass and High Tides” sound in the distance, as the Hurricanes were continuing with an encore. I missed the eye-watering moment as the group with the wheelchair-bound woman again approached the stage, Felix played his heart out for the woman, and this time she arose from the wheelchair and grooved on her feet to the music! (When Half Tempted played on the same stage the following night, frontman Ron Dalansky jokingly branded Felix as a miracle worker who made a crippled woman walk again!)

JP'S TEN FAVORITE LOCAL/REGIONAL CD'S OF 2010:

Again, the local and regional music scene did not disappoint with some excellent CD output in 2010. Here are ten CD’s from the area music scene I will remember 2010 for:

1. THE EMBALMED – WHAT WOULD JUDAS DO The first local album to emerge in 2010 turned out to be one of the best. The Embalmed upped the ante on What Would Judas Do, combining detailed metallic brutality with clever lyrics as they explore themes of duality, treachery, betrayal, and manipulation of religion to advance corrupt agendas. The music is continually compelling, from the Straw brothers’ surgically precise guitar work and captivating arrangements to stunning wordplays that incorporate generous doses of irony, metaphor and simile. Take your pick of great assaults over this disc’s 11 tracks, from the group’s pounding statement of purpose “Year of the Jackal” to the scathing title track, the volatile “Pledge of Extremists…God Less America,” the dirge-like “Heaven Below” and the multi-pronged closer “Deathlehem.” Delivering harsh music for harsh times, The Embalmed’s What Would Judas Do is provocative, thinking man’s heavy metal that raises this group’s bar high. In short, a metal masterpiece; and proof positive that this band deserves a national stage.

2. ROYAL BENSON – (long)DRIVE State College’s Royal Benson takes listeners on a bright and diverse musical journey on their debut album, (long)Drive. Over the disc’s dozen tracks, Royal Benson mixes funk, rock and jazz flavors into a tasty stew of sounds recalling the pop fusion adventures of Steely Dan, Dave Matthews Band and more. Keys, saxophone, flute, and guitar work in tandem to surround, shape and accent each song; from mild-mannered, pleasant exercises like the disc-opener “Red Maple,” the flute-accented “Ohio,” the uplifting “Look Around” and the piano-driven disc-closer “Turning Table” to feistier and funkier excursions like “Game,” “What She Gets,” “Grind” and “Worth All the Time.” The performances are strong and tasteful throughout the disc, with spirited instrumental execution and clear, soulful voices. Mixing melody, texture and dazzling musicianship, Royal Benson’s (long)Drive provides a scenic sonic journey well worth undertaking. A stunning debut, and one of the best discs to emerge from the area music scene this year.

3. THE KILMAINE SAINTS – THE GOOD, THE PLAID, AND THE UGLY County Cumberland’s Kilmaine Saints got their Irish up with kickass results on their debut CD, The Good, The Plaid, and the Ugly. Their Irish and Celtic-rooted rock was rowdy and in-your-face as they mixed amped-up traditional numbers with original compositions. The group set the tone early, as a reverent bagpipe treatment of “Amazing Grace” ushered in their boisterous statement of purpose “The Saints Are Up!” The Saints paid homage to the Irish who came to America on the folk-driven “My Island,” recalled the hardships of Irish immigrants in the new land on the angry “Painting Paradise Square,” and remembered Ireland’s often bloody history at the hands of British invaders on “Gold and Guns (Will Get the Job Done).” The Saints also crafted a tongue-in-cheek drinking ode in “Farewell, Self Esteem,” a violent sea shanty in “Ten Fathoms Deep,” and documented a bar gig on the witty and hilarious “Póg Mo Thóin” (Gaelic for “kiss my a**”). The performances are exciting, led by Irish native Brendan Power’s hearty howl, and colored by a vast instrumental support cast that includes rocking drumbeats and bass work, electric and acoustic guitars, Highland bagpipes, fiddle, banjo, accordions, bohdráns, marching snare drums and more. The Good, The Plaid, and The Ugly packs a strong, Irish-rocking wallop, as Kilmaine Saints give Celtic-flavored rock a swift kick in the posterior for an invigorating listen.

4. ROY HANDY & THE MOONSHOT – (I’M GONNA BE) YOUR BEST FRIEND One of the freshest albums to emerge from the area music scene in 2010 was from Northern Cambria music vet Gerry Stanek’s foray into rock for kids, Roy Handy & the Moonshot, and (I’m Gonna Be) Your Best Friend. A dad himself, Gerry explored the mind of a child and resurrected some familiar childhood themes through the disc’s dozen tracks. The songs are all short, sweet and to the point; delivered with a brisk ‘60s British Invasion/garage rock flavor (picture the Who, early Rolling Stones or the Kinks if they did songs for children!). This deserves to be Schoolhouse Rocks! for today’s generation; I wish someone would have done this album when I was a kid!

5. (kaj) – COLD SILENCE Alle-Kiski area quartet (kaj) sharpened and focused their hard-rocking, ‘90s-rooted sound on their third CD, Cold Silence. Channeling flavors spanning Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Tool; (kaj) explored cerebral themes of coming to grips with emotions, relationship aftermaths, reality and spirituality through such anthems as the powerful “Down,” the forceful “Rise Up” and the Tool-like title track “Cold Silence.” The acoustic-fueled melodic rocker “Before I Can Breathe” earned Pittsburgh area radio airplay on WDVE. Merging hard-rocking muscle with strong melodies, (kaj)’s Cold Silence is a sharp disc and compelling listen.

6. JOHN “JT BLUES” THOMPSON – CHASE AWAY YOUR BLUES Happy Valley music scene mainstay John “JT Blues” Thompson released his first solo album in 2010. Chase Away Your Blues does exactly that, as John demonstrates rolling, rollicking piano-based blues over the disc’s nine tracks. Much of the disc’s mood is upbeat; including the happy sentiments of the title track “Chase Away Your Blues,” a spirited remake of Paul Byrd’s “Sugar Free,” Thompson’s heartfelt tribute to his “Southern Belle,” the playful “Chicken Bone” and the closing instrumental piano romp “Murphee’s Boogie.” John got serious to address the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and petroleum dependency on the sullen “Cold Firey Lake.” His ivory-tickling talents constantly shine, and his variety of conventional, electric piano and organ tones keeps things fresh throughout the disc. On Chase Away Your Blues, “JT Blues” makes the keys his playground and provides lighthearted, juke joint-flavored fun.

7. LOVEHATETHING – THE DISCO KILLER Chambersburg’s LoveHateThing introduced a fresh, powerful, melodic and variable modern rock sound on their ten-song debut disc, The Disco Killer. Channeling ‘90s-styled rock and grunge, LoveHateThing featured innovative riffs and catchy melodies, with varying arrangements and sonic detail. Songs ranged from classic-styled, hook-driven anthems like “How You Remain” to Cult-like alt-pop rockers like “Sweet Distraction” and “DIS,” grunge-geared rockers like “Ecstacy” and “Sore Sight for Blind Eyes,” Smashing Pumpkins-styled art-grunge numbers like “Blacklisted” and “Relish,” and the heavy and explosive “Exit Game.” LoveHateThing went for broke with passion and purpose in their performances, and The Disco Killer offered a bristling, invigorating listen.

8. TOP DEAD CENTER – 40 DOWN Ebensburg-based punk trio Top Dead Center delivered a hearty smack to the side of the cranium with their debut disc, 40 Down. Top Dead Center championed the cause of blue-collar Americans trying to keep their heads above water amid economic hard times and political doublespeak; while generating a hard-driving sound rooted in the traditions of early Social Distortion and Bad Religion. The group focused on the struggles of living, working and rocking over 40 Down’s 10 tracks; with the fast-firing title track “40 Down” lifting a bottle after surviving to the end of another work week, “Worker’s Creed” expressing frustration with government handouts and political doublespeak, and “Breadline” expressing the workingman’s struggles of paying bills and staying afloat. Top Dead Center performed their song material with purpose and conviction; displaying tightly-wound, efficient execution and a brisk, action-packed pace. Bristling punk-driven rock with messages that hit home; 40 Down is an adrenaline-rush thrill ride from start to end.

9. SM2 – STRANGE SYMMETRY Mother Sherry and son Shane Mullen formed SM2 (“S-M-squared”) and presented a diverse range of sounds on their debut CD Strange Symmetry; spanning acoustic and electric rock, folk, blues, reggae and more. Throughout the disc, both Mullens’ voices soar, intertwine and envelop each melody, with frequent detailed harmonies and vocal layers coloring and fleshing out the songs. SM2 displays their folk-rock chops on the disc-opener “Don’t Judge Me,” offers a reggae slant on the observational life study “Are We Having Fun Yet,” and leans country on “Disenchanted.” They also rock harder on “Sweet Sleep” and the defiant “No Apology,” dabble in blues on “Matter’s Just Energy” and the story ode “Jessie and Daisy,” toy with tropical flavors on “Love You Till the Sunrise” and “The Music,” and generate a tango flavor on the caution-to-the-wind-themed “Wreckless.” The centerpiece of the album, though, is the serious-toned “While I Learn,” a stern reflection on atonement and lessons learned that builds along an intensifying arrangement. The performances are moving and enthusiastic, as both mother and son sink soul and purpose into their music, and their chemistry clicks throughout the disc. SM2’s Strange Symmetry is a fun listening adventure, as Sherri and Shane Mullen merge their distinct musical worlds into a vibrant symmetry all their own.

10. ZUPE – DANCE Zupe revealed another angle of his diverse musical personality on Dance, a 12-song collection of ballroom dance-geared numbers. But this was more than just a soundtrack for ballroom dance floor sessions; Zupe and songwriting collaborator Dave Nichols composed catchy melodies to represent each of the diverse musical and dance styles on the CD. The cha cha number “Dance For Me” would sound perfect alongside some of Santana’s recent pop-rock excursions; the two-step “Saturday Night Honky Tonk” offers as good excuse as any to break into line-dance formation; while other numbers like the sambas “Solamente La Samba” and “San Paulo,” the bolero “Belisima” and the mambo “Martinique Mambo” show Zupe’s convincing proficiency for worldly musical flavors. Zupe meticulously pieces all of these songs into smooth-sounding, polished and complete works. Dance is more than merely a ballroom dance album; it demonstrates Zupe’s continued mastery of songcraft, composition and production wizardry.

JP'S TEN FAVORITE LOCAL/REGIONAL SONGS OF 2010:

There was no shortage of memorable area music scene songs to emerge from 2010. Many of them logged substantial time on Rocky 99 and Rocky 104.9’s “Homegrown Rocker,” and will likely continue to do so in 2011 as well. So be listening for any or all of these, which were some of the best tunes to hit my eardrums in 2010:

1. THE EMBALMED – “YEAR OF THE JACKAL” Any one of at least five songs from The Embalmed’s What Would Judas Do masterpiece could have made my favorite song list, but I’ll go with this one. A confident, powerful march, “Year of the Jackal” is as close to a straight-out anthem as The Embalmed has ever done; brandishing a strong melody and hook, Jason Straw’s sinister Tasmanian Devil snarl voicing clever wordplays forecasting impending chaos and disorder, and a brutally monstrous instrumental homestretch to close things out. With its memorable chorus reference “God in reverse today,” The Embalmed’s “Year of the Jackal” is one of those tunes that breaks through into the backfield of your cranium and messes things up. Excellent!

2. ROYAL BENSON – “WORTH ALL THE TIME” Like The Embalmed above, any of about five songs on Royal Benson’s excellent (long)Drive disc could have qualified as a favorite song of mine in 2010. A song about the paradox of racing against the clock to enjoy eventual downtime, “Worth All the Time” mixes jazz, rock and pop flavors along a feisty, reggae-ish groove, working toward a driving chorus. Royal Benson plays for keeps with an aggressive arrangement, highlighted by Michael Fortunato’s heated saxophone fireworks and Matt Fern’s sharp mid-song guitar solo; yet it is all tastefully done with the sound of a polished session band. One of many high points off the (long)Drive disc, “Worth All the Time” bounced inside my cranium for a good part of 2010.

3. LOVEHATETHING – “EXIT GAME” A powerful blast from The Disco Killer, the debut CD by Chambersburg rockers LoveHateThing; “Exit Game” launches with a lethal riff and rampages into a Deftones-flavored tension-and-release assault about escape from a tumultuous relationship situation. An engaging melody, raging guitar chords and destabilizing guitar layers during the verses, and lead vocals that range between melodic crooning and agitation all combine to make this a killer song that deserves to be heard nationwide! I couldn’t get this tune out of my head from the minute I first heard it!

4. THE HOPE FALLACY – “DEAR JESI” One song on The Hope Fallacy’s Bringin’ It Home disc served as a healing force. “Dear Jesi” was a tribute to Jessalyn Jade “Jesi” Reilly, drummer Trey Carruthers’ girlfriend of 7 years, who tragically died in a January 2008 auto accident. Featuring guest singer Courtney Moyer, the song’s hopeful melody builds to a climactic montage of various friends and family members offering their thoughts and remembrances of Jesi, before ending in a huge wall of layered vocal choruses. This well-crafted song serves as a thoughtful, heartfelt and beautiful memorial. Very nicely done.

5. ROY HANDY & THE MOONSHOT – “I AM A DOG” Once again, any of several songs on Roy Handy & the Moonshot’s (I’m Gonna Be) Your Best Friend disc could have made my favorite song list; I chose this bluesy ode that opens the album. With its Tom Petty-ish flavor, “I Am a Dog” gets inside the head of the family canine, offering thoughts on procuring treats, guarding the house and co-existing with the family cat. Gerry Stanek’s voice takes on a whimsical tone, and a guitar solo mixes with timely dog barks at mid-song. This song is pure, simple fun from start to end, and a tune that kids and grown-up former kids will enjoy!

6. TOP DEAD CENTER – “WORKER’S CREED” One of several fast and furious blasts from Top Dead Center’s 40 Down CD, “Worker’s Creed” rages against government handouts and political lies at the expense of blue-collar, middle class folks trying to survive from paycheck to paycheck. This song hooks you in from the get-go, with the gritty, no-nonsense vocals and strong lyrical message driving the point convincingly home. Urgent, brisk-paced, stern and in your face!

7. DAVE DISTEFANO – “GET YOUR BACK OFF AGAINST THE WALL” The leadoff track from Dave Distefano’s long-awaited LTFGD (“Light The Fya Get Down”) CD, “Get Your Back Off Against the Wall” offers an uplifting, colorful, rocking R&B soundscape of rhythm, guitar and keys; setting the backdrop for Dave’s soulful voice and freewheeling cosmic muse about letting go and feeling the groove. The mix of instrumental colors and layers provides a mind-levitating joyride, and successfully puts the mood on cruise control for the flight’s duration. Good stuff!

8. RAIN MUST FALL – “COME ON!” From Rain Must Fall’s 4-song EP, Black Dirt, “Come On!” is a short, sweet, energetic romp in the backseat of the car played out on a simple, catchy melody, vibrant sing-along chorus and guitar-driven backdrop. This is fun, rocking ear-candy, offering clear and undisputable testimony to Rain Must Fall being one of the freshest arrivals on the Altoona area music scene in 2010. I look forward to hearing more exciting stuff from this band in 2011!

9. NAILDRIVER – “THE EXECUTIONER” Altoona’s Naildriver unleashed the beast on this burner from their 2-song sampler disc. Brandishing a lethal song hook, “The Executioner” rampages from the get-go with drummer Kevin Siegel’s and bass man Scott Bush’s hammering rhythms, Scott Botteicher’s razor-sharp guitar riffage and searing mid-song solo work, and frontman Floyd Hunter’s authoritative vocal bark. Direct, to the point, and jubilantly kickass!

10. JT BLUES – “COLD FIREY LAKE” John “JT Blues” Thompson included one socially-conscious song on his Chase Away Your Blues CD that tackled a burning news issue in 2010. “Cold Firey Lake” addressed the Gulf oil spill and our society’s continued reliance on oil. John set the mood with a dark, serious tone on his layers of keys; while lyrically setting the historical context of our fossil fuel addiction, and depicting oil as a vice and habit we cannot kick. A compelling and thoughtful ode to one of 2010’s most agonizing news stories.

JP'S 50 FAVORITE PHOTOS OF 2010:

I officially took and accumulated 5,690 photographs during my live music travels and other misadventures of 2010. (This number is the photos I kept and processed, and doesn’t include many that I discarded for being unfocused or otherwise just crappy shots.) From those 5,690 photos, I initially selected 72 photos that I liked better than all the rest, and narrowed those down to 50 final photos that stand as the ones I enjoyed most in 2010. Most of these I took; the ones I appear in I obviously didn’t take; I’ll list the photographer if I remember who took the shot. Anyway, these are the 50 photos I liked the best from 2010; hopefully you’ll enjoy them as well!


1.) Guest bagpiper Tim Gatehouse whoops it up with Jeff Reid of Dick Shack Posse during the resurrected 814 Riot at Ebensburg’s Castle Pub on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.


2.) Ben Dumm of The Marauders takes a ride aboard bandmate Chris Lawson’s upright bass during the group’s reunion show at Aldo’s in early September. The show was part of Aldo’s 25th anniversary celebration.


3.) Not to be outdone, Cleveland’s Lords Of The Highway demonstrated a similar feat in October at Aldo’s, as Dennis A. Bell steps aboard Jimbo Hissem’s upright bass.


4.) Half Tempted rocks the masses at Altoona’s Railroaders Museum during a June concert, opening for AC/DC tribute band Live Wire.


5. Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band entertain as neighboring Lakemont Park starts setting off their July 4 fireworks during the Ballpark Block Party at Blair County Ballpark.


6.) Jen Harnett of Tree saws on her violin during the finals of “Battle of the Acoustics” at the City Hotel in Northern Cambria in late May. Jen is playing a local violin manufactured by Indiana’s Robert Gordon III.


7.) There were very few dry eyes in Pellegrine’s when this picture was taken. A week after his son, Eugene, drowned at Lake Raystown, Pellegrine’s doorman Tony Ciccarella (center) and brother Frank (left) teach daughter Josephine to play congas while onstage with Three Rivers during the “Benefit for Eugene” in early June.


8.) Chris Alburger of Hybrid Ice, during November’s “Benefit for John Kistner” at the Front Street Station in Northumberland. Chris and Hybrid Ice helped raise funds for John, the former Harpo singer and keyboardist, who was having double-knee replacement surgery.


9.) Some youngsters do their best limbo dancing while Mysterytrain performs during the Blair County Arts Festival at Penn State Altoona in May.


10.) Jason McIntyre of The Rustlanders, during their performance at the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in downtown State College in July.


11.) With the lake in the background, The Country Travelers wrap up their final concert of the warm weather season at Gary’s Snack & Gift Shop at Canoe Creek State Park in late September.


12.) One of my favorite action photos of the year happened during the 20th annual Crazy Fest Amateur Youth Talent Show in April at the Greenwood Firehall. Young Dalton Farabaugh of Portage demonstrates the carnival trick of “card sharpshooting” as he fires playing cards through stalks of celery. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching staff could have used this kid!


13.) Laura Peach looks on as her Dakota Rose bandmate, Dick Kos, jams a guitar solo during a Memorial Day weekend show at Windber’s Bunker Inn.


14.) Scott Botteicher of Naildriver scorches out a guitar solo during the Day Of Rock benefit concert for Easter Seals, at Blair/Bedford Dirt Track near Baker’s Summit in late June.


15.) Brothers in metal…Chad and Jason Straw of The Embalmed, during a show at Aldo’s in August.


16.) Getting the led out…Jeremy Nelson, Jason Feathers, Aislinn Feathers, Steve Oswalt and Dwane Edmiston were part of the cast that brought the music of Led Zeppelin to life during the inaugural Everybody Fest at Gallitzin’s Oriental Ballroom in mid-October.


17.) Sharing a happy moment during the Eye Rock for Leah benefit at 30 Something in late April, Mark Rossi of The House Band and Felix Kos of The Hurricanes. The benefit raised money to help with medical expenses for young Leah Shambaugh, who had undergone several corrective eye surgeries.


18.) Singer Jeska of Philadelphia’s Showin’ Tell, during FetzerFest at the Sterling Hotel in Allentown during late March.


19.) Having fun on fiddle, Bob Banerjee of Pittsburgh’s Corned Beef and Curry, during the second annual Flood City Music Festival in Johnstown in early August.


20.) Also during the Flood City Music Festival in August, one of the event’s headlining attractions, R&B guitarist and singer Robert Cray.


21.) It’s not often that we get to see The Giants Of Science in their white facepaints and labcoats any more, so this picture of yours truly and the costumed 2010 edition of the Giants at the 4D’s Lounge in November made my favorite 50 shots. Thanks to Amy for taking the photo.


22.) Artie Kifer of Clearfield area R&B specialists Harmonious Funk, during their performance at the annual Curwensville Days festival in July.


23.) Polamalu plays guitar! Decked out as the Steelers’ defensive star, Dustin Wagner plays acoustic guitar with Felix Kos during the Hurricanes’ annual Halloween Blues Cruise aboard the Proud Mary at Lake Raystown on Halloween Sunday in late October.


24.) During a late January Hurricanes weekly Sunday show at Shaw’s in Juniata, guest Terrance performs on what was likely the most unusual instrument to grace the Hurricanes’ stage in 2010; a rubber chicken! Sic ‘em on a chicken, indeed!


25.) Another gratuitous Hurricane Felix shot…Felix looks like he’s ready to offer up some ‘free gas’ during another Shaw’s show in late February.


26.) Returning to live stage action in 2010 and showing no “pensive fear,” Altoona guitar vet Tom Brown (left) was “strickly wikkid” on the axe as he performed alongside Sunset Strip singer and bandmate Scott Mulligan during the “I Hate Cancer” benefit at Yesterday’s Party in Ebensburg in May. Proceeds from the event helped out cancer patient Chris Young.


27.) With guest Denise McCulley helping belt out the vocals, Half Tempted fires up the crowd during the Jeffy Showalter Memorial Ride post-party at the Campbell Hill Rec Room near Hollidaysburg in August.


28.) During December’s Jimmy Rossi 10-Year Memorial Jam at Pellegrine’s; Trace Baker, John McKnight and Rick Wertz sing and have fun entertaining the packed house.


29.) Also from the Jimmy Rossi 10-Year Memorial Jam, Dwane Edmiston is feeling it as he jams alongside Mark Rossi of The House Band.


30.) Donning shower cap, Kix singer Steve Whiteman musically takes a “cold shower” during the group’s concert at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center in Camp Hill in September.


31.) This was one of those instances where the camera shutter clicked at just the right moment…capturing Green Eggs drummer Jake Gochenour in a zany pose during the group’s Lakemont Park WingOff performance in late August.


32.) The “Party Plane” takes on a special crew member…Drummer Darin Hand’s young son, Balin, has fun jamming alongside John McKelvey and Mark Triforo during Flight 19’s performance at the Lakemont Park WingOff in July. As anybody there can testify, Balin stole the show!


33.) Here’s a group of happy guys (and gal)…Members of England’s Stella Frays, Reading’s Dead End Cruisers and promoter Jim Fetzer (front and center) celebrate a fun gig after the quickly-scheduled last minute finale to Millennium Music Conference weekend in February at the Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg.


34.) Bending metal during a metal band performance…Waysted Sylence singer John Slade rolls up a metal frying pan during the group’s performance at The Quarter in downtown Harrisburg during the Millennium Music Conference in February.


35.) Bob Gates and Randy Rutherford of The Front, during the 4th annual Mya’s Miracle benefit for Autism Speaks, which took place in early November at Altoona’s Bavarian Hall.


36.) Jared Carnevali of Night Train jams during a May show at Northern Cambria’s City Hotel.


37.) Ninetail frontman J. William Heitmann, during a December performance at Aldo’s.


38.) Johnstown’s Man In Black, Randy Hunter of Johnny Cash tribute band Ole 97, during their performance at last August’s Portage Summerfest.


39.) Elvis lives! White Shadow’s Jerry Carnicella as The King, during September’s Ebensburg Potatofest.


40.) During September’s Roar In The Mountains motorcycle rally at Hollidaysburg’s Legion Park, Jeff Clapper of The Hurricanes entertains in front of a picturesque moonlit sky.


41.) Mindspine’s sibling duo of David and Jason Eyer, during the “Rock That Ink” benefit at 30 Something in September.


42.) Jordan Thompson of Royal Benson, during the group’s CD-release party at Café 210 in State College in April.


43. According to Roy Handy & the Moonshot frontman and brainchild Gerry Stanek, “I’ve been playing gigs all my life, and I’ve never played on stage with a priest or a pierogi until today!” That’s when Father Scott Lill, decked out as “Pastor Pierogi,” joined the group onstage during the annual St. Barbara’s Polish Festival in Houtzdale in late August. This also marks the first time both a priest and a pierogi made my 50 favorite photos of the year!


44.) Looking serious about their metal, Ryan O’Neill and Fuzz McGirk of Pittsburgh’s Synesthesia, during their first Altoona appearance at 30 Something in November.


45.) Father and daughter: Sam Pellegrino and Jess P, during That’s What She Said’s Monday wing night performance at Pellegrine’s in August.


46.) Tom Pavic of the Johnstown Classic Rockers, decked out as Alice Cooper during the group’s performance at the annual Thunder In The Valley motorcycle rally in late June.


47.) “You wanted the best, you got…” us instead! “Mini-Gene” of Big Apple-based liliputian Kiss tribute Mini-Kiss from the Dr. Pepper TV commercial, during Thunder In The Valley in late June.


48.) Demonstrating his mastery on the guitar, Mark Ross of The Blue Hornet Band during the inaugural Woodshed Jazz & Blues Festival at Lincoln Caverns Amphitheater near Huntingdon in July.


49.) Who let the dogs out? Harry Pellegrine, Jr. let out his twin Airedales Samson and Wilson, during Pellegrine’s weekly Wednesday Open Mic/Jam Night in October.


50.) Pellegrine’s doorman Tony “T’wan” Ciccarella, happily jamming out during a March Monday wing night/That’s What She Said performance.
_________________

http://pamusician.net
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jim Price
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA

 Post Posted: Friday May 27, 2011 
Reply with quote

...
_________________

http://pamusician.net
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
ROCKPAGE Forum Index » JP's Corner
Post new topic   Reply to topic All times are GMT - 4 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

©Twisted Technology, All Rights Reserved