Agree Kanye is a tool and acted as such last night. He was trying to sound deep and make a statement about the current state of the world. Jay-Z stayed in his lane and just entertained.
Saw Sting last week. Was never a big fan of Police or him, but I have to say I really enjoyed this concert. Not a big venue (Queen Elizabeth Theatre, under 3,000 seats) and great seats (row 14, dead center) made it seem much more intimate and personal than most other concerts I've attended in the last 10 years.
Band was excellent; keyboards were replaced by 2 fiddles, one played by a woman who also sang-- great voice with some pretty good jazz riffs included.
Last couple of songs in very last encore (jeez, those obligatory standing-O's and endless encores have run their course, haven't they?) were 'Every Breath You Take' and a Sting solo 'Message in a Bottle.' Predictable, since he hadn't played either hit earlier, but the audience-- myself included-- just ate it up.
The man has written a few great songs.
Band was excellent; keyboards were replaced by 2 fiddles, one played by a woman who also sang-- great voice with some pretty good jazz riffs included.
Last couple of songs in very last encore (jeez, those obligatory standing-O's and endless encores have run their course, haven't they?) were 'Every Breath You Take' and a Sting solo 'Message in a Bottle.' Predictable, since he hadn't played either hit earlier, but the audience-- myself included-- just ate it up.
The man has written a few great songs.
Kanye is a massive tool but is extremely talented. As much as it pains me to say it.
I wish there were more concerts at the QE.quote:Originally posted by Seaquam:
Saw Sting last week. Was never a big fan of Police or him, but I have to say I really enjoyed this concert. Not a big venue (Queen Elizabeth Theatre, under 3,000 seats) and great seats (row 14, dead center) made it seem much more intimate and personal than most other concerts I've attended in the last 10 years.
Band was excellent; keyboards were replaced by 2 fiddles, one played by a woman who also sang-- great voice with some pretty good jazz riffs included.
Last couple of songs in very last encore (jeez, those obligatory standing-O's and endless encores have run their course, haven't they?) were 'Every Breath You Take' and a Sting solo 'Message in a Bottle.' Predictable, since he hadn't played either hit earlier, but the audience-- myself included-- just ate it up.
The man has written a few great songs.
quote:Originally posted by Dunder:I wish there were more concerts at the QE.quote:Originally posted by Seaquam:
Saw Sting last week. Was never a big fan of Police or him, but I have to say I really enjoyed this concert. Not a big venue (Queen Elizabeth Theatre, under 3,000 seats) and great seats (row 14, dead center) made it seem much more intimate and personal than most other concerts I've attended in the last 10 years.
Band was excellent; keyboards were replaced by 2 fiddles, one played by a woman who also sang-- great voice with some pretty good jazz riffs included.
Last couple of songs in very last encore (jeez, those obligatory standing-O's and endless encores have run their course, haven't they?) were 'Every Breath You Take' and a Sting solo 'Message in a Bottle.' Predictable, since he hadn't played either hit earlier, but the audience-- myself included-- just ate it up.
The man has written a few great songs.
I agree, smaller venues are far better to me as well. In Seattle, the Paramount Theater and Key Arena are off my list, no matter who is playing there.
I saw Brian Regan for the first time on Saturday night. It was not his best material, but still very funny and entertaining.
The Darkness last night at the Phoenix. Stunning.
Tonight was Los Lobos and they absolutely rocked the house!
Nightwish (Finnish Metal/Symphonic band) at the Gibson Amphitheater at Universal Studios in LA. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea but I loved it and thought the band were immensely entertaining. I hope to see them again in the near future.
Saw Andrea Bocelli tonight. So many things I could say but one word sums it up - AMAZING. Honestly one of the top two or three best performances I've ever had the opportunity of seeing. Wow...
quote:Originally posted by Vino Bevo:
Saw Andrea Bocelli tonight. So many things I could say but one word sums it up - AMAZING. Honestly one of the top two or three best performances I've ever had the opportunity of seeing. Wow...
What was the venue?
I have heard Bocelli live, and very VERY special indeed. I would love to hear him in a small opera house, regardless of cost.
I will never forget opening our doors to our hotel balcony in Sorrento and hearing Bocelli from the enoteca below. I could of died a happy man that day.
He performed at the Erwin Center due to the size of the crowd (easily sold out at over 15,000 strong). Not the "best" venue but all things considered not bad as far as acoustics for an older arena. I can only imagine him in a small theater designed for sound.
I've been blessed with the opportunity to see a LOT of artists from multiple genres and like I said, this was easily one of the best shows in my life.
I've been blessed with the opportunity to see a LOT of artists from multiple genres and like I said, this was easily one of the best shows in my life.
Charles Bradley last night at Lee's Palace. Unbelievable good. Menehan street band were amazing backing him up.
James McMurtry this friday.
quote:Originally posted by vinoevelo:
Charles Bradley last night at Lee's Palace. Unbelievable good. Menehan street band were amazing backing him up.
I wanted to see this.
Flogging Molly last night at the Aragon Ballroom. My 3rd time seeing them and the best performance of the three IMO. Amazingly high-energy live band. Like Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, the folks in FM give the impression that they are having as much fun onstage as anyone in the audience.
quote:Originally posted by billhike:
Flogging Molly last night at the Aragon Ballroom. My 3rd time seeing them and the best performance of the three IMO. Amazingly high-energy live band. Like Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, the folks in FM give the impression that they are having as much fun onstage as anyone in the audience.
Agree 100% and jealous over the fact they didn't come to Austin this year.
In Absentia
By Morris Panych
Excellent. Suited well to the intimate setting of the Centaur Theatre
By Morris Panych
Excellent. Suited well to the intimate setting of the Centaur Theatre
Great band Bill. Would love to see them onstage at some point.
Lately: Van Halen (and Kool/gang). Meh.
Lately: Van Halen (and Kool/gang). Meh.
Interestingly, Van Halen was my first concert ever. 1981 or so if I recall; I was 13 or 14. I would have no desire to see them now. Guessing you went for work?
I must be de-volving as I get older because I find myself going to more heavy metal concerts than in the past. Last night it was Iced Earth and Symphony X at the House of Blues.
Symphony X is a more middle-of-the-road hard rock band with a fantastic guitar player named Michael Romeo. He was the reason I went to the show and I was not disappointed.
Iced Earth on the other hand is a bit more extreme and I just couldn't enjoy their set because the sound level was so LOUD. I had earplugs and even with them in I thought they played loud, so I don't know how anyone without protection could stay through the entire evening.
All in all, not a bad evening for $40 but it could have been a bit more enjoyable if the sound and mix were adjusted.
Symphony X is a more middle-of-the-road hard rock band with a fantastic guitar player named Michael Romeo. He was the reason I went to the show and I was not disappointed.
Iced Earth on the other hand is a bit more extreme and I just couldn't enjoy their set because the sound level was so LOUD. I had earplugs and even with them in I thought they played loud, so I don't know how anyone without protection could stay through the entire evening.
All in all, not a bad evening for $40 but it could have been a bit more enjoyable if the sound and mix were adjusted.
We saw Radiohead last night.
Played their recent material well, along with a few new songs. Was hoping for some classics like Street Spirit, Fake Plastic Trees and some favorites like Like Spinning Plates, Knives Out or House of Cards, but they left those off the playlist. Altogether a great show with some very cool visual elements.
Played their recent material well, along with a few new songs. Was hoping for some classics like Street Spirit, Fake Plastic Trees and some favorites like Like Spinning Plates, Knives Out or House of Cards, but they left those off the playlist. Altogether a great show with some very cool visual elements.
Heartless Bastards - Great
Packway Handle Band - Localish bluegrass band. Sound was awful.
Packway Handle Band - Localish bluegrass band. Sound was awful.
Phil Lesh and friend Feb 16-17-18 2012 at Broomfield CO.
Next week ...
Jackie Greene Friday 3-9-2012 in Petaluma, CA
Rail Road Earth SF 3-10-2012 in SF, CA
Next week ...
Jackie Greene Friday 3-9-2012 in Petaluma, CA
Rail Road Earth SF 3-10-2012 in SF, CA
quote:Originally posted by Vino Bevo:quote:Originally posted by billhike:
Flogging Molly last night at the Aragon Ballroom. My 3rd time seeing them and the best performance of the three IMO. Amazingly high-energy live band. Like Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, the folks in FM give the impression that they are having as much fun onstage as anyone in the audience.
Agree 100% and jealous over the fact they didn't come to Austin this year.
Vino Bevo - on Facebook they posted a link showing additional tour dates. Looks like May 18 in Austin. Indybob, they are heading your way in June.
Link
Sweet!! 
Thanks for the heads-up. I'm one of the few (I suppose) who doesn't do the FB thing so I would've missed that without a chance stop on their website.
Appreciate it!
Thanks for the heads-up. I'm one of the few (I suppose) who doesn't do the FB thing so I would've missed that without a chance stop on their website.
Appreciate it!
quote:Originally posted by NolanE:
We saw Radiohead last night.
They did a taping for Austin City Limits here last night - I didn't go but a buddy did and said it was pretty amazing.
Van Halen in Buffalo. Not the greatest arena for a concert, but the band was ok. Eddie can still grind the ax.
James Taylor in Padova last saturday.
Jabe11 got to see an American performer (and UNC boy) in Italy, while I got to see an Italian group perform in America last Thursday. Il Volo performed at a reception for a new condo grand opening and I got to meet all three members while talking with the developer. Great singers.
The Aurore Quartet at Sunset in Paris tonight. Pretty fantastic.
quote:Originally posted by aphilla:
The Aurore Quartet at Sunset in Paris tonight. Pretty fantastic.
Saw the Ike Reilly Assassination in Chicago on St. Paddy's Day. A besotted, bawdy, and rollicking performance - as you would expect from a proper Irish-American rocker.
Very impressed with the venue (Lincoln Hall). Small, but with a balcony ringing the floor. Terrific acoustics. Same owners as Schuba's.
Cheers,
Otis
Very impressed with the venue (Lincoln Hall). Small, but with a balcony ringing the floor. Terrific acoustics. Same owners as Schuba's.
Cheers,
Otis
quote:Originally posted by aphilla:
The Aurore Quartet at Sunset in Paris tonight. Pretty fantastic.
And the program...? Any opera tix to be had?Enjoy the trip.
quote:Originally posted by Jabe11:quote:Originally posted by aphilla:
The Aurore Quartet at Sunset in Paris tonight. Pretty fantastic.
And the program...? Any opera tix to be had?Enjoy the trip.
Don G was playing Sunday when we arrived. I wasn't quite sure we'd be able to stay awake on the first day so just had a nice dinner instead. (Plus I've seen Don G in a lot of places, and I've been to operas in both houses here, so I wasn't that motivated).
The Aurore quartet was actually a quintet - they added a trombone player. They were selling their new CD: http://www.aurorequartet.com/. And playing some of the same stuff from it. It was pretty fun. There were a couple of folks not in the group who had written songs who were in the audience as well. We saw the first two sets but left before the third - all of us had meetings early this morning.
Disheartened to say i have not seen don g. Not w/o want, the work passes around here frequently, but with young 'uns...non c'e possibile. I checked the tour dates of the quartet, as we'll be in Provence for spring break, but no dates in our area (tristan and Isolde in Nice booked solid)....the quartet looks like my type of gig (worth a disc?). They look like fun!
quote:Originally posted by Jabe11:
Disheartened to say i have not seen don g. Not w/o want, the work passes around here frequently, but with young 'uns...non c'e possibile. I checked the tour dates of the quartet, as we'll be in Provence for spring break, but no dates in our area (tristan and Isolde in Nice booked solid)....the quartet looks like my type of gig (worth a disc?). They look like fun!
I dunno. I'll listen to it when we get home. Live jazz is just so incredible, but sometimes recordings don't live up.
Here's another French jazz quartet that we've seen and like quite a bit: http://www.moutin.com/Schedule.html. They are performing in some places outside Paris, but I don't know whether any of them will be close to you when you're in the south [grrr, just realized a bunch of the dates are past already]. I was delighted to discover they'll be in Chicago in June.
Kasabian last night.
quote:Originally posted by aphilla:
Live jazz is just so incredible, but sometimes recordings don't live up.
Agreed, but that is the case for any performance art. The true test for musicians is performing without a net: no dubs, no retakes, just plug in and play. Probably why I have so an live recordings.
Ghost Of Electricity yesterday - Great band !