Live Review: The 2nd Annual Zildjian Jam - 4/30/24 Tipitinas New Orleans, LA

The 2nd Annual Zildjian Jam

4/30/24 Tipitinas 

New Orleans, LA

Coming off of last years 400th birthday celebration, Zildjian once again partnered with Tipitina's in New Orleans to do an afternoon set at the venue during Jazz Fest week, showcasing the funky drummers in town. At 3pm on Tuesday afternoon, Stanton Moore took to the stage to play MC for the event which was a whose-who of percussionists as each drummer jumped on stage to deliver one tune to get the crowd moving.

RIP Kerry 'Fatman' Hunter

Unfortunately Kerry 'Fatman' Hunter was killed by a drunk driver in New Orleans.

Sad news:

RtBE dug Fatman having seen him play with The New Orleans Nightcrawlers and New Birth Brass Band. 

We loved the Nightcrawlers album that they won a Grammy for and had a song dedicated to Hunter. It was titled Atmosphere and we rated it as one of our favorites of 2020. Here is his song:

Live Review - Tipitina's Presents: Zildjian's 400th Anniversary 5/2/23 New Orleans, LA

Tipitina's Presents: Zildjian's 400th Anniversary

Live 5/2/23 New Orleans, LA

For the cymbals (and more) maker Zildjian's 400th Anniversary, the company wanted to do something special during the annual Jazzfest celebration in New Orleans. They hooked up with Stanton Moore (Galactic) and he offered up his home base of Tipitina's for a unique showcase on Tuesday afternoon, in between the bookend weekends. 

He also reached out to his many friends to create a world class house band consisting of Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, Nick Daniels, Tony Hall, Ari Teitel, Joe Ashlar, Brad Walker, and John Michael Bradford. This lineup would be the headline at any other show, but this one was specifically designed to give the drummer some. All the percussionists were in the spotlight on this afternoon as two drum sets were set up in front of the famous venues stages and a rotating cast of who's-who of the New Orleans drum scene cycled through. 

One of the unique shows clear highlights arrived early as the great Nikki Glaspie (Nth Power) took over and stole the show with her singing and playing on the Betty Harris classic (penned by Allen Toussaint) "Break In The Road", there was no need for warm-ups when this band and drummer can shine so brightly to start. Adam Deitch (Lettuce) brought in the deep funk, which was the theme of the afternoon, as he slapped out "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" from New Orleans own Chocolate Milk. 

The dynamic Joe Dyson (Pat Methany) brought the Mardi Gras Indian vibe alive with tempo changes and breaks during a Wild Tchoupitoulas number while AJ Hall played the skins expertly in front of deep bass and popping horns. One of the style surprises on this afternoon was Jason Marsalis who is known more for his vibes and jazz playing, but on this sunny day decided to break out the deep funk with his rendition of The Meters "Africa" as Krasno wailed on guitar and singer Ivan Neville changed the lyrics to New Orleans. 

Moore had been MC'ing and introducing each artist, but when it became his turn to slide behind the kit he did not disappoint. He chose to play his rendition of Dyke and the Blazer's "Let A Woman Be A Woman (And A Man Be A Man)" and perhaps it was because he was on his home turf, he slapped that skins the hardest out of any drummer at this show, bringing a hard driving, almost punk edge to the funky tune, as the brass wailed behind him.

NOLA legend Herlin Riley confidently played to a set of drummers who clearly love his style while Chris Myers delivered a version of "People Say" which allowed the house band to stretch out. Another standout highlight from an afternoon filled with them was Jamison Ross' delivery of "Them Changes" which found the drummer singing and playing with fierce energy.  

The drummers kept arriving, while percussionist Taku Hirano may have been the MVP, playing with everyone on supportive percussion. Ricky Sebastian added swing to Meters tunes while Pedro Segundo added Latin jazz flair to the funk. 

It would be hard for Zildjian's to celebrate their 400th Anniversary in a town in America more committed to drums than New Orleans and on this afternoon the party kept rolling, starting the day off funky for many in attendance.

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Peep some video from the event below:

RIP Charlie Watts

RIP to Charlie Watts. The legendary drummer was 80. 

He was famously the backbone of the Rolling Stones, and one cool cat. RtBE were lucky enough to see him play with the band a few times and we wrote about him when we covered the Stones in our Masters Series so we won't say much more here. 

It is a rough year for drummers, well, it is a rough year for everyone. Let's remember Mr.Watts in the best way, by listening to his songs.

 

RIP Roger Hawkins

RIP to Roger Hawkins. The legendary drummer was 75.

While the name may not jump out immediately his work will as he was the house drummer for Muscle Shoals and played on such hits as Aretha Franklin's cover of "Respect", "Think", and The Staple Singers "I'll Take You There" as well as countless others. 

Let's take a moment to remember him best by listening to his work. 

Album Review: Joe Russo - PHÉR•BŎNEY

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of Joe Russo's first solo album PHÉR•BŎNEY

The album was originally released digitally last year, but now it gets the full treatment with a vinyl release from Royal Potato Family and great album art.

Support the artist, buy the album, read the review and peep some video below:

The Masters: The Who - Best Live Albums

RtBE loves listening to new music and prides itself on keeping tabs on up and coming artists but in 2019 we are also going to have a monthly spotlight on legendary artists who we really love. We are calling this series The Masters. It will focus on the best albums, live records, transcendent shows and other odd ways we appreciate the artists and their contribution to music, culture and our formation.

For September The Masters focuses on The Who.

A band that was a force of nature. In their prime The Who were a must catch live act. From the magical timing of the sun coming up at Woodstock as if it was a light show to the story about Monterrey Pop and the rift between Jimi Hendrix and The Who which is a classic...

Townshend says “I’ve heard Roger talk about it as a jam session, but it wasn’t a jam session. It was just Jimi on a chair playing at me. Playing at me like ‘Don’t f—k with me, you little sh-t.’” 

The musical quarrel came down to Townshend’s insecurity over The Who playing after Jimi Hendrix at Monterey, a gig that he considered to be a “critical concert.” Attempting to negotiate with Jimi didn’t go well, as Hendrix said “that’s not what you really mean. What you really mean is that you don’t want me to go first. You want to be first up there with the guitar smashing,” to which Townshend replied “Jimi, I swear, that’s not what it’s about.” 

In the end, the discussion cooled down and Hendrix suggested a coin toss to determine who would go first and The Who came out on the winning side of that toss.

Watching Hendrix’s performance later from the crowd with Mama Cass, she told Townshend, “he’s stealing your act” and Townshend said “no, he’s not stealing my act – he’s doing my act.” Explaining further, Townshend says “for me, it was an act and for him, it was something else. It was an extension of what he was doing.”

They have memorable live moments, both good and bad and as a band continue to tour with two of the original members. While their hey day is clearly behind them, their recent past gets some love on our live albums list below. RtBE was not alive to catch the group as a four piece but we have caught them a few times as well as variations of their work and love every minute of it. 

So let's get to their top five live albums below. As a reminder this list is meant to start conversations, not end them....

The Masters: The Who - Best Studio Albums

RtBE loves listening to new music and prides itself on keeping tabs on up and coming artists but in 2019 we are also going to have a monthly spotlight on legendary artists who we really love. We are calling this series The Masters. It will focus on the best albums, live records, transcendent shows and other odd ways we appreciate the artists and their contribution to music, culture and our formation.

For September The Masters focuses on The Who.

When RtBE hears the term 'Rock Band' (not rock and roll mind you) The Who are always the band who jumps to mind. The group were heavy/hard before there was punk/metal. They were over the top, before there was prog. They were in touch with their feelings like folkies, but would make you start a mosh before that was a thing and they never backed down from a fight. 

Pete Townshend, Roger Daltry, John Entwistle and Keith Moon were the perfect rock quartet.  Each played their roles, were amazing at their craft and produced some of the greatest albums in rock history. They were not prolific in the studio, but each record we talk about today could be in talks for best ever.    

Unlike a lot of other British Invasion acts, The Who didn't owe very much to the blues masters that came before them, they were much more influenced by the early American rock and roll inspired by those artists, almost a second generation influence. Unlike the Beatles and the Stones they kept the "roll" out of it and went more for a blasting, the already mentioned metal/punk/prog approach to their songs as they grew as a unit. 

Townshend as a songwriter also tapped into constant themes of childhood abuse, teenage angst and mental confusion. The best part about his songs is that he somehow managed to keep a sense of humor about him and his lyrics. The Who were fun, deep, exciting and a kick ass band so let's dig into their top 5 studio albums....As a reminder, this list is meant to start discussions, not end them....

Album Review: Juan Ibarra - NauMay

Juan Ibarra 

NauMay

**** out of *****

Released in early 2018, Juan Ibarra's collection of soaring Jazz originals may have offered more promise and positive spiritually than the year could deliver, but the dulcet tones continue to enchant, and will do so for any listener who picks up NauMay in the future. It is a stunning post-bop based jazz debut from an artist who has studied around the world and returned home to produce his first record at Mastodonte Studios. 

Ibarra is a drummer originally from Uruguay who leads his base quintet (Gonzalo Levin - Tenor/Spr/Alto Sax, Ignacio Labrada - Piano, Martin Ibarra - Guitar, Antonino Restuccia - Double Bass) in unique fashion. Just listening to the intro for "Angkor" (our favorite) and you can hear how his dense percussion patterns juxtaposes with the melodic piano and saxophones. The track (like all of them on NauMay) runs long and moves through various stages but remains hypnotic all along the journey.  It is just one of the many impressive offerings on this record which fans of exploratory music (not just jazz heads) will dig.

Opener "REM" is more a dreamy slow build helped along by guests Benjamin Barrios tenor sax and Federico Lazzarini trumpet while "Indigo" has more of a free jazz vibe with a pleasant focus on the bass work of Restuccia. Barrios and Lazzarini return again for the triumphant "Pepper Blade" as the marching drums and bright horns lead the way forward.

"Oceanos" is the smoothest offering on the record and oddly the least engaging as the other tunes deliver more of a musical journey, but the chilled out vibes are certainly solid, just a bit one note/familiar. More exploratory and adventurous is "Nair (Candombe 5)" which flies by as the band climbs up and down scales around Ibarra's frantically direct drumming. Closer "Pataskala" highlights Martin Ibarra's electric guitar work with clean flourishes and bright passages before the relaxed sax and steady piano make their mark as well.   

There is a lot of music to digest on NauMay with a running time pushing seventy five minutes, however each long offering is rewarding. Ibarra has been compared to Brian Blades Fellowship with good reason, he and his players have created an exhilarating debut record that will reward listeners again and again. 
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Support the artist, buy the album, stream it on bandcamp or below and peeps some video:

Live Review: Jack White 11/17/19 Kings Theatre Brooklyn, NY

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of Jack White's recent concert at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn NY on Friday Night November 17th.

We have caught Jack a bunch this year, from a tiny polish club in Brooklyn to the soggy upstate brewery near the hall of fame, and in all honesty this show ranks third on that list for us, but even the third best Jack White concert is still in our top ten for the year; the man is just the best going today.

His supporting band is pretty god damn great as well and on this night it was almost impossible to look anywhere but at Carla Azar. Having fantastic seats we were only about 10 or so rows from her and she was powerful and magnetic. We have been aware of her for a while now, but this night sealed our full on love for her.

Support the artist, read the review, peep some video below from the last time he played Brooklyn in the early Spring:

Album Review Brujeria Pocho Aztlan

Brujeria

Pocho Aztlan

**** out of *****

The Mexican-American death metal monsters Brujeria have finally come back after a sixteen year layoff between albums with the pulverizing power of Pocho Aztlan. The title translate loosely to "wasted promise land" and while the band has had a rotating cast of members it still resembles an all-star lineup for fans of heavy music with members of Napalm Death, Carcass and Cradle of Filth. Longtime listeners will be happy to know they have not dulled one bit since their 2000 release
Brujerizmo keeping their machete metal music razor sharp; new fans will also find this a great place to get a taste of the Mexican influenced madness.

Starting off with the thundering title track sets the stage for the full length with a tribal intro/chant, and folk whistles, before devolving into police choppers and only then the metal barrage. The group takes on tons of topics they know well, drugs, disillusioned culture, murder, immigration, satanism and cartels but what reads like complete devastation actually contains lighthearted moments as the band can deftly add humor into their crushing power (see the recently released Vive Presidente Trump!).   

The blast beats of "No Aceptan Imitaciones" signals a speed metal shift that is brutal while "Profecia del Anticristo" amps up the groove, still keeping the speed in overdrive.  Those never ending drums keep slamming for the pit inducing "Angel de la Frontera" before the bands tribute to Pablo Escobar "Plata O Plomo" that grinds metal gears in its own slamming way. Metal fans can now debate who did it better, Brujeria or Soulfly? RtBE votes for the  like the variety of Soulfly's version, but both are slamming with aggression and deliver the goods.   

"Satongo" brings the hardcore elements of the band to the forefront while "Bruja" experiments with distortion, major breakdowns and groove laden riffs enter. Those machine gun level drums take over and decimate "Culpan La Mujer" as a second vocalist screeches along with vocal distortion and Spanish lyrics, screaming out to the masses. "Debilador" is a throw back to old school punk/hardcore/metal with its count off and pile on conducive singing, as well as tempo changes, breakdowns and a flair for the dramatic.  

The album is long, average music listeners probably won't make it through the whole release but for death/grind/metal fans who have been waiting over a decade and a half their can't be enough, especially because the end product is this good. Closing with their take on the Dead Kennedy's adds to this bands scope and really cements Pocho Aztlan as one of the best metal releases in any of that record labels many sub-genres.  

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These guys are fantastic and a big influence on our friends Billyclub Sandwich, so we were looking forward to this and were not disappointed. Support the band, buy the album peep some video below: 

Original Misfit Jerry Only Ready For Riot Fest

We already wrote about the upcoming Riot Fest with some intriguing reunions but more is coming out directly from the Misfits bassists mouth regarding their reunion. Jerry Only the bands original bassist chatted with Blabbermouth and some cool facts came out.

Some exciting revelations came out of this chat. Only hopes to keep this going, running through about 25 classic songs for both of these reunions shows with the hope the band doesn't implode onstage. 50/50 odds on that....

The fact that they hope to still play (Halloween shows in NYC anyone?!) is exciting, so is the rumor that Dave Lombardo of all people will be behind the kit for these shows. Lombardo earned the respect of all metal fans by pounding the skins of Slayer and it will be a total treat to hear him supporting Only, Danzig and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein.

Here's hoping things go well and until those shows, how about some Misfits for Thursday night?

Album Review: Autolux- Pussy's Dead

Autolux

Pussy's Dead

*** out of *****

The Los Angeles art pop trio took a long time between albums (last release was 2010) and have become the first band released on Danger Mouse's Columbia Imprint, 30th Century Records with their newest album, Pussy's Dead. The band, Eugene Goreshter (lead vocals/bass), Greg Edwards (guitar/vocals) and Carla Azar (drums/vocals), take their time moving between soundscapes and mellow sonic textures as the 10 tracks roll out.

The dreamy-electro-pop of Pussy's Dead, usually floats out into the ether but Autolux has the added bonus of one of the best drummers working today in Azar keeping things tethered. While the groups tracks aren't earth bound by any means, her deft playing adds a solidness that is crucial, keeping this album much more engaging than if someone just average was manning the kit.

Two of the more intriguing tracks are "Hamster Suite" and "Listen To The Order" but both go after it in different fashions. "Hamster Suite" lyrically dreams and musically moves between metal screeches and organic grooves in art rock fashion, swelling and retaining a tension. "Listen To The Order" repeats and repeats while eerily breaking down and popping back up with images of violence in a tighter fashion.

The overarching issue is that energy can wane and lyrically there aren't lots of standout tracks. The opening duo of "Selectallcopy" and "Soft Scene" just float by without lasting memory while efforts like "Brainwasher" gets falsetto and pushes the dance vibe outward but never truly buys into it. "Change My Head" goes for drama and dynamics but it just feels like electro-wind and bombast, never resonating. One thing that does standout is the album art which is simple yet still striking.  

Produced by BOOTS the disk does contain an easy appeal tonally but also wanders around aimlessly at times ending up a mixed bag with a few moments of magic. Those moments always seem to coalesce with the drumming of Azar adding another level of mystery and reward over more and more listens.  
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An interesting disk, but we wanted a bit more energy injected into it. Support the band, buy the album and peep some video:

Full Show Friday: Wayne Shorter Quartet Marciac 2013

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Wayne Shorter Quartet!

It's Jazzy January again here at RtBE, so get ready to kick off 2016 with some different styled shows every Friday. For this series we skew into new (or more recent) jazz lands. Keeping it current proves there is amazing live jazz still being performed no matter what Ken Burns says.

We unfortunately missed the Wayne Shorter Quartet when they played Lincoln Center in 2015, and we are pissed because there are very few 82 year old artists making magical music these days, and with the help of his players, Mr. Shorter is still at the top of his game, which is incredible.

This show from 2013 does a fine job of capturing the players in their groove and is a dynamite way to spend this chilly Friday Morning.  

Enjoy:

Full Show Friday: Benevento/Moore Duo The Mint LA, CA 2013

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Marc Benevento/Stanton Moore Duo!

Every April we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we will focus on Benevento/Moore Duo who will be everywhere during Jazzfest, but particularly here.

Ok so it's true this duo isn't playing Jazzfest proper, but they will both be individually playing more then almost anyone else in town for those two weeks. Moore in particularly is listed on almost every show imaginable, it is insane.

I wanted to highlight this set and playing because the freewheeling improv is what makes the late nights at Jazzfest so much damn fun. Benevento/Moore Duo are really loose and great.

These guys will be playing at the Megalomaniacs Ball at Howling Wolf which we will be attending. This is a fun loving rollicking show that touches on old favorites in new ways, in the 7 minutes you get Pink Floyd and Elton John...hmm he is playing the festival too. 

Enjoy:

Megadeth Needs A New Drummer, We Have A Suggestion

So in some surprising news Shawn Drover, the drummer for Megadeth for the last 10 years has quit the band.

With the band planning to record in early 2015 it makes sense that they are on the look out for a new drummer, we have a suggestion:


Mike Sankari is tossing his hat in the ring and as a kick ass drummer we would be stoked for Dave Mustaine to give him a shot.

Mike is a friend who is instrumental in Gotham Rocks and a bad ass skin slammer as well. Hopefully the metal magicians are buying into him. Rust In Peace!

Album Review: Yonrico Scott-Be In My World

 Yonrico Scott
Be In My World
**and1/2 out of *****

The former drummer of The Derek Trucks Band stays behind the kit but steps out on his own with his first solo offering.  Be In My World is full of jazzy rhythms, R&B workouts and positive vibes. 

Bringing along former band mates gives the album a familiar glow as Kofi Burbridge (Keys, Flute) Mike Mattison (Backing Vocals) and bassist Todd Smallie all contribute, with Saxophonist Mace Hibbard providing soulful splashes; just like The Derek Trucks Band at its Grammy winning best.  In fact the namesake of the old group shows up to play stellar slide guitar on the Hibbard penned instrumental “Hear Me Now”, which just happens to be the albums highlight track. 

Scott’s next step finds him not stretching to far from home while showing off a noticeably laid back, smoother tone.  “Confused” gets the disk off to a funky start, while “Open Spirit” has a modern Gospel vibe, complete with Scott on vibraphone.  The vocals may not be perfect from Yonrico but they are heartfelt and fit the tunes, such as on the soulful “Walk Between The Raindrops”.  He also goes full on percussion mode with the short “To The Land” incorporating Congas, Bongos, Djembe and Quica.   

The instrumentals are where all the players assembled work best and should be sort out for their heartfelt playing (“Hear Me Now, “When You Click You Clack”).  The tracks tend to blend together becoming a bit forgettable the longer the hour long Be In My World progresses and perhaps next time out Scott and company will spice it up tempo wise, but for a newly christened front man this is a productive first step.        

(This review also appears here on Glide Magazine)
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I have always enjoyed the Derek Trucks Band, and it was a pleasure to check out Yonrico Scott's first effort.  Granted I probably gave it an extra half of star up there because it was a drummer moving towards frontman, and there is just a good overall vibe to the album.  Tough to be too harsh on Scott especially when a few of the tracks are really good, particularly the instrumentals. 

Support the artist here, buy the album here, and peep a few samples below:


"The Thrill Is Gone" Live

RIP Levon Helm

We already paid some respects here, but we just wanted to note the passing of an American Rock and Roll Legend.

Levon Helm Died today, he was 71.  Some obituaries here and here to read up on him, needless to say he inspired generations of (and will continue with his recordings) musicians to go for it, RtBE staff included.  We could (and maybe will in the future) write much more regarding him, but for now we will just post this, one of our favorite Levon moments, and raise a glass to a great musician and idol.



What a voice, what a player.  Levon, you will always live on.

Levon Helm Health is Failing.

Just noticed this sad news on Facebook from Levon Helms official page: 

Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. ...

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern.
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

RtBE have proclaimed our love of all things Band related in the past especially The Last Waltz and count ourselves extremely luck to have seen Levon play in recent years many times.  He was a a highlight last summer when he was in the city with Willie he stole the show and the first time we saw him play the Beacon a few St. Patrick's Day's back which was his first show out of his home in along time.  We were looking forward to seeing him, Larry and the whole Ramble playing in a few weeks at Jazzfest, this news saddens us, but he has lived a full life and that should be celebrated.  

Here is a video we took at the Radio City Ramble:

"The Shape I'm In"

Warren Haynes and his band will fill for Helm at Jazzfest, but nobody will ever take his place as a true Rock and Roll Legend.  

 Keep On Keepin' On Levon.  

Drum Nerds Unite! Claypool Carey Copeland and Pert are in the house.

From Scott over at Hidden Track comes this little gem about CCCP a new super drummers and lone bass group that has come together to pummel and get funky...check it out:

Personally I really dig and was surprised by the brass flourishes.  (Could do without the counting though...pretty annoying)

Les Claypool mans the bass while the drumming crew will make any percussionist drool with Danny Carey from Tool, Stewart Copeland from The Police and Neal Pert from Rush. 

Some where a drum geek's head just exploded...

Knowing that all of them have worked with Claypool in the past I would not be surprised to see an album in their future...but with Primus just putting out Green Naugahyde and about to tour I wouldn't hold my breath...but stay tuned.