5 Live Music Musts - September 5, 2014
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
5 Live Music Musts - September 5, 2014
Joe Fletcher at Columbus Theatre
The Columbus Theatre in Providence has Rhode Island native and former school teacher Joe Fletcher tonight. It’s an album release show for Fletcher, who now mixes it up in Nashville when he’s not touring. His new solo album, You’ve Got the Wrong Man, with its roots inspired sound, is getting great reviews. Tyler James of the Silks opens at 8PM. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door.
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Also tonight, Twin River has a classic rock twofer with Michael McDonald and Toto appearing. McDonald is well known for his solo work as well as his singing with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan (see below) in the 1970s. The funky rock band Toto also saw their heyday in the late 70s and early 80s, and return with most of their original line up led by guitarist Steve Luthaker. Ticket prices range from $64 to $138 and the show starts promptly at 7PM.
Providence Folk Festival on Sunday
The brand spanking new Providence Folk Festival premieres Sunday with two stages of folk, blues, roots and more at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence. The festival, organized by Hear in RI musician and impressario John Fuzek, has a number of local performers joining well-known national artists Robin Lane (When Things Go Wrong), and Andy Pratt (Avenging Annie). It’s free and it runs from Noon – 6PM. Click here for the complete schedule. Rain date is next Sunday September 14.
Steely Dan at PPAC
1970s mega-stars Steely Dan will be at PPAC Sunday for a rare area appearance on their “Jamalot Ever After” tour. Known for their classic orchestration and attention to detail, the Rock Hall of Famers have been playing a lot of their classics according to recent set lists. Founders Walter Becker and Donald Fagan have put together a tremendous band for the show. So “put on your Steely Dan T-shirt” and head to PPAC. Show is at 7PM – tickets are still available starting at $59.50.
Jazz at The Narrows Center
Modern Jazz fans won’t want to miss celebrated Sax man Bill Evans at the Narrows Center for the Arts next Thursday September 11th. Evans has played with everyone from Miles Davis to Mick Jagger in his 30+ year career. He brings his funk influenced band, Bill Evans’ Soulgrass to Fall River next week. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 day of the show.
Newport Folk Festival Rocks the Fort
Deer Tick
The Rhode Island band returned to the festival this year appearing on the main “Fort Stage” for the first time. In full sailing regalia, they rocked the Fort with tunes from their recent album Negativity and earlier records. Lead singer John McCauley tore through a set which included “Dreams in the Ditch,” “Main Street,” and “Christ Jesus.” McCauley’s wife Vanessa Carlton joined in on the folksy duet “In Our Time.”
Benjamin Booker
Benjamin Booker is a New Orleans based guitarist and one of the most exciting additions to the festival this year. He played a badass set of punk-influenced Blues, telling fans “This ain’t folk show – no folk here.” Highlights included “Young, Lost, and Hungry,” “Wicked Waters” and “Though I Heard You Screaming.” Booker’s trio rivals Jack White in pure sonic intensity – he’s an artist to watch!
Pegi Young and the Survivors
Pegi Young borrowed a few of husband Neil’s longtime bandmates for a funky set of mostly original songs. With Muscle Shoals Alabama legends Kevin Holly on guitar and Spooner Oldham on keyboards, Young showed a bit of country-western swagger on songs like “Better Living Through Chemicals,” where she declared pharmaceutical companies, “the new drug pushers.” She shined bright on “Walking a Tightrope,” and “Lonely Women.” It was a fun set, from a talented artist!
Trampled by Turtles
Trampled by Turtles plays Bluegrass on steroids. Their “wall of strings” vibe helped their fans completely forget about lingering rain showers Sunday as they blasted through a set of modern bluegrass. “Come Back Home” was a highlight, and led to an impromptu dance party that broke out on the damp grass. Set closers “Swimming,” and “Wild Animals” also rocked. They’re another band to check out on tour if you get the chance.
Jeff Tweedy
Jeff Tweedy is best known as the founder and lead singer of alt-rock champions Wilco. He was joined Sunday by his son, Spencer, and guests Mavis Staples along with Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius. The band played a number of new songs from the upcoming album, Tweedy, including mellow folk songs and hard rockers like “World Away.” Old favorites “New Madrid,” “Jesus, etc.” and “California Stars” rounded out the set.
Hozier
Hozier, born Andrew Hozier-Byrne, is a talented young artist from Ireland who has getting a lot of well-deserved attention. His set featured songs from his upcoming album Hozier, as well as a guest appearance from the Berklee College Gospel and Roots Choir, who performed earlier in the day. His hit, “Take Me to Church,” which went viral on YouTube last year, was a big hit at Newport. He’s a truly fresh voice on the indie scene and a rising star to watch.
Dawes
The California band Dawes made a return visit to Newport this year as lead guitarist Taylor Goldsmith announced, “We’ve been looking forward to playing here since we got off the stage last year.” They took their fans through some old favorites and new tunes including “Most People,” “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” and “Little Bit of Everything.” Later, they returned to the stage to support indie-rocker Conor Oberst for his equally awesome set.
Valerie June
Valerie June is an up and coming artist from Nashville, who is already big in the UK. She recently released a critically acclaimed album, Pushin’ Against a Stone, produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Fans heard a Blues influenced set at the Harbor Stage which included classics like “Rollin’ and Tumblin,” “Tennessee Time,” and “Workin’ Women Blues.” True to her Blues roots, she closed with the Robert Johnson classic “If I Had Possession over Judgment Day.”
