Union Jack: Rolling Stones Tribute This Saturday

Stu Gordon on bass, with Mick Zimmerman

Albert Ceccacci tears it up on "Can't You Hear Me Knocking"

Union Jack - Last Show of the Year this Saturday 9:30 p.m.!
Celebrating the re-issue of "Some Girls"

at BB McGraw’s

440 16th st NE, Auburn, WA 98002
253.333.8205
http://www.bbmagraws.net 

“I still want to be Keith Richards,” said a guitar-player friend of mine recently. We were talking about tone, and how certain musicians not only get great tone out of their guitars, but create their own signature sounds that are recognizable as their own from the first note.

That signature tone is one of the reasons it’s so hard to nail the Stones’ sound, and why there are so few Rolling Stones tribute bands worth seeing.

Enter Union Jack, stage right. Great, danceable Rolling Stones music that’s so ultimately cool. And they really do nail it with the right sound, great musicianship, and a touch of showmanship. That would be enough for me, but the band goes the extra measure and provides a dramatic impression by dressing and acting the parts of the members of the original Rolling Stones band. Watching their “Keith” played by Ciggy Cater, I’m almost transported back to 1978 when I first saw the Stones, playing Anaheim stadium (Peter Tosh and Prince opened).

Raw guitar work, scorching solos, and that oh-so-right feedback. Albert Ceccacci, who literally and musically “plays” the Ronnie Wood part, looks a lot like Ronnie under the black rock’n’roll hair. Mick Zimmerman makes a great “Mick” front man, with scarf-swashling struts and flourishes.

But, I have to say my favorite is the understated Stu Gordon, who plays the Bill Wyman bass part. No small feat: Stu brings all the touch and elegance of Bill’s genius bass compositions, along with the Power of a long-time bass-playing veteran. And even as the original Wyman-Watts rhythm section was the bedrock upon which the Stones’ sound was laid, Stu and now-drummer Bruce Ericson drill deep.

Union Jack, this Saturday 9:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

BB McGraw’s

440 16th st NE, Auburn, WA 98002
253.333.8205
http://www.bbmagraws.net

Robben Ford is Golden

Robben Ford, Triple Door, Seattle, October 19, 2011

Robben Ford does not disappoint. Whether playing his beautiful vintage Gold Top, or cream-colored Tele, he alternately woos and bullies the most fantastic tones out of his guitars.

With a past studded with legendary music stars, Robben brings it all to every show. You can hear the influences haunting his playing. Robben has toured with such jazz greats as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Miles Davis, Bill Evans (Miles’ saxophonist), and John Scofield, and pop and rock legends George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones’ later bassist) and Bob Dylan, among others.

Robben plays at a “Wow!” level, right up there with Pat Metheny and Larry Carlton.  In fact, his Gold Top guitar was a gift from Larry. And he makes it shine.

His current trio, performing last night in front an intimate audience of 250 lucky people, absolutely mesmerized. Each artist was distinctly and insanely great, from Robben’s soulful singing and masterful playing, to drummer Gary Novak’s pin-point sticks and boom, to bassist Jimmy Haslip’s artful architecture and never-wavering pulse. Robben writes much of his material, but it’s often hard to tell he’s doing a cover; his unique character and style makes the song his own.

Visit www.robbenford.com for tour dates and information about his instructional “guitar dojo” and clinics.

Billy Shew Band

Shew Fetish

Go and see Billy Shew and you will be humming melodies and tapping toes for days. Billy is one of those rare guitarist/songwriters who gets into your head and lingers. Maybe it’s the fact that he writes his own original material and does his own vocals—his music is delivered straight from the heart.

It doesn’t hurt that he has mastered his instrument and makes it look easy. Or that his playing is bright and musical. Billy isn’t hard on the ears or the eyes. But what truly engages is his ability to do what good movies do, and that is to “suspend disbelief.” Meaning, he takes you away, and for a brief time you’re removed to a magical place all his own making. Don’t pinch me, I don’t want to wake up!

Billy Shew lead vocals and guitar, Doug McGrew on drums, and Hank Yanda on bass,
doing a mystical "Feels Like Rain"

Billy’s new album, called Look at Me Now provides a clue to his enigmatic appeal. Starting with the punchy How ‘Bout Now? he’s right there, and, you realize instantly, so are you. With surprising chord progressions, nice fat bass, great lyrics, and tasty embellishment licks, Billy is all about being in the moment. He exudes a sense of gratitude and yet longing. The poignant “Is This Real?” shows a childlike awe and wonder. His stellar band brings rich harmonies and depth to the arrangements. A special shout-out to his bassist, Hank Yanda, one of the best around. Love the old ’62 jazz bass, smooth as velvet.

Get the new Billy Shew CD “Look at Me Now” only $10

Look for show dates on Billy Shew’s Calendar

Guitarist Robben Ford to play Seattle

photos by George Wells

Guitar Hero Robben Ford

For those of you who know who Robben is, or have seen him play, you know what I’m talkin’ about. This guy’s discography reads like the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame roster. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of experiencing Robben’s musical genius live on several occasions. And a lucky audience will have an opportunity again:

Robben Ford, with guitarist Mike Landau, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Gary Novak, Triple Door, Seattle, October 19

Robben has played with artists as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Larry Carlton, Bonnie Raitt, Claus Ogerman, Bob Dylan, John Mayall, Greg Allman, and many others.

Robben recently started his Guitar Dojo, a learning center where he shares his experiences and musical discoveries. Here, follow along as Robben gives you personal and comprehensive lessons through high quality streaming video. You can also virtually visit sound checks and other live recordings.

A little history from his website:

He began to teach himself guitar at age thirteen upon hearing the two guitarists from The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Michael Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop. In the late 1960’s, Ford frequented the Fillmore and Winterland Auditoriums in San Francisco to see Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Albert King, B.B. King and all of the progenitors of blues. “It was an incredible time for electric guitar,” Robben recalls.

On his interest in jazz, Robben says, "I fell in love with the sax-playing of Paul Desmond and The Dave Brubeck Quartet, and before long found Ornette Coleman, Archie Shepp, Yusef Lateef, Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and of course, Miles Davis.”

Robben’s first attempt at forming his own jazz quartet was picked up by legendary blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon, who brought Robben to L.A. He toured the U.S. and Europe with Witherspoon and was seen by Tom Scott and members of The L.A. Express, who were about to begin a promotional tour with Joni Mitchell for her recording “Court and Spark.” Robben was invited to play guitar on the tour and played on two recordings with Mitchell and The L.A. Express. “The two years I spent with Joni were the most formative of my musical life. Joni was just brilliant and very accessible.”

Beatle George Harrison invited Robben to join him on his “Dark Horse” tour of the U.S. and Canada…”

After moving to New York, he was called to play with musical icon Miles Davis. “Producer Tommy LiPuma played Miles my work with the Yellowjackets, then three days later, Miles called me personally to join his band. Shocking!”

 “Tiger Walk” is an instrumental recording produced in New York with Keith Richards' rhythm section…”

In 2000 Robben was invited to tour with Phil Lesh and Friends, co-billing with Bob Dylan, and reuniting him with Billy Paine and Paul Barrere of Little Feat, as well as drummer John Molo. “This experience gave me new respect for Jerry Garcia as a musician and songwriter. The songs and musical context were pure pleasure--real guitar music!"

In 2002, he released “Blue Moon” [I highly recommend this album]. His third release for Concord was entitled “Truth”. “I feel this is the best work I have done in terms of a solo recording. It is my most realized work as a songwriter, and I feel like I am reaching higher ground as a guitarist. [I second that!]

Robben has been touring the world off and on with the legendary guitarist Larry Carlton, the two producing “Live in Tokyo”, and an “unplugged” DVD from Paris. Collaboration seems to be the current M.O.-- projects with John Scofield, and touring and recording with fellow Miles Davis alumni saxophonist Bill Evans, as well as Randy Brecker and Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones.

Most recently (2010) Robben released “Renegade Creation,” with a group of musical friends who have played in different combinations and contexts over the years and decided to focus on a project together recording for Mike Varney’s Shrapnel label. This is a rock band, Robben’s first, and the results have people talking: “Dare I say everyone who hears it, loves it!” The other members are guitarist Mike Landau, bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Gary Novak. [This is the line-up playing at Triple Door Oct 19 !!!]

HOT HOT Beatles Show: The Nowhere Men

Nowhere Men play to a crowd of 800 people at University Village, Seattle

Now that’s rock n’roll, when the guitar player literally lights his amp on fire! That’s what happened Wednesday night at the outdoor University Village show featuring the apparently hotter-than-hot Nowhere Men.

George Myers on rhythm guitar got us all dancing with “Get Back” and looked over to see flames coming out of his amp, while Rick on bass stopped playing and quickly, carefully, unplugged a few things. But did a mere burning amp stop the show? No! They continued right on with a fabulous medley that included, I Want You, She Came In Through the Bathroom Window, and A Day in the Life. At one point I thought the lead guitar player was going to light his amp on fire too, his playing was so hot!

Day Tripper at U Village

About 800 people enjoyed hearing Beatles’ music live on a rare sunny warm evening, while the Nowhere Men tripped the light fantastic through the Beatles’ library. Early songs, like “Please, Please Me” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” reminded us of the simple innocence of the young Fab Four, as we traveled through time to later, more satirical songs like “Taxman” and “Revolution.”

But it’s the psychedelic era of the Beatles’ body of work that I think the Nowhere Men get absolutely pitch-perfect, with songs like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “The Walrus,” “Glass Onion,” and other White Album-era pieces. These are more complexly-orchestrated compositions that really showcase the musicianship--and heart--of The Nowhere Men’s playing. They don’t try to assume the Beatles’ looks or personas; instead they strive to capture the intent and integrity of the sound of the Beatles. And they succeed.

Superb sound mixed by Audio Media of Seattle.

Catch their shows any chance you get. Here’s The Nowhere Men show calendar.

Victor Wooten, Bass God

Victor Wooten on bass; Bela Fleck on banjo

A little Zydeco from Bruce Hornsby on mandolin;

Regi Wooten on washboard; Bela on banjo

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Chateau Ste. Michele Winery, July 30, 2011

There IS a god! A bass god—and his name is Victor Wooten. Forget for a moment that he plays with one of the greatest--if only--jazz fusion banjo players ever (yes, “jazz fusion banjo” all in the same sentence)—Bela Fleck. That is another story in itself.

Victor Wooten astounded and thrilled us on Saturday at the Chateau Ste. Michele winery concert. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones  opened for Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, which I was OK with seeing, too.

But, I went specifically to see Victor, and I wasn’t disappointed. He does this thing where he gets the bass going and uses both sets of fingers in opposite directions swirling up and down the fret board, as if he’s playing a great horizontal harp. It’s really unbelievable to watch, and the sound is poly-fantastic. Victor exudes pure joy when he plays. I think very few musicians feel that free onstage.

I always appreciate when great musicians “give back” by supporting music education. Victor has gone far beyond that. His Bass/Nature Camp, in its 12th year now, has grown into a permanent school on 150 acres near Nashville. People from all over the world come to Wooten Woods to learn or improve their bass playing, with instruction from greats like the legendary Chuck Rainey (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, etc. ) and Steve Bailey (Dizzie Gillespie, Jethro Tull, etc.). Even my bass hero Robin Sylvester (Bob Weir's Ratdog and TRI Studios) is in awe of those guys. You can apply to attend the bass camp by sending email to: basscamp@victorwooten.com

A word or two about Bela Fleck—what’s up with the name? It’s Southern, people! And it’s pronounced “bay-lah.” Bela exudes the cool of a California surfer, while superb picking and harmonies underscore his soulful interpretations. Bruce Hornsby cleverly invited Bela and Victor back onstage with him, to take his own performance higher. Bruce has written some great songs, like The Way It Is, and Spider Fingers, and although all are written for the piano, they translate very well to the bass (after all, piano and bass are both in the Rhythm Section). Bela’s banjo acted as a surprising guitar duo: rhythm and lead guitar effortlessly rolled into one.

With the orange-plum sunset gloaming behind us in the soft summer evening, they played a bittersweet Mandolin Rain, about longing and love lost. Bela and Victor wove a beautiful orchestration. The rich, purple-black 2007 Cold Creek Cabernet didn’t hurt either.

Nowhere Men and the Beatles

The Nowhere Men

Last night was a gift: golden summer evening, bare feet on the grass dance "floor," and the Nowhere Men playing Beatles music! These players, led by George Myers on rhythm guitar, and Rick on bass, capture the real, live sound of the Beatles' foursome.

From their website:

"The group decided early on that they wouldn't try to physically impersonate The Beatles, but rather to concentrate on how to deliver the total sound in a live format within the context of a foursome. This has become the group's challenge and motivation. As a result, their audiences enjoy the interpretations of the early Beatles and the creativity involved in performing some of the more complex arrangements from albums like "Sgt. Pepper" and "Abbey Road.” In 2005 the band played a farewell show, intending to wrap it up after 15 great years, but the pure enjoyment of the music and the fun of sharing the experience with an audience brought them out of “retirement.” Their goal is still the same as it was when they started in 1990 – to create a live musical experience that comes as close as possible to "The Beatles" unforgettable sound."

Passionate players, fine instruments, exeptional electronics, and sophisticated mixing board and tech (thanks, Steve!) bring the Sound home.

One of the best live music experiences in the Northwest.

Experience The Nowhere Men this coming Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at University Village 6:30-8:30.

http://www.nowheremen.com

Little River Band

Wayne Nelson on bass and lead vocals

It’s a Long Way There

Hey everybody…yeah, don't you feel that there's something?
Feel it, feel it?
Hey everybody…yeah, don't you feel that there's something?

People on their own are getting nowhere,
I am on the road to see,
If anything is anywhere and waiting, just for me.

Every night I walk around the city.
Seems like I'll never know,
That feeling of being together when I go.

And it's a long way there, it's a long way to where I'm going,
And it's a long way there, it's a long way to where I'm going.


This is great songwriting, brought to you by Little River Band, one of my favorite--and somewhat unheralded--bands of the '70s.

Their show at Snoqualmie Casino near Seattle last week was testament that good songwriting doesn’t fade with time. Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, Little River Band based their success on good songwriting, guitar harmonies, and powerful vocals. One of the longest running band members, and arranger of most of their material, Wayne Nelson (bass/lead vocals) also hasn’t faded—his playing was just as fresh and vibrant as ever. And he plays that big old custom bass with such authority. You could tell he still felt the words and music pour out of his soul. I have to hand it to him; he really connected with the crowd (in spite of the sing-along, which, on principle, I never participate in—hey, if they want me to sing, they gotta pay me!).

Also of note was Matt Watts; with a name like that he’d better be a good drummer! And he was stellar, although if he had sat any lower in his kit he would have been on the floor, like a catcher at home plate. Turns out he’s played with a constellation of greats including The Allman Brothers, Little Feat, Charlie Daniels, and Badfinger.

It was fun seeing the whole band dressed in their idea of what Seattle-ites wear: lumberjack flannel shirts and torn jeans. C'mon, we're cooler than that.

There were some magical moments: the stunning lead guitar work in "It's a Long Way There;" the lilting and poignant “Reminiscing” and “Lady," and the cracking “Happy Anniversary." It was interesting that over 50% of the crowds’ hands shot up when they asked, “How many are celebrating NOT being married?” A bit of Aussie humor there, or a result of being On The Road for as long as these road warriors.

Steely Dan

Steely Dan graces WAMU Theater in Seattle, July 2, 2011

It’s not possible to exaggerate when describing Steely Dan’s show in Seattle last week. Called the “Shuffle Diplomacy Twenty Eleven” tour, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker and their group couldn’t have played a more astounding concert. Are they Jazz? Rock? Funk? Blues? Pop? The definition of Fusion.

Classics like the poignant “Hey 19,” the simultaneously driving and haunting “Aja,” and a very funky “When Josie Comes Home,” all hit the groove beyond our wildest dreams. With the first notes of each song I was amazed at the breadth and depth of Steely Dan's body of work. No wonder the Wamu Theater was packed to the rafters with about 2,000 lucky fans.

I was mesmerized by Fagen’s tremendous writing and arranging, as all the players proved they are the absolute best of their class, from the crisp horn section to the thunderous bass and spot-on lead guitar of Jon Herington. I happen to love Walter Becker's warm sounding Fender expression, too. And it was fun to watch the three backup singers dance and groove while they added their rich soprano harmonies. It was hard to believe this was the first show of their tour, they were so incredibly sharp and tight.

The group of top players dubbed the “Miles High Band” (ode to Miles Davis?) feature the “Embassy Brats.” The “Band” and “Brats” include Jon Herington (guitar); Freddie Washington (bass); Keith Carlock (drums); Michael Leonhart, Walt Weiskopf, Roger Rosenberg and Jim Pugh (horns); Jim Beard (keys); with singers Tawatha Agee, Carolyn Escoffery and Catherine Russell.

Check out their new song, “The Bear” on YouTube.

Ayron Jones and the Way

Ayron Jones, with Conrad Real on drums, photo courtesy Moonlight Media

Ayron Jones, guitar and vocals
Conrad Real, drums
Deandre Enrico, bass

It’s not often you see a young band, and I mean very young, who are already so good it blows you away. Jar of Rain is one of those, and so is Ayron Jones and the Way.

Last week Ayron Jones and his band were a highlight of the Rock Show to Benefit NW Harvest. After an impressive set by Alan White, legendary drummer for Yes, these young unassuming guys jumped up on the stage. Dylan said you can tell how good a musician is by the way they carry in their guitar case. I say you can tell a lot about a musician by how they tune up. I watched and listened carefully as the bass player thoughtfully, carefully, and oh-so-efficiently tuned his active 5-string, and I knew we were in for it.

I’d just been talking with a drummer friend about dynamics, and how often musicians sacrifice modulation for LOUD. Not these guys; they showed a keen sensitivity to the feeling and tempo of each song, whether a soulful ballad from Hendrix, or a rockin’ blues song from Buddy Guy. Good musicians let the music move them, almost as if the music plays the band, not the other way around. Then POW, all three hit us with their technical chops and blew the roof off the place. It was sheer pleasure to hear their joyful playing of blues and rock classics, with a twist.

From Facebook: “Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter Ayron Jones from Seattle, Washington mixes blues, funk, hip-hop and R&B to deliver his sound. Self taught since the age of 13, Ayron continues to develop an approach to the blues by spanning the guitar styles of legends such as Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Albert king. Constantly growing and exploring, Ayron adds his personal touch with rhythms and grooves derived from today's sounds while still paying tribute to the history of the blues. Ayron Jones is a student of the neo-blues evolution.”

Also, Kudos to Conrad Real on drums. I'd heard him play before as an occasional special guest at 88 Keys jams, but with this trio Conrad finds his signature style: superb touch and tasty licks with a smooth groove and punchy cymbal work. I believe he has what it takes to become one of the all-time greats.

It’s hard to say enough about Deandre Enrico on bass. I kept wondering how on earth he could be so good, so young. Few bass players engage the bass as a low-register guitar, with all chords and solos working together, and he’s already got it down!!

For show dates check the Ayron Jones and the Way Facebook page.