Chris Robinson’s voice was soulful as ever at Water Street Music Hall, where he sported a new, solid band that smoothly followed the bearded frontman on his new-found mellow jam exploration. Those of us wanting the pointed-toe kick in the ass Robinson used to deliver with the Crowes were treated instead to Dead-head-ish jams, and […]
Music
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Doors opened
Life is full of contradictions, so the saying goes. Yet art teaches us that what appears certain actually might be contradictory, and what appears contradictory might be resolved through a change of perspective. If life may imitate art as much as art imitates life, let us hope that our world leaders can resolve the contradictions […]
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Murder of one
Celebrated for creating and single-handedly keeping rough ‘n’ tumble rock music alive with The Black Crowes, singer Chris Robinson has begun a new chapter without his bluesy, black bird buddies. Robinson recently released New Earth Mud, a laid-back, evocative piece that burns with his trademark, soulful wail, while showcasing slightly deeper lyrical introspection and earthier […]
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Black Dog
I’m running from something. But when I get to where I’m going, it’s still there, panting, leering, and laughing. Like it or not, you can’t outrun yourself or, as Johnny Cash refers to one’s darker side, “the black dog.” It’s fun trying, though, and you get to see the sights. So this time, I decided […]
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Riding the hydra
One thing James Carter cannot be accused of is traveling light. When he visits Penfield High School for two concerts this weekend, he’ll be bringing along four or five of his saxophones. In fact, hearing him on soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophone, not to mention sopranino and the rare F-mezzo, you might […]
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Never mind Sandra Bullock
Joe Romano soulfully blew some laidback sax for our frozen bones on Friday at The Montage Grille. The joint was cozy, cool, and warm. And here’s the guy to play in the background on Valentines Day, or when you simply have to say “I’m sorry.” When we’re not busy downloading celebrity nudes, my know-it-all […]
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Humor and malice and Henry
A 21st-century Renaissance man, Henry Rollins is a vehement voice for our slightly disenfranchised generation through his writings, ruminations, heavy music, and spoken-word performances. He seems to have all 10 fingers each in a different pie, yet still manages to maintain focus, asking hard questions and providing genuine answers with anecdotes and insight. Rollins pulls […]
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Going to California
Will’s not dead. Though rumored to be taking a dirt nap, The Monty’s Krown (and Korner) owner is alive and well. It was his business partner who passed. Condolences to his family. So, I went to the Krown to see The Tyrones and Oceanside. I already knew what to expect from The Tyrones, and […]
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All right Tokyo!
Saturday night was truly the winter of my discontent: salty, shitty, snowy, and cold. Two-thousand-and-three arrived stillborn and under-whelming. My jones for palm trees and sunshine ran feverishly, unchecked. My boots leaked. But once again, I knew rock ‘n’ roll would warm my soul. Richmond’s has a great neighborhood feel. But when you shoehorn […]
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Record Review
Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz Jazz Alliance When I’m on the road, I feel especially lucky if I find a radio station carrying Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz. For 25 years, McPartland has hosted one of the most engaging shows on the airwaves, interviewing and playing spontaneous duets with jazz greats. Her personality is so engaging that […]
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Rape me
It is a little weird, when you think about it, how we ignore people’s privacy when they’re dead. Anything they might have said or wished concerning their legacy gets overlooked, as if the living know better what to do with the deceased’s mental remains than they did. When Kafka was on his deathbed, he asked […]
