On the heels of a public announcement that Hinder signed with The End Records on November 4, it should also be noted that Nolan Neal will be the new singer of the band. Nolan Neal, owner of 16th Edge Studios located on the famous “Music Row” in Nashville has been filling in with the band for the past year, but no official statement of his role in the band had been announced until this week.
Speculations of Neal replacing founding member and vocalist Austin Winkler after Winkler entered rehab in 2013 have been ongoing, including an unofficial update to the band’s Wikipedia page. The band and Neal never made an official announcement on the transition, until the announcement of the new single “Hit the Ground” scheduled for November 24 and a new album with Nolan Neal on vocals planned for 2015.
With Hinder’s debut release Extreme Behavior in 2005, Hinder sold over three-million copies in the US and their #1 single, “Lips of an Angel” launched the band into the hearts of rock and roll fans everywhere. The band has had continued success throughout the decade with Winkler including their latest release Welcome to the Freakshow that went to #3 on the Hard Rock charts.
Hinder also brought on veteran manager, Mark Adelman, of Career Artist Management. Adelman has worked with such heavy metal gods such as Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, making one curious of the new direction of Hinder. Of course, Adelman has also worked with acts such as Kenny G and Rufus Wainwright.
Below is a video of new lead singer Nolan Neal performing with friend, Bobby Amaru (Saliva) at a private show in Albany, New York. They gave Neon Gods a taste of a brand new tune, written by Nolan.
Jazz Fest founder and producer, Frank Malfitano, has announced the Syracuse Jazz Fest has added a fifth concert to its series. Mark Doyle’s Guitar Noir Project has been added to the sixth Annual Legends of Jazz Series at O.C.C. on Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 pm in the college’s new Recital Hall.
After a sold-out performance in May at The Auburn Public Theater, then sharing the Syracuse Jazz Fest 32 stage with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in July, this will be the final appearance of Guitar Noir until April 2015. Unlike the previous shows, the string quintet will be featured for two full sets as the 10-piece ensemble presents the full In Dreams album in set one, then reprise some of the funkier R&B numbers they brought down the Jazz Fest house with in set two. As always, Doyle never rests on his laurels and he has several surprises up his musical sleeve for the audience at O.C.C.
Doyle says, “We wanted to do an intimate show in Syracuse, I’m grateful to Frank for suggesting O.C.C.’s new recital hall – I really didn’t want to wait until next April to perform again with this project. And as the nights get longer and we head toward winter, the Noir concept really starts to take on an added dimension.” Malfitano went on to say that the project was simply too stellar to lay dormant over the winter months. “Mark, as everyone knows, is a Legend, and a seven-time SAMMY winner and SAMMYS hall-of-famer who is equally adept at Blues, Rock, Pop and Jazz, but this dectet chamber/jazz/rock ensemble is a very special and unique project that really deserves to be seen in its entirety. Because of time limitations at Jazz Fest we were only able to scratch the surface of this amazing presentation this past summer, so presenting it in its entirety in late November was simply too irresistible an opportunity to pass up.”
The November 22 concert at O.C.C. will feature guitarist Mark Doyle’s critically acclaimed Guitar Noir Project, which features a core quintet composed of Doyle and Terry Quill on guitars, Bill DiCosimo on keyboards, Edgar Pagan on bass, and Joshua Dekaney on drums, along with a five-piece Guitar Noir String Ensemble comprised of Ally Brown, Shelby Dems, and Leila Dean on violins, Claire Marie Wilcox on viola and Kate LaVerne on cello.
Doyle’s incredibly varied career began as a child prodigy jazz pianist before seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. His first band ‘Jukin’ Bone’ was signed to RCA when he was in his late teens and produced two albums that were labeled by Creem magazine as “seminal classics of early ’70s hard rock.” He served as lead guitarist/arranger/right-hand man for David Werner, Andy Pratt and Cindy Bullens performing band-leader duties on many tours with them besides numerous sessions with the likes of Hall and Oates, Judy Collins, Leo Sayer and many others. The ’80s found him doing several world tours and television appearances as lead guitarist for Meatloaf and adding a shiny disc to his studio wall by arranging and singing background vocals on “Straight From The Heart’ with Bryan Adams. A move to Boston brought Mark another direction as String Arranger for most of Maurice Starr’s acts including New Kids On The Block, Tiffany and The Stylistics also contributing his production skills and immeasurable musical prowess to each. After a stint in Japan playing keys and acoustic guitar for the Epic/SONY and Pioneer labels, Mark returned to Syracuse and concentrated on his internationally critically acclaimed solo career while producing and performing regionally. His Guitar Noir and Out Of The Past CDs, along with his double CD/DVD release Solstice At The Cathedral bridge his multifaceted influences and talents, leading to more current work with his blues/rock band Mark Doyle and The Maniacs which is his ongoing guitar project. Doyle is also performing select Opera House concerts as guitarist/pianist and band leader with Mary Fahl (former lead singer of October Project) who recently released, Live at The Mauch Chunk Opera House, reviewed on these pages and previously issued ‘From The Dark Side Of The Moon’ a reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s classic album in 2011. A long-awaited follow-up to Guitar Noir in In Dreams: Guitar Noir II, plus three studio Maniacs issues, one live CD, a live DVD and a behind-the-scenes DVD have kept Doyle at the top of his game, but if you know the man at all, he doesn’t really know any other way.
Tickets for this first-ever full Syracuse performance by Guitar Noir are priced at $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show, and are on sale now (cash only!) at Sound Garden in Armory Square, located at 312 West Jefferson Street, Syracuse. Only 150 tickets will be sold for this event, so get your tickets early and don’t get left out as many did at The Auburn Public Theater show.
Upstate NY will get 15¢ worth of Nickelback next summer with three shows planned across the state in August. After years of bludgeoning eardrums with gleeful disdain the ‘back has earned – to the chagrin of everyone else – a strong following in their Canadian homeland and across The States and have sold over 50,000,000 records. The tour will support the groups 8th studio release No Fixed Address which will dump onto the scene on November 17th.
Thrill seekers can catch the boys for around the cost of 160 Timbits™ August 7 at Darien Lake Performing Art Center. Incidentally, those that choose the amusement park admission combo ticket can buy those Timbits in the park before the show. Two additional chances in August come August 11 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and August 14 in Wantagh NY at Nikon Performing Arts Center at Jones Beach. Chances are the pickle won’t be in attendance. No refunds, eh?
Check out the entire tour below.
Nickelback 2015 North American Tour
2/15 — Allentown, Pa. — PPL Center
2/16 — Manchester, N.H. — Verizon Wireless Arena
2/18 — Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre
2/19 — Ottawa, Ontario — Canadian Tire Centre
2/21 — London, Ontario — Budweiser Gardens
2/22 — Toronto, Ontario — Air Canada Centre
2/24 — Grand Rapids, Mich. — Van Andel Arena
2/25 — Louisville, Ky. — KFC Yum! Center
2/27 — Columbus, Ohio — Nationwide Arena
2/28 — Moline, Ill. — iWireless Center
3/2 — Kansas City, Mo. — Sprint Center
3/3 — Sioux Falls, Iowa — Denny Sanford Premier Center
3/5 — Omaha, Neb. — CenturyLink Center
3/6 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Target Center
3/8 — Winnipeg, Manitoba — MTS Centre
3/10 — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Sasktel Centre
3/12 — Calgary, Alberta — Scotiabank Saddledome
3/13 — Edmonton, Alberta — Rexall Place
3/15 — Vancouver, British Columbia — Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
3/22 — Nashville, Tenn. — Bridgestone Arena
3/24 — Charleston, S.C. — N. Charleston Coliseum
3/25 — Jacksonville, Fla. — Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
3/27 — Tampa, Fla. — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
3/28 — West Palm Beach, Fla. — Cruzan Amphitheatre
4/1 — Houston, Texas — Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
4/3 — Dallas, Texas — Gexa Energy Pavilion
4/4 — Austin, Texas — Austin360 Amphitheater
4/7 — Tulsa, Okla. — BOK Center
6/19 — Portland, Ore. –Sleep Country Amphitheater
6/20 — George, Wash. — The Gorge
6/23 — Wheatland, Calif. — Sleep Train Amphitheatre
6/24 — Mountain View, Calif. — Shoreline Amphitheatre
6/26 — Irvine, Calif. — Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
6/27 — San Diego, Calif. — Sleep Train Amphitheatre
6/30 — Albuquerque, N.M. — Isleta Amphitheater
7/1 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/3 — Las Vegas, Nev. — Mandalay Bay Events Center
7/5 — Salt Lake City, Utah — USANA Amphitheatre
7/7 — Denver, Colo. — Red Rocks Amphitheatre
7/10 — Tinley Park, Ill. — First Midwest Bank Amphitheater
7/11 — Indianapolis, Ind. — Klipsch Music Center
7/29 — St Louis, Mo. — Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/31 — Cincinnati, Ohio — Riverbend Music Center
8/1 — Clarkston, Mich. — DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/4 — Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio — Blossom Music Center
8/5 — Toronto, Ontario — Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/7 — Darien Lake, N.Y. — Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
8/8 — Hershey, Pa. — Hershey Park Stadium
8/11 — Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8/12 — Burgettstown, Pa. — First Niagara Pavilion
8/14 — Wantagh, N.Y. — Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/15 — Uncasville, Conn. — Mohegan Arena
8/18 — Mansfield, Mass. — Xfinity Center
8/19 — Bangor, Maine — Waterfront Park
8/21 — Holmdel, N.J. — P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
8/22 — Camden, N.J. — Susquehanna Bank Center
8/25 — Bristow, Va. — Jiffy Lube Live
8/26 — Virginia Beach, Va. — Farm Bureau Live
8/28 — Charlotte, N.C. — PNC Music Pavilion
8/29 — Atlanta, Ga. — Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Aqueous have announced plans for a NYE party at Buffalo’s Iron Works with regional funk superstars Funktional Flow. This will be the band’s second show at one of the Nickel City’s newest venues following a near sell-out at their CD release show October 25th. The Iron Works is located in the harbor district across the street from the home of the Buffalo Sabres – The First Niagara Center – and features an “always open” kitchen, killer draft lineup, and top notch sound lights and stage. Sabres fans should take note, as attendees to the NYE home game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning can get $5 off at the door with their ticket stub.
Non-hockey fans can net a pre-sale ticket for $10 or take their chances at the door for $12. Don’t delay on those tickets – it is extremely likely this event will sell-out – Flow has a huge local crowd and Aqueous has not been in town for NYE since 2012. Given both bands last few NYE sets there should be lots of surprises in store. Check out last year’s Aqueous setlist below. Welcome back to the Buff AQ! (Shirts and shoes required)
2013/12/31 Aqueous at The Crooked I, Erie PA
SET I: The Median, Skyway > Eon Don, Complex Pt. II *, Coyote Run **, Africa ***
SET II: Auld Lang Syne > Master of Puppets ^ > Origami, Dave’s Song > Kitty Chaser (Explosions), King For a Day > Willy is 40, All In, Mean Mr. Mustard ^^ > Polythene Pam ^^ > She Came in Through the Bathroom Window ^^ > Golden Slumbers ^^ > Carry that Weight ^^ > The End ^^
ENCORE: Her Majesty ^^ > Warren in the Window
NOTES:
* First time played original
** with Eric Brewer on guitar
*** First time played, Toto cover
^ First time played, Metallica cover
^^ First time played, The Beatles cover
Metal heads and hard rockers have been waiting patiently for the dates of the World’s Loudest Month, while they know it’s May, it’s not quite definite what order they are in. This year AEG Live, Danny Wimmer, and RockHouse are including a new stop called Northern Invasion festival in the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
The World’s Loudest Month brings together the biggest names in rock music.
The 2015 World’s Loudest Month festival dates and locations are as follows:
Monster Energy Fort Rock: April 25 in Fort Myers, FL
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville: April 25 & 26 in Jacksonville, FL
Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion: May 2 & 3 in Concord, NC
Northern Invasion: May 9 in Somerset, WI
Rock On The Range: May 15, 16 & 17 in Columbus, OH
Rocklahoma: May 22, 23 & 24 in Pryor, OK
River City Rockfest: May 24 in San Antonio, TX
RockFest: May 30 in Kansas City, MO
“With each passing year we continue to work hard to bring something special to the rock fans around the country and to make it easy and convenient for them to attend our events,” comments Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the WLM series for AEG Live. “That was the reason behind starting Northern Invasion in the upper Midwest. There is such a tremendous community of rock fans in places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and nothing was all that convenient for them. So, we thought, ‘Why not bring them a rock festival that they can call their own?’”
“After selling over 360,000 tickets last year for World’s Loudest Month we are constantly looking for great cities and strong markets to add to the family of festivals associated with WLM. Minneapolis has an incredible rock radio station and it’s only fitting that we bring Northern Invasion to the region as our newest destination to the World’s Loudest Month,” says Danny Wimmer, co-executive producer of the WLM series for DWP.
Not sure which one to go to? Here are some links to more info on the various stops of the WLM tour.
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville (April 25 & 26, Jacksonville, FL)
After selling out in 2014, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville kicks off the World’s Loudest Month and celebrates its 5th year anniversary, returning to Jacksonville, Florida April 25 and 26th. Florida’s biggest rock festival lineup will be revealed Monday, December 8, with tickets going on sale Friday, December 12.
Monster Energy Fort Rock (April 25, Fort Myers, FL)
The World’s Loudest weekend includes South Florida’s Biggest Rock Festival, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Saturday, April 25 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida–the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox–for its 3rd consecutive year after selling out last year. The full festival lineup will be released Monday, December 8, with tickets going on sale Friday, December 12.
Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion (May 2 & 3, Concord, NC)
Rock City Campgrounds at Charlotte Motor Speedway will host the fifth annual Monster Energy CarolinaRebellion. In 2014, the mid-Atlantic’s biggest rock festival sold out of camping and VIP packages, and over 60,000 fans were treated to two and a half days of picture perfect weather. For the 2015 festival, layaway packages will be offered for the first time beginning Cyber Monday (December 1, 2014). Further details regarding layaway (ticket prices, camping and hotel packages) will be announced in the coming weeks, with the concert lineup to follow in early 2015.
Look for details soon about this new rock and camping festival that will take place during the World’s Loudest Month. Lineup, ticket information, and camping information will be announced in December.
ROTR sold out in advance for the second year in a row in 2014, with 120,000 concert-goers on-hand at Columbus Crew Stadium to experience blistering performances from 60 of the world’s hardest rocking bands on three stages over three days. In 2015, ROTR will welcome live music’s top cable channel, AXS TV, to film the weekend as part of their live festival coverage. Weekend Field GA and Stadium GA layaway tickets are on sale now at www.rockontherange.com. Also new to Rock On The Range in 2015 will be the Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 VIP Lounge which features amenities such as dedicated Wi-Fi, charging stations, private restrooms, premium food options and more. This upgrade will be available on all ticket purchases. Returning packages like the ROTR VIP Packages, Hotel and Ticket Bundles and Camping packages will go on sale Monday, November 10 at 10:00 AM ET. Detailsand prices for VIP, Hotel, and Camping Packages are available at www.rockontherange.com. Regular tickets will go on sale once the band lineup has been announced in early December.
In May 2014, a record crowd of over 60,000 fans turned out for the eighth year of America’s Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Party featuring the best current active rock artists and classic bands at “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds. Rocklahoma’s seat renewal process will begin on Monday, November 17, 2014 and runs through Wednesday, January 7, 2015. The renewal option is available to those who purchased a Weekend Reserved or VIP Package ticket in 2014. To renew seats for 2015, please call 866-310-2288 or email info@rocklahoma.com and a team member will contact you as soon as possible. Rocklahoma’s 2015 lineup will be announced in January.
River City RockFest returns to the AT&T Center in San Antonio for its third year. Look for concert lineup details to be announced soon. In 2014, nearly 20,000 were in attendance at San Antonio’s premier rock festival, with 25 top rock bands performing on four stages.
Rockfest returns to Penn Valley Park in downtown Kansas City for its 23rd year. In 2014, Rockfestclosed out the World’s Loudest Month festival series with over 50,000 in attendance for the seventh consecutive year of America’s largest one-day music festival.
The World’s Loudest Month mobile app is available to download via iTunes and Android.
Lettuce spent a funky Tuesday night in Clifton Park on their fall tour through New York and the rest of the Northeast.
The Upstate Concert Hall gig started out with a fun set from Exmag, a three-piece electronic act from Brooklyn that likes to call their music things like “future-funk” and “future-soul.” They included samples from songs like Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” in their act and had heads bobbing.
Then Lettuce took the stage, and the crowd really started to get down. The Brooklyn-based funk group tore through a setlist full of old favorites and new jams that forced everyone in the venue to get up and dance.
Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff and Erick “Jesus” Coomes lead the band on guitar and bass, respectively, but the horn duo of Ryan Zoidis and Eric Bloom really laid down the funk. Neal Evans’ keys and Adam Deitch’s drums tied the sound together. A highlight was when a female vocalist with a crazy set of pipes joined the band on stage for a few songs, giving the tunes an extra edge and power.
Catch Lettuce November 15 at Bear Creek Music Festival in Florida, at Brooklyn Bowl in early December, or hit up one of their shows on their recently announced January-February tour across the country.
On a crisp November 2 night, Primus adorned Rochester, NY – a city not unfamiliar to Primus. With the original band back together and the recent release of a new studio album, the crowd was really anticipating the night’s show. At 8PM sharp hundreds of people filled into the Main Street Armory.
The night began and proceeded in a psychedelic punk rock fashion. Highlights of the show being “Jilly is on Smack” and “American Life”. These men are professionals in the art of suspense. What made “Jilly is on Smack” so special was how the band stepped pensively into the song. The crowd was left cliff hanging on the long gut wrenching bow strokes of Les Claypool on the upright bass. With a steady progression they drove deeper. Until finally a drop in by Larry LaLonde, whose guitar riffs sounded electric elastic, reminiscent of rubber bands.
When executed with as much freedom of control as it was last night, the tune ‘American Life,’ is a testament to experiencing music. As a classic and more pissed off Primus song, the reminiscence of the youth of the band showed through. The pitter-patter of a cold bass line is the cold grey fog cloaking the crowd. Through the muttered mumbles of lyrics, Claypool’s line, “It’s a cold day on Ellis Isle,” can be heard clearly lurking through the fog. When the lyrics ended, the rest of the song was delivered hard. Everyone was rocking out. A compelling victory to end set one.
To be read in the voice of Gene Wilder: “There is no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going… There’s no knowing where they’re rowing.” If you just shuttered a little, you probably had nostalgia of the Willy Wonka boat ride scene that was so creepy it scared everyone out of his or her little seven-year-old pants. As the curtains opened up to a second set, the stage had been transformed into a whole new place. The usual blowup astronauts were replaced by blowup mushrooms.
A screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was played as a backdrop. Les Claypool become none other than Willy Wonka. Primus played their version of the musical in its entirety. The audience was one cluster of genuinely happy folk. The acoustic sounds from the upright bass and cello in combination with electric guitar created a rare layering of haunting sounds perfect for a tribute to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
So much of the chilling whimsical experience can be attributed to outrageous sounds coming off of Tim Alexander, better known as Herb, who was completely caged in by a circus of different types of percussion instruments. It truly was a weird psychedelic trip down that same chocolate river on an electric wonder boat that was forcibly propelled through a current of percussion by cello and upright bass. No doubt about it, the Primus in Rochester and the Chocolate Factory experience is a lot of creepy and double the amount weird, but we can handle it, we are big kids now.
The jam band Umphrey’s McGee took the stage at the Broome County Forum on Wednesday, October 29. The GA show left the lower orchestra packed and an intimate environment for the dedicated fans that traveled and locals that indulged in the convenience. These fans know they’re always in for a new treat, with Umph constantly changing with the tide and adapting to the crowd.
Amidst it’s fall touring of the Midwest and East Coast promoting the new album Similar Skin, the rarely hosting Forum had it in their cards to land a class act. Guitarist/vocalist Brendan Bayliss, guitarist/vocalist Jake Cinninger, keyboardist/pianist/vocalist Joel Cummins, drummer/vocalist Kris Myers, bassist Ryan Stasik, and percussionist Andy Farag, together form a Voltron-like beast as formidable as any other jam creation. They made sure to suit up for the Forum, providing plenty of their classics, spreading they’re new album exposure across the tour.
Starting with “Jekyll & Hyde > Robot World”, Umph played a transforming “Walletsworth”, “Rocker Pt. 2”, “Anchor Drops”, a “Get in the Van” that explored thrashing to a paradise breeze and everywhere in-between, followed by a stanky legged “Smell the Mitten”, and clear fan favorite, a sixteen minute “Plunger” to wrap up the first set.
The second set opened with “Search For”, followed by a “Much Obliged” that featured a “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” (Paul Simon) jam. “Yoga Pants” then fooled me into thinking we we’re getting an “In the Kitchen”, instead it sounds like a song among the stars, where I’m sure we can agree “Yoga Pants” came from anyway. A nearly seventeen minute beastly “Hurt Bird Bath” would be a journey as the jam buildt and transitioned from one moment to the next. The next part of the journey was the win; it was Mario taking out Bowser back on NES, a “2×2 > Final Word > 2×2” that single-handedly stormed the castle, rescued the princess, earned her eternal love, and Hulk Hogan’ed off her chastity belt. In celebration, a Steely Dan cover of “Reelin in the Years” brought everyone on the same page of joy and nostalgia. An 11 minute “Conduit” would close out the second set.
“WE WANT THE UMPH, GOTTA HAVE THAT UMPH!” – the familiar chant wasn’t heard on this evening, but the interactive band would never let its loyals down. They came out with a soul food serving of Waylon Jennings “Good Ol’ Boys”, and a send off a moving “Wife Soup” for dessert.
Umphrey’s not only fails to disappoint, they’re still getting better. With a huge following across the country selling out theaters and headlining festivals, if you haven’t walked out of a venue with an “Umph Love” sticker lately, get off life support and get out there.
Umphrey’s McGee at The Broome County Forum Setlist via All Things Umphrey’s: Set 1: Jekyll & Hyde > Robot World > Walletsworth, Rocker Part 2, Anchor Drops > Get In The Van, Comma Later > Smell the Mitten, Plunger Set 2: Search 4, Much Obliged[1] > Yoga Pants > Hurt Bird Bath[2], 2×2 > Final Word > 2×2, Reelin’ in the Years, Conduit Encore: Good Ol’ Boys, Wife Soup
[1] with 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (Paul Simon) jam
[2] with Domino Theory teases
The Doobie Brothers Southbound features some of country music’s legendary performers such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Sara Evans, with some of today’s most talented newcomers, such as The Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Casey James, Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Sudano Ramirex of Johnnyswim, and Charlie Worsham. Without even hearing one note on the album, I was anxious to see what I had in store with this who’s who of guest appearances.
When I heard that The Doobie Brothers were making a greatest hits album and invited some of today’s most talented country singers to accompany them, I was over the moon thrilled. I immediately flashed back on one of my favorite albums, Common Thread, from 1993, where country music greats came together to record some of The Eagles most loved tunes of the 70’s. There is just something about the rock of the 70’s and today’s country music that blends the two perfectly into a classic sound.
The album starts out with “Black Water” (with Zac Brown Band); this has to be one of my favorite all time Doobie Brothers tunes. I can think of no other country group I would love to accompany them today on the song. Always thought Zac’s voice was reincarnated from the 70’s rock era, a James Taylor sound for sure. The Zac Brown Band’s southern laidback sound combines perfectly together with the bluesy groove of the music and lyrics to deliver an over the top remix that possibly is better than the original. “Black Water”, originally the B-side of the release of ”Another Park, Another Sunday”, was written and performed by Patrick Simmons, who once again nails the tune confirming any doubt that B-sides were most definitely worth the listen.
Tom Johnson’s tune, “Listen to the Music”, features Blake Shelton accompanying on lyrics and Hunter Hayes on guitar. This song, one of the first big hits of The Doobie Brothers career, remains a staple as an encore song at all of their live shows. Originally written as a tribute to peace at a time of influx in the world, the idea of all those in power were to take a moment to just come together and listen to the music, a universal language, perhaps peace could be attained; it sounds like a message that still holds true today. With Blake Shelton’s strong lyrics accompanying Tom Johnson on vocals, the duo deliver a one-two punch that sends the message as the newcomer Hunter Hayes shreds the guitar like the pro he is. This rockabilly sound sends a message still today that no matter what generation hears it or performs it, the message is timeless and the concept of a universal language of peace is attainable if we could all just find a common ground in music.
The next track on the new album, “What a Fool Believes”, is a Grammy Award winning hit of the Doobie Brothers and happens to be one of the only non-disco number one hits of 1979. Written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, this commercial hit was an example of how The Doobie Brothers were able to maintain their own unique sound while accomplishing commercial success during a time where rock and roll was not in the forefront on commercial radio. With Sara Evans accompanying Michael McDonald on “What a Fool Believes”, this track is yet another perfect pairing of musicians showcasing and blending together their voices in perfect unison.
For country music lovers, Toby Keith is the epitome of a regular guy that pulls no punches. His in your face, this is what I am, and this is what I represent personality is the perfect pairing for The Doobie Brothers on “Long Train Runnin”. It could be the harmony, the rocking guitar, the awesome harmonica, or the upbeat melody, but this song, like Toby, pulls no punches and delivers the perfect example of timeless classic rock and the perfect combination of country music today and how rock and roll of the 70’s has influenced so many country artists today.
Chris Young, one of today’s up-and-coming country artists, who won the competition ‘Nashville’, is tearing up the charts with hits and as he accompanies The Doobie Brothers on “China Grove”, it’s evident why he is one of today’s country greats. As he sings together with The Doobie Brothers, I can barely tell where they end and he begins as they seamlessly harmonize on this 1973 hit. I must point here that on this song especially, it is a shining example of how absolutely talented The Doobie Brothers are in their songwriting and instrumental composition. On this number, it is as though each instrument is a feature instrument, however together they are a harmony. There are moments that the bass is strong and the underlying bass and percussion take center stage. Then there are parts where you hear keyboards foremost in the spotlight. When you think you can’t get any better, they break out in a guitar solo. I love this song as it’s upbeat and catchy, but I truly appreciate this song as its composition is epic.
The next track, written and performed with Love & Theft, “Take It To the Streets”, was another example of great pairing. Michael has a very distinctive voice, and the vocal accompaniment by Eric & Stephen was spot on, together with some outstanding guitar accompaniment.
For those of you unfamiliar with Casey James, he is the very talented country musician best known from American Idol’s ninth season. On “Jesus is Just Alright”, The Doobie Brothers version of the Arthur Reid Reynolds song, Casey’s amazing guitar abilities are emphasized. At one point in time, Casey was unsure of his ability to be able to play guitar again. Suffering major damage after a crippling motorcycle accident, Casey’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. I find it refreshing as I realized how The Doobie Brothers were able to embrace their faith during a time where faith was questioned by many in the 70’s, and fitting this song was for Casey’s accompaniment.
Another Tom Johnson song, this time he is joined by one of Country’s biggest stars, Brad Paisley on “Rocking Down the Highway”. is a feel good song written by Tom in the early Doobie Brothers days and just up Brad’s alley, as it features not only his amazing vocals, but also his talents on the guitar.
“Take Me In Your Arms”, finds The Doobie Brothers joined by newcomer Tyler Farr. With his raspy voice, the soulful sound of this R&B tune mixes perfectly with Tyler’s style of rock and delivered with heartfelt emotions that mixes country and rock to make the trifecta of musical composition.
Joined by Jerrod Niemann on “South City Midnight Lady” and released on their third album The Captain and Me in 1973, this beautiful ballad is unique to the style of The Doobie Brothers, being melodic and slower paced than other hit songs. However when it comes to love ballads, Jerrod Niemann is your man to deliver, and deliver they all did.
For those of you not familiar yet with Johnnyswim, you will be in for a treat as Amanda Sudano Ramirex of Johnnys sings on their mega hit “You Belong to Me”. And if that wasn’t enough, let’s just throw in a touch of Vince Gill’s guitar, who is one of the best musicians in Nashville, to really tear it up like no other can. Super sexy was this rendition of the song as Sudano accompanies Michael McDonald in this duet.
Another newcomer is Charlie Worsham. He’s one of those country performers that takes his musical ability and goes right out in the audience with his banjo/ganjo/guitar and makes you part of the song. This is no different as he plays on “Nobody”, a perfect song for Charlie, and to close out this outstanding album.
The Doobie Brothers
As I wrap up listening to this remarkable collaborative effort, I feel as though I am experiencing one of the greatest times in country music as we see those rock stars of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s becoming part of a new country experience. With a basis in blues, jazz, rock, and bluegrass, this Southern rock style that was once indicative of the 1970’s is now becoming the trend in today’s country music. You see many of these rock and country collaborations on CMT’s Crossroads. Their ability to pair the perfect rock group and country musician to cross perform songs of each other is truly one of my favorites. It’s the marriage of the best of both worlds into one spectacular sound. As most genres, it evolves, taking on new characteristics of other influences. But one thing holds true. Music is a common language to those on both sides of the microphone. Tune in November 5 as The Doobie Brothers perform live at this years CMA Awards together with some of todays biggest country artists around.
Key Tracks: Black Water, Long Train Running, You Belong To Me
As a journalist you do your best to maintain a level of objectivity when dealing with anyone you cover for a story. You want to bring a story that is not only factual, but without a spin in one direction so that the reader can come to their own conclusions. However sometimes you just can’t help yourself when you meet them in person. This is what happened with me after speaking with Eric Paslay, and seeing him perform at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Syracuse, September 20, 2014. I was totally impressed by this young man.
This would be the second time covering the musician for an event (Taste of Country Music Festival) and I was looking forward to both the performance and our scheduled phone interview. Many times these interviews happen to be right before a show, or in between sound checks. With such a busy schedule, when I received the call around 10am, it was a nice surprise.
Eric Paslay – Toby Keith’s Syracuse
Kathy Stockbridge: Hi, is this Eric? How are you? Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview with NYS Music.com.
Eric Paslay: Good Morning.
KS: Well Good Morning to you as well! You’re up early!! I didn’t expect you to be up so early.
EP: Oh yeah, we get up early. I would rather be awake for life.
KS: Welcome to NYS Music and again thank you for agreeing to do this interview for our readers. You’ve been on quite a whirlwind of a tour this year…talk to me a little about the highlights of the tour and some of your favorite moments.
EP: I think this has been the busiest touring year of my life, and it’s been cool. We go from town to town and see the same hearts and souls in each town but with a little bit of different backdrop which is kinda cool. I like getting off the bus and trying to wander around town if there is one. A lot the fairs and festivals that we play though there is not a lot around it other than the fair. Still, I try to walk around there if I can. I think the coolest thing though is this year is the first year I’ve had a hit as an artist, which I’ve been working towards my whole career, and I’m glad people are singing along to songs that I have written and now to songs that I’ve recorded myself.
KS: That’s awesome…I often wondered if you have the opportunity to get off the bus and get out there to meet the people and take advantage of places you are visiting. It’s nice to know you are able to take advantage of that and getting to know the areas you are touring as well. I actually covered your show at The Taste of Country Festival which was a scream…it was my first country festival I’ve been too…was totally off the wall, with more than 40,000 people.
EP: Yeah..that was a cool show!
KS: ..and was a lot of fun. Was that the first time you had been up this way to Central NY?
EP: No I’ve been up there before…That was my first time at The Taste of Country, but I have been touring around the country for about four years now, but I’m getting to play the big shows now.
KS: Well you did a great job..I really enjoyed your set.
EP: Thanks.
KS: And I’m looking forward to seeing you this Saturday at Toby Keith’s, and I do believe I’ll get to see you again in November when you visit my local area at the Utica Aud with Dierks Bentley and his Riser Tour.
EP: That will be a good tour!
KS: You have a huge country music fan base here in this area….do you see similarities with people in the different communities you come to, or differences as you travel around?
EP: You know, what I’ve learned is around the US people are taught to listen to you differently. Some people are there for the party, and they still love you being there…it doesn’t matter if your George Straight on the stage.. they’re not really watching you or listening to much..they are, but they aren’t. Then there’s other parts of the country where they’re just as quiet as can be with their arms crossed staring at you. You not quite sure what they are thinking, but they are soaking it up and loving it. I think that’s the coolest thing..sometimes a lot of new artists on the road think “wow, that crowd hated us”, then they go to the meet and greet line and see what they really thought. As the fans tell you that was the best show ever, they don’t even know how to react. It’s also really cool to go out there and start understanding your listeners. Not everyone listens the same way…that’s what makes us as unique which is a pretty cool thing. And it’s not a bummer when people go all nuts also!
KS: Do you feed off the audience when that happens?
EP: Oh absolutely, I don’t think a football player isn’t going to run as fast as he can and hit as hard as he can with an empty stadium.
KS: Absolutely!
EP: It’s nice when the crowd is cheering for you.
KS: I personally love your writing style. You mentioned once in another interview that you try to leave some hope in all songs even the sad ones. Is writing cathartic to you? Do you write to tell a message, or get feelings out, or what is your writing process?
EP: You know, a lot of times I try to have messages like you will get through this, and it’s okay to feel this way, and also let’s just rock it tonight. I tend not to write selfishly. Music is a very influential thing, and I hope I get to stick around and influence people for good for a while.
KS: I predict you will. You have written a lot of songs that have been recorded by others. Talk to me a little about your inspirations, and do they play a part in your writing style and your performance?
EP: I tended to just listen to music that I dug, and if it sounded good,I turned it up. Somehow God blessed me with the ability to write songs. To be able to walk in a room with nothing and not even an idea, as I write so much, you walk in and start playing a melody and you know within a few hours a songs written. The cool thing about a song is you never know where it’s going to end up. I’ve learned through a lot of my other songs being recorded, that some times it’s not up to us how a song gets heard, and especially how a song gets famous. It can be frustrating if you try to make sense of it all. Other than you swing the bat and sometimes people see the home run go over the fence, and sometimes you’re in the stadium alone. And that’s alright. You just keep swinging the bat, and maybe people will be around when you hit the home run.
KS: Well you are originally from Texas, the Austin area, which is hugely known as a musical mecca. Have you had an opportunity to perform in and around Austin?
EP: Yeah, its wild. I wrote a song for the Eli Young Band called “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”, and the second verse is “downtown is where I used wander, old enough to get there, but too young to get inside”. That was kinda me and Austin, Texas. I was 20 years old walking up and down 6th Street trying to get gigs for me and my band. But, I couldn’t even get in to see the club owner because I wasn’t old enough to get in. But we did play some shows around there. I moved up to Nashville when I was 20 years old though, so I wasn’t a big part of the scene at all. I was still trying to figure out who I was musically at that time as well.
KS: Now you had the opportunity to play at the Opry..talk to me a little about that, what was that like?
EP: It’s amazing! I kinda lucked out the very first time I got to play the Opry was actually when it was at the Ryman Auditorium. There’s actually two or three months where they have the Grand Ole Opry back at the Ryman Auditorium every year-round the holidays. I got to play then, and maybe 5 or 6 times now since then. I’m actually playing again Tuesday night. They are having a St. Jude show for raising money and awareness. A my distant cousin, Brad Paisley, is going to be there. I’ll actually get to talk to him on Tuesday.
KS: That is so awesome!
EP: I remember I was standing next to Ricky Skaggs the first time I played the Opry, and I was about to walk on and he said, “Are you nervous?” I was like “Yeah man! I’m about to walk onto the Opry stage,and you’re Ricky Skaggs”. It was a cool thing. Darryl Worley was also playing that night, and I told him “Ricky kept asking if I was nervous, yeah I’m nervous”. The cool thing is, I still get nervous…but in a good way, kinda. When you’re out on the stage a lot, that kinda wears away and that’s a good thing. So you’re having fun and not too shaky in front of people. I think when you play so many stages and then you come back to the Opry, you think about everyone I’ve ever looked up to has played here including rock artists and pop artists. On the Ryman stage, especially where the Grand Ole Opry started. Darryl said, “Man, if you’re not nervous on the Opry stage, your heart’s not in the right place.” So I try to make sure I’m a little nervous when I walk out on the Opry stage.
KS: I’m going to switch gears here for a second. I learned a long time ago as I was doing some research for my first article on you that you are a graduate from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I actually grew up until 5th grade in Murfreesboro, TN where MTSU is. One day I’ll get back down there. I remember it being a very community oriented school.
EP: Its built up a lot.
KS: Has it really? I’m sure it has!! Talk to me a little about your choice of schooling and MTSU and what brought you to choose MTSU, being from Texas.
EP: I wanted to be up near Nashville and they had a Recording Music Program and Record Industry Program. I ended up doing a Music Business degree just so I could know what the business is about. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to work on the creative side of it. I was hoping that would work out, and I’m glad it has. So I chose MTSU because they had the Business Music Degree…
KS: Do you think getting your degree in music has helped to pave your path to where you are today, giving you more of an understanding of the ins and outs of the music business?
EP: When you know the basis of a business, and show up and talk to a professional you’ll actually learn something. As opposed to just going “You’re a music publisher? How many books do you all sell?” No..they don’t sell songs, they license songs and they don’t deal with books at all. Which happens a lot. You have an intern come in or someone wanting an internship to get to hang around it,and they are asking how many songs you sell. That’s the first thing you don’t say to a publisher. They don’t sell songs…they always own them. And it’s just learning little inside things like that about the business on the label side or the management side or any side of it. When someone’s wanting to go into (the business)when you show up you know the very simple parts of their business. That way you can talk about deeper things,and they might open up to teach you things that not everybody knows to help you in your career and just the understanding of how crazy the business can be.
KS: I give you a lot of credit learning the business from the bottom up, worked hard, and as I talk to you I know you will have a long career. Any future goals or projects we can look forward to? And future collaborations?
EP: I’ve had some pretty cool collaborations this past year from Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Amy Grant, and Sheryl Crow. I don’t know where I’ll go from there, but I’m always willing to collaborate and write and even sing with someone. We’re not done with this album, but we are looking towards the making of the next sophomore album. I am just kinda going through and rediscovering songs I wrote a long time ago. So, I’m doing that, and writing a lot still. Just looking forward to making the next album, and having at least a couple more singles come off this album.
KS: We’re looking forward to that too! I do something I call a social speed round to let my readers know a little bit about the performers outside of the regular questions. Are you willing to play along? It’s painless..I promise!!
EP: Sure.
KS: Okay..you’re on the road..you see this and make your tour bus pull off every time.
EP: Antique store. Well, not every time…there’s a lot of them.
KS: Fill in the blank…On the tour, my band mates think I’m a _________.
EP: Um…I don’t know what they think of me….haha…Good Guy!! They think I’m a good guy!
KS: Sport of choice?
EP: Baseball
KS: Team?
EP: Texas Rangers.
KS: What’s on your iPod right now?
EP: Actually I have the new U2 album. I’ve just been kinda playing that seeing it’s about.
KS: You’re on your time off, you can’t wait to do this.
EP: Projects. I like handy man projects.
KS: You just got home…you can’t wait to see or do this.
EP: See my girlfriend.
KS: Thank you so much Eric, I can’t wait to see you this Saturday and again in November when you come here to the Utica area.
EP: Thank you for doing what you do.
As I hung up the phone from the interview I couldn’t believe what a down to earth, intelligent, normal guy he was. This young man was wise beyond his years. It’s one thing to have talent, a dream, and ambition. But Eric had something else that is critical in the success of any and every career. He had the understanding that you must know your business and market to succeed. By going to school to learn this business, by being willing to listen, and by being willing to work hard, he’s made a name in the business in a positive way that will give him opportunities beyond many others.
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After speaking to Eric, and learning so much more about him, I was super pumped to see him perform live. Arriving early to the show, I was given a meet and greet pass to meet Eric in person, and now the anticipation began to boil over. That was such a treat as I was not expecting that.
First to the stage was local band, Hoot’n Anges, who rocked the crowd and warmed them up with a list of original music and covers of some of todays biggest hits. The three-piece band certainly had the sound of a full band with vocals being covered by husband and wife team of Angela and Lucas Marino and fiddle player Gregory Mach.
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They were really good, and I was enjoying shooting photos of the opening act. A little too much though. I unfortunately was so wrapped up in taking photos, that by the time I realized it, I had missed the meet and greet. Seriously!! Who does that? I must be the only person in the world to get so caught up in taking photos, that I miss a meet and greet with an a one of today’s country music stars! Sorry Eric, wasn’t intentional. For my readers that don’t know me, yes, I am a blonde and I’m easily distracted. Hopefully I’ll have another opportunity one day, and I promise to not miss that one.
Eric took the stage immediately after the opening act completed, and what a performance he gave the packed house. Singing songs he’s written over the years, and covering covers as though they were his own, he owned the crowd the minute he took the stage. His current hit and ballad “She Don’t Love You”, co written with Jennifer Wayne, granddaughter to John Wayne, has to be one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a long time. Originally meant for George Straight, I am glad he kept it as his own as I feel that it was meant for him to sing. He delivers it with such emotion that you don’t hear the song, you feel the song. The crowd concurred. As he sang his song’s “Song About A Girl”, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”, “Angel Eyes”, and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”, the crowd joined in and sang along word for word. I absolutely loved his covers too. His choices of “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, and “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty were spot on and showcased his musical skills. If there’s one thing I can categorize about Eric’s singing, he sings with his soul. He’s not just on stage delivering words, he’s delivering an emotion alongside the words. This ultimately translates to a connection with the audience that not every artist can achieve. There’s nothing fake about this young man. He truly loves what he does, and he truly loves sharing it with us, his fans.
As I left the show and reflected back on my conversation with him and watching him perform for the audience, I felt that he’s a so much more than just a performer. He’s got the know how to work within this industry his entire life, he has the talent to achieve whatever he sets his mind to, and he’s got the heart to appreciate those nerves each time he goes out on the Opry stage. My favorite thing about Eric though, besides the fact that he graduated from MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN where I grew up, or the analogies to sports throughout his interview, was that he “wanted to be awake for life”!!!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QJW4JB5IeI] Setlist: Like A Song> Here Comes Love > Never Really Wanted > Barefoot Blue Jean Night> All or Nothing> She Don’t Love You> Angel Eyes> Fish Don’t Bite> Ain’t No Sunshine> Good With Wine> Free Fallin> Even If It Breaks Your Heart> Less Than Whole> Keep On Fallin’> Friday Night
Speculations of Neal replacing founding member and vocalist Austin Winkler after Winkler entered rehab in 2013 have been ongoing, including an unofficial update to the band’s Wikipedia page. The band and Neal never made an official announcement on the transition, until the announcement of the new single “Hit the Ground” scheduled for November 24 and a new album with Nolan Neal on vocals planned for 2015.
After a sold-out performance in May at The Auburn Public Theater, then sharing the Syracuse Jazz Fest 32 stage with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in July, this will be the final appearance of Guitar Noir until April 2015. Unlike the previous shows, the string quintet will be featured for two full sets as the 10-piece ensemble presents the full In Dreams album in set one, then reprise some of the funkier R&B numbers they brought down the Jazz Fest house with in set two. As always, Doyle never rests on his laurels and he has several surprises up his musical sleeve for the audience at O.C.C.
The Doobie Brothers Southbound features some of country music’s legendary performers such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Sara Evans, with some of today’s most talented newcomers, such as The Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Casey James, Tyler Farr,
