Seen & Heard.

I received excellent feedback that I am going to shows throughout the year and commenting on them, so why don’t I post my comments on the blog.  So here after attending my first 2 shows of the year, I wanted to share my thoughts.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 – Chillent at James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy (Pittsburgh, PA)

Typically your Bubbe would make cholent, a traditional Jewish stew that usually simmers overnight for 12 hours or more, but the name of the band is Chillent, a self-proclaimed Jewish Soul Stew – a delicious mix of soul, jazz, blues, funk and klezmer.  I got introduced to this band by my friend Adam R. and was happy to have taken the time to check it out.  New year, new venue (to me) and new music.

Not even knowing the band, I was initially excited for my first show at the legendary North Side building, which lays claim to being the epicenter of the Pittsburgh jazz scene.  As for the music, it was great to see a local band maintain the kind of music expected at James Street.  A highlight of the show for me was ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’.  Although not played in homage to the recent passing of Harlem Globetrotters legend Meadowlark Lemon, the groove spotlighted the talent of the band.

And on this night, 3 kinds of beards were in full effect at the show (a) Lubavitch, (b) Hipster & (c) West Virginia/Hunting.  Definitely could have put all three representatives in a line-up and not known who was who.  Already looking forward to my next show.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 – Brian Fallon & The Crowes at Altar Bar (Pittsburgh, PA)

From the opening, upbeat version of ‘Red Lights’ to when I headed home in the middle of ‘Mojo Hand’, Brian Fallon & The Crowes put on a really good show. 

Flying solo, I found a spot on the balcony right over the stage which worked well since the show ended up selling out and every nook of the Altar Bar was packed.   The songs ‘Rosemary’ and ‘Among Other Foolish Things’ really jumped out at me.  Fallon also told a couple of funny stories – one that resulted in him doing a great impersonation of the Tracy Morgan SNL character Brian Fellow and the line, “that goat has devil eyes!”  The other involved him and the band stopping at Dick’s in Monroeville (probably post Guitar Center) and thinking that he saw a Steelers’ jersey with the last name McQueen on it (I am thinking that it was a #90 McLendon jersey). 

And no review for Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, since I did not make it for the show.  But I did get some highlights during sound check:

“Meet Me in the City” -> “Rebel Rebel” (David Bowie) -> “Because the Night” -> “Price You Pay”

Thanks for reading.