The Live Wire | November 2008
By Rik Ferrell
11/1
Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun
Historical Society of Talbot County Auditorium
Easton, MD
(443) 786-2750 (Mangold Entertainment)
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who have seen Bill Kirchen live and those who need to see Bill Kirchen live. This Grammy-nominated, D.C.-based guitar legend has cornered the market on blue suede twang for years now, and is to rockabilly music what Q-tips are to clean ears everywhere.
Bill Kirchen is one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. He blends his signature sound with hints of country, blues, boogie-woogie, and western swing to create a vivid musical landscape that his trademark Fender Telecaster absolutely thrives in. His guitar work is astounding; with lightning-fast licks accenting more twists and turns than a meandering backwoods creek. Bill’s most famous guitar riff was born back in 1972, when he turned it loose on Commander Cody’s classic hit, “Hot Rod Lincoln.” And he’s had his foot on the gas and been picking up speed ever since.
BillKirchen.com
MangoldEntertainment.com
11/8
The Decemberists
Rams Head Live
Baltimore, MD
(410) 244-1131
I have a mopey friend named Eric who is always bemoaning the contention that there’s “no good new music anymore.” Eric believes that “real” rock & roll pretty much ended in the late ‘80s when The Cure and REM ceased to be interesting. Well, I turned him on to The Decemberists last week, and Eric is now a changed man, with a new, positive outlook on life. He even smiled a bit.
Powerful stuff, those Decemberists.
This is one of the best new groups that I’ve heard in a long, long time. Colin Meloy and band hail from Portland, Oregon, but their Brit-pop leanings are unmistakable. The Decemberists switch musical gears like a Formula One race driver, so accurately describing their sound is a bit of a challenge. But suffice it to say that if you blended the UK pop elements of groups like Supergrass and Dodgy with The Pixies, early Pink Floyd, and ‘70s-era Rolling Stones, and then added Robyn Hitchcock’s voice, you might come close. They’re bouncy, then they’re groovy, then they’re introspective, and it all tastes as good as ice-cold Gatorade in the Sahara.
Live, they’re even better.
Decemberists.com
RamsHeadTavern.com
11/9
Sarah Brightman
Verizon Center
Washington, DC
(800) 551-7328 (Ticketmaster)
In some version of ancient mythology—Greek, Roman, Pennsylvanian, I forget which—a siren was a seductive female who lured unwary men to their destruction with her enchanting singing voice. I can’t honestly say if any unsuspecting males have ever met their demise by flinging themselves off cliffs or by renting Pauly Shore DVDs after listening to the uncannily beautiful voice of Britain’s Sarah Brightman, but I’m sure that it’s possible.
Saying that Sarah’s soaring soprano is stunning is like saying that it would be a long walk to the moon. Her flawless technique and unique inflection are surpassed only by the heaping tablespoons of pure emotion that she conveys through every song she sings. And her worldwide audiences love her for it. During her time as Mrs. Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sarah originated several of his classic characters, like the lovely Christine from The Phantom of the Opera. And who can forget her stunning duet with the fantastic Andrea Bocelli on “Time to Say Goodbye”?
Sarah Brightman is as real as rain. Her masterful performance on “Ave Maria” was so captivating on a YouTube video I was watching last night that even my rock & roll, bass-playing teenager stopped in his tracks and paid attention.
Another male ensnared by the siren.
Sarah-Brightman.com
VerizonCenter.com
11/13
Satisfaction–The Rolling Stones Tribute
The State Theatre
Falls Church, VA
(703) 237-0300
I have to be honest here. Most of the time, rock & roll tribute bands scare the salt out of me. From Asian Elvis impersonators to tubby guys in wigs jiggling around and pretending to be Rod Stewart, the genre is rife with more parody than homage.
So, when I was dragged out to see Satisfaction–The Rolling Stones Tribute a few years ago, I stubbornly left my expectations in my sock drawer. I’m a huge Rolling Stones fan, so I was fully prepared to spend the entire evening cringing.
Well, cringe I didn’t. These guys actually rock. Singer Chris LeGrand sounds a LOT like Mick, although he does tend to over enunciate at times.
“Ah cayn’t GIT nowe, sah-tiss-FACK-shayunn….”
But it definitely works. And he looks the part, too, totally nailing Mick’s signature moves as he struts around the stage like a funky chicken. The rest of the band look and sound fairly authentic, as well, as they roll through scores of classic hits from Mick and Keith’s massive songbook. In fact, if some jokester stuck these guys onstage at an actual Stones concert and you were sitting in the back of the arena, I’d wager that you probably couldn’t tell the difference.
TheStateTheatre.com
11/21
Loudoun Wainwright
Ram’s Head On Stage
Annapolis, MD
(410) 268-4545
Loudoun Wainwright III doesn’t go out of his way to knock down any massive creative barriers. Nor is he what you’d call an innovative, cutting-edge visionary or flashy musical virtuoso.
But none of that matters.
Why?
Because roots legend Loudoun Wainwright does what he does better than anyone on the planet. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a wealth of personal experience, Loudoun reveals himself through his songs like he’s got see-thru skin.
“Honesty” is a word that gets bandied about all too often when talking about certain singer-songwriters, but I’m telling you: after years of listening to Loudoun’s albums, I feel like I actually know the guy personally. Songs like “You Can’t Fail Me Now,” “Motel Blues,” and “Daughter” tell fascinating stories that seem more like conversations with an old friend rather than songs by a complete stranger. Loudoun has the ability to cut through the typical clutter and get right to the crux like nobody’s business. And kids of all ages love the fun simplicity and uninhibited silliness on tracks like “The Swimming Song” and “Dead Skunk.” He’s a fascinating poet with a song for everyone, and truly plays to his audiences in a way that most of his colleagues should envy.
LWIII.com
RamsHeadTavern.com
11/26
B.B. King
The Birchmere
Alexandria, VA
(800) 551-7328 (Ticketmaster)
Think about this: B.B. King and his faithful guitar companion “Lucille” have been thrilling audiences with their sophisticated blues music since Dwight Eisenhower’s name had the word “General” preceding it. And that’s a mighty long time, people.
Riley B. King, the “Beale St. Blues Boy,” is arguably the most successful and popular blues artist in history. And what’s not to like? The emotional growl in his voice is the unadulterated definition of the blues, and his stinging, quick-burst guitar solos have been emulated by scores of six-string icons, from Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan to Carlos Santana. Songs like his seminal remake of Roy Hawkins’ “The Thrill is Gone” serve to showcase B.B.’s signature sound and hit you like a supersonic freight train when he performs them live. Then there’s his memorable duet with rock gods U2 on the 1988 classic, “When Love Comes to Town”—another example of B.B.’s influence and versatility.
If you’ve never seen B.B. King perform, you might wanna get a move on while he’s still active and touring. Even though he’s still got the energy of a 25 year old onstage, there may not be many more chances left to spend an evening with this living legend.
BBKing.com
Birchmere.com
11/26
Blue Miracle w/Clones of Funk
The Whiskey
Annapolis, MD
(410) 626-6022
Normally I don’t like to list two different shows that are happening on the same date, but this one definitely bears mentioning, just in case you can’t make the trek over to Northern Virginia to see B.B. If you’re looking for some revelry on Thanksgiving Eve and want to stay local, this double bill promises to be a ringer.
Local boys Blue Miracle create an intelligent groove that succeeds in keeping alive the spirit of late ‘60s-early ‘70s rock festival performances by artists like The Band, Santana, The Allman Brothers, and Grateful Dead. You could drop these guys right in the middle of day two of Woodstock and they’d never miss a beat, with sizzling guitars, blistering keyboards, and two amazing percussionists that are whiz-bang like hibachi chefs.
And if you’re ready to get good and funky, Clones of Funk have got their platform shoes and sparkle pants ready to roll. Comprised mainly of ex performers from funkmaster George Clinton’s legendary groups, the Clones definitely put the “fun” in funk. These guys lay down 1970s-style thump & groove with such authenticity that you’d swear you owned an AMC Gremlin, a comfy pair of Earth shoes, a pet rock named Marvin, and were sitting down to watch Happy Days tonight.
So, if you’re hungry for some amazing retro flava before the turkey and stuffing, strut your tailfeathers on down to The Whiskey and prepare to boogie.
TheWhiskeyAnnapolis.com
DECEMBER HOT LIST:
Avalon Theatre
40 E. Dover St.
Easton, MD
(410) 822-7299
Friday, 12/5
Dr. Ralph Stanley & his Clinch Mountain Boys
Along with Bill Monroe, Dr. Ralph is widely considered true bluegrass royalty.
The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA
(703) 549-7500
Thursday, 12/11
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones Holiday Tour
Bela’s back for the holidays and bringing some significant friends along.
Monday & Tuesday, 12/15 & 12/16
Aimee Mann’s 3rd Annual Christmas Show
One of the coolest voices to come out of ‘80s alterna-pop does an amazing job with holiday music.
Wednesday, 12/17
Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren is always a great, high-energy show. Does this guy ever take a break?
Kennedy Center
2700 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC
(800) 444-1324
Sunday, 12/14
NSO Pops: Happy Holidays!
The National Symphony Orchestra plays your favorite holiday songs, with pops master Marvin Hamlisch conducting.
Thursday, 12/18–Sunday, 12/21
NSO Presents Handel’s Messiah
This annual performance is so good, it’s almost overwhelming. Be sure to check the Kennedy Center calendar for matinee and evening show times.
Lyric Opera House
140 W. Mount Royal Ave.
Baltimore, MD
(410) 685-5086
Thursday, 12/11
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller have sold more than 20 million albums of Christmas music, so they must be doing something right.
Tuesday, 12/16
Kenny G: The Holiday Show
It’s holiday music. It’s Kenny G. Any questions?
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
801 Chase St.
Annapolis, MD
(410) 280-5640
Sunday, 12/7
Christmas from Dublin starring The Three Irish Tenors
Tenors Ciaran Nagle, PJ Hurley, and Kenneth O’Regan combine for an unforgettable night of beautiful holiday classics with a Celtic touch.
Rams Head On Stage
33 West St.
Annapolis, MD
(410) 268-4545
Tuesday & Wednesday, 12/2 & 12/03
Christmas w/Aaron Neville & his Quintet
A jazzy, New Orleans-style Christmas show with Aaron is a great way to kick off your holiday season.
Friday, 12/5
Dave Tucker’s Big Band Christmas
One swingin’ holiday concert, featuring trumpeter John Blount and the incomparable voice of Sue Matthews.
Sunday & Monday, 12/7 & 12/08 (two shows daily)
Peter White’s Christmas
This contemporary jazz superstar does his mistletoe thing with friends Rick Braun and Mindi Abair.
Thursday, 12/18 (two shows)
A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit
The jazzy score from the Peanuts Christmas special is a true classic. And who better to bring it to life than Grammy-nominated piano master David Benoit?
Rams Head Live
20 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
(410) 244-1131
Wednesday, 12/31
Dark Star Orchestra’s Cosmic New Year
Grateful Dead specialists Dark Star Orchestra takes the tribute band concept one step further, re-creating classic Dead shows from the past by playing the same songs in the same set-list order on similar instruments. Kinda spooky, huh?
Verizon Center
601 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC
(800) 551-7328 (Ticketmaster)
Sunday, 12/14 (two shows)
Trans Siberian Orchestra
If you’re looking for a nontraditional holiday concert that combines amazing musicianship, heavy rock instrumentation, and a phenomenal stage show, you’ve just found it.
Tune into Rik’s show, “What’s Up in Music,” every Friday morning at 8:30 on WCTR, AM 1530 in Chestertown for the latest concert updates and more. And to have your venue’s live music events considered for inclusion in Ferrell’s Hot List, call (866) 419-1133 ext. 117, or send your calendar (at least 90 days in advance) to Music@WhatsUpMag.com.
rik ferrell
nov 08
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