Y&T frontman Dave Meneketti has persevered and proved the current band a formidable headliner with drummer Mike Vanderhule, guitarist John Nymann and new bassist Aaron Leigh. This hard-rock quartet still pays tribute to its former fallen members—bassist Phil Kennemore and skinsman Leonard Haze—in song by playing the original, respective parts with gusto. And while Y&T may not be quite as prolific as die-hard fans would like, the early catalog including (but certainly not limited to) 1982’s Black Tiger, 1981’s Earthshaker and 1983’s Mean Streak still pack a heavy punch. 1417 R Street, www.yandtrocks.com.
Wed., Dec. 28, 3:30 and 8 p.m., Golden 1 Center, $36-$73
Fan of operatic rock? Tired of the same ol’ Christmas music being piped into nearly every radio station and shopping mall speaker system? The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is your remedy—still festive, but refreshingly different. And loud. The Washington Post once described them as “Pink Floyd meets Yes and The Who at Radio City Music Hall.” Brace for a stunning visual show in addition to big music—this troupe carries quite a lighting package and stage set, and is sure to stun even the strictly holiday-tune averse. 500 David J Stern Walk, www.trans-siberian.com.
Scott Conner came screaming out of the abyss with his first couple of releases. Unlike other like-minded one-man acts such as Leviathan and even Striborg, Conner offered an alternate take for those suffering from depression. His brash recordings seemingly glorified death and gave one the feeling they were were being dragged to another fiery dimension. As expected, this is a rare acoustic show where, in keeping with the weather forecast, some very ill winds will blow.
For the uninitiated, English-based rock act the Pretenders has been driven by the voice of singer-songwriter and frontwoman Chrissie Hynde, the band’s only constant since forming in 1978. If songs like “Brass in Pocket” or “Message of Love” have never come up on your Pandora or Spotify station, make a new station with this band included immediately; Hynde’s unique voice and penchant for writing soulful rock ’n’ roll are a thing to behold. The Pretenders are presently on tour in support of its recent album Alone and are opening for some up-and-comer named Stevie Nicks.
Thu., Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Community Center Theater, $50-$110
For those who’ve never seen Celtic Woman, be prepared for a wild stage show quite literally replete with all the bells and whistles. This year’s classically themed show Home for Christmas: The Symphony Tour will feature music from the successful Home for Christmas. Expect Irish jigs, traditional dance and a seasonal twist. This ensemble is one of the best of the batch when it comes to Celtic music and festivities. The current touring troupe includes vocalists Mairead Carlin, Susan McFadden, Eabha McMahon and the multitalented Tara McNeill doubling on harp and violin duties. 1301 L Street, www.celticwoman.com.
One listen to the hypnotic groove and chorus of “Breathe, Ascend, Become” from this Portland ensemble should make any fans of the indie record label Constellation get on board with these guys, too. Without sounding dated or derivative, and driving forward with utter disregard for consequence, this is one experimental group that manages to create a big sound—almost like a musical version of the Occupy Wall Street movement. They simultaneously avoid sounding patronizing or easy; a stellar find for a Monday night, especially during times like these, no? 2030 P Street, www.facebook.com/hangtheoldyear.
Huntington Beach’s purveyors of gangsta-styled punk rock return to their favorite haunt in the suburbs for yet another night of debauchery. Don’t be fooled by the massive amount of vaping and weed references; this is one group that knows how to craft clever, groove-laden songs. Since releasing its fantastic self-titled record back in 1997, singer Jared (real name Paulo Sergio Gomes) has rotated many talented members into the band, including current members Major Trauma (drums), Gregzilla (guitars) and Kid Bass (bass). 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, www.hedperocks.com.
Unbeknownst to some, Ringo Starr was not the only drummer of the Beatles. He is, however, the group’s most popular skinsman by far and away. This week, the living legend will be out on the road playing with a star-studded band that some might assert can play circles around his former bandmates. Fans of classic rock (and especially diehard Beatles fans who might’ve missed Sir Paul at the new arena) won’t want to miss Ringo’s latest lineup, featuring members of Toto, Journey, David Lee Roth, Mr. Mister and even Todd Rundgren. 242 East Main Street in Stockton, www.ringostarr.com.
Those lucky enough to have caught Michael Doucet at Harlow’s in Sacramento earlier this year know to expect nothing short of a barn-burning set. This show pairs arguably the best names on the cajun touring circuit for one special early evening mass. Doucet has been touring and releasing records well before most millennials were born and Rigney is a regular in the Sacramento region, drawing capacity crowds wherever he roams. Spontaneity and random acts of silliness are encouraged.
SEBASTOPOL (CBS SF) — Ever prolific Bay Area bass hero Les Claypool had another busy year in 2016, introducing a collaboration with Sean Lennon and a new beverage with Sea Pop as well as playing festival shows with his workhorse band, Primus.
Claypool was born in Richmond, California, but his family eventually moved to the humble town of El Sobrante where his musical career eventually took shape. He released his first proper record full-length record as part of the thrash metal quartet Blind Illusion in 1986. While the group went through member changes before he joined, the record also featured guitarist Larry LaLonde, who had made his name with seminal Bay Area thrash band, Possessed. LaLonde would end up being Claypool’s creative partner in Primus.
Both bands played many Bay Area venues during their early years, but it was Primus that caught on like wildfire around the club and theater scene in the North Bay, building their fan base with regular shows in Cotati, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Guerneville. In 1994, Claypool would make his home and start a family in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley.
Claypool introduced an element of self-deprecating comedy into the band’s performances — “Primus Sucks” was an early band slogan and frequent rallying cry for fans at live shows — that stood in counterpoint to his unorthodox, virtuoso style of bass playing that made followers stare in awe.
Though Primus has remained his main creative outlet, Claypool has diversified with a rotating string of bands (Sausage, the Fearless Frog Brigade, the Fancy Band and most recently his stripped-down Duo Du Twang) and collaborative projects. His extracurricular activities include recordings and tours with everyone from the short-lived Oysterhead project (featuring Police drummer Stewart Copeland and Trey Anastasio from Phish), experimental troubadour and fellow North Bay resident Tom Waits, Colonel Claypool’s Bucket of Bernie Brains (which included guitar wizard and regular live guest Buckethead and the late P-Funk keyboard great Bernie Worrell), jamband Gov’t Mule and King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew to name a few.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium (ATO Records)
For his latest side project, the bass player teamed up with renowned solo artist and Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger guitar player Sean Lennon (son of Beatle John) to found the Claypool Lennon Delirium. Hatched after fruitful post-gig jam sessions during a joint summer tour by their two main bands, the pair convened at Claypool’s home studio in Sebastapol for a month and a half of psychedelic noodling that gave birth to their debut prog/space-rock album, Monolith Of Phobos. Issued in June on ATO Records, the album earned solid reviews and gave the band a reason to tour through the summer.
As luck would have it, their meeting was rather serendipitous.
“We were looking for an opening act for an act for a Primus tour we did with Dinosaur Jr. a while back, and it came to my attention that Sean wanted to do the tour,” said Les Claypool during a recent phone interview. Ultimately, it was Sean’s music that sealed the deal.
“I went on YouTube and saw his ‘Animals’ video and ended up asking him a bit after. Next thing you know, he met up with my wife and my son and we were jamming on the back of a tour bus and interesting things were coming out,” explained Claypool. “Later on, I asked him to come out to Rancho Relaxo [Claypool’s home studio located on his estate] and it just worked out.”
On whether he had a good time writing with Lennon and had any songs he liked more than the others, Claypool resisted making any comparisons to other creative partners. “It was very easy writing with Lennon, I have to say. However, I really don’t like the term favorites,” he said.
When pressed on how writing with Sean Lennon compared to earlier projects, he likened his projects to having conversations.
“I really think any musical interaction is a conversation. Also, any conversation is different depending on who you’re talking to,” Claypool said. “Good conversation happens when you’re learning something and the conversation is flowing freely.”The Claypool Lennon Delirium – Bubbles Burst (Official Video) by TCLDeliriumVEVO on YouTube
More importantly, Claypool has used technology to his advantage to capture his musical conversations and record music at his own studio without facing outlandish recording costs. “Unfortunately, you can’t avoid technology. Whether you’re receiving a telegram or having a face-to-face interaction. Both can work as long as it’s an efficient medium and the messages come across,” said Claypool.
As far as releasing more records are concerned with Lennon, Claypool is not in any hurry.
“We’ve been out most of the summer and have three weeks of touring to go,” said Claypool. “We’ll see what happens. I’m sure we’ll do something.”
His move to the much quieter confines of Sonoma County made perfect sense given his once hectic touring schedule. Unlike the days when his band was under pressure from the label and management alike, everything today is very much on Claypool’s own terms. He lives comfortably and has found a happy medium between touring, recording, and marketing the wares of his other venture, Claypool Cellars.
Founded in 2007, the family business has taken off in a big way. Claypool’s sense of humor shines through on the awkward yet appropriately named varietals he sells and stocks, including Purple Pachyderm Pinot Noir and the newly released Champagne Pachyderm. All can be tasted by boarding the Claypool Cellars’ hilariously dubbed Fancy Booze Caboose tasting station in Sebastopol.
His newest concoction of the non-alcoholic variety is dubbed Sea Pop. And much like his ridiculous, light-hearted banter and lyrics, the natural soda’s artwork is fun and the drink is sweet without containing any extra additives.
“I have to say, it’s not actually a ginger beer. It’s a whole new bubbly beverage with a different taste profile. This is not a ginger beer whatsoever and it is much sweeter,” said Claypool.
Sea Pop is only available at a handful of stores currently, as major distribution has yet to be determined.
Despite Claypool’s workaholic nature, fans can expect the bassist to take an extended break from touring, though there will likely be some new Claypool Cellars events featuring live music. There’s no telling where Claypool’s creative nature will take him next; possibly making some edible dairy products to go with his specialty wines. After all, Primus did release an album in 1991 called Sailing The Seas Of Cheese.
Sound crazy? Stranger things have happened.
Claypool will celebrate another milestone this New Year’s Eve with his Silver Anniversary Extravaganza at the Fox Theater in Oakland, marking the bassist’s 25th annual celebration for the holiday. For the festivities, he will pull triple duty by playing sets with Duo Du Twang and the Claypool Lennon Delirium before a show-closing performance by Primus.
Eddie
