2023

Five-time Grammy award-winning Snarky Puppy returns to Mondavi Center on Sept. 21

Eddie September 13, 2023 No Comments

The music collective Snarky Puppy is knee-deep in its Fall tour to support a new record, ‘Empire Central.’

Led by bassist and bandleader, Michael League, the band’s mellifluous sound is something he describes as “a pop band that improvises a lot, without vocals.”

And while every night might reveal a handful of unexpected Easter eggs, the group never comes off as disjointed, or derivative of other like-minded jazz-influenced groups.

With a roster of rotating artists that numbers as high as 25 active members, the Snarky Puppy touring machine utilizes its players based on availability and the musical direction of its latest undertaking. What started in Texas 19 years ago with less than a dozen core members has now blossomed into something far beyond the ensemble and League’s expectations. Today, members can be found playing with other notable acts such as Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and D’Angelo.

In addition to its touring feats, the band successfully launched its own GroundUP Music record label imprint. Now distributed by music giant Universal Music Group, the records are more easily found, including such disparate artists as Charlie Hunter, David Crosby, Bokanté, Mark Lettieri (solo) and  Breastfist.

New York’s own House of Water will open for Snarky Puppy when it plays the Mondavi Center in Davis on Sept. 21. Tickets start at just $12.50 and top out at $65, and can be purchased in advance at www.mondaviarts.org. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Jackson Hall is located inside the Mondavi Center on the UC Davis campus at One Shields Avenue in Davis.

(SN&R)

Dire Straits Legacy hits Sacramento’s Crest Theatre for one night only on Sept. 16

Eddie September 8, 2023 No Comments

Courtesy photo

BY: SN&R STAFF SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

By Eddie Jorgensen

Grammy award-winning Dire Straits’ bandleader Mark Knopfler hasn’t toured under that moniker since the ‘On Every Street’ tour in 1992, and officially disbanded his famous group for good in 1995. Thankfully, for those fans still yearning to hear the band’s biggest hits, the Dire Straits Legacy collective fills that void and then some.

Its line-up features original Dire Straits band member Alan Clark on piano and keyboards, as well as Dire Straits musicians Danny Cummings on percussion, Mel Collins on saxophone and Phil Palmer on guitar.

Dire Straits Legacy is important because, outside of playing a few charity concerts, Knopfler has offered no talk of a new album or tour. Dire Straits rose to mega-stardom after their release of their “Brothers In Arms” record in 1985. The band would only make one more album, the less-received but equally compelling “On Every Street” in 1991. That song collection still went Platinum in a handful of countries. After only six records, the blues-rock band from England would cease to exist as Mark Knopfler took on a fruitful solo career.

Dire Straits Legacy, which will play The Crest in Downtown Sacramento on Sept. 16, also features musicians Marco Caviglia on vocals and guitar, Primiano Di Biase on keyboards and Cristiano Micalizzi on drums.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the two-plus hour show starts promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $44.50 and go up to $66.50 and can be purchased at www.crestsacramento.com. The Crest Theatre is located at 1013 K Street.

(SN&R)

Pixies Are Back

Eddie September 7, 2023 No Comments

Pixies are back touring with a new album and renewed vigor. But don’t bother consulting Setlist.fm since the band plans to break out a few rare morsels at every tour stop. September 15. 

Doggerel is Pixies’ eighth and latest album, which came out last year in late September. And while Kim Deal is no longer with the band (she exited in 2013 and is currently touring with The Breeders), the album is proof that the band can produce a lively batch of new songs that stand up against their storied back catalog. 

From the opening salvo of the lead track, “Matterday,” which parlays nicely into the album’s lead single, “Vault Of Heaven,” it’s obvious that Black Francis and company came to their last recording session prepared. And while tracks like “There’s A Moon On” may seemingly get lost in the shuffle being placed mid-record, the album functions like a complete meal if consumed in one sitting. Other standout tracks like “Haunted House” and “Thunder And Lightning” demand your attention as much as they showcase a band unwilling to rest on their laurels.   

Expect to hear a couple of fan favorites, including (but certainly not limited to) “Where Is My Mind,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” “Here Comes Your Man,” “Hey,” “Bone Machine,” and “Wave of Mutilation” among other deeper cuts. 

There’s a reason for Pixies’ staying power even after elongated hiatuses and that’s most likely why one hears hints of their songwriting from artists as far-reaching as Radiohead, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. Without a playbook, Pixies’ latest should fit in nicely live among their earliest late 80s output.  

At present, Pixies remain Black Francis (lead vocals and guitar), David Lovering (drums), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), and new (er) bassist Paz Lenchantin, who became a full-fledged Pixie in 2016. Known for their “loudquietloud” signature sound, the quartet is finally winding down their ambitious tour, which started in 2022. 

It’s been four years – five if you don’t count last year’s touring cycle – since Pixies last toured and, as luck would have it, Napa’s show in one of the last three dates of their US tour before heading overseas next March. 

Modest Mouse and Cat Power round out this completely stacked bill. 

Although the show is largely sold out, many resale tickets start at $148, top out at $450, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5 pm and the show starts promptly at 6 pm. All ages are welcome. The Oxbow RiverStage is located at 1268 McKinstry Street in Napa. It’s never too late to join the party.  

(North Bay Boehmian)

Swedish guitar shredder Yngwie Malmsteen to headline a night of fretboard mayhem at Ace of Spades on Sept. 7  

Eddie August 30, 2023 No Comments

When Yngwie Malmsteen first came onto the scene in the early 1980s, playing for both Steeler and Alcatrazz, it was already apparent who the real star was in either line-up. And although his tenure with the latter culminated in a highly publicized onstage fight with singer Graham Bonnet, no guitarist since could match the unbridled ferocity found on Alcatrazz’ “No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll.” Malmsteen’s prowess will be on display at Sacramento’s Ace of Spades on Sept. 7.

Since branching out on his own, the ever-so-prolific guitarist has released 22 records and four well-received live albums. Combining elements of classical music, heavy metal and hard rock, Malmsteen’s sound is uniquely his own. Aped by thousands, but never duplicated, he’s influenced countless genres that include thrash, power and speed metal.

Although Malmsteen is currently on tour with the legendary Deep Purple vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes, this off-cycle, upcoming show at Ace of Spades finds him headlining with only local support in tow. And if his recent set lists are any indication, Malmsteen will be doing fan favorites as well as some special covers enhanced by his trademark picking technique.

Fans of Yngwie Malmsteen typically recommend his first four albums as a place to start for those wanting to explore the music. If “Rising Force” or “Marching Out” don’t make your hair stand on, perhaps it’s time to get your pulse checked.

Tickets are $32.50 advance can be purchased at www.aceofspades.com. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. Ace of Spades is located at 1417 R Street in downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Melvins celebrate 40 years of doing whatever the hell they want.

Eddie August 26, 2023 No Comments

Melvins have been flying the flag of experimental and sludge rock and, consequently, have released 26 full-lengths albums. Additionally, they’ve released countless EPs and live and compilation records.

At its core, Melvins is Buzz Osborne (guitar and vocals) and Dale Crover (drums), along with a seemingly never-ending slew of bass players. Redd Kross bassist, Steven Shane McDonald, has been with the band for eight years and will, hopefully, soon outlast all his predecessors.

The band’s current U.S. tour with Japanese noise merchants, Boris, is dubbed the “Twins of Evil Tour.” The current run of shows finds Melvins playing their 1991 ‘Bullhead’ record in its entirety, among other surprises from its massive catalog. Similarly, Boris plays their 2002 release, “Heavy Rocks,” in full. The seven-week tour commences on August 24th in Los Angeles and closes out on October 14th in San Diego.

Could anyone have predicted that Boris and the Melvins would tour the entire USA together? Since the mid-1980s, the Melvins have had an enormous influence on artists of all genres, not only limited to heavy music, and have brought forth a surge of faithful followers over the years.

Needless to say, Boris is just one of these many bands influenced by the mighty Melvins, and we took our name from a song title off of the 1991 album, ‘Bullhead,’ said Boris’ Takeshi about the obvious ties between the two bands.

For the uninitiated, Melvins earned their fanbase through college radio, word-of-mouth, and constant touring. Likewise, they’ve released albums on such disparate record labels as Boner, Alchemy, C/Z, Alternative Tentacles, Slap-A-Ham, Man’s Ruin, Ipecac, and Atlantic. Their latest album, “Bad Moon Rising,” was released on indie Amphetamine Reptile, which have had a long history with the band.

Perhaps one of the band’s strangest periods was their Atlantic records years, which saw the band reap the benefits of being name-dropped by close friend Kurt Cobain. After playing countless shows supporting Nirvana, they released three WEA-distributed records — “Houdini,” “Stoner Witch,” and “Stag.” Even though they had elements of “grunge,” Melvins’ already impossible-to-pigeonhole sound eventually worked against them and they were subsequently dropped from their only major label deal.

Melvins and Boris, along with opener Mr. Phylzzz, perform Tuesday, August 29 at The Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. 

Doors open at 7 pm and the all-ages show kicks off at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the show and can be purchased at mystictheatre.com. Come witness the magic of two bands who defy the laws of musical composition.

(North Bay Bohemian)

Louisiana’s BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet brings distinctive flavors to Sacramento’s Sofia Theater on Aug. 21

Eddie August 18, 2023 No Comments

Once a staple of the sadly defunct Palms Playhouse venues in Davis and Winters – not to mention a hit at Harlow’s – BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet keeps proving that his group has a formidable following around any stage in the area.

Led by 72-year-old bandleader and fiddler extraordinaire Michael Doucet, the Grammy award-winning Beausoleil group has been releasing records going back to 1975 on such disparate record labels as Arhoolie, Rounder, Vanguard, Yep Roc, Rhino, Hemisphere, Compass, Swallow and Music of The World.

Besides winning numerous accolades from both press and distinguished music associations, the band has a potent live show to back it up. And while their latest record, ‘From Bamako to Carencro,’ was released ten years ago, there is no shortage of great material for the group to draw from. Their infectious blend of Zydeco, Cajun, and Creole works magically with their musical roots in calypso, blues, rock and roll and more.

For a Monday night in downtown Sacramento, music fans really can’t go wrong taking this Southeastern trip down memory lane.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at https://bstreettheatre.org. The Sofia is located at 2700 Capitol Avenue in downtown Sacramento. Doors open at 6pm for this all ages show which starts at 7 p.m.

(SN&R)

Seattle’s Fleet Foxes with My Morning Jacket in support of new release 

Eddie August 16, 2023 No Comments

Although bandleader Robin Pecknold has been flying the flag of soaring indie rock under the Fleet Foxes moniker for 16 years, the group-turned-collective has, to date, only released four full-length albums. 

Their latest, “Shore,” was recorded before and during the pandemic and finally saw the light of day in September 2020. In many ways, it signaled Pecknold’s need to control his surroundings when, in fact, everything around him was falling apart. And while he recorded with a cast of guests rather than using his core band, the result was what he called a celebration of “life in the face of death.”

Standout tracks like the highly infectious “Can I Believe In You?” and “Sunblind” take the listener on a sonic journey filled with highs and lows and are as reflective as they are forward-thinking. 

The 15-track opus is laden with personal anecdotes as much as it raises life questions all in the wake of Pecknold’s self-imposed time constraints. On other songs like “Featherweight” and the beautifully arranged “Maestranza,” fans are treated to a newer, more emboldened Fleet Foxes with an awkward, personalized video to accompany the full album play-through on YouTube. 

For those fans expecting a repeat of their 2017 record, “Crack-Up,” the newest album may be a head-scratcher. However, upon further inspection, “Shore” is their most complete collection of songs with a running order that compliments the songs as a larger part of something bigger than Pecknold ever expected. 

At times the listener may feel as if they are drowning, and at others, it may feel as if the surface is equally unsettling. Whether or not that was Robin’s intent, “Shore” is an all-inclusive experience meant to be enjoyed as a whole. For those with an open ear and mind, the record will please on multiple fronts. 

For those Fleet Foxes fans who’ve never heard Louisville, Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket, you’re in for real treat. Fronted by bandleader/vocalist/guitarist Jim James, this quintet released its latest self-titled record in October 2021. Although considered more of a jam band that dabbles in psychedelic rock and country, the pairing couldn’t work better. My Morning Jacket co-headlines both of the Fleet Foxes’ Bay Area appearances.

The Fleet Foxes perform at 7 pm, Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 (sold out) at The Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd., Berkeley (on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley).Tickets are $69.50 and can be purchased at https://thegreekberkeley.com.

(North Bay Bohemian)

Duran Duran hits Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on its ‘The Future Past Tour’ Aug. 24

Eddie August 14, 2023 No Comments

Now 15 albums into a 45-year career, the U.K.’s Duran Duran has defied the odds by consistently growing a new fanbase while retaining its voracious, hardcore followers.

Propelled by mega-hits that include “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Come Undone,” “Save A Prayer” and “Ordinary World,” the members of Duran Duran maintain recognition across the world. Yet, when they take the stage, there’s no shortage of lesser-known gems from their back catalog to please the most-rabid of fans.

‘Future Past’ is the band’s latest release on BMG / Tape Modern records and was produced by industry heavyweights Mark Ronson, Giorgio Moroder and Erol Alkan, along with members of the group itself.

“Many of the songs are about emotional crises, or long-term intimacy issues, let’s call them” bassist John Taylor has said of the collection. “When we came back after lockdown, I felt that those lyrics, particularly ‘Invisible,’ spoke to the moment, because the last 18 months have really been about intimacy politics.”

Today, the touring band features Duran Duran staples Nick Rhodes on keyboards and synthesizers, Simon Le Bon on lead vocals, John Taylor on bass and Roger Taylor on drums and percussion. Dominic Brown has been filling in on guitar for the ailing Andy Taylor.

This long-awaited dance party at the Golden 1 Center will be kicked off with performances from Bastille and Nile Rodgers’ Chic. Doors for this all-age show open at 6 p.m. and the shows starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.golden1center.com for as little as $45.95 with the best floor seats selling for $288. The Golden 1 Center is located at 500 David J Stern Walk in Downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Indie lo-fi dream pop merchants, Beach Fossils, play Sacramento on Aug. 15

Eddie August 9, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Christopher Petrus

It’s been 14 years since this Brooklyn-based quartet formed; and while it only took a year to release its self-titled album on the boutique label Captured Tracks, the group has since taken its time releasing singles, an EP and four full-length albums. That cumulative work has a led to a fanbase in Sacramento that can see Beach Fossils play on Aug. 15.  

“Bunny” is the band’s latest album on Bayonet Records. It recalls the dreamy vibe of early Beach Boys, and other shoegaze greats, yet doesn’t sound dated or derivative at all. Standout tracks like “Anything is Anything” take the listener on a heady, sonic journey and move at a slow, methodical pace into an inevitable close.

Beach Fossils’ pastel pop has grabbed them a loyal following. It’s also landed the group spots on many coveted festivals. Tracks like “Feel So High” continue to show why they’re a headliner when touring, while their first single and video “Don’t Fade Away” reflects on artists who still have a lot of gas left in their ethereal tank.

Today, the band includes lead vocalist and guitarist Dustin Payseur, guitarist Tommy Davidson, bassist Jack Doyle Smith and drummer Anton Hochheim. Beach Fossils’ upcoming show at the Toyota Amphitheatre includes rapper Post Malone, who’s on his ‘If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ tour. Lawn seats are $100 while standing room Pit tickets are a whopping $549.50 and can be purchased at www.livenation.com. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. All ages are welcome. The Toyota Amphitheatre is located at 2677 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.

(SN&R)

Blues guitar sensation Chris Duarte hits Old Ironsides in Sacramento on Aug. 19

Eddie August 7, 2023 No Comments

Although blues aficionados might expect to see Chris Duarte taking the stage at Harlow’s or The Sofia, the talent-buyers at Old Ironsides are out to make sure their historic stage has the same caliber of musicianship; and lately they’ve also been including nearly every genre sans world music on their monthly calendar.

The Texas-born Duarte is a veritable household name on the blues circuit, hailed for sizzling guitar chops that resemble the late Stevie Ray Vaughn. The axe-man has been touring this year in support of his sixteenth full-length “Ain’t Giving Up,” which proves he still has the energy of his earliest releases, even the much-lauded “Texas Sugar/Strat Magik” and its follow-up, “Tailspin Headwhack.”

When it comes to the new record, standout pieces “Can Opener” or “Half As Good As Two” should be enough to get live music addicts to an uncharacteristically early engagement at Old Ironsides. The album’s guitar tones are as greasy and dirty as a Memphis diner’s grill; so it’s no small wonder why Duarte never gravitated to larger capacity theaters. If anything, Sacramentans can just rejoice in one helluva Saturday sermon at a club that barely pushes 200 capacity.

Tickets are $20 advance can be purchased at www.theoldironsides.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the early show starts at 7:30 p/m. This is for 21-and-over patrons only. The Old Ironsides is located at 1901 10th Street in downtown Sacramento. It’s bound to get sticky.

(SN&R)