Geoff Muldaur & jim Kweskin – Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA)
Eddie
Eye gifts, unwrapped
On and Off Bass
Mike Watt is (and has always been) the consummate bass player for the ages. Over the years he’s not only added a definitive, low-end rumble to bands such as the Stooges, Firehose and the Minutemen, he’s also proven himself quite the introspective sort. And, as evidenced in his latest book, the aptly titled On and Off Bass (Three Rooms Press, $25), he’s also a skilled, still-life photographer with a keen eye for capturing what he calls “eye gifts.” This full-color collection of pictures chronicles, among other visuals, many of Watt’s kayak excursions near his hometown of San Pedro in SoCal, complete with some mighty-fine narrative, however brief. Short, journal-like entries from different countries and cities reflect his ever-changing states of mind. A must-read-and-see affair. www.threeroomspress.com.
(SN&R)
Fri, Aug 26, Y&T
Ace of Spades, 7 p.m., $35
Ace of Spades1417 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-3300
aceofspadesca@gmail.com
If you grew up in the Bay Area during the hard-rocking ’80s, chances are you’ve seen Y&T on more than one occasion. The band’s hallmark 1981 release, Earthshaker, was a monumental piece of work, replete with screaming guitar solos, bombastic drums and a vocalist (Dave Meniketti) with a near-perfect range. Although the band is now reduced to only one original member—bassist Phil Kennemore passed away recently and Leonard Haze and Joey Alves exited years ago—the current incarnation pays homage to those who have moved on. Expect to hear loads of classic tunes and a handful from the band’s recent album Facemelter. 1417 R Street, www.meniketti.com.
(SN&R)
Fri, Aug 19, Conducting From the Grave
The Boardwalk, 6:45 p.m., $12-$14
The Boardwalk9426 Greenback Ln.
Orangevale, CA 95662
(916) 988-9247
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? How about eight bands for a mere $12 or $14? Sacramento’s own Conducting From the Grave will headline this heavy-handed bill as part of the Slaughter Survivors 2011 tour. Managed by the folks at The Artery Foundation, a local management company that has made quite a name for itself over the last couple of years, CFTG has been supporting Revenants, its latest release on Sumerian Records. If you’re looking for a quiet, sit-down affair, steer clear of The Boardwalk. If you’re in the mood for some action, obey the metal command. Horns up! 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, www.facebook.com/conductingfromthegrave.
(SN&R)