Lake Street Dive is a band that is hard not to like. The veteran quartet from Brooklyn via Boston has been around for the past decade, and has risen to more national prominence in recent years thanks to two back-to-back stellar releases, 2014's Bad Self Portraits, and this year's Side Pony. The classically jazz trained quartet showed off their chops in front of a packed house at Turner Hall, with fans ranging in age from 10-70+. I'm not sure if there is another act out there that draws from such a diverse age demographic.
Lake Street Dive's sound is a true mix of soul, Motown, classic rock, pop and swing, that simply makes you want to sway and groove. The quartet are "musicians musicians," who have been playing instruments since the third grade, and their infectious stage presence makes it evident that they enjoy making music with one another and truly love their jobs.
Rachael Price is about as charismatic a singer as you're likely to find. A jazz-studies graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Price is no stranger to the stage or to singing with mad conviction. With an impeccable vocal range and stage presence which is equal parts sultry and giddy, she is a true crowd engager. At one point in the band's 90 minute Turner Hall set, a fan gave her a floral bouquet in a vase (something I've never seen done before at Turner Hall), which she proudly displayed behind her for the band.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
While Price is the obvious star of the show, the other members of Lake Street Dive are virtuosos at their respective instruments. All four members of the band harmonize seamlessly with one another. Upright bass player, Bridget Kearney's jazzy licks keep the grooves tight alongside drummer Mike Calabrese's beats. Both Kearney and Calabrese were given solos to shine at their given instruments. Calabrese's drum solo, in particular, had an 80's arena-rock epic nature to it... something you rarely see out of more modern bands these days. In many ways, guitarist, Mike "McDuck" Olson is the anchor of the band, fluctuating between rhythm and lead guitar licks and playing trumpet on occasion.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Much of the set consisted of numbers from Bad Self Portraits and Side Pony with a smattering of covers and deep cuts well-placed as well. "Side Pony" the title track off of this year's strong release was played with the aid of "Steve" the inflatable horse who made a cameo on stage. "You Go Down Smooth," a hit track off of Bad Self Portraits featured Price's vocals soaring alongside Olson's trumpet. A cover of The Kink's "Lola"involved a sing-along from the beaming crowd. Set closer, "Call Off the Dogs," a truly amazing track off of Side Pony, literally got everyone dancing. In a bold move, Lake Street Dive chose to cover Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as their encore, a very difficult song to pull-off, especially with the original vocal prowess provided by Freddy Mercury. Price, however, was undaunted and nailed the vocals sending the crowd into a frenzy to end the night. The crowd was so revved up and joyful that after the house lights went on, they continued to dance to the house music, which was "Time of My Life" off of the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack.
I guess, Lake Street Dive just moves people of all ages move and feel good. Go see them live- simply put, their music is good for the soul.
Cedarburg's annual Summer Sounds concert series has long been one of my favorite outdoor music experiences in town. From the diverse and eclectic line-up of nationally touring acts to the great variety of food and drink vendors to the friendly staff of volunteers, it's hard not to have a good time in the gorgeous Cedar Creek Park. This year Summer Sounds benefitted from a brand new band shell, improved sound system, and arguably their biggest booking yet-- Milwaukee's hometown 80's-90's roots rockers, The BoDeans. The BoDeans have long been an institution in town, and are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut release Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams. Sprecher Brewery even commissioned a special BoDeans ginger beer to honor the occasion.
More than 10,000 fans, young and old, came to Cedar Creek Park Friday night to take in the show and soak up one of the last Friday nights of the summer, despite off-and-on rain and overcast weather.
photo by Will Piper
Opening the show for the BoDeans was Milwaukee's own Trapper Schoepp who was joined by his band, The Shades. Schoepp is a growing artist who is developing a reputation both locally, nationally and abroad, for his energetic live shows, narrative songwriting and pure rock 'n roll sound. At age 25, Schoepp has certainly taken in a lot of life. His set consisted of a mix of tunes coming from his debut 2012 release Run Engine Run as well as his stellar Rangers and Valentines record, which was released earlier this year. Highlights of Schoepp's set included two songs that were written about family members. The first was "The Ballad of Olof Johnson," a tale of a Swedish relative of Schoepp's and his journey across the land. "Run Engine Run," is another song and story with a personal connection to Schoepp, as it's written about Schoepp's grandfather and his 1964 Mercedes Benz. Scheopp's fun-loving nature brought him off the stage several times to play guitar and sing with the crowd, showcasing his pure love for performing and joy of rock 'n roll.
photo by Will Piper
Backed by a full-blown light show, and greeted with the thunderous roar of the Summer Sounds audience, Kurt Neumann and the BoDeans took the stage with huge smiles. The band quickly went into one of their more classic tunes, "Fadeaway." The BoDeans are a nostalgia act whose tunes bring back fond memories of the early 90's like a good episode of Friends. The band played a robust set, highlighting their hits and music throughout their career. Their energy and joy for playing together was evident, as was the outstanding percussion provided by drummer Kenny Aronoff, who in many ways was the star of the show. A cover of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire," and sing-along tunes like "Good Things" and "Closer To Free," helped make the crowd call them back for not one, but two encores. By the time the drizzle started to pick up around 9, the Cedar Creek Park emptied with fans smiling. A good trip down memory lane will do that every time.
"Music is something sacred," declared an obviously emotional Phil Cook during the start of his "Southland Review" set looking out upon a picturesque sunny summer's day of blue skies and gently rolling clouds. "It brings us all together and in some way provides us with peace and joy." Phil's quote encapsulates the spirit of everything that is Eaux Claires.
Eaux Claires is an experience. It is a gathering of people who, deep down in the marrow of their bones, are moved by music. This goes for the artists as well as the fans. More often than you'd expect, the two groups intermingle, not in a star struck manner, but rather with deep respect for one another and their role in the greater scene. Standing watching a performance of Chicago chamber orchestral group, Eight Blackbird early on Saturday, I nonchalantly noticed that to my right and left were Bryce and Aaron Dressner of the National respectively. At the conclusion of the Eighth Blackbird performance, I shook Aaron's hand thanking him for putting this festival together. He looked me right in the eye, smiled, shook my hand and said, "no, thank you for being here." Eaux Claires is that kind of vibe-- sincere, honest... about the music.
photo by Dan Bayer
Meeting one of my personal favorite artists, Phil Cook, in of all places, the goat roasting pit in the Chippewa VIP area, was a similarly humbling experience. Phil's eyes widened and his goofy grin expanded as he told me how much he was looking forward to performing his "Southland Review," when I mentioned it was on the top of my "must see show list." The joy was there for the artist and the listener- each joined together... because of the music.
While there is no tangible or tactile quality to music, believe me when I say that music is a force. It moves us to tears and causes volcanic eruptions of joy to come up from the deepest depths of our souls. Music absorbs sorrow and provides empathy for us in times of pain. It challenges our ideas, forces us to re-examine viewpoints, and can confuse us to no end. Music can embed itself into your brain and get stuck in your head in a way no other force can when you find yourself singing tunes unexpectedly and for no apparent reason while you are completing mundane tasks like taking a shower or doing the laundry.
Music unites. It forces fathers and college-aged daughters to sneak up close to be within arm's length of Justin Vernon during Bon Iver's premier of their new record, "22, A Million." It unites old friends making many years of not seeing one another seem like mere days, if not hours. Music creates bonds and fosters new friendships-- providing a common backdrop for hours of conversations, shared stories, friendly debates and new memories.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
While music can't necessarily solve the world's problems, I'd predict that everyone would be a little happier if they listened to Mavis Staples for 10 minutes a day. Her performance was one of the best of the best of Eaux Claires, and while 77 years old, her joy and love of performing music was uproariously contagious.
Eaux Claires is about love of music in all it's glory and wonder. Like the confluence of rivers, artists at Eaux Claires joined forces, merging each others' talents regularly to create unique performances and sounds that you had to be there to hear and experience. As Aaron Dressner stated during the "Day of the Dead" set, "This is like a band camp for everyone who loves music,." I cannot agree more.
Music can reignite, reinvigorate, reunite, and renew. Thank you Eaux Claires.
Friday, August 12th: Phosphorescent: Americana goodness wrapped with a flare for the dramatic.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Bruce Hornsby performing "The Way it Is:" Somethings will never change... Hornsby's passionate performance is one of them
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Vince Staples: The bass could be felt from across the grounds. Boom!
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
James Blake: Electronica + soul = an intimate sound even in a large venue.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Bon Iver:"22, A Million" challenges the ear to want more. Rearranged "Beth/Rest" with Hornsby was highlight.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Saturday, August 13th: Mavis Staples: Her passion and love for the force of music is contagious, and at 77 years old she stole the show. Cover of "Slippery People" by The Talking Heads was unforgettable.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Jenny Lewis: A joyous collaboration of female vocalists with The Staves, and Lucius joining in the fun
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Phil Cook's Southland Review: A boogy-woogy collaboration of gospel, soul, Americana and humility. Goose bump inducing musical greatness featuring Justin Vernon, Bruce Hornsby, and the unforgettable Sister Lena Mae Perry of the Branchettes.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Turn it up and groove to the psychedelic funk 'n roll.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Day of the Dead: New life breathed into true classics in an innovative and creative way.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Lucius: Powerful vocal interplay allowed the band to take flight
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
William Tyler: Emotion oozes from the axe telling stories of modern country.
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Erykah Badu: Late to the party and left early, bet you better call "Tyrone."
photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: A full-blown, rhythm and blues explosion of joy and dancing. I hope I may never get old!
One of the most anticipated sets of the Eaux Claires festival was the "Day of the Dead" performance. Day of the Dead, the brain child of twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National, is a beefy compilation of 59 tracks celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead. The Dessner brothers invited a plethora of their musical friends to record Dead tunes, providing their own interpretation of the music. The box set of music was released with proceeds benefiting the Red Hot Organization for AIDS research.
With a project this large and no tour planned at this time, the Eaux Claires event was the only live performance with this eclectic ensemble. The Dessner brothers and a few other musicians anchored a "house band," with a literal revolving door of guests coming on and off the stage, and often exchanging instruments in the process.
The result was one of the most unique sets of music I've seen with the sheer number of diverse players taking the stage at one time or another. Below is a recap of the set with fantastic pictures thanks to Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch:
1. "Bird Song" featuring Will Oldham (aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy).
Big vocals and a loose swagger from the band started the show on a good note, showing the crowd the "snow and rain."
2. "Sugaree" featuring Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent and Jenny Lewis:
Fun, upbeat take on one of the more recognizable and "classic" Dead tunes.
3. "Brown Eyed Women" featuring Phil Cook and Bruce Hornsby
A great playful take on a loose Dead jam with great vocal trade-off between Phil and Bruce.
4. "Black Muddy River" featuring Bruce Hornsby and Justin Vernon
Soulful, powerful, and yearning.
5. "Uncle John's Band" featuring Lucius
Fun, upbeat rendition with bright bubbly vocals.
6. "Shakedown Street" featuring Ruben Nielsen (of Unknown Mortal Orchestra) and the Staves
A funky disco vibe brought this tune to life with soaring harmonies from The Staves
7. "Ruben & Charise" featuring Will Oldham (aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy)
Oldham's vocals soared on this set highlight, punctuated by guitar precision from Bryce Dessner.
8. "If I Had the World To Give" featuring Will Oldham (aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy)
Lamenting, reminiscent and powerful.
9. "Brokedown Palace" featuring Little Scream, Richard Reed Parry, Sam Amidon, & Colin Stetson
Goosebump inducing "fare the well" harmonies from a great group of vocalists, and a blistering horn solo. Show highlight!
10. "Cassidy" featuring Moses Sumney and Jenny Lewis
Bob Weir's classic with new life breathed into it with Moses's powerful vocals and Jenny's harmonies.
11. "Standing on the Moon" featuring Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent
Aaron Dessner mentioned this was Jerry Garcia's favorite ballad. Matthew Houck made Jerry proud.
12. "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad" featuring Sam Amidon
A classic Americana infused Dead tune performed with gusto thanks to Sam Amidon and is musical talents.
13. "Morning Dew" featuring Matt Beringer of The National
Deep baritone vocals and thumping drums reinvented this Dead classic to rock your bones.
14. "And We Bid You Good Night" featuring Sam Amidon and friends
A nice collaborative piece to help wind down the show.
15. "Ripple" featuring Matt Beringer, Little Scream, Richard Reed Parry
Sing-along goodness to end the set.
A week from now I'll be venturing to Eaux Claire to "return to the river" for the second annual Eaux Claires music and art festival curated by Eau Claire's favorite son, Justin Vernon, along with Aaron Dressner of The National. Last year's Eaux Claires was one of the neatest musical experiences I've ever had as a fan.
What I loved about Eaux Claires was the eclectic collaborative feel of the festival, and from the line-up it looks like this year's installment will have lots of fun surprises in store for us as well. Going into the festival, I wanted to share the seven acts I'm most excited to see.
7. Bon Iver: Friday, 9:20 p.m. Lake Euax Lune Stage
This one is somewhat obvious (as they're the biggest band playing the festival and the headliner of Friday night), but you know that Justin Vernon playing his festival with an expanded line-up, including the siren sounding harmony of Britain's The Staves, will be something special. I'm anticipating more new tunes from Bon Iver being debuted this year, seeing that the band has not released an album in quite some time. If you were there last year, as I was, you'll remember this goose-bump inducing opening to the Bon Iver set. It's good to have music near a river :)
6. Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Saturday, 4:55 p.m. Flambeaux Stage
Back in 2011, before I even started regularly blogging about music, I attended a $10 show at Turner Hall Ballroom that featured Yuck with special guests, Unknown Mortal Orchestra. I recall vividly that Unknown Mortal Orcehstra didn't want to use lights to give the illusion of being "unknown." This made me giggle at the time, but the trippy funk-infused rock stuck with me. These guys have just gotten better- way better- since then, releasing three more records, each of which has succeeded it's predessor. It's safe to say Unknown Mortal Orchestra is no longer playing in the dark (both literally and figuratively).
5. Phosphorescent: Friday, 3:20 p.m. Flambeaux Stage
I've never seen Matthew Houck and his band mates perform, but have long been a fan of his music. 2013's Muchacho was one of my favorite releases of that year, and Houck's unique voice and storytelling approach to his songwriting has long intrigued me. I hope to hear some of the cuts from Muchacho along with hopefully some newer compositions. "Song for Zula," just gets me every time.
4. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats: Saturday, 10:25 p.m. Lake Eaux Lune Stage
Rateliff, who spent many years of his career as a road-weathered acoustic troubador, has become a household name of late, since moving to a more rhythm and blues sound. Since getting a huge break last summer on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Rateliff and the Night Sweats have gone from playing intimate clubs (like Club Garibadli in Bayview where I was blessed to catch Rateliff last fall) to large theaters, to running the festival circuit this summer. One of my favorite shows from last year, Rateliff and his band mates have only gotten better in perfecting their infectious R&B act, and are primed to be a "show stealing" band at Eaux Claires.
3. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers: Saturday, 6:25 p.m. Lake Euax Lune Stage, performing The Way It Is
Released 30 years ago in 1986, I remember first hearing the infectious piano melody of "The Way it Is" on MTV and later on one of the very first cassette tapes I ever bought (purchased at Mainstream Music on Port Washington Road in Glendale in fact), which I proudly played as a tween on my red Emmerson Radio Shack boom box that resided in my bedroom. The Way It Is is a timeless record, and a piece of music that is worth revisiting if you haven't played it in a while. The themes of love, loss, hope and ultimately salvation are as needed now as they were thirty years ago. Aside from the production of the record, which definitely has a dated "80's feel" to it, the songwriting on tracks like "Every Little Kiss," "On the Western Skyline," "The Long Road," and, of course, "The Way it Is," and "Mandolin Rain" is just plain superb storytelling.
If you have any question as to this record's impact of Justin Vernon's career, just listen to "Best/Rest" off of Bon Iver's 2011 masterpiece self-titled record. Bruce is an amazing performer who I've had the pleasure of seeing before, but never performing his most well-known record front-to-back.
2. Day of the Dead: Saturday, 6:15 p.m. Lake Eaux Lune Stage
This is the only scheduled performance of the ambitious project fronted by Aaron and Bryce Dessner from The National. The 59 track behemoth of a collection created to benefit the Red Hot organization for AIDS reseach, features a virtual A-List of today's hottest indie rock, folk, and alternative artists reinterpreting the timeless music of the Grateful Dead.
As a long-time fan of the Dead's collection, this compilation is outstanding as it features a wide breadth of tunes spanning the illustrious career of the Grateful Dead, with artists allowed to put their own spin on tunes. This performance will be a ninety minute set showcasing collaborations between many artists on the collection who are also playing the Eaux Claires festival. This is an unknown in terms of performance, but with the star power on stage, it is a set I am truly excited for. Songs I'm most hoping to hear: "Ruben and Charise" performed by Bonnie Prince Billy and Friends, "Cassidy" performed by Moses Sumney and Jenny Lewis, and "Morning Dew" performed (hopefully) by the National. This is set up to be a special musical experience, for sure.
1. Phil Cook's "Southland Review" Saturday, 3:40 p.m. Lake Eaux Lune Stage
If I had one regret from last year's Eaux Claires fest, it was not catching Phil Cook's set. I, instead, saw an amazing set by Elliot Moss, which was surprise show of the fest for me. However, what I missed was a fun-filled dance party of Americana goodness. This year Phil Cook is not only an act I won't miss, he's the act I'm most looking forward to seeing.
Last year's solo release Southland Mission was one of my top five records of the year, and an album I revisit over and over again. It is infectiously contagious and encompasses Americana for everything that it is- a potpourri of rock, soul, and rhythm and blues. An amazing guitarist and hometown hero (also an Eau Claire native), Cook is rumored to be joined by both Justin Vernon and Bruce Horsnby for his set. Southland Mission's collection of songs are "anytime" "any person" tunes that work well in good times, bad times and all the times in between. I can't wait to see who will be part of the "Southland Revue," but know I'll be there soaking up every note.
