Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Image of the Day-"Sink or Swim"

Friday, October 21, 2011
Larryville

It seems that this show was an EP release gig is secondary to the fact that it was also the last time the band would be playing with Andy on guitar. The future is uncertain for the remaining trio and plans vary depending on which one of them you talk to. I have hope that the band carries on in some form and nothing can take away the memories they as a group (and more importantly, as friends) have given me personally. More photos from the night here.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Image of the Day-"Are you Gonna Waste My Time?"

Thursday, September 29, 2011
Millvale

Having seen this band once before, I was excited that they were on the Sam Roberts bill because I think they are great. Apparently, not that many people felt as enthused as I did because when they took the stage there might have been a dozen or so in attendance. Add to the fact that the few people who were there stayed in the back near the bar and you could feel this set going South fast. Ouch. Undaunted and looking disaster square in the face, the band gleefully encouraged all who were there to move closer and have a good time. Damn, if that didn't work. I see a lot of shows that do go off the rails with much less obstacles facing the musicians but these guys embraced the situation and pulled of a really fun and memorable set. Kudos to them!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Ticket Giveaway-YACHT

Monday, December 5, 2011
Southside

YACHT are a duo who produces an eclectic style of music that includes electropop, alt rock, dance punk, and synthpop. They are really fun live and will be stopping in Pittsburgh next Monday. Courtesy of the awesome folks at Drusky Entertainment, I am offering up two free passes to this all ages show. Doors are at 6 and music starts at 7 with support from Parenthetical Girls and Extreme Animals. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted this upcoming Friday, December 2, 2011. The winner must bring I.D. to will call for the tickets. To enter, email me at hughshows@comcast.net with 'YACHT' as the subject and the name of the person entering in the message body. Thanks and good luck.

Friday, November 25, 2011

First/Last-Joy Ike


Joy is a Pittsburgh based singer-songwriter who is steadily gaining a following along the East Coast by constantly touring and developing unique methods of marketing her music. She is the author of a blog entitled Grassrootsy that's a must read for any indie musician and a pleasure for us non-musical types. As of this writing, she is in Europe and was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.
 
 
The first album you ever bought?
Honestly, can't remember.

Your last album bought?
Mumford & Sons (I think there has been one more recent but I can't remember).

Favorite album of all time?
Sara Groves ‘Add to the Beauty’.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Unsure.

First concert attended?
Toby Mac concert (can’t remember where).

Last concert?
Eric Hutchinson at Diesel.

Favorite concert ever?
John Mayer at Post Gazette Pavilion (I think that was the location).

Least favorite concert?
Paolo Nutini at Mr. Smalls.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The Three Rivers Arts Festival is the best thing about Pittsburgh. Hands down!



Thanks Joy. See you real soon at the Holiday Hootenanny!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Image of the Day-"Positive Jam"

Saturday, November 12, 2011
Braddock
 
By the third and final night of these concerts, the crowd had gotten so bold that not only did they stand, they rushed to the lip of the stage to cheer on The Hold Steady as they rocked out hard. It was no surprise since openers Titus A brought the show down to them (them being a bunch of brash and seemingly intoxicated teenagers) as lead man Patrick Stickles opened their set screaming from the front row. Couldn't imagine Andrew Bird doing that.



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Image of the Day-"Hindsight"

Friday, November 11, 2011
Braddock

The second night of the run had the fans starting to loosen up a bit and standing by BTP's set, even though someone in the auduence asked the band if it was O.K.? Yeah, rock 'n' roll!
I heard a couple complaints that Atlas Sound (Deerhunter's Bradford Cox) went on too long with his droney-loopy-electronica tunes but I rather enjoyed it.
Built To Spill were, well, Built To Spill. You kind of know what you are getting with these guys and that's just fine with their fans. Another review here (with awesome pictures I might add!).



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Image of the Day-"Rabid Bits of Time"

Thursday, November 10, 2011
Braddock

Apart from a little rant after these shows, I haven't mentioned much about these concerts here.
This first night was by far the most civil. Kurt Vile opened the run and apart from bringing along The War on Drugs' Adam to gunsling, his set was very similar to the Warhol gig back in March.

Considering Andrew Bird was solo, he usually brings the quiet to a room. People love to see this guy for his 'musicianship' but I prefer his studio stuff more. The respectful audience stayed attentive and in their seats for the show which would definitely change for the next two nights.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Between The Lines-Cult Movies


2011

This is a music photography blog, I know but I am spotlighting a couple books leading up to Christmas that may give you an idea or two of what to get someone on your list who may be a movie fan. I love movies and I love art so this collection is right up my alley. Gathering together over 150 artists' visually interpreting famous cult movies, the array and diversity of images is impressive. Movies such as Harold & Maude, Edward Scissorhands, The Shining, Pulp Fiction and dozens more are represented and as exciting as the movies may be, what is so much fun about this book is the different styles amongst the works. From simple to elaborate, the works are presented in full color and with no set chronology, this is basically a program for the four years of Gallery1988 shows it is based on. Perfect for any movie lover geek in your life. 

'The Jesus' by Carlos Ramos
'Wonka' by Rich Pellegrino
'The McFlys' by Kirk Demarais
'Sweets for the Sweet' by Julian Callos


'Self-Respecting Consumers' by Laz Marquez



Saturday, November 19, 2011

First/Last-EMay Muzika

Photo courtesy Neil Richmond

Erika is a local singer-songwriter who has been dubbed the "Renaissance Queen of the Pittsburgh Scene". She has had her hand in all kinds of arts based functions around town. She will be releasing her latest album soon and will be opening for Dar Williams on Sunday, November 19, 2011 at the Rex Theater in the Southside. She was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.


The first album you ever bought?
"The Sign", yes, by Ace of Base.

Your last album bought?
Dawes' "Nothing is Wrong" has been running through my stereo since I bought it. They played an acoustic set at WYEP, and brought me to tears at least once. Definitely one I would recommend if you like real, honest, folk-rock.

Favorite album of all time?
Oh my... just one? It changes every year or so... So far this year, probably that Dawes' album... Joanna Newsom's "Have One One Me" fit the bill for 2010, Dave Matthew's Gru Grux King was big for me in 2009, Lhasa De Sala's "The Living Road" followed me everywhere in '08, and on and on back to Broken (Nine Inch Nails), Animals (Pink Floyd), and Aenima (Tool), which were amongst my first few favorites that continue to stick.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Maybe Third Eye Blind's second album, especially since it didn't stand a chance after their debut album, which I bought when it was released and still spin regularly.

First concert attended?
Though I'd been utterly fascinated with every street performer, lounge pianist, and wedding band I'd seen before this, 1997's WBCN River Rave in MA: The first act was Morphine - one of their last shows - and headliners included Primus, Fiona Apple, the Foo Fighters, Moby, Local H....

Last concert?
Michael Franti & Spearhead at Stage AE, 7/1/11. -- though there was some incredible live music at Texture Ballet's debut at the New Hazlett, under the direction of the gifted Ian Green.

Favorite concert ever?
Another tough question - I have something like 300 ticket stubs in my little book... Radiohead puts on an inspiring live show, with the way they write stories by putting their songs together in different ways. The first show I caught, on the OK Computer tour, stands out as one of the most incredible shows I've ever seen. It felt like they were reweaving the paradigm of the lives of everyone in attendance. They were bending time and space right in front of me and, I swear, I was stone cold sober. I've seen them 6 or so times since.

Least favorite concert?
Three Doors Down opened for Pearl Jam back in Boston, late 90's I believe. They just didn't have the pavilion stage presence thing down, the sound was bad, and Pearl Jam killed it later that night, so 3DD didn't stand a chance.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
As a fan, you might have to dig a little to find the gems, but there are plenty to be found. The city is so diverse with what it presents, probably because no one comes here to make it in music, especially in any particular genre, so the people that play out do it because they love it. It's unrefined and exciting, with lots of fusion and genre-breaking experiments going on all the time. I've been a part of some amazing jams, on and off stage, such as a recent one that happened spontaneously after a concert I put on -- in a basement in Mount Washington, I found myself learning Puerto-Rican songs on guitar, trading songs with a jazz pianist, a Latina vocalist, a rock guitarist, and several percussionists with many backgrounds, and then some more... These moments are transcendent - what life is, at the peak. Voila!


Thanks EMay. I sincerely dig the vibe and passion you bring to the city.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

First/Last-Boca Chica


I have been going to Boca Chica shows for several years now and through the dozens of incarnations the band takes on, there is always one constant, singer-songwriter Hallie Pritts. She is celebrating the band's latest release 'Get Out of Sin City' tomorrow, Friday, November 18 with a show at Brillobox. Along for support are friends Donora and The Slow Reel. It's a 9:30 doors and 10:00 p.m. start and you know the drill, this show will probably be a sell-out so plan accordingly. There is a mess of press today about the band here, here, and here. With all that is going on, Hallie was cool enough to take some time and participate in this edition of First/Last.


The first album you ever bought?
No Rain by Blind Mellon.

Your last album bought?
Loretta Lynn All Time Greatest Hits.

Favorite album of all time?
It changes...  I get stuck on albums all the time... like, right now, I'm listening to the eponymous Aztec Two Step album, which a not terribly well-known folk rock band from the 1970s. I got the record at The Exchange when I was about 16 years old because I liked the cover. And it remains the best album that I bought on a whim. It's really light folk rock, but I love it. I also love Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch. To say that an album "changed your life" is kinda lame, but I think it's true of this one. What else? Harvest, of course. Also, I'm really into the live Neil Young/Crazy Horse album, Weld.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
You know, I don't even know my own self anymore. I've always hated Bob Seger. Just couldn't handle it at all. He was my standby for Music I Don't Like. But recently, whenever Night Moves comes on the radio... I find myself thinking that he really can't be denied. What is happening to me?

First concert attended?
I went to a lot of big concerts with my parents when I was a little kid, but the first concert I went to of my own volition was the Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors, and Cracker. I begged my Dad to take me. The first concert I went to with my buddies was a They Might Be Giants show at Metropol. I was 15.

Last concert?
I just got back from seeing a million nameless, amazing bands in New Orleans... hit up every venue on Frenchman Street.

Favorite concert ever?
Ah... I think this would have to be the Midnight Jam at Merlefest in North Carolina. I went to that festival for about 5 years running. They do this "Midnight Jam" on Saturday night and tickets are expensive, so only old people buy them, but then they get too tired to go, so if you stand outside and look sad, usually someone will just give you a ticket. It's amazing-- all the best musicians from the festival get together in a small auditorium and just jam for hours... well, the best part of that night, the part where I think I actually cried was a slow, slow, sad, sad rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", headed up by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, supported by members of Nickel Creek, and, inexplicably, John Paul Jones. I was exhausted and sleep drunk and it may have been the best moment of my life.

Least favorite concert?
Oh geez... all the ones I didn't go to. I think the most disappointing time was when I sauntered up to Club Cafe and Andrew Bird was standing outside and I almost passed out. And then the show was sold out. Alas.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Seeing Josh Verbanets play one of his first shows with The You at the BBT. Also, opening for the Avett Brothers at a sold out show at Club Cafe.

Thanks a lot Hallie. You have definitely been on my wish list to take the questionnaire for awhile now. Can't wait to hear the new disc! Oh yeah, probably see you at Bob Seger on Saturday then?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Image of the Day-"Anyhwhere You Go"

Friday, November 11, 2011
Southside
I was cramming in all the rock and roll I could in one night (as I sometimes do) and my first stop was seeing Neighbors play the Smiling Moose. Of course they weren't starting on time and as I was heading out to the next show, I bum-rushed these guys from Cincinnati who were headlining for an impromptu photo shoot (as I sometimes do). They were game. Nice dudes.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Image of the Day-"Plumage"

Saturday, November 12, 2011
Larryville

Amazingly, this was my first show at GA this year. I was actually there in the Spring but bailed when Fergus & Geronimo were running late and weren't playing till 11 p.m. on a school night. Bummer. I think this set to celebrate the release of 'City Paper cover boys' super fun CD more than made up for it as these guys came out of the gate ON FIRE and never let up. This band is exciting as hell live and the joy they exude is unbelievable. My man Ohad was there taking some super awesome shots of his own, which you check out here.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Image of the Day-"Don't Gotta Work It Out"

Monday, November 7, 2011
Millvale

I will remember this show as the gig that broke my camera. At the start of the second tune, my beloved Canon 30D shits the bed and although I am expecting a new camera tomorrow, I'll always have a special place in my heart for my first. Sniff. Oh yeah, this band was kinda great! More photos here.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Image of the Day-"Benefit Braddock"

 
Thursday November 10-Saturday, November 12, 2011
Braddock

As a concert photographer I was so excited when they announced these shows. Six bands that I would have probably gone to see anyway if they were playing themselves. All together in one venue over a stretch of three days? Way cool.

Yeah, it was a benefit for the town of Braddock, and yeah, I'm going to try abstain from any bullshit soapbox arguments like Levi's should make clothes in the U.S.A. again (did Brett donate his fee for playing to Braddock? If not, shut up...sorry), or 'Why Braddock' and not an arts community that has a chance and could actually prosper with the attention unlike Braddock (is that you Garfield? East End?). Blah, blah, blah.

I don't know the answers. I probably never will.

What I do know is that I was never in Braddock before. Riding in and out of town was truly an eye opener. Believe me, I am not sheltered from depressed neighborhoods in this city by a long shot. I work everyday in the heart of Homewood. The main drag in Braddock made Tioga Street look like Upper Saint Clair. It stunned me the first night. The second I was trying to confirm and wrap my head around what I saw the day before. By the last night, I am compelled to write this post.

So many images, so many weird contradictions. For one example, a 'brokedown palace' that is wired (streaming video AND audio) for rock music that's literally falling apart, welcoming a crowd of 500 each night who will never set foot in the area ever again (unless this is an annual event). As attendees were walking into the venue (with burlap sacks over many of the decrepit seats), I couldn't help but compare them to people going to a wake...all bug eyed and trepidatious not knowing how to respond, even though they have been to one before...a concert that is. They were there to enjoy music and feel better for themselves that they did attend to make a difference. They donated. They came. They participated. That's the start I suppose. The goal?

 I have to keep telling myself that today as I feel this way. I am the first to admit, I am no better (I was on the guest list each night) and my observations aren't trying to be criticisms at all, even though they may reflect that attitude. I am simply stating I am changed in a little way. I am sad. That is all.



Friday, November 11, 2011

First/Last-Tokyo Police Club

 Image courtesy Mike Juneau

Saturday, November 12, 2011
Oakland

TPC are an indie/garage/pop band from Ontario who are playing Pittsburgh tomorrow at CMU with local openers 1,2,3. These college concerts always bring in the coolest bands and should be a blast. The band's keyboardist Graham Wright was nice enough to take a few minutes to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Our Lady Peace's 1997 breakthrough Clumsy. It was love at first sight after I broke a potted plant at my Grandma's house dancing along to the video for Automatic Flowers. OLP isn't exactly hip these days, but I still go back to this record every once in a while and it stands up!

Your last album bought?
A collection of songs by the 16th century composer Orlando Gibbons. I heard a beautiful instrumental arrangement of one of his more famous works, 'This Is The Record of John', and I wanted to hear it in it's original choral glory. I've never really listened to choral music before, and especially not in English, so it's really interesting to hear what they're singing about! A lot of the lyrics are about God, of course, but the last piece on the record is called The Cries of London and it features a surprising amount of singing about various foods. Fantastic stuff.

Favorite album of all time?
Kid A, by Radiohead. Everyone has a record that changed their life and really changed the way they think about music, and Kid A was that for me, so it kind of set the standard by which I judge everything else I listen to.

First concert attended?
I tell people the first show I saw was Radiohead, but it was actually the Christian group DC Talk on a church field trip when I was 8 or 9. I was tasked with writing a review of the show for the church newsletter, which to this day stands as my sole contribution to the annals of rock writing.

Last concert?
The CD release show for my friends Will Currie & The Country French. They're an amazing Toronto band whose new album, Awake You Sleepers, is really exciting and ambitious. It's really orchestrated, so for this show they pulled out all the stops and had a string section and horns. It was in this beautiful old church in Toronto that doubles as a venue and was a pretty damn good show.

Favorite concert ever?
Like my favourite album, the first proper concert I saw was Radiohead, and it set the bar pretty unreachably high. But I recently caught Jeff Mangum, of Neutral Milk Hotel fame, and that was one of the more intense experiences of my life. I'm one of the people who got into NMH after they'd already stopped making music, and so my entire fandom was spent assuming I'd missed the boat on seeing them live. Getting to hear those songs live was pretty insane.

Least favorite concert?
Probably some random local opener who I've forgotten about, but the worst 'big' show was probably a Broken Social Scene show in Toronto maybe 6 or 7 years ago. I should preface this by saying that I love BSS and I've seen several shows of theirs that were magical and fantastic, but at this particular show they indulged all they worst tendencies. It was rambling, preachy, way too long, and way too loud. A real bummer, since the last time I'd seen them I was blown away. Also I think I was having a fight with my girlfriend or something, so that probably didn't help...

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I like Pittsburgh a lot! I appreciate your devotion to hockey, your sandwiches with fries on them, and your generally awesome audiences, just to name a few things. We found some incredible donut place last time we were there, too, which I look forward to patronizing.


Thanks Graham. Should be a fun time tomorrow. BTW-Pittsburgh and donuts? That's a first!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Image of the Day-"The Well"

Rehearsal Space
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Larryville

The guys invited me over to their practice to take some rehearsal shots for possible publicity purposes (the above photo not considered, I am sure) as they plan to release a new EP at the end of the year. That night they coincidentally received the master and aside from hearing them run through the material live, I was privy to listening to the studio versions as well. It's nice having an 'in' to the Pittsburgh music scene I must say. They are playing out this upcoming Monday where you too can hear the new stuff they are working on.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Image of the Day-"Autumn Almanac"

Friday, October 28, 2011
Munhall
This show was killer. I was really looking forward to it (which I rarely do nowadays) and he did not disappoint. Opening with an extended acoustic set, he was later joined by The 88 for a full rocking electric segment. Proper review with setlist here.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Image of the Day-"Hey Baby"

Friday, October 28, 2011
Munhall

Talk about a dynamic performer! I knew a little about her and the fantastic band's live sets but she came out of the gate on fire and never let up. All the unanimous adulation and growing popularity is so well deserved as she had the crowd on their feet from the get go, all but the front row who actually seemed like they were at a harp recital. What gives? Setlist here.


Monday, November 7, 2011

Image of the Day-"Two Hearts"

Oakland

For the second straight year, Bruce and Joe put on a pair of shows that may as well be locks for the best of the year. Scoring a photo pass is probably the most insignificant aspect of the night as I was too busy enjoying the show too really worry about the shooting conditions (which, at the angle I was at, was ass). Who cares, right? How lucky we are to get to see the shows? Pittsburgh rocks for sure! Proper reviews here, here and here. My buddy John got some cool shots of him arriving for sound check here.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Image of the Day-"Mancini's"

Casey's Room
Monday, September 5, 2011
Shadyside

The new Donora video dropped last night and this might be my favorite of theirs so far. Directed by Casey, it features the cast getting down to the most danceable track off the new album. Wait a minute, is that Jake H. bustin' a move? Nice!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Image of the Day-"Not Dead Yet"

Thursday, October 27, 2011
Carnegie
 
Tonight is the first of two the big Grushecky/Springsteen gigs in Oakland. Hopefully these will become an annual event as last November's show was one of the best of the year. Here's a shot of Joe from last week opening up for Ian Hunter. Can't wait for tonight!


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Image of the Day-"Life Fantastic"

Saturday, October 15, 2011
Oakland
 
I really love going to these college shows. Even though I may turn out to be the oldest fogey in the room, the energy generating from the band to the crowd and vice versa is always great. It was getting crazy during  Man Man with the kids going nuts up front for these guys. Cool thing was the band was eating it all up.


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Image of the Day-"D. Putnam Strut"

Thursday, October 14, 2011
Southside

As I was listening to these local guys, I couldn't help but think to myself what an idiot I have been in only seeing them play once before four years ago. They really bowled me over with their amazingly intricate guitar interplay. I have to say that if you love acoustic folk, you must check these two out. Here's some recent video.