Friday, September 30, 2011

Image of the Day-"Night and Day"

The New Hazlett Theater
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Northside

I wasn't expecting much from this set. Knowing that the band was essentially Julian from Neutral Milk Hotel and that his 'solo' stuff was experimental, minimalist, Eastern European folk, my intent was to get a few shots and patiently wait for openers The Olivia Tremor Control. What an absolute surprise to be wanting more after a quick hour of the trio's wistful, endearing and more than anything funny 'performance'. Incorporating music, abstract storytelling, and even an audience participation 'magic' trick, it was more absurdest theater than a concert. I for one was game. In case you couldn't tell, I loved it!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Image of the Day-"The Wall"

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Larryville

I really like this record. I can't stress that enough. That being said, they were good live but not 'mind blowing'. Maybe my expectations were way too high? The band seemed really reserved and shy. What does that have to do with anything? Absolutely nothing. And for the record, this might have been my last shoot at Brillobox unless they replace the only two stage lights they had and for whatever reason took them away? Bummer.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

First/Last-Sean McCann

Thursday, September 29, 2011
Southside

Sean McCann has been a musician and member of the band Great Big Sea for over 18 years. He released his second solo album "Son of a Sailor" earlier this year and is stopping by Club Cafe tomorrow with his band The Comitted to play a bunch of tunes from it. He was cool enough to participate in this special mid-week edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Boney M-Night Flight to Venus.

Your last album bought?
Neil Young-Le Noise.

Favorite album of all time?
Johnny Cash-Cash.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don't listen to music I don't like.

First concert attended?
Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy.

Last concert?
Joe Jackson at House of Blues New Orleans.

Favorite concert ever?
Violent Femmes in Montreal.

Least favorite concert?
Jackson Browne at Cambridge Folk Festival.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a working town full of real people. I will bring them some real music.


Thanks Sean. I appreciate you taking part.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Image of the Day-"Champion"

Friday, September 16, 2011
Southside

 Donora's second CD is officially released today! If you haven't done so yet, grab it here. They celebrated with a local gig a couple weeks and ago and as always they put on such a fun show.



Monday, September 26, 2011

Image of the Day-"I Have Been Floated"

The Olivia Tremor Control
The New Hazlett Theater
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Northside

I pretty much love everything Elephant 6. What I love about these guys, apart from their fantastically surreal and psychedelic vibe is how down to earth and totally approachable they all are. Just the nicest bunch of musicians around. Listen to an NPR archived show from a couple days later here.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Image of the Day-"The Blessed Breeze"

Fruit Bats
Mr. Smalls Funhouse
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Millvale

I was outside the venue trying to track down the tour manager when I run into Dave Depper from my beloved band Norfolk & Western. Turns out he is in the Fruit Bats now and unfortunately was the bearer of bad news in that N&W are no more. Total bummer. On the bright side he just released a spot on 'interpretation' of Paul and Linda McCartney's awesome Ram album. BTW, the Fruit Bats sounded great.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Image of the Day-"The First Hit"

Kevin Devine
The Club at Stage AE
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Northshore

Kevin Devine might be THE most underrated musician I can think of. This was the first night of his tour supporting his fantastic new album, 'Between The Concrete & The Clouds'. How good is he? I was standing next to a kid who walked two hours from Oakland to see the show!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Image of the Day-"Vagabond"

Gypsy and His Band of Ghosts
The Club at Stage AE
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Northshore

The lead singer of this local band used to play drums in the 'Christian metalcore' band Haste The Day. I think he said it was his new band's fourth ever gig? Regardless, after the second song he asked that the audience move up to the lip of the stage, a request that puts fear into any photographer's heart.


Friday, September 16, 2011

First/Last-Donora


A few weeks ago I celebrated the 100th musician taking part in these little questionnaires with my favorite band CVB. Well it's come to the actual 100th Post! and I couldn't see a more fitting band to celebrate with than Donora. Having seen them countless times over the last several years, I have to admit I never get tired of their shows because they still put on one of the most fun concerts around. They are releasing their fantastic sophomore album tonight at the Rex and being lucky enough to hear the disc, this is one show that should not be missed. I want to thank the band for being so cool to me over the years and for taking the time to participate in this 'Centennial' edition of First/Last Friday.


The first album you ever bought?
Casey Hanner: ‘The Lion King soundtrack’.
Jake Churton: ‘Puff Daddy and the Family’.
Jake Hanner: Beastie Boys- ‘License To Ill’.

Your last album bought?
Casey: The Cults self titled.
Jake C: If iTunes counts then No Doubts 'Tragic Kingdom'.
Jake H: I haven't bought a CD in a long time. I usually just go on YouTube to listen to music, but when I get the urge to buy some new music I go to Jerry's. My last LP purchase was ‘Rio’ by Duran Duran.

Favorite album of all time?
Casey: Oasis-‘What's The Story Morning Glory’. This one has a lot of sentimental value for me. Reminds me of being a kid.
Jake C: ‘Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!’
Jake H: I haven't listened to it in its entirety for a while now, but the album that had the biggest impression on me was Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Casey: The newest one from Lykke Li. I loved her first one. But I'm not crazy about this one.
Jake C: Aqua, I dunno the name. That or Venga Boys.
Jake H: Probably some boring thrill jockey album I bought when I was really into the Chicago instrumental scene during the late 90s early 2000s. Or Madonna's ‘Greatest Hits’ album.

First concert attended?
Casey: Amy Grant (if you don't count going to my dad's shows when I was very young).
Jake C: Blink 182.
Jake H: I went on tour with the Oak Ridge Boys when I was three. My dad's band was the opener.

Last concert?
Casey: Foster the People.
Jake C: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Jake H: The Harlan Twins at Brillobox.

Favorite concert ever?
Casey: Girl Talk at station square amphitheater. So much dancing and so much fun!
Jake C: Radiohead.
Jake H: Sigor Ros.

Least favorite concert?
Casey: Ted Leo at the Starlight Ballroom in Philly. Not cause the music was bad. I was just wearing really uncomfortable shoes and it was really hot and crowded.
Jake C: Hoobastank.
Jake H: Phish.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Casey: I love everything about Pittsburgh. It's small, but there's so much to do. And it's home.
Jake C: Opening for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! @ Brillobox.
Jake H: The Thunderbolt. I never got to ride the Laser Loop.



Thanks so much guys. Can't wait for tonight. Should be a total blast.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Image of the Day-"Who's Gonna Raise These Babies?"

Shovels and Rope
Mr. Smalls Funhouse
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Southside

This acoustic duo consists of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. who specialize in what they call "sloppy tonk" music. Nice. Think a stripped down, cowpunk'd White Stripes. Yeah, maybe not. Listen for yourself here. Headliner Justin Townes Earle was lavishly all kinds of praise on Cary earlier that afternoon. I dug the way they would seamlessly switch instruments throughout the set.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Image of the Day-"Golden Comb"

The Features
The Club at Stage AE
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Northshore

I went to this show for headliner Kevine Devine. First of all, I was surprised at the turnout. These Stage AE 'club' shows are beginning to get some buzz, I suppose. What really surprised me was the crowd singing along to openers The Features songs! I never heard of them but obviously many in the crowd did. If you are bummed you missed them, fear not, Opus just announced today a headlining gig at Brillobox on Saturday, November 12.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Monday, September 12, 2011

Image of the Day-"Junkie Blues"

Lowell Thompson
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Hampton Township

So Lowell was opening for Grace Potter on the BIG field at Hartwood. He was really nice at the merch table and noticing I was taking pictures, handed me his latest CD. After spinning it, I realized immediately it sounded nothing like his acoustic set. This album sounds like raw Americana rock à la "Gold"-era Ryan Adams. Good stuff.

Friday, September 9, 2011

First/Last-Jenny Owen Youngs

Jenny Owen Youngs
Brillobox
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Larryville

Last time I saw Jenny play two years ago, she drove in straight from Brooklyn and within minutes of arriving in Pittsburgh was up on stage playing. Since then, she has been working hard on new music and will be playing some of it next weekend when she hits the Brillo on a rare Sunday night show. Also performing will be Hank & Cupcakes and Sam Bradley. Jenny was really cool to take a little time and participate in this edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?
Green Day: Dookie.

Your last album bought?

Fanfarlo: Reservoir.

Favorite album of all time?

This is SUCH A BIG IMPORTANT QUESTION. I have to preface all "Favorites" questions by saying I don't believe in favorites...for me, they change all day every day. But thinking about it at this very moment in time, I'd say Tom Waits: Swordfishtrombones. On a less crazy day I might be more inclined to say The Beatles: Revolver or Joni Mitchell: Blue.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

The Cranberries: To the Faithful Departed. I was a MASSIVE Cranberries fan in junior high and high school. I waited for this record like it was Christmas morning...and when it finally came out, sadly, it didn't resonate with me. I still get bummed out when I think about that day.

First concert attended?

The Beach Boys (I can't even imagine what the line-up was), at a county fair, when I was around 12. I'd just wandered through the "tabling" portion of the fair and picked up some literature about vivisection. Shortly thereafter I sank into a deep pit of vegetarianism.

Last concert?

Ra Ra Riot in Prospect Park. See a concert there! It's just gorgeous.

Favorite concert ever?

Justin Timberlake at Starland Ballroom, somewhere in NJ. It's this tiny room for him, maybe 700 capacity? He did a club tour before his second record came out. 13-piece band that could barely fit on the stage. Audience packed in like sardines, the place was bumping and hot as hell. Flawlessly executed performance. I've seen tons of awesome "cooler" shows, but I urge you to revisit my comment on "favorites" above.

Least favorite concert?

I've seen Cat Power a bunch of times, starting in the late nineties, and while I love her music to pieces, I find her shows to be really uncomfortable. This may have changed by now, but back then you never knew if she was going to start crying mid-set and run off stage, which I'd seen happen. She also got into this trick where she never stopped playing between songs, so there was never space for applause, which built up a thick and terrible tension.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I have spent a lot of time in the city because I went on tour with a great drummer (Dani Buncher of Big Hurry) and went out on weekends to rehearse for a while. I don't understand it, but I like it quite a bit. It's also the city in which I first watched the music video for "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk", so I'll always have that association deep in my heart.


Thanks Jenny. I have to say, the love goes deep for my girl Dani on this here blog. Wait, that didn't sound gross did it?

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Image of the Day-"Staggering and All"

David Wax Museum
Schenley Plaza
Friday, August 26, 2011
Oakland

Nothing beats a free show outside on a pleasant summer night. Second time catching the band and you can listen to the WYEP interview session they recorded earlier in the day here. More photos here.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Image of the Day-"Stand By Your Man"

Lyle Lovett & His Large Band
Stage AE
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Northshore

Shooting the gig for WYEP, had had no interest in staying past the regulated first three. I actually didn't stay past the first 1.5 tunes as I was restricted from photographing in front of the stage and had to be back by the soundboard. Stuck with the "Fleetwood Mac" distance, I left as soon as I got all I could. Aesthetically speaking, the dude's a statue anyway so no real big deal. From I have heard, I missed the concert of the year. Oh, well.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Ticket Giveaway-Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi
Trib Total Media Amphitheatre
Friday, September 16, 2011
Station Square

This is a rescheduled show from August and I am offering up another pair of passes to the concert courtesy of the fine folks at Drusky Entertainment. Email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Kid Cudi' and the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the show which will be good for two passes. Parking is not included. This contest will run until this coming Friday the 9th when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Good luck.

Friday, September 2, 2011

First/Last-John Schisler of Mandrake Project

Mandrake Project 'Transitions' CD Release Show
Club Cafe
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Southside

Mandrake Project is a Pittsburgh based 'conglomerate' of over 30 transitional musicians that's been playing since forming in 2002. The latest 8 piece configuration of the band are celebrating their new release next week at Club Cafe with support from my buds in The Emily Rodgers Band. Lead singer John Schisler was nice enough to take the time to participate in this edition of First/Last Friday.

The first album you ever bought?
I think the first album I ever bought was "Grace Under Pressure" by Rush on Vinyl. I was 14. My parents had a giant wooden console stereo / record player / 8 track player in our basement. I used to get off the bus from school, run home from the bus stop and head down to the basement to listen to records before my mom got home from work. I vividly remember listening to “Grace Under Pressure” over and over while reading the lyrics on the album's insert. I also loved Hugh Syme's artwork on the cover. Before ever having enough money to buy any records I used to listen to my older brother's albums. He turned me on to Black Sabbath, Supertramp, Kansas, Styx, and a plethora of other stuff. Once I bought a CD player when I was in college, I purchased CD versions of all the stuff my brother turned me on to.



Your last album bought?
Man, that's a tough one. I really don't buy music anymore. I know that's a sad statement coming from a musician but I truly only listen to streaming music on Pandora now. I pick different channels depending on my mood. Honestly, the last album I bought was for my 2-year-old son and it was from a children's musician called Raffi (hey, you asked!!) But, the funny thing is, my son doesn’t like that stuff anymore. When we're in the car traveling he requests something with a pounding beat. I never thought I’d listen to Top 40 radio but I've been suckered into it by my beautiful son. His favorite songs? Dance Until the World Ends by Britney Spears & Dynamite by Taio Cruz. He shouts, "Turn it up!" whenever either of those songs come on and my wife and I absolutely CANNOT talk to each other while those songs are playing. He sings along at the top of his lungs.
Getting back to your question on the last album I purchased for myself...It was probably "A Hundred Days Off" by Underworld. I love their music.



Favorite album of all time?
Man, another tough question. I have favorite albums and they're all equal depending on my mood. I think each one has a special place in my heart for nostalgic reasons and brings me back to a time when music was fresh to my young ears and I was beginning to develop my taste and appreciation for music. Here they are:
U2 - War
Rush - Moving Pictures
The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta
Yes - The Yes Album
The Verve - A Storm in Heaven
Radiohead - OK Computer
Jeff Buckley - Grace
Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking



Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Hmmmm.. probably Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief." I really wish that Radiohead would quit experimenting and get back to writing "hookier" songs. I respect them for taking turns off the main road but every album since "Kid A" seems like a Thom Yorke, avant garde solo album. Just my opinion.



First concert attended?
Rush - "Grace Under Pressure" at the Brendan Byrne arena in New Jersey. I was 13 or 14. My parents drove my friend and I down to the concert in their brown Pontiac LeMans Safari station wagon. It was amazing. The sights and sounds of my favorite band at the time. I remember leaving the show and still hearing the music streaming through head.



Last concert?
U2 360º Tour at Heinz Field. I was photographing the show for my job.




Favorite concert ever?
It's a toss-up.
Photographing The Verve at Lollapalooza in 1994. I got some great images from the show and the band sounded epic. Just a wall of amazing sound. I roamed the entire festival taking pictures and hearing all that great music.
Radiohead - Ok Computer at Metropol in the Strip District (August, 1997). The band was great. I had a friend who was doing PR and they let me hang out after the show and meet the band. I talked to Phil (the drummer) about their early days in Oxford and I talked to Thom about their recording process of OK Computer and fashion.



Least favorite concert?
30 Seconds to Mars - My band at the time (New Invisible Joy) opened for the band. I remember a girl taking photos of Jared Leto with her point-n-shoot camera while his band was playing. He stopped the show and asked people to stop taking pictures because it was distracting him. I thought, "What a self-absorbed douche." This girl was possibly having the time of her life and was just trying to capture memories of the show. Instead she got chastised by an actor-turned-musician who didn't appreciate the people who paid hard-earned money to see his band.



Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I was introduced to a guitar player named Mike Gaydos soon after moving to Pittsburgh in 1994. I was poking around trying to find a band to join. Mike said his band was looking for singer and asked me to try out. We clicked immediately and started writing music. The band was called "Vent" and we played a bunch of shows at dive bars before we morphed into New Invisible Joy a couple years later. That band lasted 12 years and was chock full of good times..we recorded 4 pretty stellar albums (in my opinion) and I'm proud of the music we made. I was also introduced to a diverse group of friends (and my wife) while playing in NIJ, and for that I will always be thankful.



Thanks John. What's funny is I vividly remember my buddies playing the snot out of Grace Under Pressure in high school and how I learned to loath that particular album after awhile. Proof positive that the power of music has no bounds.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Image of the Day-"Same Changes"

The Weepies
Rex Theater
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Southside

Shooting for WYEP, I really hadn't heard that much from this band beforehand. It was kind of shocking that when I arrived there was a line of people to get in snaking from the door around the block! I was stunned so many were seeing this band I hardly heard of on a Wednesday night. Steve was obviously taken aback as he told the crowd, "Are The Steelers here or something?" If only I could write a tune and get it on 'Grey's Anatomy'. Not to say they weren't good. Mellow (it was "An Acoustic Evening With...") for sure but still good.More photos here.