Baltimore Live

Plenty of Umph

2006-02-21T08:37:00.000-05:00

Umphrey's McGee rocked the Rams Head last night. For a band that I've felt can sometimes slow down a little too much and risk losing the audience, they kept the energy up throughout the whole show. They were extremely sharp, and stayed perfectly in sync with each other while the music bounced around all over the place. Kenny from The Bridge came out and beat-boxed for a little in the middle of the second set, with Jake joining in as well, which to my knowledge isn't something often seen at an Umprey's show.

I stood right behind the sound booth and had a great view of the stage. I also had the opportunity to notice a few things about the band's sound setup:

1. They have their own digital soundboard, meaning most of the controls are on two side-by-side wide-ass computer screens. I don't know much about audio stuff, but this just looked really cool. Umphrey's obviously takes technology very seriously.
2. The guy running this board was constantly making adjustments to all sorts of controls, all without any cues from the band. Again, I have no idea what he was actually doing, but it seemed like he managed the sound extremely well.

Consequently, the band sounded fantastic. Everything was crysal clear, as it should be when a band that's serious about performing plays at a top notch venue like Rams Head.

An official artist lineup announcement for the All Good Music Festival should be forthcoming February 28th. Some guy was talking about it during setbreak and said the following are some of the bands expected to be on that lineup:

The Black Crowes
Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Benevento/Russo Duo w/ Mike Gordon
Umphrey's McGee
The Bridge
and a few other high profile acts I don't remember.

Looks like All Good is kicking it up a notch. BAM!

Show night!

2006-02-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

The Bridge and Umphrey's McGee play the Rams Head Live tonight!

Who's comin with me?

OAR shows

2006-02-12T22:17:00.000-05:00

I met this guy Mike last night who's a taper. He said he mostly tapes OAR, and he's got a few recent shows on his website, in addition to some interesting pictures of his gear (although I know nothing about that stuff).

For more info on how to listen to the SHN files, click here or email me.

Oysterhe ad at Bonnaroo- VERY EXCITED!

and check out this review of a recent Tea Leaf Green Show on Live Music Blog

Feinwood!

2006-02-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Last night a friend invited me to see an acoustic set of a bluegrass/jam band called Feinwood at the Full Moon Saloon in Fells Point. Besides the 3-member band (apparently there are usually only 2, however), there were at most 6 other people, including me and my friend, in the bar for the hour and a half that we were there. Between songs, the most silent bar I have ever been in. Nonetheless, I was extremely impressed.

The band consists of, and takes it's name from, Eddie Feinstein and Jon Wood (get it?) , two very talented guitar players. Last night they were also joined by Scott Ackerman, an impressive mandolin player.

They played mostly Grateful Dead and Phish covers, an original or two, and threw in The Beatles' Come Together. The sound created by the three string instruments tackling different aspects of each song was truly magical. Jon Wood's voice and jamming topped it all off. The amount of talent really blew me away. I now want to start listening to bluegrass.

I was told that the band usually attracts a larger crowd, and I plan on being one of those fans at future shows.

Great stuff!

2006-02-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite new bands, Tea Leaf Green will be returning to the Eight by Ten Club on Sunday, March 12! I am stoked!!!

I saw them there this past fall and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen- I danced my ass off! I can't wait.

Also, the Benevento/Russo Du o will play the Recher on Friday, March 3rd. Can't wait for that either.

Rams Head picking up the pace

2006-01-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

Sorry about not actively updating this site much recently.

Rams Head Live have announced a few new shows that are very exciting!

2/20/06: Umphrey's McGee with The Bridge opening
2/22/06: The Disco Biscuits
3/20/06: Matisyahu

Just announced!

2005-12-20T14:21:00.000-05:00

Umphrey's McGee will play at Ram's Head Live on February 20th!

Seeing such a great band at a top-notch venue like Rams Head will surely be a great show!

Just a few months ago they sold out two nights at the Recher Theatre. These tickets will go fast, get 'em now.

8 by 10 Club

2005-12-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

The 8 by 10 Club has a new website: the8x10.com

Earlier this year I saw Soulive at the 8 by 10 Club. On December 29th they are headlining at the Rams Head Live. Good for them.

311 vs Scott Stapp in Baltimore!

2005-12-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

This was recently posted on the www.311.com message boards by the band:

We did not intend to discuss this incident publicly, but since rumors are beginning to spread we'd like to set the record straight. On November 24th (Thanksgiving), 311 had the day off in Baltimore, Maryland. Chad Sexton, SA Martinez & P-Nut were relaxing in a hotel lounge with their wives and friends watching a basketball game on television. Scott Stapp entered the bar. He appeared intoxicated. He drank a shot at the bar and then threw his shot glass, smashing it on the bar. He was acting belligerent and got into an argument with patrons sitting at the bar. He then sat down next to SA and his wife. He made a disrespectful and crude remark to SA's wife. Chad and SA asked him to step away. He then sucker-punched Chad. Scott was looking for a fight - and that's what he got. A fight ensued. Soon the police arrived and everyone was restrained and questioned; and Scott was ultimately asked to leave the hotel.

The Bridge overload

2005-11-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

I still haven't seen these guys live yet, but here is some more info on The Bridge, one of the hardest working bands in Baltimore. (They sent out three emails today, so I figured I would share some of it)

New Years Eve- they take the stage at 2am at the Eight by Ten Club and plan on playing until 6am. Get some rest before that!

Two of their songs will be featured on RANDOM 1, a new show on A&E, Tuesday, November 29 at 10pm.

Cris Jacobs (Guitar/Vocals) and Kenny Liner (Mandolin/Vocal Percussion) play acoustic at Red Fish in Canton Thursday nights at 10pm for free.

Tomorrow night, November 29th, Cris, Kenny and Dave WILL be opening for Dark Star Orchestra at the Recher Theatre. Doors open at 7PM and CDK takes the stage at 8.

If you're out there and you know something about live jam music in Baltimore that I don't know, please share it.

in anticipation of turkey

2005-11-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks, not much going on right now, no news to report. I have also been real busy and haven't had much time to search it all out anyway.

I'm thinkin about checking out The Bridge show at 8x10 on Wednesday night for some Thanksgiving-eve tunes.

Let me know if you'll be there.

Pop-up cock blocker

2005-11-16T21:20:00.000-05:00

So I wrote a nice lengthy entry this morning at work about my previous evening, and when I clicked on the spell-checker, whatever pop-up window it was supposed to bring up was blocked by Internet Explorer. I clicked on "temporarily allow pop-ups for this site" and then it erased my entry and sent me back to a blank blog entry page. Shit! I was pissed, then I remembered not too many people actually read this thing anyway, so I let it go. So here's a shorter version, because I don't feel like trying to re-write all the stuff I came up with this morning.

I stopped into Record & Tape Traders in Towson after work to pick up Tea Leaf Green's new album, Taught to be Proud, but they didn't have it. What I did find, though, was the North Mississippi Allstars playing an acoustic set in the corner of the store with about 30 onlookers marveling at seeing such an amazing performance in such an intimate setting. I was blown away, and they sounded great. They were playing at the 8x10 Club later that night, but I was headed to the Recher for ALO and Galactic.

There was a pretty sparse crowd at the Recher for the start of ALO's set- more room for me to dance! Their sound was crystal clear and they played two of my favorite songs- Barbecue and The Walls of Jericho. I couldn't be happier with their show.

The crowd filled in by the time Galactic took the stage, although the place was still only about half full. I am less familiar with Galactic's work, but was very impressed. Their sound was powerfully funky and they put on a very professional show. I'll definitely be seeing them again.

If anyone say the Allstars at 8x10, let me know how it was.

p.s.- just picked up Taught to be Proud at Soundgarden (although I think I got their last copy)- it's fantastic! Get it!

A Baltimore- Washington Bar Brawl

2005-11-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Check out this interesting article about the business of live music in the Baltimore-Washington area. While there have been good shows here recently, people in the biz Baltimore need to get their act together and start kicking DC's ass. Rams Head is 50 times better than the 9:30 Club. You know we can do it.

Random Stuff

2005-11-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

Syracuse was a blast. I could have gone to see the Trey show in Utica on Friday night, but decided to stay in the 'Cuse for the homecoming madness. It was fun, but I missed a hell of a show- 3/4 of the band got back together!!

Anticipation is high for the ALO & Galactic show tonight at the Recher. I just started listening to this band a few weeks ago, and now there playin in our hometown. It's serendipity baby! Wear your dancin shoes for this one, it's gonna be a good time.

Tea Leaf Green's album Taught To Be Proud comes out today. Pick it up.

Check out Green Door Promotions for some info about local and regional bands and Camp Barefoot.

Gone till November

2005-11-10T10:10:00.000-05:00

I'm headed up to Syracuse tonight for some gambling and then homecoming- should be full of malarky. I've played craps only once in a real casino and did well, so I'm hoping for a repeat performance.

For those of you stickin around here though, check out Medeski Martin and Wood tonight at the Recher. John Medeski recently joined Trey and Page McConnell on stage Tuesday night in NYC.

And if you're a Zeppelin fan (who isn't?), Get the Led Out, a tribute band, will be rocking Rams Head Live on Friday night.

Get SIRIUS

2005-11-08T22:59:00.000-05:00

Screw iPods, I got SIRIUS satellite radio today, and it's awesome.

The Radiators, who I don't know much about, but apparently are a legendary New Orleans Jazz/Funk/Blues/Jam band that have been around for over 25 years, will be guests of the 8x10 Club for an entire weekend on December 2 & 3. Events during the day include wine tasting and guitar lessons. Should be cool, maybe I'll check it out.

Keller Williams (whose exploits at the Recher this past Saturday remain a mystery) will be returning to Rams Head Live on January 28, 2006. His last show there (this past February or March) was fantastic. I would get tickets soon if I were you (they're only $17.50).

Secret Ninja

2005-11-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

So apparently there was some kind of secret Keller Williams concert at the Recher Theatre Saturday night. I had not heard anything about this and it certainly wasn't publicized on the Recher website or Keller's. My friend said her sister went, and that she might have found out about it from a email she received offering her free tickets or something like that.

If you know anything about this or were at the show, please fill me in. How did you hear about it, how did you get tickets, what is some kind of special benefit show, etc...?

This is totally unrelated to live music in Baltimore

2005-11-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

I just watched one of the most amazing television shows I’ve ever seen, “Peru: The Royal Tour”, on the Travel Channel. In this show, a cheesy American host is given a tour of the country by the President, Alejandro Toledo. I don’t know anything about politics or economics in Peru or the man leading the country, but from what I’ve seen in this show, Peruvians should consider themselves lucky to have such a great man as their leader.

President Toledo is truly a man of the people. He knows the rich history of the country and its cultures, and he treasures the varied and beautiful geography. One really understands that he cares for people in a deeply personal way.

During the filming of a segment in the mountains, they came upon a town where there was a mudslide that wiped out a dozen houses. The President took control, grabbed a cell phone, and called in choppers to help the victims. When in his hometown (he is a native Indian, the first to be President of the country) he told the people that he would do everything in his power to provide them with the education that would allow one of them to possibly be President as well.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a President like that?

My Girl Scout Cookies Have Arrived!

2005-11-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

Last night was my 4th show in 6 days. I am pretty tired. But it was all worth it. There is nothing better than seeing live music!

Welcome to all of you that grabbed one of the little fliers I was handing out at the end of these shows. I hope you enjoy my blog. Check back often for more information about live music in Baltimore.

I started to write pretty lengthy reviews of the Robert Randolph and Matisyahu shows, but they got to be a little too long for this format. So instead, here's a quick synopsis on each of the four shows I have just seen:

Friday, Oct. 28- Robert Randolph & The Family Band @ Rams Head Live
Absolutely blew me away. There was so much energy at this show it was unbelievable. My buddy Steve and I were jumping up and down like maniacs. Robert even did his own drum solo! This show really set the bar high for the rest of my little run of shows.

Sunday, Oct. 30- Matisyahu @ Recher Theatre
I had very high expectations for this show, but I was somewhat dissapointed. I felt the energy was lacking, Matisyahu left the stage too often, and that the sound quality was sub-par. He also played some new material, and those songs didn't really grab me. Nevertheless, I was pumping my fist in the air with the rest of the crowd to some of his better songs. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with for his sophomore album (and video) coming out soon.

Monday, Oct. 31- Aerport Rocking Chairs @ Brass Monkey
Only their second official public performance and these guys are showing real promise. They have obviously practiced a lot and are jamming very tightly. I really enjoyed the show and look forward to seeing them again soon. They also have a 4-song demo CD available for free now, and it sounds great.

Wednesday, Nov. 2- Bob Weir & Ratdog @ Rams Head Live
Very heady crowd. It was great to be able to see Bobby so up-close. I felt a lot of the jamming was very loose, but there were moments when the band really clicked and made some truly amazing music. It was very packed right in front of the stage during the second set, but even when my friend Laura and I went to the side or the back of the room for some more space, the sound was still perfect. Gotta love Rams Head!

Ratdog

2005-11-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

The reviews of this past weekends shows are still in progress. I've been busy.

Going to see Bob Weir & Ratdog tonight @ Rams Head Live. See ya there.

I am dressed as Pac Man for Halloween

2005-10-31T08:49:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a weekend so far. I'll have reviews of Robert Randolph and Matisyahu up soon.

It's not over yet, though. Tonight check out Aerport Rocking Chairs at Brass Monkey (I'll be there) or The Bridge at the 8 x 10 Club.

Matisyahu

2005-10-28T17:09:00.000-04:00

Check out this article about Matisyahu in the Baltimore Jewish Times

If you haven't heard of him yet, check him out on Archive or his own website

You will be blown away

Funky Gospel, Hasidic Raggae, & Halloween Treats

2005-10-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

This weekend is packed with great live music in Baltimore. Here is my itinerary, if all goes according to plan- who's comin with me!

Friday- Robert Randolph @ Ram's Head Live
Sunday- Matisyahu @ Recher (sold out)
Monday- Halloween- Aerport Rocking Chairs @ Brass Monkey

(click the links on the right for more info)

Look out for Pac-Man!

Jambase Groups

2005-10-24T16:09:00.000-04:00

Jambase has created a really cool tool to bring people together and share information about the shows they want to see. It's called Jambase Groups. I created one called "Baltimore Heads". This perfectly complements my efforts to spread the love about live music in Baltimore and unite people who love it.

If your interested, post a comment here with your email address and I'll send you an invite to join the group.

Also check out Andy Gadiel's thoughts about the future of the internet and his motivation behind creating Jambase Groups. (Andy founded and is CEO of Jambase.)

Rusted Root

2005-10-24T10:10:00.000-04:00

Rusted Root tonight at the Recher. Anyone going? I have never seen them before and would love to check them out.

Brothers Past

2005-10-20T08:46:00.000-04:00

I saw the end of the Brothers Past set last year in Philadelphia when they opened for The New Deal. I thought they were cool, but I didn't really follow up on them.

They are having a CD release party this Saturday night at the 8x10 Club.

Jambands.com has a good review of a few shows and a synopsis of their sound.

Let me know if your going, maybe I'll join ya.

ALO

2005-10-17T20:17:00.000-04:00

I had a really shitty day at work today. But I got a rare chance to listen to music while I was working. Since I have just "discovered" Animal Liberation Orchestra I listened to their show from 2/12/05 on Archive.org. Let me just say my day wasn't as bad anymore. These guys bring it!

I can best describe their sound as solid jamming over a really smooth, funky groove. There is a lot of funny banter in between songs too, which gave me a sense that they really have a great time playing.

They recently played at Merriweather on Sept. 25, and opened for Jack Johnson.

And lo and behold...they will be opening for Galactic at Recher Theatre on Nov. 15. I can't wait.

The Bridge gets busy

2005-10-17T20:13:00.000-04:00

Baltimore's own The Bridge earned a notable mention on Jambands.com today for their recent run of 4 shows in 24 hours! Please send in a review of any of the shows if you saw them.

Ben Folds & BSO

2005-10-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

Ben Folds will be teaming up with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for two nights, November 11 & 12 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Very cool, should be interesting.

I loved that song Brick ("She's a brick and I'm drowning slowly"), and I think I listened to the album once and thought it was cool, but never really got into him. He is definitely a talented piano player, though. Apparently he's not working with the rest of the band (Ben Folds Five) right now.

Assembly of Dust

2005-10-12T08:48:00.000-04:00

Ever since I started this blog, I have been scouring the internet more and more for news and information about jam music. And now I am up to my eyeballs in new music! I don't have time to listen to all that I want to.

But I have just "discovered" Assembly of Dust. I had heard the name before, but didn't really know much about them. Then on Monday night, I heard their song Man With a Plan on 89.7 WTMD and thought it was an older, classic rock song. But when she said it was by Assembly of Dust, I thought, "I gotta check these guys out." So last night I listened to one of their shows on Archive and realized these guys are GOOD!

And conveniently, they're playing at the 8 x 10 Club Thursday night at 7pm. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it because of Yom Kippur, but I hope you enjoy the show. Let me know how it is.

Jah Works

2005-10-11T09:18:00.000-04:00

Jah Works, the Baltimore-based reggae band, has released their 5th studio album, Hard to Find. Upcoming shows in the immediate area include:
Sunday, October 16th @ Eden's Lounge
Wednesday, November 23rd @ The 13th Floor (at the Belvedere Hotel)

This band tours the world, but don't miss them at one of their many local shows. Besides the ones mentioned here, they are alo playing in Columbia, Frederick, and Bel Air in the next few months. Check their website for more show dates.

I haven't seen them yet, but I plan to soon.

Free Matisyahu tix!

2005-10-10T08:32:00.000-04:00

WTMD is hosting a contest to give away 2 free tickets to the Matisyahu show at the Recher Theatre on Oct 30th.

If you haven't heard of this guy, you should check him out. He's a Hasidic Jew that sings Reggae and beat-boxes, and he's got a great band. I saw him at Bonnarroo this past summer, and he blew the crowd away. My buddy Steve and I actually heard his song "King Without a Crown" played at Claddagh's last night!

Tea Leaf Green

2005-10-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

Eclectic Mix has a podcast of an interview with Tea Leaf Green after their set at the Fed Hill Street Beat Festival on September 25.

The Bridge

2005-10-08T11:57:00.000-04:00

No discussion of live music in Baltimore would complete without The Bridge.

These guys are one of this city's most active jam bands, although they cannot be confined to the jam band label by any means. Their music is really a mix between funk, jazz, rock, jam, and probably a few other styles too. On top of that, they have a beat-boxer!

They have been getting more and more national attention, and their tour lineup for the next few months will take them to Atlanta, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania. They still play frequently in Baltimore, though, so see them while you can.

Interview on WTMD

The Bridge at All Good- see page 2

Baltimore Music Conference

2005-10-07T17:19:00.000-04:00

So for my first real post....something totally unrelated to Jam Music.

http://www.bmcon.org/

I just found out about this today, but it looks like a pretty major live music event in Baltimore. Too bad it's supposed to rain all weekend. I hope they have tents!

Welcome

2005-10-07T01:49:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Baltimore Live blog. This blog is all about live music in Baltimore, mostly Jam Music. There is a lot of great live music in this town and surrounding area, and this blog is about sharing information about that scene.

I'll update as often as possible, check back often and see what's new. I welcome your comments too. Let me know about your experiences with and thoughts on live music and your reactions to my posts.

In the meantime, check out some of the links, they're good stuff.

and remember...Go See Live Music!