The Importance of Noon

Unfortunately, my family is unable to gather en masse for Thanksgiving this year. However, along with millions of other people  around the world, we have established a back-up plan just in case we find ourselves in this very situation. We maintain a standing reservation at the same restaurant, you may have heard of it, it’s owned by a lady named Alice.

Every year at precisely noon on Thanksgiving Day, as a matter of near religious devotion, classic rock stations (a rare and dying breed) around the country play the 18 minute and 34 second Arlo Guthrie classic Alice’s Restaurant. This 18 minutes and change is sacred to me, and I’d never miss it. No matter what the circumstances, whether traffic on the Turnpike, delays at the airport, or even physical limitations due to health or distance, I know that, at exactly noon EST, my family is sitting around the same table, sharing the same laughs and enjoying each other’s company…even if hundreds of miles apart.

So this morning, as I sat prepared with coffee on my couch, radio tuned in early, Facebook open and ready for the knowing quote exchange that was sure to ensue the song’s airing, and listening to the end of WZLX’s pre Alice Steve Miller Band “Threefer,” the clock struck noon. And then it struck 12:01…and no Alice, no Arlo.

My blood pressure rocketed as I stared at the speakers hoping the middle finger I was aggressively throwing at them would somehow make there way through the wires and hit the DJ square in the mouth. It surpasses my comprehension that the main rock station, in the very home state of the very events that transpired in 1965 to inspire this hymn, with a professional DJ at the controls, could possibly fumble the execution of pressing play at the globally accepted, understood and expected time. And for fuck’s sake, to finish off a Steve Miller “Threefer”?!?! No disrespect to Mr. Miller, but the world could have certainly lived without the 100,000,000th playing of “The Joker.” In fact, the world could live with it never being played again, especially in the way of, or to cause disturbance of a true classic.

I know, it sounds pretty ridiculous, maybe a bit strong and overstated, but it’s not. The importance of noon for this tradition cannot be understated.

When families gathers to eat at a certain time for Thanksgiving dinner, you want to be there on time and for all of the courses. You want to get a taste of each dish, you want to hear the funny new stories that you missed, and re-tell all of the stories about the people you all miss. If you start dinner 15 minutes after everyone else, you’re likely to get shafted out of the white meat, maybe even get the shitty side of the green bean casserole, and no one wants that. Even when they’re the same dishes every year, even when the stories repeat 90% of their content, it sucks to be left out or miss even a minute of it. And for me, my dad and brother, and the millions of others eagerly waiting for that clock to hit high noon that one specific day of the year that opens that special table where we’re all together for that few minutes, Alice is still providing that meal.

So while it may seem strong, maybe a tad extreme to be this upset by a radio station being slack in it’s attention to detail, it’s not to me. I want to be singing along with everyone else at the same time, I want to be messing up the lyrics with everyone at the same time, and I want to be yelling “Kill! Kill! Kill!” and “Father Rapers” with everyone, everywhere, at the same exact time.

Can I press play on my ipod at noon? Sure.

Is the world going to end because I’m laughing a few measures behind my family? no.

But does knowing that somehow, at this exact moment there’s millions of people that have agreed to be somewhere at some specific time to enjoy a very special moment just once a year make it more special? Hell yes it does. And to tell you the truth, I think that group togetherness that this song was born from, and inspires still, really was the point in the first place when Arlo shared it with the world.

I’ll be on the Group W bench next year at noon, and I’m hoping that the radio stations that have supported and helped keep this tradition alive for so many years find a way to respect the importance of noon.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Trucker Mouth – Johnny D’s – Somerville, MA – 8.7.09

 

…view full gallery of show at ViscerevieW

The People(s)

Trucker Mouth – Tim Atkins: Vocals, Guitar, Slide Guitar; Chad Raleigh: Guitar, Lead; Patrick Barrett: Drums; Steve Sofronas: Bass
 

The Place

Johnny D’s  is a Boston Institution owned and operated by the DeLellis family since 1969. On any given night you may see Cajun fiddle masters from Louisiana, British folk stars, or some of Boston’s finest rockers. Over the years we have had an almost endless list of the best acts in the country — just about anyone who would fit in a 300-capacity room has played here at one time or another, including the greatest names from the jazz, blues (we won the coveted “Keeping the Blues Alive” award from the Memphis Blues Foundation), folk, rock, and international music scene.

The “Thing”

The “”Thing” about Trucker Mouth, in this landmark local venue, on this night was that they may have been the most excited people in the room to be at Johnny D’s. Hear me out…

I don’t mean that the crowd wasn’t into it, in fact quite the opposite, what I mean is that playing the legendary Johnny D’s, for a group of (mostly) North Shore boys who’ve been possessed by southern rock demons, that unapologetically tore a hole in the Mason Dixon Line and deliver refined yet appropriately ear splitting music…Johnny D’s is a big deal. And let’s be honest, even in the presence of all of the incredible music that bleeds from every tiny vein of this community, not to mention the history of performers that have played on this stage, a recipe calling for a smattering of southern rock tossed with a healthy dose of Trucker Mouth’s original “New England Rub” massaged into some thick cut musical chops is less common around here then an out of the closet Yankees fan,

The band’s influences are unmistakable with clear homage to the Black Crowes, Drive-By-Truckers and others pervading the overall feel, but not so much as to define or pigeon hole them…just enough to take the good parts and run with it. And if you don’t like southern rock then you’re obviously lost anyway, so I’ll excuse you.

Here’s the great part, they’ve been around as a band for only 2 years, have already released an excellent self titled album (not to mention cover art that will make you like them regardless of your musical preferences….thank you.), they’ve only toured around New England to date (so they’re still our little secret for the moment) and they’re heading back into the studio this fall to lay down a new arsenal of originals. What I’m trying to say is…catch them now, get to know them now, because I have little doubt that in no time, we’ll be having the “dude, remember when we used to be able to see these guys at tiny local clubs…” conversation. And for their sake and as a reward for all the obvious hard work they put in, I can’t wait for that to be a problem for all of us.

I spent some time with the boys after the show in what seemed like an IPA race, and in keeping it brief here’s just a bit of what I gleaned…(translation= I took shitty notes because I was enjoying the conversation so much. Lesson learned.)

• Tim, Chad and Pat share the writing duties, with Pat providing a good portion of the lyrics, Tim contributing an unexpectedly soulful voice, and Chad throwing in the prerequisite long hair and beard that allows for superb visual accenting of his ludicrous assault of the frets.
• Chad, Tim and Pat went to the same High School together, with Chad and Pat playing together from early on, but they didn’t partner up with Tim until years later…cheers to fate.
• Chad and Pat (continuing their bromance) went to Amherst, but only Pat actually went to Amherst. It seems that Pat needed some inspiration to get through the rigors of college life, and being that Chad had nothing to do but kick the living crap out of his guitar and perfect his beard, he signed up for the “tour.” But really…what else should the story be for your charismatic lead guitarist be? Actual matriculation? Nah…
• Steve, who’s a newer fixture to the band (after original bassist on the album  Joe left a while back to attend to family obligations) played with ton’s of intensity, but I didn’t get much more detail as his older brother was in the following band and he rightfully shifted his attention in that direction.
• One of them drinks Heineken, which I do not respect at all. But that’s the biggest transgression I can think of.

That’s that for now. I admit, I went a bit longer then usual because I like what I saw, and for that I’ll not apologize. If you like to rock out at all, buy the album, if you are a lover of live music, festivals, small dark loud rock clubs or any variation on the above, go see them, and when the second album drops at the end of this year do not be surprised if they take off.

 Upcoming Shows…

 8PM – Saturday August 15^th @ the excellent Lizard Lounge (Black Crowes Tribute)

9PM – Saturday August 29^th @ Harper’s Ferry (w/ Girls, Guns and Glory & The Dejas) 

Dave Alpert – TT the Bears, Cambridge, MA – July 14, 2009

 

 

…see the whole show gallery at ViscerevieW

The People(s):
 
Dave Alpert - Guitar Vocals, Keys, Songwriter
Mariana Iranzi – Bass
Rob Sistare – Guitar
Mark Purrington – Drums
 
Set List:
Tryin, Caught On You, Who Do you Think You Are, Get Out, Settle Down, Farewell, Catch Me if you can, Ties that Bind
 
The Place:
 
T.T. the Bears Place, Cambridge, MA
 
The “Thing”
 
The “Thing” about Dave Alpert, on this Tuesday night, in this venerable Cambridge venue is that he surprised the shit out of me. Let me put some perspective around that…I knew Dave could write songs; I knew Iranzi and Sistare could lay it down; and I found out that Mark could sit with anyone and hold his own. What I didn’t know, was that they absolutely killed it live. The MP3s on myspace, the “Peace of Mind” EP (which I reccomend picking up) will more then satisfy the power pop, catchy hook fan in you, but live…it’s different.
 
There’s just something different about the songs that explodes when Dave and crew step on the stage. They seem almost sibling like on stage, often exchanging face wrinkling intensity, for proud, nearly awe-struck smiles when watching eachother get off on their respective forays. The real kicker for me though, was seeing the vocal power that Dave fearlessly displayed for the room. Whether Dave and his music are your thing or not, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy seeing someone take something they created from pencil to stage, backed by 3 kick-ass musicians, just lean back and let it all out.
 
You’ll have 3 chances in August to catch them, and I strongly suggest you do:
August,  2nd & 23rd, @ Toad (7:30 early show)
August 11 @ Tommy Doyle’s (10 PM)

The Rex Complex – Toad, Cambridge – 7.4.09

…view full show gallery at ViscerevieW

The People(s)

The Rex Complex consisting of (at least this night) Rex, Jeremy and Greg.

The Place

TOADis a small neighborhood bar and music club featuring live music seven nights a week (never a cover!) Intimate and inviting, Toad boasts a huge range of local rockers, in addition to our legendary bartenders. As the Boston Globe says, “ Toad is a find in every sense of the word. From the nightly no-cover music (which has attracted a cult following) to the neighborly vibe, to the dozen or so microbrews on tap, it’s a one-of-a-kind bar and music club with a one-of-every-kind crowd.” Toad is located at 1912 Mass. Ave., right next door to Christopher’s – a perfect spot for a meal before the music or a late night bite! Toad is a 21+ club.

The “Thing”

The thing about The Rex Complex on this Independence night in this place was that no matter the crowd size, temperment or general mood of the room (slow to build due to 4th BBqs and fireworks), Rex and Co. seem to not give a shit in the slightest, and come out swinging with a show that verges on aggravated assault. I will never attempt to define what the Rex Complex plays, because definition seems to be pointless when trying to capture such raw energy, that literally jumps off the stage and screams how good it is right in your face. 

Warning: May scare frequent americana fans that frequent the Toad…and I think Rex loves that.

Satch Kerans – Toad, Cambridge, MA – June 25, 2009

The Peopl(s)

Satch Kerans (vocals, guitar) & band (sorry guys…can’t find your names)

The Place

TOAD is a small neighborhood bar and music club featuring live music seven nights a week (never a cover!) Intimate and inviting, Toad boasts a huge range of local rockers, in addition to our legendary bartenders. As the Boston Globe says, “ Toad is a find in every sense of the word. From the nightly no-cover music (which has attracted a cult following) to the neighborly vibe, to the dozen or so microbrews on tap, it’s a one-of-a-kind bar and music club with a one-of-every-kind crowd.” Toad is located at 1912 Mass. Ave., right next door to Christopher’s – a perfect spot for a meal before the music or a late night bite! Toad is a 21+ club.

The “Thing”

Boston’s Bruce? or New England’s Petty? Satch made me have flashbacks of Jersey Shore with that friendly and familiar blue collar, stripped down rock that I grew up around. Great time overll, happenin 1st set with dancing in the corner before a relatively early departing Thursday night crowd made it  aprivate show for about 8 of us.

Good luck with the new disk Satch.

Melvern Taylor and his Fabulous Meltones @ Toad, Cambridge, MA – Junes 25, 2009

 

The People(s)

Mlevern Taylor (ukulele), Dave Livingston (guitar), Sir Bob Nash (snare drum)…Johnny Grant (stand up bass) unfortunately was fishing…or something.

*apperance by “guerilla trumpeter” (I intriduced myself and forgot her name…I suck)

The  Place

TOAD is a small neighborhood bar and music club featuring live music seven nights a week (never a cover!) Intimate and inviting, Toad boasts a huge range of local rockers, in addition to our legendary bartenders. As the Boston Globe says, “ Toad is a find in every sense of the word. From the nightly no-cover music (which has attracted a cult following) to the neighborly vibe, to the dozen or so microbrews on tap, it’s a one-of-a-kind bar and music club with a one-of-every-kind crowd.” Toad is located at 1912 Mass. Ave., right next door to Christopher’s – a perfect spot for a meal before the music or a late night bite!  Toad is a 21+ club.

The “Thing”

The thing with Melvern Taylor and his Fabulous Meltones, even without their compadre on the bass, is that…well, they’re a good fucking time.  A nice change of pace from the abudance of rock & americana that dominates that area’s scene, the ‘Tones inspired a  mini tropical dance party for all ages next to the stage. Also, not enough canbe said about the placement of “guerilla” musicians in the crowd…I look forward to seeing the full staff in the future.

Ross Livermore Band @ Toad, Cambridge – May 23, 2009

 

 

 

see the full show gallery at ViscerevieW

The People(s):

Ross Livermore, (Vocals/Guitar), Brad Garone:, (Guitar/Vocals), Paul Dumas, (Drums/Vocals),  Max Spaderna (Bass/Vocals),  Jon Bousquet (Saxophone).

The Place:

TOAD is a small neighborhood bar and music club featuring live music seven nights a week (never a cover!) Intimate and inviting, Toad boasts a huge range of local rockers, in addition to our legendary bartenders. As the Boston Globe says, “ Toad is a find in every sense of the word. From the nightly no-cover music (which has attracted a cult following) to the neighborly vibe, to the dozen or so microbrews on tap, it’s a one-of-a-kind bar and music club with a one-of-every-kind crowd.” Toad is located at 1912 Mass. Ave., right next door to Christopher’s – a perfect spot for a meal before the music or a late night bite!  Toad is a 21+ club.

*Photographers Note: Limited space becomes even more limited when band includes horns, keys or any other extended instrumental contributions. Options: 1- shoot early set for less crowd/more access 2- lose signficant amount of weight to increase efficieny of crowd navigation OR 3- grab front seat on bar/bench or ledge in back by door to Christophers with longer lens.

The “Thing”

 The “Thing” with the Ross Livermore Band is that I saw them at the wrong time. I saw them on a random Saturday afternoon, in a partially filled Toad…and they were great. It was a waste that they played so well for so few, although I’m positive none of us minded. I kept thinking how great it would be to see them in front of a packed bar or even better…an outside venue and be able to see all the airguitars (and airsax…if there is such a thing) and dancing girls. As a dead head at heart, I could appreciate some serious guitar work on the solos yet they only reach their peak when all 5 are kicking at once.

Good time and will definitely see them again.

The Gilded Splinters @ The Lizard Lounge – June 20, 2009

 

see the full gallery from the show at ViscerevieW

The People(s)-

The Gilded Splinters including Josh Buckley (lead vocals/guitar), John Carbone (Keys), Russ Patterson (Drums) and Glen Diesel (Bass).

The Place:

The Lizard Lounge – Cambridge, MA – Named this year’s Best Small Music Venue by Boston Magazine, Lizard Lounge is an intimate live music club located just north of Harvard Square at 1667 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge (downstairs from Cambridge Common Restaurant … a great spot for a meal before or after the show). With its subterranean location, sensuous red lighting and fabulous bartenders, Lizard Lounge brings a unique intimacy to performances.  As the Boston Globe says, “Everybody knows that the Lizard Lounge, with its low lighting, plush Persian rugs, quality live music, and laid-back vibe, is one of the most soul-nourishing hangs in town.”

*Photographer’s note: Taking pictures in low light is one thing, navigating the crowd in the Lizard Lounge with a camara bag over on your shoulder, pint of Mojo IPA in one hand and camera in the other = 117 individual apologies, 13 small spills and a lesson learned to find a good spot early and to stay there.

The “Thing”-

The “Thing” about the Splinters, in this place on this night, was the rise in intensity (if you can even imagine) that just a bit more space brought out in Buckley and crew. While  adept at making any venue work for their unique sound (e.g. their excellent recent performance on Toad’s mini-stage in May), give them a little room to rock out, and look the fuck out.  It’s great to see someone truly get off while performing music they create, and even better to be part of the crowd that’s brought along for the ride. It was a great way to head into the closing set with Andrea Gillis, and certainly set the tone for what was a great night in the basement.

If you haven’t…you should.

Andrea Gillis @ the Lizard Lounge ~ June 20, 2009

 

 

see full show gallery at ViscerevieW

The Person(s):

Andrea Gillis Band including Bruce Caporal on Drums, Charles Hansen on Guitar, Melissa Gibbs on Guitar, Michelle Paulhus on Bass and of course, Andrea Gillis (vocals)

The Place:

The Lizard Lounge – Cambridge, MA – Named this year’s Best Small Music Venue by Boston Magazine, Lizard Lounge is an intimate live music club located just north of Harvard Square at 1667 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge (downstairs from Cambridge Common Restaurant … a great spot for a meal before or after the show). With its subterranean location, sensuous red lighting and fabulous bartenders, Lizard Lounge brings a unique intimacy to performances.  As the Boston Globe says, “Everybody knows that the Lizard Lounge, with its low lighting, plush Persian rugs, quality live music, and laid-back vibe, is one of the most soul-nourishing hangs in town.”

*Photographer’s note: Taking pictures in low light is one thing, navigating the crowd in the Lizard Lounge with a camara bag over on your shoulder, pint of Mojo IPA in one hand and camera in the other = 117 individual apologies, 13 small spills and a lesson learned to find a good spot early and to stay there.

The “Thing”

The “Thing” about about Adrea Gillis on this specific night, in this specific place, was her and the band’s ability to make the show bigger then the space. The space itself is small, hot and packed, as a proper rock club should be, but rather then that being a hinderance, the band seemed to thrive in such close proximity to their fans. Tons of energy, specifically from Andrea and [insert bass player] , that could easily have owned a crowd 10 times the size, in 20 times the space. My first time seeing them, definitely not going to be the last, and if you haven’t yet…get on it.