We met over 15 years ago when we were booking rock bands for the Beachfest, a local music festival here in Long Beach, CA. Since then we have seen hundreds of shows together. This is our forum to talk about concerts, bands and records that we love in the hope that we can keep rock alive.
To call James Intveld a multi-talented artist would be an
understatement. Not only is he an incredible singer, songwriter and musician,
he also dabbles in acting and film making when he’s not busy making music. After
spending last year touring with John Fogerty’s band, Intveld is once again hitting
the road as a solo artist and his legion of fans couldn’t be happier. We have
been fans of his music for over 25 years but never had the opportunity to see
him play live until tonight. This evening’s show at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach was
billed as “James Intveld Performing Two Sets.” Intveld and his band decided
skip the break and played one incredible four hour set of live music. We both got
the sense that they would have played all night if the bar would have let them.
There is nothing better than seeing someone play music simply for the pure joy of
performing.
James Intveld on stage at Alex's Bar
Many know Intveld as the singing voice behind Johnny Depp’s 1950’s
rocker character in the John Water’s film Crybaby.
If you categorize him strictly based on the rockabilly performance in the
film you would be missing the bigger picture.Intveld is a “roots” musician in the truest sense. He is a self
proclaimed country artist but his music also touches on rock & roll,
western swing and honky-tonk as well. He encompasses everything that is
considered traditional “American” music.
Intveld’s bread and butter has always been his live shows.
His body of recorded material is sparse at best, having only recorded three
records in the past 17 years. Tonight he played a nice mix of songs from his
three solo records. “Perfect World” is one of our favorites from his self
titled 1997 debut album. The band played the tune early in the set and it brought
all the “cowboy” couples to the dance floor. We were lucky enough to capture the
performance of “This Place Ain’t What It Used To Be” from the 2000 release Somewhere Down The Road (2000). It’s a
sweet country song about a bittersweet homecoming.
The band also played some excellent covers tonight including
“Folsom Prison Blues,” “Heartbreak Hotel” and Buddy Holly’s “Modern Don Juan”
which was included on his 2008 release Somewhere
Down The Road. We captured his performance of the Holly song in the video
below. He seems to be able to stay true to the original while putting his own
modern spin on the song.
It was a homecoming of sorts for Intveld since he grew up in
Compton and went to high school in nearby Garden Grove. He had several friends
and family in attendance including his sister who was running his merchandise
table while simultaneously dancing to his performance. At one point he even
gave a shout out to his chiropractor who was also in attendance. He thanked him
for giving him the ability to stand up and perform in front of all of his fans.
We had a chance to speak to Intveld briefly after the show and we can safely
say that he is one of the nicest musicians we have ever met. He's one of those rare people that can do it all.
If you are tired of what passes as modern day country music you owe it to yourself to check out Wayne "The Train" Hancock. The authenticity of Wayne's writing and performing hearkens back to the traditional country sounds of Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers. The self proclaimed "King of Juke Joint Swing" was in Long Beach tonight playing in front of a packed house at Alex's Bar. Wayne attracts a rabid and diverse fan base which also includes enthusiast of honky tonk, western swing and blues.
Wayne's current touring band consists of Zach Sweeney on lead guitar and Zack Sapunor on standup bass. Both are excellent musicians and feed off of Wayne's improvisational style. Like many nights before the band started with no written playlist which makes for a spontaneous show with a lot of energy. Wayne took the stage and told the crowd that they looked like the floor of the New York Stock Exchange due to the constant chatter of song requests being thrown at him. From the first note of tonight's show it was easy to see why many refer to Wayne as "The Real Deal." There are very few performers that can play a retro style of music without coming across as a novelty act. Wayne is not rehashing the past but instead adding to the to the great tradition of American music.
Guitarist Zach Sweeney, Wayne Hancock, Bassist Zack Sapunor
Wayne's songs often paint a picture of heartache, freedom and the spirit of the open road. Tonight at Alex's he played songs from every era of his long career. From his debut album he played the title song "Thunderstorms & Neon Signs" as well as "Juke Joint Jumpin'" both which have not only become staples of Wayne's live show but also two of his signature songs. Much to my delight he also played several songs from 1997's That's What Daddy Wants including the title song, "87 Southbound," "Highway 54" and the the crowd pleaser "Johnny Law."
Big Sandy with Wayne Hancock
The highlight of the evening was when Wayne spotted Rockabilly Hall of Famer Big Sandy in the audience. Big Sandy joined the band for a couple of songs which sent the crowd into a frenzy. The fact that Sandy was in the audience is a testament to the sincerity and honesty of Wayne's music.
Wayne closed the show with an extended rendition of the song "Tulsa" from the 2006 album of the same name. The jam session was a fitting end to an unforgettable night of live music. Wayne has an outstanding catalog of recorded music but nothing compares to seeing him live. If you have ever wondered what true American music sounds like look no further than Wayne "The Train" Hancock.
For nearly 25 years Big Sandy and His Fly Rite Trio have played their own brand of classic American roots music. They seamlessly blend rockabilly, western swing and traditional country into a freewheeling retro sound and add just a touch of present day punk energy.
Big Sandy at Alex's Bar
Tonight's show at Alex's Bar was Big Sandy's first US gig since returning from a November tour of Spain. The band kicked off the show with "Hot Water" from their debut album Fly Rite withBig Sandy & The Fly Rite Trio. From the first note it was easy to see why the band is enshrined in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Their excellent musicianship and high energy performance combine for an unforgettable live show. Much of Big Sandy's early material sounds so authentic that it can easily fit right in with the Sun Studio sound of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Their hour and a half set featured songs from every era of the band's career. One of the staples of the Big Sandy live shows is the song "Tequila Calling" from the 2000 album Night Tide. This evening, like many before it, Big Sandy took the opportunity take a tequila shot with the audience while performing the song. This was much to the delight of the several hundred in attendance. No Big Sandy show would be complete without a packed dance floor. Once the band ripped into "Jumpin' From 6 to 6" the front of the stage was mobbed with couples showing off their best moves.
I also had the opportunity to shoot a video of the band performing their classic song "Chalk It Up To The Blues" which is the song they closed the show with at Alex's. Click below to see the video.
Seeing a Big Sandy show is a real treat and is always a ton of fun. Sandy is a little bit of a throwback in the sense that he likes to interact with the crowd like a true showman. He also has a way of connecting with the audience so by the end of the show they feel like Sandy has been a lifelong friend. If you have a chance to see one of their shows make sure you bring your tequila and your dancing shoes and they will give you an experience that you will never forget.
It's impossible not to smile while watching a Shonen Knife show. Watching them perform is like Christmas morning and your birthday all rolled into one. It's quite possibly the best day of your life. Kurt Cobain once said about the band, "When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert." The legendary Japanese all girl trio was at Alex's Bar this evening touring in support of their 18th album Pop Tune out now on Charamel Records.
The band's current lineup features Naoko Yamano on vocals and guitar, Ritsuko Taneda on bass and Emi Morimoto on drums. Naoko is a founding member and leader of the group. Over the past 30 years she has been able to fine tune the style and sound of the band without losing any of their indie credibility.
Taking the stage in colorful matching mod outfits, Shonen Knife held up cloth banners with the band's name printed on them and announced to the crowd that they were ready to rock. The packed club erupted in cheers. Shonen Knife has some of the most dedicated and obsessive fans in rock n' roll.
Shonen Knife taking the stage at Alex's Bar.
They kicked off the evening with "Konnichiwa" from their 1998 release Happy Hour which has become their traditional opening song. If you've never heard one of their records or seen them play live, their sound is best described as a combo of pop, garage, punk and metal all put together with Ramones-like speed.
Their hour and a half set covered just about all eras of the bands 30 year history including several songs from their new album. The title track "Pop Tune" is their first single from the album and has an incredibly infectious high energy groove. They also performed "Psychedelic Life" with drummer Emi Morimoto taking over the vocal duties.
Drummer Emi Morimoto singing "Psychadelic Life"
They band also played three songs off of 1992's Let's Knife album which is my personal favorite. The album was their first major label release in the US and contained several re-released older songs that have become standards of their live shows. They sent the crowd into a frenzy when they performed "Riding on the Rocket" and "Bear Up Bison." I was lucky enough to be at the front of the stage to record their performance of "Twist Barbie." Click the link below to see the video.
No Shonen Knife show would be complete without a Ramones cover. Joey Ramone himself dubbed the band the Osaka Ramones back in 1998 due to their similar music styles. Tonight singer Naoko Yamano picked the song "Rockaway Beach" to perform since they "were performing in a town with beach in the name."
From Left to Right - Bassist Ritsuko Taneda and Singer/Guitarist Naoko Yamano
After the main set the band came out for a one song encore. Naoko made the mistake of asking the crowd what they wanted to hear. This of course set off a 5 minute frenzy of people yelling just about any song title that the band have ever recorded. After Naoko was able to sort through all the requests she choose the song "Super Group" from the 2009 album of the same title.
The band is always generous with their time after the show. They will pretty much stick around until the bar closes or the last fan leaves. Tonight was no exception. They were still at the bar taking photos and signing autographs after we left. Here's a photo of one of my obsessive fan moments.
At the sold out show on Saturday night we were blown away by the power and intensity of the Girl In a Coma trio. With searing vocals and just 3 instruments, these ladies from San Antonio, Texas can really rock. Their Smiths-inspired sound is a unique combination of punk and indie rock with a few ballads mixed in for good measure.
The band formed when drummer, Phanie Diaz and bassist, Jenn Alva met in a Jr. High art class. The lineup was complete when Phanie's little sister Nina joined as the lead guitarist and vocalist. Their mutual love of The Smiths was taken to the next level when they decided that the name of their band would be an homage to the song "Girlfriend in a Coma."
Tonight's Long Beach show at Alex's Bar was the sixth stop on their west coast headlining tour which lasts through May 10th. They are touring in support of their November 2011 release Exits & All the Rest which is out on Joan Jett's Blackheart Records.
The crowd was electrified when the band took the stage and opened the show with the dynamic "One Eyed Fool." From the first note we were both in awe of singer Nina Diaz's unbelievably powerful voice. She has a sultry, seductive quality to her vocals which draws the listener into her very personal lyrics.
One of the highlights of the evening was the song "El Monte." We were convinced that singer Nina Diaz was channeling the ghost of Patsy Cline. The song encompasses everything that is great about the band. The atmospheric tone and the incredible melody sticks in your head well after the song ends. Here's the video for the song.
The band played a 17-song, 2 hour career-spanning set. In addition to all the bands originals, they also covered Selena's "Si Una Vez" and ended the show with an amazing cover of the Velvet Underground's "Femme Fatale" both from their 2010 album "Adventures in Coverland." This was our first time seeing the band and we were blown away by the unbelievable musicianship of the trio. They have a confidence and stage presence of a band that has been playing together for 20 years. It was also obvious that the band has a real connection with their audience. Nina's lyrics seem to speak directly to many of their rabid fans.
The future is bright for the band. They've already toured with Morrissey, The Pogues and the Go-Go's just to name a few. It wouldn't surprise us a bit if Girl in a Coma were headlining their own arena shows soon.
Set List:
One Eyed Fool
Adjust
Control
Si Una Vez
BB
Their Cell
Pleasure and Pain
She Had A Plan
Knocking at Your Door
El Monte
Sly
Smart
Pink Lemonade
Static Mind
Ven Cerca Encore:
Simple Man
Femme Fatale
Because it's our blog and we can do whatever we want, here's another cool video from Girl In a Coma for the song "Smart." You can hear The Smiths influence in this song.
