Categories:
- Givens: These are shows you shouldn't miss. These are my #1 recommendations. They are usually headliners since they are acts that I think are essential shows. You won't see these acts often or even ever again.
- Hidden Treasures: These are acts that are special but just don't get the attention they deserve. There is a special quality about them, be it charm or intensity.
- Really Interesting: These are shows that are a bit at the edge. They are a challenge... but such a wonderful challenge!
Upfront:
You'll only see one Blues recommendation. Frankly, at 62 I’ve heard pretty-well all the 12-bar blues tricks. A Blues act must be really special for me to recommend it and even then I'm likely to move on. There is one, though...
I'm also usually bored by Gospel. I'm not recommending any of the superb Blues or Gospel acts.
I'm also usually bored by Gospel. I'm not recommending any of the superb Blues or Gospel acts.
Givens:
- Chick Corea (26-Jun). Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCOtDcSRMYE&feature=related - Roy Hargrove (27-Jun)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8fIBUMvY0o&feature=fvw - Joshua Redman (28-Jun). Check out any of the tunes at:
http://www.myspace.com/jamesfarmband - Bill Charlap & Renee Rosness (29-Jun).
http://www.billcharlap.com/doubleportrait/index.html - Terry Clark Trio.(29-Jun.) Catch them opening for Charlap/Rosness and then, later, for a full gig at the Bassment. This is the best trio on this year's tour.
- Brandi Disterheft Quartet (Bonobo is "closing" for Brandi's act on 01-Jul. This act got my award as Most Creative of 2009.) Here`s a link to "In My Solitude". Listen/watch the whole video to catch the whole band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0HlzgnWjUs&feature=related - Ranee Lee: The return of a Canadian icon. She does standards better than anyone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdTsPcovJPc - Strunz & Farah (03-Jul):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2LTqf128SQ&feature=related - Rikki Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (04-Jul). Undoubtedly, the best Bluegrass band: all those tight harmonies and what musicianship!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8bLjIMX3bE
Hidden Treasures:
Oui Paris (25-Jun). 1940’s French music interpreted in Canada (Quebec). I'm looking forward to the mix of traditional styles and those of N. America. This will be a truly distinctive sound but still very familiar. I think this will be really special and when I can pry myself away from the V.I.P. reception I'll be off the the Broadway.
Jive Daddy & the Mambo Kings (25-Jun). After Oui Paris, I'll be on my bike and off to the Bassment for what promises to be a really hopping show.
After Chick Corea (26-Jun), go to the Bassment to see/hear Chess Club. Greg Lowe will likely attenuate Jack Semple's guitar gymnastics. Should be a great show. This clip is a bit slow in developing but it shows some of the wonderful musicainship.
http://www.greglowe.com/video/flyhome.mov
Outer Bridge Ensemble (supported by Bossa Voce) (30-Jun). This could be one of the great Bassment shows. Gillian Snider will sing gently swinging but sultry tunes to Teegan Jeffers' thoughtfully rhythmic and nearly vocal bass. Then Outer Bridge will take take us though new, vibrant, and modern jazz. The Ensemble shows how valuable long-term collaboration, if episodic, is. The music is wonderfully tasteful and so well played. New music at its best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtPvcEL2mo
Doran-Stucky-Studer & Tacuma play the music of Jimi Hendrix (2-Jul). This is a "must see" show for anyone of that generation. I saw the trio 15 years ago and was "blown away". Now they've added Erika Stucky’s vocals to create an updated Jimi-like experience. Be prepared for loud but really good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGbSq1Uis_c
United Steelworkers of Montreal (3 & 4-Jul). You have to see them in a club and Lydias is the place. Alternative country punk with a melody. I think the act is great and I'll be at Lydias late on July 3. But if you can't take the late night, catch them in the Gardens opening for Rikki Skaggs on 4-Jul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqxurfvV5bM
Really Interesting:
The Roots (26-Jun): If you are one of the "in" people you won't want to miss the Roots. But everyone already knows that and will have already bought tickets. If you want to be one of them you better do it soon since it will likely be the first sell-out in the Gardens. Their DJ's solo gig at Scratch is already sold out.
Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials (27-Jun). So there is a Blues act I recommend and that's because it's one of the original Chicago Blues genre. Catch them at Amigos Sunday night after they've opened for Los Lobos in the 'Gardens.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkmoALuBdWY
Bebop Cowboys (1-Jul): How could anyone pass by a band that is so much fun. Check this out this version of Caravan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTvRmVhsA6o
I confess my prejudice: I've been calling for Country Swing for 5 yr at least. So this is really Bob's pick.
Have fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment