Monthly Archives: July 2013
On the Road: Bruce Springsteen’s Childhood Homes
On a recent Pizza Snob expedition to Freehold, NJ, I followed this link at nj.com to seek out the two still-standing childhood homes of Bruce Springsteen. http://www.nj.com/insidejersey/index.ssf/2009/05/bruce_rocked_here.html Here is a picture I took of the one at 39 ½ Institute Street. Here’s the one at 68 South Street.
James McCartney @ The Bluebird Cafe / Nashville TN / June 11, 2013
I would have gone to see James McCartney at the Bluebird even if his famous father wasn’t playing Bonnaroo just three nights later. I’ll admit that I hoped Macca might find Nashville’s famed venue to be the perfect place to see his 35-year old, only son perform. He didn’t. Rare for the Bluebird, advance tickets […]
ON THE ROAD: Forecastle Photo Journal—Day Three / Louisville, KY / July 14, 2013
All good things must come to an end including Forecastle. Thankfully, I got an early start and saw the day’s opening set from Nashville’s The Wild Feathers. These guys are definitely the up-and-coming alt-country rockers to watch out for. “The Ceiling” may so far be my favorite song of 2013. I got to hear a […]
ON THE ROAD: Forecastle Photo Journal—Day Two / Louisville, KY / July 13, 2013
I came away today from Forecastle with the following two observations: Since time slots on the different stages generally overlap by about 15 minutes, artists should seriously consider not opening or closing with their best songs. Chances are that the new fans they are trying to attract are either leaving early or arriving late because […]
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit @ Grimeys New & Preloved Music / Nashville TN / June 11, 2013
Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled From across that lonesome ocean Bob Dylan From “Boots of Spanish Leather” These classic Dylan lines are tattooed across Jason Isbell’s left forearm, perhaps a reminder of his new-found sobriety. His much anticipated and highly acclaimed new record, Southeastern, epically documents the torment and drama that he has […]
ON THE ROAD: Forecastle Photo Journal—Day One / Louisville, KY / July 12, 2013
My son and I are once again at the fabulous Forecastle music festival in downtown Louisville on the banks of the Ohio River. Here is the first installment of my daily photo journal. We arrived earlier than expected and got to hear a few songs from Roadkill Ghost Choir. All I have to say about […]
ON THE ROAD: Ellen Foley & the Worried Men / Live @ Drew’s / Ringwood, NJ / June 8, 2013
I can’t imagine there being a better series of home shows than the ones at Live @ Drew’s. Since February 1997, Drew’s house on the lake near the NJ/NY border has hosted 146 shows in its spacious living room overlooking the water. More than just shows, these events offer serious music lovers a chance to […]
The Lawn at Riverfront Park
Hot off the press, here is my comment that appeared today on page three of the Nashville Scene. It pretty much speaks for itself although I will have more to say in my forthcoming review of the Americanarama show. For more on Music City’s real music venues, have a look here at a page I […]
ON THE ROAD: James Maddock @ Hamilton Stage / Rahway, NJ / June 7, 2013
There is currently a handful of critically-acclaimed but commercially has-been artists that still make a decent living gigging in the New York/New Jersey area. Artists like Garland Jeffreys, Willie Nile, and Southside Johnny continually play the area’s many small theaters, clubs, and house concerts while seldom, if ever, venturing outside this proximity. Another artist that […]
Music City Mike 