Posted in Black Pumas, De La Soul, Guster, Hozier, Newport Folk Festival, Newport, RI, The War on Drugs, Tinariwen on July 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »
[DID NOT ATTEND: July 31-August 2, 2020] Newport Folk Festival
We went to Newport Folk Festival in 2019. We’ve had a kind of understanding that we would try to go again.
I’ve managed to score tickets for previous years (and then resell them when we couldn’t go). But this year I was shut out instantly. Which is fine as the festival often conflicts with our summer schedule.
(more…)
Posted in Black Pumas, Digable Planets, Philadelphia, PA, The Fillmore Philadelphia on January 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »
[ATTENDED: January 18, 2024] Black Pumas
My wife and I really liked the first Black Pumas album a lot. I’m not sure why we didn’t go see them when they played Philly in 2019 (at the Foundry–he was probably in the audience the whole time!).
When this tour was announced, I was shocked at the price of tickets. I later found out that this was one of the first times Ticketmaster listed the price WITH FEES, so the outrageous price was what you’d pay after the sticker shock, but with the sticker shock up front. I resisted getting tickets even though we both wanted to go. And then Live Nation sent a code for $20 off tickets and boom, we were in.
And then the weather discouraged us from going. It was COLD, and icy and about to snow, and neither of us really felt like going out. But we did. And boy was it worth it.
Neither of us knows the new album all that well, but since they only have two albums out there was no reason they wouldn’t play most of the debut as well. Which they did (7 from the debut and 9 from the new).
And the show was stellar right from the start. From the cool backdrop (which not only featured the pumas on that poster (right), but it also featured the twinkling teeth and eyes. And the lights were incredible.
The band came out with singer Eric Burton out front and guitarist Adrian Quesada to the right. The rest of the band surrounded them–bass, drums, keys and tow backing singers.
They opened with a song from their debut and then more or less went back and forth between a new song and an old one.
The new album has a few more mellow songs, and they were placed properly to give the band and the audience some breathing room in between dancing.
The most impressive part of the show was, without a doubt, Eric Burton’s voice. His voice is amazing on record, but it was even better live. It soared and flew, whispered and screamed. He hit high notes with ease and sounded enormous throughout the set.
Even crazier, during Know You Better, Burton leaped off the stage into the crowd–after parting the crowd, he jumped feet first off the stage, soaring through the air and landed on his feet. He then sang the rest of the song from the audience with people crowding around him.
It was amazing hearing him sing “Black Moon Rising” and doing those soft but powerful “ow”s that come after each line.
“Ice Cream” sounded fantastic live and everyone was dancing by then. “OCT 33” was really powerful and “Mrs. Postman” was more fun than the recorded version.
Quesada didn’t say anything, and he didn’t do a lot of soloing, but when he did, his guitar sounded fantastic.
Burton jumped down to the front of the crowd later in the set and sang with the front row folks. He also handed someone the setlist before the show was even over.
We sang along, we danced, we raised our hands, we clapped. It was a full experience.
And then they started “Colors” the big hit. A woman behind me shouted “this is my song” and everyone around her no doubt thought, “no, everyone loves this song, duh.” Despite her, the song sounded fantastic. So big, so powerful. Everyone’s voices rising along.
The only disappointment for the night was the two guys in front of us. I knew they were trouble when Digable Planets came on and I suggested we should move from them, but a nice gentleman next to us sort of encouraged us to get in front of him and it was hard to say no.
Fortunately for me, their drunken idiocy was far enough from me that it didn’t really impact me. But my poor wife was stuck in their wake (in fairness I did ask if she wanted to move on a few occasions and she said no). For two guys who loved the band as much as they did, they were sure disrespectful–talking loudly, leaving for drinks every three songs and then even falling on the floor. Ooph.
I had seen earlier that Black Pumas had been playing 16 songs, so I thought we might get two encores. I couldn’t think of any other songs I wanted to hear and the came out and played Hello from the new album.
I always think that encores should be fan favorites–big rockers to get everyone singing along (like Colors). But that seems to be changing of late. Hello is a mellow song that is quite lovely. They followed it with Rock and Roll, the final song on the new album. The song is kind of simple, but boy they built on the repetition in the song until it sounded massive.
This was supposed to be my first show of the year until The Musical Box cropped up on my radar. But since that show was a) a cover band and b) seated, I feel like this was really my first real show of the year. And it was a doozy. So glad we went!
♠ Black Pumas (2019)
◊ Chronicles of a Diamond (2023)
no: ♠ Old Man, Touch the Sky, Sweet Conversations
no: ◊ Tomorrow
Posted in Black Pumas, Digable Planets, Philadelphia, PA, The Fillmore Philadelphia on January 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »
[ATTENDED: January 18, 2024] Digable Planets
I was really surprised to see that Digable Planets were opening for Black Pumas. Largely because I had no idea they were still a thing.
So a brief history shows that they formed between 1987 and 1989 and put out their debut in 1992. This featured “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” which was a pretty big hit. I had no idea that their second album Blowout Comb (1994) was a stark departure from the previous album, being darker, less hook-oriented and more overtly political in its references to Black Panther and communist imagery.
And then they broke up. They reunited in the mid-2000s and then again in the late 2010s. But they’ve never released new music (just live albums).
So if you’re a fan of their old stuff, well, that’s all there is. (more…)
Posted in Black Pumas, Coronavirus, Genocide, Huh?, John Edgar Wideman, New Yorker, Prison, Quarantine, Rwanda, Short Story, Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, Tiny Desk Concert, Word usage, WXPN 88.5 FM--Philadelphia, PA on January 3, 2021| Leave a Comment »
SOUNDTRACK: BLACK PUMAS-Tiny Desk (Home) Concert #122 (December 7, 2020).
After hearing a couple of Black Pumas songs on WXPN, I had to get the album. They played such an interesting and catchy style of “gritty, retro soul.”
I was pretty happy for them when the were nominated for a bunch of Grammies. Then S. and I were laughing because so many people we knew (who follow pop music) had never heard of them. So I guess they are quite the niche band. But I’m glad to have heard them. And I’m glad they get the Tiny Desk Home Concert.
The Austin-based rock band Black Pumas is having a good 2020. The group, led by singer Eric Burton and guitarist Adrian Quesada, was just nominated for three Grammys, including album of the year for Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition), and both record of the year and best American roots performance for the track “Colors.” The band’s turn behind a tiny desk (and chair) shows why its debut album — now more than a year old — is receiving so much recognition right now.
The band is socially distanced in a studio with singer Eric Burton in a bad ass leather jacket up front.
Behind him are terrific backing singers Lauren Cervantes and Angela Miller.
Then, masked in the back row are guitarist Adrian Quesada, drummer Steve Bidwell bassist, Brendan Bond and keyboardist JaRon Marshall.
They play four songs and
the intensity level builds gradually throughout this four-song set. It’s clear why the band’s live shows have won over fans. From the opening strains of “Red Rover,” Burton digs deep and by the time we get to the ballad “OCT 33,” he’s burning with old-school soul heartbreak.
“Red Rover” is on the second disc of the deluxe edition, so I wasn’t as familiar with it. But it’s got a nifty wah wah and echoed guitar solo from Quesada.
Up next is “Fire.” Burton grabs a guitar as a keyboard melody opens the song. Quesada plays a cool surf riff and then Burton takes over the vocals. His voice is outstanding and this song is crazy cathy (the backing vocals are just icing on the cake). When Burton sings a note mid song and kicks it even higher, his hat falls off–that’s the kind of intensity they bring.
Burton opens “OCT 33” with a soft, echoing guitar melody. It’s simple but instantly grabbing. He starts to sing as bass is added. The song slowly builds over the length of it to a wonderful moment mid song where Burton sings and Quesada plays a ripping fuzzy guitar solo.
They end with the wonderful “Colors.” An echoing, instantly memorable guitar lick opens the song. Burton’s voice sounds fantastic as he sings. I love the “doo doo doo doo” part in the middle and JaRon’s extended old soul-sounding organ solo is a fantastic treat.
The Pumas are probably my favorite new band of 2020.
[READ: January 3, 2021] “Rwanda”
I’ve really had a hard time getting into Wideman’s stories in the past. I don’t like his writing style and I often feel like I know what’s going on until he starts to get really elliptical and he loses me. I feel like this is a failing on my part, but who knows.
This story is told in four parts.
Part I
The narrator asks his niece (and us) a thought experiment. If you were in charge of running the world and you learned that life on earth was going to end shortly (6 months at most) would you tell the public?
Wideman ties the story to what’s happening in the world.
What if this deadly plague meant that all life would soon end. Would they tell us? How would people react? Would people freak out and go crazy–everyone for himself, or would some carry on as normal? (more…)
Posted in Alabama Shakes, Alexi Murdoch, Andrew Bird, Barrie, Big Thief, Black Pumas, Brittany Howard, Cancelled, Coronavirus, Daughter of Swords, Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Drive-By Truckers, Early James, EOB, Erin Rae, Grace Potter, Hawktail, Ian Noe, Joseph, Lee Fields, Mandolin Orange, Mandy Moore, Muzz, Natalie Hemby, Nathaniel Rateliff, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Newport Folk Festival, Newport, RI, Norah Jones, Phoebe Bridgers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Puss N Boots, Quarantine, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Randy Newman, Resistance Revival Chorus, Sampa the Great, Sharon Van Etten, Steve Gunn, Sunny War, Sylvan Esso, The Ballroom Thieves, The Marcus King Band, The National, The Secret Sisters, Tré Burt, Vagabon, Watkins Family Hour, Waxahatchee, William Tyler, Yola on July 31, 2020| Leave a Comment »
[CANCELLED: July 31-August 2, 2020] Newport Folk Festival
Last year we took the whole family to two days of the Newport Folk Festival. It was a fun experience for the most part. Both kids were exhausted and my son decided he’d rather stay in the hotel than go on the second day. However, this year he said he;d like to go again, so since the 2020 Festival was cancelled, maybe next year all four of us will go again.
I was not surprised that the Festival was cancelled. But it was still a shock when it happened on April 29th.
Here’s the formal message
Dear Folk-
This is the letter I was praying I wouldn’t have to write, feeling we need the healing powers of live music more now than ever. It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Newport Folk Festival. As devastating as it is to write those words, it’s balanced with a renewed sense of, well, HOPE. It’s Rhode Island’s motto for good reason and it’s also the feeling you, our festival family, constantly exudes when we come together in good times and perhaps more importantly, in difficult times as well. This community is truly unlike any other in music, and I believe we can emerge from this hardship stronger and more connected than ever before.
However, while your safety was at the core of the present decision, your support will be at the core of our future viability. Our ability to produce this festival in 2021 – and continue making a lasting difference in the lives of artists, students and music lovers like yourselves – is in your hands. Quite simply, we need your help.
Due to the financial and institutional uncertainties we find ourselves in, we believe the most trusting and direct course of action is to let the ticket holders decide where their ticket dollars should go. We have sent all ticket holders an email mapping out three options: 1) donate all or a portion of your ticket that will go directly towards ensuring our festival for 2021 while continuing our support for artists and educators; 2) apply your refund towards a 2021 Revival Membership – a new and one-time offer we’ve created specifically to ensure our future and provide these members with 3-day tickets to the 2021 festival (remaining memberships will be offered to the general public directly after the request period); and 3) receive a 100% full refund if desired.
For those of you who didn’t have tickets for this year, PLEASE consider making a tax-deductible donation. Help us continue these festivals, support year-round music education initiatives, and provide grants to artists in need.
I want to personally thank our founder George Wein, our staff, our Board of Directors, the City of Newport, and the DEM for their continued efforts. And, offer a personal note of gratitude to Rhode Island Governor, Gina Raimondo, for her leadership and counsel in prioritizing our well being in making the decision to cancel the festival.
Although we won’t be able to gather at the Fort this summer, rest assured we have invited ALL the announced artists to join us next year. In the meantime, we promise we will all commune one way or another on our festival weekend. As always, we have some secret surprises in store as well, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Until then, stay strong and folk on.
Posted in Anachronisms, Black Pumas, Canadian Content, David Thompson, Explorers, First Nations, Funny (ha ha), Funny (strange), Hockey Night in Canada, Ktunaxa, NonComm, Nupqu ʔa·kǂ am̓, Short Story, The Walrus, Translation, Troy Sebastian, World Cafe Live, WXPN 88.5 FM--Philadelphia, PA on May 14, 2019| Leave a Comment »
SOUNDTRACK: BLACK PUMAS-NonCOMM 2019 (May 14, 2019).
A couple of years ago I had a pass to NonComm, but ultimately I decided not to go. I had never been to World Cafe Live and, while it sounded like a fun time, it was just so many mid-week nights and lots of leaving early, that it sounded more exhausting than fun.
I have now been to World Cafe Live and I can imagine that the (less divaish) bands are hanging around talking to people (and radio personalities) which is probably pretty cool.
I love the idea of these sorta personal concerts, too. But I have since come to see that they are 20-45 minutes tops. Hardly worth driving 90 minutes (one-way) for.
But since the shows are streaming you can watch them live. Or you can listen to the recorded version online.
Black Pumas was the opening band on the opening night. They play and exciting and fun psychedelic soul.
It is hard not to be moved by Eric Burton’s powerful voice. Joining Burton onstage was production partner and guitarist Adrian Quesada, as well as a bassist, keyboardist, and two backing vocalists. The whole band moved as a unit, but each member added their own unique talents, making Black Pumas’ sound undeniably theirs.
The set mostly comprised of songs from the band’s upcoming self titled debut, due June 21st.
“Next 2U” had some great keyboards and Burton’s impassioned vocals. “Colors” showcased their ability to slow things down a bit and to lean into improvisation. There was a grooving guitar solo and a cool keyboard solo. There was even more grooving on “Black Moon Rising.” I enjoyed Burton giving us the occasional falsetto “AH!” at the end of the verses.
I really couldn’t believe how young these guys turned out to be because their sound is really old-school, but with enough of a modern twist to keep it from being retro.
“Fire” opened with a cool guitar riff before backing away from the rock a bit to allow the big harmony vocals to really soar.
The final song “Etta James” was surprising because it was more like a Rock n’ Roll shuffle–a fast bass line running through the quick verses. It’s when the soulful chorus comes in that Etta James surfaces both in the lyrics and in the soul of the song. Although the scorching guitar solo brings the song back around to its rocking sensibility.
Black Pumas sound like a great live band that would be even more fun to see than to hear.
[READ: May 2, 2019] “Tax Niʔ Pik̓ak (A Long Time Ago)”
The July/August issue of The Walrus is the Summer Reading issue. This year’s issue had three short stories and three poems as special features.
This story was written by Troy Sebastian / Nupqu ʔa·kǂ am̓, a Ktunaxa writer living in Lekwungen territory based in Victoria. It’s not often that I read a story with a glossary, but it was very helpful, because this story uses a number of Ktunaxa words.
The story starts fairly simply, a long time ago. Uncle Pat says that the suyupi have built a statue of David Thompson.
I Just Read About That... 