Concerts at the Union Terrace: Justin Townes Earle, July 3, 2010
One of my favorites and standing tall amidst the new crop of folk/country/Americana artists, Justin Townes Earle was on a whirlwind trip through town to play a short but sweet set at the Union Terrace this past Saturday. The large crowds that had gathered at the lakefront to view the July 4th fireworks display had diminished to a degree, but there were plenty of fans and curious hanger-on’s (he is the son of Steve Earle, literally Nashville royalty!) to see and hear the not yet turned 30 junior Earle perform. And perform he does! With an endearing stage presence, sharp wit and fashionable attire, Justin Townes Earle’s songbook covers old folk standards (‘John Henry’) and newer material (‘Mama’s Eyes’ from last year’s Midnight At The Movies) with equal measures of grace and zest. A magical voice coupled with a fine finger picking style of guitar play, JTE puts the heart and soul back in folk and country music. We’ll be seeing more of him soon as Harlem River Blues, Justin Townes Earle’s much-anticipated new record (supposedly with a more bluesy, grimier sound than the previous production), hits stores in September this year. We’ll keep you posted!
Milwaukee’s Kings Go Forth were in town just a couple of weeks ago with a show at the Union Terrace. This 10 piece funk and soul orchestra put on an explosive live show and had the packed crowd at the Terrace sweating it up on a sultry summer night on the lake. The band recently came out with their debut album The Outsiders Are Back on the acclaimed Luaka Bop label… good stuff! The band was co-founded by bassist Andy Noble (who till recently ran the record store Lotus Land in Milwaukee) and vocalist Black Wolf, and includes two other lead vocalists, a horn trio and congas, in addition to a full rhythm section. The band will be back in town for this year’s Orton Park Festival on August 29th for another outdoor concert, and it’s free! So no excuses for not showing up! Meanwhile some pictures from the show at the Union…
The Casady sisters, Bianca “Coco” and Sierra “Rosie” originally set up CocoRosie as a duo back in 2003 and have over the years added a beatboxer, synth/piano player, bassist and a drummer to their live shows. The musical group swung through town a few weeks ago to woo Madisonian’s (and plenty of out-of-towners) with their unique style of acappella singing, opera, hip hop and electronica. The live show is part theatrical, part experimental art and music with the sisters and cast glittering at times, appearing crosshatched at others, in the flickering hues of color projected on to the stage/screen. Beautiful vocals, lyrics that had fans singing along and cry tears of joy (or sorrow… depends on how your day has been!), with some impressive beatboxing made for a very satisfactory musical evening. Some pictures from the show…
The sun was shining bright last week Saturday, perfect weather for the Madison Blues Society organized event at Warner Park. There were plenty of people out to support the blues and watch/listen to local blues musicians and some heavy hitters from the Windy City. I managed to catch sets by John Primer and his Real Deal Blues Band, followed by Grana’ Louise wrapping up the show. I have always enjoyed John Primer’s style of soulful electric blues and this time was no different. Madison’s own A.J. Love accompanied the band on guitar. Grana’ Louise I had not see before, but this blues singer from Chicago sure packs a punch! Dolled up in shiny gold tights and a flowing safari print top, Grana’ had the stage presence and a sense of humor to go with her songs, which covered the usual topics of the blues ranging from marital infidelities to instructions on how to treat your woman right. Tom Holland provided guitar licks along with her backing band. Here are some pictures from the day…
Madison has seen some great jam bands emerge on the scene in the past couple of years and two of the best were in the 
Sunday at Yahara park had more great music in store for folks who braved the afternoon showers with two great international acts taking the stage – Great Lake Swimmers (Toronto, Canada) followed by Tony Allen and his Afro Beat Orchestra (Nigeria/France/Germany/USA). I had caught the Great Lake Swimmers at The High Noon Saloon the last time they were in town, and had enjoyed the soft, hushed melodic folk songs the band had performed. For the festival, the band played a more upbeat selection of songs to get the crowd dancing on their feet, rain notwithstanding.
It was a special night for techno lovers in Madison Friday night a couple of weekends ago. A triple bill featuring Madison DJ Tinhead, Ryan Simatic and Ian Lehman from the Twin Cities had the 120 or so people dancing to bar time Saturday morning at the High Noon. The club’s sound system was dialed in just right (despite an initial bass glitch during Tinhead’s set) to transform the venue into a pulse pounding experience making me reminisce our recent Movement experience in Detroit. We do not get to see Tinhead play that often here in town, and it is always a treat when the rare occasion comes up. This time was no exception with a playful mix of deep house and techno, including some Steve Bug favorites of mine. Things got a tad darker with Ryan Simatic’s minimal techno set but it was Ian Lehman’s performance that sent another jolt of adrenaline coursing through the system. Dark, broody, heavily textured and layered hard driving techno… tribal and ‘animalistic’ if there is a word to describe things. A special thanks to Jason @ Prognition for organizing the stellar lineup. 
