Rich Lieberman

2008-06-15T19:00:00.002-04:00

moe. | 06.15 | NYC

Words by: Rich Lieberman | Images by: Dino Perrucci

:: Governor's Island :: New York, NY ::

moe. :: 06.15 :: Governor's Island :: New York

Board a ferry from the financial district along Manhattan's southern coastline and in five short minutes you're docked at Governor's Island. A National Historic Landmark, the island was home to the Army and Coast Guard for over 200 years. It boasts two 18th century forts, a prison for captured Confederate soldiers, pre-Civil War arsenal buildings, Victorian structures and early 20th century neo-classical architecture. On this beautiful evening there was a planned invasion of tie-dye and peaceful vibes as fans of jam band powerhouse moe. stormed the shoreline.

As the NYC summer concert season begins to roll with big time artists taking to open air spaces amongst the steel and concrete skylines, moe. stood poised and ready to christen a new outdoor venue and summer concert series. This evening's show represented the first-ever large-scale performance on Governors Island. Over two consecutive days, moe. packed in tons of music for NYC, adding a visit to the Sirius Satellite Radio studios and a Headcount benefit acoustic performance followed by a full show at the Highline Ballroom. continue reading...

Brooks & Derhak - moe. :: 06.15 :: Governor's Island :: New York

~ Read the entire article here ~

~ Read the entire moe. review here ~

2008-06-05T10:26:00.003-04:00

The Lee Boys w/ Haynes & Guests | 06.05 | NYC

Words by: Rich Lieberman | Images by: Dino Perrucci

The Lee Boys :: 06.05.08 :: Sullivan Hall :: NYC, NY
If you're a live music junkie in New York City and the stars and the moons align just right, you often get lucky and witness some of the very finest impromptu collaborations today's music scene has to offer. Sullivan Hall in Greenwich Village recently played host to such an event. It was reminiscent of the old days when jams of epic proportions were commonplace at Wetlands Preserve or Nightingales any night of the week. Musicians strive to feel the soul of the music in their bones as the groove steers itself to unpredictable places. In a hot, tiny downtown club with a little help from their high-powered friends, The Lee Boys pushed the PA system just about as hard as it would go.

Read The Entire article Here

Mountain Jam IV - The Word Is Out!

2008-01-30T22:25:00.015-05:00

Mountain Jam is back for it's 4th consecutive year!

It's the most fan friendly, laid back good time festival of the summer.

I hope your plans are made, this jewel of a festival is now getting bigger and better than ever.

I'll be there to cover it start to finish again on the "Official Live Blog" with all the real time updates, set lists, backstage photos, artist interviews and inside scoop! The artist line-up is spectacular.

Check out the blog here!
Official 2008 Mountain Jam Blog

Featuring amazing
pro photos from
Dino Perrucci &
Allison Murphy

Check out these links for all the scoop!

The Official Festival Site!

Mule.net

Bob Weir (Grateful Dead / Ratdog)

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

2007-10-20T19:36:00.000-04:00

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

09.15.07 :: Radio City Music Hall :: New York, NY

~ Words by: Rich Lieberman ~

Images by: Lindsay Wernert

~ Click Here For My Full Review on JamBase.com ~

Radio City Music Hall's famous marquee spans a full city block, and on this cool mid-September evening it read "Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals – One Night Only – Sold Out!"

Close to 6,000 people would flock to Rockefeller Center and pass through its Grand Foyer into one of the most spectacular theaters in the world. Its sweeping arches and orange glow create a vast curving space that frames the Great Stage, which has a history of over six decades of remarkable performances. It has been said "To step out on the Great Stage of the Music Hall is to know what it is to be a star."

Ben Harper and his Innocent Criminals were stars indeed, as they captivated the packed house with a concoction of music that cannot be defined by any one or even two genres. To be a fan of Harper's music is to be a fan of songs without boundaries, a style not easily defined, yet powerful and coming deep from the soul.

.... to read the entire review.. click here!

Ben Harper ~ Radio City Music Hall ~ 9.15.07

(Page 1) (Page 2)(Page 3)

My Name Is KID...

2007-10-09T15:53:00.000-04:00

~ Kid Rock ~

Record Release Concert
The Filmore @ Irving Plaza

Exclusive Record Release Party
@ Nikki Midtown
10pm - 4am

What a fun night this was.
Thanks go to Atlantic Records!

The new CD was released and Kids band took the stage for a rockin' show at Irving Plaza in NYC. I still have trouble calling it "The Fillmore." Some things should just remain sacred. I was impressed with the new songs and seeing his stage show in such an intimate environment. I would recommend checking out "Rock N Roll Jesus". The after party was your normal everyday mix of Playboy Bunnies, whisky chugging and brawls.

But hey... this writer promised The Kid that what happened at the after party.... stayed at the after party! ;)

~ Feel It Live ~

2007-10-06T13:19:00.000-04:00

Friday October 6th:

Michael Franti & Spearhead
Nokia Theater, NYC
~ Check back for my full review ~
~ To be published on JamBase.com ~

Who's that dude on the stage in back?

~ Feel It Live ~

2007-09-28T11:03:00.000-04:00

J.J. Grey & MOFRO / Assembly of Dust
The Highline Ballroom, NYC

Stay tuned for my
Review on JamBase
~~~

ROCKIN' THE BURRO II

Click Here for the Review

~ 9/06 ~ Central Park ~ NYC ~
featuring:
Gov't Mule,
Grace Potter and The Nocturnals and
Earl Greyhound.

Click Here for the Review

~ WE REMEMBER & NEVER FORGET ~

2007-09-11T00:47:00.000-04:00

~ Santana Kicks Off Fashion Week ~

2007-09-05T11:48:00.000-04:00

Carlos Santana kicked off this years "Fashion Week" here in NYC last night with a private show at the Highline Ballroom..

~ Dumpstaphunk ~ B.B. Kings NYC ~

2007-09-01T23:11:00.000-04:00

"Dumpstaphunk is ready to usher in a new age of funk to the masses." - Jambase
Earlier in the year I wrote that quote in a review for Jambase and eight short months later they are Dumpin' that Phunk all over the country.

Off the release their hot debut EP, "Listen Hear" Dumpsta is taking it to the road big time and will be tearing it up this month on a tour that will span the USA. The band recently voted 2007’s “Best Funk Band” by both Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Weekly, has already played or will play at some of the nation’s largest music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Voodoo Fest, 10,000 Lakes, and High Sierra.

The Friday Night of Memorial Day weekend in NYC is a tough night to gig. Most New Yorkers leave the city for a final weekend at the beach. For those of us who stuck around, BB Kings offered up the best music of the holiday weekend with Ivan Neville, Tony Hall, Raymond Weber, Nick Daniels & Ian Neville turning up the funk with a blistering late night set. The set featured the great tunes off the new EP as well as come great covers done in a way only Dumpstaphunk can dish out. Their version of the Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil" while sounding nothing like the original, took on a life all its own to the delight of the crowd. Always a great night of music, Dumpsta is a show not to be missed!

www.dumpstaphunk.com
www.myspace.com/dumpstaphunk

NOLA

2007-08-29T22:38:00.000-04:00

Two years after Katrina, renown photographer Dino Perrucci heads to New Orleans to get a closer look at the good, the bad and the MUSIC!

Only In New Orleans: 2 Years After Katrina

Words & Images by: Dino Perrucci

~ Celebrate New Orleans ~

2007-08-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

:: Central Park SummerStage ::
:: Saturday, August 11, 2007 ::

Soul to Soul III
Galactic & special guests

Words by: Rich Lieberman
Photos by: Dino Perrucci

An incredible week of music at New York's Central Park SummerStage culminated with the 3rd annual celebration of the Big Easy. Soul to Soul III, a free show that brought together some good time NOLA sounds for a great party on a beautiful summer day. The lineup this year was solid behind headliners, Galactic and included the The Soul Rebels Brass Band who would take the stage first. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagle Mardi Gras Indians would captivate the crowd dressed in full Indian Regalia. There were great special guests as well Donald Harrison Jr, Will Bernard and Jon Cleary who was celebrating a birthday all jammed through out Galactics great set.
The crowd was filled with all ages of music fans. Families brought out their blankets and with plenty of room to enjoy this free afternoon event. Earlier in the week that same area rocked with sold out crowds of hot sweaty bodies for the Beastie Boys and the Black Crowes.
Galactic came out on fire with their trademark jazz-funk-rock-fusion concoction anchored by the seamless rhythm team of bassist Robert Mercurio and drummer Stanton Moore. They ripped through a great set at a fever pitch. As Rich Vogal attacked the Hammond B3, Ben Ellman laid down some tasty sax and Jeff Raines wielded the axe. But it got real interesting with all the guests sit-ins that would make this show special, NOLA style. Will Bernard and Jeff Raines would share some great back and forth on guitars, as did Donald Harrison Jr. and Ben Ellman on some incredible saxaphonics acrobatics.The encore was with out a doubt the fan favorite with all the special guests lead by The Big Chief for a rousing "Hey Pocky Way".

Galactic SetList:
Crazyhorse, Sunday Arag, Chris Cross, Black Talk, Bakers Dozen, Buckit Like A Horse, So Samn Good, When you get back, C'mon seocnd line, Let's Go Get Em, Cabbage Alley, Big Cheies
Encore: Hey Pocky Way

Galactic Confirms Fall Tour Behind From the Corner to the Block

Galactic will celebrate the release of its long awaited studio album, 'From the Corner to the Block, with an intimate gig at New Orleans’ Maple Leaf on August 21.

The Black Crowes ~ North Miss. Allstars

2007-08-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

:: Central Park Summer Stage ::
:: New York City :: August 9th, 2007 ::

Words By: Rich Lieberman
Photos by: Dino Perrucci

Central Park was the place to be if you wanted some good old fashioned Rock. "The Most Rock 'n' Roll Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World" would take the stage and the weather couldn't have been better. Compared to last nights hot hot hot Beastie Boys show at this same venue, the cool breeze and deep bluesy guitar drivin rock & roll was a nice way to mix it up on a very busy weekend filled with many great choices to see some of the best bands touring this summer.

The North Mississippi Allstars kicked off the festivities smokin right from the start. The NMAS are Luther Dickinson (Guitars), Cody Dickinson (Drums) and Chris Chew on Bass. A nice treat to see the keyboards rolled out and Kurt Clayton added to the trio for this show. As they always do the NMAS tore it up early with their brand of Mississippi Boogie Blues. Luther was playing it pretty on the slide and the rolled through a nice 75 minute opening set.

North Mississippi AllStars Setlist:

Write Me A Few Little Lines > Drop Down Mama > Sugartown, The Meeting, Some Kind Of Wonderful. Mean Ol' Wind Died Down, Run On > Goin Down South, Georgia Women > Po Black Maddie > Skinny Woman > Po Black Maddie, Stay All Night > Lord Have Mercy > Stay All Night, Love And Happiness, Hear My Train A Comin, Ship

The Black Crowes took the stage with a reckless abandon. The first power chord coming from Rich Robinson's guitar signals the start of what is still one of the best live shows. Chris Robinson is the perfect front man when he's playing with the Crowes he is in his element. Look up Rock Star in the dictionary and you will find a picture of Chris Robinson along side the best. The original lead guitarist Marc Ford is missed from the mix, but we got a nice treat when Luther Dickinson came out and just tore it up on slide for " Downtown Money Waster" into a tight jam which segued into "Thorn In My Pride" where all three guitar slingers traded tasty licks to a crescendo complete with call and answer and Chris Robinson threaded perfect vocal leads through the swirling axe work.

Other major highlights included a very nicely played "Soul Singing" and one of my all time favorites "Wiser Time" and the set closer "Remedy."

The encore was "Oh Well" a cover of an old
Fleetwood Mac song
penned by Peter Green in 1969.

I can't help about the shape I'm in
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to

Oh well

Black Crowes Set List:

No Speak No Slave, Gone, Sting Me, My Morning Song > Good Morning Little School Girl > My Morning Song, Sister Luck, Jealous Again, Hotel Illness, Downtown Money Waster (w/Luther) > Jam (w/Luther) > Thorn In My Pride (w/Luther), Soul Singing, Sometimes Salvation, Wiser Time, Remedy, E: Oh Well

The Black Crowes are the latest group to confirm their Halloween plans. The band will appear at New York’s United Palace Theatre on October 30 and 31 at the tail end of a national tour scheduled to begin September 28 at Bend, OR’s Les Schwab Amphitheater. Traditionally, the Crowes have dressed up as artists ranging from Elvis Presley to AC/DC and opened for themselves on Halloween.

:: Central Park SummerStage::

Levon Helm Band Review ~ JamBase

2007-06-28T12:34:00.000-04:00

Levon Helm Band | 06.28.07 | NYC
Central Park SummerStage :: New York, NY
Words By: Rich Lieberman ::

The forecast called for heavy thunderstorms, but that couldn't keep fans away from Central Park for legendary music icon and founding member of The Band, Levon Helm and his all-star band. On this special night, Helm's constant ear-to-ear smile was contagious as the rain fell. The wet, mainly older crowd sang along nostalgically with one of the most recognizable voices from the soundtrack of their youth. It was a great privilege to witness Helm playing his drums and mandolin again, singing the verses from such classics as "Rag Mama Rag," "Ophelia" and "The Weight."
click here to read entire article...

Images by: Allison Murphy

Mountain Jam Festival ~ Official Blog

2007-06-01T15:38:00.000-04:00

The Official Mountain Jam Festival Blog
Real-time, on-site updates from The Third Annual Mountain Jam! This blog offered up real time updates leading up until and all during The Mountain Jam. Exclusive access from on-stage, backstage and all through the concert field and campgrounds. check out pictures, setlists and reviews from this epic weekend.
Check out how it all went down!

Words By: Rich Lieberman

Images by: Dino Perrucci & Allison Murphy

Rose Hill Drive Review ~ Jambase

2007-04-28T13:28:00.000-04:00

ROSE HILL DRIVE | 04.28.07 | NYC
:: Mercury Lounge :: New York, NY

Words By: Rich Lieberman

It's Saturday night, downtown NYC, and Houston Street bustled with New Yorkers who knew where the party was happening. The buzz for this highly anticipated show was undeniable. I recognized Daniel Sproul, guitarist extraordinaire of Rose Hill Drive, out front having a smoke. RHD has taken a grassroots approach, gaining the respect of its fans through their live performances. Along the way, they've garnered considerable critical acclaim, which seems to grow all the time. Tonight, they returned to NYC and a sold out Mercury Lounge... Click here to read the entire article

Images © Candise Kola 2007

The Allman Brothers Band Review ~ JamBase

2007-04-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND | 04.07 | NYC
:: Beacon Theatre :: New York, NY ::
Words by: Rich Lieberman

When the Fillmore East closed its doors in June 1971, the Allman Brothers Band was the last band to perform. The recording of these shows, At Fillmore East, is one of the greatest live albums to ever be released. For the past 13 years the Allman Brothers have returned to NYC for an annual residency at the Beacon Theatre, a fantastic, art-deco treasure on the upper West Side. Fans from around the world come each March to experience improvisational rock & roll like what the Brothers played in 1971. Step inside the three-tiered 2,300-capacity Beacon's huge bronze doors and you find incredible murals, 30-foot Greek statues, marble floors, and ornate moldings.

This was the 15th show of 16 sold out nights... Click here to read the entire article.

Images by: Robert Chapman

The Allman Brothers Band Review ~ MoBoogie.net

2007-04-06T22:11:00.001-04:00

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND | 04.06 | NYC
:: Beacon Theatre :: New York, NY ::

Words By: Rich Lieberman
Images By: Dino Perrucci

This past Friday night’s show may have been one of the best of the run. April 6th also happens to be Warren Haynes’ birthday, so the night definitely felt like one great big party. The band was on fire from the first note on.

The 13th annual Allman Brothers Beacon Theatre run came to a close with its 16th show in New York City on Sunday, April 8th. The run included 15 shows at the Beacon Theatre and one very special Warren & Friends show at Irving Plaza. Call it March Madness, Peakin’ at the Beacon, or just “The Beacon Run”, the Allman’s annual residency at the Beacon Theatre has become a NYC institution. The yearly gathering is The Allman Brothers’ chance to reunite and share the stage after recording and touring with all of their other amazing bands and side projects.
This past Friday night’s show may have been one of the best of the run. April 6th also happens to be Warren Haynes’ birthday, so the night definitely felt like one great big party. The band was on fire from the first note on. ...Click here to read the entire article.

Peter Frampton / Derek Trucks - Photo ©Dino Perrucci

Warren Haynes & Friends Review ~ JamBase

2007-03-28T23:02:00.000-04:00

WARREN HAYNES & FRIENDS | 03.28 | NYC
:: Irving Plaza :: New York, NY

Words by: Rich Lieberman :: Images by: Dino Perrucci

Whenever Warren Haynes decides to throw a party and invite some of his musician friends to join in the festivities, run and get your tickets quick. As a guitar player, singer and songwriter, Haynes is one of the very best AND he's played with the best. Currently doing a 15-show run with the Allman Brothers Band at their 13th annual residency at the Beacon Theatre in NYC, Haynes found an off night for another memorable guest-laden performance. "This party is to re-launch the [Evil Teen] label, to re-launch what was Wintertime Blues and is now The Benefit Concert [series], to just get the awareness going, to get people buzzin' about things," Haynes told us before the show. "It's going to be an allstar jam, and it's going to be a lot of fun!"

Securing a ticket for this show was next to impossible unless you were one of the 300 lucky fans that lined up at a NYC record store ... Click to read the entire article.

Above Images © Dino Perrucci 3/28/2007

~ Langerado Festival ~

2007-03-11T13:09:00.000-04:00

5th Annual ~ Langerado Festival ~
:: Sunrise, Florida :: March 9-10-11, 2007 ::

Words by: Rich Lieberman
Photos by: Rich Lieberman
The final day of this first true festival of the season was upon us! For a third straight day you had to get yourself to the festival grounds pretty early to catch some great music. Miami’s own Spam Allstars and Kid Beyond had the opening slots. After an incredible late show by Michael Franti & Spearhead at Revolution the night before, I was lucky enough to catch some of New Orleans’ most legendary performers, The New Orleans Social Club, featuring George Porter Jr., Leo Nocentelli, Henry Butler, Ivan Neville and Raymond Weber. Nothing like a little NOLA funk to get you started - the Social Club had the slow arriving crowd moving

Day 3 Highlights & Gallery

Day 2 Highlights & Gallary

Festival Photo Montage

Photo: Michael Franti © Rich Lieberman 2007

With Love, From the Lemonade Tour

2007-03-08T18:06:00.000-05:00

A Candid Interview With G. Love

Words By: Rich Lieberman
MoBoogie.net

Going on thirteen years, Philadelphia’s own Garrett "G. Love" Dutton is still doing his thing. G. Love, known for his outstanding live performances, always manages to bring it night after night. He has a fresh style all his own that blends blues, rap, rock, and funk, all tied together in a neat little package. His most recent release, “Lemonade”, featuring many all-star collaborations, is arguably his best work to date. It will quench your thirst for some freshly squeezed grooves.

At a recent sold out performance at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium he had the crowd jumpin’. I caught up with G.Love between his two sold out performances in the Mile High City.

Click here to read the full interview!

Torching Up America!

2007-02-23T12:17:00.000-05:00

An interview with Devon Allman

Interview By:
Rich Lieberman

Images By:
Tami Goldsmith

Look out America, here comes Devon Allman’s Honeytribe! Off the release of their highly acclaimed debut album, Torch, Honeytribe has been blazing across the country, thrilling fans and throwing down a sweet and sometimes fierce brand of rock and roll. From a very young age, Devon Allman has had music running through his veins. He’s managed to pull together a group of some of the best musicians in the Midwest. The music pulls heavily from Devon’s influences…The Rolling Stones, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few. Devon’s voice is surely reminiscent of his father’s, Gregg Allman. There’s no denying the blood line is strong, though it is also clear that Devon has made the journey on the merits of the music he creates, which comes from his heart and soul. Honeytribe has grabbed the torch with their own sound - and they’re running with it.
With exciting new projects on the horizon and the next leg of the Honeytribe tour about to commence, Devon was home last week on a short break. It was then that I had the opportunity to have a great chat with him.
...Click here to read the entire interview w/ Devon

The Wood Brothers Review ~ JamBase

2007-02-07T23:49:00.000-05:00

THE WOOD BROTHERS | 02.07.07 | NEW YORK
:: Joe's Pub :: New York, NY

Words by: Rich Lieberman

On a cold NYC evening, with lots of other musical options in town, Joe's Pub played host to a gem that'd warm the heart of any music lover. Upon entering you feel the intimacy instantly - candlelight, plush velvet couches, and fantastic, understated architecture. The Wood Brothers took the stage to a sold out room of 180 lucky people, the smallest venue on this tour. ... Click to read more of the article.
Chris Wood ~ Photo © Dino Perrucci

Going Solo with Jerry Joseph

2007-02-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

An Interview with Jerry Joseph

Interview by: Rich Lieberman
MoBoogie.net
This guy is always on the road. If it isn’t solo acoustic or in his current duo with drummer, Steve Drizos, it’s playing with friends like Steve Kimock (Zero), or Dave Schools (Widespread Panic). Whether he’s plugged in and ready to rock hard or standing alone on stage with his acoustic, he will capture your attention with lyrics that tell a story from the road. As a singer/songwriter, Jerry Joseph has found a way to paint a complex picture with his songs, songs that are sung with attitude and heartfelt soul.

This upcoming Friday and Saturday in San Francisco, Jerry Joseph will front the reunion of the all-star band, Stockholm Syndrome, featuring Wally Ingram, Dave Schools, Eric McFadden and Danny Louis. In addition, the one & only Les Claypool will be a special guest on Saturday night. This two show run will benefit drummer, Wally Ingram, and his fight against cancer. Check out this week’s Charity Spotlight on MoBoogie.net for more information.

While on a two day break from his tour supporting the release of his new record, April Nineteenth, I caught up with Jerry Joseph as he was trying to keep warm and enjoy some down time in his new home away from home, NYC.
... Click here to read the entire interview!

Galactic / Papa Mali ~ Review MoBoogie.net

2007-02-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Galactic Brings the Heat to NYC
:: Irving Plaza :: 02/02/07 :: New York, NY ::

Words By: Rich Lieberman

Heading up out of the subway station at Union
Square there was a chill in the air, but as I walked over to 15th Street & Irving Place, I knew that the Irving Plaza would be red hot. Galactic would soon have a sold out crowd shedding layers and shredding the ballroom floor. The promise of some of the most danceable instrumental live music on the scene, coupled with the excitement of Galactic’s return to NYC, made this one highly anticipated show. A few tasty collaborations seemed likely, as saxophonics wizard Skerik was known to be in the area, and the bill boasted a solo Papa Mali set sandwiched between two long Galactic Sets. With hip-hop legend J-Live as the opener, this would prove to be a solid five hour groovathon.

Arriving early at the old, three-level Polish dance hall turned rock venue turned out to be a good idea. A sold out Irving Plaza holds 1000 on a packed night.
Click here to read the entire review...

Images by: Robert Chapman

Dumpstaphunk & Cowboy Mouth Review ~ JamBase

2007-02-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

DUMPSTAPHUNK & COWBOY MOUTH | 02.01 | NYC
:: B.B. King's Blues Club :: New York, NY

Words by: Rich Lieberman

The brisk walk up 42nd Street through Times Square brought to mind how the area has changed over the years. What was once addict alley and sleaze central is now filled with bright lights, themed restaurants, and chic tourist shops. One can't help but feel the electricity of the city and the pulse of its people. A similar sense of energy is felt when walking down Bourbon Street in The French Quarter. On this night, the best of New Orleans and New York City collided.

The marquee above B.B. King's Blues Club read "The 9th Annual NYC Rock 'N Roll Mardi Gras Tour! Tonight!" The sleek B.B. King's is a far cry from New Orleans' Tipitina's or the Maple Leaf but the NYC vibe this night was pure festival season.
The appetizer was a heaping portion of spicy hot Louisiana funk served up by Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, a band consisting of some of the funkiest New Orleans musicians alive. The evening's main course was one the Crescent City's favorite party bands, Cowboy Mouth, whose maniacal, larger-than-life frontman and drummer, Fred LeBlanc, led a sermon on the joys of life, asking the faithful fans to check their problems at the front door and enter Mardi Gras heaven.
... Click here to read the entire article.

Images by: Robert Chapman & Dino Perrucci

Ivan Neville & Tony Hall ~ Dumpstaphunk

Cowboy Mouth

The Rads Radiate

2007-01-21T21:49:00.000-05:00

30 Years Letting the Good Times Roll
:: The Radiators :: Conte’s Market & Grill :: Westport CT ::
MoBoogie.net

Words By: Rich Lieberman

The ultimate New Orleans party band is in its 30th year of entertaining their loyal fans across the country, touring relentlessly, and still pulling off some of the most intense live shows on the circuit. With a repertoire of way over 1,300 songs to pull from, The Radiators show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

At Sunday’s show at Conte’s Market & Grill in Westport, CT, The Radiators played their usual 2 marathon sets with plenty New Orleans good time music served up with a nice helping of crowd pleasing cover songs. I asked Reggie Scanlan, founding member and bass player for The Radiators, how they come up with their setlists and how they choose all of the great cover songs each night.

I have no idea” said Scanlan. “Well like tonight... we did “Play with Fire” (Rolling Stones). We had never played that before”. ...Click here to read the entire article.

Circle Sound ~ Bowery Ballroom Review, NYC

2007-01-19T00:23:00.000-05:00

Rich Robinson & Luther Dickinson Rock The Bowery

Words By Rich Lieberman
Photos by Rich Lieberman
New York has been the scene of some really classic stealth-like gigs over the years. When you least expect it, your favorite artist or band may show up at some tiny club and take the stage to try out some new material in a live setting, warm up for a nationwide tour, or in this case… get together with some friends to kick down a bunch of rockin’ covers.

This past Friday night, the scene was NYC’s sold out Bowery Ballroom, which is smack in the middle of the Bowery on Delancey Street. The venue holds 575 people max. Circle Sound, led by Rich Robinson from the Black Crowes, and Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars, is a very talented five piece band. They electrified the packed house with a fiery brand of bluesy rock & roll that made for a very special performance.
Just a little past 10:00 the house lights went down and the band took the stage.

Accompanying Robinson & Dickinson that evening were Rob Clores (Keys) and Sven Pipien (Bass), both current members of the Black Crowes. Bill Dobrow, a former Crowe, also took the stage.

The crowd was ready for whatever these guys would throw at them, as Rich Robinson approached the microphone… “We are happy to be up here playing some songs for you guys. Hope you like them… and here’s the first one”. They then ripped into Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”. The vocals sounded great as both guitarists traded tasty leads for an exceptional opener.

The small room provided an intimate and electric vibe between the band and the audience. “We’re just gonna be playing some covers and some other songs. This is a Bob Dylan song. It’s called The Man In Me” said Rich Robinson, who seemed to lead the band throughout the night. Both Robinson and Dickinson shined on guitar and vocals, trading off on fronting the stage every couple of songs. It was clear that these guys were having a great time at the jam session, playing an assortment of classic songs with a handful of originals sprinkled throughout.

Read The Entire Review Here....

An Exclusive Interview with George Porter Jr!

2007-01-13T16:21:00.000-05:00

Mexicali Blues Cafe ~ Teaneck N.J.
~ MoBoogie.net ~ January 13, 2007

Interviewed by: Rich Lieberman
Photos by: Rich Lieberman

I arrived at Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck NJ Saturday night looking forward to meeting a New Orleans legend and experiencing an incredible group of musicians getting down and dirty with the funk. I was not disappointed. It turned out to be a night I will not soon forget.

I entered the small club and was immediately greeted by the sound of loud cheering and screaming. At next glance, I realized all of the noise was coming from George Porter’s Band, the Runnin’ Pardners, who were completely engrossed in the New Orleans Saints/Philadelphia Eagles playoff game. The entire band was rooting for the Saints and about half of them were wearing New Orleans Saints jerseys. I realized right away that this band would not take the stage until the game was over. Thank God the Saints won, because the band was then ready to throw down a serious party afterwards, New Orleans style, to celebrate.

On the drive out to the venue, I started trying to count the number times that I have seen George Porter Jr. play. It occurred to me that doing so would mean having to first remember what bands I may have seen him in over the years. I realized then what a tremendous career this man has had as I started to list the bands I’ve seen…The Meters, the Funky Meters, PBS (Porter Batiste Stoltz), Runnin Pardners, David Byrne, Gov’t Mule, and the All Star Group - Deep Fried.
I was interested to find out what new projects George Porter Jr. had on the horizon. I was curious how he, as N.O. resident, felt about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. I also wanted to ask him about the rumors that have been circulating, suggesting that we have once again heard the last from The Meters.

I sat down with George Porter Jr. backstage before the show (we could still hear the chants for the New Orleans Saints in the background) for a very candid one on one interview.

Click here to read the interview...