Show Reviews
by Max Ink Staff Writers
Heart - photo by Bruce Alexander
Heart & Jason Bonham Experience
Jones Beach, NY, 6.27.13
Show Review By Bruce Alexander
Posted: Jul 2013
(2480) Page Views
This was a very special triple hitter concert as The Jason Bonham Experience opened for Heart, and then ended the show with Heart doing Led Zeppelin songs with Jason Bonham on drums.
Opener Jason Bonham, taking after his late father John, put together one amazing band of musicians with a singer that sounded very much like Robert Plant. He had the pipes as well as the moves. Next, Heart, featuring the Wilson sisters, plunged right into their classic rocker, “Barracuda.” They followed it with “Heartless.” Ann then sang their 1980’s ballad, “What About Love”. It was the next song, “Magic Man”, that really had the crowd going as it brought back memories of the ‘70’s hard rock heyday. It’s quite fantastic that Nancy still rips that guitar and Ann still sings those high notes. They really turned the energy level up on ” Kick It Out.” The band also played “Even It Up,” which is just what they do as two of the most amazing women leading their strong band. Ann’s voice also shined during their beautiful ballad “These Dreams,” which was a hit for them.
Elias Soriano of Nonpoint 5-21-13 at the Orpheum Theater in Madison - photo by Kris Huehne
Nonpoint Slays The Orpheum In Madison
May 21, 2013
Show Review By Sal Serio
Posted: May 2013
(3990) Page Views
“Did you miss us?” ROAAAAAAARRRRRRRR! This was how Nonpoint cannonballed their way into a 50 minute sweaty, impassioned, high-octane hard rock set of musical solidarity May 21st in Madison. The only thing wrong with that report is the “50 minute” part… I mean, really? Nonpoint has a fervored fanatical following here in the Mad City… and they got billed as an OPENING ACT? To a trendy, kitschy, flavor-of-the-moment act? Utterly ridiculous, but let’s dwell on the positives.
Joel O'Keeffe of Airbourne tearing it up at the Frequency, April 17, 2013 - photo by Kris Huehne
Airbourne and Convoy
Rock and Roll On The Rocks, at The Frequency, 4-17-13
Show Review By Sal Serio
Posted: Apr 2013
(4507) Page Views
When you’re on a roll, it’s best not to upset the balance. Lately, I have been picking the BEST rock shows to attend, and this streak has been consistently smokin’ HOT! Without question, one of my most anticipated shows of this Spring was the fist-pumpin’ power-chord double-bill of Australia’s mighty Airbourne, and the Chicago area’s main contenders, Convoy. Not only were my expectations fully met, but far, far, exceeded! The pure spirit of sweat, volume, and energy, had this show rocketing the stratosphere from the opening notes.
The atmosphere inside Madison’s Frequency rock emporium was surely one of anticipation when the doors opened at 8:00. Since the bands were still sound checking, basically the club’s bar area went from empty to cram-packed instantaneously, as we all grabbed drinks and waited to get in to the band area. This was definitely a “black t-shirt concert event” with many fired-up head-bangers donning their Airbourne apparel from past aural assaults.
- photo by Photo courtesy of High Rise PR
The Consequence of Being Crystal
Show Review By Mario R. Martin
Posted: Apr 2013
(2187) Page Views
The third installment in the Crystal Castles legacy was released in late 2012, just in time to become the soundtrack for the demise of music, as we know it.
Bill Dickens - photo by Michael Sherer
Icons of Funk - Highline Ballroom, NYC, 2.5.13
Show Review By Michael Sherer
Posted: Mar 2013
(2086) Page Views
The nicely-renovated Highline Ballroom, with its couches and tables on the sides and inviting atmosphere, was an ideal venue for these Icons of Funk. From start to finish, the audience was enveloped with the deeply resonating, bad-ass bass grooves of Bill Dickens. It was this that struck me first, especially as it shook the house much like the old elevated trains that used to inhabit the area would have while they ripped past.
While some casual listeners of music aren’t aware of just how literally fundamentally imperative the bass is, and completely so in black orientated music, this listener couldn’t be more cognizant. Dickens knows it so well that he was armed with a white, gold pegged, SEVEN stringed extended bass. (Probably custom made) This provided ranges above and below what a standard four string allows. Bottom line? (Pun intended) MF’s like Dickens unleash seemingly rather simple bass lines that are the most responsible element of the sound that makes people move and dance. In reality, cats like Dickens, and the number one influence on them all, the late, great and sometimes uncredited James Jamerson of the Motown house band, make it seem easy to play like this, but it isn’t. If one doesn’t have the right feel and funk within, one just can’t do it right.
Al Schnier of moe. Feb. 8, 2013, at the Capitol Theater in Madison. - photo by Nicole Richmond
moe. - back in the Madison saddle again!
Feb. 8, 2013, at the Capitol Theater in Madison
Show Review By Sal Serio
Posted: Feb 2013
(3619) Page Views
Sometimes bands are like sports teams, and when one member of the team is under the weather (or injured in a sporting contest), someone else has to step up and give more than 100% to make up for the loss. This was the scenario when the progressive rock jam band moe. came back to Madison after an eight year absence.
Dweezil Zappa at the Barrymore in Madison 12-8-12 - photo by Sarah Warmke
Zappa Plays Zappa
Dec. 8, 2012, at Madison's Barrymore Theatre
Show Review By Sal Serio
Posted: Dec 2012
(7516) Page Views
I have no way of really adding up all the bands that I’ve seen over the years at the Barrymore, but I would guess it would have to be well over one thousand at this point. There’s been some incredible events to be sure, many of my favorite bands… the Meat Puppets, Butthole Surfers, Todd Rundgren, Cheap Trick, Emmylou Harris, Hawkwind… way too many to list. However, there was something really special about the Zappa Plays Zappa concert that took place December 8th. For one thing, I don’t think any concert has ever sounded this crystal clear and pristine in the Barrymore, which generally has pretty good acoustics, but this was just exemplary. There was also a genuine buzz in the air, like all the attendees knew they were in for something truly special and unique.
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm 12-5-12 at the Majestic in Madison - photo by Kris Huehne
HALESTORM !!
Dec. 5, 2012, at the Majestic in Madison
Show Review By Sal Serio
Posted: Dec 2012
(5605) Page Views
Lzzy Hale, came out blazing in a sexy tight black leather jacket, SHORT black hot pants, and mouth-watering detailed black nylons with studded heels… can you tell I was watching her every move?? As if coveting her stunning good looks and ballsy vocal delivery didn’t already have me in the palm of her hand, the guitar geek in me wanted Lzzy’s killer white Gibson Explorer as well! The opening song was “Mz. Hyde” from the new ‘Strange Case Of…’ CD, and the moment everyone in attendance was waiting for skyrocketed right through the roof of the Majestic! Drummer extraordinaire, and Lzzy’s brother, Arejay Hale, wore some weird old man rubber mask as he started the song, but quickly threw it off to reveal his metallic red hair dye. If you’ve never seen Halestorm, be ready for quite the drum calisthenics display… Arejay makes Keith Moon look like a mellow dude! From the very first beats, through to the end of the show, Arejay was jumping around behind the drum kit, flailing his arms like a man possessed, and throwing his sticks EVERYWHERE. And… it didn’t even look like he broke a sweat! The guy is an animal.
Tony MacAlpine - photo by Michael Sherer
PSMS - BB King’s, NYC, 11.18.12
Show Review By Michael Sherer
Posted: Nov 2012
(2320) Page Views
On occasion, a group of musicians from various bands, which may include a solo artist or two, join together and form what’s often called a “super group.” The common denominator should be musicianship that’s off the charts, but often big egos match it, which can cause issues. If things go right though, there’s no stopping a colossal force like many such experiments turn out. PSMS most certainly are everything a progressive, heavy rock fan could hope for, and are such a super group.
The initials stand for Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Tony MacAlpine and Derek Sherinian. These are all crack musicians that are at the top of their game. Drummer Portnoy, 45, was a founding member of Dream Theater 25 years ago, and left the group in ’10. Bassist Sheehan, 59, was a founding member of Talas in the ‘70’s, as well as Mr. Big in the late ‘80’s. MacAlpine, 52, has been a solo artist since the mid ‘80’s. Sherinian, 45, has been a professional session and touring man since the late ‘80’s. They’ve all been heavy, progressive rock players in their own right, and together they continue in that genre, with enviable ferocity and combined skill level. Their cohesive abilities push each other even higher than usual, and they clearly love playing together. This show concluded what I trust was an exhausting 22 date tour of Europe, Israel, Russia and Asia. It was their only U.S. gig.
Greensky Bluegrass 9/28/2012 at the Majestic Theatre - photo by Sal Serio
Greensky Bluegrass 9/28/2012 at the Majestic Theatre
Goodbye, Blue Skies... Hello, Greensky!
Show Review By Sal Serio
Posted: Sep 2012
(2798) Page Views
I like living in the capital city of Madison, Wisconsin, but it sure is “feast or famine” sometimes when it comes to cultural offerings. Last Friday, September 28th, the feast was definitely ON, and quite a bounty it was! The evening got off to a rocking, lubricated start with a free concert on King Street by The Hold Steady, and well before their set had reached it’s last crunchy, eardrum-rattling, power chord, the fragrant jamgrass faithful were lining up in front of the Majestic Theatre to see the late night Greensky Bluegrass concert.
Sam Moore at the City Winery in New York City 7/17/2012 - photo by Michael Sherer
Sam Moore, City Winery, NYC, 7.17.12
Show Review By Michael Sherer
Posted: Sep 2012
(2749) Page Views
After fifty years on the scene, soul legend Sam Moore still has the pipes and presence to stir up his audiences around the world, and in this case the intimate and tasteful City Winery in downtown NYC was the spot. Moore, of course, is half of the dynamic duo Sam & Dave, an act who’s stage moves and energy in the ‘60’s were in the same league as the late James Brown. Their company to do what they did was few and far between. At 77, Sam is now quite subdued, but with his voice and conviction intact, he was a pleasure to hear live. The fine acoustics of the venue allows for an instrument, including a voice as rich as Moore’s, to sound natural and clear.
Ronnie Spector - photo by Michael Sherer
Ronnie Spector
Live at the City Winery, NYC 7-14-2012
Show Review By Michael Sherer
Posted: Aug 2012
(3106) Page Views
It was nearly fifty years ago when Ronnie Bennett, then 16 and living in Spanish Harlem, went with her sister Estelle and cousin Nedra to audition for a record producer on the rise, Phil Spector. He would become known for his “Wall Of Sound” and being a hit machine in the first half of the ‘60’s. Spector, originally from the Bronx, was bowled over within seconds of hearing lead singer Ronnie vocalize. He excitedly exclaimed that this was the sound that he’d been searching for. He immediately signed them to his two year old Philles record label and christened them The Ronettes. They were to be one of Spector’s flagship acts, and set a high bar for all such “girl groups” to follow.
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