March | 2011 | TAKE COVER AND SHOOT!

Archive for March, 2011

Mar

* Nappy Roots, SubjecTmatTerS, The Icarus Effect, Georgia Gurlz @ Vinyl Music Hall. 03/26/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: florida, georgia gurlz, michael lashan smith, nappy roots, pensacola, subjectmatters, take cover and shoot, The Icarus Effect, vinyl music hall

Just when you thought the Nappy Roots show couldn’t get any wilder, the party took an even wilder turn when the group invited local ladies on stage, ripped a few songs and then surprise guests, The Georgia Gurlz blazed their way on the Vinyl Music Hall stage.

It was a wild, music-filled night that started with local Alt-rock unit The Icarus Effect. Led by Scotty Houseknecht (vocals), Josh Apple (guitar), Mike Bersabal (guitar/DJ), Cory Dull (bass) and Ray Ruddy (drums) the Pensacola group delivered heavy hits of rock to move and warm up the Vinyl Music Hall crowd.

Following The Icarus Effect were hip-hop group SubjecTmatTerS. The Mobile, Alabama trio of DJ “Fragmaent” (B. Korhman) and Emcees “AfterSchock” (J. Schock) and “535 the Poet Tree” (S. Maness) threw a solid flow that was reminiscent of old school De La Soul with modern Southern flair.

As SubjecTmatTerS left the stage, the crowd grew in intensity while waiting for the headliners to begin. Keeping the party atmosphere alive, hip-hop classics were played on Vinyl’s PA system and the crowd danced until Skinny DeVille grabbed a mic and told them to cut the music because it was time to start the show. With a DJ table adorned with enough booze to rival most liquor cabinets, the Nappy Roots began a party that had the crowd screaming, jumping and yelling for their entire set.

With a history that spans over 15 years, the Nappy Roots was formed in Bowling Green, Kentucky and has received nominations for American Music and Grammy Awards. With a high-energy set that had members DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Cluth, Big V, and Fish Scales bouncing from space to space on stage, each member had their time to shine throughout the set.

As the clock ticked away at nearly 1am, the party blew up as Big V invited ladies in the audience to join the group on stage. With a full set under their belts and the stage packed with people, the Nappy Roots threw another surprise when they announced that their friends, the Georgia Gurlz (Miss Holliwood, Phat Gul Da Massacre, Jolly Mac and Big Manda) were going to join them on stage. Mixing elements of Wendy O. Williams (not the talk show host, but the original, bad-girl lead singer of the Plasmatics), Mary J. Blige and SWV, the Georgia Gurlz brought an intense mix of soul, headbanging and fun to round out a full night of music, dance and partying.

-Michael L. Smith

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Mar

* Peter Murphy, Livan @ Vinyl Music Hall. 03/23/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: bauhaus, lashan, livan, michael, peter murphy, smith, take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall

The Peter Murphy Show is an idea that I would like to see happen after watching the “Godfather of Goth” perform at Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola, Florida. As the legendary frontman reached the end of his encore, a few things were very apparent. Most noticeably being the fact that he still has the engaging presence that was documented in the 1983 film “The Hunger.”

Before Murphy made his presence known during his Vinyl Music Hall debut, opening act Livan made his way onto the blackness of the stage, casting his London “Industrial Punk Pop” shadow onto the Pensacola crowd. Supported by Will Crewdson (lead guitar), John Robertson (rhythm guitar), David Ryder (bass), and Seven Antonopoulos (drums), Livan skillfully continued the tradition of dark theatrics that headliner Murphy helped pioneer.

The lead singer of the goth pioneering band Bauhaus, stole the screen while singing the group’s signature single “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” as David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve played with their prey in the opening minutes of the Tony Scott directed 80’s vampire movie “The Hunger.”

Peter Murphy had the same hypnotic impact this night as the time had arrived for his headlining appearance. Preceded by his band and entering the stage in a cloud of smoke, Murphy circled the heart of the stage like a panther ready to pounce and devour.

With a set that showcased charisma, showmanship and amazing vocal presence, Murphy not only mesmerized the crowd but also entertained with a sense of humor worthy of prime-time television. If the “Prince of Darkness” can secure a successful MTV reality show, I see no reason that the “Godfather of Goth” shouldn’t be courted by television execs based on the intelligent execution and depth of his comedic savvy.

With a final wave of showmanship and having completed an encore set that included “Cuts You Up,” Murphy called upon the members of his band and all took a bow while the Pensacola crowd gave their applause in gratitude of a wonderfully dark evening.

-MLS

Mar

* Mike Watt, Lite, Deadly Fists of Kung Fu @ The Handlebar. 03/21/11

By Take Cover and Shoot! 1 Comment

Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: deadly fists of kung fu, florida, handlebar, hyphenated man, japan, lite, michael lashan smith, mike watt, minutemen, missingmen, opera, pensacola, take cover and shoot, tour

Borrowing the title from a Big Daddy Kane song, there “ain’t no half-steppin” in the artistic world of Mike Watt. In a culture where the phrase “Do It Yourself” is thrown around like confetti, Mike Watt is testament to the biggest element of the DIY ethic, which is…“Doing It.” Going full-force, working your craft and keeping the adventure going once you’ve started it. Just as Mike Watt has been voraciously doing his art for over three decades.

While accolades are thrown at his feet like roses, Watt keeps his feet moving by jumping from creative stage to stage in a worldwide dance of touring, recording and collaborating. Even when his body is struck by illness and injury, Watt’s spirit and passion propel him to reach the visions he has created over his lifetime. On this turn of exploration, Watt and company jumped into his white 2005 Ford Econoline E-350 van and navigated another ambitious project that included a stop at The Handlebar in Pensacola, Florida.

First act on the three band bill were rock unit, “Deadly Fists of Kung Fu.” Formed in Pensacola, Florida, the DFKF tour throughout the Gulf region and are led by Zac Hobbs (vocals/guitar), Phread Touchette (bass), Andrew Bennett (drums), and Jason Hurt (guitar). With an upcoming gig in New Orleans, the band signaled the start of musically adventurous evening.

Second on stage were “Lite” from Tokyo, Japan. With an instrumental foundation, the members of “Lite” (Nobuyuki Takeda (guitar), Kozo Kusumoto (guitar), Jun Izawa (bass), and Akinori Yamamoto (drums) build a dynamically intense sound that mixes extreme technique and near-infinite energy. Playing 10 dates of Watt’s tour, “Lite” are contributing proceeds of their album sales to help survivors of Japan’s tsunami tragedy.

With the music of John Coltrane whirling in the bar, Watt and the Missingmen set up in preparation for their reel in the evening’s triple feature. With a promise of “No breakdancing” due to his knee injury, Watt and company transformed the Pensacola crowd into open-mouthed eye-witnesses of his most recent inspired feat. With the goal of performing his third and most recent opera, “Hyphenated-man” 51 times in 52 days, Watt began the opera with an introduction that seduced the boundaries of spoken-word touch with the emotion of a heartfelt greeting.

“…so much….good people of Pensacola…its been awhile….so sorry. And late for a work night…huh…so sorry. I’m very grateful you come. Really…really happy that you got to watch and hear my buddies from Tokyo, my brothers…Lite. Respect. This is the first time they ever played in Florida. You know…respect. It means a lot. Thank you. And Kung Fu..Fists… thanks for helping us with the amps and sharing the stage with us here…and you people at The Handlebar for having me back. We’re gonna play. We’re gonna do a f*cking weird thing now…”

With endearing salutation given, Watt and his Missingmen performed “Hyphenated-man,” a 30 song non-stop push of self-exploration. At the conclusion of the opera, Watt showed appreciation for the Handlebar crowd, both opening bands, and then introduced his band members before they kicked into another set of songs to the delight of the crowd.

-Michael L. Smith

Mar

* Koffin Kats, Pine Box Derby, Benedict Arnold @ The Handlebar. 03/16/2011

By Take Cover and Shoot! 2 Comments

Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: arnold, benedict, box, derby, florida, handlebar, koffin kats, lashan, michael, pbr, pensacola, pine, psychobilly, smith

PBR flowed like agua from Heaven and crazy, upright bass skills were on full display as The Handlebar played host to the psychobilly madness of the Koffin Kats. From the city that gave the world the coolest cars and music, the Koffin Kats were born and the hard-charging trio of Vic Victor (vocals/upright bass), EZ Ian (guitar/vocal), and Eric “E Ball” Walls (drums) motored their way into Pensacola, Florida.

As soon as I hit the door of The Handlebar, Benedict Arnold were in mid-fire of their punk-heavy, bounce-off-the-wall set. Formed by childhood friends in St. Louis, Missouri, Rod Night (guitar/vocals) and Floyd Fannigan formed the band with a focus on their mutual passion for punk music. The band, completed by Ricky Retardo (drums), and Gunn (guitar), stick to the roots and pay reverence to the old-school sound and energy.

Following Benedict Arnold were local psychobilly rockers, Pine Box Derby. The trio have a straightforward rockabilly sound featuring Kyle Terry (upright bass), Peachee Keen (guitar) and Evan Bailey (drums). The Pensacola group heated up the stage and got the crowd ready for the show headliners.

Within a few minutes of stepping on The Handlebar stage, the Koffin Kats immediately kick-started their set and the rest of the crowd dashed to the front of the stage to get an in-your-face perspective of the Detroit city rockers. Effortlessly switching double bass and guitar duties between songs with EZ Ian, Vic Victor displayed deft showmanship as he worked the stage, the crowd and his upright bass with such ease and style that the late Fred Astaire would be rendered jealous.

Debuting some new songs and classics that span their nearly 10 year career that began with their 2003 debut album “S/T”, the Koffin Kats gave all to the Pensacola crowd and even shed some blood for everyone that came out. After their set, the guys displayed their devotion to their fans by hanging out for pictures and autographs before hitting the road and rocking the next town on their tour.

- Michael L. Smith

Mar

* G. Love & Special Sauce, Andrew Greene @ Vinyl Music Hall. 03/16/11

By Take Cover and Shoot! 2 Comments

Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: andrew greene, florida, g love and special sauce, g. love, garrett dutton, michael lashan smith, pensacola, robert randolph, special sauce, take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall

Few artists hold the unique ingredients that are mixed into the sound of G. Love & Special Sauce. With a sold-out Vinyl Music Hall audience in his gaze, Garrett “G. Love” Dutton brought his Philly-born performing skills to Downtown Pensacola.

Supporting artist, Andrew Greene took the stage and soothed his soulful, blues-infused folk into the Tuesday night crowd. Often switching guitars between songs and eliciting powerful spirits from his harmonica, the Boston, Massachusetts musician endeared himself to the audience onstage and also in the merchandise booth after his set.

Only a few weeks removed from Robert Randolph and The Family Band’s sold-out Vinyl Music Hall debut, Dutton followed in his fellow artist’s footsteps with a sold-out debut at the Downtown Pensacola venue. Having shared the stage at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2006, it has been a special season for music lovers in Northwest Florida having both groups perform here.

Accompanied by his band, Dutton made his entrance to the stage under a veil of red light and cheers from the crowd. Beginning the set seated and energized, the front-man from Philadelphia kicked and literally rocked the night into motion. Supported by a career that dates back to G. Love & The Special Sauce’s debut album “Back in the Day,” Dutton danced out of the chair and moved the venue with his charismatic wave of rap, blues and soul laced with good-time vibes.

-Michael L. Smith

Mar

* The Lisps, Fabric @ Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant. 03/10/11

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Categories: Interview, Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: brooklyn, civil war, fabric, florida, musical, new york, pensacola, sci-fi, SLUGGOS, the lisps, vegetarian restaurant

Vaudeville-acoustic met Improv-electronica as “The Lisps” and “Fabric” shared a bill at Sluggo’s and talked about Civil-War sci-fi, “nice-sex” advice from mom, artistic passion, peanut butter and more.

If the ghost of Samuel Beckett possessed the players of Prairie Home Companion, one would brush close to the experience of watching Brooklyn based group “The Lisps” perform at Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant. With thespian hues painted on their musical canvas, César Alvarez (vocals, guitar), Sammy Tunis (vocals, melodica, percussion), Lorenzo Wolff (bass), Eric Farber (drums) are touring with an album to be released soon and a “Civil War Sci-fi musical” set to premiere in 2012.

Questions with “The Lisps”

TCAS: What does 2011 have for you?

César Alvarez: We’re releasing a new album in a couple of months. We are working on a great big musical that we wrote which is going to go up the following year, 2012, up at American Repertory Theatre in Boston. So that’s a big deal for us and we’re going to be working on that all year.

Sammy Tunis: César is having a baby.

TCAS: Congratulations. When is the baby due?

César Alvarez: Thank you. June.

Sammy Tunis: Finding true love.

TCAS: Anything else?

Lorenzo Wolf: You know. I think you nailed it.

Sammy Tunis: Yeah. Musical, album, baby, love.

TCAS: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Lorenzo Wolff: My parents heard me having sex for the first time and my dad said “Make sure you have safe sex” and my mom said “Make sure you have nice sex.” That was the best advice I’ve ever gotten.

César Alvarez: That’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten.
(laughs)

TCAS: Can that be topped? You don’t have to top it, if you want to throw anything else in there.

César Alvarez: I think we’re going to go with that. That’s our final answer.

TCAS: What advice would you give for someone wanting to be where you are?

César Alvarez: Sitting in a club, not knowing where we are going to sleep tonight in Pensacola? If you want to be where we are….

Eric Farber: Can I answer for real?

Everybody: Yeah

Eric Farber: Oh man, it’s going to be boring. I think you just have to be real passionate about doing something and then you just f*cking do it…do it…have an enthusiasm about it, really an enjoyment with it…just keep on wanting to press that and let that outlet go.

TCAS: That wasn’t a corny answer. That was awesome.

César Alvarez: We’ve been a band for coming up on six years. And we feel that year seven is our year. That the point is…

Sammy Tunis: Seven year itch.

César Alvarez: it really does take a long time to do anything and you have to be patient, just keep at it. I agree with Eric.

TCAS: Last question. Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

ALL: Crunchy.

Sammy Tunis: Come on.

TCAS: It’s unanimous.

Sammy Tunis: We don’t agree on much, but…

Lorenzo Wolff: Sammy has a philosophy and I adopted it. I think most people ought to, is that you need at least a duality of consistencies in every food that you eat. Something that has a nice bite and something that has a nice release.

Sammy Tunis: That’s my thing. My philosophy with food and with life is…hard and soft…together.
(laughs)

César Alvarez: I don’t agree. I like things that are squishy and flaccid.

Lorenzo Wolff: Just squish?

César Alvarez: I’ll take like a pudding in a wrap…with pudding
(laughs)

Sammy Tunis: That’s why I’m not big on burritos because it’s too much soft in a squishy thing.

Lorenzo Wolff: Bacon and a burrito, you’d be fine?

Sammy Tunis: Yeah of course, and when the burrito is fried like a chimichanga, that’s fine too.

César Alvarez: A soft pudding burrito. I love it.

****************************

Navigating the stage like sonic lab techs going from station to station, musicians Brian Brown, Sean Peterson and Brandon Warren joined to form the music project “Fabric.” The trio conducted their experimental feats of daring by moving about the stage and testing the boundaries of keyboards, strings, and digital machinery.

Questions with “Fabric”

TCAS: What does 2011 have in store for you?

Brandon Warren: Musically?

TCAS: Anything.

Brandon Warren: More drum students. That’s my…
(laughs)

Brian Brown: I just want to connect with people. Seems pretty important…you know what I mean? That’s what I want.

TCAS: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Brian Brown: Awesome question. Did you hear that question (to Elise Lullo)

Elise Lullo: Yeah. I did. I heard it when he asked them. I immediately knew my answer.

Brian Brown: What’s your answer?

Elise Lullo: In high school my mom told me “Kill them with kindness.”

Brian Brown: Yeah.

TCAS: That is true.

Sean Peterson: “Strive to be child-like in everything you do, but never childish.”

TCAS: Any pearls Brandon?

Brandon Warren: I don’t have any pearls.

TCAS: What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to be where you are?

Sean Peterson: Get a job.

Brandon Warren: Yeah. If you like music, get a degree in something else. Or be cool with being an artist.

TCAS: Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

Brandon Warren: Crunchy.

Elise Lullo: I used to be all about creamy, but then I switched to crunchy. I’m a convert.

Brian Brown: Crunchy.

Sean Peterson: Crunchy

-MLS

Mar

* Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Green Sunshine @ Vinyl Music Hall. 03/05/11

By Take Cover and Shoot! Leave a Comment

Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: big sam's funky nation, florida, green sunshine, mardi gras, pensacola, sam williams, vinyl music hall

Big Sam Williams got down….literally. The cool and charismatic frontman of Big Sam’s Funky Nation jumped off the stage, got down on the floor and danced with the Vinyl Music Hall crowd during a set that had the Mardi Gras infused party shaking and grooving on a Saturday night.

Just as the annual Mardi Gras parade was signaling its final ballyhoo on Palafox street in the heart of Downtown Pensacola, another party was launched at Vinyl Music Hall when Green Sunshine jumped onstage.

The Tampa, Florida group mixed hip-hop, funk, rock and soul while energetically casting a jam-band, party-vibe on the Pensacola crowd. Conducting the Soul Peace Train were Organized Chaos (vocals), Emcee Reason (vocals), Optimus Rhyme (vocals), Motown Tea (vocals), Johnny Nichol (harmonica, keyboard, trumpet), Curtis Haze (bass), DJ Sly Boogie (turntables) and Jason Stander (drums).

As the party took a brief intermission allowing the Green Sunshine party to exit the stage, Big Sam’s Funky Nation made their entrance. Having witnessed their powerful show at the inaugural DeLuna Fest on Pensacola Beach last year, I was curious to see how their set would translate in a more intimate venue. I’m happy to report that the show was just as hard-hitting in the downtown venue as it was during their festival on the beach. Good music is good music, whether it’s played in the living room or in Wembley Stadium, you cannot deny its impact.

Supported by Takeshi Shimmura (guitar),Eric Vogel (bass), Chocolate Milk (Drums) and Andrew Baham (trumpet/vocals), Big Sam Williams had the crowd dancing from his first funky steps on stage to his final wave goodbye to the party he started.

Story & Pics –MLS

-Big Sam’s Funky Nation website

Green Sunshine website

Mar

* CockFight vs. Daikaiju @ The Handlebar. 02/24/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: battle of the bands, Cockfight, daikaiju, florida, pensacola, punk, rock, surf, The Handlebar

Twisted from the wreckage of iron vengeance and forged in the fire of sonic combat, two bands stand opposed in a ring of beer, sweat, and bodies. Heaven and Hell are for mortals, but victory is forever.

On this night, The Handlebar patrons rocked on edge, dangling off the wooden precipice overlooking the descendant sea born of punk, surf, rock, metal and anything else the flesh of souls and sound could create. The rules of engagement were simple; one band would play a song and then the other band would follow-up with a song, each alternating until the night was over.

With the floor of the bar serving as the pitch of contest, the Cockfight crew set up camp on stage as the men of Daikaiju claimed the back of the bar as HQ for the night. With heavily spun drum rolls announcing each volley, the crowd played witness to the 100 watt monster, triple guitar and vocal attack of Cockfight. Led by Ethan Manns, Chris Cole, Roy Clark and their guardians of rhythm, Mike Lane (drums) and Adam Looney (bass), the band matched up their chord heavy artillery against the melodious, riff blitzkrieg of Daikaiju.

Manning an attack of stealth, speed and agility, the masked men of Daikaiju have no need for words or microphones. The instrumental foursome of fear fired a lightning-quick strike of single note guitar attacks from the duo of Secret-man and Rock-man while Rumble-man (bass) and Hands-man (drums) secured their mobile unit.

The evening textile of music swooned white as the battle of bands quickly turned into a party with dizzying dances from camp to camp as each song was completed. Audience members (and even a few band members) traversed the playing field to watch every retort. Staying up close to the action, instrument-to-face and notes-through-body for every song of the dueling sets.

As quickly as the night started, it soon came to an end. The victor of the evening? Everyone! The contest was ruled a draw.

-Story and photos by MLS

Cockfight site
Daikaiju site

Mar

* Taylor Hicks, James Adkins @ Vinyl Music Hall. 02/24/11

By Take Cover and Shoot! 6 Comments

Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: American Idol, florida, James Adkins, pensacola, Taylor Hicks, vinyl music hall

American Idol may have needed Taylor Hicks more than Taylor Hicks ever needed American Idol. While watching the 2006 American Idol winner thrill the crowd during his Vinyl Music Hall debut, it was evident that the man has a passion for performing. One way or another, his musical gifts would have been shared with the world, no matter what vehicle he chose to deliver his message. His love of music and the Pensacola audience Thursday night punctuated the fact that Taylor Hicks was born to entertain.

Sharing the Vinyl Music Hall stage as opening artist was local musician, James Adkins. Having graduated from Pensacola High School and studied in the University of West Florida Jazz program, Adkins has built a strong fan base by playing local venues and sharing his love of music by teaching those who are willing to learn. With a set packed with popular hits, Adkins displayed appreciation and humor while juggling audience requests during his set. “I got a song for the ladies,” smiled Adkins as his brief introduction served notice of his rendition of the Gloria Gaynor disco burner “I Will Survive.” Adkins ended his performance by giving thanks to the crowd and showing appreciation to the venue and the show headliner.

Jackie Linn of Soft Rock 94.1 jumped on stage and cheered on the crowd in preparation for Hicks’ entrance. “You guys ready? “ Linn asked the audience, “Alright, here is what I want you to do. I want the ladies to go “Taylor!” and the guys to go “Hicks!” With those words, Linn instigated a playful riot as gender-war commenced in an effort to show who had the most spirit. I think the ladies won the overall competition, but it was closer than expected.

The Soul Patrol was in full force as Hicks’ band prepared themselves and cut into a groove as Taylor Hicks strutted and danced onstage, working the beat and the crowd with his opening number, “Compared to What.” A musical scorcher with political heat that was written by Eugene McDaniels and became hits for jazzman Les McCann and soul legend Roberta Flack.

With a soulfully powerful voice, Hicks held the crowd in his gaze as he navigated every available inch of the stage and showed his musical versatility by jumping from guitar, harmonica and even cowbell…yes…Hicks even rocked the cowbell. Firmly holding the attention of the audience with music and showmanship, he also displayed his appreciation for the men and women serving our country as he dedicated his song “Nineteen” to them.

While witnessing the energy Hicks put on display for the Pensacola crowd, his performance made several things clear. One of the most obvious points being that the Birmingham, Alabama born gentleman was, with or without the help of America’s biggest talent search, destined to be a star.

-Michael L. Smith
-Related Links

Taylor Hicks Official Site

James Adkins Official Site