May | 2011 | TAKE COVER AND SHOOT!

Archive for May, 2011

May

* Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Mr. Fahrenheit @ Vinyl Music Hall. 05/27/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: dirty guv'nahs, florida, funk, michael lashan smith, mr. fahrenheit, pensacola, rock n roll, take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall, yo mama's big fat booty band

“Getting Down” got literal when Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band’s trombone player, Derrick Johnson jumped off stage and directed the audience to get down during the last song of their performance, capping another music-filled night in Pensacola.

The “Getting Down” began at Vinyl Music Hall with the sounds of local favorites, Mr. Fahrenheit. During their set of multi-genre mix of sound Katy Hubbard (vocals/saxophone) and Robert Pennington (bass) told the crowd of their afternoon encounter with an overeager mace sprayer’s bout with wind and the unfortunate turn luck that placed the band downwind of the mayhem. Rounded out by R.J. McKee (guitar), and Ben Minor (drums) the hard working group are playing the DeLuna Fest Lineup Release After-party at Seville Quarter on May 31st, followed by a show with Hail the Titans and Eerie Rockwell on June 4th at The Big Easy Tavern in Pensacola, Florida.

Following Mr. Fahrenheit were The Dirty Guv’nahs from Knoxville, Tennessee. Pure rock n’ roll with lots of southern soul, the ensemble includes James Trimble (vocals), Michael Jenkins (guitar), Chris Doody (keyboards), Justin Hoskins (bass), Aaron Hoskins (drums), and Cozmo Holloway (guitar). Drawing national attention with their sound and a live performance that has taken them to perform at festivals such as Bonnaroo in 2009, the group gave the Pensacola crowd plenty of reasons to stomp and shake around.

With the venue primed and ready for Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band’s entrance to the stage, the crowd cheered loudly as the Asheville, North Carolina group set in for a night of funk. Led by Al Al Ingram (vocals, bass), John Paul Miller (guitar, vocals), Derrick Johnson (trombone, background vocals), Sister Mary Frances (keyboards, vocals), Lee Allen (drums), and Greg Hollowell (saxophones, background vocals, bongos) the group made everybody get up during their party-time sonic thumps of rhythm. Keeping the balance, Johnson helped the crowd get down when he left the party on-stage and joined the party on the floor. Positioning himself directly in the middle of the pack, Johnson led the huddle in a climactic journey that started on the floor and grew into a loud, jumping celebration to close out their set.

-Michael L. Smith

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May

* Elyse Therose, Wake Up the Echo @ Vinyl Music Hall. + INTERVIEW W/ Wake Up the Echo. 05/26/11

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Categories: Interview, Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: elyse therose, florida, lashan, michael, noel coward, pensacola, show must go on, smith take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall, wake up the echo

“The show must go on!” And that is exactly what happened at Vinyl Music Hall when the headlining act made a last-minute cancellation due to illness. The downtown venue could have called it a night, but the staff, along with both supporting bands, decided to carry on and provide a free night of live music.

Spun from the Renaissance-Man web of Noel Coward, the phrase “The show must go on” originates from the English playwright, director, actor and composer’s song “Why Must The Show Go On?” Just hours away from showtime, the headlining cancellation announcement was made. Quickly jumping into action, tickets were refunded and preparations were made to ensure that live music would be provided courtesy of the Vinyl Music Hall staff and the opening bands.

With a hue of calming blue light marking the area where the two Pensacola bands would perform, Wake Up The Echo were first to the floor. Performing sans stage, Travis Brown (vocals/guitar), Nathan Price (vocals/guitar), Ryan Steward (drums) and Alex Steward (bass) performed a set that included a new song in their ever-growing quiver of indie rock music.

Following Wake Up the Echo, were Pensacola group Elyse Therose. Having recently won the 2011 University of West Florida Battle of the Bands contest and appearing as supporting act for Brooke Fraser, the Pensacola group displayed the rock sound that is quickly earning support throughout the area. Led by Erin Jeffreys (vocals/guitar), Jody Shaver (guitar), John Mlynarczyk (drums) and Rob Haskers (bass) the band will make their next appearance on the Vinyl Music Hall stage as opening act for Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ on June 16th.

- Michael L. Smith

***Wake Up The Echo Interview***
TCAS: What’s in store for Wake Up The Echo in 2011?
TB: 2011. What’s in store?
RS: More music.
TB: We’re going to start coming up with new songs.
RS: We were talking about that. After this show, we’re going to start writing a whole new batch of music. We have one new song that we played today. So, I guess we’re going to try to like, maybe
TB: An EP.
RS: Maybe five or six…
TB: Late summer EP.
RS: So like late summer, early fall. Gio Lugo and his band Paloma, I think we’re going to start booking shows together.
TCAS: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
RS: Like with music or anything?
TCAS: Anything.
TB: Don’t take one person’s advice, take a little bit of advice from a lot of people. That has been my life approach.
TCAS: What is the best advice you can give to someone else?
TB: I always tell people you learn more from your failures than your successes. I’ve been through a lot.
TCAS: Serious question. Do you like crunchy or creamy peanut butter?
TB: Crunchy! Crunchy Natural.
RS: Crunchy!
NP: Crunchy.
RS: Alex….Crunchy or regular peanut butter?
TB: Crunchy or smooth?
Alex: (from across the 5 ½ bar) Uh…..honey crunchy.

May

* Bone Thugs-N-Harmony @ Vinyl Music Hall. 05/25/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: bone thugs n harmony, florida, grammy award, internet radio, lashan, michael, pensacola, rap, smith, take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall, wmob

Drama was the name of the game in the months leading up to the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony performance at Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola, Florida. Shortly after announcing the first leg of their Resurrection Tour, controversy struck a crippling blow to the Grammy Award winning group from Cleveland, Ohio.

In April of this year, founding member Krayzie Bone (Anthony Henderson) announced that he was leaving Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. With two of the original members no longer in Bone Thugs (Charles C. Scruggs, Jr. aka Wish Bone and Krayzie Bone), the situation would seem to leave the hit-making group and their tour in an awkwardly precipitous state.

What would a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony show be like without two original members? Would Layzie Bone (Steven Howse), his older brother, Flesh-n-Bone (Stanley Howse) and Bizzy Bone (Bryon Anthony McCane) be able to ignite the same fire that saw the group dominate airwaves and video when they hit the scene in the early 90′s. Would Florida Governor Rick Scott descend on the Panhandle, making another surprise appearance in Pensacola to pull the plug on the show when the group played their sing-along anthem “1st of Da Month” with a chorus that has been recognized as a “welfare carol” by comedian Chris Rock? All of these questions would soon be answered.

The night started early with media personalities from WMOB radio introducing a slew of opening artists that warmed up the Pensacola crowd. Finally reaching capacity, the sold-out Vinyl Music Hall venue cheered the announcement that Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were up next and a special raffle was drawn to find one lucky person to go on stage and hang with the artists after the show.

While looking at the stage moments before their set, it was evident that this was going to be a unique experience. The not-so secret hints of a live band joining the BTNH party was all around; a drum kit prominently displayed in the center of the stage with guitars, a keyboard and horns outlying the performance area.

With a blast of light and sound, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony took the stage. Confidently showing the vocal virtuosity that has marked their career, albums and collaborations with megastars such as Mariah Carey, the performance hit an even more dynamic level with the new additions. Not just musicians playing in the background, the band skillfully layered the show in solid hits of funk and rock.

Another highlight of the show included the groups’ dedication to the influential artists that have passed on throughout the years by calling upon ladies in the audience to join them on stage while the group played a celebratory mix of songs from artists including the late Tupac Shakur.

Adding a clever slice of drama near the end of the night, it was announced that the show would have to end because of time constraints while the greatest song in the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony cannon had, obviously, not been touched. A song that holds special meaning to many people, myself included, who have lost loved-ones, it seemed improbable that the single that earned the group a Grammy Award in 1997 for “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” would go unheard. As the crowd loudly proclaimed their displeasure, the lights went dark and the group performed “Tha Crossroads.”

Penned as a tribute to the late Eazy-E, the former member of the pioneering group N.W.A. who had signed the hungry Ohio group to his record label Ruthless Records in 1997, the song was a fitting way to end the night; showing that even when caught in a storm of recent drama, the group finds strength from loved ones, family and fellow artists to continue their exploration of life and music.

-Michael L. Smith

May

* Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven @ Vinyl Music Hall. 05/17/2011

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: austin city limits, camper van beethoven, cracker, david lowery, florida, kerosene hat, key lime pie, lashan, low, michael, pensacola, smith, take the skinheads bowling, vinyl music hall

On the day of the Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven show at Vinyl Music Hall, I was making a 12 hour drive from Springfield, Missouri to the Pensacola, Florida venue. The rustic landscape evolved gallantly with sights of falling rock hills, pregnant lakes, and swimming trees. Somewhere on the concrete and yellow painted trail between the Ozark Mountains and the music of Memphis, Tennessee, David Lowery made his way through the speakers.

The cyclical guitar strum that wrapped around my spinning wheels was the more than familiar introduction of the song “Low” by Cracker. Having heard David Lowery’s voice, musicianship and that particular song a million times since my high school graduation, the moment should have not stirred me, but it did.

Leaving the high school graduation of my god-daughter who was born on July 28, 1993 and returning home to watch David Lowery reunite both Camper Van Beethoven and the band Cracker that released their biggest selling album, Kerosene Hat on August 24, 1993 was an odd strike of chance. Being that “Low” was the first track on the album, I got more than a chill when all of the coincidental pieces fell together.

Finally making my way to Vinyl Music Hall, Camper Van Beethoven were four songs deep into a set that included my favorite Camper Van Beethoven song, “Take the Skinheads Bowling.” I was a little bummed because I had missed the set of opening band 60 Cycles of Sound, a Pensacola group known for performing shows of intensely engaging music, but now I was soothed and taking in the trip created by Lowery and the group he formed in 1983.

Only a few days shy of their performance at Austin City Limits on May 20th, where the songwriter, producer, and University of Georgia lecturer will conduct Camper Van Beethoven through a performance of the “Key Lime Pie” album and Cracker through the “Kerosene Hat” album (both in their entirety), Lowery graced the stage first with Camper Van Beethoven, took a short break and quickly returned with Cracker to complete a journey that drove the Pensacola crowd on his spinning wheels of music.

- Michael L. Smith

***For more information on the reunion and a review of the Camper Van Beethoven/Cracker performance at New York City’s Highland Ballroom with photography by Jackie Roman check out Richard Gehr’s article “Camper Van Beethoven & Cracker Reunite” on Spin.com.***

May

* The Architects, Betsy Badwater & The Hillbilly Chrome, Swim With Sharks, American Suicide, Martyr: The Unicorn @ Vinyl Music Hall. 05/12/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: american suicide, Betsy Badwater, florida, hillbilly chrome, kansas city, lashan, martyr the unicorn, michael, missouri, pensacola, smith, swim with sharks, take cover and shoot, the architects, The Handlebar, vinyl music hall

“The Return of Rock to Vinyl” was the declaration of Swim With Sharks vocalist/guitarist Leer Baker. A mid-set declaration that punctuated a night full of bands rolling out their blood and sweat for a wild crowd geared-up to return the favor. Prophetic in direction, Baker’s Merlin-like proclamation cut straight to the bone.

Opening the show at Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola, Florida was Rob Dill’s solo project Martyr: The Unicorn. Laced with original compositions and a few covers dedicated to close friends in the audience, Dill worked the crowd with his set of acoustic rock.

After Dill’s set was the reunion performance of American Suicide who, according to vocalist/guitarist Aaron Taylor, played their last show as opening act for The Architects’ previous show in Pensacola. While Taylor secured the lead vocalist duties, brothers Robert Taylor (guitar), and Lawrence Taylor (drums) joined forces with Roy Clark (bass) as the group effortlessly launched into the rock, blues, punk crush that marked American Suicide shows and recordings since the band’s creation in 2000.

Following the American Suicide reunion and staying true to his word, Baker and the crew of Swim With Sharks delivered on their end of his rock promise. With Aaron Taylor doing double-duty on guitar for both American Suicide and Swim With Sharks, the Pensacola outfit, rounded out by Nicolas Pauwles (bass), and Dave Myers (drums), will continue delivering the rock on June 5th at The Handlebar as they open for New York punkers The Turbo A.C.’s.

Kicking the night’s adventure with a strong boot of blues n’ roots was Betsy Badwater and The Hillbilly Chrome. Performing a slew of new, unreleased songs, the team of Badwater and Lang Hollowman kept the rock energy flowing in preparation for the headliners to take the stage.

Marking the evening as their Vinyl Music Hall debut, The Architects quickly drowned the crowd in a wave of rock and sweat that has proudly been a trademark of the working-band’s energetic live shows, confirming their reputation as a high-intensity live band. With their no rest for the rockin’ ethos, The Architects used their one week off as supporting group for the My Chemical Romance “World Contamination Tour” to headline a few dates that included their show at Vinyl Music Hall. Born of the remaining members of the ska-rock, punk band, the Gadjits, The Architects were immediately formed in 2004 by the Phillips brothers. The children of an art teacher and jazz musician, music played a major role in their household and their passion for live performance was on full display for the Pensacola crowd.

Led by Brandon Phillips (vocals/guitar), Zach Phillips (bass) and Adam Phillips (drums), the brothers enlisted the power of Keenan Nichols (guitar) to complete their Kansas City, Missouri rock sound. Just as King Arthur waved the mythical weapon of British lore “Excalibur,” so does Brandon Phillips, who calls on his beaten n’ true, blue Fender Tele to execute his will. Cutting chunks of hot rock, Phillips’ weapon is marked “Excaliber,” daring anyone to stand still during a raucous set by The Architects.

In the end, Baker’s evening promise proved to be as true as steel.

- Michael L. Smith

May

* Tower of Power, Brooks Hubbert @ Vinyl Music Hall. 05/11/11.

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: brooks hubbert, florida, lashan, michael, pensacola, smith, take cover and shoot, tower of power, vinyl music hall

Backed by a history that began in 1968, Tower of Power made their Vinyl Music Hall debut to a festive audience that was ready to join the band on a musical ride spanning the scope of four decades.

Opening artist for the Tower of Power performance was Brooks Hubbert. During a set that showcased Hubbert’s diverse musicianship, a gentleman next to me asked, “Who is that? I know that guy.” to which I replied “Brooks Hubbert” and he smiled and said “That’s right! I jammed with him one time. That boy can play!” Showing the musical openness that permeates his sound, Hubbert flowed into “The Night the Bayou Burned Down,” a song that had the audience bopping along while the musician delivered his bluesy vocals alongside his guitar chops and beatbox skills.

After Hubbert skillfully warmed up the audience, the members of Tower of Power (Emilio Castillo (second tenor sax), Stephen Kupka (baritone sax), Francis Prestia (bass), David Garibaldi (drums), Roger Smith (keyboards), Adolfo Acosta (second trumpet, flugelhorn), Tom Politzer (lead tenor sax), Jerry Cortez (guitar), Lee Thornburg (trumpet) and Larry Braggs (lead vocalist) made their introduction to the Vinyl Music Hall crowd.

The group, proudly declaring Oakland, California as home, had the Pensacola audience grooving the night away with funky tunes, soulful ballads and the supreme musicianship that has become synonymous with their name.

-MLS

May

* Finite Automata, Preacher, Transfer Case @ The Handlebar. 05/07/11

By Take Cover and Shoot! 3 Comments

Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: finite automata, florida, industrial, lashan, michael, ministry, mr. bungle, pensacola, preacher, smith, take cover and shoot, The Handlebar, transfer case

Bryan Raydo, where are you? The high school classmate who introduced me to industrial music back in the early 90’s would have taken luxurious pleasure in watching the three bands who proudly embrace the ethic of industrial music while fleshing out their individually unique directions.

My early 1990′s introduction to industrial music came while riding down Creighton Road in his older brother’s newly purchased, frequently used white Ford Mustang and Raydo popped a worn out copy of Ministry’s album “The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste” into the cassette player. The same car stereo that produced my first taste of Mike Patton’s mentally genius madness known as Mr. Bungle was now thundering a beautifully David Cronenberg style crash of metal and dance compositions intertwined with fragmented clips of sound bytes and machinery. I was completely drawn inside this compelling new creature. With a unique edge and severing a heavy slice of individuality throughout the music landscape of that time, many sub-genres were born since Ministry’s chief architect, Al Jourgenson grabbed my throat and throttled his sound into my ear.

Created by the mind of Jason Beatty, the first group on The Handlebar stage were Transfer Case. Enlisting the guitar work of Vik Kaos (Michael Graham) for this night’s performance, Beatty elicited dark synth tones to compliment his vocal word play. With an album entitled “New World” soon to be released, the next Transfer Case performance will be on July 4th at the Big Ez Tavern with Strap on Halo and the Harem Key.

Following Transfer Case were Orlando group Preacher. Supported by the trio of vocalist Maus and synth players Heirboxen and Kert Rotten, Preacher erected a pulpit displaying their symbol while they performed their set of self-described metal, industrial and anti-dance music.

Providing the most theatrical set of the night were local group Finite Automata. Founded by Dom Price, the Finite Automata project has been performing Price’s creations since 2005. Breathing life to the group’s vision were keyboardist Grendel (Christopher Stanley) and “guitarist/gadgetrist” Mat Pathetic (Mat Porter).

With an upcoming tour and growing regional support, the group’s performance punctuated the fact that industrial music has the power to engage and throttle those that are willing to take the chance. Thank you, Bryan Raydo…wherever you are.

-Michael L. Smith

May

* Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers @ Vinyl Music Hall. 04/30/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: brooke fraser, cary brothers, florida, lashan, michael, pensacola, smith, take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall

“Hello Pensacola people!” Touring in support of her latest release “Flags” and making her Vinyl Music Hall debut, Brooke Fraser greeted the audience while displaying the music and heart that has taken her around the world in a journey of entertainment and enlightenment.

Opening artist was Cary Brothers who has been touring with Fraser and displaying a healthy sense of humor to go along with his solo acoustic indie-pop. During his set, Brothers told a story about how his mom and a group of her book club friends gathered to watch an episode of the television show Grey’s Anatomy that featured one of his songs. The result was an unexpected experience for the group. For his last song, Brothers enlisted the help of the crowd to help sing his cover of David Bowie’s “Starman.”

On the U.S. leg of her “Something in the Water” tour, Fraser and her bandmates stepped out to a warm reception from the Vinyl Music Hall crowd and moved straight into their set. Having toured with artists such as David Bowie and John Mayer, Fraser has created a solid career that not only involves he passion for music, but also her dedication for global charity and awareness.

With an open-hearted view of the world, Fraser gave the Pensacola audience a dream-like evening while playing the music that has opened the ears and hearts of music lovers around the world. To end the night, in a gesture that displayed her thoughtfulness, Fraser dedicated the encore to her “sweet husband.”

-MLS

May

* Jukebox Superhero @ Vinyl Music Hall + Company of Ghosts @ Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant. 04/29/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: batman, comic books, company of ghosts, dc, flash, florida, green lantern, jukebox hero, jukebox superhero, lashan, michael, pensacola, robin, sluggo's vegetarian restaurant, smith, superman, take cover and shoot, vinyl music hall

Who was that masked band? Who knew that the Green Lantern was such a cool drummer or that Superman could leap tall buildings while shredding a Guns N’ Roses solo? Riddle me this! Did you know that the Dark Knight could rock such wicked bass lines or that his super side-kick Robin head-bangs with the most metal of guitarists? And who in the world knew that Flash “the fastest man alive” had the vocal power to knock your boots off?

None of these answers did I know until I saw my childhood superheroes come to life when Jukebox Superhero flew into Vinyl Music Hall for an evening of Justice League style rock n’ roll. Hitting the stage for an all-ages show, the members of Jukebox Superhero are…

******Spoiler Alert******
(DONT LET YOUR KIDS, OR ANY ADULT THAT DOESN’T WANT TO KNOW THE TRUE IDENTITIES OF JUKEBOX SUPERHERO READ THE FOLLOWING: )

…also the members of Jukebox Hero; Doug “The Flash” Driggers (vocals), Greg “Superman” Behan (lead guitar), Tim “Batman” Liese (bass), Marco “Robin” Hunt (rhythm guitar) and Eric “The Green Lantern” Mazzone.

******Spoiler Over******

With a focus on taking some of the greatest pop hits of the 80′s to epic status with their Superhero might, the group provided a dancing, headbanging good-time for the youngest of superheroes to the oldest rockers at heart.

Near the end of their set, my friends and I decided to get some food and check out another show at Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant. Only a short walk away, we made it just in time to catch Company of Ghosts perform. Mixing dark themes and various musical influences including blue grass, Adam Cope (cello/saw/vocals) smiling over his plate of post-show food described their sound as “black grass.”

Lively and lit with blue lights and one lamp near the stage, the band kicked into their cover of the Cab Calloway hit “Minnie the Moocher.” Replete with the “call and response” audience evocation of the original intertwined with their own darkly jubilant flair.

Led by Patrick Hutchinson (vocals/guitar/banjo/mandolin/kazoo), Jesstro V. (washtub bass/electric bass/banjo/vocals), Chris Stokes (guitar/mandolin/vocals), Travis F. (percussion/vocals), Mark King (washboard/percussion/vocals) and Cope, the group provide a musical experience that is a hauntingly entertaining celebration. So much so, that my friend Anna decided to snag my camera and take a few photos in the restaurant while I was occupied with an almond brownie and an engaging conversation about superhero movies with a group who noticed the Green Lantern hoodie I was wearing. I wonder if they’ll bring back Superhero underoos too?

-MLS

May

* CockFight, It Starts Today @ The Break Beach Bar. 04/28/11

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Categories: Show Pics and Show Write-Ups
Tags: blount, Cockfight, florida, it starts today, lashan, michael, pensacola beach, smith, take cover and shoot, the break, wes sparks

The Six Degrees of Separation experiment hit The Break Beach Bar on a late-April night. Walking into the bar, CockFight were just about to start their set.

A few weeks before their date as co-openers for the Architects May 12th show at Vinyl Music Hall, the members of CockFight, Ethan Manns (vocals/guitar), Christopher Cole (guitar/vocals), Adam Looney (bass), Michael Lane (drums) and Roy Clark (guitar/vocals) laid down a jackhammer onslaught that included a new number called “Wobbly H” that had members of the band mixing it up with the crowd. Demonstrating the six degrees example at The Break on Pensacola Beach, Clark used to be in a band called American Suicide, who also have former members playing in the newly formed band called Swim With Sharks who will also be opening for the Architects’ Pensacola show.

Following CockFight were It Starts Today, who were recently announced as opening act for the upcoming TRUSTcompany show on June 4th at Vinyl Music Hall. Led by Justin Saxton (vocals), Rob Kelemen (guitar/vocals), Randy Blackwell (bass), Tony Johnson (guitar) and Beau DeMilly (drums) the band powered through a set that had the crowd spilling onto the stage and shouting along. Between songs, Kelemen acknowledged and gave thanks to Wes Sparks who was in town to visit family for the weekend. Sparks was a member of the 90’s punk band Blount as well as a few other bands including Enter The Foundation with Ethan Manns. It’s a small world indeed, Stanley Milgram.

-Michael L. Smith