Charleston City Paper: Music+Clubs

Tesla live review, part two

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:15:00 -0500

Mt. Pleasant rock music fanatic Charles "Charlie T." Taylor � a character from the Coleman Boulevard music scene � accompanied City Paper to the Music Farm for the show last week. Here's his official review. by T. Ballard Lesemann [image-1]]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The Dirt Daubers warmed hearts

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:15:00 -0500

Things were jumping all evening at the Pour House on Sat. Oct. 14 as the fourth annual Holy City Cold Heart Revival commenced on the main stage and the stage on the big deck. by T. Ballard Lesemann Things were jumping all evening at the Pour House on Saturday night as the fourth annual Holy City Cold Heart Revival commenced on the main stage inside and the stage on the big deck outside. One act that caused quite a stir among the friends, musicians, and scenesters in attendance was hillbilly-themed, Kentucky-based acoustic trio The Dirt Daubers. Situated behind a white-cloth banner hanging from a microphone stand holding two old-fashioned microphones (one for singing and one for kazoo-playin'), skinny,…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Tesla's stadium-like show

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500

The multi-platinum-selling, California-based rock group Tesla rolled into town Fri. Oct. 13. Charleston-based singer/guitarist Kevin Gates and barfly/musicologist Charles "Charlie T." Taylor accompanied City Paper to the Music Farm for the show. by T. Ballard Lesemann The multi-platinum-selling, California-based rock group Tesla rolled into town last Friday (Oct. 13) and delivered a tight, high-volume set of old and new songs to a houseful of faithful fans at the Music Farm. The light show was as flashy and bright as any major rock concert from 1989. Lead vocalist Jeff Keith's voice was in fine condition. Bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Luccketta, and guitarists Dave Rude and Frank Hannon played well. Charleston-based singer/guitarist Kevin Gates and barfly/musicologist…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Roger Daltrey celebrates the best

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

This week at the PAC, vocalist Roger Daltrey promises "a healthy serving of Who songs" and various solo material, plus a few keen covers that "pay tribute to his influences and admired contemporaries" — many of whom The Who covered during their formative years. by T. Ballard Lesemann "It never ceases to amaze me how four young prats with such diverse personalities came to be in the same band," says Roger Daltrey of his bandmates in The Who in Anyway Anyhow Anywhere by Andy Neill and Matt Kent. "To make matters worse, we were four megalomaniacs, with all the traumas, insecurities, and paranoia that make adolescence such a joy." At 65, well past his London adolescence, Daltrey is be more like an old git than a young prat…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The Genitorturers want to beat you

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Chris Haire) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:10:00 -0500

Lead singer Gen, of the goth-metal outfit the Genitorturers, imagines herself to be the female equivalent of the Marquis de Sade, the notorious author of 120 Days of Sodom. by Chris Haire Gen, of the goth-metal outfit the Genitorturers, imagines herself to be the female equivalent of the Marquis de Sade, the notorious author of 120 Days of Sodom, who was locked up in the Bastille for his perverse writings. How perverse you ask? Well, check out this passage from 120 Days: "He has four girls fart in his mouth all the while he embuggers a fifth, then he changes girls. All rotate: all fart, all are embuggered; he does not discharge…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The late Jerry Fuchs made an impression

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:50:00 -0500

Last week, we heard the bad news about the passing of Gerhardt "Jerry" Fuchs, one of the most accomplished and genuinely friendly drummers in the Athens and Brooklyn band scenes. by T. Ballard Lesemann Sometimes it takes a jolt of tragic news to knock you off-track to a spot where you can pause and appreciate that lost talent. An artist who consistently displays eminence, creativity, and skill can easily be taken for granted — especially one who avoids the spotlight. Last week, I heard the bad news about Gerhardt "Jerry" Fuchs, one of the most accomplished and genuinely friendly drummers I'd ever known during my 15 years in the Athens, Ga., band scene. Based…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Steve Kimock's band: bonkers

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Josh Dybzinski) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0500

Steve Kimock brought his project Crazy Engine to town last Friday night to play before an excited crowd of older heads mixed with young fans. The band lived up to its name. by Josh Dybzinski Steve Kimock Crazy Engine The Pour House Nov. 14 Steve Kimock brought his project Crazy Engine to town last Friday night to play before an excited crowd of older heads mixed with young fans. Crazy Engine lived up to its name, backing Kimock's high energy jams with smooth, syncopated beats from Kimock's son, John Morgan. Keyboardist Melvin Seals rounded out the sound nicely with his trademark brand of funky organ solos that transitioned seamlessly between him and Kimock. Pulling from…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Dex Romweber Duo rocked and bounced

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:20:00 -0500

In a rousing performance, Chapel Hill's Dex Romweber Duo — singer/guitarist Dexter Romweber and drummer/sister Sara Romweber — delivered a sometimes-swingin', passionate set of ballads, rockers, and samba-tinged numbers. by T. Ballard Lesemann Dex Romweber Duo The Pour House Nov. 11 In a rousing performance, Chapel Hill's Dex Romweber Duo — singer/guitarist Dexter Romweber (formerly of The Flat Duo Jets) and drummer/sister Sara Romweber — delivered a sometimes-swingin', thoroughly passionate set of ballads, rockers, and samba-tinged numbers. If Dexter's old Flat Duo Jets were blood 'n' guts, super-raw rockabilly, this duo bounces from a different vibe altogether. Sara's refined drum work pulled Dexter's songs into more elegant territory. Dex's singing voice sounded strong,…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

In the Jukebox: InLaws, DaliDrama, Fat Alice

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:15:00 -0500

Local bands The InLaws, The DaliDrama, and Fat Alice (presented by John Sullivan) issued recordings this month. Here's the run-down on the tracks. by T. Ballard Lesemann The InLaws I Am the Back Woman (independent) Despite the peculiar packaging (a loose, paint-decorated disc inside a bulk-purchased Mexican greeting card), there's nothing cheap about the sweet-spirited, emotive, and beautifully morose folk-pop and roots-rock on this debut album from The InLaws — a songwriting project conducted by the duo of Joel Hamilton and Owen Beverly. On the acoustic guitar-based, straight-beat kick-off tune "The Big Mistake" — the first of 11 gems — Beverly mentions a "whole new set of…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Dig the new Torture Town

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:25:00 -0500

Local rock band Torture Town recently unveiled a newly-solidified lineup. They played a tight set at Rocktoberfest in Awendaw last month (see video). This week, they open for the Genitorturers at the Music Far. Frontman Doug Walters answers all the right questions here. by T. Ballard Lesemann Local songwriter, singer, and guitarist Doug Walters (a contributor to City Paper's music pages) recently unveiled a newly-solidified lineup of Torture Town — one of several original projects he's been busy with over the last two years — with two sturdy scene veterans. Singer/bassist Dave Dunning (a.k.a. Dave Diesel, of The Diesel Brothers, The Larry David Project) and drummer Jeff Mangan (of The Problems) signed on this summer, just in time to whip up a tight set at Rocktoberfest in…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Sol Driven Train releases a sharp concert DVD

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:30:00 -0500

Sol Driven Train celebrates the release of a new concert DVD titled Live at the Windjammer, recorded at the Isle of Palms venue. by T. Ballard Lesemann Few, if any, Charleston rock bands have traveled a more adventure-filled path than Sol Driven Train over the last few years. They've survived multiple national tours, financial rough spots, a bout with Gillaine-Barr� Syndrome, residencies at local clubs, intense studio sessions, and amicable lineup changes — and they've strengthened their sometimes-startling fusion of musical styles with every step. This week, the quintet celebrates the release of a new concert DVD titled Live at the Windjammer, recorded at the Isle of…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Panic partners with Food Bank

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500

The two Widespread Panic concerts scheduled for Fri. Nov. 27 and Sat. Nov. 28 at the North Charleston Coliseum tie in with a food drive for the Lowcountry Food Bank. by T. Ballard Lesemann Tickets are still available for the two Widespread Panic concerts scheduled for Fri. Nov. 27 and Sat. Nov. 28 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Vocalist-guitarist John "J.B." Bell, bassist Dave Schools, drummer Todd Nance, keyboardist John "Jo Jo" Hermann, percussionist Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz, and lead guitarist Jimmy Herring are set to perform in support of their studio album, Free Somehow. As part of the stint, the band organized a two-day food drive. "Our friends at the Lowcountry Food Bank will…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Pattison benefit postponed

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:45:00 -0500

Dream on the Green — Pattison Academy's D.R.E.A.M. Benefit show scheduled for Sun. Nov. 29 at Awendaw Green — has been postponed until next spring. by T. Ballard Lesemann Dream on the Green — Pattison Academy's D.R.E.A.M. Benefit show scheduled for Sun. Nov. 29 at Awendaw Green — has been postponed until next spring. Shawn Mullins, Occasional Milkshake, and a slew of local acts were on the bill. "We hope to reassemble this stellar group of giving musicians and volunteers to raise much-needed funds for one of the Lowcountry's most important organizations," says Awendaw Green director Eddie White. Pattison's Academy for Comprehensive Education (PACE) will open as a charter…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Sam Sfirri's sounds of silences

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:15:00 -0500

The New Music Collective presents a concert-length work composed Sam Sfirri titled Transitions at the Circular Congregational Church (150 Meeting St.) on Sun. Nov. 15. by T. Ballard Lesemann The New Music Collective presents an unusual concert on Sun. Nov. 15 — a concert-length work titled Transitions at the Circular Congregational Church (150 Meeting St.) composed by pianist/multi-instrumentalist Sam Sfirri (of the Western Polaroids and the Pulse Trio). It's one of many in a diverse series of works this year. Last March, Sfirri received support from the Coastal Community Foundation's Expansion Arts Fund. The free concert features guest performances by Bill Carson, Jason Brogan, Nathan Koci, and NMC's Ron…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Rodney Carrington at the PAC

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500

Rodney Carrington — a regular on syndicated radio program The Bob and Tom Show — is solid for a performance at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Fri. Jan. 22. Tickets are on sale now.

by T. Ballard Lesemann Country musician, comedian, actor, and writer Rodney Carrington — a regular on syndicated radio program The Bob and Tom Show — is solid for a performance at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Fri. Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Carrington has recorded eight major record label comedy albums. The Texas native's latest El Niño Loco is his seventh studio album on the Capitol Nashville label. His new holiday album is titled Make it Christmas. "It ain't got a funny…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Darius Rucker wins big at the CMAs

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0500

Charleston native Darius Rucker had good reason to get excited and emotional on TV this week. by T. Ballard Lesemann Charleston native Darius Rucker had good reason to get excited and emotional on TV this week. On Wed. Nov. 11, he won the Best New Artist of the Year category at the annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville — becoming the first black artist to win the category. He was also nominated in the Best Male Vocalist of the Year category as well. Following the smashing success of Hootie & The Blowfish frontman's 2008 country album Learn to Live…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Matisyahu evolves from his reggae and hip-hop

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Alan Sculley) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

Matisyahu, a Brooklyn-based songwriter, rapper, and singer, stands as a unique artist. With his new album Light, he's back with a more developed mix of musical styles. by Alan Sculley "I really am way into the idea of having the orgasmic experience ... the ups and downs," says Matisyahu of his most recent studio and road experiences. The Brooklyn-based songwriter, rapper, and singer stands as a unique artist. He first came on the scene as "that Hasidic Jewish musician guy," with a 2004 album titled Shake Off the Dust ... Rise. With his new album Light, he's back with a more developed mix of musical styles. Matisyahu's move toward a…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Get right for the Holy City Cold Heart Revival

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

The fourth annual Holy City Cold Heart Revival — a roots music jamboree organized by Charleston songwriter Lindsay Holler — promises to be a memorable showcase of American roots music, with a variety of locals and visitor handling alt-country, folk, pop, and country styles. Kentucky trio The Dirt Daubers headline. by T. Ballard Lesemann I've followed my cold heart all year long, searching not for a dark hole in the ground or a greasy place to rest my tired bones, bur rather for the warm house filled with friends and enemies, neighbors and strangers. It's true, brothers and sisters. This Saturday, none shall deter the songs and rhythms of the musicians determined to stand with love and devotion, despite the coming maelstrom and fury that lies ahead. That's right, the fourth annual Holy City…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Righchus rides hard

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Nick Smith) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

The 20th century is strewn with pop-culture milestones, but music videos have a particular knack for searing themselves into the brains of our collective consciousness. There's something about the combination of brash imagery, loud tunes, and fast-editing that makes them almost hypnotic. Whether Run-DMC are walking this way, Public Enemy are fighting the power, or Britney Spears is giving a womanizer a kick in the cojones, all good videos pack a punch. by Nick Smith The 20th century is strewn with pop-culture milestones, but music videos have a particular knack for searing themselves into the brains of our collective consciousness. There's something about the combination of brash imagery, loud tunes, and fast-editing that makes them almost hypnotic. Whether Run-DMC are walking this way, Public Enemy are fighting the power, or Britney Spears is giving a womanizer a kick in the cojones, all good videos pack a punch. Filmmaker Blake Engel has his own theory about…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Tesla's blue collar rock 'n' roll trip doesn't stop

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:05:00 -0500

"We're older and more mature, and we learned from the mistakes we made when we were young," says Tesla bassist Brian Wheat. The band heads to Charleston this week for a show at the Music Farm. by T. Ballard Lesemann It looks like a modernized, solidly reunited, more grown-up version of Tesla will be heading to Charleston this Friday. The multi-platinum-selling rock group from northern California retains four of its original members — vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarist Frank Hannon, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Luccketta — plus new guitarist Dave Rude. They still rock their radio hits on stage. They still look like scraggly acid-rock hippies. They still tour like crazy. However, they're less distracted by the clichéd trappings…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Charlie Louvin shares his pure country music

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0500

Tennessee-based songwriter Charlie Louvin ��best known for his harmonies in vintage country/gospel act The Louvin Brothers � is an influential members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Louvin and his band, The Smokin' Guns, plan to bring some of their most spiritual and colorful country songs to the Pour House stage this week. by T. Ballard Lesemann "I'm singing today to a lot of the great-grandchildren of people my brother and I played to when they were young," says Tennessee-based songwriter Charlie Louvin. Known for his harmonies in vintage country/gospel act The Louvin Brothers, the gentlemanly, 82-year-old vocalist is a living legend, revered among critics and fans as one of the more influential members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Louvin and his band, The Smokin' Guns, plan to bring some of their most spiritual and…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Jazz for Jenkins at Magnolia

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:20:00 -0500

Local jazz musicians are set to perform the Jazz for Jenkins benefit show at the scenic Magnolia Plantation on Sat. Nov. 14. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the historic Jenkins Institute for Children. by T. Ballard Lesemann Some great local jazz musicians are set to perform the Jazz for Jenkins benefit show at the scenic Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on Sat. Nov. 14. The gig aims to raise funds and awareness for the historic Jenkins Institute for Children (located in North Charleston at 3923 Azalea Drive). The old Jenkins Orphanage was founded in 1891 on upper Meeting Street (and later moved to Franklin Street). During the early era of jazz, the dedicated music programs and big bands…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

NOMO hold their own at the Music Farm

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (John Edward Royall) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:05:00 -0500

Opening for an established party band like Karl Denson's Tiny Universe can be a tough gig. , but NOMO got most of the small crowd's attention with an eclectic batch of funky Afro-beat-inspired tunes. by John Edward Royall Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, NOMO Music Farm Nov. 6 Opening for an established, guaranteed funky party band like Karl Denson's Tiny Universe can be a tough gig. Fans know that it's going to start late and end late, so the few that get there early are even less concerned about the first act. Despite this unenviable position, NOMO got most of the small crowd's attention with an eclectic batch of funky Afro-beat-inspired tunes. Set-closer "Nu Tones," starting with a simple…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

A mellow night with The Scissormen

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Doug Walters) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:55:00 -0500

The Scissormen brought their blues to Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's for an evening of light-hearted fun on Fri. Nov. 6. Guitarist Ted Drozdowski and drummer Rob Hulsman played three sets of festive but tame blues-rock. by Doug Walters The Scissormen Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ (Sullivan's Island) Nov. 6 The Scissormen brought their blues duo to Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island for an evening of light-hearted fun with the good ol' I/IV/V. It was a low-key, chilly night out at the beach, as is often the case on Sullivan's in the off season. A handful of bar-hopping regulars came and went while guitarist Ted Drozdowski and drummer Rob Hulsman played three sets of festive but tame blues…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Palmetto Acoustic hosts Shootout

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 -0500

On Wed. Nov. 11, the local Palmetto Acoustic group presents another Palmetto Acoustic Bi-Annual Shootout at the West Ashley Muddy Waters with songwriter and guitarist Aaron Levy (of White Rhino) as the main emcee. by T. Ballard Lesemann On Wed. Nov. 11, the local Palmetto Acoustic group presents another Palmetto Acoustic Bi-Annual Shootout at Muddy Waters Coffee Bar (1331 Ashley River Road, 843-225-3683) with local songwriter and guitarist Aaron Levy (of local band White Rhino) as the main emcee. Levy and Palmetto Acoustic director Madeline Evans will judge the musical stylings and instrumental skills of six songwriters. "One change will be that they all have to write a song based on the audience-suggested theme of 'tangerines,'" says Evans.…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]