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Best Live Shows 2006 ?

This year has started out for me with some great live music. First it was John Prine. Touring his latest (Grammy winning) album "Fair and Square" and with no hesitation to play classics from 30 years ago, this was one hell of a show. To quote Mr Prines' acceptance speech: "I didn't expect to be up here. I showed up because I got nominated. All the other nominees are sitting at home in my record collection." Great talent dosent always mean a big head.

Next was a strange visit from guitar/experimental music pioneer Robert Fripp. I expected STRANGE and thats what I got. "Words and Soundscapes". Very weird fellow I would venture to opine, but this was not unexpected. Still glad to have spent time with a man responsible for some of the greatest music to ever warp my young mind. I think he will be touring soon with the latest incarnation of King Crimson which will include Adrian Belew. I wont miss that one.

Last night was more of a surprise for me. I went to see a less known act called "Hayseed Dixie". Search their website to learn the story of Barley Scotch and the boys, how they discovered some ACDC albums and how it changed their lives up in Deer Lick Holler. Their first album is called "A Hillbilly Tribute to ACDC". All banjos, mandolins and fiddles cranking out rock favorites like you have never heard before. I suspected from the cds that they would be good, but these guys were hotter than two dollar pistols. This band was laying down some of the hottest licks, there were times I fully expected the mandolin to simply burst into flames! Anyone who has seen this band will tell you they are a blast!

Now I am looking forward to seeing one of rock/blues greatest legendary guitarists, Johnny Winter. This show will be in an old converted movie theatre where the worst seat is better than most good seats you might score at other venues. "Johnny Winter And Live" from 1970 (I think) contains blues and rock guitar that set a standard of reference for my young mind. For me he is up there with the best so this promises to be another great show at The Neighborhood Theatre.

Things are really looking up as far as live music in my area, hope everyone gets out and supports live acts when you can. Its gunna be a great year.

PS...Subdudes fans, "Behind the Levee" is out and its a good one...great live band and they are touring this year...
blkadr
tedmbrady
208 posts
 
I'm just back from Bonnaroo, and I nominate Radiohead, with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as a close second. They really surprised me, as I had never really given them much attention, but Petty's show was scorching, especially the brief set of songs that influenced them when they were yount, including the Yardbirds' "I'm a Man" and a fabulous version of "Oh Well" by the original Fleetwood Mac.

Radiohead was simply sublime.
Rustler

Agree 100%. The festival was great, but the Radiohead 28 song setlist was absolutely incredible. It was like seeing The Beatles in '65 for me, except this time i could hear them, appreciate them, and oh, my oldest son was there to celebrate it with me. Great monents.

I also agree that the Petty show was more than I though it would be. When he went to "Oh Well" and nailed it, blues and all, I found a new appreciation. We sauntered inot the What Stage rather late for his show, stood way back by the mist tent, and still enjoyed it. Radiohead, well, we were MUCH closer.
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
Some memorable live shows in the last 6 mos. in smaller venues. No confusing these guys with nostalgia acts.

Ray Davies backed by a comparatively young band drawn from all over the map from Scandinavia to South Africa. Great versions of songs from Other People's Lives & classic Kinks.

Steve Winwood backed by a crack band of young musicians. He's passed through the beer commercial phase of his late 80s albums & now into adventurous, thoughtful Hammond B3 & strong of voice.

John Haitt & the Mississippi Allstars... Like the above, much invigorated through association with younger backup musicians.

Dave
stevewr
45 posts
 
Saw Kelley Hunt at the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest. That
chick tore the place up. Great Show! Steve
surfgod
229 posts
 
The Ten Years After shgow at BB Kings in NYC. After the first song nobody missed Alvin.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Surfgod, I have to ask; who played guitar and who sang? BTW, I'm more of a surfdog.
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