Detroit Lightning

Mostly my tapes, maybe other stuff?

[detroitlightning]

Very stoked that my first show of 2026 was Real Estate - totally one of my favorite bands over the last 15+ years.

Braved a very cold and snowy Detroit night to make it to El Club, but it was of course worth it. Loved the Darling opener, hearing Atlas in its entirety, and a raging All the Same to close things out. Really enjoy this latest version of the band - Sammi on drums and James on guitar both really add to the band.

Recorded w/ my AT853 > Deity PR2 setup, and really happy with how it sounds.

Stream/Download on the Archive!

[detroitlightning]

2025-07-15 Rose City Band, Ferndale, MI

So yeah, it's been a while! But I'm back (!), with new gear, fresh tapes, and hopefully the tolerance to spend some time doing the post-production work necessary to post these things. Anyway, I made it down to the Magic Bag last night for an excellent bill with Powers / Rolin Duo (coming soon) and Rose City Band. It was a bit of a last minute decision due to some canceled plans, so that turned out great as I was happy to be there. The last (and only?) time I've seen the RCB was in Big Sur @ the Mother Hips Hipnic, which was a truly glorious time. Ferndale ain't Big Sur, but it was still a great time - and the RCB's sound has gotten a lot bigger...and glorious-er? To my ears at least. Still built on a foundation of psychedelic country rock, but more expansive...more open...just great. I recorded with my AT853 > Deity PR-2 set up for the first time, and I'm super happy with how it turned out.

You can check it out on the archive. Thanks to the band for allowing taping!

[detroitlightning]

2024-04-07 Real Estate - El Club, Detroit, MI

Real Estate Live at El Club on 2024-04-07 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Real Estate2024-04-07 El ClubDetroit, MIRecorded & Post-production by E. HeathSource: Sennheiser Ambeo Headset > Iphone (24bit/48khz)

It's a two for Tuesday Wednesday!

Really enjoyed this show...their new album is so good, and they really sounded great. I go way back with Real Estate, and they're definitely part of my mix-tape over the last 15 years or so.

Anyway, recorded this with my new Sennheiser AMBEO headset. I've heard it sounds better on headphones, which makes sense for this binaural recording.

[detroitlightning]

2022-12-16 - Punch Brothers - Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI

Hey There! Long time, no see. We're still out here!

So, new Mac (had to re-learn everything I had previously done on PC), and yeah...just behind on posting some of these tapes. This usually leads to things happening in bunches...we'll see!

Ok, by popular demand - here's the Punch Brothers set from Ann Arbor in December '22. That's so long ago! I remember almost nothing about this show at this point. Unfortunately I remember not being able to stay for the Bela Fleck set (sacrilege, sorry...I know) or the encore. But, the main PB set was captured w/ my MV88 mic.

One of the reasons this took so freaking long to post, was that it was a bit tricky to do post production with the very quiet music and extremely loud crowd! So I did take a bit of time to get a few things down with Izotope RX, which is capable of some editing magic. I did a decent job here...the crowd reactions are still louder than the music...but overall much better and listenable.

Anyway, FLACs & MP3's are in the download link. Enjoy!

[detroitlightning]

Howdy!

Not sure if you remember us but my gf and I sat next to you and your partner at the Punch Brothers / Béla Fleck show. Just wondering if you're going to post those recordings at some point.

Hope all is well!

Best,

River

Hey there - sorry about the delayed response! I need to update my notification settings here, as I don't seem to get them... Anyway, yes! They're actually pretty high on my taping to-do list. Things are a bit crazy at the moment, but this is next in line. Maybe in the next few days, or the next few weeks at least...

[detroitlightning]

2023-04-15 - Nickel Creek - Andrew J Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

Took a trip down I-75 last weekend to check out Nickel Creek, a band that I really came to via my lovely wife (she also helps me record these shows, thanks as always, Mrs. Lightning!)

Anyway, we spent an enjoyable day wandering around Cincinnati in suspense of the show...I think it had been 5-6 years since we last saw them?!

We were treated an excellent, career-spanning, show - also featuring a number of debuts! Always a pleasure to hear these songs live...

I recorded the show with my trusty MV88 recorder from the first row of the balcony. It was a pretty sweet spot, and I thought the sound was great.

This reminds me that I need to upload my Punch Brothers show from last fall...

Check out the new Nickel Creek record here!

Download: https://mega.nz/file/9PhwmICR#MfsFQA4qIdTyXVP63j30m6HoK0_PRFEQSeVdG23YH78

Stream: https://youtu.be/SlOEpGxblfY

[detroitlightning]

2022-11-01 - Chris Forsyth - Third Man Records, Detroit, MI

The other half of this most excellent co-headlining tour! It's been since the before-times that I've been able to see Chris Forysth live. Fortunately Detroit was part of the tour, and double-fortunately Chris was touring on an excellent new record. Absolutely incredible trio rounded out with Doug McCombs & Ryan Jewell.

They went deep, as always - enjoy.

Support Chris here!

Chris Forsyth Live at Third Man Records on 2022-11-01 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Chris Forsyth2022-11-01Third Man RecordsDetroit, MIRecorded & Post-production by E. HeathSource: Berliner CM33 Cardioids > Zoom F3...

[detroitlightning]

2022-11-01 - Meg Baird - Third Man Records, Detroit, MI

So stoked to share my recording of this show from a few weeks back! Chris' set will be coming soon...

I was incredibly thrilled when this tour was announced, and given all of the complexities of touring/life in 2022, that the show actually occurred! Not only that, it was so great!

Incredibly, this was the 2nd time I was able to see Meg play this year. This time with a full band, and with a bunch of great new tunes to play - I really loved the set, and can't wait for the record.

I recorded this with my Berliner CM33 mic's into a Zoom F3 recorder in full 32bit glory.

Pre-order Meg's new record on bandcamp, it sounds like a stunner -> https://megbaird.bandcamp.com/album/furling

Download: https://mega.nz/file/hKQVFaLD#HToWwnTDyA0gv3aMYU7Zl-Az3gwQ2uJhjMhoexczG4I

Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6nLy60-y0U

Ok, steaming is back! I think! Lmk if you have any issues…

[detroitlightning]

2022-09-22 - Steve Kimock & Friends - Otus Supply, Ferndale, MI

While I had this on my calendar since the summer, it took an afternoon energy surge to get me out to a show on a school night. Perhaps it was my gear calling, perhaps it was the opportunity to see Steve Kimock (at least fronting his own band) live for the first time.

Either way, I was totally rewarded! He and the band put on an excellent show, with something for everyone - just look at the setlist!

I was excited to hear Kimock's own Ice Cream live, and the Low Spark cover was perfectly executed (Not a guitar effects expert, but that got a bit mu-trony?), among an entire evening of great playing.

Upon entering the venue, I was greeted by the esteemed Charlie Miller. He set me up DFC in the room, and it proved to be a great (albeit somewhat treacherous) recording spot. I recorded the show with my Berliner CM33 Cards > Zoom F3 in 32bit, and think it came out real nice.

Support Steve Kimock on bandcamp!

Steve Kimock Live at Otus Supply on 2022-09-22 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Steve Kimock & Friends2022-09-22The Parliament Room at Otus SupplyFerndale, MIRecorded & Post-production by E. HeathSource: Berliner

[detroitlightning]

2022-05-21 - Howlin Rain - Hipnic XIII @ Fernwood Resort, Big Sur, CA

It had been a bit since I'd had the good fortune to see Howlin Rain live - back to 2019. Obviously some things happened during that time! Specific to this post, there's been a lot going on with Howlin Rain in recent years - a treasure trove of great new live albums, an amazing rarities/outtakes record, a cool collaboration, and an incredible new record! A couple new guys in the band as well!

This lineup really delivers the goods, with more dualing lead guitar than ever! Closing things out with a huge Calling Lightning Pt. 2 from their epic 2nd record, Magnificent Fiend, was a glorious way to end the set.

My almost-four year old woke up from his nap to catch at least part of their set. He was probably more interested in throwing rocks into the creek, but someday he might appreciate that he saw his daddy's favorite band live.

Stream/Download: https://archive.org/details/howlinrain2022-05-21.cm33.sbd.detroitlightning

[detroitlightning]

2022-05-21 - Robyn Hitchcock - Hipnic XIII @ Fernwood Resort, Big Sur, CA

This is the second installment of my recordings from last month's Hipnic, and I'm so happy to grace this blog with the brilliance of Robyn Hitchcock!

I've been a Hitchcock appreciator for a while, but incredibly this was my first time seeing him live! Emma Swift (who also joined Robyn for part of the set - her set is coming soon!) described his catalog as dreamy, and yeah, I'm vigorously nodding along with that assessment.

It was a very fun set in the midst of a great day - what a treat to catch him in that setting.

I was delighted to see that Robyn is on the archive! I hope you dig this recording, listening to it again this afternoon has certainly improved my day.

Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/robynhitchcock2022-05-21.cm33.sbd.detroitlightning

[detroitlightning]

2022-05-21 - Rose City Band - Hipnic XIII @ Fernwood Resort, Big Sur, CA

Posted this on twitter yesterday, but wanted to get it here as well now that I've regained access to these parts!

Anyway, this is my first tape of several from the absolutely incredible Mother Hips Hipnic! This was my second Hipnic, but definitely the first with my family (including a 4 year old, he enjoyed the redwoods) - it was so great! More on the Hipnic when I get around to posting the Hips' sets, so good.

I've really enjoyed Rose City Band's records over the last few years, so it was a real treat to get to see them live (I believe this was their first tour?). Excellent playing, and a perfect vibe for a festival in the heart of Big Sur.

I recorded the set from the Soundboard area with my Berliner CM33 Mics into a new Zoom F3 recorder. I have entered the 32 bit realm - that's twice as many as my Sega Genesis had! I think the recording came out pretty nicely, and is a good representation of how it sounded out there - props to the (((folkyeah))) team, they always knock it out of the park.

Hope you dig it! Buy some Rose City Band records / merch (they have great merch)!

FLAC: https://t.co/pzSufaunGA

[detroitlightning]

2022-03-06 - Bitchin Bajas - The Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI

For yer bajas, for yer zones.

This was my first live bajas experience - i loved it so much! Going on bajas tour / visiting Chicago to see them again as soon as I possibly can.

Mics & Board mix worked really nicely hear, as the different sources complimented each other well.

FLAC: https://mega.nz/file/JXhQQSjD#L_ZoifGC2Af_Vev9hzuR6VzK5sa2grukmqivLytEmao

STREAM: https://logamp.com/3673/music/tracks/39900

Support the Bitchin Bajas here: https://bitchinbajas.bandcamp.com/

[detroitlightning]

2022-03-06 - Ryley Walker - The Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI

LIVE MUSIC! So glad it's back, so glad Raw Dawg & The Special Sauce came to town with the Bitchin Bajas (also recorded, will post soon!).

This is a beautifully mixed board feed blended with my Berliner CM33 mics - truly one of the best sounding recordings I've ever made. Many thanks to Ryley for being so taper friendly, and to Eric @ the Loving Touch for being so hospitable.

I love the jamming in Halfwit, but really the entire show is something special - hope you dig it!

Streaming / Download: https://archive.org/details/ryleywalker2022-03-06.cm33.sbd.detroitlightning

[detroitlightning]

2021-07-10 Ragenap - New Buffalo, MI

So great to see my good pal do his thing! Had such a blast hanging out last weekend - thanks to ragenap for the drones, Dave & Leeann for the incredible space, Bubba for the visuals, and friends new & old for the excellent vibes!

I think this recording came out real nice, and sounds great LOUD!

For more ragenap, Check out his killer tape -> https://ragenap.bandcamp.com/

FLAC: https://mega.nz/file/wSJhXSxb#NC9QvH2I0J4qzeqChsYAVyUcmkCPajRIIx4C6GvPceQ

Stream: https://logamp.com/3673/music/tracks/37529

[detroitlightning]

2019-05-07 - Jaime Branch Fly or Die - Trinosophes, Detroit, MI

Posted (twitter?) a few years back, but not properly archived...until now!

Streaming here: https://logamp.com/3673/music/tracks/22544

[detroitlightning]

2019-11-20 - Kikagaku Moyo, Detroit, MI

Let's open up the vault! Is this what Dick Latvala felt like? I don't think so. Anyway, Instead of posting once a year, I'm going to try to post once a week! Weekly Jams! Live shows are slowly popping up on the calendar, so hopefully there will be some new stuff heading this way soon. Until that happens, man I have a bunch of wav files sitting on my PC that haven't been shared. Let's try to remedy that.

So with that said, let's travel back to the innocent times of November 2019. Holy smokes, we didn't know what was heading our way. However, on November 20, 2019, I totally knew that I was about to be transported somewhere by Kikagaku Moyo! I really enjoyed this show, and was totally surprised that I hadn't shared it yet. I recorded this via my trusty MV88 recorder, ran levels pretty hot, and think it sounds great! We were treated to an acoustic set in the middle of the show, and a great show overall, as always. Can't wait to see this band again.

I am lazy and didn't do a track listing (sorry!) - any crowdsourcing is appreciated.

KM is now on the archive! Enjoy this show (and my other KM recordings) there, and via the relisten app!

https://archive.org/details/KikagakuMoyo2019-11-20.mv88.detroitlightning