Photos & Such

Live music photos, reviews and other shenanigans from Charleston, SC and beyond

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PHOTOS | Bele Chere

After 35 years Bele Chere will be no more. The final installment of this street festival of carny food, street preachers and over-priced crafts brought great musical acts like Wanda Jackson, Dan Deacon, The Mountain Goats and Kiski Bashi to downtown Asheville. Not to mention the bad-ass local and region bands like Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Matrimony and Doc Aquatic.

I pretty much ran myself sick by the end of the weekend trying to get to each show. With that, I bring you my Bele Chere music roundup — in photos.

View photos from the festival

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REVIEW | Justin Townes Earle

Justin Townes Earle's Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now was recorded in Asheville at Echo Mountain Recording in only four days. That's impressive. The album features sincere, live tracks with no help from dubious overdubs.

Yes, he's Steve Earle's son and yes, he's named after Townes Van Zandt. While Earle comes from a musical bloodline, he's had his share of trying times. His tall and thin frame appear unassuming at first. It's his raw singer-songwriter musings that he brings on stage during his live performance that propel him.

He opened the show the Grey Eagle show with an acoustic solo "They Killed John Henry." Even though the song was dedicated to his late grandfather, Earle filled the heartfelt lyrics with life. After one more acoustic solo tune, Earle brought out his backing band. He made mention to the fact the they hadn't played together in awhile, and it showed — at first. It took a few songs for the band, including Earle, to settle in.

Once they were cozy, there seemed to be no stopping Earle from pouring out genuine, authentic tunes. Most of which were accompanied by charming stories and banter with the intimate crowd. He even treated everyone to a few new songs off his forthcoming album.

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Review | Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers

This also appears on mountainx.com

After catching the attention of millions with their YouTube video series, unofficially titled "Van Sessions," Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers have been hard at work touring the country over the past few months. Sharing the stage with the likes of Warren Haynes, Chris Robinson, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Truck and Bob Weir has helped them quickly gain droves of fans. The Gramblers are made up of Nicki's husband Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips), Deren Ney, Steve Adams (ALO), Dave Mulligan and Mike Curry. Their music is like something you might catch on the radio in the middle of a long road trip — the sounds of vintage-tinged county and blues, marked by lead vocals that hold plenty of soul. Nicki's snake skin belt, high-waist jeans and denim vest say it all.

View photos from the show

In support of the 2011 release, Driftwood, Nicki brought her Gramblers by The Grey Eagle as they made the trek to Bonnaroo. She hid behind her long bangs, but loosened up after a few songs. Her stage presence was undeniable, with a voice that was strong and gentle at the same time. Highlights included two of the band's newest tunes, "Ravenous" and "Little Too Late." Also noteworthy was a cover of "You're No Good" (made popular by Linda Ronstadt in'74) and the husband-wife acoustic duet, "Think About the Two of Us." Catch Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers on tour this summer. Setlist

07.12.13 Asheville, NC Grey Eagle

Burnt Keep It Loose I'm Your Woman Pack Up Your Sorrows Hold Your Breath Jetplane In the Mountains 'Till I'm Blue Another Rolling Stone You're No Good Ravenous Little Too Late Squeaky Wheel Kill You To Call

Think About the Two of Us

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PHOTOS | Leftover Salmon

Leftover Salmon closed out a huge Memorial Day weekend at Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain N.C. The Coloardo-based slam grass pioneers played the outdoor stage, with support from Dangermuffin Acoustic and Elephant Revival. Asheville's own Town Mountain closed everything out with a late-night set on the inside stage.

Wally Ingram joined LoS for the duration of the show and Town Mountain's Bobby Britt lent a helping hand with his fiddle work.

This was the first in the annual outdoor summer concert series that Pisgah hosts. Later this summer look for Keller and The Travelin' McCourys, moe., Toubab Krewe, JJ Grey and Mofro and a huge two night stand with Dark Star Orchestra August 16 and 17.

View photos from the show

Setlist

05.26.13 Black Mountain, NC Pisgah Brewing Company

Gold Hill Line Sing Up to the Moon Aquatic Hitchhiker Gulf of Mexico Liza High Country Here Comes the Night Ridin' on the L & N Hollerwood Mama Boulet Light Behind the Rain Get Up and Go Breakin' Thru The Big Ma Home Cookin' Up On the Hill Where They Do the Boogie

Home to Carolina Aiko Aiko

*Entire show featured Wally Ingram

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Review | Jim James

This also appears on mountainx.com

Jim James spent the better part of the first few songs of his sold-out show on May 3 at the Orange Peel sliding and twirling around the stage. Mimicking the cover art for Regions Of Light And Sound Of God, he was backlit by thin strips of LED lighting that made you feel like you were in a vortex.  For the first half of the show James played tracks from his debut solo album, straight through, in order. The crowd was swooning as James got warm. There was an energy in the room that he wanted to take advantage of, often reaching out to touch fingertips with those in the front row.

Throughout the night James mixed his signature high- pitched screams and yells with low-end chants and grunts. There was no doubt that his vocal range was on full display on this solo tour, and he didn't disappoint.  There was a short break after the final track from Regions Of LIght And Sound Of God. The lights stayed down as the audience anxiously awaited his return. After a few minutes, James returned to the stage by himself with an acoustic guitar. The next two songs would come from the My Morning Jacket catalog. Poignant, acoustic versions of "Wonderful" and "Bermuda Highway" segued beautifully into tracks from the Monsters Of Folk self-titled album. James acknowledged the audience, noting how nice it was to be in Asheville feeling the cool mountain breeze. This was a nice intro to "The Right Place," as he sang "I think I got the right feeling / I think I'm in the right place" to the pleasure to everyone in the room. The closing song would be "Changing World," a song from the album New Multitudes, a collection of unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics. 

View photos from the show

setlist

05.03.13 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel

State Of The Art (A.E.I.O.U.) Know Til Now Dear One A New Life Exploding Of The Mother Again Actress All Is Forgiven God's Love to Deliver Wonderful Bermuda Highway Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.) His Master's Voice The Right Place Losin Yo Head Changing World

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PHOTOS | Shovels & Rope

Shovels & Rope puts on one hell of a show. They were on full display at the Grey Eagle a couple of weeks ago. Cary Ann Heart's charming chatter makes everyone in the room feel welcome and relaxed. Michael Trent, wrapped in an ornate leather "SHOVELS AND ROPE" embossed guitar strap, smiles sheepishly. What followed was pure sweat and heart.

Miss the show? You'll get another chance to check out the husband-and-wife duo June 11, when they open for Dawes at The Orange Peel.

View photos from the show

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REVIEW | Tedeschi Trucks Band

This also appears on mountainx.com

The parade of tour buses (Bob Dylan, Band of Horses) in town this week continued May 2 as the Tedeschi Trucks Band took to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.  The Grammy-winning blues band sounded tight and well-rehearsed. Derek Trucks shined, his slide work was impeccable all night. Susan Tedeschi was not to be outdone, as her voice mixed well, and sometimes overtook, Trucks' guitar. At times, the husband-and-wife band leaders played equally stunning solos. Stylistically, Tedeschi's solos were more on the straight-up bluesy side of the street.

View photos from the show

The band broke out at least one new song from their upcoming studio release. Highlights included an Elmore James cover of "The Sky Is Crying" and a fantastic version of John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery." The latter saw Tedeschi take the stage without Trucks — and you could say she stole the show, but how can you steal what's already yours? During "Montgomery," Tedeschi owned the whole building. The crowd sang along as she neatly slipped a verse from The Grateful Dead's "Sugaree" into the song, and then seamlessly back into "Montgomery."

Catch Tedeschi Trucks Band on tour now until the end of June, and then on their co-headlining tour with The Black Crowes throughout this summer. 

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PREVIEW | Tedeschi Trucks Band

This also appears on mountainx.com

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VIDEO & PHOTOS | Songs Of Water

This also appears on mountainx.com

Greensboro-based Songs Of Water melds the sounds of Africa, the Middle East and Vaudeville to create something uniquely their own. The band played to a seated house on March 7 at the Grey Eagle. The crowd sat, rapt, as Songs of Water effortlessly filled the room with their fresh take on world music. The sound evolved throughout the night as band members continuously swapped instruments, sometimes mid-song.

View photos from the show

Lead singer Stephen Roach set the mood — as did the live painting. Roach's light-hearted banner was jovial and well received. He even joked about one of their songs being in a Tim Burton adaptation of his children's book (which he sheepishly admitted wasn't true). The music was haunting, mysterious and spiritual. Soothing vocal harmonies compounded beautifully with their exotic instrumentation. It wasn't long before there was dancing behind the seated crowd and by the encore, everyone was out of their seat soaking up the energy.

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PHOTOS | Perpetual Groove

The word hiatus has become ubiquitous within musical culture. Merriam-Webster even uses this sentence as an example for the word: "The band is making an album again after a five-year hiatus."

It was only back in mid-January that Perpetual Groove broke the news of their indefinite break. Effective after the end of their current tour, which ends April 6. In addition, frontman Brock Butler issued an apology letter of his own. He wrote, "I want to apologize to the fans I’ve let down, to my friends and loved ones I’ve put through worry, and to everyone in Perpetual Groove’s organization. This apology is for the state I’ve allowed myself to be in at shows, which have compromised performances, as well as my personal life. I’m very aware and sorry to everyone I’ve let down through my actions and lack of actions."

With that, AMH hosted what may end up being one of the final Perpetual Groove shows. Butler says he'll still "do acoustic shows and work in music where I can."

Can't stomach the thought of a prolonged breakup? 3/4 of the band, Adam Perry, Albert Suttle, and Matthew McDonald, will fill the void as they embark on a tour in the coming year. They will hit the road under the name Ghost Owl.

Setlist

02.23.13 Asheville, NC Asheville Music Hall

Set I: Suburban Speedball Man With All The Answers Crockett & Tubbs Lemurs

Set II: Do Your Thing Bobblehead Funk Paper Dolls Cairo Day The Way Robot Waltz

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PHOTOS | Yonder Mountain String Band

This also appears on mountainx.com

Each year like clockwork, Colorado's Yonder Mountain String Bandbrings their high-energy neo-bluegrass tour through Asheville. This year, audiences enjoyed two nights of raucous music at The Orange Peel. If you missed it, I got the chance to speak with guitar player Adam Ajiala. Read that Q&A here. Lake Street Drive opened both shows, and fiddle man Jason Carter (The Del McCoury Band, The Travelin' McCourys) joined the band for the entirety of Thursday's show.

View photos from the show

Thursday, Jan. 24

Whipping Post > Looking Back Over My Shoulder Yer No Good Father's Arms Romance Blues On the Run Crooked Hitch Lonesome, On'ry & Mean * Elzic's Farewell > All the Time Angel > What The Night Brings Honestly Catch a Criminal Strophe For An Unsung Albatross (Rhesus Peanut Butter Cup)  Hey Bulldog If There's Still Ramblin' in the Rambler (Let Him Go) >  Steep Grades Sharp Curves Ramblin' Reprise  40 Miles to Denver Rain Still Falls Peace of Mind > Follow Me Down to the Riverside > Angel Ooh La La Shady Grove * with Jason Carter on vocals Friday, Jan. 25 Casualty > Sidewalk Stars Rag Doll Spanish Harlem Incident Happy Birthday Rambler's Anthem Crow Black Chicken Blue Collar Blues And Your Bird Can Sing Polly Put the Kettle On New Horizons-> Up on the Hill Where They Do the Boogie > New Horizons Freeborn Man > Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough >  Freeborn Man Funtime "New Adam Instrumental" Stumped? Country Boy Rock 'n Roll Loneliness and Desperation Sideshow Blues Finally Saw the Light Jail Song Cuckoo's Nest > Dawn's Early Light > Peace of Mind (Reprise) New Speedway Boogie * Shake Me Up * * with Lake Street Dive 

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PHOTOS | Toubab Krewe

This also appears on mountainx.com

Before heading out on their recently announced Rocky Mountain High Tour, local favorites Toubab Krewe brought us another installment of Carnavalito. This mini-fest began in July of last year. The shows featured two nights of music from Toubab Krewe with support from Donna The Buffalo, Ivan Neville's Dumpstafunk and others. The event included camping and was hosted by Pisgah Brewing Company. This time around the shows were dubbed Winer Carnavalito and featured Dangermuffin (photos and video) and Adron. It was scaled back a bit from the first iteration, but the same energy was still present. The "dirty South meets West Africa" group enthralled audiences this past Friday and Saturday at The Orange Peel. The current unrest in Mali seemed to enliven the band as they performed. There unique fusion of music is without borders, and if you're out West this spring, do yourself a favor and go see them live.

View photos from the show

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Q&A | Adam Aijala

The also appears on mountainx.com

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PREVIEW | Yonder Mountain String Band

This also appears on mountainx.com

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VIDEO & PHOTOS | Dangermuffin

This also appears on mountainx.com

It was Dangermuffin's first appearance at The Orange Peel. From Folly Beach, S.C., the trio's sound encompasses ska, southern rock, jam, calypso and everything in between. Before their opening set for Toubab Krewe, I was treated to acoustic version of "The Rising Souls" off their most recent studio effort Olly Oxen Free.

View photos from the show

Only together for five years, they've quickly made a name for themselves through vigorous touring, awards (including Homegrown Music Network's Best Studio Album of 2012 for Olly Oxen Free) and playing regional and nation music festivals like Floydfest, Wanee and All Good.

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PHOTOS | Town Mountain

The world didn't come to cataclysmic end last night, but Town Mountain made sure there would be a foot-stompn' soundtrack if indeed the Mayans were right. After a great session over in Studio B at WNCW earlier in the day, the Asheville-based bluegrass band took the stage at The Grey Eagle for their End of the World Bluegrass Bash. Here are the photos.

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PREVIEW | Christmas Jam By Day

This also appears on mountainx.com

It all began as a gathering of local musicians who wanted to help Asheville community charities. Now, most know the event simply as Christmas Jam. Presented by Asheville's prodigal son, Warren Haynes, the ever-developing festival is now in its 24th year, and encompasses three days of concerts, art shows and, of course, jams.