Photo Focus Plus:: Taylor Hicks Covers His Idol

By Louise Uznanski for Ontapblog.  

©2013 Ontapblog All Rights Reserved

Before Bally’s, and before his current residency at Paris Las Vegas, Taylor Hicks toured the country for long stretches of time in a Prevost bus.  One of those May 2011 road shows stands out for me.  Taylor covered a song by Irish singer-songwriter and musician Van Morrison, and at the end of the performance had a story to tell.  He recalled a scheduled appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, and why his performance was canceled.  Watch to the end of the video below to hear Taylor share the story of being ‘bumped’ for his idol, Van Morrison.

As a fan who was fortunate enough to have tickets for Regis and Kelly that day, I will long remember the look on Taylor’s face as he watched his ultimate idol sing “Brown Eyed Girl”.  Taylor’s performance of “What’s Right Is Right” was then taped; Van Morrison and band watched from the wings.  How lucky was I to see both of these events, a television show and concert connected by Taylor Hicks’ passion for the blues and the music of Van Morrison?  The Glens Falls, New York show took place two years ago this month.  Taylor performed the following acoustic rendition of Van Morrison’s “Rough God Goes Riding”.  It remains a favorite.

PHOTO FOCUS:: JOSH SMITH ON TOUR

                         Josh Smith at Life is Good Festival, September 25, 2011.   Photo by Richard Uznanski   ©2013 OnTapBlog all rights reserved

Singer-songwriter and blues guitarist Josh Smith takes to the road this month for his first Florida tour in nearly five years.  Josh will play in support of the newly released Don’t Give Up on Me, an album of eleven original songs steeped in the blues, featuring Josh’s smoky vocals and steamy guitar play. The album is backed by uniformly strong reviews.  One of our favorite write-ups from Gearphoria summarizes Smith’s work succinctly, “Mojo rising”.

His 2012 European tour was equally well received, citing Josh’s “dynamic, emotional guitar”.  Said one reviewer, “If this man was a parish priest – his church would definitely be full every Sunday.  An amazingly confident performance!”

Song samples and mp3 downloads are available at both Amazon and iTunes.

Upcoming tour dates:

May 24 – Funky Biscuit, Boca Raton w/Horn Section
May 25 – Burgee Bar @Ocean reef club, Key Largo
May 26 – Earl’s Hideaway, Sebastian
May 28 – Boston’s On The Beach, Delray
May 30 – Big Easy, Hollywood Duo Show Rhinocat Jam with Rick Cafaro
May 31 – Bamboo Room, Lakeworth w/ Jp Soars
June 1 – Guanabanas, Jupiter
June 2 – Bamboo Room, Lakeworth Dar’s Sunday blues anniversary
June 5 – The Van Dyke, Miami Beach
June 6 – Big Easy, Hollywood Duo show Rhinocat Jam with Rick Cafaro
June 7 – Southshores Tavern, Lake Worth
June 8 – Bayside Grille, Key Largo
June 9 – Fishtales, Ft. Lauderdale
June 10 – Hollywood Songwriter gathering….solo acoustic

Jamie McLean on Stage, on the Road, in the Studio and soon on DVD

By Holley Dey for OnTapBlog. Photos by Louise Uznanski and Richard Uznanski.

© 2013 OnTapBlog. All Rights Reserved.

Last week the Jamie McLean Band played seven shows in five days and that included a Sunday evening set at trendy Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side.  Fast forward to Monday afternoon and Jamie was on the road again, on the phone again, and sounding a little tired.  It’s a grueling schedule, isn’t it?  ”Yeah,” he said, “but when I get on stage, I get energy.  I feel well, and it’s the only thing I want to be doing.”

It shows; the Band’s commitment to live music performance is clear in every show, reflected in Jamie’s fiery guitar play, in drummer Brian Griffin’s earnest intensity and bass player Ben Mars’ funk-filled, driving groove.  When the energy builds, when Ben and Jamie leave separate orbits to collide center stage in an explosion of sound and intentional fury, it’s an electric moment worth revisiting.

The good news is that those moments will soon be available on DVD.  The Band’s first live recording session was also videotaped at the Gibson Showroom in New York City.  Live at Gibson will be released late summer or fall 2013, with DVD pre-orders to be accepted later this spring.  Featuring the Band’s original music and with guest contributions from American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and keys man Jason Crosby, the thirteen music tracks are currently available on CD here.  Leading into the DVD release, expect to enjoy teasers with select interview tidbits and behind the scenes footage shared from the Gibson recording session.

Not long after that session, Jamie McLean headed west where he and drummer Brian Griffin joined Taylor Hicks for a 2012 residency at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel, performing rock, blues and country soul five nights weekly to enthusiastic crowds in the Indigo Room.  It was a good experience; the band clicked, and Jamie enjoyed the on stage give and take with the Idol winner.  His only regret is that he could not interact more with local area musicians.  Away from the stage, Jamie spent most days in his hotel room writing new music, with time set aside for golf as well.  Some of that music, including new songs “Holding On” and “Virginia”, may be included on a new album planned for the end of this calendar year.

The Band has already laid down tracks in New Orleans with Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band; those tunes are complete and ready to go.  Jamie was in studio last month, and will record again in May.  He’s in no hurry, though.  There’s a DVD to release, touring to do and music to enjoy before the next album drops at the right time, and on the right label.

He’s a musician, but Jamie McLean is also a music fan.  He’ll travel to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, where he had planned to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the audience, but will now go face-to-face with the crowd from the stage at Tipitina’s and The Howlin’ Wolf (schedule to be announced).  New Orleans is one city where Jamie would readily sign onto a long-term residency.  It’s got Las Vegas party, he says, but also has a vibrant culture and a history that are all its own.

The Jamie McLean Band continues on tour this spring with dates in Virginia the first week of April, and with multiple east coast dates planned this summer.  The updated tour schedule is here.  While these are solo tour dates, Jamie is open to the possibility of touring with another artist following the release of the Band’s next album.  He wouldn’t mind breaking some hearts, for example, with Tom Petty.  Sounds good; wouldn’t mind runnin’ down that dream when it’s summertime on Main Street.  Not at all.

The following photographs were captured at the Jamie McLean Band’s March 30 show at North Star Bar in Philadelphia.

Following Photos by Louise Uznanski

Following Photos by Richard Uznanski

I’m Going to Hell; Paul Thorn Told Me So

by Holley Dey

He held up a tin lunchbox, the kind that Opie of Mayberry would have carried to school, and proudly pointed to a design in the top left hand corner.  ”That’s me in a kiddie pool with Jesus,” he said, “and I’m surrounded by a group of beautiful ladies in heaven.” “See the blonde?  That’s my wife and she’s encouraging me to be with all these other ladies, too.  That’s my idea of heaven.”

“Now see this group of people here,” and he pointed to a cartoon at the bottom left hand corner of the box, “they’re in hell.” “They didn’t buy any Paul Thorn products.  You don’t want to go to hell, do you?”

Hell no, but I’m afraid that an early exit past an unstaffed merchandise table may have sealed my fate.  The flames, they’re licking at my heels.

Last week’s Paul Thorn show in Fairfield was my first introduction to the southern rocker.  Paul has a fit, almost chiseled appearance, and his facial expression can run stern, as you might expect from a man who went six rounds in the ring with Roberto Duran.  When the former boxer took the stage, he was all business, moving directly into a compact set of rock songs, each prefaced by a brief story that was delivered in a voice tinged with Mississippi mud and with a wry sense of humor.

It’s the stories, both spoken and sung, that I’ll remember.  There is surprising insight and delightful irony in Thorn’s songwriting.  He writes about his own life, and about situations common to many lives behind closed doors.  Ever had Thanksgiving dinner with the extended family?  You may appreciate the song “I Don’t Like Half the Folks I Love”.  Been married awhile? “I Guess I’ll Just Stay Married” is a man’s lament.  Comparing his own situation to that of the family bulldog, the husband explains, “…he’s on a short leash just like me; he goes through life with hungry eyes, watching bitches go by.”

The songs are melodic; the lyrics clever, and the delivery deadpan.  Thorn has a solid voice, deep and strong within his range, full of grit and character.  His backing band – Bill Hinds on guitar, Michael Graham on keys, Ralph Friedrichsen on bass, and drummer Jeffrey Perkins – provides easy, well practiced support.  The fact that the band members are individually featured on the bandleader’s official website tells me something important about Paul Thorn.

Thorn’s 2010 album Pimps and Preachers topped the Americana charts for three weeks, breaking into the Billboard top 100.  The title track is autobiographical; Paul’s father is a Pentecostal minister.  For a time, his uncle was a pimp.  Thorn credits both men for teaching him that “You can stand there and do nothing, but if you want to go far, don’t try to please everybody and be proud of who you are.”  Can I get an amen?

His 2012 effort, What the Hell is Goin’ On, is an album of reinterpreted cover songs.  The title track was written by rock/blues master Elvin Bishop.  Thorn and band rock out on a song that decries a crazy world where reports of violence have become commonplace, where airplanes fly into buildings, where people are connected, yet strangely disconnected.  Listen to the track below, then grab a FREE download courtesy of Paul Thorn via his website here.

The Fairfield audience laughed and smiled throughout the set.  I saw head bobbin’ goin’ on.  Thorn had fun, too.  When The Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman, joined him on stage for a performance of “Jukin’”, the joy was clear on both performers’ faces and smiles rained continuously.  A solid show enjoyed on both sides of the stage in an intimate venue, it’s hard to ask for more.  Well, maybe just one more thing – I mean I did download a song.  Hell, shouldn’t that keep the devil at bay?

Paul Thorn and Christine Ohlman

Paul Thorn, Christine Ohlman and Ralph Friedrichsen

Paul Thorn band at work

Jamie McLean Shares New Song “Holding On”

by Holley Dey

Jamie McLean sang lead vocals on Tuesday night to open the show at Fairfield Theatre Company.  He also played lead guitar.  Oh, he was the percussion section as well.  During his solo set he generally performed all three functions at the same time, accompanying his own vocals on electric guitar and with rhythmic, foot stomping percussion.  Occasionally the pattern was interrupted when he paused to rip a blistering guitar solo, but Jamie soon returned to multitasking form, generally without missing a beat.  Really good.  So good that I feel a brief aside to the absent Jamie McLean band members is in order – don’t let the boss do too many dates on his own.

Several familiar fan favorites were included in the forty minute set, including the opener “Cupid’s Greatest Thief” and closer “Country Living”.  In between, Jamie debuted a new song, the poignant “Holding On”, performed for family, and with feeling. Like all of Jamie’s work, the melody is clean and direct; the lyrics include a memorable hook. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Listen to “Holding On” below, and check back soon for a 2013 news update from the Jamie McLean Band!

LIVE Facebook Chat with Raphael Saadiq Guitarist and Blues Man Josh Smith on Monday, February 11

Join singer-songwriter and blues guitarist Josh Smith for an anything goes! online chat on Monday, February 11.  Music, gear, touring, sports – it’s all fair game!  The Facebook party begins at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT on Josh’s musician/band page.  To get started, “LIKE” Josh Smith on Facebook HERE.  Come early, stay late!

The event offers an opportunity to chat with the busy, touring musician about his new album, life on the road, his favorite baseball team (hint: stripes) and much more.  In anticipation of the chat, Josh’s brand new album Don’t Give Up on Me is now streaming online here.  Take a listen!

The chat will also support Josh in his bid to play Eric Clapton’s 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival, an opportunity for which he is uniquely well prepared.  Josh began playing the guitar at age six; he hasn’t stopped.  At thirteen he was already lead guitarist for the local Florida house band, The Rhino Cats.  At 14, Josh released his first CD, Born Under a Blue Sign, and blues great Jimmy Thackery responded, “Josh is three heartbreaks away from being a true blues guitar genius.”  Seven more albums have followed, including the all instrumental masterpiece Inception.

He writes, sings and plays his own original music.  He has toured nationally and internationally with his own band, recently completing several dates in Germany.  Josh has also been in high demand as a sideman, playing lead guitar for artists including American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, blues singer Kelley Hunt, and most recently, soul man Raphael Saadiq.

To see what others think of Josh Smith’s musicianship, read some of the comments left on his Play Crossroads page.  While you’re there, check out the music and add your support for this young blues guitar master.  We’ll look forward to seeing you on Monday for some online fun, to support Josh Smith, and to talk some serious music and sports!

©2013 OnTapBlog All Rights Reserved

In with Flynn: The singer-songwriter connection

by Holley Dey

A young woman with plaited hair stood by my left shoulder and I turned to ask her a question. No answer. Her eyes were fixed on the festival stage and the singers who had gathered at the center mic. Honestly, their harmonies sounded tentative and unpracticed to me. It didn’t seem to matter, though, to the woman by my side or to hundreds of others who stood with us on the grass in Burlington, Vermont. The crowd was focused and fully invested in the performance. Alternatively, they were stoned……but no, I choose to believe that they were connected to the music. Let’s move on.

In the months that have followed, I’ve given some thought to the intimate connection that sometimes develops between audience and performer in a live music setting. It seems to transcend the music, the notes and the melody. I think it may have more to do with finding a common ground with the artist, identifying with an emotion or experience that is reflected in the music. I watched the crowd in Vermont quietly mouth the words as the band delivered the encore in an often shaky three part harmony. It just goes to show that connection doesn’t need a perfect performance; in fact, I think it is the small imperfections that encourage a sense of shared humanity. Lyrics lapse, drumstick drop or missed note – it needn’t matter. Connection doesn’t need an award winning melody either, but it helps if the music comes with feeling.

Last year I traveled to Boston for a New Year’s eve performance at Club Passim where the size and casual setting of the venue were conducive to a warm interaction. The opener that evening was a singer-songwriter who is known by a single name – Flynn. Flynn is a rock star who discovered early that the trappings of fame and a major label record deal were not a good fit for his style and personality. Originally from Ireland, he arrived in the United States with guitar in hand, ready to conquer the American music scene. He co-founded the band “Cliffs of Dooneen”, a Boston based band that arrived on the national stage with a smash debut album, The Dog Went East and God Went West (BMG/Critique 1991) and a Billboard top ten single, “Through an Open Window” (video). Cliffs of Dooneen was a constant on MTV, and on tour shared the stage with bands such as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. Still, the band members drifted apart and an unfortunate accident and lengthy recovery set Flynn on a different path.

Today, Flynn enjoys a diverse career. He is a solo recording artist, an engineer, a producer and composer. His original song “Human” was recorded and used over the end credits of the Farrelly brothers film “Stuck on You”, as performed by Cher and Flynn (video). His music is heard in a variety of films, on television and on Broadway (Super-Man Live!). From his recording studio, he has engineered and produced a number of projects, including Ellis Paul’s recent holiday and award winning family albums. His most recent solo album, Flynn LIVE, is a compilation of performances from venues across the United States, and includes acoustic renditions of some his best known songs.

At Club Passim, Flynn was just as charming as his live album suggests that he would be. His songs were open and honest stories of life and love in America, imbued with a subtle emotion and wry humor that I found immediately relatable. And then there was his guitar play, both energetic and dynamic, that commanded attention and an immediate, involuntary smile. In that room and on that night, there was a welcome sense of community throughout a lively acoustic set that ended too soon. I connected, and hope that you will, too.

Before you watch a video from that holiday evening, I’d like to say a few brief words. I was not stoned or otherwise impaired during the filming of this song. It was a then new camera and it took most of the night for me to adjust to the camera’s weight. Oh, believe what you like. My hand steadies a bit as the song begins. Struggle through the first minute or two, though. The story is important to the song and your connection. In the comments, tell me – what prompts you to connect with the artist in a live music setting?

club passim first night 135

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©2013 OnTapBlog all rights reserved

Review: Ellis Paul “City of Silver Dreams”

by Holley Dey

It seems fitting that the first and title track on Ellis Paul’s new holiday album celebrates the spirit of New York, a city that survives and thrives, transformed each year by the sights and sounds of the season.  The “City of Silver Dreams” peers through the ribbon draped windows, rejoices at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and hears the magic in the taxicab horns.  There is both wonder and whimsy in a song where a delicate piano chimes in support of warm vocal harmonies.

“Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary” Release Announced

by Holley Dey

The requirements of the contest were simple and few: write an original song less than five minutes in length that includes the words “pocket full of soul” and features a harmonica solo.  From nearly fifty songs submitted to the producers, the composition by Peter Madcat Ruth was selected for its thematic strength, warm melody, acoustic vibe and technical range.  While Ruth’s song serves as the film’s theme, twenty-five to thirty more of the original submissions are used as transitions or in music beds throughout the soundtrack of the upcoming DVD release “Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary”.

Toby Lightman: From NASCAR Love to New York SMASH

by Holley Dey, photography by Richard Uznanski

She was Talladega’s boogity boogity girl, the pretty blond who sang the 2008 “NASCAR Love” theme song with Darrell Waltrip at her side and racing fans at her feet.  Four years later, Toby Lightman is still cruising in the fast lane.