Rory Gallagher played some of the rockingest blues based guitar of the baby boomer generation. He turned down a request to join the Rolling Stones because he did not want to be boxed in. In addition to his brilliant guitar work, he wrote scads of top shelf songs and raged through different leads each time he performed them. His enthusiasm is evident in each performance. He jumped around the stage like Angus Young of AC/DC, but with less manic movement. He drew his band members in with eye contact and brought out their best like a good football coach.

In his trademark plaid shirt and jean jacket, Rory was not quite Jimi Hendrix wearing a feather boa, but for a regular guy he made you want to watch, listen and move. Legend has it that when Jimi Hendrix was asked how it felt to be the greatest guitar player in the world, he said “ask Rory Gallagher”. High praise indeed.

His brother Donal created and has been the caretaker of a fabulous website www.rorygallagher.com. Youtube videos are many. For my money, I like Bullfrog Blues and A Million Miles Away. A Blu Ray edition DVD was recently released of the Irish Tour ’74 including documentary footage. He comes across as a very humble man who loved his craft. Unfortunately, he passed away too early in 1995, but thanks to videos, he still lives on. Rock On Rory!

What made it so special? Did it happen to exist in the golden era of great music? Was it the geodesic dome-shaped wooden building and the feng shui? Was it the high quality performers? Was it the stage? Was I at the age where everyone finds their favorite music spot? Was it the sound man and state of the art Bose sound system? Was it the crowd that came every night expecting great things and ready to make a party happen? Was it the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains? Was it the party in the parking lot? Heck Yes! It was all of these things. At the time, the disco craze was sweeping the country and I think most people who were there would agree that P.B. Scotts was just the opposite of Studio 54 (the infamous disco club in NY). You did not have to be a celebrity to get in and there were no disco balls.

I saw some incredible, big time performers that played there including Greg Allman, J.J. Cale, Ramsey Lewis, Molly Hatchet, Papa John Creach, andThe Nighthawks (!). B.B. King also played there but somehow I missed that one. My all-time favorite show was the Dixie Dregs. Don’t let the name fool you because they played more styles of music than a jukebox on steroids. Their playing was very dynamic, taking you up and down, fast and slow and they could turn on a dime. This all-instrumental band was fronted by guitar player extraordinaire and band leader Steve Morse. He is probably more famous now for his stint as the latter day guitarist for Deep Purple. But I bet his heart will tell you that The Dixie Dregs at P.B. Scotts was as good as it gets from a musician’s standpoint. The audience hung on every note and beat while dancing, swaying and jumping to the music, only a few feet away from the band. And let’s not forget the regional bands that played there like The Spongetones, Sidewinder, Razz Ma Tazz, etc.! Did somebody say Snuff?! Herein might be the key to P.B. Scotts rating as my favorite music club of all time. It did not matter who was playing. It was always exciting and I don’t remember an off night. Watching and listening to a musical performance there was a very zen experience. You became totally absorbed in the here and now. Tomorrow did not matter.

P.B. Scotts only held about 800 people. In front of the chest high stage was a dance floor. It seemed like the perfect height for a stage. There was a 2^nd level balcony and a smaller 3^rd level balcony. My favorite spot was the 2^nd level, but the dance floor was a good place to go crazy.

Soon after it opened in 1976, I attended my first show. I don’t even remember who played that fateful night, but when I walked through the front doors I felt like I had entered the coolest place in the world. That same feeling came over me every time I went in. Fast forward to 1983. I moved to California and about one month later P.B.s (as we liked to call it) closed, finally succumbing to some funky local laws requiring establishments to serve more food than alcohol. So I got to experience pretty much the whole spectrum of people and music. I will venture to say that I hung out and attended more shows there than anyone, other than employees, and more than some of them. Like that old saying goes, “no brag, just fact”.  I welcome any friendly challengers on this.

One special night in 1982, they had a “Local Band Night”. My band, Crash Landing, performed along with another local band called Justus. What a thrill! Our opening number was the Van Halen version of “You Really Got Me”. During the intro, we almost blew the place up with our homemade pyrotechnics/light show consisting of photographic flash powder in Maxwell House coffee cans.  Just a little too much of the flash powder, but what an intro! It sounded like a bomb went off throwing a huge rush of warm air across the room, and the flash powder blinded everyone for a few seconds. On guitar was Karl Tellekamp, myself on bass guitar, lead vocals by Doug Buttner and Joe Helms on drums. We specialized in tunes by Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Robin Trower, ZZ Top and we even had a few original songs. You know Karl had some serious chops to cover those guitar heavyweights.

So how did a music club like this spring up in the Blue Ridge mountains of NC? In 1976, the population of Blowing Rock NC was about 500 year round residents (that’s right, 500). But, it was an affluent part of Watauga county with many summer homes, and in 1976 it was the only town in the county where you could buy alcohol. It was the go-to place for entertainment and nightlife. At first glance, an outsider might look at Blowing Rock and see Mayberry. There were certainly some of the good elements of Mayberry, but it was more complicated than that. Consider the demographics of the region’s population. There was a strong local community, going back for generations, who had a great appreciation of music. There were also many “alternative” people running away from cities to retreat into a simpler mountain lifestyle. Can we call them hippies? There were also the Florida tourists and transplants. But mostly there was Appalachian State University in Boone NC (only 8 miles away) which accounted for the bulk of P.B. regulars…students from all over North Carolina. Swirl all of these people around with a lot of beer and primo music and you had something magical. If I could bottle whatever it was that made it so special, I would be a rich man. But, I am definitely richer, having spent so much time at P.B. Scotts. And short on a few brain cells.

There can never be another place like P.B. Scotts, at least not for me. It was definitely a product of the times. If you were lucky enough to be there, cherish it.

Have any of you had similar experiences with a music club? Let me know about it.

Being a bass musician leaves me with a lot of options meaning I have the freedom to pick my musical projects unlike those pesky guitarists I had an epiphany at a small open mic gig regarding a statement my old mentor said to me, “You may have to choose between the most shredding cat in town and the cat that’s good enough. If you find yourself in this situation make sure you grab the cat that you can throw back a brew with. The cat that’s cool to hang.”

Pictured: Cat that's cool to hang

I’ve had the opportunity to involve myself in a few different musical ventures in my short time playing and always thought about that nifty saying, “Cool to Hang”. But it never really hit home with me until my current group I have been playing with for the past few weeks. I realized our chemistry is outstanding. We can laugh and poke fun at each other without worrying about someone taking offense. We have fun while practicing but don’t lose sight of our goals and are always making progress.

Back to the open mic gig; while playing I was wedged behind the vocals and guitars, between amps and next to the drums (like I said, I’m a bass player ) I was getting super bad sound and I only had myself and the drums to play from (standard small gig woes I guess). So, I found myself standing there (with a cajon nearby that I had to make sure I didn’t turn into a Steve Harris-esque foot stand and believe me I oh so wanted to) trying to remain upright and not look too uncomfortable. Then my drummer throws in a tasty little fill that I hadn’t heard before. With a quizzical look I glance over and the dude is grinning at me and winks! I chuckle and almost trip over a tambourine as I realize that he knows I can’t hear anyone else and was playfully trying to throw me.

That’s when it hit me. No other band I’d ever played with has been like this one. Everyone truly is ‘cool to hang’. It all makes sense. We’re not trying to live the dream. We all have day jobs. We all consider ourselves lucky to be playing out when we can and we enjoy our therapy practice sessions. It’s a release from the rigors of the grind, a way to take a step out from the stress of everyday life and breath some fresh air.

I’m sure everyone’s situation is different and if you’re living the dream or trying to then maybe you want that jerky amazing guitar player so you get noticed a little more. For me, I’ll take “Cool to Hang” any day of the week.

Nashville is well known for it’s vibrant music scene, which is concentrated in particular along a several block stretch of Broadway that is lined with honky-tonks, brewpubs, and bars, and filled day and night with musicians strumming, singing, and hoping to catch a break in the city’s ultra-competitive music scene.

As my tastes tend towards the eclectic and obscure, I was looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary. After some research I found an intimate venue located beneath a popular local indie record store just a couple miles from downtown, appropriately called The Basement.

The Basement - including an authentic burnt out letter "T"

This sounded like my kind of place! Jesse Grossmann (our Inside Sales Manager) and I wrapped up the NAMM show, then caught a cab out to 8th Avenue to check it out.

Things got rocking pretty early with opening act Nikki Lane, who was backed by an exceptional group of musicians alternating between twangy americana rock & classic country balladry, with pedal steel complementing Nikki’s melodic vocal style.

The sound was mixed well and the venue was small and intimate – in my opinion an excellent formula for live music (arena shows=meh.)

When Amy LaVere took the stage I could tell we were in for something special. Wearing a venetian style eye mask and with a massive upright bass in tow, she began with a deep subterranean New Orleans groove, backed by shuffling drums, violin, and guitar.

Amy LaVere, performing "Red Banks" from her new record.

Conjuring echoes of Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and even Billie Holiday, but with a voice and style all her own, Amy and her backing band rolled through an hour and a half set of down-home gypsy jazz peppered with the singer’s quirky and colorful banter. The musicianship was outstanding, the songwriting unique and intriguing, and the setting perfect. Great artists have a way of drawing you in to their world, and Amy LaVere did so with charm and skill. If she happens to be traveling through your neighborhood this summer do yourself a favor and catch the show. Better yet, pick up her new record “Stranger Me” (it’s already getting great reviews so I’d expect we’ll be seeing a lot more of Amy in the future).

Speaking to several of the locals the next day, we discovered that the Basement is fairly well known as a hangout for art-inclined musicians and music fans alike. It felt like we were let in on a little local secret. If you do make it out to Nashville and are looking for an antidote to the Broadway scene, take a drive out to the Basement. For me at least, this is going to be a Summer NAMM tradition.

Wednesday night were local funk legends Tower of Power.  According to friends who attended they were soulful as ever and really got the place moving.  Thursday night was power popster Rick Springfield (cue Jesse’s Girl!)  I hear some of you snickering into your Starbucks but Rick has always been a musician first and has continued to record new material and play live through the years to mostly positive reviews.  My wife attended this show with her good friend who is a Rick Maniac and reported that it was the best show she’d ever seen at the fair and she’s seen Cheap Trick and Joan Jett there in previous years so that’s saying something.  Friday night was the indomitable Charlie Daniels Band and while I have no first hand reports of the proceedings I’ve never heard of Charlie Daniels putting on a bad show so I’m guessing it was excellent.  Which brings us to the main event Saturday night and my review of the current incarnations of Foghat and Blue Oyster Cult. While these bands may only have 4 out of 9 original members they both gave 4 Star performances.  

Foghat kicked things off with a set that more or less resembled the following: Road Fever, Take Me To The River (yes they did it first and better if you ask me!) My Babe, Drivin’ Wheel, Stone Blue (my personal fave of the night), Fool For The City, I Just Wanna Make Love To You and of course Slow Ride. Original drummer Roger Earl and longtime bassist Craig MacGregor were joined by hired hands singer/guitarist Charlie Huhn (Victory, Humble Pie, Ted Nugent) and lead/slide guitarist Bryan Basset (Molly Hatchet, Wild Cherry) and delivered a tight, superb sounding set with energy, enthusiasm even breaking into a few bars of Play That Funky Music during band introductions.  Foghat summary: Original members 2 of 4.  Performance 4 stars out of 4. Total stars = 6 out of 8!

With it starting to get dark I went to get a corn dog and then back to get a good seat for the mighty Blue Oyster Cult.  Needless to say they didn’t disappoint.  Buck Dharma was a revelation, taking center stage,  playing his swiss cheese Steinberger guitar all night and making incredibly fast, fluid, complex guitar runs look deceptively easy.  Joined by partner and founding member Eric Bloom on vocals, keyboards and guitar along with sidemen Jules Radino on drums, Richie Castellano on 2nd guitar and the incomparable Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie Jame Dio, Whitesnake) on bass they absolutely delivered the goods. They played the following set (give or take a tune or two): The Red and The Black, Burning For You, Buck’s Boogie (instrumental), Cities Aflame With  Rock N Roll, Godzilla, Don’t Fear The Reaper, Shooting Shark and Hot Rails to Hell.

I found it a bit odd but refreshing to hear them play so many deep cuts and even an instrumental. My only disappointment was in not hearing Take Me Away which surprised me as it’s one of their biggest hits and one of my favorite songs.  One particular highlight was during band intro’s when they introduced Rudy, mentioning all of the amazing acts he’s been a part of  and playing a snippet of a tune from each band.  It was kind of odd seeing LA Sunset Strip Rock God Rudy Sarzo with locks flowing jamming with such a quintessentially buttoned down bunch of close-cropped New Yorkers as BOC butt at least he didn’t lick his bass!  BOC Summary: Original members 2 of 5.  Performance: 4 stars out of 4.  Total stars 6 out of 9! All of this for $15.00??  I can’t wait to see whose playing next year!

What’s your best concert experience of the year so far? Let me know in the below comments section.

Photo Credits: Erum Karim, RiverRatt3, chascar

Name your top 5 musicians who inspire you musically!

Personally, who inspired you to groove the way you do on your preferred instrument? Whether you started playing at the age of 5 or you were an adult, almost every musician has their list of musician’s who inspire them to play. Post your own personal list below in the comments and lets discuss (psst, make sure to lead in with what instrument you play )!

I’ll start it off, as a bass player these are my top 5 guys that inspired me and made me want to improve my playing. These guys all have diverse playing styles and can play in the pocket or lay down a busy groove with the best of ‘em. But the thing that makes all these guy’s special for me is the simple fact that their musical works continually inspire me to be a better musician.

In no particular order,

1)      Allen Woody (Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule)

2)      Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna)

3)      Berry Oakley (Allman Brothers –original line up)

4)      Robert DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilot’s)

5)      Donald “Duck” Dunn (Booker T and the MG’s, Blues Brothers)

Let me know in the comments below who’s on your list.

Tina Guo

If you haven’t seen it yet on the Reunion Blues artist page we recently added one of the most talented and inspiring cellists out there to the RB artist roster, Tina Guo. She has developed quite an international following throughout her career as a musician playing everything from classical cello all the way to rock/metal/fusion electric cello.

Now Tina adds to her vast repertoire by touring with the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil. Starting in October, 2011 they’ll embark on a 14 month long journey throughout Canada and the U.S. and add plenty more people to her international following I’m sure.

Be sure to check Tina Guo’s Facebook page and all of her awesome videos as well. Congrats Tina and thanks for using your Reunion Blues gig bag to protect your instrument.

My favorite part starts around minute marker 2:30 where she starts getting her groove on and knows she’s going to nail it all the way through.

Special thanks to Smokin’ Joe. See his artist page HERE.

Orlando, John, Ric

In his dressing room, Buddy was in rare form sharing road warrior stories about B.B. King and John Lee Hooker and making us laugh until we cried. We sat in the green room with Orlando and had the opportunity to meet with the band. There was a Steinway grand sitting in the room and Orlando, knowing I am a big fan of stride piano, kept bugging me to play a tune. I finally sat down and ripped off a little “Honeysuckle Rose” which piqued the curiosity of Marty Sammon, Buddy’s keyboard player. As Marty sat to take a turn at the 88s, I knew I was in big trouble.  He ripped into a tune where the left hand emulated Fats Waller on a good day… while his right hand echoed Dr. John. – Unbelievable.

The purpose of our visit was the recording of Orlando outside the concert hall, giving him the opportunity to tell us about his relationship with Reunion Blues. We were then invited to witness a stage show that the “74 Years Young” Buddy Guy put together for a sold-out venue. The blazing duels between Buddy and guitarist Ric “Jaz” Hall left everyone breathless while the cool, calm and collected Orlando Wright held up the bottom with the confidence of a thoroughbred. – This is a must-see concert.

Check out Orlando’s page by clicking HERE.

Nikki told me that the guys were giving him a hard time because he didn’t have a gig bag for his guitar.  He said that “he needs a gig bag”!!!  I told him that the Sonoma Bass Gig Bag, in black leather (model #314 15-29) is 49″, not long enough for his new Signature Blackbird Bass, which is a staggering 57″! Nikki said that he can use it for his P Bass.  Yes!  He now has the RB Sonoma Bass gig bag in black leather.  I also hooked him up with our black Merino Wool Pinstripe RB guitar strap.   DJ Ashba, his guitarist of Sixx .AM., has the same strap,  which I presented to him at the NAMM Show.

Nikki was just as I had imagined … charming, kind, warm, and an all over beautiful person.  Let’s just say that I was 15 when I first started listening to the Crue, and Nikki was plastered all over my room.  You can imagine this meeting was one of the best days of my life!  Thank you Nikki!

Details on his new book are as follows: This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx, is part photo, part journal—but all Nikki Sixx. It is a collection of compelling photography and stories that capture the rage, love, optimism, darkness, and determination that shape his work. Combining the raw authenticity that defined his New York Times Bestseller The Heroin Diaries with a photographic journey, This Is Gonna Hurt chronicles Sixx’s experiences—from his early years filled with toxic waste, to his success with Motley Crue, to his death from an OD and his eventual rebirth through music, photography, and love.

Love story, bad-ass rock tell-all, social commentary, family memoir, This Is Gonna Hurt offers the compelling insights of an artist and a man struggling to survive, connect, and find a happy ending—a search that fuels Sixx’s being.

You can view his book tour dates and videos of the “This is Gonna Hurt” documentary by checking out Nikki Sixx’s official site:  http://www.nikkisixx.net

Motley Crue is on Tour this year!  For all of you Crue fans check out the following link for tour dates near you! http://www.nikkisixx.net/tour/