The Beirut connection

(Photo by Ben Chrisman/MySpace)

Over the weekend I went to a party and was talking to my former boss, Dan Montgomery. Dan is an old punk rocker from San Francisco and a ukulele player. He's into some good, fairly obscure music.
Still, I was surprised to hear from Dan that the leader of the band Beirut has a connection to Newport News.
I later did a quick Google of "Beirut" and "Newport News" and came up with a story from the New York magazine that confirms it. Zach Condon, the mastermind behind Beirut, lived here for at least a few years when he was a kid.

Here's an excerpt from the story:

"Collision is a large part of Condon’s style, inherent to its appeal. His record is not so much world music as a global mash-up. He first picked up a trumpet as a grade-­schooler in Newport News, Virginia. “Newport was a coastal town. I was always on a boat. It made me look outwards.” But Condon’s family moved to New Mexico in his teens, where he started making lo-fi recordings on a synthesizer, inspired by the jangly, slapdash rock of bands like the Magnetic Fields and Neutral Milk Hotel. “I was so angry to be landlocked, I just wanted to stay inside and make music. One day I just thought, Can I sing? And I tried, and I could.”

Read the whole article here.

First off, nobody calls Newport News, "Newport" for short, so I figure he was either misquoted or he really has very little memory of this place. Secondly, it looks like in a weird way his journey from the Virginia Peninsula to New Mexico inspired him to get into making music. Hey, it ain't much, but it's something.

I'm going to try to e-mail Condon and see if he can tell us more about his Virginia days.

Crum Nation

(Photo by Big Dave/MySpace)

Man, I wandered into a cyclone of rock mayhem last night at the South End Pub in Virginia Beach. I went to see The Crums and watched them blast through a chaotic, drunken, cathartic sweat-fest of a show -- that also included lots of strong (even hummable) garage pop tunes. Even though The Crums have been around for years, this was my first experience. I'm sorry I didn't make the effort sooner. If last night's show was any indication, I missed a lot.
When I walked in around 12:30, the place was packed and The Crums were ripping through a sleazy, garage version of the R&B classic "Night Time." From there on out it was mostly the band's own tunes -- "I Got Nothing," "Detox Girl" and "Oh Yeah" I remember specifically. The Crums kept hurtling through its set until about 1:45 a.m. -- fueled by a steady flow of beer and shots and the boozy enthusiasm of an adoring and raucous crowd.
I heard people say that it was The Crums' final show and that crazed frontman Larry "Mud" May (who also leads the punkier Candy Snatchers) may be leaving town. I hope that's not the case. Larry's been at the heart of the local rock scene for as long as I can remember.

Tree of life

My man Joe Atkinson today told me about The Epochs, a band that's making some waves up in Nu Yawk. We think the band has ties to Virginia. But while I try to research that, go 'head and enjoy this nifty, somewhat lo-fi video for the groovy "Giving Tree." And have a great weekend.

Big Bobby's Back

(Photo of Rob "Big Bobby" Katherman from MySpace)

I was oh-so-happy to see that Big Bobby and the Nightcaps are still alive and kicking and about to play Virginia Beach. The band's raw-knuckled, 1960s-flavored garage rock is always satisfying. The band is set to play a pair of back-to-back gigs, Friday at Charlottesville's Outback Lodge (917 Preston Ave. 434-979-7211) and Saturday night at the South End Pub (1706 Mediterranean in VB) with the legendary Candy Snatchers. Guitars and beer, beer and guitars. You like, yes?

Northern Neck to Nashville

(MySpace photo by Aaron Ferrington)
Tonight, Paul Shugrue played a nice alt-country sort of song called "Red Eyes, Blue Lights" by a guy named Wes Charlton. The song was good and Paul said he was originally from these parts but now lives in Nashville, so I did some quick poking around and found out that Wes is from Virginia's Northern Neck and is friends with Macon Gurley, the daughter of folk-bluegrass multi-instrumentalist Bill Gurley -- also from the same neck of the woods.

Here's what Wes had to say about the connection on his MySpace page (he's writing about his own song "To Be Found" from a few years back):

"I'm from a small town on the Northern Neck and the song is a reflection on the town, the people and a certain way of life that is not usually found in big cities or larger urban towns. It's not really a personal reflection as it is more a commentary/tribute to a way of life that is sometimes looked down upon, but deserves some appreciation, in my opinion. I'm off in the big city now myself, but it's still comforting to come home.
Macon Gurley is the name of the lady that duets with me on the song. We are from the same town in VA and she is also a good friend. Her father, Bill Gurley, is somewhat of a regional celebrity/bluegrass icon and has recorded with Bruce Hornsby and Stephen Bennett, to name a few. He was sort of a mentor to me when I was younger, and he played on my first recording when I was 18, Pictures and An Empty Glass. Bill plays banjo on American Bittersweet, the record 'To Be Found' is featured on. Macon also did the graphic design and art work as well as sing on that album."

Charlton's new disc is called "World On Fire" and it was released March 18 on Judy Collins' Wildflower Records. Sounds like he's got promise. Good to know that he and Heath Haynes -- who I've posted about previously -- are making strides on the mean streets of Nashville.

Starship Trooper

(Toggle Switch photo)

Friday night I got the chance to sample a few songs from Little Trooper, a Norfolk indie rock band I'd been hearing good things about for a few months. Playing The Boot, they didn't go on until about 1 a.m. -- testing my middle-age, non-partying patience -- but I'm glad I hung in there. Little Trooper, playing as a sextet, made a sound that was tuneful and pleasantly offbeat. I've heard them compared to Pavement, and I'm sure there's some Steve Malkmus in there somewhere, but I heard other things floating through their style. One was a jangly sort of British soul, something akin to The Waterboys or Dexy's Midnight Runners. Catchy synth hooks and restrained guitar lines made me think of the Flaming Lips. But none of these comparisons fully describes what Little Trooper does. That's part of what makes them interesting. Other points in their favor include hummable melodies, arrangements that keep you guessing and stage presence that's cool, not painfully hip. I'm looking forward to hearing a full set from the Troopers. Conveniently, they're set to play The Taphouse April 5.

National treasure?

(Photo by Jason Collins Photography/MySpace)

I haven't made the trek up to Richmond to see a show at the newly reopened, freshly refurbished National theater yet, but I'm getting more excited about the idea. My friend Jenny Payne, a fellow music obsessive, went this week to see Willie Nelson and wrote this about her experience:

"So I went in thinking I only knew one or two Willie songs... and was there mostly to check out Richmond 's newest venue and to hang out with my friend from out of town... but I emerged a Willie fan! :) He was so, so good... and just a cool, down to earth person in general ...

The venue... The National... it's my new favorite place to see a band! The 1923 building has been lovingly and painstakingly restored. The area in front of the stage is wide open with a graduated wood floor, so even the people in back have a good view. The balcony upstairs still has what looks like the original movie theatre seating. The acoustics were excellent, and the sound wasn't turned up to ear-piercing level. Plus, bonus, this venue is smoke-free. Will see some of you there for Iron+Wine ..."

That all sounds promising. Plus, look at that balcony shown in the photo. The idea of sitting down to watch someone like Iron & Wine is very, very attractive.

Saturday night, Virginia Beach's own N*E*R*D performs there. Other shows of interest include Drive By Truckers March 28, Kimya Dawson April 1, Ben Folds April 11, Iron & Wine April 16, Old Crow Medicine Show April 23, Lou Reed April 26.

Hard travlin'

(MySpace photo)

If you love hardcore country, The Taphouse has a show worth checking out Friday night. J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters are in town to launch what looks like a pretty extensive tour. This is an acoustic trio featuring the main man on vocals and guitar, with Dan "BanjerDan" Mazer on banjo and mandolin and Johnny Lawless on upright bass. These guys have done lots of dates with Wayne "The Train" Hancock and with Hank Williams III, so I'm guessing they're the real deal. They also come with the endorsement of T.J. the D.J. who definitely knows his rockabilly and honkytonk. It appears that J.B. and crew are from Cross Junction, Virginia, which is outside Winchester. But they definitely get around. The tour that starts Friday night will take them through Louisiana, Texas, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon and California. The Taphouse show supposedly starts at 9 p.m.

1888 meets 1983

By showing up late to the Port Folio Local Music Awards, I missed one of my favorite local bands, 1888, get busy with the "Always Something There to Remind Me," a tune penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, but forever etched in my mind as a Naked Eyes hit. The theme of the live performances at the awards show was 1983 - which was the year that Port Folio first published.
I was glad to see the YouTube video -- which I found out through an ever-so-helpful MySpace bulletin. The same message said 1888 is writing tunes for a new album. Good news for us all.

Jungle Love

(Photo of Dominic Carpin at Rockitz in Richmond from MySpace)

More than 20 years ago (gulp) my college girlfriend told me about a band from her hometown of Richmond called the Cashmere Jungle Lords. I remember her playing a homemade cassette of the Lord's songs -- a tape I think she lifted from her brother. Good songs, I remember thinking. And nice, surfy sounding guitar.
Fast forward about 10 years, and I remember -- though a haze -- finally hearing Dominic Carpin's band live at the old Friar Tuck's on Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk. I'd been hitting the margaritas pretty hard that night (thanks Seth) but despite my condition, the Jungle Lords made an impression. The crowd was loose and rambunctious and the rock 'n' roll was loud, lean and full of '50s and '60s spirit. It was a good Saturday night -- and a tough Sunday morning.
The third part of this story is set just a month or two ago in Hampton. My wife and I wandered into Marker 20 downtown and spent a Friday in the arms of the Cashmere Jungle Lords as they cranked up classics by the Ventures, the Shadows and the like. I saw hardcore drinkers at the bar actually turn around and face the stage when Dominic played a particularly sharp guitar lick.
It was inspiring to see Dominic playing and singing so well -- his enthusiasm still burns bright. I could detect not a hint of bitterness or resignation. Just love of the rock.
Cashmere Jungle Lords have stood the test of time. Hell, they ate the test for breakfast.
On Saturday, CJL play a CD release party at the Taphouse in Norfolk. The disc, "Cashmere Jungle Lords/ Oodjie Boodjie Night-Night" collects all the tracks from the band's original vinyl releases.
One of the tunes, "Radio On," I remember from my girlfriend's cassette tape all those years ago.

Half Television

(Toggle Switch photo of Richard Lloyd at The Taphouse, Norfolk)

Richard Lloyd chose not to play any tunes from his groundbreaking band Television tonight at The Taphouse in Norfolk. But Television's sound was definitely present nonetheless. Playing as part the SufiMonkey Trio (which included TV drummer Billy Ficca) Lloyd soaked the small audience creative guitar wankery that couldn't help but recall his glory years with Tom Verlaine. His set included songs from an upcoming album that salutes some of Lloyd's influences, so we heard a number of Jimi Hendrix covers -- "Spanish Castle Magic," "Purple Haze" "Axis (Bold as Love)" and "Are You Experienced?" But Lloyd didn't try to ape Jimi. He injected the tunes with his snarling, darting, twirling guitar style. And that tone -- achieved with nothing more than a Strat and Supro combo amp -- was unmistakably Lloyd: scratchy and sweet. The crowd was appreciative, though tiny. At one point, the guitarists from three local bands -- Rylo, Action Habit and Shifty -- stood shoulder to shoulder near the edge of the stage, reveling in Lloyd's fretboard freakouts.

More awards bullshit

(The cover of Port Folio Weekly featured nominee Sky Zentz, always a winner in my book)

Here's the full list of winners from Thursday night's Port Folio Local Music Awards. I'm posting this not because I think this necessarily represents the best or even the most popular groups/artists/personalities in Hampton Roads. In some cases I think they do, in others, they definitely do not. But these artists did generate Internet votes. Take the information for what it's worth.
Even one of the winners listed below -- who shall remain anonymous -- recently told me he thinks awards like this are more about driving traffic to Web sites than they are about honoring quality or achievement. "Sam, I try to focus on things in life that are real," he told me, "and this isn't one of them." He wasn't trying to be provocative or cool (like Eddie Vedder at the Grammys a few years ago). I believe he was just being honest.
That said, the awards do bring attention to local musicians and that, friends, what makes them worth at least a few seconds of your time.

Album of the Year -- "Pig Radio" by The Influence

Pop/Rock -- The Influence

Hard Rock/Metal -- Superock

Punk/Garage -- Jackmove

Acoustic/Folk -- JoAnna Lynne

Classical -- Norfolk Chamber Consort

Country/Americana -- Pawn Shop Lifters

Cover -- Social Chaos

Blues -- Black White Blues

Jazz -- John Toomey Trio

Hip-Hop/R&B -- The Fuzz Band

DJ/MC -- DJ Greg Again

Radio DJ -- Paul Shugrue of WHRV-FM (89.5)

Live Performance -- Jesse Chong Band

The envelope please ...

(Photo from www.theinfluenceofmusic.com)

Awards shows have never been my bag, but I'm glad I stopped by the Port Folio Music Awards program at the Granby Theater tonight. The ornate Granby is the right place for this kind of shindig. There's a big stage, a bright, red curtain and lots of flashing lights. Bars are readily accessible and the multi-level nature of the place makes for good sight lines. (Yes, the sound was muddy, but you can't expect perfection, right?) More importantly, though, seeing several hundred folks show up to support the local music community was gratifying.

I arrived unfashionably late, so I missed some of the early performances, including those by Rylo and Skye Zentz, who performed a version of Hall and Oates' "Maneater." (Why Hall and Oates? The night's theme was 1983 -- in honor of Port Folio's 25th birthday). What I did hear was Jackmove doing a peppy, horn-driven version of Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry" and The Influence taking a grungy stab at Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
The Influence, by the way, took the Album of the Year award for its CD "Pig Radio" while best DJ went to DJ Greg Again and best punk group was Jackmove. I'm hoping that eventually Port Folio will post a full list of winners. I couldn't find one online tonight.

Wandering through the crowd at The Granby I saw Annie Johnson, Bob Zentz, Jae Sinnett, Skip Friel as well as local DJ Bill Bass and Kelly Murphy, who runs the Harris Creek Acoustic house concert series in Hampton.

Like I said, I'm ambivalent about awards shows. But it was nice to see so many area musicians and music lovers gathering under one roof. In that spirit, I'll bite my tongue about this shortcoming or that flaw. It was a good night for local music -- much better than a few years ago when there was a pathetic turnout for the Nine Volt local music awards at Rogues in Virginia Beach.

May Morning Dew

Last night The Chieftains played The Sandler Center in Virginia Beach. It had been a solid 20 years since I'd seen this trail-blazing Irish band, so it was in some ways odd to see how the group has changed. To put it bluntly, The Chieftains are less like The Chieftains. That should be no surprise. One member, Derek Bell, has passed away, another longtime player, Matt Molloy, isn't touring with the band this time around. That leaves a trio at the band's core, piper and whistle man Paddy Moloney, singer and percussionist Kevin Conneff and fiddler Sean Keane. The talents of those three have in no way dimmed. Moloney's pipes playing was at times jaw-droppingly great. Conneff's a cappella "May Morning Dew" was transcendent. And Keane's fiddling was pure and soulful. The Chieftains have brought along a gang of younger players to compensate for the empty chairs. Many of those youngsters are tremendously talented. The band also gave a spotlight to a local Irish dancing group and a pipe and drum band from Richmond. All this made for a warm, memorable night of entertainment. But I couldn't help but wish I could hear more from the group's core. Oh, and one more observation. Moloney's comic chops were in full display last night. When his bandmates took solos, he often teasingly looked at his watch, pushing the player to wrap it up -- presumably to give Moloney more time in the spotlight. At one point, he made his penny whistle swing like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

Is this thing on?

(Video is of the wonderful Nate Pace)
In Hampton Roads -- which is not over burdened with live music venues devoted to original music -- open mic nights provide an vital function, giving new acts a place to try out their tunes in front of a live audience and giving weirdos whose music is not exactly commercial a place to shine. And I'm always on the look for new weirdos, be they roots rock, indie, experimental or folk oddities. I've been one of the weirdos performing in some cases. In other cases, I've been one of the supporters in the audience.
I've been meaning to do some research about open mic opportunities across Hampton Roads. Coincidentally, my like-minded MySpace friend Grumbada's Favorite Local Bands today reported that these open mics are happening tonight and, I assume, most Tuesday nights:

Tanners Creek, 5103 Colley Ave, Norfolk 423-2430 (10pm)
The Boar's Nest, 4502 Monarch Way, Norfolk 961-5465 (10pm)
Abbey Road, 22nd & Atlantic, Va Beach 425-6330 (8:30-12:30)
Retro's, 11135 Warwick Blvd, Newport News 660-9553 (9pm - Soapbox!)

To that list, I'll add these:
Goodfellas, 13 E. Queens Way, Hampton 723-4979 (Tuesday nights)
Hat Trix, 24 N. Mallory, Hampton 726-0820 (Wednesday nights)
Goody's, 11 E. Queens Way, Hampton 722-3662 (Wednesday nights)
HK on The Bay, 4600 Lookout Road, Virginia Beach 605-3024 (Sunday nights, I think)

Anybody know about other good ones? Please post some comments and I'll follow up with another post.

Nashville Skyline

Heath Haynes is a singer and songwriter from Danville who for many years was a rock 'n' roller in Richmond. Before decamping for Nashville, he lead a power pop band called Heath Haynes and the Cryin' Shames. I sort of lost track of Heath after seeing him rock The Taphouse with the Cryin' Shames a few years ago, but recently caught up with him thanks to the magic of the incredible Internets.
Here's what he had to say:

"I front a band called Heath Haynes and The Four Ballers. We play the honky-tonks of Broadway in Nashville. Five to six times a week we play hardcore country and rock and roll for four hours a shot, sometimes twice in a day. On any given night we play everything from Hank Williams, George Jones, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Johnny Paycheck to the Stones, Monkees, Who, Chuck Berry, Kinks, Stooges, T Rex, and Ramones. Neil Young, Rufus Thomas, Cheap Trick, Sam Cooke, Waylon Jennings, Sex Pistols, Hendrix, Violent Femmes, Replacements, Madness, Johnny Rivers, Neil Diamond, Glenn Campbell, Link Wray, and Animals all rear their heads from time to time. We throw some of my originals in from time to time when the mood hits me. People eat it up and come back for more week after week. What can I say, it's a living!

"... You hear a lotta people talk about livin' the dream. Well here I am in Nashville and I am a full time professional recognized musician. Hell, today I sang 'Your Cheatin Heart' onstage in a packed house with the guy that played steel guitar on the FUCKIN RECORD! That shit don't happen in Richmond Virginia, cuz."

Pick your passion

(Photo from www.thejameskingband.com)
Anyone who feeling cynical about the manufactured nature of modern music should make a point of stopping by The Cabin Fever Pickin' Party in Hampton on a Saturday afternoon. I spent a few hours over there today, and the Holiday Inn where the indoor festival is held was swarming with bluegrass pickers and fans of all ages and skill levels. As always, jam sessions were happening in nearly every corner of the hotel. I saw 70-year-old fiddlers sawing away next to 20-something guitarists. I saw a white-hot Dobro player who was probably 11 years old. And I heard an pickup combo a classic-sounding tune called "Faithless Love" only to hear the mandolinist say at song's end "I wrote that with my wife." Here in Virginia, the string-band tradition is alive and well. I only wish I could have heard James King perform tonight -- I was busy watching UNC defeat Duke in basketball. (Go Tar Heels).

Quarter for a pod

(Toggle Switch photo)
Matt Thomas -- bass player, songwriter and leader of the Hampton-based band Uglyography -- is one tenacious mofo. Since his previous band the Outer Loop dissolved a few years ago, he's been steadily trying to get his new project Uglyography up and running. He single-handedly put together the band's debut CD "Love Boat" and has since worked diligently to put together a band capable of playing those quirky-but-tuneful songs live. There have been many obstacles. This week, though, he unveiled Uglyography version 2.0 at the open mic at Goody's in downtown Hampton. Thomas performed solo, singing and playing bass to prerecorded drum, guitar and keyboard tracks. That's a tough trick, but Matt pulled it off well. I'd much rather hear him with a full band -- but I know that Matt's doing what's necessary to get his music out there. Anyway, like I said, Matt is tenacious and fiercely focused. I'm looking forward to hearing some new songs from him.

Primal Screams

Last night I got to see Mas Y Mas play at The Boot in Norfolk. Wow. What an eye-opener. Compared to the scratchy, low-fi songs I'd heard on MySpace and on the "Boot Cuts" compilation, the sound was loud, tough and cohesive. It packed a punk-rock wallop I hadn't expected but was happy to hear. Playing as a trio, the band stomped through songs on an untitled CD I picked up after the set. I'm thinking of it as the "Pepsi" CD because the artwork makes a connection and there's a song on it that refers to the New Generation's fizzy drink of choice. Mas Y Mas played other tunes as well. "We're all about raising awareness," the singer and guitarist said, then introduced a song called "You Should Have That Looked At."
Anyway, I was knocked out by the band's weird energy and I can't wait to see them again. Fortunately, they're coming back to The Boot March 14. If you're brave enough, take a peek at the strange world of Mas Y Mas here.

Walkin' After Midnight

(Photo from www.patsycline-throughmyeyes.com)
The Virginia Historical Society in Richmond has planned a one-day symposium on Winchester's own country queen Patsy Cline. The event, which will last 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 4, will feature presentations by Beth Bailey, Mike Foreman, Warren F. Hofstra, Joli Jensen, Bill Malone, Kristine M. McCusker, Jocelyn Neal, Tim Timberlake and -- the only one of the names on the list that means anything to me -- country recording artist George Hamilton IV. I'm sure this will be a fascinating look into the life of a legend.

Exit Wounds

(MySpace photo, caption: James River, Lynchburg, Va., waiting on a train)
Tim Barry of the Richmond-area punk band Avail writes and performs acoustic, folk-ish tunes on his own. Great to hear that punk spirit being channeled in a new, somewhat more rootsy direction. The volume may be throttled back, but the confrontational attitude is still there in spades. I'd like to hear Tim play live, but the only local show I know he has scheduled is May 31 at the Jewish Mother.
Reading Barry's MySpace page, I see that he's lost two people close to him in 2008. He's still writing songs and trying to get back on his feet emotionally.
"I'm gonna go for it now," he posted on his MySpace blog. "I'm gonna record a few songs in April, and if I like any of them I will put them up on here. I'm gonna continue to write until I have an album I like. I'm doing all of this because it's the only thing I can do now. Just gotta keep moving and planning."

Mojo Workin'

As I write this, I'm waiting to watch "Saturday Night Live," because Wilco is the scheduled musical guest. Since I heard the band this week in Washington, D.C., I can't resist seeing them play live on TV -- It'll provide a nice chance to compare and contrast. Earlier tonight, I headed over to the Attucks Theatre to hear the legendary Pinetop Perkins play the blues. Pinetop is 94 years old, so naturally he wasn't bouncing off the historic walls of the Attucks, but he performed well, giving a pretty sizable crowd at the Attucks a taste of vintage boogie-woogie and piano blues. Guitarist Bob Margolin and his band backed Pinetop, and those guys sounded great -- nice, tasteful electric blues thankfully free from the Stevie Ray Vaughan overkill so common among modern bluesmen.
Pinetop's show ended a good live music week for me. I saw Regina Spektor play a fine, good-natured set at The NorVa on Monday. Her voice was strong and her stage demeanor was charming. I'd go see her again in a heartbeat.
It was up to the 930 Club in D.C. for Wilco on Wednesday, then tonight's blues celebration at the Attucks.
It's not often I get to see three good shows in one week, so I'm thankful.
The only downside is that I read in the Virginian-Pilot this morning that the folk singer Odetta was playing Portsmouth tonight in a concert honoring the late, great Ruth Brown. I wish I would have known about this earlier. I certainly would have given it a plug.