Got me some Alabama Shakes
Earlier, I mentioned a 3-in-one night of music.
A Trifecta, featuring
Brittany Howard's raging vocals.
I had seen her band
Alabama Shakes several times before but this was at the newly-named Volvo Car Center, outdoors, under the stars on a balmy Spring night.
The band played well and Brittany's vocals were full-throttle as she played her green guitar.
And, there has to be high praise for the lighting.
Dramatic, flashy, riveting and perfect for each song.
Moods were established and it was magical.
I had the luxury of being comfortably seated on the side, several rows above the heads of those standing on the clay tennis court.
Great sight lines as my camera captured the terrific light changes.
I was a bit surprised to see so many people were standing at their seats? Huh?
They blocked the view of others while they stood, many texting on their phones, the whole time.
Perhaps they should have opted to be with the other fans standing down on the court.
I remained seated, relaxing and enjoying this musical special evening, sipping a beer.
This was the same setting where I saw Bob Dylan perform and his stage was mainly back-lighted.
It was difficult to see his face, in shadow, under his trademark wide-brim hat.
Oops. My bad.
I did not jot down the name of the band that opened.
Dylan LeBlanc was scheduled but this was a different band.
They started playing as the sun was going down so I decided to try shooting some black & white images.
(Click on the photos and links for more details and info.)
Stay alert for the "Shakes" and make sure you catch them the next time they are in town.
Thanks. Support live music!
Labels: Alabama Shakes, Bob Dylan., Brittany Howard, Dylan LeBlanc, Volvo Car Center nee Family Circle
Can I have some Alabama shakes, please?"
No, not a kind of milk shake.
The musical group
Alabama Shakes played here a few nights ago.
They formed in 2009 in Athens, Alabama.
I had not heard of them but they were the musical guests on
Saturday Night Live Feb 18, 2013 so they have quite a following.
The PAC (Performing Arts Center) was not completely sold out.
There might have been 5 or 6 empty seats.
Brittany "Diamond" Howard is the vocalist and she plays a mean guitar.
This American rock band was in the shadows most of the night, due to the decision to have a bright follow spot that stayed on her.
I was seated up front - and my 20x zoom let me "move" even closer - so I was involved and enjoyed her singing
"Hold On," "Always Right," "You Ain't Alone" and "Hang Loose."
What an emotional delivery. She channeled gritty Janis Joplin from when Janis fronted Big Brother & The Holding Company in the 60s.
"Diamond" Howard showed traces of Gospel, rock and roll, roots music and more with deep anguish and feelings.
The link above to the band's appearance on SNL is preceded by a commercial that you can't skip.
Well, my "high tech" level can't figure out how to fast forward through it.
Click it and see if you can get past the ad.
The delightful sound bite is worth it either way.
This is a talented young lady and an excellent band.
While I had not heard of her, or them, before I am a big fan now.
Check out the link.
Too bad you weren't at the PAC Thursday night.
Or, maybe you were among the 2,000 lucky people there.
(Click on the photos for more details.)
Following live music and concerts has become even nicer now that everyone has a (phone) camera.
Takes a lot of pressure off me from well-meaning Security working at venues.
We indeed live in an interesting age.
Thanks for tuning in.
Labels: Alabama Shakes, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Brittany "Diamond" Howard, Janis Joplin, SNL musical guest
