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I really need to watch what I say…
Last month I mentioned that both the warm weather and the election would be things of the past by the time this issue hit the streets…Okay, so that's only 50% accuracy. At least that's better than the networks did on their calls for Florida…But, seriously, for those who are either burned out from post-election stress disorder (probably 90% of us) or more typical pre-holiday stress (nearly 100%), here's this month's round of therapeutic musical treatments:
Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers at Sande's National Pastime, West Milwaukee, Dec. 7: Here's Thackery's last stop in his latest swing through Wisconsin. The tattooed guitar monster of DC is in the top echelon of roadhouse rockers -- and still keeps fresh after three decades on the road. He's also done his part to stock the library of Blind Pig with more than a half-dozen releases since 1992, the most recent being Sinner Street.
The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra at Centennial Hall, 733 N. 8th St., Milwaukee, Dec. 8: In our times, a 5-year-old group is "veteran," those past ten are "venerable," twenty and up gets you "legendary." So what do you call a 100-year-old group? Unique. MMO is the oldest orchestra of its kind in the nation, and the last survivor of those formed in that era. Kind of places them way beyond the usual "retro" bands, I'd say. Catch this rare chance to hear what held the pop charts a century ago, as they welcome guests Mike Marshall (an original member of the David Grisman Quartet) and Andy Narell. Call (414) 964-3738 for more details.
James Cotton at Luther's Blues, Madison, Dec. 9: Yes, Cotton is no longer a vocalist rack that up to a half century of life on stage and on the road. But on the harmonica, he's as sharp as ever -- one of the last titans in a league that included Wells, Horton, Jacobs, and the two Williamsons. Worth noting is Cotton's guitarist, Rico McFarland - one of the many sharp, younger players to watch during the years to come.
Dale Watson with Joy Lynn White at the Club Tavern, Madison, Dec. 10: Stop the presses! Commercial country radio station promotes top old-school country artist! It isn't just cold here…Hell must be having a run on snow shovels, too. Or maybe there's hope yet for country radio? Well, credit to Q106 for helping the Club Tavern throw a big bash.
Johnnie Bassett at Luther's Blues, Madison, Dec. 15: One of the hits at last summer's Madison Blues Festival, Detroit's Bassett exemplifies understated dignity -- crisp guitar work, fluid arrangements, and lyrics that don't dwell on the tried-and-true. A performer since the 1950s, he witnessed (and backed) many of the artists that helped establish the Detroit scene, including Nolan Strong and Smokey Robinson. Bassett captures the essence of first-generation electric blues without straining to keep in lock-step with the past.
Swingin' The Blues with Tony Kannen at the Harmony Bar, Madison, Dec. 15: Sax man Kannen took several years off from music in the 1990s, but came back charging in the past year with this horn-heavy troupe. Fans of blues shouters such as Wynonie Harris, Roy Brown, and Big Joe Turner will be crowding next to the lindy hoppers.
Local spotlight: Jonny Z & the Uptown Savages: As 2000 ends, Jon Ziegler and his bandmates can look back at one of the busiest years for a Wisconsin band. The group built a following through summertime festivals across the state, and got their songs featured in the movie "Sliding Home" which led to the group's performance at one of the last events at Milwaukee County Stadium. "They liked the songs on our demo, and we wound up with several songs in the movie," said Jon Ziegler -- who has set aside his bass guitar from his Exotics days, focusing on vocals and rhythm guitar work. Away from the stage, Ziegler and two other bandmates got married this past year -- and Ziegler has continued with his "Chicken Shack" show, a mix of old-school country and rockabilly, on WMSE in Milwaukee, every Friday morning between 9 AM and Noon. "And we all have full-time jobs, too," Ziegler said. So it's understandable that the group will take a couple months off in the New Year closing out 2000 with a party at the Tracks on Locust Street (just west of Humboldt) in Milwaukee on Dec. 9; and at the Reed Street Station (with 60 Watt Sarah) in Milwaukee on Dec. 30. By the time they return to the stage, they should be ready to debut a full-length CD. "We've got 14 tracks that we're completing the mastering on," Ziegler said. "We should have it ready in the next 2-3 months."
And now, for New Year's Eve:
Magic Slim & the Teardrops with the Duke Robillard Band at Luther's Blues, Madison: My favorite Chicago blues guitarist: Slim. Among my top five favorite swing blues guitarists: Duke Robillard. Am I tipping my hand here, or what? Bringing a show like this together would be impressive in Chicago or New York; in Madison, it's mind-numbing.
Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans with Jimmy Sutton's Four Charms at the Oneida Casino, Green Bay: Amidst the clinking of quarters and the electronic "boo-di-lip! boo-di-lip!" of the slots, these two bands will get the folks dancing whether through the low-key R&B shuffle of Cebar, or the more vibrant jump of the Charmed quartet from Chicago.
Westside Andy / Mel Ford Band at the Harmony Bar, Madison: Any time the Harmony has its buffet is a special event - and admission is worth the price of the food alone. Add the lively blues of these hometown veterans, and there's an opportunity to shuffle off some of the calories on the green & white linoleum.
Sean Costello at Mugzee's, Rochester, MN: Those in the western part of the state would do well to cross the Mississippi for Costello. I first saw him about 5 years ago -- not even 16, he stormed out of Atlanta to perform at a club show during the King Biscuit Festival with his band, the Jive Bombers. A couple years later, he provided some interesting interplay with an emerging Susan Tedeschi. Quite the history for someone just entering his 20s. Again, another show to dance away the first hours of the new year.
Early warnings: January will certainly be filled with plenty of chances to dance off the holiday pounds! Top of the bill: an amazing double-bill of Sleepy LaBeef AND Webb Wilder at the Crystal Corner on Jan. 13; followed on Jan. 16 by The Comets (as in Bill Haley &) at the new Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, and Marcia Ball at Luther's Blues on Jan. 22. Also at Luther's - in early February - legendary pianist Johnnie Johnson, whose nimble fingers backed many of Chuck Berry's recordings. Those are four New Years' resolutions (or should I say reservations?) worth making. |
