Music, Creative Loafing Tampa

Patrick Wilson rocks out

Julian Hernandez — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:04:00 -0400

Actor/singer Patrick Wilson talks about making music for charity with his brothers in The Wilson Van. by Julian Hernandez Editor’s Note: Julian Hernandez won the “Interview Your Favorite Band” item in CL’s 2012 Holiday Auction, and when The Wilson Van confirmed a gig in downtown St. Pete, it proved to be a perfect fit: The winner of an auction to benefit The Children’s Home uses his win to interview a St. Pete-bred actor playing with his family band to benefit the Gold Shield Foundation. You likely recognize Patrick Wilson’s face from films like Hard Candy, Insidious, and The Watchmen, and most memorably from a recent steamy guest spot on HBO’s Girls.…

A week of Skipperdome CD release shows: Joel Tatangelo, Geoff Abraham, Applebutter Express

Leilani Polk — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:02:00 -0400

by Leilani Polk This week, the Skipperdome presents album release parties featuring three noteworthy local acts on three separate nights. Opening the fresh material festivities is Joel Tatangelo Band, its namesake guitarist renowned for slide guitar chops that have only grown more polished over the seven years he’s been active in the scene.…

This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Bad Veins, Ghostface Killah featuring Adrian Younge & more

Leilani Polk — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:01:00 -0400

Concerts, May 16-22. by Leilani Polk and Andrew Silverstein THURSDAY, MAY 16Nappy Roots w/J-Killz/Pat Ferg/Luke The funky Kentucky foursome returns to town with their signature feel-good flavor. Rising to prominence in the early ’00s, Nappy Roots were key players in putting Southern hip-hop on the map with singles “Awnaw,” “Po’ Folks,” and “Roun’ The Globe.” They’ve never quite maintained the platinum-selling status garnered by their full-length debut Watermelon, Chicken, & Gritz, but they have maintained a regular touring presence and hit St. Pete often, this time supporting their latest album/mixtape, Nappy Roots Presents Sh!ts Beautiful.…

A look back at the 32nd annual Tropical Heatwave, Ybor City

Tyler Killette — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400

Photos included; CL-produced video forthcoming. by Tyler Killette and Tracy May Editor's Note: I sent CL intern/USF Crow’s Nest News Editor Tyler Killette to cover this year’s Tropical Heatwave. I was looking for a fresh perspective on an old classic and she definitely delivered.…

The Sugar Man lands in Tampa: Rodriguez live at the Straz Center

Gabe Echazabal — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400

A look back at the Thurs., May 9 concert. by Gabe Echazabal Undoubtedly, one of greatest and most jaw-dropping real life rock 'n roll stories to emerge in recent years is that of Sixto Rodriguez. The Detroit born and bred folk rocker released two outstanding but widely ignored albums in the early 1970s that, in a perfect world, should have been cornerstones of finely-crafted protest music.…

The Bands of Tropical Heatwave

Scott Harrell — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:09:00 -0400

WMNF brings more than 60 of ’em to Ybor for its annual music festival. by Scott Harrell People go to music festivals to people-watch. They go to be watched.…

Six Heatwave must-sees

Scott Harrell & Leilani Polk — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:08:00 -0400

Check this list before you hit WMNF's annual music fest. by Scott Harrell & Leilani Polk Check out the festival map and schedule here. Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison They’re each accomplished solo artists, but the husband-and-wife duo joined musical forces this year for Cheater’s Game, a record that shot to the top of the Americana charts even as it found fans among lovers of folk, country and Texas swing alike.…

This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Kylesa, Jimbo Mathus, Rodriguez, Tera Melos & more

Leilani Polk — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400

Concerts, May 9-15 by Leilani Polk and Mina Abgoon THURSDAY, MAY 9Clutch w/Orange Goblin/Lionize/The Sword Maryland quintet Clutch channels the crunchy hard blues rock appeal of ZZ Top and adds a healthy dollop of Southern stoner heaviness as led by the gritty-resonant howls and growls of lead singer Neil Fallon. Clutch is currently on the road celebrating the release of a brand new studio LP, Earth Rocker, their 10th since forming more than two decades ago.…

Review: The Sonic Blast of The Joy Formidable hits State Theatre, St. Petersburg

Shae Krispinsky — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400

by Shae Krispinsky and Tracy May Everyone was ready to party at the Joy Formidable show at the State Theater in St. Petersburg last Sunday night, and not just because it was Cinco De Mayo and most people had already been throwing down most of the day. The Joy Formidable is known for being a high-energy, blast-your-face-off kind of band (well, they’ll be known for that last part from here forward).…

A Day To Remember brings an unforgettable party to Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Daniel Cura — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:49:00 -0400

A review of the Thurs., May 2 show. by Daniel Cura Ocala native rockers A Day To Remember landed at Jannus Live last Thursday and filled the St. Pete venue to its capacity on one of the last stops of their completely sold-out “Right Back at It Again Tour.” Warm-up started with metalcore outfit Issues, founded by ex-members of Woe, Is Me, and mashing up dance beats and DJ turntablism with heavy breakdowns.…

Review: Vintage Trouble throw down the fire at Local 662, St. Petersburg

Andrew Silverstein — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:16:00 -0400

A look back at the Tue., April 30 show. by Andrew Silverstein Despite my dedication to objectivity, or some semblance of it, as a music writer/critic/journalist, I found it really hard not to hate on a band called “Vintage Trouble” gracing the headlines of my inbox. It's just so insistent on the product delivered, I couldn’t help but think of this band as an audible equivalent to the just-remodeled strip mall bar calling itself a “gastropub,” “pour house” or whatever other bullshitty buzzword that gets you good Yelp reviews from rich, bored housewives these days.…

Funk Fest and the Funshine Festival hit Tampa this weekend

Leilani Polk — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 -0400

Two festivals, two different approaches to the music. by Leilani Polk Two very different Tampa festivals draw from a wide-spanning pool of music listeners with aesthetics that are poles apart, and both hit the city at once this weekend. Funk Fest throws down at Curtis Hixon, bringing the old school back and adding a little modern flavor in two days worth of golden hip-hop, neo soul, slow jams, New Jack Swing, dance music and more.…

It’s all about control for 97X

Leilani Polk — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:02:00 -0400

Three months in, how is Tampa radio station 97X doing with its You Control the Music format? by Leilani Polk FM radio is a stagnant wasteland, stations pushing artists and tracks based on crumbling systems — Grammy wins, Billboard sales — while continuing to remain woefully behind in the digital revolution. I listen to the radio in the car because I have no other options and can’t stand to drive in silence, but being a captive audience has always made me wonder — why the hell would someone listen to the radio on purpose?…

This week in Tampa Bay area live music: The Joy Formidable, Eliot Lipp, Soulfound Reunion show, Olly Murs & more

Leilani Polk — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400

Concerts, May 2-8 by Leilani Polk and Ray Roa THURSDAY, MAY 2A Day To Remember w/Of Mice & Men/Issues No confirmed release date as yet for A Day to Remember’s fifth full-length, Common Courtesy, though recent tweets from frontman Jeremy McKinnon confirm that it was tracked and ready for mixing by the time the Florida-bred metalcore fivesome hit the road on their current “Right Back at It Again Tour.” And, even better, ADTR issued a first single, the heavy-crushing, rage-driven “Violence (Enough is Enough),” which has McKinnon roaring lines like “I’ve been feeling like everything’s for nothing, in fact, I’ve never felt so god damn small” over the chugging and grinding instrumental breakdowns. Expect a particularly vigorous performance, as the band is currently enjoying freedom from label supervision, joined by original guitarist Tom Denney, and hitting their home state at the tail end of their tour.…

Review: Peter Murphy revisits the Bauhaus catalog at Orpheum, Ybor City

Gabe Echazabal — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400

A look back at the Wed., May 1 show, with photos by Gabe Echazabal and DrunkCameraGuy In the long historic line that "gothic" rock has endured for decades, one thing is certain: the originators, the masters and the architects of the genre are the English band, Bauhaus. Dating back to its creation in the late 1970s, the band undoubtedly created the blueprint for the eerie, dark genre.…

Joe Pug delivers a night of heartfelt music at New World Brewery

Shae Krispinsky — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

A review of the Wed., April 24 show. by Shae Krispinsky and Nicole Kibert As I looked back over my notes from Joe Pug’s show at the New World last Wed., April 24, one word kept popping up: genuine. Lauris Vidal’s genuine excitement to be playing with Matt Burke and Joe Pug.…

Album review: Morningbell, Bôa Noite

Leilani Polk — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400

by Leilani Polk Bôa Noite, the sixth and latest studio album from Gainesville-based foursome Morningbell, comes as a surprise in its ambitious scale and instrumental lushness, and it takes multiple listens to truly absorb and enjoy it. Bôa Noite was entirely self-produced by the band in their home studio, and its influences include (but aren’t limited to) Finnegan's Wake, Paul Simon, the poems of Jorge Luis Borges, Chopin's polonaises, classic hip-hop, Curtis Mayfield, Kurt Vonnegut and Claude Debussy.…

Taylor Swift dances and dazzles on her "Red Tour" at Tampa Bay Times Forum

Valerie Quintana — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400

A review of the Sat., April 20 show, with photos. by Valerie Quintana and Tracy May “I write a lot of breakup songs,” Taylor Swift admitted during Saturday night’s stop as part of her “Red Tour” at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Her highly publicized and star-studded dating track record should be fair justification.…

This week in Tampa Bay area live music: The Black Crowes, Vintage Trouble, STS9, Peter Murphy & more …

Leilani Polk — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400

Concerts, April 25-May 1 by Leilani Polk THURSDAY, APRIL 25The Wailers w/Trinity 7 The band that backed Bob Marley before he passed only has one member remaining who actually played with the reggae icon: bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett. The seven-piece Wailers also encompasses his son, organist Aston Jr., longtime keysmith Keith Sterling (The Upsetters, Soul Syndicate), and channeling Bob on lead vocals since 2010, Jamaica native artist Dwayne Anglin.…

Album review: The Woolly Bushmen 7"

Leilani Polk — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400

The Orlando trio presents a new recording at New World this Friday. by Leilani Polk The Woolly Bushmen have been carving out a niche for themselves in Central Florida’s indie rock scene for the past few years with their 1960s-hued vintage rockabilly and fresh garage rock unruliness. Last year they delivered a well-regarded debut LP.…

Record Store Day 2013: Local celebrations of the national indie record shop holiday

Leilani Polk — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400

by Leilani Polk As if there weren’t enough going on this weekend already, the fifth annual national celebration of indie record shops, Record Store Day (which now boasts Jack White as its esteemed Ambassador) crashes into a local indie music retailer near you with RSD-exclusive and limited edition vinyl releases to stimulate pretty much any musical appetite. Even though none of the shops know exactly what they’ll receive from the loads of orders that were placed because of the limited quantities available for many of the releases, the not-knowing builds a sense of thrilled anticipation and accounts for the crowds that tend to build up in lines outside the shops before they open.…

Living the Loaf

Leilani Polk — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:58:00 -0400

CL celebrates 25 years in 2013, while I celebrate 10. by Leilani Polk I grew up at the Loaf. Actually, it was still Weekly Planet when I started my internship back in the summer of ’03 uploading concert listings into the paper’s online database, sorting mail, and writing the occasional record review until I was offered a part-time listings gig.…

This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Taylor Swift, Deadstring Brothers, Curren$y, Joe Pug & more

Leilani Polk — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:50:00 -0400

Concerts, April 18-24 by Leilani Polk and Scott Harrell THURSDAY, APRIL 18David Benoit & Brian Culbertson Two very different jazz pianists back one another in an extremely intimate setting, given each’s stature in the jazz world. Benoit is known for a more light and melodic style, while Culbertson’s background as a multi-instrumentalist and R&B lover lends his sound a more powerful and rhythmic signature.…

Umphrey's McGee: On the McBandwagon

Leilani Polk — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:04:00 -0400

Jam-rockers Umphrey’s McGee return to St. Pete for the first time in six years, though I’ve seen them a few times elsewhere … by Leilani Polk Over the past nine years, I’ve seen Umphrey’s McGee perform 52 times, at 29 different venues in 10 states across the country (once in Jamaica). I’ve seen the Chicago sextet rock dank clubs, ritzy ballrooms, historic theaters, intimate amphitheaters, and a diversity of festival sites — a wind-battered stage in the middle of the Everglades, on the shores of a Caribbean beach, at the bottom of a mountain, in a Chicago park with the city’s skyline at their back.…

This week in Tampa Bay Area live music: Steven Wilson, Weird Al Yankovic, Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour & more

Leilani Polk — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400

Concerts, April 11-17 by Leilani Polk THURSDAY, APRIL 11Chasco Fiesta Presents: Southern Hospitality Easy Livin’ is the debut full-length from Southern Hospitality, the new project by three biggies of the Southern blues scene: consummate Bradenton-Tampa Bay area axeman, slide dripping lap steel player and brassy-toned singer Damon Fowler; booming resonant-voiced keys-banger Victor Wainwright, from Memphis; and South Florida’s deep and grizzly-toned singer, guitarist and two-stringed Diddley bow wailer, JP Soars. Tab Benoit oversaw the production of Easy Livin’ in his New Orleans studio, and in addition to co-writing some of the tracks, he managed to capture the organic feel of three friends enjoying a fruitful collaboration via an all-live recording process.…