Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Admiralspalast Berlin - 30 May 2013

Band:
Emmylou Harris, git, voc
Rodney Crowell, git, voc
Steve Fishell, pedal steel, dobro
Jedd Hughes, lead guitar
Chris Tuttle, keyb, accordion
Byron House, bass
Jerry Roe, drums


The last but one gig of the European leg of their spring tour took place at the gorgeous Admiralspalast Berlin where Emmylou had already played some years back. The show started at 8 pm sharp, and Emmylou, Rodney and band were given a great reception. They started with some good old standards, many favourites of mine in the set, Gram Parson's and Townes Van Zandt's stuff as well as Rodney's and Emmylou's own familiar tracks. The first set ended with a stunning version of  LUXURY LINER, Jedd Hughes on Telecaster played an amazing solo, very different from Albert's version, but nevertheless fantastic resulting in extra cheers by the very responsive crowd.

After a brief interval, Emmylou played a heartbreaking song for her late friend Kate McGarrigle who passed away in 2010. Sitting on a stool she did this sad song with her haunting voice which gave me goosebumps. Then they switched over to songs from their latest album as well as country ballads and eventually closed the set with OLD YELLOW MOON. Not surprising, the audience wouldn't let them go, and the returned and ended up with BOULDER TO BIRMINGHAM which wasn't on the set list but is always a crowd pleaser and a MUST.

They left the stage to standing ovations. Rodney came back after a little while making his fans happy by signing stuff, even jumping down rubbing shoulders and posing for some photos. I was able to have a brief word with him and lovely steel guitarist Steve Fishell. Steve is not only a brilliant musician in his own right but also co-produced Albert Lee's 2003 album HEARTBREAK HILL.

Later I had a few words and a photo taken with Emmylou, which was the icing on the cake. And last but not least, I met Elisabeth for the first time - a huge Emmyou fan, and we became friends to the day, another friendship through music! All in all, a concert of highest quality, tickets were not really cheap but worth every cent !


The review by Zeit online (link below) very much hits the mark and reflects most of my own impressions (available in German only).

Albert Lee: CD Heartbreak Hill - Emmylou Harris' Liner Notes

Emmylou wrote some great liner notes to Albert's album HEARTBREAK HILL:

In 1975, I was about the luckiest girl in the world. Backing me was a group of the hottest players in country music, and I was on a mission to carry on the vision of my mentor Gram Parsons to anyone who would listen. And who wouldn't listen to the "Hot Band?" Then after a glorious year of rockin' in the honkytonks of the globe (they are everywhere), James Burton, the Daddy of chickin’ pickin’ and arguably one of the most unique stylists and master of the Fender guitar left to go back to his other employer, a fellow named Elvis Presley. So how to put the "Hot" back in the Hot Band? You go out and find another unique stylist and master of the Fender guitar, something that was impossible I thought. And along comes Albert Lee, a skinny, half gypsy Englishman whose blistering solos and passion for American music knocked us all off our feet. Thus began not only the next chapter of my performing and recording career, but also a friendship and a musical collaboration that continues to this day.

This album celebrates that friendship and Albert's extraordinary gifts as a singer, song stylist and brilliant guitar player. His sound is unmistakable, often emulated but never equaled. When St. Peter asks me to chronicle the highlights of my time down here on earth, I'll be able to say (with pride if that's allowed) that for a while I played rhythm guitar in a band with Albert Lee.
Rock on, Albert.
Love,
Emmy

I was lucky to get these liner notes signed by Emmylou
after a gig at Berlin's Admiralspalast on 30 May 2013.

Marshall Lytle, Bill Haley's Bass Man Died

BILL HALEY'S ORIGINAL COMETS

announced on their Facebook site on 25th May 2013:

COMET NEWS:  Marshall Lytle, Bill Haley's Bass Man and the creator of the slap bass sound has passed away. He died this morning with the love of his life Cathy at his side. Marshall gave us so many years of entertainment and we will miss him greatly but his legacy lives on in the music and in our hearts forever!!! We love you Marshall......

Sad news !

On the road in Northern Ireland

The City of Armagh, County Armagh.
A little stroll before I left ...






Some photos from Northern Ireland, narrow roads, an old cemetery, green meadows and lots of cattle ... 

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh N.I. . - 23 May 2013

The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh

About the venue:
"The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh is one of Ireland's leading arts and entertainment venues. The iconic and award-winning building opened in March 2000 and since then has presented a 'who's who' of top names from the arts and entertainment worlds."

Brief review:
Hall of  Ghosts (Jim Williams) opened for Albert and the boys doing some stuff from his current album as well as some older tracks. I didn't take any

photos as they were tight on cameras - at least in the beginning,
The venue is a modern place with dining and a well-assorted bar (open even after the show) tiered seating and galleries, however, the front rows do not allow an excellent view as the stage is very high and you're in danger to get a stiff neck ...  The friendly stewart got me another seat some rows back after the interval which enabled a much better view, also the sound was perfect. The band played the same set as in Coleraine the night before, and - needless to say - they took the audience by storm. Standing ovations at the end, and the usual long queues at the signing table in the foyer. It was my last gig for a while, and after some sightseeing next day around the picturesque city of Armagh I made my way back to Dublin airport. 



Band:

Albert Lee - git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Gavin Povey, key, voc

Support: Hall of Ghosts


Set list  (same as in Coleraine):
Set 1
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Restless
Runaway Train
Little things
Take your time
Did I tell you
Brand new heartache
No one can make my sunshine smile
Earthbound
Just Because
Learning the game
Real wild child
Sweet Little Lisa


Set 2
Handle with Care
Luxury Liner
Hold me back
You keep me hanging on
Country Comfort
Oh Marie
Spellbound
Glory Bound
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
A Better Place
Tear it up

Georges Moustaki verstorben

Der Chansonsänger Georges Moustaki ist heute in Nizza, Frankreich, im Alter von 79 Jahren verstorben.

Mehr dazu:
Spiegel online: Chansonsänger Georges Moustaki ist tot

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Riverside Theatre Coleraine NI. - 22 May 2013

Coleraine, Riverside Theatre


About the venue:  Riverside was established in 1976 by the University of Ulster as a centre for performing arts and culture on its Coleraine campus, close to the popular Causeway Coast. Riverside actively participates with the four other regional theatres in Northern Ireland as ART Northern Ireland (Association of Regional Theatres), and is a member of TMA.

My first time at this venue which is situated on the campus of the University of Ulster. Tiered seats enabled a great view from wherever you sat. Albert and the boys delivered another great performance. No changes to the setlist, and as usual standing ovations at the end. Nothing to add, it would only repeat what has been said a thousand times before ...
Here's to another gig in Northern Ireland at the city of Armagh.

Band:

Albert Lee - git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Gavin Povey, key, voc

Set list Coleraine:
Set 1
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Restless
Runaway Train
Little things
Take your time
Did I tell you
Brand new heartache
No one can make my sunshine smile
Earthbound
Just Because
Learning the game
Real wild child
Sweet Little Lisa


Set 2
Handle with Care
Luxury Liner
Hold me back
You keep me hanging on
Country Comfort
Oh Marie
Spellbound
Glory Bound
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
A Better Place
Tear it up

Uriah Heep Bassist Trevor Bolder ist tot

Der langjährige Bassist der britischen Hardrockband Uriah Heep, Trevor Bolder, ist am 21. Mai 2013 im Alter von 62 Jahren nach einer Krebserkrankung gestorben. Er war auch an legendären Alben von David Bowie beteiligt. 

Mehr dazu hier:  Zeit Online

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Pavilion Dún Laoghaire - 21 May 2013

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire
Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes were brilliant at the Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire last Tuesday. Many musicians in the audience, among them Irish Singer/Songwriter/Folk Musician Paul Brady. Gavin was rewarded with extra cheers having many friends and fans around, as the gig took place almost at his doorstep. A few little changes to the setlist, SPELLBOUND was in the set again replacing TEAR STAINED LETTER. Huge applause and standing ovations at the end.


Set list Dun Laoghaire
Set 1
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Restless
Two more bottles of wine  Runaway Train
Little things
Take your time
Did I tell you
Brand new heartache
No one can make my sunshine smile
Earthbound
Just Because
Learning the game
Real wild child
Sweet Little Lisa


Set 2
Handle with Care
Luxury Liner
Hold me back
You keep me hanging on
Country Comfort
Oh Marie
Tear stained letter  Spellbound
Glory Bound
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
A Better Place
Tear it up

Door's Founding Member Ray Manzarek Dead / Ray Manzarek verstorben

Der ehemalige Keyboarder der legendären US-Rockband "The Doors", Ray Manzarek, ist im Alter von 74 Jahren verstorben.

Näheres unter folgenden Links:

TMZ:  http://www.tmz.com/2013/05/20/ray-manzarek-dead-the-doors-cancer/

Märkische Allgemeine

Trekkie Tage in den Potsdamer Bahnhofspassagen

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Trekkie Tage in den Potsdamer Bahnhofspassagen (bis 1. Juni 2013). Hierzu ein Link mit ausführlichen Informationen aus der Märkischen Allgemeinen:
„Beam me up Scotty“, Star-Trek-Ausstellung lockt Trekkies bis zum 1. Juni in die Bahnhofspassagen.

The Hamburg Blues Band meets Miller Anderson & Maggie Bell, Volkspark Mariendorf - 12 Mai 2013

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Hamburg Blues Band:
GERT LANGE (voc, git),
HANS WALLBAUM (dr),
MICHAEL "BEXI" BECKER (b),
MILLER ANDERSON (lead guitar/voc)
Special guest: MAGGIE BELL (voc, percussion). 

30. IKLG in Berlin-Mariendorf, Open-Air Festival 09 - 12 Mai 2013

Highlight am letzten Sonntag waren die Hamburg Blues Band mit der Woodstock-Legende Miller Anderson und der großartigen Maggie Bell als Special Guest. Für die Band war es das erste Open-Air dieses Jahres. Trotz des kühlen Wetters (Eisheilige ..) kamen eine Menge Leute, um sich die Super-Vorstellung der Band anzusehen. Ein paar ausgeflippte Freaks neben uns spielten 'Luftgitarre' zu Millers einzigartigen Soli, alles in allem war es ein toller Sonntagnachmittag mit Blues und Spaß - und das alles fast ohne Eintritt. Ein symbolischer Obolus von 1 € wurde verlangt, wo bekommt man das sonst schon. Essen und Trinken gabs reichlich, ebenso zu moderaten Preisen. Ich kann jedem nur empfehlen, sich die Hamburg Blues Band auch einmal in dieser Besetzung anzusehen, es lohnt sich in jedem Fall. Sie machen jetzt für eine kurze Zeit Pause, und am 13. Juli 2013 geht es in gleicher Besetzung weiter.

Kleine Weberhäuser in Alt-Nowawes (heute Potsdam-Babelsberg)

Kleine Weberhäuser in Alt-Nowawes

Wikipedia gibt dazu folgende Auskunft:
"Nowawes war der Name einer Ortschaft östlich von Potsdam auf dem Gebiet des heutigen Stadtteils Babelsberg, die von Friedrich dem Großen als Kolonie für wegen ihres Glaubens verfolgte evangelische Spinner und Weber aus Böhmen direkt neben dem alten Rundlingsdorf Neuendorf angelegt wurde. Ziel des Königs war die Errichtung einer Seidenweberei. Auf einem dreieckigen Grundriss entstanden an mit Maulbeerbäumen (als Grundlage für die Seidenspinnerei) bepflanzten Straßen kleine Weberhäuser."

"1759 erhielt Nowawes den Status als „Dorf“. Es hatte damals 681 Einwohner. Bis weit in das 19. Jahrhundert hinein blieb Nowawes ein Weberdorf, in dem zeitweilig sehr ärmliche Verhältnisse herrschten. 1904 wurden die bis dahin selbständigen Dörfer Neuendorf und Nowawes zusammengeschlossen; 1924 wurde Nowawes Stadt und 1938 mit der Villenkolonie Neubabelsberg zur Stadt Babelsberg zusammengelegt. Der alte Name verschwand, heute erinnert lediglich die Straße „Alt Nowawes“ an den Namen. 1939 wurde Babelsberg nach Potsdam eingemeindet." (gekürzt)

PS: Nowawes ist eine Abwandlung des tschechischen Nová Ves und bedeutet ‚neues Dorf‘.

30. IKLG in Berlin-Mariendorf, Open-Air Festival 09 - 12 Mai 2013

30. IKLG in Berlin-Mariendorf

"Auch 2013 möchten wir Sie wieder sehr herzlich in den Volkspark Berlin-Mariendorf vom 09.05. bis 12.05.2013 einladen. Auf dem Kultur- und Musikfestival erwartet Sie über 4 Tage ein tolles Programm."  (präsentiert von Radio Berlin)

Unterhaltung pur für die ganze Famile, Spiel, Spaß, Essen und Trinken, Line-Dance und dazu Live-Musik aller Art auf 4 Bühnen, nahezu non-stop von morgens 11 Uhr bis abends 22 Uhr. Eintritt: 1 € (symbolisch).

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"LIPSTICK" Rock'n Roll Showband aus Berlin (Hauptbühne) - 11 Mai 2013
Members:
Randy Rough: Voc/Git
Dany: Voc
Nadine: Voc
Patti Killerkanne: Sax/Voc
Franky: Bass Stefan:
Piano/Key Jürgen: Drums
Influences: Brian Setzer, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Roy Orbinson und viele mehr.

"Rock 59" im Volkspark Mariendorf (Bühne Festwiese) - 11 Mai 2013
(mit Musik aus fünf Jahrzehnten)
Members:
Ralph Warmuth - Gesang
Reinhard Müller - Tasten, Gesang
Thorsten Schlichting - Gitarre, Gesang
Volker Fretless - Bass
Christian "Kuli" Kuhlmey - Schlagzeug, Gesang
Saxophonisten:
Jarek Jeziorowski
Markus Küpper
Herbi H. Hart
Wesko Gelew
Frank Lüdecke

Kolumbus Kill im Volkspark Mariendorf - 11 Mai 2013

Members:
Kris Kolumbus - vocals
Søren Kolumbus - drums
Jimmy Kolumbus - lead guitar / backings
Andi Kolumbus - bass / backings
Tom Kolumbus - rhythm guitar / backings
HISTORIE:
Mai 2007 – Gründung im SO36, Berlin
Nov 2008 – Veröffentlichung EP „Agony“
Jul 2009 – 3. Platz Berlin-Finale Emergenza Bandcontest
Jan 2010 – Österreich/Schweiz-Tour
Mar 2010 – Ausverkaufte Show mit Empty Trash im Lido, Berlin
Apr 2010 – Recordrelease EP „A whisper and a ping“
Jan 2011 – Drummer Sören stößt zur Band
Apr 2012 – Aufnahmen Debütalbum, Hightide Studios bei Köln
Okt 2012 – Gewinner Tropical Island Sommersong-Contest

The Beatles - Fab Four Ever - Ausstellung in den Potsdamer Platz Arkaden

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The Beatles - FabFourEver

Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, Berlin | 08.05.13 - 18.05.13
präsentiert vom Circus Roncalli.

Beatles Ausstellung tourt durch 25 Center der ECE FAB FOUR EVER: Roncalli Direktor Bernhard Paul setzt den Beatles sein persönliches Denkmal.

Mehr dazu hier: Potsdamer Platz Arkaden News und Events.

Larry Schuba auf dem Volksfest Staaken - 10 Mai 2013

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Berliner Events:
Das 63. Staakener Kinder- und Volksfest in der Gartenstadt Staaken, Am Ungewitterweg, bietet Unterhaltung für die ganze Familie z.B. Break-Dance, Kettenflieger,  Biergarten, Actionshows, Country-Party mit Linedance und Live-Musik von Rock'n Roll bis zu Schlagern.

Am 10.5. spielte Larry Schuba, Berliner Urgestein, der sich auch "Country-Bär" nennt, seine Solo-Show.

Ansonsten tritt er auch mit seiner Band Western Union auf oder mit "Acoustic Thunder".  Dabei werden Countrysongs (gerne von John Denver) geboten sowie mit Western Union eine große Elvis-Show und eigenes Material.

Alles in allem hat mich sein Solo-Programm nicht gerade vom Hocker gerissen, habe ihn später mit Western Union gesehen, das war schon eine andere Liga.

Norman Beaker Band with Larry Garner in Germany, Spring 2013

Norman Beaker Band w/Larry Garner, Kulturbastion Torgau - 03 May 2013
Norman Beaker, git,voc
John Price, bass, voc
Steve Gibson, drums
Nicky Lee Steed, keyboards
Larry Garner, git, voc

A great gig at Torgau, my first time at this venue as it's located a bit in the middle of nowhere, but the friendly staff and moderate bar prices made up for the long drive. They are booking great musical acts over the year, e.g. Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders, Miller Anderson, Gov't Mule - just to name a few. Larry said he hadn't been in this part of Germany so far but he won over on the spot. Norman and the band delivered a great performance to a very receptive audience. Nicky Lee Steed sat in on keyboards for Dave Baldwin and did a fantastic job! A very bluesy Friday night, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my weekend.


Advert by Regio Music which tells everything about Larry (German only):
Larry Garner meets Norman Beaker & Friends

Der Gitarrist , Sänger und Bluespoet LARRY GARNER (Jahrgang 1952) aus Baton Rouge , Louisiana wird spätestens seit seinem bahnbrechenden Album "YOU NEED TO LIVE A LITTLE (1995, Verve) als "bester" zeitgenössischer Songwriter des Blues (West Coast Blues Rev) gefeiert. Garners Interpretation des Blues klingt frisch und modern. Respekt vor der Tradition und Einflüsse der Swamp Blues Altmeister Silas Hogan und Clarence Edwards spiegeln sich durchaus in Garners Musik. Imitation und Blueskliches a la " whiskey and women" wird man in seinen Songs vergeblich suchen. Larry Garner hat etwas mitzuteilen.- seine Themen sind aktuell und auf intelligente und typisch anspruchsvolle Weise aufbereitet. Dies hat ihm den Ruf eines modernen "Bluespoeten" eingebracht. Sein musikalisches Markenzeichen ist der für Louisiana typische, relaxte Groove, gospel - u. soulinfiziert. Garner setzt sein flüssiges Gitarrenspiel dezent und songdienlich ein.- Stil und Eleganz sind ihm wichtiger als Saitenakrobatik ( zu Hören auf seinem hervorragenden aktuellen Album "Here Today Gone Tomorrow", Dixiefrog) Dieser ehrliche und auf seine Weise einzigartige Künstler hat zahlreiche Auszeichnungen erhalten, auf eine ist er besonders Stolz: die Aufnahme in die "Louisiana Music Hall of Fame " LARRY GARNER ist definitiv einer der 10 wichtigsten Bluesmen unserer Zeit (Blues Revue, USA )

2nd Gig:

Norman Beaker Band w/Larry Garner, Objekt 5, Halle - 04 May 2013

Saturday night in Halle, another fantastic gig at Objekt 5 in a great atmosphere. It was the band's last gig of their German leg of the tour, and Larry and Norman both said how much they enjoyed their time over here. The blues-orientated audience thanked them with huge applause. The Norman Beaker Band are popular guests at Objekt 5, they used to play here every year with Chris Farlowe. I think it was the first time for Larry, but as the night before in Torgau he won over in no time, and everybody enjoyed the great music and his entertaining stories between the songs.
Thanks to Norman and the boys for two fantastic gigs in a row which made my weekend perfect.