Music has always been a part of my life -- now welcome to the journey. Just a little blog to reminisce, review, rant and rave about the music in my life. "Music is my mother and my father. It is my work and my rest,my blood, my compass, my love" ~Jeff Buckley
The story of Hannah Williams seems to be written in lore from day one.
Her father was a musically gifted minister, and her mother let her join
the church choir at the age of 6. Hannah could read music before she
could properly read words. Now she‟s an unstoppable force of incredible,
once-in-a-lifetime talent.
At an Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute, I met a drummer from Bristol. Somewhere between Grace and Mojo Pin, he mentioned he was a drummer in a band. He then asked if I had ever heard of Hannah Williams.
Europe had the opportunity to enjoy Hannah Williams since 2012. Hannah is a phenom who was "blessed by Sharon Jones" and remind me ever so much of Helen Terry. Backed on the 2016 album Late Nights and Heartbreakby the sensational Affirmations, the band is finding fame across Europe. The album is filled with classic soul, songs of heartbreak, and the title track has been sampled by Jay Z's album 4:44.
What? How come you've never heard of Hannah Williams and the Affirmations? I honestly don't know. They are not known well in the States - yet. Having seen them for their performance this year at Brooklyn Bowl, the raw emotion and high caliber talent of the band will propel these talented musicians quickly into larger venues and hopefully more music festivals. Spread the word and let's hear more of Hannah Williams and the Affirmations on this side of the Atlantic.
You can check them out on tour in Europe this fall.
Thank you to Jeff Buckley and to Jai for introducing me to the Affirmations and to Hannah Williams.
The Affirmations are:
James Graham - Organ, Piano and Wurlitzer
Adam Holgate – Guitar
Adam Newton - Bass Guitar
Jai Widdowson-Jones - Drums
Nicholas Malcolm - Trumpet
Liam Treasure - Trombone
John Pratt - Baritone Saxophone
Victoria Klewin, Hannah Nicholson and Hannah Williams- Backing Vocals.
At the moment the Dave Matthews Band tickets went on sale for Labor Day weekend, it was fate. Upon also realizing that the trip would include a stop in a music mecca, and then realizing that two must see 90's classic TV show filming locations were located conveniently along the route between Seattle and The Gorge...it was going to be a priceless experience.
The takeoff song was planned and this kicked off the journey to the Pacific Northwest.
It seemed appropriate to begin a trip to Seattle with Eddie Vedder. Between Jaws and MadMax and an appropriate grunge soundtrack, the flight was quick and soon the edges of the Cascades could be seen as the plane readied to land.
Evergreens. Love. Welcome to Seattle.
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Of course first destination was Pikes Place Market...what amazing choices of fresh and affordable food and flowers! And then the first Starbucks of course. We met a new friend at The Lodge, a wonderful and comfy cozy bar / restaurant / hotel on downtown. And then jet lag kicked in. Day two became a day to pay tribute to all things grunge. First stop was at The Museum of Pop Seattle (MoPOP for all you cook kids). First up was to see the new Pearl Jam exhibit.
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While prepared to see a life size Andrew Wood statue ... seeing a life size statue of Mother Love Bone's Andrew Wood with arms outstretched as he rose out of the earth like Mount Olympus, covered appropriately in STARfish...it was a but overwhelming.
The exhibit is a must see for any Pearl Jam fan. Eddie's notebooks, the tape Eddie made for Stone, the awards, pictures, just everything you could want to see and more - including a giant Ten-like Pearl Jam to take pictures in front of.
The museum also pays homage to Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well and hosts other rotating events. The Chris Cornell statue unveiling was moved from it's August date ... so another trip is needed to see it.
Music history sightseeing makes you hungry so the adventure continued to Toulouse Petit, a wonderful culinary delight in the Queen Anne area of Seattle. Music history sightseeing also makes you thirsty and want to play pinball. Highly recommend this Rudy's-esque Coney Island-themed bar, Shorty's on the lower part of Queen Anne. Of course we met more friends there ... and played some pinball as well! However, there was still music history to explore and no better place to continue than in picturesque Kerry Park. Gorgeous views of the skyline, but for music lovers, also the location of a famous Andrew Wood photo, arms wide open and embracing all things rock and fabulous.
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The next stop on the grunge tour, no, not the bench outside of Kurt Cobain's house, but the statue that inspired a very famous song by Seattle's Soundgarden: The Black Sun statue in Volunteer Park (also home to Bruce and Brandon Lee's graves).
That evening, our adventure took us to The Pacific Inn Pub located in Fremont, home of also, the Fremont Troll. Best fish and chips and fish tacos ... and not just because Anthony Bourdain ate there.
Conveniently located a ten minute walk away, was Highdive, a live music venue with a lot of funk andsoul. Every Thursday, a bunch of musicians from a bunch of bands join forces and become Marmalade. Must See!!! Day Three: A visit to TV history on the way to The Gorge. The morning started out the way you imagine a Seattle morning starting out with the cliche rain and fog. But for the drive ahead it was perfect. For this morning, I would visit the homes of two of my all time favorite TV shows: Twin Peaks and Northern Exposure. Both are quirky but one is dark and the other funny. Both had an impact on me growing up. Have you ever visited the town of
your favorite TV show? Do it! If it exists, it is a priceless experience. And if you are a Twin Peaks fanatic, you must check out Twin Peaks Tours. He is a true fan that we met
along the way and will guide you through Agent Cooper's arrival to the final place Laura Palmer was seen by James Hurley. Snoqualmie and North Bend are quaint towns that are worth visiting even if you are not a fan. Don't forget to stop by Twede's Cafe to get a hot cup of coffee as black as the sky on a moonless night and damn fine slice of cherry pie.
The drive from Seattle along route 90 is magical and if you're never seen real mountains before, you will be amazed. Next Stop: Cicely Alaska, real name Rosyln.Walking the streets where the characters actually filmed both shows was unforgettable and quite priceless. Walking into The Brick for a beer and strolling along the main street was a highlight. Day Three Continued: The Gorge The landscape shifts drastically from green and rocky mountains to the desert. Close your eyes and you can make yourself believe you're in the Southwest. We made our home for the next three days in Ellensburg. A college town that also hosts a rodeo on Labor Day weekend.The anticipation was growing to see the venue. Touted as one of the best live music venues, the Gorge Amphitheater sits above the Columbia River, giving the concert goer a magnificent view before enjoying the show. And magnificent it truly is.
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It is easy to spot someone who has never been to The Gorge before ... there is much anticipation as you crest the hill past the vendors and merch table. And then you see it ... pictures cannot do it any justice. The land opens up before you and the music, caught by the natural amphitheater, is amplified as you try to get that grin off your face of how truly amazing it all really is.
On to the show. This year's DMB shows included The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Moon Taxi, and Margo Price. And as the sun set, the Big Dipper could be seen sitting perfectly above the stage.
Three nights and 63 Dave Matthews Band songs. Perfect weather. Perfect crowd. The experience was worth traveling thousands of miles. Seeing families, couples, friends, all gather to enjoy music under the stars and create memories seems to be the goal of shows at The Gorge. The drive back to Seattle via Route 2 was just as stunning and breathtaking as driving on Route 90 through Snoqualmie Pass. Slow, the desert scene shifted back to evergreens. But there was still one more music adventure to take in Seatttle.
Easy Street Records in West Seattle is probably most famous for the Mother Love Bone Mural (re-painted a few years ago by Jeff Ament). You can go there for food and to shop for some great music. They also host many live events. And if you're in the neighborhood, I suggest you take a drive to Alki Beach. Totally not expecting this gorgeous beach oasis. BUT so worth visiting.
Vacations are for relaxing I suppose, so a visit to one of Seattle's sensory deprivation floating tanks was in order. While there are several, Level Float Spa caught my eye because they also offer neuro spa, light and sensory therapy (and they also offer unlimited packages!). Not familiar with sensory deprivation floating? Check out this post for more information.
Of course we dined at Pikes Place Market but we wanted somewhere that the locals frequent. A nice dinner before heading back to reality. It was ironically named The Brooklyn. Once we were inside, I understood that they were trying to replicate the 50's Brooklyn diner with a bit of Dick Tracy - like mystique and exaggeration. The food was amazing. Let me repeat this ... the food was amazing. No egg creams, but they do specialize in local fare full of flavor and originality.
It's always very sad leaving a new place that your soul totally is into, but alas, that time arrived. Two more stops before the airport. Dicks. Admittedly, very good for fast food. I also regret not getting the shake. But save room for your amazing meal and wonderful service in Georgetown's Nine Pound Hammer. We never would have found this place if it was not for our hotel concierge. Funky and out of the way makes Nine Pound Hammer a new favorite. The trip, over too fast. New friends. Old friends. Lots of music. Evergreens. An adventure with my best friend. Highly recommend Seattle.
Bass players. The ones always left in the dust. I happen to love the bass and the fine folks who play it. Without the bass, the song is not complete. So here in NO ORDER are some of my favorites - the underdog of the music world - here is to the bass player. Bobby Dall - Poison
Okay, so sort of no order. Bobby is where my bass crush started. It was Bobby's neon green BC Rich bass, the constant cigarette in his mouth, and THAT melody. Call it the pre-Justice Metallica syndrome, a lot of bass is turned way down and you can't appreciate what it really gives to the songs. And that hair. Berry Oakley - Allman Brothers The signature of Whipping Post is Berry's opening bass line. In his 24 short years on this planet, he created some of the most memorable bass riffs of the jam scene. As a founding member of the Allman Brothers, he laid the foundation of a band that will see its touring end this year.
Tal Wilkenfeld I've seen the Aussie play with the Allman's and Jeff Beck. You will lose your soul to her bass lines. She is smooth jazz and soul. She's played with the who's who of rock: Jimmy Page, Sting, Prince, and Eric Clapton to name a few.
Carol Kaye
You don't realize you've heard this woman dozens of times. Have you heard LaBamba? Sloop John B? River Deep Montain High? Or watch shows like Kojak, Hogan's Heroes, or the Cosby Show? That is the infamous Carol Kaye.
Charles Mingus
One of the most prolific bass players of the 20th century, he personified racial tensions into melodic, haunting, jazz songs. He was not only a bass player, but a composer, creating dozens of well known jazz recordings.
Gail Ann Dorsey You like David Bowie? Then you know Gail. She performed bass and sang with David Bowie for many years. She's also played with the following artists:Boy George, Gwen Stefani, , Seal, , ani difranco and Dar Williams.
Ryan Stasik
The bassist extraordinaire band co-founder from Umphrey's McGee, he oozes cool, plays hot, and fashions a stache that Magnum PI would pay for. Did I mention he ALSO loves Pittsburgh sports as much as yours truly. He' given UM some of their tightest, funkiest bass lines to songs like 1348, In the Kitchen, and Mantis. You like Metallica, the Grateful Dead, and Hall and Oates ... check out Mr. Stasik and Umphrey's McGee.
Lemmy Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, bassist and coun-founder of Motörhead is a no-nonsense, slightly unintelligible rock god. You can thanks the Beatles for Lemmy, as they were his first inspiration. While writing some of rocks most well known songs, including some for Ozzy Osbourne, it would be Motörhead's cover of Metallica's Whiplash that would win them their first Grammy and Whiplash was inspired by Motorhead!!! How fucking cool is that Cliff Burton?? Mind blown. \m/ \m/
John Taylor - Duran Duran John is more than just a pretty (really really pretty) face, he is co-founder and creator of some of the most famous 80's songs. Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, Union of the Snake ...take a close listen at that bass riff. He can also be found writing and acting while he isn't catching up with Duran on tour.
Rachel Bolan - Skid Row One of my first crushes, Rachel, sweet Rachel, you brought us Youth Gone Wild, Piece of Me, nose chains, and a thankful look back that we didn't get on that motorcycle as tempting as you were (one motorcycle doesn't work with two friends who understand not leaving your wingman).
Nikki Sixx - Motely Crue, Sixx A.M.
Nikki Sixx has become somewhat of a hero to me. He admits his mistakes, is a gifted photographer, writer, musician, and family man. He's open about his past and is ready for his post-Motley Crue future. He is the writer behind most of Motley's hits.
Cliff Burton - Metallica
One of my favorite bassists of all time. Cliff brought the bass to the forefront of the band. He made the bass sound like it was the lead guitar. After his brother's death, he promised he would practice and become the best bassist player for him. I think he fulfilled that promise. What would have become of Cliff if we had not lost him in 1986 at the age of 24?
Phil Lynott - Thin Lizzy
Yet another co-founding band bassist. Phil was also lead singer and songwriter for the band known for their songs such as Whiskey in the Jar, Boys are Back in Town, and Jailbreak. This Irish band was diverse not only in culture but in religion as well - making them a ground breaking no-borders type of rock band.
TRIVIA ... Did you know that Aerosmith's bassist Tom Hamilton ALSO played bass with Thin Lizz? Tom, known for that sexy opening to Sweet Emotion, also is an excellent skit actor if you happened to see him on the Saturday Night Live with Tom Hanks.
Les Claypool - Primus, Frog Brigade, Oysterhead THE man ... what a funky, slappin' bass this man plays. We all met him in Primus, the unforgettable sound of that funky bass revved up like Jerry's race car. And yeah, don't forget - it's good ole Les singing the South Park intro. He can also he heard with Stewart Copeland and Trey Anastasio under the guise of Oysterhead (pig mask and all).
Flea - Red Hot Chili Peppers Michael Peter Balzary ... who?? FLEA! He is perhaps one of the most influential bass players...in the world. His style of bass slapping and funk jamming has been copied and imitated across all spectrums of music. Not only is he the co-founder of RHCP, but he has played in numerous other bands lending his talent, he acts, he runs a music conservatory for underprivileged kids ... AND - he runs marathons! What is not to love about the man?
Rhonda Smith Her style definitely has Flea and Les Claypool inspiration as well as her own jazzy touch. She's played with Jeff Beck and Prince and can hold her own as you will see with this clip. She's a singer and songwriter who has not only played with George Clinton and Chaka Khan, her own band Karma Deuce has toured worldwide.
John Paul Jones- Led Zeppelin
No, you never think of John Paul Jones when you think of Led Zeppelin. He's the Ringo Starr of Zep. But behind all of Jimmy's riffs, Bonzo's beats, and Roberts shrills, you'll here this -- pure rhythm bass tying together all of the hedgerows of Mordor.
Sting - The Police
It's no secret I love Sting. Love his attitude, his perfectionist ways, his philanthropy, and I love his bass. He is true Brit, an artist, and can actually write a good biography. What I also like about the man is that he takes chances both musically and in life. Carry on Sting.
Krist Novoselic - Nirvana
Sounding like a broken record, Krist is a the bass player and co-founder of Nirvana. See - bass players will get you places. His life post-Nirvana has included becoming involved in politics and simple farm living. He does occasionally play with former Nirvana member, Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters.
Tommy Shannon - Double Trouble While Stevie Ray did (rightfully) take all the limelight, it was Tommy keeping up diligently with Stevie.
Jeff Ament - Green River, Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog, Pearl Jam
This basketball-loving bass player from Montana was a key player in the two bands that would help grunge evolve into what eventually became Pearl Jam. How?
Green River - Seattle band. Jeff was joined by Stone Gossard. Band breaks up and Jeff and Stone meet the most phantasmorasmic frontman, Andrew Wood ❤️, and form Mother Love Bone. Andrew goes to Olympus and Jeff and Stone meet up with Mike McCready and are asked by Andrew's roommate, Chris Cornell, to sing some of Andrew's unfinished songs with him in a band named Temple of the Dog. At the same time Jeff and Stone were auditioning singers for their next band and they liked this guy Eddie Vedder - who sang Hungerstrike with TotD, everyone loved it and {mindblown} Pearl Jam was born. Andy Fletcher - Depeche Mode
Another co-founder and bassist, Andy Fletcher's role within the band is always touted and speculated ... In a key scene in D.A. Pennebaker's 1989 documentary 101, Fletcher clarifies these roles: "Martin's the songwriter, Alan's the good musician, Dave's the vocalist, and I bum around." He has essentially done everything (even produce and manage) but sing.
Oh yeah, and don't forget this chap! Paul McCartney - The Beatles, Wings
Take a listen to McCartney's incredible, seamless bass line on Rain.
