R.I.P. Mitch Mitchell

from jambase

"Mitch Mitchell, the innovative drummer who anchored the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has died at the age of 62. Mitchell passed away on November 12 in Portland, Oregon of natural causes. The London native had completed an 18 city American tour as a featured performer with Experience Hendrix, a series concert series celebrating the legacy of Jimi Hendrix featuring an all-star line up of artists including his one-time Hendrix bandmate and dear friend Billy Cox. Other performers on the tour included Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, Robby Krieger of the Doors, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam as well as members of Los Lobos and others. Portland was the tour's last stop and Mitchell had been staying in town for some vacation time before his planned return to England."

read more at jambase

R.I.P. Merl Saunders

from jambase -
Merl Saunders was born Merl Saunders Washington (he dropped the "Washington" for show biz purposes) in San Mateo, California on February 14, 1934; he passed away early this morning (October 24, 2008) at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco.

Saunders grew up in San Francisco and was a proficient piano player by age 10. He attended Polytechnic High School, Served in the Air Force and Attended University of Mainz in Germany. Saunders married Betty Crenshaw and leaves behind three children (Anthony Saunders, Merl Saunders Jr., Susan Saunders) and a number of grand kids.

Saunders became one of the preeminent Hammond B-3 player of his generation; beginning his long strange trip by apprenticing with the great Jimmy Smith. In 1970 Saunders began playing with Jerry Garcia in the Bay Area under bands called Legion of Mary and then Garcia/Saunders. The duo recorded a number of famous albums including Heavy Turbulence, Fire Up, and Live at the Keystone. Their 1990 collaboration, Blues from the Rainforest, was a Billboard Top 10 in the New Age category.

Saunders contributed to the Grateful Dead album Grateful Dead (1971), and in the mid-1980s worked with the band as musical director for the "Twilight Zone" television show.

He became known as the senior member of the jam band scene having played with Phish, Blues Traveler and Widespread Panic. He was instrumental in allowing young talent to play and record with him, giving first opportunity to the likes of Sheila E, Chris Hayes (Huey Lewis & the News), Bonnie Hayes (Billy Idol) and Bob Steeler (Hot Tuna).

In parallel to his rock career, Saunders worked as a jazz trio player, performing and recording with Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul Butterfield. He also contributed to the scores of the films "Heavy Traffic" and "Fritz the Cat."

Jane's Addiction Reunites!

There has been some speculation online about a secret Jane's Addiction show this week. Well, there is no need to speculate... Jane's Addiction will be performing tonight (Thursday, October 23), at La Cita Bar (336 South Hill Street) in downtown Los Angeles. The night is hosted the band's friend, artist Shepard Fairey. This will be the first Jane's Addiction show in years with the original lineup of frontman Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins.

from jambase

Amendola & Parker Tonight @ the Palms

"Bay Area jazz player Scott Amendola is one of those rare drummers whose talent is so distinctive that he can be billed as the leader of the band. He has been nominated for a Grammy with the band T.J. Kirk, recorded three records with Charlie Hunter toured the world, and appeared on national television, and has recorded or performed with dozens of musicians, including Bill Frisell, John Zorn, Tony Furtado, Phil Lesh among many others. Amendola's inspiration stems from such stylistic influences as African music, jazz, blues, spirituals, rock, and the avant garde. He is among the most musical of drummers we have had the pleasure of listening to. This evening Amendola is joined by pioneering Chicago avant/jazz guitarist Jeff Parker. From his website: Jeff Parker is “ jazz guitarist with pro credentials, widely travelled and prized by top soul-jazzers and hard-boppers…inveterate rocker who revitalized Tortoise with his ferocious improvising and tasty licks…. experimentalist willing to try new dub, hip-hop,electronic, collage, free, chamber - anything worthwhile, irrespective of genre or orientation. Community expander, boundary buster, restless explorer - Jeff Parker is constantly trying out new things with new partners.” On bass is longtime Amendola collaborator Jeff Schifflett."

Keller Williams Band - Live Tonight - Free Stream of Show

from iClips..
Tune in to iClips.net on Wednesday, 9/24 for an exclusive webcast of the Keller Williams w/Moseley, Droll & Sipe concert at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, WI. Cornmeal will be opening the show, and their set will also be broadcast on iClips.

The show will begin at approximately 8pm CST, with Keller hitting the stage around 9:30pm. No matter where you are located, you’ll have the best seat in the house as iClips delivers the excitement of KW’s live performance right into your home!

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Keller Williams is literally a one-man jam band. His fascinating live shows feature him solo on-stage with a Gibson Echoplex Digital Pro looping unit, and he creates his backing loops in the moment, building and improvising as he goes on his custom-made ten-string guitar, and thanks to his equally as quirky, upbeat, and semi-surreal songs (which he frequently weaves into extended, half-improvised medleys) and his warm, friendly tenor singing voice, Williams is an utterly unique performer whose musical eccentricities don't keep him from being immediately accessible.

direct link

Pink Floyd founding member Richard Wright dies

from jambase -

Pink Floyd keyboardist and founding member Richard "Rick" Wright passed away today (Monday, September 15). According to a post on David Gilmour's website, "Richard died today after a short struggle with cancer." He was 65.

Wright co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with guitarist Syd Barrett, bassist Roger Waters and drummer Nick Mason. Known primarily as a keyboardist, Wright also sang and earned songwriting credits on several of Floyd's most popular albums including Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.

Wright continued to work with Pink Floyd through the 80s and 90s and is featured heavily on the final Floyd studio album, 1994's The Division Bell. He also participated in the Pink Floyd reunion that occurred for Live 8 in 2005 (read the review here).

In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Wright put out two solo albums, 1978's Wet Dream and 1996's Broken China, as well as 1984's Identity with Dave Harris.

Phish Reunites.....Kinda'

If you haven't heard, Phish played a short set at Brad Sand's wedding last weekend. The quartet played staples "Suzy Greenberg," "Waste" and "Julius." Afterwards, Police drummer Stewart Copeland joined the Wedding Band for a rendition of The Police's "Can't Stand Losing You" and The Meters' "Fire On The Bayou."

Here is a rough video of some Julius. My favorite has to be when the light hits Phishman....COMEDY!

See you on tour next Phall bitches!

America's Greatest Rock Band?

i'm thinking so.

OUTSIDE LANDS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Another Planet Entertainment, Superfly Productions and Starr Hill Presents, in a partnership with the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department, are proud to introduce the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. The inaugural multi-faceted, three-day festival will take place in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park August 22 - 24, 2008.

Radiohead, Tom Petty and Jack Johnson will headline the event. Full lineup, ticketing, on-sale and other information will be announced throughout the coming weeks.

"With the incomparable pedigree of its producers, Outside Lands is set to be the dynamic event with the broad range of entertainment and amusement options you'd expect from the partnering of the co-founders of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival with one of the most successful promoters in Northern California. The unique strengths of these two companies using the backdrop of one of the most famous parks in one of the most famous musical cities in the world is certain to make for an unforgettable weekend. Golden Gate Park has been the site of such events as Peter Gabriel's WOMAD Festival, the Tibetan Freedom Concert, the Guinness Fleadh Festival, Love, Laughter & Music celebrating the lives of Bill Graham, as well as single mega-concerts by the likes of Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and most recently the Dave Matthews Band. Outside Lands, perhaps the most ambitious event in the park's history, will be the first annual ticketed large-scale multi-stage event in this historic location. A portion of every ticket sold will directly benefit Golden Gate Park.

With five main performance stages, the music programming will represent a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, reggae, jazz, hip-hop, world, soul, Latin and electronic music. From singer-songwriters to roots acts, rock bands and DJs, major national headliners will perform alongside exceptional emerging talent, making the event a substantial celebration of the established and the cutting edge. Local acts will also be featured prominently as the festival will represent San Francisco's vibrant cultural community. The local flavor will also be seen in the festival¹s concessions, featuring foods from local eateries, as well as in the world of the visual arts, with work from artists in both traditional and new media being featured throughout the event. More information about all the festival attributes and activities will be announced over the coming weeks and months.

Since both Superfly and Another Planet have a strong history of being environmentally conscious organizations, the festival will be a particularly green undertaking, utilizing carbon offsetting, recycling programs, and other greening efforts. Furthermore, the event will directly benefit the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department with a special annual donation.

With a seemingly endless selection of music and activities, the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival is certain to be one of the ultimate summer destinations for live music fans. The fact that it will take place in the great city of San Francisco ensures an unparalleled entertainment experience."

wow.

CAMP MMW

What else could I possibly say. It's Camp MMW kids!

VIVA LA EVOLUTION!!!

That's Right. One, Two, Three Baby.

Medeski Martin & Wood are planning 3 tours, plus 3 albums in 2008. Each tour and subsequent album will consist of all NEW MUSIC. The plan: Write > Tour > Record > Repeat.

Get all the digs HERE.

Radiohead thought they were breaking the rules...MMW MAKES THE RULES!!!

photos - Lisa Schaefer

Have I Mentioned How Absolutely Fucking Sick These Guys are Lately

Selling out Red Rocks...two nights in a row. The Fillmore in Denver...four nights in a row. The Tabernacle in Atlanta...four nights. Recognized by Pollstar. Now...CNN!

Fuck Me! My little babies 'is all grows up!'

Coachella 08 Announced

FRIDAY, APRIL 25: Jack Johnson, The Verve, Raconteurs, The Breeders, Fatboy Slim, Tegan and Sara, Madness, The Swell Season, The National, Animal Collective, Slightly Stoopid, Mum, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Stars, Battles, Aesop Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, Does it Offend you, Yeah?, Minus the Bear, Spank Rock, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Diplo, Adam Freeland, Santo Gold, Jens Lekman, John Butler Trio, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Architecture in Helsinki, Sandra Collins, Busy P, Cut Copy, Black Lips, Datarock, Professor Murder, Reverend and the Makers, The Bees, Porter, Rogue Wave, Modeselektor, American Bang, Lucky I Am.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26: Portishead, Kraftwerk, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacuba, Sasha & Digweed, Rilo Kiley, Dwight Yoakam, M.I.A., Hot Chip, Cold War Kids, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, DeVotchKa, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Turbonegro, Scars on Broadway, Islands, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, Boyz Noize, Junkie XL, Cinematic Orchestra, Jamie T, The Teenagers, VHS or Beta, Carbon/silicon, Erol Alkan, Yo Majesty!, Little Brother, Bonde Do Role, St. Vincent, Akron Family, MGMT, Institubes DJs (Surkin, Para One and Orgasmic), James Zabiela, Sebastian, Kavinsky, Dredg, The Bird and the Bee, Grand Ole Party, New Young Pony Club, 120 Days, Yoav, Electric Touch, Uffie

SUNDAY, APRIL 27: Roger Waters (performing Dark Side of the Moon), Love & Rockets, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, The Streets, Metric, Danny Tenaglia, Simian Mobile Disco, Booka Shade, Murs, Dmitri from Paris, Autolux, The Field, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Les Savy Fav, The Cool Kids, Sons & Daughters, Sia, Holy Fuck, Black Kids, Black Mountain, The Annuals, Kid Sister w/A-Trak, Man Man, Duffy, I'm from Barcelona, Manchester Orchestra, Deadmau5, The Horrors, Austin TV, Shout Out Louds, Plastiscines, Brett Dennen

Tickets for go on sale this Friday, January 25 at 10:00 AM (PST) via TicketMaster.

Coachella's organizers also confirmed dates for the All Points West Music & Arts Festival, set for August 8, 9 and 10 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. No details beyond the festival dates have been announced but people can sign up for updates at the official site.

RADIOHEAD - IT WORKED!

NY TIMES - In a twist for the music industry’s digital revolution, “In Rainbows,” the new Radiohead album that attracted wide attention when it was made available three months ago as a digital download for whatever price fans chose to pay, ranked as the top-selling album in the country this week after the CD version hit record shops and other retailers.

Watch Clips From JamCruise 6

iClips is the shit! After enjoying STS9's NYE run for free, iClips is now offering video from the recently returned JamCruise 6.
What's Jamcruise? Please! It's HEAVEN! You can watch, for free, HERE.
So far they've posted sets from..
The Superjam
Galactic
Perpetual Groove
Sharon Jones & Dap Kings
Grace Potter
Soulive and
Toots & Maytalls
with more to come!

here is as taste from the superjam feat...
Karl Denson - Sax, Vocals
Stanton Moore - Drums
Ron Johnson - Bass
Ivan Neville - Keys
Steve Kimock - Slide Guitar
Al Schnier - Guitar
Grant Green Jr. Guitar
Robert Walter - Organ
Eric Kranso - Guitar
????? - Vocals
Russell Batiste - Percussion
Boots Riley - Ryhmes
George Porter - Bass
Brock Butler - Guitar
Skerik - Sax
Jeff Coffin - Sax
Jeff Miller - Guitar

FOUR NIGHTS OF NEW YEARS WITH THE NINE!

STS9 are offering a live web stream of their four night NYE run from The Tabernacle in the ATL. It all starts tonight. It's available at IClips. All you do is a brief registration and then you can stream for free. I've been on IClips for a few shows and it works great, even for us Mac users. No fuss, no spam, NO CHARGE!

GET IT HERE

A Christmas Gift From Bruce

from his site..
"To: Our friends visiting BruceHornsby.com, Bruuuce.com & BruceHornsbyLive.com...A holiday surprise - free live download!!!!
It has been a fun-filled, fantastic year and we appreciate your support for all of our adventures in music...
We've put together a special holiday collection of live tracks from the summer of 2007! As usual, we didn't skimp; and it's yours for the taking!

So eat, drink, be merry and most of all enjoy!

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers"

get it here

LED MOTHERFUCKIN' ZEPPELIN

THE BOYS ARE BACK!
Led Zeppelin has just finished their first show in 19 years. Plant (seen in a recent rehearsal in the photo above), Page, Jones and John Bonham's son Jason on drums played in London's O2 arena to a beyond sold out crowd and apparently did NOT disappoint.. Billboard.com was there delivering the up-to-the minute set list highlights including .....

Led Zeppelin has played:

"Good Times, Bad Times"
"Ramble On"
"Black Dog"
"In My Time of Dying"
"For Your Life" (first time ever played live)
"Trampled Underfoot"
"Nobody's Fault But Mine"
"No Quarter"
"Since I've Been Lovin' You"
"Dazed and Confused"
"Stairway To Heaven"
"The Song Remains the Same"
"Misty Mountain Hop"
"Kashmir" ("They're starting to look tired now but that riff is still big enough to fill the 02," says a spy inside)

Encore:
"Whole Lotta Love" ("The crowd is going ballistic," says our source)
"Rock and Roll"

Wow. That's a set! "For Your Life" DEBUT. Get the fuck out. I'm not even going to say anything else.