Karl Denson at Mission Ballroom, Denver

These two bands were impeccable to say the least, it truly was a magical evening. Getting to watch Pachyman for the first time was an eye opener for me personally. I absolutely love reggae, especially roots reggae. Pachyman has 3 albums out, the most recent one from 2021 is titled, "The Return Of Pachyman". It's definitely worth checking him out! Pachyman was a great choice as opener for the Diesel himself, Mr. Karl Denson. Here is a list of Pachyman's recordings:

In Dub-2019

At 333 House-2020

The Return Of Pachyman-2021

Give these a listen!

Now, the love that Denver, CO has for Karl Denson is strong and he gives it right back full force. Karl Denson brings the whole New Orleans vibe, so you better be ready to dance cause you’re in church with his gospel vibe. I’ve been grateful to see him play several times throughout the years with the Tiny Universe as well as, The Greyboy Allstars. He was a member of Lenny Kravitz's band. Denson has recorded with artists including Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Slightly Stoopid, Blind Boys of Alabama, Blackalicious, Stanton Moore, just to name a few. He has always been a treat for the ears but playing the magical music of David Bowie, man, that is the icing on the cake. Who knew that you would actually need this in your life! Karl had the stories to tell about meeting David and it was great to listen in. Here is the set list of the evening.

Sound and Vision

Ashes to Ashes

The Jean Genie

Panic in Detroit
Hang On to Yourself
Fame
TVC15
Station to Station
Young Americans
Life on Mars?
Golden Years
Suffragette City
Oh! You Pretty Things
Fascination
Lazarus
Encore:

Rebel Rebel

At 2:00 pm on Sunday it was raining throughout Raleigh and It looked like it was going to be a muddy night. But fans made it out to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park to celebrate Jack Johnson's return. Some things are worth the chances of getting rained on - especially following a sixteen-year hiatus.  Johnson released "Meet the Moonlight '' this year, breaking the silence. What a great album it is, meshing with traditional tempos and newer melodies. I had an opportunity to review the show and speak with concert attendees. For some, they didn't know what to expect, and understandably had lost touch but wanted to reconnect to songs they grew up with. Others I spoke with had been streaming his new album and were eager to hear and see the live performances. 

The stage displays were cool and toned down, with light wooden slabs forming a crescent, encompassing the band like giant guitars. Videos of tranquil blue water (raindrops and sea) projected in the background, giving the vibe of Johnson's surfing atmosphere. In the third song, Ziggy Marley walked on as a special guest, and joined in on the Wailers' cover of "High tide or Low tide". It was beautifully harmonic, with Johnson and Marley's voices complementing each other well on the chorus. 

Johnson's stage banter and interactions with the crowd were great. At one point, a father up front in the pit briefly sat his son down, who was sitting on his shoulders. Johnson spoke into the mic, "So the dad in the center right there, put your son back on your shoulders for this one". Johnson then went into the Curious George theme track song "upside down".  Also at one point in the show, a beach ball flew on stage, Johnson went to kick it and his shoe flew off into the crowd. Seconds later, the shoe was thrown back at Johnson, hitting him as he flinched. Both Johnson and the audience chuckled at the mishap. Johnson thanked the person in the crowd "usually fans keep my shoes as a souvenir, but you're good people here. Thank you so much."

Other humorous moments in the night included Johnson sharing the story of how he came to write the song "Willie Got Me Stoned, and took all my money." And how he lost his last $100 his dad had loaned him to go on the road. Before segueing into Buffett's "a pirate looks at forty," , Johnson recounted a memory of his youth: his babysitter mistakenly taking Jimmy Buffett (arriving as a guest) as the plumber who had been called. Buffett apparently went in and fixed the toilet. 

Leading into "Inaudible melodies", Johnson shared with the audience a little background on the song. Apparently, he wrote the song in hopes of getting an extension on a paper, and how the original lyrics "slow down [insert professor's name] you're moving too fast...frames can't catch you when you're moving like that", was really a plea from a college student trying to review a class recording of a professor who simply moved too fast. Johnson performed the song for the professor—not divulging the true lyrics to the professor—and received an extension.

A poignant moment in the night was "Do you remember?" The song was released in 2005. It's crazy to think it's been that long and we, as an audience, have grown older. I wondered at points in the song if there wasn't some irony to the lines and Johnson playing at this moment after a long time.  And in an ironic twist, it certainly did for Johnson, who seized the opportunity to give a nice tip of the hat to his wife, "only TWENTY-NINE years have gone by, you're still mine..."

In a thoughtful gesture moving towards the end of the night, Johnson came out and did a solo session, taking requests from the audience, and making the end more intimate and sentimental as the audience reconnected with their old friend. Slowly, toward the final song, the band quietly drifted on to the stage. And the piano started to tickle the ivories as the band went into "Better Together". All in all, musically, everything was top notch, if you wish to view the setlist, here you go. 

The Wood Brothers rolled into Salvage Station in Asheville Thursday for its co-bill tour with compadres Greensky Bluegrass.

When you go see the Wood Bros the thing that jumps out at you the most is the volume. If there is a more danceable trio on Earth I haven't found them. The output of their three instruments is greater than the sum of their parts.

It all stems from bassist extraordinaire Chris Wood - of Medeski, Martin and Wood fame. There is just so much pop coming from his runs and back beat. Most bands that have one guitar, a bass, and a drum kit could be received as background music. These boys turn out a hillside wherever they go. Thursday was no exception as they put everyone in motion despite a 5:30 start time. 

Another crucial element on display Thursday night at Salvage Station is the layered songwriting of Oliver Wood. Their set featured Postcards from Hell, The Muse, Happiness Jones and the eternal Luckiest Man.

When you add Oliver's songwriting to Chris' backbeat what you get is one of the most professional acts in music. A sure bet. They dazzle you with emotion but also keep you dancing.

They never waiver and Thursday was no exception. If you are seeing this co-bill tour you should head in early and make sure you get the whole Wood Bros set. You'll be glad you did.