March 2012 DLM

Darian Counts Presents

TY STONE

doin’ it American Style

www.detroitlivemagazine.com

j.GEILS AND GERRY BEAUDOIN, THROUGH OUR EYES, JANES ADDICTION, GUNS AND ROSES. THE DARKNESS ,MINDROUGHT, BEN SHARKEY, VAN HALEN, FALL PREY, MEGADETH, SUPERLAST, 5TH WAY, KORN & More Photographer: Roderick Trestrail

2 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 3

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CONTENTS

DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE MARCH. 2012

NEXT MONTH IN DETROIT LIVE!!!

Ben Sharkey

J. Geils

and Gerry Beaudoin

SIGN UP FOR DL DIGITA L HERE! Editor / Publisher Darian Counts

Benny Jet & Bob Harris

Media Liason Senior Photographer M.G. Nader

ADVENTURES OF ...A COVER BAND

t s a l r Supe

DANIELLE CAR

HOROSCOPE By ALUNA MICHAELS

CHOICE CUTS

By OLSEN KENNY

Eric Harabadian

Sales: Darian Counts Brad Simon

FIFTH WAY

MINDROUGHT

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COMING THIS APRIL THE DETROIT LIVE BAR CRAWL

Photgraphers: M.G. Nader, Merideth Gillhespy Contributors: Holly Hutton Benny Jet Bob Harris, Eric Harabadian, Darian Counts Merideth Gillhespy Alyssa Pate Graphic Design: Darian Counts, Brad Simon

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bAND pAGES? bLOGS,?MUSICIANS cLASSIFIEDS

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 5

D. Counts talks to

Ben Sharkey exposed me to some of the classics. My aunt took my brothers and I to really ritzy restaurants where jazz was played. All of this, I believe, effected my subconscious.

The single turning point for me was in high school when I discovered Harry Connick Jr.’s Red Light Blue Light while going through a friends CD collection. I became obsessed with Connick’s sense of cool and his mastermind renditions of old DC: Tell us about your musical training.. standards.

I’ve always been a fan of the Rat pack.

Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. etc. So when a good friend of mine shared with me the new Ben Sharky Cd I was excited to dive in. To say the least, I was impressed. I got a chance to talk with Ben regarding the CD, its production and his career recently here is a bit of our conversation.

I’ve taken some piano and guitar lessons here and there and I was in choir in high school and did a little musical theater in college but other than that, I’m mostly self taught.

DC: Who were some of your early influences? Rat pack ?possibly??

After finding Connick’s music, I realized that he sang songs that Sinatra sang, so I started really getting into Sinatra. From DC: Do you come from a family of musi- there it was Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, cians? and Nat King Cole. Then Mel Torme, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Charles My grandfather owned a live music Aznavour, the list goes on to Jamie Culvenue in Flint but it was closed before I lum and Michael Buble among many was born. My mother played guitar and other finds including King Pleasure. I’m sang in the house, and all of my brothalso a fan of many female jazz vocalists ers really enjoyed playing and listening one of my favorites is Nina Simone. I to music. We all loved to dance too. We find that I gravitate towards the male vocould have had our own band actually, calist because I like to learn from them, but we all had our own interests I guess. how they use their vocals. They also I mostly sang and danced in my room, come with a great sense of style and are living in the country, it was one of my great role models for men. favorite ways to pass the time.

DC: Whats have been some of the most DC: How did you gravitate to your cur- difficult aspects of your career. rent style of music?

Patience. Things take time and I would It’s funny how it happened really, like them to be done faster. But in this because I was really into R&B and pop business you have to work with a lot when I was growing up. But my grandof people and they are not all on your mother really loved musicals which schedule. So getting an album finished took a lot longer than I expected, but, having patience with these things is important because making a product that takes time means that it will have a better quality in the long run.

DC:The musicianship on your CD is fantastic can you tell us a bit about the band or musicians who played with you?

Thank you!! When I first started performing, I was playing with a lot of different players. Detroit has a lot of very talented musicians, and I didn’t find my players all at once, they kind of trickled in, one gig at a time. Bob Mervak, Tano Pillot, Takashi Iio, and Rick Beamon are all virtuosos in their instruments and their personalities shine as much as their music so I wanted to work with them as much as possible. We worked together for almost a year until we finally settled down and

6 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

www.bensharkey.com worked on this project together. We joke ence and forget the world while he was around a lot and experiment with new performing. I want to be able to entertain sounds and arrangements and every like that. player brings their own ideas to the table.

DC: Share something about Ben Sharkey DC: Are you currently doing any tourthat would surprise people. ing. Where can people see you perform?

I’m not sure what I could say about myRight now, I’m mostly doing shows in self that would surprise anyone. However Detroit, I do plan on hitting Chicago, when I tell people that I’m a country boy Toronto, and NYC very soon. On my and was raised on a farm, people don’t website I have dates listed of when I’m seem to believe it. Especially since I performing. Cliff Bell’s and Baker’s live for metropolitan life, fashion, music Keyboard Lounge are my usual spots but and culture. But it’s true, we had horses, I have played at many other venues in chickens, turkeys, rabbits, goats, dogs, Detroit including the Royal Oak Music cats, and even hamsters. haha Theater, the Detroit Opera House, MGM and Motor City Casino.

DC: Where can people buy your music?

DC: Who are some of your greatest inspiration ( musical and/or otherwise) I’ve had many musicians and artists that have inspired me but, I think Michael Jackson is my greatest inspiration, He’s the one who made me want to perform.

Michael was able to draw in his audi-

The album “Day Into Night” is available on most online music stores including iTunes and Amazon. Physical albums can be purchased at UHF records, and Dolce Moda in Royal Oak, and at the Complex in Birmingham. I also sell CDs and sign them whenever I perform live.

See Ben at the Detroit Music Awards April 27th

Feb 2012 7

DL Mag talks to legendary guitarist

Geils J.

An interview with J. Geils and Gerry Beaudoin The J. Geils Band was a concert staple during the 1970s and ‘80s. Although originally from the east coast (Boston, specifically), they frequented the Detroit area many times, recorded two live albums there and considered the Motor City their second home. The R&Bbased rock group was started by guitarist John “J.” Geils, who, under the tutelage of his father, was introduced at an early age to the joys of classic jazz greats like Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong.

Geils held that music in high esteem, even as he rose through the ranks of rock stardom with the J. Geils Band. After the J. Geils Band took an extended hiatus in the mid-‘80s Geils shifted career gears. He opened a business restoring Italian sports cars and, in the latter ‘80s, formed the group Bluestime with fellow JGB alum harmonica player Magic Dick. That band toured Europe, Japan and the U.S.—all the while Geils was honing his repertoire and technique as a

/

Photo by Merideth Gillhespy

8 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

budding jazz guitar player. After the demise of Bluestime, Geils was looking for a performance outlet to develop his first love. In 1992 at a guitar show in Boston he met guitarist Gerry Beaudoin and they became fast friends. Beaudoin invited Geils to his steady Thursday night jazz gig.

That eventually blossomed into a professional partnership, with recordings, concerts and an alliance that has lasted nearly 20 years. In the early 2000s they formed a jazz label Francesca Records and have been at the helm of several guitar-centric ensembles, including New Guitar Summit, Kings of Strings and as solo artists in their own right.

Francesca Records’ latest release is Beaudoin’s own The Return, which is a return to that classic jazz sound made popular in the ‘60s on labels like Bluenote and Impulse. Detroit Live had the rare pleasure of catching up with these modern independent music artists and moguls to discuss their careers—past, present and future.

&

Gerry Beaudoin

By Eric Harabadian

least one rock show in Detroit every decade since the ‘70s—that would be 40 years. Kid Rock was certainly in some of those audiences.

DLM: What were some of your favorite venues to play in Detroit and what made those gigs or venues so special?

JG: I think we played almost every venue in town—The Eastown Theater, Cinderella Ballroom, Cobo Hall, Joe Louis Arena (I think) and, of course, Pine Knob/DTE Music Theater. It was never the venues that made our performances special, it was the people, the audiences—they just went nuts.

DLM: Did the other members of JGB embrace your love of jazz and did you ever try to utilize any of the jazz vocabulary in any of the band’s improvisational sections or bluesier pieces? Your solo in the latter section of “Give it to Me” or the feel of a tune like “Homework” come to mind.

JG: Yes. (Magic) Dick started out as a trumpet player, as I did, and he was a big Roy Eldredge fan. (Peter) Wolf also had a fairly large jazz LP collection and, being from NYC, like myself, had been to many of the famous New York jazz clubs.

Q&A with J. Geils Seth (Justman), being a Hammond organ player, DLM: There is no denying that the J. Geils Band knew about Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack was embraced by Detroit and vice versa. What McDuff. We actually recorded a version of Louis was it about the Motor City that forged such Armstrong’s “I’m Not Rough” from the late a kinship between the band and Detroit audi1920s, but using our instrumentation. That was ences? on our album Monkey Island. My solo on “Give it to Me,” I always thought was more bluesy than JG: The audiences in Detroit just seemed to emjazzy, but I do remember that I knocked it off brace our style of bluesy rock and in one take. I still do “Homework” and I play a roll. Detroit had a great heritage of more jazzy solo on it now then back then.

Motown Records, John Lee Hooker, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit DLM: What type of guitars were you using back Wheels before we started touring in your rock/blues days with JGB and do they there. Mitch also used to come to differ much from what you are using now live some of our shows in the early and on your jazz recordings?

‘70s. Plus, we liked to put on a real energetic show and the Detroit JG: My first electric guitar was a Gibson ES 345.

Then, of course, I got a Les Paul Standard, which audiences were just as energetic.

I still have. Eventually, as everybody seems to It all seemed to mesh. It also just know, I played a Flying V for a while, but the occurred to me that we played at pickups went south from too much sweat. Then

photographer MARV GOLDSCHMITT

J.Geils I switched to a lighter Gibson solid body called a L6S. These guitars differ radically from what I use now. I use an ES 335 for blues gigs and any number of big hollow body, archtop style guitars for jazz gigs and recordings, such as my 1939 Gibson L5, with a Charlie Christian pickup.

DLM: The J Geils Band was one of the hardest working bands in show business. You guys toured a lot and played with, certainly, a plethora of acts. Can you share for our Detroit Live readers one of the oddest or more memorable pairings or lineups you were a part of?

themselves and could not have been nicer. He went on to tell us that they had just gotten our album with a Dyke and the Blazers tune on it, called “So Sharp,” and that they all really dug it, because they were fans of Dyke and the Blazers too. There was also a night I spent with Leslie West and Jack Bruce, of West, Bruce and Laing, in Leslie’s suite at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Everybody CLEARLY had too much to drink. Leslie ordered room service at 2am and it was delivered by a cute waitress. And that is all I can tell you about that!

DLM: Your father was very significant in your getting into and learning about jazz music. So, JG: Our first national tour in 1971 was opening it has been a part of your nature and personal for Black Sabbath and that was pretty weird. We makeup for a very long time. When you decided once were on a bill opening for Alice Cooper in to make the move into playing jazz and blues Phoenix, Az. As we were sitting in the dressing exclusively, what was that process like? You, of room we were all wondering how weird was course, were a very accomplished guitarist for this guy (Alice), I mean, chicken heads and all many years but was there a learning curve of that. So the dressing room doors open and here some type? comes Alice Cooper, not in makeup yet, and a couple of his band mates. They introduced

JG: The first thing I had to learn was how to navigate chord changes other than the blues.

When I sold my Italian car restoration business in 1996 I had the time to delve into what musicians refer to as rhythm changes, standards and chord substitutions. This had been known for years as getting back in the woodshed.

DLM: You’ve been working with Gerry Beaudoin for nearly two decades. What is it about your partnership that makes it work? I know that you’ve said you seem to learn something new every day?

JG: Gerry is a schooled musician and knows twice as many chords as I do and actually knows the names of them. I’m much more of a feel player. I try to learn something new every day but as I get older that is often unsuccessful.

Unless, I hear some lick on jazz radio in my car, then I can’t wait to get home and figure out how to play it. cont on 13

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 9

Benny Jet & Bob Harris

By Benny Jet & Bob Harris

for a couple of gigs there, then to Phoenix for the Lost Dutchman Festival.

Ahhhh life is good.

quarters! Also bumped into Paul Webb. Paul was a Detroit country music icon back in the day.

Music fans and Jack White fans may know the WEBB name, as in Loretta Lynn -WEBB, the Van Lear Rose. Jack produced that LP and Loretta is Paul’s cousin.

I left Detroit, Ok story starts to get long here. first stop was Paul’s son Mike Shane has been recording and has found a nice Nashville, niche in the music industry. Now walked in Sunny and 75, half way through to the famed Gurin Guitar shop Mike’s son, Shane Michael is writing, raping, and stealing the the Benny and the Jets band west and there was Kid Rock. This show. Shane will be at the Nashcoast tour. I sit here at the Hoot- might be a good time for me to ville Hard Rock best unsigned talk Darian into inserting nice ers Casino in Las Vegas typing this months column for the De- photo of yours truly and KID! In showcase. Very cool for this 3rd generation Detroit roots musitroit Live Magazine. Tomorrow I fact maybe I should talk D into cian. We can show Shane some pack up and head to Pasadena/LA putting a insert on the cover of DLM? You can never support by going towww.youget to much photos of tube/shanemichaelmusic .

KID ROCK and the After Nashville it was off to guy with the beard.

Memphis. Geez Memphis feels Kid was cool, we like the music capitol of the yanked about Detroit, world. Music about Detroit Live everywhere you Magazine, area bands go. Even the GibTy Stone, Howling son Guitar FacDiablos, that Benny tory tour, Hmm I and the Jets band and mentioned I love guitars. I love guitars. guitars and they

10 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Nashville is jumping lots of music, metal, country, rap, indy, it is all here. Lots of stuff to do and see. I went to Third Man record, Jack White’s new head-

build em, paint em and sell em in Memphis. Right across the street the Stax Museum, and of course Sun Records and Elvis

Presley’s Graceland. No one told me Graceland is closed on Tuesdays, LOL. Next stop was Amarillo Texas. No one told me Amarillo STINKS. I mean smells like nothing you smelled before. They say the Stockyards and some Tea company, Mexican food and hot air? But man it was BAD, Did the Grand Canyon and I’m not sure words can describe it.

Damn cool. Cooler then I would have thought. Though no one told me they CHARGE $25 to LOOK at the Grand Canyon. I’m not saying it is not worth it, just no one told me. LOL again.

Here in Vegas there is a lot of entertainment. I went to Fremont street, very cool. They have a giant video screen over the street and pump the music with a video

tribute to KISS, Queen, and Bye Bye Mrs American Pie. In between real live bands! Or at least pretty much live? I saw a band called Party Rock - kind of a take off of LMFAO. Two guys and a girl up front and a live drummer with a HUGE sound ala Karaoke.

Yep they kind of played along with Karaoke tracks. But BIG PA, pounding drums, it really sounded good. Lots of street entertainers, a dancing guy with red shoes, a cowboy guy painted gold, standing like a statue, and a band called Carol Lyn and Some Guys. (hoping someone googles her and tells her we wrote about her here) Carol Lyn was smokin live rock band, maybe a cross between Van Halen and Stevie Nicks. They Rocked with a very sellable sound.

FACEBOOK. Yes I see Nikki the Playboy girl posted! Kid Rock and a Bo Diddley photo there. I hear Bob my partner has been hanging out at the Cherry Hill Plaza/small store trade center, on Cherry Hill Road and Veney in Westland. Can’t wait to get back to Detroit and play some guitar (not) Geez I need to hit the hot tub here at the Hooters Casino too...

We always try to mention the Detroit bands. Without the bands would there be a magazine? Pistol Day Parade, Rusty Lunchbox, Yankeeville, Broken Arrow, 11th Hour, Christina Chriss, Floor Play (with John Fayne on Keys) George Brothers, Full Tilt Boogie Blues Band (someone tell them their name Went to Bill’s Casino, right next is in the paper), Three Whisker door to the Flamingo, to see Cook Betty, Sykofish, Snap Kount, E Jarr. Cook is an old friend, soul Chain Reaction, Bluesairmen, man, singer, impersonator, enWar Machine, Killing Machine, tertainer, who embraces the job Killing Time, Doctor Pocket, of Vegas Lounge singer. Cook is Jamie Coe band, Category 5, good. Tells stories, sings every34 Bliss, Remedy, Danny D, thing from Sanatra to Prince, and Howling Diablos (who have a really entertains with the use of a new CD on Funky D records) Karaoke back up band, he sounds MATTO, Mitch Ryder (did a big and is a lot of fun. nice job on the PBS ch56 TV special), Harmonica Harris My friend JT the Brick does his (voted #1 Redford blues harnational Fox Sports Radio show monica player), and even that from here in Vegas. So I think Benny and the Jets Band! (Find I will grab my guitar head over your favorite band on youtube, there and jam. Remember he does myspace, or facebook, and tell that music Monday show where he them about our column). plays BANDS. So if you in a band or know someone who is, get JT your music. (www.jtthebrick.com) OK, to contact Bob Harris, call After that, I might stop by the Playboy Club in the Palms Casino. 313 399 8285 How cool is that, hang out at a raTo contact Benny, to hire Benny dio show till 3am and the Playboy and the Jets band or Benny Cub down the street is not only SOLO, call the 24 hour hot line open but rockin.

313 730 1627 or e mail bene I been trying to keep up with ev- jets@aol.com eryone via the Benny and the Jets Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 11

12 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

DLM: How would you say your band sound with Gerry has evolved over the years? And is there a standard process you two go through when writing material or choosing a repertoire to play?

JG: Well it certainly has gotten tighter. I have a pretty good idea in the moment of what he is

At the end of the show he brought (Magic) Dick and me up on stage and, with his band playing a blues in G, just nodded us to join in, which we did. At one point, after I played a particularly tasty phrase, he leaned over to me and said “How come them notes ain’t on my guitar,” which, of course, made my night! BB is the last true living innovator of the electric guitar.

going to play and vice versa. We just like to play the tunes that are fun to play. Gerry has written a few originals and we usually do one or more in an evening’s performance.

Q&A with Gerry Beaudoin DLM: What life lessons have you learned from your days with the J. Geils Band that you bring to your current projects?

DLM: Tell us about your current recording project?

trio was killing and Harry was killing. I told the guys that night the next record is with Harry. We went to the studio in one day and that’s the record. And I wrote eight of the ten tunes, which I’m also proud of.

DLM: Can you talk about the history of your label Francesca Records?

GB: I got pretty frustrated with the music business in the ‘90s. I made a number of records and had to sue the record company to get paid. It was pretty disheartening. So, my brother said “Here’s two grand to start your own company.” So we opened the company up. The first record I sold from the bandstand and made more money than I ever made from a record company. So I did a second one in

GB: It’s called The Return and features my trio and musician Harry Allen. J. says it’s the best thing I’ve ever done and he’s produced the last ten projects photographer MARV GOLDSCHMITT with me over 15 years. I was diagnosed with pneumonia in 2009 so I was DLM: You mentioned in an interview that sitting at home you are basically self-taught but shared the for six months stage with guitar masters like BB King, to recuperate.

Duane Allman, Muddy Waters and Mike And after watchBloomfield. Anything you can share about ing every movie those unique experiences?

I could on TV I started to play a JG: I also played with Jr. Wells, James Cotlot. And I wrote ton and Buddy Guy. Duane Allman was a about 30 tunes sweetheart. I sat in with the Allman Brothin that period. ers twice, once at Carnegie Hall, and Duane I couldn’t do always asked me to do “Stormy Monday” any gigs for six with him. But then he would put his guitar months. And down and start to leave the stage! And I say, I went back to “Duane where are you going?” He said “I my first gig and don’t want to hear me play; I want to hear Harry Allen, you play.” I sat in with Muddy Waters at who I knew, least two or three times and Muddy would was on it. I always look back and shoot me a little grin was extremely when I played something he particularly nervous, which liked, like the exact backup lick from one of was uncharachis records. With Mike Bloomfield I sat in teristic of me. I with the Electric Flag and he did the same was driving my thing as Duane. He left the stage with the bass player and horns and just let Dick and me do a couple drummer nuts tunes with the rhythm section, which wasn’t changing set too shabby. The rhythm section was Buddy lists and what Miles, Harvey Brooks and Barry Goldberg. not. But once I In 2004, after knowing BB King on and off got up there it since 1969, I finally got to play with him face was great. The to face on his summer tour, and it was great.

JG: The main lesson that I learned with the J. Geils Rock Band is that you are actually in show business, which is something different than just trying to be a good musician. Being a good musician is all I ever wanted to be. I also learned a fair amount of how to craft and arrange a tune for the artistic impact, be it jazz, blues or rock.

cont on pg 34

Gerry Beaudoin

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 13

Better. And Kid Rock, who always is supporting me came out and did the video and we got that running on CMT and GAC which is really exciting. Right now I’m on tour with Uncle Kracker on the “My Home Town” tour and the American Style CD drops Tuesday March 6th at 6. It will be available at all Meijer stores and through all digital outlets.

TY: No we’ll be on tour until June. I’m coming home to do this show. We have a couple days off and I’ve planned the show around my days off. That’s why it’s on Tuesday, otherwise I’d do it on a Saturday but my schedule doesn’t allow it.

DC: I imagine you want to take full advantage of all the opportunity Kid Rock has afforded you. That being said I would assume you are constantly working hard to make the best of it.

But being on the road together give you time to just hang and bond, talk and take the pressure off.

Well you know Ty all of us back here are proud of what you‘ve achieved so far and know you still have far to go. Many of us especially musicals are living TY: Yeh, that’s a really astute observation and vicariously through you and take the reality, is that the man is very busy and he pride in your success. has a whole lot of people who want and need things from him so I really try to just touch I know over the holidays you and base with him when it’s really important. That’s Kid rock did a little charity tour why it was great to be on the road with him for was that all acoustic or did you a month, there was plenty of time to sit around bring the whole band.

BS, talk and tell jokes.

TY: Well Kid Rock brought the whole band and I opened up for him acoustic, I was really cool Last year we did a story on downriver’s own because I got to be side by side with Bob for a Ty Stone. It’s been a while since we spoke to while and I really enjoyed it because Bob and our downriver brother so with the release of I are friends but due to our schedules we just his CD American Style we figured this would don’t get that much time to just hang out so it be a good time to check in with him. If you’re was cool to get some hang time in with the boss not aware of Ty’s compelling story, read it in and enjoy each others company. I had the best the June 2010 edition of Detroit Live Magazine time ever it was just a great time and again it’s HERE. Here is a bit of our conversation with just another totally amazing experience. I’m Ty Stone. glad you said that people are living vicariously thru my experiences. That’s why I try and share DC: Hey Ty it’s great to talk to you. I know them with everyone and I think that’s the root of since we last spoke a lot has been going on th with you. Can you quickly bring us up to speed the party I’m having on the 20 at the Fillmore.

I want every fan I’ve had since I was playing on all that‘s been happening in the last year? with 2 days straight in Detroit in ’99 to come out and party with me, all my friends my family TY: We had the American Style single that and fans and really everyone whose supported went to radio and that was a really cool exmy over the years to be there at the same time, perience got to go all over the country to all theses different radio stations and that’s why I made tickets $10, because I really want everyone to be there. played my music for them and some of them played my music for them and some of them DC: Now, are you wrapping up the “My Home Town Tour” and then coming home to do this played it on the air. Then we show or are you talking a break to do it? did the video for Anywhere’s

TY: It’s funny because I’m kind of a people pleaser so I don’t say no a lot, but you have to filter some of that out but I try to do everything I can for people. But people overestimate what you can do for them, people approach me all the time for things I couldn’t help them with in a million years. Ya know, people hear my story and they want me to get their music to him. I try to explain to them that I use my time with him for stuff that’s really important.

DC: Was he involved in any way with the new CD? Did he sing or play on it at all?

TY: He produced it, but not really performing

TY STONEs “American STyle” HomeTown CD Rel

buy Digital on 14 Get the Detroit Live Edition at detroitlivemagazine.com iTunes

DC: Ya know, I’ve watched Kid Rocks career develop of the years and here in Detroit you meet a lot of people who say “ I know Kid Rock “ or “ I knew him before he was famous” But I didn’t but watching him its hard not to think it must be difficult to be him. I mean aside from the money and fame and whatever everyone who talks to him wants something from him.

I imagined as your career grows you must get some of that too. Do you find a lot of people are looking for you to help them?

Talks with Darian Counts

on it at all. He may have played some guitar on it or something like that but his main role is get- St. Anthony and he was moved. But that’s ting the most out of me as a singer as possible. reflective of the soul that you throw when you sing. And that soul is what wins people over.

DC: Any other musicians on the CD we would TY: Well thanks and I appreciate that…and I have heard of? start with that song every night whether it’s a full band or acoustic show. I mean it’s kind of TY oh yeh.. Audley Freed of the Black Crows like a show a force right off the bat and you and Bobby Kearns from Skynyrd played bass hope that it grabs people and they stick around Keith Gaddis as well as Freddy Effinghampto hear the next song. Ya know Vie talked about layeda role and Brian Irwin did production, many other incredibly talented people contrib- this with my good friend Dupe and we like to say that the songs are the sound, I mean you get uted. them interested right off the bat then play them DC: How are the crowds and what size venues a good song and hope it registers with people. are you playing?

I feel like If I’ve given 100% of my effort and you’re not a fan then hey, maybe I’m not your TY: Well we’re playing big clubs and small the- guy , but 90% of the time we get out there and aters and you get up there alone with your guitar we make new fans . even on the days when I m and people don’t know who you are and some- not sure how I did tonight , not sure if I played times it’s a challenge but you have to win them good, but after hearing a few people say good over and that’s what I try to do. It’s a lot like a job or great voice you begin to realize that boxing match; you try to know them out in the even on the nights when they are not swinging fist round, if you don’t you back for more. form the chandlers you’re still making’ new fans and that’s what its all about.

DC: Regarding winning them over right away…

I had heard of you and seen you online for a DC: Well I know that you set the bar high for long time before I heard your music. But within yourself and every night you go out onto that seconds of hearing your music I was sold and I stage and you put your heart out there for peobet that’s the same thing that happened to Bob ple to see. And with the talent you have its just as well. I’m sure he heard you go in to Blessed going to be a matter of time before your music gets out there and one of your songs takes off Below & Top Right and that’s when Bob going to say” I knew it, I Ty Stone celebrating the release of his new knew he had it in him” and we all know it as cd American Style in Allen Park Meijer with a performance and autograph signing for hun- well and that’s why were all so proud to see all dreds of hometown fans. you’ve done, you’re a great representation of Detroit and Downriver.

Photo by Alyssa Pate

Ty at Meijers in Allen Park MI

TY: Well thanks Ya know, when I started out in the late 90’s. people would ask me where I’m from and Id tell them downriver and they’d kind of roll there eyes or dis the area. I was talking to my man Dupe and I said I was going to write a song that represents how awesome downriver is and you watch, people are going to change, and I wrote “Downriver“ and ya know its so funny because now people come up to me and they’ll be like “oh man my cousin is from downriver” even if that’s all I ever do is get a little respect for the good people of downriver and then that’s good enough for me.

lease Show! 3/20 click here to RSVP!

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 15

16 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 17

ADVENTURES OF A COVER BAND

PART 13: CREATIVITY: WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

By Karin Elizabeth Lead Singer and Electric Violinist of Remedy

I sit here, staring at this blank page on Microsoft word and wonder to myself, “where is all this writing going to come from?” I often wonder the same thing when I am trying to write a song, which I am trying to do a lot of lately since I have plans to put out a CD full of original music in June. To go from a blank

to an oil painting, a closet full of clothes to a perfectly coordinated outfit all require one thing: creativity.

One school of thought says that it ultimately comes from you.

Another says that creativity is divinely inspired, or from the “other side.” I say it is a combiCreativity presents a daily nation of both. It is channeled struggle to artists and musicians, through you, regardless of where and even to people who don’t it came from, so you can’t help consider themselves to be the but put your interpretation on creative type. Artists and musi- it, therefore making it your own cians unique and special creative often product. enhance their I do often feel I am at the mercy www.remedydetroit.com creative of the spiritual world. Song experilyrics and melodies come to me ence with at really odd and inconvenient drugs and times, such as when I am layalcohol ing in my bed totally relaxed (of to “loos- course) about to go to sleep. Or en up,” the moment when I get out of which is bed, and I would much rather go why mu- to the coffeepot than the piano sicians to bang out a chord progression. are sadly As a medium, these are also the often the times when people choose to victims communicate with me because of drug those are times when I am most and alco- relaxed and my guard is not up. hol adThis is how I know that both are diction. from the “other side.”

I hate to It’s great when it’s something say this page to an article, a blank piece but it really does help. I am not useful, like a song melody or going to sit here and pretend that some lyrics or both. It can be of paper to lyrics, a bunch of pretty unsettling when someone chords to a song, a blank canvas I am not more relaxed after a is trying to get my attention or shot or two. And of course our dear friend Mary Jane is always send me a message. However, there when we need to let musi- I never deny them or turn them down. What I like about this is cal ideas flow. However if you that I am not totally sure of the can get relaxed enough to be creative and you are in your ele- source. I prefer to think positive ment and not be all stressed out, when it comes to this particular interpretation. Beethoven could creative thought will definitely come your way. The nice thing be up there sending me a melody or two, how awesome is that? is, once the valve is open, the So as a general rule, if you have faucet seems to keep running. something stuck in your head, There are two schools of thought write it down, you never know on where creativity comes from. who could be inspiring you. www.remedydetroit.com

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 19

Spiritual Horoscope for March by Aluna Michaels, M.A. Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – Happy birthday Pisces! Meditating on prosperity and finances can give intuitive insights about how to increase your wealth, or how to overcome debt or money issues. Check out “Dynamic Laws of Prosperity” by Catherine Ponder. Present romantic partnerships improve if you dwell on positive aspects and speak kind words about him/ her. If single, use the same principle for past people so you can attract a great new relationship!

Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Mercury is retrograding in your sign, so you’ll need a lot of patience! Meditation will yield many insights you’d miss if you were rushing ahead in word and deed! Try to tune into your body to see what health changes you could make.

You could have the courage to release a food or substance that you’re addicted/ allergic to. You might get an idea to start a new type of fitness program that has great physical and emotional results.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – You could be starting a new relationship, or making big strides in your current one. Meditate on how you can show your true feelings. Sometimes you express yourself so subtly, people miss your point. It’s also important to shower yourself with love and appreciation!

Meditate on how your can treat yourself better. Say kind things when you look in the mirror. Eat well. Enjoy time outside.

Get a massage. Show yourself you’re valuable!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – It’s time to ponder your friendships. Do the people around you truly understand you and support you? Are they just “fairweather” friends? Or can you share your deepest self with them? If you had difficulties in your family of origin, meditate to forgive those negative experiences.

Then you won’t need to subconsciously relive them by surrounding yourself with subpar pals!

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Don’t make any hasty decisions about work this month. A new job offer might not be all that it seems. Also, be careful about gossiping since what you say will come back to bite you in April! It’s a great time to make new friends who are high quality and on a spiritual path.

You need positive people who can give you alternative outlooks on situations.

Meditate and forgive people who’ve offended you over these past two years.

Your mind will clear and you’ll be able to make great choices (for work or relationships) next month!

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – If your partner is open, begin a meditation routine together. Even a few moments of breathing quietly together can begin to bind your higher selves. This leads to less misunderstandings and bickering sessions. If single, don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t share your spiritual curiosity. Also, meditate on your own to let go of old limiting beliefs about relationships, so you can embrace the good stuff the Universe is sending you in the present!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – You could be starting a new relationship, or taking great leaps forward in your current one. This sounds terribly cliché, but you really need to love yourself before you can receive love from someone else. Meditate to forgive your flaws. You just need to be kinder to yourself. This means eating well, relaxing in the day (not running ragged), and thinking positive thoughts about yourself.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – As Mercury retrogrades this month, you might be dwelling on times you were betrayed in the past. Please meditate to release these experiences. The people around you know could be very trustworthy, but you won’t rely on them.

Clearing out your heart will give you strong intuition, and help you let go of fears that keep you isolated. Make sure you exercise each day to move stale energy out of your body.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – If you’re having trouble at work, be careful not to take things out on your partner. If single, watch out for gloomy thoughts about love. Meditate on your childhood, and how you may not have felt supported. The Universe is trying to give you a deep sense of stability, but first you must heal experiences where you felt the “rug was pulled out from you” emotionally. Healing these wound will help you feel less financial insecurity, and will also help you trust matters of the heart.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – Mercury is retrograde and can cause misunderstandings at home this month.

It will help to meditate and get insights into how to make things better with family. I know you’re busy, but making time to connect with your soul will make your whole day run smoother.

Doing some organization or releasing of junk from your house or office will also change your mood.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – It’s tempting to flip from one spiritual path to the next when things get boring or challenging. Yogananda famously said that this leads to “spiritual indigestion”.

Meditate to see if you want to make a change because you’ve truly spiritually outgrown a limited philosophy, or if you’re running from inner work. Sticking things out will give you amazing breakthroughs.

www.alunamichaels.com

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – Your mind moves very quickly, but this is a great month to try to still your thoughts in order to make great leaps with your intuition. Let your developing higher mind blend with your tried-andtrue logical mind. Be patient, breathe and surrender when racing thoughts come, because they will! Relaxing your brain will make you more approachable in relationships. You’ll also be more able to surrender your heart and receive love!

Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer and soul evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version. Ms. Michaels is available for appointments in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit 20 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 21

Katie Grace best bad girl

CHOICE

(www.reverbnation.com/katiegrace ):

Grace has been building her reputation on the Detroit area alternative country front as a bassist in quality bands like Doop and the Inside Outlaws, Shotgun Wedding, The Salt Miners and all-female bluegrass ensemble Syreens. Over the past few years she has bided her time; developing her talents as an all around singer-songwriter and storyteller. This debut CD definitely proves that her move to go solo was well-founded. There is a timeless feel to this disc. These songs could be written in any era and still retain their relevance. Grace sings from the heart and unravels personal stories that play like little cinematic gems. Title track “Best Bad Girl” is playful and delivered in a raspy tone over a straight-ahead country beat. “Hey, Bartender” is more of an alternative rocker where heartbreak and emptiness never hurt so good. “Last Goodbye” is a dreamy and traditional Americana tune evoking Paul Brown, The Funky Joint (Woodward Avsincere regret for things said in a relationship. One of the highlights of the album is “Can’t Save Them All.” It’s an empathetic account of one woman’s plight to save her enue Records): family from being broken up by the system at large. In Grace’s own words, “I wanna This is the sixth solo album and debut give my audience something they can relate to and let the songs speak for themselves.

” Beth McKee: next to nowhere All great culinary chefs know that the key to inspired cooking is to have the right blend of seasoning and ingredients. The goal is to create interesting dishes that are colorful, vibrant and, above all, tasty! Jackson, Mississippi native McKee is a musical chef of the highest order. Her specialty is a tantalizing gumbo that reflects her deep Southern roots. And she’s assembled the finest ingredients or, in this case, musicians to deliver her spicy cuisine to the fullest. McKee was originally a member of the New Orleans band Evangeline and brings that Crescent City aesthetic to tracks like the title cut and “Not Tonight, Josephine.” Tunes like “On the Verge” and “Shoulda Kept on Walkin’” are prime examples of self actualization and funky bravado. The soulful singer-songwriter has a distinctive smokiness to her voice that recalls Bonnie Raitt or the late Robin Rogers. And she’s got some heavy hitters along for the ride, including sax man Charles DeChant (Hall & Oates, Les Dudek), guitarist Tommy Malone (Subdudes) as well as a bevy of other talented folks. Add McKee’s well-placed keyboard and accordion work and you’ve got yourself one heck of a soiree! Who wants seconds?

(www.bethmckee.com):

release on Woodward Avenue Records for Grammy Award-winning guitarist/vocalist Paul Brown. He continues his forays into contemporary jazz and r&b with a record that is, indeed, funky but not, necessarily, weighed down by the groove. You get a lot of tasty electric guitar on top and a seemingly endless supply of lyrical melodies. As with a lot of projects of this nature Brown’s got some great guest players, including saxophonist Boney James and pianist Bob James ( “Angela—Theme from Taxi”) to flesh things out nicely. The leader also proves his is a more than competent singer, able to croon a romantic lyric on his own “Love Don’t Come EZ” or preach the blues with Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “I Get a Feeling.” This is a great disc for settling back to just chill or to immerse yourself in its rich textures and free flowing improvisations.

CUTS

Choice Cuts by Eric Harabadian

Randy Brock,all i need (www.therandybrockgroup.com ):

The Randy Brock Group has been toiling on the local, regional and national music scene for well over a decade now. Brock is a dynamic and charismatic guitarist/vocalist/front person who consistently brings his “A” game. Although the ensemble is known for, primarily, being a flawless classic rock and blues-based cover band, they delve into more original fare here, with great success.

Brock partners with producer Dave Hendrickson to compose and construct an album that is solid from start to finish. The disc opens with the leader’s own “Maybe Baby.” This is a clever and catchy rocker, with wry lyrics and an early rockabilly feel. “Kiss You Where it Hurts” features Brock’s seductive and smooth vocals, with some cutting guitar over a funky beat. “Love Won’t Wait” has a nice ‘60s country soul groove fueled by Brock’s ever present sincerity and emotion. “A Different Man” is a true torch song and plea for one’s woman to return to them. Again, Brock nails the honest sentiment and totally sells it! Of the eleven tunes here the only significant cover is “Scuttle Buttin’” from Stevie Ray Vaughan. It is, no doubt, a club favorite, and Detroit’s answer to the late legend respectfully pays homage with some blistering leads. There are a number of exceptional moments on here that bear repeated listening. Here’s to a successful follow up but, in the meantime, put a grip on this!

Frank Zappa, et al., From Straight to Bizarre—Zappa, Beefheart, Alice Cooper and LA’s Lunatic Fringe (DVD, Sexy Intellectual, SIDVD568): In the late ‘60s/early ‘70s guitarist/vocalist/humorist/svengali Frank Zappa had previously endured a long history of oppression by his record label MGM/Verve, regarding not having the artistic autonomy and freedom to do what he wanted with his music. So, he partnered with his manager Herb Cohen and they formed the Bizarre and Straight labels to distribute, not only Zappa and The Mothers of Invention records, but a number of “outsider” acts that they deemed worthy. Hence, this documentary tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the most unique and wildest chapters in rock ‘n roll. Not only are there extensive interviews with members of Alice Cooper and Captain Beefheart’s band, but you also get incredible insight from others who were there like author/former groupie and member of one of Zappa’s signings, Pamela Des Barres, of The GTO’s, Jerry Lawson of The Persuasions ( another Zappa signing), Kim Fowley and many other distinguished pundits and journalists.

It is a fascinating 161 minutes, with rare footage, archive interviews and some choice extras. This is a must for any Zappa fan or those into early rock and the avant garde.

Zdob Si Zdub, Basta Mafia! (Asphalt Tango Records CD-ATR 3112):

This Moldavian sextet started out as a folk influenced ska-punk band. Indeed, those sounds and that energy can be found all over this disc.

But there are also bits and pieces of

electronica, alternative rock and ambient elements as well. The title Basta Mafia! refers to an end to old ways. And this group certainly does that, with an overall sonic assault that rearranges Western world perceptions of modern popular music and turns them on its ear. Songs like “Running” and “Gipsy Life” have vivid imagery dealing with real world issues of personal reflection and life as a touring musician. Songs Like “Maria” take a serious turn where the band addresses spousal abuse in a thoughtful and insightful manner. Traditional rock instruments like guitars, bass and drums provide the grounding of a number of the tracks. But the members of Zdob Si Zdub also employ sitar, mandolin, horns and indigenous Eastern European instruments. The result is a provocative record where each song has its own personality and flavor. Give these guys a listen. Chances are it will be a musical experience unlike no other. ###

24 hr TANNING

· · · · · · · 24 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

CO- ED 24 HR CLUB ACCESS SECURE & CLEAN ENVIRONMENT ALL CARDIO WITH PERSONAL TV’S STATE-OF-THE- ART EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING: LIFE FITNESS & HAMMER STRENGTH) PERSONAL TRAINING 23796 WEST RD BROWNSTOWN MI 48183 734-675-24HR

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 25

March 24th at All Around Bar in Taylor A conversation with...

Tell us about the history of the band DL: Tell us about the formulation of the band.

We came together as a band in Feb. 2010 formed by John-e Boettcher (drums) & Kurt Hansen (Bass) formally of original metal band “Killin’Time” and Annette Bilek (Vocals) & Mark Bilek (Guitars & Vocals) formally of Top 40 cover band “SoulFury”. We continued Soul Fury as cover band but, from the beginning our intention was to become all original. In June of 2010 we began writing music and contemplating ideas for what our new band was going to be. Through Our Eyes was born early fall and in January of 2011 we had debuted our first original recording “Movin’ On. In March, we had officially debuted as Though Our Eyes at Fat Catz Club in Warren with a complete original set.

Since summer of 2011, we have been recording at Metro37 Recording Studio as we continued to write & gig.

DL:Describe you’re writing style?

One person may bring a melody or a riff, idea, thought or an entire song, and we, as a group just build it from there. We try to give everyone an opportunity to bring something to the table for everything we do. We try to stay open-minded as much as possible and make a valiant effort to stay out of our comfort zones.

DL: When will we hear the new CD??

We have been writing our first album since summer of 2010 and recording since summer of 2011 at Metro37 with Kevin Sharpe. Our album is set for release in summer of 2012.

DL: How is the band drama wise?

No relationship is drama free BUT for the most part we all get along great. We all try to stay as professional as possible although, being emotional HUMAN musicians, we naturally clash once in a while. Our biggest issue in the band is not being able to spend enough time together.

Opposite work schedules restricts us to one day per week rehearsal and most of the time, gig only on Saturday nights.

DL: In one word; what’s your band about?

Diversity DL: Who are other artists local or nation that inspire you?

Metallica is a huge inspiration. We to try differ26 http://www.throughoureyes.net/ Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

ent things & to not follow what everyone else is doing. Also, Female fronted rock bands such as Paramore, Flyleaf, In This Moment, Evanescence, etc. Women who can dominate the stage with not only their vocals & looks but also personalities & originality.

DL: Has the band changed a lot since formation?

We are always evolving, trying new things. We never wanted to get stuck doing the same thing so we continue to write music that could be considered a “different genre.” Just for example, we have messed with R&B, dance & even some rap/ metal.

DL: If you could have anyone’s career now who’s would it be?

As nice as it may be to have a huge successful career like someone like Metallica, the band as whole would most likely agree on someone a bit smaller like In This Moment. They’re known well enough to be able to tour around and make a good living doing what they love, yet still be small enough to be considered more “underground”.

Their lives aren’t completely consumed by their careers. They are able to go on the road for as long as they want and return back home whenever they want without having to have the unbelievable pressures from their record labels and or global fan base to endlessly tour and create new material.

DL: Who are some of your favorite local bands?

Our favorite local bands are ANY and ALL bands that just love to play music, like we do. Bands that don’t have a problem supporting each other. The bands that don’t have ego problems and think they’re too “BIG” to play with certain shows or venues. It’s sad that some bands around here think they are rock stars, when lets face it, they’re stuck here in Michigan just like the rest of us.

DL: Tell us about the crowds at your shows?

Because we have such diversity in our music, we tend to have multiple themes to our shows. We adapt to different venues and different events so each show is unique. Some of our shows are strictly acoustic, some are a heavier sounding set and some are a mix. Once, we had an older couple that had experienced one of our charity acoustic shows come to see us at another show, and well.... they experienced something completely unexpected. There was some drama about getting their money back....blah blah blah, the details aren’t really important. HA Ha.

DL: What are some of the best things to happen to the band so far?

Working with Kevin Sharpe at Metro37 Recording Studio. We absolutely love creating music in the studio and being able to hear our music played back is a joy we can’t describe. Anytime we get the opportunity to work there, it’s like going to Disneyland. We enjoy working with Kevin & respect his musical knowledge and consider him a member of our band.

Also, meeting and working with Cheri Clair & Ed Serecky. We had an amazing time trekking around the city of Detroit filming footage for the “Through Our Eyes” video that Ed did an unbelievably amazing job on. Again, words can’t express out gratitude.

DL: What has been some of the more difficult aspects of your career?

Getting exposure. The Detroit music scene can be difficult,people dont go out as much as they used to. Unbelievably, the Internet which should be an exposure gold mine, is over saturated by music and radio & video sites that are stretched thin.

DL: Are you currently doing any touring. Where can people see you perform?

We are in the early stage of working out a possible U.S. tour, but for now we have the following local shows lined up: Mar.14th @ The Detroit Pub in Clinton Township w/ national band Straight Line Stitch Mar.24th @ All Around Bar in Taylor w/ Mindrought for their CD release Apr.28th @ The Ritz in Warren Deluxxe Entertainment’s “Chicks Rock 2012” May12th @ Emerald Theatre in Mt. ClemensJune16th @ Ghetto Rags Detroit in Roseville for our CD release.

https://www.reverbnation.com/throughoureyes https://www.facebook.com/throughoureyes https://www.facebook.com/ThroughOurEyesBand http://www.myspace.com/through-our-eyes http://twitter.com/#!/ThroughOurEyes4

photo by M.G. Nader

TKO

Ken May

Aaron

Tell us about the history of the band. (Member changes new members past member’s incl. the year/month formed) TKO: Man, the history of this band is WAY to much to try and tell, Lets just go with now we have the most professional members we have every had and everything is going great!

How is the bands Cohesiveness??

KM: Our new lineup for 2012 is working great.

Any minor problems are resolved with minimal bloodshed lately.

Who does most of the writing?

PY: Tim has written almost everything we’ve ever recorded, but I’m starting to write more now. At first I was worried that my writing style wouldn’t fit the Mindrought sound, but after some well-received efforts, I’m starting to open up.

Describe your writing style?

PY: I come from an orchestral background, and I think sometimes my writing reflects that. I like to use a bit of counterpoint, and it’s really interesting to see what I can get away with when I use synthetic scales, like octatonic or whole tone.

Tell us about the crowds at your shows?

I also can’t seem to stay in one time signature, which luckily isn’t a problem for the band. I’m starting to make use of classical forms, like sonata KM: They recently are starting to get bigger than I’ve seen in four years, along with them get louder form. I find that it helps me stay concise. than us on occasion. That’s when it gets fun.

What is the groups primary focus right now TKO: We pulled over 240 people at the last show!

KM: Our primary focus is relentless pursuit of Where are some of the best venues for the band? excellence by utilizing disciplines of continuous improvement and ultimately to make a connection TKO: We like the Token, All Around and Rack with our fans (without the unneeded waste of a big and Roll. The ROXY in Hillsdale and Music Jams in Jonesville. record label to get in the way!)

Who are other artists local or nation that inspire you?

TKO: I refuse to become a sound-alike band. We spend so many hours in rehearsal our members, who are all very musically gifted, inspire me the most. We stick to our guns so we only sound like MINDROUGHT Personally everything from Static-X to All Shall Perish.

Who does all the work in the band?

KM: Being the founder of Mindrought, TKO has been the manager since the inception, although talks are in the works for the addition of an outside manager to basically see what growth and exposure they can help us with. The way I see it, we needed 1) Aaron, our new singer of wildly incredible proportions, 2) A great producer named Mick Maslowski, and finally 3) A networking PY: I’m really into the Euro tech death that’s manager that can text Jimmy Kimmel to let him coming out right now, specifically Gorod, Fleshknow we’re going to be on his show soon. It’s god Apocalypse, and Spawn of Possession.

There’s a great Norwegian band, almost unclassi- that third, critical element we are now fiable, called Shining, that I can’t stop listening to. looking for.

They do a great cover of 21st Century Schizoid AM: Musically its all TKO, Man. Phelan, and Ken, those guys are genius’ when it comes If you could have anyone’s career now who’s to being able to write would it be? great music. Lyrically its mostly PY: Lars K. Norberg, in Norway, has the right have me and TKO. idea. He seems to be a session player, he shows a up an all of Ihsahn’s solo CDs. Keeping out of the Sometimes melody TKO spotlight while still having the respect of a lot of in his head musicians, and balancing technique and tasteful- will or an idea that ness, is what metal is about for me! he will bring and go : th “lets give this a shot” Who are some of your favorite local bands? i w and it usually is exactly al where the song needs to go.

KM: I think Sean Baker Orchestra n o Other times Ill hear the song and is great, along with many other s r know immediately what I think it talented acts like Mindcandy, pe needs.

Helicon, Sykofish d an In one word; what’s your band about?

AM: Bat on Fire, se Koffin Kats, Ricket lo c BASS. Grooves Hooks and letting the bassist Pass to name a p SHINE!AM: Determination few u cont on 43 detroitlivemagazine.com- 27

T H

G U

O R

phalen

D N I

March 24th at ALL Around Bar in Taylor

Van Halen is back Review and Photos by Marc Nader

With only their second stop on a national tour Van Halen exploded onto the stage at The Palace of Auburn Hills. With all the excitement and anticipation of this reunion tour there was still some hesitation in the minds of Van Halen fans wondering, “Can these guys pull this off with original front man David Lee Roth after 28 years?“ Answer: Abso-freakin’-lutely!

In front of a sold out crowd

28 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Edie, Dave Alex and Eddie’s son Wolfgang (on bass) stormed the stage and it was like a flash back of rock!

Grinding out an almost 2 hr. set with hits that included “Dance The Night Away”, Beautiful Girls, Unchained, Ain’t Talking Bout Love, Some-

least, in fact the buzz is he is more of a complete guitarist body Call me a Doctor and then before. David Lee Roth Panama just to name a few. although he shied away from his patented high split jump, Eddie’s guitar virtuosity has was right on the mark vocally. not fadded or changed in the Alex hit the skins like he was

born to do (which he was) and Eddie’s son Wolfgang played the bass with confidence, sounding like a seasoned vet (making Michael Anthony‘s absence barely noticeable).

The show’s fantastic sound,

backed up by a giant special effects screen made this concert far more entertaining than I expected! Granted, the group was less animated on stage than their previous tours, musically, they rocked

and rock is what we wanted.

Closing the show with “Jump” I thought “ Ahhhhhhh... might as well” M.G.

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 29

30 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

FALL PREY

Talkin with ...

Tell us about the history of the band. (member changes new members past members incl. the year/month formed) Started in 2005 (some of us have been at this a while :) We’ve chat about this in previous Detroit Live editions. Our newest addition is Mr. Matt Mathews on Bass. I do want to thank all Fall Prey’s biggest influences: Jose Martinez, Nick Francis, Jim Brock, Joe Michalek... Your work and effort is always remembered and appreciated.

DLM:

EP RELEASE March 10th All Around Bar

DLM: Has the band changed a lot since formation? Absolutely. In both sound and members.

DLM: Who are some of your favorite local bands?

FP:The Product, Bloodline Riot, Circus Asylum, Snapkount, MicLordz & Sauce Funky, Forest Wade (RIP), Know Lyfe, Bat On Fire (the list goes on) DLM: Tell us about the crowds at your shows?

FP:Responsive. And its MUCH appreciated. I have a feeling our EP Release is goFP: Depends on what month lol right ing to be the best yet and hopefully spring now in Wyandotte, next month we may boards more amazing show opportunities. be back in Taylor :) DLM: Who does all the work in the band?

DLM: Who does most of the writing?

FP:gain we’re blessed to have collective FP: 100% collective effort. It usually effort. We would not get done a quarter of starts with a guitar riff and vocals. what we accomplish without every individual and their support system (thank you DLM: New material soon? recent? friends and family) FP: VERY soon. New EP drops DLM: What are some of the best things to 3.10.12 at the All Around Bar :) you happen to the band so far? should come hang out DLM: Where do you practice?

DLM: Is the band drama free?

FP: Warped Tour 2006, Dirtfest 2011 and being contacted by 3 record labels :) For all you Fall Prey friends, there is hope!

FP:haha hahahahahahahaha it’s as minimal as it gets. Between Geo’s DLM: Are you currently doing any tourmom jokes, the fact that the vocalist dates the guitarist, and everyone’s “day ing. Where can people see you perform?

FP:Kicking it off is 3.10.12 at The All jobs” conflict... we do really well!

Around (more dates to be announced on DLM: What is the groups primary facebook and our website) focus right now?

DLM: Share with us some of your best / FP: Moving outward and upward worst experience on stage.

DLM:Who are other artists local or na- FP:Best: Dirtfest 2011- we had a mastion that inspire you? sive crowd response, sold all our merch, AND we were approached someone from FP: That list would be REALLLLLY ENGLAND who said they needed merch long so let’s go with genres. We take to take home with them TO ENGLAND :) from Motown, West Coast Punk Rock, That’s some serious Rock N Roll.

Heavy Metal and Pop (mostly)

www.fallprey.com

photos M.G. Nader

Dave Mustaine

Chris Broderick A conversation with Chris Broderick from

What goes through your mind at the rest is history as they say. that point?

Last month Detroit Live spoke Dave has a bit of a reputation with Chris Broderick from Mega- Chris: Well it happened so quick of being a bit of a perfectionist. deth here is a bit of our conver- I got a call from their manageHow is it working with him? saition. ment asking “what would you Chris: For me it was all about So Chris... you’re sitting at home think about potentially joining work ethic. Dave is very meticuMegadeth?” and I just thought and you get the call and it’s lous and he has a very defined Megedeth on the phone and they of course! Next thing I know I’m idea of what he wants to see and say want you for the Gigantour. meeting with Dave and we just hit it off . We started working and hear and I can totally understand that because the older I get, the Dave Ellefson more and more when I write a song I know exactly what I want the drums to do and exactly what the bass should do. I don’t know if that’s good or bad but the more experienced you get, the more you know what you want and expect.

How is your style fitting in with the band?

Chris: I think within the context with what were doing now, I fit in great. Mainly because I’ve always been the kind of guitarist who wants to play things as they 32 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

are written and as they should be so in that way I fit right in.

How did you get your start in guitar? Well like most kids I had a friend who had a guitar and I’d always want to ply his axe. I’d go over his house and He’s say “ what do you want to do?’ I’d say “lets play guitar”. Eventually I found Eddie Van Halen, after that it wasn’t long until I came across Yngwie Malmsteen and got turned on to all the shrapnel guys like Paul Gilbert, Greg Howe to Jason Becker.

So now that you’ve been with them for a while how is it deferent form what you’ve done before.

Chris: Well one thing that is very important with Megedeth is presentation. How you present yourself and how you come across on stage is key. I mean

having that bravado on stage its is important.

You played your first show with the band in 2008 in Finland.

Was it difficult preparing for that show?

Chris: I can tell you that everything presents a challenge, and for me, a challenge is a good thing. The hardest part of it was the fact that this challenge came with a dead line. I mean I had to be absolutely ready to go on tour.

I guess considering that time frame Holy Wars and Tornado of Souls were both challenging.

What are some of your favorite songs to perform live?

Chris: It changes as time goes on. I mean playing a song live you definitely develop an affinity for it. “How the story ends” will always be one of my favorite because it has a great groove and hook, lots of time changes and some classical guitar in there.

I like “This day we fight” just because its so in your face. Also I dig “1320” because it has such a raw vibe to it.

How much do you feel luck has factored into your career?

Well it is a factor, but what I always tell people is that the more you get out there and become visible the more you increase your chances of something good happening.

Chris Broderick

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Dave Mustaine compared you joining Megadeth to Randy Rhodes Joining Ozzy. How do you feel about that?

Chris :Well it’s very humbling to get a compliment. In one sense it’s very flattering but then in another, it’s kind of a lot of pressure to live up to.

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Gerry Beaudoin 1998 with David Grisman called Just Among Friends, and that was submitted for a Grammy. So I thought I was on a roll and this was the way to go! Meanwhile my brother was getting discouraged with the music biz. He’s a graduate of Boston School of Finance and he thought no one is very business-like in the music business, no one keeps their word, and he wanted out! So I told J. he wanted out and J. bought him out and became my partner. Twelve releases, two of them J. Geils jazz records, and we’re committed to keep making records and touring together.

DLM: Do you think the key to your success has been the fact that J. is an artist as well and understands that side of it?

GB: I think the reason our company has done okay is, first of all, I have nothing to do with production; I just play. And I’ve never had a producer I’ve gotten along with. And J. knows how to get the best performance out of you. I don’t even go to the mixing session, I trust him so much. And I’m a great business man. I’m the guy that markets it and J. handles the creative and production side.

DLM: Do you have a daily regimen or approach to practice?

GB: Not really. Before I got sick I really didn’t practice that much. I was always playing and always had gigs.

The process of playing is that the more you play you react differently. You hear things differently and take more chances. But I’m playing all the time and playing in a creative manner all the time. A lot of jazz is messing up and taking chances. That’s something I learned from Joe Pass at a clinic many years ago. I didn’t pay heed to it at the time, though (laughs). There are plenty of guitar players that can run scales a lot faster than me. But I don’t think that’s a musical approach to playing. There’s a lot of technical monsters out there but they don’t have any soul. That’s my opinion.

DLM: I would tend to agree with that.

You hear that a lot in the rock world where you’ve got these gunslingers out there that can play circles around people but there’s no soul or melodicism to speak of.

GB: That’s one of the things that’s been lost with some of these music schools like Berklee. The melody has gotten lost. The art of creating a melody is

what jazz is. You’re creating a melody on a set of chord changes. That aspect has gotten lost where a lot of people are blazing very intricate paths. But it’s not very musical, in my opinion. I’ve played with a guitar player like Howard Alden for at least 15 years. He can play like all those really technical players.

But he only uses the technique when he needs it. In the last couple years I’ve been using more space now than ever.

DLM: A less is more concept?

GB: Exactly! That’s one thing you learn when playing in a trio. You have to accompany yourself chordally to keep the listener knowing where you are on occasion (laughs). That makes you create more direct to-the-point phrases because the guitar player has to comp for himself.

DLM: What kind of audiences do you and J. play for?

GB: We’ve played some festivals with 10,000 people and we’ve played clubs with 300 people. Our average listener is between 30-65 years old.

DLM: Where do you see jazz music heading into the future?

GB: I think jazz is gonna become like classical music. In my 30 plus year career there are less clubs to play but more performance venues to play; places where you wear a suit and tie and have an attentive audience of 500-800 people. The clubs and bars aren’t gonna go away but it’s a sophisticated audience for jazz. It’s not a party atmosphere. I also see new markets opening up for the music like China and the Soviet Union.

Online radio play is taking jazz music around the world.

DLM: Thanks for your time Gerry. Any advice for people that aspire to do what you do?

GB: Get a good instructor on your instrument and listen to all kinds of music. Don’t just have tunnel vision and listen to jazz or one genre of jazz.

Listen to it all. You might not like Dixieland but if you want to learn to play melodically, Louis Armstrong wrote the book on it.

--Eric Harabadian ###

Up close and personal with...

DLM: Tell us about the history of the band.(member changes new members past members incl. the year/month formed) SUPERLAST: Formation of a band is not what brought us together. Instead, it began as studio work on a project album for a mutual friend, Tim Barnes.

Somewhere along the way, the project was losing traction a place where everyone can get due to Tim’s health issues, so we real. all decided to get more involved to keep the project moving. With DLM: Who does most of the Tim’s consent we named the writing? band, finished the song writSUPERLAST: It’s really a mixed ing and completed the album “American Lunatic” which was bag between John Q, Tim R and Mike, but no one gets excluded. released in February of 2009.

We began performing live in July Any one of us can bring in a song or riff and if there is something 2009 to promote the band and there, it usually comes to life. album as the next logical step.

There’s only one rule...it has to In October 2009, Tim Downs joined as the new bass player, to be good enough to keep or it can round out our tour ready lineup. be changed.

Tragically, Tim Barnes passed away in August 2011 but remains DLM: Describe you’re writing style? a source of inspiration.

there before, but they still have to prove themselves. And Eddie beating cancer , but still fighting his demons...Fuck yeah! How can you not want them to succeed?

DLM: Who are some of your favorite local bands?

audience reaction, but also to be ready for the studio. We are currently in the studio and will be releasing our first single in March.

SUPERLAST: There’s so many great Detroit bands and we’ve only jammed with a fraction of them. But we really like The Hangers On, Citizen Zero and Daniel Harrison and the $2 Highway.

DLM: Tell us about the crowds at your shows?

DLM:How is the cohesiveness of SUPERLAST: Our fans our phethe band. Personality conflicts? nomenal. When you find out that they hung out past closing when SUPERLAST: We do get along they have to work the next mornreally well...no egos, everyone ing or they drove over 200 miles is responsible and carries their just to see you play and meet the own weight and there is mutual band, it just makes us want to respect. But we do speak our work harder. minds, especially about the music, and that just means we take it DLM: Who does all the work in seriously, which is okay...we all the band? have room to grow.

SUPERLAST: That would be our SUPERLAST: I guess it’s all DLM: Whats the one word that manager Tracey, she kicks ass.

DLM: Where are some of the experimental. Every song has best describes Superlast?? best venues for the band?

After that we all take on what we its own personality or identity. can, when we can.

SUPERLAST: Truth...yeah, beBut like a child there’s DNA. SUPERLAST: We always dig ing truthful in our music that’s The Machine Shop, Hard Rock It’s funny, no matter who starts DLM: What are some of the best Cafe, The All Around Bar, Rack writing a song, who finishes it, or important to us. things to happen to the band so what instrument it is created on and Roll, but anywhere downfar? river is cool, that’s where we are people say it sounds like us.

SUPERLAST: Obviously having all from.

DLM: When is the new CD com- DLM: If you could have anyone’s Rich on Hardcore Pawn is a huge career now who’s would it be?

DLM: Where do you practice? ing out? thing. It continues to open doors and present opportunities to help SUPERLAST: Very soon. In late SUPERLAST: Maybe someSUPERLAST: In a house in us advance. Other notables for 2011, we started to perform new one trying to make a comeback, 2011 are being on Fox 2 Detroit, Dearborn, kind of a man cave.

You know - no curfew, no rules, material in our set, mainly to see like Van Halen. They’ve been

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36 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

opening for Def Leppard & Heart at DTE and jamming with Darren McCarty at The Machine Shop.

DLM: Who were some of your earliest influences?

SUPERLAST: On the surface they’re the rock icons (Beatles, Doors, Stones, Who, Led Zepplin)...but really it’s the blues legends and jazz greats that inspired them.

DLM: What has been some of the more difficult aspects of your career?

SUPERLAST: The economy sucks and smoking is banned, we are struggling just like the club owners.

DLM: Are you currently doing any touring?

Where can people see you perform?

SUPERLAST: We took a short break in February/March to record, but will be performing at The All Around on April 21 and will have bigger shows later in the summer like the Uncle Sam Jam. DLM: Who is your greatest inspiration (musical and/or otherwise)?

SUPERLAST: That would have to be the U.S. troops. Knowing that they put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, makes what we do seem insignificant. A while back we heard that some guys in Iraq had one of our songs in their rotation when they would go out on patrols, we take that as the ultimate compliment.

DLM: Share with us some of your best/worst experiences on stage.

SUPERLAST: One night we added a last minute cover song to the set of a radio broadcast and it didn’t go so well. We’re not a cover band, so we like to make the songs our own, but still want to do it respectfully - it’s a tough balance.

SUPERLAST: Best experience - drawing the headlining bands out of their dressing rooms at DTE to check us out.

DLM: Rock on Fellas

www.Facebook.com/SuperLast; www.Reverbnation.com/Superlast

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 37

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photo M.G. Nader

Guns and Roses playing in a theater like the Fillmore Detroit in late February was more then just a concert it was an experience!! Due to Axl Rose’s persistence to not starting his shows until close to midnight, The Fillmore opened their doors two hours later than normal. Did it matter? Hell no! The venue filled faster than a sailor with a 4hr pass! The place was buzzing. Even with talks that Axl was feeling under the weather the Fillmore was ready to rock!

The house lights finally dimmed and the crowd noise elevated to decibels that would make a deaf man hear! Opening with Night Train from their late 80’s album “Appetite for Destruction” this concert was on a roll, Rock n Roll that is!

Playing hits like Civil War, November Rain, I used to Love as well as little stints of The Jackson 5, Kiss and even our own MC5, GnR blew the ears off Detroit with a style and ferocity that we’ve come to expect from rock and roll heavy hitters.

This concert was intimate, entertaining and worthy of remembrance! Ending the show with Paradise City in a town that has rejuvenated its entertainment was almost bitter sweet!!!

Axl and his and Guns hit the stage around 11:35 and gave the motor city a 3hr journey into what has made GnR one the greatest bands in rock and roll history!

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 27 39

5th Way

a conversation with

Tell us about the history of the band. (member changes new members past members incl. the year/month formed)

www.fifth-way.com

In one word; what’s your band about?

Guitar driven, heavy rock

What is the groups primary focus right Formed in 2007 by Adam Trahan (Gui- now tar) & Terry Freers (Bass –now in ‘Ghosts finish recording and start playing the new of August’), vocalist Tim Gossman joined material shortly thereafter bringing guitarist Zak Who are other artists local or nation that Stelmaszek. Dave Riengardt played drums until 2011 when he was replaced inspire you?

by Chris Castro. Mike Mcmann is the lat- Black Water Rising, Shinedown, Alterbridge est edition on Bass.

Where are some of the best venues for the band?

Machine Shop & The Magic Bag Where do you practice?

Where ever anyone will let us! We’ve rehearsed everywhere from Detroit to Waterford, Rochester, Garden City, Waterford, and Canton.

Has the band changed a lot since formation?

Just the rhythm section Who are some of your favorite local bands?

Core Effect, Stealing Betty, Shockwave

What are some of the best things to happen to the band so far?

Featured in a Chevy Cruze video: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_2cj22tyI Who were some of your earliest influences?

Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Hendrix, GnR, Godsmack, Pantera What has been some of the more difficult aspects of your career?

Many false starts working with Labels.

Are you currently doing any touring.

Where can people see you perform?

MAGIC BAG SATURDAY MARCH 17TH ST. Patty’s DAY

Tell us about the crowds at your shows? amazing fun energetic individuals

Who does most of the writing? whoever throws out an idea if its accepted with all then we generally write our own parts and critique and alter until Who does all the work in the band? we feel its a hit. every one of the members give their all Is the band drama free? at all times especially Nope we hate each other equally... in the live show 40 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

click here check out fifth ways Chevy Cruze Commercial

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 41

42 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Review and Photosby Marc Nader If you had a world reknowned band and could start your tour in any city in the world; Where you choose? Would you want to start it here in Detroit? Hell ya you would! That’s exactly what Korn did!

The Fillmore was buzzing once again packed with Motor city metal heads jonsin’ for Korn. This “Path of Totally Tour” is just what we needed to keep February burning. Jonathan Davis fired up the stage in typical Korn fashion, playing everything from Falling Away From Me to Freak on a Leash and even breaking into Pink Floyds “Another Brick in The Wall”.

Although the bands new sound dabbles in dubstep they still delivered a Korn show hundreds came to see. I hope the big push for intertwining dubstep and metal doesn’t over shadow the roots of Korn. It would be a shame to taint the drive with dance!

Who were some of your earliest influences?

KM: Rush, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix. Mostly classic and prog/art rock stuff.

PY: The first few basslines that I learned were from my stepdad’s band, Braillehouse. He plays lead bass too, but in a different, Chris Squire-ish melodic sort of way. I learned a lot of GnR and Radiohead in high school too. I think Duff McKagan is really underrated! But after I heard Jaco and Geddy, I really kept pushing myself as far as what’s possible on the bass.

What has been some of the more difficult aspects of your career?

KM: Maintaining our day jobs while trying to climb higher in the world of rock is a paramount challenge. Some help in that area would help quite a bit in reaching our goals.

Has the band changed a lot since formation? TKO:Well the LEAD BASS thing has always been there. We started as rapcore, shifted to powergroove and now have ended up progressive melodic metal.

Who is your greatest inspiration ( musical and/or otherwise)?

KM: Mine are Mick Jagger and Neil Peart. Those guys prove that making and performing music doesn’t need to be limited to a five year run. And they both exuberate energy and performance skills that are beyond the scope of what most artists expect of themselves. They never gave up and never let their fans suffer for what hard times they each went through. Two amazing rock icons in my book Describe you’re writing style?

TKO: Rush meets Tool meets Megadeth meets Pantera meets metalcore meets US. Lead Bass fronts inversion fueled

MINDROU guitar in a precision drumming progressive showdown!

GHT cont

AM: When I write lyrics and melodies I listen to the music and let it dictate which direction the song needs to go in. I try to connect with whatever type of emotion the music invokes in me and let it out from there. I try to make it a point in my writing to either have the lyrics push the emotion of a song or the melody.

Hopefully both.

Share with us some of your best / worst experience on stage.

KM: Well, being the perfectionist I am, the worst thing that happens for me is when I end up making a mistake when it’s not my fault. For example, the monitor mixes are rarely satisfactory locally, especially smaller clubs, and not being able to hear cues from other members makes it impossible to stay together tightly, like we strive for. It sucks, really.

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 43

Photos by Merideth Gillhespy

Review By Holly Hutton

Hawkins had a major drug problem and left the band to get clean.

Justin Hawkins

It was about 7 years ago that The Darkness played to a sold out Clutch Cargo’s crowd. The British rock quartet were plastered all over music magazines for their sound so heavily influenced by ‘70s glam rock you thought it might be a joke. Their appearance in Detroit was met with a welcoming audience who was eager to experience the flashy lights, explosions and multiple costume changes that came with songs like, “Get your hands off my woman (mother fucker)”. After attending that show, I ended up at the hotel party with the band and spent a few hours observing them consume excessive amounts of coke while the lead singer, Justin Hawkins asked me if I’d like to bang his Prince Albert.

So, I wasn’t surprised when I heard

I was happily surprised when I heard last year the foursome reunited.

Now sober, the group has launched a North American tour and a new studio album due in late March. Judging by the Sold out crowd at St.Andrew’s, many more are just as happy as I am that The Darkness is back.

caught him. Even more impressive was Hawkins extensive falsettos sections of all 21 songs. He seemed to truly appreciate the Detroit audience and his second chance at stardom.

Although there’s nothing highly experimental or innovative taking place

The group hit the ground running with a foot-stomping Black Shuck as Hawkins easily hit those challenging high notes. And fans definitely showed their love early with hands swaying and singing. Others kept some old-school concert staples alive with cigarette lighters overhead.

With Hawkins looking slightly poofy but still fairly lean, he was stuffed in a sleeveless leather American flag suite and bearded like Captain Jack Sparrow’s crazier uncle. Along with delivering scissor kicks and a splitleg handstand, Hawkins climbed into the 2nd level of St. Andrews and free fell into the audience who happily

44 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

Dan Hawkins

during their concerts, they deserve kudos for taking classic ‘70s rock and putting a present-day shine on it. The Queen-tinged, party-rocker Friday Night lit up the crowd and a sing along ensued fitting since after all it was Friday night. “It’s great to be back in Detroit” Hawkins said before The Best Of Me, strapping on an electric guitar and playing it behind his back alongside guitarist Dan Hawkins. As for new material, Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us came off punk-ish but average. Out Of This World had Hawkins briefly resembling Slash for the softer pop number. The one jewel was without question Concrete, a jackhammer blast of guitar riffs that got a strong response despite being basically unknown. A fantastic, galloping rendition of Radiohead’s Street Spirit (Fade Out) might not be what Thom Yorke had in mind but was another standout.

Justin Hawkins

Dan Hawkins

Darkness left most of their big hits such as “I Believe In A Thing Called Love”, “Stuck In A Rut” and “Givin’ Up” until the end. They came back to an encore (of course) with “Bareback” and “Love On The Rocks With No Ice”.

The Darkness

Easily, it seems Detroit is thankful that The Darkness is back.

In a dream double bill orchestrated by the ghost of Freddie Mercury, the Cincinnati outfit Foxy Shazam opened the show. Foxy Shazam could be called the little brother of The Darkness with the frontman Eric Nally sporting simular facial hair and showmanship simular to Justin Hawkins. However, they held their own musical freak show, throwing out quips like “Clap your hands, you stupid white people!” and “Did you come yet? Because we gotta go,” while the trumpet player tossed his horn high in the air, the fantastically chin-bearded keyboardist crowd-surfed while

Foxy Shazamm

still playing and the rest of the band wailed on their instruments to produce an almost unclassifiable brand of rollicking rock. Odd doesn’t begin to cover it but, like the Darkness, Foxy Shazam could convince the faithless that rock & roll is alive and well...and wearing a codpiece.

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 45

Foxy Shazamm

U www.udetroit.com

DETROIT

LIVE

SHOW

46 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

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Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 47

Jane’s Addiction

Review and Photosby Marc Nader

Theatrical to say the least, the stage was set up with a

large riser with two back to back statues of naked women towering over the band. On each side of these giant erotic lumens were two very attractive females swinging from the rafters wearing long flowing dresses that dangled ten feet to the ground. Reportedly,

one of these girls was front man Perry Farrell’s wife!

The setting was very dark yet intimate and its vibe gave off the perfect visual experience to accentuate their new album “The Great Escape Artist”.

Ferrell brings and incredibly energetic performance vocally and physically. Dave Navarro, had the ladies begging him to take of his jacket and play shirtless as is his trademark and this concert was no different! Theatrics and music when mixed right can bring an emotional experience that concertgoers live for.

48 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012

This band kicked some serious ass that night, with a diverse collection of young and old songs intermingled with a moving visual experience, Jane’s Addiction is still an impressive band and with every performance proves it!

LIVE

DETROIT

The Fillmore, Detroit played host to the return of Jane’s Addiction and if you didn’t get a ticket to this one you missed a hell of show!

MAGAZINE

Feb 2012 Detroit Live Magazine 49

50 Detroit Live Magazine Feb. 2012