Monday, September 3. 2007
by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff
It don't get much better than this. A full night of bands signed to or under the wing of Underground Operations records.
The Dungeon was packed with the temperature rising by the minute. club.kingsnake was there with video and still cameras blasting away. With it's low ceilings and stage it's tough venue to shoot, but we got some cool video. Stuart Aiken (These Silhouettes), Tony Davalous (The Holly Springs Disaster), and Rody Walker (Protest The Hero) even took some time to talk to our one-and-only Trash.
To your right (my left?) is the streaming video. You can also get these videos, with many more to come, in our brand spanky new Video Podcast.
Sunday, August 19. 2007
Chiodos at The Vans Warped Tour. Barrie, 2007 more photos... photo by clint gilders- staff photographer | by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff
The Vans Warped Tour
http://warpedtour.com/
The Warper Tour Concert Photos
SaturdayAugust 11, 2007.
Park Place (Barrie, Ontario.)
Each and everyone of us that attended this year's "Toronto" stop on the warped tour took a little bit of Barrie home with us today. I don't mean that in a gushing figurative way. Our throats, lungs, hair, clothes, and nearly every pore were caked, coated and breaded in fine Canadian soil. It was a hot dry day smack in the middle of a dry summer.
The monstrous Vans Warped Tour, now in its thirteenth year, made this installment's first eastern Canadian stop at Barrie's Park Place (formerly Molson Park). Always a showcase for established and up-and-coming indie, alt-rock, and metal bands, this year was no exception.
Continue reading "Concert Review: The Vans Warped Tour. Barrie, Ontario"
Wednesday, July 25. 2007
Elliot Easton of The New Cars at Casino Rama more photos... photo by clint gilders- staff photographer | by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff
The New Cars
http://www.thenewcars.com
The New Cars Concert Photos
Wednesday July 11, 2007.
Casino Rama (Orillia, Ontario.)
Nostalgia tours..... I always have a bad feeling about these. I guess there's always the chance that the star won't live up to my pre-conceived idea of what the show will be by doing a half-assed job and just going through the motions.
The New Cars is a band consisting of Elliot Easton (guitar) and Greg Hawkes (keys and horns) who were original members of The Cars. They are joined by Todd Rundgren (guitar and vocal), Kasim Sulton (bass and vocals) and Priarie Prince (drums). An impressive lineup to say the least.
This was also my first time seeing a band at Casino Rama. What fantastic venue. It's not that big, but has a huge stage, huge sound, and terrific lighting. The New Cars hit the stage at almost exactly 8:00pm and I went and took pictures for the alloted two songs.
Right from the get go a few die hard fans made their way to the front off the stage and were dancing. It was actually nice only taking photos during two songs. That way I was able to enjoy the rest of the show and to take some notes.
Continue reading "Concert Review: The New Cars at Casino Rama. Orillia Ontario"
Tuesday, July 17. 2007
I Hate Sally at the Opera House - more photos... photo by clint gilders- staff photographer | by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff
From Autumn to Ashes
Hometown: Long Island, New York
http://www.myspace.com/fromautumntoashes
The From Autumn to Ashes Concert Photos
Friday, July 6th, 2007
The Opera House (Toronto, Ontario.)
Also: I Hate SallyThe End, It Dies Today
The last time From Autumn to Ashes made their way through my neck of the woods I had arranged to cover the show. Dumb ass that I am, I decided on a little snooze before making the drive to Toronto and only after did I realize that this was an early all-ages show. Doh!!
As soon as I caught wind of their return I again made arrangements to cover the show. Come hell or high water I would be there.
Continue reading "Concert Review: From Autumn to Ashes, It Dies Today, The End and I Hate Sally at the Opera House, Toronto, Ontario"
Wednesday, July 11. 2007
Serena Ryder at Del Crary Park. The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights - more photos... photo by clint gilders- staff photographer | by clint gilders - club kingsnake staff
Serena Ryder
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
http://www.serenaryder.com/
Serena Ryder Concert Photos
Saturday, July 7th, 2007
Del Crary Park, The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada)
Now in its 21st season, the Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights is a free outdoor concert series presented by the city of Peterborough and corporate sponsors every Wednesday and Saturday night throughout the summer.
While the lineup has a definite lean toward MOR, easy listening, and classic rock it has also featured some rock and pop stars. The must-see concert for me this year was Serena Ryder. Since her discovery by Hawksley Workman, Serena has become a local Peterborough girl done good.
Continue reading "Concert Review: Serena Ryder at the Peterborough Summer Festval of Lights"
Thursday, June 14. 2007
Clint Gilders, left, and Rob Halford, right, at NXNE 2007 photo by some guy I handed my camera to |
Ok, so I've been home for a couple of days and I'm getting caught up. I've finally uploaded some photos and video:
Big Baby Ernie
Joe Boyd Celebrity Interview
The Burning Boyz
Cities in Dust
The Flatliners
Dave Foley, Peaches, and Ill Scarlett
Rob Halford Celebrity Interview w/Sam Dunn
Hostage Life
J Mascis Celebrity Interview
The Kiss and Tells
Christopher Rees
Rum Circus
The Vibrants
To check out the Rob Halford interview and read the rest, click below...
Continue reading "NXNE: Afterward..."
Saturday, June 9. 2007
J Mascis, NXNE June 8, 2007 - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
If asked to pick the one person I wouldn't have wanted to be today hands down it would be Dave Bookman. Dave was the poor soul (sucker?) drafted to interview J Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr. fame) during the conference portion of North By North East (NXNE). Dinosaur Jr. is reunited and making a triumphant return to halls of the rock gods and what does J Mascis have to say about all this..... Here's how to play the game. You ask J. any question and then randomly select any one of the answers: "Yes", "No", "I don't remember", "Not much". Easy huh? Try being the interviewer. I sat through the hour of horror and came away knowing nothing more about Dinosaur Jr./J Mascis than I did before hand. They did get J to pick up a guitar and Dave sang Blowin' in the Wind to put the interview out of it's misery bring the interview to it's conclusion.
Continue reading "NXNE Day 2: The Panels: Like pulling teeth from a Dinosaur etc..."
Friday, June 8. 2007
THe Kiss and Tells at the Black Bull NXNE June 7, 2007 - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
Night one began with a long streetcar ride to the Black Bull on Queen St. West. Drawing me to the "Bull" were the Kiss and Tells. What a fantastic way to start my night. They are a combination of No Doubt, Storm Large, Judy Garland, and Hole. The beautiful Kait Do-It in her barely holding on strapless dress and, most-recent recruit, guitarist Wyatt Burton resplendent in his red-tracksuit-that-came-to-him-in-a-dream treated us to 40 minutes of show-tunes dripping with sex and distortion.
Continue reading "NXNE Day 1: Part 2, Let's see 'em beat that"
Thursday, June 7. 2007
Well, I have successfully made it to my hotel room. This is only after doing what some might think is impossible; finding a parking spot midday in downtown Toronto. Whoo!!! High five!!!????? Ok, I'm not a big city boy, and Toronto generally scares the hell out of me. The fact that I kept my faculties until I found a spot and didn't just shut the car off in the middle of Spadina and start crying are a big step for me.
I got registered for NXNE and picked up my press badge at the Holiday Inn on King. My next stop was Henry's to exchange my new camera body for one that actually worked. I'd forked over $10.00 for my parking spot so I'm damned if I'll give it up yet. It's the TTC for me, so I bought day passes to last me the weekend and hopped on the Queen St. streetcar.
John at the Henry's outlet store was ready for me and the exchange was painless and pleasant. He's into concert photography too. Maybe we'll see some of his shots on the site soon.
Now, back to my car and off to find my hotel. Don't even ask me how the traffic was! Even at the special show rate the Holiday Inn on King was $200+ a night. Ouch!! I found a Days Inn further west on Queen for under $100. Yeah, the room is tiny and I have to park underground 2 blocks away (I have no plans of going there after dark), but there's a McDonald's next door, a Coffee Time Donuts across the road, and a Thai restaurant in the hotel. Things are lookin' up.
Starting tonight 400+ bands will converge on the city to showcase their talents. I'll be heading out to see as many bands as I can, and bring you the highlights.
Just don't make me drive anymore.
Tuesday, May 29. 2007
The Crimson Tides at the Under Dog. May 23, 2007 - more photos... photo by clint gilders - staff photographer | Night 1:
You gotta hand it to Brian, the Fat Liger himself, he puts together some cool shows. Wednesday night's lineup consisted of a jam band, progressive metal, vicious punk, and solo electronica.
First on the bill was an unnamed impromptu jam band comprised of members of some local bands such as the Jamsexuals and Gagner. I missed most of their set, but it seemed like a nice non-commital way to start the night.
Next on little stage at the Under Dog were Paraesthesia. A local Peterborough band, they play plodding (in a good way) metal that immediately brought to mind the Misfits and Black Sabbath. On their myspace page they list an eclectic collection of influences, and many of these are evident in their music while still maintaining a specific direction and style. This is a band I'd like to catch again.
Paraesthesia at The Under Dog. May 23, 2007 - more photos... photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
The Crimson Tides out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, simply killed. They perform with an intensity only seen in punk music. Five second songs, banter about getting punched in the head at a Rammer show ,and the bassist's recent (unrelated?) head injury, broken bottles and the little girl and her beer landing on me while I tried to get some photos made for a great time.
Rounding out this schizophrenic lineup was A/V, a solo dj-punk-dance-electronica act. Though not necessarily my cup of tea, it was pretty cool. This guy rocked while playing sequencers, something I didn't know could be done.
Night 2:
Man it was hot on Thursday, and even when temps had dropped in the evening, the Red Dog hung on to the staggering heat like it was a badge of honour.
Continue reading "Concert Review: The Red Dog double header, the Crimson Tides, the Embarrassments, and more - Peterborough, Ontario"
Thursday, May 17. 2007
Yep, that's right. It has just been announced that Rob Halford, The Metal God himself will be visiting NXNE. June 9th in Toronto from 2pm-3pm Rob (Mr Halford sir!?) will be the subject of a celebrity interview. Also making special live and/or Panel appearances are Dave Foley, Serena Ryder, The Cancer Bats, J Mascis and Dinosaur Jr., Joe Boyd, Peaches, Don Letts and many others.
club.kingsnake will be there, and here's hoping I can do as much damage to myself as I did at SXSW.
Monday, May 14. 2007
B.B. King at Roy Thompson Hall. - more photos... photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
B.B. King carries himself with a kind of quiet class. In fact, his entire band and entourage do. From the gentlemen who escort him on and off stage to the road manager, everyone is dressed to the nines. B.B. himself explained that he doesn't know anything about the ghetto or the "hood." He was a Mississippi farm boy who plowed fields and picked cotton, who went on the become one the most successful R&B and blues musicians still living today.
B.B., now 81, made a stop in Toronto on May 11, and I sure am glad I was there. The show started with B.B.'s band performing two instrumentals, and then they were joined on stage by the man himself. The band by itself is phenomenal. Horns, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard make up the group. All these men are seasoned musicians, and none what we might call young (unless we compare them to B.B.). B.B. King at Roy Thompson Hall. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer |
This was reinforced when, in introducing the band, B.B. explained that the keyboard player was filling in for "the man we buried yesterday."
B.B. sits down to play now, and this contributes to the intimate nature of his live show. He also spends a lot of time telling stories and interacting with the more jovial members of the audience. Between (and during!) songs we were treated to stories of boyhood trips to town, later trips where after a "beer and half" he'd venture across the tracks to see if the "white water" tasted different from the "colored water." B.B. can laugh now about the repercussions if he'd been caught on the wrong side of the tracks in the segregated south of the 1930s and 40s, but admits that at the time it was no laughing matter. The audience also sustained a good hearted ribbing when they failed to join in during "When Love Comes To Town," which was written for Mr. King by U2's Bono.
The evening's highlight for me was when the horn section left the stage and B.B., with the guitarist and bassist seated on either side of him, played some great blues and told more of his stories. The legend's guitar tone was to die for, and I loved watching him let loose on occasion with some delicious runs and his trademark otherworldly singing vibrato. "You Are My Sunshine" was incredible!
At the end of the perormance, Mr. King strolled to the front of the stage, where he greeted the grateful fans, and handed out guitar picks and necklaces. It was during this meet-and-greet that a small boy dressed in his Sunday best was passed up to the stage to get a hug from B.B.
Hopefully that boy will someday realize what a special moment that was.
Deborah Cameron has been producing B.B. King shows in Canada for the last 18 years and she is at the helm of the 2007 Canadian tour. She was kind enough to allow me a rare opportunity to photograph the show. Special thanks to Deborah, the staff of the Roy Thompson Hall (that includes you Christina), and B.B. King's management and staff.
B.B. King at Roy Thompson Hall - more photos... photo by clint gilders - staff photographer
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Thursday, May 10. 2007
Blues legend B.B. King and his guitar Lucille are sweeping though Central and Eastern Canada over the next nine days. With dates starting in Toronto, Ontario, and ending in Saint John, New Brunswick, the octogenarian (82 in September) will treat crowds to his unique brand of the blues.
B.B. King has been recording since 1947 and, with his immediately identifiable guitar and vocal style, is arguably one of the most influential blues musicians still alive today. He's also one of the hardest working. He is always, it seems, playing somewhere.
On a guitar oriented message board I visit, some users had this to say:
...the man was incredible i had tears in my eyes,his band smoked, very dynamic...it's a pity because he has to sit down when he plays but he gives 100 percent..this was the real deal....
There is no such thing as a bad BB show.
He is 100%+ the perfect entertainer - always has time for his audience and fans and he gives 110% in his shows. The sad part is that he (like Les Paul) isn't getting any younger - go see him before its too late.
Needless to say I was stoked when I saw that B.B. would be playing Toronto on May 11. I bought my ticket long before today, when I was assigned to cover the show for club.kingsnake. Me and B.B. tomorrow in Toronto!
The promoter has told me that there are still a few tickets available. Get them while you can....
Photos and more gushing to follow.....
Continue reading "Concert Preview: I can only hope to have that much energy.... B.B. King"
Thursday, May 3. 2007
Startling. That's what first comes to mind when introduced to the Nightwatchman. Tom Morello is the rapid-fire-riffing, space-sound-creating lead guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave right? Well, when he's not a metal revolutionary (in Rage) or flailing under Chris Cornell's plodding vocals (in Audioslave), he is also a folk singing revolutionary called the Nightwatchman.
I caught the Nightwatchman's set in the basement of Stubb's Bar-B-Q back in March while I was in Austin for South By Southwest, and I for one was impressed. Thought hard about this next line.
Pretty sure it's true.
If you take a step toward freedom it'll take two steps toward you
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It was such an intimate setting and it lent itself very well to Tom accompanied only by his nylon string "Whatever It Takes" guitar and a harmonica. Tom has an immediately identifiable guitar style and this comes through even on an acoustic. His vocals make me think of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
This juxtoposition seems to throw many for a loop. No, Tom is not a incredible finger picker, and his version of folk doesn't sound like Peter, Paul and Mary or Joan Baez. Breezy and beautiful it ain't. The album has an immediacy to it. Like any moment storm troopers could bust in and haul us away for speaking our mind. I feel hot and dusty just listening to it.
Yeah, this is wierd. Tom may not find tremendous success as an acoustic folk/protest singer, but he's got me as a fan, I'm glad I saw him live and I'm glad I bought this album. Keep fighting Tom.
The highlights for me include "Maximum Firepower," "Flesh Shapes The Day," and "House Gone Up In Flames."
Tuesday, May 1. 2007
Hot off the presses, sixteen-year-old Jimmy's new self-titled album was dropped off to me the other day.
The opener, "Diamond Ring," brings to mind Gordie "Grady" Johnson and Big Sugar, although Jimmy's guitar tones aren't quite as monsterous as Gordie's (but whose are?). It's a great opener that sets the tone for the rest of the record.
"Rattle Snake Shake" is Jimmy's take on legendary Peter Green's (Fleetwood Mac) blues rock anthem. The lead break is a thing of beauty and I love Wayne DeAdder's baseline just hanging out in the back.
I was introduced to "Nine" at one of Jimmy's shows in fall 2006 (at that time called "Nine String Thing"). This is Jimmy on one of the mad scientist guitars he builds in his workshop, a flat top accoustic with three extra strings shoehorned onto it. "Nine" is a hybrid bluegrass, folk, blues, with drones a la Indian classical music. The Tabla accompaniment further ads to the Indian feel. I dug it last fall and I really dig it now!
"Drifting Haze" isn't necessarily my cup of tea. At a length of 6:04 it's Zepplin-meets-Stonerrock that goes on for a few more minutes more than I would have liked. If I recall correctly, the lead breaks are performed on an electric twelve string which in itself is pretty cool. If you're into moody Zepplinesque jams then this may be your cup of tea.
In "Far From Reality," Jimmy definately has a Page/Plant vibe going on. I also had flashes of early Aerosmith. I like this song and its tastey single note riffing, chord inversions, and the always dissonant 7#9 chord. The guitar tone is stellar on this as well. Sounds like a little 'Class A' sleeper cranked until it is begging for mercy.
"Black Sea Star" a is shining four and a half minutes. I love the way Jimmy used the ambient room sound of the guitar and drums to create an intimate lo-fi reggae sound. I feel like I'm right in the room, and sipping a tropical drink.
Hmmm, was "The Kara-Dag" co-written with the drummer? The two minute drum solo at 00:50 may have tipped me to that. Just call me Sherlock.
"Loser" is from the same ballpark as "Drifting Haze", but with some moody and fitting slide lines. Jimmy's vocals also take the wheel and we get to hear his chops now that his voice has changed.
A great groove from the get-go is what "Mortisha" offers. Fun lyrics too.
The album's only ballad is "Falling." This is a beautiful song hindered only by the heavy-handed drumming which seems to come from left field.
Rounding out Jimmy's effort is the masterpiece "The Truth," A minor blues which is just pumped full of emotions, from the heartfelt vocal to the lead breaks which squeeze a story from a recurring four or so notes and a wha pedal.
With this self titled disc, Jimmy has moved away from the more traditional blues found on his two previous recordings. Overall the album has a classic stadium rock vibe. Earth shaking drums and big guitars are found throughout. This is an evolution I for one am happy to witness. Will this alienate some of the more conservative fans? Probably. Will this bring new fans into the fold. For sure!
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