Tag Archives: Ruthie Foster

The Warren Haynes Band, Beacon Theater, May 12, 2011

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The Warren Haynes Band is out on tour with their first album as a newly formed band including Warren Haynes, guitar, Ron Holloway, sax, Ruthie Foster, vocals, Ron Johnson, bass, Nigel Hall, piano/keys, and Terence Higgins, drums.  (Set List Below.)

Photo by Allison Murphy

The new album, “Man in Motion” has seemingly found a buzz surrounding the cd, and if you judged the response from opening night in NYC, the crowd is equally excited as it was energized.  I haven’t listened to the album yet, I have a penchant for live recordings, but have downloaded it from iTunes and plan to try to decipher the differences between what I heard at Christmas Jam, Wanee Festival and now at The Beacon.

First set at the Beacon, you could feel the energy amped for the Opening night of the Tour.  A heavy Gov’t Mule-head crowd represented.  I was seated next to the soundboard, and had a perfect shot of Warren and his guitar through the crowd. Unfortunately my neighbor had a few too many drinks a few songs too early, and wanted to be a chatty Cathy with me, while Warren and the band were busy playing.  Sorry guy, didn’t mean to be rude but when I go to a show, I go to listen to the music, not chat with strangers.  Sorry.

I was lucky though, one of my gals stopped by and grabbed me to go downstairs to the ladies room.  Thankfully she ended what could have been my torture for the first set, trying to listen and watch the band while some grabby guy wanted to chat and bump into me.  Thank you sister, you saved me from many bruises…

Photo by View Skewed

So – the scene is set, with the exception of the not such the coolest security guards ever, I can finally dance and listen.  They sound great.  The songs range from rock and roll to bluesy soul, to funky horns explosion.

Warren wails on his guitar.  Warren sings.  Warren banters back and forth with the amazing vocalist, Ruthie Foster.  Foster has this sexy, strong voice which she uses as backup vocals for Haynes, and then her power comes out when she banters with Warren’s guitar licks with her voice.  It’s incredible to watch.

Ron Holloway on saxophone.  Holloway is the man.  Click here for more and YouTube Videos.  Continue reading →

22nd Annual Xmas Jam – TOP TEN

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My Top 10 highlights of the 22nd Annual Christmas Jam in Asheville, NC.

10.  The Christmas Jam Ale was delicious going down.  But it crushed me the next morning.

9.  Dirty Dozen Brass Band opening the Pre-Jam, and setting the tone for the whole weekend.

8.  New band The Last Straw from Nashville TN.  Rocking southern sound, and wonderful nice people.  Can’t wait to see them in NYC!

7.  The Satellite Gallery showcasing incredible photos from Allison Murphy, Danny Clinch (this one being my favorite), David Oppenheimer, Dino Perrucci, Don Van Cleave, Jay Blakesberg, Kirk West, Stewart O’Shields.
Poster Art By: Eugene Serebrennikov (Hyp_inc), Gary Houston, Jeff Troldahl, Steve Johannsen & More

6.  Standing next to Artemis Pyle at the Emerald Lounge – no more than 5 feet from him.  Wow.

5.  VIP tickets for Christmas Jam allowing us to get into the Pre-Jam at the Orange Peel, and extra amenities at the Christmas Jam.  They fed me, and they had a separate bar line (albeit always very long), coat check and private bathrooms.

4.  Steve Miller, a cappella and Carlos Reyes on harp.  Song dedicated to Les Paul.  Breathtaking, goosebumps.

3.  The Warren Haynes Band. No words.  Seriously.  Highlight: Sneakin’ Sally through the Alley

2.  Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes, acoustic, playing Melissa at the Pre-Jam.  Brought me to new heights.

1.  The Players:  Warren Haynes, Ruthie Foster, Ivan Neville, Ron Holloway, Ron Johnson, Terrence Higgins, Kevn Kinney, Audley Freed, Gregg Allman, Steve Miller, John Bell, JoJo Hermann, Umphree’s McGee, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cody Dickinson and so many more…