JOHN BUTLER TRIO - TORONTO, FEB 2010

John Butler Trio – Wed, Feb 11, 2010 – The Mod Club, Toronto

Opening Act - Toby

The Mod is one of the best live music venues of it's size in Toronto, quite possibly the country based on my observations. I am almost certain with John's first sold out Canadian show - this is going to be a good night. I have not verified this fact its based on my edumacated guess.:) But when it comes to JBT, I got some skills, so based on those 2 facts needless to say I am looking forward to this show !

Chickened out on bringing in a camera. I wrestled with the decision all night. I need to ratify and tighten up my shit in this area.  But its hard to rock out and do the camera/media thing at the same time.  It almost seems like 1 or the other, and at this point, I am not ready for the other just yet. Not for this show anyway.

I have always been a big fan of a good opener as it sets the stage. The opener this night = Toby was my first nice surprise. I found out with some last minute research that one of the key band members to be someone I toured with extensively in Canada & Australia in the past. Someone who I also would consider a kick ass musician on a stand up and fretless bass. I was not aware of Toby’s music before but as an opener they were successful in getting me! A great voice this woman from Australia.  I don’t know much more than that right know but her presence was felt. She did a super Joplin cover of Bobby McGee, which ya don’t hear done well very often. Ya gotta have some balls to think your going to pull off Joplin successfully. I mean ya cant really do it like Janis but doing it in your own way and doing it well is the key. Well Toby has the female version of  testicles as she did it with grand applause. Great range on her voice and I am looking forward to checking out those sexy birds some more !

My main negative observation of a stiff crowd is the same one I am recognizing in many places these days, and its either negatively trending, or I am.  The crowd vibe was way stiff.  I wouldn’t say I am a Toronto hater, I dig the town.  I just can’t catch a break lately with a live music crowd here.  Your a bunch of uptight stick up the ass-clowns.  Unless you're pressed in the first few rows, very few are grooving out.  Peoples expression threw dance is just not evident in this city.  With special exception of very few spread around the venue, that usually don’t keep it up due to the feeling of  the uncomfortable judgy death stairs from surrounding statues. I do sometimes wonder If I am trending to one of those crazy hippie/tweeker dancers that I make fun of ?  

John Butler is a fun grooving kinda kat. His vibe is definitely something that must be danced too. Even just a little bit people!  I mean the guy plays a bad ass banjo for Christ sakes !  Who doesn’t like throwin down a banjo jig !?  If ya never have, I highly recommend that soul smiling exercise.  It changes your experience from a good night to a great night – I promise you !

John started off with a bit of a crowd buzz kill when he had to school some screaming young girls in the front row that were really giving it to him. He made some statements - nicely - but basically telling them to shut the hell up. He's a pro and did it at the right time and place and carried on un-fazed.

A little more than 25%  of the set list was new material of which only the single has been released as yet from their new joint "April Uprising" due early 2010. A nice long show of 18 or 19 tunes with some nice long jams and stage moments thrown in for an entertaining evening.

A crowd thrown harmonica lands on stage and Johnny lays it down ! A completely random baaaad ass horner jam ensues.  Maybe 45 seconds to a minute long I am guessing. I coulda used it twice as long and have it roll into a who knows what, but i am not a greedy man and i'll take what i can get.

During Better Than, one of his most commercially successful tunes to date, inspired some motivated gals  to jump on stage uncontested and conducted a “riverdance” style of jig.  It was appreciated by the band and crowd. Made we wanna be a little closer to the action as the fun level was rising.

I wondered how many of the crowd in attendance, what percentage, are even aware it’s a new trio? Almost everybody I talked to didn’t know. That shit bums me out a little but I suppose I just might have too much time on my hands, so I try to not let it get to me too much.  But I am excited mostly to see what this new trio is all about.  I had grown quite fond of  his old band mates, Shannon & Michael and sad to see them part ways for “artistic differences”. Which hopefully doesn’t mean money in this case. But I have my suspicions, as it usually does involve that shitty thing called Dolla’s.  

Bomba the drummer is John’s brother-in-law and has some history of playing in the trio. He is a heavy kat and I loved seeing him pound it live.  The soul is pretty clear also on the new bass Byron Luiters.  Byron is an unknown to me but these 2 dudes got the passion no question. Its clear the 2 of them and John have some chemistry. The mad Dr. Frankenstein kind of chemistry. I’ve been told Bomba has some of his own stuff that’s worth checking out, so I will be doing just that.

 I don’t know where my show count is these days but its high for John solo and his trio combined. I have toured internationally with this guy and his music, and it’s the heaviest I’ve yet to see/hear from him.  The show was successful for me as it got me super pumped to see a few more shows this summer. JBT has a few more sold out gigs in the states before returning home to the staple festys, then on to UK and Europe, just in time to get him back for some of the always busy summer festival circuit in the States. That's where these guys shine.  Bonnaroo in Manchester Tennessee will be a fan fave this year for these guys. Bet on it !

John's songs about life’s experiences and world issues, is of a poetry both musical and written that few are pulling off together. The consistency of a quality product is undeniable!  If ya haven’t read his lyrics then your missing out !  Just check out  lyrics to One Way Road and you’ll see that at 35 he’s as youthful as I remember him a decade ago and still getting better every tour.  I see big things on this blessed mans horizons and I am all aboard for the long haul !

Now’s time to be part of the solution raise your fist if you believe in revolution

Doesn’t mean I ain’t got no fight now just because I don’t got a gun
The lyrical is heavier than lead and this guitar is my canon
Just like Martin and Mahatma I’m gonna love I’m gonna over come

John Butler _ One Way Road

Links:

Opener: http://www.tobymusic.com.au/

JBT: http://www.johnbutlertrio.com/

Bomba:  http://www.myspace.com/nickybombasolo

Bonnaroo: http://www.bonnaroo.com/

Avatar is not a surprise.  It is yet another example of how were just going down the toilet. familiar story. were doing. indians and shit. graphics.

GZA in Barrie !!??

First thing comes to my mouth and im sad to say it but the security blew it on this night. I have high respect for security. More than most. They got a tuff job no question, especially with added pressure of an all ages, big name legend hip hop show! In Barrie !! No way do I wish that on any security force.

Dealing with drunken outta control high people! Mostly early twenty-somethings. Sheesh those dummies would put even the best of tempers in an edgy mood. I’ve been in that situation and as I said i respect security – right ? moving on !

Where they lost me last night, is the territory should be known going in and it should be acknowledged and prepared for. The good ones are. Several of the guys were not on this night and they got rattled. It happens.

I’ve been trying with Barrie for so long, honest I have been. But we just can’t seem to get our selves together on representing and giving good musicians the proper respect they deserve by showing up and showing up right. I think it’s just a matter of the law of averages really. Perhaps there’s just not enough population to provide enough of the crowd with the “right stuff”. I Feel a bit of a stuck up, old dick for saying it like that, but its truth. I have paid dues internationally, in all types of crowds, and as far as I can tell - its truth ! I have no interest in speaking anything less than what I observe.

Some of you unfortunate dumb asses got your shit way too loose and you got under the skin of the security tonight, and the bomb just went off. A couple of good fights in the crowd that continued all the way out the door and outside. That’s going to light the fuse of security every time. I witnessed a couple of guys get deservingly beat down real hard.

By near the end of evening it was too late to recover. 50-60% of you shouldn’t have been tossed Id say. It didn’t seem they had a Cooler on staff, and thusly a lotta good people who are causing no harm, just enjoying themselves, do suffer the Un-cooled, over tweaked, over ego’d staff.

We in Barrie did in-deed get a treat with a visit from the GZA. Hats off props to Liquid Chrome for makin it happen. They are really making a great go of bringing some heat to town. Much of the crowd represented well and enjoyed the hell out of the talents on that stage. I am not a fan of seeing all the other people on stage that don’t really need or belong up there. There’s a time to be seen and I have never been a fan of seeing others than the artists on the stage, but that’s just me, and regardless - We all respected, we appreciated and we got our mutha fuckin W’s way up in the air. It was a great show.

My small disappointments that it should have been sold out in advance, and too many of you were fucked up Dbags, with drunkn high ass bitches in your crew. You messed things up for a lot of people around you that didn’t deserve it. To those people I got nuthin and can only apologise to the others for the ignorance of the few. You know, they know, not what they do. They don’t care and they will tell you so most of the time. Basically people not being able to keep there shit tight were in numbers on this night.

But for the rest of us…! They make us look good and Shhh Shhhhit ! GZA was in Barrie in a small club, small crowd, and he was in the house bringing the heat ! Yes im a white cracker, up yours ! ;)Choclair made a big impression on me before GZA even got there. Wasn’t expecting that but he got me right in the mood. As did the dj. I don’t pretend to be an expert and im unaware of who D-sisive is or the dj on set breaks, nor the host dude on mic doing intro’s, but all you people as well as the behind the scenes peeps clearly did a solid job from what I observed.

Advanced Set times were pretty far off but that was to be expected on a night of bad weather and with a line-up of rap/hip hop friends, that’s kinda what you would expect anyway. It went much later though and I think they lost many people due to work/school night show.

I loved seeing the after show stage fan love. GZA stuck around signing autographs, posing for pics, doing the fan thing for a lot longer than I sure would have expected. He didn’t/doesn’t need to do that. But it’s sure nice to see when guys do. He stuck around longer than I did.

I hit the streets for a walk to finish my night and witness the rest of the downtown debauchery. Always entertaining walking the Dunlop strip. Fights outside of every establishment, people on there face on the frozen ground, lots of cops, drunkn arrests, assaults from men and women, pretty much your average Friday 2 am downtown Barrie.

All be it you do entertain me, I’d prefer you stay home and ufc yourself in your own basement. I see more harm than good come from you In public.

Clean it up dickbags ! Your making the good people stay home, or travel outside of Barrie.

… Actually..hmmm..I do love to travel – never mind then, as you were.

Yet This all comes from a clown who gets thrown outta the Random Ranch for drunk & disorderly, so I am aware of a grand thing called hypocrisy. But it was Halloween and i was in costume, so my excuse is a good one ! :)

Kitch's Indie Sink CD Mix Vol 1.1

The following is the start of something... What !? I don't know.  Most likely nothing. But what it is - is a compilation cd of 9 songs from 9 artists, or group of artists from 4 different parts of the world.  Artists who i believe deserve your ear. It is a cut rate, simple, grass roots mixed cd made on the road on my lab top from my library of music. No fancy labels or case. I stand behind the music, not the fancy dress the labels package it in ! Its a charity cd that i have been selling along with healthy/organic snacks in the service department of my families auto business.  A roll out of multiple location displays is scheduled over the course of the following year.

My wish is for you to enjoy, and spread the love of good independent music....

1.) Death Came a Knockin- The Matt York Band

A home grown Oakville boy done good.  Matt started out like many indie artists, - following his dream. Matt has been primarily a solo artist in the past just pounding the pavement and now with his second commercially released cd, he has added a band full of incredible Canadian talent ! This band is killer !  His new cd "Mine" is outstanding. I tour manage this act whenever possible for as little as i can and will do whatever i can to stand behind this great bunch. This archipela tune is a crowd pleaser live and is a great start to this mix.

I recomend the full cd and is available for purchase @ Kitchen Motors if you so choose, or Matts website.

http://www.matt-york.com/

2.) Lets Take A Walk - Rapheal Saadiq

Soul is not old peoples music! No matter your music styling, i dare you to say this tune isn't a catchy toe tapping ditty! I believe today, in this most difficult business of getting your music out to the people, you need not only a talent, but a little somethin somethin else.  I think this artist might have a bit of that in him. I'll let ya know after i see him live this month.  But he sure seems organized and has a great website.

http://www.raphaelsaadiq.com/

3.) A Change is Gonna Come - Ben Solee

This is a great current adaptation of a Sam Cooke original.  I think this is an artist to watch.  

The you tube link is worth checking out also.  Just a great video with some sure to be classic Obama speech material mixed in.

http://www.bensollee.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpT_K2__wi8&feature=channel_page

4.) Life Love & Laughter - Donovan Frankenreiter 

I love this guy & his band. An old soul surfer who you may have heard years back with Jack Johnson. Dobo kinda broke and got his start thanx to being music buds with Jack, but has taken his own path and blazed it well since those days. I was grateful to spend some time on tour in Australia a few years back with this bunch and they truly inspire me to be a better person. A positive artist making great positive fun life music, that just makes ya wanna sing out loud !  Try it !  

http://www.donavonf.com/home/

5.) Take a Minute - K'NAAN

This is an incredible story. A Somalian/Canadian artist you need to take a minute out of your busy day and read about.  His inspirational story is unlike any other entering the spotlight today.  Its world music at its best. Its a cross over with reggae/rap/hip hop/spoken word, yet there's nothing quite like K'NAAN.  His talent is un-deny able and his star will continue to climb i am sure of it !  He is organized and has the Marley army in his corner.  Dusty is headed for greatness !

http://www.knaanmusic.com/

6.) Northern Lights - Brian Macmillan

Another Canadian boy doing good !  I think his star is on the rise.  Brian is following the path where ever his music takes him.  He can go from a soul, funky place, to a chilled back love story, to a fun country ditty cross over.  His diversity & talent on countless instruments only opens up the world to him.   This tune is a rough cut that he recently found on an old computer, sorry that it ends abruptly, its a ruff cut so lay off - that's indie music baby !  Brian is gonna hate that i picked this one for this mix but i have my reasons and i think he love's me enough to not be mad for too long.  Its a great example of how artists shelve tunes at the time for they think its not what there looking for at the time.  He almost lost this tune. I think its a great song and i give this artist 2 thumbs way up !

http://www.myspace.com/brianmacmillan

7.) Generation Gap - Nine Mile (featuring Xavier Rudd)

This is another group of artists who has changed my life for the better.  A bunch who i could go on about personal attachments, but there fantastic music will speak for me.  All local Ontario people who continue to pound out a living at making good music for the people.  Ive toured with them internationally & domestic and i plan on helping them in the future as much as i can.  There new release is coming soon in 2009 and from what I've heard and filmed - its gonna be killer, so stay tuned.  This song features another artist who closes out this cd.  You'll need to reach out further to find out what that's about. 

www.myspace.com/ninemile 

8.) This is The Thing - Fink

A solo uk artist who makes me pay attention.  I love his voice & this tune. I first heard this on an episode of a great series "Friday Night Lights".  Indie artists find much success these days on soundtracks of television shows or commercials and i find that example true with this song. I heard it, hit the net and found it, now I'm a fan !

http://www.myspace.com/finkmusic 

9.) Im Home - Xavier Rudd

From his latest release Dark Shades of Blue.  I don't know where to start with this lovable little barefooted Auzzie !  I have several attachments to Xavier both personally & professionally.  Lets just say i owe this artist an un-measurable amount of love & respect ! I am a better person for listening to his music and you will be too.  He's one of the more talented musicians I've ever come across.  Some of his material he plays 5 instruments at the same time ! Do the math !!  Check out the background sound effects in this tune. You'll hear Xave's child yelling "hi daddy" during the recording session, as well as the sounds of mother nature in his back yard.  This tune is heavy ! 

http://www.xavierrudd.com/

I could ramble on about many of these artists, my experiences,  and my personal attachments & professional relationships to many of them.  I assure you i am not just a punk bucking the system who travels around for good music and good times, (who i suspect some critics think that's what im doing)  and well i suppose not being able to accurately describe it - that is part of what im doing.  But holding down Tour Management roles with 3 of these artists tells me I'm justified.  I am not a smack talker, i stand behind all good music and I figure if your interested in any of these artists or other musical related questions, or hell, just to shoot the breeze about something good you heard - you can contact me anytime.  After all, the best music out there is being created in basements and garages all over the world and the word travels between people like you and me - that's grass roots and that's how it should be done !  

So with this experiment i choose to let there music speak to you. You in the end choose to investigate & speak well of good music. 

Support Indie Artists !

or suffer the top 40 consequences !

Respect

To order your copy of  Joyride Inc's., "Kitch's Indie Sink Vol 1.1" by mail, please contact: 

www.myspace.com/joyrideinc

This mix is for information & charity purposes only. I have the permission of most of the artists listed but not all...if there's no risk, there's no reward i figure..

Its Non-Profit - All proceeds from purchase are donated to the Ontario Humane Society in Honour of  my mom the animal lover - Mary Alison Kitchen.

Peace/Love/Respect

Sometimes im overcome with sadness for the human race.  I actually have moments where i need to sit down and have a conversation with myself to talk myself off the ledge of hopeless-ness.

Fear & Loathing Vol II -The Grammys 2009

Thankfully i had to escape to work about 1 hour or so into the Grammy's last night.  So im aware i shouldn't be qualified to discuss and criticize something i didn't fully watch, but guess what - im gonna ! I'll try to keep it not so much jaded, or drag on like im sure the show did. Ive read many bitter reviews today, and like so many authors of such pieces, they get criticized, but i guess its all part of the puzzle.  I know music is subjective, but so is life. So up yours if you disagree with me..hahaa- kidding, but seriously ! I think im right in what music is to me, so i stand with my conviction, and i choose to reflect upon it.

 So really - what was your suck factor of that show?

U2's new song is disappointing to me.  There's some good lyrics in there and thus a foundation for great potential, but they shit the bed on this final product.  Im done paying high prices to go see there show and im sure i'll download, for free, the new album. Then i'll decide my u2 future and how much more of my money they can take from me.

Wow did Whitney seem high to me !  I mean the legs look good, the body looks good. But that lady is in a hole she cant seem to get out of.

Was Kayne trying to look like a Jackson ?

Mia performing on her due date has got to rate way up there on my "stunts that just seem dumb to me" list.

Thankfully Plant & Krauss added some much needed class to a truly classless spectacle.  I loved how the buffoons on Dean Blundells morning show admitted they never knew plant & krauss had an album out. and they were serious. Another example of the industry's uphill battle. People just are not paying attention.  102.1 has the most popular radio morning show hosts, in the country's largest market, and there more educated and interested in there gay, porno, physic, buzz word bad news story pieces, then about the actual music. Sure there demographic are the people that need there mornings light & funny, people need to escape the life they've chosen to commute too. Getting the latest dirty sanchez or hot carl story is way better then actually hearing good music.  Yikes was almost hating there - no no. just getting extreme in making my point.  What was it again ? Something about people that could give a shit about music and recognizing it im sure.. 

A heart string gave a lil strum of sadness watching Stevie Wonder.  I turned away for good after about 30 seconds, i tried after 15, but like the good car wreck mentality i had to try again and watch, but 2nd look was enough.  Fuckin Stevie has gone deaf ! There's no other explanation to me !!  I think the poor bastard has become dual-handicapped. I am not sure what they call people who have lost 2 of there sense's? Bi-senseless maybe ?? Anyway boy Wonder is now blind & deaf.  Worse - obviously doesn't care about his future or credibility. He's let himself become over produced i think by someone who has his sight and not his ear.  That Jonas Brothers Frankenstein is killing me inside an Stevie clearly has let his people over produce him. I have mad mad love for SW, but this night i hung my head low.

I missed the tribute segment, i will watch it, but was disgusted when i heard from friends that a

12 time nominated and Grammy winner didn't make the cut. Incredible musician Leroi Moore was

absent from the tribute. Sure might be a little biased there, but again - not wrong ! His band

announced his death on that very same stage just 6 months prior. I hope dmb never plays the

grammys. I hope any band/artist im a real fan of never does. Of course even i know thats silly,

gotta sell that music !

I have wondered how much i really wanna say about the Grammys ? I mean its just a tv show, im over it ! Spending too much time writting on it, only recognizes its existenance and they win. DONE !.

John Butler Trio - Good Excuse Tour

John Butler came into my life somewhere during Sunrise Over Sea. I remember hearing about him threw one of my music circle of friends i travel with. Then again seeing them live for the first time with his opening acts for a stint with DMB back in 05. But I didnt get fully into him years later - much later - until i got my hands on an early Grand National. Id like to disscuss