Black Country Communion

Black Country Communion

Live Show Review

City National Grove of Anaheim

June 10, 2011

Black Country Communion, the world's most recent super-band, is currently on their debut tour across the United States. Comprised of pseudo-legendary talents such as Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Trapeze, and Black Sabbath, (Bass/Vocals), Joe Bonamassa of several popular collaborations and solo albums, (Electric Guitar), Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater (Keys), and finally the cream of the collabo, Jason Bonham, son of the Legendary Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham (Drums). 

Pseudo-Legendary is not meant to be an insult to these monster talents. Each one in their own right shines brightly in this unexpected rock megalith. Hughes hits the incredible high notes and flipped-up bass fills, Bonamassa cranks some seriously arpeggiated glam-rock solos, Bonham does his damn Bonham thing and Sherinian has some really impressive solo sections. Over all this is a musician's band and band for those who simply care about nothing else but rock.

Namely the band is rather misleading as one may expect something in the Black Country, Country genre, or at least a Stevie Ray Vaughn Rock/Blues with a twang, but alas this is not the case. Black Country Communion is your father's Audioslave: Amazing musicians playing generic rock that is too busy rocking to innovate. BCC is pure entertainment.

Shredding Flying-V Glam-Blues isn't the only entertaining thing you will likely see at these shows. You know those hippies that got jobs and went to college instead of doing drugs and living in their mom's basement? They will be there. Either with bald heads or unapologetic mullets. Who will they be with? Some will bring their obviously square wives with their over sized earrings. Some will bring their "musician-friend" who has a greasy grey skullet (balding mullet)and a Bonamassa T-shirt. The others will bring a fellow "dude" to have a few beers with and rock out.

Perhaps I am too quick to judge off of the one show I have seen, but I can assure you, guys, there are no women at this show. None at all. If you are ready to experience beer-drunk 50-something party dudes screaming, "I love B.C.C."- You are going to the right show. If you want to catch one of Bonamassa's slick red guitar picks- you are going to the right show. If you want to see some incredibly talented musicians play unmemorable (besides the ringing in your ears) rock- you are going to the right show.

Ironically enough this sound seems to translate very well over the pond. BCC's self-titled debut album, released in September of 2010, charted at #13 in the Official UK Top 40 Album Chart, #1 in the Official UK Top 40 Rock Album Chart and #2 in the Official UK Top 40 Indie Album Chart. Their second studio album produced by Kevin Shirley who produced for Journey, Iron Maiden, Rush, and Led Zeppelin is expected to explode by the end of June 2011.

My recommendation would be to check out the website: www.bccomunion.com and listen for yourself. If you love what you hear- you are in for a hell of a show. If not, join me a collective head-scratching as we wonder together how such super-talent still can't quite get our feet tapping and our fingers snapping. 

 

Unknown Sabbatical

After spending a time away I have just realized. Wow, I have not written in such a long time. Realizing this happens to me every once in a while I told myself out loud, I need to write. Shortly after saying that in my relaxed state I realized, no. I want to write. Writing has meant so much to me in this adult life of mine. Why would I take a break? Well... let me see.

There are so many good things I can think of that have actually hindered me from writing. In the past writing has been a way for me to connect with my thoughts and I have had the blessing to know people who actually care to comment and share in my thought life. My idea of a good time is having people react, relate, agree or disagree with my thoughts. Lately, however,  I haven't been involved in this public thought sharing mindset. My artistic expressions lately have morphed and social outlets have simply changed.

One shining example is the fact that I have an amazing woman in my life who I talk to for hours a day. My dreams,  concerns, thought, opinions and feelings have an immediate and supportive ear to rest on every single day. Marissa is my sound board, she is my partner, and someone who I believe in and trust. So naturally, the idea of tossing thoughts in to cyber-space have almost completely lost their subtle appeal.

Another great thing is that I recently moved. Well, in November. But still this has been a contributing factor in my delinquency. Now I live on my own in an amazing little place where I can hang my hat. It is a converted studio (AKA a garage) that has a full bath, kitchen, and living space. It can be a little cold without a heater but I have a great space heater and a nice wall AC for the summer. I love living on my own and, might I add, in such comfort and simplicity.

Thirdly, I have recently acquired an additional job. Both of my day jobs are completely computer-centric and I am sure any other office stiff like myself can understand.  Computer screens have little appeal after spending 10 or so hours a day plugging in words and numbers.

Billy Kernkamp is the final great thing that has taken me from writing. This band I joined over a year ago has been pleasantly playing consistently, recording, and networking since August of 2009. We recently had the pleasure to open for the legendary John Doe at Detroit bar in Costa Mesa and have a show lined up in February at the House of Blues in Anaheim, Ca.

So normally I would try to make myself feel bad for neglecting my "soul," my personal "art," and "passion." But this time I am not, my soul is in overdrive and my passion has increased and my art is becoming more and more of who I am and less of what I do.

The things I do and the people I love have been beautiful and  I can only pray that the palette I am mixing will continue to color this world the only way I know how.

So in retrospect it really hasn't been much of a sabbatical but more of an unknown surprise. Life has to surprise me, once the celebration leaves then what kind of life is that? You can spend a whole lifetime trying to avoid surprises or you can just enjoy the surprises. This is where I want to find myself and the people I love. In the middle of a constant life-long surprise party where everyone is always invited.