The long forgotten July ‘Family’ showcase gets it’s jazzy due, #afterthebreak…
House of Blues – Sunset, Hollywood
The House of Blues interior hadn’t changed: two stories, RSVP tables littered everywhere, carved from wood, multiple bars, and even countless security spaced at every corner. Walked around until I noticed the empty balcony. Knew my view would be obstructed if I stayed on the floor. My body hasn’t been able to withstand a long night without backing (wall/beam) since Austin. So, despite a phucked up view or whatever, need to find a great position alongside a something to lean on. Don’t care about not having multiple angles from my lens. If I can capture a few gems from one positions, I’m a happy photographer. I’m a fan more I am a blogger/photographer. Want to be able to write about having a good time than being very critical.
Did notice my balcony position was going to be amazing for crowd shots. Only equipped with my outdated Canon Powershot S100, might be the best tactic to try. For Crowd Shots are usually more popular than artist shots.
Check out there new single — “Feel So Good“. Close your eyes, imagine your in a dark wooden hall, and just lose yourself.
After a short break, the buzzworthy Robert Randolph & His Family Band took the stage to a thunderous ovation. Rolling Stone listed Robert as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and the HoB was jam packed ready for his brand of steel pedal guitar. Gives their rock bit of an raw edge which sends chills down my back.
Had been a fan of theirs since their mainstream track — “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” — dropped back in 2010 & took over the airwaves. Hadn’t heard much from them since…but that’s because I wasn’t the in right circles. Robert Randolph & The Family Band was more than raging hit. They are the personification of pure unfiltered R&B influenced by legendary rift artists like Hendricks, Stevie Ray Vaughn, & Sly and the Family Stone. For their set really didn’t have much lyrics nor really stop. It felt impromptu and fresh from the virtuoso pedal steel artist.
Robert played for an hour & an half, non-stop through a medley of new, old, and cover tracks. Mostly on pedal, few times on six string. They are currently supporting their new record — ‘Lickety Split‘ (out now!) — but the showcase wasn’t weighted down by the new material. Robert put together one crazy party switching the ebb and flow at a moments notice. Two of the most memorable tracks was New Orleans & his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Way You Make Me Me Feel”. Which was one only distinguishable by the hook.
The rest of the set was peppered with fan friendly chaos. First, he called up a bountiful batch of ladies on stage to dance alongside the band. Most of them tried to grope / touch the performing artist. Little bit later he challenged a handful of guys to come and jam alongside him. Most of these turned into battles to see who was better better behind the machine. Says so much of the type of person Robert is to allow such things during his showcase.
If you take a chance on Robert & the Family Band, I can guarantee you’ll get a hell of a show. You’ll be vibing for hours with no break. You might be even lucky enough to be called onstage. So, take those dancing lessons & warm-up your fingers. You might have a chance to be apart of some classic impromptu R&B. The kind of thing you don’t find in clubs anymore. Bravo.
Thanks again to Robert, His Family, The Record Company, and The House of Blues for making that long forgotten July night one of my favorite moments of the past year.
…and sorry for typos…
Photo Selects
Photographer Note:
Didn’t have a powerful lens to get super zoomed close ups, so settled for perfecting my crowd shot eye. These photos were some of my favorites from 2013 so far. Nothing powerful about them…just, amazing night life captured.
