Monday night I went to the Jack Daniel's Studio No. 7 Show featuring Jack's Mannequin (with Margie as my +1). It was a free concert, you just had to register on-line and get there early enough to make sure you were among the allotment of people they were letting in. I'd say by the size of the crowd that they let in over a few hundred people because Martini Ranch was FULL! We were early (well within the first 50 in line) so I have no idea if anyone wasn't able to get in.
It goes without saying that Jack's Mannequin ROCKED! It's what they do. Andrew McMahon is never anything less than genius...that man has more energy than I've ever seen. He pours his heart (and sweat) out on the stage and it's a sight to see. If it sounds like I'm a bit in awe of him it's because I am and it's no real secret. This entry isn't about the awesomeness of Jack's or Andrew but it needed to be stated. How could I not write about the concert with out mentioning the main act? I couldn't now could I?!
Besides Jack's Mannequin is working on a new album (People & Things) due out by Summer. They played a new song, 'My Racing Thoughts'...it's awesome! The song on YouTube from the show is blocked form embedding (LAME!) but I found a version from another concert...
Live Oak Revue opened for Jack's and they were totally different than what I expected. Their banter with each other and the crowd won me over before their music and their music didn't take that long. While waiting outside for the doors to open we heard them practicing. I had no clue they were the opening band but the sounded good, even from outside.
They look and sound like they're from the south somewhere but they're California boys. I thought they sounded a little Johnny Cashish, Margie thought Bob Dylanish. Both are listed as artists they like. Their FB page listed them as Americana/Folk Rock. Which is a lot easier than how I was originally trying to explain their sound to anyone who'd listen.
The band consists of Zak Salazar (guitar/lead vocals/also guitar string ring maker), Matt Ireland (lead guitar/vocals), Derek Ireland (lows/vocals) & Brian Ireland (skins/vocals/formally the drummer of Something Corporate). We talked to Matt mostly after the concert but we did get to chat a bit with Zak too. They were both very nice lads. Why I keep referring to them as lads I don't know but I do know it seems to fit. Apparently Zak is a Park Ranger or something of the sort by day and Matt wants to be (or is) a Biology teacher. We, also, got to meet "Mama" Ireland. She's the Ireland brothers mom (duh!) and she was so stinkin' cute it was ridiculous.
We just stood around chatting about everything and nothing in particular. My great opening was the stupid "air of fresh breath" comment...to which Zak leaned forward and asked, "What does that mean?" LOL. I'm not going to say there wasn't more verbal challenges from my side of the conversation but it did get better from there instead of worse. Since they were new to me I hadn't yet gotten to the point of complete tongue-tiedness (like when I completely BOMBED when meeting Gavin Degraw). It was definitely a unique experience, one that if they get as big as I think they will, won't be so easy the next time they come in concert.
They were giving out a CD of their music for free (donations optional) which is an ingenues marketing stragity. Matt was writing on them as we spoke and Zak was making anyone who wanted one a "custom" ring made out of broken guitar strings. The rings are rather cute considering the amount of time he had making them up on the spot. Luckily, there was only 4 of us standing around. I was shaking so bad when he measured my finger that mine doesn't really fit but it'll work on another finger.
I told the guys it was like pulling teeth to get Will to go to concerts because he sometimes has no musical taste (he makes fun of Jack's Mannequin every time I bring them up) but I was positive he would love their music. He hasn't listened to the whole CD yet (I won't let go of it long enough for him to) but what he'd heard he loves. I'm hoping he'll be willing & able to go when they come again in concert. It sounds like the guy from Martini Ranch loved them and they should be back at the Ranch in a month or two. Anyone paying attention to this needs to take notice and go when when come back. Honestly, it is worth whatever the ticket price is...no matter who is with them (main band or not).
No comments:
Post a Comment