Ian Hunter World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, Pa 9-13-12

dudes, great dudes, young dudes - all the dudes.
A musical legend who's musical career started in the 1950's and is still going strong at 73.

When an artist has songs easily recognized by the masses - they are a legend,  All the Young Dudes, Cleveland Rocks, rock anthems if ever there were; performed by Mr. Ian Hunter. This was a fun show, a rock and roll show, a down and dirty let's play guitars and do rock show. Mr. Hunter was doing what he knows best, playing the keys, jammin' on his guitar with his harmonica soulfully joining in.

The audience came to rock. Came to anthem this show out, and as cheesy as a group of aging rockers (the audience, not the band) were; when All The Young Dudes was played,  it was a beautiful, beautiful thing...right dude, great dude?

Ian has a signature sound. The endings of his songs seem to reverberate with life. His keyboard notes echoing in your bones, your rock n roll bones.

The show was a joyful show. Mr. Hunter's tunes have an endearing, timeless quality that is not found everywhere. Pop or commonality has it's place and  Ian has found that place, in his rock anthems. It is time for the world to listen and hear those songs as they live and breathe simplicity.

"move over cause your standing in my light"  Ian Hunter

Great Lake Swimmers at World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA 9-6-2012

I have long anticipated seeing Tony Dekker's Great Lake Swimmers and tonight it was to be. Tony walked out onto center stage, acoustic guitar in hand, and began playing On the Water. I think there is more hope in Tony's songs then then he may realize....we just need to listen. 

 

Great Lake was opening for Patrick Watson  with the majority present to see Patrick. Those that were able to catch Great Lake loved them and many discovered GLS as they put on a fun and lively performance becoming stronger with each song. 

All of the band members showcased their talents; Miranda on violin with her bright red hair and matching dress exceeded only by her red hot fiddle playing. Greg (wearing a Maple Leafs tee in FLYERS country?!?!) melodically and rhythmically maintaining the heart beat of the band while glances to upright bass player Bret maintained the integrity of each song. Erik playing on guitar/banjo was set back on the stage and was a bit difficult to get a read on him, but there was no denying his presence. 

Tony's lyrics are a study of how we should live our lives and with the passing of each song, the audience was getting it. GLS did what few bands have the courage to attempt and successfully pull off...7 of the 10 songs played were off of their April 2012 release. 

One line I just love of The Great Exhale is "and the world stops spinnin when you stop spinnin". Catching live music tends to stop us from spinning. 

Highlights were many, but the title cut - New Wild Everywhere was my highlight, this is worthy of a life anthem. 

Catch them live if you can and most definitely give them a listen. Cheers!