Everyone who’s been following rock music for the last four decades knows who Neil Young is. He’s a famous “rock star” who certainly deserves all the accolades earned through his deep catalog of music. What you may not be aware of is the music being made by his ex-wife Pegi, who has been writing and recording music since 2007. In fact she has released five albums in that time frame, with the latest “Raw” coming out earlier this year. While her early worked showed an emerging musical sensibility (with this live appearance on The David Letterman show in 2013 as clear example of that promise) her latest album delivers a brutally honest lyrical insight born from heartbreak.
Her now much publicized divorce from Neil (after 37 years and two grown children together) serves up the life changing experience fueling this new material. Far from a “downer” record of maudlin torch songs, most of the tracks are quicker paced and contain easy going country-soul grooves. Writing the seven original tracks (there are also five covers) with legendary Muscle Shoals keyboardist Spooner Oldham (Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Neil Young) and ace guitarist Kelvin Holly (longtime contributor to Little Richard’s band), the full band dynamic becomes complete with veteran drummer Phil Jones (Tom Petty, Joe Walsh), and bassist Shonna Tucker (Drive-By Truckers).
Those seven original songs are further enhanced by a choice selection of covers that seamlessly mesh with the albums overall theme. Otis Clay’s “Trying to Live My Life Without You,” Randy Vanwarmer’s “Just When I Needed You Most” and Ray Charles’ “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” speak to the universal theme of loss and the need to move on. While Lee Hazlewood’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” may have been written as a campy pop vehicle for Nancy Sinatra, it’s inclusion hear sees Pegi turning it into a song of empowerment. Closing the album with Don Henley’s “The Heart of the Matter” shows a desire to free oneself of emotional burdens. To forgive others is to set yourself free.
While opening track “Why” lays out immediate feelings of hurt and betrayal, the easy going country-soul stroll groove of “Too Little Too Late” sheds mature insight with the lyrical refrain “in the arms of another keeping warm at night is a much better option than continuing to fight.” Other originals “A Thousand Tears,” “Lonely” and “Up to Here” continue the theme Pegi refers to as going through all the stages of grief.
Speaking directly with Pegi on a recent call while she was in New York doing promo, the subject came up about if people should feel sorry for her. “No, I certainly don’t want that. I don’t want this record to make me out as some kind of victim,” she said. Instead she’d prefer her story perceived as a message of ultimate empowerment. “I’m not the only one to go through a late-in-life divorce” she continued. Her hope is that others who have experienced loss and heartbreak will find a similar catharsis and healing process as she has. There is still much to be grateful for, and her extended family bears that out. Her daughter Amber Jean gave birth to her first child (and Pegi’s first grandchild) last November, a boy named Ronan. Then there is her humanitarian work with The Bridge School, an educational program she co-founded in the eighties for children with disabilities. Their son Ben was born with cerebral palsy and has benefited tremendously through the school, now working as a productive organic egg farmer.
That Muscle Shoals sound, fully endorsed.
Find out more about Pegi Young and her music via these links:
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For two nights on April 4th and 5th, Bebe Buell debuted her "Baring It All" show in New York City.
Performing at the classy cabaret venue Joe’s Pub inside The Public Theater, Bebe seamlessly blended her original songs (and 2 covers) with stories of her life, accompanied by her husband Jim Walls on guitars and Nashville drummer Mindy Wright - dubbed The Rebel Souls.
Photo by Dina Regine
Delivering a nearly two hour set of 16 songs where all but two were either written or co-written by Bebe herself, an autobiographical timeline emerged through the personal stories told in-between.
As you entered the concert room, a huge image of Bebe was projected overhead as drummer Mindy sound checked her kit.
Taking the stage to an intro rendition of The Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" Bebe and her Rebel Souls both looked and sounded like the seasoned rock and rollers they were meant to be.
Photo by Dina Regine
Jim's jacket for the Wednesday show was the epitome of cool with its white skeletal bones theme.
It was as if spaceships (or the rings of Saturn) appeared over Bebe's head as she entertained with perfectly paced set of new songs ("Cross My Legs") and vintage cuts ("Jacuzzi Jungle").
Photo by Dina Regine
As the show progressed, Bebe would pull out her trusty harmonica at significant moments, filling the room with it's blusey wail.
Telling stories between every song, an enraptured audience listened intently to every word. The sentiment of tracks like "Frenemy Mine" and "Got It All Wrong" reflect universal themes everyone can relate to.
One particular moment stood out during the Wednesday show when Bebe sang "Grey Girl," a song about her beloved pet from the album "Sugar." As the performance concluded you could see her wiping a tear from her eye. She even remarked about "getting emotional" up on stage, something she may not have initially expected. However, it was that kind of warm and genuine reaction that makes being at a live show so special.
Photo by Dina Regine
Moving back and forth between her musical era's, "Too Sweet" looks back at early days with the New York downtown nightlife, while "Hello Music City" chronicles the more recent move to Nashville.
Speaking of Nashville, the dynamic musical duo of adopted son Jim and local musician Mindy Wright adds a unique flavor to the material. The initial elements of punk and classic rock now come with a dash of southern home cooking, giving birth to what Bebe refers to as her "Nash Yorker" sound.
Mindy is a serious player who has worked with a variety of artists, ranging from rock, folk and country to funk and Americana rock. She possesses a charming, personable sweetness and dependability, making her “the rocking drummer you can count on!”
Another highlight of the night was the heartfelt rendition of "Black Angel," a track originally included on 2010's syntheszier-heavy album "Sugar," before reworking it to a better produced, more guitar oriented version on 2012's "Hard Love." Bebe tells how the song is "about Joey Ramone and living for five years in a beautiful Townhouse in Rutherford, NJ (which is where her husband Jim grew up). That was a five minute walk from Joey's grave site in Lyndhurst."
Other from-the-heart songs like “Can You Forgive?” (an olive branch to extended family member Todd Rundgren) and “By A Woman” (co-written with Sally Tiven and frequently performed as a duet with Country Superstar Crystal Gayle at her Nashville shows) were woven in with recent era rockers “Devil You Know” and the anti-bullying power ballad “Invisible.”
By the time Bebe reached second-to-last song "Secret Sister," she had worked her way off the stage and sang in and among her audience while many got up and danced around her.
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For her final song of the night, Bebe performed an all out show stopping rendition of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream."
Having previously played this song in New York last year during Max's Kansas City 50th Anniversary Benefit Concert at The Cutting Room (a video of that excellent performance can be seen and heard here), this version was no less spectacular.
Bebe also tells a beautiful story about Bowie and the time he sang this song one inch from her face, giving her one of the biggest thrills of her then 20 year old self. How it still sticks out as one of the best memories.
Meeting the artist and making new friends (and dance partners) at shows like this are what it's truly all about.
Ticket stubs, memorabilia and official hand-out buttons (with Patti Smith quotes on them) complete experience!
Enhanced Social Media recognition puts a thoroughly modern twist on it all.
For further reading on Bebe Buell, read this in-depth feature here:
and check out her Official Site here:
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Saturday April 8th presented an opportunity to attend a show combining one known entity with two previously unheard musical acts.
Trusted artists Mahogany provided the incentive to experience them live once more, sharing a bill with bands Erik Blood and Pleasure Prince at up-and-coming venue C'Mon Everybody.
Mahogany's live show evolution over the last year has seen them morph from a heavy-on-analog keyboards duo to a more streamlined, guitar-centric trio.
Songwriting, guitars and vocals are still very much presented by the two-headed brain-trust of Andrew and Jaclyn.
With the addition of newest member Joshua on bass, the songs sonic textures are fuller, especially in this live environment.
There's something particularly enchanting in the sound of two twelve string electric guitars filling a venue.
However when the time comes to testify, you've got to preach that word from your heart and soul.
Jaclyn takes center stage vocally on more than a few occasions, oftentimes singing in the French language.
Immediately following Mahogany was the mysterious looking, wonderfully layered sound of Erik Blood.
The conceptual work of a musician, studio engineer, composer, and record producer from Seattle, the live show is enhanced by beautiful vocals and second guitar from a woman named Irene.
With the addition of newest member Joshua on bass, the songs sonic textures are fuller, especially in this live environment.
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There's something particularly enchanting in the sound of two twelve string electric guitars filling a venue.
Bathed in a bluish hue, a moment of passionate force is unleashed.
However when the time comes to testify, you've got to preach that word from your heart and soul.
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Jaclyn takes center stage vocally on more than a few occasions, oftentimes singing in the French language.
"Soleil Radieux"
"The Mystique of the Locomotive" on full display
While standing "On the Threshold of the Absolute"
Moments captured in time and the second life of Social Media
The band will be playing in Philadelphia at Boot & Saddle on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Advance tickets for that show can be gotten here.
They return to New York on Saturday, June 17th, performing at Trans-Pecos.
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Previous features on this site about Mahogany can be found
here:
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Immediately following Mahogany was the mysterious looking, wonderfully layered sound of Erik Blood.
There is a gorgeous achingly quality to their music, combing elements of Cocteau Twins swirl with subtle shreds of romantic Motown soul.
A sound and look that instantly mesmerizes.
Other times atmospheric, fragmented structures and subtle pitch bending strummed guitars cross over into the more introspective elements a band like My Bloody Valentine is known for.
Painted masks merge with dramatic lighting and stark contrast clothing.
Creating an otherworldly experience.
Pedals to gaze at.
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Discover the incredible Erik Blood sound here.
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Opening the night's show was the Brooklyn based duo Pleasure Prince.
For this live show they added a guitarist to accompany their keyboard and electronic percussion sound.
In fact, “when that synth hits you just right” is the descriptive tagline the band displays on their Instagram account.
That is certainly a fitting description for a sound that weaves pulsating keys with an emotionally soulful pop vocal sensibility.
On their slow groove video track "You Look Good To Me" a mood of heightened sensual attraction pervades as hooky synth lines and electronic percussion take hold.
Other tracks like “Lines for George” feature reverberated female vocals that echo the sweetness and retro-futuristic sci-fi edge of the much beloved Broadcast.
However “Evening Queen” surprises by removing the synths, allowing the lushly produced alternating male and female vocals to take center stage.
An emerging band that deserves more attention.
Pleasure Prince on DaveCromwellWrites Facebook and The Deli Magazine
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