Bebe Buell and The Rebel Souls to perform at Joe’s Pub in New York City on April 4th and 5th

One artist whose decades-long career seems to have never stopped evolving is the legendary and iconic Bebe Buell. It would be a near insurmountable task to touch upon the amazing adventures and achievements of her life in just a few introductory sentences. Rather than attempt to recap this innovators incredible history, the spotlight here shines on her exciting new endeavors. Links to wonderful in-depth pieces already written about Bebe are included throughout this feature, providing insight into her remarkable career.

The ever inventive singer, songwriter / harmonica player / storyteller and Mother Of Rock N' Roll will debut her all-new live show “Baring It All” at Joe’s Pub in New York City on April 4th and 5th. The show promises a unique blend of her decades spanning songs combined with storytelling from her extraordinary rock-n-roll life. Bebe’s sonic engine will be her dynamic duo, The Rebel Souls which features her husband, guitarist Jimmy Walls and drummer Mindy Wright.

Photos from their recent show in Nashville by @nadineroxx

For more information on how to get tickets to either of these two show, follow this link

Photo by Emily Beaver

For anyone interested in an incredible rock history read, look no further than her best selling autobiography, "Rebel Heart; An American Rock And Roll Journey" published by St. Martin's Press in 2001.

It's a remarkable can't-put-down page turner account of Bebe's life from the early 1970's up through the time of it's publishing in 2001.  Detailed insight into the interpersonal behavior of key figures from the most influential rock bands and solo artists of all time is an eye opening education.

Bebe has come a long way since then, as she continues to carve out a place for herself as a singer, songwriter, musician and storyteller.  This site first covered Bebe's full rock band live show at The Highline Ballroom in New York City on July 5, 2012 during that year's CBGB's Festival.

That year had her doing a number of shows promoting then current album "Hard Love"

That record stands out for a number of well produced, cleverly crafted classic rock songs.  "The Devil You Know" weaves spirit animal imagery via structured lyrics delivered in a passionate style.  "Got It All Wrong" jumps with the heavy beat by song collaborator (and current Guns N' Roses drummer) Frank Ferrer as she sings in an Iggy Pop (circa Brick By Brick) style about how "the time has come to stop the fiction."  The whole record benefits from huge power chords delivered by producer and co-writer on most of the songs, Jimmy Walls.

Speaking of Jimmy (who has been married to Bebe coming up on 18 years now), he has an interesting back history as well.  As a founding member of 1980's psychedelic hard rock band Das Damen, he honed his playing style in the era Thurston Moore got his Ecstatic Peace label off the ground, while landing prime opening spots for emerging powerhouse acts like Nirvana.  In fact, their 37 minute opening spot for that most-successful-of-all-time grunge band can be viewed in it's entirety here on YouTube.  From that performance you can see how Jimmy was developing a playing style that would ultimately lead up to the role he now plays as Bebe's primary writing partner.

In May of 2012 Bebe visited Nashville after being invited to sing on Plowboy Records' Eddy Arnold tribute album, "You Don't Know Me."  As one of the central figures of the stage production Million Dollar Quartet, Arnold is currently depicted in CMT's wonderful adaption "Sun Records."

That experience would serve as a catalyst for her eventual move to that city in 2013.  The lure of the South's first "Music City" can be powerful and Bebe has been quoted as saying how you don't really choose to live there but rather "it chooses you."  Her subsequent professional relationship with musician Shannon Pollard (Eddy’s grandson and co-founder of Plowboy Records) saw him playing drums in her live band for a number of significant shows.

Bebe experienced an epiphany with her live Nashville debut on Mother’s Day 2014 at the famed Bluebird Cafe.  She has since gone on to perform three sold out shows there, establishing a fan base in this city as well.

Photo by @ginafrary

This past February 14th (yes, Valentine's Day) saw Bebe and her Rebel Souls perform “Baring It All” at another favorite Nashville venue 3rd And Lindsley.  That show was so well received, it only made sense the next performances should take place in New York City.

@emilybeaverphoto

Playing drums for the Rebel Souls is newest member Mindy Wright. As an already established drummer on the Nashville scene, Mindy’s studious drive for excellence combined with her love for classic artists and the hardest rockers (with Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Chet Atkins, Cream, Rush, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Wonder as noted favorites) makes her a perfect fit for Bebe’s Rebel Souls.

When not playing shows with her own band, Bebe will frequently join in with hot Nashville band Thee Rock N' Roll Residency as a guest vocalist.  That band is part of a thriving rock scene that one might not initially realizing is happening in the country music capital of the world.

She’s also appeared on New York stages when invited to participate in special occasions. Once again at the CBGB Fest in 2013 here – as well as one of her iconic photos being displayed in that festivals headquarters gallery in 2014.

As I said at that time,there's something a bit surreal about taking a photo of another photo (if you look closely you can see my hand "ghosted" just under Patti Smith's face). This classic Bob Gruen image continues to reappear in the ongoing annals of rock history, and rightly so as it is a perfectly captured moment in time.

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Another noteworthy New York appearance was for Max's Kansas City's 50th Anniversary Benefit Concert at The Cutting Room on January 14, 2016.  Check out her wonderful heartfelt performance of Lou Reed's "Satellite of Love" here.

Bebe returned to NYC later that year to participate in the literary salon event “Women of Letters”

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Currently in post-production is a short biographical film documenting the life and career of Bebe as a model, musician and muse.  The trailer can be viewed here:

Bebe - Trailer from Moderna Pictures on Vimeo.

Photo by Cory Rivard

What's next is the current power trio Rebel Souls show.

These two performances are a rare opportunity to catch Bebe and her band in classy intimate setting.

For additional reading on Bebe and her storied background, read this wonderfully detailed interview with celebrated photographer and blogger Alan Mercer.

For everything else Bebe related, check out her Official Site.

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Caught Live: Thurston Moore Band, Psychic TV, gods and The Parlor Mob

Having spent most of this past December in a feverish attempt to keep the proverbial wolf from the door, the comparative calm this new year brings provides a moment for reflection.  Although it often felt like it, not every activity I encountered involved either some sort of crisis to manage, or the never ending pursuit of a financial shield.  Wedged in between those tasks came some not-to-be-missed live music shows.

December 11, 2014 presented one such opportunity as Thurston Moore brought his latest music project to Webster Hall in New York City.

Appearing in one of that large venues subdivided side stages,  The Marlin Room provided  an appropriate environment for the former Sonic Youth frontman and his newly minted "supergroup."

My journey to the building (from the relative "outland" areas I seek out to park my car) affords opportunity for an inspired street scene snapshot.

The night, the light and the random-chance turn down 11th street between 1st and 2nd Avenue put Veniero's Italian Bakery inside the camera eye.

Once inside the hall it wouldn't be long before Moore and his band took to the stage.

Followers of this artist are keenly aware that for this latest project, none other than My Bloody Valentine bassist Debbie Googe is a contributing member, both live and on current album The Best Day.

Though she doesn't venture anywhere near a microphone, Deb's presence, legend and the sound she produces from her bass provides Moore with a heavyweight foil for his new material.

As does guitarist James Sedwards, who distinguished himself playing in the heavy/jazz/punk instrumental UK band Nought.

As expected, the set featured and expanded on the tracks from "The Best Day."

Sedwards, Googe and Moore played with an interwoven seamless familiarity that belied their relatively new configuration.

Although Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley played on the album and is the regular touring drummer, an injury prevented him from playing this show.  His fill in (who I've seen play with other bands on the local scene) more than capably handled the parts.  Such is the life of a professional musician.

Thurston's new music here is much closer to his Sonic Youth work, rather than his previous solo album.

Most noticeably here in the live environment, where the emphasis is placed on the full band contributions.

My fave tracks are the Sonic Youth-like extended jams“Speak to the Wild” and “Forevermore.”

Deb does the FX stomp

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It wouldn't be until a few weeks later before the next live music experience could be had.  The days leading up to December 25 have a way of consuming every available free moment.  

Fortunately Psychic TV's appearance on Saturday the 27th at Brooklyn Night Bazaar came after the Christmas deadline, allowing for post-holiday stress free attendance.

The rich history surrounding this band and it's central figure Genesis Breyer P-Orridge has been documented thoroughly over the years.

The complicated nature of the lives involved there presents a unique portrayal of life outside the mainstream.

This live show and current personnel features a band revitalized by those additions, providing an expanded sound palette for  its central figure.

In addition to the deep catalog of music amassed over the years, the band can also put a unique spin on classic space rock compositions.

The backdrop at Brooklyn Night Bazaar provides one of the best sources for light and image projections.

Guitarist Jeff Berner is particularly animated, as he shines on select guitar solo moments.

Social networks provide additional gravitas to the whole experience.

Including post-show DJ sets at popular local Brooklyn bar Alaska

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The month of January can be a lean one as far as gigs go.  After the New Year's hoopla, many people tend to go into a shell and hunker down until spring.

The hard working, road-ready rock band can't afford such luxuries - and so continue to ply their trade  in venues of various sizes on a nightly basis.

So it was back to current fave haunt Brooklyn Night Bazaar on Saturday January 10th for a night of heavy blues-rock from a number of South Jersey's finest.

First up was the recently formed band gods, who feature founding member this night's headline act The Parlor Mob.

With the core members of Paul Ritchie (guitar), Sam Bey (drums) and Nick Villapiano on bass, a refreshing collection of new songs were presented to an early (but attentive) crowd.

The band also features Scott Liss on second guitar and backing vocals.  Scott continues to create wonderful music via his own long-running solo project.

Social networks continue to established an awareness level for the artists.

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Up next was a band that made the most of their opportunity in front of an ever increasing crowd.

Claiming New York City overall as their point of origin, Silverbird played a set that emphasized sophisticated vocals and intricate rhythms.  Their 2014 EP "Surface Life" has been met with significant critical acclaim and those songs went over well in this live setting.

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Long time South Jersey mainstays The Gay Blades dug deep into their blues-rock canon, putting on an exciting performance in front of the now sweat-soaked crowd.

Originally a two piece of guitar and drums (in classic White Stripes / Kills / The Black Keys mold), having a bassist for this live set provided the right amount of bottom under an already impressive collection of songs.

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Finally it was time for headliners The Parlor Mob

Having witnessed many shows from these guys over the years (one such show cromicled here), I knew their performance would be nothing less than amazing.

The crowd was pumped and the boys delivered a blistering set that pulled from their entire catalog.

With the better part of a decades worth of music to draw upon, classic tracks like "Real Hard Headed" were mixed in with newly composed material.

"Into The Sun" from their 2011 release Dogs perfectly captures what this band is all about.

As things continued to heat up, lead vocalist Mark Melicia cast aside his hoodie.

Already warmed up from his opening set with gods, guitarist Paul Ritchie was already sporting the trademark band white t shirt.

Paul is truly an accomplished guitarist (one of my all time faves) and he never fails to impress.

A real musician who plays with as much soul as any acquired technique (of which there is certainly an abundance).

The whole band interacts with the ease and intuition of having played together for a decade.

Mark, super drummer Sam Bey and founding guitarist David Rosen never sounded better as the audience head-bobbed to every deep and heavy groove.

Social media (once again) for the win.

The Parlor Mob (with gods supporting) have a number of additional shows upcoming.

With the west coast now on tap for most of February.

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