What was the last concert you went in 2016?

Some additional pictures...

It's like a 'how to have stupid hair' fest. Can a grown up really think a top knot is a good look? Or a sideburns/under beard hybrid? The music might be great, but if a group has this strange hair thing going on, it's a big 'no'. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

It's like a 'how to have stupid hair' fest. Can a grown up really think a top knot is a good look? Or a sideburns/under beard hybrid? The music might be great, but if a group has this strange hair thing going on, it's a big 'no'. 

If looks would be a deciding factor I would not have been exposed to some of the greatest music of the world. While I agree as such with your comment about his hairstyle. He is by the way a driving force of the band with his recognizable bass style.

Let's see what you think when I publish the long hair of my concert tomorrow of Dream Theater.

The Buzzcocks - Friday night, 11th March, Factory Theatre, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia.
Absolutely brilliant, even with the guitar amp failing twice towards the end of the show (didn't really detract from the fun!) played most if not all of the hits and apart from struggling on one or two of the high notes, Pete Shelley delivered along with the rest of them.
Mind you, he does now look a bit like a retired physics teacher rather than the old Punk he was once!
One thing I should add is, the band were supposed to be coming on at 10:15pm which I felt was a bit late at the end of the working week but, they didn't actually take to the stage until 10:55 which was far too late!
They finished around midnight so only played for just over an hour.  That hour was very high energy entertainment though!
I loved the show 

So saw now Dream Theater this evening with there rock opera the Astonishing. Was a bit odd. A band like that in a concert hall which is normally used for classical music. Them playing a full record as rock band but also a bit restrained. Being so close as a fan...., a nice but steange experience. Sound was quite good. The album is also live good, but not great for me - this being a taste thing. 

Making photos was strictly forbidden - so I have limited material....

At the start of the concert...

Caravan - Union Chapel

In the land of the grey and Pink , Nine feet underground and an encore of Golf Girl.

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Bert Schurink posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

It's like a 'how to have stupid hair' fest. Can a grown up really think a top knot is a good look? Or a sideburns/under beard hybrid? The music might be great, but if a group has this strange hair thing going on, it's a big 'no'. 

Let's see what you think when I publish the long hair of my concert tomorrow of Dream Theater.

Touché Bert, touché. If judging a book by its cover were the rule we might all be paying to see the likes of Katy Perry or Demi Lovato - for example - YMMV

Caravan at the Union Chapel for me too.

Shame about Pye's pedal board breaking. Tilbury Kecks would have been better with a wah-wah pedal.

joerand posted:

Bert Schurink posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

It's like a 'how to have stupid hair' fest. Can a grown up really think a top knot is a good look? Or a sideburns/under beard hybrid? The music might be great, but if a group has this strange hair thing going on, it's a big 'no'. 

Let's see what you think when I publish the long hair of my concert tomorrow of Dream Theater.

Touché Bert, touché. If judging a book by its cover were the rule we might all be paying to see the likes of Katy Perry or Demi Lovato - for example - YMMV

Some of these guys look also a bit strange even within the definition of rock.

So from left to right:

John: his beard is a bit of strange and makes him look like a modern form of Jesus...

John: Average Rock Profile - ok

James: Average Rock Profile - ok

Jordan: the beard is again not fitting the bill

Mike: as such fits the normal rock profile. But has gained some weight and looks a bit like a Rock Michelin Man

So what is in plan:

Khatia Buniatishvili: Might be "too" sexy for a classical piano player

Lang Lang: in a way fits the bill

North Sea Jazz Festival: mixed bag

Symphony Hall Birmingham last Saturday evening;

Rachmaninov          Piano Concerto No. 2

Grieg          Lyric Suite Op 54

Mahler           Symphony No. 5

Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Simon Trpc˘ eski piano

The main interest here for me was the Mahler, which was given a very exciting reading by Petrenko, who I hadn’t seen before, although I have collected his excellent Shostakovich Symphony cds with the Liverpool Phil.

Natalie Merchant at the Royal Albert Hall, Wednesday 16th March 2016.

First post in a long time from me and also first concert for a couple of years. Have to say I'm in two minds about this one. My other half's favourite artist so I'm familiar with a lot of her music and for the most part I really enjoy it but I've now seen Natalie twice, the last time being in 2010 where she performed the Leave your Sleep album, and this time where the concert was billed as being a celebration of the 20th anniversary of her first solo album Tigerlilly. And both times I've left the venue feeling that the concert never really got going until the last few "halo" tracks. Natalie has recently re-recorded the songs from Tigerlilly in a style that she describes as being how the songs have progressed over that time. I probably won't explain this very well but for me all that she has achieved by doing that is to reduce the musicality of those songs so that the lyrics come more to the fore and the music becomes a bit of an ambient background drone much of the time. That reduction in the music is my problem with this performance. I suspect she has fantastic musicians with her but you would never really know as they rarely if ever got out of first gear and for me that is a bit of a shame. Natalie doesn't play outside the US that often so it will no doubt be a few years before she is back again but on this showing I'd rather listen to the live album from the mid-90s.

Scott

Natalie Merchant at the Royal Albert Hall, Wednesday 16th March 2016.

We have seen NM a couple of times previously, and like this concert have enjoyed them, but as Scott says she seems to leave something on the table as it were. We had pretty good seats and it goes to show that a good sound can be had at less reasonable levels. Loved the way she dealt with a "senior moment" when she forgot the words to the first song. Good band and string quartet, even if cellist had to use a loaner instrument due AAirlines breaking  her own instrument. Strange comment about finding it difficult to find a cello in London, even  Royal College of Music next door ?

So 8+, plus bonus for early start and finish still had 2 hours ish of music and we were home before 12.  

All day concerts: Double Features

Emanuel Ax/Michael Tilson Thomas/CSO: 

Stravinsky Scherzo à la russe
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4
Sibelius Symphony No. 2 

Ax's Beethoven, whilst he did not make any mistakes, was generic and stodgy typical *chunky* Beethoven with no rhythmic pulse but MTT's Sibelius was a total surprise.

It started off lofty and expansive, yet what a control and great build up all through that this was one of the most memorable live concert I have experienced.  Chicago brass section was in an absolute top form with beautiful burnished colours. Incidentally CSO/Theodore Thomas gave the US premier of the Symphony back in 1904.

Trifonov/Nagano/Montreal Symphony Orchestra:

Debussy Jeux
Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring 

This time Trifonov sported a trendy beard.

Tremendous control and jazzy rhythmic flare giving the tune a fresh outlook. There was only one misplaying in the first movement yet he maintained a great clarity. It's amasing that earlier that day, the same piano was used by Ax yet it sounds like a completely different instrument under Trifonov. Heart attack inducing dynamics and blazing tempo yet slow movement was lyrical and charming. The tune hasn't aged a bit in 100 years. There is no substitute for a live concert. I got lucky sitting just a few feet away from the pianist.

Trifonov is becoming my favourite *living* pianist today. I will be attending CSO Season opening with him playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1  as well as  All Schumann program ( this ought to be a good test for his interpretation skills ) and Stravinsky's Petrushka next season.

Nagano/MSO's Le Sacre was primitive bold and strong. Fast paced and max dynamics. Their brass section is not controlled as CSO but I enjoyed greatly over Gergiev/Mariinsky's Le Sacre a few years earlier where it was handled much heavier and stodgy. Nagano/MSO is similar to Stravinsky's own where minimum frills packed with dynamic impacts. They closed the show with 3 encores plus Trifonov performing 2 encores. 

Sunday 20th March - Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival

We saw Larry Carlton first, in the main hall. He must the most recorded living guitarist, he's played with everyone including Steely Dan and the Crusaders to name but a few. He did play Josie and Peg from Aja but they were slightly musak-like due to lack of vocals. A master of the less is more philosophy however. 

Next up, 20 minutes later was this year's Soft Machine, led by John Etheridge, another very fine guitarist. I was a tad concerned they might have been a bit too off-beat but they played a fantastic tight set, prog-jazz if you like. 

Full review in this coming saturday's Gonzo Magazine (online). Both acts are still touring the UK if you are quick! 

Sunday March 20th

Joe Bonamassa BIC Bournemouth

My son bought me a ticket. Was previously only familiar with the Bonamassa/Beth Hart stuff. Considering I hadn't heard most of this material before, it was simply brilliant.

Denis Matsuev/Yuri Temirkanov/CSO:

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
Brahms Symphony No. 2
Matsuev Jazz Improvisation [ENCORE]

I can confidently say that Matsuev's Rach 3 was the most exciting piano recital I have ever listened to both live and recorded media ( which includes Horowitz/Reiner set from the 50s ) 

I knew nothing of this conductor or pianist altho I have heard of their names.  I had an opportunity to grab a great seat so I decided to check them out. Matsuev's style is burly and earthy and extremely muscular yet lightening quick trills and fingering reminiscent of a young Horowitz and/or Richter gives exceptional clarity and precision. Lush and romantic 2nd movement was handled with the right sensitivity and sweetness contrasting the bold and hard hitting movements.

I was glued to the seat from the start all the way to the bravura finish just transfixed by his hands and the music that comes off his fingers. Not a single misplaying! Not even slightly he went off the rail. The orchestra was tight but this tune really is a showcase for a soloist as many long period of no orchestra support at all. Unbelievable that you don't even miss the absence of the orchestra accompaniment even when only a single piano playing this dense score.

He sure brought the house down with a standing ovation by a packed house.  

And just about I was so floored with his Rach 3 performance, I had another surprise coming. His encore piece started out maybe like Debussy or Ravel or maybe Scriabin piece... A bit Bill Evans like... then... it turns into a jazz improve of Ellington's Take an A train and Moon Indigo. From there it's a total free style jazz and ragtime. I am not sure if he was improvising or playing someone else's transcription but he's got it down pat! Usually when a classical pianist plays jazz piece they are too stiff. They are trained to play a written score exactly so there is no sense of freedom or room for a creative interpretation. Matsuev's this jazz improve proved otherwise. A great rhythmic flair and wit. 

This video is from 2012 Verbier Festival, but the encore piece I have heard today was similar to this but had a *Moon Indigo* overlay and less frantic and more focus on harmonics.

After this smashing first half, anyone would have a tough time topping. Temirkanov's Brahms 2 sounded undeniably weak and too soft lacking tensions and weight. Also unfortunate that horn player missed a note in one of the solo section.

Bert Schurink posted: 

Making photos was strictly forbidden........

 

One of my pet peeves is people taking photos and videos with their bloody phones at concerts. So I heartily welcome this idea.

winkyincanada posted:

Bert Schurink posted: 

Making photos was strictly forbidden........

 

One of my pet peeves is people taking photos and videos with their bloody phones at concerts. So I heartily welcome this idea.

Yes it has the great effect that everybody is fully into the concert, no side activities.

kuma posted:

Denis Matsuev/Yuri Temirkanov/CSO:

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
Brahms Symphony No. 2
Matsuev Jazz Improvisation [ENCORE]

I can confidently say that Matsuev's Rach 3 was the most exciting piano recital I have ever listened to both live and recorded media ( which includes Horowitz/Reiner set from the 50s ) 

I knew nothing of this conductor or pianist altho I have heard of their names.  I had an opportunity to grab a great seat so I decided to check them out. Matsuev's style is burly and earthy and extremely muscular yet lightening quick trills and fingering reminiscent of a young Horowitz and/or Richter gives exceptional clarity and precision. Lush and romantic 2nd movement was handled with the right sensitivity and sweetness contrasting the bold and hard hitting movements.

I was glued to the seat from the start all the way to the bravura finish just transfixed by his hands and the music that comes off his fingers. Not a single misplaying! Not even slightly he went off the rail. The orchestra was tight but this tune really is a showcase for a soloist as many long period of no orchestra support at all. Unbelievable that you don't even miss the absence of the orchestra accompaniment even when only a single piano playing this dense score.

He sure brought the house down with a standing ovation by a packed house.  

And just about I was so floored with his Rach 3 performance, I had another surprise coming. His encore piece started out maybe like Debussy or Ravel or maybe Scriabin piece... A bit Bill Evans like... then... it turns into a jazz improve of Ellington's Take an A train and Moon Indigo. From there it's a total free style jazz and ragtime. I am not sure if he was improvising or playing someone else's transcription but he's got it down pat! Usually when a classical pianist plays jazz piece they are too stiff. They are trained to play a written score exactly so there is no sense of freedom or room for a creative interpretation. Matsuev's this jazz improve proved otherwise. A great rhythmic flair and wit. 

This video is from 2012 Verbier Festival, but the encore piece I have heard today was similar to this but had a *Moon Indigo* overlay and less frantic and more focus on harmonics.

After this smashing first half, anyone would have a tough time topping. Temirkanov's Brahms 2 sounded undeniably weak and too soft lacking tensions and weight. Also unfortunate that horn player missed a note in one of the solo section.

I have multiple albums of him, hope I can see him live soon.

The Wonder Stuff at Bristol last week, 30th anniversary tour. Outstanding !

Nick

Otis Taylor Band as part of Aberdeen Jazz Festival, amazing!

Total ends of the spectrum but ....  I recently saw GoGo Penquin and a week later Mike Stern with the Scottish Jazz Orchestra at the Royal Concervatoire. First time seeing GGP and thought I'd suddenly been dropped into an EST session of sorts but to be fair, theses guys are very talented and I wish them well. As for Mike ....... can't really add to what has already been said (in press etc), a class act. Thank you Mike once again.

In passing, I think it may be of interest to others that since getting my SuperUniti and ripping all my large CD collection I am still buying CD's ! ... . just to rip them ! Also found that there are some good Radio stations out there for every taste.

Enjoy your holiday weekend and the music that warms your heart 

Bert Schurink posted:

I have multiple albums of him, hope I can see him live soon.

Horowitz is long dead now but listening to him I sort of could imaging  how he might have sounded live.

It was so exhilarating, Ive got a goosebumps and even my goosbumps got goosbumps!

I got lucky to catch his performance as he is not slated to play next season in Chicago. 

He was off my radar but now I will be following his tour dates.