Rolling Cef Concert Reviews
Volume III, Issue #1 (3/22/99)
Better Than Ezra w/ Bic Runga
November 25, 1998
The Edge, Palo Alto, CA
I found out that you can never know what to expect from Better Than Ezra. Last time I saw them, they were a rock band. This time, they used digital voice samples and acted like a Barenaked Ladies knock-off. All that I have to say is, 'go back to being a rock band.'
Bic Runga on the other hand was a nice surprise. She a young talent from New Zealand, with a fresh sound, a great band, and a friendly personality. She’s got some catchy pop tunes, and she's welcome back anytime.
Big Yellow Taxi
Saturday, December 5, 1998
Whistler Village, Whistler, BC
Whistler is my kind of ski resort. When the hills are shut down at the end of the afternoon, the band starts up. The dusk show this eve featured the country-influenced pop band, Big Yellow Taxi, from Vancouver. Strong lead vocals were provided by Jeanne Tofmie, and great backing vocals from bassist, Joyita Rubin. They took a lot different directions in their set, playing a country version of Prince's "Kiss", and even a rumba. Canada, this is your Naked Barbies of the north.
Sister 7
Friday, January 15, 1999
Last Day Saloon, San Francisco, CA
Sister 7, from Austin, made their return appearance to Last Day Saloon after almost a year. Once again they played an awesome set of blues/funk rock, including a bunch of new songs. I was a bit disappointed that lead singer Patrice didn't bring her telecasters this time, but as usual, her vocals were solid. This is a hard working band that should get more recognition, but fans like me are happy they're still a secret.
Finger Eleven
Sunday, January 17, 1999
Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA
The songwriting from the Southern Ontario band Finger Eleven (formerly known as the Rainbow Butt Monkeys) has drastically improved from their first album. There's little doubt in my mind though, that it's due to the collaboration with Arnold Lanni. Lanni did a great job producing the first two albums for Our Lady Peace, and he's does an equally good job with Finger Eleven - almost too good though. In fact, it's scary how similar to Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven now sounds. I was never a fan of the Butt Monkeys, but I am a Finger Eleven fan now, mostly because they sound like the almighty OLP. They're clearly a band with talent, but I think it will be a while before they find their own sound. Peace, or Finger Eleven.
Steve Morse Band w/ Albert Lee
Wednesday, January 27, 1999
Slim's, San Francisco, CA
No longer do I have to think about Steve Morse as just a face on the front of guitar magazines. Since I've had the pleasure to see him perform live, I have to consider him in the company of the technical greats like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. His material is very progressive, sounding at times heavy, and at other times melodic. His technical ability is equally matched by his bass player, which makes for a great live show.
Albert Lee opened up and was technically perfect. He's more of a country player, but his guitar playing still rocked.
Storm & Her Dirty Mouth
Friday, February 12, 1999
Mick's Lounge, San Francisco, CA
Storm & Her Dirty Mouth are an alternative rock band with powerful songs. The lead singer Storm, is a six foot babe who's destined to be a star. She teases the crowd with her revealing clothing and speaks her mind freely. Her vocals are solid and the band is tight. Storm is not shy to say the least as she's occasionally willing to bare a breast for her fans.
Susan Tedeschi
Wednesday, February 17, 1999
The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
As I heard one person put it that night, Janis Joplin must have rolled over in her grave. Susan Tedeschi is an incredibly gifted singer, a well-accomplished blues guitar player, and a great performer. Tedeschi belted out songs with the same emotion that Joplin sang with on the same stage thirty years ago. The feeling in the Fillmore was electric that night.
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