Rolling Cef Concert Reviews

Volume II, Issue #1 (3/4/98)

Well, it is a new year, and Rolling Cef Concert Reviews is pleased to present you with Volume II, Issue #1. Last year was a very successful start to a cutting edge newsletter of the live music scene and with many late nights and hard work we proudly delivered two issues. Let me take this opportunity to thank all who sacrificed.

So far, the Bay Area concert scene has gotten off to a relatively slow start. Ultimately, I think El Nino is to blame. On with the show..

The Tea Party w/ Floodland and VIM
December 6, 1997
Cactus Club, San Jose, CA

Even though these boys had an opening spot on the Rolling Stones tour the following month in Montreal, they showed true appreciation for the their fan support from a crowd of less than 200. I think Jeff Martin, the lead singer, must have thanked the crowd at least 10 times throughout the night, each time with a surprised expression. They deserved all the cheers for putting on a brilliant show. Can't blame the band for being surprised, having played to a crowd of only 20 the night before in Sacramento (accordingly to the merchandise sales girl.) Mr. Martin can really play. His riffing behind the verse of Temptation was very impressive. Although they didn't play nearly as many of the 26 instruments they have known to bring on tour, there were a few treats for the crowd. The bass player showed his keyboard talent on accordion and Jeff showed us that a 12-string is twice as easy to play as a 6! The response was so good that Jeff sent the tour manager back to the bus to fetch a bongo drum for the encore.

San Jose locals, Floodland, showed that they are ready for the big time. Although there wasn't much room left on stage with all the equipment and the bass player's ego, these guys gave the crowd a glimpse of the energy they're capable of delivering. The singer's voice is well seasoned and he can wail like the best of them. The lead guitarist is as bluesy, kick-ass and shaggy-haired as his state-man Slash, the big difference being that he's sober. It's too bad their set got cut short 'cause the Tea Party had to leave for LA. Word is that they're playing two record deals against each other right now and they should be signing one soon. Hopefully I'll be invited to the party!

VIM was as good as a 'third band on the bill' could ever be. They showed some originality with extra percussion instruments. The bassist, who is also the lead singer, plays an acoustic bass that she can strum the fuck out of. Another girl in band plays these wacked out instruments, which I didn't even recognize. These cool chicks proved their lack of attitude by dancing for Jeff at the front of the floor during the Tea Party set. [End]

Tara Maclean
March 3, 1998
The Agenda, San Jose, CA

Why beat around the bush? She's gorgeous, and I love her. Tara Maclean is yet another outstanding singer from Canada. It's truly amazing just how deep Canadian talent is. Her voice is pure and strong. She's a fine classical guitar player and her lead guitarist complements her voice superbly with volume sweeps and tremolo.

Tara Maclean's show definitely needs a certain atmosphere, and unfortunately it wasn't there. By no fault of her own, the San Jose crowd was rude and disrespectful. Despite paying a cover for admission, there were a number of punks who had no intention of listening to her and decided that their voices should be heard above hers. Tara repeatedly addressed the noisemakers with a loud, frustrated "Shut-up!", but that only incited more disturbance. It got to the point where the fans were even shushing them.

Tara tried to compensate for the situation by adding another song at the end of her set, which she sang a cappella. It sounded amazing and the crowd was relatively quiet, but overall I think everyone, including her, felt robbed of a special show.

Tara was kind enough to talk to the fans and sign autographs after the show, and was very proud to announce her upcoming marriage - an event that precludes her from appearing at Canadian Music week. Her note in my CD insert, "Steve, Please give me a good review.. Always, Tara Maclean" [End]

Watch for the next issue of Rolling Cef Concert Reviews, where Steve Cefaratti will be on the road to Austin, TX to bring you up to date on the SXSW (South By South West) Music Festival!


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