Welcome to “Seven in Seven,” where each Friday we take a look at shows coming to the region over the next week. Whether your musical tastes are rock and roll, jazz, heavy metal, singer-songwriter or indie, there’ll always be something to check out in the coming days.
Here are seven of the best for the week beginning Jan. 14:
Albert Lee – Jan. 14 at Sellersville Theater 1894
Known for his use of the Fender Telecaster, signature Ernie Ball guitar and lightning speed playing, Albert Lee has not only worked in the studio and on tour with some of the biggest names in world music, but he has also maintained a successful solo career of his own. The greats he’s collaborated with, from Eric Clapton to Bo Diddley to former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman is but a brief testament to the talent of “Mr. Telecaster.” Live, it’s a whole other story.
Vance Gilbert – Jan. 14 at World Cafe Live – Upstairs
Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwriter scene in the early 90’s when buzz started spreading in the folk clubs of Boston about an ex-multicultural arts teacher who was knocking ’em dead at open mics. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Vance started out hoping to be a jazz singer, and then discovered his affinity for the storytelling sensibilities of acoustic folk music. Considered by many to be an integral part of the national folk scene, Gilbert’s approach to the acoustic singer songwriter expression is significant.
Fetty Wap – Jan. 15 at The Theatre of Living Arts
Fetty Wap – who was born Willie Maxwell – always knew success was coming his way. In fact, the nickname “Fetty Wap” comes from 2 things, being known for having money and an ode to fellow trap star Gucci Mane. The Paterson, N.J. native first picked up a mic a few years ago and has been diligently honing his craft ever since, making music that he refers to as “ignorant R&B.”
Karl Blau – Jan. 17 at World Cafe Live – Downstairs
Karl Blau, hailing from beautiful Anacortes, Washington State, is a singer and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for recording music. He has performed solo and in bands, and to listen to his albums and make descriptions of what is heard is to walk through a farmer’s market and describe all the vegetables grown in that area. It is the love that Blau feels for music that shines through; most anyone can sense the passion this cultivator has for his trade. Every age group has been exposed to punk rock and everyone needs heartfelt music now as much as ever.
The Verve Pipe – Jan. 18 Ardmore Music Hall
With a reputation for spectacular live performances, the genesis of multi-platinum artist The Verve Pipe can be traced back to the early 90s when the principal members of two rival Michigan bands joined forces. After releasing two independent albums, I’ve Suffered A Head Injury and Pop Smear, the group quickly garnered a regional following for its textured rock songs distinguished by innovative arrangements, soul-searching lyrics and layered vocals. Their biggest hit, “The Freshman,” continues to resonate, but there is so much more beyond that.
Paul Rodgers – Jan. 20 at Xcite Center
Paul Rodgers is one of the most legendary voices in rock music history. His list of bands and collaborations reads like a ’70s encyclopedia. Started with Free, led Bad Company like no one else could, pulled Jimmy Page out of early retirement in The Firm and, most recently, fronted Queen. Now, who could ever have the confidence to do the latter? Paul Rodgers.
Say Anything – Jan. 20 The Trocadero Theatres
Say Anything has been making odd, unclassifiable indie rock music since they were 14 or 15 years old, playing strangely literate and loud rock, characterized by what one might imagine if Larry David fronted a Fugazi cover band with the members of Queen. Not that that’s a stretch or anything. Having been birthed from the indie/punk boom of the early twenty-first century, the band rose to prominence with their oddly popular record …Is a Real Boy, and somehow broke the “pretty boy punk” mold. Album number seven, I Don’t Think It Is, came out just under a year ago, and hopefully more people dig into it.
