http://www.gomemphis.com/news/music/reviews/?partner=RSSGo Memphis Stories: Music Reviewsen-usmusic/reviewshttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/oct/21/concert-review-maxwell-melts-crowd-fedexforum/?partner=RSSMaxwell’s “BLACKsummers’snight” tour brought him to the FedExForum Tuesday night to face a somewhat light, but wildly enthusiastic crowd. Emerging in dark suit and looking GQ slick, Maxwell proceeded to deliver a nearly two-hour set that blended his neo-soul sound with an air of old-school elegance. From the silken curtained backdrop to the stellar 10-piece big band backing him, every element of the show was designed to highlight the sophisticated cool at core of his music and persona. mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr)Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:12:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-161656-733701music/reviewsBob MehrMemphis, TNConcert Review: Maxwell melts the crowd at FedExForumGo Memphisconcert-review-maxwell-melts-crowd-fedexforumurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-161656-733701Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/aug/24/mclean-covers-hits-and-then-some/?partner=RSS"I've never been here before," Don McLean told the sold-out audience Saturday at the kickoff concert of the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center's 11th season. "And since it's been 40 years, the odds of my returning are nil, so we're going to play lots of songs tonight." The singer-songwriter best known for the song "American Pie" performed a wide-ranging show that highlighted both his deep knowledge of the American songbook and his own remarkable compositions. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:58:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-152706-733643music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNConcert Review: Don McLean covers hits and then someGo Memphismclean-covers-hits-and-then-someurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-152706-733643Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/aug/16/steely-dan-in-retro-spect/?partner=RSSMemphis has never been much of a jazz town. Even our blue-bloods have a collar to match, a down-home egalitarian streak that favors a more proletarian soundtrack of country and blues and rock-and-roll. So it's surprising when a group with such strong jazz proclivities as Steely Dan sells out the 5,000-seat Mud Island Amphitheater like they did Friday night. Sun, 16 Aug 2009 05:00:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-151456-733635music/reviewsMark Jordan, Special to The Commercial AppealMemphis, TNConcert review: Steely Dan in retrospectGo Memphissteely-dan-in-retro-specturn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-151456-733635Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/aug/05/concert-review-blondie-benatar-combine-new-wave-me/?partner=RSSDespite the lingering threat of rain, a small, hardcore contingent of the 4,500 or so people at Saturday night’s Blondie/Pat Benatar show in Memphis decided to play up the nostalgic vibe established by the presence of two ’80s vintage hitmakers by sporting appropriately retro outfits. They wanted to hear two of rock’s most successful female-fronted acts crank out their considerably lengthy lists of best-loved hits, something they did with varying degrees of success. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:27:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-149500-733624music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNConcert Review: Blondie, Benatar give high-energy showGo Memphisconcert-review-blondie-benatar-combine-new-wave-meurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-149500-733624Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jul/29/american-idols-live-concert-proves-viewers-votes-c/?partner=RSS"American Idol" fans, from grandmothers to teens, packed FedEdForum in Memphis on Sunday night to see the Top 10 from the show perform. As to the great national debate over who should have won this year — Adam Lambert or Kris Allen — the stadium tour settles it. Adam gets props for glam-rocking the house with a David Bowie medley, and Kris Allen, the winner, brought something for everyone, of every age. blank@commercialappeal.com (Christopher Blank)Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:36:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-148596-733617music/reviewsChristopher BlankMemphis, TN'American Idols Live!' concert proves viewers' votes correctGo Memphisamerican-idols-live-concert-proves-viewers-votes-curn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-148596-733617Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jul/20/concert-review-versatile-jamie-foxx-charms-crowd-c/?partner=RSSJamie Foxx kicked off his concert Friday night in Memphis with a video montage celebrating his resume, including acting, comedy and, last but not least, singing. Part smooth R&amp;B love fest, part comedy show, part house party, the concert seemed designed to showcase Foxx's astounding versatility. The crowd, roughly 3,000 people this night, seemed paltry, though, to be fair, in other markets Foxx has been playing small theaters -- not cavernous arenas like the FedExForum. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:33:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-147494-733608music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNConcert Review: Versatile Jamie Foxx charms crowd, commands stageGo Memphisconcert-review-versatile-jamie-foxx-charms-crowd-curn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-147494-733608Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jul/20/cocker-rocked-the-gardens/?partner=RSS The 40th anniversary of the Woodstock festival is near, and one of the biggest stars of that legendary concert made an appearance on another rolling green Saturday night. Grammy- and Oscar-winning vocalist Joe Cocker performed before a crowd of 6,000 at the Memphis Botanic Garden's "Live At The Garden" concert series, offering a career-retrospective approach that gave equal weight to his lightweight Top 40 fodder from the '80s, such as "Shelter Me," and classic blues-rock jams such as "Feelin' Alright." Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-147542-733608music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNConcert Review: Joe Cocker rocked the GardenGo Memphiscocker-rocked-the-gardensurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-147542-733608Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jun/16/concert-review-keyshia-cole-turns/?partner=RSSOrganizers postponed the &quot;A Different Me Tour&quot; at the DeSoto Civic Center on June 12 due to a power outage, but at Monday's rescheduled show, headliner Keyshia Cole gave an electrifying performance. The R&amp;B songstress took the stage rocking ripped, fitted jeans. Her boundless charisma filled up the three-level set that resembled an apartment building complete with fire escape and garbage cans with simulated flames. The R&amp;B songstress took the stage rocking ripped, fitted jeans. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:49:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-142579-733574music/reviewsBy Cathryn Stout, stout@commerciapppeal.comMemphis, TNConcert Review: Keyshia Cole turns on the power at DeSoto centerGo Memphisconcert-review-keyshia-cole-turnsurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-142579-733574Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jun/02/a-matter-of-pride/?partner=RSSAn aw-shucks attitude and confident determination, show biz guile and genuine love; that's the essence of Charley Pride. It's Thursday night in Tunica, and Pride is in a reminiscing mood. He's returned to his old stomping grounds for a Grammy-sponsored celebration of Mississippi music at the Harrah's Horseshoe Casino. Even now, some 40 years after his ascent, it's remarkable to consider that one of the most successful country stars of all time is an African-American from Sledge, Miss. mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr)Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:27:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-140120-733560music/newsBob MehrMemphis, TNA matter of Pride: Singer's remarkable life inspires movieGo Memphisa-matter-of-prideurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-140120-733560Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/may/21/disc-reviews-5-cover-spins-off-the-hidden-sound/?partner=RSSLike a kid playing records for his friends after school, Memphis director Craig Brewer is trying to turn people on to some of his favorite music artists with his current MTV-backed multimedia extravaganza, &quot;$5 Cover.&quot; "The initial hope was that the world could see them," Brewer says of the project, which tells the barely fictionalized stories of a diverse cross-section of local artists, including rapper Al Kapone and roots-rocker Amy LaVere. Thu, 21 May 2009 16:11:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-138583-733548music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNDisc Reviews: '$5 Cover' spins off the hidden Memphis soundGo Memphisdisc-reviews-5-cover-spins-off-the-hidden-soundurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-138583-733548Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/may/12/jennifer-hudson-robin-thicke-showcase-rb-stylings-/?partner=RSSOn their current tour, Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke share a backing band and star billing. But playing before a sold-out crowd at the Orpheum Theater on Monday night, the pair split on their approaches to modern R&amp;B, with one delivering a high-energy performance heavy on the dance grooves while the other sang to the cheap seats in a pitch for full-blown diva-hood. Tue, 12 May 2009 15:57:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-137059-733539music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNReview: Jennifer Hudson, Robin Thicke showcase R&amp;B stylings at OrpheumGo Memphisjennifer-hudson-robin-thicke-showcase-rb-stylings-urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-137059-733539Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/apr/21/disc-reviews-8ball-john-paul-keith/?partner=RSSAfter a steady stream of releases at the beginning of their 15-year career, Memphis rap kingpins Premro &quot;8Ball&quot; Smith and brother in rhyme Marlon Jermaine Goodman, MJG, have been a bit stingier with their records lately. Last year's greatest hits collection aside, their last official collaboration dropped two years ago. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:15:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-133397-733518music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNDISC REVIEWS: 8Ball, John Paul Keith, Battle VictoriousGo Memphisdisc-reviews-8ball-john-paul-keithurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-133397-733518Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/apr/12/death-cab-cutie-cruises-through-crowd-pleasing-sho/?partner=RSSWhile an untold number of next-big-things have traipsed across the national stage since they began a dozen years ago, Death Cab For Cutie have remained a steady, under-heralded force on the alternative music scene, cranking out a steady stream of recordings marked by the lovely melodies and sinuous lyrics of frontman Ben Gibbard. Both qualities were on display Saturday night, as the band played a sold-out show before a crowd of about 2,300 at the Orpheum. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:44:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-131953-733509music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNDeath Cab for Cutie cruises through crowd-pleasing showGo Memphisdeath-cab-cutie-cruises-through-crowd-pleasing-shourn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-131953-733509Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/mar/23/concert-review-lil-wayne-stages/?partner=RSSIf there was one hurdle left for rapper Lil' Wayne, it was to master the art of live performance. The bar for live hip-hop is notoriously low, with most performers content to strut across a bare stage chanting over backing tracks. But to get to that genre-transcending level of superstardom of a Diddy or a Beyonc&#233;, Wayne would have to put on a show. Sunday night he did just that with an intricately staged, intermittently brilliant performance before a crowd of about 6,000 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:27:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-128549-733489music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNConcert Review: Lil' Wayne puts on brilliant performanceGo Memphisconcert-review-lil-wayne-stagesurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-128549-733489Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/mar/19/concert-review-ryan-adams-gives/?partner=RSSThe humidity. Our love of pork products. The regressive tax structure. Perhaps we just don't buy enough Mandy Moore records. Whatever reasons Ryan Adams may have for not liking the Bluff City, the alt country superstar delivered his second straight lackluster concert here Wednesday night at the new Minglewood Hall in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,500. Known for his testy and erratic behavior, even since giving up drugs and alcohol three years ago, Adams has a history of iffy shows here. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:11:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-127879-733485music/reviewsMark JordanMemphis, TNConcert Review: Ryan Adams gives lackluster Memphis performanceGo Memphisconcert-review-ryan-adams-givesurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-127879-733485Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/mar/15/review-iris-orchestra-concert-delightful-provocati/?partner=RSSSaturday's IRIS Orchestra concert was an evening of wit, virtuosity, delicacy and grandeur. The star was trumpeter Alison Balsom, the U.K. phenom who co-owns the instrument along with the angel Gabriel. Her treatment of Hummel's Trumpet Concerto was exquisitely refined and beautifully turned. Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:02:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-127253-733481music/reviewsBy Jon W. Sparks, Special to The Commercial AppealMemphis, TNReview: IRIS Orchestra concert delightful, provocativeGo Memphisreview-iris-orchestra-concert-delightful-provocatiurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-127253-733481Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/mar/03/commentary-american-patriotism-abounds-canadians-n/?partner=RSSHere's something to keep in the back of your head as you're reading about the Most Patriotic Album in American History. It was made by a Canadian. Mind you, television producer Douglas Hutton has done a lot of traveling across this great nation in the 30 years since he first dreamed up a concept album that would &quot;tell the story of America.&quot; A notable Memphian appears in the thank you section of the liner notes. blank@commercialappeal.com (Christopher Blank)Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:18:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-125260-733469music/reviewsChristopher BlankMemphis, TNCommentary: American patriotism abounds in Canadian's new CD setGo Memphiscommentary-american-patriotism-abounds-canadians-nurn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-125260-733469Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/feb/24/concert-review-visceral-veteran-lucinda-williams-s/?partner=RSSLucinda Williams didn’t require any buildup or big introduction as she took the stage for a sold-out show at the newly opened Midtown performance space, Minglewood Hall, on Tuesday night. At age 56, the veteran roots songstress sang and played with a confidence that was well-earned, as she delivered a wide selection of songs from across her 30-year career. mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr)Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:56:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-124238-733462music/reviewsBob MehrMemphis, TNConcert review: Visceral veteran Lucinda Williams still a crowd-rouserGo Memphisconcert-review-visceral-veteran-lucinda-williams-surn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-124238-733462Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/feb/16/14idolweb/?partner=RSSEven with the cameras swooping beneath her feet, wide-angle lenses cranked open so that she fills the television screen like an MTV siren, there’s no camouflaging the fact that Alexis Grace is the tiniest contestant on this season of “American Idol.” She barely scrapes 5 feet, has a child’s milky cheekbones and the pixie pink highlights of a teenage rebel on a Nickelodeon sitcom. She also has a voice that adds about 10 inches in all directions. The girl’s got soul. Memphis soul. blank@commercialappeal.com (Christopher Blank)Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:46:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-122392-733454music/american-idolChristopher BlankMemphis, TNMemphis 'Idol' contestant has big voice, small package, lots of soulGo Memphis14idolweburn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-122392-733454Change0Usablehttp://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/feb/16/concert-review-old-crow-medicine-show-and-minglewo/?partner=RSSOld Crow Medicine Show and the Felice Brothers were the billed attractions, but the popular Americana bands ended up sharing the spotlight with the very venue in which they performed Sunday night as Memphis’ newest music room, Minglewood Hall, opened its doors for business. The night’s headliners, Old Crow Medicine Show, are the most unlikely stars to arise on the roots music scene in recent years. The band’s show Sunday was as wild and raucous as any rock show. Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:18:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-122831-733454music/reviewsBy Mark Jordan </br> Special to The Commercial AppealMemphis, TNConcert Review: Old Crow Medicine Show and Minglewood get ovationGo Memphisconcert-review-old-crow-medicine-show-and-minglewourn:publicid:www.gomemphis.com:news-Story-122831-733454Change0Usable