Best Concerts Through April 30th, 2014

the Greatest Generation

Neil Young – Carnegie Hall – January 6th, 2014 – Once in a lifetime concert, as Neil Young fuses his greatest moment in the sun with a set of of his folk rock masterpieces from the early 1970s. It was one of those shows where anybody who was there will never forget it and anybody who was there should be grateful. The controversy as to whether he was being difficult or not, not withstanding, what you lost in sentiment you gained in sharpness.

The True Groove Allstars – The Cutting Room – March 11th, 2014 – Lead by Tomas Doncker and featuring astounding turns by Charlie Funk and James Chance, it put the band and label right at the center of the map.

The Meters – BB Kings – January 3rd, 2041 – The Icons Of Funk – Specifically, Leo Nocentelli, Bernie Worrell and Fred wesley, playing funk classics. All three were superb but Bernie was really on fire this night

Jason Isbell – Lincoln Center – January 30th, 2014 – A classic interpreter of his own material, and pretty good with a cover as well, plays a 90 minute set for “American Songwriters” in what stands as the loveliest room in the city.

The Wonder Years – Best Buy Theater – April 17th, 2014 – The sound of Young America trying to make sense of a world of diminished expectations and social desperation, sung by 20 somethings just a little bit wiser than their teenage fans.

Don Giovanni Showcase – Music Hall Of Williamsburg – February 7th, 2014 – A veritable who’s who of power punk 2014, lead by the unquestionable brilliance of Shellshag, with supergroup Upset in the middle and Worriers at the top of the evening. If they have begun at 730pm instead of 830pm I could have caught Laura Stevenson as well.

Jessica Molaskey – The Allen Room – Broadway stalwart joined by her husband and her daughter to sing stealthful rearrangements of classic Joni Mitchell songs. For American Songbook.

George Strait – Prudential Center – March 1st, 2014 – Two hours of Strait hit country songs.

The Allman Brothers – Beacon Theater – March 21st, 2014 – With Greg out sick, it was either the Hayne-Truck Band or the Allman Brothers circa 2024.

Lorde – Roseland – March 12th, 2014 – Teen pop sensation pulls a moody

Cat Stevens – Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction – April 10th, 2014 – Only 15 minutes of music, but a gem of a performance.

Kraftwerk – United Palace – April 1st, 2014 – Bringing men in to do a robots job… in 3D.