| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/10/2005 : 12:02:44
fb.net's own OldManinaCoffeeCan is as graciously as a
kindly old gentleman as overeagerly as a crazed puppy sharing
this review of the Friday May 6, 2005 Joshua Black Wilkins
show deep in the heart of Nashville. If you didn't already know,
Catholic guitar guru Rich Gilbert plays in Joshua's band,
sometimes with his bottle of beer and doing some karate chop chop chop.
I found Joshua at the bar 15 minutes before his 11 p.m. show
at Layla©ˆs Bluegrass Inn down on Lower Broad, just a few
doors down from Tootsie©ˆs Orchid Lounge, Robert©ˆs Western
World and other noted honky-tonks. I got us a couple of beers,
Joshua a shot of whiskey, me a scotch and water, and I
picked his brain concerning his music while he waited for the
other band to get off the stage. Joshua, who is scheduling
summer shows, told me he is very excited about getting
Rich Gilbert and someone else (whose name escapes me)
as producers of his new album, which is set to
be recorded this fall. He has plenty of new songs to record
and also wants to re-do some of the tunes from "17 & Shelby"
and "Hellbent & Brokenhearted," he said.
Rich seems to have taken the role of musical step-father,
if you will, to this self-described Alt Country Bastard,
no disrespect to Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins intended. What a
lucky break for Joshua! But you know he must deserve it:
if Rich "Duke of Guitars" Gilbert thinks enough of your
music to invest his time, energy and reputation on you,
you must be good.
After a couple of quick cigarettes, it was time for Joshua
to plug in and turn on and for me to move on down
to the front corner barstool, 'bout 10 feet from the stage.
Joshua had emailed me earlier in the afternoon to tell me
about the show and let me know that "Rich would be
on high octane." I immediately begin making plans to attend.
Lucky for me it was the late show, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., otherwise
I would have been detained at my daughter©ˆs elementary
school carnival and fundraiser, and it really would have been
difficult for me to sneak out. I tried to get (in this order) my wife,
my beautiful neighbor, my brother, and one of my golfing buddies
to go with me, but each had their own excuses. So, what the fuck,
I went by myself.
Joshua, Rich and the boys opened up hot and smoked all night long.
Three fuckin©ˆ glorious hours of righteous music. The highlights
were Joshua©ˆs vocals which, as usual, were enhanced by his genuine
emotions that he willingly dishes up on every song, and
Rich©ˆs guitar playing. My favorites from the evening were
"Suckerpunch," "Devil in a Black Dress," and "Hungup, Hungover,
and Hungout to Dry," all from "17th & Shelby" and "You
don©ˆt want to be my gal", "In my time of dying,", "Hellbent
and Brokenhearted," "Barbed Wire," "I don©ˆt give a damn" and
"Down by the Waterside", all from "Hellbent and Brokenhearted."
My personal highlight was Joshua closing with my request of
"All my Friends are Druggies and Drunkards" (I hope I got
this title right). This is the song in which he incorporates
"Amazing Grace" and "House of the Rising Sun" and to which
Rich contributes an appropriate lead guitar.
Speaking of Rich "Duke of Fender and Sho-Bud" Gilbert, that son of
a bitch was on high octane. Wearing a black Western shirt
that had royal flushes on each side of his chest, he looked cool
as shit jammin©ˆ out on his Fender. He stepped out front usually
two to three times on each song, and made the tourists shut
the fuck up and take notice. Rich let it all hang out. Well, maybe
not all of it, but a pretty good portion of it anyway.
Early in the evening he used his Pepsi can to play a little slide on
his Fender and later his used his Shiner Bock bottle. He even did a
little karate kicking, but not near enough as far as I was concerned.
Each solo brought hearty hoots, hollers and primeval screams (the
"Black Francis" ones were mine) from those lucky enough to have found
their way into this smoke-filled, hole-in-the-wall, real life, honest
to goodness honky-tonk. There were quite a few of us locals in the crowd,
but for the most part the room was full of really happy tourists.
brought to you in association with Rich, the Can and Joshua |
| 35 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Surfer Rosa |
Posted - 05/21/2005 : 03:39:29
quote:
Originally posted by OldManInaCoffeeCan
Fuckin' Awesome, Guitar Man, fuckin' awesome...I'll work up a review and with your help and the help of FB.net's resident literary genius [Kathryn] we'll get it posted real soon.
I've got some more great pictures...this time Rich is playing with his Heineken Beer bottle (the bar didn't have Shiner Bock in a bottle, only on tap, so the Band got Heineken because Rich can't play his Fender with a fuckin plastic cup, know what I mean Guitar Man...
An eager audience awaits.
Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/20/2005 : 07:03:43
I feel such an amateur and no mark compared to the Duke. I'm off to see Hank Marvin (the shadows) pretty soon. Apache and the like taught me so much, Rich.G has blown it all out the water.
Another thread I missed with no post -
What Do You Want To do Before You Pop Ya Clogs? (or something like that)
I want to jump on a plane, fly to the home of music, and buy you as many drinks as you can get down your neck as we drown in our drunkeness to the sound of Duke and Alt. Bastard (and the other two. can never forget the rhythm section).
Now that would be a night to remember.
Plastic cup  know what you mean
(and any help needs no ask OM) |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/20/2005 : 06:49:21
Fuckin' Awesome, Guitar Man, fuckin' awesome...I'll work up a review and with your help and the help of FB.net's resident literary genius [Kathryn] we'll get it posted real soon.
I've got some more great pictures...this time Rich is playing with his Heineken Beer bottle (the bar didn't have Shiner Bock in a bottle, only on tap, so the Band got Heineken because Rich can't play his Fender with a fuckin plastic cup, know what I mean Guitar Man...
And, if a pick from the Duke of Fender is what you want, then a pick is what you shall receive...While they will be playing tomorrow night back down at Layla's (Bluegrass Inn) I won't be able to make that show, but I'll get ya one the next show I catch. You know, he wears 3 of them, one on his thumb, one on his middle finger, and one on his ring finger...
|
| fbc |
Posted - 05/20/2005 : 06:23:37
Sorry Rich, i missed this.
So how'd they sound last night?
and next time, if Duke drops a pick, let me know. I'll buy that for a dollar (or three) |
| Surfer Rosa |
Posted - 05/20/2005 : 05:42:44
And you are The Man. Thank you.
Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/20/2005 : 00:26:08
"You the Girl" Rosa.....[bye/OMIACC]...
|
| Surfer Rosa |
Posted - 05/19/2005 : 08:35:30
So so jealous.
Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/18/2005 : 20:55:54
Alright, tomorrow night, Round 3, The Duke of Fender and that Alt Country Bastard delivering those Hard Country Blues at the Mercy Lounge
If you got any questions for either of these two gentlemen, post 'em and I'll ask 'em...and remember there is no such thing as a stupid question (that should be quite obvious by now)
|
| kathryn |
Posted - 05/17/2005 : 13:24:37
Indeed!
Where's Dave?
Where's Scott?
 I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics |
| Frog in the Sand |
Posted - 05/17/2005 : 12:11:45
Where's Lyle?
Where's Eric?
Where's Nick?
Where have all the good times gone?
 Sometimes you're the windshield / Sometimes you're the bug |
| kathryn |
Posted - 05/17/2005 : 11:57:04
Ahh, a Catholics-supported Honeycomb tour.
I'm gonna be crying into my hankie, if anybody needs me.
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics |
| broken part |
Posted - 05/16/2005 : 19:35:22
is he still playing with the blackstone valley sinners? |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 03:55:23
quote:
Originally posted by Carl
I've only seen FB on the Cult Of Ray tour.
I would easily swap one of my Catholic experiences for your Cult of Ray
I can't wait to see Lyle if he's apart of any HC tour |
| Surfer Rosa |
Posted - 05/15/2005 : 02:50:18
Rich is a thoroughly entertaining guitarist - I cannot recommend seeing him live enough.
Very expressive - the kind of performance that has you beaming like the village idiot when it's over - Carl get your act together definitely.
And Oldman you've outdone yourself - thank you thank you thank you.
The revolution eats its own children |
| Carl |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 19:13:22
I've only seen FB on the Cult Of Ray tour. It would be cool to see The Catholics live, but I've missed them every time they've been over since! Got to get my act together!! ;) |
| fumanbru |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 19:04:20
quote:
Originally posted by Carl
I've never seen Rich Gilbert live. He certainly seems to be quite a versatile guitarist!
you've got to check him out sometime carl. i've had the pleasure of seeing him twice. i saw rich live for the first time when the catholics were touring for the gold album in 98 i believe. was expecting lyle workman, since he was credited on the album. not sure why lyle wasn't on the tour but really impressed with rich! i think he was dressed in some whacky suit. kind of devo like in a way as i recall. he had lots of energy and was mighty impressive.
would be nice if josh and rich headed up to canada for some shows eh.
"I joined the Cult of Frank/ cause I'm a real go-getter!" |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 14:15:41
[I think this is all of them]
This one's for Surfer Rosa, enjoy babe!
|
| Carl |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 13:33:09
I'm sure he'll tour with Frank again.....I'm SURE!!!! ;) |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 13:11:35
versatile in playing and in movement.
Carl, sorry friend, but you've missed out on one of the greatest musicians i've ever witnessed.
I got my fingers crossed thoughfor ya, for the future. |
| Carl |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 13:06:02
I've never seen Rich Gilbert live. He certainly seems to be quite a versatile guitarist! |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 12:46:57
Oh yeah, forgot to say...
these reviews oldman are some good shit for any biography, especially that of a Catholic |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 12:28:38
I'm hoping he can find the time to make that dvd of his.
Imagine him as your guitar tutor. Some little lad will look him up in say 20 years and not know who the fuck he is, just that old guy who plays some mean guitar.
And Oldman, his fender will still be sounding as sweet as ever.
The Duke of Fender, how fitting. |
| kathryn |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 12:10:32
Does he only give lessons in the greater Nashville
area?
I still believe in the excellent joy of the Catholics |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 07:48:34
I hear you fbc, how in the hell can you not be oblivious to all but The Man when you're in his presence...
And yeah, seeing Rich play in these small, intimate settings is a real treat...I really am disappointed in missing so many of Rich's guitar tricks with that stupid digital camera, gotta get a SLR.
Oh yeah, I may get the pleasure of a 3rd helping of Rich & Joshua this Thursday night, and if I do I'll be sure to get some more pictures to share with you guys.
Hey, speaking of studying Rich's guitar playing, did you know he is available to give lessons. Now wouldn't that be just cool as shit, hang out and learn how to play guitar with a Catholic, The Duke of Fender.
|
| fbc |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 07:05:41
Can't say I have Rich, so I'll say I haven't. I wish I had the opportunity you have over there in Nashville, being able to study the Duke. There's just too much to take in when I've seen the Catholics play, I never had the time to watch and learn from Rich as much as I should have (staring in awe at Frank Black, in the same building as me)
And the pics, ha!
guitar nerd moi (hey that's French, does that make me smart) wants to see pedals and picks |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 05:04:27
quote:
Originally posted by fbc
The sounds you can produce Rich, away from the conventional plectrum is both fascinating and amazing. I remember seeing Jeff Buckley, he used to play notes with the tip of his index finger on the string instead of strumming, making a beautiful and very subtle sound.
(The very first song I learnt to play was 'Peggy Sue'. My dad got me to hit the strings with the palm of my hand instead of using a pic, that way, I got beat aswell as rhythm)
Hey Guitar Man.
Have you, Carl, or others here, ever seen Rich play with his left hand, above the frets, up by the tuning keys, stretching the strings up there and getting a pedal steel sound. I talked to my brother-in-law about it and he said those Fenders are some of the few guitars that allow such technique, something about there being more distance between the first fret and the tuning keys, more so than other guitars (maybe?). He's a picker and he said he would show me next time I'm at his house.
Oh, and sorry about holding out on you there. I guess I'd better check my stash a little more closely...
|
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 04:52:59
Yeah Carl that looks exactly like Rich's Guitar, but I must defer to you, fbc, and other six-string aficionados...
|
| fbc |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 04:44:19
quote:
Originally posted by OldManInaCoffeeCan
Rich took his right hand, his picking hand, and covered the strings and did some wild vibrating which produced a rich, deep vibrato on the bass strings of his Fender...
The sounds you can produce Rich, away from the conventional plectrum is both fascinating and amazing. I remember seeing Jeff Buckley, he used to play notes with the tip of his index finger on the string instead of strumming, making a beautiful and very subtle sound.
(The very first song I learnt to play was 'Peggy Sue'. My dad got me to hit the strings with the palm of my hand instead of using a pic, that way, I got beat aswell as rhythm) |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 04:35:00
Oh my God Oldman, you've been holding out on me.
two amazing pics of Rich, not to the eye of some, but to a guitar nerd like me... sweet!
|
| Carl |
Posted - 05/14/2005 : 00:39:12
They look like Boss pedals, but I can't be sure.
By the way, is this the guitar he's using?
http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0118502767
 |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/13/2005 : 22:46:29
Oh yeah, Rich plays his pedal steel "Sho-Bud" Pro I with Joshua quite a bit...but, as you can imagine, or better yet, as you have seen for yourselves, he does some slide on his Fender as well, e.g., his Pepsi can and his Shiner Bock bottle...
Hey Carl, fbc and all you other Guitar Men, check this shit out...The Duke's getting ready to rumble!!!!
By the way, just exactly what are his weapons of choice, as seen here?
|
| Carl |
Posted - 05/13/2005 : 22:28:40
I'm not sure, I'll have to listen to Ring Of Fire again. Does he use a slide much? I'm just wondering, because he plays pedal steel on some of the albums, dos'nt he?! Thanks for tht info, by the way OMIACC!! |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/13/2005 : 22:13:22
Not being a Guitar Man I had to reflect on that term, Dive-Bombing, and upon further reflection, I do believe you're right Carl, Rich was Dive-Bombing...And, no, he didn't break out the drum stick, ala Los Angeles as once described to me by fbc...But, at the Family Wash, back on April 7th, on Joshua's song "You think I'm Gone", Rich took his right hand, his picking hand, and covered the strings and did some wild vibrating which produced a rich, deep vibrato on the bass strings of his Fender, and again not being a Guitar Man you must forgive my ignorance of appropriate terms, but it was outta sight...reminiscent of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire", if you know what I mean...
|
| Carl |
Posted - 05/13/2005 : 21:21:22
Dive bombing is a whammy bar term, y'know, for that straight down 'Wowwwnnrn!!' noise. Did he use a drum stick that night? :) |
| OldManInaCoffeeCan |
Posted - 05/13/2005 : 21:02:55
Hey Carl, 'splain dive-bombing...cause he sure wasn't tuning...de-tuning yeah, tuning no,...by the way, that ain't the only way he modified his sound. He also played above the frets, right by the tuning keys, stretched out the strings and got a steel guitar sound...fuckin' mouth dropping, put ya beer down and check 'em out guitar playing...If it wasn't for that damn digital camera I was using I could show you a picture of it...next time I'm goin' get me an 'ole fashion SLR, these digitals blow...miss too many good shots...
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