All three bands are perfectly blended. The Blasters are traditional roots rock while X have their roots in roots rock, but with a definite punk flavor, while Girl Trouble are traditional all-time rock and roll with a punk attitude.
X hit the stage with In This House That I Call Home. Lead singer Exene Cervenka had traded her usual attire of a frumpy dress and cowboy boots for a pair of striped jeans and cowboy boots, but the undying charisma stayed firmly in place as did her illustrious voice. Bassist John Doe’s accompaniment and the harmonies of the two rang beautifully though the packed club.
Again, X played with added musician Michael Fitzpatrick who played whatever was needed. This included taking over on drums for a very haunting rendition of Please Come Back To Me. While Exene’s voice echoed beautifully throughout the club, drummer DJ Bonebrake took over on xylophone. Other than a few voices singing along quietly, the club was stunned into a mesmerized silence.
The one and a half hour plus long show included a three-song encore ending with Devil Doll. I was slightly disappointed they didn’t play Wrecking Ball, as it’s my favorite and they haven’t done it in awhile, but they did play New World, so that almost made up for it. I’ve seen X about half a dozen times over the years and they have yet to disappoint me.
Prior to X was the legendary Blasters. This was only my second time seeing the Blasters, but they were just as stellar this time. This is a band whose brilliant musicianship stands on its own and they are a pleasure to watch for that alone. Original founding member Phil Alvin sang the majority of the lead vocals while playing rhythm guitar, but equally spellbinding was the stellar guitar work of Keith Wyatt, who made his guitar scream and wail unmercifully. The band opened with American Music, but it was Marie Marie that seemed to be everyone’s favorite. The Blasters play traditional roots rock the way roots rock should be played. They are so worth seeing.
Opening the whole evening was Seattle legend Girl Trouble. In terms of humor, Girl Trouble win the award. Front man, KP is quick-witted, comical and the ultimate comedic front man. Watching them is like watching a comedy act with the surrounding performers playing the “straight guy” while the main performer steals the show. They are a comedy show set to music, but with stellar musicians. As usual, KP shed his shirt, doing a mock striptease, though it surprised me that it took him until half way through their set to do so this time. He made some crack about his wife and three children, the last of whom hadn’t been born yet, then rubs his protruding belly. Their music is straight up rock and roll with a definite punk attitude. For anyone who has yet to see Girl Trouble, you are missing out.
– All photos property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
