Langerado Music Festival with Jon Tully

The Walkmen

Part 1 

I have no idea who any of these bands are!”

Heard on the way back from the Chickee Hut stage at the sixth annual Langerado Music Festival after The Walkmen’s set, I was hoping the college-age girl who said that was enjoying discovering such bands rather than merely killing time before the show she was really looking forward to - like, say, 311 or G. Love and Special Sauce.

Don’t get me wrong - Langerado, the Florida fest which serves as the season’s opening salvo, had picked up its game as far as headliners go, with the Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Friends the big names out there.

But for me, the fun of a festival like Langerado is seeing lesser-known music acts, some for the very first time. In many cases, there was a real joy of discovery:

Blitzen Trapper

Portland, Ore.’s Blitzen Trapper caught my attention with their outstanding range. I never knew what direction this six-man band would take next — throwing electronics and feedback out one minute, heartfelt country-rock the next.

Dave King

Wisconsin’s The Bad Plus had pulled me into modern jazz a few years back, but seeing this trio live was a real treat. I knew Ethan Iverson was a superb pianist, but seeing drummer Dave King play every square inch of his drum kit is something that is worth your time, if you get the chance.

I also knew well of Built to Spill’s music, but their set went well beyond what I knew of them. Doug Martsch and company created a solid wall of guitar.

Dr. Dog

Even New York’s !!! had a lot of charm, despite their lead singer’s remarks some might’ve considered off-putting - “Had I known what kind of festival it was, I wouldn’t have cut my hair!” Whatever, you guys had massive beats and freneticism in spades.

Speaking of massive beats, no one quite brought them like Thievery Corporation, probably my favorite live act of the entire festival. They could handle chill, they could handle party, they were pros in every sense of the word.

REM

Part 2

I wish I could tell you that my lasting memory of Langerado 2008 was a mix of the joy of seeing R.E.M. and the Beastie Boys for the first time, and the perturbed feeling from the site itself, an inaccessible, ill-marked place known as Big Cypress — a Seminole reservation deep in the center of Florida’s southern end.

But it will always bear the scars of horrible reality.

At approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday morning, while riding on a shuttle bus back from the site to a hotel about 25-30 miles to the east, I was awakened by a loud crunching noise and being jerked forward in my seat. The bus began to swerve before coming to a stop along the dark two-lane road, bordered on both sides by swamp.

Everyone was checking to see if all was well with the passengers. Didn’t seem to be a problem. The bus driver, a nice older gentleman, was trying to keep everything calm and orderly. Quickly a passenger called 911, explaining the situation.

When it became clear that the bus wasn’t going to tip over — and for this, I will be eternally grateful to our driver — I looked out my window and saw debris from what turned out to be a pickup truck scattered all over the road.

The pickup’s driver — whom we found out days later was a woman who practically lived across the street from Big Cypress — was killed.

When the police arrived, they checked for injuries — our driver complained of pain on his side, and was taken away by ambulance. We were escorted one by one off the bus. I looked back once outside, and a chunk had been taken out of the front of it.

It would’ve been one thing if somehow we could be processed by the police (which they actually did in fairly quick order, considering) and be shuttled away, at least as far as the gas station 5 miles away.

Instead, us passengers were constantly bombarded by the reality of it all — the unseasonably chilly air, the sight of police and fire workers walking back and forth as they worked the scene. Sleep was an impossibility. All my focus was on keeping as warm as possible.

And as I put my name on a list of passengers for the police, I couldn’t help but notice the birthdates of others on that road. 1986. 1990. It was one thing for me — a man approaching his 40th birthday — to deal with. It was quite another for some of these kids, many of whom weren’t even close to being out of their teens.

Instead of seeing in their mind’s eye Michael Stipe wearing his green Obama T-shirt proudly at the start of R.E.M.’s set, or reliving Thievery Corporation’s exotic voyages of sound, or even smiling about Dan Deacon’s playtime atmosphere, I’m fearful all they’ll be able to think about is that noise. And that swerving. And seeing that debris.

And all that reality.  

By Jon Tully

Dan Guitar Rogers by Diana Olson

Dan Guitar Rogers was born on January 4, 1971 in Blue Island, IL.  The ultimate blues fan has become the ultimate guitar player through his musical addiction.

At a very young age, Dan Rogers had been sleeping at night with an A.M. transistor radio tucked under his pillow, fascinated with what he heard in the 1970s in Chicago on the airwaves at WLS 89AM Radio.  Emerging from the Disco of the 1975-1979 era, he took notice of several amazing new Rock sounds he heard and would never forget Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Foghat, Robin Trower, Styx, Journey, Led Zeppelin, and others.

Like most white Irish/Catholic middle class boys his age on Chicagos South Side, one had to choose between the Beatles and The Rolling Stones.  Dan heard “Brown Sugar” from 1971 Sticky Fingers album and was forever going to be a Devout Rolling Stones disciple.  At 7 years old his album collection already had the likes of Sam Cooke, The Moody Blues, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller Band, and The Who.
 
As Fate would have it, one day a babysitter in 1979 brought him to a garage to visit her boyfriend that was practicing.  As Dan walked up the driveway hand in hand with her, quite nervous seeing all of these rough looking older guys, complete with guitars, tank tops, bell bottoms, high heeled boots, and very long hair, from the neighborhood and heard the Live Electric Guitar for the very first time.  He was shocked and stunned as he and his teenage babysitter approached and watched his very first live performance ever as this band was just started the opening lines of “Hot Blooded”,  “Cold as Ice”, by Foreigner.  As the drums and guitar began the buildup to the electric guitar solo, a young Danny Rogers watched these “Rock Musicians” belt out the Hot Blooded guitar solo exactly note for note with a vocalist that had an uncanny ability to sing exactly like the vocals from Foreigner, Bad Company, and Foghat.

Dan was so shocked, and deeply impressed to see that these amazing talented individuals, who lived only a few streets over from his home, were so talented that they could actually re-produce the same Majestic sounds that he had been hearing all summer long at night on his little A.M. Radio that was usually pressed to his ear and stuffed inside his pillow to avoid seizure of the radio by his single mother.

As the band launched into “Slow Ride” by Foghat, Daniel stared in awe at the Guitar Player as the very heavy electric Blues was coming from the Les Paul guitar. A lifelong addiction to the Blues and specifically the guitars part in the band, was planted forever in Dans mind…the Rock music he had heard was coming from a very special place: The BLUES.

At that moment he said to himself: “I’m going to learn to play the guitar like that and “I want to be a part of this world of guitar forever.”  The guitarist noticed as Dans jaw hit the floor hearing and watching the intense Blues that was coming from the guitar amplifier and the man reached out to hand him the electric guitar. “Do you want to try?”   At this moment the drummer, the bass player both stepped forward as well to compete with the guitar players offer.  Dan did notice that each musician was needed equally to create the amazing sound he heard, when one stopped playing, they all stopped playing.  As the boy looked at each person, he noticed they were all being very friendly and were offering and wanted him to try to play their instruments as much as the guitar.

In a daze, Danny walked straight over to the guitar player and was so scared of the man that he couldn’t speak or even swallow as the guitar was handed to him.  As Danny took hold of the neck of the guitar, he could feel the weight and power of the instrument and felt as though he was holding a gun that was loaded.  Then the guitar player sat him in his lap and started holding his hands on the neck of the guitar and showed him how to make a few sounds with an electric guitar as the other musicians clapped and then began to play along.  As Dan looked around seeing all the amplifiers, microphones, equipment, and cables he thought, “I could actually someday become part of a musical team such as this.”  This was the summer of 1979.

Through 1980-1989, Dans musical addiction began to increase daily as he begged, borrowed and traded Albums with anyone he could find and he discovered Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, ZZ TOP, Duane Allman, Edward Van Halen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath.   Following the traditional searching backwards and then “hitting the Jackpot” by learning that many of his British guitar heroes were pointing directly to the Blues musicians that were living close nearby in the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods where he grew up (Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Willie Kent, KoKo Taylor, BB King, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, and Junior Wells).

Now its 2008, and Dan Rogers has never stopped playing and practicing the guitar and throughout his life he has researched the Chicago Blues and The British Blues that so heavily inspired him on to even become a semi-Pro musician that has also been teaching others to play the guitar since 1983.  Many years of collecting Blues and Rock albums, attending live concerts, and live jamming with other musicians in Chicago, all over the United States as well as England and Ireland.  Dan Rogers has searched and sought out some for advice, autographs, friendship, and even played with some of the greatest Blues acts in history including, Willie Kent and The Gents, Billy Branch and The Sons of The Blues, Big Time Sarah, KoKo Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Billy Gibbons and ZZ TOP, Bill Lordan, Robin Trower, Sugar Blue, Mavis Staples, Pops Staples, Phil Guy, Mike Gibb & The Homewreckers, Jody Noa and The Sho Nuff Blues Band, Nick Charles, Buddy Miles, Jim Manns Blues Band.

Says Bill Lordan (formerly Robin Trowers drummer), “Dan has a gutsy raw guitar style with a classic blues/rock tone and plays from the heart. Not a lot of fancy runs but you can feel his passion and power coming through his hands from his soul. He has been influenced from great blues and rock players.”

The joy of playing the Blues, meeting musical icons, and watching them perform continues for him as he approaches his 40th birthday.  Danny Guitar Rogers can be contacted on “MYSPACE” at: myspace.com/thegangsterofluv

The High and Mighty Trumpet of Jeff Carver by Diana Olson

 

Jeff Carver is regarded as one of the Twin Cities most versatile and dynamic trumpet players.  Known for his powerful sound and range, he is a sought after player for both live stage shows and studio recording sessions.  Jeff is also highly regarded as a soulful jazz artist, performing inspiring trumpet and flugelhorn with national gospel artists and various local jazz and blues groups.

Since the early 80s, Jeff has performed lead trumpet and been a featured soloist with professional dance and club bands throughout the Midwest.  In addition, he has energized audiences by performing as guest soloist and clinician with high school and college jazz and marching bands throughout the Midwest.  He spent years as a lead trumpet player and soloist for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings Band and owned his own band, the Power Player’s, for the NHL’s Minnesota Northstars.  Jeff has also performed the National Anthem at several Minnesota Twins professional baseball games.

Jeff’s biggest thrill came when he joined trumpet legend, Maynard Ferguson, on stage to perform a couple of songs with Maynard’s band.  In fact, The Boss handed Jeff his own personal trumpet to play!

After a few years away from music pursing several business interests, Jeff’s music career came roaring back.  First co creating and performing with the local R and B Band, Power of 10 and later performing with the Minnesota Music Award winning, Soul Tight Committee. During that time, Jeff also recorded a nationally marketed, smooth jazz CD project for beverage sponsor, Southern Comfort.  The CD featured Twin Cities songwriter and saxophonist, Joe Alley and World class musician, arranger and producer, Ricky Peterson.

Currently, Jeff performs lead trumpet for the Minnesota Music Award nominee 12 piece band, High and Mighty.  In addition, he performs strolling jazz holiday entertainment at Twin City based Bonfire Grill restaurants, making him one of the Twin Cities’ busiest trumpet performers.

Besides his professional performing, Jeff, a former award winning high school band director, has a thriving trumpet lesson studio and works with students on improving their trumpet playing and having more fun doing it.  Adding to his already busy schedule, Jeff can be seen performing at weddings, corporate VIP functions and church services throughout the Midwest.

Jeff is a member of The International Trumpet Guild (ITG), International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE), National Association for Music Education (MENC), The Minnesota Music Education Association (MMEA) and The Twin Cities Jazz Society (TCJS).

Jeff Carver’s career has taken him from music to business, back to music and now he’s enjoying the business of music more than ever!

“When I graduated from college with a music teaching degree, directing high school bands was all I wanted to do.  I had some great experiences and some fantastic students, some who have become lifelong friends.  But after 7 years I was ready for something really different.”

“I took off on a new path and began a business career that spanned many, many years.  It was a terrific time and I got a chance to know some tremendous people, many who were incredibly creative.  Unfortunately, during that time, I put my trumpet down and even sold off my piccolo trumpet and other horns and accessories.  I didn’t think I would ever pick it up again.  However, I am here to tell you, you can come back, you can rediscover your passion and you can do whatever you set your mind to.  For me, its teaching kids and playing trumpet live.  It doesn’t get any better than that!  As Miles Davis said, “sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.”

I have seen Jeff perform a number of times with the High and Mighty.  The horn section of the band is always exciting and involves the audience by spreading out over the venue (standing on chairs, rails and anything else they can find to stand on) and blowing their instruments with authority and energy.  This dance band keeps their fans out on the floor wherever they perform.    If you go to Jeffs myspace (listed below) you will find a special treat in his version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. 

How and when did you start playing the trumpet?

I began playing in 5th grade, like a lot of kids do. I started on a cornet. During those days, young would-be trumpeters started on a cornet because it was easier to hold. Trumpet wasn’t really my first choice I wanted to play drums! However, my parents would have none of that and convinced me to play cornet, and eventually the trumpet.

I struggled on cornet and trumpet early on and even tried to quit band in 9th grade, which my parents were furious about. They said I made a commitment and I was sticking with it through high school. Once I got into high school, my band director, Marty Crandell, inspired me to practice more and become more involved in jazz. My junior year in high school, my dad took me to a concert by trumpet legend, Maynard Ferguson, and I was hooked!! I wanted to play like that! Like so many trumpet players my age, Maynard, who passed away just a couple of years ago, became the trumpet player’s hero. I had some great trumpet teachers over the years including my college teacher, Philip Cansler.

Who were your early inspirations in music?

My trumpet influences are wide ranging but I have always liked the big sound and high range players. I wanted to be like and play like Maynard Ferguson, but I was also strongly influenced by Doc Severinsen, Chet Baker, Bill Chase, Maurice Andre, Claude Gordon and the trumpets from Tower of Power and Chicago.

Have you written any of your own compositions? Do you have a CD out?

I did a record a few years ago with former Minneapolis Sax player and LA producer, Joe Alley, as a promotional project for Southern Comfort Bourbon. Joe wrote all the tunes and its kind of an easy, smooth jazz thing. It did pretty well.  We sold a decent amount of copies and got some airtime. Ricky Peterson, of David Sanborn, Stevie Nicks and John Mayer fame, plays a couple of smokin’ tracks on the CD.

Your deeply involved in education, what do you get out of teaching others?

I was a high school band director in the late 70’s and 80’s. Although I had success and really super kids, music education wasn’t providing what I needed, both as a career and financially. So I did some other things, focusing on the business scene. Now, after all these years, I am back to music and exactly where I want to be. I have about 20 really wonderful brass students and do a lot of public school clinics and trumpet/brass master classes, many sponsored by my friends at Schmitt Music. With my performing and recording work, it’s a nice place to be! I enjoy the teaching aspect like never before! My students range in age from 6 years old to over 50! I really enjoy it when my students come out to hear me perform, too. I try a little harder for them!

What do you want to be doing 5 years from now?

In five years, I hope to be doing more of what I am doing now. I really love playing with High & Mighty and I am sure we will be more successful than ever in five years, as we keep improving all the time! I want to be doing more school clinics and have a few more private brass students. I also want to continue to work on my trumpet playing and be the best I can be.

What is your favorite venue to play at in the TC’s?

I don’t really have a “favorite” venue when performing. Every night is a new experience for us so each club takes on its own personality based on the audience that night and how well I can hear on the stage.

Besides The High and Mighty, are there other groups you enjoy playing with?

Over the last 10 years, I have played with club bands such as Power of 10 and Soul Tight Committee, as well as Davina and the Vagabonds. However, I really feel like I have found my home with High and Mighty and have a riot playing with those guys. I also have a ball playing my Holiday jazz music at Bonfire Grill on Grand Avenue in St. Paul every year. I do quite a lot of noon to 3pm jazz gigs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am also putting a trio together with Todd and Rhonda from High and Mighty, to play some jazz gigs during the week, happy hours and such. We play a happy hour at Bonfire on Grand on Friday, April 4 from 4-6pm. Todd and Rhonda are really fine musicians and I am really looking forward to playing some nice jazz with them.

What do you want people to get out of your music?

I work hard to put on a great show on every gig I play. I am sort of old school in that I love the audience and really get turned on when they goes nuts over what we are doing. There is nothing like that and it takes me to a higher playing level.  I have a lot of friends that come out to gigs from time to time and its always-extra fun if there is a trumpet player in the audience!

I have kicked my trumpet to the curb a few times over the years. I don’t regret it as its part of the journey of life. However, I feel like the balance between my life and where music and my trumpet fits in is perfect. So, I guess you can go home again.

www.jeffcarvermusic.com
www.myspace.com/jeffcarvermusic

High and Mighty Schedule
March 28  Minnesota Wild Game – Excel Center
March 29  Mainstreet – Hopkins
April 11    The Junction – Minneapolis
April 12    The Narrows in Navarre
April 19    Elko Speedway
April 25    Black Dawg – Burnsville
April 26    Minnesota Music Café
May 2        PD Pappy’s  - Stillwater
May 3        PD Pappy’s – Stillwater
May 10     Narrrows North – Maple Grove
May 115   Mainstreet – Hopkins
May 23     Minnesota Music Café
May 30     Narrows North
May 31     Black Dawg – Burnsville
Jeff with Rhonda Johnson and Todd Burrell
April 4    Bonfire on Grand – St Paul

Jeff as Guest Soloist with The Rockford High School Jazz Band
May 22

See Jeff Carvers website for future schedule