Cage The Elephant
The Observatory
04/15/2014

It's always kind of cool when you get to see a band poised to take that next big leap in their career. By putting out great records and then hitting the road and playing LOTS of great shows CTE are doing just that, and doing  it the right way, the old fashioned way and the way that really builds a following that lasts.   CTE have been doing this for 8 years now, so when they become an overnight sensation any day now, remember  they have paid their dues, and have earned everything they get. If you haven't yet seen them try to catch their fun and engaging show next time they hit your town.
The night I shot them was in between their sets at Coachella. The venue was packed and the band delivered. For me it was a tough shoot. These guys are in CONSTANT motion and the stage lighting was mostly dark, darker and really dark.....with sudden bursts of blinding light.  Well I like a challenge and I think I was able to get some nice shots of a hard working band on their way up.

Graveyard : April 11, 2014
Club Nokia, Los Angeles, California
Graveyard come roaring out of Sweden like a band of Viking raiders ready to pillage your eardrums.  As you may have guessed Graveyard are definitely one of my current favorites. They bring a soulful blend of  rock and heavy metal to the party. Think of Free or The Black Keys......but heavier.
Last time I saw them was when they headlined The El Rey and that was well over a year ago so it was a real treat to see them open for Motorhead at Club Nokia. It is never an easy thing to be the opening band, especially when the headliner is Motorhead with a rabidly loyal fan base. But I think Graveyard managed to win over some converts by putting on an great set.
This was a very tough photo shoot for me.  I had some major equipment issues (why oh why does that always happen when you're covering bands that you REALLY like?) But actually I think I was able to overcome them, and I ended up with some pretty good captures.

Motorhead: April 11, 2014
Club Nokia, Los Angeles, California
EVERYTHING LOUDER THAN EVERYTHING ELSE!!!
Ok maybe Deep Purple said that  first, but Motorhead have been living that slogan everyday since they started terrifying audiences with their brand of over the top metal almost 40 years ago.
I have seen them demolish the hearing of an audience many, many times over the years, but tonight was special. If you love rock n roll then you love Lemmy, and Lemmy has not been doing well lately.  But you'd never know that from the balls to the wall show the band put on in Los Angeles at Club Nokia. It was a sell out (just like every other Motorhead show I've ever seen) and people were packed shoulder to shoulder to witness Lemmy rise like a Phoenix and play a blistering set of old favorites and new songs from the bands latest release Aftershock.  Joining Lemmy and company for the encore was none other than former Guns n Roses guitarist SLASH, who ratcheted up the energy level another couple of notches on Ace Of Spades and Overkill. As was usual for a Motorhead concert it was a heavy drinking, mosh pit slamming crowd and a lot of beer was spilled this evening. But it was all in the noble cause of Loud & Fast Rock n Roll. Did somebody say play a slow song? These guys don't KNOW any slow songs. Long live Lemmy and long live Motorhead. I can't wait to see them again next time.

Joe Louis Walker:  04/03/2014,
The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Joe Louis Walker is a guitar hero, you may not know his work. But trust me, he is every bit the equal of any blues guitar slinger you can name. He is 64 years old, and has released 16 albums in his long and storied career. I was lucky enough to catch him at The Coach House last week and he was a revelation. He has an amazing voice, matured to perfection from years on the road. But even at his age he possesses a  stage energy and vitality that a twenty year old would envy. The man clearly loves to play guitar and sing the blues, and the appreciative audience this evening at the Coach House was  happy to marvel at his amazing talent, and  just go along on the ride with him.  Ladies and Gentleman Joe Louis Walker is  The Real Deal.