Next Great American Band Live Taping 3 (Ep 4)

Billy Joel. A big challenge for most of the bands, as evidenced by not only the comments from the bands during the intro video, but also in how few of them really embraced the song and made it their own. Most bands performed the cover in their own style, but few acted like it was their song.

On with the show...

Franklin Bridge

For as tight as this band is, wow, another disappointing week. Vocally, it was horrendous. The bass and drums were locked in, but the vocals were incredibly loose, both in timing and pitch. The keyboard programming was beyond poor as well. The lead guitarist is a solid pianist, so why they didn't shake it up and have him playing keys this week is a wonder to me. It would have really shown their diversity, which right now appears to be lacking.

After this performance, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make it. Taken as a whole, they took the biggest step back this week of all the bands.

Cliff Wagner and the Old No. 7

I'm glad these guys are still in the show, but their performance of "You May Be Right" was a little off. Dicko was right when he eluded to it being boring. It was. It didn't come across as a hit, it came out as a "filler song" performed for fans who like the song, but still an afterthought. The vocal harmonies at the end were off as well. If they squeak by this week, it will be on personality, and not because of the performance.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra

Yes, this is my favorite band in the show. I'm biased. I also hope that the film of Denver's new baby has the same endearing effect that Cliff Wagner's videos have had on previous shows.

Their performance this week was technically as accurate as any previous show. In fact, this may have been the band's best playing yet.

Here's what may hurt them: Show placement - third isn't great placement, and the song wasn't overly memorable.

The judges comments were very edited for these guys. Dicko was almost right, the band is already making a living playing live. Let's hope they make it so we can see what they do next week to address the "timelessness" that the judges are looking for.

Dot Dot Dot

Pressure was a great tune for Dot Dot Dot to play. It fit their style, and was a fairly strait forward arrangement to put together. However, the TV mix was thinner than it was live. They sounded fairly tight which (pleasantly) surprised me. They are definitely listening to the judges and working on their musicality. The arrangement was a bit thin, I think the keyboard player could focus more on parts if his boards were stacked instead of across from each other. That would allow for more concentration on filling in some of the musical gaps because you can see both hands at the same time and visualize the sound more. They are making a good effort at showmanship, but have already proven that it can get in the way of their musicality. These guys should be safe for next week.

Sixwire

Typically strong, their vocal performance was not as tight this week. The song didn't sound like it pushed them either. However, these guys have to really blow it in order to be worried. Again, safe for next week. The question is, will their fans keep voting?

Tre's Bien

It's tough to follow Sixwire. Fortunately there was a commercial break to separate the performances, but it was difficult to listen to this song. Vocally, while not horrendous, had some big problems. Reznik was right about aggression though, "You ought' a know by now" needed a more intense performance.

Another instance when the judges were edited. Sheila took more time to explain herself and her comments about the guitar solo being too simple. I think Tre's Bien may have reached their musical limits.

The Clark Brothers.

Wow. "She's Got A Way" sounded better coming from these guys than Billy Joel. I had to stop typing just to listen. I really, really hope they are still in it next week. The performance was so intense with so little. I could have done without the solo at the end, it took away from the sensitivity of the song. But what it did do was remind everyone they can play.

Light of Doom

I was sitting behind the parents of Light of Doom, and that's a challenge by itself. I'm going to take some time and post my thoughts about them in particular for my next post. Right now though, here's how I feel about the band itself.

Starting with "sacrifices" that had to be made to be in a band as a 13 year old is almost a joke. It's like saying, I had to give up my cookies so I could have ice cream.

Live, they are a one trick pony. "Look mommy, we can "rock"!" And yes, at thirteen, they can. But it has a decidedly late eighties/early nineties sound, and at this stage, it would be impossible to ask them to do anything else. They simply can't.

I'm very, very disappointed in the judges for not having the integrity to say anything. But again, let's not hurt their feelings.

Stay tuned, let's talk about the parents next , shall we?

Conclusion

The show is definitely getting better. Hopefully more people will tune in and give these bands some exposure. I've been enjoying going out to LA and watching the taping, then seeing how it comes together on TV. My thoughts about the live performances don't always line up with the translation on television. Thanks for checking in...

GO DMHO!

chs

Next Great American Band Taping #3

After attending the taping of the show this last Wednesday, my opinions have pretty much stayed the same about the bands. I'll post a review of the individual performances later tonight. I've been formulating what I want to say for the last two days, and hope it resonates with you.

chs

NGAB Live Taping Week 2 (Ep3)

Here I am again, watching for the second time, The Next Great American Band episode #3. Second you ask? Yes, I attended the live taping, and am now watching the episode on television 2 days later. Let's get started with my band reviews. These ten made the cut and are in the show next week:

Sixwire

Again, they nailed it. The cover was solid, and the original even better. These guys have the best vocal arrangements in the group, and appear to be the most seasoned, mature musicians of the bunch. Gotta Get Away is ready today for radio play. A catchy hook, and well executed, it works both live and on the radio. Great tune. The cover was a touch slow though, and while it's an incredible song, I hope it doesn't hurt them being first. It wasn't very memorable, in spite of it's incredible execution. I do agree with everything the judges said, they were right on (as usual, although this episode there were a couple of things I took issue with - not including the regular Light of Doom oversights from them.)

One other thing I immediately noticed was the drastic difference in the mix between the live show and the TV episode. The drums were way hotter live, and could have been brought up a touch for TV.

Tre's Bien

The original was ok. In the interest of honesty and fairness, I'm just not a fan. The shtick works, they have found a niche, but the question is, does it have longevity? I liked the energy the lead singer brought to the stage. I actually thought they did the cover fairly well, but their style is really suited for this night. Performance wise, it's a bit raw, and that does add an edge, but Dicko was right, they needed a bit more practice. Again, the judges were all right. Fun, but a bit underplayed from a technical standpoint.

Franklin Bridge

For as good as these guys are, they don't listen. Perhaps they should, the judges are all very successful. The unsolved problem? Too complicated. And quite frankly, the original was boring until it built up, but it went from about 10 to 100 in less than a fill, and there was no real build up to the pay off. They needed some work in that regard. Honestly disappointed - especially after last week. As a side note, their original they performed twice due to a technical difficulty. However, they performed it identically both times.

The judges, again were right now. Now, can Franklin Bridge pay attention?

The Clark Brothers

These guys are really talented. I've said that before. Country time is a good tune, but it looses it's forward momentum too soon due to the lack of drums and bass. The cover, a ballad called "Country Comfort" was very well suited for them, but again, it's usually the bands with higher energy levels and better known songs that last. Live, the song went over really, really well. It was great to give my ears a break and have something really nice to listen to. I'm really glad to see them in this thus far, and hope they last.

The judges, again, right on.

Light of Doom

"We are gonna rock tonight,
Heads are gonna roll tonight"

How original. How quaint. I remember what I thought rock/metal was like when I was 13, and yep, that's it, right there.

I understand why people like these guys. It's the "Wow, I wish I was in a metal band when I was little" factor. But there is a reality here that keeps being overlooked. Next time, if you can, don't look at them, just listen. There is NO WAY that you can say these guys are nearly as good as any of the other bands. Vocally, they are weak, rhythmically, they are all over the place. Now, open your eyes and you see a bunch of kids and think, "Wow, they are really good, for being pre-pubescent boys." But this isn't "The Next Great American Kid" contest. I'm so disappointed with Sheila E. in particular. Yes, they rock, but they also need improvement to GET to the level that the rest of the bands are at. And Dicko was absolutely right, it feels completely unoriginal, and a gimmick made for TV. The parents should be proud, but at what cost to their kids?

Dot Dot Dot

A much improved performance. Far easier to watch and musical. Vocally it was ok, the guitar performances were good - and playing to a loop helps their rhythm and timing. As a keyboard player who attended Berklee College of Music and studied music synthesis, I thought the keys were pretty good too - not very original though. And they are the only band using a Korg, so it's not like they are grabbing some backline keyboard, spending a little more time on your sound selection and programming would bring a lot to their sound.

The cover was way, way bigger live. the guitars were too far back in the mix on TV to get an impression of how big it actually got. I didn't care for this band originally, but they are growing on me - if they keep going in the direction they are going.

The judges, again, were right on here.

Cliff Wagner and the Old No. 7

I felt they were a little better last week. However, one thing these guys really have going for them is their background/intro videos. They seem to have great personalities, and it's endearing. So, you get to like the guys, therefore wanting them to do well. The original got old quickly to me. But keep in mind, while I appreciate the musicality and technical ability of really good blue grass players, I'm not a fan of the style.

The cover was decent, and entertaining, but I honestly don't think the voters are going to embrace them simply on their personalities. It's like the age old answer to "Is she good looking?" "Umm... she has a great personality."

Again, I thought the judges were right on. They are fun. However, what can they do to improve and have a better chance of staying in?

The Muggs

I love the sound of these guys, but vocally, they need so, so much work. Honestly, I was most disappointed in their performance tonight than any other. I had high expectations. I'm sitting here listening to the jam at the end of the original, and I'm loving it. It's awesome. But the vocals are so distracting. His guitars are excellent though.

Unfortunately, the cover wasn't very well executed either. It's almost like they didn't have enough rehearsal time. I have the blues after this...

And, and and... never argue with, let alone boo the judges from the stage. This is key - LISTEN to the judges.

Rocket

Another style I really don't care for. But again, this is a style people do like. It sounds a lot better on TV actually. But, but... they are weaker rhythmically, and definitely vocally. Hopefully, again, they will listen to the judges. There's a lot of potential to this band, really. But they just have so much work to do.

The comment from the lead singer - "I am who I am" is fine and it resonates with kids with identity crisis. BUT, please, hone your craft. You should always strive to be better.

Denver & the Mile High Orchestra

The original was great - although the chorus sounds unfinished. They nailed it.

I have three points to make.

1. There is a reason they closed the show with these guys. It was awesome. Last week they opened the show.

2.They were bigger live. I wish it translated to TV better. It was huge when the horns stopped, then slammed into the closing phrase. And Sheila E. asked if she could play percussion with them if they ever needed one. That got cut from the show.

3. Dicko was wrong about the tempo change on the cover. Did you notice? He asked why they slowed it down, and Sheila started to contradict him. "No, No they didn't." It was cut time. And it was awesome that way.

The Mile High Orchestra still has my vote, of course, but I've changed my opinion about some of the other bands. It just goes to show that you can't formulate your opinions based on one show. Maybe next time I'll be complimenting Light of Doom... uh... no.