Anthony Gomes @ BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, St. Louis, MO

Words and pictures by Duane Clawson 

With the amount of live music I have seen in my lifetime, it takes something really special to get my attention.  Last Sunday night at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, I knew I had witnessed something special but there was a problem.  I could not figure out how this show stacked up against other great shows I have attended over the past 32 years.  So I took five days to think this over.  Conclusion:  Anthony Gomes (AG) easily takes a spot in my list of top ten favorite guitar players.  Now with that being said, I have seen some of the best:  Eddie Van Halen, Rik Emmett , Tony Iommi, and Keith Richards, to name a few.   So, for Mr. Gomes to move into my top ten list, he must be pretty good.  What makes Anthony special is that he borrows a little bit from the blues, as well as the rock guitar gods and shapes these pieces into something that is uniquely his own.  A vast majority of Anthony’s live show was dedicated to his own large catalogue of original tunes but he does take the time during his set to pay tribute to those that have influenced his musical career.  AG is touring currently in support of his forthcoming album Up 2 Zero.

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Ben Kweller @ Good Records, Dallas, TX

Once again, the fine people at Good Records brought another popular, local artist to grace their Astroturf and perform a short set for the droves of fans.  This time, Ben Kweller and his band stopped by to perform a handful of songs to help promote his latest release, Go Fly a Kite.  Oddly enough, two members of the hard rock band Anvil were chatting with fans and signing autographs as Ben's band was setting up their gear.  You could tell they felt a little out of place as the numbers of youngsters and families were showing up for Ben's indie rock/pop goodness.  But like troopers, they kept smiles on their faces and even snapped a few photos with Ben before heading off to Trees for their headlining show.

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Juno What?! / Downstereo @ 2720 Cherokee, St. Louis, MO

Words and pictures by Duane Clawson

2720 Cherokee has become one of new favorite places to catch a live show.  With their throwback sound system and a mix of art and music that is just flat out entertaining.  Tonight, I walked into 2720 to find DJ and, all-around musician, Mikey Wheling doing some kinda funky white-boy dance behind his iPad while setting the tone for this evening’s funkiness.  Actually, I was quite entertained by Mr. Wheling’s DJ abilities and impressed that it was all happening from an iPad.  Before we get too far into this review, I have to give kudos to 2720 Cherokee for their band parings. They always do a tremendous job of getting opening acts that compliment the headliner.  With that said, tonight was no exception.

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Heartless Bastards @ Vintage Vinyl, St. Louis, MO

Words and pictures by Duane Clawson

What does it take to make it big time? When it happens for the Heartless Bastards, it will be from pure blood, sweat, and tears.  The Heartless Bastards played almost every nook and cranny of St. Louis in a day’s time.  They started their musical journey through STL at KDHX Studios with a live in-studio performance.  Their next stop was at Vintage Vinyl for an all too short in-store appearance.  Finally, the band wound down their busy day with a full, live production at the Firebird.  After looking at the Heartless Bastard's website, one gets the impression that this sort of work ethic is commonplace for this band.  A string of tour dates fill the band’s dance card through end of May with little time off.

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