What’s New with Mike Watterston

David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway

Heads fan? In the fall of 2019, Talking Heads’ frontman David Byrne’s American Utopia opened at the intimate Hudson Theatre on Broadway in New York City for an ambitious three-month run of sold-out performances.

This is the soundtrack of that show. There are 21 tracks and almost half (9) of the two-disc set are tracks pulled from Byrne’s Talking Heads days. Another six are from his current studio effort, “American Utopia,” and four are from other points throughout Byrne’s solo career.

We also get two covers. The first one is of Janelle Monáe’s 2015 protest song, “Hell You Talmbout.” This is a powerful tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement with band members shouting out the names of those lost at the hands of police. The second (semi) cover is “Toe Jam.” This is a track that DB wrote with British band Brighton Transit Authority and it kicks off disc two.

The show is filled with lots of percussion, guitars, bass, synth keys, occasional horns. The vocals are crisp as David and his backing singers sound great together. We even hear David yell out the THANK YOU we were accustomed to in the old TH days.

This 12-piece band is sonic in its sparseness. By that I mean the sound fills the room but doesn’t rock the rafters… I’m not sure if that makes sense, it’s hard to explain. You’re going to love it, though!! Words that come to mind are astounding and joyous. The solo album selections here are wonderful as well. BUT … The Talking Heads songs are the definite highlights here for me, personally.

All of these tracks are recreated perfectly: “Don’t Worry About the Government,” “This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody),” “I Zimbra,” “Slippery People,” “Once in a Lifetime,” “Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On),” “Blind,” “Burning Down the House,” “Road to Nowhere,” “The Great Curve (Live),” a bonus track.

It was hard for me to review the soundtrack because I’ve seen the film of the performance. David Byrne is a very creatively odd fellow. Someone who must be seen to be believed. That is certainly the case here. The choreography is stunning. Do yourself a favor and watch this at your first opportunity.

Better yet…. go see it for yourself…. David is bringing American Utopia back to Broadway for another 17 weeks in the fall and tickets are on sale now.

What’s Old and Still Plenty Good with Mike Watterston

Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Animal

This was recorded on December 21, 1973, at the Academy of Music in New York City. The band was made up of some strong (semi) unknown musicians: Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner on guitars.

The classic FM intro to “Sweet Jane,” which opens side one, is something Steve Hunter wrote—another intro he wrote was the acoustic start to Peter Gabriel’s “Salisbury Hill.” Steve was a member of Mitch Ryder’s Detroit Wheels and is a session player that’s been around the block. He and Dick Wagner were the first and second lead guitars on Aerosmith’s “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” They also played on Alice Cooper’s Welcome To My Nightmare record. Both men also played on Lou’s prior record, Berlin.

On bass, Prakash John, who in 1971 was in George Clinton’s Parliament/Funkadelic. He was recruited by Lou for this record and he stuck around for Lou’s next record, Sally Can’t Dance, too. The drummer here is Pentti Glan, another guy that was on Alice’s Welcome To My Nightmare. Rounding out the band is Ray Colcord on keyboards. Ray had an interesting career. Going back to Aerosmith’s Get Your Wings album, he co-produced it with Jack Douglas. He played keys on Don McLean’s American Pie album and had a string of TV show theme music such as Silver Spoons, Facts of Life and Boy Meets World. So, there’s Lou Reed’s band for this project.

Like a lot of live records, this one is too short. Originally only five tracks (even the remastered edition only has seven) and definitely leaves you wanting more. Of the five songs, one is from Lou’s previous solo record Berlin, “Lady Day.” Lou’s voice sounds particularly good on this one. The other four of them are from his Velvet Underground days. After “Sweet Jane,” we get the dark opus on Heroin use/abuse which slowly builds to this head banging 13:00 blowout. The title track from White Light/White Heat is another rocker, and the final track is a VU classic “Rock and Roll.” This is my favorite track on this album. 10:00 of blistering guitar work and the band sounds like they’ve been playing together for years. Five songs you’ll never get tired of hearing. 

It was released in February of 1974 and I have never stopped listening and loving this recording. LOOOOUUUUU!!

What’s Local with Joe Hirsh

There is no doubt that Trevor B. Power has grown into one of the region’s most exciting live performers as he blends solid rock with blues in a fashion that makes you want to get up and dance whether you want to, or not. With his raspy voice leading the charge, Power—with his Trevor B. Power Band—brings to the stage a totally unique sound.

And now, coming on the heels of his first very successful CD, comes his second foray into the CD stratosphere, this one titled What Is Real. 

Several songs on the CD feature that “real” feel fans are used to, hard-driving tunes like “World Gone Madd,” “Get Well Johnny,” “Easier Way” and “Witch” are what we love about Trevor Power. The studio intro to the first song, “World Gone Madd,” does a great job of getting your attention immediately, and setting the stage for more to come.

The CD was released earlier this week. Due to COVID, the band wanted to wait a while before scheduling an official CD release party. That is slated for June 12 at The Stanhope House.   

We checked in with Trevor recently about his current doings. Here’s the conversation…

What are your music plans this year?

The CD release and the CD release party; we want to play as many gigs as Covid-19 will allow.

What are your hopes for the new CD?

I hope it does better than Everyday Angel. More Airplay throughout the USA, and abroad. Get more followers around the world to listen to my music. In all, more recognition around the USA, and globally.

Do you have a couple of favorites on the new CD? 

“Pandemic 2020” and “I’m Still In” because I feel the writing came from a more passionate state of mind and were easiest to compose. Plus (I feel that) they are good songs.

Do you have a special video link you want to share?

Do you have any events lined up for this year? 

We’ve got a Food Truck Festival on May 22 in Franklin Township (Somerset) and, of course, the CD/Record Release Party in June.

Learn more about Trevor B. Power on their Facebook page or website.

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Updated Feb. 20, 2021: New details about CD release party.