On September 25, 2014, Taking Back Sunday and the Used melded with their fans at Showbox SoDo. Apart from roaring in general, Taking Back Sunday featured one of the best album covers of 2014 with Happiness Is: hello panther!!! The Used saw a big change in their lineup after Quinn Allman decided to take a break in 2015, however, Saosin’s Justin Shekoski has joined the band All photos by Monica Martinez:
Photos: Janiva Magness @ Jazz Alley
Blues singer-songwriter Janiva Magness and her band were in Seattle for a July 2014 appearance at Jazz Alley. The Detroit, Michigan native released her latest album, Original, also in 2014. An adoption activist, she is also a spokesperson for Casey Family Programs! All photos by Steve Campagna:
Photos and Review: The Moody Blues @ Paramount Theatre
Still sounding amazing, The Moody Blues brought their Timeless Flight 2015 Tour to the Paramount Theatre last week for what was likely a sold-out show. Celebrating 51 years as a band, core members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge are now joined by Norda Mullen, Julie Ragins, Gordy Marshall and Alan Hewitt. I’ve been a fan of The Moodies ever since first hearing them in 1968. . . their second album, the acclaimed Days Of Future Passed, was released the prior year. Since then, I’ve seen them nearly 20 times and being able to shoot their set was a real treat.
Still going strong after all these years, their voices sound as good as their original recordings and they show no signs of slowing. During the second set, Edge got off his drums and took center stage to speak the beginning lyrics of “Higher and Higher” and mentioned that he was 74 years old. There are a few things The Moodies continue to do. Hayward and Lodge still do “the walk” (sans Ray Thomas) during “Story In Your Eyes,” and “Question” is still the last song and “Ride My See Saw” is still the encore. Traditions are great!
Photos: Elton John @ KeyArena
Sir Elton John was the headliner for a show at KeyArena in September 2014. John hits the road again beginning May 1st for a world tour, so here’s a little bit of what you might see. Also, a sweet and cool fact about John? He’s godfather to Victoria and David Beckhams two boys, Romeo and Brooklyn. All photos by Geoffrey Gribbin:
Photos: Zella Day @ Chop Suey
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Zella Day three times in as many months – Columbia City Theater (Feb), SXSW (Mar) and most recently at Chop Suey (Apr). I thoroughly enjoy her music and each time has been a real treat! Zella and her band are touring with Coasts and last week’s show in Seattle was their first stop. Watch for her new album, Kicker, due out on June 2.
Zella Day @ Chop Suey, Seattle, Apr 2015