May Miller hits!
Becky Black sings!
Cutoffs action!
More Maya!
The whole lot!
Faceoff action!
Extra Becky!
Even More Maya!
The end!
They wrapped up a bunch of touring in November and are now chilling, and releasing the occasional video.
Showing posts with label Pack A.D.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pack A.D.. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Bluesfest: The Pack AD
About five years ago I saw The Pack A.D. playing at Irene's to a medium-sized house. They went over pretty well and impressed me with their fiery performance. Since then they've toured like crazy and are now getting sizable crowds at clubs and festivals. I also saw them at Westfest last year and they've certainly sharpened things up.
May Miller hits!
Becky Black sings!
Cutoffs action!
More Maya!
The whole lot!
Faceoff action!
Extra Becky!
Even More Maya!
The end!
They wrapped up a bunch of touring in November and are now chilling, and releasing the occasional video.
May Miller hits!
Becky Black sings!
Cutoffs action!
More Maya!
The whole lot!
Faceoff action!
Extra Becky!
Even More Maya!
The end!
They wrapped up a bunch of touring in November and are now chilling, and releasing the occasional video.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Ottawa Bluesfest 2012, Day 9
Thursday was another day of rock at Ottawa Bluesfest; if you liked the classic sounds, it was definitely the Thursday for you. First up were local faves The White Wires, who had plenty of stuff to toss into the crowd along with their usual power-pop rocking. Since Allie is still hanging out in California, they had Caylie from Boyhood - a.k.a. the other band Luke plays in - to play drum in their 35-minute set.
The White Wires at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
They were done so early I got over to the Black Sheep Stage for some of Terry Gillespie's set. He had the Texas Horns along to help out.
Terry Gillespie at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
"Just blow through this one," he told Kaz and Co., who duly obliged.
The Texas Horns with Terry Gillespie at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
The it was off to The Pack AD, who offered up their usual distorted mutant blues to a very appreciative crowd.
The Pack AD at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
I popped over to the main stage for a bit to see what Cowboy Junkies are up to these days. Margo Timmin's narcoleptic croon is no longer, though she's still a fine singer. They were making quite a bit of noise; perhaps that's what the main stage demands.
Cowboy Junkies at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Then it was back to the River Stage (where I probably could have camped out on Thursday) for The Hold Steady. Granted, it's not quite the same as catching them at Zaphod's, which was a wild Top 5 type of show, but a good time was had by all, with lots of audience singing along.
The Hold Steady at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Then I went over to listen to a little bit of John Mellencamp, who was looking a bit dishevelled and sounded raspier than in his heyday, but still doing a good job, kicking off with Authority Song. I was really to far away to bother with phiotgraphy, though there are a couple of dark and distant shots in my Flickr stream for those interested in hunting them down. After 15 minutes I went off to watch The Sheepdogs. I saw them play to a small audience at Zaphod's, and wanted to catch them at the last Bluesfest but went to see PS I Love You and Girl Talk instead and only caught the tail end of their set. This time I made the correct decision and went over to see them start things up. Once again I was mighty impressed by their super harmony work and 1970s classic rock skills. I have to assume they'd have been huge if only they'd been 40 years earlier. Oh well, they still had a big crowd in the palm of their hands.
The Sheepdogs at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Not my favourite day so far, but still real good.
The White Wires at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
They were done so early I got over to the Black Sheep Stage for some of Terry Gillespie's set. He had the Texas Horns along to help out.
Terry Gillespie at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
"Just blow through this one," he told Kaz and Co., who duly obliged.
The Texas Horns with Terry Gillespie at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
The it was off to The Pack AD, who offered up their usual distorted mutant blues to a very appreciative crowd.
The Pack AD at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
I popped over to the main stage for a bit to see what Cowboy Junkies are up to these days. Margo Timmin's narcoleptic croon is no longer, though she's still a fine singer. They were making quite a bit of noise; perhaps that's what the main stage demands.
Cowboy Junkies at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Then it was back to the River Stage (where I probably could have camped out on Thursday) for The Hold Steady. Granted, it's not quite the same as catching them at Zaphod's, which was a wild Top 5 type of show, but a good time was had by all, with lots of audience singing along.
The Hold Steady at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Then I went over to listen to a little bit of John Mellencamp, who was looking a bit dishevelled and sounded raspier than in his heyday, but still doing a good job, kicking off with Authority Song. I was really to far away to bother with phiotgraphy, though there are a couple of dark and distant shots in my Flickr stream for those interested in hunting them down. After 15 minutes I went off to watch The Sheepdogs. I saw them play to a small audience at Zaphod's, and wanted to catch them at the last Bluesfest but went to see PS I Love You and Girl Talk instead and only caught the tail end of their set. This time I made the correct decision and went over to see them start things up. Once again I was mighty impressed by their super harmony work and 1970s classic rock skills. I have to assume they'd have been huge if only they'd been 40 years earlier. Oh well, they still had a big crowd in the palm of their hands.
The Sheepdogs at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 12, 2012
Not my favourite day so far, but still real good.
- Show reminder: Cousins of Reggae, Matt Morel and Adam Saikaley bring strange sounds to Raw Sugar; The Alexis P Suter Band performs at The Rainbow; Al Wood & The Woodsmen and Firebell play Irene's; Waterbomber and Port Manteau drop in at the Elmdale.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Return of the Pack
Back when I first saw The Pack A.D., it seemed that bluesy rock duos were all the rage, what with your Black Keys 'n' White Stripes and Kills n' whatnot. Naturally enough The Pack A.D. got lumped in with them, but despite the obvious similarities, such as the blues roots and staff numbers managed to develop a distinct personality all their own. Four years later and the band's as fierce as ever, winning new converts at West fest.
Maya Miller and Becky Black prepare to rock out.
I could have, and should have, gone for a nice reflection shot.
Becky sings!
Closeup action!
Maya hits!
Becky shows off her moves!
Feed back action!
Tongue action!
The shouty bit! Plus a shout out to Lightning Dust.
More hitting!
And from the other side of the stage.
Time to break out the hollowbody.
The whole lot!
Becky strums!
Faceoff action!
At least the rain was easing up as I split for drier parts.
Maya Miller and Becky Black prepare to rock out.
I could have, and should have, gone for a nice reflection shot.
Becky sings!
Closeup action!
Maya hits!
Becky shows off her moves!
Feed back action!
Tongue action!
The shouty bit! Plus a shout out to Lightning Dust.
More hitting!
And from the other side of the stage.
Time to break out the hollowbody.
The whole lot!
Becky strums!
Faceoff action!
At least the rain was easing up as I split for drier parts.
- Show reminder: Struc/tures, Arsonists Get All The Girls, Volumes, Fall In Archaea and Not Even Death play Mavericks; I hope that the many exploded Ottawans will be back at Babylon tonight to catch JEFF The Brotherhood, Peach Kelli Pop and Uncle Bad Touch; Molly Sweeney and Glenn Nuotio perform at the Elmdale.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Wet and wild
Since 2004, Westboro's West Fest has been expanding at an ever-increasing rate. Unfortunately, I've only been able to catch a few hours of its musical programming - sets by the Jupiter Ray Project and Slo- Tom, to be precise - with work putting a kibosh on any attempts to see what's going on. Well, this year I'm off for the weekend, so I bused over to see a trio of performances. As I arrived Hexes and Oh's were just finishing their set and the rain was picking up.
Since I only heard about three minutes of their music I'll just say they sounded pretty agreeable, have a nattily dressed singer and went out with an extensive guitar solo.
Frontman Edmund Lam rocks the ascot.
Hexes and Ohs at West Fest, June 11, 2011
His lovely wife Heidi Donnelly is at left.
Hexes and Ohs at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Next up were The Johnnys. Alas, not Ottawa's almost identically named female foursome (you'll just have to wait for Ottawa Explosion for that treat). This is a hard-rocking Toronto quartet, formerly of the Northwest Territories. Unlike our homegrown Johnnies, they have a person actually have a namesake in their lineup, that being leader Veronica Johnny. They reminded me of D.O.A., though rather than singing about things political they like AC/DC still double entendres. They also like their leather.
The Johnnys at West Fest, June 11, 2011
They were joined on stage by Mi'kmaq dancer Thomas Clair. "We're talking you on tour," they said.
The Johnnys at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Finally The Pack A.D. graced the stage with a powerhouse performance. I saw them and was at impressed at Irene's in September 2007, and was even more impressed by them this time, though I don't quite understand how they both look five years younger five years later.
The Pack A.D. at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Someone check Becky Black's attic for the picture of Dorian Gray.
The Pack A.D. at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Bif Naked was the headliner, but I elected instead to head home, grab a quick bite and go over to the Avant-Garde Bar to see Muffler Crunch and local hard rockers Pretty Little Death Machine. Unbeknown to me, Montreal's Tiny Empire were also on hand to open things up with a killer set of rock that had me thinking of Amphetamine Reptile acts, Chokebore and similar lead-guitar eschewing crunchers. You may recognize at least one of these folks: Drummer Spencer Warren has also done time in Starvin' Hungry. Gen Jones and Alex Vader round out the trio.
Tiny Empire at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
It just wouldn't be the Avant-Garde without Europop videos ....
Tiny Empire at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Pretty Little Death Machine crossed my radar screen a short while back thanks to the participation of Boom Creek/Big Bend/F drummer Ike McFaul, and I also notice they're slated to perform at Ottawa Explosion. This is one punchy combo, and if you fancy folks like The Backyard Babies and Hellacopters, they'll be right up your alley (assuming they're not off somewhere else getting hammered or thrown out of hotels).
Pretty Little Death Machine at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Guitarist Tyler Black is also an F. veteran.
Pretty Little Death Machine at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
That makes two hard acts to follow, but I don't think Muffler Crunch can be blown off the stage by anyone. Every time I see them I'm knocked out by their powerhouse sound, and on this occasion they were even-harder-hitting than usual, if such a thing is possible.
Muffler Crunch at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Someday there's going to have to be a faceoff for noisiest area duo with Big Dick.
Muffler Crunch at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
A great end to the night. I'm just hoping the rain gives it a rest for West Fest today ...
Since I only heard about three minutes of their music I'll just say they sounded pretty agreeable, have a nattily dressed singer and went out with an extensive guitar solo.
Frontman Edmund Lam rocks the ascot.
Hexes and Ohs at West Fest, June 11, 2011
His lovely wife Heidi Donnelly is at left.
Hexes and Ohs at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Next up were The Johnnys. Alas, not Ottawa's almost identically named female foursome (you'll just have to wait for Ottawa Explosion for that treat). This is a hard-rocking Toronto quartet, formerly of the Northwest Territories. Unlike our homegrown Johnnies, they have a person actually have a namesake in their lineup, that being leader Veronica Johnny. They reminded me of D.O.A., though rather than singing about things political they like AC/DC still double entendres. They also like their leather.
The Johnnys at West Fest, June 11, 2011
They were joined on stage by Mi'kmaq dancer Thomas Clair. "We're talking you on tour," they said.
The Johnnys at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Finally The Pack A.D. graced the stage with a powerhouse performance. I saw them and was at impressed at Irene's in September 2007, and was even more impressed by them this time, though I don't quite understand how they both look five years younger five years later.
The Pack A.D. at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Someone check Becky Black's attic for the picture of Dorian Gray.
The Pack A.D. at West Fest, June 11, 2011
Bif Naked was the headliner, but I elected instead to head home, grab a quick bite and go over to the Avant-Garde Bar to see Muffler Crunch and local hard rockers Pretty Little Death Machine. Unbeknown to me, Montreal's Tiny Empire were also on hand to open things up with a killer set of rock that had me thinking of Amphetamine Reptile acts, Chokebore and similar lead-guitar eschewing crunchers. You may recognize at least one of these folks: Drummer Spencer Warren has also done time in Starvin' Hungry. Gen Jones and Alex Vader round out the trio.
Tiny Empire at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
It just wouldn't be the Avant-Garde without Europop videos ....
Tiny Empire at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Pretty Little Death Machine crossed my radar screen a short while back thanks to the participation of Boom Creek/Big Bend/F drummer Ike McFaul, and I also notice they're slated to perform at Ottawa Explosion. This is one punchy combo, and if you fancy folks like The Backyard Babies and Hellacopters, they'll be right up your alley (assuming they're not off somewhere else getting hammered or thrown out of hotels).
Pretty Little Death Machine at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Guitarist Tyler Black is also an F. veteran.
Pretty Little Death Machine at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
That makes two hard acts to follow, but I don't think Muffler Crunch can be blown off the stage by anyone. Every time I see them I'm knocked out by their powerhouse sound, and on this occasion they were even-harder-hitting than usual, if such a thing is possible.
Muffler Crunch at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
Someday there's going to have to be a faceoff for noisiest area duo with Big Dick.
Muffler Crunch at Avant-Garde Bar, June 11, 2011
A great end to the night. I'm just hoping the rain gives it a rest for West Fest today ...
- Show reminder: Heartless, Kingmaker and Terror Spells terrify at Cafe Dekcuf; Gieve The Silence and King Bishop move in on the Rainbow.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Blues for two
When you get a duo kicking out the blues a comparison to folks like The White Stripes and The Black Keys is sure to follow. Since the twosome in question is a pair of women, Mr. Airplane Man gets thrown in there as well. Guitarist and singer Becky Black has a capable wail so they attract the occasional Janis Joplin comparison as well. While you wouldn't confuse The Pack with any of those acts unless you had a tin ear, you could certainly fit them on the same blue bill.
Black.
Drummer Maya Miller.
Faceoff action!
And so on.
Wailin' time!
It definitely had a kick to it.
Black.
Drummer Maya Miller.
Faceoff action!
And so on.
Wailin' time!
It definitely had a kick to it.
- Show reminder: TokyoSexWhale and Japan's Zoobombs rock Babylon before the Mod Club. Tim Barry, Josh Small, Jon Creeden and Flesh Cadillack play End Hits. Rock Plaza Central and Rick Aucoin perform at Zaphod Beeblebrox.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Blues from the other side
There were so many fine choices of where to go to last night it really wasn't fair (and that was even before I failed to notice The Sick Fits and Watters Brothers Rebellion were performing at The Rainbow). I passed up shows by Teenage Head and The Fucking Machines to go and see The Pack and The Paperboxes on the grounds they've come a long way. The few folks who didn't go to other shows were treated to some shoutin, howlin' and caterwaulin duo style blues from headliners The Pack (Becky Black on guitar, Maya Miller on drums), The Paperboxes (Raymond Tin on guitar, Marcus hastings on drums) and Mississippi Grover (MG on guitar and drums, plus the skull of a cow ... that counts as a duo, right?) 'Ere we go!
Mississippi Grover and some bleached ruminant cranium.
The Paperboxes. Marcus does most of the singing.
The Pack. I can hear why Black is garnering Janis Joplin comparisons. They should do a show with The Mongrels so she and Amy T. can have a Joplining contest.
Regrets at missed shows aside, that was all pretty swell.
Mississippi Grover and some bleached ruminant cranium.
The Paperboxes. Marcus does most of the singing.
The Pack. I can hear why Black is garnering Janis Joplin comparisons. They should do a show with The Mongrels so she and Amy T. can have a Joplining contest.
Regrets at missed shows aside, that was all pretty swell.
- Show reminder: The Ghost Is Dancing, The Coast and The Murder Plans perform at Zaphod's.
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