Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Steve Kimock Crazy Engine - GAMH SF 3-28-09 (Sat)

Posted this on a related thread in the Other Stuff folder. Not quite an Emily review, but it'll have to do to start it off...

Show was better than I expected, and my expectations were low only because the last few times I'd seen Kimock (and this didn't include the Martin Fierro memorial show at the Fillmore, which I was unfortunately not able to attend) he didn't exactly knock my socks off (at least like he's done almost every time in the past).

This show was excellent. Great setlist (Baby Baby, Cole's Law -> Tangled Hangers, Five B4 Funk, FOOTPRINTS!!, That's What Love Will Make You Do, Don't Let Go, Hillbillies, and a few others) and Kimock came to play! He actually didn't sit once - was standing the whole damn time (yes, I know, that doesn't change a thing for Mr. Crapmock critic himself). By the 2nd set, Steve was cranking on all cylinders. Oddly, Steve didn't break out any of his lap or steel guitars - played a little slide, I think, and that was it. Stuck to the basics.

Oh, and how could I forget?! - Steve even sang lead vocals on a tune (Slow Down). That was a blast, though I can see why the guy hasn't made a career as a singer (nice job, Steve, for having fun with it!).

Melvin sounded great, and was really cranking on the Hammond and the other keys he was playing - wailing at times. There was some great back and forth between Steve and Melvin at this show. Melvin got his chance to shine as well.

However, what really surprised me was the rhythm section. This Janis Wallin (of Family Groove Company -- never heard of 'em) was really awesome! Nothing fancy, but this young woman (shit, she can't be far into her 20s, it seems) was spot on all night - simple, grooving bass lines, and didn't miss a beat. No fancy five- or six-string bass -- just your simple four-string bass (Fender, I believe) and it was just right. She looked totally relaxed and into it -- took a few cues from Steve, but not that much - she was right on. And Steve's kid John Morgan has improved dramatically (IMO) from the first few times I've seen him. I won't say he's a Rodney Holmes or Alan Hertz yet, but he certainly seemed totally in the groove and was impressive at times. Definitely has a bright musical future.

The female vocalists were excellent on the tunes (about 1/2) on which they were on stage. The 2nd set JGB tunes were the highlights for them (no surprise there). They were fully enjoyable on the tunes on which they sang, and there wasn't too much of them to overwhelm the instrumental sections - pretty much a perfect mix.

All in all, a really good, fun night. Not quite as mindblowing as some of the SKB shows of 2000-01 (and some later), but a different beast with some great, different vibes of its own.

The one guy screaming at the end, seemingly pissed off that Steve (or a manager or other GAMH staff) told the audience that there was no time for an encore, was entertaining. Dude!! Chill out and take your meds, for God's sake!!

Oh, and the crowd was generally very good, though the din of chatter during the quiet sections is rather annoying (when the musical section is quiet, that's when you're really supposed to SHUT THE HELL UP!!). Actually, it was a lot better than many other shows at the GAMH. Very respectful crowd, for the most part.

thanks, I am thinking about seeing them here in NYC in a couple weeks, and this is helpful

Cool! Heard from several other people that it was a great show! I wanted to check it out, but there were just too many choices this weekend!

I commended you over in OS, and I'll do it again here...

excellent review Alex!

Really lookin' forward to seeing 'em up here in Humboldt for 2 nights on 3/31 & 4/1... just found out I'm on the guest list for both shows because I put up 30-35 posters for the gig -- WAY COOL, and saved me some serious money because it's $30 a pop at the door

hey Gary better double check those street team spots, my friend was suppose to be on the guest list twice but wasn't, he ended up getting into Petaluma but not before some hassles.


I had a great time Sunday, Melvin was on fire and that's just how i like it...

^^^no worries, Canyon... I'll take a photocopy of the confirmation e-mail I got from the street team confirming comps for both nites... thx for the heads up


BTW, Steve & Melvin & Co. DELIVERED last nite at the Red Fox... leaving soon for Eureka to catch nite 2

Sunday at Mystic in Petaluma was excellent. I will definitely see this band again the next time they are back in the bay area.

thanks for the review
i wanna check this out