Robert Plant at the Santa Barbara Bowl

Patchouli and incense wafted through the air at the Santa Barbara Bowl and was to set the mellow and nostalgic feel of the night. With a colorful poster of a young Robert Plant in the back, his band, The Sensational Space Shifters with the great man himself ignited the stage with a potent blend of Led Zeppelin classics mixed in with songs like "Tin Pan Valley" and "Witchdoctor" creating an eclectic mix that evoked images of desert nights, gypsies, and dimly lit rooms. With lust-ridden riffs and hypnotic middle eastern infused melodies, Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifter's performance took the listener to exotic, far away lands. With a voice like a perfectly aged wine, Robert Plant's voice still demands his audiences attention like it did when he was with Led Zeppelin. His crew of talent under the name of The Sensational Space Shifters is made up of Liam Tyson, Justin Adams, Billy Fuller, John Baggot, Dave Smith, Juldeh Camara, as well as Patty Griffin. Camara, who hails from Africa, lends his unique instrument and voice to many of the songs, giving them a unique multicultural spin. It is the beauty of the manipulation of many of the numbers in their set that gives Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters their one of a kind sound; its the evolution of a tribal middle eastern drumbeat that seamlessly becomes "Black Dog" and then sweetly resolves into a heady mixture of distorted guitar riffs that are caressed by the gentleness of African rhythms that are dispersed throughout the music. Classics like "Going to California" and "Rock and Roll" brought the listener back to Zeppelin roots, but the smoky, mysterious riffs of numbers like "Enchanter" and "Fixin' to Die" were as haunting as amber colored embers in a deep fire. A psychedelic and experimental approach is justified in what becomes the ideal combination of classic rock and world music. Plant's new project can be compared to the likes of a good perfume, with perfectly balanced top and bottom notes that are both familiar and unexpectedly different, essentially bringing about melodies and harmonies that seep into your skin and flirt with your libido as the music possesses an innate sensuality that may have you undressed before you know it. The sexual energy that Led Zeppelin was notorious for is simply extrapolated in The Sensational Space Shifters, as they truly cast a spell on their audience; the performance is like falling under a nostalgic trance that stays long after the show is over. It's the diversity in his band that brings to fruition an album that is unlike anything you've heard before- with hypnotic, prayer-like lines, this was not simply a concert, it was a spiritual experience that had you craving for more and in anticipation of what was coming next. Plant even included "Please Read the Letter" into the mix from his Raising Sand album- the show was a constant see-saw between sweet and sexy, with a kind of foreplay that teased and then plunged into a full on cacophony of musical colors. If you weren't a Plant or Zeppelin fan before, one listen to this album may just change your mind, and hell, you may even need to change your underwear.

Check out the full album on YouTube and 
be sure to buy the album on Amazon: "Live in Rio"

Youngblood Hawke at Avalon

Dimly lit Avalon in Hollywood was all aglow as up and comers Pacific Air started the show with melodic vocals and a fun scene as some of their songs like Roses had everyone grooving to the beat; Pacific Air provided a very cool and "modern" kind of sound that had the young crowd going. With a fun and hip sound, Pacific Air set the pace for what was to be a full on musical party, as Youngblood Hawke was as fun to hear as they were to watch. Made up of Alice Katz, Sam Martin, Simon Katz, Nik Hughes, Omar Ahmed and Tasso Smith, the band is truly a treat for your eyes and ears as this stylish crew had the audience buzzing with numbers like "Stars" and their hit "We Come Running". If indie pop had a definition, it would be Youngblood Hawke, as they provide a much needed escape from the monotonous folsky-rock indie bands that have been multiplying like rabbits; they're like a sip of a frosty strawberry daquiri on a hot summer day, the music is sweet and playful, and while it still has some rock-inspired foundations, Youngblood's young and wide-eyed approach to their tunes is reminiscent of carefree days, youth, and parties, as their concentrated sound explodes into a prism of bright colors. The tribal undertones of the drums help create an animalistic and primal feeling that is epitomized in Sam and Alice's electrifying energy, as their vocals and the controlled chaos of the band are wild and reach new heights- Youngblood Hawke is the kind of band that feeds off their audiences energy, as they're basically having a full on fiesta up on stage with instruments- they are visually creative and stylish, as Alice Katz's caftan flowed as she strutted the stage with power vocals coming from her small frame. Sam Martin was equally entertaining as he got close and personal with the audience dancing from one end of the stage to another. With a colorful band to match, Youngblood Hawke's music is feel-good, chic party music that is perfect listening for a workout or a fun weekend with your friends. Youngblood also contrasts their light feel with edgy songs like "Protect Yourself" which has some bluesy, minor licks that differs from the rest of their material. Named after the novel Youngblood Hawke by Herman Would, Youngblood's music is reflective of a "free spirit" mentality that matches their youthful vibe. A perfect companion to your summer essentials, this motley crew of talent is sure to please and be the "wow" factor to your pool party or summer road trip. So put your dancing shoes on, and get in the groove with their infectious beats and upbeat lyrics... they're simply irresistible.

I recommend "Protect Yourself" and "Stars" off their album "Wake Up"