Video: Muskogee’s The Swon Brothers perform “American Girl,” make Team Blake on “The Voice”
As previously reported, The Swon Brothers of Muskogee successfully auditioned for “The Voice” on Monday’s episode of the hit NBC reality series.
Zach and Colton Swon opened Monday’s episode performing Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” They got three of the hit reality show’s celebrity coaches to swivel their chairs: Usher, Shakira and Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton.
The Swon Brothers stuck with a fellow Okie and opted to join Team Blake.
Blake now has two sets of siblings on his growing team – The Swon Brothers and The Morgan Twins – which could be interesting as the Battle Rounds get started.
“The Voice” continues at 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC.
Check out the video of The Swon Brothers’ rendition of “American Girl” below, and look for my excellent colleague Melissa Hayer’s feature on Zach and Colton Friday in the Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman and on NewsOK.
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Video: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center to screen “It Might Get Loud” Wednesday
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center will host a free public screening of the documentary film “It Might Get Loud” at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center auditorium, 3000 General Pershing Blvd. at State Fair Park.
“It Might Get Loud” isn’t like any other rock ’n’ roll documentary. Filmed through the eyes of three virtuosos from three different generations, audiences get up close and personal, discovering how a furniture upholsterer from Detroit, a studio musician and painter from London and a 17-year-old Dublin schoolboy, each used the electric guitar to develop their unique sound and rise to the pantheon of superstar. Rare discussions are provoked as we travel with Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White to influential locations of their pasts.
The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Refreshments, including pizza from Pizza23 in Oklahoma City, will be provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attendees can enter to win a Squire Stratocaster Guitar by Fender from Ampy Shanty in Norman valued at $200 Value.
Independent film screenings are part of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center’s mission to encourage artistic expression in all its forms through education and exhibitions. Other recent films have included: “Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us,” “Perdida,” “OT: Our Town” and “Forks over Knives.”
“The films we select are typically thought-provoking documentaries with content that relates to our exhibitions in some way,” said Robin Huston, director of programming for Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, in a news release. “Our current exhibition by singer/songwriter Bryan Adams includes several images of musicians like those in the film. We thought it would be appropriate to show a film that looks closely at those characters and lifestyles.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the exhibition and enjoy live music from 2ndSt after the screening.
About Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, formerly City Arts Center, is a regional nonprofit organization that encourages artistic expression in all its forms through education and exhibitions. Founded in 1989 by businessman and philanthropist Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center offers contemporary arts exhibitions throughout the year, free to the public, as well as youth art camps, adult art classes and workshops, lectures and independent film screenings.
For more information, go to www.oklahomacontemporary.org.
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Oklahoma players part of Eric Clapton’s musical legacy; rock legend plays Oklahoma City show tonight
Eric Clapton plays a 1975 concert at the Myriad Convention Center. Three Tulsa musicians – drummer Jamie Oldaker, bassist Carl Radle and keyboardist Dick Sims – played with Clapton at the show and during the 1970s. OKPOP Collection photo
A version of this column appears in Wednesday’s Life section of The Oklahoman.
Oklahoma players part of Eric Clapton’s musical legacy
Column: A custom keyboard Clapton commissioned in the 1970s for his late keyboardist, Tulsan Dick Sims, and a set of handcrafted drums the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer ordered for his Tulsa-born percussionist Jamie Oldaker were recently donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society’s planned OKPOP Museum.
Amid the array of artifacts inside the Oklahoma History Center’s vault, a keyboard that boasts no black keys but more than its share of rock ‘n’ roll history has been carefully cleaned and stored.
Back in the 1970s, three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Clapton commissioned the custom-made Hammond for his band’s keyboardist, Tulsan Dick Sims.
“When Dick Sims played, he didn’t look at the keyboard. He just played, so there’s no black keys,” said Jeff Moore, project manager for the Oklahoma Historical Society’s proposed Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture.
“Eric Clapton’s band in the ’70s was basically core Oklahoma guys.”
As “Slowhand” takes the stage Wednesday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena, it’s safe to assume most of the audience will know about Clapton’s prodigious guitar skills, huge hits and enduring legacy as a solo artist and with the bands the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos.
It’s also a safe bet that many Oklahoma fans are unaware of the vital role Sooner State musicians played in Clapton’s illustrious career.
“His longevity is very tightly connected to Oklahomans and their music skills: the songwriting of J.J. Cale and then the rhythm section of Jamie Oldaker and Carl Radle,” Moore said.
Sherry Massey, senior registrar at the Oklahoma History Center, inspects the late Dick Sims’ keyboard in Oklahoma City, Monday March 11, 2013. Sims, who hailed from Tulsa, played with Eric Clapton in the 1970s. Photo By Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman
Classic rock
When Clapton made his eponymous 1970 solo debut, he was just coming off a tour with Delaney & Bonnie, so he recorded with the core of the duo’s backing band, including Tulsans Leon Russell on piano and Carl Radle on bass guitar.
The album’s biggest hit, “After Midnight,” was penned by J.J. Cale, an Oklahoma City-born and Tulsa-bred singer-songwriter who, like Russell, is considered one of the pioneers of the influential Tulsa Sound. Cale wrote the Clapton smash “Cocaine” a few years later.
Also in 1970, Radle was part of the rhythm section for Clapton’s new band Derek and the Dominos, which recorded and released that year “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.” The title track became one of the most beloved ballads in rock ‘n’ roll history.
Clapton’s struggles with heroin abuse sidelined him for a few years, and Radle recruited Sims and another Tulsan, drummer Jamie Oldaker, to record a demo tape in the hopes of getting the recovering addict back to music. It worked: The trio played with Clapton on his 1974 comeback “461 Ocean Boulevard” and continued to work with the prolific musician on several subsequent albums, including “There’s One in Every Crowd,” “Slowhand” and “Backless.”
Sherry Massey, senior registrar Oklahoma History Center, looks at Jamie Oldaker’s drum head in Oklahoma City, Monday March 11, 2013. A Tulsa native, Oldaker played with Eric Clapton from 1974-80 and 1983-86. Photo By Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma history
Another Clapton commission, a set of Oldaker’s drums made in Japan, occupies a shelf several rows over from Sims’ keyboard in the history center vault. The drummer recently donated them to the historical society.
“There was a Japanese family that handmade the custom drums for Yamaha. These were tailored to match one of Clapton’s sunburst guitars, so these are one-of-a-kind,” Moore said.
Moore hopes to someday exhibit the instruments in the OKPOP Museum, a 75,000-square-foot showcase celebrating the influence of Oklahoma artists on popular culture. The planned museum will be built in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District of Tulsa, provided the state legislature approves a $42.5 million bond issue.
“If it wasn’t for the OKPOP project, these collections that have been coming in — the Leon Russell collection, Eric Clapton’s band collection — we wouldn’t have these,” Moore said.
The historical society has been working on OKPOP plans since 2007, developing relationships with musicians, actors and producers based on the vision for the museum, said Larry O’Dell, director of special projects. After his death in 2011, Sims’ estate donated the keyboard, which required extensive cleaning as the black petroleum-based foam inside the case had deteriorated and melted all over the instrument.
“We want to document this. This is important as the 20th century becomes more and more part of the history. I mean, every band today — whether they like it or not — is influenced by these guys … whether they know it or not,” Moore said. “It’s a big part of our culture today, and what we want to do is we want to collect it, preserve it and share it with the world.”
The OKPOP collection also includes photos of the Oklahoma musicians and their Tulsa Sound contemporaries. Staffers hope to acquire memorabilia from Radle and Clapton himself, too.
“In the interviews we’ve done and talking with people, it’s not just Clapton. Bob Dylan had this feeling. The Beatles — George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon — there’s this respect that they had of these Oklahoma musicians,” Moore said. “You know, if you look at rock ‘n’ roll, it really does come from the middle part of the United States. It comes from Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas. It comes from the heart and then it spread out from there. And I think for these guys like the Beatles and Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker — all these British guys — wanted that so bad, and I think that’s where there’s a bonding.”
IN CONCERT
Eric Clapton
With: The Wallflowers.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W Reno.
Information: (800) 745-3000 or www.chesapeakearena.com.
The late bassist Carl Radle, a Tulsa native, was a member of Eric Clapton’s band Derek and the Dominos and continued to play with Clapton in the 1970s as the legendary guitarist launched his solo career. OKPOP Collection photo
Tulsa-bred drummer Jamie Oldaker played with Eric Clapton from 1974-80 and 1983-86. OKPOP Collection photo
The late keyboardist Dick Sims, who hailed from Tulsa, played with Eric Clapton in the 1970s. Explosive Records photo
Oklahoma City-born and Tulsa-bred songwriter J.J. Cale penned Eric Clapton’s hits “After Midnight” and “Cocaine.” OKPOP Collection photo
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What to do in Oklahoma on March 20, 2013: Hear Eric Clapton at Chesapeake Energy Arena
Eric Clapton (AP file)
Today’s featured event:
Hear three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Clapton at 7:30 tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W Reno.
The Wallflowers will open the show. Information: (800) 745-3000 or www.chesapeakearena.com.
To read my column about the Oklahoma musicians who influenced Clapton’s career, click here.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
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Ticket prices for Rocklahoma 2013 going up Tuesday
Guns N’ Roses will headline May’s Rocklahoma festival in Pryor. (AP file)
PRYOR – As previously reported, Rocklahoma will celebrate its seventh year May 24-26 with a big rock lineup including Guns N’ Roses, Alice In Chains, Korn and many more. The three-day camping festival features the top current active rock artists and classic bands at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds.
Today is the last day that Rocklahoma organizers are offering fan-friendly ticket prices for the three-day weekend rock event that features more than 70 artists on four stages. Three-day general admission tickets are still available for only $99 plus fees and three-day VIP tickets can be purchased for as low as $325 plus fees.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, three-day general admission ticket prices will increase to $125 plus fees and three-day VIP reserved tickets will increase to $350 plus fees. Rocklahoma four-packs will increase to $369. Groupie, Roadie and Rockstar VIP package prices will remain the same.
For a detailed list of 2013 Rocklahoma ticket options, VIP packages and amenities, go to www.rocklahoma.com. Campgrounds open on Sunday, May 19 and will remain open through Tuesday, May 28.
In addition, Miss Rocklahoma competition returns this year. Today through April 12, contestants can enter for a chance to be crowned Miss Rocklahoma 2013 by uploading their photo and information at www.rocklahoma.com, according to a news release.
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Best Bets for March 15-17, 2013: Bon Jovi, St. Patrick’s Day block party and parade, India Shrine Circus and Trace Adkins
Bon Jovi (AP file)
1. Listen to rockers Bon Jovi at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W Reno. Information: (800) 745-3000 or www.chesapeakearena.com.
2. Take in the antics of clowns, tigers and elephants Friday-Sunday at the 70th annual India Shrine Circus at State Fair Arena, NW 10 and May. Information: 947-3311 or www.indiashrinecircus.com.
3. CONCHO — Hear country music star Trace Adkins at 8 p.m. Saturday at Lucky Star Casino, 7777 N U.S. 81. Doors open at 7 p.m. Information: 262-7612 or www.luckystarcasino.org.
4. Get in an Irish spirit at the 22nd Annual Bricktown St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, featuring live music from noon to midnight Saturday at Sheridan and Oklahoma avenues. The yearly Oklahoma City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march at 1 p.m. Saturday at N 5 and Broadway. Information: http://welcometobricktown.com/events.
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Miss Rocklahoma 2013 contest begins in advance of Memorial Day music festival
PRYOR – As previously reported, Rocklahoma will celebrate its seventh year May 24-26 with a big rock lineup including Guns N’ Roses, Alice In Chains, Korn and many more. The three-day camping festival features the top current active rock artists and classic bands at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds.
In addition, Miss Rocklahoma competition returns this year. Today through April 12, contestants can enter for a chance to be crowned Miss Rocklahoma 2013 by uploading their photo and information at www.rocklahoma.com, according to a news release.
The top 10 women who “best embody the rock ‘n roll spirit of Rocklahoma” will be announced at www.rocklahoma.com on April 19, according to the release.
From April 19-May 10, rock fans from around the world can vote online for their favorite Miss Rocklahoma contestant. The top five finalists – revealed May 15 – will take part in an onstage competition at Rocklahoma on May 24, with one lucky contestant being crowned the winner and ambassador for Rocklahoma 2013.
Rocklahoma organizers continue to offer fan-friendly ticket prices for the three-day weekend rock event that features more than 70 artists on four stages. Three-day general admission tickets are still available for only $99 plus fees and three-day VIP tickets can be purchased for as low as $325 plus fees through Monday.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, three-day general admission ticket prices will increase to $125 plus fees and three-day VIP reserved tickets will increase to $350 plus fees. Rocklahoma four-packs will increase to $369. Groupie, Roadie and Rockstar VIP package prices will remain the same.
For a detailed list of 2013 Rocklahoma ticket options, VIP packages and amenities, go to www.rocklahoma.com. Campgrounds open on Sunday, May 19 and will remain open through Tuesday, May 28.
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New releases for March 12, 2103: Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, “Life of Pi” and “Rise of the Guardians”
Two big rock acts that are playing at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena this month released new albums today:
Eric Clapton, who plays OKC on March 20, dropped “Old Sock,” his 21st studio album and first since 2010, and Bon Jovi, who will perform Saturday, released “What About Now,” the band’s 12th studio album, which is celebrating the rockers’ 30th anniversary as a group. Look for my column about the Oklahoma musicians and songwriters who have worked with Clapton throughout his career in the coming days.
On DVD and Blu-ray, “Life of Pi,” which won four Oscars, including best director for Ang Lee, and the Oscar-nominated animated film “Rise of the Guardians,” debuted today. Look for my review of “Rise of the Guardians” in the coming days.
On the bookshelf, journalist Susan Spencer-Wendel has chronicled her final days living with Lou Gehrig’s disease in the memoir “Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living.” To read a recent Associated Press interview with Spencer-Wendel, click here.
CDs
Eric Clapton, “Old Sock.”
Bon Jovi, “What About Now (Deluxe Edition).”
David Bowie, “The Next Day (Deluxe Edition).”
Various artists, “Sound City: Real To Reel.”
Various artists, “The Bible: Music Inspired By The Epic Mini Series.”
Audio Adrenaline, “Kings & Queens.”
Shooter Jennings, “The Other Life.”
Nick Lachey, “A Father’s Lullaby.”
Orianthi, “Heaven in This Hell.”
Megan Hilty, “It Happens All the Time.”
Passion, “Let the Future Begin.”
DVDs/Blu-rays
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away
The Devil’s in the Details
Duke
The First Time
The Flat
In Their Skin
Life of Pi
The Mob Doctor: The Complete First Season
Ripper Street
Rise of the Guardians
Smashed
Sound City
Spongebob Squarepants: The Complete Eighth Season
Storage 24
This Must Be the Place
Books
Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living with Joy by Susan Spencer-Wendel, Bret Witter
The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You by Jessica Alba
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Bloodfire Quest: The Dark Legacy of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Inspired People Produce Results: How Great Leaders Use Passion, Purpose and Principles to Unlock Incredible Growth by Jeremy Kingsley
Wool by Hugh Howey
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Video: The Call reunites for two California shows
The rock band The Call is reuniting for two California shows in April.
Original members Tom Ferrier, Jim Goodwin and Scott Musick, who hails from Tulsa, will join forces with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club rocker Robert Levon Been for the reunion.
Been will take over the band’s bass and vocal duties in honor of his late father, Oklahoma City native Michael Been. The elder Been died in 2010 of a heart attack while touring in Belgium as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s sound man.
The reunion tour was announced this week on The Call’s Facebook page and BRMC’s Facebook page.
The Call disbanded in 1990, and it has been more than 20 years since the band’s last live show.
The group is best remembered for its songs “The Walls Came Down,” “I Still Believe,” “Everywhere I Go” and “Let The Day Begin.” Formed in 1980 in the San Francisco, the band released 10 albums.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club recently named its cover of “Let the Day Begin” the first off the group’s forthcoming album “Specter at the Feast,” due out March 18.
The Call reunion shows are set for April 18 in San Francisco at Slim’s and April 19 in Los Angeles at The Troubadour. For tickets and information, go to www.the-call-band.com.
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Video: John Fullbright to play three May shows at the Blue Door
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/musician John Fullbright, who hails from Bearden, will play three shows at the Blue Door in May, when the renowned Oklahoma City venue will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Fullbright, who burst onto the music scene in 2009 with a stellar live album recorded at the Blue Door, will play his three-night stand May 10-12 at the listening room.
His debut studio album, 2012′s “From the Ground Up,” was nominated for a Best Americana Album Grammy. Fullbright co-produced the album with the owner of 115 Studios in Norman, Wes Sharon, who also played bass on the album. Fullbright played many of the instruments on the album: all of piano and harmonica, almost all of the organ parts and much of the guitar work. Musicians from the legendary to the infamous lent their talents: Terry “Buffalo” Ware and Andrew Hardin added guitar, while Fats Kaplin played violin and steel guitar. Other musicians on the album are Giovanni Carnuccio III (drums), John Knudson (organ), Jess Klein (background vocals) and Ryan Engleman (guitar).
As previously reported, legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, an Elk City native, will return to the Blue Door to headline the respected Oklahoma City venue’s anniversary month in May. The Oklahoma Hall of Famer, 66, will play a two-night stand at the Blue Door on May 17-18.
For information and tickets, go to www.bluedoorokc.com and www.ticketstorm.com.
In honor of these two great Oklahoma songwriters’ upcoming Blue Door shows, check out this video of Fullbright playing my favorite Jimmy Webb song, “If You See Me Getting Smaller,” at the Blue Door:
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