Cyrus and Alan Sparhawk at Sacred Heart. Photos by Jill Fisher.

We are certainly living in a time of choices, some more critical than others. In the realm of live music, we continue to have a surfeit of riches here in the Northland. 

And that seems to be the case almost anywhere one roams. I’ve realized this most recently when I was visiting Prescott, Ariz., a community which supports a thriving music scene, despite the disparate political factions that drive families and friends apart these days. Perhaps no place more so than in this so-called “Red State.”

When I made my way down to Whiskey Row, the premier spot in Prescott for hearing live music virtually any night of the week, I discovered five different venues within a two-block stretch of the downtown. And that was a Monday evening! 

From solo performers to open mics and full-fledged bands, it was a happening place. I needed to explore it several evenings to check out all the options. At least one local fan described the scene as a “mini Nashville.” That may not have been just hyperbole since country and country western music appeared to be the favored offerings by several of the local musicians I encountered. 

Playlists included “Willin’” (AKA Weed Whites and Wine), Jimmie Rodgers’ “Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas),” “Tennessee Whiskey” along with a slew of standards by the likes of Merle Haggard and Garth Brooks. It was quite refreshing since one doesn’t get a lot of this type of music in the Northland.
 One of the bands I really enjoyed was the Oklahoma City-based SoulShakers. They were headed home after wrapping up a tour in Prescott. Now this was some real down and dirty blues that was truly soul satisfying. 

Lead singer Eric McDaniel was hot on the harp as well as his vocals. Backing him up were Floyd Parker  (bass guitar and vocals), Bradley West (who really shredded on guitar, plus vocals) and Forrest Worrell (drums/percussion). My overall impression of this high energy group is that it’s like Lamont Cranston (20 years ago!) and as danceable as our own Big Wave Dave and the Ripples. 

What was most impressive is that almost all of their material is original, as on their Live from Hollywood Corners album. Beyond that was Dirty Red’s call for civility and positive attitudes in this fraught time as he bantered between numbers.

I had arranged to be in Prescott through Sunday, Oct. 20, so as to take in a weekly blues jam at The Windsock Lounge, which proved to be as raucous and rambunctious as one might wish for. After two hours of high-octane performance by a changing array of artists I finally, unbelievably, reached the point where I had heard enough blues!

Arriving home on Wednesday, Oct. 23, I was just in time to attend the Nat Harvie concert at Sacred Heart Music Center that featured Alan Sparhawk (as opener!) and Molly Raben (closer) on the Felgemaker organ. This concert was billed as “experimental rock,” which made me leery and expecting to dislike it (just ‘cause I’m an old-time rock and roller). 

Well, Sparhawk’s set at least was that and, amazingly enough, I found it to be both mesmerizing and enjoyable. Electronic tracks underlaid with intense drumbeats (different sounds on each song) provided backup to unusual rap-like vocals radically altered by use of a “pitch shifter.” The effect was robotic, sounding like that of an electrolarynx, though no amount of vocal distortion could disguise the melodic compositions, even if the lyrics remained indecipherable. 

I understand this was the mode on his latest album White Roses, My God which I have yet to hear and will now seek out.

Sparhawk’s layers of electronic backing at times ventured into exotic, East Indian sounds. Freed from guitar playing Sparhawk was animated, jumping, raising his arms and flailing as he performed strange (yet danceable) compositions. 

Throughout, Sparhawk’s son Cyrus, who plays bass provided a steady knitting together of these disparate musical elements. 

On the last number, Sparhawk reverted to playing a spare and heartrending rendition of his composition “Heaven.” It would have been good to hear more of these works.

Headliner Nat Harvie was far more subdued than the Sparhawks and as such came off as less rock and roll than ballads. Together with Kate Saoirse (guitar, vocals), Matt Tessier (bass) and Nona Invie (piano, vocals) Harvie produced a comfortable and luscious wall of sound that didn’t seem particularly experimental. 

Since this was my first time hearing Harvie, I guess I expected a more in-your-face presentation, which is not to say I didn’t enjoy this music.  

Northern Thunder at Powerhouse.

As for Molly Raben’s organ pieces that ended the show, it was too meditative and subdued for the late hour, causing many of what had been a surprisingly small audience to escape into the night.
And hey, there’s a new band in town! The Northern Thunder Band. It has been around for a little more than a year and was playing at the Powerhouse in Proctor this past Friday and Saturday nights, Oct. 25 and 26. 

Ron Occhino (guitar, lead vocals), Dave Risdon (guitar and electric fiddle), Jim Hunter (bass guitar), Mark Wiita (keys and accordion) and Tom Henderson (drums) are all seasoned players who’ve been around these parts for a while. They are a dance/cover band whose selections range across four decades of music, going back as far as Rod Stewart’s hit “Maggie May” from 1971. I did not recognize quite a number of the tunes, so it seems this variety provides something for younger generations as well as us boomers. The band was upbeat, danceable and one I won’t hesitate to get out to hear and dance to again.

Born Too Late at Havanas.

I was also happy to be back in the Twin Ports in time for Born Too Late’s Terrible Twos album release party at Havana’s in Superior on Sunday, Oct. 27. This is the group’s second album, the first was Rebel Child, released in 2022. The members have been playing together since school days and include 18-year-old Rokkyn Nelson-Kavajecz (lead vocals), Traxx Nelson-Kavajecz (guitar, vocals), Taylor Shykes (bass) and Matthew Groom (drums). 

Earlier member, drummer Jon Clark, traveled from Ohio to rejoin the band on several songs. Local favorite Shane Nelson (uncle to Traxx and Rokkyn) joined them both on this latest album as well as the stage this afternoon as did violinist Shawna Weaver and their other uncle, Jessie Nelson, on the latest album’s title track.

Although the band’s name was derived from the fact that early on they covered all sorts of hit songs from before they were born, their albums contain all original songs. 

As announced at this show, many of these songs were written in collaboration with Jessie, who is likely responsible for some of the songs’ quirkier lyrics, such as “Cryogenically Frozen” (as he was for “The Apple Song” on their first album!). 

This was a lively show that highlighted BTL’s evolution and a fun wrap-up to my homecoming this past week.

UPCOMING: Paul Metsa and the Tilt Town Titans will be playing at Carmody Irish Pub on Friday, Nov. 1, All Souls’ Day, from 6-9 pm in celebration of his 69th birthday (and other Scorpios). Special guests Al Oikari of the Big Wu and Christopher David Hanson will be joining him. The event is also a fundraiser with a suggested $10 donation for Animal Allies Humane Society. See you there!