Sir Elton!!!

I know this is being posted very late … but I have been slammed at work.

Regardless, I definitely wanted to say a few words about photographing the legendary Elton John.

The thing I loved about shooting this show was the low-hum of the energy and the buzz of excitement that could be felt throughout the building before the sold-out show at the Nutter Center.

Then I was struck by how energetic and still vibrant Captain Fantastic was from the get-go.

He was adorned in a spectacular and dazzling coat covered in sequins.

The biggest radio-played artist of the ‘70s began his set with a crowd-rockin’ rendition of “The Bitch is Back.” The photography situation was tenuous at best as there were seven of us trying to stand in a 6-foot by 6-foot space stage right.

After the crowd was warmed up, Sir Elton busted into crowd favorite “Benny and the Jets.” The photo crew was moved back about 30 feet into an aisle on the left side of the stage. For someone who isn’t that tall like me and one of the female togs, it made for a difficult shoot. But there have always been worse situations. The mega-star’s spectacular lights show helped ease some of the pain of the location.

The worst part of this particular show was that after the two songs were over, I did not get to stay for the show (as I do at most shows).

So that was it. Two songs at a bucket-list show. And then it was snuffed out like a “Candle in the Wind.”

For more images from the show, click here.

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Ryan Bingham show was as sweet as Honeyhoney

Ryan Bingham at the Taft Theater

Back in action and feeling rejuvenated.

I must say it was nice taking a short break, but I was also extremely excited to capture the Ryan Bingham and Honeyhoney show at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati.

If I am being completely honest, I was more excited to photograph opening band Honeyhoney and to try to capture the sheer beauty of Suzanne Santo.

Upon seeing her in person, the pictures did not lie. She is gorgeous – and more importantly amazingly talented.

Suzanne Santo of Honeyhoney

The band — violinist, banjo player and vocalist Santo, and guitarist and drummer Ben Jaffe — played a selection of songs off their album Billy Jack and left the crowd wanting more. Their rockin-country-folk-Americana sound weaved slow melodic ballads in with hard-driving bluegrass-rock. They did not disappoint.

I also loved the fact that the band went out to the merch booth after their set to meet their fans. They were very down-to-earth and both seemed sincerely interested in their supporters. It definitely made me like them more. AND all of this was the opening act.

The headliner was Ryan Bingham who has taken his act on the road without his long-time backing band the Dead Horses.

Bingham always raises eyebrows from people who have never seen him live as he is very thin and sinewy, with a scruffy beard and a cowboy hat. Then he sings.

His voice is sandpaper rough and very strong. It definitely does not look like the voice that should come out of this person.

Bingham started quickly with Guess Who’s Knockin’? and did not let up for the entire set. The crowd was filled with obvious fans, and most were on their feet the entire time (despite the extremely intimate feel).

To be honest, I was surprised the show was not sold out, but I hope that doesn’t dissuade Bingham and Honeyhoney from coming back around to the area.

I know that I am definitely looking forward to seeing Bingham again soon at the Hangout Music Festival.

In the last days of rock ‘n’ roll, a savior emerges: Leroy Powell & the Messengers

If there’s one argument for heading to Columbus this weekend, it’s to see the last days of rock and roll. I’m not talking hair rock. I’m not talking metal. I’m not talking straight country, either. I’m talking real rock and roll, the kind you feel in your stomach, the kind that needs no introduction. It’s to see Leroy Powell and the Messengers on stage at Woodlands Tavern on March 29.

But I’m going to introduce you to Leroy Powell anyway. First, a disclaimer: I met Leroy back in the day. When I say “back in the day” I actually mean back in my day, which is about 7 years ago, when he was playing with Shooter Jennings and the .357s. In addition to the way he plays guitar (pure nasty, in case you were wondering), he sang backup vocals and could write one hell of a song (“Busted in Baylor County” is one of the top-recognized songs from the Shooter Jennings era, and was mostly written by Powell himself). And there was one time in the .357s’ later days that he learned pedal steel in under a week to play on an upcoming track the band was working on — nothing to brag on, he tells me, because he wasn’t “that good back then.”

But this argument – the one where I tell you to go see Mr. Powell and his firebrand of rock and roll in days that might sadly be last of them – is not rooted in the past. It’s rooted in the present. It’s the now. His new record, “Life and Death,” makes a hell of a compelling case for saving a genre.

The album is compulsively listenable, thanks to a calculated progression of tempo made for enjoying from start to finish, on repeat. “I’ve Got You Where I Want You” walks a line between sweet love and sexual possession (there’s no leaving / i’ve got you where i want you / i’m never going to set you free), and it works. His voice is pure enough to coddle traditionalists — just listen to the pained-yet-lovely “Send Me Out the Door,” which positively thrums with unadulterated vocal emotion. But he’s got an edge, too, a wildness that creeps in nearly halfway through the record, starting with “You’re Driving Me (Out of My Ever Loving Mind).” Speaking of which, “Driving Me” is probably one of the best road-tripping songs you’ll hear this year — an easy, upbeat listen with subtle harmonies that remind me of a more modern version of the Oak Ridge Boys, so take note and put it on your summer playlist. “Blood in the Sky” is a sultry stomper, an auditory equivalent to Friday night after a long, long week at work and the kind of song you’ll want to crank up and blast on repeat (and you can watch it here: http://youtu.be/fRLxmrH6wXI).

But don’t take my word for it. You can stream the entire album for free at leroypowell.com (after which you should be a good person and show your excellent taste in music by purchasing the album for a mere $10), and then go see him live. A perfect musical handshake of events, if I say so myself.

I caught up with Leroy and pestered him with some questions. We talked about superheroes, capes and what he’s listening to these days.

Rhythm of the Region: What’s on your playlist right now? Give me a top five.
Leroy Powell: I’m listening to Wagner “Liebestod” and Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen. Also Hall & Oates. Also listening to Jimi Hendrix.

You’ve done a lot, musically, in the several years that you’ve been working solo. How would you describe your musical evolution?
Powell: Musical evolution is just that. Evolution.

What’s the best thing about pursuing your own personal projects? What’s been the most fulfilling?
Powell: I’ve always pursued my own projects. When I play with other people I make it my own. I put myself in the epicenter of whatever I have a passion for.

On the flip side: what’s been the most challenging thing about working solo?
Powell: I’m never working solo. Music is a form of communication. The very nature of it implies other people. Making a connection is the goal. Making a strong connection is the challenge.

You can be a superhero, any superhero. Name the first that comes to mind.
Powell: You know I wear a cape, right?

Why?
Powell: Because you’re supposed to.

Your new album “Life and Death” was released last month. How would you describe it from a musical lineage (or musical departure) standpoint?
Powell: “Life and Death” is my most ambitious record. I wanted to show how you can come from a place where JJ Cale and Metallica hang out together. I play the country and I do the hard rock stuff. Life and Death is really where it’s at. And maybe the weather. What else do people talk about?

Want to go?
WHAT: Leroy Powell and the Messengers
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, March 29
WHERE: Woodlands Tavern, 1200 W. Third Ave., Columbus
COST: $10/ticket (all ages show)
INFO: leroypowell.com

— Ashley Bethard

Ready for some Yonder Mountain String Band jamgrass tonight

Ben Kauffman of Yonder Mountain String Band at the All Good Music Festival

Stoked to be getting back on the horse tonight to check out some Yonder Mountain String Band. I haven’t seen them since the All Good Music Festival this summer and cannot wait to boogie with them and their fast-paced bluegrass stylings.

If you are looking for something to do, I can assure you there will be a party tonight at the Madison Theater in Covington, Ky. Hope to see you there!!!