Here's a list of some great shows I saw this year.
Robert Gordon & Chris Spedding, 1/7/09 @ BB Kings NYC
Rockabilly legend and British guitarist collaborate to celebrate Elvis' Birthday
The Smithereens 1/17/09 @BB Kings NYC
80's pop legends rock the house on a Saturday night
Terry Reid 1/30/09 @BB Kings NYC
British blue eyed soul singer has still got it. Reid did only two shows in the states this year. A rare chance to experience a legend.
Pat Dinizio/Willie Nile/The Kennedys 1/31/09 @Vintage Vinyl Fords, NJ
One of the last surviving record stores hosts a Buddy Holly tribute day to celebrate 50 years since "the day the music died."
Al Kooper's 65th Birthday Party 1/7/09 @BB Kings NYC
All-star concert covering Kooper's entire career. See complete review posted elsewhere in this blog.
Allman Brothers Band 3/17/09 @ The Beacon NYC
Part of the bands 15 date annual residency, this one featuring guest artists Cowboy and Sheryl Crow
Allman Brothers Band 3/19/09 @ The Beacon NYC
My second visit with the Brothers this year, this one featuring Eric Clapton performing songs from Derek & the Dominos LP plus an amazing version of "Whipping Post."
Allman Brothers Band 3/21/09 @ The Beacon NYC
No ABB fatigue here with special guest Bruce Hornsby
Denis Leary 4/2/09 @ Radio City Music Hall NYC
NYC firefighters benefit show with several comedians from the Rescue Me TV show. Also premiere of the first episode from the new season. I got to meet and sit in the same section of seats with many of the cast members of the show and met James Lipton! Only in New York.
Steely Dan 8/3/09 @The Beacon NYC
Performed Aja in its entirety plus fan favorites
Gov't Mule 8/5/09 @ Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ
Jam Band performed fan favorites plus new material from their soon to be released album
Steely Dan 8/11/09 @ The Beacon NYC
All request night from ticket holders submitted via email. I believe they played most of the songs I requested.
Woodstock 40th Anniversary Show 8/15/09 @Bethel Woods Bethel, NY
At least 1 or 2 original artists from many of the bands who performed on this spot, on this exact date, way back in 1969. I felt like I was a part of history.
Chickenfoot 8/17/09 @The Beacon NYC
Supergroup Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani & Chad Smith do energetic live performances of their mediocre debut album plus Bad Motor Scooter!
Allman Brothers/Doobie Brothers 8/19/09 @PNC Performing Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
Great fun seeing the Doobie's open for the Allmans who took their Beacon show on the road this year.
The Fab Faux 9/12/09 @The Beacon NYC
The finest Beatles tribute band ever performed Revolver in its entirety plus fan requests including mine which was the opening tune of the second set "Hey Bulldog."
Los Lobos 9/16/09 @Paramount Theatre Peeksill, NY
Tepid audience reaction did not prevent this band from rocking the house as usual.
Aretha Franklin 9/18/09 Radio City Music Hall NYC
Billed as a greatest hits show, the Queen of Soul did not disappoint with her 20 piece orchestra.
Although my highlight was when alone at her piano she sang her version of Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Kiss 10/10/09 Madison Square Garden NYC
34 years to the month from when I first saw this band they have taken everything that has worked in their live shows (fire breathing, blood spitting, pyrotechnics) combined with the latest a/v technology and compacted it into 2 hours of rollicking entertainment. They also played much of the same set list I saw back in 1975.
Brian Wilson 10/27/07 @Bergen PAC Englewood, NJ
Fabulous band recreating 45 years worth of Brian Wilson tunes. Brian even played some bass guitar!
The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular 11/14/09
We took the kids to a matinee. A good way to kick off the holidays.
Gregg Allman 11/14/09 @Paramount Theatre Peekskill, NY
Great solo show with Floyd Miles and many great Memphis Soul musicians playing decidedly different R&B arrangements of ABB songs and solo classics.
All in all a great year for live music. I saw some legends for the first time (Aretha, Terry Reid, and Woodstock Artists).
I can only hope 2010 will be half as much fun.