Pearl Jam, Lemonheads, & Nirvana by Ali Wadsworth, Hezekiah Jones, & Foxhound At Boot & Saddle concert review

After dinner and a beer at Boot & Saddle recently, crossing the threshold of the venue was more than going to a concert; it was a chance to go back in time.  For the evening, the talented outfits of Foxhound, Hezekiah Jones, and Ali Wadsworth transformed themselves into Nirvana, the Lemonheads, and Pearl Jam.  On any ordinary night, this would be a stellar line-up without any covers, but just talent alone.  But for this Saturday night, it stood to be an incredible night; recreating a night that many music fans wish they would have ever been a part of.

First up was Foxhound.  Normally the duo of Chris Kasper and Kylie Ryan, they recruited some friends to make Nirvana MTV Unplugged in New York happen.  Sean Hoots, complete with ripped jeans and a tied on flannel, played an acoustic bass and Tom Bendel was on drums. 

Just as Nirvana took some liberties for the live recording, Foxhound made this their own as well as they played the whole album end to end sans "Dumb".  The variances were simple at times, ranging from just Chris & Kylie harmlessly switching up on vocals, while other variations were drastic like harmonious "Pennyroyal Tea" and the upbeat "Plateau".  Swapping cello for violin on "Man Who Sold The World" gave more of a middle-eastern feel.  Kylie taking a turn on vocals for "Polly" was somewhat unsettling due to the song meaning. 

 
Pennyroyal Tea - clip - Foxhound feat Sean Hoots

The attention to detail was great for the big fans.  "Jesus Don't Want Me For A Sunbeam" wouldn't have been the same without Kylie playing accordion, although Foxhound played it more Vaselines than Nirvana.  Even some of the quips were spot on; as Kylie tuned up her cello, Sean chimed in with [what are we] "tuning a harp I thought we were a super-rich rock band"



The ending was somewhat ironic as the traditional "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" was done with slightly different lyrics.  That happens all the time with renditions of the song, but if covering a specific album, shouldn't the lyrics stay the same?  It didn't matter what lyrics they did, as Chris Kasper & Sean Hoots combined to close out the set in dramatic fashion.

To continue the night, going back in time even further was Hezekiah Jones taking on the complete It's A Shame About Ray.  While it was typically an album I would get as my 11th free from Columbia House only to resell to the local record store, it's not due to the lack of quality.  Likewise, the outfit including scene all-stars, Matt Helm, Brad Hinton, Phil D'Agostino, and Kevin Killen were no slouches either. 

The band stuck to their plan of playing the album as closely as possible, but it didn't stop them from having fun.  Brad Hinton took some turns on the vocals, and the band just did what they always do, kick some butt regardless of who has the mic.  For those keeping score, they also played the album completely through, including "Mrs. Robinson" to end the set.









Next was the grand finale of the evening: Ali Wadsworth with Satellite Hearts and Kyle Perella playing Ten in its entirety.  Now, first and foremost, matching Eddie Vedder is near impossible, so anyone who might even dis Ali for not keeping note for note is fooling themselves.   What she did do perfectly was all the special Pearl Jam moments.  On such effect was the mumblelicious lyrics on "Garden" faked by "singing" into her hand covered mic.  Writing "Pro-Choice" on her arm a la the MTV Unplugged  video of "Porch" was a a nice touch, although "Pro-Kyle" on her right arm to honor her guitarist Kyle Perella was a great touch too! It was a great night re-living some favorite albums of 20 years ago. 

The finale of the night was an attempt at "Hunger Strike" of Temple of the Dog fame.  It worked in the 90's as a superband collaboration, of course it should have worked with no practice and a few beers.  The repeated lyrics of the song, only exasperated the stumbling of Hezekiah, Chris, & Ali though the lyrics.  We did find out Ali does a great Chris Cornell.  

If another 90's night happens, Superunknown could be attempted.  Although, seeing how the new recordings with Ali Wadsworth and Satellite Hearts currently under way are going is more exciting for many folks back here in the present.