Concert reviews: Marcus King, Steepwater Band and Allman Betts Band

A lot of great music and people packed into five days

Steepwater Band’s Eric Saylors, Joe Winters and Jeff Massey perform at Destihl Brewery in Normal.

Last week I was lucky enough to attend three concerts with three uniquely different experiences.

A week after writing about going to concerts alone, I did that and met some new friends, but also enjoyed the beauty of listening to live music with some of the people I love the most — it was a week well-lived.

Marcus King, The Pageant (St. Louis), with JJ Wilde

Marcus King on stage at the Pageant in St. Louis.

If you get the chance to see Marcus King, you should do that as soon as you can. He’s a fantastic, soulful singer and killer guitarist traveling with a full band that puts on a show where King is the star, but every member of the band gets their chance to shine.

I went with my wife, Liz, and wanted to get there early enough to get a seat at the sold-out Pageant in St. Louis. It turns out we got there WAY earlier than we needed to, but lesson learned — I don’t mind admitting I’m still a novice at this.

There was a $100 VIP upgrade I looked into way too late that included a private acoustic performance, signed poster and early entry to the venue. Next time, that’s a must.

We settled on two seats in the back row on the lower floor, right behind the sound and video board. It turned out to be a great spot.

JJ Wilde and her band opened for Marcus King at the Pageant in St. Louis.

Opener JJ Wilde was better than expected. I listened to a couple of her songs in preparation and wondered how I’d make it through the set, so expectations were low. She had a late 80s-early 90s glam rock vibe to her sound, but some of the songs weren’t bad and she’s a talented vocalist and energetic performer.

King didn’t talk much, but was appreciative of the big, receptive crowd. He said the Pageant is one of the best venues in the country and St. Louis is a special city to play in (no arguments on either of those).

King did seven songs from his excellent new album, Mood Swings, some with slightly different treatments than on the record, particularly “This Far Gone,” “Me or Tennessee” and “F*ck My Life Up Again.” On “F*ck My Life Up Again,” the song improved live; on “Me or Tennessee,” I prefered the studio version, but didn’t dislike it live.

Before the King standout, “Goodbye Carolina,” he said the song was written from the point of view of a friend who had committed suicide and left no reason or no note — a heartbreaking and powerful song. Performance-wise, King’s band did some legitimate jamming on “Lie, Lie, Lie,” which isn’t one of my favorites but he and fellow guitarist Drew Smithers lifted it with some sizzling dual guitar soloing. Vocally, King saved his best for the final song of the main set — the bluesy “Wildflowers and Wine”

The set came in a little short — just over an hour-and-a-half. But with a 9:15 p.m. start and a two-and-a-half drive home ahead, I wasn’t complaining … too much.

After, Liz decided to wait in line to go to the merch store. I’d purchased his new album on vinyl the day before, and wasn’t a big fan of the tour t-shirts, so I decided to wait outside. Then Liz texted me: “They have a $35 poster. It says his name at the Pageant.”

How great is this Marcus King poster?!

A site-specific concert poster?! Hell yes! What a find. Thank you, Liz!

I knew King was from the south and the son of a blues musician, and that he made his recorded debut on one of his dad’s records at age 11. But on the drive home, Liz made the comment that King was much younger-looking than she expected, then asked how old he was. I considered how much music he’d released and figured he had to be in his mid-30s. No, Liz’s phone told us, he’s 28! 28?! Wow!

Now Liz and I have another musical connection! That won’t be the last time we see King live.

— With Liz, May 29

Steepwater Band, Destihl Brewery (Normal)

Eric Saylors, playing the lap steel, along with Joe Winters, Eric Saylors and Joe Bishop of the Steepwater Band at Destihl Brewery in Normal.

This was my fifth time seeing the Steepwater Band in the fifth different venue, and I’d never heard them sound better. Even on a night that ended a long run of shows on a trip that band to east coast — on a night I’d have given them a pass for sounding weary — they brought passion, energy and creativity.

This was my second time seeing a show at the Destihl Brewery, but the first time on the outdoor stage. The setup around the stage is meant more for hanging out than watching a band, but there was a good crowd around that seemed mostly into the music — even the little kids running wild seemed energized by the music and beautiful weather.

These kids were driven to repeatedly run around in circles by the sounds of the Steepwater Band.

I was joined at the concert by my 19-year-old daughter Delaney and her boyfriend, Sam. They weren’t familiar with Steepwater but enjoy live music and I figured it had the potential to be a good bonding experience for us.

And I think it was successful. I don’t know that they’re jamming the Steepwater playlist I sent them before the show (they lean a little more toward country music), but they definitely had a good time and — like everyone who sees this band — were impressed by their musicianship and charmed by their kindness.

Jeff Massey playing his Gibson Les Paul “Gold Top.”

I have to admit, it was a pretty great dad moment as we walked up to the seating area, first seeing bass player Joe Bishop and guitarist Eric Saylors, then drummer Joe Winters, who greeted me.

I’ve said it in this space before, but Winters has a way of making you feel like you’re special to the band, and all four are fun to be around and always willing to talk and hang out. From talking to Winters after the show, he felt like the band was especially tight after their east coast trip and it showed: “That’s what always happens after the end of a run like that,” he said.

Hanging out with Joe Winters after the show.

Between the mild temperatures, cool breeze and the geese flying near the pond behind the band while it played, it was an idyllic outdoor setting — it enhanced the mood and music.

Other than kicking off with their best song, “Please the Believer,” and at some point doing classics “High and Humble” and “Come on Down,” the Steepwater setlist is unpredictable. There’s usually plenty from the new albums mixed in, though which cuts can vary wildly.

There are always some great covers — I’ve gotten “Positively Fourth Street” quite a few times (and did on this night), but not every time. And, which songs they decide to stretch out seems to get shaken up, too — on this occasion, there was a excellent jam during “Remember the Taker,” with guitarists Jeff Massey and Saylors getting together for some of their trademark guitar harmonies.

The two remaining members who were founders of the Steepwater Band, Joe Winters and Jeff Massey.

They also pulled out a few songs I hadn’t heard them do live: “Ain’t Gonna Waste the Day Crying,” “Healer” and a song I’d said on my State of Amorica podcast appearance I’d like to hear Steepwater perform live, “Dance Me a Number.”

After the show I got a chance to say hi or chat with all the members of the band, and also stage tech/merch manager Tim Larew, who has been with the band 18 years.

I grabbed the setlists before I left and Joe said, “You’re going to be mad — we had to cut three songs out of the second set.” I’d gotten 24 songs and two hours, 45 minutes of the Steepwater Band — you can’t be mad at that!

Joe chatted up Delaney and Sam before we left, and we talked about the show and band the whole ride home.

— With Delaney and Sam, May 31

Allman Betts Band, Festival Park Riverfront Stage (Peoria), with JD Simo

From left, Devon Allman, Duane Betts and Johnny Stachela of the Allman Betts Band performing at the Festival Park Riverfront Stage in Peoria.

As great as it was to share the experience of live music, this turned out to be the ideal “going alone” experience.

This was my first time at the Peoria Riverfront Stage, which offered a great view of the picturesque Murray Baker Bridge, but also the bugs that go along with being on the river — but at least no cicadas!

Parking was simple and free, concessions were easily accessible and my “party pit” ticket allowed me to get right up front, on the rail … where I immediately met two fellow music lovers who are now new concert buddies — Ann and Jim.

Meeting Ann and Jim felt like validation that I wasn’t alone on this journey. Both were around my age (give or take a few years) and real concert vets. We agreed to hold each other’s spots and had a great time talking about our concert experiences before the show started.

Before Jim joked he was a Neil Young impersonator, I thought to myself when I saw him — especially from the side view — “That guy kind of looks like Neil Young.”

Jim, who jokingly introduced himself as a Neil Young impersonator, estimated he’d been to more than 30 concerts in the last year. Ann wasn’t far behind. And, we found plenty of other bands we loved in common — we’d actually been at the same show, JJ Grey & Mofro at the Castle Theater in Bloomington, about a month ago. Hopefully we’ll see more shows together!.

Guitarist and vocalist JD Simo opened for the Allman Betts Band in Peoria.

Opener JD Simo was a talented guitarist who played a blues-jazz fusion style with just a drummer accompanying him. He brought a lot of energy and was an impressive player — I look forward to hearing his upcoming collaboration with guitarist Luther Dickinson.

I’d seen Duane Betts open for Blackberry Smoke a couple months ago in St. Louis, and at that show Devon Allman came out and joined Betts and guitarist Johnny Stachela on stage for a mine-Allman Betts show that night. So I knew what to expect out of those three and they delivered.

Duane Betts, the son of Allman Brothers great Dickey Betts.

I like most of Allman Betts’ original material, though I admit I prefer the songs Betts sings. Allman’s vocals are an acquired taste. He has a soulful delivery — much different than his dad’s. Sometimes it works (“Carolina Song” and “Down to the River”) and sometimes it doesn’t (“Airboats and Cocaine”).

Devon Allman, son of Allman Brothers great Gregg Allman.

I love that the band does Allman Brothers songs, and does them well — with only Jaimoe still living among the original members, it’s great the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts are honoring the band’s catalog. Sometimes, though, it felt like the crowd was rushing up to take videos and sing along with the Allman Brothers songs, then fading back for the Allman Betts originals. That will take time, but a particularly spirited “Down to the River” complete with crowd involvement had to help win over those new to that material.

I wouldn’t mind seeing the band dig a little deeper into the Allman Brothers catalogue — I saw they did “Seven Turns” on a recent stop and was hoping for something like that. And, a song or two off Betts’ latest solo album would’ve been welcome. But these guys clearly have fun playing with each other — and not just the main guys, but also keyboard player John Ginty and the rest of the band members — that I don’t quibble too much with song selection.

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— Alone, June 2

Last thoughts

• While JJ Wilde and JD Simo were talented performers — Simo, in particular, is someone I’d see again — both the Marcus King and Allman Betts shows would’ve been a step higher in my eyes had Steepwater Band been the opener. They’re a fit with Allman Betts, in particular — that would be a great night of music, with two of the best slide players anywhere in Stachela and Massey.

• For the last two shows, for the first time, I used Liz’s Canon EOS Rebel to get some shots of the bands. I’m not photographer, but I was pleased with the results and will use that when bands/venues allow in the future — it definitely made for more pleasing-looking images on this platform. Destihl, for all of the things that are great about the facility, didn’t have the most photogenic setup — there was both a tree in front of the stage and two big posts helping hold it up. The view was more clear for Allman Betts, but I wish I could’ve gotten on Stachela’s side. I’ll learn!

• Coming up I’ll be seeing local band Harlem Hayfield perform in Springfield again this weekend. Otherwise, I have a couple maybes leading up to the Rolling Stones in Chicago on June 30. AND, lots more in the works, including a look at why living in Decatur, Illinois, is ideal as a concert-goer, plus book and music reviews.

Bonus Steepwater

In an attempt to get both Joes (drummer Winters and bass guitar Bishop) in the video from my vantage point, there’s a lot of swerving around in this video. But it’s a FULL version of “Abandon Ship” with Saylors playing lap steel.

This is the first two minutes of the always-awesome “Big Pictures.”

A short clip of “Please the Believer.”

Eric Saylors feeling a guitar solo on his Telecaster.

Jeff Massey ripping a solo with Joe Bishop holding it down on bass.

The Steepwater Band, along with the post that made getting photos of the full band a bit rough.

Bonus Allman Betts

The Allman Betts Band, from left, is keyboard player John Ginty, drummer John Lum, bass player Justin Corgan, singer/guitarist Devon Allman, singer/guitarist Duane Betts, guitarist Johnny Stachela and drummer Alex Orbison.

The Allman Betts Band’s John Ginty plays with the Murray Baker Bridge in the background.

The Allman Betts Band performs “Blue Sky”

Duane Betts solos during “Blue Sky"

Devon Allman playing and singing on “Down to the River.”