DVD Review: Chickenfoot’s Live “Buzz”

The super-group Chickenfoot (Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satrini & Chad Smith) isn’t done just yet. Their debut album has already sold over 750,000 copies and their live shows have sold-out nationwide. Now, Chickenfoot is giving fans a reminder of how much fun their live shows were in their new DVD called “Get Your Buzz On: Live.”

The show was recorded at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, AZ on September 23, 2009. Director Daniel E. Catullo III (Rush, Creed, Godsmack) did an amazing job capturing the group at their finest hour. The cameras capture the perfect moments between the musicians just having a great time performing. The real gem of the live show is the up-close views of guitarist Joe Satrini. Just watching him perform his solos is worth the price of admission. You get the full 97 minute concert in widescreen format with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, so crank up the speakers to get the full experience.

But that’s not all that’s included on this DVD; you also get a great 60 minute documentary. It includes tons of backstage footage as well as guest appearances from Adam Carolla and Bob Weir. It also shows footage from their shows in Europe and shows Chad Smith asking the public if they’ve ever heard of Chickenfoot. The documentary and photo gallery are great additions to this DVD.

Chickenfoot “Get Your Buzz On: Live” is available now on DVD and Blu-Ray. Check out this band so the next time they’re on tour you’ll make sure not to miss them live.

Summer Concerts In Connecticut

As the temperature gauge starts to heat up, so does the concert scene in Connecticut. Music fans of every age and genre will have their fill of live shows this summer. Whether you're looking for an outdoor amphitheatre or a small intimate show, Connecticut venues have something for everyone.

The Comcast Music Theatre in Hartford has a good mix of rock and country artists visiting the area this season. Summer concert regulars the Dave Matthews Band, Phish and Lynyrd Skynyrd are making return visits and the venue will also see the return of metal rockers Limp Bizkit and the Lilith Fair. Many newcomers like Jack Johnson, Kings of Leon and the Jonas Brothers will make their debuts this summer at the theater. If you want to rock even harder, you have three festivals making a stop at the theatre (Vans Warped Tour, Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest). Let's not forget that country music is also making an appearance with Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and the Zac Brown Band.

If a smaller venue is what you're looking for... then the Toyota Presents the Oakdale Theatre is just right for you. Their summer schedule has a mix of hip-hop (50 Cent), alternative (Honda Civic Tour featuring Paramore, Tegan & Sara and New Found Glory), heavy metal (American Carnage Tour featuring Slayer, Megadeth and Testament) and adult contemporary artists Tony Bennett and Jackson Browne.

Now if a night out with dinner and a show and maybe some slots sounds good, then you can't go wrong with the casinos in Connecticut. The Mohegan Sun Arena gets things underway with a visit from James Taylor & Carole King. Classic rock artists from the '70s are all over this summer's schedule with appearances from Yes, Peter Frampton, Styx, Foreigner, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, The Doobie Brothers and Chicago. R&B Superstars Maxwell and Jill Scott heat up the arena in June before megastars Michael Buble and Sting carry the heat into July. July will also see the return of Meatloaf and Rush along with hall of famers Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood and Simon & Garfunkel. Mohegan Sun will finish the summer with rockers, Maroon 5, Creed, Shinedown and the recently announced return of Kiss. For a complete list of shows, please visit mohegansun.com.

Across the way at MGM Grand at Foxwoods, the summer starts off with rock gods, Jeff Back, Jethro Tull and the Steve Miller Band. Lionel Richie makes a return visit with a two-night stand in June. Also appearing are legends Johnny Mathis, Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys and Bobby Vinton. For more information on these shows and more, please visit mgmgrandatfoxwoods.com.

If you hate dealing with the crowds, then check some great bands (Los Straitjackets, Social Distortion, Ted Nugent) making appearances local smaller venues throughout Connecticut. Go see a show and make your own summer soundtrack this season.

CD Review: Big Science Return With "Skyscraper Sound"

The Chicago band, Big Science just released their second EP entitled “Skyscraper Sound” on May 25th on AEMMP Records. The band has a very raw sound with a hunger for appreciation, similar to a young version of U2 early in their career. Songs like “Stairs Up Stairs Down” and “Basement Lights” are pure modern rockers, while “1000 Years” is a more experimental display of their talents. The song “Flags” tries to draw comparisons to the political “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” but the drums overpower the song’s strong vocals. Big Science saved their best for last with the song “Burn All Night,” a slow burner with a chorus you can’t forget. Their new EP “Skyscraper Sound” is available now. Visit bigscienceband.com for more information.

CD Review: Newcomers The Great Affairs' Hot Debut

The Great Affairs hail from Nashville, TN and prove why Nashville is one of the hotbeds of the nation for new talent. Their sound is simple, but effective and draws you into what they’re saying. Pop, Folk, Rock, Americana; The Great Affairs cover them all.

Right from the album’s lead-off song “Dodge,” The Great Affairs draw strong references to the band Wilco. Denny Smith’s straining vocals play perfectly to the band’s Americana Pop sound. The music of “Dear John” and “Undertow” sound like Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers outtakes. The acoustics of “Break Me Down” and “Isn’t She Gold” helps you concentrate on the song’s strong lyrics. The music of the album flows so smoothly that you keep wanting more and more as each song is as well-written as the one before.

The Great Affairs self-titled debut is available now and the band will be making appearances in June and August. Check out myspace.com/thegreataffairs for tour dates, music samples and more from The Great Affairs.

Introducing Country's Newest Star, Lee Allen

Lee Allen’s sound is pure country. His single “Settle Down” has reached over one million ears on myspace. It’s the combination of his modern sounding voice with classic country sounds that makes his music feel so comfortable. “Perfect Combination For The Blues” is a front porch swinging song with some fine slide guitar. Lee Allen knows how to heat things up with the country rocker “Hot Country Nights.” Lee Allen grew up on the music of George Jones and displays it proudly in the song “Superman To Me” and pays tribute to his idols in “Hall of Fame.” His songwriting in “You And Me, Dad” is simple, but heartfelt.

Lee Allen finished his National Radio Tour in February and is on the verge of breaking through to the mainstream. Visit leeallenmusic.com for music samples, information on upcoming shows and to find out when his album will be released.