Channel One, Greg Neufeld, Lukas Rossi - The Dungeon - Oshawa, ON - 02/09/08

My last Lukas show for this tour. :(

What can I say about the Oshawa show? Amazing? Yes, it was. Fantastic? Damn straight. Freaking awesome. You betcha.


Channel One

Once again, this band from Ottawa was opening the night. Since it was an all ages show, it started a bit earlier than the previous shows. The crowd was really, really freaking small, but it was still a great crowd. Channel One did their set, same as before. They are good... I like their sound. I like it much better acoustic than plugged in, and it sounds better without the drums. The guitarist is pretty cute and fun to look at...


Greg Neufeld

Oh Greg. Why you so good? Greg was awesome once again this night. It was his last night on tour, and he acknowledge Lukas for giving him the opportunity to tour with him. Greg was playful with the crowd, tuning his guitar a few times and joking about it not sounding right. Lukas came out to watch him, and Greg got teased a bit. Lukas wanted to pull his pants down... Greg, not wanting to flash us, kept an eye on Lukas, turning the mike around to sing while looking at Lukas. Those two really seem to get along... It's great to witness it all.

Final Set List:

-Your Eyes
-Daughters
-Map of the Stars
-Sleep you Off
-Lazy Eyes
-Ever You (*thud*)
-Say It To Me Now (OMG, that was so GOOD!)
-Secret (hummmmmm...)
-Leaving Song

And of course, the beautiful Alleluia at the end of Lukas' set. So beautiful how he works that guitar, it's amazing how beautiful it sounds.

The crowd was great and Greg got a really nice reception, despite the really low turn out. As usual, Greg charmed the pants off of every fan in the place.

I'll miss seeing Greg play regularly - I've seen him 4 times now in a little less than 3 months. I hope he'll be back soon! Some great things await this man...


Lukas Rossi

Lukas - Oh the boy was having so much fun last night. He played around a lot, was playful and just wonderful, as usual. J Englishman sang more songs with him than he did in Toronto, it was really nice. Here Comes The Rain Again was absolutely magnificent, and Car Crash is quickly becoming one of my new/old favorite. LOVE it. He did Riddled! Oh boy that was awesome. We heard snippets of Rebel Yell (so different than what he's done before, it was amazing) and Valentine. He of course sang Headspin, which I love, and he did it in a much more angry, powerful way that I've seen before. Everything was absolutely mesmerizing. And Alleluia at the end... The most beautiful I've heard it. Greg's guitar playing was fucking amazing, and Luke's voice was so beautiful, so pure, so.......... on. Just WOW.

Set List:

Here comes the rain
Sunrise
Dead Flower
Lover You Should Have Come Over
It's On
Car Crash
Good Enough
Memories of You
I Love Myself Today
Valentine Snippet
It's All Love
Rebel Yell Snippet
Creep
Hallelujah
encore: Headspin

Pictures by Zann:

Channel One, Greg Neufeld, Lukas Rossi - Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, ON - 02/07/08

Oh wow... What a great, great, great show that was!

Channel One, Greg Neufeld and Lukas Rossi were once again reunited on stage for a great show that really took the 'Shoe by storm!


Channel One

Visit their MySpace Page.

I've seen Channel One only once before (read my review of their Lee's Palace gig HERE. I didn't know their music then. They played an acoustic set, with two guitars and one acoustic bass. It sounded really good! They played a few older songs and a few new ones. Many of them were hand clapping worthy, and I found myself nodding my head along with the beat at many times. Cool guys. Check them out!





Greg Neufeld

Visit his MySpace Page.

I was so anxious to hear the new songs live, I was almost giddy when Greg took the stage. I was there with a bunch of friends who now know of my love and admiration for Greg, so they pushed me up front... I was standing straight in front of Greg, probably 3 feet away, in the "spit zone". I felt a bit self conscious but it was very awesome to witness a show from such an intimate point of view.

He was in the best vocal form I've heard him yet. He was sweating a lot - it was hot in there - and was really into his songs. I LOVED what I heard, the old songs done with a twist and the new ones (that I knew anyway *L*) work so fucking well live... He made me cry during one song it was so beautiful.

Set list was:

-Lazy Eyes (I love how smooth his voice sounds on this)
-Ever You (One of my very favorite)
-Map of the Stars (new song that I didn't know but already love)
-Sleep You Off (OMG, I love it)
-Delicate (He made me cry, that was the best I've heard him do that song)
-Your Eyes (yeah, new song I love!)
-Secret (The "Diiiiiiiirty" gets me every time)
-Say It To Me Now (OMFG he gave me chills)
-Leaving Song (fucking perfect!)

And he played guitar with Lukas Rossi at the end of Luke's set - they played Alleluia, and it was so beautiful I was in a trance. Greg's guitar playing is very impressive, and complimented Lukas guitar playing and voice very well on this song.

The entire concert was filmed by someone from Lukas camp, so maybe, just maybe something will surfaced... Oh I'd love that.

Greg looked amazing, and so very happy the whole night. He always seem to have a blast not only playing but also meeting the fans after the show. He's such a good sport, and very charming! He had all the ladies in the palm of his hand. ;)

I purchased his album and listened to it in the car on my way home. I love how he reworked "So Far" - it sounds really incredible done in that way. My review of the album will be up shortly (link will be posted here).

My only complaint about his set? Not long enough! I know, I know, he was not the headliner... :)

Sleep You Off


Leaving Song


Ever You



Lukas Rossi

Visit his Official Website.

Oh, Lukas was so freaking great this night. So freaking AWESOME!

Lukas was playful, in great vocal form, charming, incredible. He started us off with Here Comes The Rain Again, yes the Eurythmics song. I knew about the cover, so I recognized, but it was nothing like the original. He made it darker, so much more intense, so.... so Lukas. I think it might have been "War" that he played, and the intensity, passion and shear love of music that he evoked left me totally stunted, speechless, I couldn't even clap I was so enthralled and fascinated. He was unbelievable. He sang Car Crash (yeah!) and two other songs with Jay Englishman, and it sounded so fucking unbelievable I almost cried. Jay's voice really compliments Lukas' well, not to mention he's a really good guitarist. I love the combination.

As far as I can remember, here are the songs he did (may not be in order):

- Here Comes the Rain Again (WOW, that sounded nothing like the original, it was absolutely fantastic!)
- Sunrise
- Dead Flowers
- War (this one left me in a trance, it just took my breath away)
- Car Crash (with Jay Englishman)
- Trust Me (with Jay Englishman)
- Good Enough (with Jay Englishman)
- Memories of You ((with Jay Englishman)
- Take Two
- It's All Love (It's actually really good done acoustic)
- Creep (always such a crowd pleaser)
- A little line or two of Karma Police (I want to hear him sing the whole thing!)
- Headspin
- Alleluia with Greg Neufeld on guitar (mindblowingly breathtaking)

I saw Lonely Ones on the set list, but he didn't play it for some reason. I was a bit bummed about it because I love the song, but that's ok, what he offered us this night so much more than I could ever asked for!

Lukas banter was very funny and entertaining. He told us the story of someone (a woman I think) who wanted him to do "Spin My Head", and he was cracking up while talking about this. He also got angry at some loud mouths at the back of the bar for disturbing everyone. But as quickly as he got pissed, he returned to his playful demeanor and said to the silent crowd "Didn't it feels like your dad just yelled at you at the dinner table and now your mom says "It's ok honey, just eat"?" *LOL*

Great show, great crowd, beautiful music!

American Idol Season 7 - Atlanta Auditions

The Good


Joshua Jones 26, Atlanta, GA



He sings “Don’t Stop me Now” by Queen. Simon makes him sing with his back to them, because his eyes scares him.


Asia’H Epperson 18, Joplin, MO



She sang “How Do I Live” by Leann Rimes. She quite honestly made me cry. That's a first for me in the auditions! The emotions she conveyed (her dad passed away only a few days before she auditioned) was raw and real, and I felt it. Her voice was a bit rough, but very interesting.


Brooke Helvie 18, Wellington, FL



She sings “Who’s Loving You” by Jackson 5. She's a pageant queen. Certainly the most annoying spoiled brat I've ever seen. I wanted her to suck. But she didn't. She can sing. Damn.


Alex Lushington 16, Douglasville GA



She sings “My Funny Valentine”. Very mature voice.



Amanda Overmyer 22, Mulberry, IN



She sings “I’m a Mean Woman” by Janis Joplin. She definitely has an old school sound. Love it.


Josiah Leming 18 - Morristown, TN



He sings an original song called “To Run”. His vocals are not Idol like, but they are full of emotions, believable and interesting.



The Bad


J.P. Tjelmeland 20, Auburn, AL



He sings “Me and My Gang” by Rascal Flatts. Ouch.


Eva Miller



She sings “1000 miles” by Vanessa Carlton. No comment.


Jared Whiley



Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!


Nathan Hite 16, Savannah GA



He sings “Paralyzer” by Finger 11. Smart ass.

Colbie Caillat -Live Performances at AOL Session

Battle




Bubbly




Little Things




Realize

Damien Rice - Live Performance on AOL Sessions

Volcano



Delicate



Cannonball



Blower's Daughter

One Republic - Live Performance on AOL Sessions

Apologize




Stop and Stare




Say (All I Need)




Tyrant



View pictures and read about the band at http://music.aol.com/video/stop-and-stare-aol-sessions/onerepublic/2054559

Greg Neufeld - Tour and New CD Release

Ex-Idol Contestant Hits the Road
Greg Neufeld Releasing New CD, Too

By Angie Valente
From the Thunder Bay Spot
Transcribed by kissedbythegods



Greg Neufeld was taught how to play guitar by Dave Matthews, sort of. Neufeld, a 24-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C. discovered his voice in Grade 8 music and drama class while acting as an opera singer in a skit, and from choir practice. He then made it his mission to learn every Dave Matthews song.

Not only was it his boy-next-door good looks that landed him a top-seven spot on the national TV show Canadian Idol last summer, but his multi-faceted husky voice that made Neufeld a shoe-in winner. "I was surprised because I hadn't been in the bottom-three for the show's entirety, and then I was voted off," Neufeld says.

All in all, he found the idol experience a rewarding one and hopes people can see it for more than how it appears on the surface. Neufeld doesn't think people give the show and its "talented" contestants enough credit.

In retrospect, Neufeld considers his stint on national TV to have been, above all, a learning experience. "I learned how to be a performer. I used to just hide behind my guitar, and on Idol, you're forced to interact with the cameras and the crowd. I found the happy medium of how I liked to perform. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes you get thrown into a genre that you're not comfortable with."

It's these skills that have honed Neufeld into the performer that he is today, and the same skills he'll take on his first cross-Canada tour, which involves a stopover at Jack's in Thunder Bay on Feb. 2.

"The good thing about Lukas (Rossi) is that he's a really good draw," says Neufeld, about his tour partner - a "Rock Star: Supernova" show winner. Neufeld has nothing but praise for his touring buddy. Every show Neufeld has ever played with him has been sold out, or close to. "(Rossi's) a really genuine guy," Neufeld says. "When he told me he wanted me on his tour, he did everything he could to make it happen. I play my set and then I become a fan. I come out into the crowd to watch. It's really insane to witness."

Neufeld's goal on the unplugged acoustic tour is simple: play as many new songs as he can fit into his opening slot. "It's a commercial for me," he says.

Neufeld's self-titled debut album was recently completed and duplicated this week, just in time for the tour kick-off in Winnipeg, the night before the show in Thunder Bay. While the album took only a few short weeks to be completed, no corners were cut.

Though and independent artist for the time being, it shouldn't take long for Neufeld to land a deal with a major label. He's keeping good company, especially considering it's his first time up at bat.

On board was Amy Foster Gillies, daughter of Canadian producer, composer and arranger David Foster, who has written songs for Josh Groban, Diana Krall and Michael Buble. "I flew to Nashville and we wrote three songs together, two of which made it onto the album," Neufeld says. "She's a genius. It was really intimidating."

This is the first recording that Neufeld feels truly represents him. "I've done a lot of recording and usually I get sick and tired of it," he says. "This time I think I've captured what I really wanted to get across to people. It's truly who I am."

American Idol 7 - Omaha Auditions

The Good



Jason Rich 21, Stout, IA - Keith Whitley “When You Say Nothing at All”




Rachael Wicker 23, Richmond, MO - “Don’t Tell Me to Stop Loving You” by Lee Ann Womack




Samantha Sidley 22, Los Angeles, CA - “I Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones




Angelica Puente 17, Kenosha, WI - “Power of Love” by Celine Dion




David Cook, 24 - “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi




Leo Marlowe 23, Charlotte, IA - “A Song For You” by Donny Hathaway





The Bad



Chris Bernheisel 24, Fremont, NE - “Since You Been Gone” By Kelly Clarkson




Sarah Whitaker 24, Council Bluffs, IA




Johnny Escamilla 18, Scottsbluff, NE - “Shout” by Otis Day and the Nights

American Idol 7 - Miami Auditions

The Good


Robbie Carrico 25, Melbourne, FL




Ghaleb Emachan 27, Miami, FL



He sings “You Sang to Me” by Marc Anthony. I usually don't mind an accent, but Ghaleb's is very strong. He probably sounds much better when he sings in Spanish. Still, he's not bad, and he's got a cute smile.


Corliss Smith 20, Jacksonville, FL



She comes in with her friend Brittany, and they audition one after the other. You expect Corliss to suck she's so over the top... But she doesn't. She can sing! She auditions with “Take 5.


Brittany Wescott 20, Jacksonville, FL



And this one can sing, too! She sounds even better than her friend. She sings “My Guy”.


Suzanne Toon 21, Clearwater FL



She sings “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt. She seems really nervous, and tho her phrasing is a bit off, she has a good soung going on.


Ramiele Malubay 19, Miramar, FL



She sings “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. A bit shouty here and there, but good over all.


Syesha Mercado 20, Miami, FL



She sings “Think” by Aretha Franklin. I was expecting her to be better than what she offered... But I think she's got great potential.


Nastashia Blach 29, Fort Collins, CO



She sings “At Last” by Etta James.


Ilsy Lorena Pinot 28, Miami, FL



She sings “Unfaithful” by Rhianna




The Bad


Shannon McGough 18, Okeechobee, FL



She sings “Cry Baby” by Janis Joplin, and when the judges tell her she sucks, she is completely floored.


Julie Dubela 16, Stratham, NH



She sings “Me and Bobby McGhee” by Janis Joplin. She was on a singing show when she ws 12. She is very much rehearsed in every move she makes, in every note she sings. She could be good, if she let loose a little. She didn't go through.



The Ugly


Ben Hausebach 26, Melbourne, FL - “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John




Carroy Bethea 27, Fort Myers, FL - “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin




Grant Rhea 24, Miami, FL




Fabienne Hyppolite 28, Hollywood, FL - “When I Fall in Love”




Richard Valles 19, Tampa, FL



He sings “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. VERY nasal. Wow.


Brandon Black 20, Pompano Beach, FL



Stand up comedy routine that is not funny.

Greg Neufeld - New Songs!!!

Greg Neufeld is getting ready to release his debut album! To give us a little taste as to what is to come, he has put some new songs up on his new MySpace Page. The songs are"

Leaving Song
Secret
Your Eyes

The songs are great... Beautiful lyrics and melodies... And of course, the vocals are killer! Go now and give him a listen!

And add him as a friend on his new MySpace Page.

American Idol Season 7 - Charleston Auditions

Very strange show. 23 people got golden tickets to go to Hollywood, but we are shown only 4...


The Good

And it's a relative term. I didn't think anyone really stood out from the Charleston's auditions. Meh.


Michelle Lampkin 26, Fort Mill SC and Jeffrey Lampkin 24, Newberry SC



Brother and sister auditioning together. They sing “I’m Your Angel” by R. Kelly and Celine Dion. While Jeffrey sounds better than his sister, Simon just "can't seperate those two". So they both go through.


Amy Katherine Flynn 16, Knoxville, TN



Captain of her dance team and member of a group that lectures students on abstinence, Amy comes off as a bit annoying. She sings “Reflections” by Christina Aguilera, not very well I might say, but she still goes through.


London Weidberg 24, Sullivan’s Island, SC



London sings “Good Morning Heartache” by Billie Holliday. She's got a really good voice despite it not being very unique. She goes through.


Lindsey Goodman, 24



Lindsey is an airforce pilot. She sings “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles. She was obviously VERY nervous, but I liked the tone of her voice, and I think she has potential. The judges didn't let her go through. I thought she should have.



The Bad


We saw a lot of bad auditions this episode, with many delusional people who argue with the judges, well with Simon.


Raysharde Henderson 27, Atlanta GA



He sings “I Can’t Make You Love Me” By Bonnie Raitt. I think under all the theatrics (and the enormous afro) might be a good voice hiding. But this was so over the top... WOW.


DeAnna Prevatte 26, Albermarle NC



She angrily sang her way through “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. Yikes!


Crystal Ortiz, 26 Raleigh, NC and Randy Stark, 27 Abilene, TX



They met on the American Idol Board. They auditioned together. They are shown the door. Ouch!


Aretha Codner 22, Buffalo, NY



A very confident Aretha sings “I Who Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. Simon tells her she's not good, and that it would be no. She argues so much that the security guards start walking her towards the door... Bad, bad, bad.


Joshua Boson 20, Beaufort, SC



Singing, no wait, screeching his way through “And I Am Telling You” by Jennifer Hudson, this guy is the portrait of delusional. WOW.


Oliver Highman 27, Cornelius, NC



New daddy (the baby was born during the auditions apparently) sings “Get Here” by Oleta Adams, and he is terrible. Oh.