Allman Betts Band review; Balcony Cabaret at Hard Rock
Tune In, Turn On
Last weekend exemplified why we’re so happy to live at the beach. It’s not only because of the beautiful summer weather and much-needed ocean breezes, it’s also the multitude of entertainment/music choices we enjoy here every week.
We attended the Balcony Cabaret at Hard Rock and the Allman Betts Band show at Borgata last Friday and Saturday; more on these later in the column.
Sam Morrow plays Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk: A rising star on the Southern rock-roots music scene is singer/songwriter guitarist Sam Morrow. His music has been described as “a mix of roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll, bluesy R&B, and country-fried funky-tonk, driven forward by groove, grease and guitars.”
Morrow, whose Southern Rockin Blues Band headlines Tony Mart Presents AC Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk Wednesday, July 2, along with special guest Willpower (Earth Wind & Fire tribute), has been creating a buzz on the tour circuit with his high-energy shows. He reminds this reviewer of a young, edgy Hank Williams.
We caught up with Morrow for an interview this past week.
DD: Let’s talk a little about your latest record, “On The Ride Here,” and why you went to Southern California to record the album?
SM: “On The Ride Here” is sort of a culmination of a trilogy of albums. All of these made in Southern California, since I lived there. All of these albums explore discovery and growing up. Sonically, it is more rock/blues than the previous records.
DD: Noticed in your bio you grew up liking various music genres, including punk. Regarding the latter, who were some of the punk bands you liked and listened to?
SM: Black Flag, Minor Threat, TSOL.
DD: What was your experience like going out on the road with the great bluesman Tab Benoit earlier this year, and how did that come to happen?
SM: Tab and his crew are all really great. It was an honor to share the stage with him every night. I even got to sit in for the last two songs, which I will never forget.
For more on Sam Morrow, visit sammorrowmusic.com; for info on AC Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk shows, visit tonymart.com.
Allman Betts Band rock Borgata: After experiencing a live show by Allman Betts Band last weekend at Borgata’s Music Box, it’s clear the Allman Brothers Band legacy is in great hands with this formidable group. Fronted by Devon Allman (Gregg’s son) and Duane Betts (Dickey’s son), the seven-piece band – which included two drummers, same as the Allmans – played a two-hour-plus set, and have some great originals. The biggest applause, however, was for the three ABB songs they covered: “Midnight Rider,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” and “Blue Sky.” P.S. Catch Devon Allman’s Blues Summit at AC Mardi Gras Concerts at Kennedy Plaza on Aug. 20.
Balcony Cabaret debuts at Hard Rock: Took in opening night at Balcony Cabaret at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, an edgy, sexy, fun, acrobatic-style cabaret show now happening every Friday and Saturday night (three shows each night). There were six talented performers; we personally liked the evening’s erstwhile host and vocalist for the Balcony Cabaret “house” band, Robyn Adele Anderson (pictured above).
With its prime location and nice amenities, club-goers can step out on the Balcony Cabaret’s patio overlooking the ocean and sip a drink. This interesting concept in nightclub entertainment has a good chance of catching on here in Atlantic City. Info: hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
