CMJ Music Marathon in New York = A True Led Zeppelin Party Experience

Ok, maybe it wasn't that crazy. I mean there weren't any groupies, mounds of cocaine, or sharks involved. There were still some great stories going from concert to concert and consumption of a fair amount of tasty beverages along the way. Not to mention some signs of what Zeppelin would do in such a situation:

I know Richard Cole would be all over that and have at least 8 girls for the boys in those 15 minutes.

Overall, I don't think I saw the next reincarnation of Led Zeppelin, but I certainly know of one group that impresses me who I couldn't see. Delta Spirit has been a band of interest from the time I first saw their album. I love the name, suggesting a bit of the Mississippi Delta Blues is incorporated with their songs and attitude. The story of their start is amazing, when lead singer Matt Vasquez was found singing on a park bench in San Diego in the middle of the night. Vasquez has the perfect voice for their music and the band's sound is excellent. Their album was not only consistent, it was varied and creative. I couldn't go to their shows at CMJ because the venue was 21+ and I was hanging with a 20 year old. Fortunately, I already saw them in Boston twice: once at the other Emerson radio station and then I went to their show at the Middle East Downstairs. Both were awesome performances that exceeded my expectations. My favorite part of each of their performances was song "Trashcan" where they had a Brooklyn trashcan lid for percussion. Overall they were just as good live as on the record. If they come by Boston again, you bet that I'm going to see them.

The only group that I'd say reminded me of Led Zeppelin was the Sian Alice Group. They had some similar elements: great vocals from the lead singer, multiple guitars (Jimmy did play two guitars at once if you think about it), a great bass player, a synth, and creative drum beats. The individual musicians all had complex parts but were able to bring it together to one unique and unifying sound. Still, nowhere close to the abilities of the greatest band ever.

Outside of the shows, some panels were seen that were not terribly satisfying. I visited with a rep from an interesting company called Sonicbids that works to create an online network for bands and artists who truely want to be professionals and are looking for ways to expand their promotional outlets. It also helps artist find promoters and book venues. Other than that, I felt like I got a bit of a Zeppelin experience: short days of somewhat important work, long nights at concerts, going to a hotel room (or friend's house) exhausted, and having a good time for a while with friends until finally falling asleep after 4am. Good times were had by all and I'd excitedly jump at another opportunity to go back.