The Portland Playlist was thrilled to welcome back members from the Bonnie Raitt Tribute Band. While they are an eight piece band, it was a quartet that came into the studio – Bre Gregg (vocals), Lisa Mann (vocals and bass), Mark Bowden (guitar), and Dan Stueber (drums and percussion). We first had them on the show in 2015 in preparation for their five show tour of the Northwest. But first a little background: it was four years ago that Bre Gregg and Anne Weiss discovered they shared a love for Raitt and her music and wondered why there wasn’t a band paying tribute to her. They took matters into their own hands, assembled a team of fellow Raitt musician fans, and a band was born. They played to a sold out crowd on that first concert in 2014, a five show tour in 2015, and this year, they will perform the Something to Talk About show at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Saturday, January 28th. These shows often sell out so get your ticket now if you haven’t already. One lucky listener won two tickets and their c.d. in a text-to-win giveaway.
Dan Stueber, Bre Gregg, Lisa Mann, photo by Teri Briggs
One thing Bre admires about Bonnie Raitt is that she is a unique artist who is genre-less although Blues is at her core. As such, she has assembled a talented band of local musicians that also cross genres: Anne Weiss, Ara Lee, Lisa Mann, Mark Bowden, Dan Stueber, David Jacobs-Strain, and JP Garau. Together they take to the stage and give a performance Bonnie would be proud of! The entire band remains on stage the whole night through, performing songs paired to match the artist perfectly. Watching them, it is evident they all have a genuine love and respect for Raitt and the musical gift her vast catalog offers.
Dan Steuber, photo by Teri Briggs
Bre Gregg, photo by Teri Briggs
We started off listening to two tracks from the album, “Something to Talk About, A Tribute to Bonnie Raitt,” Angel from Montgomery and Tangled and Dark. The former features Bre on lead vocals while the latter highlights Lisa Mann. The entire album is a splendid vocal showcase of talented women and the men backing them who give an air of individuality to each song they perform while staying within a respectful range of Raitt’s original score.
Lisa Mann, photo by Teri Briggs
Moving on to the live performance portion of the show, we heard Mighty Tight Woman. This song is from Blues and Jazz artist, Sippie Wallace, who was a huge influence of Bonnie’s and a dear friend. It is the perfect song for Lisa Mann’s sassy Blues. Bre’s version of Papa Come Quick will be sure to get your toes tapping with Dan on the spoons adding the right percussive touch. Their final live song, Love Me Like a Man, will certainly leave you wanting with the girls’ sultry vocals and Mark’s gritty guitar. You can watch the live stream video here.
If you are looking for a concert that will deliver superb musicianship in a performance that will take you on a nostalgic stroll down memory lane, look no further than this one. It is a guaranteed good time that will leave you singing, and dancing in your seat if not the aisles.
Show Details:
Saturday, January 28th
Alberta Rose Theatre: 3000 NE Alberta St., 503-764-4131
Tickets: $15 in advance/ $18 door
www.albertarosetheatre.com, 503-764-4131
Mark Bowden, photo by Teri Briggs
Bonnie Raitt Tribute Band, photo by Teri Briggs
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Thanks so much, Teri! We are so looking forward to this show, we appreciate PRP bringing folks a sneak preview!
You are welcome, Lisa! It is with great pleasure that we lend support to our local music scene. I’m looking forward to the show too, it is such a terrific one.