Groove your way into 2014 with three nights of music from Jackie Greene at the Crystal Bay Club. Joined by his band for shows on the 28th and 31st, and performing a solo show on the 29th, Greene returns to Tahoe for his fourth annual New Year’s run, bringing raw talent and totally rocking music to the stage.
Greene, a Sacramento-based multi-instrumentalist, released his debut studio album in 2002, followed by six more album releases (with a seventh out in 2014), and extensive touring and collaborations with The Black Crowes, Grateful Dead members, and B.B. King, among others.
“The [Black] Crowes are one of the few bands around that still make rock and roll,” Greene said, fresh off playing guitar on The Black Crowes’ 2013 worldwide tour.
“It’s obviously a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of a group like that.”
His work with members of the Dead — from playing with Phil Lesh and Friends on and off for the past seven years, to jamming with Bob Weir and Crowes’ front man Chris Robinson — led to EPs of Dead songs and stylistic influences, noticeable on his original material.
Weaving together roots rock, Americana, blues, folk, and occasional country twangs, Greene’s songwriting is original and relatable, and his instrumental work is moving and multi-dimensional (he plays piano, guitar, banjo, slide guitar, the list goes on). His songs are thoroughly catchy, and his album titles — like early releases “Gone Wanderin’,” “Sweet Somewhere Bound,” and “American Myth” — almost hint at his style. His music, live and in the studio, truly speaks for itself.
Greene first performed in Tahoe in the early 2000s, and his local fan base has steadily grown along with his popularity. The New Year’s run at the CBC, which often sells out in advance, shows just how many loyal listeners are in the area.
“[Greene’s concerts are] great shows from a great songwriter and performer,” said Brent Harding, the CBC’s entertainment director and talent buyer. “And in Tahoe, the shows have a real family vibe.”
After touring for much of 2013 with The Black Crowes, Greene’s admittedly looking forward to playing with his band again (he said it’s been a while since they’ve jammed), and to performing at one of his favorite local venues. And while he will bring his dance-inducing musical prowess to the stage, he wants the audience to take it from there.
“Some people regard music as a healing, energizing force,” Greene said. “I just say it’s a force. What you do with it is up to you.”
To learn more about Jackie Greene, visit his official website. Or listen to his studio albums on his music page.
Here’s a taste of Greene’s New Year’s Eve show from 2012, complete with a count-down to midnight and rocking rendition of “Ball and Chain.”
