by Kunal Mishra
Staff Writer
What happens when you combine Blues Traveler's John Popper with Dave Matthews? The result is Big Head Todd and The Monsters' guitarist/vocalist Todd Park Mohr.
Mohr fronts the Colorado-based trio that also consists of drummer Brian Nevin and bassist Rob Squires. Before BHTM's 1993 major-label debut, Sister Sweetly, the group built a solid following through constant touring. They have now done over 1,200 performances.
BHTM has toured with artists ranging from Sheryl Crow to Robert Plant. The trio took a break from touring, though, to record its latest release, Beautiful World, which highlights BHTM's crisp and fresh urban-blues rock.
The album's highlight is the potential AOR hit, "Resignation Superman," which exhibits true '90s musicianship. The rest of the album brings blues rock to different levels and away from the conservative approach of bands like Deep Blue Something or Hootie and the Blowfish.
BHTM has the potential to be the ambassador for modern blues rock. Mohr, Nevin and Squires each contribute in making the band innovative. Now that Beautiful World has been released, BHTM is out on the road yet again to promote its wares. To check out how these road veterans built a solid following, catch them with opening act Nil Lara at 8 p.m. Thursday at Numbers, 300 Westheimer. Tickets are $15.
by Jennifer Johnson
Staff Writer
If you missed Cake when they were served up with opening act Dieselhed last month at Numbers, you'll have a chance for another taste when they open up for No Doubt Friday at The Woodlands.
If their last show was any indication, Cake is a band that is not to be missed. The band performed a large array of songs from its current release, Fashion Nugget, and its debut disc, Motorcade of Generosity.
The band started with great musicality, added a bit of sarcasm, dashed in a smidgen of humor and came out with a Cake that is definitely not to be missed.
The set Cake played was cut a little short, due mostly to the vast amount of cigarette smoke coming from the crowd that was irritating lead singer John McCrea's throat. Nevertheless, the upbeat tempo of the songs, along with McCrea's wry sense of humor, made the show extremely enjoyable.
Given the larger venue this time out, Cake should have plenty of room to rise to the occasion and be far enough away from those annoying smokers. Cake takes the stage with The Vandals and No Doubt at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Don't bother calling Ticketmaster to find out ticket prices - the show has been sold out for weeks. If you were lucky enough to snag a seat, be sure to leave your cigarettes at home.