dmleach.com

Gipsy Kings, at Chastain Park Amphitheatre on May 1, 2010. It will be my first show at Chastain.

Cowboy Mouth, at Park Tavern on March 27, 2010. My second time seeing the band live in as many months, this time as part of the Oyster Crawfish Festival. Mischelle and Keith joined Leslie and me down in the crowd, red spoons at the ready. The sound was overwhelmingly better than at Center Stage, plus it was the first outdoor show of the year. Always a great time, and I think they made at least two new fans.

Max Raabe and Palast Orchester, at The Fabulous Fox Theatre on March 7, 2010. We likely wouldn't have caught the show were it not for a special we spotted where tickets only cost two dollars. The German ensemble plays big band and jazz standards from the World War eras. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the concert was Herr Raabe's extremely dry sense of humor.

Yonder Mountain String Band, at the Tabernacle on January 29, 2010. It was my first trip to the Tab and it was simply fantastic. I liked YMSB well enough from listening to their albums, but their music gets better when they perform it live.

Cowboy Mouth, at Center Stage on January 23, 2010. I knew of the band back from “Jenny Says,” their best known song, and had only heard about their live shows, which more than one reviewer has likened to a “religious experience.” I can easily say Cowboy Mouth is the most fun I've ever had at a concert. Their music is better enjoyed from the studio albums, but the live show is about so much more than songs.

Vortex Park, at The Five Spot on February 13, 2010. The husband of one of Leslie's closest friends sings and plays guitar with Vortex Park. I'd listened to some of their songs online and, to be honest, wasn't impressed. I'm very pleased to say that I was completely wrong about them once the concert began. VP are excellent musicians and I'm quite looking forward to seeing them again once the recording of their next album is complete.

Ralph Roddenbery, at a private show on January 8, 2010. A friend of Leslie's had a fortieth birthday bash where Ralph performed. Quite enjoyable, though I'll admit I wasn't paying incredibly close attention to the music as Leslie had only been home from Europe for a few days. Just as memorable as the party was the ice storm that threatened to cancel it.