30 Days Out, Oct. 2023 #1: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Jonathan Richman, Andrew Finn Magill, Buddy Guy
A globetrotting WNC favorite son, a blues legend taking a well-deserved victory lap, and two other big names: those are the highlights of Asheville and nearby live music in the coming 30 days. Here we go!
Artist: Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m.
Door: $32
Modern-day psychedelia from New Zealand? What’s not to love? For more than a decade this outfit has been releasing well-received albums that draw from progressive rock, occasionally earning the lo-fi tag. Among their best-known tracks is “So Good at Being in Trouble,” from their second album; it showcases the aforementioned styles a bit, but I hear soul and trip-hop. Lots going on, and most all of it very good.
Artist: Jonathan Richman
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Friday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.
Door: $25
Jonathan Richman’s place in rock history is assured, in large part thanks to The Modern Lovers, an album he recorded in 1972 and released four years later. That record is highly influential, and set the tome for a generation of other artists. What it didn’t do, however, was preview the direction that Richman’s own career would take. He hasn’t made anything remotely like that record since. But he remains a beloved (if highly idiosyncratic) figure, so anyone who appreciates the vast majority of his work is encouraged to go to this show.
Artist: Andrew Finn Magill
Venue: Wortham Center
Date: Friday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.
Door: $42
Magill is from Western North Carolina, but he’s perhaps best classified as a (forgive the term) world music artist. Such is the breadth of his interest and talent that terms like Americana ans such simply don’t do him justice. Celtic music, Brazilian fado and more: that’s just some of what you’ll get from this master fiddler-and-more. I interviewed him in 2017 and 2018, about two very different projects.
Artist: Buddy Guy
Venue: Harrah’s Casino
Date: Saturday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $50+
What can I say? This is billed as the blues hero’s final tour. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! And if that’s not enough, Eric Gales opens. (Here’s more.)
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.