ROCK ON! This Week's Sound Bites...8/6/15

By Danny Coleman

originally published: 08/06/2015

Anton Fig spent spent more than two decades sitting behind his famed drum kit as a member of the "Late Show With David Letterman" band and over that time period the magnitude of it all never eluded him. "Phenomenal, a life changing job; I mean that, literally a life changing job," says the now veteran time keeper. "Twenty nine years, fifty four hundred shows, I got to play with a lot of incredible musicians who either sat in with the band or we backed up and I got to hear Dave every night who was a genius at what he does; he was smart and just great. People think we were this great well rehearsed band. Truth is, I'd go to work every day and everything was very off the cuff. We never rehearsed the show, we'd rehearse little pieces and then we did the show; we never knew what Dave was going to do. I was very lucky to have a job like that for such a long period of time. While I was doing Letterman I could play with other people, other bands and I had the stability of the job as a constant which afforded me a steady home, a mortgage, as a musician to have that, almost like a regular job where you work days; I was very fortunate."

With Letterman behind him, Fig is keeping as busy as ever; an upcoming tour with Joe Bonamassa and the release of a new disc titled "Figments" have him occupied rather nicely. "Right now, I'm in Nashville rehearsing with Bonamassa for the upcoming "3 Kings Tour" where we'll be paying tribute to Albert, Freddie and B.B. King and that runs pretty much through the end of the year and then we will be doing Joe's material when we head over to Europe before coming back to the U.S. It's not as if it's new to me; I've played on Joe's last seven or eight albums and I've played with him at Royal Albert Hall and another concert. When he heard Letterman was ending he asked if I would join; it seemed like it'd be a fun thing to do. They are a great band and it's going to be great fun. The "3 Kings Tour" ends up at the Greek Theater where we'll be filming a DVD. I wanted to to keep working after Letterman and this seemed like it would be a good gig as I wanted to stay active right away and keep playing; I'm Very Lucky."

"Figments," is a disc that has been crafted over time and showcases some of the most recognizable talent that the music industry has to offer. Aaron Neville's son Ivan, Ace Frehley, Brian Wilson, Sebastian Bach, Donald Duck Dunn and Richie Havens are just a sampling of the artists who lent a hand to Fig's production. Well,it took me a couple of years," explained Fig as he recounted the process of putting together such an ensemble of contributors. "I did all of the writing first, then I recorded it. I did it all, worked on it myself. When you're the musician, the producer, the engineer, it gets tough and you do it as you can and with so many great people on this record and working with their schedules; it was hard to get together.This is kind of a re-release, I released it a bit ago but only to a small audience; some people heard it and suggested, they wanted me to get it out there. One particular song, "Head On My Shoulder," I collaborated with Blondie Chaplin who sang with the Beach Boys and I have Brian Wilson doing background vocals; it's one of my favorite songs on the album. There are so many moments on this record, Richie Havens, his voice is so beautiful and I consider myself lucky to have played with him."

Fig also counts meeting Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and performing with James Brown among the highlights of his career on the "Late Show With David Letterman." Meeting and performing along side so many talented people had a direct impact on the new record but also makes it difficult to do much beyond its release. The logistics of assembling all of those guests and touring is daunting but did make for each song having its own unique twist and flavor. "There were a lot of different people on this record and each song has a different kind of scene; which was a result of me playing with so many different people. I had performed a lot of different kinds of music so I decided to put together a record that reflected all sides; well that and my playing all of these different styles as well as my producing. I don't think I can tour with it because it's too varied; there are too many different people involved. I'm busy now getting ready to tour with Joe Bonamassa but if a song or some cut from the record got some notoriety; perhaps it would be worth maybe looking into putting something together and giving it a try. The songs on this record are beautiful musical moments, it's a great record to listen to; well, at least I think so anyway (laughs)."

Fig also feels that he's now taken on a different role; that of a mentor of sorts to younger musicians who seek his advice. "I love playing good music with anybody," he said with a sense of conviction when asked about musicians of today. "It's great, it really comes down to the music. To see some of these good young musicians and give them encouragement is very rewarding to me. A lot of people kind of helped me and I was always kind of like the youngest person in the room until very recently. A lot of people come to me, so I try to drop in the right information that's gonna have some legs and give them support. I hope to offer something to refer to, something to pass on, some constructive criticisms if possible. I'm not saying that I'm the be all to end all but I like to feel like I'm helping or have helped someone."

"Figments" is due to hit the markets on August 21 and to find an outlet for purchase or to find out more about Anton Fig; please go to www.AntonFig.com .

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS

Amarones Windsor Inn

29 Church St. Windsor

(609) 448-7144

Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D

New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info

Sat. 8 p.m. Meg Hanson Band feat. Billy Hill

Blend Bar & Bistro

911 Highway 33, Hamilton

(609) 245-8887

Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam

New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info

The Backstage at Championship Bar

931 Chambers St. Trenton

Thurs. 5 p.m. Exotype, Kingdom Of Giants, Brightwell, Like Vultures, War Among Us, The Second Phase, Sovereign Kings, K.O.B.A. All ages, $13/$15

Fri. 6 p.m. Johnny B. Morbid, The Zombie Mafia, Who Killed Marilyn?, Suburban Murder, Deadly Nights, Salems Outlaws. All ages, $10

Sat. 5 p.m. Results Not Typical, Hotel Metamorphosis, (TBA). All ages, $10

Candlelight Lounge

24 Passaic St. Trenton

(609) 695-9612

New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info

Sat. 3 p.m. Web Thomas Drum Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)

Chickie's & Pete's

183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown

(609) 298-9182

Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs

Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night

Dog & Bull Brew House

810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.

(215) 788-2855

Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld

Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Johnny Moskal

Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Good Time and Folk Rock Show

Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz Duo (3 p.m.) Dick Gratton

Mon. 8 p.m. Sister Blue

Tues. 8 p.m. Jay Regan

Wed. 8 p.m. Mike Cono

New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info

Fran's Pub

116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.

(215)862-5539

Thurs. 9 p.m. Curtain Call

Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam

All shows 21+

Halo Pub

9 Hullfish Street Princeton

(609) 921-1710

Sat. 6 p.m. Living The Dream Band, Bryan Hill

Havana New Hope

105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-9897

Thurs. (7 p.m.) WMGK House Band Competition (10 p.m.) "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party

Fri. 8 p.m. Los Straightjackets. Doors at 6 p.m., $25 (advance) $30 (day of show)

Sat. 8 p.m. "Chicago Tribute Band" Sounds Of Society. Doors at 6 p.m., $15

Sun. 4 p.m. ROCKY & His Friends

Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron

Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends

Hopewell Valley Vineyards

46 Yard Road Pennington

(609) 737-4465

Fri. 6 p.m. Deb & Mike

Ivy Tavern

3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton

(609) 888-1435

Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Fri. 10 p.m. Ernie White Band

Sat. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit

All shows 21+

John & Peter's

96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-5981

Thurs. 8 p.m. Pediatric Cancer Benefit

Fri. 9 p.m. Rainbow Fresh

Sat. (3 p.m.) Fellaheen (8 p.m.) Grasshopper, Sun Voyager, Mike Kiker

Sun. 3 p.m. Anthony Sacchetti

Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Justin Pope

Tues. 9 p.m. Electric Man, Jeanette & Steve

Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational

All shows 21+

JoJo's Tavern

2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton

(609) 586-2678

Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke

Millhill Basement

300 S. Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-1600

Sat. 9 p.m. Hot Blood, Ninety Six

Palermo's Of Hamilton

310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton

(609) 838-7979

Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Sat. 9 p.m.

All shows 21+

Patriot's Crossing

1339 River Rd. Titusville

(609) 737-2780

Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sensei Juan & the Black Belts

Sat. 7:30 p.m. (TBA)

Pete's Steak House

523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton

(609) 585-8008

Fri. 9:30 p.m. F2 & The Anchovy Brothers

Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kevin Toft & The All Stars

Randy Now's Man Cave

134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown

(609) 424-3766

Please Check web Page for Events

RHO Waterfront

50 Riverview Plaza Trenton

(609) 393-7300

Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (9 p.m.) Don't Call Me Francis

Sat. 9 p.m. "Leo Birthday Celebration" w/ DJ Juice. $20 (advance) $25 (at the door)

Wed. 8 p.m. "Music Meets The Runway" feat. Local Music Artists/DJ Blake. Doors at 7:30 p.m., $20, Ages 21+

Tavern On The Lake

101 Main St. Hightstown

(609) 426-9345

Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night

Sat. 9 p.m. Out Of The Red

The Cool Cricket

216 4th St. Fieldsboro

(609) 291-9110

Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys

The HOB Tavern

146 Second Street

(609) 291-7020

Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke

Wed. 9 p.m. Joe Chianese & Michael Nabinger

The Ivy Inn

248 Nassau St. Princeton

(609) 921-8555

Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron

Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee

Sat. 10 p.m. Boxorox

Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv

Wed. (8:30 p.m.) Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron

The Sticky Wicket

2465 South Broad St. Hamilton

(609) 439-0007

Fri. 9 p.m. No Way Out

Sat. 9 p.m. Never Enough

The Sun National Bank Center

81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton

(609) 656-3200

Check web site for upcoming events

Tir Na Nog

1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton

(609) 392-2554

Fri. 9 p.m. Diamuid McSweeney

Sat. 9 p.m. Mike Nabinger

Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Taylor Reed

All shows 21+

Trenton Buzz

702 Pine St. Trenton

(609) 392-6000

Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat

Trenton Social

449 South Broad Street Trenton

(609) 989-7777

Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Cinema Thursday Presents: "Merwencol"

Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday

Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P

Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.

Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)

400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.

(215) 862-8300

Fri. 10 p.m. Levee Drivers ($5 cover charge)

Sat. 10 p.m. Karikatura ($5 cover charge)

Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign ups 6:30 p.m.)

Wed. 9 p.m. Paleface

All shows 21+

Wildflowers Inn

2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington

Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock

All shows 21+