FRZN Fest with Kelly Hogan and the Pines; January 27, 2013; High Noon Saloon

It was a rare opportunity for me to be able to say "both these bands have played in my basement" about the line-up for the fourth night of the vowel impaired FRZN fest. While it's been a few years since the Twin Cities based Pines played the house (their first Madison gig outside of Andy Moore's 30 Minute Music Hour), Hogan and her band had been there just two months prior. This was Hogan's third Madison stop since the release of her terrific record I Like to Keep Myself in Pain, and the band had shifted slightly once again. The record features some big name studio musicians, including Booker T Jones (of Booker T and the MGs fame), but on tour she brings along her Chicago friends. Let me go on record as saying I prefer the latter. Guitarist Jim Elkington was off with Freakwater, so Casey McDonough, who had played bass the first time Hogan hit town, moved to guitar. Keeping their seats in the game of musical chairs were the amazing Nora O'Connor on bass and backing vocals and one of my favorite people in the whole world, Gerald Dowd on drums and vocals. Despite the weather outside being frightful, there was a decent crowd inside. They were rewarded with great (and a little emotional) sets from two great bands.

The Pines

Kelly Hogan & Band