I love the Doug Fir. When it first opened, I was floored by the design and how they created a log cabin inside an old 50’s/60’s style hotel. Also, they were part of the rejuvenation of that stretch of Burnside, an area in much need of revitalization a few years ago. And then I discovered the music venue.
The Doug Fir hosted Bob Log III with Willem Maker and Pure Country Gold opening. I’m a regular subscriber to the weekly Loglove newsletter, so scored a pair of free tickets to tonight’s show. Wizardboots and I had a grand old time.
Pure Country Gold is a local Portland band that isn’t country. I thought their music was bluesy, yet rocky. A single guitarist (and singer) and a vibrant drum. Enjoyable fast paced music.
Willem Maker, kind of surprised the crowd when he started. Honestly, I thought they were still setting up for the band when he sat down and started into a song with his acoustic guitar and deep raspy voice. True southern style. After his first song, he introduced himself, stating he was from Alabama – a long way from home. His set was amazing. He played the blues with some songs having folk influence. His voice was deep and raspy at times, reminding me of Tom Waits. I couldn’t get enough of his music. I have fallen in love with the blues. It was a time when I wished he was in my living room and we were sitting around with beers and guitars.
Bob Log III is the third iteration of Bob Log, a venerable musician known by many for his unique stage presence and music. Bob Log strolled out on stage to the sound of blues guitar in a nice black suit and a gold helmet. Yep, a gold helmet with sun visor equipped with the handset of a vintage AT&T telephone. The handset acted as his mic. He wore that helmet the entire show. After a rip roaring bluesy, guitar rich first song, he engaged the crowd while tearing off his suit to reveal a gold jumpsuit. Wow! A helmet and a gold jumpsuit. I had no idea what we were in for. Bob Log’s set was mostly rockin’ blues tunes. Some were melodic, some fast. The crowd was really into him, unlike most Portland concert crowd, even moshing at times to some of the faster songs. Bob Log is a performer beyond the music. He engaged the crowd with humor and antics, even having band meetings with his favorite band member – Heineken. The peak of the show consisted of two women getting on stage with the one man band and sitting on his knees while he ripped through yet another great song. Needless to say, this was pretty risque for everyone. I think I even knew one of the women, but I’ll never tell.
The entire show was awesome and I want to thank the Doug Fir booking bunker for bringing these bands to town. I had never heard any of the bands before tonight and ended up purchasing a vinyl edition of Willem Maker’s latest full length album. If you get a chance, hit up a show at the Doug Fir.
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I wholeheartedly agree…I’ve been to Doug Fir a few times, and it’s easy to play show roulette and just go, because the bands are always great.
This was a great show….seeing Bob Log surf over the crowd in an inflatable raft was priceless.
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