John Hiatt & Big Head Todd and the Monsters September 24, 2011

This shared bill presents one of the finest blues-rock guitarists and songwriters of our time, together with one of the hardest working rock bands in the nation.

Often compared to John Fogerty or Jackson Browne, there was a time John Hiatt’s songs were mostly heard as covers by Bonnie Raitt, Iggy Pop or Three Dog Night. However, that time is not now – now, when he’s just released The Open Road, a bluesy, rambling and melodic experience full of soul. He’s been honing this sound for decades and he’s at the top of his game these days. A former member of the highly regarded roots rock band Little Village, Hiatt’s sound varies from stripped-down blues to full-on rock ‘n roll. His stories are like none other and his voice has only gotten better over the years.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters seem to always be on the road. They are funky, lilting, and melodic at every turn. Their sound captures a combination of The Band mixed with Paul Simon and Steve Miller, with a little bit of the Allman Brothers jammy ways. Their latest album Rocksteady features founding members Todd Park Mohr (lead vocals and guitars), Rob Squires (bass), and Brian Nevin (drums), with keyboardist, steel guitarist, and backup vocalist Jeremy Lawton, who joined The Monsters in January ‘04. Rocksteady is the latest chapter in a groovy rock ‘n’ roll career that stretches back nearly 25 years. Founded in 1986 by Mohr, Squires, and Nevin, then University of Colorado students, Big Head Todd and The Monsters are one of the country’s most popular constantly touring acts.