Real Good for Free: David Malachowski and the Woodstock Allstars @ Athens Riverfront Park, 8/21/09

By Greg Haymes On Aug 18, 2009

David Malachowski doesn’t need the spotlight.

Throughout most of his musical career, the guitarslinger has been quite content to just be one of the guys in the band, allowing the lead vocalist to soak up the spotlight – whether the band was playing behind megawatt country star Shania Twain, veteran bluesman Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown or roots-rockin’ honky-tonker Commander Cody.

dfm7 With a resume like that, you know that Malachowski can deliver the goods. But what can he do when he steps out front to lead his own band? Well, you can find out for yourself at 7pm on Friday, August 21 when David Malachowski and the Woodstock Allstars play their one and only gig of the year at Riverfront Park in Athens.

Malachowski assembled the first incarnation of the Allstars in 2007 to headline the Lake George Blues Festival. Featuring drummer Harvey Sorgen of Hot Tuna, blues guitarist Albert Cummings and vocalist Jill Stephenson among others, that initial ensemble featured a wealth of musical talent.

And so have the subsequent editions of the band, which boasts a somewhat fluid membership, to say the least.

Malachowski describes the Woodstock Allstars as “a loosely held together group of friends that just happen to be some of the most amazing musicians in the world.”

He ain’t kidding.

In his own words, Malachowski rattles off the latest Allstars line-up:

Singer Machan Taylor: “In addition to fronting her own Brazilian music-based band, she has sang background with Pink Floyd, Sting and Govt. Mule.”
Drummer Gary Burke: “He provided the thunder for Bob Dylan’s legendary Rolling Thunder Revue, the Rick Danko Band and Joe Jackson, as well as playing with me in Shania Twain’s band.”
Bass genius Tony Levin: “He’s well known for his brilliant work with Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, John Lennon and his other extensive credits.”
Keyboard ace Pete Levin: “He has toured with Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Gil Evans and well, everybody.”
Keyboardist Daniel A. Weiss: “The always inventive Mr. Weiss plays keyboards with Joan Osborne, Cassidy and is always very busy on Broadway.”
Harp wizard Dennis Gruenling: “He fronts his own popular blues band, Jumptime.”

Though Malachowski is the bandleader and general musical organizer, he says, “Everyone gets featured. Solos are passed around, family-style. And jamming is where the real magic happens.”

NYC chanteuse (and Athens native) Michelle Hotaling opens the show.

Real Good for Free: David Malachowski and the Woodstock Allstars @ Athens Riverfront Park, 8/21/09

Mike McMann

Sound + Vision: Purple Rain

Jason Ennis

The Tuesday Situation

W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend To Cause Havoc) / Death Valley Girls / Abraxas

Matthew Danger / Lippman Band

Mark Franklin

Honeysuckle