Longtime Relix Online Video Director Brian Stollery has moved on after nearly 9 years with us. Here he selects his top 15 live performances from that span…

Bobby Womack “It’s All Over Now”

Talk about a low key legend. Did you know that the Rolling Stones first single, “It’s All Over Now” is a Bobby Womack tune? “Across 110th Street”? Also him. Getting to capture this brilliant artist was priceless, and hanging with him and hearing stories of his insane rock-and-roll past and hanging with Janis Joplin was the icing on the cake. Sadly, Mr. Womack passed away a few months after this session, and my brief time with him will forever hold a special place.

Los Lonely Boys “Heaven”

Karaoke is a given at the Relix holiday party every year. Having a popular karaoke song, played live in the office, by the original artist? Hell yes!

Bob Weir “Blue Mountain”

When Dead Relix first came out in 1974, I’m not sure the original team could have ever anticipated that 40+ years later, we would have a spiffy Manhattan office, and would actually be graced by a solo performance by the one-and-only Bobby Weir. This was bucket list, for sure, and hearing Bob break down the story behind the song makes this really must-see content that I was thrilled to put together for our viewers.

Little Comets “Jennifer”

Sometimes the little guys have the biggest bite. I had never heard of this small indie group from the UK. But, their infectious harmonies, and insanely catchy songs had me hooked, instantly, and the popularity of this particular session lended several followup sessions with Little Comets.

Vance Joy “Riptide”

Once in a while, Relix would bet on a real winner. This tune went on to become a massive international hit, that can be heard in 5 star restaurants and fancy hotels and casinos to this day. Long before the international fame, Vance Joy was playing this solo on a ukulele, live at Relix.

The Wood Brothers “Wastin’ My Mind”

Few artists are as core as The Woods. My best anecdote–our first Wood Brothers session, bassist Chris Wood illustrated the content of his character by pointing out a rusty nail sticking out from the wall, and suggested that I be careful and not to hit my head on it. No artist, before or since, has offered such a kind suggestion regarding my safety, and Chris Wood is as kind and genuine as they come. And The Wood Brothers playing on a Manhattan rooftop–about as cool as it gets.

Yonder Mountain String Band “Sand”

For Phish’s 30 year anniversary in 2013, Relix put out a call for artists to come and do a Phish cover and talk about their Phish experiences. Chatting about Phish with the original YMSB lineup was cool, to say the least. It was also the Wednesday following 10/29/13 Reading, PA and preceding the 2013 Halloween Boardwalk Hall run, to give some context to the overall awesomeness.

Dr. Dog “That Old Black Hole”

These guys did the most Relix sessions of any artist under my watch. They also seemed to keep writing great songs, no matter how many albums they put out. We were happy to have them, every time.

Bert Jansch “Rosemary Lane”

Another low key legend. Mr. Jansch was the poster child of 60’s folk, and enjoyed modest success. He also heavily influenced Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, and you can hear many of his themes and licks throughout Zeppelin tunes. If you don’t believe me, listen to Jansch’s “Black Water Side” followed by Zeppelin’s “Black Mountain Side.” Sadly, Mr. Jansch has passed away since his session, and I’m proud to say this is one of his most viewed videos.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals “Paris (Ooh La La)”

The first real mind-blowing session I ever shot at Relix. This was during Grace and co’s early, exponential growth. The energy and vibe made it clear that she was going places.

Khruangbin “White Gloves”

This band popped up out of nowhere. They showed up in Bonobo’s late night tales, and everyone assumed they were a Thai funk band. Heck, that’s exactly the vibe they gave. When Mark, Laura, and DJ came to play their first ever concert in NYC, it was at the Relix office, and I was happy to host. I even walked them to Penn Station after and it was the first time any of them had seen Madison Square Garden!

Del and Dawg “Country Boy Rock ’n’ Roll”

This is one of my most prized accomplishments. Two bluegrass legends in one small Manhattan office. How this did not disrupt the space-time continuum is beyond me.

Dispatch “Curse And Crush”

Generally when shooting press sessions with an artist, there is a whole rigamarole of asks and agreements involved. But when you finally get through the actual artist, it’s often surprisingly simple and seamless. This was the case with Dispatch, who graciously provided me with a bus ticket to Boston and a hotel reservation, after inviting me to shoot a Relix session right in Chadwick Stokes’ living room. Chad was the nicest host you could imagine–He invited me to play all his guitars, help myself to his liquor cabinet, and make myself right at home. The private Dispatch concert was a real plus too.

SOJA “It’s All Understood” / “SpottieOttieDopalicious” Mash-Up (Artist on Artist series, live from The Hangout festival)

Music festivals are fun. Music festivals on a beach are more fun. Hanging with a band you love, having them mash up two songs of other artists at the festival, all while being on a beach = the most fun. My team captured this amazing performance with SOJA in their trailer, and later that evening watched Outkast on the beach.

Big Light “Caution”

https://relix.com/video/big-light-caution

This modest Bay Area supergroup played their first NYC gig in Peter Shapiro’s office my first week. It was really the first of the modern “Live At Relix” series. It’s very 90’s MTV .. A style that has sadly fallen out of fashion.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory late with me!