Tribute Show Brings Chris Cornell Fans And Apostles Together At The Crocodile

When music fans get together in celebration of Chris Cornell’s music, it’s pretty clear the show will be louder than love!

On July 19th, The Crocodile hosted the annual Chris Cornell Tribute show, bringing fans of his music and advocates for his songs into one place. The faithful, and the apostles – testifying to Cornell’s talent and charisma. Since his passing two years ago, this celebration means a lot – because the true nature of his soul and spirit is now clear, in the songs and fans that remain. And to have this celebration at The Croc made the event so much more meaningful because of the venue’s history in the Seattle music scene!

Opening the show was Aisha.

Aisha Elmehdaoui fronts the band as singer and rhythm guitarist, with Keith Wright on lead guitar, Rose McMayhem on bass, and Chase Culp on drums. Aisha also fronts Bleed Together – an all-female tribute to Soundgarden. She also covered lead vocals for Outshined earlier this year, filling in for Keven James Hoffman while he was away.

Her voice carries the soul of Joan Osborne, the emotion of Janis Joplin, and the range of Geoff Tate. Each element is powerful on its own; together, it creates a vocal experience that keeps the crowd entertained!

With Chase on the drum set, the band is guaranteed with solid metronome-like accuracy. Chase also teaches percussion and plays in Iron Dragon – which I wrote about last year.

Rose held down Stage Right with her walking bass lines and quiet demeanor. Her reliable stage presence is punctuated by an ever-revolving wardrobe that is playful and shiny!

Keith was a mad man on the other side of the stage – twisting and toe-tapping his way through blazing solos and tasty riffs that blended so well with Aisha’s voice. Every time he hung a boot over the center stage edge, the crowd really reacted to his presence.

The band performed a full set of originals, which also appear on their recent CD release. Their set was the perfect opener for Outshined, who came on stage next to headline the event!

Outshined – A Tribute to Soundgarden & Temple Of The Dog – consists of Keven James Hoffman on vocals and rhythm guitar, JT Phillips on lead guitar, Kyyle Cort on lead and rhythm guitar, Lee Bruso on bass, and Daryl Williams on drums.

I wrote earlier this year about the heartfelt experience that Keven brings to the crowd when singing Cornell’s songs. His vocal range is similar to Chris, and not fabricated merely to front a tribute. Last year I heard first hand as Keven evoked the same vocal skills with his original band Dead Rebel Saints.

It’s him. It’s his emotions, right there for all to feel. It brings out the best of Soundgarden, and the sense that there was much more to their music than hit radio could ever recognize. Outshined is able to bring that experience to everything, thanks to Keven’s prowess behind the mic.

JT’s guitar work adds a whole layer of professionalism that is hard to find. He brought no fewer than eight different guitars to cover all the Soundgarden and Temple songs he plays! THAT is the perfect example of JT’s dedication to the craft – ever prepared and equipped to rock!

Kyyle is a longtime local musician who also fronts Superfekta – now in their 20th year. Kyyle’s ability to move among the various instruments on stage makes him a vital part of the music scene.

One night I saw him on acoustic guitar with Outshined, and not long after sitting in on the drums with Nevermind! He brings a reliable presence to any stage he plays!

Lee’s bass work is filled with heavy undertones and precise string pulls. His animated stance on stage draws attention, and his sound blends perfectly with the other members. It’s clear that he loves this music because he seems to lose himself in the moments while playing.

Daryl ties all the parts together, with percussion that is both surgical and enlightened.

Daryl seems to savor bringing the beat alive from behind the skins. He can nurse the quiet taps during songs like “Seasons,” and command the attacks when the songs explode into a wall of sound. His work is seamless and foundational.

Near the end of their set, Aisha joined them on stage to play guitar on Spoon Man, and sing Riding You All The Way!

The crowd, already hyped up from tons of great music, welcomed her back with rounding applause and full attention for the rest of the set.

Today I was listening to Soundgarden’s UltraMega OK in my car; it was the disk that introduced me to them in 1988 – and founded a lifelong appreciation for the band and for ALL of the musicians who were involved in making them special. While I didn’t hear anything off UltraMega OK at the tribute show (I love the song “Flower”), I was still overwhelmed by the quality of the music, the poignancy of the lyrics, and the response of the crowd. Aisha and Outshined really brought the sauce and graced an already legendary song catalog with strength and talent. The apostles of Chris Cornell brought his introspective message to the faithful – people like me who have listened to Soundgarden for thirty years. And the message rocked The Croc.

I can’t think of anywhere else I would have wanted to be that night. And, like so many others, I left smiling into the quiet midnight streets of downtown Seattle. A special event indeed.

Check out Aisha and Outshined in social media, and make sure to catch their upcoming shows!