6 posts tagged “bluegrass”
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07/12/09
Stanley, ID @ Music from Stanley
Solo Discography
07/13/09 Salmon River Stanley, Idaho 07/14/09 Hailey, ID @ The Mint 07/15/09 Boise, ID @ Alive After Five 07/16/09 Moscow, ID @ Rendezvous 07/17/09 Ephrata, WA @ Basin Summer 07/19/09 Alta, WY @ Grand Targhee 07/22/09 Crested Butte, CO @ Live! 07/23/09 Ridgway, CO @ Pickin’ in the Park 08/06/09 Bethlehem, PA @ Musik Fest 08/07/09 Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe 08/14/09 Toronto, ONT @ Massey Hall 08/15/09 Ottawa, ON @ National Arts 08/17/09 Fredericton, NB @ Fredericton 08/18/09 Saint John, NB @ Imperial 08/20/09 Halifax, NS @ Rebecca Cohn 08/21/09 Halifax, NS @ Rebecca Cohn 08/23/09 Charlottetown, PEI @ Confereration 08/24/09 Sackville, NB @ Convocation Hall 08/26/09 Corner Brook, NF @ Arts and Culture 08/27/09 Corner Brook, NF @ Arts and Culture 08/29/09 St. Johns, NF @ Holy Heart Theatre 08/30/09 St. John’s, NF @ Holy Heart Theatre 09/03/09 Portland, OR @ Mississppi Studios 09/04/09 Bellingham, WA @ Green Frog 09/05/09 Seattle, WA @ Mural Amph 09/11/09 Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theater 09/12/09 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theater 09/13/09 Des Moines, IA @ Flying Mango 09/23/09 Knoxville, TN @ Square Room 09/24/09 Memphis, TN @ Levitt Shell 09/25/09 Decatur, GA @ Eddie’s Attic 09/26/09 (WTMT 105.9 FM 09/26/09 Flat Rock, NC @ Flat Rock 01/23/10 Port Washington, NY @ Landmark
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Her appearance on Austin City Limits was last year, July 8, 2008, and she played a short setlist:
- Seven Angels on a Bicycle
- Absence
- El Salvador
- She Ain't Me
- 50's French Movie
- Never Gonna Be Your Bride
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If that small sampling isn't enough for you - I am happy to report that Carrie Rodriguez just released a live CD called Live In Louisville, available directly on her website. At the time of the live recording, April 24th, 2007, at the WL Lyons Brown Theatre in Louisville, KY, she only had her debut album Seven Angels on a Bicycle material to work with - so it's no surprise that her setlist is practically Seven Angels on a Bicycle done live, with the exception of "Mask of Moses" which sounds like an early version that would later appear on She Ain't Me.
The other non-album tracks includes a cover of bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe's "You Won’t Be Satisfied (That Way)" and an all-instrumental jam song "Blackberry Blossom". "Blackberry" serves as a nice break in the middle of the hour music set.
It's rare, but whenever Rodriguez talks between her songs, it's with this deep southern accent. Especially when she ends a sentence, her last word is stretched out, like: "We've had so much fun playing music for you guuuuys".
"Never Gonna Be Your Bride" made for an excellent closer to her live album (I'm assuming "St. Peter's" was the encore). I'm sure it would've been more effective if she changed the "Austin" in "Never Gonna Be Your Bride" to the city she's playing. In this case, "Sister Liz, say c'mon down, tell me what you've been doing this night in Louisville-town".
The recording and mixing, thanks to Kevin Madigan (and edit and mastered by Matt Stein) is excellent. Each note and breathing vocals can be heard loud and clear - and equalized. Even when Rodriguez is asking "Just a little more vocals", it sounds perfect to me.
Live In Louisville is available now, you can find her previous albums on her website or Amazon. Be sure to check her out on tour, where she'll be performing with either a full band or as a solo artist. If the Austin City Limits or Live In Louisville are any indication, she's great live.
07/12/2009 12:40:34 ♥ vu (
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♥ carrierodriguez.com ♥ myspace.com/carrielrodriguez
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06/03/09 The Largo Los Angeles, CA 06/05/09 Artscenter Carrboro, NC 06/06/09 Handlebar Greenville, SC 06/07/09 Chuck Mathena Princeton, WV 06/08/09 Kentucky Theatre Lexington,KY 06/11/09 Grey Eagle Tavern Asheville, NC 06/12/09 Melting Point, Athens, GG 06/13/09 Bonnaroo Fest Manchester,TN 06/18/09 Anthology Lounge San Diego, CA 06/21/09 Telluride Festival Telluride, CO 06/25/09 Little Room Los Angeles, CA 09/06/09 Strawberry Bluegrass Yosemite, CA Discography
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As Nickel Creek is currently on hiatus, Sara Watkins decided to branch off in her first solo effort, available now on Nonesuch Records (incidentally, the record label was responsible for more modern alt-country sound, such as the wildly popular The Black Keys and Wilco album).
So what do I think of her album? Well, let's just say there are some fiddles on it. Like, a lot of fiddles. Luckily, having been listening to too many indie-bands (guitars/bass/drums combo), I do welcome such a characteristic weepy grassy sound.
Half of the album are covers, more like unusual standards, while the other half are original Watkins song. The Watkins songs are usually slow brew songs, a little quieter. Her songs feels like they are mostly about friends ("My Friend") & family & religion ("Give Me Jesus").
All these songs features the fiddle in at least some capacity, but the ultimate fiddle vs mandolin song is "Freiderick". Although there are no vocals on the song, the fiddle seems to be is the voice on the song.
Filling inbetween the original songs are covers. I especially enjoyed her version of "Too Much", turning the more rough bluesy rock Davíd Garza song into a more country-pop love song (Garza's original version can be found on Overdub from 2001). Her version is both refreshing and upbeat, plus the electric guitar on the song is a nice touch.
The other contemporary is "Pony" by Tom Waits, from his 2004 album, Mule Variations. While one expects to hear his scratchy old-man's vocals on this minimalist song, Watkins actually made the song more... I don't know, beautiful? This is because her voice is too sweet and smooth (like Scarlett Johansson's Waits cover album), but it's unfair to compare anyone to the truly unique Tom Waits.
Although the covers range from contemporary to old-fashion country tunes (Jimmie Rodgers' "Any Old Time") feels uneven, especially from pop-style songs to rootsy songs, I think bluegrass fans will find something to like about this album. It's also especially a must-buy if you're already a Nickel Creek fan. You can currently catch her touring under her artist name or as fiddler in her various "families" like Watkins Family Hour, Fiction Family (Switchfoot!), and Works Progress Administration.
05/29/2009 00:57:38 ♥ vu ()
♥ sarawatkins.com ♥ myspace.com/sarawatkinssolo ♥ nickelcreek.com
Celebrity Chimp
With an intriguing name, Celebrity Chimp are... let's see... bluegrass? rock? indie? punk? all of the above? I'll let you decide. If i was going to say "ooh this band sounds like [insert band name here]" i would have to say "ooh Celebrity Chimp remind me of Mclusky"... in some respects anyway. Celebrity Chimp are quirky, both musically and lyrically. Listen to the track, Murderer, if you get a chance. I love the logic behind it. Brilliant!
Well that's it for me. I must admit after listening to Kingsbury, it's time for some cheesy britpop to re-energise my smile.
EPs and Singles are usually fun to review because they're often a short list of songs (usually under five tracks). I have about 16 singles, so in an effort to mention most of them, I present to you another round of EPs, please check out the first Attack of the EPs. Check back for part three in a week.
If you are interested in submitting EPs or full length album for review,
please contact me () and I will be more than happy to send out a standard submission guide.
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ILLIMANJARO
myspace.com/illimanjaromusic
I wanted to mention Illimanjaro today because they are playing tonight at Flemings Pub at the Make Music Event in Queens, New York. It looks like they are also playing two other NY dates: Club Europa (July 9th and July 22th). Their debut EP is called Not Invited and they are offering the entire four track EP available for download on their myspace. There's not a lot of details about this band, apparently they formed in late 2004 and are known for their "hard-htting rap/spoken word" vocals. Which after listening to the first song "Not Invited", it sounds more like Devo-esque. In fact, the only "rap" style song is "No Means No", because "No Win Situation" had more singing, while "Still" is all instrumental. I felt that "No Means No" sounds a little Beastie Boys, but with a very fat bass on this song. Since every song is quite different, I'm assuming the band is either is very diverse or they're still struggling to find their sound, but I'm hoping it's the former and not the latter. Not Invited is available for download now, see them live if you happen to be in New York. |
I AM THE HEAT
iamtheheat.com ♥ myspace.com
Another New York indie band, I Am The Heat have been around since 2005, with already three EPs under their belt (Cars Like Oceans, Selections from the Silver Skies, and Naked), and they have a new one called The Future Doesn't Need Us. I just checked, the new EP won't be available until July 15th, but I wanted to mention them today because they are playing tonight at Make Music in New York. There will be an official record release party on August 2nd at a yet to be determined location. Listening to their album, I get the impression that this production is very garagey and DIY (do it yourself). It's also infectiously fun to listen to them having a good time on such songs as "What Would Lou Reed Do" and "Dream Machine". The EP ends with a seemingly slow song, "Tonight (And I'll Save You)", that is until near the end where it picks up into a frantic frenzy. I like the idea that they don't take themselves too seriously and I also like the idea of having Morrissey on their Top 8 (because they sound nothing like the depressing mopester). You can pick up The Future Doesn't Need Us as well as Naked on High Five Records. |
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JACKSONKNIFE
jacksonknife.com ♥ myspace.com
New York indie band's Jacksonknife's debut EP is called You Don't Know What You're Talking About. They formed in 2006, by songwriter Jeremy Kirkland, and have performed with similar indie rock acts such as The French Kicks, Ra Ra Riot & Encrypt Manuscript. When you think of indie rock, you don't normally hear brass instruments, so that was refreshing to hear it on "Truthfully". It doesn't stop there, other interesting sounds such as violas on "Healthy Diets" and "The Morning" and banjo-sounds on "Catholics" definitely makes the songs better and interesting in my opinion. I have to add that I thought the quiet-sounding folk song "Catholics" didn't quite belong on this EP, it just felt out of place. The happy/get up and move "Truthfully" is good, but I felt "Healthy Diets" would best describe the band: great melody and great lyrics. I half imagine if you like The Decemberists or Modest Mouse, this band might be right up your alley. They are playing a few dates around New York:
07/05/08 Cake Shop New York
You Don't Know What You're Talking About can be purchased on amazon (use Pepsi Points and get it for free!) and iTunes. Keep up with the band at the usual myspace and their tumblr blog. |
GARRY SEGAL
todyeforband.com ♥ myspace.com
The seven-track EP I have from Garry Segal is called Taking Notes, and at the time I got the submission, I don't believe he had a band. As it turns out, his band is called ToDyeFor, which I haven't heard yet, but based on this EP they should sound excellent. This is a great EP if you are into blues, Segal has that seasoned years of drinking voice that fit these kind of songs. You'll believe him when he says "I keep drinkin', hop back on it everytime. No river of religion to wash away my pain, just drags me down the drain." on "I Keep Drinkin'" and "she lost a place in more ways than you think/now she's in this bar, looking for drink from a guy who understand her losses" on "Two Broken People". I also found "Wrong Dogs" a little humerous, although I get the impression that dogs are a metaphor for humans. Although I normally like the storytelling aspect of blues and country music, but to my surprise, the instrumental track, "Everything's Jake", which is mostly driven by a harmonica, is seriously good. I had to play that twice in a roll. He's playing a few dates with his new band, so check them out:
07/17/08 Rodi gastonia
He's playing tonight at the Cypress Cellar in North Carolina, if you are in the area. If not, Taking Notes, can be purchased on CD Baby. |
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MY EDUCATION
myeducationmusic.com ♥ myspace.com
Bad Vibrations, the EP from My Education was released fairly recently, on June 10th. Originally formed in Austin, Texas, in 1999, as a three-piece band (Brian Purington, Eric Gibbons and Sean Seagler), they eventually added keyboardist Kirk Laktas and viola James Alexander and "guitar god" Chris Hackstie to their lineup. Their biography goes on to let us know that these guys have been around, releasing two albums: 5 Popes (Sold out in 2003, reissued in 2004) and Italian (2005). Listening to the seven tracks (eight if you count the hidden non-musical track), I have to admit they create this weird slow cooking atmosphere. None of the songs have singing on it, and their songs often goes over the five minute mark - definitely not pop radio material... but I think their music might be experienced live or on a motion picture soundtrack. I generally liked all the songs on the EP, especially if they have some sort of structure to them like "Mother May" and "Sluts and Maniacs". I also like hearing Alexander's volins on "Arch" and "Aria", both songs have a nice delightful ambiance to them. They are doing quite a few tour dates, so see them live:
06/26/08 Live radio on Kut 90.5 Austin, TX 06/26/08 Bad Vibrations Record Release Party @ Emo’s Lounge Austin, Texas 06/28/08 End of an Ear Austin, Texas 07/04/08 Albuquerque, NM @ Atomic Cantina 07/05/08 Tucson, AZ @ Plush 07/06/08 Phoenix, AZ @ Modified Arts 07/07/08 San Diego, CA @ the Beauty Bar 07/08/08 Los Angeles, CA Sunrise Film Score 07/09/08 San Francisco, CA @ Hemlock 07/10/08 Arcata, CA @ Jambalaya 07/11/08 Portland, OR @ Towne Lounge 07/12/08 Olympia, WA @ The Voyeur 07/13/08 Seattle @ Funhouse 07/14/08 Missoula, MT @ The Palace 07/16/08 Denver, CO @ Old Curtis 07/17/08 Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge 07/18/08 OKC @ the Conservatory 07/19/08 Denton, TX @ Hailey’s Bad Vibrations is out now, you can pick it up from Strange Attractors with other oddities as Harris Newman and Nick Castro. |
ROSIE SWAN
myspace.com ♥ vox.com
She previously released an EP under her full name Rosemary Rebecca Swan called Mid Life (and the Definitive Break Up) and she has a full album called White Girl. I don't believe these two audio tracks ("Treasure" and "Good Again") that were submitted to me are from her album, but it was the only album artwork that was provided. Since both songs are acoustic, I'm forced to think that she sounds like a folk singer/songwriter type. She definitely have a hidden anger buried inside her, at least I get that impression, based on the two songs. Personally, I think the two tracks a little rough and could use some mixing, but you'll have to keep in mind that they were both recorded live. Of the two tracks, I think "Treasure" sounds better because you can clearly hear the acoustic guitar and her energetic vocals. By the way, her impressive biography, which lists her her media work as having appeared on television, films, and radio (notably Top of the Pops and Liberty Radio) and her numerous awards (winner of The National Music Day, Gibraltar International Song Festival Award, Marquee Club, Essex Radio National Rock Song, and London Songwriters Showcase), you would think that with the right marketing and record label that she would be a star, if not now, then soon. See her live on July 5th at the Pride London Open Air Festival, along with such acts as Sandi Thom, Shen, Geek Girl (what a name!), Lilth's Army, and Becca Williams. Swan is schedule to appear on the Women stage at 4:20 pm. Check out more music on her myspace and add her to your neighborhood on vox. |
Links:
www.weheartmusic.com
“I’ve taken some knocks over the years for being different,
But that won’t hold back the music.”
Peter Wernick
“What The” is the perfect name for this album. When I first plugged the CD into my computer, I-Tunes refused to put it into a category. When I listened to the first song, I had no idea how to help. Just listing the front men and their instruments didn’t help:
Peter Wernick on 5-String banjo pushes me towards bluegrass. Greg Harris on vibraphone pulls me towards modern jazz. Bill Pontarelli on clarinet sends me to Dixieland. But Joan Wernick on vocals tells me it’s all about the standards.
When I take a look at the artwork on the CD, I find no help as an illustration of what I assume to be the band is playing in front of an equally eclectic audience with Lady Di, Elton John and Marilyn Monroe interspersed with the regular Jane's and Joe’s along with the three Kings: Larry, Don and BB. But as I look a little longer, I see on the wall pictures of musical icons like Hank Williams, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman. Then I understand. This album is a celebration by those who love music no matter the style or affiliation.
I’d like to believe that this band formed organically by happenstance. Maybe one day Pete was sitting at his favorite coffee shop plucking away on his banjo until Bill and his clarinet wandered in, soon followed by Greg and his Vibraphone. And since they were all getting juiced on java, they probably had enough energy to blend their natural musical tendencies into an altogether new sound.
“Blue Train” is the perfect example. Pete and Greg play so well together, it’s a wonder why the banjo and vibraphone hadn’t met earlier. Also, Joan’s slightly flat delivery provides a nice counterbalance to the eternal perkiness of the banjo and clarinet.
This is a fun album. It’s nice to hear a group of players glide so seamlessly against their musical traditions.
- Dave
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02/20/08 Monterey, California
02/28/08 The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA 03/17/08 KZSC - 88.1 Santa Cruz, CA 03/20/08 Santa Cruz, CA 03/21/08 Monterey Live, Monterey, CA 03/22/08 The Rockit Room, San Francisco, CA 03/29/08 Fernwood, Big Sur, CA 04/26/08 Monterey Live - Monterey, CA
Discography
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Reed KD is an indie folk singer from Santa Cruz, California. At first I thought Reed KD is the name of a band, but I quickly found out that his backing band's actually called The Armchair Aviators (which I think is constantly rotating members). Anyway, he has a new album called The Ashes Bloom coming out this Tuesday, February 12th, according to the press material.
The CD package is pretty minimalistic, almost everything, sans the cover art, are white with black text. And speaking of minimalistic, the recording of The Ashes Bloom is pretty bare and unconventional: "various closets, bedrooms and living rooms called home". Still, there is something nice, comfortable, and intimate about these settings.
So let's talk about some of these songs. The first song, "Road Flares", starts off quiet enough, before surprising you with a burst of energy of harmonica and faster acoustic guitars.
My favorite songs are the ones with a moral story, such as "Empty Bottles". It's quite a sad tale, actually:
Upon return, I'm sorry to have learned
that you've moved on and left the city
and moved down south beside the hover mouth
in a studio apartment with your new boyfriend
Your friends say it's the love
that you've been dreaming of
You wished it would be me
but "you had to leave."
Love's not meant to be spent waiting.
Although it's mostly a folky album, it should be noted that there are some interesting programming on "Roll Over" and slide guitars on the bluegrassy "Three Long Years".
If you want to check out more music, you can hear the whole album on the ecard on Fanatic.
The Ashes Bloom is released on the Dirty Laundry Records label and can be purchased through CD Baby or iTunes.
PS, I noticed the description on his compilation 1999-2003 is silkscreened with different colors so no two are exactly alike, which sounds very cool.
02/11/2008 08:14:45
vu
my♥posts
www.reedkd.com
myspace.com
