Suffolk 'n' Cool
An altogether worthwhile trip over to Southwold on Monday led to this week's picture. The Sole Bay Inn is the closest of a handful of fine pubs to the Adnams brewery in the town. The bitter at The Nelson was excellent. Strawberry Quick - Sandman Viper Command (Burlington, Ontario, Canada) In the beginning, the four best friends who make up the ambitiously named outfit (Rob Janson, Aaron Harvey, Dan Reardon, Matt Meyer) locked themselves up for days in their parents' basements practicing and refining demos, only emerging when they had stumbled upon the most perfect blend of garage pop/guitar fuzz rock this side of the border has heard in a long time. It's this obsessive compulsiveness in their music that pays off huge on their independently released debut, Everybody See This. www.myspace.com/sandmanvipercommand In the morning - Leif Vollebekk (Montreal, Canada) The young artist has made a name for himself in Canada thanks to his organic and honest live performances. Inland was recorded in Montreal's Breakglass Studios (Wolf Parade, Patrick Watson, Stars, Unicorns). A true multi-instrumentalist, Vollebekk plays guitar, harmonica, piano and violin on the album. Now signed to rising independent Toronto label, Nevado Records, alongside the countries best (Bahamas, Yukon Blonde, Fox Jaws, and The Paint Movement), the time has come for this modest musician to take a few steps away from humble small-town beginnings, and into the arms of national, and international respect and adoration. Just wait and watch as the subtle beauty of Vollebekk's music embraces new listeners far and wide. He has a date coming up at El Mocambo in Toronto on Thursday 18th as part of a whole series of shows that AudioBlood are putting on as part of Canada Music Week. www.myspace.com/leifvollebekk www.nevadorecords.com Choice is Your Control - My Visor (Norwich) The My Visor Duo of Keith Brown and Kathryn Mac have a new album If I Could Pass This Message On To You set for launching on Saturday at The Marquee, in Norwich where they'll be joined by Follow your heart, Faster than Robots and The Chad Mason Songbook. The whole show costs just £3 which is crazy cheap. The album will be available in the form of a special limited edition (30 only) hardback book with CD inside including full lyrics and drawings by local illustrator Fay Elizabeth Heffer. It will also be available as a standard CD. Both of these will be on sale at the launch gig for a very small fee, but you will also have the option of downloading the whole album (through bandcamp) completely and utterly free. You can also get their first album Introducing… free from their site it includes the inspired song One day these legs won't dance www.myvisor.co.uk www.myspace.com/myvisor Tickets for Latitude Festival go on sale March 9... organisers have confirmed that this year's event will take place from July 15 until July 18 at Henham Park Estate, near Southwold. www.latitudefestival.co.uk The Fool You Are - Kampion (London, UK) Jonathan Nelson is the founder and main songwriter of Kampion. He decided, at the beginning of 2009, (after being in a couple of very average bands) to try and get something special together. He spent some time studying the art and craft of song writing, trying to figure out what separates a good song from a great song. After working hard and getting some strong material written, He scoured the London music scene, hunting for somebody whose musical talent was bigger than their ego. After several near misses (and lucky escapes), he got lucky and bumped into the sultry voiced Elisa. He was blown away by her soulful vocals. Jonathan also discovered (to his delight) that Elisa was a talented songwriter and thus, Kampion was born. www.taxi.com/kampion www.myspace.com/kampionmusic Ten Thousand Times - Francis (Dalarna, Dalarnas län, Sweden) Featured on last week's show and I just love Petra's voice more, every time I hear it! Francis will be performing the Mike Galaxy BandPromote Showcase on 3/18, The MuseBox’s Showcase at Rusty Spurs on 3/18, the official SXSW showcase at Friends Bar on 3/19, and quite a few additional performances as well, so don’t miss them this SXSW season! Check last week's note for details www.myspace.com/francisishere www.francisishere.com/ Bar Mami - Freestyle Percussio n Magik (Las Palmas, Spain) AKA Dave Tinman whose broader range of music you'll find on Reverbnation at www.reverbnation.com/davetinman Sorry, that's all I know. www.jamendo.com/en/album/37204 Nevermore - Freak Fandango Orchestra (Barcelona, Spain) The Freak Fandango Orchestra is a multi-ethnic band from Barcelona (Spain). Their music is a explosive mixture of folk, polka, gypsy music from the Balkans and punk-rock. The band is formed by six musicians (guitar, bass, drums, violin, saxophone and accordion). They are influenced by artists like "Emir Kusturica And The No Smoking Orchestra", "Goran BregoviÄ" and "Gogol Bordello". The freak fandango orchestra has arrived to town, so move your ass, drink some beer, sing, dance, jump... and enjoy their punky-folky songs and crazy lyrics!!! Current members: Jürgen - guitar and voice, âXavi - bassâ, Alfonso - violin, âNoe - accordion and voice, âVitto - saxophone, âAlvaro - drums, âDavid - Artwork www.jamendo.com/en/artist/The_Freak_Fandango_Orchestra Club, bar and music scene workers' apartments available in Ibiza for the summer. Give me a shout and I'll put you in touch with Jess. Bad Religion - Jimmie Bratcher (Missouri, USA) Jimmie Bratcher has posted a new video of Green Bananas on YouTube. Some great playing from the whole band. He comes over a bit preacher (as he has every right to) but absolutely agree with what he's saying. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esy7KsTk_x8&feature=youtu.be&a Bad Religion is from his album Red. www.jimmiebratcher.com read less
Wed March 03 2010
An altogether worthwhile trip over to Southwold on Monday led to this week's picture. The Sole Bay Inn is the closest of a handful of fine pubs to the Adnams brewery in the town. The bitter at The Nelson was excellent. Strawberry Quick - Sandman Viper Command (Burlington, Ontario, Canada) In the beginning, the four best friends who make up the ambitiously named outfit (Rob Janson, Aaron Harvey, Dan Reardon, Matt Meyer) locked themselves up for days in their parents' basements practicing and refining demos, only emerging when they had stumbled upon the most perfect blend of garage pop/guitar fuzz rock this side of the border has heard in a long time. It's this obsessive compulsiveness in their music that pays off huge on their independently released debut, Everybody See This. www.myspace.com/sandmanvipercommand In the morning - Leif Vollebekk (Montreal, Canada) The young artist has made a name for himself in Canada thanks to his organic and honest live performances. Inland was recorded in Montreal's Breakglass Studios (Wolf Parade, Patrick Watson, Stars, Unicorns). A true multi-instrumentalist, Vollebekk plays guitar, harmonica, piano and violin on the album. Now signed to rising independent Toronto label, Nevado Records, alongside the countries best (Bahamas, Yukon Blonde, Fox Jaws, and The Paint Movement), the time has come for this modest musician to take a few steps away from humble small-town beginnings, and into the arms of national, and international respect and adoration. Just wait and watch as the subtle beauty of Vollebekk's music embraces new listeners far and wide. He has a date coming up at El Mocambo in Toronto on Thursday 18th as part of a whole series of shows that AudioBlood are putting on as part of Canada Music Week. www.myspace.com/leifvollebekk www.nevadorecords.com Choice is Your Control - My Visor (Norwich) The My Visor Duo of Keith Brown and Kathryn Mac have a new album If I Could Pass This Message On To You set for launching on Saturday at The Marquee, in Norwich where they'll be joined by Follow your heart, Faster than Robots and The Chad Mason Songbook. The whole show costs just £3 which is crazy cheap. The album will be available in the form of a special limited edition (30 only) hardback book with CD inside including full lyrics and drawings by local illustrator Fay Elizabeth Heffer. It will also be available as a standard CD. Both of these will be on sale at the launch gig for a very small fee, but you will also have the option of downloading the whole album (through bandcamp) completely and utterly free. You can also get their first album Introducing… free from their site it includes the inspired song One day these legs won't dance www.myvisor.co.uk www.myspace.com/myvisor Tickets for Latitude Festival go on sale March 9... organisers have confirmed that this year's event will take place from July 15 until July 18 at Henham Park Estate, near Southwold. www.latitudefestival.co.uk The Fool You Are - Kampion (London, UK) Jonathan Nelson is the founder and main songwriter of Kampion. He decided, at the beginning of 2009, (after being in a couple of very average bands) to try and get something special together. He spent some time studying the art and craft of song writing, trying to figure out what separates a good song from a great song. After working hard and getting some strong material written, He scoured the London music scene, hunting for somebody whose musical talent was bigger than their ego. After several near misses (and lucky escapes), he got lucky and bumped into the sultry voiced Elisa. He was blown away by her soulful vocals. Jonathan also discovered (to his delight) that Elisa was a talented songwriter and thus, Kampion was born. www.taxi.com/kampion www.myspace.com/kampionmusic Ten Thousand Times - Francis (Dalarna, Dalarnas län, Sweden) Featured on last week's show and I just love Petra's voice more, every time I hear it! Francis will be performing the Mike Galaxy BandPromote Showcase on 3/18, The MuseBox’s Showcase at Rusty Spurs on 3/18, the official SXSW showcase at Friends Bar on 3/19, and quite a few additional performances as well, so don’t miss them this SXSW season! Check last week's note for details www.myspace.com/francisishere www.francisishere.com/ Bar Mami - Freestyle Percussio n Magik (Las Palmas, Spain) AKA Dave Tinman whose broader range of music you'll find on Reverbnation at www.reverbnation.com/davetinman Sorry, that's all I know. www.jamendo.com/en/album/37204 Nevermore - Freak Fandango Orchestra (Barcelona, Spain) The Freak Fandango Orchestra is a multi-ethnic band from Barcelona (Spain). Their music is a explosive mixture of folk, polka, gypsy music from the Balkans and punk-rock. The band is formed by six musicians (guitar, bass, drums, violin, saxophone and accordion). They are influenced by artists like "Emir Kusturica And The No Smoking Orchestra", "Goran BregoviÄ" and "Gogol Bordello". The freak fandango orchestra has arrived to town, so move your ass, drink some beer, sing, dance, jump... and enjoy their punky-folky songs and crazy lyrics!!! Current members: Jürgen - guitar and voice, âXavi - bassâ, Alfonso - violin, âNoe - accordion and voice, âVitto - saxophone, âAlvaro - drums, âDavid - Artwork www.jamendo.com/en/artist/The_Freak_Fandango_Orchestra Club, bar and music scene workers' apartments available in Ibiza for the summer. Give me a shout and I'll put you in touch with Jess. Bad Religion - Jimmie Bratcher (Missouri, USA) Jimmie Bratcher has posted a new video of Green Bananas on YouTube. Some great playing from the whole band. He comes over a bit preacher (as he has every right to) but absolutely agree with what he's saying. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esy7KsTk_x8&feature=youtu.be&a Bad Religion is from his album Red. www.jimmiebratcher.com read less
Wed February 24 2010
Suffolk is hereby declared waterlogged. So much snow and rain this past week. From the look of the sky earlier, somone is in for another soaking. Apple Pie Bed - Lawrence Arabia (Christchurch, New Zealand) A former member of bands including The Ruby Suns (Sub Pop), The Brunettes and The Reduction Agents, Lawrence Arabia – the savant-like songwriting alter ego of James Milne -- is shedding his sideman status and stepping alone into the bright light of the U.S. music scene with his first full-length album Chant Darling on Bella Union. Hewn in large part from James’ gradual relocation to London and recorded over 18 months in a studio in Stockholm, three flats in London, a garden shed in Port Chalmers, a car club in Wellington and a studio in Auckland, Chant Darling signals the emergence of a weighty new voice straight from the new pop frontier of the southern hemisphere. Lawrence will be touring the United States this spring, beginning at SXSW in late March. Video at: http://bit.ly/4waZ3W www.myspace.com/lawrencearabia iTunes reviews will be greatly appreciated - all helps get the music out there. European Podcast Award http://tinyurl.com/y9mr57e Daddy you've been on my mind - Saadi (NYC, USA) Weeks out from the official March 9th release of her debut EP “Bad City”, SAADI is gaining acclaim amongst the most influential media outlets in the industry. Pitchfork, RCRD LBL, The Music Slut, Prefix Magazine and Swagger Paris have all offered exclusive content, competitions and raved reviews for New York City’s new must see act. Ampeater have also released an exclusive SAADI 7” single featuring the tracks ‘Pollen Seeking Bees’ from the upcoming ‘Bad City’ 12” EP and the unreleased ‘3am (Black Lodge)’. Be sure to check out SAADI if you are in New York City area March 3rd at Cameo and March 12th at Silent Barn, or at SXSW 2010! www.myspace.com/saadinyc www.facebook.com/pages/SAADI/145202038898 www.twitter.com/saadinyc Going to the carnival (to get some sleep) - The Yellhounds (Manchaster, UK) The Yellhounds have been receiving very favourable reviews on their live performances following appearances at the International Songwriters & Publishers Festival alongside the likes of Steve Earle, In The City Festival, a live session on BBC Manchester Radio and having a BBC commissioned video broadcast on Manchester ’s Big Screen. www.theyellhounds.com www.myspace.com/theyellhounds Sir Ged has posted a video of the interview he gave me last week. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y6EL3BSBIg Jamendo and Sellaband - sad news for both this week. Two - The Daylight Faded (London, UK) Although a new project these guys are now strangers to the road, this line-up existed as ‘The Lee Gordon Trio’ in 2006 in Norwich where they played to sold out crowds in there adopted home town and played up and down the country to critical acclaim. The Daylight Faded - Debuting all new material live @ The Miller Saturday, March 6 at 7:30pm at UP ALL NIGHT @ THE MILLER 96 Snowfield Rd London SE1 3SS www.myspace.com/thedaylightfaded Facebook group set up to help musicians resist bad promoter's "Pay to Play" deals. http://bit.ly/dwYRuh Forget about everything - Vista (Norwich, UK) Vista have been creating quite a stir on their local scene as well as in the electronica world of music. The duo recently supported Dyko which features ex Kraftwerk member Wolfgang Flur, and have also played alongside a number of other German electro outfits where there is a huge scene. www.myspace.com/1vista Welcome to the Ghoul Show Horror rock icons Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper to share stage for the gruesome twosome tour. APRIL 26 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre 27 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union 28 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place 29 Calgary, AB Corral MAY 1 Vancouver, BC Pacific Coliseum 2 Kennewick, WA Toyota Center 4 Casper, WY Casper Events Center Sans convention - Kapadnoms (Rosny sous Bois et Paris, France) Another track from their excellent 5 track "petit maxi avec 5 titres extraits du prochain album" Mis en Bouche on Jamendo Les kapadnoms developpent le concept de musique en patchwork liant l electro swing au hiphop en passant par des chansons a texte plus intimes ,le tout releve d'une plume hiphop engagee,parfois enragee...la pluspart des enregistrements sont fait en autoproduction dans un homestudio et sont composees et arrangees par informatique, les musiciens travaillent les adaptations pour les lives... www.jamendo.com/en/artist/kapadnoms One of those people - Neil Innes (Suffolk, UK) A fine pedigree: The Bonzos, The Ruttles, Monty Python, Grimms, touring the world and now Brandeston Village Hall (Kidding, just a warm-up date). Do check Neil's site and MySpace - there are some classic videos on the MySpace. UK Dates 19 March ROPETACKLE ARTS CENTRE, Shoreham by Sea West Sussex 20 March THE TOWER ARTS CENTRE, Romsey Road, Winchester 28 March THE STAND COMEDY CLUB, 333 Woodlands Road Glasgow US Tour April 11 Ocean County Library Toms River NJ April 13 The Turning Point - Piermont,NY April 14 Night Cat - Easton, MD April 15 Jammin' Java - Vienna, VA (Wash. DC area) April 16 Record Collector Bordentown, NJ April 17 Tin Angel Philadelphia, PA April 18 Iron Horse Northampton, MA April 20 BB King's New York, NY April 21 The Lovin' Cup Rochester, NY April 22 Hugh's Room Toronto, ON April 23 This Ain’t Hollywood Hamilton, Ontario April 25 The Doug Fir Portland Oregon April 26 The Triple Door Seattle, WA April 28 Cobbs, San Francisco CA April 30 McCabe’s Guitar Shop Santa Monica, CA May 1 Acoustic Music San Diego, CA May 2 Skye Peoria, AZ (Phoenix) www.neilinnes.org www.myspace.com/egowarriors I was never bored at all - Francis (Dalarna, Dalarnas län, Sweden) The current single. The area of Dalarna in Sweden have one of Europe's least hours of sun and it is dark and cloudy most days of the year. That affects people in many ways. Ways that need an outlet. So a couple of childhood friends found an abandoned cellar which contained an old piano, some other instruments and that particular outlet. After having lent a broken recording equipment the song "Bad to the Bone" was born and recorded at the same time. The tasmanian devil of Francis was given birth. Later the song was released as a single by the Swedish label Gravitation. Since then, the circus of Francis has taken place in everything from churches, living-rooms and festivals to illegal clubs and amusement parks. A self-titled EP has been recorded and will now be followed by the bands debut album, early 2010. 24 Feb 2010 Agaton w/ Good Morning June Uppsala 25 Feb 2010 20:00 Sugar Bar w/ Good Morning June Stockholm 10 Mar 2010 20:00 Canadian Music Fest (cancelled) Toronto, Ontario 17 Mar 2010 20:00 SXSW Austin, Texas 18 Mar 2010 20:00 SXSW Austin, Texas 19 Mar 2010 20:00 SXSW Austin, Texas 20 Mar 2010 20:00 SXSW Austin, Texas 21 Mar 2010 20:00 SXSW Austin, Texas 22 Mar 2010 20:00 House Of Sweden Washington, Washington DC www.myspace.com/francisishere www.francisishere.com/ read less
Wed February 17 2010
Music this week from France, Australia, Germany, The USA and Canada. Perhaps a rather louder show than normal but none the worse for that I hope! The snow has gone … again ... and the snowdrops are making a brave show of it. Owen Noone & Marauder - Deskaya (Feurs, France ) From their new album on Jamendo Le Printemps Est Là. "October of the year 2003 was one morning, six sailors and a fish stew decided to release the mooring ropes and to leave while singing. The construction of the ship was difficult: several unfruitful splashings, some attacks of duck battalions missed little discouraging the crew. But one year later, thin but proud raft, baptized Deskaya, took the broad one." My thanks to Gaspard from the band for alerting me to the new album. www.jamendo.com/en/artist/deskayarockband http://deskaya.fr/ www.myspace.com/deskaya Django - Nina Vox (Sydney, Australia) Born in Moravia, Nina was raised in a happy family, who taught her how to love life and always find joy in the World. It was a country town where her Grandmother made buttons from Mother of Pearl and grew vegetables for the local community…an idyllic life. Then Russia invaded Czechoslovakia. Nina’s Grandmother harbored fugitive Gypsies, who taught Nina their songs and stories and all the while Nina yearned to travel and to sense freedom as they had before the Russian invasion. Nina grew in song and helped her Gypsy friends by singing for the soldiers to distract them while her friends escaped into the forest. One day Nina and her parents said goodbye to her Grandmother and fled with other Moravians to the Austrian border. Tragically she was separated from her parents. Desperate to know what to do, Nina was swept up and saved by some gypsies who recognized her. Together they ventured south to Venice where Nina was able to stow away on an Ocean Liner, which took her to Greece, France, Spain, USA, South America and eventually to Australia (where she now resides). It was on the cruise ship that she learned all the jazz standards listening to the ship’s resident band, from her lifeboat home. Just listen to Tony King's guitar. www.ninavox.com/ www.myspace.com/ninavox Minimalistic (tommiGO mix) - SirGed (Munich, Germany) From the Geddidmuss album. Geddismuss is a Project instigated by the Munich-based Great British Artist "SIR GED” in the late Summer (Sept;) of 2005. SIR GED who together with "Mr TO-NAAL” , and "Mr BLAB” and a unique collection of like minded arteests, musiko..s and technophiles, have developed a Unique Sound & a New Dancefloor Explosion is Presently taking place. Incorporating elements of "RAGGA”, "FUNK”, "REGGAE”, "ROCK”, & "TECHNO” And also by combining a great deal of "FUN”, "HUMOUR”, & "WIERDNESS” into their musik, They have managed to Develop an Individual Sound that has been sweeping the Dancefloors of GERMANY, and BAVARIA! for the last few Months. YouTube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCix8DppSeE Download from: www.junodownload.com/ppps/products/1537045-02.htm or www.musicload.de/sir-ged/minimalistic/musik/maxi/6750455_2 www.myspace.com/geddismuss Blue Lighters - Red Pens (Minneapolis, USA) Seeing the Minneapolis duo, Red Pens, is like witnessing a demonstration, a demonstration in raw sonic bliss. Howard Hamilton III is a string-bending master who knows how to make feedback work to his advantage. His confident vocal stylings, coupled with drummer Laura Bennett's all or nothing kit pounding, are about as uniquely refreshing as it gets these days. The stage is littered with junk shop amps and guitars Hamilton seems to almost get tangled up in while he and Bennett exchange doses of laser beam eye contact revealing a seemingly deeper connection between the two of them than your average indie rock outfit. Hamilton and Bennett met in the arena of visual arts and started Red Pens as a way to express their deep love for rock and roll. Howard's old project, The Busy Signals, toured with The Shins and its beat and loop based jams proved to be an underdog favorite in the early 2000’s. Laura is well known as a painter, but is best known for her painting on guitar effects boxes. She even has her own signature fuzz pedal, not bad for a drummer. Their debut album Reasons on Grain Belt Records is a mid-fi bonanza of fuzzy reverb drenched art rock. The wiggly winding guitars, slap back vocals and killer backbeats are sure to give you that silly grin you've been starving for. www.myspace.com/redpensband No Heaven - DJ Champion (Montreal, Canada) No one could accuse Maxime Morin of modesty. The nameplate he’s affixed to his mighty electro rock Voltron - DJ Champion - doesn’t exactly reek of humility. But that kind of bluster passes the smell test when “electro rock” can mean everything from thumping spaghetti-western to ethereal house in the same damn song (See: “No Heaven”, which features acclaimed chanteuses Betty Bonifassi of Beast on vocals). On No Heaven Borderlands, the Montreal-based Morin’s stateside debut (and his fifth release overall), DJ Champion takes the unchecked zeal of his Juno-nominated (equivalent to the Grammys… but Canadian) Chill ‘Em All to the max with a series of remixes and re-interpretations. www.myspace.com/djchampion www.djchampion.net Justin Wayne - the promoter! Justin is working with Jade's House Events to put on a night in Enfield (N London) at the Bar Form this Friday. Starts about 9pm, and it's right outside the Enfield Town BR station (or an 8 minute bus ride via the 121 or 307 from Oakwood Station off the Piccadilly underground line). The band Those Handsome Animals will be playing. Once called The Retro Crooks, they split and reformed to create the current band. Tom, the lead singer is on my show this week to chat about the gig. http://thejustinwayneshow.com 7th Sea Dub in Twilight - Ras Amerlock meets Professor Balthazar (Milwaukee, WI, USA) Whether performing with The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as a classical solo violinist in his youth, or a Roots Reggae Dub Entertainer, opening for acts such as Burning Spear; Ras lives to perform and give JAH the glory for all that is, in this life. Ras Amerlock's Music is a reflection in sound of the Rastafarian way of life he as a Rasta in USA embraces. His current releases are heavy "old school" style dubs aiming to reflect a variety of techniques within the realm of Dubstyle sound. This recording is on the LCL netlabel download it at www.lclweb.org/audio_lp_lcl20.htm www.myspace.com/rasamerlockstatemonrasta Bottom of the river - Adam Arcuragi (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) On his second full-length, Arcuragi expands on the dark, sparse style of his preceding 2006 untitled album and 2008 EP, Soldiers for Feet. The backing vocals on I Am Become Joy invoke the feeling of a ramshackle choir almost as if each song was tracked in a different church across the wide swath of Route 80 that cuts from southern Georgia to Mississippi. There is also a rotating cast of instrumentation layered with pedal steel, dulcimer, accordion, trumpets, and even a singing saw, each song has a unique arrangement to compliment Arcuragi on vocals and guitar. I Am Become Joy shows the full width of Arcuragi's brilliant songwriting style in a manner befitting a man who proudly made up what he lovingly refers to as his “own phoney baloney fake religion.” The album art for I Am Become Joy (which exists in three different versions for CD, vinyl, and digital download) was done by illustrator Peter Wonsowski, who also contributes his musical talent to the recordings, playing singing saw and accordion. www.myspace.com/adamarcuragi www.adamarcuragi.com read less
Wed February 10 2010
A largely NYCentric show this week, purely by chance, I promise. Yet another bout of cold weather and snow is sweeping across Suffolk again this week. Nothing like that being seen in Washington DC but unusual for us. Messin' with the Kid - Sugar Blue (New York, NY, USA) Sugar Blue grew up listening to jazz - particularly Lester Young and Dexter Gordon - and soon fell in love with Muddy Waters and the blues greats. He incorporates what he has learned into his visionary and singular style, technically dazzling yet wholly soulful. Along with his instrumental virtuosity he’s got a rich, intense sensual voice with a whisper of huskiness which by itself would be something out of the ordinary. The track is from his new album Threshold, released in January. “We have chosen the title Threshold because the tunes open new musical territory for us,” says bluesman Sugar Blue of his new album, which came out January 26, 2010 on Beeble Music. The album follows the acclaimed 2007 album Code Blue, which hinted at a widening musical path. www.sugar-blue.com www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SugarBlue Closer - Shayna Zaid and The Catch (New York, NY, USA) Blending elements of folk, jazz, indie pop and cabaret, Shayna Zaid's melodically inclined lyrical work leaves traces of solace, reflection and affection. The combination of Zaid's dynamic stage presence, her powerful smoky voice and her playful jazzy swagger lends an enchanting display. www.shaynazaid.com/ www.myspace.com/shaynazaid There is another Shayna Zaid track on Insomnia Radio New York with Sarah Morrison at http://insomniaradio.net/category/ir-regional/ir-new-york/ Virgin - Elizabeth Blair (London / Chicago) The 100% home-grown album County of Origin -- recorded/mixed/mastered by her throughout this year -- features Michael Tracht on cello and a few guest appearances by musician Ryan Gunzel. It is a pay what you can release so, please be generous and let's keep this music happening. www.elisabethblair.net Paranoid Android - Lachi (New York, NY, USA) This songstress has a rock, jazz and alternative sound that many music lovers surely can vibe to. Lachi also works hard around the clock to promote and further the careers of other blind musicians in the New York City area. www.ulachi.com www.myspace.com/lachimusic www.cdbaby.com/lachi2 Suckers and marks - Jack O the Clock (Oakland, California, USA) Jack O' The Clock is a 5-piece art-folk band out of Oakland, California, whose sound has been described as a jangly mix of junk-shop scouring and concert-hall agility. The band crafts its songs with careful attention to lyrics, melody, and orchestration. Their line-up reads like they sound … interesting. Jordan Glenn: drums, percussion, accordion Jason Hoopes: basses, voice, music box Kate McLoughlin: bassoon, voice, flute, recorder, percussion, trombone Emily Packard: 5 string and baritone violins, banjo, psaltery, musical saw Damon Waitkus: voice, guitar, hammer dulcimer, banjo, piano, flute, ukelin, odds 'n ends, production http://jackotheclock.com/ www.cdbaby.com/cd/jackotheclock Mastrom, Mastrom - Khi Darag (San Francisco, CA, USA) Inspired by Persian classical, late 60's acid garage psychedelia and surf mayhem, traditional Armenian and Jewish dances, Cambodian street music, 70'S "Prog" and Gothic art rock along with a fistful of Bollywood and European soundtracks, SF Bay Area based ensemble KHI DARAG walks a thin line between the modern and archaic. "khidarag" (ki-dah-rahg), pronounced with a clearing-of-the-throat sound at the beginning, roughly translates from Armenian to mean "disgraceful scoundrel" or "person of unpredictable or outlandish nature." The group has embraced this as their namesake and mission. www.myspace.com/khidarag www.cdbaby.com/cd/KhiDarag Babylon - La Olla Express (Spain) Jamendo LA OLLA EXPRESS nos presenta su primer larga duración: PANIC, una colección de canciones donde se entremezcla ROCK, PUNK, REGGAE, SKA... una fusión de colores enérgicos y letras comprometidas. Con el espíritu del "Do it yourself" el grupo nos regala su fusión de sonidos, jugueteando con la electrónica, el reggae, el punk... siendo en directo donde mejor se comprueba la herencia de grupos como The Clash o Mano Negra. El disco, producido por el propio grupo junto a Carlos Suay y Dani Sáiz, se grabó a finales del 2008 en los Estudios Sacramento de Alicante y se está presentando en Directo a lo largo y ancho de España... el próximo objetivo: invadir Europa!!!! Fieles a sus principios de libertad, el disco se edita con licencia Creative Commons, para que todo el mundo pueda disfrutar de este sonido fresco y embriagador. Recommended by Lebosqui on Jamendo to whom sincere thanks. www.myspace.com/laolla read less
Wed February 03 2010
As quirky a collections as you'd want to hear this week from: California, Israel Switzerland, UK, Germany, Jamaica and Canada. The ice was forming early this afternoon on the pond (right), much to the irritation of the ducks. Best time to say goodbye - The New Fidelity (Long Beach, CA) The New Fidelity takes the stage in sharp suits to play well-tailored songs that capture moments of everyday life. The New Fi made its first movie appearance in a dance club scene in the independent film We Are The Mods that debuted at the Director’s Guild of America Theater in Hollywood last summer ‘09. More performances on the silver screen are planned for 2009 and beyond, including music to Vespa scooter chase scene in an independent film featuring Henry Winkler to be released on The Independent Film Channel. The Los Angeles area band performs regularly at clubs festivals and scooter rallies up and down the west coast from Vancouver to Vegas to San Diego, where they seamlessly mix their original songs with covers of mod and soul classics. www.newfidelity.com www.myspace.com/thenewfidelity Parallel Me - The Quiet Revolution (Rehovot, Israel) TQR (The Quiet Revolution) is an internet project that features talented singer/songwriters singing songs written and composed by Tal More, a 31 year-old Israeli songwriter. So why a revolution and why a quiet one? According to Tal: “TQR attempts to focus on the things I believe music should be about- original lyrics, strong melody & sincere delivery. Production is kept at a bare minimum as I feel it tends to steal focus from the more important aspects of music and sometimes disguises uninspired substance. My approach to music is largely inspired by Elliott Smith’s low-fi recordings, which I consider a sort of musical bible that demonstrates how meaningful & truthful music should sound. If you liked the tune get over to their myspace and enjoy the lovely animated video of the song. www.myspace.com/tqrmusic Time to dance - Self Made Man (Switzerland?) Self Made Man appears to be the nom de plume of Reto Battaglia. The track was recommended to me by Andy Fidler. Check out free.superhits at http://free.superhits.ch Self Made Man simply has a page or two at: www.music.1to1-success.com/index.html Der lurch - Arschepopeng (Archen, Germany) Arschpopeng is a band from the German city Aachen. We play mainly during the local "Karneval". Our songs are happy music songs and all the band members are close friends. We do not take our music too serious. You can catch them in Archen: Do., 11. Februar, 12:30 Uhr: Aachener Marktbühne Do., 11. Februar, ab 14:50 Uhr: Penn-Zelt auf dem Katschhof Fr., 12. Februar, 22:00 Uhr: Cafe-Madrid „Viva Pontonia“ Sa., 13. Februar, 20:00 Uhr (Einlass): Pengball, Bar Museo Mo., 15. Februar, ab 13:30 Uhr: Wie immer an der Jakobstraße www.arschpopeng.de/ Mid AIr - Naama Hillman (London, UK) Naama got in touch again to let me know about her new album which is now available both digitally and on CD. Naama will be giving a live webcast in Sunday Feb 21 at 7pm GMT which is 8 pm CET, 2pm EST and 11am PST find out more about the music and the webcast at www.naamahillman.com Makisupa Policeman - Rootz Underground (Kingston, Jamaica) From the album Dub Like An Antelope - Legends of Reggae Celebrate Phish. Recorded at Grafton Studios (Kingston. Jamaica) by Jomo McComo When the great legends of reggae inject their hypnotic drums and infectious bass-lines into these "jammin" renditions of Phish's most beloved songs, the result is an uplifting and groove oriented album that will have e a dramatic effect on "4:20 Sessions" for generations to come. Rising reggae stars Rootz Underground sound like they have a great time bashing “babylon” on Makisupa Policeman. www.myspace.com/rootzunderground Rootz Underground "Makisupa Policeman" (mp3) from "Dub Like An Antelope - Legends of Reggae Celebrate Phish" (Red Hillz Music) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album Back Pocket - My Son The Hurricane (Ontario, Canada) With their roots deeply planted in the big brass sounds of New Orleans, and an indie spirit that refuses to be pigeonholed or defined, Ontario’s My Son The Hurricane is ready to hit the road with their own original 11-piece take on brass, and a debut album that will blow away your pre-conceived notions of the genre. Combining catchy horn lines and a thumping, driving bass with uniquely phrased, hip-hop inspired vocals that drive the album, My Son The Hurricane will appeal to Hip-Hop and Indie fans alike, while paying homage to the big brass bands that came before them. www.myspace.com/mysonthehurricane Don't stop - Patrick and Eugene (London, UK) Another track from the excellent Patrick and Eugene. Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees) is the U.S. debut release from the UK’s Patrick & Eugene. The album was produced by band member Patrick Dawes. It’s being released by the Tummy Touch Music Group. The Patrick & Eugene sound is comprised of banjos, ukuleles and sunshine pop vocals combined with whistles, bells and bongos to produce unique but accessible music for post-modern vaudevillians, with nods to Monty Python, Derek & Clive and even Woody Allen. Try to imagine Noel Coward on stage with the Duke Ellington Band at the Monterey Pop Festival and you’re getting close … or on a substance which is probably illegal in most states. www.myspace.com/patrickandeugene read less
MackCity Limits.