Monthly Archives: March 2011

Album Review: Hezekiah Jones – ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’

March 30, 2011 – 10:57 pm

Hezekiah Jones
Have You Seen Our New Fort?
(Yer Bird: March 29, 2011)

Track List:
1. Airplane Window
2. Mind Malaise
3. Some Things To Help You
4. I Love My Family
5. Drawing Pictures
6. The Last Parade on Ann St.
7. Dean Helm
8. Cannonball (I’ve got a little room)
9. Lift the Shadow From This Heart
10. Traffic to the Sea

Yesterday was the official release date for Hezekiah Jones‘ newest album, ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’. I’ve had a vinyl copy of this release since the release show in February. ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’ is yet another absolutely wonderful album from Hezekiah Jones.

On ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’ you can look forward to hearing powerful horn arrangements, beautiful piano playing, brilliant songwriting, Raphael Cutrufello’s pleasant voice, moving ballads, music styles ranging from big band, folk to pop and everything in between. “Airplane Window”, the opening track, is a very danceable tune as is the next track, “Mind Malaise”, and several other songs on the album. All the tracks on this album are terrific especially “Drawing Pictures” and “Lift The Shadow From This Heart” (got to love that violin) which are impressively great and front-runners for my current favorites.

“I Love My Family” and Traffic To The Sea” can also be found on Hezekiah Jones’ previous release ‘Bread Of Teeth’ but as different versions. On this album “I Love My Family” is given a hollower and more withdrawn sound than before. ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’ contains the sweet version of “Traffic To The Sea” because the version on ‘Bread Of Teeth’ is definitely the sad version. It’s nice to hear great songs reworked and given a new energy.

So, if you were already a Hezekiah Jones fan ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’ will foster a greater appreciation for Hezekiah Jones’ music. If this is the first time you’re hearing about Hezekiah Jones then you’ll find ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’ an excellent starting point in your Hezekiah Jones music collection.

Thank you to Hezekiah Jones, Raphael Cutrufello, Andrew Lipke, and all the musicians that worked on this album. Congratulations on an album well done!

[LISTEN] “Mind Malaise” by Hezekiah Jones from ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Hezekiah Jones: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace

Tags album review, Andrew Lipke, Have You Seen Our New Fort?, Hezekiah Jones, Mind Malaise | Permalink | Comment (0)

Shows

Show This Week: March 28 – April 3, 2011

March 28, 2011 – 8:10 pm

Show This Week: March 28 – April 3, 2011

Mar 28 2011: Chris Kasper – Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY)

Mar 29 2011: Hezekiah Jones – ‘Have You Seen Our New Fort?’ album released today!

Mar 31 2011: Mason Porter – The Side Bar (West Chester, PA)
Mar 31 2011: Tim Butler – Soundstage/WCHE 1520AM (West Chester, PA)

Apr 01 2011: Ross Bellenoit – Tin Angel (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 01 2011: Joe D’Amico – Dawson Street Pub (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 01 2011: The Caulfields (Reunion Show) – Kelly’s Logan House (Wilmington, DE)
Apr 01 2011: Birdie Busch – Appel Farm (Elmer, NJ)

Apr 02 2011: Marc Silver – Larry Golds (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 02 2011: Ben Arnold – The Blockley (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 02 2011: Birdie Busch – Barrington Coffeehouse (Barrington, NJ)
Apr 02 2011: Carsie Blanton – EMU Coffee House (Harrisonburg, VA)

Apr 03 2011: Marc Silver – Larry Golds (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 03 2011: Alright, Junior. – The Note (West Chester, PA)

See you at a show!

Tags shows this week | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Album Review: Liz Fullerton Project “Honey Watts” — Self-Titled Debut Album

March 26, 2011 – 4:29 pm

Honey Watts (Liz Fullerton)
Honey Watts
(2011)

Track List:
1. It’s A Shame I Know
2. No Promises
3. Palace Of Owls
4. Chattering Stars
5. Covering Up
6. Cleft
7. The Wedding Song
8. Wind In My Belly
9. If You Ask
10. Not Like My Heart

Honey Watts is a marvelous musical project by the one and only Liz Fullerton with the help of Carl Cheeseman, Andy Keenan, Matthew Landis, Jeff Hiatt, and Gary Lebiedzinski. The self-titled debut album, ‘Honey Watts’, is a spectacular 10 song collection showcasing the extraordinary talent of Liz Fullerton. This album is song after beautifully written song of her angelic voice that draws you willingly in to the music. Fullerton isn’t just another artist with a pretty voice; her songwriting (especially the imagery) is quite impressive, well crafted, and heartfelt. Fullerton’s unique vocal tone helps to brighten up these otherwise sad songs. ‘Honey Watts’ was a wonderfully genuine awe-inspiring listening experience that I truly enjoyed.

Musically you’ll find ‘Honey Watts’ to be acoustic yet with elements of ambient music. It’s like there’s an entirely new layer of sound just focused around Fullerton’s vocal pauses and emphasizes. There is something very magical and perfect in those moments. I think producer Jeff Hiatt (at Turtle Studios), deserves credit for helping to create those moments. Man, if I had the time I would listen to this album over and over again on an endless loop – it’s undoubtedly that amazing.

[LISTEN]: “The Wedding Song” by Honey Watts. This song might not be characteristic of the general feel of the album but it’s a fun song (Josh Britton, David Janes, and Matthew Landis — backing vocals) so I had to post it.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

TONIGHT…
Honey Watts’ album release show for Honey Watts is at 8:00pm(doors) on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at First Unitarian Church (Philadelphia, PA) | Tickets: $10 at the door | With: Paper Castles | All ages.

Tags album review, Andy Keenan, Carl Cheeseman, David Janes, First Unitarian Church, Gary Lebiedzinski, Honey Watts, Jeff Hiatt, Josh Britton, Liz Fullerton, Matthew Landis, Paper Castles, The Wedding Song, Turtle Studios | Permalink | Comment (0)

Shows

Shows This Week: March 21 – March 27, 2011

March 21, 2011 – 12:31 am

Shows This Week: March 21 – March 27, 2011

Mar 22 2011: Sisters 3 – The Fire (Philadelphia, PA)

Mar 23 2011: The Great Unknown – Blue Nile (Harrisonburg, VA)

Mar 24 2011: Chris Kasper – WHYY (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 24 2011: The Great Unknown – BoBo Gallery (Asheville, NC)

Mar 25 2011: Adrien Reju – The Fire (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 25 2011: Marc Silver & The Stonethrowers – Bobby Simones (Doylestown, PA)
Mar 25 2011: John Faye (IKE) – Coffee Works (Voorhees, NJ)
Mar 25 2011: Carsie Blanton – City Minery (New York, NY)
Mar 25 2011: The Great Unknown – Madison County Arts Center (Marshall, NC)

Mar 26 2011: Liz Fullerton – First Unitarian (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 26 2011: Adrien Reju, Carsie Blanton – Steel City Coffee House (Phoenixville. PA)
Mar 26 2011: Ben Arnold – Puck (Doylestown, PA)
Mar 26 2011: JD Malone – Craft Ale House (Limerick, PA)
Mar 26 2011: Box Five – Studio LuLoo (Oaklyn, NJ)
Mar 26 2011: Citizens Band Radio – The Jalopy Theater (Brooklyn, NY)

Mar 27 2011: Laura Shay – The Enoteca at Auburn Road Vineyards (Pilesgrove, NJ)
Mar 27 2011: The Great Unknown – Smith’s Old Bar (Atlanta, GA)

See you at a show!

Tags shows this week | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Live Review: Kelly and the Ruths, Chris Kasper, John Mallinen at North Star Bar (March 19, 2011)

March 20, 2011 – 7:29 pm

The supermoon might have been close and bright but it still can’t outshine the musical beacon that is the North Star Bar (Philadelphia, PA).

It must be hard to be an opening artist at a bar especially when most of the audience is chatty and inattentive. Even still, John Mallinen played on with solo, acoustic, folk gems of sadness in an effortlessly mellow way. Unfortunately, it was some sort of sickness that got the best of John Mallinen and he was unable to finish his set.

Chris Kasper opened his set with “Bit Older” – a personal favorite of mine from his album ‘FlyingBoy’. The set continued with several new songs from Kasper’s forthcoming album. For this performance Kasper was joined by Kiley Ryan (vocals, fiddle, banjo, and glockenspiel) and Philip D’Agostino (vocals, upright bass). I’ve seen Kasper play live more times than I can remember and the simple truth is there’s no denying the fact that Chris Kasper is a brilliant singer/songwriter. Kiley Ryan plays fiddle excellently and has a lovely singing voice. D’Agostino is phenomenal on bass and can sing too. That’s correct; there wasn’t a drummer for this set. The last song was a cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” –that was fun and unexpected.
[video]Chris Kasper – “Miss Augustine” LIVE at North Star Bar (March 19, 2011)
[photos] Chris Kasper at North Star Bar (March 19, 2011)

Kelly and the Ruths headlined the show with the closing set for their cd release show. Blame it on the Supermoon (hehe) but I couldn’t hang and only saw part of Kelly and the Ruths’ set. Stage center was upright bassist, singer, songwriter Kelly joined by other members on guitar, percussions, drums, and cello. From what I heard I can tell you that Kelly and the Ruths have a nice folk/pop style.

Supermoon, and North Star, and live music…oh my!

Tags Chris Kasper, John Mallinen, Kelly and the Ruths, Kiley Ryan, live reviews, North Star Bar, Philip D'Agostino, Reviews | Permalink | Comment (1)

Shows

Shows This Week: March 14 – March 20, 2011

March 13, 2011 – 10:53 pm

Shows This Week: March 14 – March 20, 2011

Mar 16 2011: Mammal of Paradise – Kung Fu Necktie (Philadelphia, PA)

Mar 17 2011: Tim Butler – Burlap and Bean (Newtown Square, PA)
Mar 17 2011: Ross Bellenoit – Bar Four (New York, NY)

Mar 18 2011: IKE – Legendary Dobbs (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 18 2011: Mason Porter – Brickette Lounge (West Chester, PA)

Mar 19 2011: Chris Kasper – North Star Bar (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 19 2011: JD Malone – Brittingham’s Irish Pub (Lafayettte Hill, PA)
Mar 19 2011: Alright, Junior. – The LightHouse Lounge (Phoenixville, PA)
Mar 19 2011: Birdie Busch – Red Room at the Grille (Tucson, AZ)

Mar 20 2011: IKE – Puck (Doylestown, PA)

SXSW Bound…

Mar 14 2011: Citizens Band Radio – Headhunters (Austin, TX) SXSW

Mar 16 2011: Citizens Band Radio – Saxon Pub (Austin, TX) SXSW
Mar 16 2011: Eastern Conference Champions – The Marq (Austin, TX) SXSW
Mar 16 2011: Eastern Conference Champions – Cedar Street Courtyard (Austin, TX) SXSW

Mar 17 2011: Eastern Conference Champions – Cheers Shot Bar (Austin, TX) SXSW
Mar 17 2011: Eastern Conference Champions – Annie’s West (Austin, TX) SXSW
Mar 17 2011: Citizens Band Radio – Threadgifts (Austin, TX) SXSW

Mar 18 2011: Eastern Conference Champions – Maggie Mae’s (Austin, TX) SXSW

Mar 19 2011: Eastern Conference Champions – Bayou Lounge (Austin, TX) SXSW

Mar 20 2011: Citizens Band Radio – Headhunters (Austin, TX) SXSW

– Of course, this is a list of some of the show happening this week. Feel free to comment below with info on any shows we missed.

Tags live music, shows this week, SXSW | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Live Review: Pawnshop Roses, The Violet Tone, Steph Hayes, Mike Pfeiffer at The Grape Room (3/11/11)

March 12, 2011 – 9:01 pm

Last night’s live music adventure led me to The Grape Room…

When I finally arrived at The Grape Room (parking in Manayunk can be hectic) it was sometime during Mike Pfeiffer’s set. It was a rather simple arrangement of Mike Pfeiffer (vocals, guitar) with a bassist and drummer. For my first introduction to Pfeiffer’s music I’d have to say it was ok, then again I can’t say that I gave Pfeiffer my undivided attention. Sorry.

Steph Hayes and was next on the bill accompanied by Chris Schutz (bass) and a drummer. I’ve seen Hayes perform a few times before and she always delivers good, quality music – and last night was no exception. It was a good set of musical storytelling by way of song, which is what great songwriting is all about. Needless to say, her set was enjoyable.

Truth be told, the only reason I was at The Great Room was to see Pawnshop Roses. In case you don’t know, Pawnshop Roses is a modern take on old school rock ‘n’ roll with influences from several other genres fused in. In some ways Pawnshop Roses is unclassifiable, non-genre specific, multi-style music goodness – and that’s what I call an incredible band. Last night’s show was a lot of fun, great performance, and the new material is superb. Might I add, Paul Keen’s (vocals) stage moves are entertaining yet genuine. So, I proudly call myself a Pawnshop Roses fan. I highly recommend you experience Pawnshop Roses yourself and when you become a fan you can thank me later.

By the time The Violet Tone finished setting up it was too late for me so I left hoping that I might catch that band some other time when I can give their performance a proper review.

It was another great night of music at The Grape Room.

Tags Chris Schutz, live reviews, Mike Pfeiffer, Paul Keen, Pawnshop Roses, Steph Hayes, The Grape Room, The Violet Tone | Permalink | Comments (2)

Shows

Shows This Week: Mar 7 – Mar 13, 2011

March 6, 2011 – 11:19 pm

Shows This Week: Mar 7 – Mar 13, 2011

Mar 07 2011: Alright, Junior. – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 07 2011: The Spinning Leaves – Hopetown Sound (Doylestown, PA)

Mar 08 2011: The Spinning Leaves – Railroad Studios (Jersey City, NY)

Mar 09 2011: Ross Bellenoit, Sisters 3 – Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA)

Mar 11 2011: Mason Porter – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 11 2011: Pawnshop Roses – The Grape Room (Philadelphia, PA)
Mar 11 2011: JD Malone – Wegmans Pub (Allentown, PA)
Mar 11 2011: Illinois – Union Hall (Brooklyn, NY)
Mar 11 2011: Citizens Band Radio – The Log Cabin (Hancock, MD)

Mar 12 2011: Marc Silver & The Stonethrowers – Cedar Street (Port Richmond, PA)
Mar 12 2011: Pawnshop Roses – Pickering Creek (Phoenixville, PA)
Mar 12 2011: JD Malone – Chaplins Music Cafe (Spring City, PA)
Mar 12 2011: Citizens Band Radio – The Town Pump (Black Mountain, NC)
Mar 12 2011: Birdie Busch – The Raven Cafe (Prescott, AZ)

See you at a show!

Tags shows this week | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Live Review: Joshua Park, Joe D’Amico, Ivan & Alyosha, Levee Drivers at The Fire (3/1/11)

March 3, 2011 – 12:08 am

Yes, I had to get my Tuesday night music fix – after all, I am a music junkie. So, with some of my favorite bands on the bill I knew The Fire was the place to go. I go wherever the live music takes me.

The show began with a set by Joshua Park. Since I haven’t seen Park in quite some time it was really nice to see him again. Park began his set as a duo with Brad Hinton (lap steel, vocals). Then Philip D’Agostino (bass) and Kevin Killen (drums) joined Park and Hinton on stage. Hearing the new song, “Weariness”, was a real treat. I also enjoyed Park’s cover of Hezekiah Jones’ “Traffic To The Sea”. Of course there were several other songs in the set before the final song, “Just To Be With You” – a great ending! Joshua Park is a great singer/songwriter with a powerful, beautifully toned voice and has a very gifted group of musicians for a band. Man, I only wish that Joshua Park had more shows.

Almost two weeks ago I saw Joe D’Amico at World Cafe Live for his Asleep In My Shoes CD Release Show and it was amazing. I loved the fact that I got to see Joe D’Amico again last night. D’Amico’s music is so good. D’Amico was playing with a talented group of musicians: Philip D’Agostino (bass), Brad Hinton (lap steel, vocals), Bethany Brooks (keys, vocals) and Kevin Killen (drums). “Monsters” opened the set followed by “Asleep In My Shoes”. There were several other songs before the set ended with “Late Nights (Early Mornings)”. Oh, let’s not forget the crowd participation portion…a kick-flip on a skateboard from a fan during the mid-set intermission – very entertaining. If there is one thing that I absolutely love about Joe D’Amico’s music especially when I hear it live is the ability to witness those killer, mesmerizing jams (towards the end of the songs) first hand. Wow!

Well, it was getting late for a Tuesday night so I only saw part of Ivan & Alyosha’s set. Ivan & Alyosha is a five member band from Seattle, WA. I think it’s the four guitars that help create that huge wall of sound, rock style. All in all, I kind of liked what I heard.

I left early so I didn’t get to see Levee Drivers.

Live music = good times!