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Crow vs. Lion Rest Your Bones (Dan Gallagher, 2011) Track List: |
Before this album I didn’t know Crow vs. Lion nor Dan Gallagher‘s music but I do know good music when I hear it and ‘Rest Your Bones’ is GOOD.
‘Rest Your Bones’ opens with “It’s Only Your Heart” a song that embodies the feel, vibe, and cohesiveness of this album. Immediately you get a helping of attention-grabbing guitars (electric and acoustic), a choir of “ahh’s”, and Dan Gallagher’s voice which has a somewhat raw essence that creates a great tone. The title track, “Rest Your Bones”, is a nicely arranged song with a fuzzy vocal effect, banjo, and melodica — and is short but sweet. In my opinion, the heart of this album lies in track #6, “Edgar Allan Poe”. The first time I heard that song I was hooked and played it on repeat several times because I just didn’t want it to end. “Edgar Allan Poe” is poetic songwriting, precious music, engaging synthesized strings, and this song will haunt you in the most delightful way. MAN, musical moments like these are definitely bittersweet. The rest of the album reveals nautical themes, pristine sound quality (“All A Ghost”), a brilliant background buzz (“Infantry”), and marvelous melodica (“Light Inside My Bones”) all wrapped around great songwriting and an unmistakably overwhelming feeling of longing.
Kudos to Dan Gallagher for making music that is very moving and enjoyable to listen to. Also, thanks to Joshua Britton (Psalmships), Dan Gober, Joe Duffy, and a few others for their musical contributions to this album. This album was mastered by Kyle Swartwelder. Great job, everyone!
| [LISTEN] Crow vs. Lion – “Rest Your Bones” |
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Yes, another Tuesday night in April and you know where I was – The Grape Room, of course. It was the second show of the Chris Kasper/Chris Grunwald dual residency. So, this week’s show opened with a set by Patrick Dyer Wolf, a singer-songwriter from North Carolina. Wolf is on tour with Megan Slankard, a singer-songwriter from California. Wolf and Slankard were a nice addition to the Tuesday night bill and I enjoyed both of their sets. Chris Grunwald and band played next and brought some fabulously groovy vibes to the room and everyone seemed to be rockin’ along. Chris Kasper (with Philip D’Agostino and Kiley Ryan) closed out the show with a rather loose yet musically outstanding set. Only a gifted singer-songwriter like Kasper could have the audience hanging on to every single note. Ok, maybe I can’t speak for everyone but I know that look when someone is so into the music that they’re practically mesmerized. Everyone was treated to some of Kasper’s new material which sounds great. I was unaware of Chris Grunwald’s and Zach Djanikian’s drumming ability until I saw them fill in on drums with Kasper for a few songs each. Great set!
REMEMBER… there are 2 more Tuesdays left in April so I highly recommend you come to The Grape Room for the remaining shows of the Chris Kasper/Chris Grunwald dual residency.
Shows This Week: April 11 – April 17, 2011
Apr 11 2011: The Great Unknown – The Apollo Theater (New York, NY)
Apr 12 2011: Chris Kasper – The Grape Room (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 12 2011: Psalmships – Northeast Kingdom (Brooklyn, NY)
Apr 13 2011: Psalmships – Metro (Baltimore, MD)
Apr 14 2011: Cheers Elephant – Theater of Living Arts/TLA (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 14 2011: Psalmships – Johnny’s (Carrboro, NC)
Apr 14 2011: The Great Unknown – WHYY Presents (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 14 2011: Adrien Reju – Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY)
Apr 15 2011: Joe D’Amico, Johnny Miles, Joshua Park, Cowmuddy, Ross Bellenoit – Connies Ric-Rac (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 15 2011: Tim Butler – Dobbs (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 15 2011: Citizens Band Radio – Tin Angel (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 15 2011: Birdie Busch – Barrington Coffeehouse (Barrington, NJ) | Carole King Tribute
Apr 15 2011: Psalmships – Sprout (Richmond, VA)
Apr 15 2011: Carsie Blanton – Rock House (Dallas, TX)
Apr 16 2011: The Great Unknown – Philadelphia Book Festival (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 16 2011: Mason Porter – Media Roots Ramble (Media, PA)
Apr 16 2011: Pawnshop Roses – Bridgeport Ribhouse (Bridgeport, PA)
Apr 16 2011: Citizens Band Radio – Mauch Chunk Opera House (Jim Thorpe, PA)
Apr 16 2011: Psalmships – The Garage (Charlottesville, VA)
Apr 16 2011: Carsie Blanton – Dosey Doe’s (Houston, TX)
Apr 17 2011: Carsie Blanton – Stubb’s (Austin, TX)
See you at a show!
Last night was a night of album releases at Johnny Brenda’s.
Psalmships was the headlining, final act of the night celebrating the release of their split album with Kettle Pot Black, ‘Anchored to Oak’. I absolutely love Psalmships’ music. Joshua Britton has an incredible vocal timbre well suited for the soft, mellow moments to the loud, intense moments found in Britton’s music. Also, Brad Hinton created some of the most brilliantly profound soundscapes on lap steel with that ebow. It was nice to see Liz Fullerton join Psalmships on a few songs. I’m a huge fan of Fullerton’s music too. Psalmships’ set was breathtakingly-good, indeed.
[video] Psalmships – “Sparrowful Sorrow” at Johnny Brenda’s (4/9/11)
This was my first time seeing Kettle Pot Black and although I didn’t walk away a fan of their music I do respect them for the energy and passion that they bring to the stage.
David Janes had a nice set and his music is pretty good so I enjoyed the time I spent on the balcony at Johnny Brenda’s listening to his music.
Unfortunately the live music gods were not on my side so I made it to the show late and missed Brian Flanagan’s set. Fortunately, I now have a copy of his debut album, ‘Soaking All The Stains’, that I plan on listening to soon. Oh my, new music – get excited!
Saturday night. Johnny Brenda’s. Live music. Good times!
Last night kicked-off the month long Tuesday night residency at The Grape Room for Chris Kasper and Chris Grunwald. Paul Luc was on the bill too. Luc is a singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA. It was an acoustic set with Luc (vocals, guitar) and Whitey (keys, vocals). For my first listen of Luc’s music I was impressed and really enjoyed it. Chris Grunwald Band played next. I like Grunwald’s music so it’s always a nice treat to hear him play. Even better, there are three more Tuesdays left in April to hear more of his music. Last, but most definitely not least was…Chris Kasper! A word to the wise, if Chris Kasper is on the bill – be there. I saw Kasper a few weeks ago at The North Star Bar and that was a great show. Last night was another great show too. Kasper was joined by Phil D’Agostino (bass, vocals), Kiley Ryan (fiddle, vocals, glockenspiel, banjo) and Kevin Killen (drums). Live music is so dynamic which is part of its lure. What, another chance to hear Kasper’s music? Oh, I will receive perfect attendance for this residency.
Tuesday nights at The Grape Room:
April 12: Chris Kasper, Chris Grunwald, Megan Slankard, Patrick Dyer Wolf
April 19: Andrew Ryan, Chris Kasper, Chris Grunwald, Up the Chain, Ryan Tennis
April 26: Chris Kasper, Chris Grunwald, Matt Spitko, Adam Brodsky
See you Tuesday!
Shows This Week: April 4 – April 10, 2011
Apr 05 2011: Chris Kasper – The Grape Room (Philadelphia, PA) | April residency!
Apr 06 2011: The Great Unknown – WDVX Blue Plate Special (Knoxville, TN)
Apr 06 2011: The Great Unknown – Preservation Pub (Knoxville, TN)
Apr 07 2011: Adrien Reju – Careme’s Cafe (Mays Landing, NJ)
Apr 07 2011: The Great Unknown – Gillie’s (Blacksburg, VA)
Apr 08 2011: Mason Porter – Steel City Coffee House (phoenixville, PA)
Apr 08 2011: Pawnshop Roses – Whitpain Tevern (Blue Bell, PA)
Apr 08 2011: Birdie Busch – Grounds For Sculpture (Trenton, NJ) | Carole King Tribute
Apr 08 2011: Citizens Band Radio – The Landslide Saloon (Asbury, NJ )
Apr 08 2011: The Great Unknown – The Windup Space (Baltimore, MD)
Apr 09 2011: Psalmships – Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 09 2011: Marc Silver – Dawson Street Pub (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 09 2011: Pawnshop Roses – The Note (West Chester, PA)
Apr 09 2011: The Great Unknown – Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center (York, PA)
Apr 09 2011: Birdie Busch – Godfrey Daniel’s (Bethlehem, PA) | Carole King Tribute
Apr 09 2011: Chris Kasper, Johnny Miles – Studio LuLoo (Hadden Township, NJ)
Apr 09 2011: Citizens Band Radio – The Landslide Saloon (Asbury, NJ )
Apr 09 2011: Carsie Blanton – South Presbyterian Church (Dobbs Ferry, NY)
Apr 09 2011: Cheers Elephant – Pianos (New York, NY)
Apr 10 2011: Carsie Blanton – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 10 2011: Birdie Busch – Tin Angel (Philadelphia, PA) | Carole King Tribute
Apr 10 2011: Marc Silver – Andrea (Philadelphia, PA)
Apr 10 2011: Drink Up Buttercup – NYU Skirball Center (New York, NY)
See you at a show!
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Hezekiah Jones Have You Seen Our New Fort? (Yer Bird: March 29, 2011) Track List: |
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?’
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Hezekiah Jones: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace
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!
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Honey Watts (Liz Fullerton) Honey Watts (2011) Track List: |
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.
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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.
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!
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