I think I was first introduced to Kwesi Kankam’s music last summer through the music on his Bandcamp page. I liked what I heard but I like to experience an artist’s music live before I make any real decisions. So, it wasn’t until last Saturday at the City Of Love Festival that I finally witnessed a live performance from Kwesi Kankam. I only heard the one song that he played between sets but I was impressed enough that I thought I owed it to everyone to share this artist with you. I really like that Kwesi Kankam’s music is so diverse, eclectic, and draws from so many different genres. Plus, Kwesi Kankam is a good songwriter with a delightful voice.
By the way, it looks like Kwesi Kankam is about to record a new album so we should all keep our ears open for some new material – I know I will.
The Barren Wells is a folk rock band from Reading, PA and one of our new favorites. I’ve only seen this band live twice but in those two performances I was impressed. The Barren Wells have great stage presence and their music is definitely worth a listen. I was fortunate enough to randomly receive a copy of The Barren Wells’ EP at a past show. Someone must know that I love free CD samples. Now, when that free CD sample actually has good music on it – then that band just made my day! Thank you, The Barren Wells.
Recently I was made aware of my lack of representation of the Philly band, Toy Soldiers, on this blog. Well, the truth is that I’ve been a fan of Toy Soldiers since I first heard “When I Tripped Into You” a while ago. That is such an attention grabbing song that makes you realize – man, this band is really something special. Unfortunately I guess I haven’t been a good fan about keeping up with their music. Sorry, guys, I didn’t mean any disrespect. Anyway, I think we could all benefit by listening to more Toy Soldiers.
By the way, if you’re a live music junkie like me you might want to check out this show:
Toy Soldiers
World Cafe Live
Philadelphia, PA Saturday, June 16, 2012
Doors 7pm | Show 8pm | Downstairs Live Tickets
The Great Afternoon’s music is effortlessly enjoyable and makes my ears smile. Wow, Christina Ward has a great voice! Ward delivers powerful and solid lead vocals with a delightful tone. The other members of The Great Afternoon are Kris Knechel, and Brian Huggins. By the way, nice use of a banjo. Well, I’m still just getting to know this Lamberville, NJ based band but I definitely like what I hear.
Stop by The Great Afternoon’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thegreatafternoon) if you want to hear their new EP. And if you’re as intrigued as I am by The Great Afternoon’s sound then you might want to catch an upcoming show – I know I will.
The Great Afternoon: Upcoming Shows
Tuesday, September 13: North Star (Philadelphia, PA) 8pm
Thursday, September 29: The Fire (Philadelphia, PA) 9pm
It was suggested to me that I check out Liz Fullerton’s music. I’m always thankful for anyone who takes the time to suggest to me or others the music that they enjoy. After all, sharing music suggestions with others is a big part of how we discover new music. Anyway, being the music lover (some might call it an addiction) that I am I had to give Liz Fullerton a listen.
I visited Fullerton’s Myspace page (www.myspace.com/lizfullerton) so I could listen to her music. Oh my, what I heard was incredible! There is something so special about her voice, timeless and soulful, that makes her songs sound absolutely beautiful. Man, I thought I had a good knowledge of Philly artists but somehow Liz Fullerton went unnoticed to me until now. Oh, you better believe from now on I’ll keep an ear out for more Liz Fullerton music.
Also, it looks as though Fullerton has a new album coming out next week – Tuesday, June 8, 2010. The album is being released under the name Dutch – the collaboration Liz Fullerton has with Stoupe of Jedi Mind Tricks. Having heard some of Fullerton’s music I’m excited to hear the new Dutch album, A Bright Cold Day.
If you want to learn a little more about Dutch please watch this video.
If you want to see Liz Fullerton live…
Upcoming Shows:
Jun 08 2010 KungFu Necktie (Philadelphia, PA)
Jun 09 2010 Piano’s (New York, NY)
Jun 12 2010 Iris and Shibley Fest (Fleetwood, PA)
Liz Fullerton will be releasing her first solo album later this year, produced by Jeff Hiatt. Hiatt has produced many albums by some of Philly’s favorite artists: Chris Kasper, Cowmuddy, and Johnny Miles – to name a few. Oh my, GET EXCITED!
