Live Review: Shannon Pelcher & The Iron Threads, Daniel Scholl, Hannah Zaic at Tin Angel (4/5)

Posted on 7 April, 2013 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

The Tin Angel is a great listening room–usually. As the time passed and the show progressed the room filled with more and more chatter. It makes it real hard to concentrate on a performance when there is a lot of chatter distorting the sound. In these cases I feel so sorry for the artists and that’s when the inner outspoken me wants to get up and shush the entire audience. Actually, I just wish that others had more respect for the performers and would know that most people are there to hear the artists’ music and not their conversation. Sorry, but as a music enthusiast and live music aficionado the issue of room chatter bothers me.

Seeing Shannon Pelcher & The Iron Threads again was the reason why I decided to go to Friday night’s show. At this point I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing Shannon Pelcher perform live a very few times but one thing is always the same–Pelcher’s voice stands out like one of those classic powerhouse voices but it’s not overbearing and has great control. A great voice is a great voice and your ears know it. So, for this performance, it was Shannon Pelcher (vocals, guitar), David Streim (accordion), and Rob Shaffer (bass). As the headliner, Shannon Pelcher & The Iron Threads played the closing and it was definitely a nice way to end the show.

Earlier in the evening was a performance by Hannah Zaic. Zaic (vocals) opened the show with a set accompanied by Ross Bellenoit (guitar). I enjoyed Zaic’s music and like how she incorporated the sometimes humorous stage banter. This night celebrated the release of Daniel Scholl’s new album, Simplicity, which features Hannah Zaic and many others.

Live Review: The Tuesday Show with Jonas Oesterle

Posted on 4 April, 2013 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

If you want to be entertained on a Tuesday night and you’re open to being an audience member for a talk show then The Tuesday Show with Jonas Oesterle at The Fire is the place to be. This past Tuesday was my first The Tuesday Show and I had so much fun. I’m definitely going to remind myself to attend more The Tuesday Show events.

Matt Helm (guest co-host and singer-songwriter for The Matt Helm Scream) treated the audience to a nice pre-show concert. Then the show began with a humorous monolog by Jonas Oesterle (host). Then there was a short Q&A segment between Oesterle and Helm called the Quick Minute. The guests came out and did a mini performance before they too were subjected to the Quick Minute. The first guest was Mike “FonzaRelli” Roberts who displayed his musical talent in an original rap titled “Singles’ Rage”. Chris Kasper, the next guest, performed one beautiful song acoustically. It was hard for the music enthusiast in me to deal with only hearing one song by my favorite singer-songwriter, Chris Kasper. The final guest was Joe Dougherty, a comedian that is actually funny.

All in all, The Tuesday Show is great and has all the important necessities of a successful late night talk show: a great host (Jonas Oesterle), a witty co-host (Matt Helm this week’s guest co-host), interesting guest, a cityscape backdrop, and goldfish in a bowl set on the host’s desk.

Live Review: Black Horse Motel, Hezekiah Jones, The Bailey Hounds at Kung Fu Necktie (3/1)

Posted on 3 March, 2013 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

Black Horse Motel at Kung Fu Necktie (03-01-2013)

This past Friday night was the album release show for Black Horse Motel at Kung Fu Necktie. Black Horse Motel was celebrating the release of their debut album, Red Summer Spirit (available now on Bandcamp and other online stores). Also on the bill Friday night at Kung Fu Necktie was Hezekiah Jones and The Bailey Hounds.

As often is the case, due to city parking I arrived at the show a little late and The Bailey Hounds had already began their set. Oh well, I was still able to enjoy a good portion of The Bailey Hounds’ set and I liked what I heard. The Bailey Hounds are a good band and I liked their folk rock sound and they made a good first impression on my ears.

Hezekiah Jones took to the stage next–that’s one of my favorite artists. If you ever see me in the crowd with my eyes glued to the stage and my mouth lip synching along then you know I’m having a great time. So, thanks to Hezekiah Jones for the wonderful set and a great time. This performance was the Jones 6: Hezekiah Jones (vocals, piano–YES!), Schuylkill Jones (guitar), Psycho Jones (drums), Pocono Jones (guitar), Pepe Jones (bass), and Kiwi Jones (fiddle).

I was actually considering going home after Hezekiah Jones’ set but the room was so packed and I was too lazy to move at the moment so I stayed. Oh my, this one time being lazy actually paid off because Black Horse Motel was incredible. A folk rock, Americana band with guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, cello, and drums–WHAT!?! Yes, Black Horse Motel is clearly one of my new favorite bands and I’ll probably be writing about them a lot more. I can’t wait to see another Black Horse Motel show because not only does the band have an excellent sound but they also have an intensely engaging live energy.

Yes, the live music world often spoils me with all these great shows that I get to attend.

Live Review: Foxhound performs Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’, American Hangups, Jeremy Quentin at The Fire (2/5)

Posted on 9 February, 2013 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

Foxhound at The Fire (02/05/13)

About five months ago while on a roadtrip and listening to Nebraska Foxhound (Chris Kasper and Kiley Ryan) agreed that someday they would like to perform that entire album live. That day came this past Tuesday at The Fire when Foxhound played Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska in its entirety. As much as I wanted to hear a set of Foxhound originals I was glad that I witnessed this special performance by Foxhound. As Kasper explained, Nebraska is the only Springsteen album without the E-Street Band and doesn’t feature the rock saxophone. When I listened to Nebraska (for the first time ever) on Spotify before the show I thought it sounded so different than the Springsteen radio hits that I’ve heard – and the missing E-Street Band and no rock saxophone must be the difference. All in all, Foxhound took great respect of Springsteen’s music and delivered an excellent performance. The incredible talent of Chris Kasper and Kiley Ryan as the musical duo Foxhound is amazing.

Earlier in the night Jeremy Quentin opened the show with a solo set. I think a nice solo, acoustic set by a good singer-songwriter is always a treat. Plus, it’s been a while since I last saw a Jeremy Quentin (Small Houses) set so it was nice to hear Quentin again.

American Hangups is the musical duo of Todd Henkin (The Great Unknown) and Kristen Sylvester (Spirit and Dust). This was the second show ever for American Hangups and they had a fine performance. I liked the folk, singer-songwriter, almost minimalist style in which they performed. I’m not sure if the looseness of the set was intended but it did make things entertaining at times. I definitely would like to see American Hangups again.

More photos HERE.

Album Review: Joe D’Amico – A Short Time’s A Long Time

Posted on 24 January, 2013 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

Joe D’Amico
A Short Time’s A Long Time
(2013)

Tracklist:
1. Up, Up And Away
2. Where Does The Time Go?
3. Look From The Mountain
4. I Need Time
5. Face Of A Stranger
6. Imagine My Surprise/Mother, Mother/Good Morning Child
7. When Easy Was Easy
8. Into The Night
9. 20/20
10. Sleep Now

Joe D’Amico’s sophomore album A Short Time’s A Long Time finds this singer-songwriter in a super creative mood taking on several different genres all on the same album. Folk, pop, and rock – A Short Time’s A Long Time has that and then some. The genius lies in the impeccable cohesion this album has which creates an effortless listening experience.

The opening track “Up, Up, And Away” has beautiful twinkling glockenspiel, light vocals, with bold guitar outbursts and an incessant reminder that “it’s all a dream.” By the third track “Look From The Mountain” the sound changes to a more edgy rock style. Prepare yourself for the 11:22 min masterpiece that is “Imagine My Surprise – Mother, Mother – Good Morning Child” – the heart of the album.

A Short Time’s A Long Time progresses into deeper, richer tones starting with “When Easy Was Easy”. “20/20” contains the title in its lyrics and has an otherworldly fade out. And “Sleep Now” is a short instrumental outro that might be the perfect conclusion to such a diversely styled album.

It’s hard to listen to A Short Time’s A Long Time in its entirety and not feel as if you just listened to the soundtrack to an amazing movie that you’ve never actually saw but only imagined. Yes, that truly is the incredible musical effect this album will have on you.

Joe D’Amico’s Album Release Show for A Short Time’s A Long Time is tonight (Thursday, January 24^th) at Kung Fu Necktie with Rev. TJ McGlinchy, and Ben Smith.

Live Review + Video: Modern Inventors, Hezekiah Jones, Shark Tape at Johnny Brenda’s (12/28)

Posted on 31 December, 2012 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

Saturday night was Modern Inventors’ CD Release Show at Johnny Brenda’s. Modern Inventors seemed to be very grateful for the turnout and the opportunity to headline a show. I like Modern Inventors because their music is polished with great songwriting, strong vocals, and a fantastic sound. At times I hear The Beatles in their music as well as more contemporary artists like My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, and other great artists. Saturday night’s full band performance was the perfect way to celebrate a CD release.
[VIDEO] Modern Inventors – “Hello” LIVE (12/28/12)
[VIDEO] Modern Inventors – “Selfish Generation” LIVE (12/28/12)

Earlier in the night we were treated to a set by Hezekiah Jones. I just love the folk sound that Hezekiah Jones creates. It’s just great music! This time only six members of the Jones family made the show which sounded just as complete as if the entire Jones family was there that night. I’m not much of a public singer but Hezekiah Jones music excites the inner singer in me and I could lip sync the night away.
[VIDEO] Hezekiah Jones – “Albert Hash” LIVE (12/28/12)
[VIDEO] Hezekiah Jones – “Postpone” LIVE (12/28/12)

Shark Tape began the night’s festivities. Before Saturday night I had no prior knowledge of Shark Tape. Having seen Shark Tape Saturday night I was impressed. They have a fun rock style. I enjoyed Shark Tape’s set and hope I get a chance to check out that band again.

Music – too much is not enough.

Live Review: Dan Rendine Band, Zach Djanikian Band, Craig Elkins, Dave Quicks at The Grape Room (12/27)

Posted on 31 December, 2012 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

The Grape Room is becoming one of my favorite Thursday night hangouts. So, if the bill is stacked with great music then I’ll be there. And that’s why I was at The Grape Room this past Thursday – for the music.

Dave Quicks actually played before I got to The Grape Room so I missed his entire set. However, I did get to see Craig Elkins (the former frontman for Huffamoose) who was the second act of the night. Elkins had a nice solo set with a few songs featuring Kevin Hanson. There were some Huffamoose songs tossed in and I remember hearing “Song About Nothing” because I was a little shocked when I heard those lyrics, then I laughed to myself.

Zach Djanikian Band was the main reason why I was at The Grape Room that night. I enjoy hearing Djanikian’s music. Zach Djanikian is a great singer-songwriter. Djanikian’s music is kind of effortless in so far as, my ears hear it, they like it, and that’s all that matters to me. I was glad that I caught another Zach Djanikian Band performance. It was nice to see Ross Bellenoit, Freddie Berman, and Matt Wong accompany Djanikian. NICE!

The night was getting late so I didn’t see all of Dan Rendine Band’s set but I did catch enough to say a few words about the performance. Dan Rendine is a good singer-songwriter and I find it hard to describe his genre of music. Anyway, I liked what I heard and I only cut out early because it was a school night and past my bedtime (hehe).

You would be doing yourself a huge favor if you checked out these artists.

Live Review: A Very Fire Christmas (12/22)

Posted on 25 December, 2012 by OneFan — 1 Comment ↓

This past Saturday night The Fire held their Christmas show – A Very Fire Christmas. On the bill that night was The Barren Wells, The Matt Helm Scream, Manatawny Creek Ramblers, Brad Hinton Band, and Jesse Lundy Band.

The show began with a set by The Barren Wells, a band that I think I’ve seen at least once before. But that’s neither here nor there, because their performance Saturday night alone was enough for me to realize I better take more notice of The Barren Wells. It was a great set and I got a free sample CD from The Barren Wells that I’m sure I’ll be telling everyone about later.

It’s been awhile but I finally got to see The Matt Helm Scream again and they delivered a spot-on performance. The music sounded great, the band was tight, and my ears were smiling. Phil D’Agostino’s impromptu solo bass rendition of “The Christmas Song” was NICE! So, if you ever get the chance you should definitely check out The Matt Helm Scream.

Manatawny Creek Ramblers opened their set with their version of “Run Rudolph Run”. They play with the intent of delivering a real bluegrass experience and that they did. For most of Manatawny Creek Ramblers’ set I thought they were an ok band but then I heard them perform “Manatawny” (I think that’s the title) and it was a powerful moment because everything made sense then. Wow, “Manatawny” is a beautiful haunting and a song that I really need to own. To sum it all up, Manatawny Creek Ramblers was great Saturday night and that’s my new favorite band.

I’ve never seen a Brad Hinton Band performance that I didn’t like and Saturday night was no different. Brad Hinton band gave another solid performance and I enjoyed their cover of “Feliz Navidad”. Great set!

The show closed with a set by Jesse Lundy Band (a new version of a band with Jesse Lundy and an ever-changing collection of band members). It was a loose set with covers, another performance of “Run Rudolph Run”, Paul Keen’s electric stage energy, featuring a song by Kevin Bentley, and Jesse Lundy’s impressive guitar skills. I hope I get to see Jesse Lundy Band again because that was a fun set of music.

Yes, another great night of music that I was glad to be a part of.

Album Review: Kyle Swartzwelder – Canadian Pacific

Posted on 5 December, 2012 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

Kyle Swartzwelder
Canadian Pacific
(2012)
Track List:
01. I’ll Be Right Here Where You Left Me
02. What a Dream
03. Mexican Wine
04. Our Home in Yonder Field
05. An Acre
06. Sorrow in This House
07. Skin
08. Around the Wheel
09. The Girl I Loved in Sunny Tennessee
10. Canadian Pacific
11. It’s Time

Canadian Pacific is the brand new full-length album from singer-songwriter Kyle Swartzwelder. And if this is “country & folk” then I want more. Swartzwelder’s music is so smooth, effortless, and flowing with an element of peace and beauty. Swartzwelder’s songwriting is concise yet very descriptive. Needless to say, Canadian Pacific a wonderful listening experience.

“Every noise gets amplified in the middle of the night” is the opening lyric of “Skin” – it’s a priceless song. “Around The Wheel” is another one of my favorites for “I’m too drunk to dream – let alone, drive”. That’s an excellent lyric but I love the softly sung “around the wheel” too. Even the traditional song “The Girl I Loved in Sunny Tennessee” has a glowing arrangement with beautiful backing vocals and standout drumming.

Canadian Pacific is an album that requires your complete undivided attention more so than the average album. This is a very cohesive album and each song adds more paint to the Canadian Pacific masterpiece and you won’t get that spectacular reveal unless you listen to the album in its entirety. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride – yes, this album would make a nice soundtrack to a good roadtrip. Better yet, catch Kyle Swartzwelder live at Burlap and Bean on Friday, December 21^st.

[LISTEN] The title track from Canadian Pacific by Kyle Swartzwelder

Kyle Swartzwelder: Website | Facebook | SoundCloud

Live Review: Psalmships, The Feverfew at Burlap and Bean (11/17)

Posted on 18 November, 2012 by OneFan — No Comments ↓

Saturday night Psalmships played to an intimate audience at Burlap and Bean. This time Psalmships was a solo, acoustic performance by Joshua Britton on guitar and vocals. Psalmships was joined by Kyle Swartzwelder (on guitar) for a few songs including a cover of Hayden’s “Bass Song”. The set list ranged from older material, Hymn of Lions, Hello, Traitor (release November 20, 2012) to brand new material. All of Psalmships’ music is bursting with emotion from the softly subtle sung moments to the louder more powerfully performed moments. And it all sounded so good being played in that venue on Saturday night.

[VIDEO] Psalmships – “Hello, Traitor” LIVE at Burlap and Bean (11/17/12)

The atmosphere was perfect Saturday night at Burlap and Bean to host an acoustic, singer-songwriter night. Burlap and Bean has always been a nice place to hear live music but they have really upped their game. They have a real stage, no drink service during the performances, and the audience is asked not to talk while the artists are playing. All this goes into making Burlap and Bean an excellent listening room and a great place for a music fan. MAN, I really need to visit Burlap and Bean more often.

Earlier in the night The Feverfew opened the show with a solo acoustic set as well. The Feverfew was armed with a guitar, tambourine tied to one foot, and an amp that was picking up some random radio station. The “radio amp” was an odd, unplanned phenomenon that The Feverfew just decided to go along with. The “radio amp” definitely added a very unique and comical quality to The Feverfew’s set. That and some nice storytelling helped to brighten up The Feverfews admittedly dark songwriting.

Psalmships: Website | Facebook | Twitter
The Feverfew: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Burlap and Bean: Website