Category Archives: Reviews

Adrien Reju: Barnaby Bright: at Tin Angel (1/2/10)

January 3, 2010 – 11:10 pm

It was just last Saturday that I was at the Tin Angel for the Chris Kasper and The Great Unknown show. They are some of my favorite musicians and they put on an excellent show. So, seeing Adrien Reju and Barnaby Bright at the same venue on the same day of the week but a week later had a slight déjà vu feel. Anyway, on with the current show at hand. The three member NY based band Barnaby Bright opened the show with a good performance. I really liked their music and give them some originality points for instrument selection. Was that some kind of organ Rebecca was playing? Also, what was that music box sounding instrument Nathan was playing? Whether I get an answer or not will not change that fact that Barnaby Bright creates good music and is worth a good listen.

Adrien Reju had the headlining slot and deservedly so because she is extremely talented, her music is incredible, and her voice is amazing. This time Adrien Reju had a full band with her: Freddie Berman (drums), Jaron Olevsky (keys), Nate Skiles (bass), and a guitarist. Reju began her set with “Heartless” – that’s my jam! Truthfully, I like all the songs on her current album, A Million Hearts (here’s the proof ), so what a treat it was to hear those songs live again. The set ended with an encore – a cover of “Fever”. Wow, that was great!

Upcoming Shows:
Adrien Reju
Jan 09 2010 Pete’s Candy Store (Brooklyn, NY) w/ Shannon Pelcher
Jan 16 2010 Club Passim (Cambridge, MA) w/ Vance Gilbert

Barnaby Bright
Jan 14 2010 House Concert (Babylon, NY)
Jan 29 2010 The Living Room (New York, NY) w/ Andy Mac, Katy Pfaffl and Alex Gross
Apr 10 2010 House Concert (Freeland, MD)
Apr 24 2010 House Concert (North East, MD)
May 01 2010 House Concert (Lancaster, PA)

Tags Adrien Reju, Barnaby Bright, Freddie Berman, Jaron Olevsky, live reviews, Nate Skiles, Tin Angel | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Album Review: Mason Porter ‘Thunder In The Valley’

January 1, 2010 – 2:32 am

Tracklist:
1. Hard Luck And Trouble
2. Up In The Hills
3. I Belong
4. Radio
5. Waiting For The World
6. Old Freight Train
7. Out On The Night’s Wing
8. Hangman
9. Joaquin Murietta
10. Thunder In The Valley
11. Nowhere
12. Snow Angel
13. Delta Queen

Thunder In The Valley is the full-length debut album by Mason Porter (Joe D’Amico, Paul Wilkinson, and Tim Celfo) and such a fine listening experience. Mason Porter draws from several genres and styles: folk, bluegrass, Americana, and roots rock to create their signature sound that flows from each and every note on this album. The opening track, “Hard Luck And Trouble” is jaw-dropping good and made an excellent first impression on my ears. I simply love those larger-than-life harmonies that are found on that track and so many others on this album. The songwriting talent between D’Amico, Wilkinson and Celfo is truly amazing. There are several up-tempo, fun tunes like “Up In The Hills”, “Waiting For The World”, and “Old Freight Train” that will make you want to move. You will be blown away by the beauty “I Belong”, “Nowhere”, and “Out On The Night’s Wing” possess. The title track, “Thunder In The Valley”, is a grand production with great delivery. “Delta Queen” is a great way to end such an incredible album. It’s nice to see some fellow Philly musicians (Krista Nielson, Brad Hinton, Kiley Ryan, Bob Beach, Nate Gonzalez, and more) lend their skills to this album. I’ve listened to Thunder In The Valley numerous times since I received a copy and absolutely love this album – buy it…you’ll like it!

Here’s a sample track from Thunder In The Valley by Mason Porter – “I Belong”

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Mason Porter: website | MySpace | Facebook
Thunder In The Valley (2009; Uncle Nicky Records)

FYI: Mason Porter’s CD Release show is scheduled for February 6, 2010 at World Cafe Live. I’ll see you there!

Tags Mason Porter, Reviews, Thunder in the Valley | Permalink | Comments (5)

Reviews

[Album Review] Hezekiah Jones: Bread of Teeth (EP)

December 10, 2009 – 2:28 am

Hezekiah Jones
Bread of Teeth (EP)
[Yer Bird; 2009]

1. Iowa Alligator
2. I Love My Family
3. Traffic to the Sea
4. Sorry Waltz

I’ve enjoyed Hezekiah Jones’ past releases: Hezekiah Jones Says You’re A-Ok and Come to Our Pool Party so I was excited to hear Hezekiah Jones’ newest release Bread of Teeth (EP). The opening track, “Iowa Alligator” is a fairly upbeat, bluegrass, folk-esque tune that is in a different vein than the remaining tracks on the EP. “I Love My Family” is a bleak, stripped down, acoustic tune with beautifully layered haunting backing vocals. “Sweet, life is so sweet, so sad. The ones you love the most go by so fast” are such real, honest, heartfelt lyrics from “Traffic to the Sea”. That song is perfect! The last track on the EP is a cover of a Matthew Helm song titled “Sorry Waltz”. Somehow that out of tune piano melody is in tune with the lyrical vibe of the song and really establishes a nice flow. “I could never give you all that you desire and that’s the least you deserve.” Wow, that’s deep! Bread of Teeth is a very moving EP with some amazing songwriting. If it’s not obvious at this point – I’m very fond of this EP and play it on repeat often.

Here’s one of my favorite tracks from Hezekiah Jones: Bread of Teeth (EP)

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Hezekiah Jones: Bread of Teeth (EP) available at – Yer Bird | iTunes | CD Baby

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Reviews

The Blinkin Lincoln: 1 Year Anniversary Celebration (11/28/09)

November 30, 2009 – 1:03 am

On Saturday night I went to The Blinkin Lincoln to witness the 1 year anniversary celebration show that included: Andrew Lipke, Zach Djanikian, Cowmuddy, and Chris Kasper all on the same bill. The show began with Andrew Lipke performing an incredible solo, acoustic set. Zach Djanikian and band (Jaron Olevsky-bass, a drummer, Andrew Lipke-keys, for a few songs) followed with a good set and although I’m not too familiar with Djanikian’s music I really enjoyed listening to it. Then it was time for Cowmuddy and band (Chris Kasper-guitar, Freddie Berman-drums, and Jim Stager-bass) and that was one great set. Not only do I like Cowmuddy’s (Michael McShane) music but it’s always fun to see what random bits of wisdom he might share with his audience. Last, but by no means least, was Chris Kasper who performed a solo, acoustic set that was so amazing. Kasper even played a few brand new songs (with Freddie Berman on drums) which was a nice treat. Needless to say, it was a fantastic night of music at The Blinkin Lincoln and the perfect anniversary celebration. So, happy 1 year anniversary to The Blinkin Lincoln and I wish you many more.

Tags Andrew Lipke, Chris Kasper, Cowmuddy, live reviews, The Blinkin Lincoln, Zach Djanikian | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Bojibian, Hair Rocket, The Fleeting Ends @ Milkboy Coffee (11/7/09)

November 8, 2009 – 11:30 pm

Unfortunately I don’t get to “show blog” as much as I would like to but I’m trying to change that. It’s nice to be able to get back to something I love to do. So, without further ado here’s a review of last night’s Bojibian, Hair Rocket, and The Fleeting Ends show at Milkboy Coffee (Ardmore, PA).

I believe I’ve seen Bojibian before in a much more all out rock and roll show but this night they brought more of an acoustic rock show. With only 3 members (the drummer was sick) bass, electric guitar, and the singer playing acoustic guitar as well as kick drum they delivered a good set. If my past recollection of Bojibian is correct I think I like the acoustic Bojibian more. Oh well, see Bojibian for yourself and you decide.

Hair Rocket – a band that I had only heard about but had not seen live until now. Yes, that band was the reason why I was at Milkboy that night. Anyway, Hair Rocket was definitely worth checking out and I wish I had done so sooner. Even with a missing member (the person in charge of the ceremonial hair collection for the Hair Rockets) the band sounded great and I like their indie rock vibe. I’m so glad I finally got to see Hair Rocket live. I think I might have found myself a new favorite band. Needless to say, there will be more Hair Rocket shows in my future.

This night happened to be the CD Release Show for The Fleeting Ends. I don’t really have much to say about The Fleeting Ends because I wasn’t able to see their entire set. Although, I can say that I heard a few good rock/pop tunes from that band.

All in all, good live music = good times and blogging fun.

Upcoming Shows:

HAIR ROCKET
Nov 11 2009 The Kyber (Philadelphia, PA)
Nov 19 2009 The Lit Lounge (New York, NY)
Nov 20 2009 Connie’s Ric Rac (Philadelphia, PA)
Nov 21 2009 John and Peters (New Hope, PA)
Dec 17 2009 Break Through Radio (Brooklyn, NY)
Dec 17 2009 Goodbye Blue Monday (Brooklyn, NY)

BOJIBIAN
Dec 1 2009 Christmas Village 2009 at City Hall (Philadelphia, PA)

Tags Bojibian, Hair Rocket, live music, live reviews, Milkboy Coffee, The Fleeting Ends | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

[Album Review] The Telluric Currents: A Dog And A Gun

October 4, 2009 – 8:09 pm

The Telluric Currents
A Dog And A Gun (2009)
1. There’s a Reason
2. Scuppernong Blues
3. Night Fishin’
4. Old Time Rider
5. One False Move
6. Borrowed Time
7. The Morning Ramble
8. Mountain Ambush
9. Rock Island Blues
10. Bed Slats and All
11. Bubble Stuff
12. Irrawaddy Rag
13. Teleportating
14. Withywindle Rag
15. Cygne
16. Chasin’

The Telluric Currents most recent release, A Dog And A Gun, is one fine listening experience. Listen to this album and you’ll be treated to sincere lyrics, haunting guitar melodies, and a nicely produced acoustic-folk album with a very relaxed flow. Dan Kelly and contributing musicianeers (Mike Albrecht, Phil D’Agostino, Gary Lebiedzinski, and Roberto Ruiz) surely know how to create some noteworthy music.

Tags A Dog And A Gun, Dan Kelly, Reviews, The Telluric Currents | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

[Album Review] Chris Kasper: Chasing Another Sundown

September 8, 2009 – 1:42 am

Chris Kasper
Chasing Another Sundown (2009)

1. Old Smoke
2. Ain’t No Saint
3. The Treehouse
4. One False Move
5. Fires Burn Down
6. Hey August
7. Devil’s Gold
8. Loosely Pray
9. The Farthest Shore
Outro: “Blues Bust In”

Chasing Another Sundown is the newest album by singer-songwriter Chris Kasper. It couples his incredible songwriting skills with a robust musical deliverance that results in a true musical masterpiece. Fans of Kasper’s previous albums (FlyingBoy and Trust the Tale, Not the Teller) will undoubtedly liken to Chasing Another Sundown as a new favorite. And new listeners to Kasper’s music will realize the incredible artistry that Chris Kasper possesses.

Chasing Another Sundown opens with “Old Smoke” – a great opening track. With lyrics like “old smoke sits round the room while I’m stuck in the trees like a stranded balloon” you get an immediate taste of that Kasper vivid, true to life imagery. “The Treehouse” has a dreamy melody, a circular sounding drum beat (thanks to Fred Berman), beautiful backing vocals, and deep, thought provoking lyrics (“oh what’s one to do when the future’s not yet true.”). “One False Move” – an excellent cover of a Dan Kelly song. There’s definitely a story in those lyrics. Dawn Iulg and Claire Wadsworth provide flawless backing vocals that will stay with you like a beautiful haunting. “Hey August” – I love the light as air feel that the pedal steel (played by Adam Davis) provides. Maybe because it’s titled “Hey August” or literal interpretation of the lyrics that I get a summer feel from that song. “Devil’s Gold” – WOW, love that horn section which gives that song a near “big band” sound and adds to Kasper’s style diversity. “Loosely Pray” – I thoroughly love the entire album but this has got to be my favorite song. I love the lyrics especially the chorus: “do right what you came to do/roll on inside a tune/catch a cloud in your parachute/and loosely pray that you don’t fade away”, Kasper’s voice shines so brightly on this track, Adrien Reju’s vocals are absolutely perfect for the song, and that pretty sounding pedal steel can be heard again. The perfect song if I ever heard one. Outro: “Blues Bust In” – a lovely last hoorah of a number that might cause spontaneous fits of movement (i.e. – dancing).

I’ve listened to Chasing Another Sundown in its entirety countless times and it is nothing short of amazing. I have to thank: Chris Kasper, Jeff Hiatt (producer and bass player), and all the guest musicians on the album for creating music worth listening to. So, I highly recommend you give Chasing Another Sundown by Chris Kasper a listen and if you like it – buy it!

Chris Kasper “Loosely Pray” from Chasing Another Sundown…

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Chris Kasper: website | Myspace | Facebook

Where to buy Chasing Another Sundown? iTunes, and CD Baby

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Reviews

The Review: A Look At Shows Past

September 3, 2009 – 12:54 am

I would love to be able to blog as soon as I’ve seen a show but lately that just isn’t possible. I guess I go to too many shows and just don’t always have the time to sit down and write something “blog worthy”. So, for now this is how we’ll catch-up on show reviews.

Tags Birdie Busch, Chris Kasper, Forever Lost in a Song, Hezekiah Jones, Jeremy Hollis, Lisa Bianco, live music, live reviews, The Blinkin Lincoln, The Doublewides, The Fire, The Low Anthem, The Spinning Leaves, XPN | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

The Hustle, Chris Kasper, Jeremy Hollis at Johnny Brenda’s (Aug. 22, 2009)

August 23, 2009 – 8:57 pm

I had so much fun last night at Johnny Brenda’s for The Dude Hates Cancer after-party where Jeremy Hollis, Chris Kasper, and The Hustle performed. It was a fantastic night of music for a very deserving cause. Please view the follow video clips to get a glimps as to how the night went.

Tags Chris Kasper, Forever Lost in a Song, Jeremy Hollis, Johnny Brenda's, live reviews, The Dude Hates Cancer, The Hustle | Permalink | Comment (0)

Reviews

Excited Light presents The Philly Folk Parade at World Cafe Live (August 2, 2009)

August 4, 2009 – 8:52 pm

I first heard about The Philly Folk Parade a couple months ago and was in disbelief that so many of my favorite Philly artists were going to share the same bill. So, when August 2nd finally came around I went to The Philly Folk Parade downstairs at World Cafe Live and what I witnessed was like a dream come true.