Tag Archives: Chris Kasper

Reviews

Live Review: ALO, Chris Kasper at World Cafe Live (5/11)

May 14, 2012 – 12:32 am

Kasper_05-11-2012

Friday night Chris Kasper performed at World Cafe Live (downstairs) opening for ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra).  Kasper is currently on tour with ALO.  His touring band consists of Daniel Bower (drums, vocals) and Will Wright (bass, vocals).  But for Friday night’s show, the hometown show, there were a few special guest musicians added.  Chris Kasper was also joined by Andrew Keenan (pedal steel, guitar), Jaron Olevsky (keys, accordion), and Kiley Ryan (vocals).  I’ve seen plenty of Chris Kasper performances and Friday night’s set was my favorite to date.  It had everything: a setlist with songs spanning the entire Flying Boy Trilogy, killer musicianship, an overwhelming beautiful vibe, and some incredible musical moments.  Kasper and band even did a nice tribute to Adam Yauch (MCA) by performing the Beastie Boys’ “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” that had a phenomenal folk rock feel.  It’s performances like this that keep me coming back show after show.

ALO_05-11-2012

To be honest, the only thing I know about ALO is their song “Barbeque” that I first heard on WXPN several years ago.  Now don’t get me wrong, I really liked that song but I never took the time to get to know any more music by ALO.  So, I entered Friday’s show with an open mind and open ears.  WELL, now I must confess that ALO really knows how to jam.  Oh my, it was such a fun vibe during their set.  After playing for about an hour ALO took a 15 minute break and would return for their second set.  Sadly, I had not prepared myself for that much fun and I was far too tired to stay but I did witness one fine set by ALO.  By the way, ALO, you might want to tone-down your stage backdrop because it’s so amazingly radiant that it’s mesmerizing.

 

ALO: Website | Facebook| Twitter
Chris Kasper: Website | Facebook | Twitter

More ALO with Chris Kasper tour dates can be found here.
More photos: here.

 

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Reviews

Album Review: Chris Kasper – ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’

December 6, 2011 – 1:03 am
Chris Kasper 'The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest' Chris Kasper
The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest
(Chris Kasper, 2011) 

Track List:
1. Walking on Water
2. Blue It Be
3. Once You Start, Away You Go
4. Safe And Sound
5. Reason to Believe
6. (Little Parade Down) Baltimore St
7. Miss Augustine
8. Feast My Eyes
9. Every Now and Then
10. You Are What You Are
11. *Skipping Stones

‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ by Chris Kasper is said to be the final installment in the FlyingBoy Trilogy (FlyingBoy, Chasing Another Sundown).  And if that is the case then it’s a very bittersweet end.  ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ takes Chris Kasper’s incredible singer-songwriter skills that is evident in all his previous works and broadens it to include a slightly more musically experimental side.  So, what might have been a risk to many artists reveals itself as the pure brilliance in Kasper’s diverse sound.  ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ is a memorable listening experience that no ears should be deprived of.

‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ begins with the ethereal tones of “Walking On Water” that song has an effortless feel similar to the feel in “Safe And Sound”.  “Blue It Be” is not only about the color blue but feeling blue (but the pulsing drum will wipe away any blues and make you want to dance). “Once You Start, Away You Go” starts off somewhat slow and mellow but breaks open with a rockin’ heaviness that is marvelous. Aww, “(Little Parade Down) Baltimore St.” has such an infectious melody adding that extra hint of beauty to the song.   For now, “Miss Augustine” is my favorite track because I love that vocal effect, electric drum sequence and those all too important oo’s.  Plus, “one day I may be stronger” is some lyrical optimism that we can all use.  More, lyrical optimism can be found in “Every Now And Then” with “every now and then I build myself up from the ground.”  But if we’re talking about those deep, thought provoking, intelligent lyrics that Kasper delivers we got to include “you are what you are even when you hide.”  Man, sometimes I think Chris Kasper is a lyrical genius.

I honestly could go on and on about how awesome an album ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ is but I’d rather just end this review here so we can all go and listen to this album and enjoy it.  So, give ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ a listen and I guarantee you’ll be blown away by how good this album is.

Also, since it’s that time of year with all these polls and whatnot I’d like to say that ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ by Chris Kasper wholeheartedly deserved its spot on my list of Top 10 Albums of 2011.  I just want to listen to ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ again and again and again and…

[LISTEN] “Once You Start, Away You Go” from ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ by Chris Kasper
[soundcloud]http://soundcloud.com/chriskaspermusic/once-you-start-away-you-go[/soundcloud]

Thank you to Chris Kasper, Andrew Lipke and all involved in this album – job well done!

Chris Kasper: website | Facebook | Twitter

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Reviews

Live Review: WXPN Welcomes Chris Kasper CD Release Show at World Cafe Live (11/4)

November 6, 2011 – 8:41 pm

Chris Kasper - Nov 4, 2011

Chris Kasper played to a sold out crowd at World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) for ‘The First Hundred Years Are The Hardest’ CD Release Show and it was incredible.  The live version of these songs sounded so unbelievably good that I could not imagine anyone walking away from that show Friday night disappointed.  On stage along with Chris Kasper (vocals, guitar) was Andy Keenan (guitar, banjo), Phil D’Agostino (bass), Kevin Killen (drums), and Jaron Olevsky (keys).  Kiley Ryan and Adrien Reju also joined in on backing vocals for a few songs.  I definitely have some great memories from this amazing show.

Earlier in the evening there was a set by Adrien Reju.  Reju had the honor of opening the show and she played a lovely set accompanied by Jaron Olevsky on keys.  Reju played several new songs and I hope that there is a new album in the works.  To put it plain and simple – Adrien Reju is a great songwriter with a wonderful voice.  It was nice to see Olevsky on keys again (he’s a part of Reju’s band from time to time) because his playing is impressive.  Adrien Reju’s set was followed by a set by Vandaveer.  I apologize for not really paying much attention to Vandaveer’s music.  At that point in the show my mind was too occupied with thoughts of “when is Chris Kasper going to play?”

Chris Kasper - Nov 4, 2011

Upcoming Shows:
11/12/11 – Chris Kasper at Rockwood Music Hall (NYC)
11/19/11 – Vandaveer at Rams Head Tavern (Annapolis, MD)
11/19/11 – Vandaveer at The Red Place (Washington, DC)

 

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Listen

Did You Hear?: Chris Kasper – “Blue It Be”

November 4, 2011 – 7:00 am

Chris Kasper – “Blue It Be” from ‘The First Hundred Years are the Hardest’

CKasper- 1st 100 yrs [soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/23952926" width=475 height=100]

“Blue It Be” is a song from Chris Kasper’s new album, ‘The First Hundred Years are the Hardest’.  I’ve been a fan of this song ever since I heard it live months ago – even when I misheard a few lyrics.  I’m glad that the new album is finally being released so I can play it as often as I choose.  “Blue It Be” is yet another great example of Chris Kasper’s songwriting brilliance.

“If blue it is, then blue it be – just like the one sky, like the seven seas.”

WXPN welcomes Chris Kasper CD Release Show at World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) on Friday, November 4, 2011 | Show 8:00pm | With: Vandaveer, Adrien Reju | Tickets: HERE | All Ages

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Shows

Upcoming Show: WXPN welcomes Chris Kasper CD Release Show at World Cafe Live – Nov 4, 2011

October 29, 2011 – 6:22 pm

Chris Kasper - CD Release - 11/4/11

WXPN welcomes Chris Kasper CD Release Show
with Vandaveer & Adrien Reju

World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-222-1400

Friday, November 4, 2011 | Doors 6:30pm | Show 8pm | Downstairs Live

Advance Tickets

As fans of Chris Kasper’s music we’ll definitely be there.  Hope to see you there too.

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Reviews

Live Review: Chris Kasper, Jaymay at Tin Angel (9/25)

September 27, 2011 – 10:54 pm

Chris Kasper -- Tin Angel 09/25/11

I follow the music and if that meant I’d end up at the Tin Angel two nights in a row then so be it.

Jaymay -- Tin Angel 09/25/11

Jaymay is singer-songwriter from New York City.  Prior to this show I had no clue who Jaymay was nor did I ever hear her music before.  But within a few moments after she began playing I knew that I should be paying attention.  Jaymay happens to be a great singer-songwriter and even though the majority of her songs are only about two minutes long they are still so complete and just work.  Equipped with a lovely voice, acoustic guitar, and impressive songwriting skills Jaymay made a great first impression.  I’ll have to keep an ear out for more of her music – and so should you.

Chris Kasper -- Tin Angel 09/25/11

Chris Kasper had the second set of this co-bill.  For this show Kasper (vocals, acoustic guitar) was joined by Philip D’Agostino (upright bass) and Kevin Killen (drums).  It was great to hear some of Kasper’s new material and the CD release show is coming up November 4th at World Cafe Live: WXPN welcomes Chris Kasper CD Release Show – BE THERE.  Needless to say, it was another fantastic set by Chris Kasper.  I think “The Stoop” sounded extra special with Kevin Killen drumming on a glass.  It was funny to see Kasper have a planned encore only to follow it by a real, “earned” encore.  I’ve seen countless Chris Kasper shows and they are always so awe-inspiring because Kasper is a brilliant singer-songwriter that creates amazing music.  Yes, I am a proud Chris Kasper fan through and through.

Oh, how I love my live music adventures.

Upcoming Shows:

Chris Kasper
09/30/11 – Burlap and Bean (Newtown Square, PA) *w/ Small Ponds
11/04/11 – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) *CD Release Show!!!

Jaymay
10/08/11 – The Bowery Electric (New York, NY) *w/ Lou-is & My Cousin, The Emperor

 

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Reviews

Live Review: Chris Kasper, Chris Grunwald – April Residency at The Grape Room: 2nd Show (April 12, 2011)

April 13, 2011 – 9:38 pm

Chris Kasper at The Grape Room, 4/12/11

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.

 

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Reviews

Live Review: Chris Kasper, Chris Grunwald, Paul Luc at The Grape Room (April 5, 2011)

April 7, 2011 – 12:03 am

Sundown

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!

 

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Reviews

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

March 20, 2011 – 7:29 pm

Kasper, Ryan, and D'Agostino: North Star Bar (March 19, 2011)

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!

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Reviews

Album Review: Ross Bellenoit – Eight Track Mind

January 23, 2011 – 9:57 pm
Ross Bellenoit-Eight Track Mind

Ross Bellenoit
Eight Track Mind
(2010)

Track list:
01. Mysterious Child (Oh God!)
02. Heart of Creation
03. Now Is the Time
04. Wicked Love
05. Human Nature
06. Speak Clear
07. Different Crown
08. Don’t Tell Me
09. This Time Around
10. Borderline
11. Coda

Eight Track Mind is the debut album by Ross Bellenoit, a name that has been associated with many great artists (Amos Lee, Birdie Busch, John Francis, and The Sweetback Sisters – just to name a few) is finally taking his turn as a solo artist; testing his singer/songwriter skills.  Eight Track Mind has a pop body, a rock and roll mind, and a folk soul which delivers a clever, and genuine effort by Bellenoit.

“Now Is The Time” has the most beautifully haunting backing vocals like a spirit calling from the other side.  “Human Nature” might be familiar to some because of its WXPN airplay. “Speak Clear” starts out small and contained but soon breaks free with a near arena rock appeal.  Wendy Gaynor contributes excellent vocals on “Don’t Tell Me”.  And “you have a face unfit for your tongue ‘cause all that you’ve said isn’t all that you’ve done” are some notable lyrics heard on that track. Oh my, the pedal/lap steel (actually maybe it’s just an electric guitar with impeccable control) – anyways, it adds the most amazing layer to that track (and several others on this album) with so much feeling.  “This Time Around” is the fun song of the album and features Suzie Brown, Birdie Busch, Zach Djanikian, Wendy Gaynor, Craig Hendrix, Chris Kasper, Andrew Lipke, Jaron Olevsky, Allison Polans and Adrien Reju on vocals providing an impervious wall of sound.  Nate Gonzalez’s accordion playing on “Borderline” is impressive and joyous.

All in all, I think Eight Track Mind is a great debut album from Ross Bellenoit and proves him to be a gifted singer/songwriter, solo artist.  I hope that this is only the beginning.  Nice work by Jaron Olevsky (recording, bass guitar), Freddie Berman (drums) and everyone involved in this album.  By the way, I’m definitely feeling the overall production quality on the album – it’s crisp.

[LISTEN] “Human Nature” by Ross Bellenoit from the album Eight Track Mind

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Ross Bellenoit: website | Facebook | Myspace

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