Tag Archives: Johnny Brenda’s

Live Review: Cheers Elephant, Illinois, Hollis Brown at Johnny Brenda’s (12/29/2011)

Illinois 12292011

In my younger years I used to get to shows too early and had to wait around for the opening band which was a good thing because I picked up some favorite bands in the process.  Well, of late, I’ve been rather late to shows and end up missing most of the opening act.  I apologize, as a music enthusiast I should know how to schedule my time better.  That being said, I did miss all but the last 30 seconds of Hollis Brown’s set.  I’ve never seen that band before so I would have at least liked to have seen their set.  Hopefully, we’ll cross musical paths sometime in the future.

I did of course make it to Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA) in time to see Illinois.  After all, Illinois is one of my favorite bands and for good reason – their live shows are always incredible.  I’ve seen Illinois countless times since 2005 and I don’t recall every seeing a bad performance by them.  So, if Illinois is playing a show in the area then I always try my best to make sure I’m there.  I admire and respect the effort and passion that Illinois put into their music which makes their music sound so good.  By the way, great news, Illinois is going to release a new album soon so keep an ear out for that.

Cheers Elephant was the headlining band for this show.  Although I haven’t seen Cheers Elephant in ages it was nice to see that they had not lost an ounce of their on stage dancing, energy, and antics.  Man, that is one hyper band and that’s exciting when it comes to live performances.  So, it was great to see Cheers Elephant again and their performance made it quite apparent that I really need to see this band more often.

See the entire photo set here.

Video: Eastern Conference Champions, Illinois at Johnny Brenda’s (6/20/11)

After seeing Eastern Conference Champions and Illinois last night at Johnny Brenda’s all I can think is… BEST BANDS EVER!

Eastern Conference Champions “Hell Or High Water” at Johnny Brenda’s (6/20/11)

[video] Eastern Conference Champions “Attica” at Johnny Brenda’s (6/20/11)


Illinois “Queen Flea” at Johnny Brenda’s (6/20/11)

[video] Illinois “Old Saloon” at Johnny Brenda’s (6/20/11)

By the way, Prowler was also on the bill but I was so excited to see ECC and Illinois that I didn’t really give their music my full attention.

Album Review: Eastern Conference Champions – ‘Speak-ahh’

Eastern Conference Champions: Speak-ahh Eastern Conference Champions
Speak-ahh
(RockHampton Records, 2011) 

Track list:
01. Attica
02. Hell Or High Water
03. Hurricane
04. Bull In The Wild
05. Patience
06. How Long
07. Offkilter
08. Sunshine
09. Atlas
10. Where From Here

I apologize for selfishly listening to Eastern Conference Champions’ ‘Speak-ahh’ since its release (April 26, 2011) and not once mentioning how amazing an album it is.  As a music lover I’m rather disappointed with myself.  If you’ll allow me, I would like a chance to make amends.

Eastern Conference Champions’ latest album ‘Speak-ahh’ is an amazing album and one that I would highly recommend to everyone.  First off, the creative power of Eastern Conference Champions (ECC) is unreal.  Joshua Ostrander’s voice has a hauntingly beautiful tone that brings a unique sound to the songs and nice guitar playing too.  Greg Lyons is outstanding on drums, need I say more.  Melissa Dougherty, third member of this rock-trio, is excellent on guitar.

Musically ‘Speak-ahh’ is brilliant and lyrically it’s just as impressive.  “Attica” is the opening track, coated in ECC-rock goodness, and holds these lyrics “spare me the death of a thousand stabs and just tell me what you hadn’t planned.” And that’s just a taste of ECC’s lyrical descriptiveness.  Oh my, that lingering percussive bass heard in “Hell Or High Water” is incredible.  “The boys we know of Illinois, your voices are still ringing in my ears.” Look at ECC, mentioning their friends in the band Illinois (another great band you should know) – cool!  “How Long” is another standout track for its engaging beat.  I love the heartfelt lyrics “if love is easy I’ll break your heart” on “Offkilter”.  “Atlas” is an intense and wonderful song recorded but hear it live and it’s phenomenal.  Check out ECC’s official video for “Atlas” and you might get a better understanding of what I mean.  What I’ve written here is only a sample of the album’s highlights.  There’s far more to ‘Speak-ahh’ that words can’t express and only the music can.

‘Speak-ahh’ by Eastern Conference Champions definitely deserves to be among the other great ECC albums (The Southampton Collection, Ameritown, Santa Fe, and Akustiks) and in your music collection.  If this blog was to adopt a 5-star rating system, ‘Speak-ahh’ would easily get 5 out of 5 stars.

[LISTEN] “Attica” from ‘Speak-ahh’ by Eastern Conference Champions

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Eastern Conference Champions: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace


Upcoming Show:
Monday, June 20, 2011
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
w/ Prowler, and Illinois
Johnny Brenda’s
1201 N. Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
$10.00
More information
Eastern Conference Champions

Video: Johnny Miles and The Waywards: CD Release Show @ Johnny Brenda’s (Nov 20, 2010)

Johnny Miles & the Waywards
When The Saints Sleep — Album Release Party!
Johnny Brenda’s
November 20, 2010

Johnny Miles & The Waywards 11-20-10
[VIDEO] Johnny Miles & The Waywards – “Hangin On To The Hoping” LIVE (Nov 20, 2010)


Joshua Park 11-20-10
[VIDEO] Joshua Park – “Making Castles” LIVE (Nov 20, 2010)
[VIDEO] Joshua Park – “Self-Propelled Organisms Of Fate” LIVE (Nov 20, 2010)


Liz Fullerton 11-20-10
[VIDEO] Liz Fullerton – “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” LIVE (Nov 20, 2010)


Psalmships 11-20-10
[VIDEO] Psalmships – “Slow Heart Snowfall” LIVE (Nov 20, 2010)

Wow, that was such a great show!

Saturday, Nov 20: Johnny Miles and The Waywards – CD Release Party

Johnny Miles - CD Release Party

Johnny Miles and the Waywards
When The Saints Sleep — Album Release Party!
[read our album review: HERE]
w/ Joshua Park, Liz Fullerton, and Psalmships
Johnny Brenda’s
Sat, November 20, 2010
Doors: 8:00 PM / Show: 9:00 PM
$10.00 | 21+

Album Review: Johnny Miles & The Waywards – When The Saints Sleep

Johnny Miles - When The Saints Sleep Johnny Miles & The Waywards
When The Saints Sleep
(TREE Records, 2010)

Track list:
01. When The Saints Sleep
02. Hangin On To The Hoping
03. The Story Of My Love
04. Slow Like My Memories
05. Down On The Ground
06. In Rise And Fall
07. Born To These Bones
08. Sweet Sigh Of Relief
09. Who Could Believe
10. Already Gone Away
11. At Least I Can Dream

Johnny Miles‘ new album When The Saints Sleep is his 3rd full-length album.  This is Miles’ 1st album with The Waywards a band featuring: Carl Cheeseman (guitars), Nate Gonzalez (keyboards), Al Gibson (drums), and Jeff Hiatt (bass, producer, and engineer).  Yes, those are some of Philly’s best musicians.   Johnny Miles & The Waywards do a fantastic job on this album.

“When The Saints Sleep” is an attention grabbing title track but “Hangin’ On To The Hoping” provides an almost tangible energetic flow.  With lyrics “dreams change, commitments are made, and promises get broken – the most important things are left unspoken.”  Miles sounds the happiest on “Sweet Sigh Of Relief”.  The recording at the end of “Born To These Bones” delivers part of the album’s message “there’s only one life and this is it.”  The other part of the message lies in the beautifully harmonized (thanks in part to Dawn Iulg and Christine Miles) refrain “or at least I can dream so” from the final track with a similar title.

Miles’ songwriting is about everyday people making his music easily accessible, true-to-life rock and roll, with a healthy dose of Americana and folk. This album has moments of solo, seemingly personal refection to moments of finely crafted rock and roll by The Waywards. In the control of those extremes Miles tell his stories so well.  I can understand the Johnny Miles to Bruce Springsteen but I have to agree with the Ryan Adams comparisons too.

Congratulations to Johnny Miles & The Waywards on the release of When The Saints Sleep and thank you for filling my and fellow music lovers ears with great music.

[LISTEN] “When The Saints Sleep” by Johnny Miles and The Waywards

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Johnny Miles & The Waywards: cd-release show for When the Saints Sleep is at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20th, 2010 at Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA) | 21+ show | tickets: $10. With: Joshua Park, Liz Fullerton, and Psalmships.

Johnny Miles: website | Facebook | Myspace

Video: Hezekiah Jones, Birdie Busch, The Welcome Wagon, Andrew Rose Gregory @ Johnny Brenda’s (Sep 17, 2010)

Hezekiah Jones: Johnny Brenda's 9-17-10

[video] Hezekiah Jones – “I Am A Cinematographer” @ Johnny Brenda’s (Sep 17, 2010)
[video] Hezekiah Jones – “How You Feel About Traveling” @ Johnny Brenda’s (Sep 17, 2010)

I was unable to get a video for every set but Hezekiah Jones, Birdie Busch, The Welcome Wagon, and Andrew Rose Gregory were all great.  The videos I do have are just 2 songs from Hezekiah Jones‘ set which was great.  I love it when the Jones’ get together and play music.  Good times!  Birdie Busch played a duo set with Carl Cheeseman that was beaming with captivating musical elegance that only Birdie can deliver. Birdie, way to “get your Friday on” – hehe!  The Welcome Wagon performed a set of beautifully peaceful music that I enjoyed.   Andrew Rose Gregory and band had a good opening set and it was fun to hear the “Double Rainbow Song” live.  So intense!

Andrew Rose Gregory: Johnny Brenda's 9-17-10

Yes, 2 consecutive nights of incredible music at Johnny Brenda’s and life is good.

Live Review: Illinois, Electric City, AKUDAMA @ Johnny Brenda’s (Sep 16, 2010)

Illinois: Johnny Brenda's (9-16-10)

Illinois was incredible Thursday night at Johnny Brenda’s.  They kicked-off their set with “Oh Asia” which definitely got the crowd excited — if they weren’t already.  Man, that banjo really adds a great tone to the song. Illinois’ set included some new songs from their forthcoming album to be released sometime early 2011.  From the new songs I heard I’ll definitely keep an ear out for when the new album drops.  It was nice to see the return of Andrew Lee, plus there was a new guy on a keys/synth and a 2nd drummer.  Yes, Illinois had 2 drummers for this show and as redundant as it might sound Illinois made it work.  It made my night that Illinois ended their set with “If You Love Something” (please see the video below).  That’s one of my favorite Illinois’ songs and one that I don’t hear live often enough.  Maybe it was the enthusiastic crowd or the near intimate setting of Johnny Brenda’s but seeing Illinois that night reminded me of all their amazing shows at The Moose in Doylestown and how I miss those days.  Thank you to Illinois for all the great music and memorable performances.  Hip…hip…HOORAY!
[video] Illinois – “If You Love Something” @ Johnny Brenda’s (9/16/10)
[video] Illinois – “Camouflage Man” @ Johnny Brenda’s (9/16/10)

Electric City: Johnny Brenda's (9-16-10)

Wow, seeing Electric City was a lot of fun.  It’s not often (if ever) that I get to see a DJ and MC work their musical magic live on stage like DJ Skipmode and Mighty FlipSide Esq. do.  DJ Skipmode is a turntablist who creates beats in real time and it’s very interesting to watch.  Mighty FlipSide Esq. had an improvisational freestyle session with the audience.  He asked everyone in the audience to hold up an item while he created a rap to include those items.  It was very impressive to see Mighty FlipSide Esq. skills and the crowd really went wild then.  Seeing Electric City was so much fun that I hope I get to see DJ Skipmode and Mighty FlipSide Esq. again.
[video] Electric City – “Hell’s Kitchen” @ Johnny Brenda’s (9/16/10)

I was running late so I missed AKUDAMA’s set.

Eastern Conference Champions @ Johnny Brenda’s (July 22, 2010)

It was great to see Eastern Conference Champions in Philly again. ECC opened their set with “Bloody Bells” Thursday night at Johnny Brenda’s. The video above is live footage taken at the show. Needless to say, ECC delivered a marvelous performance. If I get the time I might upload some more video.

Busses
was the opening band that filled the room with interesting ambient soundscapes and experimental music. I can’t recall if I’ve seen that band before but they were good.

Eastern Conference Champions – East Coast Return: NYC, Philly, Hatboro (dates)

Eastern Conference Champions (ECC)

Eastern Conference Champions back in Philly – I’m so excited!

Eastern Conference Champions (ECC) is an indie-rock trio with a unique style that is unreal.  Members include: Joshua Ostrander (vocals, guitar), Greg Lyons (drums), and newest member, Melissa Dougherty (guitar).  Ostrander’s voice is distinctive with an absolutely beautiful tone that sings truly heartfelt lyrics.  On any given day you might find me rockin’ out to an iTunes playlist of nothing but ECC’s music covering The Southampton Collection (EP), Ameritown, and Santa Fe (EP).  By the way, their upcoming album, Speak-ahh, might see a Fall 2010 release – get excited!

My first memory of Eastern Conference Champions was seeing them open for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) at the Theatre of Living Arts (TLA) in Philadelphia, PA back on February 19, 2006.  I was there to see BRMC but ECC’s opening set was incredible.  I immediately purchased The Southampton Collection (EP) after their set.  Since that wonderful night in 2006 I’ve been a fan of Eastern Conference Champions.  I’d seen them a few times in the past with the last time being their “Ameritown” CD Release Party at The Khyber on July 20, 2007.

Eastern Conference Champions relocated to the Los Angeles, CA so they don’t get to play the Philly area as frequently.   Well, I was SO EXCITED to find out that ECC will be back in the Philly area next week.  When it comes to amazing music and incredible live shows ECC is a must-see band and come highly recommended by me.  This is your chance to see them live so please don’t pass up the opportunity.

EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: East Coast Dates
Jul 20 2010 – Piano’s (New York, NY)
Jul 22 2010 – Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA)
Jul 23 2010 – Big Heads Town & Country (Hatboro, PA)

[LISTEN] A favorite of mine, “Bloody Bells” from their most recent release Santa Fe (EP)

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Eastern Conference Champions: website | Facebook | MySpace | Twitter

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