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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: Ben Arnold – ‘Simplify’

October 31, 2010 – 9:59 pm
Ben Arnold-Simplify Ben Arnold
Simplify
(B.O.S. Music, 2010)

Track list:
1. Depend on Love
2. Simplify
3. Slow Learner
4. Baby, Let the Tears Roll Down
5. Love Don’t Lie
6. Fishin’
7. O’ Holy Ghost
8. Breakfast for Dinner
9. Woman’s Intuition
10. Upstate New York White Out
11. Watching the Wheels

Ben Arnold’s newest album, ‘Simplify’, is a solid, filling and enjoyable album from start to finish.  On this album Arnold blends an eclectic mix of styles and delivers them all with respect and the utmost songwriting and musicianship possible.  Oh my, listening to ‘Simplify’ by Ben Arnold makes my ears smile and my feet want to dance.

“Depend on Love” is a very welcoming, positive and motivating opening track.  It’s followed by the title track with a great message – “SIMPLIFY”.  A simple, sincere message intertwined with a nice full, layered sound and you’re got a perfect song.  Arnold slows the tempo down on “Fishin’”, “Slow Learner”, and “O’ Holy Ghost” making these songs have  a more personal feel.  “Baby, Let the Tears Roll Down” is my favorite song on the album for the appeal of being effortlessly created, backed with such a beautiful melody (it will haunt you), and cathartic lyrics.  “Breakfast For Dinner” – I’m a huge fan of the idea and this song makes me hungry.  Wow, what better way to end an album than with a great cover of a John Lennon song, “Watching the Wheels”.  MAN, nice touch!

One thing I love about Ben Arnold’s voice is it’s raspy enough to give it a unique tone, yet still remains easy on the ears.  On this album Ben Arnold is accompanied by: Matt Muir, Zach Djanikian, Adam Flicker, and Jason Loughlin with additional musical help from Jim Boggia, Mia Johnson, Barrie Maguire and many more.  So, if you’re shopping for some new music you can’t go wrong with picking up a copy of Ben Arnold’s new album, ‘Simplify’.

[LISTEN] Here’s the title track from ‘Simplify’ by Ben Arnold:

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Ben Arnold: website | Myspace

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Reviews

Album Review: Berry Jones – ‘Tonight’

June 23, 2010 – 2:56 am
Berry Jones - 'Tonight' Berry Jones
Tonight
(Blue Floor Music, 2010)

Track List:
1. Bouffant Bang
2. Philly Night
3. You Don’t Know
4.  Your Old Ways
5. Tonight
6. Baby Baby
7. Hold You
8. Work It Out
9. Barrow Bar Blues

‘Tonight’ is a fantastic concept album created by Jim Thomas (Philadelphia based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer) under the name Berry Jones which honors two of Thomas’ musical idols, Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones.  With that in mind, it should be no surprise that this album is heavily rooted in the Motown sound with pop elements reminiscent of the late, great Michael Jackson all spanning several decades from the late ‘50s until present day.  To say the least, Tonight is a very impressive throwback dance album.

From the moment the beat of “Bouffant Bang” hits you until the album wraps you’ll be grooving along while you listen to this album.  “Philly Night” has an energy and feel to it that would make one believe it once was a great Philly summer anthem or maybe it’s destined to become one.  Although “Your Old Ways” ultimately carries similarities to the other songs on the album there is something different about that track that I love.  It could be the fact that I’m a sucker for semi-slow sad songs with an underlying message of hope.  The album ends with “Barrow Bar Blues” a track with a tasteful display of anger and attitude.

Even though Tonight is a fun album and could possibly awaken the dancer in all of us it’s executed in such a serious and professional way that really makes this album work.  I’ve listened to this album several times and it simply gets better and better with each listen.  The Berry Jones website states, “we play dance music” – oh, yes they do!

Berry Jones ‘Tonight’ was created by Jim Thomas (piano, synthesizer, and Rhodes) with the help of: Nero Catalano (guitar), Jordan Block (bass), Gretchen Lohse (violin and viola), Ryan Williams (vocals), Naeemah Maddox (vocals), Alexander Cummings (saxophone), Shabree Johnson (trumpet), Stephen Williams (trombone), C.J. Gallo (bass), and Skip Diggerson (drums).

Here’s the opening track, “Bouffant Bang” from Berry Jones – ‘Tonight’:

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Berry Jones: Website | Facebook | MySpace

Upcoming Shows:

Berry Jones (logo) Berry Jones
Tonight
Vinyl Release Show
The Fire (Philadelphia, PA)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
w/ Yellow Humphrey, Nick Krill, Rick Flom
9:00PM | 21+
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Reviews

Album Review: Peasant – ‘Shady Retreat’

April 11, 2010 – 7:27 pm
Peasant: Shady Retreat Peasant
Shady Retreat
(Paper Garden, 2010)

Track List:
1. Thinking
2. The Distance
3. Well Alright
4. The End
5. Pry
6. Prescriptions
7. Into The Woods
8. Tough
9. Hard Times
10. Slow Down

Shady Retreat, the latest album by Peasant, will make your ears smile.

In many ways it feels as though we’re all invited to a secret listening party where not even Peasant (Damien DeRose) is aware of our presence.  And in this approach we get a full-length album of honest songs with story perfect songwriting.  Shady Retreat is a truly delightful album to listen to.

“Thinking”, a percussive driven (equal parts shaker and piano) lead track that reminds us “we just can’t go on without thinking”. Most of the album seems to flirt with the happy, upbeat melodies vs. serious, often sad, real lyrics dichotomy.  A dichotomy that makes this album burst with feeling and a sense of optimism. “What can I say when I don’t want to pry but I think that something is wrong?” I don’t know the answer but “Pry” is a wonderful song.  The horse galloping taps of “Prescriptions” is a nice touch. “Tough” is perfect!  “Hard Times” is brilliant, haunting, and inspiring.  The voice heard on all of these tracks is that of Peasant (Damien DeRose) and probably the best instrument of them all.  DeRose’s voice is gentle but assertive, yet never too excessive in getting his lyrics across with a tone so peaceful that is always refreshing to listen to.  Seriously, I just love this album so much.

[sample song]Peasant – “Hard Times” from Shady Retreat

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So, if you like what you hear by all means support the artist and buy the album.  And remember, Shady Retreat is Peasant’s sophomore release on the Paper Garden label.  I highly recommend you give ‘On The Ground’ a listen as well.

Peasant: Facebook | Myspace | Twitter

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Reviews

Album Review: WyldLyfe – Demo

March 23, 2010 – 12:13 am

I go to a lot of shows (usually I prefer my music live) so it’s no surprise that from time to time someone will pass me a demo CD.  Out of respect to the artist and a great love for music I try to listen to all demos at least once.  While the extent of interest for most of these demos ends after the first listen there are a few that deserve some blogworthy attention.

Wyldlyfe pulls elements from several different genres and styles which include: R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Neo-Soul, and so much more.  Upon first listen (then several more to verify what I heard) I immediately recognized some heartfelt lyrics, optimistic melodies, all backed with some nice beats.  I thought to myself “what isn’t there to like about this music?”  I’m so glad that this demo somehow found its way to me because it’s great. So, as the guys of WyldLyfe suggest “press PLAY and vibe to the music….”

[SAMPLE SONG] WyldLyfe – “Walk Away”

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If you’re interested in seeing WyldLyfe live…you’re in luck!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
WYLDLYFE
with Lee Mekhai
World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA)
Doors 6:30pm | Show 7:30pm | Downstairs Live

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Reviews

Album Review: The Spinning Leaves – ‘Love’

February 8, 2010 – 1:06 am
SpnLvs-Love Love
The Spinning Leaves
release: 10-30-09
vinyl release: 1-23-10
Ropeadope Records

Track Listing
01. The Promontory Wind
02. Try, Try, Try, Try, Try, Try
03. Bridges For Free
04. Transistor Radio
05. Together
06. Marigolds
07. Bad Dream
08. The Morning
09. A Tale Of The Northern Lights
10. Sad Maggie
11. Fire
12. Lonely Firefly

The Spinning Leaves is the Philly folk group of Barbara Gettes and Michael Baker who share songwriting credit (both individually and jointly) on their newest release ‘Love’.  An album that shows The Spinning Leaves at their best – delivering musical greatness through the words they so eloquently sing and the music they play so wonderfully.  The two major themes that run through this entire album are love (as the album title would suggest) and a sense of freedom.  ‘Love’ starts with “The Promontory Wind” a song that opens with some welcoming shouts, clear cut sound of a harmonica, and at that instant I knew that I was in for some folk fun – The Spinning Leaves style.  “Bridges For Free” is probably the closest to being the title track and holds the powerful lyrics: “Love landed somewhere in Philadelphia and sat with a movement – a movement for change “.  “Transistor Radio” is a fun sounding tune and an excellent display of Gettes’ beautiful voice.  The only spoken-word track is “Together” as told by a child.  “Marigolds” has a very interesting arrangement (gotta love that sitar) that works so perfectly with Baker’s vocal tone and is smoothed over by a precious chorus.  “Through endless skies they danced and twirled with those who’ve passed on from this world” – sometimes you just have to stop and marvel in the lyrical imagery of “A Tale of the Northern Lights” and many of the other songs on this album.  “Lonely Firefly” ends the album with a hootenanny or sorts and the final cry of “Freedom!”  The Spinning Leaves’ ‘Love’ is one mighty fine listening experience for it takes on so many different styles all based in some form of folk music that I’m sure many will enjoy as much as I do.

The Spinning Leaves – “Lonely Firefly” (from: ‘Love’)

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The Spinning Leaves: Myspace | Facebook | Ropeadope

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Reviews

Album Review: Overlook ‘Smoke and Mirrors’

January 19, 2010 – 2:35 am

Overlook-SmokeAlbm

 

 

Tracklist
1. Stars
2. Achey Arms
3. The Life You Know
4. Hearthealty
5. The Venom
6. Dollar Signs
7. Less Is More
8. Goodside
9. Smoke and Mirrors

 

 

Smoke and Mirrors is the newest full-length album release from Overlook.  I’ve known of Overlook for several years now having seen them play live plenty of times.  So, with most new album from bands I enjoy hearing live – I often wonder… how will the band’s live sound translate over into a recorded album?  Well, when it comes to Overlook’s Smoke and Mirrors I have to say – job well done.

Smoke and Mirrors is an alternative rock album filled with themes of sad subject matter always coupled with hope and optimism.  It’s in that delicate balance that lies some of the album’s true beauty.  “Stars” is a very high-energy, guitar driven, “in your face” opening track.  “The Life You Know” combines subtleness, glimmers of glockenspiel, intense drumming, and great songwriting… “It’s time to learn from theses bridges we keep burning.  Fear controls us all while our heads keep on spinning.” I love how “The Venom” has such an angry, demanding tone to it and questions “when you had enough will you self destruct?” The album wraps up with the title track, “Smoke and Mirrors”, which is an unbelievably beautiful beacon of hope… “some say that help is on the way.” In many ways after listening to Smoke and Mirrors I feel as though it’s a soundtrack to some great sci-fi/action film.  The album just has that great feel from start to finish and is definitely worth a listen.

Here’s a sample track: Overlook – “The Life You Know” from Smoke and Mirrors

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Overlook: website | Myspace | Facebook

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Reviews

Album Review: Mason Porter ‘Thunder In The Valley’

January 1, 2010 – 2:32 am

MasonPorter-Thunder

 

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!

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Reviews

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

December 10, 2009 – 2:28 am

HezJ09

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

[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)
TellCurr_Adog 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.

read more »

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