The Philly Folk Parade presents: A Winter Solstice Benefit Show at World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) December 21, 2011. Featuring: Joshua Park, Brad Hinton, Ron Gallo, Allison Polans, and Joe D’Amico, Philip D’Agostino, Kevin Killen and Bethany Brooks. It was a beautiful night of music by some of my favorite Philly area artists.
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?”
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)
Yes, I had to get my Tuesday night music fix – after all, I am a music junkie. So, with some of my favorite bands on the bill I knew The Fire was the place to go. I go wherever the live music takes me.
The show began with a set by Joshua Park. Since I haven’t seen Park in quite some time it was really nice to see him again. Park began his set as a duo with Brad Hinton (lap steel, vocals). Then Philip D’Agostino (bass) and Kevin Killen (drums) joined Park and Hinton on stage. Hearing the new song, “Weariness”, was a real treat. I also enjoyed Park’s cover of Hezekiah Jones’ “Traffic To The Sea”. Of course there were several other songs in the set before the final song, “Just To Be With You” – a great ending! Joshua Park is a great singer/songwriter with a powerful, beautifully toned voice and has a very gifted group of musicians for a band. Man, I only wish that Joshua Park had more shows.
Almost two weeks ago I saw Joe D’Amico at World Cafe Live for his Asleep In My Shoes CD Release Show and it was amazing. I loved the fact that I got to see Joe D’Amico again last night. D’Amico’s music is so good. D’Amico was playing with a talented group of musicians: Philip D’Agostino (bass), Brad Hinton (lap steel, vocals), Bethany Brooks (keys, vocals) and Kevin Killen (drums). “Monsters” opened the set followed by “Asleep In My Shoes”. There were several other songs before the set ended with “Late Nights (Early Mornings)”. Oh, let’s not forget the crowd participation portion…a kick-flip on a skateboard from a fan during the mid-set intermission – very entertaining. If there is one thing that I absolutely love about Joe D’Amico’s music especially when I hear it live is the ability to witness those killer, mesmerizing jams (towards the end of the songs) first hand. Wow!
Well, it was getting late for a Tuesday night so I only saw part of Ivan & Alyosha’s set. Ivan & Alyosha is a five member band from Seattle, WA. I think it’s the four guitars that help create that huge wall of sound, rock style. All in all, I kind of liked what I heard.
I left early so I didn’t get to see Levee Drivers.
Live music = good times!
Some video that we filmed last night…
WXPN Welcomes: Triple Album Release show: Hezekiah Jones, Up the Chain and Joe D’Amico at World Cafe Live
Hezekiah Jones – “Airplane Window” at World Cafe Live (2/17/11)
Hezekiah Jones – “Lift the Shadow From This Heart” at World Cafe Live (2/17/11)
Joe D’Amico – “Asleep In My Shoes” at World Cafe Live (2/17/11)
Wow, a truly incredible show from start to finish. Thank you: Hezekiah Jones, Up The Chain, Joe D’Amico, Chris Bathgate, and Francis D’Amico.
Thursday, February 17, 2011 — WXPN Welcomes: Triple Album Release show: Hezekiah Jones, Up the Chain and Joe D’Amico (w/ Chris Bathgate – opening the show) at World Cafe Live. Also, pre-show music (from 7:00pm – 8:00pm) will be provided by Francis D’Amico.
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
phone: 215-222-1400
website: philly.worldcafelive.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011 | Doors 7pm | Show 8pm | Downstairs Live | Tickets!
Albums being released tonight:
Hezekiah Jones – Have You Seen Our New Fort? on vinyl
Up the Chain – Holy, Open Drying Road on CD
Joe D’Amico – Asleep In My Shoes on CD
All in all, it’s bound to be an incredible night of music and I’ll see you there.
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Joe D’Amico Asleep In My Shoes (2011) Track list: |
I know Joe D’Amico because he’s a member of Mason Porter and that’s one of my favorite bands. Mason Porter’s music is so good. I recently got a taste of Joe D’Amico’s solo music endeavor from his Tuesday night residency at The Grape Room this past January. Hearing D’Amico’s songs live made me excited to hear his new album. Well, after listening to Asleep In My Shoes by Joe D’Amico I can honestly say that it is a magnificent album.
Asleep In My Shoes shows off Joe D’Amico’s great songwriting skills with so many memorable lyrics. My most favorite lyric can be heard on the title track, “Asleep In My Shoes”, “self destructing 3-4-2-1 of the reasons I’m ugly – I’ll never open my heart — to give or to learn or to simply return the love I’m given.” D’Amico has a lovely voice and tone that conveys emotion nicely. There is a diverse selection of styles and genres sampled but indie rock is probably the most fitting. Never underestimate the value of a well placed, harmonized, “ba-da-da” (“Listen To The Summer”), “oow” (“Better Days”), or “la-de-da” (“Listen To The Loons”). “Blind Bird” is succinct and sweet – and greatly enjoyed. The last track, “Late Nights (Early Mornings)”, is the only song that reminded me of Mason Porter which is a good thing because this is not a Mason Porter album (no disrespect intended). Asleep In My Shoes is a wonderfully multilayered album where each listen reveals a new awe-inspiring sound and that’s an amazing feat and a great musical accomplishment.
This album harbors moments of sound reminiscent of The Beatles-esque grandness to more intimate, solo moments often exemplified by Tyler Ramsey (of Band of Horses fame). I only say that with the utmost respect and admiration for all artists involved. So, yes, I really, really, really like this album! Thank you, Joe D’Amico (Dan Bower, Bethany Brooks, Chris D’Amico, Brad Hinton, Gary Lebiedzinski, and everyone else who worked on this album), for making my ears smile.
[LISTEN] “Asleep In My Shoes” by Joe D’Amico
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Joe D’Amico’s album release show for Asleep In My Shoes is at 8:00pm on Thursday, February 17th, 2011 at World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) | Tickets: $17/$22 | With: Hezekiah Jones, Up The Chain, and Chris Bathgate.
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Mason Porter Story Of The Rifle (Mason Porter, 2010) Track List: |
After a sold out limited run of Story Of The Rifle, during the past Philadelphia Folk Festival, Mason Porter presents to us a new full-length version of Story Of The Rifle with traditional folk songs, cover songs, and 4 new tracks. Although these songs originally belong to other artist Mason Porter infuse their own charm resulting in a very pleasing album. No worries, you’ll still be treated to that Mason Porter goodness that’s found on previous releases like Thunder In The Valley, and Mason Porter (EP). I mean the shared strong lead vocals, pristine harmonies, skillful musicianship, and a felt immense love for creating genuine music.
The song selection on this album is great. There are timeless traditional folk songs but you’re also getting a slightly more contemporary selection from some of the cover songs. Mason Porter adds such a refreshing energy to these songs. “My Creole Bell” is a beautiful start to the album. Mason Porter’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Girl From The North Country” is incredible. Sure, that’s one of my favorite Dylan songs but Mason Porter honestly does that song justice. “Dark Hollow” has a toe tapping musical arrangement. “Spike Driver Blues” transitions into “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day” without missing a beat creating an enjoyable song combination. The Last track, “Dark As A Dungeon” is quite touching and perfect. Truthfully, all these songs are done so well and Mason Porter gives them such a proper treatment.
Mason Porter’s Story Of The Rifle is a wonderful listening experience from start to finish and it’s highly recommend that you get your hands on a copy – it’s definitely worth listening to.
[LISTEN] Mason Porter cover “Girl From The North Country” (Bob Dylan) off of Story Of The Rifle
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Also available as a free download on www.masonporter.com
Mason Porter: Website | Facebook | MySpace | Twitter
Mason Porter: album release show for Story Of The Rifle is at 9:00pm on Friday, December 17th, 2010 at World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA) | Tickets: $10/$12 | With: Johnny Miles.
The music this night proved to be absolutely amazing and simply unreal.
Sunday night (May 9, 2010) I went to World Cafe Live to see Hezekiah Jones and Family perform Will Oldham’s music. I don’t know Will Oldham’s music so I decided to attend the show with the hope of hearing “I Am a Cinematographer” – the only Will Oldham song I know. Actually, the only reason why I know that song is because of Hezekiah Jones. I thought that I might hear a song or two that I recognized and not realize that it was a Will Oldham song but that never happened. Even still, Hezekiah Jones and Family had a real awe-inspiring set. And it was quite amazing to see the effort and skill they put into their performance to bring Will Oldham’s music to life that night. Unfortunately, like I said before, I’m not familiar enough with Oldham’s music to tell you the setlist but I do know that they closed the night with “I Am a Cinematographer” which was the icing on the cake.
All I have to say is – Hezekiah Jones (Raphael Cutrufello) and Family (Brad Hinton, Andrew Keenan, Joshua Park, Kiley Ryan, Joe D’Amico, Daniel Bower, Philip D’Agostino, Michael Baker, Barbara Gettes, Bob Beach, and Emily Bates) played with such gusto as if they were some folk force to be reckoned with.
Thank you, all!
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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