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- Written by: Bluebird
The-Quartet Shattering
Like many things in life, if we are open to the journey of exploration, a deeper understanding of ourselves occurs, and more threads appear to be followed, weaving what we love into a personal tapestry. In a conversation with Jack Hues, we discussed projects that are outside of Wang Chung. Hues' interest in jazz has been long standing. Illuminated and Shattering are two gems in the jazz music catalogs of Hues and pianist Sam Bailey. In our interview, drummer, Dave Smith is described as 'heroic' in his mastery of genre eclectisism. The Quartet and special guests are equally entrancing, progressive and pull the listener into the story lines. They create molds, for the sole purpose of breaking them.
Enter: The Quartet with Shattering on Helium Records (2008).
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- Written by: Bluebird
Stesha Cano
"Simple As Everything"
One of the joys of running an independent music review website is the freedom to follow artists from their early careers into later seasons. Stesha Cano debuted Like A Bee in 2011 with a mix of jazz and soul that stunned audiences with its raw power.
Her sophomore album, Simple As Everything, is even stronger as she has established herself in the production world and built more sophisticated arrangements, while keeping the core of her writing locked in emotional ground zero.
We had some questions for Stesha about her influences and inspirations. Here is what she said:
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- Written by: Deb Hebert
Album Review, Interview and Commentary
TN Twisters: TWISTER WARNING
Release date: September, 2013
Label: Independent
The Nashville-based cover/original band TN Twisters are as American as apple pie, living out their dream on "the historic Broadway district, where millions trek each year to get a dose of live country music". The sextet formed when Carol "Beth" Garner (left), the band's lead singer and guitarist, collaborated with fiddle player IvaLee Pitts (not shown), Stan Saxon on drums (hat), Gage Boecker on the upright bass (far right), multi-instrumentalist and internationally acclaimed Rory Hoffman (not shown) on accordion, harmonicas, and saxophone, and violin goddess Olivia McPeek (right).
"It's a real grassroots operation," discloses Garner, during our recent phone conversation wherein she freely discusses the challenges of being a small fish in a big pond and her multiple roles as manager, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and website designer. Most recently, artwork creator and music producer were added to an already impressive list of accomplishments. The tone of her voice is friendly, and yet determined. It is clear she loves to have fun and make music with her bandmates.
I am told the group thrives on crowd interplay and on-stage antics. "The drummer, Stan, "Stanimal", he's the comedian," says Garner, referring to his light-hearted humor that rolls off-the-cuff at any given moment. What's more? The female lead-trio engage in a game of Twister while playing their respective instruments, owing to their unique band name. Such playfulness has set this act apart from other musical line-ups in the area. So much so, they caught the attention of two tourists in 2013, who later flew the entire band to Norway to play at the couple's restaurant/tavern. Plans to return next summer for an expanded tour in the region are in the works.
The TN Twisters' cross expansive terrain on their debut album, Twister Warning, with twin fiddles, slide guitar, squeezebox, accordian, sax music, and reverberating "yodel le he hoo". The listener is treated to an authentically eclectic mixture of styles that transcend one genre, one space, channeling to the heart of America and the deep South. Country meets rock; Americana intersects blues. And the vibrant sounds of New Orleans fuse with traditional jazz and folk. It's a seven song musical whirlwind that makes you feel like you've visited the Grand Ole Opry, a famous blues-jazz dinner club, and local barn dance, all in one sitting. The songs are well-crafted, with catchy melodies, smooth harmonies and impeccable musicianship.
On first listen, "Trouble of Mine" became one of my favorite tracks. I liken Garner's tender and carefree vocal to that of Ricky Lee Jones or Cheryl Crow. Backed by beautifully sung harmonies, the song wipes away any stress and carries you off to a safe place. It's very well done and, in my opinion, a hit song.
Imaginative songwriting skills turn to reality on "No Reply", as Garner tackles technology and modern day break-ups. It's catchy, up-tempo and a track that'll resonate with anyone who has (unfortunately) been dumped in this manner.
Reminiscent of any number of "corn pone" comedic skits on the American television variety show, Hee Haw, the TN Twisters' dead-pan delivery on "Lil Ol Lady" will have you hanging onto each verse. "Faster! Faster! Faster!" This particular piece must be a visually-dramatic, laugh-a-minute, highlight of their live shows. "Faster!"
All in all, there's nothing stale, traditional, or forgettable about Twister Warning. The songwriting and musicianship is expressive, uptempo, a breath of fresh air and strikingly memorable. It is not to be categorized, but embraced.
Twister Warning is available for preview and purchase via cdbaby. Stay in the loop by following the TN Twisters via their website, Facebook , Reverbnation, and Twitter. And if you get the opportunity to see the band live, please send me some feedback.
Yours in music,
DebFromMaine Hebert
Photos courtesy of TN Twisters. All rights reserved. 2013.
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- Written by: Bluebird
Doug Ratner and The Watchmen are a rock band from Springfield, MA. This part of Western New England home grows a wide range of diverse and talented musicians. With music hubs like Northampton and Amherst, plus its proximity to Boston and NYC, the Valley is a great crossroads of bands who take the winds from the mainstream, and cycle into their own direction.
We met Doug Ratner and The Watchmen last year when they opened for the historic return of the Spin Doctors to Pearl Street. The Spin Docs got their roots playing Pearl Street blues decades ago. They put on a great show, and Mr. Ratner sent me a hand written note with his full album for review, shortly after the performance.
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When Pillow:American Made came across my desk, I wanted to collaborate with Mule Dixon directly, because this work has a mountain of research behind it, that deserves recognition.
From Mule Dixon's Biography:
"Mule Dixon is a songwriter and a scholar of American Song, receiving his Ph.D from the University in Texas with a concentration of the History and Practice of American Song in 2009. [Dixon] was born in Philadelphia, and received recognition for his community-outreach program designed to utilize the art of songwriting as a means for troubled youth to express themselves in a constructive way."
The Higher Ed Marketing Blog compared Dixon to William Blake. I agree, Dixon is a visionary, and he instills a lasting presence with the images he creates, both lyrically and musically. Although Dixon uses his lyrics to illuminate injustices, he does not pretend to have all of the answers to the world's problems. Dixon remains central to the human condition, leaving the power with the people.
Given Dixon's status as a well respected scholar, I knew enough to let him take the lead on introducing this record to our readers. Just the idea of questions opened up a very rich dialog. Read Mule Dixon's commentary on his fifth album, Pillow/American Made:
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NY grunge rocker, Frank Palangi, is back, announcing his 2012 song list has gone full EP. Post modern fans will be very happy to hear the continuance of Palangi's already successful debut, as he broadens his range and hits the ground running in this up to the minute collection. Edge-y vocals, thunder guitars and thoughtful productions elevate both the heavy songs and relational ballads. Classic rock, influenced with some fusion arrangements, Palangi mixes his music visions in ways that continue to surprise his increasing fan base.
This year, Palangi has expanded his live acts too, with equal success. He has won The Battle of the Bands at Upstate Concert Hall with Q103 radio, which lead the way for him to open for the UPROAR FESTIVAL. Palangi also opened for UPROAR at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, NY, which featured Alice in Chains and Jane's Addiction. Later he opened for WEAVING THE FATE in Albany, NY at the Hollow. Between major label gigs, he is always on the road, solo, playing in local clubs, restaurants and bars. And while his fan base is growing exponentially, "I AM READY" was nominated for an L.A. MUSIC AWARD for best rock single this year.
Take a listen to the EP.
Also read our album review from 2012: Frank Palangi
Credits/Links:
Frank Palangi: Recording Artist/Producer, Musician, Singer Songwriter, Indie Filmmaker/Actor
Rock genre Albany/Glens Falls, Upstate NY
-Endorsements through IntuneGuitar, GuitarCable.com, SJC drums, Spector Guitars, Artist in the Plus
-Sponsored by Supercuts
- Photo Media by J Sargent Photography
-Merch Vendors through Tinman Merchandising (CA), Damn Good Art (NY)
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- Written by: Bluebird
One thing about Jakob Dylan is that his distinctive, velvet voice can cut through any type of genre. When bands match up with him, they can play bold and loud, because Dylan holds his own and makes it all work. We caught The Wallflowers live this year and their new album Glad All Over (Columbia) is filled with multiple genre bending flashes of greatness, including "Reboot The Mission"'s direct hit of Clash vibe-wave, featuring Mick Jones, and the melodic swoon single, "Love Is A Country". Dylan said on stage that he 'grew up on bands' and always enjoyed being in bands. Confident in Stuart Mathis' lead guitarwork and Jack Irons' steady hand at the drumkit, The Wallflowers can belt out a blues tune, both live and in the studio. They left our cozy Calvin Theatre, to share the bill with none other than Eric Clapton on his tour just months later. Meanwhile Bob Dylan was touring the Northeast just one state away at UMass. In the thick of rock history and without much time to spare, what does Jakob Dylan do? He contributes a track to support Slim Dunlap's health care fundraiser, Songs For Slim.
~And Joe Henry's stellar musicianship? That is still being absorbed by the general public, meanwhile, the man just keeps cranking out genius.
Read more: Jakob Dylan and Joe Henry contribute to Songs For Slim
