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- Written by: Bluebird
THE REAL: Another First Step
Released: March 2, 2013
Toronto rock band, THE REAL have been playing live shows and running EP's for quite some time now. There is a loyal following of this band for good reason. They take their songs and improve on them, rather than cranking out more, it is quality over quantity.
For example, the song, "Becks" has been on the web for well over two years. I've heard both live and recorded versions played with focus, and each take gets tighter and tighter.
Enter: Another First Step.
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- Written by: Bluebird
Kenny Roby: Memories and Birds.
Released: April 2, 2013.
Label: Little Criminal Records.
"Words come easy to a fool
after all they're just words
And only descriptive tools for memories and birds." ~Kenny Roby, Memories and Birds (2013).
North Carolina based singer-songwriter Kenny Roby (6 String Drag) brings poetic art to well produced, stand alone, music pieces, in his new record, Memories and Birds. The list of contributing artists and number of well appointed instruments is noteworthy here, although Roby gets a lot of press for his very unique lyrics. Influenced by Randy Newman and Townes Van Zant, the philosophy that words in music don't always have to be upbeat, gives him permission to tell stories as dark and twisted as a T.S. Eliot meets Falkner poem. However, the score that flows behind the pieces is warm and inviting. The listener is held steady, as the imagery changes.
This 8 track collection is a monument of eclectic relativism, that expands as it plays. Each song is unique in its own right, but Roby's style comes through. The lyrics, honest and sometimes stark, also come around with a subtle moral of the story, that is positive and humane.
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- Written by: Deb Hebert
An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House
New York native and professional blues-rock musician, Joe Bonamassa, does not take one thing about his career for granted. "It's a combination of God's gift and work ethic," Len Bonamassa has said of his son's talent. "He's got more miles on a guitar than most 60 year-olds." As a result, his childhood dream to play the Royal Albert Hall in London was fulfilled on May 5, 2009, marking one of many milestones along his lifelong journey in keeping the blues alive.
In summer 2012, after coming off from a seventeen-week, world solo tour, Bonamassa returned home to Los Angeles, California. Within seven days, he had recorded 'Afterglow' with the hard rock, super-group, Black Country Communion; collaborated with L.A. songstress Beth Hart on a follow-up offering to their 2011 soul-classics covers album 'Don't Explain'; and rearranged two dozen acoustic songs for his next musical adventure: An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House.
Read more: Joe Bonamassa: An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House
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- Written by: Deb Hebert
We Want Groove is Delightfully Rhythmic!
Band: Rock Candy Funk Party
Album: We Want Groove
Label: J & R Adventures, Inc.
Producer: Tal Bergman
Released: Jan, 2013
Hailed as a "child prodigy" and guitar "virtuoso", blues-rock legend, Joe Bonamassa announced to his fans another musical adventure; a new chapter in his storied livelihood. As it turns out, the latest side project did not involve '70s classic rock/hard rock, as was the case with super-group Black Country Communion, or the rework of soul and blues staples, with L.A. songstress, Beth Hart, as heard on their 2011 debut album, 'Don't Explain.' (However, a later press statement did confirm where the duo will enter the studio in January.) Much to my amusement, the headlines read, "Bonamassa Goes Funk."
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- Written by: Bluebird
Hambone's Meditations
Luther Dickinson
Released: May 5th, 2012
Songs Of The South Records
- Editor's Note About John Fahey (1939-2001):
- One of the first things readers should understand about this record is that Luther Dickinson stated it was inspired by John Fahey and The Takoma tradition. I read some fan reviews of the record commenting that Luther wasn't playing 'proper blues' and I think this record should be taken in context of its broader vision. John Fahey, who first presented himself to the music world in part as Blind Joe Death (1959) has had an impact on blues, folk and acoustic traditions for decades of music history. He used non-traditional methods of playing, picking, during the mid-1960s, which included "odd guitar tunings and sudden style shifts, rooted firmly in the old time and blues stylings of the 1920s." The writings that describe Fahey name that he started a new genre of guitar music, known later as "American Primitivism," which combined traditional fingerpicking steel string guitar techniques, and applied them to neo-classical compositions. His record label called him "impossible to classify." "His eclectic music included traditional-sounding folk pieces, Indian ragas, blues, and unpredictable modern works, not fitting securely into any specific category but somehow always sounding personal." (Sources: AllMusic.Com, Takoma Records/Concord Music Group).
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- Written by: Bluebird
The Jonny Monster Band: Bad Times Before
Genre: Blues: Blues-Rock
Release Date: 2012
Photo Credits: Arius Photography
The Jonny Monster Band: Bad Times Before
Recorded by Rob Kissner at Boom Boom Studios in May of 2012
Album Photo Credit by Samantha June and Dave Wagner
The second album from blues jammers, Jonny Monster Band, Bad Times Before, is a more rock than the raw blues they rolled out with their self titled, debut album (which we loved).
Jonny Monster on vocals, guitar, Pete Newman on bass, Roger LaRochelle on drums.
Influenced by Johnny Winters, Hendrix with rhythmic faster paced riffs and licks, it could fit right in with an SRV follower's collection. And it's got enough rock to have a "Bad To The Bone" Thorogood vibe. The vocals rang in a bit of Paul Rogers as Monster is smoother. The slides on "It's My Own Way" are great and a tribute to blues rock everywhere. Changing up each song with fresh arrangements, the high sticks drums matter, "It's Been So Long" brings it on home with some swank that gets to the point. "Anyway You Want It" has a dreamy, acoustic, "White Summer" (Page) feel. But Jonny Monster makes the sound all his own by his rough whiskey vocals. The tapping, scratching, realness of the production is a live sound that brings you into the real. "I Ain't Gonna Lie" cranks out a high flying riff that underlines a party anthem, down low grinding blends keeps the blues tones heavy on the rock end. "Dreambats" offers warm instrumental ballad tones and slows down the whole process, showing off a thoughtful side of the band, without giving up the creative edges. There's a slow hand Clapton vibe going on that's just real nice for anything you're doing at the moment (including writing music reviews). Mid-set on the record, it gives the listeners a different kind of experience to take in all they've heard so far. I reviewed Omar and The Howlers for the Boston Blues Society and the spirit that Jonny Monster brings to the party is something that is just beginning with this up and coming blues band. "Instead of Hello" nails it with front line vocals, straight on production, timing and overall world boogie. "77 Cornell St. Blues" slows it all down,bringing some acoustics on board to walk beside the storyteller's tale. The black dog of the blues, that keeps us company on the way to the crossroads can't be understated.
Videography by Front Row Dave. Find more FRD videos on his Youtube Channel.
The title track, "Bad Times Before," sweeps into the scene, huddled back into the 8th position of the record, but keeps moving to the front of the mix. It's real honest music, puts the hurtin kind in their place, and then moves on with grit and persistence. A well done solo that includes the whole band keeps the instrumental pieces engaging without being over-indulgent. "Ain't Going Back" has a similar theme.
"Human Nature" was a big surprise to hear toward the end of this album. Monster takes risks with the acoustic ballads on this collection by coming out of the jam zone, and that's all right.
The Jonny Monster Band is already a local staple for quality blues rock in the Hudson Valley and beyond. They are not squandering their good reputation, however. Keeping their heads down and aiming to continue authentic quality recordings, they are a hard working band with a solid focus. This new album is slightly different than their first record, with some acoustic risks and ballad vocals. Change is good to see in any band, as they keep their foundation of rockin party blues, but add life perspective and stories from the road.
Biography:
The Jonny Monster Band is a rock n'blues power trio from New Paltz, NY. Featuring Jonny Monster on guitar & vocals, Pete Newman on bass, and Roger LaRochelle on drums. Known for their fast take on the blues they are the newest addition to the Cracker Swamp Productions family out of Orlando, FL. The release of their debut album in January of 2011, freshly pressed split record with deep roots blues player Husky Burnette, and second full length album "Bad Times Before" has marked them a staple in the blues scene of their area and others. The band's fresh take on rock n' blues has been heard at such memorable shows & events as The Rosendale Street Festival 2008/2011, 2011/2012 Blues Brews and BBQ and The Stepping Stone Blues Festival in Havre De Grace, MD. They have had the pleasure of opening for Jefferson Starship and the legendary guitarist Johnny Winter at The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY as well as headlining their own shows at such places as The Bitter End, and Arlene's Grocery, New York, NY, Club Helsinki, Hudson, NY, The Oneonta Theater, Oneonta, NY, and The Beale St Taproom, Memphis, TN. Jonny Monster's high-energy aggressive guitar style captivates audiences and puts the band at the head of the future of rock n' blues music as well as making them a must see live act.
Website: http://www.jonnymonsterband.com/
Purchase: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thejonnymonsterband
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- Written by: Bluebird
Most music tells a story. Andrew Rosciszewski's latest composition, Fantasie for Rock Band and Orchestra, with the Marimba Trilogy, "IS" the story. Andrew is a double bass player and composer from the NY/NJ area, classically trained, rock inspired. The history of the creation of this work includes a reflection of Deep Purple's, John Lord, the organist and composer of "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" in 1969. Yes and Metallica were also motivators to pair orchestral music with rock rhythm sequences. The unique challenge taken on by Andrew was his wish to completely integrate the rock band with the orchestra, and not just have the orchestra be an accompaniment. (Vincent Livolsi, Drums/Percussion/Marimba, liner notes). In my listening view, he has done exactly that and it is magnificent.
This is not a blurred, fusion, relax and zone out blend. Andrew and the fleet of talented musicians pull you into their world, wake you up from your indifferent head, and interact. This work keeps the listener engaged with every nuance, which change in the parts and the sums, wondering ... What will happen next?
Read more: Andrew Rosciszewski: Fantasie for Rock Band and Orchestra, with The Marimba Trilogy
