Album Review: Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds - The Weather Below

If you're planning on attending Floydfest this year, then get a preview of one of the scheduled artists, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, through their latest release The Weather Below. Produced by Ryan Hadlock and recorded at Bear Creek Studio just outside Seattle, WA; the album's rock and soul tinged sound merits a listen. The attraction starts with Arleigh Kincheloe's sultry and powerful vocals and is augmented by vibrant horns (Phil Rodriguez (trumpet), and Brian Graham (saxophones)). Then the harmonica (Jackson Kincheloe) merges with the guitar (Sasha Brown) and blends seamlessly with the bass (Josh Myers) and drums (Dan Boyden). Just check out Don't Be Jealous. That's a tight track. So is Cold Blooded - love the opening guitar riff.  The title track, Borderline, We Need A Love, and Catch Me If You Can are also favored songs. Pair with NYC's Kings County Distillery - home to an awesome band - Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds.

Album Review: Frank Viele - Fall Your Way

If you enjoy the funky side of blues, then check our New England based Frank Viele and his latest release Fall Your Way. The opening track, Broken Love Song, features Joe Bonamassa on guitar and pulls you in and the horns in Kalifornia close the trap door. Afterwards, the tracks express a sense of love gone very bad with How Dare You Say You're Sorry, Alexa, and When You Gonna Come Home. In between Easy Money retains the horns, but is much more laid back and Tonight I Must Leave Your Arms may be my favorite track with it's powerful lyrics and subtle guitar. Or the funk in Kick Up Your Heels. Pair with the funky Belgian styled beer from East Haven's Overshores Brewing Co. Cheers.

Album Review: The Nightowls - Good As Gold B-Sides

Seems like just a short while ago that I first learned of Austin's favorite soul, funk, Memphis horns, Motown styled The Nightowls through Good As Gold. On September 9th, the band will release a followup EP:  Good As Gold B-Sides, and believe me, it's as enjoyable as its companion. There are just four tracks, and front man Ryan Harkrider and the remaining eight members of The Nightowls make you long for more. Nobody Ever Wants to Leave is my favorite track, Austin's new theme song; but the bluesy soulful Either Way is close behind. The horns are the highlight throughout - I'm mean, what's not to like about that sound. Once again pair with Austin's music friendly brewery, Thirsty Planet Brewing. Cheers.

Album Review: Mingo Fishtrap - On Time

I just went through a streak of music that just really didn't match my palette, so it was a great refresher to receive the latest from the Austin based funk-soul band Mingo Fishtrap.  "On Time" is timeless, classic 60's and early 70s soul and funk. The horns are uplifting, searing guitar, tight harmonies - what is not to like. Actually if this CD doesn't move you, emotionally and physically, then somethings wrong with you. "Mingo Fishtrap are Roger Blevins, Jr. on lead vocals and guitar; Dane Farnsworth on vocals, organ, and keyboards; Chip Vayenas on vocals and drums; Mikel Urdy on percussion; Roger Blevins, Sr. on bass; Steve Butts on trumpet; Dan Bechdolt on tenor and alto saxophone; and Zol Waterhouse on trombone".  I want to see these guys with JJ Grey & Mofro. Time to click the repeat button; I'm feeling Uncle Billy's Brew & Que with these guys, but they will also be at Wolf Hills Brewing Company in Abingdon next weekend. Cheers.

Album Review: Doctor Magnum - Magnum Carta Holy Grail brings out some electronic funky jazz

Be that it is New Orleans Jazz Fest week I found the spirit by listening to a very interesting and entertaining release from Doctor Magnum, an Albany NY jazz quartet. Their latest release is Magnum Carta Holy Grail which they describe as a combination of classic rock 'n' roll, hip hop infusion, and jazz. I found this six track, all instrumental album closer to an electronic fusion of rock & funk. And despite a few times where the instrumentation went beyond my capabilities, I enjoyed this release. The lineup is what makes this work: electric guitar, keyboards, and percussion - Charlie Button (lead guitar), Jerome Steele (lead guitar), Steve Keator (keyboard), and Rob Colpoys (drums) - to be precise. I enjoyed the interplay between drums and keyboard and then at times there is a definite jamband feel as each member trades off solos. That process starts with the first track Agent Zero and continues with my favorite jamband-ish ALL CAPS/N.Y. State of Mind. Pair with CH Evans Brewing Company at the Albany Pump Station. Cheers.

Album Review: River City Extension - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger

This week we learned about an exciting eight person band out of New Jersey,  River City Extension, and their completely entertaining CD Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Your Anger. I mean, this release has everything; a little Americana, Rock, Funk, Pop-Rock -> no two songs are the same. And there's even a rhythm section here and there as well as a simulated fife and drum corp (see Lord, I Have Changed - a favorite). There's love songs; apologizing songs, semi-gospels -> all with nice melodies, tight instrumentals,  and interesting songwriting - courtesy of front man Joe Michelini. When I first started listening, Michelini vocals reminded me of Justin Townes Earle and then when Golden Tongue (Thanatopsis) came on, the song could have been right out of The Good Life or Yuma. I was hooked.There's a lot more to be hooked on; the harp in There & Back Again; the subtle horns in the title track; and the final track, Lord, I Have Changed, seems a perfect closing. Get this CD.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Danny Clinch
Mike Costaney, Dan Melius, James Ramirez,
Patrick O'Brien, Joe Michelini, Jenn Fantaccione, Sam Tacon, Nick Cucci

2008 Vintage Virginia

Despite chaotic weather conditions on Saturday May 31st we were able to enjoy several Cajun\Funk bands at the 27th annual Vintage Virginia festival. The festival's focus is to highlight the rising Virginia wine industry - and over 50 wineries participating - pouring over 350 different wines. Virginia is best known for their Viognier and Cabernet Franc, but there are also excellent examples of Norton, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Sparkling wines, fruit wines, and mead. A review of the wines as well as more pictures of the event are available at the WineCompass Blog and Compass Tours section of Wine-Compass.com.

Besides the wines, each year Across-the-Way Productions brings together awesome local and national acts and this year was no different. The day started with slightly cloudy skies and the music of The Crawdaddies, a regional band that has extended its fan base nationwide. The group plays a combination of Cajun and Zydeco with hints of blues and reggae. The Crawdaddies kept the rhythm alive as attendees sampled the various wines - searching for their favorite - to enjoy for the remainder of the afternoon.

The Jamie Mclean Band took stage next, under more cloudy skies. Frontman Jamie McLean is more likely known as the lead guitarist in New Orleans based funk band: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Looking to broaden his scope to a more roots rick feel, he joined with his brother Carter McLean (drums, percussion) and long time friend Derek Layes (bass) to form the The Jamie Mclean Band. We didn't get to hear the band as soon as they took stage, because immediately lightening appeared and the authorities moved everyone into their cars just when the downpour erupted. After a 45 minute delay, the band returned on stage, only to see a second eruption occur. Since the lightening had vanished, the band continued to play to an empty field - as attendees huddled close to the tasting tents. We applaud the band for playing through the rain and continuing without a close audience. We could barely hear the music over the rain echoing off the tent flaps. Then came the tornado scare, and obviously the Jamie Mclean Band ended their shortened set and we began to seek refuge again - when the cell apparently moved south and the festival was back in business.

Immediately the sky cleared and a new day dawned, just in time for the day's most popular act: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. It may have been the wine, or bent up energy, or great music, but as soon as Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews took stage, the crowd went crazy - with over a hundred attendees rushing the stage to dance. And he knew how to work the audience. This gift came from performing on the streets of new Orleans at an early age and as a graduate of the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA). He has performed with Lenny Kravitz, U2, Green Day and now fronts an incredible funk band: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The band was as energetic as the crowd - both feeding off each other. Our favorite was the bass solo from Mike Ballard - fast paced with the bass vibrating the stage. Unfortunately it had to end - at least handing off to another incredible funk band: Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk.

By now the sun was blazing and the only traces of the storm were the mud pits in front of the stage. The crowd was getting a little exhausted - as the already thinned crowd became thinner. For those that remained, they received a great New Orleans treat, for Dumpstaphunk consists of performers who have played in some of that city's most established bands. Founded by keyboardist Ivan Neville, the son of Aaron Neville; the band includes his cousin Ian Neville (son of Art Neville) on rhythm guitar; Raymond Webster on drums; and Tony Hall and Nick Daniels on bass. Yes two bass guitar players. What a sound; a more powerful New Orleans Social Club. As soon as Dumpstaphunk took stage, and people heard this beat, the mud pit filled with muddy legs and feet as the remaining attendees rushed the stage. This was a fruitful end of the day, finding a dry spot to drink a bottle of Holly Grove and listening to the best that New Orleans offers. Thanks Across-the-Way Productions.

These acts will all appear locally again in the next couple months. The Crawdaddies will perform at Breaux Vineyards at their Cajun Festival on June 14th and at the Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest in late June. Jamie Mclean will be at the Blue 5 Restaurant in Roanoke June 10th and join Dumpstaphunk at Floydfest in late July. Finally Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will perform multiple days at the 19th Annual Bayou Boogaloo & Canjun Food Festival - Town Point Park in Norfolk, June 20-22.