Album Review: Retro Soul from Major And The Monbacks

I've always had a soft spot for bands with horns and that trend has continued with the eight-piece band Major and the Monbacks. After performing together for seven years, they have finally come around to recording their debut, self titled album (release date May 12th). And it's a good one.  There's horns a plenty, a sophisticated sound, high energy dance tunes, and tight vocal harmonies. While in high school in Norfolk, VA, twin brothers Neal (guitar, vocals, keys) and Cole (bass) Friedman formed the precursor of what would eventually become Major and the Monbacks with classmates Michael Adkins (guitar, vocals, harmonica, keys), Harry Schloeder (guitar, vocals, keys), and Tyler Wes (percussion, hype). Nate Sacks (saxophone), Bryan Adkins (drums), and Aaron Reeves (trumpet) round out the eight pieces. Pair this excellent album with Norfolk's Smartmouth Brewing Co. Cheers.

• I Can Hardly Wait - slow start to the album, then.....
• Somedays - an instant classic; best track
• Annabelle - starts slow but gradually gains a full head of steam
• Don't Say A Word - hear a little JJ Grey in this one
• She Don't Knock - sophisticated soul
• Sunshine - vocal harmonies abound in this pop song
• Be My Baby - starts with 1950s do whop pop; leans towards Holy Ghost Tent Revival
• Magnolia - notice the keys and guitars
• Fool - there's some St. Paul and The Broken Bones
• I Do - fast pace finale

Album Review: Elana James - Black Beauty

Hopefully if you're a fan of Austin based or Texas music you are familiar with the Western Swing and Jazz sound of Hot Club of Cowtown. If not you will.  Last month the band won Western Swing Group 2015 in the Ameripolitan Awards and their front lady, Elana James,  won Western Swing Female 2015.  You can hear these talents firsthand, through her latest solo album: Black Beauty.  And I mean talent. Check out her violin in Ayriliq (an Azerbaijani folk song by Ali Salimi) or Waltz of the Animals and her vocals in Hobo's Lullaby. The arrangement in that Waltz of the Animals outstanding; Who Loves You More and All I Need Is You gives us some sexy jazzy vocals; but my favorite song is High Upon the Mountains which incorporates western swing into a spirited song.  Or perhaps the soft sounds of Ripple. As you can see, there's plenty of good music in this release. There are many players on this album with the major being Dave Biller (guitar), Chris Maresh (bass), Mark Hallman (guitar, percussion), Ryan Gould (bass), and Cindy Cashdollar (steel guitar) among several others. Pair with Aubrey Vineyards from her hometown area of Overland Park - just outside of Kansas City. Cheers.

Album Review: Nels Cline & Julian Lage - Room

Do you like jazz guitar or guitar instrumentals? Then I have an album for your. Wilco lead guitarist Nels Cline has teamed with jazz guitarist Julian Lage to record Room, a "mix of original and collaborative guitar works".  Initially I just allowed the album to play as background music but as it looped through more cycles I started appreciating the depth of the guitar playing.  This may have started with Racy but definitely by Blues, Too.  These two are masters of their craft; take a listen and pair with some spicy ZAP zinfandel such as Michael David Winery. 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.

PBS History Detectives Investigate Music History

While working out I watched an interesting episode of History Detectives on PBS. The basic modus operandi of the show is that take an item of potential historical significance and research its importance and authenticity.The episode I watched was titled Duke Ellington Plates and focused on whether printing plates found in a Brooklyn dumpster were the original plates for publishing Ellington's "Take the A Train." The investigation starts with the history of Ellington and his band, the composition of Take the A Train.", and explores the financial burdens required to support Ellignton and his co-horts. Very interesting - take a look. And while browsing the History Detectives site, I saw more musically inclined episodes such as Bob Dylan Guitar, Frank Zappa Collage, & Beatles Autographs. I'm hooked.

First Look at Gypsy Sally's with Yarn & Blair Crimmins and the Hookers

A couple months back Gypsy Sally's opened in Georgetown with an incredible first month lineup. November has been no slouch either and I finally had no excuse to visit when our new friends Blair Crimmins and The Hookers  opened for old favs Yarn. We joined the hooker bandwagon in September after viewing their performance at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and a serious listen to their latest CD Sing-a-Longs. Yarn has been a staple musical diet since Floydfest, The Festy, Firefly Vodka, and Almost Home.  Seems like many folks had the same impression as me since the venue was nicely populated - more Yarnies then Hookers, but all saw a great night of music from both. The Hookers were tight, entertaining horns, some serious banjo and guitar work by Crimmins, and lyrics that won over the crowd. I heard one onlooker exclaim that "they've been transported to the French Quarter".   Yarn seamlessly opened bringing a stampede of diners to the dance floor where they remained the night dancing and singing to Yarn's now classic alt-country. A typical great set, this time, I believe, inspired by Andrew Hendryx's mandolin.   Looking forward to listening more to Shine The Light On with songs such as Angel Place That Halo, Bobby Weeks, and Take Me First. Cheers and pair with Breuckelen Distilling or New York Distilling Company Gin and Whisky.  Oh yea, I'll be a frequent visitor to Gypsy Sally's - great food; decent beer list; and solid lineups.

Yarn

Blair Crimmins and the Hookers

Blair Crimmins and The Hookers "It Don't Have To Rain" during a Rainy 2013 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

One of the coolest acts we stumbled upon at the 2013 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion was Blair Crimmins and The Hookers, an old-time jazz outfit based out of Atlanta, Georgia. In fact, Crimmins is so beloved in the Atlanta area, he was just named Best Songwriter by Creative Loafing, this after being voted onto the same outlet's Lustiest list. So what makes Crimmins and the Hookers this popular? Could it be that the 1920's ragtime, blues, and jazz are timeless, particularly when given a little rockn' edge?  Could it be that people are tiring of simple pop melodies? Or could it be that Crimmins and the Hookers are extremely entertaining. Probably all of the above.

For me, what makes their music more impressive is that, as the award above suggests, is all original music - just wrapped in an old time theme. Crimmins can concoct some clever lyrics indeed - "Cause it don’t have to rain to be a rainy day" - "Talking off each others heads while I’m just sitting here stuck in mine" - or the entire Roll Over Bessie.  This is good stuff so check out their newly released CD Sing-a-Longs or our four, rather poorly shot, videos from BRR. Here's their song, "It Don't Have To Rain" in the midst of a rainy afternoon in Bristol. Cheers.

Album Review: Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice

Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice

Widespread Panic lead guitarist Jimmy Herring has just released his 2nd solo album, Subject to Change Without Notice, which is the most complex instrumental release we've heard in our many days of scouring music. Sorry John Jorgenson. As Herring relates on his website, "he plays guitar - buts wants to be a singer". Well this release sings to us. Harrison's Within You Without You is self evident, and Kaleidoscope Carousel is simply mesmerizing. The jam band comes around in Jimmy McGriff’s Miss Poopie; alt-country Americana in Curfew; and Blues-Rock-Jazz in Bilgewater Blues. Outstanding. This is one CD which never tires from fatigue. And the Jimmy Herring Band (Jeff Sipe - Drums, Matt Slocum - Piano/Keyboards, and Neal Fountain - Bass)  hit the road in November- see you at The State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia on the 9th.

The Top 100 Blues, Folk, Roots, Bluegrass, Country & Jazz Albums of 2011

Visit the following links to RMR to see which albums received the most radio airplay for the year 2011. As tabulated from spin reports from RMR reporting radio stations worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Diverse New Music - From Jazz to Funky Soul

We've recently received several new CDs and here's the lowdown. 

Its definitely time to get your boogie on when listening to T Bird and the Breaks - Never Get Out of This Funk Alive. This is one I'm dancing in my seat; whether driving, at work, at home; this is just a classic fun CD that exudes 70's soul and funk. Just listen to the title track or "Spread the Love". Plus, this is a 10-piece band - wait until you hear the sounds emanating from deep down in the tracks: percussion, keyboards, horns. And gotta love "Your Nasty Love".  Can't believe this sound comes out of Austin - forget about Americana - give me Funk.


Reed Turner got our attention with his new EP Side One: See How Far I Get. His songwriting immediately reminded me of Joe Pug, but he distinguishes himself through a unique finger picking style. His study at the Berklee College of Music has paid off, because this artist is talented. And this talent is immediately on display on the first track, "Beware the Hand". And "let's Roll" showcases some clever songwriting. And the last track, "Acrobats & Soldiers", is just powerful. I can't wait for Side 2.

At first listen, I didn't care for Big Trouble from The Dang-it Bobbys. But that opinion was a result of sitting in traffic for three hours trying to go 30 miles.  After multiple listens, I really came to appreciate the musicianship of this duo, Kris Bauman and guitarist Luca Benedetti. I think it started at "I Love You"; love the composition. Can't seem to categorize the sound, there's some Pop, some Bluegrass ("Whiskey Strut"), plenty of vocal harmony, and even a Tex-Mex sound in "Big Trouble". My favorites were the two instrumentals ("Roadkill Jerky" & "Whiskey Strut"), maybe because I'm not completely sold on the song writing - although the initial track, "Middle Ground", is clever. Yet, these are two to watch considering how nicely they can play their respective instruments.


Finally, I've been really digging the latest from the Joe Deninzon Trio, Exuberance. I listen to this during the work hours, and I tell you, the day flies by.  The trio consists of violinist Joe Deninzon, bassist Robert Bowen, and guitarist Stephen Benson. On occasion there's some gypsy jazz influence, but with Deninzon switching from electric to acoustic violin, also some classical and at times, americana-ish fiddling. In this CD, Bowen's bass plays a noticeable role whereas Benson's guitar sometimes lingers too silently. The guy can play - turn him up - just like the beginning of "Sun Goes Down". And listen to the end, "The Tourist" could be my favorite track.