Wednesday, July 20, 2011

The Angels Were Singing at Jammin Java

 On Monday July 17th, we had an opportunity to see a show by The Chapin Sisters at Jammin Java and my God, do they have beautiful voices.The daughters of Tom Chapin, Abigail and Lily have clearly separated themselves from their father's shadow. Their harmonies were amazing and their songs ranged from covering the Louvin Brothers to Brittany Spears.  They started out with the first two tracks from
Two; and Sweet Light is a perfect example of the harmonic talents. Beautiful song.  The rest of the night was just as nice. These sisters are highly recommended. We have some video uploaded to the MyJoogTV YouTube channel.


Sean Rowe opened the evening and performed songs from his latest CD, Magic, as well as a few covers. His version of Richard Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightening was awesome and his string baritone voice reminds of The White Buffalo. We are going to need to start following this musician.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Béla Fleck & The Original Flecktones\with The Carolina Chocolate Drops @ Wolf Trap - Filene Center

On Monday, July 10th we say a triple treat at the Wolf Trap: Abigail Washburn & The Village, followed by the Carolina Chocolate Drops followed by  Béla Fleck & The Original Flecktones.  We arrived in time to hear the last few songs from Washburn and were surprised to see Odessa Jorgenson, formerly of Bearfoot, as part of the Village. This was interesting, Chinese songs, played to a fiddle, harp, drums, and guitar. Well not all Chinese, just a couple - but entertaining.


Our main focus was to see Grammy winner Carolina Chocolate Drops who is sporting a new look. Founding member, Justin Robinson, has left the trio and returned to school; but Dom Flemons and Rhiannon Giddens remain. And true to Robinson's words: “Tradition is a guide, not a jailer. We play in an older tradition but we are modern musicians.” - they added two more modern musicians Hubby Jenkins and Adam Matta. Both are from New York City, with Jenkins a multi-instrumentalist similar to Flemons. Matta adds a unique talent - a beatboxer - able to generate all sorts of rhythm. Need a train sound? He's your man. A bass. No problem Just superb. I really liked the new look and sound, inventive yet still honoring the past. Plus how many bands can feature two bones players. The Carolina Chocolate Drops is a must see act. We have another chance at the end of the month at Floydfest. Can't wait soon enough.

As for Bela Fleck and the Flectones, what can you say when the band includes Fleck,  Victor Wooten, Roy "Futureman" Wooten, and Howard Levy. You should see Futureman's new invention - a hand held instrument resembling a guitar the sounds as if he's pounding on the drum kit. And his little brother, a bass icon.And let's not forget Fleck, who has been nominated for a Grammy in more categories than any other musician. Plus, he plays an electric five string banjo. How cool is that.

Photos of the show are available at the MyJoog Facebook page.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Cledus T. Judd and Shane Hines - She's Going Places

CLEDUS T. JUDD AND FRIENDS PEN TRIBUTE SONG TO CAYLEE ANTHONY AND  AMERICA  RESPONDS IN STARTLING NUMBERS
 
PROCEEDS FROM iTUNES WILL GO TO PROTECT.ORG
 
She's Going( Nashville ,  TN ) -- After a successful 15-year career of creating comedy-laden parody songs, Cledus T. Judd chose to tackle a subject close to his heart, and found himself a part of a fast-burgeoning phenomenon. Cledus and his co-writers Jimmy Yeary and another high profile songwriter, have penned a tribute to Caylee Anthony entitled, "She's Going Places." The song is sung by  Nashville songwriter/performer/demo singer Shane Hines, whose music has been featured in MTV's "The Hills" and "The Real World."
Caylee Anthony's death in 2008 attracted national media attention. Her mother, Casey Anthony was indicted on first degree murder charges, though she denied any wrong doing. Her recent acquittal prompted a public outcry that the jury made the wrong decision.
Cledus, now co-hosting the morning show at WQYK radio in Tampa, FL, debuted the song this past Friday morning and broke all past records for page views on the stations website, and in just four days has garnered more than 350,000 views on YouTube.  
CledusThe reaction from the masses has caught Judd off guard. "When I had the idea to do this song, being a daddy, I just wanted to do something that took the emphasis off the horrible details and outcome of the trial, and focus on that beautiful, innocent, 2-year old with those big brown eyes". Cledus has partnered with PROTECT.ORG, a joint website of the National Association to Protect Children and PROTECT, and will donate 100% of all his writers royalties from the song to this national pro-child anti-crime membership organization established in 2004.
PROTECT Executive Director Greir Weeks stated, "For too many years, the news media has focused almost exclusively on "stranger danger" cases. Yet, over 90% of all child abuse victims are hurt by adults in their own daily circle of trust.
Every day, thousands of children like Caylee Anthony are preyed upon by the very adults who should most love and protect them. We believe that protecting children-in the home and in local communities-is the most sacred obligation of all people, and "She's Going Places" will touch the heart of millions, inspiring them to this cause."
"She's Going Places" will be available for sale at all major digital music sites including iTunes, and will be made available to Country radio through Play MPE.
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Media Contact for Cledus T. Judd
Craig Campbell
Media Contact for PROTECT.ORG
Grier Weeks
(865) 525-0901
Media Contact for Shane Hines
Audrey Fix Schaefer
301-947-1133

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Eric Lindell Live at the Bamboo Room

We've been waiting for the re-opening of the famed Bamboo Room, which closed a year ago as a result of the economic environment. Its not easy providing south Florida residents with live music, since many musicians are reluctant to travel so far south. Case in point, we were excited to see that a show by Eric Lindell co-incited with our July 4th excursion - but the band was behind schedule because of traffic delays in the 13+ hour drive from New Orleans. Yet, the show was well worth the wait. Next month Lindell and M.C. Records release West County Drifter (MC-0067) his first release for M.C. Records and his first national release in over two years. Yet this evening was old, classic material from Gulf Coast Highway, Low On Cash, Rich In Love, and Change In The Weather. This was my second time seeing Lindell live and I have always appreciated his guitar playing, but this evening I concentrated on his songwriting. What clever songs.  And the Trio compensated for arriving late by playing way into the evening. Awesome. Videos will be available at MyJoogTV.com very soon.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Jammin Java's Songwriters Circle

Our local music venue, Jammin' Java, has scheduled an impressive set of singer-songwriters in the upcoming couple of months.  This is in addition to their regular Songwriters Circle of Todd Wright, Shane Hines, Luke Brindley, and Anthony Fiacco of The Blackjacks. On August 28th the foursome pay tribute to Neil Diamond - now that's an interesting concept. Until then, check out the lineup of other singer-songwriters for July-September:

Aug. 12: DAN NAVARRO

Friday, July 8, 2011

Boston’s on the Beach 2011 Red, White, & Blues Festival


For the second time we scheduled a trip to South Florida to coincide with Boston’s on the Beach Red, White, & Blues Festival held over the July 4th weekend in Delray Beach. For those not familiar with the venue, Boston's is located just across A1A from the ocean and hosts the famed Blue Tuesday blues show with Frank Ward and the Nucklebusters Blues Band and a special guest. In the past we have seen Nicole Hart, The Skyla Burrell Blues Band, and Albert Castiglia during these shows.

Last year Bostons hosted the inaugural Red, White, & Blues Festival and we were able to attend everyday. See coverage here.  But this year were only able to make Sunday which included several regional and national blues acts: IKO-IKO, Ben Prestage, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Bill Wharton, Damon Fowler, and Ana Popovic - among many others. The day started with a tall boy of PBR and Lowdown 13 at the Tiki Bar stage. This is our regular hangout and the band did not disappoint with their hard rockn' blues.Check out their finale at MyJoogTV. Like most festivals, we now had a conflict. Our friends, IKO-IKO were scheduled inside on the Blue Tuesday stage and the Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio were scheduled on the Main stage. Rodgers has been on our watch list for quite some time, thus we shuttled back and forth to see each band. We are definitely biased regarding IKO-IKO and love each set we hear from the band - this was no exception. See a video here at MyJoogTV.  Now, for Bobby Lee Rodgers - we were completely overwhelmed. The guy can play the guitar; sat there mesmerized in the front row.  A video of "Lighthouse" will be posted here later next week - but check this guy out.

I had scheduled the day and lunch around seeing our good friend and one man bluesman Ben Prestage, who we "discovered" first at Merlefest and then at last year's festival. While singing or playing the harp, Presage pounds away on a kick drum and symbols; and plays the electric guitar or a cigar box that includes a separate bass amp. Electric and bass on the same guitar. He had quite an impressive following as well. The Tiki Bar stage was packed - making it difficult to even see the stage. Fortunately there were two sets so between these two, we saw quite a bit of this entertaining musician. Here's a very short video.

After Prestage and a few songs from the Jeff Prine Group, we had to excuse ourselves to shuttle the family home. Too much sun at the beach. It was disappointing to miss Damon Fowler and
Bill Wharton but I made it back for the main event: Ana Popovic. And she was awesome. Wow. A particular band mate may be a little over the top; but she can play. Yes, Ronnie Earl is a good comparison.  Thanks Bostons.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

An Americana Summer - Four New Releases

We've received some excellent Americana music in the past few weeks which makes us believe that the current musical Renaissance is continuing. We will start off with The Wilders and their self titled CD The Wilders. This recording is so varied that sometimes that I had to double check my ipod to make sure it didn't skip ahead to another artist. There's amazing fiddle tunes, old school county and honk-tonk, some rock and even a little punk. This band is still going strong as they celebrate 15 years together. Here's a track by track evaluation:

1. Ordinary People: soothing pop; favorite track
2. Mid November: old time country
3. Riding On Your High Horse: The Speckers raucous fiddle instrumental
4. She Says (I Say): classic honky-tonk, similar to an old Hungarian saying
5. Get Up Kid: slow and powerful
6. Stay With Me: the band turns to rock
7. Pat’s 25: slow ballad
8. Riverboat: another old time fiddle song
9. L.A.: punk out
10. Things They Say About Home: pop-ish with catchy hook
11. No. 7: more raucous fiddling
12. This Old Town: classic alt-country; second favorite track
13. Lay Down Our Guns: another slow story



Next up is songstress Sarah Jarosz, who released Follow Me Down in late spring. Not only are her vocals powerful, but she was most impressive on the guitar. Can't believe she's only 20 years old. 

1. Run Away: classic Jarosz - soft but powerful2. Come Around: she's angry at him
3. Annabelle Lee: celtic styled ballad with great instrumentals
4. Ring Them Bells: going gospel - nice acoustic guitar
5. My Muse: dumbfounded on this one - nice
6. Floating In The Balance: favorite song - great composition
7. Old Smitty: Stringduster-ish instrumental
8. The Tourist: slow, slow down.....
9. Here Nor There: more nice acoustic guitar
10. Gypsy: she can sing
11. Peace: finish with a peaceful calm - beautiful




The coolest surprise comes from an unlikely source Nick 13 of the Psycho-billy punk band Tiger Army. Apparently the lead singer decided to trace the roots of early punk to rockabilly and then to the country music of the 40s-60s which he refers as “hillbilly music”. And in particular he gained an appreciation for the fellow California based songwriters: Buck Owens, Ricky Nelson, Merle Haggard and The Byrds. Determined to write similar material with his own stamp, he moved to Nashville to soak up that city's musical influences. The result is an amazing self titled CD, Nick 13. I can't get enough of this one - seems I've been thirsting for this sound for quite some time. Plus it includes amazing backing from legendary steel guitarist Lloyd Green and Sara Watkins, among many others.

1. Nashville Winter: Why head to Nashville (steel guitar)
2. In The Orchard (2011): slow ballad - beautiful song
3. All Alone: classic early rockabilly - Elvis?
4. Someday: life lesson delivered by song "with failure - keep on trying"
5. Restless Moon: more hillbilly music
6. Gambler's Life: even more hillbilly music
7. Cupid's Victim (2011): Ricky Nelson meets the Byrds
8. Nighttime Sky: favorite track - dreaming of love
9. Carry My Body Down: shades of country western "Rawhide"
10. 101: close with a bang - dedicated to Highway 101

And finally there's Tara Nevins from Donna the Buffalo and her new solo release: Wood & Stone. This CD has been growing on me the more and more as I listen. The hardest part is after 21 years listening to DtB, I kept waiting to hear Jeb take lead vocals.  Once I accepted the fact that this was all Tara, I became to appreciate the release; the songwriting, the musicians, the production. And why not. Anyone who has heard DtB knows multi-dimensional contributions from Ms. Nevins and, in addition, anyone who has heard the Levon Helm Band lately understands and appreciates the many talents of Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams. Don't expect this CD to replicate DtB's funky sound either (expect maybe the first tune). This is old time mountain music with a Cajun twist - expressing Ms. Nevins' powerful songwriting. 

1. Wood And Stone: start off funky similar to DtB; doesn't get better than this
2. All I Ever Needed: uptempo - old time country\Cajun - fiddle\accordion?
3. You’ve Got It All: love sucks
4. You’re Still Driving That Truck: love still sucks
5. Who Would You Tell: still trying to find love to a country tune
6. Snowbird: Jim Lauderdale assists in resisting love - great track
7. Nothing Really: jammin' fiddle tune
8. What Money Cannot Buy: love the musical composition
9. The Wrong Side:again?
10. Stars Fell On Alabama: another wonderful composition
11. Down South Blues: rockin' guitar; is that Campbell?
12. Tennessee River: haunting it is
13. The Beauty Of Days Gone By: Van Morrison song leaves us optimistic

Friday, July 1, 2011

Our July 2011 MyJoog Music Calendar

We will be hitting the road a little bit during our MyJoog.com calendar for July:

Send Event to Friends    Boston's Red, White & Blues Festival - Boston’s on the Beach Delray Beach, FL: Friday, July 01, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Boston's Red, White & Blues Festival - Boston’s on the Beach Delray Beach, FL: Saturday, July 02, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Eric Culberson - The New Back Room Delray Beach, FL: Saturday, July 02, 2011
  
Send Event to Friends    Boston's Red, White & Blues Festival - Boston’s on the Beach Delray Beach, FL: Sunday, July 03, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Boston's Red, White & Blues Festival - Boston’s on the Beach Delray Beach, FL: Monday, July 04, 201
Send Event to Friends    The Grandsons - Lee District RECenter Alexandria, VA: Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Always Room For Cello (ilyAIMY, Wytold, The Dreamscapes Project) - Ebenezers Coffeehouse Washington, DC: Thursday, July 07, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Eric Lindell - Bamboo Room Lake Worth, FL: Thursday, July 07, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Cathy Ponton King - The Vienna Town Green Vienna, VA: Friday, July 08, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Hackensaw Boys - The State Theatre Falls Church, VA: Friday, July 08, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Janine Wilson Band - Royal Lake Park Fairfax, VA: Friday, July 08, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Taters - Lake Accotink Park Springfield, VA: Friday, July 08, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Claire Lynch Band - Mason District Park Annandale, VA: Friday, July 08, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Singer Songwriter Showcase Part 1 - 1st Stage Theatre McLean, VA: Friday, July 08, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Rocknoceros - Mason District Park Annandale, VA: Saturday, July 09, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Kasey Chambers - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Saturday, July 09, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Béla Fleck & The Original Flecktones\with The Carolina Chocolate Drops - Wolf Trap - Filene Center Vienna, VA: Sunday, July 10, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Paul Thorn w/ Huey Lewis & The News - Wolf Trap - Filene Center Vienna, VA: Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Thrillbillys - Mason District Park Annandale, VA: Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Dangermuffin - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Thursday, July 14, 2011
Send Event to Friends    John Eaton - Mason District Park Annandale, VA: Friday, July 15, 2011
Send Event to Friends    William Walter & Co. - Dogfish Head Alehouse Fairfax, VA: Friday, July 15, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Love Seed Mama Jump - Town Green Herndon, VA: Friday, July 15, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Damnwells - Royal Lake Park Fairfax, VA: Friday, July 15, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Michael Clem Trio w/ Taylor Carson - 1st Stage Theatre McLean, VA: Friday, July 15, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Singer Songwriter Showcase Part 2 - 1st Stage Theatre McLean, VA: Saturday, July 16, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Morrison Brothers - The State Theatre Falls Church, VA: Saturday, July 16, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Chapin Sisters - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Monday, July 18, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Jonny Lang with Natalie York - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Monday, July 18, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Lucinda Williams\Amos Lee - Wolf Trap - Filene Center Vienna, VA: Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Patrick Sweany - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie - Frying Pan Farm Park Herndon, VA: Thursday, July 21, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The United States Navy Band Country Current - The Vienna Town Green Vienna, VA: Friday, July 22, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Carbon Leaf (Acoustic) - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Friday, July 22, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Emmylou Harris - Wolf Trap - Filene Center Vienna, VA: Saturday, July 23, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Hayes Carll/Scott Miller - Rock & Roll Hotel Washington, DC: Saturday, July 23, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Lynn Veronneau - Clare and Dons Beach Shack Falls Church, VA: Saturday, July 23, 2011
Send Event to Friends    William Walter & Co. - Whitlow's On Wilson Arlington, VA: Saturday, July 23, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Mindy Smith - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Sunday, July 24, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Floydfest X - Blue Cow Pavilion Floyd, VA: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun - Frying Pan Farm Park Herndon, VA: Thursday, July 28, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Floydfest X - Blue Cow Pavilion Floyd, VA: Friday, July 29, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Little Red & the Renegades - Mason District Park Annandale, VA: Friday, July 29, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Lloyd Dobler Effect - Town Green Herndon, VA: Friday, July 29, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Billy Coulter - Lake Accotink Park Springfield, VA: Friday, July 29, 2011
Send Event to Friends    The Skyla Burrell Blues Band - Madam's Organ Washington, DC: Friday, July 29, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Bobby Parker - Madam's Organ Washington, DC: Saturday, July 30, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Floydfest X - Blue Cow Pavilion Floyd, VA: Saturday, July 30, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Floydfest X - Blue Cow Pavilion Floyd, VA: Sunday, July 31, 2011
Send Event to Friends    Rebecca Loebe + Jenee Halstead + Sam Friend - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Sunday, July 31, 2011