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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Music Picks for Thursday, Nov 18

*Hot* The Drowning Lovers - Deep South (Indie/JazzLoungeNoir)
One of the Great finds in the triangle, This Carrboro based band with roots in New York is a true joy with their unique sound. Powerful vocals that are clear and crisp and meshed with solid instrumental musicianship, this is a sound that is like no other here in the area and usually only found in music meccas like New York, Chicago, Montreal or New Orleans. This is a great band and a great opportunity to check out some truly unique music to the Raleigh area.
This band is the 2nd/3rd of 4 bands - so dont expect a start time much before 10-10:30
www.drowninglovers.com

The Connells - Lincoln Theatre (Rock)
Band needs no introduction - this is the symbol of Raleigh Rock and the development of the music scene over the past two decades.... They are still around, plying the trade and ever the great entertainers with great stage presence, they will pull off yet another great night of music.
With two opening shows, expect a start time of around 9pm....

Mike Compton & Joe Newberry - Marsh Woodwinds (Instrumental)
Two of the best in the craft, Mike and Joe have been around the world on their talents. Tonight, with Mike fresh off a tour with Elton John these two are together for one night only. This is a RARE opportunity to hear a homespun night of collaboration and innovative music. If you love anything about folk/bluegrass/country, this will be a real treat and is not to be missed.....

Hackensaw Boys - Berkeley Cafe (Folk/Country/Rock)
Fresh off world tour, This Charlottesville based band is our regional answer to Leftover Salmon Here for one night only, these guys are going to blow the roof off of the Berk.... Come over and check it out!
www.myspace.com/hackensawboys

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Music Picks for Week of Nov 15th

Hey All,

After a slow start to the music week - we are in full force with many, many shows to close out the week. For those of you who missed the AWESOME show by New Mastersounds, you missed out on one of the hottest Funk bands on the scene right now... This was an awesome show and a great set with killer encore... As allways "Land of Nod" was played in full effect and the added touch of the horns really completed their sound on a couple of songs..

Please see music listings below and come back and check for more detailed info on the bands as well as links to their sites so that you can listen for yourself!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, Nov 17:
Signal Path - Pourhouse (Electropop/Rock/Experimental)

Thursday, Nov 18:
*Hot* The Drowning Lovers - Deep South (Indie/LoungeJazzNoir)
The Connells - Lincoln Theatre (Indie/Rock)
Mike Newberg & Joe Newberry - Marsh Woodwinds (Instrumental)
Hackensaw Boys - Berkeley Cafe (Folk/Bluegrass)

Friday, Nov 19:
Future Islands,Veelee - Kings Barcade (Electro/Indie)
The Bridge - Pourhouse (Roots)

Saturday, Nov 20:
Johnny Folsom 4 - Pourhouse (Folk/Rock)

Sunday, Nov 21:
Mollybond - Pourhouse (Folk/Acoustic)

Friday, November 12, 2010

Music Picks for Friday, Nov 12

Midnight Sky Jazz - Marsh Woodwinds (Jazz)
This Durham Based Sextet plays a great selection of Jazz hits for your listening enjoyment. Very popular on the Wedding/Party circuit, they come to Marsh Woodwinds for a night of easy relaxing Jazz.
www.bigwoodsmusic.com

Jeanne Jolly - Berkeley Cafe (Americana/Folk)
One of the better female vocalists in the area, Jeanne has a great supporting cast around her and she successfully uses them to create her great sound. The music and her voice compliment each other and as they soothe and cajole you into a peaceful state. This is a great sound for an intimate setting and the Berk can certainly fit this - so grab u a chair and sit down, unwind and listen to some feel-good music. I consider the talent of Jeanne to be that of a country version of Melissa Etheridge. Come on out and hear her belt out "Still cant stop loving you" - It will gives you the chills - it's that good!
www.myspace.com/jeannejolly

The Blue Dogs w/ Old Habits - Lincoln Theatre (Folk/Americana)
One of the hotter up-and-coming bands meets up with the the roots estblishment in this powerhouse show at the Lincoln tonight. Old Habits have refined their should and Craig & co have really turned a corner and are playing some great stuff that is getting great reviews and notice from regional and national publications. Their style of folk/country and their stage presence as easy going really loosen up the crowd and their surperb talent and vocal harmonization back up their easy going swagger. They have really come into their own in the past year and we can expect more original stuff from them in the near future...
The Blue Dogs on the other hand, have been at the pinacle of the regional folk scene and while no easy task, they have kept in vogue with a constant stream of new music as well as changing their existing material in such a way that keeps the crowds coming. These guys are great musicians and great entertainers - as has been proven by their longevity. This is a real treat tonight to have these two bands together and I strongly reccomend that you do not miss it!
www.bluedogs.com
www.myspace.com/oldhabits

Review: Heads on Sticks & Javelin Tear it up on a Thursday

Thursday was a a busy music night and while i thought I had a game plan, i was wrong - as a last minute substitution, The Heads on Sticks show was hyped up and i decided to drop in for the show. I am glad that I did as these guys were AWESOME and they had a great crowd to show up and support them.... Mocking Bird, It Doesnt Matter How & my personal faves: Evelynne & It Doesnt Matter How.... They rocked it - and brought a sound that is lacking in this market... These guys are the perfect openers for groups like Javelin or Future Islands.... Great Show and I look forward to seeing more of them around here in the future....

Immediately upon the end of the Heads on Sticks show I hightailed it over to Kings to catch Javelin - where a packed house got to see javelin at it's finest. All the best selections were played and these guys seem to just be getting better and better in time..... This is clearly a group on the rise and I will look forward to catching them again in the near future... Great show! I highly reccomend catch them when you are in the NYC are - or around the country as they seem to be doing quite a bit of touring...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Music Picks for Thursday, Nov 11

Hot Damn Blues Band - Hibernian Raleigh (Blues/Roots)
Local musicians sit down for a couple of sets of solid - but entertaining music that is heavily laced in the blues genre but also mixes in some roots/americana and utilizes some good covers to keep the crowd going and interested. This will be a great place to unwind, relax, listen to some solid music and get ready for the weekend.

The Hotwires / Accoustic Manner - Pourhouse (Bluegrass)
Local Banjo guru Hank Smith has two of his bands - The Hotwires & Accoustic Manner playing @ Pourhouse for "Cold Beer & Smoking Grass" - featuring Natty Green's Beers. Hank's been in the music scene since a child - and has served as the banjo mainstay for well known bands such as Barefoot Manner, Smokehouse Brass Band, The Morning After and a few others. His latest two projects are the best that Raleigh has to offer in the Bluegrass Genre. This is a bold statement considering that the Carolinas serve as one of the premier hotbeds in this genre....
String Machine will open the night - if you are in the mood for some great Bluegrass - this is the place...
Hotwires: www.raleighbluegrass.com
Accoustic Manner: N/A
The String Machine: www.myspace.com/thestringmachine

Bright Young Things w/ Heads on Sticks - Tir Na Nog (Indie)
Tir Na Nog's "Local Beer, Local Band" serves up some great stuff tonight... Raleigh fave - Bright Young Things will bring their popular Indie Roots Rock to the set tonight. Comfortable, solid - with a little bit of everything, the laid back approach is a winner with their crowd - Good vocals, musicians, and a contemporary yet retro feel to the music makes this band an easy listen and very likeable.... Heads on Sticks is a new group that is finding it's way - but you know, I really like the fact that they are all over the place.... It's tight no matter what they are doing and I really dig the electro component. The band is seasoned - each having been in the Raleigh and Regional music scene and they have got their stuff together with this unique, searching sound.... This promises to be a great show...... Gray Young will also be playing.
**Heads on Sticks will be opening the show @ 10pm - They are opening - despite conflicting reports that they are closing the show.... This gives you time to check these guys out before heading to Kings for arguably the best show of the night....
www.myspace.com/brightyoungmusic
www.headsonsticksmusic.blogspot.com

Javelin - Kings Barcade (ElectroPop)
One of the hottest Eletropop groups on the scene right now, this Brooklyn based Duo has taken the East Coast by storm and has really attracted a great following here in NC as this is their 5th visit to the state (and 3rd to Raleigh) in 4 months. They have played Raleigh Wide Open, Hopscotch, Moog Fest and are back for more with what will likely be a packed house....
These guys lite up a room and energize a crowd like few can do... This was evidenced by their show @ Berkeley during Hopscotch when the carryover energy kept the crowd going through the 1st half of the Future Islands show until those guys could get things going.....
Mixing old school and new school sounds with drum pad percussion - the animated duo gets things going and keeps it up with a mix of numbers that change up tempo and beat - but are contagious and pull in the crowd..... I cant thing of a group that is in this genre that does this any better - but these guys are very similar to "Swimming with Dolphins".....
Local Bands Rain in My Face & Reptar open the night. Rain in My Face is of particular note as they have a great sound that is both up and down tempo... A great lounge feel to their stuff - I look forward to hearing them...
www.myspace.com/itisraininmyface
www.myspace.com/hotjamzofjavelin

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Music Picks for Wednesday, Nov 10

Never Shout Never w/ The Maine - Lincoln Theatre (Indie/Rock) - **SOLD OUT**
Two Heavy-Hitting Indie bands take the stage - NY Based Never Shout Never and The Maine from Phoenix. To start with Never Shout Never, these guys have quickly worked their way into the regional and national picture through an agressive grassroots marketing campaign that targeted Campus Radio. Of course it helps to have good music to back up the marketing - and this meet and exceeds that standard. Blending simplistic guitar, percussion and music with simple but clear and good harmonies and well as catchy songwriting that speak to everyday life - in a simplistic approach. This blend has a contemporary feel to it with light touches of hip-hop - in a melodic way... Overall its very catchy and a great listen - This is highly reccomended.
Not to take anything away from Never shout Never, The Maine takes a different tack, more pop than indie - these guys using hard charging guitars and sing/song vocals that have a mainstream Indie Pop sound that has certainly found favor in it's popularity. "In your Arms" has generated over 1 million hits on their websites - and is currently in the top 100 of indie tunes... Their musical style is reminiscent of The Killers or Snow Patrol. This is going to be a great show - and it is technically SOLD OUT - but it's worth it if you are interested - to get there early and check for extra tickets - there usually allways are... This will be a great show - check it out!
www.myspace.com/themaine
www.myspace.com/nevershoutnever

Music Picks for Tuesday, Nov 9

Tonight is the night for Honky Tonkin! We have a great show for you tonight - see below!

Jason Boland & The Stragglers w/ Corb Lund & the Hurtin Albertans - Berkeley Cafe (Country/Roots/Rock)
One of the Current Stars in the the Texas Country/Western scene, Jason Boland and crew are well-known for their agressive musical style - mixing in rousing covers with their own stuff to get the crowd up - and keeps them up for the entire set. This is one of the better bands on the scene right now - Jason has surrounded himself with excellent talent and his smooth vocals balance out the edge - altogether a great rousing set of texas style country/western...
www.thestragglers.com

To contrast this, we have the 7 time Canadian Country artist award winner - Corb Lund & The Hurtin Albertans - their style of soothing, slow-down country/roots are full of balads as well as tales of life and things not gone quite right... They are also able to draw on their celtic roots - as evidenced in their song I want to be in the calvary. This is a classic example of a crossover balad in the Country/Roots/Celtic mix - and it is masterfully done by these guys....

This promises to be a great night of Country/Western - if you have any interest in this style of music - this show is not to be missed!
www.myspace.com/officialcorblund

Monday, November 8, 2010

Music Picks for Week of 8 November

Hey All!

Troika is over, Bear Creek is happening this wknd - we have a lot of bands moving to/from the fall festival circuit and the great thing about this is that Raleigh is getting a lot of exposure to some great regional touring acts that are stopping on their way through....
Check out the great shows that are here this week listed below and check back for further info on the bands along with links to the music.
Enjoy!!

Monday, Nov 8:
Bluegrass Jam - The Hive @ Busy Bee (Bluegrass)
Lull Water - Deep South - The Bar (Rock/Folk)
Click Clack Boom! Feat Hammer no More the Fingers & Jenna & the Jintlemen (Slims) - Rock

Tuesday, Nov 9:
Jason Boland & The Stragglers w/ Corb Lund - Berkeley Cafe (Country Rock/Rockabilly)

Wednesday, Nov 10:
Never Shout Never / The Maine - Lincoln Theatre (Indie Rock)
The Jackets - Pourhouse (Indie Rock)

Thursday, Nov 11:
**Hot** Javelin - Kings Barcade (Electropop/Indie)
Hot Damn Blues Band - Hibernian (Blues/Roots)
Hotwires/Acoustic Manner - Bluegrass Fest! - Pourhouse
Bright Young Things w/ Heads on Sticks - Tir Na Nog (Indie Rock)

Friday, Nov 12:
Midnight Sky - Marsh Woodwinds (Jazz)
Blue Dog & Old Habits - Lincoln Theatre (Roots/Folk /Americana Rock)
Jeanne Jolly - Berkeley Cafe (Roots/Folk)

Saturday, Nov 13:
Zydecopious - Big Easy (Zydeco/Rock)
The Spring Collection w/ Lucero - Kings (Indie Rock)
Ed Stephenson & The Paco Band - Marsh Woodwinds (Folk/Flamenco)
Myer - Pourhouse (Indie/Roots)

Sunday, Nov 14:
The Cult! - Lincoln Theatre
Belleville Outfit - Berkeley Cafe (Indie/Roots Rock)

Review - The Loom @ Kings 11/7/10

Brooklyn Based - The Loom was in town for the Troika Music Fest and decided on a last-minute Sunday show @ Kings. Good Call....... After a solid opening set by Carboro band North Elementary, These guys took the stage with authority and played a solid set lasting right around an hour... The crowd was not spectactular but it was 50-60 or so - fairly decent for a Sunday... Great music - drums, horns, and the vocal harmonization was superb....
Excellent Show - look forward to a return trip to the Triangle!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Music Picks for Thursday, Nov 4

F. O. Finch Quartet - The Mint (Jazz)
Local Jazz group highlighted by F.O. on the sax will chill the upstairs lounge @ The Mint. This is a monthly gig - held the 1st Thursday of each month. You can expect a laid-back crowd and music to match. Traditional lounge jazz doesnt get any better - this is a great place to catch a great set of music and have a cocktail to put an early start on the weekend.
Expect an 8pm start with music lasting until 10:30 or so...
Catch some live clips of them on You Tube under the band name...

Lubriphonic - Pourhouse (Jazz/Funk)
This Chicago based group have been stalwarts of the Chicago and midwest regional Funk/Soul/Jazz scene for quite some time and have developed a national base that has taken them on several national tours as well as a few international gigs as well. Best known for their horn drenched funk and soul with some superb organ sounds and vocals, this group is able to bring the crowds with their balance of all sounds (with some great guitar and drums on the side). You never know what to expect with these guys as they oscilate from a mellow soul number (such as Speed Dial) To a great upbeat funk spot (such as Hell Down Below). Think of these guys as a polished and professional version of The Pietasters w/ a side of Particle. This most certainly is not a show to be missed if you have any interest in Funk/Soul/Jazz...
www.myspace.com/lubriphonic

Hoots & Hellmouth - Berkeley Cafe (Indie/Roots)
This Band hailing out Philadelphia has been a long-time favorite of the Philly area and this has launched them regional and national tours including this tour that is taking to them to RiverHawk/Bear Creek Music Fests in Florida. If you like Yonder Mountain String Band, you will most certainly love this set at the Berk.
www.myspace.com/hootshellmouth

Barefoot Truth - Berkeley Cafe (Indie/Roots)
Representing all that is right with the Indie music scene, this New England band has forged their own path to success using the indie route. No record labels, no fancy marketing, no air time on mainstream music, just great talent, hard work, and GREAT music. Thus far, their music has had more that 3 million plays on free music servers... Hits like "Spoonful" and "All the Good Reasons" have enabled this band to create their own path to success. Great Guitar, Harmonized Vocals, and Solid Songwriting gives the audiance a great set of music. This promises to be a great night of music!
www.myspace.com/barefoottruth

Felice Brothers - Kings Barcade (Folk/Americana/ect)
As featured on NPR, this New York based band got their start by playing on the street and in subway stations... Their talent opened doors for them and soon their rough,gritty style could be heard in venues around the city and throughout the mid-atlantic. They have been featured on Maverick Magazine, The New Yorker and NPR on multiple occasions.... Their style can be compared to Big Pink and Old Crow Medicine Show. This is going to be a great set of music - come out and see some rising stars!
No links avail but check them out on You Tube as well as NPR's World Cafe.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Music Picks for Wednesday, Nov 3

Peter Lamb & The Wolves - Humble Pie (Jazz)
Its that Wednesday of the month (actually one of two) - where Peter and crewe come out and tear up the Pie! These guys are the vanguards of the Raleigh Classical Jazz scene. All talented musicians, they play a great mix of old favorites and their own stuff that will have the full attention of the sizable crowd of regulars and others who are drawn in by their high caliber Jazz. Bring your dancing shoes if you are so inclined - there is plenty of room for you to enjoy!
**Please note the fall/winter start times are moved back a little - expect a start time of around 9:30pm....
This week's show is dubbed "The Rent" party - rent is due - pay up!
http://www.myspace.com/peterlambandthewolves

**Hot!!** Matt White - Pourhouse (Acoustic Rock)
Matt White may be the hottest thing on the Acoustic scene since John Mayer. Music is in his blood as both Mother and Father have been involved in Music royalty throughout his life. Matt forged his own path - and found that he possesed an incredible voice and loved the guitar - and the rest kinda fell into place... Billed as a cross between John Mayer & Chris Isaac - Matt has gained positive traction in the music scene as his music listings have recorded over 11 million plays... Matt has been perfoming with the likes of BB King, Sheryl Crow, Counting Crows and countless others... He has the charisma and will light up the crowd - whether 300 or 30,000... Raleigh is fortunate to have him here - come out and see a performer on the fast track to stardom!
http://www.myspace.com/mattwhitemusic
**Note** this is an early show! Expect a 9pm start - be there by 8:30!

Music Picks for Tuesday, 2 November

Dirk Quinn Band - Slims (Funk/Jazz)
This Philly based band must be the standard bearers of the funk scene up in the city of Brotherly Love.... They have a great blend of Dirk's guitar, drum, keys and horns that make this a funky jazz journey into the unknown.... For those of you who enjoy 007 or Astral Project, you will really appreciate this progressive jazz/funk sound. Dirk is no stranger to the scene, he has been in the Chicago/New Orleans jazz circles for years and has been highly regarded by some of the vanguards of the scene - namely Booker T, Santana, Chico Huff & Sam Kiniger among others.... Despite this recognition, Dirk has forged his own way - pushing the envelope of Funk and Jazz variations blending long solos with short energetic bursts of caucophony that is is sweet music to the ears and to the feet.... Come on out to Slims and take a step on the Funky side..... Expect an early show - likely 9pm start....
http://www.myspace.com/dirkquinnband

Music Picks for Week of 1 November

All,

We have a good week of music ahead of us - please check out the listings below and check back for more detailed info on the bands as well as links to their music and other cool info... This is a great week for some Funky Jazz here in the Capital City..... Come out and Check it out!!

FYI - for those of you who missed Big Daddy Love last night..... SHAME!!! It was great stuff.... Certainly a great Halloween Sunday concert....

Tuesday, Nov 2:
Dirk Quinn Band - Slims (Jazz/Funk)

Wednesday, Nov 3:
Matt White - Pourhouse (Acoustic/Rock)
Peter Lamb & The Wolves - Humble Pie (Jazz)

Thursday, Nov 4:
F.O. Finch Quartet - Mint (Jazz)
Lubriphonic - Pourhouse (Jazz/Funk)
Hoots & Hellmouth w/ Barefoot Truth - Berkeley Cafe (Indie/Punk)
Felice Brothers - Kings Barcade (Folk/Funkabilly)

Friday, Nov 5:
Sci-Fi - Pourhouse (Electro-Pop)
The King Rippers - Sadlacks (Dixieland Jazz)
Soft Company - Kings Barcade (Indie/Rock)

Saturday, Nov 6:
Bass Harvest - Berkeley Cafe (Electronica)
The Royal Nites - Slims (Rock)