Music reviews that include biographical information, band member(s), photographs, videos, upcoming live shows, and available music.
WELCOME! Check out some of the artists below and leave a comment if you see one you like. Don't be afraid, read about someone you have never heard about before...you may just find yourself with a new favorite band!
I am very proud to display my first published review in this month's L.A. Record!
The Weather Underground's EP "A Bird in the Hand"
This third EP for the Weather Underground is a collection of short stories, each told by a different character. First: “Fight Song for the Desalojos,” a mariachi-esque song born from a recent trip to Guatemala that sounds like a great street festival and uses about every type of percussion and wind instrument to propel the party. The EP was written around the second track, “Trainwreck,” a strong, straight-forward rock anthem that pleads passion to the masses, with a feel like the Shys “Call in the Calvary” or many of the Walkmen’s up-tempo songs. The title track is a slower, more reflective piece that tells a personal story of learning to move on when your life is turned upside down, and the record closes with a somber, more gospel-inspired “All Ye People.” The band evidently believes that things happen in threes, so Bird in the Hand is the third and final EP for a while, though they are looking toward to releasing a full-length album late this year. There’s obvious inspiration here from artists such as Spoon, Delta Spirit, Tom Waits, Otis Redding and any old soul music they can get their hands on, and the spirits of each float comfortably throughout this record. — Julia Swanwick
I have been waiting to share this great artist because although I fell in love with his music and his message almost a year ago, but I had never seen him live. If you are not aware, I will not promote any artist until I think they sound great on MySpace and live.
This week, the spotlight shines its peaceful, worldly, loving, Whole-Foods-kind-of-light on TREVOR HALL!
WHO IS TREVOR HALL? Trevor Hall was born in beautiful Hilton Head, South Carolina. Trevor has been writing and performing music since he was 14-years-old and left South Carolina for Southern California initially to study at the Idyllwild School for the Performing Arts. "Being at Idyllwild opened me up to new cultures, new sounds and new possibilities." He became fascinated with Indian culture, and the result of his pilgrimage to India can be heard in his more recent music.
The music Trevor creates is a rich mixture of reggae, rock, folk, and hip-hop. He channels the likes of Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ziggy Marley, and Matisyahu. I think the best part of Trevor's music is that it has a message about society and how we can all try to be better people, unbiased to a specific religion or philosophy. It isn't just a variation of "I smoke two blunts before I smoke two blunts."
"Hall has toured extensively with Steel Pulse, Rusted Root, Keb Mo, Ziggy Marley, Stevie Nicks, Matisyahu and Colbie Caillat to name a few and has also opened for Jason Mraz, Donavon Frankenreiter and Ben Harper." - myspace.com/trevorhall
Trevor just finished up touring with Colbie Caillat and is heading out tomorrow to play a few shows with Matisyahu. He is currently signed with White Balloon/Geffen Records.
Ok, I have to admit, there is one thing that I can't get over... Where does the Jamaican accent come from!?!? To my knowledge, Trevor is a good ol' boy from the not-so-dirty South. It just doesn't make sense. But it is endearing.
LISTEN UP! Lace Up Your Shoes (2004) Portraits of Imagination (2005) Trevor Hall Live (2005) The Rascals Have Returned EP (2006) *"Other Ways" was featured in Shrek the Third *Trevor sings "Life is a Carnival" on the CD "Endless Highway," a tribute to The Band *Trevor swears he is finishing up a new full-length album
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE: "Other Ways" LIVE!
Interview with Trevor
This is the cutest kid, playing along to "Lime Tree"
WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE TREVOR HALL, TOO: ***At 20-years-old, did you have four albums and extensive world travels under your belt? Trevor does. ***His new song "Lady Love" is breath-taking! This is the song that made me think, "Wow! This is no one trick pony." ***He has a beautiful, genuine smile when he performs; it is contagious!
UPCOMING SHOWS: Jun 24 2008 7:30P Crossroads KC w/ Matisyahu Kansas City, Missouri Jun 25 2008 8:30P The Pageant w/ Matisyahu St. Louis, Missouri Jun 26 2008 9:30P Champ's Pub & Grill Joplin, Missouri Jun 27 2008 6:30P Simon Estes Ampitheater w/ The Wailers Des Moines, Iowa Jun 28 2008 8:30P Bluebird w/ The Wailers Bloomington, Indiana Jun 29 2008 9:00P Schubas Chicago, Illinois Jul 1 2008 6:30P Lifestyles Comm. Pavilion w/ Matisyahu & The Wailers Columbus, Ohio Jul 15 2008 7:45P Hotel Cafe Los Angeles, California Sep 27 2008 8:00P Estes Park Center - Yoga Journal Conference Estes Park, Colorado
If you are in the LA area, I hope to see you at Hotel Cafe on July 15...no excuses!!
Thanks! Julia
PS - Check out my reviews first on MySpace! Let's be friends! :-)
Have you ever had an identity crisis? Not sure what you should do with your life? Not sure if you should change your name? Well, if so, you can relate to
MEET THE BAND: Jaren Johnston - Vocals, Guitars Neil Mason - Drums Kelby Ray - Bass Ben Brown - Guitars
WHO ARE AMERICAN BANG? All born and bred in Nashville, TN, the band came together after their other projects didn't work out: Jaren was the drummer of The Kicks, while Neil and Ben were in Llama. In 2005, the friends got together and were ready to make a name for themselves as Bang Bang Bang...
The guys started "playing Nashville rock clubs as Bang Bang Bang, and were packing 300-capacity venues within months of their debut. By the end of 2005, Bang Bang Bang had self-released their debut album, I Shot the King, and within a year they were sharing stages with acts as diverse as O.A.R., Shooter Jennings, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 2006, Bang Bang Bang signed a recording deal with Warner Bros Records... The group learned that another band was already recording under the name Bang Bang Bang, and in August 2007 they announced they would now be known as American Bang." - allmusic.com
While the band's fan base is slowly growing, the media is picking up on American Bang with lightning speed. The single "Wild and Young" has been featured in national Verizon Wireless commercials. TONIGHT on ABC's Greek at 8PM the band will have an on-air performance of "Wild and Young" and "Move to the Music."
American Bang had been in California recording and promoting their upcoming work. They are now back in their hometown for some local shows and a little R&R.
LISTEN UP! Move to the Music EP (October 2007) is available on the web store I Shot the King (2005), 1st album as Bang Bang Bang
WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE AMERICAN BANG, TOO: ***The band's main influences are Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones. ***This is what American rock is all about. Like Donnie and Marie always said, "I'm a little bit country, I'm a little bit rock 'n roll." ***Look at this great merch! The heather grey tee is on an American Apparel 50/50 and feels like it is at least 30-years-old...awesome.
UPCOMING SHOWS: Jun 26 2008 9:00P Summerfest Milwaukee, Wisconsin Jul 5 2008 8:00P Mercy Lounge with Cage The Elephant ! Nashville, Tennessee Aug 24 2008 7:00P Private Show Charleston, South Carolina Sep 27 2008 3:00P Austin City Limits Festival with Foo Fighters, The Raconteurs, Beck and More! Austin, Texas
Thanks! Julia
PS - Missed any of the reviews? See them first on my MySpace page!!!! Let's be friends.
MEET THE BAND: Peter Houser: Guitar, Lead Vocals Sam Houser: Bass, Harmonica, Vocals Terry Drysdale: Drums, Percussion Chandler Rich: B3 Hammond Organ
WHO ARE ROYAL HOUSER? Life is not fair, and neither are bands. Royal Houser may have four band members, but identical twins Peter and Sam ARE Houser. They write the songs, lead the band's fashion sense, and master the vocals, guitar and bass.
I first saw these guys play the Alterknit at the Knitting Factory a year ago. Man, they were a force not to be reckoned with! Peter and Sam took control of the stage from the moment "go," and didn't stop until they were drenched with sweat and had nothing left to give. Both their height and their passion kept me captivated.
Peter has the tough task of being the only singer and only guitar player in the band, but he never sacrifices one to hold up the other; he is a double threat! Sam focuses solely on the bass and beats that thing into submission on every song. I would say he has the Flea philosophy of bass which refuses to sink into the background or just fill in where needed. Sam and his bass are a critical voice to the Royal Houser sound.
All of the guys in the band are natives to Portland, Oregon. Peter and Sam had spent a few months in L.A. last year playing gigs all over the city, but they have since returned to Portland to build up their hometown base.
Royal Houser list their influences as rock 'n roll icons such as The Who, Jethro Tull, Velvet Underground, The Rolling Stones, and Cream. I think Hendrix should be in there, too. Their songs are a moving blend of passionate rock and smooth lyrics that take you back to Woodstock.
LISTEN UP: The band's first EP is only available at House of Records in Eugene, OR. "Royal Houser is currently recording their first full album with the new lineup featuring Chandler and Terry. The album is scheduled to be released in 2008." - Sonicbids.com
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE: Live footage played to the studio recording of "I've Lost it All"
WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE ROYAL HOUSER, TOO: ***Have you ever seen an American flag shirt in person before? Check out a Royal Houser show and you will!
***Don't be fooled by the vintage '70s sound, these guys are not a cover band and rock a very modern sound.
UPCOMING SHOWS: Jun 5 2008 9:00P Dublin Pub Portland, Oregon Jun 13 2008 9:45P The Twilight Cafe Portland, Oregon Jun 20 2008 9:30P Ash St. Saloon Portland, Oregon Jun 27 2008 8:00P 3900’ Festival North Plains, Oregon Jun 28 2008 8:00P 3900’ Festival North Plains, Oregon Jul 23 2008 9:00P Dante’s Portland, Oregon Aug 16 2008 8:00P Tumalo Festival 2008 Tumalo, Oregon Aug 22 2008 8:00P The Twilight Cafe Portland, Oregon Nov 7 2008 9:00P The Colorado Music Sumit Denver, Colorado Nov 8 2008 9:00P The Colorado Music Sumit Denver, Colorado
Thanks! Julia
PS - Want to see these reviews first? Be my friend on MySpace!!
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