Sportsmen's Tavern - Buffalo, NY

UPDATE 6/21/13: Thank for the awesome flyers Rob! I can now say I played the Sportsmen's Tavern with my wife, Maria and some of the best musicians that Buffalo has to offer. I had a great time! Thanks Yvonne! 

Said The Whale - Ninth Ward at Babeville - Buffalo NY

Armada, Paper Ghosts CD Review

Armada "Paper Ghosts" CD review by Ceci Redmann Whitehurst

Armada has released their official video, Callanwolde, the first off of the album "Paper Ghosts".  Power in every sense is a form of raw energy and that is exactly what Armada brings to the table.  Our dark romance is fueled with gritty guitar/vocals from front man Cody Paige and a crashing drum (Eddie Core) and bass (Jeremy Gruber) line that complements the torrential downpour.  Oliver Bukowsky's simplistic cinematography brought the Armada's love torchered lyrics to life.
Here's the Youtube video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-sWX2TvvOo.

"Paper Ghosts" is the full-length debut release from LA-based indie rock trio, Armada. Cody Page (lead vocals/guitar), Eddie Core (drums) and Jeremy Gruber (bass/keyboards) seamlessly blend formal education with ragged inspirational bursts and backgrounds in rock, folk, and a bit of jazz. The result is a California masterpiece founded on truthfulness and a special brand of rock & roll urgency.

Review of Armada’s “Paper Ghost” CD   by Ceci Redmann Whitehurst

It is rare for me to like every song on an album, especially the first time listening to it. But this was my experience with the ten tracks on Armada’s “Paper Ghost” CD a few days ago. I’ve since been listening to this great indie rock band from Los Angeles in the car, at work, and at home. I am captivated by the vocals of Cody Page. His voice ranges from plaintive (without sounding too whiney) in “Love You” to ominous, and vengeful in Callonwolde. Page’s guitar playing is no less impressive in range and musicality (is that a word? I think so…). The drumming of Eddie Core is rock solid with high energy and awesome rhythm.  Jeremy Gruber plays bass with powerful and interesting progressions. The harmonies are fantastic and imaginative. In a nutshell the band is talented and tight. This is the kind of music FM Rock stations used to play - damn good music!

Armada’s Facebook page declares “Indie rock for thinkers and dancers”.
They got THAT right! It’s hard to sit or stand still while listening to the CD. And it’s hard to not think about the lyrics. “Ghost of Illinois?” “Bruises for breakfast?”…

Being human by nature, I must compare Armada to other bands. They have been compared to Wilco, Spoon, Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Black Keys, among others. I also hear strains of Bush, Led Zeppelin, System of a Down, The Black Crowes, The Cramps, David Bowie, and even Neil Finn on “Pick Up the Pieces”. The lyrics vary from clever and meaningful, poetic, insightful, painfully honest, scary, to just plain intriguing.

Here are a few observations I noted about specific songs:

“Ghost of Illinois” - catchy beat, intro vocals have a retro feel with nice phrasing. Driving guitar, energetic. Memorable lines such as “being pulled up by the gravity that hovers over you.”

“Young Man” - drums remind me of Adam and the Ants. Lyrics are intriguing, clever. Catchy, pleasing vocals. Slows down, then a nice solo - guitar sounding like mandolin/balalaika - gypsy music with some psychedelic riffs. Some good advice to young and old alike: “You need to run before you fly.”

“Callanwolde” - vocals are expressive-hurt, pain, revenge, steely determination. Great guitar riffs. Interesting, fast paced bass lines. Drums accent the guitar and vocals very nicely. Note: Glad none of my ex-boyfriends had a tiger and a vendetta.

“Nevada” - slows down.  Probably my favorite song on the CD. Sparse instrumentation at first, with focus on vocals. Great drums-nice rim shots (I’m no drummer, but I THINK those are rim shots) … Led-Zeppelin influence, bluesy. Tight harmonies. Slide guitar has got a nice groove and a lot of soul. I feel their pain.

“Beacon St” -  one of my favorites, especially the lyrics:  “words they paralyze,” “I can’t believe it when I turn around and I see it, after all this time…your ghost between the sheets,” “Technicolor shadows start to creep all over me.”

“Badge & Gun” - fast paced, driving guitars and solid drums, with those appealing evocative vocals and rich harmonies. Descriptive imagery paints a picture. Tells a story, but leaves questions for you to ponder.

“Up, Out”- dark, but makes me smile. A little disturbing? Lines like: “justice likes to listen to the voices in your head…put the chainsaw back in Texas,”  “exclusive blues,”  “put this shit to bed.” I’d really like to know more about what inspired THAT song!!

“Pick Up the Pieces”- more great imagery with lyrics such as “that girl’s a dancer and she’s stomping on your heart.” Nice guitar riffs, usual rock steady bass and drums. Drums like a heartbeat. Bittersweet melancholic parts with just vocals and guitar

“Renaissance” -nice slide guitar. Bluesy. Powerful. Great drums.

“Love You” - opens with Guitar and vocals. Slow, sad…could easily make me cry, if I was having one of those days when I cry easily. Evokes remorse, regret, agony, deep love. Good rock ‘n roll moan. Atmospheric ending. More memorable lines:
“I’ve been listening so long to these dark little songs that control me”.
“Don’t want to waste no more time killing us slowly” (OUCH!)

One of the lines from “Beacon St” is “There’ll be no forgetting you”. I feel the same about Armada’s “Paper Ghost” CD and hope these talented indie rockers keep creating such awesome, high quality music.

More online information for Armada:
www.facebook.com/ArmadaForPresident

http://armada.bandcamp.com/
http://play.google.com/store/music/artist?id=A2lmhfx65jbxb26ae7rf3uokglm
http://myspace.com/ArmadaForPresident
http://reverbnation.com/ArmadaForPresident
http://thesixtyone.com/armada
http://cdbaby.com/armada
http://twitter.com/ArmadaTheBand

Thank You Sera, Ceci and Armada!!!

Said The Whale - Babeville - November 21st

Said The Whale

The Vancouver band, Said The Whale will be playing in Buffalo at the Ninth Ward at Babeville on November 21st.

Their latest full-length Little Mountain, was released on March 6, 2012 and is named for the band's home neighborhood in Vancouver.
You can view the video for their song “Big Wave Goodbye” via World Café / NPR Music: www.npr.org/2012/05/14/152676209/next-said-the-whale

Said The Whale online:
> http://www.saidthewhale.com
> http://www.facebook.com/saidthewhale
> https://twitter.com/saidthewhale

In 2011, the band toured in the U.S. and U.K. and earned international praise from Consequence of Sound, You Ain't No Picasso, and BBC Radio 6. Back home, Said The Whale won a JUNO Award for New Group of the Year.
Their first U.S. tour in 2011 was chronicled by the nationally aired, CBC documentary Winning America.

Thank You Brett, Save The Whale and Chart Room Media!

Said The Whale online:
http://www.saidthewhale.com
http://www.facebook.com/saidthewhale
https://twitter.com/saidthewhale

Dirty Deeds, My Life Inside and Outside of ACDC by Mark Evans

Dirty Deeds, My Life Inside/Outside of ACDC by Mark Evans is a great rock and roll book by the former bassist of ACDC. Mark Evans was the bassist of ACDC before they hit stateside, Mark played (most of the) bass on the 1st 4 ACDC records. All the trials and tribulations of life on the road with a rock band are mentioned. A cool ghost story is included as well, Mark states that he seen an apparition while staying at a hotel in Scotland with the band.
Oddly enough Mark also played with a metal band called Buffalo post ACDC.
Mark still plays with the singer from Buffalo in a acoustic blues/roots duo called Dave Tice and Mark Evans.
I enjoyed this book and I'm sure any avid rock fan would as well.

www.baxillionpoints.com

Fan Q & A with JIM MARTIN, Formerly of FAITH NO MORE

JIM MARTIN, Formerly of FAITH NO MORE


After a silence of over a decade, Jim Martin agreed to a Q&A session with fans via a British based fan site. A set of 15 questions were selected by administrators of the fan site from over 500 submissions by fans eager to hear from Jim.
What follows is a Q&A session with Jim Martin, former Faith No More guitar player, songwriter, and producer, and fans of Faith No More.

“Some weeks ago, the FNM “fan club guy” was asking about  how  to  contact me, he wanted to talk to me about the fan page.. After several exchanges via email, he and I decided to do a Q&A thing for the fans. My departure from FNM in 1993 was controversial; I left while the band was still at the peak of its success. I am proud of my contributions to the success and legacy of FNM. I appreciate the time and effort it took to put these questions together. Thank you for the opportunity”, States Jim Martin

1. Nefertiti Malaty
Q: What do you consider the highlight of your career?

A: Performing with Bo Diddly, Klaus Mein, Metallica, Gary Rossington, Pepper Keenan Sean Kinney, Jerry Cantrell, John Popper, Jason Newstead, singing Misfits songs with Metallica live during our tour with them and Guns And Roses.

2. Eric Land 
Q: You are an influence to many younger guitarists today, but who were your biggest influences and what do you remember about how those people helped to craft your sound and play style?

A: My influences to a greater extent were Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and David Gilmore. Mostly Page. His method of using a pick and his fingers at the same time and his way of squeezing the humanity out of a guitar. It’s funny how influences work. My influences were influenced by old blues men. Those legendary blues men were influenced by their tribal ancestors. The tribal ancestors are the link back to the beginning; they are the keepers of the essence. Through my influences I am connected to the roots of time and the music that elevates the primordial spirit of mankind. We do not truly compose anything genuinely new, the listeners and the presentation are what is new, and it is the perspective that varies. The ability of expression and improvisation, the stuff of creation that fascinates all life.

3. Grant
Q: It was great seeing you play again during the Metallica event...also some very great words spoken about Cliff....it was great to see ya!
Weird question, Big Jim...and I only just thought of it while scrolling through the last post on FNM Blog: What was the deal with you being the only clothed FNM member in the infamous "FNM underwear poster"? Did you just think the photo idea was dumb, or did you think it'd be better/funnier with one dude dressed to the nines in jeans, leather vest, etc. while everyone else was near nekkid.
Thanks for doing this Q&A, man! Excited to see the responses!

A: I remember it was one of the first big photo shoots for us set up by London Records. Ross Halfin, “Famous Rock Photographer”, was pretty aggressive, barking orders and abusing band members, particularly Puffy. He ordered everyone to strip down. I said “forget it” (I thought it was dumb). The other guys did, he snapped the picture and at that moment, I understood why he was famous…

4. Anonymous
Q: I'm a crazy obsessed fan and have listened to just about all the bootlegs and read all the interviews...Despite "not being into" the music on Angel Dust (so it is written in places), you played flawlessly all of 92-93 and I even caught you banging your head enthusiastically during the Phoenix Festival. Also, while others were bad-mouthing you, you always played it off with a joke and came off as the bigger person (you were hilarious in the Maida Vale interviews!)...somethiing doesn't add up. Were you really that unhappy? If so, how do you keep such a cool head and stay so professional?

A: Thank you for the great compliment.
My publicized “not being into” Angel Dust was all about the way the whole process went down. There was a lot of weird pressure to follow up The Real Thing, and as a consequence, the album AD was more contrived musically than I thought was necessary. I wanted more of the record to happen in the studio and Bill wanted every last tack nailed down before we went in. I wanted to spend time with it, management and the record company wanted to rush it out the door. There were a bunch of journalists in the studio. We were paying for a bunch of sampling that we could have created. Matt Wallace was calling me on the phone complaining about Mike Patton’s performance. Management and record company were calling me complaining about Mike Patton’s performance and desire for outside projects.
The record company president came in the studio and said: “I hope nobody bought houses” All the air got sucked out of the room. That was one of those great moments when reality slaps you in the face. Some of my associates (had) bought houses. The pressure was on, and everyone wanted to be in the studio with me while I recorded, endlessly tinkering and fucking with me and fucking with Matt, and Matt is a really fucking wound up guy already. Prior to AD, I would work alone with Matt and his assistant engineer period. I had to kick everyone out and even though it was not a new concept it really pissed everyone off.
Live performances were always very strong. From my perspective, we came across a lot heavier than the records. Over time, the chord progressions and the arrangements would morph in subtle ways that would make the set heavier than the studio version. As far as the bullshit in the press, yeah, there was a lot of negativity, and I tried to avoid being part of it to the point of refusing interviews. Of course I was unhappy; individuals were making decisions which would prove to be damaging to FNM. However, despite these distractions, real people paid to see a show and we were able to deliver thanks to the support of a great crew and a great sound man, Greg Bess, who was used to working with the heavy bands. I actually really enjoyed those shows.

5. Anonymous
Q: If you could collaborate for a single cover song with any musician, dead or alive, who would that be and what would the song be?

A: I sure miss Cliff. Cliff Burton. We could do any song and twist it up horribly. I think if there were an opportunity to collaborate, we would write something new. Put Dave (Donato – Agents of Misfortune) in there on the drum kit and create something Cliff’s mother would call “Fucked Up Weirdos”.

6. Matt Slavsky 
A: I'll get this one out...what is your relationship like now with the members of Faith No more?

Q: To be honest Matt, that is an emotional subject. There has been much negative rhetoric in the press, and it was my choice to either play their game, fight with them and let the press spin it, or leave them to play with themselves and allow you to make a decision based on the work I left behind. In an effort to avoid the negativity, I chose the latter. However, there are some points that I would like to address.

I read a couple of interviews Matt Wallace did, and his simplified explanations can lead one to believe that I hate homosexuals, I did not contribute to Angel Dust, and I did not play guitar on the record. Ouch. Something else is a little more accurate. The guitar parts are mine; that’s me playing guitar on all the tracks. I contributed much to the songwriting and arrangements. Bill added some fluff to “Midlife Crisis” and “Midnite Cowboy” and wrote everything for his song “Small Victory”, Mike wrote everything for “Malpractice”, I wrote everything and created the samples for “Jizzlobber” ; Bill contributed the keyboard outro. Mike wrote all of the lyrics for the album except Roddy wrote lyrics for “Be Aggressive”.

Matt’s commentary about Roddy seemed a little weird; we (band members) all knew Roddy was gay long before he “came out” and it was not an issue for anyone.

Matt also forgot to mention that he and I spent a lot of time together on the production of TRT and AD improving the recording method and sonic profile in the studio. I insisted on the co-producer credit for FNM on those 2 records because of that work. Notice The Real Thing and Angel Dust are the only two FNM records co-produced by Matt Wallace and Faith No More.

I saw something in Wiki where someone pulled a comment out of an old bucket: Jim Martin said “I don’t know why It’s called Angel Dust, I had nothing to do with it” While that is true, it is not complete. The idea was Roddy’s, and nobody else had anything to do with it either.  He came in with a basic concept of a bird front, meat locker back, and Angel Dust for the title. The question was: “How do we get it (Roddy’s idea) to the record cover?” We lost control of the sleeve art on the last 2 releases. The Real Thing and Introduce Yourself were conceived and designed by “the record company” and we simply paid the bill. This was an opportunity of artistic expression and finally one of us had an idea everyone would go along with. I got in contact with Mark Leialoha to discuss the idea, he got Werner “Vern” Krutein involved because Werner ran a stock agency and was able to produce the necessary photographs allowing us to realize Roddy’s idea. I had the idea of the Russian army in the sleeve, inspired by The Pogues album “Rum Sodomy and The Lash” which I was really into at the time. I rode hard on that and made sure it happened the way WE wanted it to happen. There was a lot of squealing when it came time to pay the bill, but at the end of the day, we retained control of our resources, we were able to use our people, and we maintained creative control.

7. Matt Thompson 
Q: Jim! With your publicized dislike of the content/direction of Angel Dust - are you surprised by how, 20 years on, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential 'metal' albums of the past 30 years?

A: Thanks for the opportunity Matt.
As for my like or dislike of AD I touched on that a little, so please refer to question 4 above.
I am happy AD is regarded in a positive way. It is an affirmation of the legacy we all worked to create. I am aware that some of the newer bands I actually like have referred to FNM as an influence. I am also aware AD was on the Kerrang! Most influential albums List of 2003. Is it an artist’s affirmation? That’s fine. Am I surprised? I don’t think anyone can be expected to anticipate something like this.


8. Otto Will Hashmi 
Q: What kind of music are you listening to today? Is there anything that we might not generally expect that you like to listen to?
A: I’ve been listening to Machine Head, a great metal band out of Oakland CA. I enjoy classic jazz, reminds me of weird times as a kid. I like the “Glorious lethal euphoria” of The Mermen It’s crazy hardcore psychedelic surf music and hits the mark hard. I’ll listen to any improv, at least for a few minutes.

9. Follow The Bubbles 
Q: Is it true that you were offered to perform at reunion tour dates - if it is true why did you decline? Fans would have been so happy to see on stage too! 
A: Thanks Bubbles.
For some time during 2008, I had been receiving information with increasing frequency that “we” were booking a reunion tour, festivals, Europe. I was informed that yes, the promoters were selling it as the original line up. In February 2009, Roddy called and said they were just beginning to think of putting something together, and just now feeling out everyone, and what did I think? I said yes, I was interested. I also told him I knew the tour was already booked, they were on the eve of announcing it, and it was time to sign the deals. I told him to send over the contracts so I could review them and started pressing management for details. Several days later, I was able to get management on the phone who told me they decided to use someone else…I know it’s odd, no, you didn’t miss anything. It happened just like that. In an effort to preclude any sloppy misinformation, I made the announcement that I would not be participating in the rumored reunion dates several days before they made their announcement.

10. Sean Kehoe
Q: If Faith No More tours again and if they asked would you make an appearance, kind of like when Chuck did a couple of songs? Would love to watch you perform songs like Malpractice or Jizzlobber would be awesome!

A: Thanks Sean. I know the fans want the real thing, and I was prepared to have a real dialogue about doing a run together. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. As for a random appearance, I do not feel that would do anyone justice.

11. Jon Hanusa 
Q: If you could use Bill and Ted's phone booth to go back in time to the Angel Dust era, would you do anything differently to make sure you and FNM were heading in the same direction? If so, what?
A: Number one thing: limit journalist access and impose more control over the interviews. Almost anyone could get an interview at that time. It was a free for all, and it hurt us.

12. David Barajas 
Q: Have you been jamming with anyone lately, and do you have any plans to make more music?
A: No, I’m not working with anyone right now but I do have plans to publish more music. I released a record some time ago called “Milk and Blood” go to rotgrub.com and email the webmaster for details.

13.Andrew Dunn 
Q: What do you think of the music FNM have created post you? And how do you feel when you see other guitarists belting out you licks?
A: I remember hearing some of the music a long time ago but I didn’t really study it. I remember thinking it was heavily reliant on Mike. As for other persons playing my music, I don’t really believe anyone could book a show as FNM without playing my music.

14. Bob Anderson 
Q: Being one of the best shredders of your era/generation, and having rubbed shoulders with some awesome musicians in your time, have you never considered forming your own little "supergroup" to set the music word to rights!!??
A: Most of my associates have families and projects taking up their time, and I’m very consumed with the things I am doing. I hope I can get to a place where I’ll be able to do something pretty soon. There are no specific plans at this time. Thanks for a great compliment.

15. Mark Rayburn
Q: Hey Jim, thanks a bunch for doin this. So where did you get the moniker "big sick ugly" from and did you like it??
A: It was bestowed upon me by the filthy press. I am pretty sure Geoff Barton gets the credit. Steffan “Cheese Burger” Chirazi, “Krusher Joule” and Neil “Greasy Chester” Perry helped magnify and perpetuate it and it was Kerrang!, once again, who rolled that one out there. Thanks to them for some funny times.

Thank You Maria from adrenalinepr and Jim Martin!

BLACK SABBATH: Pioneers of Heavy Metal by Brian Aberback

Esteemed New Jersey Writer/Author BRIAN ABERBACK Pens New Educational Unauthorized Rockography, “BLACK SABBATH: Pioneers of Heavy Metal”

Esteemed New Jersey writer and author BRIAN ABERBACK has penned a new, educational Black Sabbath book, being released with Enslow Publishers, Inc. The book, titled Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal, is an unauthorized “rockography” that transforms the extensive knowledge about Black Sabbath that Aberback has amassed over the years to the page for future music enthusiasts and students alike to enjoy. 

Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal is the only Black Sabbath biography written for middle and high school students. Thoroughly researched, annotated and highly informative, this book is an appealing read for all ages and a great way for parents to introduce their kids to some of the music they love and grew up with. This book chronicles one of rock’s most legendary band’s careers from its formation to the present day and does a superb job of conveying the group’s ups and downs, not glossing over any details while staying age-appropriate. Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal is available in high-quality library bound hardcover as well as softcover editions and can be found wherever books are sold online.

Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal has already been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives and sits on the shelves of libraries throughout the United States to New Zealand, Singapore and the United States Army Base in Heidelberg, Germany.

Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal is part of The Rebels of Rock series from Enslow Publishing Inc. The Rebels of Rock books have a list price of $31.93 and a 25% discount price for Schools and Libraries of $23.95. Other books in The Rebels of Rock series include “rockographies” on Aerosmith, Def Leppard, The Clash, The Ramones, and The Rolling Stones.

BRIAN ABERBACK

BRIAN ABERBACK is a veteran music journalist specializing in hard rock and heavy metal.     Aberback’s encyclopedic knowledge of heavy metal and hard rock spans numerous genres. His interview list is a who’s who of heavy metal and hard rock legends, including Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer, Overkill, Testament and Mercyful Fate. His work has appeared in daily newspapers, weekly and monthly magazines, and on news and music websites. Many of his stories have been published in The Record, the largest daily newspaper in Northern New Jersey.

What sets Aberback apart, in addition to his strong writing style and dedication to his craft, has been his passion for giving heavy metal bands a shot at attracting new audiences through mainstream newspaper exposure. Over the years he’s introduced such bands as Nile, Cradle of Filth, Amorphis, Morbid Angel, Opeth, Arch Enemy, The Haunted and many, many more, through the pages of The Record and other publications, to music fans, and even metal fans, who likely would have never heard of these bands. Not often do you find daily newspaper writers publishing stories about the likes of D.R.I., Diamond Head, Everytime I Die, Iced Earth or The Gathering.

***An articulate and well-informed speaker with a vast knowledge of the history of rock-and-roll, musically and socially, with a specific emphasis on heavy metal and hard rock, BRIAN ABERBACK is available for book talks, panel discussions and as an expert commentator for television and radio programs.

Check out some great reviews on Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal:

“Refreshingly levelheaded and loaded with sourced quotes, it’s that rare middle-grade biography (or “rockography,” as the title page insists) that is able to trace a band’s history, revel in its rock awesomeness, and be blunt about such things as drug abuse, all the while keeping things at an age-appropriate keel.”
–Booklist

“Through this book, old and new fans alike learn about the band’s history and impact on the music industry.”
–Children's Literature

For more information on the book and the author Brian Aberback and to purchase Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal, visit www.brianaberback.com

Ceci Redmann Whitehurst, Neapolitan Blues

For those of you out there wondering who Ceci Redmann Whitehurst is, Ceci came forward and submitted her latest CD release for review on this blog. Ceci was also gracious enough to help me out and review some of the music I have promised to review. Ceci also submitted 2 music reviews that she wrote herself to post on this very blog. If there ever was a person that deserved a Thank You from me it has to be Ceci, so Thank You Ceci! 

Stay tuned for more great, insightful music reviews from Ceci and a review from me of Ceci's latest release "Neapolitan Blues".

Ceci In Action...
Check out Ceci's latest release "Neapolitan Blues" on cdbaby...www.cdbaby.com/cd/ceciredmannwhitehurst3

McGee Art Gallery

McGee Art Gallery

McGee Art Gallery's Holiday Small works exhibition will be having its opening reception
Saturday, November 17 from 6pm-10pm at 10931 Main st. Clarence, NY 14031. (716)481-8737
This show runs through January 6,2013.
Featuring artwork by: Barb Ernst, Betsy Marie, Scott Herman, Enid Edelman, Ruth Mohn, Faranack Benz Nader, Alyssa Brothman, Bill Huggins, Sakura Paterniti, Joe Agen, Paul Hirshfield, Chris McGee, Sibel McGee
A Mega variety of styles and mediums-great for gifts! Paintings, drawings, prints, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and more! Traditional, Modern, Post-Modern and beyond!

Thank You Chris McGee!

Heavy Mellow, Horizons CD review by Ceci Redmann Whitehurst

Review of “Horizons” CD by “Heavy Mellow” by Ceci Redmann Whitehurst

I recently bought two Heavy Mellow CDs and am seriously enjoying listening to them!
“Who the hell is Heavy Mellow?” you might ask.

Well, “ Heavy Mellow is Barry Sulkin and Paul Hadley Davis. Sulkin plays finger-style guitars - six and twelve-string steel, classical, and dobro - in a variety of tunings, along with mandolin and harmonica. Davis plays lead guitar, mandolin, bass, and keys. … they started Heavy Mellow as a side project to pursue original instrumental music and fill requests for live performances in smaller settings. They continue to play and record, working out of Nashville and western North Carolina.” www.magnatune.com

“Acoustic based Heavy Mellow is a relaxing blend of folk, jazz, grass and classical. Combining finger-style, rhythm and lead, this instrumental string music creates a sound that the name implies, not fitting neatly into any one genre.” www.magnatune.com

I couldn’t agree more, and yet I am going to try to fit them not-so-neatly into several categories.

Listening to the more recent CD, “Horizons”(2007), I did some free-association and jotted down what went through my mind, including the following descriptors: lilting, relaxing, peppy, rhythmic, melancholic, bittersweet, pensive, fun, lovely, instrumental - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band meets Segovia meets Donovan meets George Harrison meets George Winston meets the Romero Brothers meets the Doobie Brothers-type genre.

If you close your eyes while listening to one of the songs, “Sangria”, you’ll envision John Singer Sargent’s “El Jaleo” painting. If you aren’t familiar with it, here it is.

The two guitarists complement each other and blend playfully, creatively, wonderfully--

“…just simple lines intertwining, you know, very much like … influenced by Mozart and Bach, and it's sort of in between those, really. It's like a Mach piece, really.” (ok, that’s from Spinal Tap)

KNOWING I could not adequately critique this music in my own words, I decided that the best thing would be to try to describe the “essence” of “Heavy Mellow”, like a gifted sommelier might do with a special wine. So, I found a suitable article about wine, and replaced the word “wine” with “Heavy Mellow”. The result is an eerily perceptive and accurate description of Heavy Mellow’s delightful, unique, and complicated musical stylings. Read on...

“Heavy Mellow” and partying go hand in hand. A dinner party that does not have “Heavy Mellow” seems to be incomplete. “Heavy Mellow” lightens your head and enlivens your mood, without any great risks of your getting drunk. So popular is “Heavy Mellow” amongst people that many of the great personalities; like Benjamin Franklin and William Shakespeare, have written or said great quotes about it. These quotes, when shared while (listening to) “Heavy Mellow”, add to the whole experience. Keeping this in mind, we have provided some very funny and witty quotations about “Heavy Mellow”, in the lines below.

“Heavy Mellow” is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy. - Benjamin Franklin 

“Heavy Mellow” is bottled poetry. - Robert Louis Stevenson

 

“Heavy Mellow” gives a man nothing... it only puts in motion what had been locked up in frost. - Samuel Johnson 

“Heavy Mellow” gives courage and makes men more apt for passion. - Ovid

 “Heavy Mellow” is a good familiar creature if it be well used. - William Shakespeare

“Heavy Mellow” makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized. - Andre Simon

What is better than to sit at the end of the day and (listen to) “Heavy Mellow” with friends, or substitutes for friends! - James Joyce

If God forbade “Heavy Mellow”, would He have made “Heavy Mellow”, so good! - Cardinal Richelieu

Where there is plenty of “Heavy Mellow”, sorrow and worry take wing. - Anonymous

Well, that’s my review!!! I really am enjoying the music immensely. I think you will too!

See for yourself.  “Heavy Mellow” is available at www.magnatune.com/artists/heavy_mellow  

 and www.itunes.apple.com/us/album/horizons/id257933022 and who knows where else.

 Just surf the web!

Once again, Thank You Ceci! Stay Tuned for more Great CD reviews by Ceci in the near future..

Big Wreck Albatross CD review

Update 11/08: here's the link for the review that is specified in the comment below this piece. This review goes alot more in depth into the songs and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the comment BUK!

Here's the link www.thornleyfans.blogspot.com/2012/01/albatross-track-by-track.html

BIG WRECK "Albatross" CD review. 
I usually write about bands that I must initially educate myself on, usually by listening to their music for the first time and looking them up online.
I must say I've known about Big Wreck since the 90's and I really enjoy their music so I really wanted to expose them to the Rest of the World because their enjoyable, guitar driven music has been filling my head lately.
Here's the link to the review, Click, Read and Enjoy!
http://voices.yahoo.com/big-wreck-albatross-cd-review-11837194.html?cat=33

Thank You goes out to the Professor.

Neapolitan Blues, Ceci Redmann Whitehurst

Ceci's new CD can be purchased on: https://sites.google.com/site/ceciredmannwhitehurst/

Ceci's art, like the piece seen here entitled "Elvis" can be viewed and purchased on: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ceciredhurst?ref=search_shop_redirect

Thank You Ceci!

Nathaniel Smith, Arrhythmia

This review is for Nathaniel Smith's Arrhythmia CD, written by Ceci Redmann Whitehurst.
Ceci's Rating for Arrhythmia: 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Talent -
I have been listening to this CD in my car for days. I don't want to listen to anything else. It makes my drive to work and anywhere else so enjoyable and relaxing. I'm amazed at the talent of this young composer.
His songs are beautiful and hypnotizing --not like space music can do to me, but by transporting me to a higher more heavenly state. I keep thinking I know which song is my favorite, then another one starts, and I think "No, THAT'S my favorite", then another song comes on...
The songs are truly original and contemporary, but with the artistic genius of the great classical composers. So, even though you may not know me from Eve, trust me..YOU NEED THIS CD. In the liner notes Nathaniel thanks "everyone for listening". But he deserves the thanks for sharing his incredible talent. I can't wait to see what else he gives us.

To hear “Nat the Cat”: www.cdbaby.com/cd/nathanielsmithjazz2
POSSIBLY my favorite song on the album is “Let’s (Waltz)”

Arrow Haze, Music Factory

Arrow Haze "Music Factory"

Belgium-based rock band, Arrow Haze, showcase their hard-hitting, classic-rock inspired sound on their debut album “Music Factory” due out on November 23rd, 2012.
The first single, “Casino,” starts with a rolling pound of the drum, building up to the excruciatingly precise electric guitar solo reminiscent of Metallica’s “One,” immediately beginning the album with an injection of furious bursts of thrash and power. Full of self-determination and unrestrained attitude, it’s a radio-ready first single that will reach fans of many different genres as Theo’s vocal daggers explode for a perfectly balance, full-throttled sound.

www.arrowhaze.com

Arrow Haze to release guitar-driven debut album “Music Factory” on November 23rd, 2012

Comprised of Theo Green (Vocals/Drums), Karoly Alapi (Guitar), MattRach (Guitar) and Stef Exelmans (Bass), they’ve been consistently inspired by bands like The Doors, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd, but their mainstream sound on “Music Factory” leaves them in a space between genres. Founder Theo Green says, “I wanted to start a band that will reflect the sound and energy of the old hard rock bands and combine it with modern sounds,” which is exactly what they’ve achieved on their debut.  “Music Factory” is an album with surprises around every corner, including an appearance by keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), infused with their signature melodic hardcore edge that is driven by an innovative guitar heavy sound full of dexterity and lacking restraint.  Full of stand-out tracks that rock fans will be drawn to, it is a well-crafted album that defines their musical direction and solidifies them as one of rock’s newest bands to watch.

The first single, “Casino,” starts with a rolling pound of the drum, building up to the excruciatingly precise electric guitar solo reminiscent of Metallica’s “One,” immediately beginning the album with an injection of furious bursts of thrash and power. Full of self-determination and unrestrained attitude, it’s a radio-ready first single that will reach fans of many different genres as Theo’s vocal daggers explode for a perfectly balance, full-throttled sound.
“Dreams” is another slow building track, with a sprawling and immersive atmospheric feeling, mixed with a bittersweet harmony infused melody that proves the bands talents lie in more than their instrumentation. Its fragile undercurrent is tense with emotion, culminating in a beautiful finish that leaves you wanting to press repeat.
Rock steady track, “Along The Way” is rife with tenderness, an resounding chord progression that feels both melancholy and oddly hopeful, it perfectly fits Theo’s haunting vocals by allowing him to stretch his dynamic limits. Even with their signature guitar breakdown that infuses psychedelic tones, which serves as the hardest point in the track, it never strays from the stoic emotion.
From the start “Elly Kedwards” is full of grinding intensity, lurching with a calamity of sound all the way to the finish, ripe with gritty guitar riffs that push the song to chaotic heights. With understated vocals, steamrolling drums and guitars mingle together, allowing the members to showcase their talents with each soaring guitar solo.
The titled track, “Music Factory” is a cacophony of sound, guitar layered on top of guitar, and drums that are pounding and propulsive but with purpose. It shocks the listener in to attention, building and falling from the epic intensity until it shifts to a suddenly subdued vocal focus, allowing the band to really show-off what they’re capable of. “Music Factory” is a stellar debut, allowing the listener to give themselves over to waves of volume and incident.

Arrow Haze debut album “Music Factory” is out on November 23rd, 2012.

www.arrowhaze.com