“You Never Need Nobody”
We recently started playing this song on mvyradio and it immediately caught my ear. The Lone Bellow is a trio based in Brooklyn who harmonize beautifully. Zach Williams is the primary songwriter, and it’s clear he connects passionately with the words he has written. After listening to this group perform live, I’m not surprised they were one of the first artists announced for the upcoming Newport Folk Festival.
Filed under LIVE music, mvyradio, NEW Music, Song Of The Day
I had the duty of watching the Grammys last night and providing some commentary on mvyradio’s Facebook and twitter pages. I’m extremely lucky to be working for an independent radio station where I choose and truly love the music we play — and that was very obvious to me last night. I posted and commented on all the “mvy” artists…which were really all the artists that I was interested in seeing…and left everything else out. The Black Keys doing “Lonely Boy” with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Dr. John blew me away. Jack White ROCKED – he surprised and impressed me. I thoroughly enjoyed Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and FUN…
and what I was most excited about (and what didn’t disappoint), was this tribute to Levon Helm done by Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), Mumford & Sons, Elton John, Mavis Staples, Zac Brown, and T-Bone Burnett:
Filed under Check it out, LIVE music
Born And Raised
I hope you had happy holidays! I’ve been thinking about all the music that came out over the course of the year. Due to a few factors, I definitely didn’t have my normal musical appetite in 2012, so my list will be short…but I still really enjoy choosing my favorites!
This first album is probably the one that surprised me the most. I wouldn’t call myself a huge John Mayer fan, and the first single from this album (“Shadow Days”) really didn’t do anything for me. But, when I heard the other singles, I was pulled right in.
From start to finish, the album is beautifully produced (Don Was is co-producer with Mayer). The guitar work is sensational and John Mayer’s voice and presence has a certain warm and relaxed vibe to it. The album was completed and released after Mayer had surgery and a long rest last year to repair granuloma in his throat. Unfortunately the condition returned this year and more tour dates were canceled. I can imagine Mayer is facing some seriously dark times with all of this as an artist unable to perform. He wrote, “the only thing that stops me from devolving into a puddle of tears is knowing that it’s a long life, and the greatest gift in the world is being able to create music no matter what the circumstances”.
“Something Like Olivia” [LIVE]
“Queen Of California”
“The Age Of Worry”
“Speak For Me” [LIVE]
Filed under Best Of '12, Check it out, LIVE music
Thursday night Songwriter’s Series at The Pit Stop
Since the Spring, I’ve worked with more than 20 artists to coordinate just about 10 shows at The Pit Stop. Last Thursday, 10 people stopped by to see a seasoned local and his Boston-based friend who made the trek to open the show. Three Thursdays ago, there were maybe 15 in attendance. Last night, 35 folks came out to support the two island artists who performed.
I can dutifully keep a record of the shows and tally the number of people who come through the door each night, but what isn’t easily measured is the amount of experience I’ve gained. Not to mention the seemingly limitless creative energy and raw talent that I’ve witnessed every week. I’m very thankful to be a part of the small team that keeps The Pit Stop in existence. And so happy to have facilitated the transfer of music from artist to audience.
To start us off last night, Lydia Fischer took the mic and expressed emotions that we’ve all felt in ways that most of us just don’t know how to express. Lydia’s one-of-a-kind voice, charming stage presence, and percussive guitar-playing are so engaging, but what makes Lydia really superb is her songwriting.
Erich Luening followed suit with beautifully written words about life and hope and family. While some of the audience filtered out, some folks were just arriving during the 10 minute break before Erich began his set. His sister Sabrina joined him for several tunes (both old and brand new), and the late night crowd was treated to two of the most soulful and real voices on the island.
~~~
“Rock Song”
One of my favorite moments of the night was Lydia’s rendition of a song she wrote with her friend Julie Perry, who was in the audience. It was an engaging, catchy, immaculately-written tune about lovers parting ways. After the frenzy of applause that followed, Lydia laughed as she said to Julie – “Did we even know what we were talking about? We were in high school!”
This year, Lydia graduated from Berklee School Of Music in Boston. I cannot wait to hear more.
Filed under Check it out, LIVE music, LOCAL music
“Only Love”
Last night, Ben Howard and his band totally killed it on Jimmy Kimmel. This guy has such a unique voice and it really shines during this performance. The tune shows nice range too, starting and ending slowly and softly, but also getting a bit rockin’ towards the end.
Filed under LIVE music
The Running Of the Bulls [EP]
Tim Harrington and Paul Wright are Boston’s Tall Heights. The two have a connection musically that can’t often be found and that connection is evident within the first few minutes of witnessing their live performance. The 4 tracks on their new EP (out today!) certainly display their talent and unique sound. These songs are available exclusively through Bandcamp – www.tallheights.bandcamp.com
My favorite track by far is “I Don’t Know, I Don’t Know” – which really shows the dynamics this duo creates with just a cello, guitar and two beautifully harmonized voices. If you’re impressed in the slightest by these tracks, I urge you to seek out a live performance. Keep Tall Heights on your radar and catch a show when they come your way – you’ll leave with a new favorite up and coming act.
Tall Heights – I Don’t Know, I Don’t Know from Tall Heights on Vimeo.
Filed under LIVE music, LOCAL music, NEW Music
Good Vibes Save Lives
Wow. This has been quite the week for me musically. Before I could even process the amazing Dr. Dog/Delta Spirit show (I’ll write about it soon!) I found myself at the Life Is Good festival at Prowse Farm in Canton, MA. This is my second time attending the fest with mvyradio and I can’t quite express how FEEL GOOD it is! Every musician is chosen with positivity and good vibes in mind – this year the lineup includes Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Michael Franti, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Trombone Shorty, Eric Hutchinson, Soulive, Sara Bareilles, Allen Stone, Ryan Montbleau Band and more! The fest is family friendly with a kids stage and “chill zone”. And the most amazing part of the Life Is Good festival is that 100% of the proceeds go to help kids in need. Because of the great cause, the amazing music, and the feel good, welcoming vibe, everyone seems to have a smile on their face. This weekend’s perfect weather certainly helped too!
Today the fest is SOLD OUT, but you can watch LIVE festival coverage HERE!
And check out mvyradio’s Facebook page, for our favorite moments from the fest!
*photos by Jalane Phaneuf
Filed under Check it out, LIVE music
Songwriter’s Night
For the past several months, I’ve been helping out a struggling little room on the Vineyard called The Pit Stop. Once a tire shop, this building is now an 85 capacity listening venue where people like me can put on shows. For the past few weeks, I’ve helped my friend AK book and promote”Songwriter’s Night” on Thursdays. I’ve not had much experience doing this sort of thing, but oh boy, what an experience it has been!
Between location, competition, and lack of any marketing budget, The Pit has not seen too many crowded shows over the summer. We had hopes that September would bring the locals out of the woodwork, but last night, over an hour after “doors” at 8pm, the count on the audience was actually zero. The owner, myself, and the four musicians who showed up to play stood in a circle and talked, kept things light, despite certain disappointment. Rick O’Gorman, a long time Vineyard folk singer who was a last minute addition to the bill said, “I’ll play for you guys, I don’t care”. And play for us he did – old folk songs and originals about love and life, all fingerpicked and sung in a warm, soft, comforting voice.
Slowly, a few people trickled in and sat to enjoy the music. Some came specifically for Phil daRosa, so he jumped up after Rick. Another local, Alex Karalekas, followed with a song or two and then our visiting songwriter Seamus Galligan got on stage. Seamus is currently living in the New Bedford area, and he was previously performing in a duo with Ellie Cowan. He told us a bit nervously that he hadn’t played solo ever before. He proceeded to kill it, with beautifully written, thoughtful tunes and a simply angelic voice.
As we sat to hear the last of the planned performances, none other than the Vineyard’s own Brad Tucker literally did a duck and roll into the room. Never one to be shy (and admittedly a few drinks into his night), Brad got up and played a few songs. He was joined by Rick and then he accompanied Alex, for one of the best versions of “Broken Tree” I’ve heard in a while (if you’ve seen AK play, you know what song I mean). At this point in the evening, the “crowd” had shrank to about two people, but Brad grabbed a stand up bass and accompanied Phil for a few funkier tunes.
All told, about 19 people ended up coming out. And of course those who did show up were treated to something quite unique. Something you can feel in your bones. Something that certainly isn’t happening on Circuit Avenue. Something that people say they want on this island, but don’t seem to have the energy, time, or money to support. I keep wanting to call The Pit Stop a magical place…but it sounds a bit cheesy. Magic does happen there though. And I think anyone who’s been to a recent musical performance (and especially those who were in attendance for The Ape Woman rock opera last week) would agree.
Next Thursday we’ve got two well known Cape musicians playing for us – Will Evans of Barefoot Truth and John Beninghof of The Old Silver Band. Come to the show and see what I mean. Last night Brad Tucker admonished the audience, urging them to DO SOMETHING to help keep this room alive. Beyond needing people to fill the seats, we need volunteers, we need ideas, we need donations, we need positive energy. We need the word to be spread! And there are very easy ways you can help with that last part, right now:
SIGN UP for the newsletter
LIKE US on Facebook
and then SHARE our page!
CHECK OUT our website
Want to get involved? Got an idea? Contact us!
thepitstopworkshop@gmail.com
508 693 4219
facebook.com/pitstopworkshop
As we’ve been saying since the start – Viva La Pit Stop!
Filed under Check it out, LIVE music, LOCAL music
“Hell And High Water”
I’ve blogged about this dreamy duo before. Tall Heights will be playing on the side stage at Naukabout and they are not to be missed. Beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics definitely pull the listener in…check out “Hell And High Water” recorded TODAY at WBUR in Boston:
Filed under Check it out, LIVE music, LOCAL music, Song Of The Day
