Friday, August 29, 2014

Saints Apollo Plays at Deep South

A local favorite, Saints Apollo, will play on the Deep South stage this Saturday, August 30.  This harmonious band will be joined by The Roman Spring, Dark Water Rising, and Ryan K. Hamlin for a stellar lineup. 

Since the band developed in 2011, they have played all over the Triangle, including the noteworthy Hopscotch Festival.  Saints Apollo mixes indie and folk sounds with the angelic harmonies of Jonathan Koo, violinist Autumn Brand,  cello player Kaitlin Grady, drummer Andrew Fetch, and Rachel Broadbent on the keys.
 
During a Saints Apollo show,  one can expect to experience an array of emotions.  Upbeat songs like "Hashin it Out" and "Ain't Lyin" are sure to induce dancing, while more serious tunes such as "This Lie" and "Warning Signs" discuss relationship woes that most people have suffered through at some point.  The variety provided ensures that every soul will be able to connect with this raw local talent.
 
Regardless of your flavor of music, Saints Apollo is a talented and passionate act worth your time.  Check out their first full album, We are Ghosts, and keep track of upcoming shows by visiting their website. The show is a very affordable $8 and begins at 9.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

WUNC's Back Porch Series Features Mipso

WUNC's Back Porch on the Lawn series continues this Thursday, August 28 with Mipso.  Bring your picnic basket and cooler (no glass, please) to dine under Durham's Lucky Strike Tower.  The show starts at 6.  

Mipso is a relatively young band formed in Chapel Hill, but they have accomplished some great feats during their existence.  Jacob Sharp, Wood Robinson, and Joseph Terrell make this three-piece of self-proclaimed "renegade traditionalists."  Their latest album, Dark Holler Pop, has received praise for creating witty lyrics for otherwise traditional music, refreshing the bluegrass-Americana scene.  The album speaks of moving forward, taking leaps in the future, and of course, a little bit of romance.  Focus on the future seems fitting considering the band is gaining more attention with every show performed.



Some of this attention took place recently at MerleFest, a festival celebrating bluegrass, Americana, and folk music.  Mipso's Joseph Terrell was honored with MerleFest's 2014 Chris Austin Songwriting Award for "Angelina Jane is Long Gone" from the Long, Long Gone album.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Leeward Fate Plays at Deep South Bar

Home is a relative term for the members of Leeward Fate.  Each of the three members calls a different state home, but Raleigh is considered the gathering place for the band.  This is where they connect regularly to practice for shows and record new music.

Most recently, they gathered to record their third LP, No Ordinary Kind. In this latest LP, the band meshes sounds from blues, rock, pop and funk to create their own original sound.  Since the band formed in 2008 on the Leeward Islands in Saint Kitts, they have released three LP's and one EP, sharing their music on the East and West coasts.  Along the way, they gain new devoted fans that enjoy their energetic and thoughtful performances.

Daniel Nickels, Richard McCorkell, and Tom Miller return to Raleigh this Friday at the Deep South Bar with support from Mirror 7 and Flimsy.  The doors open at 7 and the fun begins at 9. 

No Ordinary Kind is available at the band's website, iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby.  Check out a single from the new album,  "Long White Robe" in the most recently released video.




Friday, August 22, 2014

Matrimony Returns to Lincoln Theatre


With the recent release of their new full length album, Montibello Memories, Columbia Records' Matrimony will return to their home state of North Carolina to play at Lincoln Theatre Friday, August 22.  Led by the talented couple, Jimmy Brown and Ashlee Hardee Brown, Matrimony brings a sound that is certain to appeal to North Carolina natives and folk-rock fanatics alike.  Joined by Jordan and CJ Harde, Matrimony combines the couple's dynamic vocals with the musical talents of Ashlee's brothers on the drums, mandolin and banjo.  

After the success of their first EP in 2010, The Storm and The Eye, this Charlotte based band set out playing together and quickly gaining notoriety.  With popular songs from their first album like, Last Love, the melody created by Jimmy and Ashlee, is an example of how their chemistry both in their music and in their relationship could lead to great success for the band.  Soon after, Matrimony would go back into the studio to record, Montibello Drive.  This song capitalized on the unique blend of folk and Irish inspired beats as displayed in The Storm and The Eye, but also highlighting the bands own maturation as artists in deeply felt songs like, Giants and Obey Your Guns.  With the assistance of Jay Joyce, who is responsible for working on albums with artists such as Cage the Elephant and Eric Church, Matrimony was able see their popularity expand over the past year.  After playing at music festivals like Bonnaroo and Bela Chere, Matrimony is looking to capitalize on their success from relentlessly touring throughout 2013 with the release of their new album. Recently, Matrimony was featured on CMT Edge for their music video "Golden City."


Thursday, August 21, 2014

NEEDTOBREATHE to Perform at DPAC

Growing up in a small town in South Carolina, the members of NEEDTOBREATHE experienced a simple childhood of playing baseball, taking piano lessons, and gathering around a bonfire regularly.  In 2011, it was a different type of fire that these gentlemen needed to extinguish.  After completing a tour filled with animosity and conflict, Bo Rhinehart, Bear Rhinehart, and Seth Bolt didn't think they could continue making music as a harmonious three-piece.  The three met to discuss the uncertain future of this successful Christian alternative rock band. Would their fourth studio album The Reckoning be their last?

Fortunately for fans of NEEDTOBREATHE, the band took time to do just that: breathe.  After taking some time apart to reflect and evaluate the situation, the group was able to reconnect and once again become a music-making team.  According to bass player Bolt, this time of conflict allowed them to "come back together and appreciate each other, removing the pressures that come with creating and performing music."  Bolt states that this tension created a new album, Rivers in the Wasteland, that is more "personal and raw, with mistakes purposely left behind."  It explores emotional themes that are difficult to discuss, but easy for any audience to connect with. 

NEEDTOBREATHE is excited to share this latest album, along with all of the fan favorites, at the DPAC on Sunday, August 24.  Bolt states that fans can expect, "a lot of energy and a good time" due to frontman, Bear Rhinehart's ability to be a "great showman who lives to dance and perform." 

Despite difficulties in the past, NEEDTOBREATHE has a refreshed sense of drive and motivation.  After completing their tour in the States, they'll continue to Europe.  According to Bolt, they're "putting things into motion" for the future and don't plan on stopping any time soon. 

Check out more details about NEEDTOBREATHE on their websiteTickets are still available for the Sunday show with support from The Oh Hellos.

 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Laura Reed CD Release Party at The Pour House


South African native and Soul/Pop siren Laura Reed has announced the release of her highly anticipated debut solo album The Awakening, released worldwide, August 12th, on Five Foot Giant Records. The album marks Reed’s long awaited return to the Indy spotlight. Reed’s soaring vocal delivery has often been compared to soul and pop staples, Amy Winehouse, Emeli Sande, Lauryn Hill, Adele and even Nelly Furtado.



Laura took to the studio in Nashville, TN with two time Grammy and Emmy award winning producer Shannon Sanders (India.Arie, Jonny Lang, John Legend, Robert Randolph) to construct what will surely be noted as one of the strongest solo debut efforts released in the past decade. The result is a stunning collection of ten candid and timely songs about love, unity and acceptance.  According to Reed and Sanders, the album was "slow cooked", having taken the time to properly marinade the many genres Laura has explored over her career.  Sanders finds himself drawing connections to his previous major successes, not only regarding her music, but also Laura’s gift as a performer. “After seeing Laura Reed live, I recognized a rare and unique authenticity and the presence of true SOUL in what was happening...I needed to be a part of it,” recalls the highly respected Neo-Soul pioneer.



 The Awakening has already had an impressive liftoff, with the single “Wake Up” landing a feature on VH1’s “Hollywood Exes”, as well as being chosen by Alicia Keys for use in her major film production The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.



Laura’s journey has been well guided by mentors such as Paul Worley (Lady Antebellum/ The Band Perry/ Dixie Chicks) and Funk Legend George Clinton, who have worked alongside her as she toured the US relentlessly with her band Deep Pocket to support her previous release “Soul:Music”. Worley adds, “I don’t really have words to express how much I love Laura's music. It's real, it's authentic, it's what the world needs."  Certainly, Worley refers to the infectious and thought provoking lyricism of Reed, interwoven with a modern urban sound that seems to share valuable life lessons from a comfortable and humble soapbox of soul.  

 

 As a signed writer with EMI/Sony ATV, the acquisition of a booking contract with Madison House, and the development support of Hope Tree Entertainment the next year will surely find a large new audience discovering this truly unique and special artist.  Currently Laura Reed is preparing for her CD Release show at The Pour House with supporting artists, The Chit Nasty Band.  Tickets are $10/$12 and doors open at 8. 



*Information courtesy of  Beast Coast Publicity

Friday, August 15, 2014

Old Crow Medicine Show to Perform at Red Hat Amphitheater

photo by Andrea Behrends
In a time when music is often created entirely for radio airtime and generating record profits, it can prove difficult for genuine artists and musicians to gain national attention.  Old Crow Medicine Show is one of the exceptions to this notion.  It seems almost impossible to ask someone to listen to the first notes of their platinum recording, Wagon Wheel, before they soon begin singing along to the Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor original.  Since the release of O.C.M.S. in 2004, OCMS has been able to reach an audience that traditional musicians have been excluded from for many years. Perhaps it is their rather raw and energetic sound or maybe even their ability to utilize lyrics that relate to all listeners.  Either way, OCMS has produced continuous hits and award winning records that have solidified their position as a favorite among all music fans.


Most recently, OCMS has been garnering praise for the release of their newest record, Remedy.  Building off the success of their previous album, Carry Me Back, the band has already released an official video for the track "Sweet Amarillo" and was ranked as high as #4 on the Billboard Top Country charts since its release on July 1.  The title itself, Remedy, implies that it is meant to provide some kind of relief and as described by Ketch Secor, this album is not only a remedy for the people that listen to the album, but for OCMS too.  According to Secor in a recent Rolling Stone's interview, "We needed to take the cure.  We've been at it for fifteen years now.  Let's make a record that is us, looks like us, sounds like us, is completely made by us in Nashville.  There were some parts of the band that needed fixing.  We had to take the cure ourselves."  As evidenced by the success of the record since its release, it is safe to say that listeners are enjoying OCMS's musical remedy.

Remedy begins with "Brushy Mountain Conjugal Trailer", an upbeat track that highlights the musical talents of each member of the band while also telling the story of a southern inmate looking for a good time away from prison life.  Assisting OCMS once again with the third track, "Sweet Amarillo" is the legendary Bob Dylan. Famous for using a fragment of a Dylan original to generate the lyrics for Wagon Wheel, OCMS creates yet another track that benefits from the collaboration with Dylan and lyrics he originally wrote back in 1973. The album also offers a variety of tracks that rely on more than just high energy musical collaboration, such as "Dearly Departed Friend", a story of a fallen soldier's funeral and the emotional struggle experienced by his close friend.  It also seems fitting to include "Doc's Day" on this album as a tribute to that traditional picking music made famous by Doc and Merle Watson.  While OCMS is certainly trying to appeal to the current generation, it is apparent they are aware of those that came before them that made their music possible.

Old Crow Medicine Show is based out of Nashville, TN and comprised of Ketch Secor, Critter Fuqua, Kevin Hayes, Corey Yountz, Chance McCoy, Gill Landry, and Morgan Jahnig.  Remedy is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, or through the OCMS website.  Be sure to get tickets for Wednesday, August 20, as OCMS will be performing at Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater.  Shovels and Rope is set to open for OCMS starting at 7pm.  Tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.                 




Monday, August 11, 2014

Nuclear Honey Plays Kings Barcade




Every child dreams of making bank by selling sugary lemonade in their front yard.  Some entice customers with freshly squeezed lemons, others with extra sugar; but for Gray Henderson, he lured in customers with the rhythmic beat of drums.

Fast forward to the present and Henderson has exchanged his drums for a guitar and the lemonade stand for one of the many music venues around the Triangle.  Henderson, along with Reaves Greer, and  Kenan Jernigan, have joined forces to make the southern rock and roots band, Nuclear Honey.

Prior to forming Nuclear Honey in 2011, Greer and Henderson played in two other local bands, Ascella Vega and Sign of the Rhino.  These collaborations started in high school and have all been a part of their musical journey, leading them to their current sound.

Henderson and Greer released Tombstone Sessions as their acoustic debut EP.  The recording was done with Dave Bartholomew in the office of his family's tombstone engraving business, hence the title. They later decided to expand their sound and get plugged in, adding three new band members. With the help of the fundraiser Kickstarter.com, they recorded Nobody Panic, a 7-track album that was released in the summer of 2013.  The album provides the classic sounds of pure rock-n-roll with folk roots.

Come out to Kings Barcade this Saturday to bask in the sweet sounds of these local musicians with support from Dragmatic + GH Goodwin.  Doors open at 9, show starts at 9:30.  Visit Nuclear Honey's profile at Reverbnation and in true stalker form,  follow them on Twitter, and like them on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Kristen Hill
Album Cover Art:  Patrick Shanahan

Friday, August 8, 2014

Del McCoury Band with Special Guests Added to WOB Lineup



 
To celebrate the 75th birthday of one of the most respected artists in contemporary bluegrass, a special 90-minute set, “Del McCoury Band with special guests Lee Ann Womack and Keller Williams”, will take place on Saturday, October 4 during the Wide Open Bluegrass festival. Wide Open Bluegrassis part ofthe International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass event, which takes place September 30 – October 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The set, scheduled to take place at Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater, will be presented in three segments:
7:00-7:30pm         Travelin’ McCourys with Keller Williams
7:30-8:00pm         Del McCoury Band
8:00-8:30pm         Del McCoury Band with Lee Ann Womack

“Since Del McCoury turned 75 this year, it is the perfect time for Wide Open Bluegrass to celebrate one of our most beloved performers,” said William Lewis, Executive Director of PineCone (the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music) and Wide Open Bluegrass producer. “Del and the Del McCoury Band have a unique ability to appeal to music lovers of all stripes, including fans of traditional bluegrass, jamgrass and country. Whether  playing before a diverse crowd at Bonnaroo or at his own DelFest, Del McCoury remains one of the best global ambassadors we have for bluegrass music.”

Artists that have been previously announced for Wide Open Bluegrass, which takes place October 3-4, include Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder, Hot Rize (with Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers), Yonder Mountain String Band, Gibson Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry Douglas presents The Earls of Leicester, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Balsam Range, Lonesome River Band, Chatham County Line, Noam Pikelny & Stuart Duncan, Della Mae, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Grascals, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Special Consensus, Town Mountain, The Deadly Gentlemen, James King Band, Larry Stephenson Band, Mustered Courage, The Roys, The Davidson Brothers, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Hicks, Sierra Hull, The Kruger Brothers with Kontras Quartet’s world premiere of new concerto “Lucid Dreamer” and the Wide Open Jam, featuring the superstar lineup of Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Bryan Sutton and Stuart Duncan.

Womack’s performance with Del McCoury will come at the end of a busy week for the Grammy winner at World of Bluegrass 2014. The country vocalist will join fellow Grammy recipient, musician Jerry Douglas, to host IBMA’s 25th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for October 2 at Raleigh’s Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. The Way I’m Livin’, her much anticipated roots music project on the Sugar Hill label, continues to receive positive notice from esteemed media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, RollingStone.com and USA Today

Those wishing to obtain tickets for the ticketed portion of Wide Open Bluegrass (which takes place at Red Hat Amphitheater and Raleigh Convention Center Ballroom Stages), Bluegrass Ramble Showcase passes, IBMA Business Conference registration, IBMA Award Show tickets and hotel reservations should go to IBMA’s website, ibma.org. Single day general admission for the ticketed portion of Wide Open Bluegrass starts as low as $50, with a three-day Bluegrass Ramble pass available for $75. Additional details and pricing information are available at the website.

Performers for the free Street Festival portion of Wide Open Bluegrass will be announced in the coming weeks.

*Information courtesy of PineCone and IBMA