Root Down in the Shadow

Belle Brigade - Blitzen Trapper - Dawes The show started off with Belle Brigade . Admittedly I hadn't done much prep on this band as I have had a weird hang-up on openers recently, which I need to quickly overcome as I have missed sets by Lissie and Bobby . The band played an impressive and inspiring show.  During the show, I quickly looked up that they are ordinarily a Sister-Brother duo, in this case +4.  Belle Brigade concluded with their groundswell hit "Losers". 'Losers' by Belle Brigade Blitzen Trapper the fivesome from Portland came out next.  They've hit the road supporting their latest album American Goldwing , which released September 13th. To me, the album was a complete game changer. I had come on late to the Blitzen Trapper party after picking up 'Black River Killer' as a download somewhere along the way, a few years back.  Long story short, the Black River Killer EP and Destroyer of the Void just don't quite roc...

Daytime view of the Big Screen Plaza - Photo Dan McGurk Spirit Family Reunion from Brooklyn NY played two gigs Friday October 21st, in New York, New York.  The first set was at the Big Screen Plaza as part of the CMJ Festival and an event for the Invisible Children .  Although not the best surroundings for such intimate music, the band did a great job despite less than stellar conditions. The band has been playing as a sextet.  Nick Panken on vocals and Maggie Carlso n lead the way, with Peter Pezzimenti on drums, Ken Woodward on upright bass, Mat Davidson on fiddle, and a fella I only heard referred to as "Japhy" as stand in wash board player for Stephen Weinheimer. Spirit Family Reunion @ the Big Screen Plaza October 21st, 2011 - Photo Dan McGurk The band mixed in some of the tracks from their self titled album, some songs from their Song Book, and a traditional, the Mat Davidson led 'Green Rocky Road', which the band credits to "King" ...

Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three opened for Southern Culture on Skids Sunday, October 16th @ World Cafe Live.   Heading into the show, I had been riding a Pokey high, as I had them ranked as the album of the year (Middle of Everywhere Album Review) and the concert of the year.   I didn't know what to expect with an opening slot show, but I felt better once they started and announced it was the St. Louis quartet's first time performing Philadelphia.  Pokey was in a good mood starting off, teasing the crowd with a sly apology about the baseball playoffs (St. Louis knocking out Philadelphia).  Pokey explained his love of the style of music, appreciation for those who paved the ways for him, and tales of his songs.  For example, 'Coffee Pot Blues' he claims is about a "friend" left to co-habitate with an ex, sleeping on the couch, but sharing the coffee pot. Pokey & Co. have an unabashed love for the old time music and the South City Thre...