For those of you who don't know what Sofar Sounds is, here is their story: "We have created a movement which brings music
lovers together in secret living room locations to hear some of the
world's most cutting edge artists. In order to create an intimate and spellbinding
atmosphere, we ask that nobody talk during
performances.
January '14 Sofar - January 17, 2014
Photos by Lindsey Borgman, Video by Bob Sweeney
The Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia team is: Carolyn Lederach, Ken Winneg & Davis Howley
Written by contributer Mariel Lorenz
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
On a frightfully cold day in January, one would think the weather would keep a crowd in the comfort of their own home, but music fans are different. They do not let snow or cold get in the way of seeing great music. As Shakespeare said "The show must go on" so of course it was no surprise to me that the first
Sofar Sounds Philadelphia show of 2014 packed a row home in the Fishtown section of town. To make it more special, this Sofar Sounds showcase was a collaboration with local blog
The Swollen Fox!
Ursula Rucker
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
Our night started with poet/musician
Ursula Rucker. She was accompanied by her friend and collaborator
Wendel Patrick on synthesizer & beatbox (I’m probably not doing justice to the names of the electronic marvels that Wendell brought, but all I can say was they looked like cool toys to play with). Ursula with her clear, strong voice provided some great messages like not letting technology get in the way of connecting with real people and the importance of
putting aside hate for love.
One highlight for me was Wendel’s human beatbox solo for Ursula’s last song. It was like watching a fireworks finale, chaotic energy yet not able to take your eyes away from it. With her mix of strong presence and graciousness, Ursula Rucker has become one of my favorite poets to grace the Sofar “stage.”
Ursula Rucker -
https://www.facebook.com/ursularucker
Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia
Set list 1-17-2014
1. Feel Me
2. So What...?!
3. Catholic
4. Supa Sister
Ron Gallo
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
2013 was a great year for
Ron Gallo and his band
Toy Soldiers – releasing an album T
he Maybe Boys, touring with and backing
Joe Fletcher, and backing
Wanda Jackson the last night of the year. For 2014, Ron Gallo is gearing up for a solo tour and releasing a record in the spring as well. Oh and contributed to
Root Down In The Shadow: Cover Club series! For this set, Ron played stripped down blues/alt-country originals and then for his finale Ron performed a
Harry Nilsson cover to commemorate Harry’s passing 20 years ago. His cover displayed everything I love about the blues - raw, stripped down and emotive. Ironically Ron suggested Nillson "had one of the best voices of all-time", yet it was a masterful Ron Gallo showing off his range on his set staple.
Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia
Set list 1-17-2014
1. Started A War
2. Don’t Mind the Lion
3. Expensive Hair
4. Fine Diners and Fine Whiners
5. Early in the Morning – Harry Nilsson
http://rongallomusic.com/
***Ron Gallo will be playing Boot and Saddle on January 30 backed by Sofar alum Satellite Hearts.***
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| Photo by Bob Sweeney |
Norwegian Arms
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
I know I’m oversimplifying, but if you are fans of
Vampire Weekend, Tune-Yards or
Givers then
you should embrace
Norwegian Arms. They also had a busy schedule last year including showcasing at
South by Southwest and
CMJ Festival in New York and releasing their album
Wolf Like a Stray Dog.
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
Brendan Mulvihill, the vocalist and main force of Norwegian Arms provided one special untitled song. Brendan said "for the occasion because it's a unique experience I decided to put together this song specifically for this." He admitted it was the first time anyone heard the song besides him. Using pedals for loops, he managed to get numerous layers of sound from strumming and tapping his mandolin and his voice. At some points he was even using a drumstick on the mandolin strumming and beating.
It was certainly the shortest set in Sofar history clocking in just over 10 minutes total. This one song took nearly 2 minutes to fully set up, leaving many chances to go wrong,
but the performance was captivating. Almost like watching a dream world being created in front of you.
***Norwegian Arms is headlining at Johnny Brenda's February 7 and hoping to write and record more music for 2014.***
http://norwegianarms.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/norwegianarms
Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia
Set list 1-17-2014
1. Untitled
Carroll
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
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| Photo by Lindsey Borgman |
This four piece from Minneapolis was the last band to perform.
Carroll is staying in Philadelphia to record their first LP with
John Low at
Miner Street Recording Studios. We were fortunate enough that they took a break from their long work day to come play a few tunes. I would best describe as an indie psychedelic sound so fans of
The War On Drugs or
Kurt Vile would certainly want to look out for these guys in the near future. Plus they scored bonus points with me when they cited
Prince as one of their influences. If they come back to town to tour I will definitely be in line to see them.
Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia
Set list 1-17-2014
1. Are We Different
2. Alligator
3. Jealous Eyes
4. Sticks
http://carrollmusic.net/
https://www.facebook.com/carrollmusic1
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