Root Down in the Shadow

Michael Nau of Cotton Jones : photo by Jeff Coon Thursday night, Blind Pilot made their inaugural visit to Baltimore, coming to Rams Head Live!  Blind Pilot also had their first of several shows with Cumberland, Md. based Cotton Jones .   Having recently seeing them in November in Philadelphia @ Union Station, I was instantly ready to hop onto I-95 to head to Baltimore for their show. Kati Claborn ; photo by Jeff Coon Openers Cotton Jones clearly held their own.  They provided a light fun groove, which was the perfect opener for the soft spoken lead man Israel Nebeker.  While I wasn't familiar with the Cotton Jones tunes (if you aren't either.. well head to Daytrotter.com for some studio sessions), I had a fun time watching the band, chatting it up with my pal (yes I annoyed myself for talking during the set) watching the left handed bassist, and debating the pros and cons of the drummer's mustache! Ian Krist ; photo by Jeff Coon Both se

The best thing about living along the megalopolis of I-95 cities is the close proximity and ease of travel to each other!  Here are the best upcoming shows that I have spotted for your viewing pleasure!  If you go, please let me know how the shows were.  I'll review as many as I make it to! FEBRUARY 13th PITTSBURGH Allen Stone @ Stage AE  Young White guy with Soul... Are you sure? Check out his awesome single ' Sleep ' or ' Another Break Up Song' and decide for yourself!  For more info check out this article by the Pittsburgh City Paper FEBRUARY 16th  BALTIMORE Blind Pilot with Cotton Jones @Ram's Head Live.   Although it is going to require me to take a day off, I'm going to head down to Baltimore. Two reasons: I saw them in November at Union Transfer and it was awesome, so I must go again.  The second reason is a boneheaded one.  I picked up their fantastic poster by drummer Ryan Dobrowski , and the band was hanging out afterwards and signing m

First off, I have to say, Union Transfer comes off as a great venue.  It is well laid out (including tons of space for merch), there is plenty of space, a retractable stage to fit the expected crowd size.  They've got good beer, attentive wait staff, and are just a few blocks form Prohibition! Blind Pilot @ Union Transfer  - Photo by Dan McGurk Blind Pilot came to Philadelphia a little more than half way through their Fall tour supporting We Are The Tide .  This was the first show for The Portland sextet to be supported by Gregory Alan Isakov .  Isakov and co, were very enjoyable as if I already known his songs The Blind Pilot immediately laid out two hits 'Keep Your Right' and 'Go On Say It' leaving the night to rest on the strength of the bands entire work.   They were such a even keel happy bunch, so polite and mild mannered, at times it hardly felt like a rock show, rather like hanging out in the living room.  This enjoyable peacefulness was challenged

Free Music ALERT: I've been browsing the net a lot this week, searching for some cool places for music to share.  Here's the best of what I found:  Brown Bird - Fingers to the Bone by supplyanddemand This is one of the singles from the new Brown Bird album Salt for Salt, released in October a few weeks ago.  This album and the corresponding E.P.  The Sound of Ghosts are just infectious.  If you start listening to them, it will be very hard to stop. Brown Bird just started touring with the Devil Makes Three another incredibly enjoyable band.  Catch them if they come to your town.  Regrettably this match up won't be coming to Philly just yet.  For more info on Brown Bird , check out the interview with one half of the band MorganEve Swain ! While browsing SoundCloud.com for some free tracks, I came upon more of the Dum Dum Girls. They are currently on tour in support of  Only In Dreams .  Feel free to preview the album.  Pay attention to &

Welcome back everyone! I've got a lot on my mind, but little time to do it/write it.  Here goes: LAST CONCERT: Amy Correia graced NJ during one of her limited concerts in support of You Go Your Way. Great Show, but I need to get a blanket for outdoor concerts!  Check out the review linked at her name NEXT CONCERT(s) : XPoNential Music Festival live from Camden, NJ July 22 - 24, 2011 at Wiggins Park on the Waterfront!   This is a 3 day fest, you can buy for all 3 days, or purchase individual days.  There's even a discount for xpn members.  I am thrilled as I finally get to see Ted Leo and the Pharmacists after a walking away from a venue nearly 3 years ago. I am heading out for Saturday's show on my own.  In support of The Brutalist Bricks Ted & co, take the stage @ 5:15 followed by Booker T . Booker T, is solo now, without the MG's.  He is a lifetime achievement Grammy awardee and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  If I'm lucky enough