Root Down in the Shadow

Finally the time had come, nearly 6 months after downloading Kinglsey Flood 's 'Roll The Dice' last November, I had my chance to see Kingsley Flood in all their live and plugged in glory.  When listening to the band, I could just envision the raucous party that would be going on during one of their sets and I couldn't wait to be part of it!  As luck would have it they would be opening for the David Wax Museum , one of the most creative bands of the last five years and one of my favorites to see live. Things started off great at World Cafe Live - Wilmington, DE.  I met up with some music friends and got a great spot at a table equidistant from the bar & stage!  Once the music started I couldn't stifle myself, and I had to get up onto the dance floor.  Kingsley Flood had the whole band jumping around, doing their best David Wax impressions (see previous review s: David Wax is the king of engaging the crowd by going into the crowd and venue during sets).  Naseem

With the music "season" starting with South by SouthWest in March, April has been such a great time for tours and new albums.  2013 is starting off the just as expected.  Here's some must see shows coming to towns near you. Purling Hiss are touring for their March release Water On Mars.  Their low-fi, indie-hard-rock sound is reminiscent of early Nirvana.  Regardless of who they remind you of, do yourself a favor and check out the fuzzy 'Lolita' 04 Apr 2013 Williamsburg, NY 05 Apr 2013 Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, PA 06 Apr 2013 Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD 07 Apr 2013 Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ 09 Apr 2013 O'Brien's Pub Allston, MA  10 Apr 2013 BAR Nightclub New Haven, CT   12 Apr 2013 Brillobox Pittsburgh, PA   13 Apr 2013 Ace of Cups Columbus, OH 14 Apr 2013 The Garden Bowl Detroit, MI 15 Apr 2013 The Empty Bottle Chicago, I 16 Apr 2013 7th St. Entry Minneapolis, MN 18 Apr 2013 Linneman's Riverwest Inn Milwaukee, WI 19 Apr

I don't know why I didn't post this earlier.  yeah, i would have liked to say a few words about each band.  The important part is that you get to hear these 10 awesome FUN songs !  Enjoy 1. DayDream Vacation – "Clever’s Not My Best Excuse" 2. The Bamboos – "Medicine Man" FREE SONG ALERT 3. Deep Sea Diver - "You Go Running" 4. David Wax Museum – "Harder Before It Gets Easier" 5. Bahamas – "Caught Me Thinking" "Caught Me Thinking" by Bahamas FREE SONG ALERT 6. Gabriel Teodro s –"Mind Power" Powerful lyrics.. "I will not be defined by where I'm from" 7. Chill Moody "Cotton" FREE SONG ALERT 8. Mark Foster + A-Trak + Kimbra – "Warrior" 9. Shana Halligan – Paper butterfly Also featured on the super cool Knock And Rock web video series Shana Halligan - "Paper Butterfly" 10. Coco Morier – "Explosion&q

Despite being on a writing hiatus these last several months, I have not left my obsession of concerts and new music.  I am very eager to share some of my recent exploits with my readers, including some albums to add to your holiday wish lists.  But before it's too late, I owe some of you a much needed Concert Preview post! Here goes! First up: SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION . When Spirit Family Reunion comes to town, you won't be lost in the glitz and glamour.  In fact, you rarely see singer Nick Panken outfitted in much more than a white T-Shirt!   With or without setlist, what you do have is a pure love for the bringing their joyful noise to the fans.  What comes to mind is Revival when listening to this sextet.   Whether spiritual, traditional or folk, it's a sound that can only leave you warm inside and smiling on the outside.  NPR Tiny Desk concert for Spirit Family Reunion go to http://spiritfamilyreunion.com/#shows Nov 14 Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ Nov 15 IOTA

Just two months ago, I watched my first full concert with the David Wax Museum at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa.   David mentioned they were coming back a few weeks later @Johnny Brenda's.   Once I got home and looked at the calendar, I was disappointed to find out that I was booked solid that weekend, with Blind Pilot @ Union Transfer the night before.  But before I could RSVP no, I noticed another upcoming Philly area show in Titusville, NJ. As the date crept closer, I was getting quite skeptical.  Only 5 folks RSVP'd for the show, including myself and 3 members of the bands.  I was worried that this would be a sparse crowd and at a Unitarian Universalist church that happened to also have concerts, who knew if it would be any good?!  Lastly, the Longwood Gardens show was so beautifully set, how could anything compare? FRANK JACOBS PHOTOGRAPHY I was incredibly wrong, the Concerts at the Crossing series at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Cro

Burlesque performers Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey and bands Pearl and the Beard, Erin McKeown, and Bobby are this weeks performers of merit on the Concert Preview! 2nd ANNUAL BALTIMORE BEAUTY PAGEANT 11-26  BALTIMORE  Tonight!!!  In just a wee bit, I'll be heading down to Baltimore for the best burlesque available.  Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey are amongst a star studded revue!  Not only do you get to see the best parts of this incredibly fit duo, but they are tremendously talented.  Their performances are just over the top amazing, ranging from witty shtick to trapeze work! If this isn't enough warning, head over to Trixie Little's Fortress of Cutitude for info on upcoming shows, including the TRIXIE & MONKEY'S 6th ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECTAC-U-THON Pearl and the Beard  @ World Cafe Live - Wilmington, DE  December 3rd, 2011.   Keep checking back to the blog as I finalize an interview with the band and a review of last week'