Root Down in the Shadow

1. Spirit Family Reunion - "Green Rocky Road" Traditional Sandwiched in the middle of their incredible 2012 release No Separation , this traditional has become owned by the Brooklyn sextet. Green Rocky Road has been played in the past by such folk stars such as Arlo Guthrie or Elizabeth Mitchell, but none has taken the song on with such a life! Mat Davidson on fiddle & Maggie Carlson on banjo have absorbed every note and tone of the song and bring it alive. Just watch the video once(Skip ahead to 4:05), and you will be hard pressed to not want to watch and hear more from this band. On this short 3 song set, you get a great glimpse into this jovial and upbeat band. Spirit Family Reunion - "Green Rocky Road" Tiny Desk Concert If you have the opportunity, go see this band live !  Pittsburgh that means YOU. Spirit Family Reunion is coming to Club Cafe on December 11th! Previously Featured:  Concert Review April 2012 or Concert Review October 2011

I've never been a fan of end of the year lists that down allow you to experience the selections.  Just reading about some great songs doesn't allow validation of the list.  For this brief list, I placed a playlist on the Daytrotter.com website, so everyone can hear it! You do need to register for the site to listen to the list, but it is so worth it.  For $2/month you get access to some of the best sessions out there for live music PERIOD.  You can register for a free trial, to see how great it is on your own.  If you are not interested in the site.. Here's a rundown of the list! Although a short list, I didn't want to waste time with so-so songs.   The first two are from the must have session, Mumford & Sons and Friends . #1 Reincarnation , is a Roger Miller standard. In this take, the "friend" of Mumford & Sons is Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes . It's such a simple and pure song, that I find my self singing it to my daughter during ou

Last night I got to see Matthew and the Atlas, the Low Anthem, and Mumford & Sons at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. Panoramic view Photo by Jeff Coon Last night was great for so many reasons, rather than ramble at length, I will just limit myself to a list. #1.  I had a misconception from seeing a band there 8 years ago that the sound was bad.  Sorry previous band, it was YOU!   The sound was great.  Great job to the sound guys!! #2.  Someone @ Merriweather was smart enough to install super large ceiling fans.  So awesome! I hate having to struggle for some cool air at a concert. #3. Great storm & thunder!  I am so thankful I got the hookup with seats and not out in the lawn! #4.  Low Anthem continues to amaze with their depth.  This was time #5 for me seeing them live, and I've heard them live about another half dozen times.  Each time I learn a little more about song composition and get to watch them a little more on their various instruments

I got the email recently from the Low Anthem fan list with their big news (amongst a whole bunch of great tour news) that 'Boeing 737' has now seen it's video release. The video/article can be caught at Spin.com commemorating the release, including all the details about creating the video. While sitting and trying to understand the song, I've been watching the "making of" video, recorded at the Pasta Sauce Factory, where Smart Flesh was made.  I find two themes in the song. The first being a hazy look back @ the terrorist attacks of 9-11. Whether it was meant or not, especially since the only 737 involved was one that nearly ran into a 767(one of two) that did fell the towers; imagery of those events are created. Past attempts from other bands thought back to what they were doing, what they felt or where they were. To me, the Low Anthem entry looks at the second theme more prominently.  Looking at the intended step down from the peace keepers side,