Root Down in the Shadow

Man, what can you say about Caroline Rose ? She rocks. Really, Caroline Rose and band rock.  There's no banjo/mandolin/violin to be considered folk, too much pedal steel to be punk, somewhere in between rockabilly and old school country, the gritty Vermont rocker doesn't seem to care where she fits.  When describing the tip jar at the merch booth to the crowd, she said "if you don't like us, give us some money so we can go get real jobs."  But seeing as her bandmates were all wearing Caroline's new "FUCK FEAR" t-shirts, I doubt she cares whether if the crowd approves too much.  Fortunately, while opening for Pokey LaFarge on this tour, she's found a lot of new fans.  World Cafe Live - Philadelphia was the 2nd night of tour, criss-crossing the east coast for Pokey and his "nice fans." The band impressed with their singles, jumping right into twanger "Blood On Your Bootheels" and steel heavy "Tightrope Walker....

The 40th Anniversary Innervisions #Revisited show "was initially inspired by a Facebook comment made by Robert Drake , on-air host and producer for WXPN , in which he said, “The #XPNfest has just started and I already have a new favorite band!! Philly's own Aaron & The Spell ... it's like listening to vintage 1970s Stevie Wonder .” After reading that comment, it struck lead singer and songwriter Aaron Brown that it would be great fun to actually cover a Stevie Wonder record. After looking into it further, Aaron realized that it was the 40th anniversary for one of his favorite albums, Innervisions, and the rest was easy after that. He enlisted some great friends to help play and promote the shows." The idea for the show was well conceived on so many levels.  It is a perfect reason to get familiar with a classic album, another reason to go see Aaron & The Spell, and all the proceeds of the event went to charity!  The show in Philadelphia took place at Wo...

Oliver Craven, Maya de Vitry, Charles Muench of the Stray Birds - by Doug Seymour The Stray Birds will perform in Philadelphia on Friday, November 1 at World Café Live Drawing upon the richness of American folk music traditions, the signature power of The Stray Birds sound lies in outstanding songwriting that soars in three-part harmony. Raised on music within a few miles of farmland from each other, The Stray Birds were born of a compelling collaboration between two unique writers and vocalists-- the pure, luxurious voice of Maya de Vitry and Oliver Craven's richness of tone and depth of delivery. Grounding their sound in the unshakeable groove of bassist Charles Muench, The Stray Birds are a trio of captivating chemistry and sensitive musicality. From bustling street corners to silent halls, their performances speak to an uncompromising reverence for songs. Their debut cd was named one of the top ten Folk/Americana albums of 2012 by NPR. Eager for this Friday's sho...

HoneyHoney @ World Cafe Live, Philadelphia  - September 15th, 2013 In an odd juxtaposition of musical realities, one of my favorite bands, HoneyHoney , was opening for a band I had never heard of until a few days ago.  I had been following HoneyHoney for the last two years, since the release of their major debut Billy Jack; getting singles from KCRW Today's Top Tune and American Songwriter.   The one-time Newport Folk Festival band is primed for a bigger emergence with the continuing folk revival capturing America's airwaves.  However in this instance, they are opening for an artist already #1 in the U.K. stations and making waves here as well. HoneyHoney is on tour with 19 year old U.K. sensation Jake Bugg , bringing their sounds to Philadelphia's World Cafe Live.  Before I knew the line-up, I was initially shocked to find out they were opening and equally surprised that they were opening for someone I had never heard of.  However, when I realiz...

Photo by Mat Burke Married in the Aviary by Chelsea Mitchell This Friday, at World Cafe Live Philadelphia, a labor of love will be unveiled.  Married In The Aviary ( Self Release -June 4th) will be showcased with its mastermind Chelsea Mitchell and a collection of her favorite musicians.  Married In The Aviary is a fantastic arrangement by Chelsea Mitchell.  Previously she had been more commonly found with her guitar doing the singer-songwriter thing; this time she takes a turn featuring her ukulele, which kept finding its way into the recordings. The EP starts with 'The Chapel', which is simply Chelsea Mitchell and ukulele.  No lyrics, just Chelsea's angelic voice and careful plucks, amongst the reverb of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Buckingham PA.  I often find myself having an Andy Dufresne type moment (SEE: Shawshank Redemption), locking away the rest of the world while attempting to forget my troubles amongst the operatic notes.  If ...

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)....

Root Down In The Shadow recently caught up with Stefanie Berecz of The Right Now , taking the opportunity to learn more about this intriguing band before their set at World Cafe Live! Here are some excerpts from that conversation! Root Down In The Shadow:  Who's a bigger inspiration for you, Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings) or Charles Bradley (of Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Band)? Stefanie Berecz:  It's got to be Sharon Jones and her never give up attitude! RDITS:  What came first your sound or the band? SB:  First was meeting Brendan O'Connell .  He's the mastermind.  Every band needs a Brendan O'Connell!  I didn't realize I would be in this style band.  I grew up on Pop, R&B, and Soul.  Really, all the pieces came together after meeting Brendan.  The first album was a learning process with the band.  We were still developing, still evolving.  Album number two, Gets Over You , is where w...

In early December at World Cafe Live, I did something I hadn't done in quite some time.  I went to see a band, just based on a recommendation.  I had heard about the Barr Brothers  several times in the last year via a long time friend.  He's a tour manager and he's criss-crossed the country several times in the last few years, getting to meet, hear & see numerous bands. 'Beggar in the Morning' by Barr Brothers Beggar In The Morning by TheBarrBrothers The Barr Brothers were on his list of must see live bands, calling them one of his favorites.  Out of all the other bands he's come across in the last few years, the only other bands I recall him wholly endorsing has been the David Wax Museum and The Carolina Chocolate Drops since he was dead on with those recommendation, I knew I needed to listen. Lately, the Barr Brothers have started to gain some notice performing on David Letterman, as well as in the studio at KE...