Root Down in the Shadow

November has quickly crept up on us.  A quick calendar page turn so, easily forgotten hidden between Halloween and Black-Friday/Pre-Winter holiday chaos.  Heck, the biggest thing for most people is Thanksgiving which is at the end of the month.  But here in Philadelphia, November is a reason to celebrate all month long; specifically celebrating the music scene in Philadelphia. "At the heart of Philly Sings Philly is the desire to explore our peers’ music, past and present, and the storied musical legacy of our city. As tradition goes, our hometown heroes will gather at The Fire every Tuesday in November to pay homage to their idols, adding a personal touch to their favorite songs by Philly-born artists. This year, the event has further expanded with new bands, fresh faces, and weekly curators." Week 1 of Philly Sings Philly is this Tuesday at the Fire , featuring many Philly Sings Philly alumni, curated by Philly Sings Philly creator, Brad Hinton .   The lin...

This October ex- Walkmen Peter Matthew Bauer teamed up with Delta Spirit for a show at Union Transfer , and Root Down in the Shadow was there to check out a show from artists heading in new directions.   Peter Matthew Bauer In the aftermath of a breakup (or even an “extreme hiatus”), the term “liberation” is not used loosely, so when ex-Walkmen bassist/keyboardist Peter Matthew Bauer chose the word as the title of his new solo release, Liberation! , we should pay attention. Bauer brought his new record and his new band to Union Transfer this October, and with them came a high-energy set that showcased a liberated Bauer in a new role with a new sound. In many ways, Bauer’s new songs tell a story of freedom. Walkmen fans who love the band’s straight-forward driving rock songs will find something different here. These are the songs of a rhythm man searching for different ground. Bauer’s new sound is a Dylan meets Replacements rock combo, and he is flanked by the big sound...

Last Friday at Johnny Brenda's it was The Freeman Tour , bringing Aaron Freeman 's new band Freeman back to Philadelphia with Providence, RI buzz-band Arc Iris.  The sold-out crowd was completely amped, with local hero Aaron Freeman a.k.a. Gene Ween making his return to the hip Fishtown neighborhood venue.  With his new self titled album dropping just over a month ago, the excitement of his return was electric.  Many fans arrived dejected to find out the show was sold out, but the hardcore fans were ready with tickets in hand, ready for the show. Loading @arcirismusic #amazeballs #FreemanTour #JocieAdams #SoldOut View on Instagram After what seemed to be a long delay to get upstairs, Arc Iris went on stage on time to start the show.  It has been a great year for Arc Iris, releasing their eponymous debut album earlier this year, getting major buzz on the SXSW circuit and major coverage all year round.   The Freeman tour would be an exc...

Show poster by Jennifer Prough Ahh, Sofar Sounds , that wonderful international phenomenon sweeping the globe that brings an eager group of music fans to living rooms and hip places to see bands large and small play intimate shows each month. Ever since the first Sofar Sounds I went to, back in Jan '13, I've been absolutely hooked.  It's really the best of all worlds for the music fan with amazing international acts, national touring bands, fabulous local bands, the best music fans to be-friend, acoustic/stripped/re-configured/interesting song arrangements, great homes &hosts, and plenty of other reasons to keep coming back for more.  In the last two years, showing up to these select locations it's been surprise after surprise worthy sharing with all my musical friends. The September show was yet another success by the Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia crew ( Carolyn Lederach, Ken Winneg, & Davis Howley ).  They brought us back to the Fishtown/Kensington neighbo...

A year after the first Communion show in Philadelphia, they returned again with a selection of touring and local acts at Underground Arts.  No longer festival-ish marathon of 6 bands a night, the touring club night keeps getting closer to a smashing success. Marian Hill Good electronic music is like a chemistry experiment, screw up a few ingredients and you've got an explosion and everything bubbling over.  It might seem cool for a minute, but it's really just a mess.  When it goes well, you've got something amazing.  Duo Jeremy Lloyd and Samantha Gongol of Marian Hill had everything go right at Communion last Thursday night!  The first ingredient gone right is the "club environment", a natural habitat for the band.   The diminutive, but delightful Samantha impressed with her vocals, while her style was focal in the Underground Arts lighting.   Jeremy was spot on with his beats, but the impressive part was the live sampling played t...

Hot August Music Festival, just celebrated it's 22nd year of music at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, MD. on August 16, 2014.  With three stages, t he family-friendly event will included three stages of live music and performance artists including Old Crow Medicine Show, Dr. Dog and Nickle Creek. Photo by Jeff Coon Recap by contributors: Marye Isaacs & Jeff Coon The Solicitors The Solicitors - Photo by Marye Isaacs The Solicitors started off the festival, playing the PayPal Stage welcoming fans to Hot August Music Festival with their grit ty, rock and roll based songs combined with some fiddle for instant country cred. The lead singer, Jim Hickey , had a growly but melodic voice - I could see him fronting almost any style of band.  The crowd was calm, since it was early, but they got livelier and more appreciative getting to know The Solicitors.  Some were excited to hear "Incommunicado", which has been played on WTMD (89.7 Towson, MD) lately...

Tutlie is a Philly buzz-worthy band that has been catching attention all year.  From performances at Communion , a WXPN Key Session , Philly Caravan , and the City Rain album release show; many people are left wondering where this hot band came from.  Before seeing them tonight at Bourbon and Branch and a few exciting unannounced shows coming up, it's time to learn about this exciting group.  Who is Tutlie? Based on a quick view of bio’s, Tutlie was “Formed by Jessie Radlow in 2010 while attending college in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the band has seen many lineup shifts on the path to refining the vision Radlow first set forth.” Tutlie personnel: Jessie Radlow - keys & vocals, Rebecca Way - vocals & guitar Greg Diehl - bass guitar, Greg O'Neill - electric guitar Mark Cruttenden - drums, Asher Brooks - multi-instrumentalist/producer Root Down In The Shadow sat down with Tutlie to get the details on this refining vision and to see who Tutl...