Go with the ‘Fro! ALEX*CUBA, the new face of Latin Soul makes his Iron Horse debut on Tuesday, November 16th

Singer-songwriter Alex*Cuba hails from Artemisa, Cuba (1 hour west of Havana) and resides in Smithers, B.C. (14 hours north of Vancouver). Musically, he lives everywhere in between. His trademark sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords subtly subvert commonly held notions of what Cuban music is. Alex is on the vanguard, crafting a cross-cultural sound that mirrors his geographical journey. Not tied to tradition, this Cuban-Canadian prefers his vintage Gibson over el sencerro (cowbell) anytime.
 

Forgoing conventional stereotypes that typify much of the Latin music landscape, Alex is instead defining his own “Latin Soul” genre. Like the handful of unique, genre-defying artists before him, Alex' uncompromising “go your own road” approach was difficult and lonely at first, but is now beginning to pay dividends.

From his earliest years in Artemisa, he was immersed in music. Alex's first stage appearance on national TV was at the tender age of four, playing claves (a percussion instrument) in a group directed by his music instructor father. Alex went on to study guitar, tres, percussion and bass, practicing eight hours a day during his teens.

After a stint with his twin brother Adonis to record Morumba Cubana, as The Puentes Brothers, Alex departed from Cuban music norms to follow his own path. His debut CD with the Alex Cuba Band, “Humo De Tabaco”, earned him a Juno award for World Music Album in 2006, with the single “Lo Mismo Que Yo”, featuring Ron Sexsmith charting in the Top 20 at BBC Radio 2. For “Humo”, Alex took UK producer Martin Terefe to Cuba to record the album's funk infused horns and percussion, a sound that got under Terefe's skin. By extension, that “Alex*Cuba sound” is now evident on Terefe's productions for Craig David, Ron Sexsmith and Jason Mraz.

After a musical and spiritual evolution, Cuba returned to the studio, this time with co-producer Joby Baker of Victoria, to record “Agua Del Pozo” which was released in Canada in February 2007 under his own Caracol Records imprint. Acclaimed for its blend of tempo, instrumentation and songwriting, the album is a clear evolution from the debut, punctuated by the introduction of Alex's electric guitar, a vintage Gibson. With the soul-pop sensibility of tracks like “Si Pero No”, the album revealed Alex' Latin Soul DNA.  The song, which was an iTunes Single of the Week in Japan, proved to be huge with fans and confounded radio programmers who didn't know which format in which to program it. “Agua” earned Alex his second Juno Award for Best World Music album 2008. “Agua Del Pozo” was released in the U.S. with two unreleased tracks on September 22, 2009 to fan and critical acclaim alike.

In the digital space, Alex*Cuba has had four iTunes Singles of the Week (Canada, U.S., Japan, Netherlands), has charted on various iTunes charts in Canada, the U.S. and Japan and has independently built an impressive, loyal online community around the world.

Alex recently collaborated with Nelly Furtado for her Spanish language debut album “Mi Plan” (My Plan) which was released September 2009 around the world (Universal). The creative chemistry between Alex, Nelly and James Bryan was magical and resulted in nine co-writes including the 1 single “Manos Al Aire” (Hands in the Air) and the title track where he appears as an invited guest on vocals. A prolific songwriter, Alex is continues working on new collaborations with writers and artists on various projects.

In between tour dates and the Nelly Furtado collaborations, Alex recorded his third album at Baker Studios in Victoria, B.C. The self-titled project was released October 27^th, 2009 in Canada and the U.S. release is slated for June 8^th, 2010. Featuring surprising new grooves, innovative electric guitar inflections and varying tempos and structures, the album is an important step in Alex Cuba's ongoing musical revolution. The first single “Caballo” (Horse), a Cuban-funk-rocker, was also made into video conceived and produced in Smithers. Other highlights are “Solo Tu” (Only You), a moving, mid-tempo rock ballad, “Tierra Colora” (Red Soil), a samba-rock-surf-punk sizzler and the funked up “If You Give Me Love”, Alex' first-ever song in English, which was recently serviced to radio, video and online outlets in Canada. The album was just released in the U.S. to acclaim by media outlets and his growing, loyal fan community. Early radio accolades for the album include an NPR “First Listen” feature, an “Album Of The Week” feature at Jazz FM UK, a glowing Billboard review and lead-off track “Directo” was selected as KCRW's “Today's Top Tune.”

Critical to Alex' success has been constant touring with a live show that has been described as explosive. Again, his visionary rebel nature is revealed in the fact that contrary to the prevailing Cuban and Latin big band formations, Alex Cuba performs as a trio (Alex on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, electric bass and drums). The simplicity, power, and sheer efficiency of this formation has stolen the stage from bands quadruple their size and has confused many production teams expecting the typical big band at load-in. Doing more with less is an ever-present mantra for Alex*Cuba.

With a heart as big as his retro 'fro, Cuba takes it all in stride and focuses on what he does best: crafting songs that cut through linguistic and cultural barriers like a machete through sugarcane.

Tickets for ALEX*CUBA at the Iron Horse at 7PM on Tuesday, November 16th are $12.50 at Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686, and online at IHEG.com

Black Prairie featuring Chris Funk, Nate Query & Jenny Conlee of the Decemberists at the Iron Horse this Thursday, October 28th at 7PM

Listening to Black Prairie's debut, Feast of the Hunter's Moon, is like walking onto the set of an HBO show about fear, longing, betrayal and loneliness — think Deadwood, or maybe Six Feet Under. The music created by this Portland, Ore.-based quintet sounds as if it comes from a different time and place. According to dobroist Chris Funk, that's the point; he says the sound Black Prairie makes "bridges the music of Clarence White and Ennio Morricone." In other words, it's a sound which defies any kind of genre characterization. 

The musicians themselves do, too. The quintet was started by two members of The Decemberists: guitarist Chris Funk and bassist Nate Query. They decided to start a primarily instrumental string band as a way to present music that didn't really work with The Decemberists' sound. They asked another Decemberist, Jenny Conlee, to play accordion, and invited Portland musicians Annalisa Tornfelt and Jon Neufeld to add their talents as violinist/vocalist and guitarist, respectively.

Black Prairie's songs consist mostly of instrumentals, and their arrangements pull from bluegrass and old-time string-band traditions. But Black Prairie adds its own twist, mixing accordion and violin to mimic Eastern European sounds, while also incorporating Tornfelt's vocals on a few selections.

The first two tracks are quietly creepy, evoking images of barren Midwestern landscapes and lonely travelers wandering across the country. The imagery is so strong that it's hard to prepare for the abrupt and dramatic shift to the cheerful, upbeat "Back Alley." Then it's back to a quiet and spare sound, followed quickly by a tune that's almost a parody of an old-time barn dance. The music shifts back to a more meditative state before changing again and again and again. There's a lot going on in Black Prairie's music, so it's hard to guess what'll happen next. It's a whirlwind of sound that can be hard to follow, but in a good way. 


Tickets for Black Prairie plus Sarah Jarosz at the Iron Horse, this Thursday, October 28th at 7PM are $12.50 at NBO, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and at IHEG.com.

Black Prairie will play live on WRSI 93.9 The River Thursday afternoon at 5PM and chat with DJ Joan Holliday. 

Classics and some surprises in store: An Evening with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Thursday, November 18th at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton

Ian Anderson, famed for fronting the heavy British rock band Jethro Tull, is showing audiences he is not "Living in the Past" on his current North American tour.

Anderson's feet are planted firmly in the present. He even joined Facebook this summer with a Jethro Tull fan page. 

The singer will present some new material as well as classical workings from the Jethro Tull catalog at 8 p.m.Thursday, November 18th at the Calvin.

"There will also be some rare Jethro Tull stuff that hasn't been played for a long time," Anderson says. "It was fun to dust off (the catalog) and find opportunites to bring it to life again."

One such song, "Wond'ring Again," may make it into the set. The selection, suggested to Anderson by a a fan three months ago, has a deep resonance for the environmentally conscious musician. The lyrics, "the natural resources are dwindling and no one grows old," address issues from nearly 40 years ago that are still relevant in 2010.

"The lyrics fired me up," he says of rediscovering the song, a sequel to the song "Wond'ring Aloud." "It was recorded in 1971, but it sounds like it could be written for today."

Anderson, who took up the flute (he maintains it is an easy instrument to play) after deciding he would never be as good on the guitar as Eric Clapton, will be joined by his band, which includes Jethro Tull bassist David Goodier; Bristol, England-based drummer Scott Hammond; German rock and flamenco guitarist Florian Opahle; and classical musician John O'Hara, who also plays keyboards and accordion with Jethro Tull.

His solo career includes four diverse solo album: "Walk into Light" (1983); the flute instrumental "Divinities" (1995). which reached number one on the Billboard classical chart; the acoustic collections of songs, "The Secret Language of Birds" (2000); and "Rupi's Dance" (2003).

In addition to his numerous recording credits, Anderson was awarded a doctorate in literature from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh in 2006. Anderson finds the title humorous, since school wasn't one of his favorite things growing up.

"If you live long enough, they say nice things about you and give you stuff," jokes Anderson, who, at 63 has been happily married to his wife, Shona, for 34 years. "I'm not an academic. I wouldn't have done what I've done if I had been."

Tickets: Northampton Box Office. 586-8686. Online- IHEG.com

Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to Northampton's Iron Horse on Thursday, November 18th at 7PM

 Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of DALA (the duo’s name was formed by combining the two last letters of each artist’s name) have come a long way in a short time.  The two best friends, who met in their high school music class and wrote their first song together in 2002, have since performed at Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall a total of seven times.  Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.  

Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. 

“Dala can sing! What beautiful flights of melody and harmony, reminiscent of the Everly Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, Emmylou Harris and associates; though Dala can trade a melody line and leave one wondering who is taking the lead and simply leave one behind when the harmonies kick in.” - Peterborough Examiner

The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans. Dala have toured across Canada six times, opening for artists such as Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, Matthew Good, Stuart McLean of the CBC’s Vinyl Café and most recently, Chantal Kreviazuk. No strangers to the festival scene, they have also performed at The Edmonton Folk Festival, The Winnipeg Folk Festival and Mariposa. In 2009, they were the only Canadian act invited play at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival. 

 Dala’s new album “Everyone Is Someone” was released in June of 2009 to critical acclaim. It earned them their fifth Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, and was touted by The Irish Post as the Album of the Year. The song “Horses”, which speaks to the heartbreak and hope of a young man dealing with disability, was nominated by National Public Radio in the US as one of the top ten folk songs of 2009. 

In early 2010, Dala filmed a PBS special called “Girls From The North Country” which is set to be aired later this year. Check your local listings to find out more.

Tickets for Dala at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Thursday, November 18th are $15 and available at the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com.

Soulful singer JJ Grey found voice through failures. His band Mofro makes their Pearl Street Ballroom debut on Sunday, November 28th.

“Life has a way of taking things away from you periodically to show you what really matters. That's what happened to me,” JJ Grey said about his maturation as a singer, and about life. “I'm sure its happened to every singer. They never quite do technically what they wanted to do. In some ways, what they wind up doing is better.” 

Grey, who performs Sunday, 11.28 at the Pearl Street Ballroom in Northampton with his band, JJ Grey & Mofro, talks like an Everyman. His singing is comfortable and soulful, with a raspy, honey-soaked delivery. His songs are fun and unforced, born of a working man's ethos and a rustic approach to making music that can include spare arrangements or animated horns or '70s-era keys. His new album, “Georgia Warhorse,” has a salt-of-the-earth sensibility that shuffles through rock and blues, recalling acts like Joe Cocker or Sly & The Family Stone.

Back home in Florida, near Jacksonville, where he lives with his family on 20 acres of land, he's like any dad – fixing things around the house, fishing or surfing. His only regret?

“There's never any waves when I come off the road,” the singer said with a laugh. “As soon I leave a swell comes. Soon as I get home it turns off.”

“Georgia Warhorse,” named after the resilient grasshopper, seems apropos of Grey's work ethic and longevity. Years of making music has taught him to get out of his own way, especially when he begins to over-think songs. He said he's much happier with his voice than he was 10 years ago, when it wasn't much more than the sum total of his influences. Singer John Fogerty has said he went in the woods and screamed until he found his voice. Tesla's Jeff Keith practiced behind the wheel of a bulldozer until finding his. For Grey, it was playing show after show.

“And failure after failure,” he said. “I don't mean every night. I mean in little tiny ways.”

Grey's songs will linger before landing on an album. “Gotta Know” took years to get right, he said, before a cold finally made it happen. 

“All the guys played the song well, something just wasn't working for me,” Grey said. “I like it better with the cold bringing me down. Somehow it made it a little more real for me.”

The lyrics use a circus bear to mirror humanity. Grey sings, “We all laughed because we knew he couldn't do it / We asked the questions and make our own answers up.”

“Some part of our nature thinks it's funny the bear is trying to be as smart as we are and we laugh at it,” Grey said. “We're smart because we can ask questions and the bear doesn't. Then we make up our own answers anyway. They're not necessarily the truth.”

Grey stays busy with other gigs, like studying online to be a master herbalist. If not a musician, he'd likely be working with diesel engines (“there's good bread in that”) or trying to learn to restore old cars. He's also a big believer in letting go.

“The problem is we think too much,” Grey said. “It's usually a recipe for disaster or failure. You learn to let go or you'll fail enough times at it until you let go and then you can finally do it. Who knows? You could have been able to do it from the minute you started.” -Brian Tucker

Tickets for JJ Grey and Mofro at the Pearl Street Ballroom, Sunday, November 28th are $15 and available at the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686, and online at IHEG.com.

Metheny’s robotic one-man band dazzles at Center for the Arts in Buffalo. Calvin show this Friday in Northampton.

By Jeff Miers

Buffalo NEWS POP MUSIC CRITIC

Published:October 18, 2010, 12:00 AM

About halfway through his appearance at the Center for the Arts on Saturday, Pat Metheny paused to address the crowd.

“Two questions arise in regards to what I’m doing up here,” the revered jazz guitarist, composer and bandleader said. “The first is, ‘Pat, just exactly when did you lose your mind?’ The second is, ‘How does all of this work?’ ”

This was ostensibly a solo Metheny show, but somehow, none of the conventional language one might lean on to describe such an event is up to the job. No one has ever done anything like this on such a grand scale. It’s virgin terrain.

Metheny was the only human on the stage throughout Saturday’s three-hour performance, but an incredibly complex, lush and intricately orchestrated sound bounced around the gorgeous acoustic environs of the Center for the Arts. The guitarist was performing with his Orchestrion, a large ensemble’s worth of instruments being triggered by a complex system of robotics.

The first question Metheny posed was apropos. Saturday’s concert certainly boasted a freak-show aspect.

After opening with an acoustic segment that found the guitarist offering a sort of improvised medley of pieces that he said “reflected my thoughts and feelings on 30 years of playing in Buffalo” — this included a gorgeous rendering of “This Is Not America,” one of the man’s most enduring pieces — Metheny brought out the Orchestrion. This turned out to be a towering, scaffold-like collection of robotic instruments that encompassed pianos, marimbas, tuned bottles, guitar, bass, cymbals, drums, and a host of other custom-concocted noisemakers, all controlled in real time by Metheny and his array of foot pedals.

This was completely dazzling to behold, even solely from a technical perspective, as Metheny and the Orchestrion performed incredibly complex and dynamic pieces without a single noticeable mistake. He performed the whole “Orchestrion” album, with highlights including the Frank Zappa-inflected title piece, and the emotionally incisive, yearning-infused “Soul Search.”

Not surprisingly, Metheny’s guitar playing was consistently outstanding, redolent of the man’s ability to bring searing be bop lines into a conversation that also includes classical themes, folk references, and that gorgeous, sun-tinted Midwestern blend of all of these things that marks Metheny’s music as instantly identifiable, regardless of context.

The cumulative effect of this impressive gadgetry and stellar musicianship was much more than the presentation of some mere parlor trick, however.

This was profound, interesting, soulful and genre-busting music performed by a man clearly consumed by the potential of his own artistic imagination. The Orchestrion project is another chapter in what has been one of the most fascinating musical stories of our time.

Local label Cow Island Music’s Anniversary Party featuring The Stone River Boys and The Starline Rhythm Boys is Wednesday, October 20th at 7PM at the Iron Horse in Northampton

Two top acts from the Cow Island Cavalcade of Stars!

The Stone River Boys- Country Funk from the Heart of Texas

The Austin Texas-based quintet, the Stone River Boys (click photo for high res), features the talents of two well-traveled roots music practitioners — guitarist Dave Gonzalez, formerly a driving force in the Hacienda Brothers and the Paladins, and vocalist Mike Barfield, “The Tyrant of Texas Funk” and onetime leader of the Hollisters. Together, Barfield and Gonzalez have fashioned a gutsy crossbreed of country and R&B they’ve labeled “country funk.” Barfield sees a natural connection between the sounds of country and R&B: “There’s a picture of Solomon Burke and Joe Tex, and maybe James Brown, and they all had cowboy hats on. A lot of those soul performers will talk about how they used to listen to the Grand Ole Opry. Some R&B songs, especially the ballads, are very close to some of the honky-tonk ballads. To me, it’s all very similar.”

The Starline Rhythm Boys, The Pride of Vermont, Spreadin' the Honky Tonk Gospel

 

The Starline Rhythm Boys are a three piece from Montpelier, Vermont and mean all business when it comes to their music. With a sound heavily influenced by the 50’s and 60’s Memphis and Nashville voices of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Buddy Holly, etc. "The thing about New England is, it has a rich history of country music and bluegrass," says Billy Bratcher. "A lot of diehards think you've gotta be from the South to make believable country music, but our hearts break the same as anyone else's, we drink the same booze on occasion as the Southern guys, and our Telecasters sound the same." This show is a must see for anyone who admires old country and rockabilly.

Tickets for the Cow Island Music Anniversary Party featuring The Stone River Boys and The Starline Rhythm Boys next Wed. 10/20 at the Iron Horse are only $10 and available at Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com.

Atlanta's Shawn Mullins has a new album, Light You Up, and plays the Iron Horse on Thursday, November 4th at 7PM

It’s been said before, but it’s worth saying again: those who think Atlanta's Shawn Mullins’ discography starts and stops with his 1998 chart-topper, “Lullaby,” are missing out on one of today's most interesting and talented performers. Now in his early forties, Mullins has developed the sort of seasoned,  lived-in baritone that suits his music and, like a musical tailor, he fits his songs perfectly those who understand the poetry of experience. As a result, Light You Up bridges the gap between “Lullaby,” with its easygoing acoustic ambiance and charm, and 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor, the roots rock album that reignited Mullins’ career in 2006. The songs shine their brightest whenever he digs deep into his Southern heritage, yielding scattered highlights like the boogie-jam-rock of “You Make It Better” and the swampy, six-minute soul number “Light You Up.” 

Opening the show is Georgina Callaghan, who goes by simply Callaghan. Born in 1983 in Lincolnshire, UK, her  influences include Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and James Taylor but it's her powerful yet  soothing vocals that take center stage in her songs. In 2008 her self-released single “Look Around” achieved airplay on numerous BBC radio stations, and extensive local and national press coverage. A hardworking and committed singer-songwriter who's won over audiences in the UK and US, Callaghan' is working on her new album with Shawn Mullins.

Tickets for Shawn Mullins and Callaghan at the Iron Horse on Thursday, November 4th at 7PM are $17.50 at the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com.

 

Food Network Iron Chef Michael Symon vs. Local Chefs at the Calvin on Friday 11/5 to benefit Friends of Children

The Friends of Children’s Iron Cook returns to Northampton’s Calvin Theater on Friday, November 5^th, 2010 at 7PM.  Celebrity Iron Chef, Michael Symon (above, click for high res) of the Food Network and famed restaurants Lola and Lolita in Cleveland and Michael Simon’s Roast in Detroit, will square off against one of three Pioneer Valley chefs in a culinary duel.  The trio includes:  Michaelangelo Westcott from the Gypsy Apple in Shelburne Falls, Maggie Zaccara from Hope & Olive, and Magpie Wood-fired Pizzeria in Greenfield and Greg Monette from Chandler’s Restaurant in Deerfield.  The local chefs were chosen by popular demand through printed ballots in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and online voting through the Friends of Children’s website friendsofchildreninc.org

“What a great event the Iron Cook competition is, and more importantly it contributes to such a worthy cause." said Harlan Kent, CEO of The Yankee Candle Company, the event’s platinum sponsor. "Yankee Candle is proud to support Friends of Children and all the important work they do to improve the lives of children in Western Massachusetts.”  

  

Calphalon pots & pans will be heated in the twin Viking kitchens once again on the culinary battlefield with the secret ingredient being revealed only moments before the gas gets turned up.  Our two local celebrity judges will be Sen. Stan Rosenberg and Northampton’s Mayor Claire Higgins.  One seat on the judges panel will be auctioned off to the audience and the lucky winner will have the opportunity to taste and score the dishes created by the chefs. 

As with the four previous Iron Cook events, all proceeds go to support the child advocacy work of the Friends of Children organization.  These programs are vital to the health and well-being of many of our region’s vulnerable children.

Tickets can be purchased through the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 or online at iheg.com  and are $25 or $75 for Premium Seating, which includes an autographed cookbook from Chef Michael Symon. 

Fountains of Wayne tonight, Saturday 10/9, at Pearl Street. Chris Collingwood speaks to the Gazette.

Tonight, when the band Fountains of Wayne stops in Northampton, it will be a homecoming for its lead singer, Chris Collingwood. Collingwood has lived in the Valley since 1998, moving to Northampton soon after he formed the "power pop" band with Adam Schlesinger; the two met as fellow students at Williams College. Collingwood, who is in his early 40s, says he loves his new roots in Northampton, especially access to two favorite Thai restaurants. 

That's when he finds the time. "Wow. I don't get out too much," he said in a recent interview. The band is finishing up its first album in four years and is hoping to release it next spring. Fountains of Wayne, named for a now-defunct store in New Jersey, is perhaps best known for its 2003 pop hit "Stacy's Mom," from its record "Welcome Interstate Managers." 

The band performs at 8:30 p.m. in the ballroom at Pearl Street Night Club in Northampton, the eighth stop on an 11-date tour, with Jill Sobule and School for the Dead also on the bill.

Collingwood shared views on making music, Northampton's music scene, famous awards, side projects and his interest in photography.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were nominated for a Grammy Award?

A: I have a pretty low-key personality. It takes a lot to get me excited. I'm pretty sure when I first heard we were on the road somewhere in Florida. It was just too early in the morning so I was like, "Oh that's good, I guess." Then everybody asks you immediately, "Aren't you thrilled?" And you know if you look at the other people that are sort of nominated every year -- I've had a lot bigger thrills than to be included in that company.

Most of the time people who win Grammys are not that good, they're people who have commercial success. On one hand, it's good to be acknowledged; on the other hand it's stupid to consider that a measure of artistic success.

Q: What has been one of your biggest thrills in this business?

A: It continues to be sort of meeting people who I grew up listening to and having them dig what we do. We actually sort of ended up doing a bunch of tour dates with Squeeze. (The band's song "Tempted") was a huge influence on us. We learned through some third party that Glenn Tilbrook, who was a singer in that band, had been covering one of my songs. I got to meet him and tour with that band; I love that kind of connection.

The show that we're doing in Boston (it was last night), Marshall Crenshaw is going to be opening - another one of our heroes, a huge kind of pop singer in the '80's, and that's a thrill for me.

Q: What was your side project, The Gay Potatoes, all about?

A: That was a drunken sort of venture with some local bands here (in Northampton). It was a short-lived thing and some of my friends from Northampton are in some amazing bands and it was really just a big way to get together with those guys and sing harmonies.

Q: What's the music scene like in Northampton?

A: I don't really get out as much as I used to. The last time I went out in Northampton was on my way back from a casino. There were four bands playing I'd never seen or heard of before and I had a good time, but I don't really know what's going on.

All the same guys that were in the Gay Potatoes are still playing and I see them, but as far as what the young kids do I don't really know. (He laughs.)

Q: How did you meet your wife?

A: When I was living in New York City, she was living in New York City and we were working together. I worked for a while as a computer programmer at American Express and she was working there to. We met over the water cooler, as they say. Despite the metaphorical content of that expression, it actually was over a water cooler because I had an office, it had a water cooler in it and I saw everybody: people came in my office all day long.

Q: Where did the name "Fountains of Wayne" come from?

A: It came from a now-defunct store in Wayne, N.J., that sold fountains. It was landmark for people who had to go to the city [New York] from New Jersey. It was a really visible piece from the highway where they had this giant fountain display, and they sold fountains for people to put in there yards. Sadly, they went out of business I think just this past year.

Q: Did the band ever contact the owners?

A: Yeah we did right at the very start. We went in there and we talked to the owner for a while and he said something like, "Okay well let's keep in touch throughout this thing." It was very weird; like we'd ever have anything to talk about. We didn't see him after that.

Q: Where did you go to school?

A: Williams College. (By) junior year I had taken enough classes in psychology that I could major in that. I'm not really sure why.

Q: Any hobbies?

A: I love taking pictures, I do that a lot. I was out at this thing called Transperformance. It's a show where every band from town gets up on stage at Look Park, they have a big outdoor theater there, and they pretend to be some other band. This year the theme was bands that were named after body parts. One of my friends bands came out as "Bad Finger" and you know Joan Armatrading. The mayor was actually scheduled to play as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, she's done it in the past. I can't remember if she was the Ramones or some other band, but she came out and it was pretty cool.

Q: Any thoughts on the new album?

A: It's almost done so we've been mixing with a guy who we've worked a lot with in the past called John Holbrook. The first 10 tracks are already mastered and then John had to go on vacation, so there's a couple more left to do. We're just trying to figure out how we're going to put it out.

Q: Release date?

A: I wish I knew. If we end up shopping it around and don't get a major label to put it out then it'll come out sooner, because we won't have to stay on their release schedule and put it out in the spring.

Abundance of “cool” bands coming to Northampton in the weeks ahead; a reluctant hipster's checklist.

The cornerstone of being an indie rock fan is constantly being snarked on for your taste in music. It was no different back in the pre-internet college radio era. “Dude, you’re lame. The Dream Syndicate sound like the freakin’ Doobie Brothers these days. You gotta check out Thin White Rope.” We didn’t have Pitchfork but we had magazines like Matter, Conflict, Maximum Rock & Roll, Trouser Press, and NME to take our cues from.  We being me, a 47 year old teenager.

These days the speed of the Internet has amplified indie snobbery by giving everyone with an opinion a forum. People go to music blogs, from Pitchfork to Stereogum to Brooklyn Vegan, expressly to opine on the latest bands they claim have “sold out” and to notify bloggers that their taste in music sucks. An extreme example of a former fan calling a  band out is Seattle’s James Burns who so wants to see the permanent end of the band Weezer that he is willing to put $10 million (mostly other people’s, in $12 increments) on it. “This is a roundabout effort to figure out why the media is still interested in this band despite them not releasing a decent album in over a decade (or I would say, ever.) … Even my girlfriend, the world’s biggest Weezer apologist, concedes that they should have packed it in after side one of The Green Album.” The band has responded, “If they can make it 20, we’ll do the “deluxe breakup!”

 We ask ourselves sometimes, “is consciously striving not to be cool perhaps an even higher level of cool, and therefore pointless?” If the majority of indie rock fans stand fixed to a spot, slightly bobbing their heads, and even swaying at times, can one tell with an untrained eye, which of them are cool and which are through being cool?  Can’t we say, as the Stiff Records band Madness declared in the punk era…

Well, at the very least we are dancing on the inside, and we book shows with our ears, as immune to hipster dogma as possible, and we’ve booked some bands this Fall that are truly magnificent and/or remarkable. They may also happen to be cool, but that’s not our concern. Probably. Here they are: 

The Bowerbirds, Sharon Van Etten- Thursday, October 14^th, 8:30PM- Iron Horse

Bowerbirds are a boyfriend and girlfriend with acoustic guitar and accordion singing earnest songs filled with natural imagery that espouses a belief in the deep inter-connectedness of human beings, animals, and the Earth. But Phil Moore and Beth Tacular aren't trying to guilt you into making a donation to PETA, and they aren't trying to take you on some lysergic-fueled trip. Certainly these two have a particular worldview, but it's largely because of that purity of vision that the group's music succeeds, creating an immersive listening experience that can yield beauty and magic for anyone who isn't wholly given over to cynicism. Bowerbirds' second LP, Upper Air, like their debut, is filled with sublime melodies, absorbing lyricism and delicate harmonic interplay.

 

Sharon Van Etten is possessed of a remarkable, arresting voice. Emotive without being naïve, Sharon’s music, like her personality, is wise beyond its years. Her songs strike a balance between American and English folk and rock music, and her down-to-earth approach is refreshing after the onslaught of ethereal folkies in the last decade. More Anne Briggs than Vashti Bunyan, Van Etten’s extraordinary talents bode well for our ears.

Angus & Julia Stone, Dennis Crommett- Monday, October 18^th at 7PM- Iron Horse

 Having spent the last two years touring the world in support of their critically acclaimed debut – A Book Like This – Angus and Julia Stone return with their eagerly anticipated sophomore release Down The Way. Thy make their debut as producers, and develop their sound without losing the spirit of their debut. There’s been a subtle shift in gear, evidence of a growing confidence - the music gravitates from sparse to rich and textured arrangements yet never loses its etherealness and charm. Travelling has been an integral part of the Stone's musical story so it's not surprising they opted to record in a number of diverse locations around the globe - an old sawmill on the river banks of Fowey, Cornwall, a studio in Brooklyn, a water tank in Coolangatta, their second home - London - and Queens in New York. Once again the duo share song-writing duties – their individual styles juxtaposing yet complimenting the other. Themes of lost love and yearning weave through Down The Way. These two are going places.

The Books, The Black Heart Procession- Friday, October 22^nd at 9PM- Pearl Street Ballroom

The Books started working together in 2000. Residing in North Adams, Massachusetts, they do all of their own sample collecting, composing, writing, recording, mixing, and mastering in their home studios using PCs running cheap software and the ragtag equipment that they've pieced together over the years. What you hear on their records is exactly how it left their hands, with no producer, engineers, or sweetening in between. What you hear onstage adds a dimension to the process that seizes the moment and delights all in its radius. The Books' legendary live show has always incorporated video as a primary element, creating an experience somewhere between a rock concert and a film. In a way the video serves as a kind of "frontman" for the band, rather than a typical ambient backdrop. As with the majority of the audio samples, the video is mostly culled from abandoned VHS tapes from the 1980's and 90's. The video is tightly synchronized to the band's live performance and the effect is exhilarating for the senses of both the audience and the band. The Books present the innocent wisdom and surreal charm of  their wonderful new album The Way Out in a way that is both technically faithful and emotionally revelatory.

The Extra Lens featuring John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats and Franklin Bruno of The Human Hearts, John Vanderslice - Saturday, October 23^rd, 7pm- Iron Horse

The Corin Tucker Band (of Sleater-Kinney), Hungry Ghost,  Big Nils - Sunday, October 24^th, 8:30PM- Pearl Street Clubroom

Sleater-Kinney frontwoman Corin Tucker’s new album “1,000 Years”  just out (on Kill Rock Stars, of course) reveals the one-time Riot Grrrl nearly 20 years after she began her career: as a full-grown Riot Woman. Old enough to trace the complexities of adult life, love and family, but still young enough to know better. Corin Tucker is nobody’s machinery. She’s a wife, a mother, a songwriter, a singer, an artist devoted to identifying the sound of real life, and turning it into music. She’s the woman at the heart of “1,000 Years,” with distinctive vocals, plenty of punky guitar shredding. In other words: pure catnip for S-K fans. And check out Pitchfork’s 5-10-15-20 interview with Tucker to read about the music of her life, including Joan Jett, Bikini Kill, and Fleet Foxes.

Also coming soon:

Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, Father Murphy- THIS Saturday, October 9^th 9PM- Pearl Street Clubroom

Beats Antique, LYNX, Dan Correia- Saturday, October 23^rd 9PM- Pearl Street Clubroom

Besnard Lakes, Wintersleep, Fiesta Brava-Wednesday, October 27^th 8:30PM- Iron Horse

Black Prairie (with members of the Decemberists), Sarah Jarosz- Thursday, October 28^th 7PM- Iron Horse

Matt & Kim, Saturday, November 6^th 9PM- Pearl Street Ballroom

Joy Formidable, The Dig- Saturday, November 6^th 10PM- Iron Horse

Bob Mould, Tuesday, November 9^th, 7PM- Iron Horse, yes, Bob Fucking Mould!

One EskimO. Thursday, November 11^th 7PM- Iron Horse

Mountain Man,  Red Heart The Ticker- Thursday, November 11^th, 10PM- Iron Horse

Tickets for all shows are available at the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com.

Bob Mould to perform career-spanning concert at the Iron Horse on November 9th

Visionary alt rock artist Bob Mould has just announced a string of solo North American concert dates for this fall, playing sets that will span his career from Hüsker Dü, Sugar and his solo albums. The influential artist who helped define the alternative rock genre with both his seminal band Husker Du and as an acclaimed solo artist with albums like “Workbook” and last year’s phenomenal “Life And Times” of which All Music Guide said “This is Mould's purest pop since Sugar, its ballads surging with grace and its muscular songs built on skyscraper hooks,” and Filter Magazine remarked, “Passion, beauty, intelligence, grace: it's all here." Mould’s consistently delivers electrifying and cathartic live shows which have made him a favorite performer with music fans throughout the world. The Philadelphia Inquirer said of a recent Mould show, “His Hour Long Set started off furious and built from there.” Next year will se e the release of his widely anticipated autobiography, penned with assistance from Micheal Azerrad is slated for spring 2011 release, published by Little, Brown.

Tickets for Bob Mould at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Tuesday, November 9th are available at Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com

 

America's 40th Anniversary Tour makes a stop at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton next Friday, October 15th at 8PM. The band, whose songs still fill the airwaves, have a few twists and turns in their history that might surprise you.

Some bands that have been at it since the early ‘70s have ended up haggard and straining credibility. America, who have close to a dozen songs that are still played with reverence on the radio, are not among them. Vocalists/guitarists Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley met while they were still in high school in the late '60s; all three were sons of U.S. Air Force officers who were stationed in the U.K. Their first album was written when they were still teenagers.

While ‘70s and ‘80s soft-rock (aka “Yacht Rock”) has been the subject of  lively ribbing by modern hipsters, most will admit to a soft spot for much of America’s music. Case in point, America was tempted back into the studio in 2006 by longtime fans and musicians Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins to record the album Here & Now.  Although encouraging Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley to stick to America's core sound, producers Schlesinger and Iha brought in younger musicians influenced by America to guest on the album including Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, Ben Kweller (11/18 at Pearl Street with Julia Nunes, FYI), members of My Morning Jacket, Smashing Pumpkins, and Fountains of Wayne (Pearl Street this Saturday 10/9 by the way.) The respect that Iha and Schlesinger have shown for America's talents is touching, drawing the best out of the band's close harmonies and gentle folk rock sound. 

Over the decades, Beckley and Bunnell have lost none of their vocal compatibility or their guitar acumen. If anything, they're much better players than they were when they first rode into pop music history on their "Horse with No Name." I’d opine that they’ve fared better sonically than Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Eagles, and most other early '70s contemporaries. 

Oh, and did you know that legendary Beatles producers George Martin and Geoff Emerick produced several America albums including their fourth, Holiday, which contained their smash hits "Tin Man" and "Lonely People." Their other chart toppers include their first hit "A Horse with No Name," which everyone thought was Neil Young under a pseudonym and ironically bumped Neil’s “Heart Of Gold” out of the #1 slot. And who can’t hum "Sister Golden Hair” with its memorable guitar riff admittedly inspired by George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord".  Never mind “Don’t Cross The River (If you Can’t Swim The Tide),” "I Need You,” and "Ventura Highway."  You can almost hear the bell bottoms flapping in the wind.

And finally it must be told that while the Captain and Tennille had the hit, America wrote the song “Muskrat Love” and recorded it first. 

Tickets for America's 40th Anniversary Tour at the Calvin Theatre next Friday, October 15^th at 8PM are $35, $45, & $55 and available at Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com.

Also coming to the Calvin Theatre:  

Remember Lennon: Imagine 70 this Friday, October 8th

Kansas on Saturday, November 6^th

1964: The Beatles Tribute on Friday, November 12^th

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson on Thursday, November 18^th