AUGUST 8, 2009
I have a friend Liza who writes editorials and reviews for various publications. Her passion, like mine, is music. She never steers me wrong with bands she recommends and this time was no different. We have similar taste in music and when she told me I really needed to check out a band called "CIVIL TWILIGHT", I did.
I made my way with 3 friends to SOUTHGATE HOUSE, in Newport, KY. The Historic Southgate House overlooks Third Street and was the birth home of the inventor of the TOMMY GUN! Bang Bang!Although greatly altered today, it was indeed one of Newport's first truly grand homes.
Presently the Southgate House is nationally recognized as a premier music venue, and it has also been incredibly supportive of the local music scene, heralded for its intimate setting and friendly atmosphere. The first floor - Juney's Lounge - offers pool tables, comfortable seating, and one of the most incredible jukeboxes in the area, filled with obscure and classic country and rock 'n roll. The downstairs Ballroom features multiple bars, a state-of-the-art stage and sound system, room for 600 music fans and a balcony to accommodate larger performances. A second-floor Parlour offers a more intimate and personal environment for relaxed performance . On with the show.........
Civil Twilight consists of brothers Steven and Andrew McKellar providing the guitar, vocals, and keys & Richard Wouters bringing up the drums and rhythm section.
What you hear at the forefront of this band is the multi - dimensional sound they bring. Its a sound created by a band that has honed their individual skills and fused them to create a sound that can go from angelic to epic. From "in your face" to "in your heart". They have a passion that they bring that shines through, whether it be in the loud and proud hard-hitting anthem "Soldier", to the gut-retching tenderness of "Letters from the Sky".
To see them LIVE you get to experience first hand the amazing gift of Steven's voice .... a range that is undeniable, control impressive, and sense of melodic timing amazing. Lyrically, the messages in the songs CT brings to the table are not only relevant, but honest. They evoke and draw upon feelings and states of being that, for some of us, can be hard to put into words. Coupledwith the guitar virtuoso of brother Andrew, ( I witnessed him play his guitar with a bow! ), and Richard's backbone rhythms, you've got the entire package. A perfect balance. Complete.
I had the pleasure of meeting these fine lads after their show and I must say they are very humble and grounded. It's like they know they have something good and have the patience and belief in being true to themselves and their music, letting their success evolve as they connect with the world and their audience.
Their self-titled album is out on I-Tunes, with the CD forthcoming. CT is one of the best unsung bands out there. I am sure we will all be seeing & hearing a lot more from them !!
AUGUST 21, 2009
Had the pleasure of experiencing my first LIVE "BLUE OCTOBER" show at Fourth Street Live, an outdoor entertainment complex venue in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The outdoor open concept, with the stage set up in the middle of the plaza, is one of the most fabulous settings for a show by a big bands with a huge sound like Blue October..
The opening band was "Switchfoot", hailing from San Diego CA, whom you would have to know from their well played radio hits "Dare You To Move" and "Meant To Live". They are currently finishing their new record, which will be out later in late November. Jon Foreman, the lead vocalist, surprised the audience by coming down and shining a flashlight around into the audience. It's all about the fans, baby!!!!
I heard later on in the evening they opted for some fierce bowling at the famed Lucky Strike Lanes!
The Big Lebowski lives on for for Tim the drummer!
Good times!
You could feel the buzz of anticipation as the audience awaited the entrance of Blue October, who went on to mesmerize us with a hefty 1 hour 40 minutes set of gut-wrenching, emotive songs.
Justin and the band were spot-on with their high energy no holds barred show, .... Justin showing the world his truth, not holding back, pouring himself out, hiding nothing. That's just how he does it. Every venue, every show. The packed crowd joining in the songs like a congregation being lead by their Shepard... The set consisted of old songs and some of the newer ones, especially memorable were "Say It", "Dirt Room", "Amazing", "Angel", and "Let It Go". It was a good mixture from previous CD releases and from the new album , "Approaching Normal".
After the show, we were told Justin was by the tour bus, meeting and greeting fans. A small group of 30 or so fans waited patiently to have their time and pic taken. I especially loved the moment when a older couple who had brought their young daughter, maybe 10 years old, asked Justin if he would please have his pic taken with her.
My friend Libby, who is a HUGE, did I say HUGE Blue October fan, showed him her BO "tats" and enjoyed a nice moment with him. I was so happy for her !
When it was my turn, ... I got a little nervous, (which I never ever do), and upon telling Justin this, he kindly asked why and then said, "What do you think about me with all these people?". He complimented me on my hair color and asked me if it was natural. He said he really liked it and asked me what color it was. Thanks L'oreal !! Both attempts at my pic with him failed, but I did manage to get some casual shots of him around the tour bus and with other fans!
Justin is so genuine. He looks you in the eye, talks slowly, and connects with each fan, shutting out everything else ~ this is what he does on stage .... you feel him pull you in and he makes you feel as if each song is being sung to and for you.
Later on in the evening we spotted Justin at Angel's Rock Bar , taking in the sights and sounds of the club and again on our way back to the hotel. Libby had him sign the tattoo on her back and he graciously did. We chatted it up with the tour bus driver for a while and discussed the on-going tour which was taking them to Atlanta the next night.
Days later I still feel the HIGH that Blue October leaves you with. It is INTOXICATING ! If you get a chance to see them on this tour, GO! You won't be disappointed.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2009
What are friends for? As I stated before, ... music referrals. Like I need another good band to champion like I need another whole in my head!
Well, this time I took a chance on a more local band my friend Jackie had told me about a band hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. Always game to see some local talent, I drove to Indianapolis to a classy club, "Radio Radio", to see this power-pop quintet called "Stereo Deluxe".
I did some research and found that even though the bands members are all in their mid-20's, they have been on the scene for a while now, making their name by opening for such bands as Kings of Leon, winning the coveted 2005 Indy Battle of the Bands (and the generous $10,00.00 prize), and most recently, being voted 2009 Indy Best Rock Artist by Nuvo Magazine. They were also invited to play on the Van's Warped Tour this summer, giving them an opportunity to be heard by a audience with a much wider genre scope.
For several years now, Stereo Deluxe have been honing their art and music business skills under some of Indy's most influential music industry movers and shakers, to include Mark Moran and the Johnson brothers of Indie 500 Records and The Pop Machine Studio.
Having grown up listening to Indy radio, this quartet is throughly steeped in the classic rock of the 60's and 70's, even though they come from an era ofGreen Day and Nirvana. The result is a blend of intergenerational influences that creates in Stereo Deluxe an organic sound all their own.
~ young , fresh, and sexy.
Their sophomore CD, "When The Party's Over", was road tested for almost ayear before being released March 2009. It contains a solid mix of songs that revel in both old school rock and roll and indie/pop flavor. The CD was recorded in such a way that when you listen to it, you feel you are right there in the room with them, a larger-than-life experience. There is a open, raw ~ "LIVE" quality to it vs. the over processed feel we hear so much of on the radio today.
Singer Jay Elliott emotes with a dramatic flare and balladry that never loses its command. His falsetto and tone control are impressive to say the least for such a young singer. Backed by the intense rhythms of their bassman, Luke Schneider, the fiery guitar layers of Ben Tatum, and the hooky drum beats of Matt Hogan ~ this band is tight !
I highly recommend checking them out and see why STEREO DELUXE is INDY's best kept secret!!!
"... possibly the most talked-about and admired local band in quite some time. An effortless blend of power-pop, the occasional ballad and pure professionalism has made them the default straight-ahead rock group of Indy. "
-STEVE HAMMER, NUVO NEWSWEEKLY
APRIL 29, 2010
"Crash Kings"
Waterfront Park ~ "Pre-Derby Fest"
Louisville, KY
Thanks to 93.1 The FoxRocks and Nationwide Insurance for sponsoring this free show ~ "Crash Kings" opening for "Candlebox"!
It had rained on and off and been cool for 3 days prior to this show, but these Cali-based boys brought some beautiful weather and a good crowd. As the sun set on the waterfront, this 3- piece band breathed life into the evening air ~ bringing a hip, hard-driving gypsy vibe.
As a background, the rock trio formed in Los Angeles in 2006. The band has toured with such artists as Chris Cornell, Stone Temple Pilots, David Cook, and The Bravery. Their band's self-titled debut album was released May 26, 2009 on Custard/Universal Motown. "Mountain Man", the band's first single, was released to U.S. modern rock radio stations in October, and entered Billboard's Alternative Songs chart the following month.
Brother's Beliveau (Tony (vocals/keyboard),and Mike (bass)), along with their rhythm man Jason Morris, brought their full game to ignite Louisville's festivities, delivering on CK fav's like "Mountain Man", (which they saved for the end of the show!), "It's Only Wednesday", and my personal favorite, "Raincoat".
The Crash Kings radical, raw sound is HUGE to say the least. All without a lead guitarist?
Innovation is the key to their big rock sound. CK’s secret weapon lies in their use of such things as tube overdrive and multiple amps to bring heaviness to the bass, & a clavinet (a keyboard with guitar strings) customized with a large whammy bar that bends notes like a guitar. Add to that a passionate, distinctive singer whose strong vocals soar and a hard hitting drummer and you have bliss, baby.
CK has no problem creating a new sound that is part funk, part grunge, and part indie ~ with an impressive side of good ‘ole Rock and Roll!!! An unexpected concoction that is sure to charm you.
I see a very bright future for this talented band.
A Silent Film
April , 2011
Headliner's ~ Louisville, Ky
