Sunday, January 29, 2017

Buck McDaniel & Friends (1/14/17)

Sometimes one finds themselves at a live show at Bar 107 in Berea.  Buck McDaniel, Matt Jones, and Evan Kleve perform to what was probably an unsuspecting crowd.  They’re probably better people for it.

Buck McDaniel & Friends (1/14/17)

Buck McDaniel & Friends (1/14/17)

The Cleveland Orchestra: Widmann's Trauermarsch (1/12/17)

What a stunning performance...

The Cleveland Orchestra: Widmann's Trauermarsch (1/12/17)

"The performances were transporting – Franz Welser-Möst and The Cleveland Orchestra at their most virtuosic and majestic. 

Widmann's 25-minute Trauermarsch originated as a joint commission by the Berliner Philharmoniker, the San Francisco Symphony and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Yefim Bronfman was the soloist in the Berlin and San Francisco performances, and repeated his tour de force performance in Cleveland. The Toronto première is yet to come.

The musical material is based on the motif of a descending interval, first heard softly in the unaccompanied solo piano, then accompanied by growling low strings, and settling into a typical funeral march slow duple meter, with heavily accented downbeats. The solo piano plays constantly through the whole work, sometimes subsumed into the texture of the vast orchestra, which includes a huge percussion section. The texture thickens, with a multitude of arresting colors, and the tempo accelerates. Eventually the sturdy rhythm gives way to a phantasmagorical development of the material. The piano becomes ever more strident and desperate, eventually including full-hand and forearm clusters from one end of the piano to the other. Much of the piano music lies high on the keyboard, with a chiming, bell-like effect, but, combined with the percussion, in shimmering, mysterious effects."

(Via Welser-Möst and The Cleveland Orchestra majestic in Widmann and Bruckner | by Bachtrack for classical music, opera, ballet and dance event reviews.)

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Blood Orange is Better Than Me with with his new new video, showcase his love for dance (as usual).  Austra is back (!) with a new album and video for Future Politics.  Kiesza goes retro (again) with her new video for Dearly Beloved.

 

Bonus:  A beautifully shot video for Delicate Steve’s new song Winners.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Video Day #tzachill

Frank Ocean has a cool new (NSFW!) video for Nikes. Yael Naim releases a stunning video for Coward (which Stromae co-directed!) The Hidden Cameras have another country-tinged song and video out for Dark End of the Street.

 Bonus:  Bellows has a new video for Orange Juice - an unexpected homage to DIY NYC art spaces.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Article: Ani DiFranco To Publish Memoir

A new memoir - and a new album!!!

Ani DiFranco 1484060970 640x573

 

"Ani DiFranco will recount her journey from struggling artist, estranged from her parents, to celebrated musician and determined activist in a new memoir. In addition to music, DiFranco has been an activist for countless causes including the environment, racial justice, reproductive rights, gender equality and prison reform.

DiFranco released her self-titled debut album through her own Righteous Babe Records in 1990 at age 20. A fiercely independent streak has defined her career ever since as she's toured relentlessly and released 17 more solo albums, numerous live albums, a handful of EPs and two records with legendary folk musician and labor organizer, Utah Phillips."

(Via Ani DiFranco Divulges Stories About Being an Activist in New Memoir - Rolling Stone.)

"In the ’90s, the singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco built herself an empire. DiFranco, who ran away from home at age 15, founded her own label and released her debut album by age 20. Through the ’90s, she became crazy popular while maintaining that DIY ethic, and she became a staunch advocate for feminist and left-wing causes along the way. And now she’ll write about all that. The Associated Press reports that DiFranco has signed on to publish a memoir through Viking. The as-yet-untitled book does not have a release date yet, but it’s coming. And DiFranco will also release a new album called Binary in May. 

(Via Ani DiFranco To Publish Memoir - Stereogum.)

Friday, January 13, 2017

Video Day #tzaupbeat

The xx shows love for the American teen experience in On Hold.  NSFW btw!  Metronomy is bringing us some more Robyn with their video for Hang Me Out To Dry.  DFA’s Shit Robot has a new video for Is There No End (and I hope there’s not).

Bonus:  

"For ‘The Half,’ a bloopy dance-pop banger from his 2016 album Encore, the French dance superstar DJ Snake recruited the talents of cresting weirdo king Young Thug, R&B great Jeremih, and classic rap producer and hypeman Swizz Beatz. "

(Via DJ Snake – “The Half” (Feat. Young Thug, Jeremih, & Swizz Beatz) Video - Stereogum.)

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Video Day #tzachill

Francis & the Lights have a delightful simple and fun video for See Her Out. After seeing the Avett Brothers in Akron - I’m even more in love with these guys, and this video for No Hard Feelings makes it even more palpable.  Cass McCombs has his new video out for Run Sister Run. 

 

BONUS:  Catching Big Thief at Mahalls again has cemented these guys as a top favorite!

New Documentary About Gotta Groove Records

What a great little piece about our own Gotta Groove Records! 

"A fascinating look at how vinyl records are made, the film includes footage from the plant and features interviews with Slusarz, who talks about the virtues of vinyl, and Earley, who talks about how difficult it was to get the business off the ground back in 2010. The people who work in the plant explain their various roles in the process as they operate the machinery. "

(Via Local Director Nick Cavalier Releases New Documentary About Gotta Groove Records | Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog.)

Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Van Allen Belt (1/6/17)

FINALLY.  I made it to a proper concert at the Euclid Tavern (now The Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern).  I’ll admit, I was getting a little desperate to see a show, I was was really digging into the local venue calendars looking for something.  Thankfully I found The Van Allen Belt performing at the Euclid Tavern.  I’ve been wanting to see a proper show here for years!

We started off the night with the MIX at CMA party - again another first.  Then dinner at Ninja City (amazing!), and then we were able to catch The Van Allen Belt as they were just about to take the middle slot for the night, so we caught them just in time.  They’re hard to describe, even by their own words: "The Van Allen Belt is impossible to categorize, luscious to listen to. This isn't your typical trippy, psychedelic music ― this is unique.”  Check them out for yourself!

 

The Van Allen Belt (1/6/17)

The Van Allen Belt (1/6/17)

The Van Allen Belt (1/6/17)

Vanessa Rubin (12/23/16)

Last show of the year!  We slipped into the sold-out show at Nighttown and was lucky enough to grab a table in the bar area.  While we couldn’t see the performance, we were still able to hear and enjoy the excellent jazz vocals.  I was reminded how great of a space Nighttown is for concerts, and what a great space to be on the night before Christmas Eve.

Vanessa Rubin (12/23/16)

Buck McDaniel (12/18/16)

A friend of mine performed a recital at Heinz Chapel on the University of Pittsburgh campus.  What a gorgeous space, and from what I hear, the organ is equally impressive. It was fun to be able to spend some time in this chapel during the rehearsals, getting familiar with the works, and to be able to record the performance.  An overall amazing experience.  And because of if, I’m now a burgeoning fan of Philip Glass!  Buck’s performance of his Mad Rush piece was stunning.  Enjoy.

Buck McDaniel / Philip Glass (12/18/16)

Buck McDaniel / Philip Glass (12/18/16)

Lil Yachty (12/8/16)

Lil Yachty’s been the talk of the rap world this past year.  His repeated dismissal of the importance of knowing veteran rap acts (Tupac & Biggie!), and his Cher / Believe type vocal treatments - he’s definitely a new breed of rap out there today.  He’s young, and that was apparent from his performance at the sold out House of Blues show.  Still, he’s has some great raps/beats, and it’s going to be fun to see how far he goes.  I’ll also be curious to see how far his little cousin(?) goes, who was dancing on stage with Yachty all night!

Lil Yachty (12/8/16)

Lil Yachty (12/8/16)

 

Jivviden (12/3/16)

Finishing out a 4 day stretch of live music, we ended up at the Grog Shop for the Jivviden show - a local band that won me over when I saw them by accident back in 2014.  Opening was Paper Morning and Holden Laurence.  I’ve been keeping any eye on Holden (part of The Modern Electric), and really have been enjoying his solo stuff.

Holden Laurence (12/3/16)

I haven’t seen Paper Morning before, but I like their upbeat indie pop/rock sound.  They even had a nice little dance groove at times!  Would be fun to see these guys again.

Paper Morning (12/3/16)

I’ve always been a sucker for a quirky voice, and part of the appeal of Jivviden for me.  Matt Sikon’s vocals remind me of Kristian Matsson’s vocals (Tallest Man on Earth).  Definitely check them out sometime.

Jivviden (12/3/16)

Jivviden (12/3/16)

We Are Scientists (12/2/16)

Filed under completely random, We Are Scientists were booked to play the Jolly Scholar - the campus bar of Case Western Reserve University.  I have only heard of the local college bands playing in this space, who’s stage is make shift plywood structure they have to set up.  This was weird, and We Are Scientists deserve better - but they were good sports about gig (at least for as long as we stayed).

We Are Scientists (12/2/16)

Monday, January 2, 2017

Rubblebucket (12/1/16)

I knew after their performance at the Beachland back in 2011, that this would be a must see show.  Besides, I can’t tell you enough how much I've been loving their single Carousel Ride off their new album!  And this was going to be a great night of music, with Mal Devisa and Punch Drunk Tagalongs opening.  Punch Drunk Tagalongs are a “singer/songwriter driven melodic indie grunge rock band out of Cleveland.” I kind of felt they had a Lissie vibe. I’d totally see these guys again!

Punch Drunk Tagalongs (12/1/16)

Punch Drunk Tagalongs (12/1/16)

I might have been as excited for Mal Devisa as I was for Rubblebucket.  Her new album, which I could only find on Bandcamp, Check it out!  It ranges from these sparse and smoky vocal tracks, to more raucous and aggressive tracks.  Stunning.  Her performance brought those great vocals, but we were spared the harsh electronics and rap tracks - unfortunately.  Still, she provided a stunning diversion.

Mal Devisa (12/1/16)

Mal Devisa (12/1/16)

OMG Rubblebucket.  They are a total party on stage.  During the show I met this very emphatic hippie who had been following this band around - and I can see why.  Their energy is just infectious.

Rubblebucket (12/1/16)

Rubblebucket (12/1/16)

Rooney (11/30/16)

This Rooney show kicked off what will be 4 straight nights of shows.  These guys first made a name for themselves back in 2003!  I was never a huge fan, but this felt like it could be a fun night out at the Grog Shop.  Opening was Royal Teeth and Romes.  Romes are a soul-pop band from Toronto, Ontario with a groovy sound.  A rather polished opening act!

Romes (11/30/16)

Royal Teeth were second.  They’re an energetic pop / rock group from Louisiana. These guys knew how to party on stage - if only the crowd was reciprocal.  The band didn’t deserve this crowd.  Just watch that drummer!

Royal Teeth (11/30/16)

Rooney sounded great, like the polished veteran act they are.  Pretty straight forward pop/rock, kind of reminded me of the new Islands stuff I’m hearing - though I guess these guys came first.

Rooney (11/30/16)

Thee Oh Sees (11/18/16)

This is one of those shows where it’s more about the friends and fun than the show.  I’ve been loving these guys ever since I watched the video for Lupine Dominus. This show felt a like it was missing some of the electronics that I love about the recorded stuff - but hey - I had a great time that night (obviously, so did the guy in this photo).

Thee Oh Sees (11/18/16)

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

2008 was the last time I saw The Avett Brothers, and a lot has happened for these brothers in that time.  These brothers are genuine guys who know how to work a crowd, from the quietest of notes to all out raucous dancing.  See for yourself… 

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

The Avett Brothers (11/16/16)

Dar Williams (11/13/16)

Just going back through my posts, I can easily say that I’ve seen Dar Williams about 7-10 times.  In fact, I had just seen her at Music Box last year.  This time she was touring on the 20 year anniversary of Mortal City - a seminal album for her - so this was a must-see show.  Though it’s not like I really need a reason to see her.  Her wit and charm on stage is reason enough.

Dar Williams (11/13/16)

Dar Williams (11/13/16)

 

 

 

The Black Madonna / Honcho (11/5/16)

I couldn’t have hoped for a better night out in Pittsburgh, than to be getting to go to Honcho to see The Black Madonna.  She was one of the first DJ’s I discovered when I started going to those parties, and while I was able to see her at Movement last year, it felt so special to finally get to see her here!  Honcho continues to be the epitome of my best dance experience.  

The Black Madonna / Honcho (11/5/16)

Band of Horses (11/4/16)

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the first Band of Horses album came out.  It’s also hard to believe that I had never seen them live before this night.  My interest in the band has definitely waned over the years, but put them in the Masonic with Wild Belle opening - and sure - I’ll go!  I’ve been enjoying Wild Belle’s blues-infused classic rock sound, especially with Natalie Bergman’s soaring vocals.

Wild Belle (11/4/16)

Wild Belle (11/4/16)

I wish I was a little more excited about the Band of Horses performance, but I can at least say that I’ve seen them in concert!  Thankfully I was able to record one of my favorite songs by them...

Band of Horses (11/4/16)

Band of Horses (11/4/16)

Touch Supper Club (10/28/16)

This post isn’t about any particular concert or DJ, but just some media from a night out at Touch.  Cleveland is inching its way towards having a dance music scene (or as I’m still hoping).  One part of that is Touch Supper Club, who was having some sort of Halloween night.  I’m happy to support & promote them, as I’d hate to see Cleveland lose one of it’s few valuable dance floors.

Touch Supper Club - Halloween Edition (10/28/16)

Touch Supper Club - Halloween Edition (10/28/16)

Frankie Cosmos (10/25/16)

When I wasn’t down in the basement with PWR BTTM, I was upstairs at Mahalls to see Big Thief and Frankie Cosmos (in that order).  I was able to catch Big Thief here before, opening for Woods - and they were great.  Adrianne Lenker’s intensity and power on stage is an experience you should definitely have. 

Big Thief (10/25/16)

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Frankie Cosmos lately, though I haven’t been as familiar with her music.  I definitely enjoyed what I heard, and you can read a little more about her music below.

Frankie Cosmos (10/25/16)

"Frankie Cosmos, led by singer Greta Kline, makes wonderfully light, breezy, sweet songs that are just delightful." NPR

"Frankie Cosmos manages to be both devastating and uplifting. The young indie musician's greatest talents lie in her lyrics; she's a wordsmith who's brevity hints at suppressed emotions beneath the surface...Next Thing is a gem that speaks to the soul." BUST

"Kline has created a perfectly insular work, one whose songs display a newfound textual richness while retaining their unkempt edges." Under The Radar

PWR BTTM (10/25/16)

This is one of two amazing shows happening at Mahalls 20 Lanes on this night.  PWR BTTM performed in the basement with Bellows opening.  I’ll let the Bellows bio describe their sound, as "sensory and delicate, subtle and quiet but erupting with frantic wobbling drums, large orchestral sections and bursts of noise that defy the limitations of pop and folk.”  So there… 

Bellows (10/25/16)

If you’ve been following this blog, you’ll know that I’ve been crushing on PWR BTTM for some time now.  Their brand of queer punk folk glam is fun and refreshing.  It was also nice to not have to drive out to Oberlin to see them this time. 

PWR BTTM (10/25/16)

PWR BTTM (10/25/16)

PWR BTTM (10/25/16)

Sturgill Simpson (10/14/16)

There are few shows that I’m excited for, like I was for this one.  The now-Grammy nominated country artist has had a banger of a year, and on an album that’s worthy of the attention.  However, for this show I was expecting to hear the soaring strings from the album, live in concert.  It was more of a standard country rock concert, but if I’m going to one - I’m glad it’s at the Masonic.

Sturgill Simpson (10/14/16)