Though the weather wasn’t as summery as we all wished, it was nice enough but for the rain today. The bands rocked & music filled the air and the artists totally did their thing. Just the way it’s supposed to be.
Bumbershoot outdid itself this time. Until next year~
I can’t believe SeaFair is here in Seattle, next up will be Bumbershoot over Labor Day weekend…man! this year has zoomed by so far. Lots of badass acts coming to town, including Bob Dylan as headliner. Check out the 40th Annual Bumbershoot lineup at: http://bumbershoot.org/
My apologies for no posts since Memorial Day but life is happening right now folks. Yessir, right now.
Happy First Birthday to Jack James Bronson, my first & only (so far) grandson. He is awesome and I’m glad he’s here on the planet. My oh my. Gotta love a recently walking busy toddler baby guy. Too cute.
But I digress. There have been many CD releases lately, too many to keep up with. Dave Anderson - homegrown elegant jazz might I add - just played Tula’s. It is essential for folks to check out our local music scene. Yes, there’s lots of music “out there” but there’s plenty of great stuff here. Almost too much music here at home in the greater Seattle area, but that doesn’t mean you should give up and throw up your hands because you have no idea who might move you.
Happiness is found where you least expect it sometimes. Listen to a local musician and appreciate their hard work to please the audience. They want to connect - in fact - strive to connect. Without an audience they are self-serving and most of them are certainly not that. So, download some music to your iPod or buy a used record at one of our beloved local record stores but, please, at least listen.
Check out new releases from Light in the Attic records or any one of our many local labels. Some are better than others - some might strike your fancy, some might not, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Have a good one folks~ Today I’m listening to Ian Moore formerly of Austin, Texas, now of Vashon Island. Awesome stuff. Give it a go. I insist.
Seems like the winter has passed, spring has sprung and summer, after this weekend, is unofficially on its way.
Sasquatch is happening this weekend - big doin’s over at The Gorge in Washington. The photos and stories will be appearing all over many music blogs across the country. Some of my favorite bands played but I was not there to enjoy. No sireee. I was here in Seattle doing other things, which brings me to my next point.
As you may have noticed, I have not been doing much posting on this blog lately. There has been much happening in my own life such that I just have not been able to do so. I’ve missed my blog and hope you have, too.
I will be changing the blog slightly this summer, to not only cover what I’ve always covered, but will be adding short stories or some other literary function - just for the heck of it. I feel like I want to change directions and since it’s my blog, I can.
So, I hope you have enjoyed this long weekend. Remembered those that have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and that you truly do appreciate that you live in a safe world because of our soldiers. I know I am humbled by their bravery and determination. Thank you one and all - your sacrifice meant our freedom - even for those who do not appreciate it or are unthankful. So with that, I currently sign off and hope to bring you news of Alma Villegas’ new CD which is being released in a few days~
More later.
And thanks, my wonderful readers, for allowing me to bend your ear (in the figurative sense, of course).
Just a little slightly belated (April 21) happy birthday note to the most famous monarch - Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Just trolling on the Interweb for interesting bits, I ran across this link about the royal family:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/Home.aspx (it’s official)
As most of you know, I am open-minded and have and will cover just about any type of show, but I’ve never covered country music. The reason for that is having a father who loved, loved, loved Lester Flat & Earl Scruggs, so I had my fill of country music before I was even a teenager. So this week, my friend Cynthia Ringo (a/k/a Red Mystique) dragged me out to the Hard Rock Cafe, Seattle for a country show - a Seattle first for me. She even Twittered Blaine Larsen to let him know I’d be there covering the show. (Just so you know, Twittered is now a verb, along with Googling someone. That’s right - action words.)
As to Seattle’s Hard Rock Cafe, the decor is typical HRC - modern yet in this case old Seattle with loft-like high ceilings, sandblasted brick and dark wood floors - awesome paraphernalia, I mean, rock memorabilia and photos. They still haven’t officially opened yet so there were a few snags along the way, but in general it was fine. In typical style, the food was pricey and so-so such as our Twisted Mac & Cheese arriving warm, not piping hot — not so yummy that way. However, the Belvedere vodka Martinis were large and chilled to perfection, so kudos to the bartenders. YAY!
The ticket situation was another thing. HRC in a flash of brilliance took ticket sales offline early in the day and then wouldn’t allow anyone to purchase tickets until after 6 pm, so we had to stand in line to buy them only to find out once at the ticket table that it was cash only (no sign or info online to tell you so either). Ahem. Like I said, they are still in a learning curve.
Back to the music, opening for the young Mr. Larsen was Seattle’s own petite, big-haired, 16-year old, Hannah Michelle Weeks, who is to quote my father, “cute as a bug’s ear” (whatever that means, but truly, she was adorable and had such cute SHOES & dress from Betsy Johnson!). Ms. Weeks released her debut CD, “Life’s a Drama,” this past Fall on Hunnybee Records. She’s done the county fair circuit and has done so well as to open for Darius Rucker and Kenny Chesney according to CD Baby. For such a little thing she does have a huge voice and stage presence much beyond her young years. Sadly, there were no side-stage speakers and the mixing was a bit off (more bugs for HRC to work out) so her band’s sound was a bit muddied. Overall, Weeks came across as a polished pro. She belted out tunes of her own making such as singles “Good Hair Day” and “I Think I Am” which were cute but not deep - fun like country music should be. Weeks’ cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was the best (and final) song of the set. I think we shall all hear more of Ms. Weeks in years to come.
Now to the headliner, Buckley, Washington’s 24-year old boy-next-door, Blaine Larsen. Not surprisingly, the entire town of Buckley turned out for the show. Nice folks. Blaine Larsen really is fresh-faced handsome with blond hair & blue eyes - that lanky All-American, down to earth, give-you-the-shirt-off-his back type of guy. He is an affable, unflappable talent. I’m not sure how Blaine Larsen has such wisdom, genuine confidence, and song-writing ability, but good old fashioned common sense and deep family roots apparently helped him become the man he is today.
Larsen married his high school sweetheart and has a little girl, and he says they are what motivates him to write how & what he writes his songs about. But moving to the the greater Nashville area to pursue his country stardom dreams caused his songs reflect that good ol’ boy mentality which puts him right up there with all the big boys (country big boys, that is). And here’s a fun fact - Larsen has his private pilot’s license.
Right out of the shoot, to borrow bull riding parlance, Larsen and his right-hand man, and very talented guitar player, Matt McAtee, strode out on stage like it was no big deal. Clearly they are comfortable playing before large and small audiences. This venue was quite intimate with crowds of 300 dwindling on a school night down to about 125. Of note, these boys only had acoustic guitars (plugged-in, but still - acoustic only) and nothing else. No rhythm section, no fiddles, no help - just two guitars and their voices. McAtee did a great job harmonizing on back-up vocals and picking the hell out of his smokin’ guitar. Also a singer-songwriter, McAtee is no stranger to the limelight himself and truly enjoys his job. He has worked with many country greats (national acts) and has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage many times. These two have stage chemistry like they’ve been working together for a long time. The energy and pace was not slow but not feverish either - a good, solid mix of up and down and sing-alongs and, on a couple of cuts, a quiet poignancy that drew us all in.
One of the songs Larsen sang, “Gotta Get To You,” which George Strait released as new single on his CD Twang was a real crowd-pleaser. Everyone sang along and clearly Larsen was psyched about that. He also sang the title track and cuts from his soon to be released CD on his new label, Treehouse Records, entitled “Not Too Bad,” “Baby You Get Me” (just released as a single), “It Did” (released about 3 mos ago & has video) and “Chillin’” (released 2/15, which he co-wrote).
From his debut CD on BNA Records, “Off To Join The World,” he sang “Yessireebob,” “How Do You Get That Lonely” (his 1st top 10), and “That’s Just Me”. From his sophomore CD “Rockin’ You Tonight”, he sang “I Don’t Want To Work That Hard”. He also did quiet renditions of “I Wish I Could Fall In Love Today” and “Miami My Amy.” A nice variety of the fun and serious sorts of songs, sprinkled with danceable cuts, but every single one of them all well-written tunes.
I had a great time at my first country concert in eons. Well, maybe not eons, but you get the idea. Though Blaine Larsen is a relative newcomer to the country scene I can tell that he’s headed for greatness. Even if country isn’t my favorite cup of tea, it is rather satisfying and enjoyable. A guilty pleasure if you will.
Of note, I didn’t have my trusty Nikon with me so I got no shots, but plenty of cameras were clicking throughout the set so you no doubt will see pictures of Weeks & Larsen on Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, etc. [I borrowed the photo from the artist’s website and credit them with the shot. Thank you.]
Check both of these artists out on MySpace for more information.
I’m not talking about being direction challenged, nor films, or even Jimmy McHugh & Chet Baker, I’m talking about the charming, indie band Let’s Get Lost with frontmen and songwriting duo Nick Shadel (piano/vocals) and Peter Kowalczyk (guitar/vocals) (fka The Bedouin Jacks), now +/- a few, who had their swanky masquerade CD release party at The Crocodile March 24, 2010 to celebrate their debut, Rotten Apples. But there is not one rotten apple in the bunch, rather it is a wonderful conglomeration of Nick & Peter’s style of honey-sweet coupled with acid-tongued lyrics that jam zingers all while you are sucked in with their catchy tunes. You will find yourself humming along after one listen.
This recording is a stirring rendition of ideologies, romance, make believe, feelings, relationships, pain, joy, truth, life & death. It’s all in there in an aural kaleidoscope of high velocity guitar licks, barroom piano, crashing cymbals, jangly tambourines, quirky hooks and solemn vocals with delicious harmonies. But wait, there’s more - strings, horns, banjo(?) and some very nice beats including castanets of all things. Some of this album is shiny, some of it is dark. Either way it’s sincere and credible - such are the nuances of whispers of musical truth in my ear.
Even though they utilize a symphony of sounds and styles to get their pieces across it still doesn’t dampen the sometimes dark but always intense, poetic lyrics. I get the sense that these fellas have lived lives in the distant past somehow and brought that sensibility to bear in what and how they’re writing, singing & playing now. The lyrics have that literary quality that I can’t quite describe but their songs are truly poetry set to music in atypical ways.
The much touted “obviously influenced by the Beatles” commentary is off the mark - they are merely paying homage to the Fab Four and not in any way is there actual imitation, which as we all know would indeed be the sincerest form of flattery but for those damn lawyers. I prefer that LGL is writing their own incredible material. There are copycats out there and that is Beatlesque. (Hey, 10 points if you get the reference!)
Very enjoyable all around listen. I recommend it. Two thumbs up. Yes. Buy. Heck, buy two & share.
Note: LGL is beginning their West Coast road trip to support this new record, so check out their date list & make sure you go see them live. If you get a chance to see them in person, please do - their energy positively vibrates the room and their smiles could light up Manhattan. Sweet!
Find out more: http://www.myspace.com/letsgetlosttogether
Lots of great music out there people. I hope to be getting a few things together for you in the very near future - for starters, hopefully a bit about Rishloo and also something about Let’s Get Lost (fka The Bedouin Jacks). Yahoooooo! Scarlet Room has some potential and I know many folks are looking forward to the many events such as Seattle Improvised Music Festival and Earshot Jazz Festival [I stand corrected - apparently they are not related…see comment below].
Also, recently whilst in a local furniture store, it was pointed out by the proprietor that artists were in lofts above and behind his store. Who knew?? And, it just so happened that there was that very night (Saturday, February 13) the Ballard Art Walk. Very impressive works at that. Seattle you are so lucky to have so many talented individuals. The Ballard Art Walk is now the second Saturday of every month. Check that out - it’s amazing to watch the artists at work.
Note: There are plenty of lists of what’s going on here - Seattle Weekly and The Stranger - just to name two resources - do a great job of that so I’m only pointing out a couple that struck my particular fancy. Enjoy~
Last year was a fabulous year in many ways especially in music. There was so much fabulous music it was hard for me to come up with a list like I usually do. So much, in fact, and so many things going on, that my list never was finished. I do apologize.
In 2009, I lost my mother but gained a grandson. Bittersweet. As the saying goes, one ending did indeed bring another beginning. Life has its twists & turns and mostly it’s good so I’m trying to slow my roll and pay attention to what is truly important.
Thanks everyone for a great 2009! Here’s to a new year filled with fabulous sounds, enticing art and creative cultural events.
In closing - the Beatles did capture the best - “Love is all you need~”
JanKeira
It is really difficult to believe that 2009 is winding down. Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to celebrate the year in retrospect because of that thankful spirit rather than the end-of-the-year recap which is usually just about events. Nothing wrong with that, just different perspectives.
Indeed, this year has been full of strange perceptions about the arts around us - both my own and that of the general public. We like what we like, no doubt. We are each individually drawn to certain types of art, music, architecture, plays, movies, literature, or to none of that and only sports if you are a sports fanatic. (And if you’re a sports fanatic and you’re reading this - thank your girlfriend for me.) We all have a built-in sensibility that makes us gravitate toward one thing or another. Stuff just turns our crank. That’s it. We have no control over it. Fortunately (or unfortunately), my very own personal crank is turned by waaaay more types of things than many people because I get to participate and be involved in such a wide variety of things. Sometimes those things make my spirit soar, sometimes they make me gag and the worst is no reaction at all. Artists strive to never have that “meh” reaction from listeners/viewers.
Today, the weekend after Thanksgiving, people are running around shopping - trying to bag the fabulous deals out there. I am sitting at home listening to some new music, discovering new visual artists and hope to continue bring you new insights about the cultural world in Seattle. Sometimes I do a great job, sometimes not so much. But, it is my blog and I’ll do it my way, thank you very much.
So, thanks to you, my readers, friends, family - everyone - for making this a fun, interesting, crazy job.
God bless you all as I give thanks for you now.
I can recall reading this book over and over again to both of my children. I knew it by heart and, at times, kind of grew weary of reading it. Now that I have a grandson, I will be reading the story to him no doubt (when he’s a little bigger).
I can’t decide whether or not to see the film. It seems like it might follow the book but the book is a made-up world and sometimes fantasy films just don’t quite measure up. Look at Lord of the Rings. In many ways the movies caused more folks to actually read the books but the books and movies are often nothing alike.
This week I will decide. Then I’ll let you know.
