MISSISSIPPI HEAT
MAY 27, 2011
Traditional Blues with a unique sound. As bandleader and composer, Pierre Lacocque's vision has never wavered since he founded his band in 1991. His mantra is clear and focused. The band has always had an ensemble sound: all musicians are featured and welcome to contribute on stage and on recordings. His music is traditional because it is steeped in Chicago's golden sounds of the 1950s. Mississippi Heat not only breathes new life into the classic sounds of Chicago Blues, but they also uplift with joy and dedication everything they play. Pierre Lacocque is that rare younger generation harpist who's absorbed the lessons of subtlety, silence, and solo construction from the masters - Big and Little Walter, the Sonny Boy Williamsons - as well as their raucous, hawk-like tonal power.
DAVID WHITES | CHICAGO READER
UNION SPECIFIC
JUNE 10, 2011
Who would've thought in only three year's time, Union Specific would accomplish so much? The band's lead singers, Tyler Wallace and Gregg Maher, have created a style reminiscent of alternative country's early days. If Uncle Tupelo and the Old 97s produced a love child, the result would be Union Specific.
Perhaps there is no better summary of the band's progress than the opening lines to their title track: "It was late one Sunday morning, or I guess early some Saturday night. And not a car could be found under old Texoma's neon murderlights. As they walked down Sherman's main streets, slurring speech but only the truth, well they spoke of reason, they spoke of treason and the prospects of beatitude, they screamed 'The fireman's coming soon!'" For the Union Specific, the fireman has come.
PAUL CEBAR & TOMORROW SOUND
JUNE 24, 2011
Paul Cebar has steadfastly pursued a musical concatenation that is one part early R&B, another Pan-African Lilt, Afro-Cuban by way of New Orleans Slither, qualified by Mid-Western Soul and further distinguished by a gargantuan regard for spoken English.
Some regionalists are dreamers, and while this group of rhythm rounders is situated in Wisconsin, their hearts are somewhere in the fifth ward of New Orleans. They put a lively spin on all sorts of American strains, from second-line to funk to zydeco and they do it with a load of whimsy.
JIM MACNIE | THE VILLAGE VOICE
JON DEE GRAHAM
JULY 8, 2011
Jon Dee Graham is a legend on the Austin music scene. He's been inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame three times, in 2000 as a solo artist, in 2008 as a member of the Skunks, and in 2009 as a member of the True Believers. In 2006, the readers of the Austin Chronicle named him Austin Musician of the Year.
In the Spring of 2008, Graham survived a one car crash on Texas' I-35 that claimed his spleen, left him with a zipper scar up his chest, and permanently wreaked havoc on his back and neck. Despite a massive hospital bill – or perhaps because of it – Graham was back at work about one month later at his beloved Continental Club in Austin. He's made time to develop a new weekly live residency, Jon Dee and Friend, -- whose guests have included Kelly Willis, Alejandro Escovedo, James McMurtry, and Curt Kirkwood amongst others.
It's Not As Bad As it Looks, Graham's 2010 release is about -- you guessed it – second chances, hope, sin and redemption, the constant search for higher meaning and a path forward, and trying to walk that fine line life often forces upon you. And it's all delivered through Jon Dee Graham's unique prism of pointed lyrics, searing guitar, and arrangements that sway between touching ballads and balls out rock with a punk edge.
HEAVY PETS
JULY 22, 2011
The Heavy Pets (THP) are renowned for explosive live performances and contagious original tunes that showcase their distinctive rock-funk-fusion. A tasty brew of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz-funk and reggae fusion, THP's tonic defies stereotyping. Their deep catalog of originals is captured on several live and studio recorded CDs including, Live from the Outer Banks, Live from the 9:30 Club, Heavy Air, and the latest release, Slow Motion Conductor. THP are also a touring powerhouse and have shared the stage with notable artists Matisyahu, Umphrey's McGee, Little Feat and Perpetual Groove.
With five skilled musicians who are also lyricists and songwriters, THP was first embraced in the jam scene for their raw talent and tenacious commitment to making great music. But like their cross-over sound, THP themselves have transcended boundaries, crossing a bridge few bands survive intact - into the still-respected periphery of mainstream music through upbeat, danceable, homegrown, skillfully executed tunes and passionate live shows that keep crowds lining up for more.
ANDREW "JR. BOY" JONES
AUGUST 5, 2011
Guitarist, songwriter and singer Andrew "Jr. Boy" Jones began working professionally at age 16 with Freddie King's backing band, the Thunderbirds. He got his first guitar from his uncle, jazz musician Adolphus Sneed. Jones cites an eclectic array of influences: Freddie King, Cornell Dupree and Larry Carollton. For many years, he's backed various Dallas-area vocalists on guitar, but in the mid-1990s, he came into his own as a vocalist with an album for JSP Records, I Need Time (1997), which showcases his crafty songwriting, great guitar playing, and powerful singing.
In the 80s, Jones met harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite at a Sonny Rhodes recording session, and Musselwhite persuaded him to stay in California and join his band. Jones played guitar on Musselwhite's three late-1980s/early-1990s albums for Alligator Records (Ace of Harps, In My Time, and Signature). He also had the chance to do some extensive world touring with the harmonica master.
Jones is currently touring in support of his upcoming CD, Gettin Real.
NEW PRIMITIVES
AUGUST 19, 2011
Formed in early 1999, New Primitives explores popular music through high-energy Rhythm & Blues, Ska, Reggae, Calypso, and World Dance Music. The music of New Primitives is an amalgam of the communities and lives of its members. Although they reside in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the New Primitives are made up of a diverse blend of musicians, lead by Stanley Kipper and Chico Perez. Both musicians have worked with a variety of acts including Minnie Ripperton, Joe Walsh, Gypsy and 7th Wave. With music as their vehicle, New Primitives awakens the commonality of all people and creates an environment in which everyone is welcome and anything is possible.
