There is a certain purity that can be found in a good bluegrass band, and like blues music, the best performances are often those that are performed live. These bands capture a ‘living in the moment’ feel. Here, Spring Creek performs an original tune, See Me On in a performance in Anchorage, Alaska in 2011. The band trades licks with the mandolin and fiddle, while the vocal pounds on. I’m a sucker for a well-played upright bass too. You can…
Read MoreOregon folk-pop aficionado, Laura Gibson, sings heartfelt songs with a hiccup-like delivery that draws attention to her voice (not unpleasing), the music, and the lyrics. It’s a delivery that sells well. Case in point is the title track of her January 2012 full-length, La Grande. Laura’s voice sweeps and sways in broad strokes, leaving you haunted and singing along. Laura’s extensive website may keep you reading awhile. It includes a complete commentary on La Grande, photos, discography and social links (MySpace, Twitter,…
Read MoreI’ve always had a special place in my heart for true vocal excellence. Acapella music can be an extremely interesting musical art form, like this remake of I Love You For Sentimental Reasons from acapella hipsters Street Corner Renaissance. It takes a special breed of musical talent to reproduce instruments, rhythm section and vocal harmonies with only your voice. Street Corner Renaissance does this seemingly effortlessly. The band has a web site however as of this writing,…
Read MoreOut in April, was the self-titled long player from Simone Felice and this up-lifting song, You & I Belong. There’s just a touch of banjo in there, some feel good hand-claps, piano and a very accomplished vocal and harmony. What better way to ring in Summer than this great little sing-along? You can find Simone Felice by visiting his web site, where you will find social links to Facebook and Twitter along with links to purchase the CD or tracks. This…
Read MoreBy no means new, 2008’s The National Side by Americana aficionados, Romantica, is steeped in home spun goodness. It has a bit of a Spanish flair, with the use of mariachi band like horn section. If you close your eyes and listen, I think you can imagine 1950’s American street scenes. Based out of Minneapolis, MN, Romantica doesn’t seem to be terribly active these days, which is a shame. Lead singer Ben Kyle is an Irish transplant to the US and he brings with him…
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