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A new beginning.

Better Late Than Never : Catch-Up Blogging : June 2009

Laura Shay : Chris Bruni : Tin Angel (June 13, 2009)
The night began with a set by Chris Bruni, a Philly artist I had yet to see (I think. Unfortunately, there are far too many great Philly to keep track of). Anyway, I really liked Chris Bruni's set. A nice acoustic style with some pop elements and my ears enjoyed the music. Plus, the Chris Bruni / Laura Shay duet song sounded great. Laura Shay had the next set. This time it was Laura Shay with the whole band: Dominic Cole (guitar), Andy McGowan (bass, vocals), and Michael Litt (drums). The special guests included: Laine Walker (violin), Karen Shay (percussions), and Mike McCarthy (trumpet). I've seen Laura Shay pull off some pretty incredible duo sets with Dominic Cole but with the whole band and special guests the set was nothing short of amazing. Everything seemed to be perfect that night and I can without a doubt say that was the best Laura Shay show I've seen to date. Good times!




Band of Horses : Abouretum : Ram's Head Live (June 12, 2009)
For a moment we are going to venture outside of Philly and talk about some other music. Since Band of Horses, a favorite band of mine, wasn't going to play Philly anytime soon the next best thing was seeing them in Baltimore, MD. Ram's Head Live has a similar layout to the Electric Factory but about half the size with a third level balcony. Abouretum was a decent opener who provided some nice alternative rock with hints of a jam band flare. No surprise, Band of Horses, the headliner, was AMAZING! I love listening to their music but seeing them live was a completely different experience and something I'll never forget. Band of Horses opened their set with "Monsters" playing several songs from Everything All The Time and Cease To Begin (2 incredible albums) with a Gram Parsons cover, a Tyler Ramsey song (BoH's guitarist) and ending with "The Funeral". The crowd went crazy demanding and encore so after about 5 minutes Band of Horses returned for a 2 song encore. The show ended with everyone singing along to "The General Specific". Wow, what a show!





Hezekiah Jones : The Sweetback Sisters : Wissahickon Chicken Shack : M Room (June 11, 2009)
A trip to the M Room (Philadelphia, PA) a venue that I don't frequent often but if some of my faves are playing then I'm there. First up, Hezekiah Jones, one of my most favorite bands in the area because the music is always great, Hezekiah Jones and the whole Jones family are a very talented bunch of musicians, and a good time is a good time. I especially enjoyed hearing Raph (Hezekiah Jones) on piano for a change. Excellent set! I haven't seen The Sweetback Sisters in ages but I just love their classic country vibe, yodeling, and foot tapping goodness. Last but not least was Wissahickon Chicken Shack and although I didn't see their entire set I really enjoyed the few songs I heard. It was a fun night at the M Room.





Miles & Maggie Fest : Moonlight Forest (June 6, 2009)
Miles & Maggie Fest also known as Robin & Beth Fest 2 and or Philip D'Agostino's: Music From A Sinking Ship CD release show, was held in Fleetwood, PA. Having missed the first Fest and hearing so many good things about it attending Miles & Maggie Fest was a given for me. The bill had over 25 acts (Hezekiah Jones, Philip D'Agostino, Sisters 3, The Matt Helm Scream, Chris Kasper, Frontier Ruckus...just to name a few) most from the Philly area folk scene as well as some visiting artists. The Fest started at 2:30pm and lasted well into the morning of the following day. It was so much fun hanging outside listening to all the great music and a bonfire at night. Unfortunately, I was not able to last the whole Fest but will be prepared for the next Fest (I hope there's another) with camping gear and all. A huge thanks goes out to Raphael Cutrufello (Hezekiah Jones), the volunteers, all the artists and everyone that made the Fest possible - great work, everyone!




Chris Kasper : The Spinning Leaves : Frontier Ruckus : J Quentin : World Cafe Live (June 5, 2009)
J Quentin (Michigan) opened the show with a solo, acoustic set that was quite nice in a simple, minimalist kind of way. J's voice stands out a bit because it has a rather unique tone. The Spinning Leaves, one of my favorite Philly bands played next and delivered yet another great set filled with their very own folk blend. Chris Kasper followed with a full band set playing songs from his new album Chasing Another Sundown as well as brand new unreleased material that was a real treat. Chris Kasper and band had a truly fantastic set. The last band of the night was Frontier Ruckus (Michigan) who delivered some very good and beautiful bluegrass-esque music. Man, that saw sounded so incredible and provided the perfect accent to their music. All in all, it was a great night of music at World Cafe Live.

Mason Porter : Mason Porter EP

Track List:
1. After The Day Is Done
2. If Whiskey Don’t Kill Me
3. Ruby
4. Cold Rain
5. The Ballad Of Ann Cotton
6. Coming Home










The Mason Porter EP is the music of Mason Porter. This EP is the most fun, highly enjoyable, bluegrass, folk, Americana music that I've heard in a while. The words of the opening song, "After The Day Is Done", set the tone for the EP. "After the day is done we'll have some good old fashion fun." That's where the fun begins and transfers over to "If Whiskey Don't Kill Me" where you get a somewhat comical lyric: "If whiskey don't kill me tonight in the morning my woman might." The EP takes a slightly more serious tone with "Cold Rain" which is my favorite song because there’s a certain unexplainable peacefulness to that song. The good old fashion fun continues with "The Ballad Of Ann Cotton" all the way through to "Coming Home", which once again takes on a more serious tone but ends the album beautifully. "I've seen places that remind me of old faces from photographs I'd lost long ago. There’s still traces of all those old faces everywhere I go." Now, that's some great songwriting. For the life of me I couldn't sit still while listening to this album nor did I want to for the music made me move. It was simply a wonderful listening experience. Well, if great music is what you seek - look no further than the Mason Porter EP.


[MP3] Mason Porter - "After The Day Is Done"


Mason Porter: Myspace | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Hezekiah Jones : Up The Chain : Christopher Bohn : at Milkboy Coffee : May 28, 2009

I'm a fan of the coffeeshop, live music venue atmosphere as opposed to the bar scene although I haven't been in a coffeeshop in quite sometime. So, it was nice to be able to relax in Milkboy Coffee and listen to a night of good music. Christopher Bohn began the show and had a full band so they were called The Christopher Bohn Quartet. I really enjoyed their set for its folkish vibe and fairly mellow tunes. Plus, I'm a sucker for a band with a cello - I just love the sound of that instrument. Anyway, Hezekiah Jones and family played next. It was only Hezekiah Jones (vocals, guitar), Dow Jones (guitar, vocals), Pepe Jones (bass) and a recently added member Jesse Jones (drums). Being the fan of great music that I am I'm sure it's no surprise that I am such a huge fan of Hezekiah Jones' music. The somewhat simplistic acoustic, folk style is laced with strong lyrics and peaceful melodies instantly making Hezekiah Jones' music irresistible to ones ears. I thoroughly enjoyed Hezekiah Jones' set and will most definitely see that band again (June 6th at the Miles and Maggie Fest is looking really good). The show ended with a set by Up The Chain (Reed Kendall and band [bass, guitars, trumpet, and keys]). On first listen, Up The Chain sounds like a folk, acoustic, jazz, jam band blend with maybe a touch of pop. Yes, to diverse a sound to completely explain or describe so check out their Myspace page and decide for yourself. By the way, I liked their set and had a good time listening to their music.


Upcoming Shows
Hezekiah Jones
Jun 3 2009 Mcgillicuddy’s [Ardmore, PA]
Jun 4 2009 House Show [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 6 2009 R & B II : Miles and Maggie Fest [Fleetwood, PA]
Jun 11 2009 M Room [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 13 2009 Camphill Hootenanny [Kimberton, PA]
Jun 19 2009 Burlap and Bean [Newtown Square, PA]
Jun 30 2009 Piano’s [New York, NY]
Jul 11 2009 Connie’s Ric Rac [Philadelphia, PA]
Jul 20 2009 The Pour House [Raleigh, NC]
Jul 21 2009 The Juggling Gypsy [Wilmington, NC]
Jul 24 2009 The Evening Muse [Charlotte, NC]

Up The Chain
May 30 2009 Friends of the Wissahickon [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 6 2009 Whiskey Tango [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 7 2009 Bike Race Party [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 12 2009 The Piazza [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 13 2009 Great American Pub [Wayne, PA]
Jun 18 2009 The Blinkin Lincoln [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 20 2009 Fergie’s Pub [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 28 2009 Rockwood Music Hall [New York, NY]
Jun 30 2009 Studio LuLoo [Oaklyn, NJ]
Jul 15 2009 McGillicuddy’s [Ardmore, PA]
Jul 16 2009 University of Maryland [College Park, MD]
Jul 31 2009 Tin Angel [Philadelphia, PA]
Aug 7 2009 Milkboy Coffee [Ardmore, PA]
Aug 9 2009 Bethlehem Music Fest [Bethlehem, pa]
Aug 12 2009 Haddon Lake Park [Haddon Heights, NJ]


Christopher Bohn
Jun 19 2009 Green Line Cafe [Philadelphia, PA]
Jul 31 2009 Art in The Mountain Concert [Loretto, PA]

Chris Kasper : The Fire : May Residency : Final Night

It just happened to be the debut of The Doublewides. The Doublewides consist of Jeremy Hollis (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Philip D’Agostino (bass), and Chris Kasper (drums, vocals). Oh my, watching their set was so much fun and their music is quite good. All their songs were great and it was nice to hear a Dylan cover but “Neighborhood Association” is the one song that really stuck with me. You have to hear that song. They currently have no Myspace or website so the only way to hear them is live – and I highly recommend that you do so. By the way, The Doublewides – you have got yourself a new fan.


Joshua Park and band played next. I like Joshua Park’s music because it’s filled with folky, acoustic rock goodness. I had a nice spot in the front of the room, near the stage and I just sat there taking in all the music and enjoyed it. Joshua Park’s music is just that good.

Adrien Reju followed with a solo, acoustic set. Adrien Reju is an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and musician. Her music is perfectly beautiful. It was nice to see Ross Bellenoit join Adrien on several songs. Such a lovely set.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen Ben Arnold so it was nice to see him play live again. Ben Arnold played with a band consisting of 4 other members. A rather fantastic folk rock set and I enjoyed it greatly. It’s so nice to be able to hang out and listen to some wonderful music – there’s nothing better.


Chris Kasper and band closed the show like they have for the past 3 Tuesday nights during the May residency. I was kind of bummed knowing that this was the last night of the residency but Chris Kasper clearly saved the best for last. The set covered older Chris Kasper songs as well as new songs from Chasing Another Sundown. There were a few The Lowlands tunes tossed in as well as a couple covers. All of those songs made up what seemed to be an endless set and I LOVED IT! So, if you missed Chris Kasper’s May residency/ CD release shows you have some explaining to do. By the way, thank you: Chris Kasper, Jeff Hiatt, Ross Bellenoit, and Ivan Funk - you guys are THE BEST!


Upcoming Shows:

Chris Kasper
May 28 2009 Rockwood Music Hall [New York, NY]
Jun 5 2009 World Cafe Live [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 6 2009 Miles and Maggie Fest [Fleetwood, PA]
Jun 17 2009 Connie’s Ric Rac [Philadelphia, PA]
Jul 12 2009 Black Potatoe Fest [Clinton, NJ]
Jul 20 2009 The Pour House Music Hall [Raleigh, NC]
Jul 21 2009 The Juggling Gypsy Cafe [Wilmington, NC]
Jul 23 2009 Muddy Waters [Charleston, SC]
Jul 24 2009 The Evening Muse [Charlotte, NC]
Jul 30 2009 The Outpost [Sherwood, WI]
Aug 15 2009 Philadelphia Folk Festival [Schwenksville, PA]

Joshua Park
Jun 19 2009 The Greenline Cafe [Philadelphia, PA]
Jul 8 2009 J.D. McGillicuddy’s [Ardmore, PA]
Jul 25 2009 Ab n’ Jack’s All Betterfest [Morrisville, PA]

Adrien Reju
Jun 5 2009 Tin Angel [Philadelphia, PA]
Jul 11 2009 Pete’s Candy Store [Brooklyn, NY]
Jul 13 2009 Bitter End NY *Songwriters Circle Showcase* [New York, NY]
Aug 15 2009 Philadelphia Folk Festival [Schwenksville, PA]
Aug 18 2009 Eagleview Concerts on the Square [Exton, PA]
Sep 26 2009 Milkboy Coffee [Ardmore, PA]

Ben Arnold
May 29 2009 Kennett Flash [Kennett Square, PA]
May 30 2009 Devon Horse Show [Devon, PA]
Jun 10 2009 The Piazza at Schmidts [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 13 2009 28th Bay Music Festival [Centreville, MD]
Jun 13 2009 Burlap & Bean [Newtown Square, PA]
Jun 14 2009 The Scratcher [New York, NY]
Jun 20 2009 Landhaven Bed & Breakfast [Barto, PA]
Jun 27 2009 Gorgas Park Concert Series [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 30 2009 The Boiler Room-Congress Hall [Cape May, NJ]

Chris Kasper : The Fire : May Residency : 3rd Night

The 3rd night of Chris Kasper’s May residency at The Fire has been the best thus far. The show began with a great solo set by Andrew Lipke. The Fractals followed with a very nice set. Then it was Cresson St. Vibrations (members of The Brakes with Freddie Berman on drums). Wow, those guys were very impressive. First off, I like what they do – covering songs by Philly artists but in a reggae style. It was nice to hear their spin on The Lowlands “Gamblin’ Soul” and “Ain’t No Saint” by Chris Kasper. Their set included several other songs, one of which was “Maneater”. Oh my, that was SO much fun to listen to! After that fantastic set by Cresson St. Vibrations it was time for the one and only…Chris Kasper. Being that it was his CD Release Show for his new album, Chasing Another Sundown, he played the entire album straight through. Might I add that Chasing Another Sundown is an absolutely amazing album (expect an album review soon). The special treat that night was the addition of a horn section (4 piece), fiddle, and keys on some of the songs. It truly was a spectacular spectacular and the music sounded perfect.

I know that the last night of Chris Kasper’s residency is going to be incredible especially since Ben Arnold, Adrien Reju, Joshua Park, and The Doublewides are on the bill too. So, that’s May 26, 2009 at The Fire (Philadelphia, PA) 9PM – be there!

Upcoming Shows:
CHRIS KASPER
May 22 2009 Old Pine C.C. Amphitheater [Philadelphia, PA]
May 26 2009 CD release @ The Fire (part II) [Philadelphia, PA]
May 28 2009 Rockwood Music Hall [New York, NY]
Jun 5 2009 World Cafe Live [Philadelphia, PA]
Jun 6 2009 Miles and Maggie Fest [Fleetwood, PA]
Jun 17 2009 Connie’s Ric Rac [Philadelphia, PA]
Jul 12 2009 Black Potatoe Fest [Clinton, NJ]
Jul 20 2009 The Pour House Music Hall [Raleigh, NC]
Jul 21 2009 The Juggling Gypsy [Wilmington, NC]
Jul 23 2009 Muddy Waters [Charleston, SC]
Jul 24 2009 The Evening Muse [Charlotte, NC]
Jul 30 2009 The Outpost [Sherwood, WI]
Aug 15 2009 Philadelphia Folk Festival [Schwenksville, PA]

Philip D’Agostino : Music From A Sinking Ship

1) The Tyrant Majority Rides Again
2) The Paper Street Scam
3) Knee Deep
4) Citizens Of The Empire
5) Colleen
6) Miles And Maggie
7) Sunday On The Schuylkill
8) Red Flags
9) The Jamwreckers Lament
10) Furnace Blast Waltz





Music From A Sinking Ship is the debut full length album by Philip D'Agostino. Music From A Sinking Ship is a brilliantly crafted album with hints of so many different styles and genres of music that make this album so enjoyable to listen to. The album is all instrumental but the array of different instruments used definitely adds different voices and layers to the songs. "The Tyrant Majority Rides Again" is the first track and it hits you with a strong dose of electric buzz that later transitions into an upbeat, jazzy piano tune - and that's only the beginning. "The Paper Street Scam" is a short but sweet song with brushed drums, distant panning and sheer beauty. The prominent saxophone use in "Knee Deep" really gives the song a jazz vibe. I loved how "Citizens Of The Empire" inspired me to research what a Sarod and Djembe were. Now I know the Sarod is responsible for the India influence and the Djembe provides the hand drumming. "Sunday On The Schuylkill" is one of those songs that will have you hooked on first listen. Not that any of the other songs pale in comparison but that song is an instant favorite of mine. At the very least I think this album is a great display of Philip D'Agostino's musicianship and his ability to play a seemingly endless list of instruments. Also, it's nice to see other musicians lending their skills to this album. All in all, love the album and I listen to it often. Yes, that means you should definitely get yourself a copy.


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Be sure to attend Miles and Maggie Fest (aka Robin & Beth Fest II) which is going to be the release party for Philip D'Agostino Music From A Sinking Ship. The Fest starts Saturday, June 6th at 3PM and goes well into the morning (there are SO many acts). The Fest takes place in the Moonlight Forest of Fleetwood, PA. It's a MUST SEE event!

[MP3] Philip D'Agostino - "Sunday On The Schuylkill"