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.