Great Peacock to Release Debut EP in March + Song of the Day

Nashville based band Great Peacock, Andrew Nelson and Blount Floyd, are set to release their self-titled debut on March 5 via This Is American Music.  The moment I heard "Take Me To The Mountain", I was captivated.  Sometimes, a song crawls into your ear, embeds itself in your head and demands that you put it on repeat.  This is one of those songs.

"Take Me To The Mountain" is without a doubt, my Song of the Day.  Check it out for yourself.




Great Peacock Tracklisting:

• Take Me To The Mountain
• Desert Lark
• Sailing
• Family Home
• Bluebird

Whitesnake to Release Live CD/DVD in April

Legendary rockers Whitesnake will be releasing a Live CD/DVD package, Made In Japan, on April 23 here in North America (April 19 in Europe and April 22 in the UK) via Frontiers Records.  The performance footage was taken from the co-headlining set vocalist David Coverdale and his Whitesnake, Doug Aldrich (guitars), Reb Beach (guitars), Michael Devin (bass), Brian Tichy (drums) and special guest Brian Ruedy (keyboards) performed at the Loud Park festival in October 2011.  The package will be available as a deluxe 2CD/DVD edition, Blu-ray and a stand alone DVD.

We all know I have a soft spot for The Coverdale so, I'm looking forward to this release.

The performance footage is shot in stunning HD in 5.1 and stereo and is taken from Whitesnake’s co-headlining set at the “Loud Park” festival on October 11th, 2011 held at Saitama Super Arena in Japan during their “Forevermore World Tour.” The performance was initially recorded only for Japanese TV and future Loud Park promotions.

MADE IN JAPAN contains songs from Whitesnake’s most recent studio album, FOREVERMORE, as well as classic hits such as “Is This Love,” “Still Of The Night” and “Here I Go Again.”  The bonus CD also includes never-before-heard outtakes and acoustic versions of material from the award winning FOREVERMORE album that were recorded during soundchecks on the 2011 Japanese tour. Additional DVD content includes various band photo slideshows and fan-shot videos.  Please see below for the full content listing.

Track List
CD1:

• Best Years
• Give Me All Your Love Tonight
• Love Ain’t No Stranger
• Is This Love
• Steal Your Heart Away
• Forevermore
• Six String Showdown
• Love Will Set You Free
• Drum Solo
• Fool For Your Loving
• Here I Go Again
• Still Of The Night

Bonus CD 2 – Soundcheck:

• Love Will Set You Free
• Steal Your Heart Away
• Fare Thee Well (Acoustic Version)
• One Of These Days (Acoustic Version)
• Lay Down Your Love
• Evil Ways
• Good To Be Bad (Acoustic Version)
• Tell Me How (Acoustic Version)

Dvd / Blu-Ray:

• Best Years
• Give Me All Your Love Tonight
• Love Ain’t No Stranger
• Is This Love
• Steal Your Heart Away
• Forevermore
• Six String Showdown
• Love Will Set You Free
• Drum Solo
• Fool For Your Loving
• Here I Go Again
• Still Of The Night
• Fan Videos For Forevermore and Steal Your Heart Away

Enter The Haggis To Release New Record in March

Canadian band Enter The Haggis are set to release their latest album, The Modest Revolution on March 30.  Towards the end of last year, the band launched an extremely successful Kickstarter project.  Earlier this week backers received a digital pre-release copy of the record while the rest of the world were able to begin pre-ordering the record.  If you haven't checked this band out, you should.  I was introduced to their music about four years ago when I saw them put on a killer live show.

Leafing through a local paper in a small town this past winter, we were struck by the sheer number of interesting story-lines we found. After some discussion, we hit on an unusual idea: why not capture a snapshot of a single day musically? We bounced the idea around and eventually decided we were going to pick a day at random, buy a newspaper and write an entire album inspired by the stories and headlines we found within.

 

Upcoming: The The The Thunder to Play Glasslands

UPDATE!!!  New Date -- This show will take place on Monday, March 18 instead of the previously announced, March 13.  See full details below.


The The The Thunder
My Roaring Twenties, Great Caesar
Monday, March 18
Glasslands
289 Kent Ave
Brooklyn
8:30pm
Tickets $10
21+
The The The Thunder are hitting the road!  And, the deity of show booking has them making a stop in our parts.  They'll take the stage over in Brooklyn at Glasslands on Wednesday, March 13 Monday, March 18 at 8:30PM and it'll cost you $10.  See below for full show details.  These folks came onto my radar last year when I was introduced to their album All At Once.  To whet your appetite, scroll down and give a listen to my favorite TTTT track, "Leave Us". 

The The The Thunder
My Roaring Twenties, Ancient Sky
 Wednesday, March 13 Monday, March 18 Glasslands 289 Kent Ave
Brooklyn 8:30pm
Tickets $10
21+

Jim James, Michael Kiwanuka & More Added to Newport Folk Festival Line-up

Today, the Newport Folk Festival, which takes place July 26 - 28, announced that Jim James will be returning to the festival this summer.  As mentioned previously, the festival has been using the trickle method to announce this year's artists.  Over the last several days they've announced Michael Kiwanuka, Jason Isbell, Nicki Bluhm & The Gamblers as well as the return of the Spirit Family Reunion who wowed the crowd last year.  I recommend getting tickets now before they sell-out! 
 
The line-up so far...

• Jim James
• Jason Isbell
• Nicki Bluhm & The Gamblers
• Spirit Family Reunion
• Michael Kiwanuka
• The Lumineers
• Houndmouth
• The Last Bison
• Andrew Bird
• Shovels and Rope
• The Lone Bellow

New Single From Sharkmuffin + Giveaway

Brooklyn based band Sharkmuffin just released their debut single, "The Lake".  When I read there were some Chrissie Hynde comparisons I was a little skeptical.  But, I hear it!  I also hear a little Patti Smith grit & attitude in there too.  It's a lovely piece of dirty pop ... a little fuzz, a little jangle and a lot of good ol' fashioned, unabashed rock 'n' roll.  I'm looking forward to hearing their EP which is scheduled for a March release.  Check out "The Lake" HERE. 

Giveaway Alert!!! 

1) Sharkmuffin will be at The Delancey on Monday, February 25 at 9:30PM.  We have a pair of tickets to give to one lucky reader...21+!  For a chance to win, email contest@quirkynychick.com. Please put "Sharkmuffin Tickets" in the subject line.

2) We also have a copy of the 7" single "The Lake/Big" for one lucky reader.  For a chance to win this goodie, email contest@quirkynychick.com. Please put "Sharkmuffin 7"" in the subject line.

A winner (US only) will be chosen for each prize, at random, on Thursday, February 21. 

The combination of singer/guitarist Tarra Thiessen, alongside bassist Natalie Kirch with Drew Adler on drums, is deadly. Thiessen delivers gutsy vocals that will send shivers down your very spine. Jumping between gentle moans to rough, forceful screams, her vocals are sweetly complimented by Kirch's lighter, dreamier melodies which make you expect the unexpected. Their admiration for 90s alternative Grrrl group-esque hooks are paired perfectly with heavy 1970s inspired guitar riffs that create a raw sound not to be messed with.

Tour Dates

• 2/21 @ Public Assembly, Brooklyn
• 2/25 @ The Delancey, NYC
• 3/1 @ 73 Granite Street, Apt. 3 - 7" release party, Brooklyn
• 3/7 @ Alphabet Lounge (East Village Music Fest), NYC
• 3/8 @ Neapolitan Oasis tour kick off show, Brooklyn
• 3/9 @ Newtown Radio 2-4PM, NJ
• 3/9 @ The Kunt House, New Brunswick, NJ
• 3/10 @ The End, Nashville, TN

Upcoming: Ken Stringfellow to Play 2 New York Shows This Week + Video

Ken Stringfellow is touring to support his latest record, Danzig in the Moonlight.  He'll be making two stops in our parts.  Friday, February 15 he will be over in Brooklyn at Union Pool.  Doors are at 9PM and it'll cost you $10.  The following night, Saturday, February 16, he will be at Mercury Lounge. Doors are at 7:30PM and it will cost you $10 advance / $12 dos.  Details for both shows below.






Ken Stringfellow
Bird of Youth, Sky White Tiger
Friday, February 15
Union Pool
484 Union Avenue
Brooklyn
Doors 9PM
$10

Ken Stringfellow
Chris Mills
Saturday, February 16
Mercury Lounge
217 E Houston Street
NYC
Doors 7:30PM / Set 8:30PM
$10 advance / $12 day of show
21+

To whet your appetite, check out his video for "Superwise".  The track is from latest record, Danzig in the Moonlight.


 

New Single from The Torn ACLs

Seattle based The Torn ACLs have released a new single, "Something About the Sky". The group has decided to release a series of digital singles throughout the year instead of an album.  Check it out below.

With four albums already under their belt, the group has decided to take a rather different approach when it comes to releasing new material. The Torn ACLs will be releasing a series of digital singles throughout the year, starting with the propulsive and synthy track, “Something About the Sky.”

Each piece is unique from the next, without a defining thread drawn between them, though there are some similarities that make the collection cohesive. The upcoming singles continue in the band's spirit of polished, energetic pop, which they have been crafting over the years. With a knack for stellar hooks, each song is built up with buoyant arrangements, stacked with bright and crisp melodic ideas, over an insistent and aerobic rhythm section. Ample proficiency and a danceable punch, help create the band's intriguing sound, that recalling indie pop phenom such as Ra Ra Riot, with a scrappy energy evoking Born Ruffians, and the compositional quirks of Islands.

The Torn ACLs are William Cremin (guitar/vocals), Miles Ranisavljevic (bass), Jason Tabert (drums), and Tim McClanahan (multi-instrumentalist).

Tour Dates:

• 3/8: Rendezvous, Seattle
• 3/9: Flying M, Nampa
• 3/10: Bar Deluxe, Salt Lake City
• 3/11: Walnut Room, Denver
• 3/12: Rock Island Live, Wichita
• 3/13: Soundpony, Tulsa
• 3/14: SXSW
• 3/15: SXSW
• 3/16: SXSW
• 3/18: Rogue Bar, Scottsdale
• 3/19: Tin Can, San Diego
• 3/20: Molly Malone's, Los Angeles
• 3/21: Hemlock Tavern, San Francisco
• 3/22: Kelly's Olympian, Portland

Video of the Day: The Outfit - "Strange Bones"

We have for you today, "Strange Bones" from Denver based band The Outfit.  The song is from their album Broken West Wishbone Test.  The vintage filled clip was directed by Greg Raih.  Check it out below.

The Outfit is a band with their own unique sound that creates a special brand of Rock n' Roll with killer licks and heartfelt melodies that will have you dancing around in no time. Instead of shying away from their garage influences, The Outfit embraces them by sharing straightforward, guitar-based pop songwriting, which is a deadly combination.

With swirling guitars, catchy melodies, and an energetic rhythm section, each and every song will fill you with excitement. The Outfit are Eric Johnston, RJ Powers IV, Mike King, and Mikael Kilates.

Nico Vega Release New EP and Video

Nico Vega released their new EP Fury Oh Fury earlier this week.  The record gives us what we love about and have come to expect from Nico Vega, tight musicianship, strong vocals and a boatload of passion.  The title track, "Fury Oh Fury" is my "repeat" song...you know the song that you play at least a dozen times in a row because you just can't make yourself let it go.  One of my all time favorites and I know a lot of other peoples as well, "Beast", from their debut full-length is also on the EP.  It's one of those songs that kicks you in the gut and takes your breath away...and if you've seen them perform it live then you've probably been swept up in the tribal beat and fierce energy that comes with it. Check out the video for "Beast" below.  The clip was directed by their very own Dan Epand.    

The Lumineers To Play Newport Folk Festival

The folks at the Newport Folk Festival, which takes place July 26 - 28, have decided to use the trickle method to announce this year's artists. Yesterday, they announced The Lumineers will be among the line-up ... we're looking forward to that. They'll take the stage at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI on Sunday, July 28. I suggest you grab your tickets quick as the festival is well on its way to selling out!

The line-up so far...

• The Lumineers
• Houndmouth
• The Last Bison
• Andrew Bird
• Shovels and Rope
• The Lone Bellow

Hank & Cupcakes Announce Tour

Hank & Cupcakes announced their Winter/Spring 2013 Tour.  The tour kicks off in New York next Tuesday, February 12 at Pianos.  Doors are at 7PM, it'll cost you $8 with the whole 21+ stipulation.  They will be over in Brooklyn on Wednesday, April 3 at Brooklyn Bowl.  It all happens at 8PM / Doors 6PM.  It'll cost you $8 and is also 21+.  Their shows are super fun (but you already know that, right?) so, I highly recommend going to one or both shows.




Hank & Cupcakes Winter-Spring 2013 Tour Dates:
2/12: Pianos - New York, NY
2/14: The Rattler - Pittston, PA
2/15: Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA (w/ Lucius)
2/16: Jewish Mother - Virginia Beach, VA
2/18: Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC
2/20: The Blind Tiger - Greensboro, NC
2/21: The Earl - Atlanta, GA
2/22: Little Kings - Athens, GA (w/ Moths + Ruby)
2/23: New Brookland Tavern - Columbia, SC
2/24: Radio Room - Greenville, SC
2/26: The Sparrow - Charleston, SC
2/27: Jack Rabbits Live - Jacksonville, FL
2/28: Will's Pub - Orlando, FL
3/01: Bardot - Miami, FL
3/02: Czar - Tampa, FL
3/03: Shamrock Pub - Sarasota, FL
3/05: The End - Nashville, TN
3/06: The Nick - Birmingham, AL
3/07: 1884 Lounge (at Minglewood Hall) - Memphis, TN
3/09: Chelsea's Cafe - Baton Rouge, LA
3/11: Super Happy Fun Land - Houston, TX (w/ Midnight Spin & Cold Fronts)
3/12: The 502 - San Antonio, TX
3/13: SXSW - Austin, TX
3/14: SXSW - Austin, TX
3/15: SXSW - Austin, TX
- BMG Showcase at Blackhearts Bar: 12:30 PM
- Vulcan Army at Wardenclyffe: 3-4 PM
- Belmez Entertainment at Tiniest Bar in Texas: 9 PM
3/16: SXSW - Austin, TX
3/18: The recordBar - Kansas City, MO (w/ Darwin Deez & Caged Animals)
3/21: Melody Inn - Indianapolis, IN
3/22: Double Door - Chicago, IL
3/23: Czar's 505 - St. Joseph, MI
3/24: The Loft - Lansing, MI
3/26: Beachland Tavern: Cleveland, OH
3/27: Howlers - Pittsburgh, PA
3/28: DBGB's - Buffalo, NY
3/29: Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
3/30: Hotel Utica Ballroom - Utica, NY
4/02: The Middle East Upstairs - Boston, MA
4/03: Brooklyn Bowl - New York, NY
4/05: The Bog - Scranton, PA
4/06: HMAC - Harrisburg, PA

Upcoming: New Album & Video From Ivan & Alyosha + Gig Alert

Ivan & Alyosha will release their debut album, All The Times We Had, on February 26 via Missing Piece/Dualtone Music Group.  The Seattle based band have released a video for the track "Running For Cover" which was directed by Christian Hansen.  Check out the clip at the bottom of the post.




GIG ALERT!  The band will make a stop in New York on April 18 at Santos Party House.  Also on the bill, The Lone Bellow.  All of the details are below.

Ivan & Alyosha
with The Lone Bellow
April 18
Santos Party House (upstairs)
Doors @ 7 PM
16+Tickets: $10 ADV/$12 DOS

When Ivan & Alyosha's All The Times We Had is released on February 26th via Missing Piece/Dualtone Music Group it will be a rewarding high point in the Seattle four-piece's long journey so far as a band. They kick off the month of release with the Christian Hansen directed music video for their song "Running For Cover." Hear the album in full starting February 11th when All The Times We Had is featured on NPR's First Listen.

Polly Scattergood Unveils "Wanderlust"

Polly Scattergood has unveiled "Wanderlust" a track from her upcoming studio album Arrows which is scheduled for release this summer via Mute.  "Wanderlust" will be digitally available on April 1 with remixes from Charlie XCX and How To Dress Well.

Written during time spent in Berlin and Norfolk, this new track combines Scattergood’s trademark mix of storytelling and soul-searching; but also looks outwards and heavenwards, spinning sonic playfulness around while stretching for new skylines.

The National Rifle Release New Video

Today we have for you "Coke Beat" from The National Rifle. It's the first clip from their new album Almost Endless. The video directed by Brian Carroll.  I dig the macro imagery, well except for the eyes ... I don't like close-up eye images; they're creepy.  Check out the clip below and enjoy.

The band's fixation on macro photography and a focus on the creepy crawlies create a frenetic and captivating video for their first single "Coke Beat".  Keyboardist Lynna explains the video, “Overall I think the concept is seeing things for what the truly are. Although I particularly like how the eyes kind of ‘freak out’ throughout the video because, to me, it represents how we are not always prepared for what we may find out.”

The National Rifle - Coke Beat (Official Video) from The National RIfle on Vimeo.

Upcoming: Junip To Release New Album in April

Sweden based  Junip will release a new self-titled album on April 23.  The band,  Elias Araya (drums), José González (guitar, vocals), and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, moog) released the first single, "Line of Fire", from their sophomore effort last week.  Check it out at the bottom of the post.

Returning to their rehearsal space in Gothenberg, Sweden (where they recorded their 2010 debut release, Fields) the trio once again engaged the assistance of producer Don Alsterberg.  It was an easy decision to self-title the second chapter in their collective story as José states, “All the ups and downs were very ‘Junip,’ so titling it with our name seemed appropriately iconic. It’s truly a band album.”

Junip expands the band’s stylistic palette with unexpected juxtapositions. “We’re somewhere between a German jazz band and an African pop band,” González cracks.

Track Listing:

• Line of Fire
• Suddenly
• So Clear
• Your Life Your Call
• Villain
• Walking Lightly
• Head First
• Baton
• Beginnings
• After All is Said and Done

Junip - Line Of Fire by JUNIP

Upcoming: Oh Land at Rockwood Music Hall on 2/19 and 2/25

Oh Land will be doing two shows this month at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2.  The dates are Tuesday, February 19 and Monday, February 25.  It will cost you $10 per show.  Check out the details below. It's sure to be a treat to see her in such an intimate venue.

 


Tuesday, February 19, 2013 
Doors: 6:30 PM
Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York City, NY
212.477.4155
Doors: 9:30 PM
Tickets $10
21 and Over


Monday, February 25, 2013 
Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York City, NY
212.477.4155
Doors: 9:30 PM
Tickets $10
21 and Over

TONIGHT: Lazyeyes at Glasslands

New York, kick off your February by heading over to Glasslands Gallery TONIGHT, February 1 to help Lazyeyes celebrate their self-titled four song debut EP.  Doors are at 8:30PM and it will cost you $10.  Hop on over to Brooklyn and enjoy yourselves...providing you're 21 and over.  And, to whet your appetite, check out the video for "Wait" below.  You can show them some love by grabbing yourself a copy of Lazyeyes, the EP, HERE.

Don’t let the name Lazyeyes fool you - this young project is keenly aware of its contemporary music landscape. Of course it doesn’t hurt to be immersed in the notoriously fertile Brooklyn DIY scene where, committing to the band in the summer of 2012, Lazyeyes has grown tremendously in a little over six months. Playing shows around town with the likes of Oberhofer, Total Slacker and Generationals, the project is beginning to make waves at home and abroad.

Lazyeyes (Record Release Party!)
CHAPPO, DJ Ramesh (Formerly of Voxtrot), Visuals by Eric Barry Drasin
Friday February 1
Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Doors: 8:30 PM
21 and over
$10

Track Listing:

• Nostalgia
• Forever
• Wait
• Daydream

Upcoming: Bilal CD Release Party at Highline Ballroom on 2/12

This is happening...

BILAL
"A Love Surreal" CD Release
Produced By Jill Newman Productions
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Highline Ballroom
431 W.16 Street, NYC
(212) 414-5994
Showtime @ 9:00 PM
Doors open @ 7:00 PM
Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show

PYYRAMIDS To Release New Album April 9

PYYRAMIDS, Tim Nordwind from OK Go and Drea Smith of He Say/She Say, will release their debut album Brightest Darkest Day on April 9 via Paracadute.  Having recently re-discovered their EP Human Beings when I was transferring music to my new portable media player, I'm tickled to hear new work from them.  Check out their new song, "Do You Think You're Enough?" below.

"PYYRAMIDS' music is a perfect combination of catchy songwriting, vulnerable lyricism and pop," said Interview.  "Their reverberating textured beats and strangely catchy hooks...we didn't know whether we should brood or dance when we first listened," observed NYLON when gushing over the band's debut EP, Human Beings.  "But soon we realized that we didn't have to decide.  And if you ask us, it's exactly this two-sidedness that makes PYYRAMIDS so damn cool."  MTV's Buzzworthy blog praised Smith's "sultry, lush vocals" and pronounced the band's "Don't Go" video "absolutely perfect."

Recorded in Nordwind's basement studio, with the final tracks recorded at Dan Konopka of OK Go's studio, Brightest Darkest Day was mixed by Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT) and Konopka.  Brightest Darkest Day finds its creators once again venturing into fresh territory.  "There's a pop sensibility to the album that's bright but the sound and delivery is very dark," explains Smith.

Little Brother Eli Release New Video

A couple of weeks ago, we were introduced to UK band Little Brother Eli.  We like them and we're looking forward to a recorded effort from them hopefully sooner rather than later.  This week, they've released a new video.  The clip is for the song "Hanging".  Check it out below.

Alex Grew - vocals
Josh Rigal - bass
Adam Stowe - guitar
Linus Taylor - guitar
Benji Page - shoe box (percussion)

Filmed by Mim Donoghue
Edited by Sam Rigal
Audio mixed by Josh Rigal
Audio mastered by Mike Saminaden

Dawes To Release New Album In April

Dawes will be releasing their third full-length album on April 9 via their own HUB Records.  Stories Don't End was produced by Jacquire King.  Check out the trailer for the upcoming record below.





Track Listing

• Just Beneath The Surface
• From A Window Seat
• Just My Luck
• Someone Will
• Most People
• Something In Common
• Hey Lover
• Bear Witness
• Stories Don't End
• From The Right Angle
• Side Effects
• Just Beneath The Surface (Reprise)

Upcoming: Madison To Release We've Been Nothing EP on 2/5

Madison has a new EP coming out on February 5 via her own G Records.  We've Been Nothing is insanely catchy pop that dares you to try and stay seated.  It's a dare you'll lose!  I got hooked on her work with her 2011 release The Noise Some People Make, a stellar piece of work but, personally, I think We've Been Nothing has a tighter, smoother sound musically and the vocals are warmer and more soulful.

As you listen to her new EP, Madison's evolving sound is apparent. The infectious melodies are still there, but the guitars, backing vocals and overall soulfulness on the track take things to a new territory. Throughout We've Been Nothing, Madison gets a little darker too, and employs some good friends of hers such as Chappo's Zac Colwell on drums, Caught a Ghost's Jesse Nolan adding horns and small arrangement details, and The Heavy's glorious soulful backing singers Mavis and Kiki. The forthcoming EP is the second in a four part EP series.  "Since it's all on my own label and all up to me, calling on talented friends who are down to jam is how things get done," she told NYLON

The new sound on the EP is thrilling and multi-faceted, working as the backdrop for a late sexy night, a long drive with the windows down, or an underground party. It combines elements of the 1920's in "Speakeasy," big band drums in "Ship Off  Shore," but also bridges to a beat-heavy, confident club banger 'Nobody Like Me'.  The new material is hook laden as usual for Madison with each chorus standing out as a complete sing along, yet the production, arrangement and live instrumentation allows it to be a little bit slinkier, grittier, raw, and exactly as she intended it to be: an exciting new experience for her and her listeners.

Tracklist

• Sweet Life
• Nobody Like Me
• Ship Off Shore
• Speakeasy

Upcoming: Nico Vega at Santos Party House, 2/22

UPDATE: NEW date of 2/19… all previous ticket purchases for the 2/22 show will still be honored.

The band posted the following on their Facebook page: Hey guys -- The rumors are true — we had to cancel a few of our headlining dates -- we were offered an opportunity we couldn't turn down. We will, however, still be HEADLINING in NYC at the Santos Party House on the NEW date of 2/19… all previous ticket purchases for the 2/22 show will still be honored. Please come out and say hi!! We certainly love you and we will be back really soon!!


New York, Nico Vega is heading East and will be making a stop at Santos Party House on Friday, February 22.  If you haven't seen them live then, well, it's high time you did!  Doors are at 6:30PM and it'll cost you $10 advance / $12 dos, 16 and older.

Nico Vega
with Eytan and the Embassy and Spirit Animal
Feb 22, 2013
Santos Party House (downstairs)
Doors @ 6:30 PM
16
$10 ADV/$12 DOS

Upcoming: HITS at Mercury Lounge, 1/31 + New Video

New York, your Thursday to-do list should include a trip down to Mercury Lounge to catch HITS.  They're on the road with Gemini Club doing that thing they do so well.  

Thursday, January 31, doors are at 9:30PM and it'll cost you $10 advance / $12 dos providing you're 21 and over.

To whet your appetite check out the new video from HITS.  It's for the song "Madness" from their highly recommended, self-titled EP.  Enjoy the goodness below.




Tour Dates w/Gemini Club

• 1/29 Middle East - Boston, MA
• 1/31 Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
• 2/1 Kung Fu Necktie - Philadelphia, PA
• 2/3 The Black Cat - Washington, DC

Video of the Day: Beth Hart - "Bang Bang Boom Boom"

Today we have for you the video for "Bang Bang Boom Boom" from Beth Hart, who is a fave of mine. The song is the title track from her recent album which was released in Europe back in October.  A US release is scheduled for sometime this year ... or, as an import, HERE.

Bang Bang Boom Boom is the album where Beth is finally able to admit she might actually be happy. “Often on old records, I wrote about pain and fear,” she says. “I didn’t write so much about love. I always felt like I didn’t understand it or wasn’t worthy. This is the first album where I have, and it’s such a beautiful feeling. I feel like I’ve gotten to fit into a new pair of shoes, y’know, and I can walk a different walk. Every album is special to me. But with this one, there’s a real specialness about it, because I’m at a different age and in a new head-space.”

Video of the Day: Ari Hest - "Something To Look Forward To"

Today we have for you "Something To Look Forward To" from Ari Hest.  The track is from his latest album The Fire Plays.  If you haven't yet, give it a spin. I've been listening to and thoroughly enjoying it ... "Set In Stone" is the highlight for me.  I had a bit of a Hest marathon yesterday, sadly I discovered my Sunset Over Hope Street CD is MIA, well darn!  Anyway, check out "Something To Look Forward To" below and enjoy.

Caught My Ear: Little Brother Eli

Today we have for you a new band out of the UK.  Joshua Rigal and Alex Grew, collectively known as Little Brother Eli.  They've been working on a project for the last six months or so and the results, we will hear on an upcoming EP.

To whet your appetite, check out the video for "Awkward Positions" below.  It's a live acoustic number.  Grew has a warm soulfulness to his voice that really lends itself to this type of performance. After hearing this song, I'm looking forward to hearing more of their work.  Check out the clip below and keep an ear out for more from these guys.  

2013 Newport Jazz Festival Line-up Announced

Natalie Cole

Well my music loving friends, the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. has announced the line-up for the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management.  The festival takes place August 2 - 4 in scenic Newport, RI at Fort Adams State Park.  Tickets go on sale this Thursday, January 17 at 10AM at www.newportjazzfest.net.

Check out the line-up below.  And if that's not enough for you, the iconic festival which turns 60 next year, still has other artists that are yet to be announced.





Friday, August 2, at 8:00 pm
International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino (194 Bellevue Avenue)

• Natalie Cole
• Bill Charlap Trio with special guest Freddy Cole

Saturday, August 3, at 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fort Adams State Park (90 Fort Adams Drive)

Wayne Shorter

• Wayne Shorter’s 80th Birthday Celebration: Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Danilo Perez, John Patitucci & Brian Blade plus special guest Herbie Hancock
• Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Society
• Michel Camilo Sextet
• Terence Blanchard Quintet
• Robert Glasper Experiment
• Gregory Porter
• Edmar Castañeda
• Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band
• Amir ElSaffar Two Rivers
• Bill Charlap Trio with guests Bob Wilber and Anat Cohen
• Mary Halvorson Quintet
• Rez Abassi Trio

Sunday, August 4, at 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Fort Adams State Park (90 Fort Adams Drive)

Chick Corea

• Chick Corea & The Vigil with Christian McBride, Tim Garland, Marcus Gilmore and Charles Altura
• Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra
• Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band featuring Jaleel Shaw, Martin Bejerano and David Wong
• Dizzy Gillespie™ Big Band under the direction of Paquito D’Rivera
• Hiromi: The Trio Project with Anthony Jackson and Steve Smith
• Joshua Redman Quartet
• Jim Hall Quartet featuring Julian Lage
• Jon Batiste & Stay Human
• Dee Alexander: Songs That My Mother Loved
• The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Lew Tabackin Quartet with Randy Brecker, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash
• Donny McCaslin Group
• Steve Coleman Projects: Five Elements, Talea Ensemble and Duo with Tyshawn Sorey
• David Gilmore & Numerology featuring Claudia Acuña, Miguel Zenón, Luis Perdomo, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Mino Cinelu

TICKETS & OTHER INFORMATION

Tickets for the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management go on sale worldwide Thursday, January 17, at 10:00 am at www.newportjazzfest.net, by phone and by mail. 

Tickets for the Friday, August 2, concert are $ 40.00 – $100.00.  All seats reserved. The Opening Night Cocktail Party, a Newport summer tradition, kicks off the evening from 6:30 – 7:45 pm. This exclusive party welcomes a limited number of attendees for an evening of great music, food and beverages.  Tickets are $50.00 for Tennis Hall of Fame members and $60.00 for non-members. Pricing includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres.  Party attendees must have a ticket to the Newport Jazz Festival concert.  To order Cocktail Party tickets, call (401) 324-4072 or go online at www.tennisfame.com.

A limited number of general admission adult two-day passes are available now for $135.00 for Saturday and Sunday.  Single day general admission adult tickets are $74.00 in advance and $84.00 at the gate, if available.  Children’s tickets for ages 3 - 15 are $15.00 per day.  Children under 3 are free.  A new student price of $20.00 is available for high school students older than 15 and college students with valid ID. Students must use the Student gate and present valid ID to enter the festival. Offer valid for eligible students while supplies last. Not valid on reserved seating or for the Friday night event.

Parking passes are also available on-line for $12.00.  Service charges apply to all tickets purchased on-line or by phone. 

Premium Seating tickets for Fort Adams concerts are available for $125.00 per day. Reserved Seating is $90.00.

Single day general admission tickets also can be purchased in person at the Newport Visitors Information Center, located at 23 America’s Cup Avenue.  Visit www.gonewport.com for office hours and information. No service charges apply.

There will be a festival office in the Newport area where tickets can be purchased in person at a later date.  For general information, craft vendor information or to leave a message for festival staff, call the festival hotline at (401) 848-5055.  For more information, log on to www.newportjazzfest.net or www.newportfestivalsfoundation.org.

Upcoming: Indelible Festival at Highline Ballroom, Friday, January 11

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