In the summer of 2008, Tank, KC, and I drove a van down to Memphis, Tennessee (a place none of us had previously been) to eat massive amounts of barbecued pork and enjoy massive amounts of really good blues. Also, we might have gone to Graceland. Don’t judge us.
The highlight of the weekend was that Saturday night on Beale Street, where the hot, sticky June air combined with half-drunk, excited patrons for an evening of outdoors drinking and plenty of great music. We meandered in and out of the several blues bars until we stumbled upon a clump of dancing people assembled in a semicircle in front of the New Daisy Theater. We pushed our way to the front to see what all the ruckus was about, and there, rocking away in overalls and bare feet, was the great Richard Johnston.
Look, one-man bands are impressive even when they’re bad, but when you see a guy playing a partial drum kit with his bottom half, and wailing away on an electric guitar he handmade from a broomstick and a cigar box with his top-half, AND he’s got the quintessential blues singing voice… Well, that’s a winner right there.
We stuck around for God knows how long because it was so damned entertaining, and I even paid for a CD, which, two years later, I still haven’t grown bored with. We talked to Johnston after his set and found out that he’s not usually a street performer. He does tons of area shows, especially during the summer months, but does the Beale Street thing once in a while to stay true to his roots.
We also found out that he’d been offered major label deals on a few separate occasions but turned them down because what they would’ve done with his music was quite different from what he wanted to do with his music. So he plays small local shows, rocks the hell out of them, and really, really loves what he does. His CD, “Foot Hill Stomp” (which you can download for free from his website), is fantastic, but it doesn’t do justice to how good the live show is. We lucked into finding him on Beale Street that fateful night in 2008, but you probably won’t should you make the same trip to Memphis. Still, check out the album and imagine yourself in the hot summer air, drinking with other happy, toe-tappy people, and loving what Memphis is all about.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find the time to visit Graceland, too.
V.V. Brown has a story that’s not unlike my own. She’s a British model-turned-singer who’s vocal talent is only matched by her intellectual prowess. She got offers to top UK universities including Oxford and York, only to turn them down to follow a career in music. Yeah, that’s pretty much me to a “T”.
So was it worth it? How do you leave an opportunity to study at these elite institutions for something as uncertain as the music industry? If your name is V.V. Brown and you’ve got the pipes to back it up. That’s how. Her mix of soul, pop and electronic music span aspects of different decades from the 50’s until now, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone with her exact style. She’s making a name for herself and for good reason. Her newest release Travelling Like the Light is an album full of potential singles and poppy triumphs (I daresay there’s no bad song on the entire the album.)
“Quick Fix” and “Game Over” are my personal favorites, but give the album a once over and you’ll be hooked. Check out the video for “Crying Blood” and you’ll see why V.V. Brown is someone you need on your personal music radar (if you have one of those…I heard Sharper Image was all sold out…):
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If you like V.V. Brown, check out Lily Allen!
If you watch television you have most likely heard the music of Tyrone Wells. His songs have been featured in Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Rescue Me, and Numb3rs. And that is just a small sampling because the television and movie appearances of his songs go on and on. His music has highlighted dramatic moments and accented celebratory situations. Basically, he assisted with telling you how to feel. How does he do it? Magic? Maybe. My bet is on the fact that he is an incredible songwriter and a powerful singer. But, he may also use the Tarantallegra* spell.
Tyrone using his magic.
Tyrone Wells is a west coast singer-songwriter with a knack for creating music that speaks to people. In early 2000, he set out and began his solo music career with the intention of sharing his music with people. Just six years later he landed a deal with Universal Records. After re-releasing his first independent album, Hold On, the label quickly helped him share Remain with the entire world. Over the past year the album has, well…”remain”ed a mainstay in the music industry. Radio play, heavy touring and song placement in television and film has landed Tyrone smack dab in the middle of the musical dart board.
I saw Tyrone play live at a gig back in 2006. I was instantly hooked on his music. In addition to having amazing musical skill, he also exudes genuine sincerity when he is on stage. What you see is truly what you get. And what you get is good. Real good. I recommend that you check out “Sink or Swim”, “More” and “In Between the Lines”. Tyrone’s new EP, Metal & Wood, comes out March 2, 2010. I am sure it will be just as magical as Remain.
*The Tarantallegra Spell is used to force another person’s legs to begin dancing uncontrollably. Thank you Harry Potter for making me the nerd that I am.
Tyrone plays his hit single “Sink or Swim” in a van. Yes, in a van. Music begins at 56 seconds.
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Liking the style of Tyrone Wells? Then you will love Matt Morris!
I used to be a cabinet maker. It wasn’t easy creating works of art that are seemingly unappreciated and underrated, but that wasn’t my true passion. My true passion was music. Although I did wondrous things with maple and rosewood, I made even better things with a guitar. I brought my dreams to the world in song. That’s my story. Except it’s actually not my story. It’s the story of Matt Hires.
This Tampa native has a sound not totally unlike Mat Kearney, but similar in quality to a mix of other artists including Paolo Nutini and Howie Day. He’s definitely got a sound all his own and is beginning to get noticed. He has already opened for a number of artists including Marc Broussard and just recently released his debut album Take Us to the Start to much acclaim from critics (a.k.a. we really liked it.)
The single “Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song” is a self-fulfilling title for the single that showcases the song-writing abilities of this singer-songwriter. This up-beat track is the song that will put this guy on the map. But slower emotional songs like “Tangled Web” and “Out of the Dark” are enough to give any girl googly eyes for Matt Hires.
Check out this video of the more intimate version of his single and then check out the full, album-produced version below:
Matt Hires is definitely someone to watch. I mean, how many cabinet makers do you know with tunes like these? Exactly.
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Buy the album:
Like this Matt? Check out another Matt!
When I first heard the name of this band I could not help but wonder if they also ran a house painting business or a moving company. Dare I say that the music of Mumford & Sons will paint your soul and get you up and moving? In retrospect, I wish I had not dared myself to say that. The important thing to remember is that these guys are wickedly talented and fun to listen to.
I have proven time and time again that I am a sucker for the mandolin, banjo and dobro. For proof of that you can read about my healthy crush on The Lovell Sisters. Mumford & Sons developed their sound in the London folk scene. Their music blends folk, rock and bluegrass all together with a burning lyrical intensity. A recent signing with Island Records will only help spread their music across the globe. The boys have already made a name for themselves in England, Ireland and Australia. Constant touring and a full length album in the works sets the stage for a promising 2010 for the band.
In late 2009, Mumford & Sons released their EP, Sigh No More. For me EP stands for “tiny album”. What that means is that you are going to get four tracks on this album. It satisfies, but certainly will leave you wanting more. The lead single, “Little Lion Man”, is my absolute favorite. I dare you not to tap your feet to the song. I double-dog-dare you. If you want a beautifully packaged ball of energy, “The Cave” is just what the doctor ordered.
Check out their official video for “Little Lion Man”
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Want some more foot stompin’ music? Check out The Avett Brothers.
