I wanted to compile a video that would prove once and for all what a lucky man I am. After all, I got to see Jason Antone, Levi Kreis, Eric Himan, Tom Goss, Nathan Leigh Jones, Garrin Benfield, Amy Regan, Shaun Hague, Jake Walden, Coyote Grace, Gareth Asher, Avi Wisnia, Jeffrey Johnson, and Namoli Brennet all perform live last year. They appeared at the World Cafe Live!, PSALM Salon, Joe's Pub, Sullivan Hall, MilkBoy Coffee, NightCat, World Cafe at the Queen, and Black Fox Lounge. Yep, I am a freakin' lucky man. Enjoy the highlights of my "show season."
Support independent musicians by attending their shows in your area, and buying their merchandise. You will not only feel better, you will undoubtedly be assured a better seat in heaven when the shows start.
Clockwise: Timpermanent, Patrick Wolf, Namoli Brennet, and Mister Chase.
As we are in the dawn of 2012, I thought I would take my last look at 2011, a few of the talented people I have not yet mentioned show made great music, and appeared in the posts of this blog. The remaining four are all members of the LGBT Community, and all make it a better world with their contributions.
I just discovered the music of TimPermanent a year ago, with the release of his first EP, Marker. It was a wonderful collection, and some fantastic videos followed. Next there was a heartfelt and beautiful cover of Robyn's Dancing On My Own. Then, by the end of the year, there was another EP, Resident. Again, the music was fantastic, and I even had the opportunity to interview Tim for the blog. But out of it all, I have to give a nod to his soulful cover of Dancing On My Own, seen in the following video.
You can purchase Resident on iTunes and Amazon. You can purchase Dancing On My Own on iTunes and Amazon.
For me, Patrick Wolf is a walking set of contradictions, and they all settle down into a marvelous stew of brilliance. When I look at him, I never expect to hear that full and stout voice coming from that almost frail body. Although Wolf might look like a a punky alternative boy, he makes some of the most delicious Pop music one would want to nibble on. His new album, released last summer, is as happy and filled with love as you would ever expect from Patrick, and is just wonderful to hear over and over again. If you haven't heard it, you really should. Watch his latest video for the song Together off the album Lupercalia.
I first became aware of our next performer as the handsome and sexy guy who was making sign language videos of some great Pop and Dance songs. He skillfully combined the arts of sign language with dance to make truly interesting videos. He took on Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, and Ke$ha. But he wasn't ready to call it a day there, and soon was making his own music, as he did with the April release of Addicted. Watch Mister Chase making his own music in the video.
You can purchase the single for Addicted on iTunes and Amazon.
I had first heard of Namoli Brennet when speaking to Tom Goss. Again, when one artist heaps big praise on another, it makes me interested. It seems Namoli was working with Eric Himan on his new release, acting as producer and recording it at her home in Arizona. Namoli also toured with Eric, and I finally had the chance to see/hear her performing live, and Tom was not overstating it. Namoli is a brilliant artist, makeing some fantastic music. Watch the clip for Settle Down I taped when she performed in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. The song is from the album We Were Born To Rise.
You can purchase We Were Born To Rise from iTunes and Amazon.
On October 29, 2011, I went to see Eric Himan play at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore, PA. Seeing Eric playing live is an absolute joy for me, and after many years of catching him whenever he is in the area, I still get excited when driving to the show. There is good reason for that, for I never have a bad time, and Himan's talent is so very inspiring. He is also so very sweet live, not only when chatting in between songs with charming tales of his life, but also after the show, when he takes the time to chat with all those waiting to see him.
He was touring in support of his latest release, Supposed Unknown. With him on the tour was Namoli Brennet, who also produced the album for Eric. You can find my look at Namoli's set here. In fact, this first video is off that album. Left Out is a heartfelt song from the heart, taking a look at what happens when a relationship is changes, and ends.
He also played the first single off the album, Dust. This strong guitar-driven rock song could easily lose something with a live performance, but it doesn't. The charged guitar work energizes and propels the song forward.
Before the show, Eric asked me if there was a song I wanted to hear, and I took a little bit of time to think before asking for A Good Good Cry, one of my all-time favorites of Eric's songbook. The song, off the 2003 album All For Show, is one I have looked for on YouTube, wanting a video. So I finally have one, thanks for Eric.
Eric never seems to have a show without a killer cover song, and his time at MilkBoy Coffee was no exception. His cover of Get It While You Can, off the 1971 album Pearl by the astonishing Janis Joplin, was outrageous, and perfectly tailored to his voice.
Within days of my posting the cover on YouTube, the post had over 10,000 hits. I was surprised, for I did nothing to really promote it. But I shouldn't be surprised, Eric's talent does generate excitement. You can find out more about Eric, including tour touring dates, at his official website here. If you get a chance to see him live, do it. He is amazing. You can also check out Supposed Unknown on iTunes here, and on Amazon here. It would be a great addition to the library of any music lover.
I was lucky enough to be in the audience for a recent show by Namoli Brennet, who was touring with Eric Himan. They played at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, on October 29th. I was excited about the show, as I had not seen Namoli before. I first heard of Namoli while talking to Tom Goss, who told me Eric was working on a new album with Namoli producing. Tom thought Namoli was an amazing talent. Later, I learned Eric did indeed work on his latest, Supposed Unknown, at Namoli's Southwestern studio. I heard and loved the album, giving me more reason to get excited about the show. So excited, I wouldn't let a bit of snow get in the way of seeing the show.
Now, I usually do my homework before a show, checking out the music and what not, but with the Thanksgiving holiday, it was minimal. Namoli is a Tucson-based trans/genderqueer singer-songwriter who released her first album in 2002. So I was just thrilled when Namoli started playing, and immediately demanded my attention. The show started with Rise, a cut off her latest album, We Were Born To Rise.
I knew right away I would be purchasing that album, and hopefully getting it autographed! I am happy to report, I accomplished that goal, and have my signed copy of the 13-song collection. The music is a delicious combination of Rock and Folk music, much in the rich tradition of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Still and Nash. If you look beyond the beautiful melodies and silky arrangements, there is still a strong and distinct voice to be heard. Take, for instance, the compelling Settle Down, inspired when Brennet went to hear Dr. Cornel West speak. The song smartly interweaves theology and philosophy in a modern-day gospel song about civil rights.
We Were Born To Rise has an amazing range of sounds, from the hypnotic and moody Leave The Light On, earthy sound of Fall Away, to the regal soaring of Flightless Birds, to the simple beauty of Decorah. All combined, this is an amazing journey. The album finishes out with I Belong, a ballad that grows and widens, staking a claim on being an elegy.
You can find We Were Born To Rise on iTunes here, on Amazon here, and on CD Baby here. You can also visit Namoli at her official website here. If you have the opportunity to see Namoli live, I'd say rush to make sure you get a ticket. And if you are looking to treat yourself to some aural delights this holiday season, check out the music. You won't be disappointed.
I recently went to see Eric Himan and Namoli Brennet play at the Milkboy Coffee in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. I will be talking about the show a bit more soon, but thought I would offer this up as we all bask in the post-Thanksgiving glow. This, of course, it a quick overview of the songs played by these talented musicians. This is a look at Eric's set.
This was my first time seeing Namoli Brennet performing, but it certainly won't be the last. Namoli was amazing live, and this preview of the set proves it.
I think I might be taking off a couple of days to spend with family, and be back with you after the weekend. Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving weekend!
It is time once again for Five on the 5th, and this month, Stephen Chapman has given the theme of Movement. Once again, I've been more busy than I'd care to be, having seen several live music shows as of late. So, while they really don't capture movement, I thought I would sue some of the pictures I've taken at those shows. If you'd like to check out the others who are taking part in Five on the 5th, click here and pick different sites from the list.
Gareth Asher at the NightCat, Easton, MD.
Avi Wisnia at The World Cafe Live at The Queen, Wilmington, DE.
Tom Goss at the Black Fox Lounge, Washington, DC.
Jeffrey Johnson at the Black Fox Lounge, Washington, DC.
For the LGBT Youth out there struggling with bullying, indifference, and heartache. People care. People how have been there. Like you are now. Like I was. Like Eric was. Like Tom was. Like Aiden was. Like Joe was. Like Ingrid was. Like Namoli was. Like Liz was. Like Brianna was. You are not alone, there are so many who have gone before you that felt that way. And there are so many who feel the same as you do now. Hold on, and have courage. It really does get better.
If you need to reach out, there are many who would be willing to help. If you are someone who is having these issues, or know someone who is dealing with this please contact The Trevor Project here or call 866-488-7386.
L to R: Namoli, Aiden, Joe, Ingrid, Eric, Liz, and Brianna. Not pictured, the adorable Tom.
I just saw this video posted on YouTube and had to share, since it includes three of my favorites, Eric Himan, Aiden James and Tom Goss. There are also other performers, and now I have to check out their music, cuase I really enjoyed this. I think it is best to let the description online explain it all. After a day of performing at Tucson Pride on 10/09/10, the musicians, Namoli Brennet, Eric Himan, Aiden James, Joe Stevens and Ingrid Elizabeth of Coyote Grace, Liz Stahler, Brianna Lane and Tom Goss get together to do a rendition of Patty Griffin's, "Tony", a song that speaks to the recent string of LGBT youth suicides.
If you know someone who is dealing with this issue please contact The Trevor Project at:
