Featured
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Gallery & Review: JJ Grey & Mofro
Images by Erin and Benjamin Slayter (Ferndale, Detroit, Michigan) JJ Grey and Mofro have been bringing their unique blend of backwater sound to concert stages for over ten years. We originally caught them at the Social in Orlando, Florida in November of 2002, playing to a crowd of about 50. Sunday night in Detroit was a different story: over 500 people paid the $20.00 ticket price resulting in a sold-out show. The biggest surprises of the night were the opening acts Daryl Hance and JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound. Â Daryl Hance (guitar) has been with JJ since the beginnings of Mofro and during this recent tour has been playing with Mofro’s Anthony Cole, drums…
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Interview: Tommy Stinson
Tommy Stinson is a rock legend. He was a member of famed Minnesota-based rock group the Replacements. Since 1998, he has been the bassist for Guns N’ Roses and Soul Asylum. His latest release is the solo album “One Man Mutiny.” For more info on Tommy Stinson, check out http://tommystinson.com/Â or follow him on twitter: @tommy_stinson. McClain Johnson: As a solo artist, how does your songwriting process work? Tommy Stinson: You know, I don’t really have one particularly. When I’ve got free time and my head is freed up from touring and all that stuff, it just sort of comes to me. It can come to me in any way, whether it is guitar, bass, drums,…
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Interview: Keller Williams
Keller’s musical career is on fire. His recent Kdubalicious album titled simply, “Bass” kicked off last December, and as we write this he’s doing his best to keep the Travelin’ McCourys from fishing off the boat during Jam Cruise. Â I’ve seen Keller play with everyone from The String Cheese Incident to the Rhythm Devils, and caught up with him recently at his show in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Blind Pig. Â Based on the track he shared with us (scroll all the way down), I can’t wait to see him with the Travelin’ McCourys next summer. Bands That Jam: Â Welcome to Michigan Keller. Â Thanks for sitting down to talk with Bands That Jam. Â What were…
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Gallery: Umphrey’s McGee NYE
(Editor’s Note): Photographer Abby (Fox) Matthews of Abby Fox Photography is a true Umphrey’s Fan with a talented eye, and her photos of this spectacular run are the next best thing to being there. Â Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she’s a lifer at Midwest shows and festivals. Her UM photos have been published regularly on the band’s site, and used on album art. Â We’re excited to present her full gallery of images from the recent bash. She shot us a quick note describing her experience: “The shows had such an intimate feel in comparison with years past. There was a great connection with the band and the fans because of this. Lights, energy, and the…
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G.P.G.D.S To Release New Roots Americana Album
New York Road Warriors’ Sophomore Album Explores New Territory For over five years, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s live show has defined the band. Touring relentlessly, the Rochester, NY-based group is sustained by its passion to reinterpret, explore, and expand its music night after night in cities throughout the country. Now, 767 concerts since the 2006 release of their debut album Slow Down, GPGDS is set to release a new album, Country, on January 31, 2012, on the California-based label Controlled Substance Sound Labs. With this release, the quintet has charted new territory and put together a lyrically-driven roots Americana album. Stream Sunshine off the new album: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Combining acoustic…
FESTIVAL NEWS
Electric Forest Festival Announces 2012 Dates
ELECTRIC FOREST ANNOUNCES 2012 FESTIVAL DATES: JUNE 28-JULY 1, 2012 Today, Electric Forest is pleased to announce the event dates for next summer: June 28 – July 1, 2012 Check out the announcement video here: www.electricforestfestival.com After an exceptional inaugural year, Electric Forest is thrilled to be returning to one of the country’s most beloved music festival sites – the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan – for another legendary weekend of music, artistry, and community. Electric Forest is produced by Madison House Presents and Insomniac Events. www.electricforestfestival.com www.facebook.com/ElectricForest twitter.com/#!/electric_forest www.youtube.com/user/TheElectricForest Jay Miller Photographer, designer and artist. Owner and curator of Midwestern Music blog Gaian Eye www.gaianeye.com
Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival Schedule
BEAR CREEK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL RELEASES FULL STAGE SCHEDULE PERFORMERS INCLUDE TREY ANASTASIO BAND, MEDESKI, MARTIN, SCOFIELD AND WOOD, LETTUCE, ZACH DEPUTY, GALACTIC, BIG GIGANTIC, KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE AND MANY MORE NOVEMBER 10-13, 2011 AT SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK IN LIVE OAK, FL With less than one month until the 5th Annual Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival kicks off, today event promoters have released the daily stage performance schedule here: www.bearcreekmusicfestival.com/artists/schedule. Music runs nearly round-the-clock music on 7 stages, including a Silent Disco stage new to Bear Creek this year. Full lineup details can be found at www.bearcreekmusicfestival.com/artists. Tickets to the 5th annual Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival are on sale now…
Review: North Coast Music Festival 2011
Words by Erica Treais, Photos by Erica Treais, Eric Rademacher & Chris Monaghan In it’s second year as the end of summer Labor Day blow out, Chicago’s North Coast Music Festival played host to more than 60 acts over the three days, with Saturday and Sunday both selling out according to promoters. Located on the west side of Chicago at Union Square Park (also the home to Pitchfork), North Coast featured electronic headliners straddling sets between jam band faithful and everything in between with a hip-hop “it†boy and indie heartthrobs making appearances. The lineup again showcased up and coming Chicago artists like Van Ghost, Future Rock, Orchard Lounge, Midnight Conspiracy and Mario Florek alongside…
Five Must See Shows @ North Coast
BTJ’s Five Must See Shows At North Coast Thievery Corporation – For DJ’s Rob Garza & Eric Hilton, Thievery Corporation’s live show has ballooned to much more than a DJ show. Sure the two are still poised behind the turntables, but with a massive live band surrounding them and a slew of vocalists to drive different styles their live show show is always varied and entertaining.                  Where & When: Sunday 10pm Red Bull – Sunday Late Night Show @ The Congress RJD2 w Break Science – RJD2 looks to find the sweet spot between the energy of a live band and a DJ set,…
Festival Preview: North Coast Music Festival
Chicago may be the Second City, but with a diverse selection of food, music and art, the culture is never second rate. It is the home to countless music and art festivals spread throughout the streets and parks, all alongside plenty of nightlife. This summer has been no different, as once again we’ll get ready for the second incarnation of the North Coast Music Festival. This year’s lineup leans on the electronic and indie scenes boasting names like Fatboy Slim, David Guetta, Bassnectar, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9),Gogol Bordello and of Montreal. Also current festival regular Wiz Khalifa, Latryx (Lateef The Truth Speaker & Lyrics Born)and Common will satiate fans looking for their hip-hop fix….
Hoxeyville Day One
Docufest is on the scene at the 9th annual Hoxeyville in Wellston, Michigan. Day one is officially behind us, and we’ve got the on-the-scene footage you’re looking for! People continued to trickle into the festival grounds in Manistee National Forest as bands such as Funktion, Strange Arrangement, and Ekoostik Hookah took to the stage. The night ended with an early set by Ella Riot followed by an insanely funky throw-down by Dumpstaphunk. Be sure to check out the picture galleries, band interviews, and more on Docufest’s Flickr and Tumblr accounts. Check back for day two coverage soon. Jay Miller Photographer, designer and artist. Owner and curator of Midwestern Music blog Gaian Eye www.gaianeye.com
Interviews
Interview: Tommy Stinson
Tommy Stinson is a rock legend. He was a member of famed Minnesota-based rock group the Replacements. Since 1998, he has been the bassist for Guns N’ Roses and Soul Asylum. His latest release is the solo album “One Man Mutiny.” For more info on Tommy Stinson, check out http://tommystinson.com/Â or follow him on twitter: @tommy_stinson. McClain Johnson: As a solo artist, how does your songwriting process work? Tommy Stinson: You know, I don’t really have one particularly. When I’ve got free time and my head is freed up from touring and all that stuff, it just sort of comes to me. It can come to me in any way, whether it is guitar, bass, drums,…
Interview: Keller Williams
Keller’s musical career is on fire. His recent Kdubalicious album titled simply, “Bass” kicked off last December, and as we write this he’s doing his best to keep the Travelin’ McCourys from fishing off the boat during Jam Cruise. Â I’ve seen Keller play with everyone from The String Cheese Incident to the Rhythm Devils, and caught up with him recently at his show in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Blind Pig. Â Based on the track he shared with us (scroll all the way down), I can’t wait to see him with the Travelin’ McCourys next summer. Bands That Jam: Â Welcome to Michigan Keller. Â Thanks for sitting down to talk with Bands That Jam. Â What were…
Interview: Mason Jennings
BTJ Photographer Chris Monaghan sat down recently with singer/songwriter Mason Jennings to talk about his current cross country tour, his beginnings as a musician and his songwriting style. You can stream Jennings’ latest Minnesota and see his remaining dates on his website. BandsThatJam:    How old were you when you started playing guitar, and when did you know you wanted to be a musician? Mason Jennings: I would always write these songs when I was pretty little, even when I was 8 or 9 I would write these full songs and sing them in to a tape recorder, so I was always really writing. But I really wanted to play drums. I started on drums…
Interview: Bob Weir & Searching for Freedom
Searching For Freedom With Bob Weir Bob Weir is the co-founder of the Grateful Dead. His other bands include Furthur and RatDog. His latest project is TRI Studios (http://www.tristudios.com/), which broadcasts high quality concerts live online. He recently called in to discuss the impact of technology on his songwriting, the creation of TRI Studios and the free-flowing nature of the Dead’s setlist creation. McClain Johnson: How did the concept for TRI studios come together? How did it get started? Bob Weir: It was a long, involved process. I picked up a recording console, an API recording console. In my opinion, it was the best console I could get. We started building a studio around it. Along the way, an old…
Interview: Mike Doughty
Mike Doughty is one of the best, most creative singer-songwriters out today. He has a skill for writing memorable hooks, and writes intriguing, oddball, poetic lyrics. His latest album, Yes and Also Yes, will be released August 30th on his own label, Snack Bar. Mike recently wrote in to discuss his love of pop songs, how he creates beats and the challenges of being an independent artist. For more info on Mike Doughty, check out http://www.mikedoughty.com McClain Johnson: What inspired “Into the Un?” Mike Doughty: Actually, weirdly, I was asked to write something for the next Twilight soundtrack–though they rejected the song. It’s a kind of psychedelic goth fantasia–I hung out with a lot of…
Interview: Bruce Hornsby
Bruce Hornsby is a piano player/singer-songwriter who works in many different styles and with a wide range of other artists. His latest release is the live album, Bride of the Noisemakers. He recently discussed playing with the Grateful Dead, how he is always looking to expand his sound and his passion for modern classical music. McClain Johnson: How old were you when you first started playing piano? Bruce Hornsby: I started really late. I started at age 17, junior year in high school, for a couple of inspirational reasons. My older brother, Bobby Hornsby, was the original musician in our band. He was the guy who had bands in junior high school and late elementary…
Interview: Victor Wooten, Bassist
Victor Wooten (twitter: @victorwooten) is one of the world’s most talented bass players. He is well known as a member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones as well as a solo artist. He discussed the biggest obstacles he’s had in his career, how he met Bela and how his family got him into music.
Interview: Horace Moore WSP Archivist
Horace Moore is the archivist for Widespread Panic. He heads up the band’s archival multitrack releases, Porch Songs releases and podcasts. McClain Johnson: When did you first become interested in tape trading? Horace Moore: It was kind of interesting, because I grew up in southeast Georgia. All I had growing up was the radio and 8-tracks and just one record store. It was kind of Top 40 oriented. I can remember back in grade school, high school, just getting worn out on the same version of a song. So when I got introduced to the Grateful Dead, once I got to college, that was one thing that I really picked up on immediately. This is…
Interview: Tara Nevins
Tara Nevins is an amazing fiddle player and a passionate songwriter. She is also a member of Donna the Buffalo. Her latest release is her solo album, Wood and Stone. Tara called in to discuss her love of old-time music, how Donna the Buffalo came together and working with Larry Campbell. McClain Johnson: How old were you when you first started playing fiddle? Tara Nevins: Fifth Grade. McClain Johnson: Do you remember the first song you learned how to play? Tara Nevins: Heck no. I started out playing classical music in school. Then I discovered fiddle later on. I went to college for classical studies too. I discovered old-time music, traditional fiddle music. When I…
Interview: Larry Keel – Guitar Legend
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VA – Larry Keel is a bluegrass guitar master. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists (including Keller Williams). He also fronts his own band, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge. Larry recently called in to discuss the first song he learned how to play, his songwriting process and how he is pushing bluegrass in new directions. Stream “Country Blues” while you read: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] **************************************** McClain Johnson: What first got you interested in playing? Larry Keel: My dad and my brother used to do a lot of jamming around the house. My dad was a banjo player, my brother was also. He was a guitar player….
Interview: JJ Grey
JJ Grey is a soulful vocalist who creates songs that simmer with backwoods funk and come from his heart. JJ Grey and Mofro have developed a passionate fanbase worldwide. The Floria-based band’s latest release is the excellent “Georgia Warhorse.” They are playing at this year’s Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. JJ recently called to discuss how writing songs has helped him learn about life, working on his harmonica skills while delivering flowers, and the evolution of his live show. ********************** McClain Johnson: How does your songwriting process work? JJ Grey: You know, it’s so loose, I can’t even really call it a process man. It just happens. Walking along, riding along, and maybe…
DOWNLOADS
John Brown’s Body | Buffalo, NY | 4.23.2011
Stream “Push Some Air” from this show. [Audio clip: view full post to listen] BUFFALO, NY – Last weekend John Brown’s Body returned to Buffalo for the first time in many years. The band is finishing up a nationwide spring tour and was in fine form for the nights show. We’re looking forward to seeing their fan base grow in the area and hoping they make Buffalo a regular stop on their upcoming tours. See the review below posted by Jeff Miers of the Buffalo News. “It started for me last Saturday, when I took in John Brown’s Body’s set in the Tralf Music Hall. The attendance was surprisingly sparse — a mere few hundred folks…
Umphrey’s McGee | Fillmore Detroit | 2.5.11
Umphrey’s McGee Brings Real Rock Back to the Motor City DETROIT, MI – Expectations were high for the return of UM to Detroit, and a sold-out crowd at the Fillmore found their dancing shoes were a necessity for the non-stop onslaught that faced them. The venue filled slowly due to a late-winter snow storm that left many motorists stranded on local roads. Chicago-based Orchard Lounge (downtempo DJ) opened the show and was a great improvement over basic house music, but their position stage right next to Myers’ drum kit left them fairly hidden. Enjoyable beats, but the party didn’t start until six grown men came on stage, hands above their heads, horns held high, and…
Introducing: Thunder Body – More Roots Reggae from Upstate NY | Free Download
ROCHESTER, NY – After leaving Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad in 2010 we knew it was only a matter of time before Matt & Rachel would form a new band. Well that time is here. Introducing Thunder Body a brand spankin’ new original roots reggae band with  Matthew O’Brian (GPGDS founder, lead singer), Rachel Orke (GPGDS), Dennis Mariano, Jeremiah Pacheco, and Brian Blatt. The first thing you’ll notice about this is band is that while O’Brian played guitar & vocals in GPGDS he now plays drums & vocals in Thunderbody. We’re glad to see there was enough talent in GPGDS to sustain two bands. The current members of GPGDS have been doing well as a…
Review: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad | Buffalo, NY | 12.11.2010
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – This past weekend G.P.G.D.S. played their last show of 2010 at  Club Infinity in the suburbs of Buffalo to a packed house of over 300 fans. The club is under new ownership & proving they are serious about getting good talent with the booking of G.P.G.D.S. Fans braved  sub freezing temperatures & blowing snow to warm their souls with one of the best live original roots reggae bands currently on tour. (click play buttons in this article to hear songs from the show) [Audio clip: view full post to listen] G.P.G.D.S. played a non stop 2 hour set that was one of the best we had heard in 2010. The bands sound consists…
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