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.  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…

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.  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.  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:  Welcome to Michigan Keller.  Thanks for sitting down to talk with Bands That Jam.  What were…

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.  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.  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…

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…

Gallery: String Cheese Incident in Chicago

Photos by Erin and Ben Slayter.  

Photo Blog: Toubab Krewe at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor

(Photos by Erin Slayter, Text by Benjamin Slayter) E and I caught up with Toubab Krewe on a cold, dark night in Ann Arbor where we arrived early enough to snag a stage-side seat in the classic Michigan bar venue. TK’s setup looked cramped on the small stage. If you’ve never been exposed to TK before, they are as diverse a group as you could imagine.  Justin Perkins was about ten feet from me across a bar rail, his Kamelngoni (think african banjo – it’s thought to have been the ancestor of the american banjo) and Kora (think blues guitar made with a huge gourd cut in half, covered in cow skin) next to a…

Umphrey’s McGee | 11.3.11 | Toronto

TORONTO, CA – Last Thursday night Umphrey’s McGee made a long awaited return to Toronto for hundreds of rabid fans. On the 2nd night of a four night run the nationally touring progressive rock masters Umphrey’s McGee delighted the crowd with an incredible two set performance. First set highlights included a masterful Turn & Dub > Booth Love > & Wappy Sprayberry funk dance party. To close out the set Umphrey’s brought on home town drummer Daren Shearer of The New Deal in place of Kris Myers. The second set featured another special guest appearance with Marla Joy joining the band for a bust out of G&R’s “Sweet Child of Mine.” The band had no…

A Night In Treme – and You’re Invited.

The University Musical Society (UMS) of the University of Michigan is hosting an event Friday 11.11.11 that makes regular chances to see these musical greats seem ordinary.  In a pitch to bring the culture of New Orleans performances straight to Ann Arbor, they’ve assembled a krewe that won’t soon be forgotten.  Once you see this music performed, you’ll have an entirely new appreciation for the jazz roots of modern jam bands, as well as some of the more exciting aspects of live performance. Clipping directly from the show’s program notes, we find the following lineup: Donald Harrison, Jr. Musical Director, Alto Saxophone, and Vocals Cyril Neville Vocals and Percussion Dr. Michael White Clarinet James Andrews…

24 Hours Until I Interview Keller Williams at the Blind Pig

There’s no one quite like Keller, with his bare feet, jumping around the stage playing one instrument and making it sound like a dozen. I’ll be sitting down to talk with Keller about his music, his upcoming “K-Dubalicious” album and what he’s been listening to on tour. As a service to BTJ fans, I’d love to know what burning questions you may have for Keller.  Feel free to post responses here, on Facebook, or via twitter and I’ll get them into the interview.  I last saw Keller at the 2011 Electric Forest Festival, where he played an amazing afternoon show. If you’re in Michigan, there’s still time to pick up tickets for his show at…

STS9 | NYC | 10.22.2011

Words By: Carly  Photos by: Nick Irving NEW YORK, NY – In support of their latest EP When The Dust Settles, Sound Tribe Sector 9  (STS9) made a stop in New York City to visit Times Square’s Best Buy Theater (formally the Nokia Theater) and the scene outside was just as busy as the rest of the Square. Fingers were up for the sold out show and even though police were present, the lot kids designated a corner for smoking and selling wraps adjacent to the venue. Getting in was no problem, security was loose and the spacious theater is quite welcoming. DJ opener Polish Ambassador had over an hour before STS9’s set but unfortunately,…