Trampled By Turtles' 'Duluth' Branches on the tree of music will never stop growing. As soon as someone pioneers a new sound, five others have radiated from it, creating what they see as their own unique niche, slightly different form their predecessors. Unfortunately, such constant divergence creates an intricate web of music where nothing is original and no two sounds can be grouped exclusively under one heading. This has lead to bands describing themselves with more stylistic differences than those listed at a record store. “Rock infused funk with folk and indie influences.” What the hell is that? You think I jest, but bands are like politicians- they want to please everyone so they make themselves non-committal. Consequently, their music lacks backbone. It lacks strength. Not Trampled By Turtles.

Home Leftover Salmon is breaking up or taking a break? Leftover Salmon after 15 yrs says no more.. a hiatus or good-bye for good? read more..   Leftover Salmon is breaking up or taking a break? Leftover Salmon after 15 yrs says no more.. a hiatus or good-bye for good? read more..   Mark Karan interview - 4/21/01 Mark Karan interview   Railroad Earth With nearly 400 shows and tens of thousands of road miles now behind them, Railroad Earth has become a staple on the national touring and festival scene, and built a huge following of loyal fans that document and trade every note they play, and often join them on the road for multiple nights. These fans call themselves “Hobos,” and the band considers them to be the fuel that keeps this engine chugging along. Railroad Earth’s next album is planned for release in Spring 2004. Till then the band will continue to bring their music to the stage from East to West. So keep an ear to the ground and listen for Railroad Earth, because they'll be rolling through your town very soon.   ten2nine "I hate to break the news to you, but you guy's may have finally put all the pieces together. This new ep is the best work I've heard from you ever! The writing, lyrics and music is superb, the performance is top notch and [Jim Leguilloux's] production gives it a true professional gloss." - Ron Gilmour, Power 104 Kelowna, BC   Metharia The debut on the band was on 18th January 2000, when Metharia won the festival "Le Quattro Notti Rock." In June 2003 they are one of the three winners of the "NMC festival,' in Marcerta winning the award for the best live performance.   Signal Path Armed with new jungle juice, they are warming up and ready to play. They opened up with a latenight show in Atlanta and continued on to Mountain View Jam Festival in North Carolina. Coast to coast, they'll be working their way to SummerCamp, Wakarusa, and High Sierra Music Festival.   T-Band Jim Dooney plays guitar and does most of the lead vocals. He is great at getting everyone involved in the fun by taking requests or choosing the perfect song for any situation. Amy Anderson plays the stand up bass and sings harmony. Amy is the musical backbone of the band. Her playing punch and solid timing keeps us all together in our all acoustic environment. Robert Griffith plays banjo and sings harmony. Rob drives the band with lightning fast fingers and great improvising skills. Rich Egan plays mandolin and does some vocals. Rich keeps your feet tapping and your fingers snapping with his rhythm chops and is great at playing tasteful solos."   Shanti Groove (September 2003) Shanti's groove moves along acoustical and electrical lines, combining the voice of jazz and rock with back porch bluegrass and funktified percussion. Bringing their unique sound to venues nationwide, the band provides a musical celebration of the 'groove' kind.   Kelly's running column In this column I want to talk to you about Ghent. Ghent is the capital of the province East-Flanders in Belgium, a small country in Europe, and has about 225, 000 inhabitants.   Kelly's running column In this column I want to talk to you about Ghent. Ghent is the capital of the province East-Flanders in Belgium, a small country in Europe, and has about 225, 000 inhabitants.   Curious Yellow (August 2003) After fronting a couple bands in the mid 90s in California and spending the next several years developing his musical and songwriting talents in Japan and Minneapolis, Adam Lancaster landed in Denver in 2000 and founded the band. The band took on many formations and seemingly endless lineup changes for about a year until the perfect complimentary additions of Gregg Rosenthal (drums), Josh Eckhoff (guitar), and Matt Novack (bass, vocals) created a sound and style beyond what Adam could have hoped for. This new talented group immediately began writing songs and reworking old songs to create music and a performance that attracts and engages every listening audience. The personal and musical bond between each member deepened quickly and the dedication from everyone to develop the band to its fullest possibilities is evident.   New Monsoon (June 2003) Utilizing congas, timbales, tabla, banjo, bongos, Dobro, ghatham, Didgeridoo, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drum kit and keys, the band offers a plethora of textures, rhythms, ideas and moods. New Monsoon absorbs elements of sound indigenous to world culture and incorporates them into a variety of colorful and original rhythmic compositions.   One Way Rider (May 2003) "One Way Rider has taken Nashville by storm! It was an honor to have them perform on the Interstate Radio Network a network of over twenty stations that broadcast from Music City and airs nationwide and in Canada. Locally in Nashville, the IRN broadcast on WSM 650 AM, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The response was great! We cant wait to have them come back on the air and play for us again. It was so good to be with folks that live and love the bluegrass way, truly a blessed family. David and Valerie are a great example of what a family can accomplish together."   Smokestack (January 2003) “The quality of playing blew me away. All four guys were stars, but that keyboard player is a superstar. Very Hornsby in his writing and singing, very Medeski with his jams. I have had the CD for a few months, and being a little familiar with the songs impressed me even more.” CanJam News Toronto, Canada   The Miltones (December 2002) Formed in the summer of 2000, the Miltones have already performed over 350 shows in under 28 months. Their high volume of gigs has enabled the band to mature and explore a range of musical directions that make them a formidable artistic act. Simultaneously their music seems to embrace a level of healing and celebration that make them both accessible and fortunate for the audiences they have attracted.   Ripple (November 2002) When Ripple started out in an Old Tappan, NJ basement during early 1978, none of us thought we would be discussing the possibilities of playing together for 25 years. But that’s exactly what happened. From the early day’s of playing friends parties (usually when the Parent’s were away) to all the great nightclubs and other interesting venues we’ve performed at during the years, we’ve met some amazing people and formed life long friendships that will long out live the Band.   Fair To Midland (September 2002) Brett Stowers and Nathin Seals offer a rhythmic passion that leads the humble gentlemen in their avant-garde sound. The unearthed discord and unconventional cries of frontman Andrew Sudderth infused with guitarist Cliff Campbell's melodic fury tumble into a captivating creation of sonics, cultures, and confusion. Combined with the subtle offering of Matt Langley on keys, FTM glides past the expected boundries and gracefully throws their intense rock harmonies to the flame.   The Few (July 2002) "We did it in chunks, whenever he was available," says Burnside. "Living there, and playing in the clubs, it raises your game." The result, an explosive, hooky collection that echoes Burnside's love of the Replacements and fascination with the Cure, is startling from a 22-year-old who took up guitar only three years ago.   One Cat Left (May 2002) Pete’s former association with TOM MARSHALL of PHISH led to the band AMFIBIAN. It was here in this situation that Pete found his voice and his motivation..   Mt. Kilimanjaro! In one scene we saw a hippo in the river, a croccodile laying on the bank just beside it, and a waterbuck stanking near in the grass!   Grateful Web Interview with Madison House and SCI Ticketing SCI interview   Sativa Gumbo (April 2002) Sativa Gumbo   Pamela's stories from Africa This month I'll continue teaching English at the school, organize a second beekeeping seminar, begin making fuel-efficient stoves, and track down another place to buy modern breed roosters.   Yamagata (June 2001) Yamagata   JSwine (October 2000) JSwine   Mark Karan (August 2000) Mark Karan   Moses Guest (September 2000) Moses Guest   Uncle Sammy (July 2001) Uncle Sammy   Solomon Grundy (April 2001) Solomon Grundy   Tonal Vision (May 2001) Tonal Vision   Cosmic Dust Devils (December 2001) Cosmic Dust Devils   Purple Buddah (November 2001) Purple Buddah   Shakedown Street (February 2002) Shakedown Street   Dark Star Orchestra (December 2000) Dark Star Orchestra   Deadmau5 Kills at the Fox Usually, I’m a rock and roll fan. Usually. But I like to mix it up now and then, see something I don’t usually get the opportunity to see, hear something I haven’t heard before. The club scene is rarely my scene, but last Wednesday night, I find myself in the middle of a DJ show at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO. To me, this is like being on another planet. It’s not the music really, although there is something futuristic and otherworldly about electronica that I find appealing, it’s the people who make me feel like I’m in outer space. It’s like when you’re watching campy old sci-fi movies, and everyone is dressed in strange and often shiny clothes, and you’re like, “why the hell are they wearing that stuff?” Then suddenly you’re at a DJ show, and people in the crowd are dressed like that too.   Kenny Drew Jr. In Rare New York City Performance Kenny Drew Jr. was born in New York City in 1958. He started music lessons at the age of four. After studying classical piano with his Aunt Marjorie, he branched out into the area of jazz music. Kenny Jr. has performed worldwide with a comprehensive variety of musicians, including Stanley Jordan, Out of the Blue (OTB), Stanley Turrentine, Slide Hampton and the Jazz Masters, the Mingus Big Band, Steve Grossman, Yoshiaki Masuo, Sadao Watanabe, Smokey Robinson, Frank Morgan, Daniel Schnyder, and many others.   Kenny Drew Jr. In Rare New York City Performance Kenny Drew Jr. was born in New York City in 1958. He started music lessons at the age of four. After studying classical piano with his Aunt Marjorie, he branched out into the area of jazz music. Kenny Jr. has performed worldwide with a comprehensive variety of musicians, including Stanley Jordan, Out of the Blue (OTB), Stanley Turrentine, Slide Hampton and the Jazz Masters, the Mingus Big Band, Steve Grossman, Yoshiaki Masuo, Sadao Watanabe, Smokey Robinson, Frank Morgan, Daniel Schnyder, and many others.   Listen to the first single from Umphrey’s McGee’s MANTIS Chicago's Umphrey's McGee enters its second decade together with their hardest, darkest, and most artistically cohesive album to date. The new album hits streets on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009, when Mantis casts another Windy City family into the limelight. Over 2 years in the making, Mantis pushes the envelope in composition, arrangement and group interplay. In an Umphrey's McGee first, the album offers 100% new material - a drastic change of pace for a band whose typical modus operandi is to work out the material live on-stage before recording studio versions.   Listen to the first single from Umphrey’s McGee’s MANTIS Chicago's Umphrey's McGee enters its second decade together with their hardest, darkest, and most artistically cohesive album to date. The new album hits streets on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009, when Mantis casts another Windy City family into the limelight. Over 2 years in the making, Mantis pushes the envelope in composition, arrangement and group interplay. In an Umphrey's McGee first, the album offers 100% new material - a drastic change of pace for a band whose typical modus operandi is to work out the material live on-stage before recording studio versions.   Turbine Announces US Winter Tour The versatile four-piece band Turbine have jam-packed their calendars with coast-to-coast US tour dates, spanning December through February. True to their native New York City, the quadraphonic barrage is a genre splitting melting pot of rock, funk, bluegrass, and Americana. Hitting the road for nearly two straight months, Turbine is creating a marked buzz on the music scene with their infectious songwriting skills and high-octane live performances.   Turbine Announces US Winter Tour The versatile four-piece band Turbine have jam-packed their calendars with coast-to-coast US tour dates, spanning December through February. True to their native New York City, the quadraphonic barrage is a genre splitting melting pot of rock, funk, bluegrass, and Americana. Hitting the road for nearly two straight months, Turbine is creating a marked buzz on the music scene with their infectious songwriting skills and high-octane live performances.   The Rex Caravan Continues & DSO NYE Tixs This December 31 at Ram's Head Live you'll be partying like it's 19-something, but DSO won't let you know until that night. As a special New Year's Eve treat, the band will pick from the many Grateful Dead New Year's Eve concerts as part of their 3 set performance. All tickets include a champagne toast, party favors and finger foods. In the spirit of Thanksgiving DSO are offering their loyal fans a $10 discount and lower service fees through their fan club ticketing while supplies last.   The Rex Caravan Continues & DSO NYE Tixs This December 31 at Ram's Head Live you'll be partying like it's 19-something, but DSO won't let you know until that night. As a special New Year's Eve treat, the band will pick from the many Grateful Dead New Year's Eve concerts as part of their 3 set performance. All tickets include a champagne toast, party favors and finger foods. In the spirit of Thanksgiving DSO are offering their loyal fans a $10 discount and lower service fees through their fan club ticketing while supplies last.   Upcoming Boulder Theater Shows Here is a list of upcoming shows at the Boulder Theater. All shows are ON SALE NOW unless otherwise noted.   Upcoming Boulder Theater Shows Here is a list of upcoming shows at the Boulder Theater. All shows are ON SALE NOW unless otherwise noted.   The Dead Trees play at Larimer Lounge on December 2nd Last spring, The Dead Trees self released Fort Music EP was widely supported through the Coalition of Independent Music Stores and landed these friends from Boston to supporting Albert Hammond, Jr. on a national tour. They just about burned down the Metro in Chicago, abandoned a broken down van somewhere in Iowa along the way playing shows that LA’s The House Of Blues in LA and Webster Hall in NYC   The Dead Trees play at Larimer Lounge on December 2nd Last spring, The Dead Trees self released Fort Music EP was widely supported through the Coalition of Independent Music Stores and landed these friends from Boston to supporting Albert Hammond, Jr. on a national tour. They just about burned down the Metro in Chicago, abandoned a broken down van somewhere in Iowa along the way playing shows that LA’s The House Of Blues in LA and Webster Hall in NYC   A JAZZ NATIVITY SWINGS INTO BIRDLAND FOR 3rd YEAR BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT… A JAZZ NATIVITY, the joyful musical holiday show that warms the hearts of families of all faiths, swings into Birdland (315 West 44th Street, New York City) with seven performances this season, Sunday, Dec 21st through 25th There will be two performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.   A JAZZ NATIVITY SWINGS INTO BIRDLAND FOR 3rd YEAR BENDING TOWARDS THE LIGHT… A JAZZ NATIVITY, the joyful musical holiday show that warms the hearts of families of all faiths, swings into Birdland (315 West 44th Street, New York City) with seven performances this season, Sunday, Dec 21st through 25th There will be two performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.   Noise Pop 2009 Festival Dates And Artist Confirmations The Noise Pop Film Festival continues its mission of focusing on films that embrace and reflect independent music and culture. Early announcements include “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison” examining the most important day in the career of an American icon, and “Agile Mobile Hostile: A Year with Andre Williams,” which follows the charismatic hit songwriter (he has recorded with Berry Gordy, Ike Turner, Stevie Wonder and Jon Spencer to name a few) and his struggle with his creative vision and his addictions. Many Noise Pop Film Festival screenings will include Q&A discussions with the filmmakers.   Noise Pop 2009 Festival Dates And Artist Confirmations The Noise Pop Film Festival continues its mission of focusing on films that embrace and reflect independent music and culture. Early announcements include “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison” examining the most important day in the career of an American icon, and “Agile Mobile Hostile: A Year with Andre Williams,” which follows the charismatic hit songwriter (he has recorded with Berry Gordy, Ike Turner, Stevie Wonder and Jon Spencer to name a few) and his struggle with his creative vision and his addictions. Many Noise Pop Film Festival screenings will include Q&A discussions with the filmmakers.   National Jazz Museum in Harlem December Schedule Herbie Nichols is a perennially neglected jazz pianist and composer. He recorded less than half of his 170 compositions on three classic trio albums for Blue Note and one for Bethlehem before dying of leukemia at the age of 43 in 1963. He is often compared to Thelonious Monk, and his piano playing and compositions certainly do have some of the harmonic angularity people associate with Monk. But he had a very distinctive sound of his own, more melancholy and, for lack of a better word, poetic than Monk in many ways.   National Jazz Museum in Harlem December Schedule Herbie Nichols is a perennially neglected jazz pianist and composer. He recorded less than half of his 170 compositions on three classic trio albums for Blue Note and one for Bethlehem before dying of leukemia at the age of 43 in 1963. He is often compared to Thelonious Monk, and his piano playing and compositions certainly do have some of the harmonic angularity people associate with Monk. But he had a very distinctive sound of his own, more melancholy and, for lack of a better word, poetic than Monk in many ways.   This Weekend At Cornelia Street Cafe NYC w/ John McNeil You see, this is no ordinary music; the chords and tonal colors generated by this band are specifically designed to resonate within your cerebral cortex and stimulate your pleasure centers with endorphins.   This Weekend At Cornelia Street Cafe NYC w/ John McNeil You see, this is no ordinary music; the chords and tonal colors generated by this band are specifically designed to resonate within your cerebral cortex and stimulate your pleasure centers with endorphins.   Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio This Weekend At The Iridium Jazz Club "Dr. Lonnie Smith is a phenomenal B3 burner who can light up a room with visceral intensity or lay down some of the nastiest funk ever played on an organ." Bill Milkowski in JazzTimes   Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio This Weekend At The Iridium Jazz Club "Dr. Lonnie Smith is a phenomenal B3 burner who can light up a room with visceral intensity or lay down some of the nastiest funk ever played on an organ." Bill Milkowski in JazzTimes   The Songwriter's Beat 8th Anniversary Concert The Songwriter’s Beat, New York’s premiere night for performing songwriters, celebrates its eighth anniversary on December 6, 2008 at the renowned Cornelia Street Café in Greenwich Village, New York. Performers include: Ann Klein, Kismet Lyles, Chloe Temtchine and Songwriter’s Beat founder Valerie Ghent. A free songwriting workshop will be offered in the afternoon.   The Songwriter's Beat 8th Anniversary Concert The Songwriter’s Beat, New York’s premiere night for performing songwriters, celebrates its eighth anniversary on December 6, 2008 at the renowned Cornelia Street Café in Greenwich Village, New York. Performers include: Ann Klein, Kismet Lyles, Chloe Temtchine and Songwriter’s Beat founder Valerie Ghent. A free songwriting workshop will be offered in the afternoon.   Guerilla Union Partners w/ HipHopOffical for RTB Charity Auction Guerilla Union, the promoters for the 2008 Rock The Bells International Festival Series, has partnered with Hip Hop Official to present the first-ever Rock the Bells online charity auction. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA).   Guerilla Union Partners w/ HipHopOffical for RTB Charity Auction Guerilla Union, the promoters for the 2008 Rock The Bells International Festival Series, has partnered with Hip Hop Official to present the first-ever Rock the Bells online charity auction. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA).   Incus - 'Fire and Bone' Drawing on influences from Middle Eastern, Native American, African and Eastern European musical traditions, Incus is redefining the American Tribal music movement. The combination of keyboards, accordion, violin, and cello with male and female vocals creates a beautifully haunting soundscape, replete with mesmerizing rhythms capable of inducing trance-like states.   Incus - 'Fire and Bone' Drawing on influences from Middle Eastern, Native American, African and Eastern European musical traditions, Incus is redefining the American Tribal music movement. The combination of keyboards, accordion, violin, and cello with male and female vocals creates a beautifully haunting soundscape, replete with mesmerizing rhythms capable of inducing trance-like states.   Stryker/Slagle Band Monday Dec. 1st @ The Blue Note Here on their fourth release as co-leaders of a dynamic quartet, West Orange guitar ace Dave Stryker and NYC-based saxophonist Steve Slagle continue to mix the jazz tradition with the music's more forward-looking side. The results can be deep and bluesy one moment, more angular and abstract the next. As on Slagle's "Skee," a spunky, riff-built whose theme resolves warmly.   Stryker/Slagle Band Monday Dec. 1st @ The Blue Note Here on their fourth release as co-leaders of a dynamic quartet, West Orange guitar ace Dave Stryker and NYC-based saxophonist Steve Slagle continue to mix the jazz tradition with the music's more forward-looking side. The results can be deep and bluesy one moment, more angular and abstract the next. As on Slagle's "Skee," a spunky, riff-built whose theme resolves warmly.   New Little Steven 'Coolest Songs' Collection Brings Good Luck On November 25, Wicked Cool Records released the latest installment of Steven Van Zandt's irresistibly eclectic collection of rock music, 'Little Steven's Underground Garage Presents the Coolest Songs in the World Vol. 7,' this time featuring songs by Elvis Costello and The Imposters, Flogging Molly, John Fogerty, Kaiser Chiefs and R.E.M.   New Little Steven 'Coolest Songs' Collection Brings Good Luck On November 25, Wicked Cool Records released the latest installment of Steven Van Zandt's irresistibly eclectic collection of rock music, 'Little Steven's Underground Garage Presents the Coolest Songs in the World Vol. 7,' this time featuring songs by Elvis Costello and The Imposters, Flogging Molly, John Fogerty, Kaiser Chiefs and R.E.M.   Matisyahu & Friends-It doesn’t have to be About the Religion to Appreciate the Music Known for his hip-hop and reggae style, Jewish musician Matisyahu's sold out show Sunday night at Boulder's Fox Theatre proved to have attracted far beyond the religious folk of his faith. While a considerable amount of Jewish families with women in their head dresses and men in their customary yarmulke could be spotted from among the crowd, the greater majority of the audience showed to be just as diverse as the musical genres in performance. The music performed by Matisyahu and opening acts Trevor Hall and K'Naan did in fact all hold aspects of hip-hop and reggae, yet among these artists there was diversity. From acoustic guitar and vocals to bongo drums and keyboards, set after set, even song after song, the music was alive with world influences, sound, and meaning.   Matisyahu & Friends-It doesn’t have to be About the Religion to Appreciate the Music Known for his hip-hop and reggae style, Jewish musician Matisyahu's sold out show Sunday night at Boulder's Fox Theatre proved to have attracted far beyond the religious folk of his faith. While a considerable amount of Jewish families with women in their head dresses and men in their customary yarmulke could be spotted from among the crowd, the greater majority of the audience showed to be just as diverse as the musical genres in performance. The music performed by Matisyahu and opening acts Trevor Hall and K'Naan did in fact all hold aspects of hip-hop and reggae, yet among these artists there was diversity. From acoustic guitar and vocals to bongo drums and keyboards, set after set, even song after song, the music was alive with world influences, sound, and meaning.   Bonerama CO Run Postponed Until Spring 09 Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, Bonerama will be postponing their December Colorado run until the Spring of 2009.   Bonerama CO Run Postponed Until Spring 09 Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, Bonerama will be postponing their December Colorado run until the Spring of 2009.   GIANT MAXIMUS NYE PARTY IN LA To ring in 2009, GIANT MAXIMUS will present three ear-blasting areas: the GIANT Stage featuring DJ sets by MOBY, BENNY BENASSI and DIRTY SOUTH plus a special early performance by PAUL OAKENFOLD; the DEEP Stage with MARK FARINA and MARQUES WYATT; and from the promoters of the HARD festivals, the premiere of the DESTRUCTO Stage hosting MICKEY AVALON, DIRT NASTY, TITTSWORTH, DESTRUCTO, FRANKI CHAN, PAPARAZZI, ANDRE LEGACY and BEARDO.   GIANT MAXIMUS NYE PARTY IN LA To ring in 2009, GIANT MAXIMUS will present three ear-blasting areas: the GIANT Stage featuring DJ sets by MOBY, BENNY BENASSI and DIRTY SOUTH plus a special early performance by PAUL OAKENFOLD; the DEEP Stage with MARK FARINA and MARQUES WYATT; and from the promoters of the HARD festivals, the premiere of the DESTRUCTO Stage hosting MICKEY AVALON, DIRT NASTY, TITTSWORTH, DESTRUCTO, FRANKI CHAN, PAPARAZZI, ANDRE LEGACY and BEARDO.   Todd Snider @ Boulder Theater Keith Richards said humor was rock and roll’s greatest weapon, Bob Dylan proved it and Snider takes it to heart. For twelve years, Snider has been a satirist, class cutup and the rare artist who understands and celebrates the connections between the Stones, Dylan, Bill Hicks, John Prine, Mitch Hedberg, Kris Kristofferson, Hunter S. Thompson and Randy Newman. Snider’s records are fun even when they aren’t being funny, funny even when they’re sad, and no less truthful for the laughs.   Todd Snider @ Boulder Theater Keith Richards said humor was rock and roll’s greatest weapon, Bob Dylan proved it and Snider takes it to heart. For twelve years, Snider has been a satirist, class cutup and the rare artist who understands and celebrates the connections between the Stones, Dylan, Bill Hicks, John Prine, Mitch Hedberg, Kris Kristofferson, Hunter S. Thompson and Randy Newman. Snider’s records are fun even when they aren’t being funny, funny even when they’re sad, and no less truthful for the laughs.   Magos Herrera & Beat Kaestli @ Drom, Dec. 7th Magos and Beat met in New York City a year ago and immediately felt a connection in each other’s music and as artists in this vibrant Metropolis. Soon they performed as guests at each other’s live shows and recordings. Now, Magos and Beat will bring their exciting mix of Jazz, R&B and Latin rhythms to Drom NYC, featuring vocal duets and songs from their current solo projects.   Magos Herrera & Beat Kaestli @ Drom, Dec. 7th Magos and Beat met in New York City a year ago and immediately felt a connection in each other’s music and as artists in this vibrant Metropolis. Soon they performed as guests at each other’s live shows and recordings. Now, Magos and Beat will bring their exciting mix of Jazz, R&B and Latin rhythms to Drom NYC, featuring vocal duets and songs from their current solo projects.   Jethro Tull performs Mumbai benefit tonight Ian Anderson says: "We have all been outraged at the awful atrocities of the last week and were forced to take the decision to suspend the Mumbai concert in the light of the Taj Hotel siege which, at the time of cancellation, was still ongoing. In the light of today's new India terror warnings and airport alerts, we are all understandably a little nervous about the show but hiding under the bed is not really an option."   Jethro Tull performs Mumbai benefit tonight Ian Anderson says: "We have all been outraged at the awful atrocities of the last week and were forced to take the decision to suspend the Mumbai concert in the light of the Taj Hotel siege which, at the time of cancellation, was still ongoing. In the light of today's new India terror warnings and airport alerts, we are all understandably a little nervous about the show but hiding under the bed is not really an option."   New Road Trips: Madison Square Garden Sep. 1990 To kick off Volume 2 of our Road Trips series, dead.net is taking you back to the ground-breaking shows in September 1990 at Madison Square Garden. The 2-disc set puts you front and center for 2-plus hours of inspired interplay as the band explores new directions.   New Road Trips: Madison Square Garden Sep. 1990 To kick off Volume 2 of our Road Trips series, dead.net is taking you back to the ground-breaking shows in September 1990 at Madison Square Garden. The 2-disc set puts you front and center for 2-plus hours of inspired interplay as the band explores new directions.   Leftover Salmon In Vail next weekend! Leftover Salmon will play it's last show of 2008 next weekend in Vail. This will be a festive weekend in Vail with 3 big shows including Big Head Todd on Thursday and The Frey on Saturday. There will also be plenty of other shows and activities going on throughout the weekend.   Leftover Salmon In Vail next weekend! Leftover Salmon will play it's last show of 2008 next weekend in Vail. This will be a festive weekend in Vail with 3 big shows including Big Head Todd on Thursday and The Frey on Saturday. There will also be plenty of other shows and activities going on throughout the weekend.   Organ Summit This Weekend At The Iridium Jazz Club Featuring: Joey DeFrancesco, Reuben Wilson, Paul Bollenback, & Byron Landham.   Organ Summit This Weekend At The Iridium Jazz Club Featuring: Joey DeFrancesco, Reuben Wilson, Paul Bollenback, & Byron Landham.   J.D. Allen Jazz Clinic And Concert Series Hailed by the New York Times as "a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and hard-driving style," J.D. Allen is one of the most thoughtful jazz saxophonists on the scene today.   J.D. Allen Jazz Clinic And Concert Series Hailed by the New York Times as "a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and hard-driving style," J.D. Allen is one of the most thoughtful jazz saxophonists on the scene today.   The Walkmen Announce Winter Tour The music that inspired The Walkmen to compose You and Me follows in a tradition of song writing that goes back to early rock 'n' roll: the intimacy and energy of Elvis Presley's and Buddy Holly's early recordings, and the massive voice and orchestration of Roy Orbison. And it carries on through people like Bob Marley and Randy Newman and on to bands like The Pogues and The Modern Lovers - the sort of songs that are very much a product of their time and place while firmly rooted in tradition. The vocals were performed live right in the room with the full band, and sometimes a horn section too.   The Walkmen Announce Winter Tour The music that inspired The Walkmen to compose You and Me follows in a tradition of song writing that goes back to early rock 'n' roll: the intimacy and energy of Elvis Presley's and Buddy Holly's early recordings, and the massive voice and orchestration of Roy Orbison. And it carries on through people like Bob Marley and Randy Newman and on to bands like The Pogues and The Modern Lovers - the sort of songs that are very much a product of their time and place while firmly rooted in tradition. The vocals were performed live right in the room with the full band, and sometimes a horn section too.   Elizabeth & The Catapult Brings You 'Christmas With The Jews' Bound by a common love of eclectic influences, Elizabeth & the Catapult draws inspiration from artists such as Tom Waits, David Byrne, Joni Mitchell, and Jon Brion—as well as classical influences such as Debussy, Ravel and Chopin.   Elizabeth & The Catapult Brings You 'Christmas With The Jews' Bound by a common love of eclectic influences, Elizabeth & the Catapult draws inspiration from artists such as Tom Waits, David Byrne, Joni Mitchell, and Jon Brion—as well as classical influences such as Debussy, Ravel and Chopin.   ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL 11 RETURNS TO MIAMI MARCH 27 & 28 The ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL (UMF)--the world’s leading two-day electronic music experience--has announced the dates for its 11th consecutive year: Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28, 2009. South Florida’s favorite music festival, internationally renowned for its memorable live performances and DJ sets from the world’s top electronic and alternative rock artists, will take place during the 24th annual Winter Music Conference at the beautiful waterfront location of Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami.   ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL 11 RETURNS TO MIAMI MARCH 27 & 28 The ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL (UMF)--the world’s leading two-day electronic music experience--has announced the dates for its 11th consecutive year: Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28, 2009. South Florida’s favorite music festival, internationally renowned for its memorable live performances and DJ sets from the world’s top electronic and alternative rock artists, will take place during the 24th annual Winter Music Conference at the beautiful waterfront location of Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami.   TRIBUTE TO ELMO HOPE - Dec 9 & 10 at the Jazz Standard Pianist and composer Elmo Hope was on the scene from the mid 1950s into the 1960s. This year, June 27, 2008, would have been Elmo's 85th birthday. Elmo was very close to two forward-thinking musical giants, in fact, he spent so much time with Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell that they were called "The 3 Musketeers." Monk loved Elmo's composing and referred to him as his favorite contemporary composer.   TRIBUTE TO ELMO HOPE - Dec 9 & 10 at the Jazz Standard Pianist and composer Elmo Hope was on the scene from the mid 1950s into the 1960s. This year, June 27, 2008, would have been Elmo's 85th birthday. Elmo was very close to two forward-thinking musical giants, in fact, he spent so much time with Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell that they were called "The 3 Musketeers." Monk loved Elmo's composing and referred to him as his favorite contemporary composer.   Marco Benevento Trio Closes November Tour in Style On a cold November Sunday night in Philadelphia not too many people were out and about. But at the World Café Live, near the Ivy League campus of the University of Pennsylvania, there was beautiful music happening with or without the crowds. Even the upstairs of venue has a special feel when it’s not overly packed. It felt like a jazz night. Most couples were sitting at their tables with their bottles of wine and beer anticipating the talented Marco Benevento’s current project   Marco Benevento Trio Closes November Tour in Style On a cold November Sunday night in Philadelphia not too many people were out and about. But at the World Café Live, near the Ivy League campus of the University of Pennsylvania, there was beautiful music happening with or without the crowds. Even the upstairs of venue has a special feel when it’s not overly packed. It felt like a jazz night. Most couples were sitting at their tables with their bottles of wine and beer anticipating the talented Marco Benevento’s current project   New location for Rex Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration The Rex Foundation changed the location to make sure everyone can all come together in a more intimate setting. Let's celebrate the power of music and kindred connections to raise spirits and boost much-needed support for grassroots non-profit programs. Peter Rowan is bringing along friends and family, including Ramblin' Jack Elliot, the Rowan Brothers and Crucial Reggae legendary musicians Fully Fullwood and Tony Chin, plus Michael Kang (of String Cheese Incident) with Panjea, and Jackie Greene, rising star of Phil & Friends.   New location for Rex Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration The Rex Foundation changed the location to make sure everyone can all come together in a more intimate setting. Let's celebrate the power of music and kindred connections to raise spirits and boost much-needed support for grassroots non-profit programs. Peter Rowan is bringing along friends and family, including Ramblin' Jack Elliot, the Rowan Brothers and Crucial Reggae legendary musicians Fully Fullwood and Tony Chin, plus Michael Kang (of String Cheese Incident) with Panjea, and Jackie Greene, rising star of Phil & Friends.   Jazz Pianist Dean Malsack nominated for best Jazz CD Dean has performed all over the United States as a solo pianist and with several ensembles ranging from jazz to blues to popular show tunes and has just released his 6th solo piano recording. His music has been featured on many radio stations, including WNUA (95.5FM) and WDCB (90.9FM) in Chicago.   Jazz Pianist Dean Malsack nominated for best Jazz CD Dean has performed all over the United States as a solo pianist and with several ensembles ranging from jazz to blues to popular show tunes and has just released his 6th solo piano recording. His music has been featured on many radio stations, including WNUA (95.5FM) and WDCB (90.9FM) in Chicago.   Tiësto to embark on final leg of In Search Of Sunrise tour With twenty-five shows in four weeks, Tiësto will be giving thousands of fans an opportunity to enjoy the full unique In Search of Sunrise experience. A special party will take place on New Year's Eve at the world famous Roseland Ballroom by New York's Times Square, when Tiësto will deliver a full five hour live set that will mark the culmination of his amazing In Search of Sunrise tour.   Tiësto to embark on final leg of In Search Of Sunrise tour With twenty-five shows in four weeks, Tiësto will be giving thousands of fans an opportunity to enjoy the full unique In Search of Sunrise experience. A special party will take place on New Year's Eve at the world famous Roseland Ballroom by New York's Times Square, when Tiësto will deliver a full five hour live set that will mark the culmination of his amazing In Search of Sunrise tour.   DSO | The Higher Ground | Burlington, VT | 12.2.2008 If there had been any pretentious doubt or ego defining my relationship with the music of Dark Star Orchestra, it faded away on my drive home that evening. As I listened to a recording of The Grateful Dead laid down in 1976, I found my mind wandering to how these new stewards of this music- this gift- would interpret this same set list. But my mind wandered further to realize that, as wardens of the music of The Grateful Dead, it is their right, more than anyone, save its originators, to determine the best way for it to be delivered. So, if you are as fortunate as me to see Dark Star Orchestra create their own set, enjoy. It is not history in motion, but it is art in flux.   The Fader's 'Here We Go Magic' Streets 2/24 + Preview Track The album opens with the trance-inducing polyrhythm’s and gorgeous multi-layered vocals of "Only Pieces.” What follows is an album oozing with sounds maternal and subconscious...like floating in amniotic fluid, ripe, hiccup-y and desperate to emerge. Many of the songs pulse with infectious afro-beat and kraut-rock influenced grooves, calling to mind classic albums like Remain in Light and Graceland. In contrast, the instrumental tracks conjure mystical introspective landscapes reminiscent of Popol Vuh's unforgettable ambience.   The Fader's 'Here We Go Magic' Streets 2/24 + Preview Track The album opens with the trance-inducing polyrhythm’s and gorgeous multi-layered vocals of "Only Pieces.” What follows is an album oozing with sounds maternal and subconscious...like floating in amniotic fluid, ripe, hiccup-y and desperate to emerge. Many of the songs pulse with infectious afro-beat and kraut-rock influenced grooves, calling to mind classic albums like Remain in Light and Graceland. In contrast, the instrumental tracks conjure mystical introspective landscapes reminiscent of Popol Vuh's unforgettable ambience.   Dark Star Orchestra's Two Night Celebration @ Boulder Theater Dark Star Orchestra presents the complete original set list, song by song, and in order, with uncanny faithful interpretation. To date, DSO has covered more than 1,500 different Grateful Dead shows The group has their craft so well-refined that even members of the Dead themselves, rhythm guitarist/singer Bob Weir, drummer Bill Kreutzmann, and late keyboardist Vince Welnick, have appeared on stage and performed with these live music interpreters.   Dark Star Orchestra's Two Night Celebration @ Boulder Theater Dark Star Orchestra presents the complete original set list, song by song, and in order, with uncanny faithful interpretation. To date, DSO has covered more than 1,500 different Grateful Dead shows The group has their craft so well-refined that even members of the Dead themselves, rhythm guitarist/singer Bob Weir, drummer Bill Kreutzmann, and late keyboardist Vince Welnick, have appeared on stage and performed with these live music interpreters.   Happy Holidays from the Grateful Web Thanks to everyone for visiting the Grateful Web over the past year. We're getting ready for a big 2009 with a new site coming out very soon. We hope you'll continue visiting the site and hopefully will enjoy the new site even more. We think it's going to be a nice change and probably a bit past due. Stay tuned.   New Year's Eve Show Marcus Goldhaber W/The Jon Davis Trio When Marcus was growing up, every night after dinner his mother would call him over to the piano to teach him a new song. She had no great plan to train him professionally, she only wanted him to know this music and have it a part of his life. She would always say, “This is a great one for you to know.”   New Year's Eve Show Marcus Goldhaber W/The Jon Davis Trio When Marcus was growing up, every night after dinner his mother would call him over to the piano to teach him a new song. She had no great plan to train him professionally, she only wanted him to know this music and have it a part of his life. She would always say, “This is a great one for you to know.”   This Weekend At Cornelia Street Cafe (NYC) Michael Formanek may have one of the most diverse biographies in contemporary improvised music. At first glance his list of musical affiliations is both intriguing and confusing. Spanning nearly twenty three years he has played and/or recorded with Tim Berne, Freddie Hubbard, Stan Getz, Marty Ehrlich, Chet Baker, Tony Williams, Gerry Mulligan, Kevin Mahogany, Fred Hersch, Marimolin, Dave Liebman, Uri Caine, Joe Henderson, Mark Isham, James Emery, Bob Mintzer, Mingus Dynasty, Mingus Big Band, Terumasa Hino, Cedar Walton, Attila Zoller, Eddie Daniels, George Coleman, Franco Ambrosetti, Jane Ira Bloom, Ted Rosenthal, Bob Moses, Daniel Schnyder, and Gunther Schuller.   This Weekend At Cornelia Street Cafe (NYC) Michael Formanek may have one of the most diverse biographies in contemporary improvised music. At first glance his list of musical affiliations is both intriguing and confusing. Spanning nearly twenty three years he has played and/or recorded with Tim Berne, Freddie Hubbard, Stan Getz, Marty Ehrlich, Chet Baker, Tony Williams, Gerry Mulligan, Kevin Mahogany, Fred Hersch, Marimolin, Dave Liebman, Uri Caine, Joe Henderson, Mark Isham, James Emery, Bob Mintzer, Mingus Dynasty, Mingus Big Band, Terumasa Hino, Cedar Walton, Attila Zoller, Eddie Daniels, George Coleman, Franco Ambrosetti, Jane Ira Bloom, Ted Rosenthal, Bob Moses, Daniel Schnyder, and Gunther Schuller.   RIBS & BRISKET REVUE New Year's Eve at Cornelia Street Hard blowing, finger-snapping, klezmer-inflected jazz and wailing big city blues that suddenly slips into Yiddish; Shapiro tips his beret to Slim Gaillard with a couple of his tunes in praise of kosher cuisine, pours soul sauce and reggae beats over Jewish comedy songs and generally rips into things with just the right mix of irreverence and affection... Respect is due to John Zorn's Tzadik label for bringing this unique recording to the world. There really is no one else doing it quite like Shapiro!   RIBS & BRISKET REVUE New Year's Eve at Cornelia Street Hard blowing, finger-snapping, klezmer-inflected jazz and wailing big city blues that suddenly slips into Yiddish; Shapiro tips his beret to Slim Gaillard with a couple of his tunes in praise of kosher cuisine, pours soul sauce and reggae beats over Jewish comedy songs and generally rips into things with just the right mix of irreverence and affection... Respect is due to John Zorn's Tzadik label for bringing this unique recording to the world. There really is no one else doing it quite like Shapiro!   Marco Granados Winner Best Latin Jazz Flautist of 2008 Marco Granados and Un Mundo Ensemble perform music from their homeland, Venezuela. Venezuelan music is characterized by fast melodies, complex syncopated rhythms, and jazzy harmonies that blend the traditions of African, European and native cultures with sense of sophistication that is truly unique. A lot of Un Mundo’s arrangements are virtuosic, giving the performers the opportunity to display mastery of their instruments. The different styles performed by the ensemble represent the typical forms most commonly enjoyed by the Venezuelan listener. These styles include: the Joropo, the Merengue, the Tonada, the Gaita, and the Valse (or Waltz).   Marco Granados Winner Best Latin Jazz Flautist of 2008 Marco Granados and Un Mundo Ensemble perform music from their homeland, Venezuela. Venezuelan music is characterized by fast melodies, complex syncopated rhythms, and jazzy harmonies that blend the traditions of African, European and native cultures with sense of sophistication that is truly unique. A lot of Un Mundo’s arrangements are virtuosic, giving the performers the opportunity to display mastery of their instruments. The different styles performed by the ensemble represent the typical forms most commonly enjoyed by the Venezuelan listener. These styles include: the Joropo, the Merengue, the Tonada, the Gaita, and the Valse (or Waltz).   12/29 & 12/30/97 on LivePhish Radio this Monday & Tuesday An early New Year's treat from LivePhish.com: starting at 2PM EST on Monday 12/29 and Tuesday 12/30, LivePhish.com will broadcast both 12/29/97 and 12/30/97, respectively, in their entirety on Live Phish Radio.   12/29 & 12/30/97 on LivePhish Radio this Monday & Tuesday An early New Year's treat from LivePhish.com: starting at 2PM EST on Monday 12/29 and Tuesday 12/30, LivePhish.com will broadcast both 12/29/97 and 12/30/97, respectively, in their entirety on Live Phish Radio.   Tiësto named Mixmag's #1 DJ in 2008 Tiësto is excited about topping off this fantastic year with this acknowledgement and says, "I am honored that Mixmag chose me as the number one DJ of 2008. I had an amazing year and would like to thank Mixmag and their readers for their support!"   Tiësto named Mixmag's #1 DJ in 2008 Tiësto is excited about topping off this fantastic year with this acknowledgement and says, "I am honored that Mixmag chose me as the number one DJ of 2008. I had an amazing year and would like to thank Mixmag and their readers for their support!"   Mike Berkowitz & the Gene Krupa Band at Iridium for Gene's 100th Birthday Star drummer Gene Krupa and his Orchestra were the hottest of the hot stuff in the big band years. Fortunately Mike Berkowitz, an incredible drummer of today rescued the brilliant Krupa arrangements and put together a phenomenal aggregation of some of our New York Jazz world's swingingest musicians and Vocalist extraordinaire, Cassie Miller from L.A. Not just for nostalgia buffs and music historians, any real jazz lover has to be thrilled by the sounds made by this amazing 16-piece group. Scott Barbarino has booked them into the Iridium, the premiere Jazz room (on West 51 Street and Broadway) on Tuesday, January 13, which coincides with what would have been Gene Krupa's 100th birthday.   Mike Berkowitz & the Gene Krupa Band at Iridium for Gene's 100th Birthday Star drummer Gene Krupa and his Orchestra were the hottest of the hot stuff in the big band years. Fortunately Mike Berkowitz, an incredible drummer of today rescued the brilliant Krupa arrangements and put together a phenomenal aggregation of some of our New York Jazz world's swingingest musicians and Vocalist extraordinaire, Cassie Miller from L.A. Not just for nostalgia buffs and music historians, any real jazz lover has to be thrilled by the sounds made by this amazing 16-piece group. Scott Barbarino has booked them into the Iridium, the premiere Jazz room (on West 51 Street and Broadway) on Tuesday, January 13, which coincides with what would have been Gene Krupa's 100th birthday.   New Years Eve Party, Ky-mani Marley, TOK, Turblence, & Pressure New Years Eve Party at 2b1 Multimedia Inc. 3075 17th Street, San Francisco, featuring: Ky-mani Marley, TOK, Turbulence, Pressure and Winstrong.   New Years Eve Party, Ky-mani Marley, TOK, Turblence, & Pressure New Years Eve Party at 2b1 Multimedia Inc. 3075 17th Street, San Francisco, featuring: Ky-mani Marley, TOK, Turbulence, Pressure and Winstrong.   WU Years Eve Bash If you're looking for something to do New Year's Eve this year and you're in the neighborhood of Minneapolis, fall by The Boardroom at Trocaderos on Wednesday night for a four-band groove extravaganza on two stages, hosted by local music partiers The Big Wu.   WU Years Eve Bash If you're looking for something to do New Year's Eve this year and you're in the neighborhood of Minneapolis, fall by The Boardroom at Trocaderos on Wednesday night for a four-band groove extravaganza on two stages, hosted by local music partiers The Big Wu.   Toubab Krewe NYE in Denver + Winter Tour! Toubab Krewe is thrilled to be in Denver for NYE tonight at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom. Special guest Rayna Gellert (Uncle Earl) joins the band for the run on fiddle.   Toubab Krewe NYE in Denver + Winter Tour! Toubab Krewe is thrilled to be in Denver for NYE tonight at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom. Special guest Rayna Gellert (Uncle Earl) joins the band for the run on fiddle.   The Dead to Tour in 2009... The lineup for this edition of The Dead will be the same one that rocked the house at Penn State last fall at the Obama benefit: The Core Four of Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, joined by guitar monster Warren Haynes and RatDog keyboard ace Jeff Chimenti (both veterans of the 2004 Dead "Wave That Flag" tour).   The Dead to Tour in 2009... The lineup for this edition of The Dead will be the same one that rocked the house at Penn State last fall at the Obama benefit: The Core Four of Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, joined by guitar monster Warren Haynes and RatDog keyboard ace Jeff Chimenti (both veterans of the 2004 Dead "Wave That Flag" tour).   Jesse Elder Quintet live at the Blue Note Tonight Jesse is a NYC based jazz composer, pianist and band leader. He has performed at venues such as the Blue Note, Smalls, Minton's Playhouse, Fat Cat, Top of the Rock, the Jazz Standard, and Town Hall. Jesse graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy where he received a "Fine Arts Award in Jazz Performance" and went on to study on scholarship at Oberlin Conservatory and New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Jesse performs his original compositions with renowned jazz artists such as Nasheet Waits, Ben Street, Chris Cheek, Tyshawn Sorey, Logan Richardson, Gary Thomas and others.   Jesse Elder Quintet live at the Blue Note Tonight Jesse is a NYC based jazz composer, pianist and band leader. He has performed at venues such as the Blue Note, Smalls, Minton's Playhouse, Fat Cat, Top of the Rock, the Jazz Standard, and Town Hall. Jesse graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy where he received a "Fine Arts Award in Jazz Performance" and went on to study on scholarship at Oberlin Conservatory and New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Jesse performs his original compositions with renowned jazz artists such as Nasheet Waits, Ben Street, Chris Cheek, Tyshawn Sorey, Logan Richardson, Gary Thomas and others.   Turbine Rumbles in the Red Fish Rightmire’s harmonica is almost certainly the band’s most exciting feature. It functions like a mouth-operated synthesizer, electrified, and run through a huge board of pedals. At times it sounds like a DJ scratch kit, at others it sounds like something from outer space. Sometimes it sounds like a regular harmonica. Rightmire’s epic lung capacity allows him to jam out on the mouth harp with incredible longevity. Long after most people would have blacked out and fallen over, Rightmire keeps the notes flowing, rocking around like a man possessed. I felt lightheaded just watching.   Turbine Rumbles in the Red Fish Rightmire’s harmonica is almost certainly the band’s most exciting feature. It functions like a mouth-operated synthesizer, electrified, and run through a huge board of pedals. At times it sounds like a DJ scratch kit, at others it sounds like something from outer space. Sometimes it sounds like a regular harmonica. Rightmire’s epic lung capacity allows him to jam out on the mouth harp with incredible longevity. Long after most people would have blacked out and fallen over, Rightmire keeps the notes flowing, rocking around like a man possessed. I felt lightheaded just watching.   Attention Colorado: Umphrey’s is on the Way! Chicago’s favorite export is coming to Colorado, and I’m not talking about either crooked politicians or Da Bears. I’m talking about Umphrey’s McGee, who will be doing a four-night stint along the Front Range later this month, beginning at the Aggie in Fort Collins on the 22nd. From there, UM will be stopping at the Boulder Theater on the 23rd, with back to back gigs in Denver at the Fillmore and Cervantes on the 24th, and a show in Breckenridge on the 25th.   Attention Colorado: Umphrey’s is on the Way! Chicago’s favorite export is coming to Colorado, and I’m not talking about either crooked politicians or Da Bears. I’m talking about Umphrey’s McGee, who will be doing a four-night stint along the Front Range later this month, beginning at the Aggie in Fort Collins on the 22nd. From there, UM will be stopping at the Boulder Theater on the 23rd, with back to back gigs in Denver at the Fillmore and Cervantes on the 24th, and a show in Breckenridge on the 25th.   New Years Eve: Zeppelin Reborn as Rose Hill Drive The promise of hearing Zeppelin II was a deal-maker as well, the kind of rock and roll Rose Hill Drive does best. But when the band opened up with Trans Am, an original track off the band’s latest, Moon is the New Earth, the crowd didn’t know what to think. As it would turn out, the change up was so that the band wouldn’t have to pause in the middle of Zeppelin II to play Auld Lang Syne, release the balloons, and watch the happy couples make out on the dance floor. Good thing too, because once these guys got going, there was no stopping them.   New Years Eve: Zeppelin Reborn as Rose Hill Drive The promise of hearing Zeppelin II was a deal-maker as well, the kind of rock and roll Rose Hill Drive does best. But when the band opened up with Trans Am, an original track off the band’s latest, Moon is the New Earth, the crowd didn’t know what to think. As it would turn out, the change up was so that the band wouldn’t have to pause in the middle of Zeppelin II to play Auld Lang Syne, release the balloons, and watch the happy couples make out on the dance floor. Good thing too, because once these guys got going, there was no stopping them.

Branches on the tree of music will never stop growing. As soon as someone pioneers a new sound, five others have radiated from it, creating what they see as their own unique niche, slightly different form their predecessors. Unfortunately, such constant divergence creates an intricate web of music where nothing is original and no two sounds can be grouped exclusively under one heading. This has lead to bands describing themselves with more stylistic differences than those listed at a record store. “Rock infused funk with folk and indie influences.” What the hell is that? You think I jest, but bands are like politicians- they want to please everyone so they make themselves non-committal. Consequently, their music lacks backbone. It lacks strength. Not Trampled By Turtles. On their latest effort Duluth, it is clear that these 5 young men have been influenced by an array of styles- punk, rock country and folk to name a few. But this music is truly bluegrass. It is modern, but it descended directly from the harmonies of yesteryear. This is music with a story that’s sad to hear. This is music that was written from the vantage point of somebody’s back porch in Middle America. Yeah, that view has grown to encompass more global topics, but this is the music of Bill Monroe, Del McCoury and Earl Scruggs. Its bluegrass with attitude and its music that’s not afraid to blaze a singular path.   As any album assembled before the day of the single-song-download age would have had to do, Duluth not only tells the individual story within each song, it tells a collective story of the band and the view inside their collaborative heads at the time these songs were written, recorded and artistically arranged from 1 to 12.   Duluth begins with 3 tracks that assure you what Dave Simmonet lacks in vocal range, he more than makes up for with vocal passion. In the vein of singers like Brad Barr, Jim James and Jeff Mangum, Simmonet is the master of his limited vocal instrument, getting every bit of gusto he can from inside. A singer like this may turn off some people, but what you will hear, if you give it a chance, is a voice tailor-made for bluegrass.   The albums opening cut paints a picture of a cold man during a cold time of year and the melodic harmonies within each chorus assure the listener that these voices belong together. And yet, from the playful Eastern Bloc outtake at the beginning of the song, you know these boys don’t take themselves too seriously. Still, the instrumental playing is far-reaching and flawless.   The harmonic congruence and finger ferocity become clearer over the songs next few tracks, with devastating finger picking by Dave Carroll on the banjo and Eric Barry on the mandolin that will set your ears ablaze by the end of ‘White Noise’ and reignite the inferno in ‘The Darkness and The Light’. A pickers delight, the aptly named instrumental ‘Truck’ rolls over you and brings the opening third of the album to a close.   In its second act, the album changes from its introductory mode to the exposition of individual highlights. Whether it’s the poetic politics of Simmonet on ‘Empire’ or the haunting bass from Tim Saxhaug on ‘Methodism in America’, the incredibly consistent play of fiddle virtuoso Ryan Young or just the stories of love held too tightly, a band growing together and hypocrisy in religion, the listener is able to see the individual men that make this a true band. ‘Pipe Knot’ is a highlight of the album, although it strays from the album’s path more than any of its other songs, rooting itself in the sounds of an Irish symphony during the Victorian empire. And yet, the playing of Carroll, Young and Barry make it all-American as they bring it home with still more mind-bending technical prowess.   As the album draws to a close, the songs vary more and more, loosing the structural integrity of the album thus far. Perhaps that is what the band intended as its indecipherable message may be the message after all. These boys are just having a laugh at the seriousness of it all, as ‘Think It Over’ and Trampled By Turtles upbeat rendition of the classic ‘Shenandoah’ may very well suggest. The album closes with ‘Hammock Swinging”, an instrumental encore with slap-happy banjo and extreme picking where the band truly cuts loose.   Individually, the boys of Trampled By Turtles are all great players, worthy of sharing the stage with anyone. Collectively in the studio, they rival Nickel Creek with their ability to elicit emotion within the confines of precise playing. Their songs have a timeless feel, like all good bluegrass should. But just like there strictly bluegrass predecessors, Trampled By Turtles’ music appeals to more than just bluegrass fans, making Duluth a necessity for anyone who appreciates good music.   For more information about Trampled by Turtles and their touring schedule, visit their website.   Stites McDaniel,   The Grateful Web

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