WRVU Benefit Show @ The End 11/19/09

Thursday night at The End was the WRVU benefit show, which featured several local Nashville rock bands and DJs in between sets. In addition to this, it was the Cheer Up Charlie Daniels vinyl release show.
The first band of the night that I caught was Power Brrrd, a trio that reminded me very much of some older punk bands that I saw while I was in high school where it is all about the pure energy of the performance. The band rocked out for their entire 40 minute set, switched instruments 3 or 4 times during that period, and congratulated each other at the end of each song by saying "Good job Power Brrrd". After melting as many faces as possible, Westfolk took the stage.
Westfolk, formally known as Oscar Anthony and the Westfolk Band, is a 6 piece rock and roll band that is heavily influenced by the 1960s and 70s rock era. While the feel of their tunes are of that era, they bring a modern edge to the genre, which allows them to rejuvenate the older style and bring new life to that sound.
After Westfolk was Cheer Up Charlie Daniels, whom were celebrating the release of their new vinyl record "Live from '79". Some of you may be confused for a second about this title, I know that I was, but what they are referring to is "Welcome to 1979 Studios", an all analog studio, where the band recorded their live performance straight to 16 track analog tape. Covered in face paint with a movie projected over the stage right wall of The End, the band kicked off their set with the first song off of their new record and never looked back.

Below are some other pictures from the night.































Links:
www.myspace.com/powerbrrrd
www.myspace.com/westfolkband
www.myspace.com/cheerupcharliedaniels

Paleface & Michael Ford Jr. and the Apache Relay @ The End 11/16/09

If you were looking for a night of fun americana music, Monday night at The End was the place to be. Nationally touring act, and Ramseur Records recording artist, Paleface brought their unique and undeniably fun show to the stage as the acoustic guitar/drum duo played songs from their new album "The Show Is On The Road" as well as other tunes. With obvious roots in folk and blues, Paleface brings that familiar feel to his songs but with a new twist that is based on the edginess of their live performance and the rawness of the fact that it is just a duo performing them. One thing that I liked in particular about their set is that they were visibly having a lot of fun playing the show. Paleface was dancing and running around the stage nearly the entire time while Mo was holding it down on the drums and bgv's. This energy was definitely felt and given back by the audience as they danced and sang along with Paleface.
After Paleface ended their set, Michael Ford Jr. and the Apache Relay took the stage. As always, the band brought a high level of energy to their performance, but also changed up their set a little bit this night with a few new experiments that I very much enjoyed. One of these experiments happened about halfway through their set as all of the band members playing stringed instruments stepped to the front of the stage, in front of the mics, and performed a song sans PA, which had the crowd silent as they intently listened to the band. In addition to this, they tried out some new songs, all of which went over really well. The band does not currently have any other Nashville shows booked right now, but keep an eye on their myspace for announcements about new shows.

Links:
www.myspace.com/mfjrandtheapacherelay
www.myspace.com/palefaceonline


Other pictures from the show:

Brett Dennen @ The Cannery Ballroom 11/13/09

Sadly, on Friday night I arrived at the Cannery Ballroom just in time to hear Grace Potter end. I had figured at the time that showing up at 9:20 or so on a Friday night the opener would surely still be rockin, but I was mistaken. Fortunately I have seen Grace Potter before and know how awesome her set is, nevertheless I was still slightly disgruntled by the fact that I only got to hear one song and that it was totally my fault. Luckily, although I didn't know it at the time, I was in for a new live music experience that would push aside all of my disgruntled feelings and replace them with the sweet sounds of California.
Before attending this show I had only heard a few of Brett Dennen's songs, but ever since leaving the show I have had my favorite songs from the night on repeat.
Dennen, whom is based out of Oakdale, California, brings an eclectic mix of influences to his insanely catchy pop songs that had the audience at the Cannery singing and dancing from start to finish. Not only were people singing on their own, but Dennen's crowd interaction was phenomenal with several great call and response parts and some of his own lyrical riffing that made the night a unique experience.

Another unique thing about the night was the demographics of the crowd. Observing this allowed me to realize that Dennen's music transcends age groups from younger college age students to people of my parents generation. This may be due to the fact that Dennen's brilliant blend of California rock with diverse rhythms and vocal tones that are reminiscent of Paul Simon, make Dennen's peaceful perspective on life accessible to pretty much any audience.

If you have friends in any of the cities that Dennen is playing in on the rest of this tour, be sure to let them know that this is a show that they don't want miss.

www.myspace.com/brettdennen






Other photos from the night:

ASCAP Rocks The Basement @ The Basement 11/11/09

This ASCAP night at The Basement was nothing short of great! With indie/americana acts taking the stage all night, the display of incredible talent never ended.
While I happened to not make it in time for the first act, the second act that played was Jill Andrews of The Everybodyfields, which was really a special treat. Her songs were beautifully done with great dynamics and feeling, which were conveyed through her lyrics, vocals, and backing band in such a way that you actually found yourself seeing and feeling the imagery described in the songs.
The next act was Keegan Dewitt, a local song writer whom I have seen play on several different occasions and am always excited to see is on the bill of any show that I am attending. Dewitt performed this night as an acoustic duo, which allows the audience to hear his indie-folk songs in a raw, almost elemental, way as his record has a full band and gives insight into how the song may have been when he originally wrote the tunes. He also announced that he will soon be doing a European tour.
After Dewitt was one of my favorite local bands, Michael Ford Jr. and the Apache Relay. These guys bring a level of excitement and passion to their music that is absolutely infectious. From the moment this band steps on stage you can feel their energy as they bring a rock and roll aspect to the americana genre. If you aren't doing anything on Monday, November 16th, make sure that you are at The End seeing them perform with Allen Thompson and Paleface.


Links:
www.myspace.com/jillandrewsmusic
www.myspace.com/keegandewittmusic
www.myspace.com/mfjrandtheapacherelay

Mikky Ekko Showcase @ The Basement 11/10/09

If you were one of the many people in attendance at The Basement on Tuesday night, you will be able to attest to the fact that this packed out show was one of extremely high energy. Mikky Ekko delivered his performance with commanding stage presence and powerful vocals. With songs that have an unique, emotive, spacious feel that envelopes the audience, while also weaving in textures of pop and rock, listeners couldn't help but feel the energy and bob their heads along with the beat. Be sure to check out the next Mikky Ekko on December 17th @ 12th and Porter with Sarah Silva & We The Living.
www.myspace.com/mikkyekko

Space Capone @ The Mercy Lounge 11/6/09

For those of you who have been to a Space Capone show before, you know how much fun they are, for those of you who haven't been to a Space Capone show, you NEED to go to one. These guys bring the funk every time with grooves that will have you dancing the entire set. This night in particular was a blast because not only was it a great
turn out, but it was also Space Capone's birthday and he had a packed Mercy Lounge to celebrate it with. You can check out their tunes at www.myspace.com/spacecapone

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