| |
FEATURED ARTISTS
Yarn's organic blend of acoustic country music has the warmth of old vinyl, the soul of Gram Parsons and the lyrcism and profound musicianship that only comes from each members dedicated musical journeys. This newly formed Brooklyn based band has used their songwriting, guitars, mandolins, and shining vocal harmonies to capture a passionate following throughout the East Coast. Debut album due out March 2007.
"The band's textured, bluegrass-tinged country is at once accessible and affecting. Carroll Gardens frontman Blake Christiana's singing voice is the aural equivalent of a broken-in pair of jeans--rugged, homey, and dependable. Among this bevy of top-notch bluegrass musicians, mandolinist Andrew Hendryx's thoughtful, articulate playing emerges as a crucial part of the band's sound. Though Yarn's jam band roots are manifest at times, the instrumentation never preens or overpowers; Christiana's masterful songwriting shines through in each song."
Similar Bands:
- Whiskeytown
- The Jayhawks
- Gram Parsons
Indeed, it is ‘too good to ignore.’ Listen here.
Brad Yoder believes musical success should be measured in more than just the obvious ways. Being voted "Best Acoustic/Solo Artist" by readers in four of the past five Pittsburgh City Paper polls (2003, 2004, 2006 & 2007) is great, as are unexpected nominations for "Best Musical Performance" (2004) and "Best Small Venue Performer" (2003) by the readers of Campus Activity Magazine. However, playing Poughkeepsie, New York and having a college freshman from Los Angeles request songs she's only heard via internet downloads is actually cooler. It's exciting to have songs featured on CBS's show "NUMB3RS", NPR's "Car Talk", and in the Pittsburgh History Museum's 9/11 exhibit; more tangible, though, is various original art on Brad's walls created by supporters and inspired by specific songs, and four "gig guest books" full of appreciative comments from over six years of live shows. Logging around 150 performances each year, in venues ranging from colleges, clubs, and cafes to church basements and the zoo, Brad has earned the title of "ruling the Pittsburgh coffeehouse scene" (Pittsburgh Magazine.) As a solo performer, Brad has showcased at Toronto's North by Northeast Music Conference, performed at the Pittsburgh Folk, and Philadelphia Fringe Festivals, and opened for artists such as the Cowboy Junkies, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Todd Snider, the Nields, Ellis Paul, & Tegan & Sara, plus played the 2nd stage for David Gray, Peter Paul & Mary, and Steve Earle/Jackson Browne. What matters more, however, is having a fan base that ranges in age from 3 to almost 80, sings along with unrecorded songs at live shows, and generally seems to show up when they're most needed. Brad's total CD sales are now over 5,000, and he's eager to add to that total with sales of his new record, "Someday or Never," released in November 2006.
Similar Bands:
- Fountains of Wayne
- R.E.M.
- James Blunt
Not to be missed! Listen here.
The Sun, the Moon & the Sea is the first full-length album from Mason Brothers, and it showcases the brothers' acoustic leanings, with elaborate finger-picked guitars, splashes of lap steel, percussion, and piano. Also featured on this record are the brothers' stark, imagistic, yet hopeful lyrics.
Brothers Christian and James Mason hail from Richmond, Virginia, where they have recently started work as university professors in Applied Mathematics and Writing, respectively. Mason Brothers are currently playing shows in support of this release and will be working on a second full-length in 2008 - this time turning up the volume with their six piece band.
The story of Mason Brothers begins with solo work of James Mason. In 2003, James released a solo album entitled Carnival Sky; several tracks on this record feature James’ brother, Christian Mason. The subtle beauty of Carnival Sky was affirmed in reviews from all over the United States, drawing favorable comparisons to the late Nick Drake, the late Elliott Smith, and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. The record even made a splash overseas, with reviews and orders coming in from as far away as Greece, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
The brothers went on to play a string of shows in Virginia, DC, and North Carolina, opening up for acts such as Magnolia Electric Company (Songs: Ohia) and Mates of State. Even without extensive touring the record made an impact, charting on CMJ reporting radio stations. Everyone involved was pleasantly surprised with the level and nature of the attention--attention created with minimal, grassroots publicity.
Similar Bands :
- Iron and Wine
- Nick Drake
- CSNY
Don't miss out. Listen here.
|
| |
|
|
