Roots Report: Don’t Let These Shows Pass You By

Okee dokee folks … As I mentioned last month the summer shows are plenty. I have managed to get to quite a few so far and have many more to attend. One commonality I have noticed among the performers is that a lot of these folks are getting old, some very old. I guess I am, too. With age comes wisdom … or just the AARP?

Shawn Colvin was the first of the bunch of concerts I went to last month. Colvin played the Narrows in Fall River, and she made several jokes alluding to her age. She is just 58 years old. In spite of her mocking her own diminished capacities of memory and eyesight, she put on a great show. Nimfest in Newport presented Susan Cowsill. She is the youngest member of and checks in at age 54, just a year older than I am. She still has the youthful look she had as a child. Her voice and performance are still top notch and I didn’t hear her make any age-related jokes, though her audience was a bit up there in years. The former Newport resident drew a nice-sized crowd to King’s Park. Unfortunately, Cowsill seemed to rely more on random cover songs than her own or even Cowsills material. Next up was Yes at the Newport Concert Series. This bunch just looks ancient. Despite the fact that I thought they might break a hip or need CPR on stage, they too put on an amazing show and pulled off great live versions of the Fragile and Close To The Edge in their entirety. They can still play as well as they did the last time I saw them 30 odd years ago. The lead singer who replaced Jon Anderson seemed young enough to be a son or even grandson of the band members, though he behaved and looked very Jesus-like and appeared to be singing to his father above. The topper of the senior citizen summer tour had to have been the Crosby, Stills and Nash show at PPAC. What was supposed to be a CSN show was more of a Crosby-Nash show. Stephen Stills’ voice, for lack of a better word, is toast and he was off stage quite a bit. He could barely talk, let alone sing. I actually felt bad for him. However, his guitar playing is still strong. CSN as a group, whose ages are 69 to 72, are pretty tired, though Nash is still a pretty strong performer at 72. They did make age-related jokes; Crosby made one in reference to putting out a new instead of rolling over and dying at their age. Funny, but not really. For some, the nostalgia factor of seeing these legends live skews their audio palates. While CSN was an enjoyable show, it is tough to see legends who are burning out with age. I guess maybe it is better to burn out than fade away. I would much rather watch these bands than most of the auto-tuned/computer sampled products of music of today. These folks are/were the real deal. There are still plenty of great performances (young and old) to catch during the remaining days of summer. Read on…

Singer- will visit the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Wednesday, August 20. Playing solo guitar and piano, Jackson will perform songs from his entire body of work. Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. The 65-year-old Browne is best known for songs such as “Doctor My Eyes,” “Here Come Those Tears Again,” “Rock Me On the Water,” “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” “The Pretender” and “Fountain of Sorrow.” He was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond his music, he is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights and arts education. He’s a co-founder of the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) and Nukefree.org. For more about this show, “Take It Easy” over to PPACRI.org If you don’t know who Kala Farnham is by now, you should. She is a pint-sized, piano-playing powerhouse from Putnam, Conn. Kala is quickly becoming a mainstay in the RI and surrounding area’s music scene. I first saw Kala perform as part of the Sweet Little Variety Show at the Roots in PVD about two years ago. I was amazed at the talent of the young girl who played a keyboard that was bigger than her. From where I sat she appeared to be no more than high school age but I was shocked when she said she had been playing piano for more than 20 years. Kala started lessons at age 3 and now at the ripe old age of 26 has been playing piano almost as long as she has been walking and talking. She just released her first studio CD, Anahata: Wake Up Your Heart. Farnham’s three previous releases were more homemade products. Though I am not fond of reviewing CDs, I am making a bit of an exception for this one. I love this CD and wanted you all to know about it! The disc starts out with a simple tinkling of a couple of notes on the keys, but quickly launches into the big, fully produced sound of ”Naked Honest”. The 13 song recording features 12 original songs by Farnham and one cover. Kala handles all keys and vocals; Daisy Castro adds nice touches with violin, and master guitarist Duke Levine provides tasty licks throughout. From the aforementioned lead track ”Naked Honest” to the final cut, “Maitri,” the CD delivers wonderful songs that are strong both lyrically and musically. Favorites of mine are: “Songbird,” “Pencil & Ink,” “Ruthless” and “Maitri.” She is a classically trained musician with influences of pop, Broadway and world music in her sound. For ease of description, Farnham’s style can be compared to other female singer-songwriters such as Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Vanessa Carlton, Fiona Apple and Norah Jones, but she definitely has a style of her own. Those who are fortunate to see Kala live are wowed in the same way that I was. If you are interested in catching one of her shows this month, she will be splitting the night with Adam Trudel at Stage Right Studio, 68 South Main Street in Woonsocket (stagerightstudio.org) on Friday, August 29. For more, tickle your ivories to kalafarnham.com

Many of you may remember the work of the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. “Taxi,” “Cats in the Cradle” and “W.O.L.D.” are just some of the fine songs that he left us with. He also left a daughter, Jen, as part of his legacy. Jen Chapin is a remarkable singer-songwriter in her own right. She writes and performs her own music but it has the soul of her father’s work. She has been compared at times with Laura Nyro, Tori Amos and Alanis Morissette. Jen has been featured on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien,” NPR’s Mountain Stage and WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, and Sirius Satellite’s The Loft. She has performed on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and has opened for Bruce Hornsby, Smokey Robinson and the Neville Brothers. When Chapin tours, she plays with her husband, bassist Stephen Crump, as well as guitarist Jamie Fox, a group billed as the “Jen Chapin Trio” that is described as playing urban folk music. She is out on the road this summer and will be making a stop at Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton on Friday, August 22. She released her 7th album, Reckoning, last year and when I saw her this past November in Hingham her show consisted mainly of material from this disc. Reckoning was produced by 5-time Grammy award winner Kevin Killen and its songs are “songs of ambition (and the lack thereof), of anger, and gratitude, of privilege, and being without, of being overwhelmed but still hungry for more life. In short, of family.” Harry Chapin was instrumental in starting the organizations the Presidential Commission on World Hunger and World Hunger Year, and worked tirelessly for them. Jen Chapin carries on his work and is on the board of WHYHunger, the organization founded by her father. The show at Sandywoods will keep this up. They will be collecting canned goods for the local food shelter and donations for WHYHunger. For more, taxi over to jenchapin.com or sandywoodsmusic.com

There is a LOT of music this summer in the City by the Sea. The Newport Concert Series keeps it going under the big white tent on America’s Cup. Rounding out the summer dates are August 10 with Gregg Allman (66 years old), Dean DePalma will be on the Point Stage; on August 16 is (in their 70s) with Joe Silva on the Point Stage; on August 20 will be Alanis Morissette and on August 31 is Kenny Wayne Shepard. For more, navigate to newportwaterfrontevents.com. On August 29 you can Rock the Fort and get hoochie-kooed with Rick Derringer (he is 66, just to keep the age thing going). The first classic rock concert at Fort Adams will also include Steely Dan tribute — Hey Nineteen and Rhett Tyler and Early Warning — a Stevie Ray Vaughan inspired group. For more about the show, sloopy over to: newportrocksthefort.com. You still have a few Sundays left for Nimfest’s free shows at King’s Park on Wellington Avenue. They happen from 3-6pm. For more about those shows, float over to: facebook.com/nimfest. The Touro Synagogue will present a Klezmer concert featuring the Yiddishkeit Klezmer Ensemble on Sunday, August 10 at 4:30pm in Patriots Park on Touro Street. The concert, presented in cooperation with Common Fence Music, is being given by Touro Synagogue in celebration of Newport’s 375th anniversary. Klezmer music, for those of you who don’t know, originated in the villages and ghettos of Eastern Europe where itinerant Jewish troubadours traveled from town to town and performed at joyful events, particularly weddings. With its lively beat and distinctive sound, Klezmer music, which is similar to a big band sound or jazz, has enjoyed a renaissance and renewed popularity on the concert stage and as dance music. It is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the concert will take place nearby in the Colony House in Washington Square. For more, dreidel your way to commonfencemusic.org

This year, Nashville-flavored Americana, Canadian music and hot dance bands each get a stage at The 17th Annual Rhythm and Roots Festival on opening night. This is the BEST festival and party of the entire year. No singular location outside of or Chicago can be said to celebrate traditional music perhaps more than southern Rhode Island. Charlestown hosts the well- known summer music festival that features North-American born musical traditions that include bluegrass, folk, jazz, blues, Cajun, zydeco, R&B, country and rock & roll. The annual festival attracts over 10,000 festival-goers from about half the US and several countries to Rhode Island over Labor Day Weekend. Nationally recognized producer of the Rhythm and Roots Festival, Chuck Wentworth, describes the essence of roots music. “You know it when people play from the heart. When people are there for the joy of making music, not to make money or achieve fame… it’s non-cognitive.” This year Wentworth has booked several tradition-bending (and blending) performers never before heard in New England, and plans to introduce his loyal audience to exceptional Canadian artists in a special opening night tribute. On Friday, August 29, the live performances kick off at 4pm with three stages of music in three diverse themes. The Canadian Stage will feature a special tribute to outstanding north-of-the- border performers, and is hosted by Leonard Podolak of The Duhks (Podolak’s band is the host band of this year’s festival). Other celebrated Canadian artists to take the stage include blues sensation Matt Andersen, and the folksy, award-winning Ten Strings and a Goat Skin. Rhode Island native, and now Nashville mainstay Sarah Potenza, hosts the Americana Stage, with a night of music that features traditional bluegrass artists the Travelin’ McCourys and Grand Ole Opry outlaw (and “It Takes Balls to be a Woman” songwriter) Elizabeth Cook. This is the hottest festival of music and dance in New England. The Rhythm and Roots Festival serves as the grand finale to a Rhode Island summer. This two- and-a-half day, five-stage, all-ages festival takes place August 29, 30 and 31 at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. There is SO MUCH MORE to this festival but I am out of room! Find out more by two- steppin’ over to rhythmandroots.com.

Though this is happening at the beginning of September, I figured I would give you a head start for your musical planning. The first annual Providence Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, September 7 at Roger Williams National Memorial in Downtown Providence. The fledgling festival will feature two stages of acoustic-themed music. Headlining artists are Robin Lane (of Robin Lane and the Chartbusters) who is known for her hits: “When Things Go Wrong” and “Why Do You Tell Lies” as well as her backing vocals on Neil Young’s first album. Legend of the 1970s Andy Pratt, best known for his hits, “Avenging Annie” and “Summer, Summer” will also be gracing the festival stage. Also on the main stage, The Rank Strangers will bring bluegrass, Ed McGuirl and Joe Lambiase bring the blues, Lisa Martin a bit o’ country/folk, Dan Lilley (with Amy Bedard and Scatman) strums out the Americana sound, Allysen Callery and Bob Kendall will perform both together and solo, and Steve Allain will the provide his entertaining MC and singer-songwriter talents. The Rhode Island Songwriters Association sponsors the second stage and will present solo artists such as Kala Farnham, Jake Haller, Tracie Potochnik, WS Monroe and many others. The festival is free and is a great opportunity to get a good dose of the RI sound as well as some classic performances. If you are interested in supporting the festival financially you still have time and can help out by going to the Indiegogo fund raising site: www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-providence-folk-festival–2. For more about the festival, cock-a-doodle- doo to HearInRhodeIsland.com

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading!

John Fuzek www.johnfuzek.com

The Songmill: Mary Ellen Casey’s Ordinary Day

Little Rhody is a tiny state, but I am willing to bet we have more songwriters per capita than any other. Afloat this summer in our vast pool of dedicated and talented singer songwriters is Mary Ellen Casey.

Mary Ellen is not new to songwriting. She has been writing and performing for years. Like many local songwriters trying to support themselves or supplement their income, she performs a hearty mix of her own compositions along with well-known songs by nationally known artists. Her latest and second commercially released CD of original music, Ordinary Day, showcases how beautiful and pleasant her original music really is.

Similar to the rich vocal styling of Anne Murray, Mary Ellen’s strong, yet smooth voice is perfectly suited for, and carries well, the songs she has selected for this CD.

On first listen, the songs appear to be light with very pop memorable and melodic refrains. Digging in deeper, though, you will hear much more. Between the soft lines of her lilting voice lies an undercurrent of deeper meaning – a soul searching for itself. The album, dedicated to her soul mate, leads with an up-tempo number “The Love of Her Life” – a quest for someone looking for, and finding, that special someone. Several cuts in this collection laud those who have stayed together through the thick and the thin of it all and come out shining. Probably the finest song on the album is, “You Love Me Anyway” – a passionate and honest reflection on the strengths, weaknesses and differences that hold a couple near and dear. If you buy just one single from this collection, “You Love Me Anyway” would be this reviewer’s pick.

Just when you think the CD only shines a light on love, Mary Ellen’s out celebrating with her mates on “Paddy O’Hara,” a sprightly number that has the listener leaving their troubles behind as they step through the doors of their local pub. ”Paddy O’Hara” celebrates the Irish in us all as we tip a pint or two and toast good friends.

Recorded at Lakewest Recording and produced by Jack Gauthier, the album is a strong, comfortable listen with Duke Robillard backing Mary Ellen on lead guitar and Mark Teixeira moving things along with some tasty rhythms.

The album, all in all, is a salute to the hard working gal/guy. On “Ordinary Day,” you are encouraged to call in a “well-day” from work and simply enjoy a walk about your own town. The title cut, “I Would Love You Despite Of,” takes another look at that couple who despite working hard, carrying a multitude of family responsibilities and the weight of the world on their shoulders, push through and endure. “This Lady” is a tad sad, yet a reminder of how we all feel at times, as we struggle to juggle what life throws at us while trying to find peace, acceptance and a higher purpose in life.

“Bathroom Trash Blues” is a cute tribute to her pup’s trash-pickin’, incurable blunders. The final cut, “New England Town,” captures what it means to be home – a songwriter’s blessing for all she values. It is a beautiful closing number acknowledging those who have come before us and the gifts we’ve been given.

Make a songwriter happy this week by buying a CD, downloading a tune or two, or shutting down that Facebook and going to listen to some original music – maybe even Mary Ellen Casey, on August 17, from 11am to 2pm at Java Madness in South Kingston. Learn more about Mary Ellen by visiting www.maryellencasey.com

Top 10 Shows at the Newport Folk Fest Every July in Rhode Island, The City By The Sea becomes electric with some of the best musicians on the planet coming to play Fort Adams. The Newport Folk Festival has reemerged as one of the premier stops of the summer music festival season. Famous for being the site of Bob Dylan’s highly amplified rock ‘n’ roll performance back in 1965, the festival has also played host to blues legend Son House, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, My Morning Jacket and Beck. To give you a guide of what you can’t miss this time around, here are my 10 things you have to check out at this year’s Newport Folk Festival:

10.) All Newport’s Eve @ The Newport Blues Café

The night before the official start of the festival on July 24, there will be a stacked bill at The Newport Blues Café on 286 Thames Street featuring everyone’s favorite new Nashville musician by way of Providence, Joe Fletcher and his band of Wrong Reasons, fellow Nashville resident J.P. Harris and his Tough Choices, Philadelphia folk phenom Langhorne Slim, fellow Philadelphians Toy Soldiers, Dead Confederate’s T. Hardy Morris, Dallas’ Andrew Combs, The Deslondes from New Orleans, Providence’s orchestral pop act Arc Iris and New England singer-songwriter Ian Fitzgerald. If you’re in the area this is surely a pre-festival party you don’t want to miss.

9.) The After Parties

One part of The Newport Folk Festival that makes it so special are the shows buzzing around town after each day. On Friday, June 25 at Jimmy’s Saloon on 37 Memorial Boulevard Roz & The Rice Cakes, Torn Shorts, Pier Jump and Silverteeth will be bringing the fun while the following night at the Saloon Boston rock ‘n’ roll act Oldjack will be throwing their 2nd annual Newport Nights with fellow Bostonians Tigerman WOAH, The Rationales & Nate Leavitt with Providence blues-rockers The Silks joining in on the fray. At The Tavern On Broadway right in the heart of downtown Newport on Saturday, The Mighty Good Boys will be making you dance like you have ants in your pants for a night of jug band bluegrass you can’t miss. If that isn’t enough, Deer Tick will be playing all three nights at The Blues Café as part of their annual Folk Fest after parties. Each night is filled with amazing acts sharing the stage with Deer Tick and be prepared to expect the unexpected.

8.) Reignwolf (Friday 2:55 @ Quad Stage)

You can talk about great up-and-coming acts, and then you have to talk about Seattle blues act Reignwolf. Lead by wildman Jordan Cook on guitar and vocals, Reignwolf promises to leave quite the impression by leaving it all on the stage. These guys are just coming off from doing a tour with Black Sabbath and Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell are singing their praises. They don’t have an album out yet, but you can check out a few tracks from Reignwolf on their website at reignwolf.com.

7.) J. Roddy Walston & The Business (Saturday 1:15 @ Harbor Stage)

A rip roaring rock ‘n’ roll band out of Baltimore, J. Roddy Walston & The Business are definitely going to be the prime attraction to light up your Saturday afternoon by the sea. This quartet came out with one of the best albums of 2013 with Essential Tremors and I highly suggest picking up a copy at the merch table after you see them play.

6.) The Devil Makes Three (Friday 2:05 @ Fort Stage)

It can be weird at times to see a band perform as a trio without having any drums, but The Devil Makes Three are so good they don’t need any. This folk act from Santa Cruz, Calif., has some local roots from performing with Joe Fletcher on numerous occasions and staging a benefit show for the late David Lamb of Brown Bird at Fete in Providence last year. I had the pleasure of seeing The Devil Makes Three play The Folk Fest back in 2011 and I’ve been a fan ever since.

5.) Jimmy Cliff (Friday 5:30 @ Quad Stage)

The Newport Folk Fest always has its fair share of legends that perform and on Friday you’ll be able to experience one up close and personal with reggae icon Jimmy Cliff. Jimmy is the only living musician who holds the Jamaican Order Of Merit along with being famous for hits like “The Harder They Come” and “Many Rivers To Cross” as well as his covers of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” and Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now.” If you like to groove and you like to move, then Jimmy should be exactly what you’re looking for.

4.) Trampled By Turtles (Sunday 4:10 @ Quad Stage)

Straight from Duluth, Minn., bluegrass act Trampled By Turtles have a great cult following in the folk community and seeing them play the Quad Stage on Sunday will be a fantastic way to highlight your Folk Fest finale. A week ago they put out their seventh studio album, Wild Animals, so they’ll likely perform a few live renditions off of it. Ideal for the folk enthusiast, Trampled By Turtles very well could be one of the top live bands to see throughout the entire festival.

3.) (Sunday 3:20 @ Fort Stage)

No stranger to playing Newport Folk, Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst is sure to amaze with his heartfelt songs and intense demeanor on stage. The kid from Omaha, Neb., is a trailblazer in his own right and it seems that the more he plays the more his illustrious reputation grows. Like many of the acts performing this year, Conor has a new solo album out with Upside Down Mountain. His versatility is astounding; expect Conor to bust out a few new songs to mix in with a bunch of classics.

2.) Jeff Tweedy (Sunday 4:45 @ Fort Stage)

Right after Conor Oberst plays on Sunday, stick around for something special when Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy heads up to the Fort Stage. He’s currently working on a project with his son Spencer called Tweedy and they should be putting out their debut album Sukierae this September. Who knows? Maybe Spencer will join his dad on stage. Regardless, seeing Jeff Tweedy perform is something that no music fan should miss. 1.) Jack White (Saturday 6:15 @ Fort Stage)

This one is kind of an obvious choice to be #1, but can you blame me? The rock ‘n’ roll enigma from Detroit who is now based in Nashville has his second solo album out, Lazzaretto, which is pretty damn good. He’ll be the headliner for the festivities on Saturday. Jack White is a treat to see perform and he lives up to the billing as one of the best guitarists on the planet.

Besides these 10 things that you can’t miss at this year’s Newport Folk Festival, there will be so much talent floating around Fort Adams and plenty of activities to partake in. The best part might be Boston’s Dan Blakeslee strumming his black kraken adorned acoustic guitar as the festival goers embark on their nightly escapades. For all the info on what else is happening at The 2014 Newport Folk Festival, check out newportfolk.org.

Soul Memorial Honors Dennis McCarthy

On Sunday, July 27, the Rhode Island musical community will come together for a special event at The Met in Pawtucket to celebrate the life of beloved musician Dennis McCarthy. The singer/songwriter passed away unexpectedly in his Providence apartment on June 2, leaving behind catalogue of well-crafted, soulful songs. The event, called Soul Memorial, will feature a host of local musicians, who will take the stage in celebration of the late singer’s legacy.

In the Late ’70s and early ’80s, McCarthy fronted the Groovemasters, a band whose eclectic style put his versatile voice in the limelight. He was also a member of the Dynamic Johnsons.

In recent years, McCarthy and his band had become a mainstay of the Thursday night slot at Nick-a- Nee’s. He also sat in with local bassist Joe Potenza at Aspire. A die-hard performer until the end, his last gig was at the Ocean Mist in Matunuck on May 30.

The music at the event will be a retrospective of McCarthy’s impressive tenure in the music scene. It will feature performances by The Nick-a-Nee’s Band and The Groovemasters, with a special appearance from world-famous jazz saxophonist, Greg Abate. Also in attendance will be The Ubiquitones with help from RI music veteran Marc Cutler and The Last Call Band. Running the show will be emcees Len Cabral, Rudy Cheeks and Mark Taber.

The event will also serve as a CD release party. One of McCarthy’s lifelong dreams was to have his own recording, an undertaking he never finished. Luckily, he had some great friends who stepped up and finished it for him. McCarthy didn’t have a funeral or wake, so this is Rhode Island’s only opportunity to honor a man who meant so much to the Rhode Island music scene. If you want to help celebrate his memory by listening to some of the area’s biggest talents, this is not an event to be missed.

Soul Memorial will be held on July 27 at 4:30pm at The Met located at Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket. Entrance fee: $10 suggested donation, with a potluck dinner and all proceeds going to Dennis McCarthy’s son, Jefferson.

Album of the Week: Stardeath and White Dwarfs’ Wastoid

It can be a daunting to be related to a music superstar. Enter Dennis Coyne, nephew of Wayne Coyne, the insanely enigmatic frontman of acid-punk act The Flaming Lips. Dennis’ band Stardeath and White Dwarfs have a new album out called Wastoid and you can see the influence of his uncle throughout each track. What sets this act apart is the heavy fuzz from the bass and guitar distortions that can make your head spin. It can be tough living up to someone else’s fame, but Wastoid shows that Stardeath and White Dwarfs are looking to forge their own path.

If you have heard the Dark Side Of The Moon cover album Stardeath and White Dwarfs did with The Flaming Lips, Peaches and Henry Rollins back in 2009, then Wastoid should show a lot of similarities. There’s a great psychedelic presence on the album with each song taking you from one place to the next. Each track provides a different experience but each is a pleasant one. Staying true to their crazy and weird Oklahoma roots, Stardeath and White Dwarfs never cease to astound from start to finish with their new album. It’s groovy, fun and trippy with a taste for the abstract that comes together to form something unique and wonderful.

So the World Cup is finally over. Since a portion of your day is all the sudden freed up, dive into my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week. Maybe it’s not as fun as watching a bunch of dudes run around for 90 minutes, but it surely won’t be boring.

The jungle beats and the raw riffs of “Frequency” make it a funky number at the start and then it gets all acoustic with Dennis strumming on his six-string. It reminds me a bit of mid-90s era Blur. A wonderful example of the fuzz is “Guess I’ll Be Okay;” the guitars hit you like a stick of dynamite over a nuclear power plant and it’s my personal favorite off of the album. Cool psych-jazz goodness is all over “Sleeping Pills and Ginger Ale,” a very entrancing song that features piano chords giving it a full body.

Stardeath and White Dwarfs will be performing at The Wichita Psych Fest in Wichita, Kansas, on July 19 and at The Center Of The Universe Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 26. If you’re willing to make the road trip to one of these festivals I highly suggest you do. Hopefully they make it up to New England soon, but until then grab yourself a copy of Stardeath and White Dwarfs’ Wastoid. It’s the perfect album for the person who lives in another state of mind.

Stardeath and White Dwarf’s Website: stardeathandwhitedwarfs.com

Cruel Hand Throws Down at Firehouse 13

By: Khrysta Ryan

Providence hardcore locals Waste of Life and Black Celebration opened up a killer show at Firehouse 13 in Providence this past Wednesday. This small three day tour headlined by Maine hardcore band Cruel Hand, who joined Swamps from Springfield MA, and Street Sweeper from Boston. Although it was a weekday show it didn’t stop people from all over New England to show up and throw down for each band. Fans from Connecticut, Mass, and NH came out and filled the place up.

Black Celebration opened the show and hyped up the crowd even without a packed floor. The first band of the night sets the mood for the rest of the show, and that is exactly what they did. This Providence band knew how to keep the crowds attention. Still new to the scene, they had a memorable performance with their opening and closing song be a tribute to a “black celebration.” Their self titled EP, released in early April, is out on Bandcamp, which you can download for free. Following was Waste of Life: only playing three previous shows, the crowd was impressed by the stage presence of the entire band along with

the amount of interaction the vocalist had with the fans. Their short and sweet set gave the crowd a taste of what is to come from this local hardcore band. The only vocalist to actually get off the stage made Waste of Life’s set one of the best to watch. Their debut EP Nothing to Gain released in early April, people have been able to hear how this Providence band puts their own twist on the classic hardcore style. With each member having different musical influences they mix their ideas together to create this different take on hardcore. Playing with Cruel Hand, Rude Awakening and Capsize, all bands who are nationally known in the hardcore scene, this band is moving in the right direction; quickly in the hardcore scene.

Following Waste of Life was Street Sweeper who killed it with their Boston hardcore sound; fast paced and higher pitched vocals resembling hardcore legends Have Heart. The energy in the room picked up at the start of their set, and didn’t stop until the night ended. The crowd didn’t stop moving and was screaming along for the entire set.

Following Street Sweeper was Swamps. Their entire set was mass hysteria, the best kind of course. Firehouse was one entire pit for their whole time on stage. The entire room was on their toes for the whole show–the stage presence of the band was outrageous, you just couldn’t look away. The vocalist Andy captured the audience’s attention, constantly jumping and shoving the mic into crowd. This was the perfect way to lead into the headliners, Cruel Hand’s set.

The Maine hardcore band started off with well known songs, getting the crowd to pick up their feet and sing along. Cruel Hand is known for their crazy sets and groovy take on hardcore. The vocalist and entire band left the crowd wanting more after playing some new songs from their upcoming album. Out in early September, this will be the first album since 2010.

https://www.facebook.com/Cruel Hand https://www.facebook.com/swampsma https://www.facebook.com/pages/StreetSweeper/294644739539 https://www.facebook.com/wasteoflifehc https://www.facebook.com/blackcelebrationri https://www.facebook.com/LighthousePhotographyUS

Local Band; Violent Sons Get Signed to

By: Khrysta Ryan

Newest addition to the Providence hardcore punk scene, Violent Sons got signed to Bridge Nine Records early July. In late 2013 members from local acts Verse, Raindance and Suicide Pact got together for a collaboration resulting in Violent Sons. Using their past experiences to relate to one another, the guys thought this combination of musicians would be the perfect outlet for a, “therapeutic experience.” Members of the band felt as though something was missing from their lives.

Violent Sons are veterans in the hardcore punk scene in Providence and Mass; most of the members having been in the scene since the early 2000s. The new group is paving its way with their own twist on what Verse and Raindance have already done. A more powerful punk influence creates the new sound that Violent Sons debut LP; Nothing As It Seems gets across Quoted from Bridge Nine Records, Violent Sons’ lead vocalist Sean Murphy’s “exasperated, incensed sociopolitical frustration” pulls the record together.

Without any merch and only one track up on their Bandcamp page that hasn’t stopped Violent Sons from playing shows. “It was nice to just get up there and blast through our set with minimal knowledge of who we are as an introduction of our band,” Murphy explained, wanting to give people a live first impression. “We started this band to write cohesive music without boundaries.” Incorporating a wide spectrum of music, Violent Sons have less interest in “sticking to any particular template.”

Bridge Nine quickly picked up this band, after having signed Verse in the past. This semi- secretive project with the record company was just released to the public only a week ago on the July 2 Although it was just recently announced, the band has been playing local shows around New England for a few months now. Bridge Nine released digital copies of the Violent Sons LP on July 8. Physical copies will be released in early September with pre order at bridge9.com.

Bridge Nine Records is a Massachusetts based record label, moving progressively in the right direction since 1995. Owner Chris Wrenn began putting out 7’ vinyl of his favorite local bands, supporting the cost by selling shirts, patches and stickers. The idea slowly expanded turning Bridge Nine into what it is today. Bridge Nine welcomes Violent sons to the label. This Providence band joins national acts, New Found Glory, H20, Have Heart and Ceremony, in the Bridge Nine family.

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Alt-Nation: A Few Reviews and Shows That Don’t Blow

I was getting some late spring cleaning done when I came across a couple of releases that I hadn’t had a chance to get to between the summer guide and the music awards editions. So this month I’ll start with a couple of CD reviews before highlighting some of the big shows coming up in abnormally strong July. After a spring of mostly suck for shows, it’s good to see things picking up in what is traditionally one of the quieter months. My apologies to the bands for the delays.

Sick Pills – Sickening (75orLess Records) Chris Guaraldi’s music endeavors are a tough thing to follow online. One week he’s playing the farewell for his band The Blood Moons, the next week his old band Chris Evil & The Taints reunites to play a show and record a new record in one day. Oh yeah, somewhere in between he has this new band called Sick Pills that just put out their debut release, Sickening. Sick Pills sound closer to the post-punk of The Blood Moons than punk thrash of The Taints. The one thing I notice about the Sickening is the songs blend together a little too seamlessly. There isn’t really anything to distinguish the opening “Wormfood” from the next track “Next To Me.” It’s not like either is bad but they aren’t noteworthy either. “Get Off My Mind” works a little better as a garage rocker that has a Real Kids feel. “Summer’s Gone” works as kind of garage ballad lamenting the passing of a summer romance. Sickening closes strong with the wistful yearning rock of “Without You” and a cover of the Stone Roses “I Wanna Be Adored. I’m really looking forward to catching Sick Pills live to see how this plays out so someone book them, please.

Comrade Jackson – The Man That Stood Up (POP Records) Comrade Jackson debut release The Man That Stood Up is also the first release for a new local start of label known as Port of Providence that’s an artist run label and recording studio. As for the music, The Man That Stood Up kicks off with ‘Dust” that comes across as a synth-pop version of My Bloody Valentine. “London Particulars” and “Girl With The Radish Tattoo” come across as Mutations-era Beck throwaway, which I find to be boring. As far as other Beck comparisons, “Sun Don’t Burn” at least sounds closer to his Modern Guilt era, which I prefer. The new wave tinged “Good Time Girl” is the catchiest tune of the bunch. I also like soft verse to loud big chorus that propels “The Good Fight.” The title track of the album makes for a strong closer coming off as a robotic Rob Zombie tripping on ecstasy. The Man That Stood Up is available online at www.portofprov.com as well as local record stores.

Neo Nouveau – Action Figures Neo Nouveau are one of those bands that I randomly wonder what the Hell happened to. Don’t know why they stuck with me but caught them in the semi-finals of the 2007 WBRU Rock Hunt where the only thing I really remember from their set was that they did a great cover of Squeeze’s “Pulling Muscles From a Shell.” I’ve never even been much of a Squeeze fan but Neo Nouveau nailed it that night. Anyways a few months ago my “whatever happened to Neo Nouveau” question was answered with news that after an extended hiatus they recorded their 3rd record, Action Figures. I was a little bored by the opening “A Children’s Blues Song.” Then again they don’t make kids’ music like they used to due to the wussification of America. Action Figures picks up steam right after with the hook laden “Anything” and frenetic “After the New Year.” For an audio reference think the pop instincts of Squeeze mixed with indie rock hooks of some combination of Sebadoh meets Buffalo Tom. Neo Nouveau dial it back a notch on “A Voice in the Air” but once again the hooks and the big chorus make it work. I have a hunch this someone in Neo Nouveau really likes Superdrag because that’s probably the closest comparison. All those bands with names that started with Super in the ’90s were pretty damn good. The same could be said about Neo Nouveau’s new record, Action Figures, pretty damn good.

Shows That Don’t Blow

Twin Forks Nashville-based melodic folk band TWIN FORKS is coming to Providence as part of a string of headline shows in support of their self-titled debut album that was released in February via Dine Alone Records. Twin Forks delivers a dozen effortlessly uplifting, life-affirming tunes that combine resonant acoustic textures with catchy, celebratory song craft. They’re one of those rare bands whose recordings and live performance are equally impressive. Twin Forks are recommended for those that enjoy stomp-and-clap folk and bluegrass (Shovels & Rope, The Head And The Heart, Jamestown Revival, The Lone Bellow, The Lumineers). Front man Chris Carrabba is also the songsmith behind alternative rock stars Dashboard Confessional. Twin Forks will be at Fete on July 12th.

NRBQ NRBQ are in their 47th year of rocking and will return to the Met Café to unite the generations once again on the dance floor. NRBQ runs all across the gamut of all things rock, pop, jazz, and blues. NRBQ are respected in the industry and are admired by legends like Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Keith Richards. Their music has been on shows like The Simpsons. Don’t miss this rare chance to catch a legendary band in an early evening Sunday show in an intimate environment. NBRQ return to the Met Café of July 18th. Doors are at 730Pm with the show starting at 830PM.

2nd Annual Pete Theroux Memorial Fest The 2nd Annual Pete Theroux Memorial Fest will raise money for cancer as well as of course celebrating the life of one of the great supporters of the local music scene. Expect a lot of hardcore and metal as this will be one loud weekend complete with a set by the legendary Meatmen on Sunday. There will also be a pig roast on Sunday… Now that doesn’t suck! 2nd Annual Pete Theroux Memorial Fest featuring Suffocation (on Saturday) and The Meatmen (on Sundays happens July 19th-20th at Fete. The doors are at 6PM Saturday and 3PM on Sunday.

Electric Six Outside of maybe Dinosaur Jr., this is maybe THE SHOW of the summer. Electric Six have been my favorite band to go see for about the last decade. A mix of KISS rocking pomp mixed with disco and throw in some Talking Heads as a chaser. Electric Six exploded onto the scene with their first record, Fire, in 2001 backed by tunes like “Gay Bar” (YouTube the video) and Danger High Voltage (with the infamous “fire in the disco, fire in the Taco Bell” lyrics and Jack White cameo). Since then the world has changed but the Electric Six has stayed the same as far as never gaining or losing popularity. Electric Six continue to release records annually and built up a set lists filled with should have been hits like “Down At McDonnelzzz” (celebrating those afterhours takeovers of fast food joints), “Future is in the Future” (commiserating “if money talks than I’m a mime” and celebrating “karaoke all night long, Macarena till the break of dawn”), and “I Buy the Drugs” (where they provide PO Box address to send your orders). You won’t find a more charismatic front man in rock ‘n roll than Electric Six’s Dick Valentine. You also won’t find a better live band for booty shaking rock ‘n’ roll. Electric Six, Ravi Shavi, VulGarrity, and Satellites Fall bring the fire in the disco to Fete on July 21st.

Weld Square Weld Square are a New Bedford based power trio who are one of my favorite local bands that I’ve discovered in the past year. Weld Square bring it by means of old school punk and roll in the vein of something along the line of the Stooges minus Iggy Pop as front man. Don’t miss one of the local bands on the rise at the Met Café! Weld Square, Diamond Hill, and Stone Pony will rock the Met Café on July 23rd.

Beck Beck must have enjoyed his time in Rhode Island last summer for the Folk Festival because he’s back after not playing the state for probably 15 years before last year. Heck, Beck even hung around town for a few days after the festival and practiced at Lupo’s before heading out on tour. Beck’s touring behind a new album, Morning Phase, which is more of an acoustic album. Beck is really so talented that he can do whatever the Hell he wants up there and I’d still go. He still plays the old hits like “Loser” and Where It’s At” as well stuff throughout his career. It’s going to make for some tough choices with the Folk Festival and Deer Tick all happening the same day. Beck hits the Providence Performing Arts Center on July 26th.

Everlast Few in music have had a weirder career track than Everlast who went from rapping as part of House of Pain on the mega hit “Jump Around” to an acoustic singer songwriter winning Grammys for a Carlos Santana collaboration, “Put Your Lights on.” I still think the coolest thing Everlast did was get into a feud with Eminen that had them dissing each other back and forth in song. Expect the acoustic troubadour Everlast at Manchester 65 and the truth is he is pretty good at that. I even own an album or two. Plus who would have thought when Everlast was winning Grammys that he’d ever be playing West Warwick? Everlast and Kris Hansen & Big Jon Tierney play Manchester 65 on July 27th.

Nashville Pussy It’s always a party when the redneck rock ‘n’ roll circus of Nashville Pussy rolls into town. Their shows at the old Met Café with their old fire breathing Amazon bassist, Corey Parks, were some of the most memorable I’ve attended. Straight up sleazy white trash rock ‘n’ roll performed to perfection. Nashville Pussy’s newest album, Up The Dosage, stands up to anything in their catalogue. In fact one of the tracks, “The South is Too Fat to Rise Again” may be my favorite Nashville Pussy tune. Nashville Pussy will be playing as part of Milltown Fest which sounds like something based out of western Mass. My point is that they can call it whatever they want but I’m just going for Nashville Pussy. Milltown Fest featuring performances by Nashville Pussy, Filth on The Floor and much more will go down at Fete on July 27th.

Against Me! The latest record from Against Me!, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, marked major changes for the band as it is the first record since singer/guitarist went from being Tom Gabel to Laura Jane Grace. Despite the procedure, by all accounts Laura Jane Grace’s vocals are for the most part unchanged. Where Against Me was previously noted for their political songs, on the new record as the title suggests the songs explore gender identity. Despite the gender change and another long time member of the band leaving, I haven’t seen anything online about their live shows losing one bit of intensity. Expect a charged high intensity show from Against Me when they hit the Met Café at the end of the month. Against Me!, Creepoid, and Jenny Owen Young will rock the Met on July 30th.

Supersuckers The self proclaimed greatest band in rock ‘n’ roll Supersuckers return for what promised to be another night of raucous mayhem. The Supersuckers act doesn’t really change much from year to year but they do the punk meets outlaw country act well. I do miss the days when Eddie Spaghetti and the boys were more of an unknown and there was some element of surprise to their set. That said… they don’t exactly suck either. By the end of the night it is a safe bet that everybody will be smiling and swaying while singing along to “Pretty F***ed Up”. Supersuckers, The McGunks, and The Skinny Millionaires rock Manchester 65 on August 2nd.

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