Tag: Fanny Walked the Earth

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 day 7 – see it or skip it

We took Tuesday off from the Fringe for our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at The Mint LA, and it was OFF THE HOOK! Thank you to all the artists that performed – Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice. Thanks also to Brie Darling, June Millington and Jean Millington aka Fanny Walked the Earth, as well as Cherie Currie, for reminding us of our rock and roll history. It was such an honor to be able to recognize Fanny with the 2019 Icon Award.  Special thanks to Kirk and the gang from Blue Élan Records for all of your support, and to the amazing staff at The Mint LA for providing excellent service. We can’t wait for next year.

It was so great to come back to the Fringe last night for some very interesting shows.  Here are our reviews.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Start Swimming

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  This show was different than anything else we have seen this year.  The show comes to us from the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received rave reviews.  Truthfully, this is the kind of play that you either love or hate, as it espouses strong feelings and passions.  It raises a lot of issues as it questions authority and raises the question – can I as an individual change the world.  There is no question that the cast believed they could, as they truly left it all on the stage with their passionate performances.  Definitely come to this one with an open mind, and be prepared to be wowed by the concept and construction of this play.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 10 p.m., June 27 at 5 p.m.  and June 29 at 1 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Same Room

VENUE:  The Broadway (Studio)

REVIEW:  Kelly Pierre has written one of the most compelling shows of HFF19.  Scott Golden has captured her intent and directed a show that is worthy of attention, praise and awards.  Not only did Pierre write the play, but she appears with the amazing Fringe virgin Sam Sheeks in this outstanding two-hander.  The play begs the question – what does it take for us to heal, forgive and have compassion on those with whom we interact?  It needs to be experienced, as reviews cannot capture the power and ultimate beauty of this play.  Trust us when we tell you that this is truly life-changing theater.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

RECOMMENDATION:  The Same Room is truly a MUST-SEE at HFF19, and definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 8 p.m. and June 26 at 10:30 p.m.  Although it is sold out, we strongly advise you to get on the waiting list.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Meg Jo Beth Amy & Louisa

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Blackbox)

REVIEW:  Louisa May Alcott is an American literary treasure, and I’m sure she would have loved this interpretation of her book, which is told from the POV of Alcott as she wrote the stories.  Tier5 has created a masterpiece of theater that should appeal to just about every living, breathing human, and director Ariel Francoeur captures every nuance of the story, giving his amazing cast everything they need to bring it to life.  Musical director Michelle Walker, who also plays Beth, truly adds to the process with original and borrowed music, leading the rest of the cast to bring their all to their performances.  Hats off to Hilary Kelman as Louisa, Maya Bhagwat Bassuk as Meg, Nicole Orabona as Jo, Margaret Gorrell as Amy and Walker as Beth are the quintessential Little Women, and they get amazing support from James Cougar Canfield as Niles the Publisher, Pilar Adara as Marmee, Benjamin Cardona as John F. Brooke, and Mel Gonzales as Laurie.  Brandon Thomas Martin and Dana Placentra were also brilliant in their myriad of supporting roles.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you love modern interpretations of literary classics, or just love great theater, then this show should be at the top of  your list.  There are only three remaining performances before they head to the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC – June 20 at 5 p.m., June 22 at noon and June 23 at 4:30.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Reviews See it or Skip it Women in Entertainment

HFF19 day 5 – see it or skip it

No fringing tonight – it’s our Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase, honoring Women in Entertainment.  Doors at The Mint open at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at 6:30, with Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K. Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice set to perform.  We will also be honoring Fanny Walked the Earth with our 2019 Icon Award.  Tickets are available at the door for $13, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Please join us.  In the meantime, here are our reviews from Monday night.

TITLE OF SHOW:  All our Pretty Songs

VENUE:  Asylum Studio C

REVIEW:  This show should be required viewing for all millennials and others seeking guidance on whether to follow their dream or settle for the security of a real job.  The staging of the show was brilliant.  Hats off to playwright John Brahan, who also performed on the drums, director Dan Schultz, who likewise took the role of the artist seeking his dream, and Shanlie Phillips as the semi-spoiled but gifted daughter of music industry parents.  To sound like an artist who doesn’t have any talent takes a lot of skill, and Schultz pulled it off.  But this wasn’t supposed to be a true display of their musical talents, rather a biting look at coming of age, and in that they succeeded.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 10 p.m. and June 29 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Raised by Wolves

VENUE:  Stephanie Fuery Studio Theatre

REVIEW:  Once again a brave solo artist has given us an absolute gem that is easily one of the best, if not the best, show at HFF19.  All the way from Canada comes the compelling and emotionally draining story of Marla Black, and I was proud to be crying by the end of the show.  I learned so much about the pack structure of wolves and sled dogs, and how it applies to every day living.  This was a Ted Talk/Seminar disguised as a Fringe show, and would be a bargain at ten times the price.  Don’t miss this priceless and thought-provoking show.

RECOMMENDATION:  Don’t miss this show.  The only remaining performance is June 22 at 5:30 p.m., so get your tickets before it sells out.  Tickets are available on her Fringe project page.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 18

My first week back in LA was very busy, with two trips to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, attending and reviewing Nineteen Years Later, helping with another show, and going through the first rehearsal for my Fringe solo show.  Along the way there was a night of Fringe “Office Hours,” a Fringe Town Hall, an unexpected chance to catch a rehearsal, and plenty of great conversations, not to mention a couple of days at the ASCAP EXPO, which included a special songwriters’ round with LeeAnn Womack, Stephen Bishop, Jack Tempchin and Wyclef Jean. 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week features the powerful and soulful vocals of Elisabeth Beckwitt, and we think this one has a lot of potential.  Check out “Free Fall” – we think you’ll definitely fall for her sound.

Next up is a pair of legends who have joined forces to bring the spirit of rock and roll back to today’s music scene.  Combining Fanny Walked the Earth’s Brie Darling with The Runaways’ Cherie Currie is brilliant and they do justice to this remake of the T. Rex classic, “The Motivator.”  This one will get your week off to a great start.

We follow them up with another Blue Élan Records artist named Car Astor, and what we think is her best song to date.  The song may be called “Hush,” but we won’t keep quiet about how much we love this song.

Let’s switch gears to a more Americana and country sound of Jesse Dayton, another Blue Élan artist.  His latest, “Redneck Friend,” will have you two-stepping around the dance floor in no time flat.  Enjoy the honky-tonking sound.

We close out this week’s singles with the upbeat and empowering “For You” from rising star Katile.  We see a very strong future for this young lady, and can’t wait to see what comes next.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We return to the beautiful country of Denmark to kick off this week’s music videos with the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning band Straw, “Perfectly Fine.”  Sally’s vocals are powerful and strong and the song hits home with its message that you don’t have to be perfect to be happy.  This family just keeps getting better and better.

Speaking of amazing family bands, here is the first original from the PaperDolls, featuring elder sibling Kendra.  It is a powerful song that will give you strength to fight each day.  Thank you Kendra for blessing us with “See What I See.”

Our third video gives us a new look at the whole “loser” mystique.  We bet you’ll never feel the same way about the word after viewing this video. Here’s “Loser” by The Scared Crows.

Video number four is guaranteed to rock your week, as Meisha and the Spanks reveal their inner child for the video of their latest single, “Motorin’.’

We close out this week with a stunning video from Wake up Hate for their song, “Love me Like a Hurricane.”  We think this one will rock you into next week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 6

OMG – that was the best Grammys Show we have ever witnessed.  Everything that was lacking in last week’s Super Bowl was present – superstar performances, inspiring speeches and incredible music throughout.  Alicia Keys was the perfect host and her “Songs I Wish I’d Written” segment brought us to tears.  It was also about time that the talents of Women in Entertainment were clearly on display, showing the world what we already know.  We’ve got some news for you today that is the perfect segue to that, as well as five new singles and music videos for your consideration.  Here we go!

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT 61ST GRAMMY AWARDS SHOW

Congratulations to indie band Opium Moon on their Grammy win last night for Best New Age Album.  Huge props to amazing violinist Lili Haydn and her equally amazing band for this honor.

Congratulations also to two artists we had the privilege of reviewing here on our blog.  Composer and music educator John Daversa took home three Grammys for his amazing jazz album American Dreamers that featured DACA kids and spotlighted their cause.  Blues legend Buddy Guy won for Best Traditional Blues Album for The Blues is Alive and Well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE TO HONOR WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT

The Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor the role of Women in Entertainment, and will feature a stellar line-up that includes Fanny Walked the Earth (the first all-girl group to release an album on a major label); multiple-award winning rock band The Spider Accomplice, led by VK Lynne; Rebelle Road artist The HawtThorns, led by label co-founder KP Hawthorn (former member of award-winning group CALICO the Band); blues phenom Brigitte Rios Purdy; Americana sweetheart Amilia K. Spicer; and two of our International winners, blues band Reloaded Norway and Latin singer Constanza Herrero.  We expect to announce a couple more artists in the coming weeks.  Tickets are now on sale for just $10 in advance or $13 day of show, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  We hope to see you there.

BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR FEBRUARY 15-24, WITH OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE WILMA

This year the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 16th opening night on Saturday, February 16 with a free screening of a film that celebrates winter culture and the pioneer who helped bring it to the big screen.

Directed by Patrick Creadon, SKI BUM: THE WARREN MILLER STORY chronicles the life and times of the legendary filmmaker who, through his annual ski films and national tours which began in the early 1950’s, was a driving force in the development and promotion of the ski industry in America and throughout the world.

The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m. at The Wilma (131 S. Higgins) with a Q&A with filmmakers and cast following the screening.  We advise you to show up early to make sure you get a seat.  This year’s free opening night is made possible by Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Australian folk singer Short Shadows.  We love his vibe and the sentiments contained in “Nothing Good Comes from Preston.”  Check out those horns.

Our second single is a sweet pop song from David Alexander called “Falling.”  We love the strings and the heavenly vocals and think you’ll want to hear more from this young man.

https://soundcloud.com/david-alexander-300103527/falling/s-CJZ6d

Next up is the rocking sound of Signs & Symbols, who share their latest single “Coffee for Friends.”  This one will get your week off to a rocking start.

Our fourth single is from pop artist Kat Holland.  We really think she’s “The One,” and think you will want to add this artist to your favorites.

Our final single this week comes from UK band Woman’s Hour and is very powerful both sonically and lyrically.  Check out “Luke.”  We think you’ll be searching for more of their material.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Los Angeles street performer Katie Ferrera.  It is a powerful and beautifully shot video that shows what it’s like to busk, as well as the raw talent of this amazing artist.  Here’s “Weightless.”

Next up is “People Get Ready,” the gritty tune from another UK artist, Emma Bosworth.  The song talks about mental health issues and presents them in terms we can all understand.  Please give this artist your attention.

Our third video is a blues smoker from The Spear Shakers, who we introduced to you last month in our Ten Amazing Videos from December article.  Here is their latest, “I Went Down Easy.”

Next up is an amazing live performance of the power ballad “There has to be More” from Eliza Spear.  The song talks about transitioning to Los Angeles from North Carolina, and offers hope that there is more than just what you can see.  We think you should take her advice to heart.

Our final video this week will definitely give you something to think about, as it is all about global warming and resultant changes.  Check out this powerful and thought-provoking video from KLOGR for their song “Somethings in the Air.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Women in Entertainment

Women in entertainment – Brie Darling, indie music pioneer and true renaissance woman

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Jo Hart.

Welcome back for another edition of Women in Entertainment.  Today we are pleased to feature one of the pioneers of music, Brie Darling, who is currently the drummer, vocalist and songwriter of the resurrected 70’s band Fanny (now known as Fanny Walked the Earth), one of the stable of amazing artists signed to Blue Élan Records.

Darling has had a storied career spanning more than 50 years, and including a myriad of creative endeavors.  She joined the Sacramento Musician’s Union and played her first professional gig as a drummer when she was 14.  Five years later, she moved to Los Angeles and began playing clubs and bars until she got hired to perform as a recording artist.   She has recorded as an artist with
Fanny (the first all-girl band to release an album on a major record label), Earthquire, American Girls, Boxing Gandhis and now Fanny Walked The Earth.

Along the way, she has also recorded, toured with and performed with the likes of Melissa Manchester, Keith Moon, ELO, Ringo Starr, Robbie Nevil, Jimmy Buffett, Carole King, Nikki Sixx, Glen Campbell, Janiva Magness and The Temptations.

“I now go by Brie Darling (having previously been known as Brie Howard and Brie Howard Darling),” explains Darling.   “I’m a drummer, singer and songwriter who has dabbled in a few films, some TV and a whole lot of music videos.  I also make crazy amazing behemoth cakes and love designing and building houses . . . anything creative and artistic.   In fact, what truly inspires me is opportunity.  My motto is ‘Be open to everything and be ready for anything.”

“Besides writing songs that I have recorded, my songs have also been released by a plethora of other artists, including The Pointer Sisters, Ellen Foley, Randy Crawford, Peter Criss (Kiss) and Michael Jackson (“Night Line” is still in vaults awaiting release!)  I am really proud to have been part of writing and performing what has become an anthem for women’s rights, ‘When we Need Her.’  That song also earned us an LA Music Critic Award for Best Video (group) in 2018.”

Not only did 2016 bring the resurrection of Fanny, but also gave Darling the opportunity to compete on Cake Wars, where she took home first place.  Check out her amazing Facebook page for this endeavor.

What does the future hold for this amazing woman?  “I’ll keep writing, playing, performing and creating . . . until I can’t.  Please stay tuned for a brand new secret project that I’m thrilled about.  If you like what you’ve already heard, then I think you’ll love this.”

If you would like to know more about Darling, check out the links above for her website and her three Facebook pages.  If you’re in Los Angeles, make sure you don’t miss the next performance of Darling and her band, Fanny Walked the Earth.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2018 Women in Entertainment

Forty best albums of 2018

What a year for indie music.  We received a boatload of review requests from around the world, and published reviews of nearly 1,000 CDs and EPs.  We culled through those we reviewed first to pick our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and now to compile our list of the 40 Best CDs of 2018.

Due to the sheer volume, we only considered full-length projects for this list, but that doesn’t mean that quite a few of the EPs we reviewed weren’t also worthy of distinction.  We may yet put together another list of just EPs.

In the meantime, while we wait for the winners of the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards to be announced tomorrow, here are our favorite CDs of 2018.  You can find their individual reviews by searching for them on our blog.

40.  Kate Reid – The Heart Already Knows

39.  Deb Ryder – Enjoy the Ride

38.  Jeffrey Foucault – War on the Radio

37.  Katie Herzig – Moment of Bliss

36.  Eric Tingstad – Electric Spirit

35.  Fanny Walked the Earth – self-titled

34.  Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues

33.  Buddy Guy – The Blues is Alive and Well

32.  Walt Weiskopf – European Quartet

31.  Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers – All I Got for Christmas is the Blues

30.  YYNOT – self-titled

29.  Peter V Blues Band – Shaken but not Deterred

28.  Delta Moon – Babylon is Falling

27.  The Textones – Old Stone Gang

26.  Ronny Morris – Sweet Silence

25.  Sydney Wright – Seiche

24.  Gleeson – The Years Have It

23.  Colin Devlin – High Point

22.  Everlast – Don’t Complain

21.  Zsuzsika – Start Again

20.  Michael Peterson – From Here to Eternity

19.  K. Michelle Dubois – Autumn

18.    Broken Bellows – I, Kaleidoscope

17.  Rachel Sage – Myopia

16.  Janiva Magness – Love is an Army

15.  John Flanagan Trio – Honest Man

14.  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – Shoot me Down

13.  Floods – Bad Times

12.  Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, vols 1 and 2)

11.  Keith Harkin – In the Round

10.  Southern Halo – Just Like in the Movies

9.  Cindy Alexander – Nowhere to Hide

8.  Kari Kimmel – Gold & Glitter

7.  Hymn for Her – Pop-n-Downers

6.  Jordan Siwek – Sun Inside You

5.  Slim Gambill – Fake Jazz

4.  Gina Sicilia – Heard the Lie

3.  Birds and Arrows – Arbitrary Magic

2.  Brigitte Rios Purdy – Still I Rise

and the Best Album of 2018 goes to

Norway Reloaded – My Longest Mile

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 23

After a month of reviewing the Hollywood Fringe Festival, preparing the nominations and winners listings for the LA Music Critic Awards and coordinating the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase, we are ready to get back to our normal schedule.  We received 86 review requests for the month of June, so we will be focusing on those for our Get it or Forget it articles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  For the Friday edition, we will focus on July releases.  We should be caught up with everything by the end of the first week in August.  We will continue to publish our Monday Mashup article each Monday, starting with today.  We apologize for the delay in reviews, but this will be an annual occurrence as the month of June is dedicated to coverage of the Fringe.  Thank you for your patience.

REDHEAD EXPRESS ANNOUNCE NEW NAME

The Redhead Express are a group of four sisters from Spring Hill, Tennessee who have become synonymous with turning great pop songs into amazing country covers.  However, the group has written some amazing original tunes as well.  As a result, they have decided to release those originals under a different moniker so as not to confuse their fans.  We are happy to announce that those songs will be released under the band name PaperDolls.  We look forward to reviewing their original content, and wish them well in all their efforts.

DIY QUEEN CREATES NEW BAND

Shannon Hurley has been the reigning queen of DIY for several years.  Besides the amazing and award-winning music she has released solo, she and her husband, bassist Ben Eisen, have also released award-winning music under the moniker Lovers & Poets.  Hurley has announced that they have created new music that doesn’t really fit the brand of either of these two formats, so they have created a new platform called Ghost Ability.  Their first EP is now available on BandCamp.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is Sketti Tangles, another amazing act courtesy of A&R Records.  Their first single, “The Long Way Down,” is a good tune to kick off this week.  Please let us know what you think about it.

Our next single is from 14 year old Evann McIntosh, whose voice will thrill you with its intensity and sweetness.  The song is courtesy of Holy Mattress Money.  Here is her debut single, “Better Now.”  We are sure we will be hearing a lot more from this very promising young artist.

Our third single comes to us courtesy of Blue Élan Records’ rising country music star Amy Wilcox.  We think you will really enjoy the sound of “Bandwagon.”

Do you like to get into “Trouble.”  If so, we can’t think of a better person to do it with than Megan Wilde, whose powerful vocals will blow you away.

Our final single today is “Instagram” from Catey Shaw, a song about relationships and social media.  This one should get your new week off to a great start.

https://soundcloud.com/antifragile_music/instagram-catey-shaw/

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the rocking indie sound of Alana Sweetwater, who has been a friend of this reviewer for many years.  We are sure you will love the retro sound of “Gotta Get Up.”  We are so blessed to have this young lady back in the spotlight.

Our next video has been out for a couple of months, but if we ever needed its message, the time is now.  Please give it up for Fanny Walked the Earth and their feminist power anthem “When We Need Her.”

Our third video this week is the latest from Rvzoo and the Sugar Spun Elephant Band.  Check out the amazingly sweet and retro sounds of “If I Was a Bird.”

Our next video marks the return of veteran electronic artist Andrew Bayer with his latest “Immortal Lover,” featuring Alison May.  Check it out.

Last but not least this week is our final video from Lauren Balthrop and features clips of some of Hollywood’s classic films.  Check out “Don’t Ever Forget” and leave us a comment below with your thoughts.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 9

March has arrived so spring shouldn’t be too far behind!  What did you think about the Oscars last night?  Besides the fact that it was long, we were delighted to see the focus shift onto the hard-working ladies and minorities who have contributed so much and received so little recognition.  With that in mind, let’s look at what’s happening in the indie world.

UM CIRCUS CLUB TO HOST FIRST EVER RENAISSANCE FAIRE

The University of Montana Circus Club is hosting their spring fundraiser, and it’s a mini-Renaissance Faire!  The event will occur on Sunday, March 11 from 2-5:30 p.m. in Schreiber Gym on the campus of the University of Montana.  It is right next to the Library on the southeastern corner of campus.

There is a $5/person suggested donation, or $15 per family (bring all the kids!)  Please pay at the door with cash!

The faire will include food and beverage (of course), a costume and “Best Knees-in-a-Kilt” contests with prizes, live weapons and combat demonstrations, archery and axe-throwing activities, circus performances, face painting, crafting workshops, and a photo booth with costumes and props.  Costumes will also be available for rent.

THE AUDIENCE AWARDS ANNOUNCE BIG SKY WINNERS

The recently concluded Big Sky Documentary Film Festival included a Native American Doc Challenge this year, which was run by the Audience Awards.  Here were their winners:

The First Place Jury Winner was Derrick Lamere, with his film United by Water, while the Jury Honorable Mention went to Anthony Florez for Generations.

Check out the top eight films which are competing for the $5,500 prize by clicking here.  Voting runs April 4-10.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from a band we have previously reviewed who has recently signed with Blue Élan Records.  Please check out “Tip of my Tongue” by Mint Trip.

Next up is a young artist named Ashley Delima, who has a lot to say with her single, “Stay in America.”  She is a living example of a Dreamer, and wants to tell everyone why she wants to stay here.   She is an American born child who was raised in Brazil but has now settled in New Jersey.  The song is a shout-out to those struggling to stay in the U.S. at a time when DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) is being threatened.  The song was produced by two-time Grammy winning producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Hillary Duff) and mixed by Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, Fleetwood Mac).  Please share her story.

Our final single today comes to us from Amsterdam and features Belle and the Beats with their single, “Soldier of the Night.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we had the pleasure of reviewing Floods.  They have now released a music video for their first single, “Heavy Hearts.”  We hope you dig it as much as we do.

Our second new video features acclaimed actor Danny Trejo in the latest video from The Zephyr Bones.  Check out “The Arrow of our Youth.”

Our third video is from Blue Élan Records’ latest revival artist, Fanny Walked the Earth.  We simply love this video for the amazing single, “Lured Away.”  Don’t forget to check out their review as well.

Our final video this week is from Little Stranger for their single, “Sing it High.”  this should get your week off to a great start.

Belle

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Ghost Town Blues Band, Milo Gore, Tennessee Jed, Fanny Walked the Earth, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages

Happy Friday – we made it through another week.  Here in Missoula, it’s First Friday, a night when local businesses present displays of local artists and photographers, coupled with beer, wine and live music.  We’re having an art exhibit by our manager, Tanner Court, at the VFW, with music by another employee, Doug Barrett.  Should be lots of fun.  To warm things up, here are five more reviews for your enjoyment.

Artist Name:  Ghost Town Blues Band

Album Name:  Backstage Pass

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Funk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Come Together; 2.  Tip of my Hat; 3.  Shine; 4.  Giving it all Away; 5.  Big Shirley; 6.  Whipping Post; 7.  I get High; 8.  One More Whiskey; 9.  I Need More Love

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Memphis-based Ghost Town Blues Band does more than just play the blues, combining their music with a healthy mix of funk and rock to form their own unique style.  That style is manifest in their cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” which segues into a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”  Their original numbers are progressive, upbeat and fun, creating an atmosphere conducive to just cutting loose and having a good time.  They are like the Doobie Brothers with the Tower of Power horns.  The entire album is a collection of live covers and fan favorites, and make us want to get to Memphis and see their live show.  In the meantime, at least we’ll have this album to tide us over until we do.

Recommendation:  If you love blues, funk or rock, and want that live experience, then you simply must Get this one.

Artist Name:  Milo Gore

Album Name:  Too Much Too Soon

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Towel on the Floor; 2.  State

Publicist:  Rollon Entertainment

Review:  The latest from five-piece British alternative rockers is a short two-song EP, and those songs could not be more different.  The first tract, “Towel on the Floor,”  is lo-fi and was recorded in a home studio, while the second, “State,” co-written with electronica artist Jay Beale, is much more upbeat, with interesting vocal harmonies, a steady and driving beat plus an electronic edge to the song.  It would do well on American radio.  We really love “State,” and would love to hear more of that type of song from this band.  We look forward to what they have in store for us.

Recommendation:  As they so eloquently sing in their second song, “They keep me running.”  Run out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Tennessee Jed

Album Name:  Pimpgrass

Label:  Sam & Molly Music

Genre:  Americana/funk/soul/bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Over the Mountain; 2.  Shout; 3.  Can’t get There From Here; 4.  Sweet Relief; 5.  Cells; 6.  Opie’s Intermezzo; 7.  Sunup ’til Sundown; 8.  Country Pimpgrass; 9.  Kiss; 10.  The Train for to Carry me Home

Publicist:  Golden Relations

Review:  Tennessee Jed calls his music “Pimgrass” aka “Bluegrass with Bling” because it is a mixture of Americana, funk and soul fused with traditional bluegrass and country music.  He works with an all-star band, including Scott Vestal and Todd Parks (Sam Bush Band), Luke Bulla (Lyle Lovett, Lee Ann Womack and Ricky Scaggs), Josh Shilling (Mountain Heart), Andy Hall (Infamous Stringdusters), Patrick McAvinue and Bob Mummer (Dailey & Vincent) as well as Aaron McCune (Oak Ridge Boys, Dailey & Vincent), on this amazing release, which only makes his unique sound that much more appealing.  From the amazing original, “Over the Mountain,” with McCune providing the bass backing vocals, to the stirring and reimagined covers of “Shout” and “Kiss,” Jed shows us an entirely new side of bluegrass and Americana.  We love the smooth and soothing sound of “Can’t get There from Here” and “Cells,”  the humor of “Sweet Relief,” the Celtic feel of “Opie’s Intermezzo,” the straight Americana feel of “Sunup ’til Sundown” (which could have been lifted from O Brother Where art Thou and “Country Pimpgrass,”

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Fanny Walked the Earth

Album Name:  Fanny Walked the Earth

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Lured Away; 2.  When we Need Her; 3.  Walk the Earth; 4. Girls on the Road; 5.  One; 6.  It Happened Here; 7.  Not my Monkey; 8.  Cool Girl; 9.  What are you Waiting For; 10.  Storm-crossed; 11.  Love Farmers

Publicist:   Jensen Publicity

Review:  Back in the 60’s, three teenagers, June Millington, Brie Darling and Jean Adamian, formed a band named Fanny, and proceeded to rewrite rock and roll history by becoming the first all girl band to be signed to a major label.  Jump ahead 38 years, and Kirk Pasich and the folks at Blue Élan Records convinced them to get back together as Fanny Walked the Earth.  The ladies sound like they never stopped playing, and hit the ground running on the first track, “Lured Away,” which definitely belongs on Top 40 radio.  The awesomeness continues with the next track, “When we Need Her,” and continues throughout the entire album.   They pay homage to their past on “Girls on the Road” (reminiscent of Wynonna’s hit, “Girls With Guitars”), rock out on “Walk the Earth,” “One” and “What are you Waiting For,” and speak their mind on so-called “friends” and human behavior on “It Happened Here” and “Not my Monkey.”  “Cool Girl” is a mellow and smooth pop song that is also very radio friendly, while “Storm-crossed” is another rocker.  They close out the album with “Love Farmers,” a thought-provoking ballad that leaves us wanting more.  Hopefully we won’t have to wait another 38 years for the next one.

Recommendation:  Easily one of the best albums of 2018, this one is a must-have for your musical collection.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Barrence Whitfield & the Savages

Album Name:  Soul Flowers of Titan

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Rockabilly/Blues/Soul/R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Slowly Losing my Mind; 2.  Pain; 3.  Tall, Black and Bitter; 4.  Tingling; 5.  Sunshine Don’t Make the Sun; 6.  I’ll be Home Someday; 7.  Let’s go to Mars; 8.  Adorable; 9.  I Can’t get no Ride; 10.  I’m Gonna Leave You; 11.  Edie Please; 12.  Say What you Want

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Barrence Whitfield @ the Savages waste no time on their latest project, rocking our blues with the first track, “Slowly Losing my Mind,” and continuing this throbbing sound through the final track, “Way What you Want.”  Our favorites include “Slowly Losing my Mind,” “Tall, Black and Bitter,” “Tingling,” “I’ll be Home Someday,” “Let’s go to Mars,” “Adorable,” “I Can’t get no Ride,” “I’m Gonna Leave You,” and “Edie Please.”

Recommendation:  This one is a must for every serious audiophile, whether you are a fan of the blues, rock, soul or R&B.  We strongly recommend that you Get it.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 7

Mother Nature has made it clear these past few days that she’s not ready for spring yet here in Montana, as we have been bombarded with snow, high winds and sub-zero temperatures.  Regardless of the weather, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival kicked off last Friday night with a sold-out screening of the film Dark Money, attended by our very own Governor.  Attendance at other screenings on Saturday, Sunday and today have been high, including quite a few sell-outs, including Forever B, the one I attended tonight about kidnap victim Jan Broberg, a child kidnap victim and author of Loss of Innocence.

We have a bit of news for you today, as well as four new singles and three new music videos, so let’s get to it.

DIANA REIN LAUNCHES CROWD-FUNDING CAMPAIGN

Referred to as the “The Six-String Siren,” LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein has announced the launch of a crowd-funding campaign for her upcoming album, Queen Of My Castle. The follow-up to her critically-lauded 2016 release Long Road, Queen Of My Castle is being co-produced by Michael Leasure (drummer extraordinaire with the Walter Trout Band).

“The new album is a collection of 15 songs, with one of those songs being a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan,” says Rein, just back from representing Guitar Girl Magazine at the 2018 NAMM Conference.  Rein is the featured artist for the month of April in their 2018 Calendar.  “There’s a lot of traditional blues, as well as high energy, upbeat, and blues-rock songs that I know you guys will love. This album will be lucky #3 for me and my first full-band album.  I loved making my last record on my own, but I am really looking forward to challenging myself this time around and collaborating with the pros.”

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Hollywood Fringe Festival is getting ready for their ninth run June 7-24, and is looking for interns and volunteers, specifically in the areas of Fringe Central Set Design, Events, Volunteer Coordinator and Cabaret.  Interning with the Fringe is the best way to get hands on experience behind the scenes of the largest performing arts festival in the west.  Interns work directly with Fringe staff to help run various aspects of the festival.  Click the link for position details.  If you are interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to internships@hollywoodfringe.org.  Please specify which position you are interested in.  The deadline to apply is April 1.

NEW SINGLES

Here’s the first single from the forthcoming album People Person by Everett Bird.  The single is entitled “Bucket of Dark Meat,” and we think you’ll like it.  It is different from many of the songs featured here, so get ready to try something new.

https://soundcloud.com/royalmountain/03-bucket-of-dark-meat/s-5vsqk?in=royalmountain/sets/everett-bird-people-person/s-TOwD8

Next up is “The Monster” from LA based garage rock band Bird Concerns.  This one truly rocks.

Our third single today is from folk singer songwriter Brown Kid.  It is definitely a step down energy wise from the previous song, but it is different enough to pass on to you.  The song is entiled “Sunrise” and we want to hear your feedback.

https://soundcloud.com/brown_kid_music/sunrise-single

Our final single today is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Sleep Machine.  They are releasing their newest album one song at a time.  Here is “Mother.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our favorite Italian rock band is back with another hot video.  Check out “Never Obey” from Black Mamba.  We guarantee this one will rock your sock.

Our next video is the latest from Allison Iraheta and Mathew Hager, aka Halo Circus.  It is a video for their single “Narcissist,” which we debuted two weeks ago.  Please let us know what you think.

Blue Élan Records continues to bring back classic bands, and the latest to return is Fanny Walked the Earth.  Here is the video for “Lured Away,” their first single in 34 years.