Tag: Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 29

Happy Pearl Jam day!  Will be working the concert at the University of Montana Washington Grizzly Stadium all day, so should be interesting.  We have news today, along with five new singles and music videos, so let’s get going.

FLATHEAD LAKE BLUES FESTIVAL RETURNS TO POLSON

Last year we attended the Flathead Lake Blues Festival and presented the LA Music Critic Award for Best Blues Band to Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method.  This year we’re unable to attend, but didn’t want you to miss out on all the fun.

Here are the details:  The campground next to the venue at the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater opens Wednesday night, August 15, and is FREE for the entire weekend.   The venue gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 17, and the music begins at 6 p.m.  The venue gates reopen for Saturday’s performance at 2 p.m. with music beginning at 4 p.m.  The host for the weekend is Steve Pickel from Anderson Radio Broadcasting.   Friday’s show is the Montana Musician Review, featuring one of last year’s performers, Jameson and the Sordid Seed, as well as John Kelly and the Atomic Blues Band, Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats, Big Daddy and the Blue Notes, with the Flathead All Star Band, and the CD Woodbury Trio.  The night ends with a Grand Jam involving all of the day’s artists.  Saturday is the Pacific Northwest All Stars and will feature 19 of the finest blues musicians from five states, including seven competitors of the International Blues Challenge.

RACHEL SAGE WANTS YOU FOR HER NEXT MUSIC VIDEO

Last week we were privileged to review the latest album from indie artist Rachel Sage.  Here’s her personal request to be a part of the music video for her new single, “Spark.”

I’m so excited to share my upcoming project with you, & I’d be honored to have as many of you involved as possible. I want YOU to be in my next music video for my song “Spark”!

“Spark” is about passion in all its many forms — love, creativity, friendship etc. so I’d be thrilled to include footage of you doing something you’re passionate about or even a video of you with the people you love! Example ideas could include: dancing, singing, rollerskating, painting, taking a walk by beautiful scenery, or just jamming out. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Grab your phone (PLEASE SHOOT HORIZONTALLY), DSLR camera, or GoPro
  • Shoot a 30-60 second clip
  • Submit your clip using THIS FORM

You can stream (or if you’d rather, download) the track, & read the lyrics below to get inspired.

ALL ENTRIES will receive a special prize package for participating, and those whose videos are selected will be credited at the end of the video & featured on my socials (so be sure to include your social links when submitting).

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Clip Length: 30-60 seconds
Max File Size: 300 MB
File Format: .mov, .avi, or .mp4
please shoot in HD if possible

DEADLINE: 11:59 PM EDT AUGUST 27, 2018

So go ahead and show me your “Spark”! I hope you will join me for this project, & I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with xoxo!!

Ready to send us your footage?
Fill out this release form to give us your info & upload your file.
We prefer to receive your file via Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.

Questions? Problems uploading? Contact us!

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week, “Where You Are,” is a sweet upbeat song from Christine Parker, which should get your new week off to a great start.  We simply love her sweet voice and the sentiments of the song.  Enjoy!

Next up is an artist who has graced our blog on numerous occasions.  Here is the latest single from Kanisha K, who reminds us that “Talk is Cheap.”  We love the banjo and the country pop feel of this song.

Our third single comes from Texas-born and current Los Angeles based artist Kim Kline.  We are so glad to see her back in action, and truly dig her song, “Stand Tall.”  We think she’ll make a believer of you as well.

Our fourth single this week is from County Line Runner, and we think you’ll love it if you’re a Tom Petty fan.  Check out “Hard to Find,” and let us know what  you think.

Our final single this week has a retro sound that we like.  Here’s “Daddy’s Girl (PR)” from Catey Shaw.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week is from an artist we introduced last week.  We think Honey River has all the makings of a major star, and their debut single, “Peace, Love,” could be the breakout they are looking for.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Next up is PSA from No Small Children, who let us know about the problems in our schools with their song, “I’m So Concerned.”  Each of the members of the band is a school teacher, and this song is very personal to them.  We love the message and support the band in their efforts to improve our educational system.

Last week we reviewed their album, and now we get to share their first music video for “Tools of War.”  Here is Fellow Robot, with a warning of their own.

Our fourth video this week comes from Night on the first anniversary of the disaster in Charlottesville.  It is a powerful protest song, and so timely.  Please let us know what you think.

Our final video this week is from Project BWQ.  It is a stirring video for their single “Phosphene,” and we think it will help set the tone for your week.  Enjoy and we’ll see you soon with another edition of Get it or Forget it.

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 39

And we’re on tour.  Spent the night with our client Jerad Finck in his amazing hilltop home overlooking Spokane.  His first show is tonight at Darrell’s Tavern in the Shoreline area of Seattle.  He is sharing the stage with another LA Music Critic Award winner, Polly O’Keary & the Rhythm Method.  This is gonna be fun.  As such, we will be posting sporadically here for the next two weeks.  We will be posting a daily tour blog on Finck’s Facebook page every day, including our thoughts about the entire tour process.  In the meantime, here’s our Monday Mashup to get  your new week off to a great musical start.

LIZ KENNEDY DROPS NEW RELEASE

Liz Kennedy released her latest album, Hike Up Your Socks,  featuring legendary bluesman Taj Mahal on harmonica on “Love Gave Me Away” as well as vocals and banjo on “Everyone Knows How It Goes” on September 15.  Watch for our review soon.

NEW MUSIC

Our first new single this week comes from Matt Zambon.  Check out “Blue & Yellow” and let us know what you think.

Just had to share this amazing electronic pop single from the band Elektrisk Gønner for their single “Money.”  Love the beat and especially the soaring vocals.  Let us know what you think.

Our last new single comes from Sara Diamond.  She has a voice like Beyonce’ and great songwriting to boot.  Check out “Stay a Little.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today is from John Hickman, who has released a fun animated video for his song “Cascade.”  This should get your new week off to a fun start.

Next up is a new video from Lexie Rose, who we featured back in July.  We think  you’ll love her video for “Wrong,” which we feel is just right.

Last but not least this week is some old fashioned bluegrass, courtesy of Bernie Faulkner with his rousing song, “Potbelly Stove.  This one sure brings back memories of my childhood.  We think you’ll like it too.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 35

Well, we survived a fire in the apartment two doors down yesterday that totally destroyed it and caused damage to two other apartments.  Mucho thanks to the Fire Department for getting it out and limiting the damage.

Planning on heading down to Oklahoma next week to see my brother who just returned from a year in Iraq.  Looking forward to the beautiful trip through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas on my way to Lawton, Oklahoma.  When I get back I’ll be heading out on tour with Jerad Finck for three weeks.  Our first show is October 16 in Shoreline, Washington, where we will share the stage with Polly O’Keary & the Rhythm Method, winners of the Best Blues Band from the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2017.  We currently have shows scheduled in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Murrieta, San Diego and Missoula, and hope to add a few more along the way.

KELLY McGRATH TO TOUR UK AND EUROPE

Fresh off the release of her new video for “All That I Want,” Nashville’s own Kelly McGrath has signed with U Management and will be embarking on a tour of UK and Europe during October and November.  For more details, subscribe to her email list by visiting her Facebook page to sign up.  She’s doing a music video release/farewell show in Nashville on September 28 at The Family Wash.  Don’t miss your chance to see her before she leaves on tour.

NEW SINGLES

Here’s the latest single, “Secret Crush,” from Bay Area electropop band PARENTZ.  It has a great vibe that’s perfect for your Monday morning.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/parentz/secret-crush

Speaking of great vibes, check out “Right Now,” the stunning new single from Becca Richardson.  We simply love her voice and this single, and can’t wait until she releases her album.  We’ll be reviewing it for sure.

For something totally different, check out “Final Step” from Jason Crosby.  It has a very strong Grateful Dead vibe that should strike a chord with those who love classic rock ballads.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first new video this week continues in the mellow vein of the preceding artist.  Brandon  Bonine brings us a simple request:  “Remember my Name.”  We love the guitar and the sentiment.  This is his debut single – please let us know what you think.

Mellow seems to be the mood of the day.  Please check out the deep bass vocals of The New Faith in their video for “Fritter Away.”  The musical accompaniment is amazing and the videography is superb.  What do you think?

We close out this week with the first official video from Boomerang, the new album from Blue Élan artist Chelsea Williams.  This one is guaranteed to get your Monday off to a great start.  Please enjoy “Lonely Girl,” an Americana instant classic!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

2017 Flathead Lake Blues Festival (day 2) – live performance review

Hope you enjoyed our reviews of day 1 of the Flathead Lake Blues and Music Festival, which featured some of Montana’a best musicians.  The theme for day 2 was “Ladies of the Blues,” and Steve Pickel pulled out all the stops to bring four of the finest and brightest to light up the stage.

First up was Missoula native Andrea Harsell with her new band, Luna Roja.  Harsell has become a Missoula icon with her sound, primarily as a solo artist.  She began hiring drummer Antonio Alvarez and guitarist Nick Hamburg for her gigs, and then asked them to join her as a band.  They hired bassist Michael Rhead to complete the band, and Alvarez came up with the name Luna Roja (Red Moon) because of his Spanish heritage.  They also recorded an album, which will be celebrated with a show at the Top Hat on September 15.  The album will also be reviewed shortly on this blog’s Get it or Forget it series.  Their sound is a mixture of Americana, rock, R&B and blues.  Harsell has a voice akin to Janis Joplin, and it showed on many of their songs, including new tunes “Oh Boy” and “Hard Times,” as well as on their cover of the Sam Cook classic “Bring it on Home to Me.”  The only thing missing was the stage banter, but we are sure that will come as they continue to grow as a band.

Next up was the power-packed sound of Seattle’s Michelle Taylor Band.  If Harsell had the sound of Joplin, then Taylor is the reincarnation.  With her band composed of Robert Morrill on drums, Lissa Ramaglia on bass, Jim Barnes on keys and vocals and her husband, Justin Dean on guitar and vocals, the MTB truly brought the blues home to Polson.  With a mixture of original tunes like “Black Lace” and “Trashy Queen,” and pop hits like Duffy’s “Mercy,” Elle King’s “Exes and Ohs,” Grace Potter’s “Paris” and “Medicine,” Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel From Montgomery,” Tracy Chapman’s “Give me a Reason,” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious,” MTB proved that any song can be stylized as blues.  But what really drove home their exceptional talent was their version of Ike and Tina Turner’s classic “Proud Mary,” which truly allowed Taylor to shine as both a singer and a performer, as she brought Tina’s unique energy to the show.  This performance was one of the pinnacles of the weekend.  Kudos also to both her husband and badass female bassist Ramaglia on their outstanding licks on guitar and bass.  The band also received the first encore of the Festival, and delivered a rousing version of Led Zeppelin’s “Been a Long Time” in response.

The third band for the day was Estelle and the Atomic Jive, who brought something entirely different to this day.  Atomic Jive is reminiscent of a combination of the Royal Crown Review and one of Brian Setzer’s various bands in that they bring an army of sound to the stage.  The band features Estelle on lead vocals, surrounding by the amazing talents of Mike Ruggles on guitar, Lee Cardella on bass, Brian Seagrave on keys, Bob Briley on drums and a horn section that is as powerful as the one from Tower of Power, composed of Russ Hoffer on sax and Mike Baker on trumpet.   Some of the highlights of the show were their version of the “Stray Cat Strut,” the classic jazz standard “Don’t Roll Your Bloodshot Eyes at Me,” Roy Head’s 1965 classic “Treat her Right,” and the theme from the Blues Brothers’ movies, “Peter Gunn.”  This was classic New Orleans jazz-tinged blues, and elevated the musical standard to a new level.

The final act for the weekend was another Seattle band, Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method.  We had the distinct pleasure of awarding them the Best Blues Band trophy for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2017.  O’Keary was totally taken by surprise, and the band joined in her gratitude for the award.  O’Keary is a red ball of energy, constantly dancing across the stage as she delivers true bad ass licks on her brand new wireless LedBelli Blackbird 6-string bass and vocals that stir the soul.  The band also includes the amazing David Miller on guitar and O’Keary’s husband, Tommy Cook, on drums.  The band performed primarily original material, many of which came from their latest album, Black Crow Callin.‘  Included in their amazing performance were “I Don’t Understand,” “Yours to Lose,” “Red Light,” “Wish You Could See me Now,” “Reconciled,” and “How the Mighty Fall,” which reminded this reviewer of “Mustang Sally.”   They also did a stirring rendition of Eric Bibb’s classic “In my Father’s House.”  Cook laid the perfect foundation on his drums, while Miller proved to be a true guitar aficionado, even playing the guitar behind his head at one point.  The band brought their set and the Festival to a close with an amazing encore with Michelle Taylor and Justin Dean of ZZ Top’s “Tush.”  It was the perfect cherry on top of a super delicious weekend of music.  Special thanks to Steve Pickel and Anderson Broadcasting for bringing these amazing artists to us.  We can hardly wait for next year!!!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 30

Happy Monday.  We survived the Western Montana Fair, and enjoyed some nice performances from Seattle’s Miller Campbell and other local bands.  This week we’re headed to Livingston to see our friends Redhead Express  at Music Ranch Montana, as well as to Polson for the Women of the Blues salute at the Flathead Lake Blues Festival featuring LA Music Critic Award winner for Best Blues Band, Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method.  Should be a great week.

INDIE NEWS

Seems like you can teach an old dog new tricks, at least in the case of veteran performer Frank Shiner.  A recent convert to Spotify, Shiner’s music has been blowing up lately, with nearly 25,000 streams of his latest single “Drink You Away” in just the past two weeks.  Shiner is averaging more than 22,000 streams a month.  Check him out on Spotify.

Nashville’s Risa Binder is another indie artist who is blowing up on the charts.  She recently reached #77 on the Music Row Chart with her current single “You Haul.”  Check out the video for the song.

NEW MUSIC

Check out this new single, “Money on it” by together PANGEA, from their new album Bulls and Roosters which will be released on August 25 on Nettwerk Records.  We think you’ll like it.

Like the haunting sounds of artists like Tori Amos and Enya?  Check out the latest single from Hannah Park, “Not Like You.”  Please let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We mentioned we were going to see Redhead Express this week.  They have recently released a new music video as an entry into Ryan Seacrest’s “Best Cover Ever” contest.  It is a cover of “I Got You” by pop artist Bebe Rexha, and we think you will love it.

Blue Élan artist Chelsea Williams has released a live studio video of her new single, “Anything Worth Saving,” from her recently released album Boomerang.  Please let us know what you think.

Last but not least this week is the first Christian music video from Spokane native Chris Chilton, co-written and produced by another Spokane indie legend, Jerad Finck.  Please check out the lyric video for “Adonai,” an amazing song of worship for today.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Single by Sunday, Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

Happy Friday – welcome to our final Get it or Forget it of the week – can you believe this will make 12 album reviews this week?  We continue to be overwhelmed by the amazing indie music being released and are proud to introduce you to these artists.  Enjoy your Friday and join us again next week as we continue our journey through the world of indie music.

Artist Name:  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers

Album Name:  Lo-Fi Dreams

Label:  Shoeless Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Two Jacksons; 2.  Elvis Shot the Television; 3.  Door #3; 4.  Good Trouble; 5.  10,000 Miles; 6.  Last Kiss; 7.  Bird of Youth; 8.  Sweet Annette; 9.  Looking for a Home; 10.  Great Divide 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  If you can imagine Tom Petty singing vocals for the Eagles while BB King plays dirty blues, then you have a taste of the awesomeness that is Jeffrey Halford.  On his eighth CD, Lo-Fi Dreams, he strips down his sound and lets the magic erupt.  The first track, “Two Jacksons,” sets the stage, and every song thereafter continues the story with amazing vocals, lyrics and musicality.  We simply cannot say enough about this album, which truly shines.  Every song is worthy of accolades, but we are especially fond of “Two Jacksons,” “Door #3,” “Bird of Youth,” “Sweet Annette,” and “Great Divide.”

Recommendation:  Jeffrey Halford should definitely be on your list of favorite artists and his latest album deserves a preferred spot on your playlist.  We are proud to recommend Lo-Fi Dreams, and strongly encourage you to Get It when it is released on May 19.

Artist Name:  Single by Sunday

Album Name:  Watch out World

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Punk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  22.5.16; 2.  Nevereverever; 3.  It is What it Is; 4.  I Can’t go on Like This 

Publicist:  Neon Tetra Music PR

Review:  If we could package the energy exuded by Single by Sunday, we would be no energy crisis.  These four lads from Scotland have an immense amount of talent, and although they have taken the UK by storm, they are still relatively unknown in the States.  With the upcoming June 2 release of their latest EP, that could drastically change.  The band has already gotten airplay on KROQ in Los Angeles, and other stations are sure to follow their lead.  All four songs are powerful radio songs, and the first single, “Nevereverever” has also been released as a music video.  The beat is driving, the vocals are tight and the songs are upbeat and fun.  Their music is just what commercial radio needs to wake up and grab ahold of their listeners.

Recommendation:  We think that this band has a bright future in American music, and are happy to recommend you Get their EP ASAP.

Artist Name:  Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

Album Name:  Black Crow Callin’

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hard Hearted World; 2.  A man who can Stand; 3.  Red Light; 4.  Black Crow Callin’; 5.  Yours to Lose; 6.  One Life; 7.  Reconciled; 8.  I Don’t Understand; 9.  Plan B; 10.  I am the One 

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Long a bastion of male musicianship, the blues is becoming more enticing for female musicians.  Case in point is Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method, who are breaking down the door that separates and busting into the forefront of the genre.  With powerful pipes like Bonnie Raitt and Etta James, bass licks worthy of Sir Paul or Sting, and a musical chemistry that is head and shoulders above many other bands, these cats have come to sing.   They immediately grab your attention from the first note of the album, and never let up.  O’Keary provides bass and vocals, while she is complemented by guitar and vocals from David Miller and drums and vocals from Tommy Cook.  The combination of rich guitar and bass riffs and soaring blues vocals creates music that will stimulate your senses and make you want to move.  Our favorite tracks are “Red Light,” the title track (with its sassiness and downhome dirty sound), “Yours to Love,” “One Life,” and “I Don’t Understand.”

Recommendation:  This is our favorite album reviewed this week, and strongly encourage you to Get up and Get out and get it when it is released on May 19.  You’ll thank us later.