Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, better known as Shovels and Rope, pour their hearts out in the newest release, Little Seeds. What I found so fascinating about the album was the fact that they were able to touch upon so many different types of folk and Americana music, but still manage to paint a light coat of something distinctly them. While the songs may sound incredibly different from beginning to end, the duo’s gently massaged track selection presents an incredibly supple flow that highlights their talent and eclectic taste.
The first and second tracks introduce a band that is confident, gritty and loud! While some of the later songs may be appropriate for a quiet evening of snuggling up with your honey, “I Know” and “Botched Execution” would be more suitable for a late night party with some of your closest friends. It isn’t until the third track, “St. Anne’s Parade,” where we step into the chill zone with the soothing vocal harmonies and soft, simple acoustics that frequently drift into Little Seeds. I would consider this “soulful Americana” as Hearst and Trent passionately belt out the well-written lyrics.
“The Last Hawk” picks the tempo up in the most pleasant way and reassures the listener that this album is going to stylistically take us for a ride. As much as this studio project was about their personal experiences, many Upstate New Yorkers will connect with the references to Woodstock and Saugerties in this particular story. “Mourning Song” has a lyrical structure similar to that of a traditional Irish folk tune and tells the tale of a grieving wife’s connection with her deceased lover through music. The theme of birth and death and all that we feel in between is presented throughout Little Seeds, but the duo’s songwriting ability is so hardy that the same concepts are presented in such unique and different ways.
“Johnny Come Outside” is another one of the calmer, thought provoking numbers which has a hook resembling Bob Dylan’s widely covered “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.” Where Dylan has had an influence on generations of folk, blues and Americana artists, Shovels & Rope are planting the seeds that will grow into the next garden of fresh young sonic storytellers. “San Andreas Fault Line Blues” introduces us to yet another taste of bluesy gospel music, but this time one can hear Johnny Cash casting his light on the duo’s lyrical approach. “BWYR” is a haunting and topical song that profoundly delivers the ugly messages of racial injustices in a world where all we need is some peace. The faint sounds of police sirens whisper in the background of this enlightening and important piece of poetry. “Eric’s Birthday” seamlessly fades into the last track, “This Ride,” and delivers the euphoric reminder of life and love before sending us all on our way.
Whether you have just given birth to a new child or have recently lost someone, Little Seeds will help you reflect. Ever experience loneliness, bliss, heartache or confusion? Listen to this album. If you enjoy gathering around the campfire with family and friends or spending the day alone in a busy city, this release is for you. Filled with powerful messages, spiritual symbolism, and deeply expressed life lessons, Shovels & Rope have created a robust collection of songs that you can play in front of your grandparents, your grandchildren and everyone that you meet along the way.
Key Tracks: St. Anne’s Parade, The Last Hawk, Johnny Come Outside
Featuring Jeb Roberts (Guitar), Adam Egizi (Bass), Andy Davis (Drums) and Dom Scott, KC Comeaux and Josh Hobbs on vocals, this tribute show is a true throw-back experience that will most definitely transport you back to your adolescent years. Complete with singing, dancing, and great stage lighting, the Boy Band Review comes dressed to impress in the most memorable of outfits worn by your most beloved boy band members. They interact with you on stage and off, enticing you to let your guard down and shout out the lyrics during each of these nostalgic songs.
Surrounded by die-hard 90’s boy band fans it is virtually impossible to resist the urge to join in, sing along, and just plain let loose with those who remember every word and dance articulation of the artists they knew and loved. They might even surprise you as they welcome your participation in an intimate, personal moment – like the drummer proposing to his girlfriend. Not something you would expect from a grown man in overalls with one of his shoulder straps undone!
As promised, the Boy Band Review – a Boy Band Tribute really is a throw back experience and these “New Kids” definitely “bring the heat up to 98 degrees” to bring you back and relive your best years- even if only for a moment in time.
The second show on Friday the 23rd was what every Buckethead fan could have wanted. The venue was packed tightly before Buckethead got on stage and seemed to keep getting tighter and tighter as the show went on. The show started shortly after 8PM with “Welcome to Bucketheadland.” With a catalog like the one he has, it’s impossible to tell what the man is going to throw at the crowd. After the opening song, it was another popular tune called “King James.”
There are absolutely no gimmicks at a Buckethead show. For those who don’t like the “costume” and “story” behind him, it’s something to look past since this guy is easily one of the best musicians of our time. Plus, the fact that no one has publicly seen or heard this man speak shows that Buckethead takes his image seriously and will probably never do what KISS did and lose the costume.
The beginning of the set seemed to be hit after hit for Buckethead fans. It was a great feeling knowing almost every song Bucket played from the start. Other songs early in the evening were, “Want Some Slaw?,” “Big Sur Moon,” “Siege Engine,” “Giant Robot Theme,” and most of all “Jordan.” After all these songs, fans turned to one another in almost disbelief at the set they were hearing.
The venue was packed, and there was barely room to move in the general admission area. During the agonizing 45 minute long set change, the crowd started to get a little rowdy, pushing and shoving to try to make more space. Glass Animals finally came out, opening the set with their hit “Life Itself,” and the mood in the venue lightened. Everyone starting dancing and having a great time.
Known as “the New Kids who bring the heat up to 98 degrees every time,” the Boy Band Review – Boy Band Tribute has already wowed full capacity crowds at high profile events and parties in Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Now they are transporting audiences in NY and on the West Coast back to the 1990’s. Their high energy 90’s throwback show includes full production lighting, video, dancing, and back-up singers to transport you back to your glory days.
Captivating the knowable instrumental fusion that is TAUK, the four piece has again proven they have earned their right to be performing on a professional level with bands such as Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, Thievery Corporation, and more. Since their lineup completion in 2012 TAUK has been working harder than most to show music appreciators their brand. Constantly spreading the name TAUK with tours of 30 plus shows, always writing new material, and producing albums on their ‘time off.’ Bassist Charlie Dolan says when the band is in the studio it is “a time where we can really try to expand what we do, try new things and rediscover who we are.”