Jam Central Station 2.4.12
Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 02.04.2012
A little diversion this week...
Hey everyone. Hope you're having a good one, as always. I have a couple of shows coming up, and then a MuckleBuck show on the 18th. Good times, good times. Ok, let's go!
Every now and then I enjoy throwing out something different in this space, and I felt like doing that this week. It's fun to change things up. Anyways, what I'm gonna do this week is just little tidbits on a few artists (not really jam-band style artists) that I've been listening to and enjoying recently. I'm not trying to break any new ground, because you've probably already heard of most of these artists (since a couple of them are already extremely popular). It's just an overview of a few things I've been listening to recently. Hope you don't mind the little distraction this week.
Dawes/The Head and The Heart
Yeah, I'm throwing these two together, since I started listening to them at about the same time, and they have very similar styles. Both are part of the indie folk/rock scene, with The Head and the Heart having a little different of a style due to having a violin in the band. But both artists are slowly gaining some mainstream acceptance and are making their way on the radio, both on adult contemporary and modern indie/alternative stations.
The Head and The Heart have only been around for about 2 years, and they only have one album out, but they're busy making a name for themselves. The core songwriting duo of Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell successfully recruited a stellar collection of musicians to form this band. They came up through open mic nights to build the beginnings of a following near the end of 2009 before recording an album in 2010. They had a dedicated do-it-yourself attitude, selling CD's in hand-made denim cases at shows to gain a foothold in the music industry. The album got the band some play on a local Seattle radio station and the album quickly became a hit at local record stores.
It wasn't just the album that helped them grab a following, however. Their live shows move from introspective to energetic, bringing the audience along for a ride. Their vocal harmonies shine in a live setting as well, demonstrating great chemistry after just a short time together. They've earned their early success through excellent songwriting and solid live shows, and this early success is likely just the tip of the iceberg for the band. They're currently on tour, playing theatres and selling out on a regular basis.
Dawes has just a little more experience under their belt, with two albums under their belt and just a little more success on the radio. The band grew out of the punk band Simon Dawes, but the members switched their focus after losing their primary songwriter and adding Griffin Goldsmith. Griffin, along with brother Taylor, form the main songwriting basis for the group, although Dawes is truly a group effort. They take a lot of their influence from bands like Crosby, Stills, and Nash as well as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. They've gotten accolades from Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, members of Tom Petty's band The Heartbreakers, and Wilco.
Their first two albums have struck a chord with fans around the country. They have great harmonies, very strong songwriting, and a level of authenticity that is hard to find. All of this has landed the band on a co-headlining tour with Blitzen Trapper and festivals around the country, including Coachella. Dawes is another up-and-coming group that have a lot going for them and every opportunity to make some great music.
Adele
Yes, I know, who doesn't like Adele. But, before recently, I would've said that I really didn't like Adele. Of course, I didn't really know Adele (and I honestly still don't know her as well as I could). The fact is that there just aren't very many women in the world with a voice as phenomenal as Adele's. Couple that with the fact that she's singing songs that she wrote, songs that are not at all pop fluff, and you have a recipe for amazing success. Of course, Adele has experienced that, with her albums going platinum multiple times and garnering her plenty of awards.
Adele is already being heralded as one of the greatest voices of a generation. My opinion is that she still has a little way to go, but she's a damn sight better than almost all of the popular music out there. Her success isn't the result of manufactured hype or a sex tape. Her success is the result of the fact that she writes great songs and sings them with both tremendous talent and tremendous passion. I avoid pop music like the plague, and it took me a little while to realize that Adele was not at all pop. She's an amazing talent that pretty much anyone would enjoy. If you're one of the few people who (like I was) are avoiding her because of her popularity, get over it and go listen to her music.
Florence + The Machine
Just like Adele, if you're avoiding Florence because of some misguided thought that popular=bad, you need to get over that right now. Just like Adele, Florence has a tremendous vocal range and sings with all-out passion. While Adele is more soulful, Florence + The Machine are more indie/rock oriented and experimental. By working with her band throughout the songwriting and recording process, the songs are more than just exercises in vocal greatness. The group is almost a direct continuation of what earlier experimental female artists like PJ Harvey have done, although she's putting her own spin on the genre.
I probably like Florence more than Adele just because of the full band aspects and the fact that she's a little more "theatrical." She's an artist that you can really get into even if you're not just looking for a great vocal performance. I'd like to see the band step out even more in the future musically, and I think there's the talent there for that to happen. But with Florence out front, I think there's no where for this group to go but up.
Das Racist
One of these things is not like the others
One of these things just doesn't belong
Yeah, believe it or not, this isn't a joke. I really enjoy these guys. They're funny, they're smart, and they do a great job of taking apart typical hip-hop, pulling out the best parts, and putting it back together in a unique way. For every "Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell" there's also a "You Oughta Know!" and a "Hugo Chavez." Even though they're not necessarily "accessible" in the typical sense of the word, they are catchy enough to keep you interested. They're a band that I don't listen to every day or anything, but, when I'm in the mood for something that's just a lot of fun, they're a definite go-to band. There's definitely an "I don't give a fuck" attitude there, but there's also a method to the madness, and it's a lot more than two guys just randomly joking around with some samples and a computer. It may take a few listens, but this is a group that's worth listening to until you "get" what they're doing.
Lineup announced for Sasquatch!
The lineup for this year's Sasquatch! Music Festival was announced this week. The festival will be held at the Gorge in George, Washington, and will feature a diverse set of acts. Headliners include Jack White on his first solo tour, Beck, Bon Iver, Pretty Lights, Tenacious D, Girl Talk, The Roots, Explosions In The Sky, Beats Antique, and many others.
Electric Forest announces lineup!
The second Electric Forest Festival announced their initial lineup. The String Cheese Incident will once again headline with three full shows during the weekend. Other notable artists on the bill include STS9 (2 shows), Bassnectar, Theivery Corp., Girl Talk, Ghostland Observatory, Richie Hawtin, The Travelin' McCoury's featuring Keller Williams, Big Gigantic, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, EOTO, Das Racist, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many others.
Jack White to headline Hangout
The third Hangout Music Festival won't announce their lineup until next week, but they've already confirmed one headliner. Jack White will take his solo tour to the beach for the festival. The rest of the lineup will be announced on Tuesday.
Spring Hookahville lineup announced
This year's Spring Hookahville will take place at Legend Valley in Thornville, OH on May 25-27. Along with two nights of ekoostik hookah, the festival will feature the return of both Gov't Mule and Yonder Mountain String Band to the festival. No word on whether Mule will play a two-set headlining show like they did in 2010 or if there will be a different setup this year. Other artists announced include Oakhurst, Freekbot, Blue Moon Soup, and Shank Bones.
In other Hookahville news, Fall Hookahville has been moved. The festival won't take place on Labor Day weekend, for the first time ever. Instead it will take place on August 23-25. Also, the festival will return to Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, OH for the first time in years. It's being billed as a more "old school" Hookahville.
Mighty High Mountain Fest announced
The Mighty High Mountain Fest will be held on May 18-20 on Tuxedo Ridge in Tuxedo NY. The event will include three nights of Dark Star Orchestra, two nights of Railroad Earth, Cornmeal, Cabinet, and others to be announced.
The Contribution to play two shows
The jam supergroup The Contribution will play a pair of rare shows in a couple of weeks. On February 17 and 18 the band will play at The Historic Blairstown Theatre in Blairstown NJ. The current lineup of the group includes Tim Carbone, Phil Ferlino, Jeff Miller, Keith Moseley, Sheryl Renee, and Matt Butler.
Mayan Holidaze
January 26-30, 2012
Now Sapphire Resort and Spa
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
STS9, Umphrey's McGee, and The Disco Biscuits will host this destination festival on the Mayan Riviera! Tickets (actually, rooms at the resort) are available now!
Panic en la Playa
January 31-February 4, 2012
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
This destination event be a part of Panic's final shows before their hiatus. They'll be performing a full set each night, and attendance is limited to 2,000. Rooms at both resorts are sold out!
Jam in the Dam
March 14-16, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Jam in the Dam returns! 2012's lineup includes moe., Mike Gordon, Dark Star Orchestra, Lotus, and Keller Williams. Each artist will play each a full set each night. Tickets are available!!
Suwannee Springfest
March 23-25, 2012
Suwannee Music Park
Live Oak, FL
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Duo, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Hot Buttered Rum, Infamous Stringdusters, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others. Tickets are available now!
Ultra Music Festival
March 23-25, 2012
Bayfront Park
Miami, FL
Performers include: Tiesto, New Order, Kraftwerk, Justice, Fatboy Slim, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Afrojack, Big Gigantic, and many others.
Mighty High Mountain Fest
May 18-20, 2012
Tuxedo Ridge
Tuxedo, NY
Performers include: Dark Star Orchestra (3 nights), Railroad Earth (2 nights), Cornmeal, and others to be announced.
Hangout Festival
May 18-20, 2012
Gulf Shores, AL
Jack White will be a headliner. The rest of the lineup will be announced next week.
Summer Camp Summer Camp
May 25-27, 2012
Three Sisters Park
Chillicothe, IL
Performers include-Three sets each from event hosts moe. and Umphrey's McGee. Other artists announced include Primus, Gogol Bordello, The Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, Jackie Greene Acoustic Trio, Flogging Molly, Cornmeal, Victor Wooten, Greensky Bluegrass, and Hot Buttered Rum.
Festi di Bella Fiora
May 25-27, 2012
Harmony Park
Geneva, MN
Performers include: Primus, Weir, Robinson, and Greene Acoustic Trio, EOTO, Big Gigantic, and others.
Spring Hookahville
May 25-27, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Performers include: Multiple sets of ekoostik hookah, Gov't Mule, Yonder Mountain String Band, Blue Moon Soup, Oakhurst, and others.
Sasquatch! Festival
May 25-28, 2012
The Gorge
George, WA
Performers include: Jack White, Beck, Pretty Lights, Girl Talk, Beats Antique, Tenacious D, The Head & The Heart, and many others
Mountain Jam
May 31-June 3, 2012
Hunter Mountain, NY
Performers Incude: Gov't Mule, Steve Winwood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Roots, Ben Folds Five, The Word, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and many others.
Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Performers include: Pretty Lights, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters and others.
Bonnaroo
June 7-10, 2012
Manchester, TN
No news on artists yet, and super-early-bird tickets are sold out.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21-24, 2011
Telluride, CO
Performers for the 39th annual festival include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Punch Brothers, Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others.
Governor's Ball
June 23-24, 2011
Randall's Island
New York, NY
Electric Forest Festival
June 28-July 1, 2012
Double JJ Ranch and Resort
Rothbury, MI
Performers include The String Cheese Incident (3 shows), STS9 (2 shows), Bassnectar, Theivery Corp., Girl Talk, Ghostland Observatory, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Travelin' McCoury's featuring Keller Williams, Big Gigantic, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, EOTO, Das Racist, and many more
High Sierra Music Festival
July 5-8, 2012
Quincy, CA
Camp Bisco XI
July 12-14, 2012
Indian Lookout Country Club
Mariaville, NY
Forecastle Festival
July 13-15, 2012
Waterfront Park
Louisville, KY
My Morning Jacket will headline and curate the event.
All Good
July 19-22, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Gathering of the Vibes
July 19-22, 2012
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Floyd Fest
July 26-29, 2012
Lover's Rock
Floyd, VA
Performers include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Galactic, Punch Brothers, Toubab Krewe, Drew Emmitt Band, and many others.
Newport Folk Festival
July 28-29, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Newport Jazz Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Lollapalooza
August 3-5, 2012
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
Fall Hookahville
August 23-25
Frontier Ranch
Pataskala, OH
Camp Barefoot
August 23-26, 2012
Camp Hidden Meadows
Bartow, WV
Performers include: Zach Deputy, Brothers Past, The Motet, Euforquesta, That 1 Guy, and others. Headliners yet to be announced.
The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival
September 20-23, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Ok, thanks for sticking around. I should be back with a normal column next week. Be sure to get more Jam Central Station on Facebook and Twitter. Until next week, Jam On!
