Posts by Melissa Brodeur

There aren't many musicians  using their talents quite like Buzzy Martin. After years of working in juvenile halls, teaching music and spreading his message of "Education not Incarceration," word spread that the classes were changing kids' lives and Buzzy was asked to teach a twelve-week music program at San Quentin State Prison. Three years and five months later, Buzzy finished his final class at the "Q.” As the author of Don't Shoot I'm The Guitar Man, Marting gives us an depth, truthful and inside scoop of what it was like teaching music inside one of America's top security prisons. Look for the motion picture Don't Shoot I'm The Guitar Man in late 2012

On their third full length album Swim Out Past the Sun, Fort Lauderdale’s The Heavy Pets return to their acoustic roots as THP's guitar duo set aside their electric axes for a more organic approach.

From iconic album covers, short form videos, full length concert films, video directorial/production, live concert photography and a plethora of musical portrait photography, Jay Blakesberg finds himself in the top percentile of rock music’s most  renowned photographers.  Glide recently had a chance to find out about his beginnings, photographing from the “pit,” and what it takes to make it as a music photographer.

Charley Orlando is no stranger to the road – in fact he makes any other so-called troubadour seem a homebody.   He performed for ten years with his former musical partner Steve Drizos as Dexter Grove on an enduring ten year musical journey that began in 1994 and saw them play 1,700 shows in 45 states including Canada and Mexico.

It's only been a little over 5 years since the eclectic, world-fusion funk of Asheville's Toubab Krewe initially got together.  In that short time, the expansive instrumental unit has managed to meld many global styles and earthly tempos into the mix.  It could easily teeter into the laziness of the 'world' category, but their craft as a whole – it's safe to say that during that half-decade, they've tirelessly solidified themselves as the only ones who truly do what they do.  With a new album out and a busy summer ahead, we pulled the busy troop aside for a quick 10 question session.     

Baltimore based six pieceThe Bridge just released their fifth studio album National Bohemian on February 1, 2011 through Woodberry Records/Thirty Tigers. For this latest effort, the band enlisted Grammy Award-winning producer and Los Lobos multi-instrumentalist Steve Berlin to join the band behind the boards. Ranging from the sonically dense, voodoo-tinged rock of "Sanctuary" to the modern day murder ballad "Moonlight Mission," the 11-track collection is shaped by the dynamics that distinguish the band's two principle songwriters Cris Jacobs and Kenny Liner.

Hard to believe it’s been over 14 years since Bradley Nowell passed away, shortly before the release of Sublime's self-titled major label debut.  If only he had been alive to witness the commercial success his band would later achieve, one that still earns steady radio play, while their catalog has been milked dry with three studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums, three EPs and one box set.  Nowell would also been keen to know that his band would become so popular that it would spawn the popular Sublime cover band Badfish. 

Vermont is certainly known for it's organic products – and now you can add the acoustic bluegrass trio, Jatoba, to that respected grocery list.  

Van Ghost is a Chicago based outfit led by Michael Berg, who prior to forming the band,  worked endlessly in a variety of different music industry gigs.   After revisiting the acoustic guitar and building up a catalog of songs, Berg assembled a band of musicians, featuring exquisite pedal steel guitars and guy girl harmonies that reflect a Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown/early Wilco Americana vibe. Now in its second lineup version, Van Ghost is one of a number of stellar bands out of The Windy City, but one that catches your ear immediately with its gracious melodies and roots influences. Glide recently caught up with Berg as revealed more about  Van Ghost.

Myra Flynn is a singer/songwriter based in Burlington, Vermont.  Flynn has been performing throughout New England and New York, riding a surge of interest generated by the release of her debut CD, Crooked Measures. Her disc includes all original material and reflects a mature songwriter blending emotional lyrics with soulful vocals and homespun arrangements. Melissa Brodeur put her in the hot spot for a round of quick questions…

Will Dailey is a Boston-based recording and performing artist and two time winner of the  Boston Music Award for Best Male Singer-Songwriter. Dailey has released three full-length albums since 2004, and his most recent project, Torrent, involves the artist digitally releasing a burst of new music approximately every 3 months, and then compiling that material, along with bonus material, as a physical and digital audio package twice a year.

ohn Brown Body throws down reggae unlike any other act on the live circuit. The  live show encompasses and 8-piece band with drums, bass, a three piece horn section, keyboards and guitars. In 2008 the band released Amplify which debuted #1 on Billboards Reggae Chart, #10 on CMJ's World Music Chard, at the end of 2008 Amplify made the “iTunes best of 2008″ list for reggae record.  Glide's Melissa Brodeur recently caught up with founding member and drummer Tommy Benedetti.

Steve Drizos may not be a household name but once he gets behind the drumkit for Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons, he's easily identifiable You may also remember him as the drummer for 1700 gigs in ten years with Charlie Orlando as Dexter Grove, where their stripped down sound and Drizo’s conga carried them across the United States back forth more times than they probably care to remember.  Times have certainly changed for Drizos.

Formed in 2004, Rochester, New York-based Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has garnered a large grass roots following courtesy of itseclectic blend of roots reggae, dub, and afrobeat Giant Panda recently release a new album LIVE UP this past fall. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has shared the stage with reggae greats Toots And The Maytals, The Wailers, Lee Scratch Perry, Steel Pulse, Israel Vibration, Yellowman, Culture, The Meditations, Don Carlos, Morgan Heritage, Mad Professor, and Edi Fitzroy. They’ve been joined on stage by members of Thievery Corporation, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Brazilian Girl.   Melissa Brodeur recently tossed a few quickies the band's way.

Spiritual Rez is a Reggae Horn Funk Dance Party that has been tirelessly touring the country while commanding an extremely positive and high energy sound. Since 2003, the band has shared the stage with internationally touring acts such as Culture, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Buffett, Israel Vibration, Buju Banton and Jamaican Legends The Skatalites.

These days Rob Marscher is a proud member of Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu’s touring band. Although laying down dub reggae grooves is a bit of a departure from Marscher’s improvisational/jazz routines, he’s keeping active and relevant to a new beat.

Elephantbear, fronted by the promising young songwriter and guitarist Mike Pedersen, has already won comparisons to artists like Snow Patrol, Ben Lee, and the Foo Fighters because of their smartly written, deftly executed, and highly original brand of rock.

You might remember George Stanford as the former member and lead vocalist for Townhall. With influences that range from Paul Simon, Bob Marley, Tom Petty, The Band, Hank Williams and everything in between, Stanford might sound more like your itunes playlist.  Although he describes his sound as American, pop and soul, Stanford has paved his way forward as the first artist on the revived classic Smash/Mercury Records label.  His first full-length record, Big Drop showcases his pure and soulful voice and a collection that listeners risk truly missing out, if they don’t take the chance to listen. Glide’s Melissa Brodeur recently had a chance to toss some questions Stanford’s way.

For those looking for a smaller more community based festival, aside from today’s 50,000+capacity events, Liberate offers 20+ live bands and electronic music until sunrise, two nights of free camping, yoga, healing arts,a children’s tent, bonfires, fire dancers, Artists Market, art demonstrations, organic food and local beer, Eco and Nutrition Workshops, nature trails, and more good stuff.   This year’s lineup includes: The New Deal (two sets), Ryan Montbleau Band, Orchard Lounge, Rubblebucket Orchestra, The Brew, Nate Wilson Group, Spiritual Rez, Ded Sessions, Roots of Creation, Twiddle, Strength in Numbers, Jeff Bujak, Greyspoke, DJ Monaco, WAGAN, The Human Canvas, and Band of Gypsies (the Jimi Hendrix Tribute. 

Most recently  Jennifer Hartswick has been playing as a member of Van Ghost,  the brainchild of Chicago indie promoter Mike Berg.  Self-described as “classic or folk rock,” the heart of Van Ghost’s songs lie in the interaction between Berg and Hartswick, as her powerful vocals and elastic trumpet phrasing leave the audience intrigued and captivated. In anticipation of a sparkling "Jennifer Hartswick" billed performance at Burlington Vermont’s Discover JazzFest, Glide caught up with Hartswick..