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..
