Posts by Nick Gunther

Whether you choose to label it a form of jazz fusion or sonically controlled chaos, there’s no doubt that Marco Benevento’s style of expression is a world of improvisation.  It’s always been the improv side of music that gives way for more diverse chemistry between musicians which is no different on Benevento’s third full-length release, Between the Needles and Nightfall.   The record itself seems to have more of a live feel and you can feel the interaction between the rhythm section and the effective lead piano. 

Just waiting to absorb Corinne Bailey Rae’s presence in the moments leading up to her sold out show in Philly felt magnificently eternal.  Once Corinne, dressed in a hip black jumpsuit wearing ballerina slippers, accompanied her awesome five-piece band on stage, the audience erupted in excitement.  It was great to see her smiling ear to ear as she slung her electric guitar around her neck, pushing back her hair and diving into the opening chords to her ever moving song “Are You Here.”  Beginning without the accompaniment of her band, you could feel the emotion in the opening lyrics to the song, “He’s a real live wire/ He’s the best of his kind/ Wait till you see those eyes.” 

Since early March, JBM has been out on the road supporting Rogue Wave, having traveled the country with Sondre Lerche though February.  Now things really start to heat up, with his debut record, Not Even in July, coming out April 13th on Partisan Record.

Throughout his entire career, John Butler has always been inspired to pursue the inner meaning and quest for something more in his music and writing.  Following up his 2007 release, Grand National, the John Butler Trio has returned with a passionate and revolutionary album that lights a flame in everyone.  April Uprising is a diverse record that retains and transcends the spirit that is alive and within us all.   

If you approached MGMT’s newest release,Congratulations, with any expectations, than expect to be thoroughly perplexed after your first listen –  or fourteenth as well.  Contrary to their breakout 2008 release, Oracular Spectacular, the core duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, constructed a record that may not contain a “Kids,” but rather an assembly of ecstasy wave inspired surf odysseys that embody what they believe is a whole sense to their formation of the nine piece collection.

Caught between a trance-fusion odyssey and a spectacular nonstop jam, the Disco Biscuits showed their endurance on the first of two intimate shows at the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia on Monday night.  On the eve of the release of their much anticipated fifth studio release, Planet Anthem, the Biscuits served friends and loyal fans a three hour plus kickoff celebration to an extensive tour.

Native to South Africa, Civil Twilight is a three-piece rock band consisting of two brothers Steven (vocal, bass, piano) and Andrew McKellar (guitar) and their friend Richard Wouters (drums) who they met during grade school in Cape Town.  Their sound displays direct influences of British and American rock bands such as The Police, Radiohead and Oasis, though their lyrics are deeply rooted in the humanism that exists within.        

In the realm of the modern day jam band, Umphrey’s McGee is a unique species to that kingdom.  With unreal jam ability and non-stop touring, Umphrey’s has made their mark over the past decade as one of the most fan-devoted bands that knows no limits and truly lives for the music.   Saturday night, fans were medicated with a high dosage of Umph as the Chicago-based sextet came back to the Electric Factory in Philly for an intimate show.      

Having such a foundation as New Orleans has given Galactic access to so many great musical resources over the years.  The band, set to release its 6th studio album titled, Ya-Ka-May, brought in a wide range of fantastic artists to collaborate with and has built a record that depicts a new sound coming from “The Big Easy.” 

To anyone who has doubted the strength of the music scene in the New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina era, prepare yourself for a new tidal wave of funk that has been defining a different generation while still remaining loyal to its roots.  Last Thursday night, fans were prescribed a heavy dose of jazz-funk fused with sax and brass elements, when Galactic brought “The Big Easy” to the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia. 

Plagued by poor management and bad record labels throughout their career, Anvil has had a long journey, but the best is only starting to unravel.  In 2008, Sasha Gervasi, an ex-road crew member released an award winning documentary about the band and its revival called, Anvil!  The Story of Anvil.  With the huge success of the film over the past few years, Anvil has launched itself right up to the summit, even earning them a spot to open for AC/DC.  Dedication to the dream of becoming a rock star that was instilled at a young age has never withered in the mind of Lips.  This past Tuesday, on the first night of the tour, Glide got a chance to catch up with Lips before the show.      

The forces of nature, to which we know, all act in balance and in accordance to one another.  Seasons change and adaptations occur to maintain equilibrium, and sometimes nature produces extraordinary events.  In his new solo project and upcoming record titled Orchestrion, Pat Metheny creates a controlled universe where all acoustic and mechanical instruments work in synchronization together to produce the composed sound that is echoing in his mind.

Sunday night, Anvil, currently one week deep in a tour that stretches across the entire country and parts of the world, brought their heavy metal to the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia.  The three piece metal band brought the experience to a group of fans who have been longing for the band to hit it big for years.  The crowd, made up of a wide demographic ranging from hardcore thrash fans to avid music fans, all took part in the celebration of a lifelong dream of a band that deserved much more than they were dealt.   

Driving home from college Friday night my mind was fixed on one thing: making it to Matisyahu’s Festival of Light concert that was taking place in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night.  Bad weather was surging throughout the east coast and emergency snow reports were forcing people to run for cover.  After waiting several months and enduring a long final exams week, the weekend finally came to go see Matisyahu at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York City.  Once I departed 30th Street Station, the only thing standing in the path was Mother Nature.    

In a universe where the pulse is driven by a constant trance-fusion jam, The Disco Biscuits are renowned kings.  Native to Philadelphia, The Disco Biscuits wrapped up a psychedelic two night stand at the incredible Electric Factory on Saturday night.