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.
Formed in Los Angeles five years ago by founders Ben Grubin, lead singer, and Jeremy "Jerm" Reynolds on bass, Hockey is now based in Portland, Oregon as a quartet with Brian White on guitar, and Anthony Stassi on drums. Mind Chaos was released independently, and the group signed to Capitol late in 2008. The album will be remixed and remastered, with new songs added, for the August 25th, 2009 international release.
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.
Gallows are a Hertfordshire, England punk band was founded in 2004 by Laurent Barnard of My Dad Joe, Stuart Gili-Ross of Winter In June and Lee Barratt of Never the More. Their debut album, “Orchestra of Wolves,” was released independently in the UK only, but re-released nationwide in 2007 through Epitaph Records after landing in the lap of Brett Gurewitz. The band also won a Kerrang! Award for “Best British Newcomer” later that same year.
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.
Just two brief days before the upcoming Northwest String Summitt, Glide Magazine got a unique opportunity to check in and chat with one of the two producers of the festival, Greg Friedman about what the festival is all about, what exactly goes into making it all happen, and what are his favorite memories from the last eight years of working the magic behind the scenes.
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..
In case you haven’t heard ‘em yet, Rubblebucket Orchestra aren’t the straight-forward funk ensemble that their name might suggest. Instead they are a vivid ten-piece afrobeat/rock band led by trumpeter Alex Toth and fronted by the alluring vocals of Kalmia Traver; both members of reggae band John Brown's Body.
While other male/female duos like She & Him, have graced the covers of magazines, The Bird and the Bee, have made a fashionable statement while making sounds from the 60’s and 70’s sound contemporary.
