B-Sides

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.

Influenced by music in Eastern Europe, Diego's Umbrella describes their sound as “gypsy pirate polka.”  It is a combination of mariachi, ska, and a massive serving of minor chords.  Their matching outfits are homemade, and they often perform shows without set lists.

On this fine evening, they would be playing the Viper Room in West Hollywood, not too far from their home base in Venice Beach. We met up following their sound check to discuss the band’s history, their dynamics and their self titled new album.

Do you know of an old building, abandoned church, warehouse, a cave in the mountains?   An old tool from the barn, a saw perhaps? If so, contact The Low Anthem right away, they’ll be coming through your town soon and they are the clearinghouse for such things. This is, after all, the band that scoured dumpster for cereal boxes to fashion the jackets for their first CD.

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.     

Over the past 15 years, Green Mtn. Concert Services (GMCS), an established leader in Crowd Management and Security have been sought after for concerts and sporting events throughout the Northeast since 1995.  From the Grateful Dead in Highgate, Phish festivals, and  Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the folks at GMCS have not only spearheaded the safety of the events but also the planning of it.  Glide recently caught up with GMCS President and CEO Kevin Cheney to get a bit more insight to what goes on in the world of security and event services.

It is always encouraged to think outside the box. And no, this has nothing do with the ongoing stream of Jack in the Box commercials, but rather the creative and unconventional efforts of an up-and-coming Seattle, WA-based band. Meet PonyHomie.

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.

Chi McClean’s music style, which finds itself deeply rooted in Americana, could not come at a better time.  In an industry that still makes the majority of its profits from popular music, music fans are finding themselves turning back to their roots.

Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds, a two year old, nine piece big band chock full of sultry soul, funk, reggae, lounge, and rock grooves has recently released their self titled debut album on Modern Vintage Recordings.  “Modern Vintage” is a fairly apt descriptor for this band at whose core sits 22-year-old singer Arleigh Kincheloe and her brother Jackson on harmonica.   With a sound that is one part Nawlins funkified horns another part 1950's sultry lounge act and a few helpings of deep pocket, big band arrangements; The Dirty Birds have come chirping out of Brooklyn harkening back to a different era but grounding themselves in the modern live music scene.

In the midst of their quick 4-night, 3-city tour, Glide had a chance to catch up with dada, the hard rocking trio from LA. After touring only intermittently during the last decade, the band decided to take a break from recording their first album since 2007, and play three cities where they had an established  fan base.

Claiming that she tends to always have some unrequited love, Delaney Gibson’s song material focuses on a girl who vows to remain hopeful.  Although her previous record was focused on one particular person, Gibson isn’t losing sight on releasing new material.  Her heartbreak can be transformed into songs that effortlessly progress from soft moments to loud exclamations.  She is simply being a woman telling stories and pouring her heart out to strangers who care to listen. 

The Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Beautiful Loser was from Michigan and he sang about open fields, small town characters, and lonely teenage nights that struck a chord with my own Midwestern home. Just at the onset of my sexuality when I, in my lost cluelessness, needed a manual for approaching, charming, and loving women, I found it in the songs of Bob Seger.

White Apple Tree, self proclaimed as “the lovechild of determination and boredom,” is the brainchild of founder Ryan Marshall Lawhon. Originally destined for the NBA, Lawhon quickly switched gears when he was asked to play bass for his local youth group.

Imagine having your heart lost out at sea or running amuck with ghost soldiers.  Trap yourself in a world alongside vampires and phantoms, enveloped by the atmospheric sounds of guitar, percussion, keyboards, and bells.   This is the world you enter when listening to Fresno, CA’s indie band, Fierce Creatures. 

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. 

The Silent Comedy offers more than just a live show – what they offer is an experience.  Those fortunate enough to catch them live eagerly look forward to their next show.  For those who have not witnessed a live show yet, be ready when the band hits the road again in February 2011 supporting Oscar winner Ryan Bingham, and his band The Dead Horses on the west coast.

Drive-By Truckers will release Go-Go Boots, on February 15, 2011 on ATO Records. In conjunction with Go-Go Boots, they’ll also be releasing their documentary The Secret to a Happy Ending on DVD. To preview the record the band is offering a free MP3 of “Used To Be A Cop”.

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

Sacha Boutros is all about good music and good lyrics.  Although she performs a lot of covers, she also engages herself in writing and producing as well.  Years of piano playing, accompanied by opera training that has strengthened her four-octave range, come together as the perfect recipe for a satisfying and delicious treat.  This treat, which can be delivered in multiple languages, is her voice.