2009

Earlier this week Tea Leaf Green guitarist Josh Clark posted a letter to the band’s fans on the TLG forum. Apparently a number of fans had been critical of current bassist Reed Mathis and Josh’s letter takes them to task.

Here’s the full text of his post…

While we appreciate and thank you for giving us the oppurtunity to share our art with you and complete the creative circle, I feel it necessary now to remind you of the amount of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice that goes into being in a grassroots band like this one. The reward is not mansions, lambourghinis and caviar, its the pleasure of making great music exclusively. The demands of constant touring are not easy to survive under and its your support that makes life on the road bearable.

Having said that I would like to address the current discussions going on here regarding our very own Reed Mathis. First of all he is Tea Leaf Greens Bassist. This constant stream of petty criticisms and comparisons is juvenile and embarrassing. Ben left the band. We want to keep playing, let this forever be the light above the door if you want to go with him.

Tea Leaf Green is Reed Mathis, Josh Clark, Trevor Garrod and Scotty Rager.

READ ON for the rest of Josh’s address to the TLG community…

Today marks the release of Keller Williams’ fantastic new studio album, ODD. I’ve never been a big K-Dub guy until I caught and enjoyed the fuck out of his recent set opening for the Dark Star Orchestra on Governor’s Island. He was so entertaining that I decided to check out his Once A Week Freek download series including a number of tracks from ODD and they were all really good. Check it out for yourself as here’s Doobie In My Pocket.

ODD is available at www.kellerwilliams.net and at KW’s live shows.

Let’s take a look at what else is happening this week…

• The Wall Street Journal feels Lollapalooza has grown up
• Outside Lands has released the schedule of performances
• Piano legend Elton John guests on Alice In Chains’ disc
• Dave Schultz reviews last Saturday night’s U-Melt show
• Pearl Jam unveils details of the 2009 Bootleg program
• Neil Young named as MusicCares Person of the Year ’09

Finally, Joel Cummins of Umphrey’s McGee has penned a fascinating essay for the band’s official blog – The Floor – about what went into putting together UM’s first tour back in 1999. Also, Umphrey’s has announced the details of their first West Coast tour since last October which includes stops in Spokane, Seattle, Eugene, West Hollywood and more.

READ ON for a full list of upcoming Umphrey’s dates…

The Motet were joined by SCI keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth for Girlfriend Is Better during their Music of the Talking Heads shows… The Motet – Girlfriend Is Better