Category: Uncategorized

Hello World! Get Out Your Guitar Day! Meet Eric Johanson

Eric Johanson 2020 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World! I have not posted anything for awhile.  My goal was to have one blog post up a month.  I have several more in the musical pipeline, and I will get them out.  Life happens you know… so I had a bit of a quandary – which one to feature next?  In honor of “Get Out Your Guitar Day” (February 11th),  I am going with Eric Johanson.

Now I can’t play guitar but Eric Johanson can!  He opened for Tab Benoit last month at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH.  Rarely the artist you are opening for, sits in on your set playing drums.  But that is exactly what happened.  Johanson also had the support of bass player Corey Duplechin (as seen in this video from a few years ago-Burn It Down   ).  Eric told me he met Benoit via Cyril Neville 9 years ago.  Not only did Tab sign him to his record label, Whiskey Bayou, he and Corey play on Eric’s album. Take a listen to  The Fugitive  too. 

 

Eric told me he likes Sun House,Fred McDowell and Jason Isbell.

Sun House – Death Letter Blues

Fred McDowell- Shake’Em On Down

Jason Isbell-Tupelo

For more info on Eric Johanson click here-ericjohanson.com

You must be crazy to think I am going to end this post without a Tab Benoit video- For What It’s Worth.  Need more Tab? Take a look back at the July 2018 blog post (insert shameless plug).

Tab Benoit 2020 Photo by Stephanie Wright

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

Hello World! Matt Sallee of Pentatonix

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Matt Sallee 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!

Matt Sallee is the newest member of Pentatonix. I say “newest” but he has been with the a cappella group for several  years replacing Avi Kaplan in 2017.  Last week Matt Sallee was in Derry, NH at the Tupelo Music Hall. He answered questions, gave advice, laughed, and took photos with fans and students of the Real School of Music  (therealschoolofmusic.com ).  I have a few blogs in the pipeline but bumped up this post for the holidays. I can’t think of a better reason to share some Pentatonix Christmas music.  You might not want to listen to some of these songs in a few weeks.

Matt is humble and grateful to be part of his dream group! He was a big fan before he had the opportunity to sing with PTX.  Matt stressed hard work, and being prepared as elements to his success. He also mentioned healthy habits  such as sleep,  rest, (not the same as sleeping Matt pointed out), staying hydrated, and eating well as being essential.  Last but not least he told the intimate audience that it is important to remember where you came from; to thank their teachers and instructors, and to give their parents a hug.  This is all great advice, even for those that are not aspiring singers.

Wondering what Matt listens to? He mentioned worship music during his talk. Afterwards Matt also told me he listens to the Jonas Brothers.  It’s really not an easy question, and Matt said there is so much great music.  Yes there is! 603melody could not agree more!

Take a listen to a few of PTX’s Christmas songs-

You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Where Are You, Christmas

This video is Pre-Matt but one of my favorites-

Mary, Did You Know?

Here are a few more you may enjoy. Especially if you come across this blog in July, and may not be in mood for Christmas music.

Shallow

The Sound of Silence 

Matt mentioned this “deep cut” as one of his favorite PTX songs-  Valentine.

For more info on this amazing group go to  ptxofficial.com.

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Matt Sallee 2019 Photo by Stephanie Wright

Of course have to add some Jonas Brothers too. Check them out on James Corden Carpool Karoake.  I would love his job; well if I could sing, and not get nervous driving celebs around.

Last month another singer mentioned listening to the Jonas Brothers as well.  I will have to keep you in suspense for awhile longer on that one.  More blog posts to come!

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Meet Quinn Sullivan

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Quinn Sullivan 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!

Quinn Sullivan is a New England native from New Bedford, Massachusetts.  This young artist got an extremely early start to his musical career.  His interest in the guitar began when a toy guitar was given  to him at age three.  He learned to play by ear! When Quinn was  only six, he performed on Ellen. Check it out – Quinn Sullivan/ Ellen. He met blues icon Buddy Guy when he was seven, and has toured with him over the years.  For more information check out the documentary, The Torch, on the 83 year old legend. Quinn has performed with other artists such as Carlos Santana… all this and Quinn is only twenty years old!  Wow! Please visit his webpage –quinnsullivanmusic.com. and take a listen to Lifting Off !

The Beatles and John Mayer quickly came to mind when I asked Quinn who he is listening to. Quinn has been a Beatles fan since he was a young child, and credits his dad for his interest in the Fab Four.  What is your favorite Beatles song? I know I can’t pick just one. John Mayer is pretty cool too.

And Your Bird Can Sing -The Beatles

What Kind of Woman Is This? -Buddy Guy and John Mayer

I Guess I Just Feel Like -John Mayer

So much music to love! Thanks Quinn! It was great to meet you.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

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Quinn Sullivan 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright 

 

 

 

 

Hello World! Double Shot- Jonny and Zane!

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Jonny Lang Band 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!  Last month Jonny Lang and his band performed at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire.  Although Jonny is only in his 30s, he already has had a long musical career.  He was blowing people away in his teens! You may already be familiar with his song Still Rainin’.   Jonny’s album, Turn Around,  won a GRAMMY for Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album. His most recent album is Signs. Take a listen to Stronger Together. Check out his website for tour dates and more- jonnylang.com .  James Taylor and Stevie Wonder immediately came to Jonny’s mind when I asked him what he listens to. Jonny told me they are his “desert island” picks. I don’t know how to pick just one song from each of these artists but I will give it a shot!  Ok -I have to sneak in this one too-

Stevie Wonder Carpool Karaoke.

James Taylor-Carolina In My Mind

Stevie Wonder- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours

. Jonny Lang 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Zane Carney opened the show, and also performed with the Jonny Lang Band. Later in the evening, Zane told me he has been listening to Romantic Era music (Beethoven,Chopin, and Liszt). Zane has toured with John Mayer, as seen here in         Dear Marie. He has written with Avril LaVigne.  Zane joined his brother, Reeve, and other Carney bandmates in the Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. He has been  collaborating with Evan Rachel Wood (Evan+Zane) as well. They recently released a cover of White Rabbit.  I also really like Zane’s cover of Cry Me A River.   Visit  zanecarney.com  for more info on this musician and actor.

I am not going to lie. My knowledge of  Romantic Era composers is limited.  I do remember trying to learn a simplified version of Beethoven’s Für Elise as a child.  Admittedly, I did not practice much, and did not get very far with my piano lessons.  I remember going to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker in Boston.  I still love listening to this orchestral piece during the holidays.

Beethoven- Für Elise

Chopin-Fantaisie-Impromptu In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66

Liszt-La Campanella

Zane Carney 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

PS Need some other musical suggestions? Take a peek at the @603melody Instagram account, YouTube playlists and past posts.

Hello World! Meet The High South!

Hello World!

Last month the High South headed North, and made a quick stop in Londonderry, New Hampshire.  The band wowed Concerts on the Common attendees with harmonies reminiscent of the 70s.  Although the High South is currently based out of Nashville, they are hardly ever home. They have been busy touring in the US and Europe.

Jamey Garner, Kevin Campos, and Phoenix Mendoza met with the Londonderry View prior to their concert. The High South also previewed their song Honestly before the show. Check it out as well as the interview courtesy of Londonderry Access TV-            High South on the Londonderry View.

After the interview I had the chance to speak with Phoenix, Jamey, and Kevin. They have been listening to  Kacey Musgraves, Texas Gentlemen, as well as The Sheepdogs.  The Sheepdogs will be here in the 603 at the end of the month.  They will be performing in Portsmouth on August 31st.

Love Is a Wild Thing -Kacey Musgraves

I Ain’t Cool -The Sheepdogs

Me and Bobby McGee -Texas Gentlemen with Kris Kristofferson

More information on the High South may be found at highsouthofficial.com .

I have been digging their song – Dig It.  Thanks to Kevin, Phoenix, and Jamey for taking the time to talk.  It was nice to meet you!

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

 

Hello World! Chris Ross and the North!

Hello World!

Last Friday I spent the evening enjoying not one but two bands; oh and some lemon curd cake at the Riverwalk Cafe and Music Bar. You know one band always leads to another for 603 Melody, and I often get sucked down the musical rabbit hole. Last winter I had the chance to meet The Mallett Brothers Band (insert shameless plug- see January post), which led me to another group from Maine – Chris Ross and the North.  So Friday night I headed off to Nashua to check them out. The opening act, an Americana band, was quite good as well- The CarLeans.

Chris Ross was kind enough to let me snap some pre show pics, and told me his musical interests.  He really digs Jason Isbell, which Chris said makes up 80% of what he listens to. I really dig his cover of Jason’s song –Tupelo . Chris also likes Springsteen and the Allman Brothers.

Here are a few of my picks by those artists:

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band- Racing in the Street

Allman Brothers Band- Soulshine

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit –If We Were Vampires

Click here chrisrossandthenorth.com, and here chrisrossandthenorth/cityviewsound  for info about Chris and his bandmates-Caleb Sweet (bass), Zack Bence (guitar), and Ryan Curless (drums).  Need more? Take a listen to one of my favorite Chris Ross and the North songs- She Never Stays Gone.

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Photo by Stephanie Wright 2019

I also need to thank The CarLeans (Jim Carpenter, Sarah MacLean, Corina Malbaurn with support from Rachel MacLean-Sargent) for giving me a copy of Forgotten Pages.  I love getting new music! Take a listen to  He Gave Her Roses  from the album. I also enjoyed their song Little Victory’s on Friday.  To find out more about this Connecticut band click here-thecarleans.com.

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The CarLeans 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

PS

For photos and more visit @603melody on Instagram, and take a listen to 603melody playlists on YouTube. Follow along, and tell your friends. You never know what will pop up!

Last but not least, I want to thank my guy for tech support- once again!

 

Hello World! Whole Damn Mess!

 

Hello World!

Last month Whole Damn Mess opened for Candlebox at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH. I spoke with two of the bandmates, Don Miggs and Greg Hvnsen, after their performance. Both musicians were in agreement on listening to the Rolling Stones (only on Sunday) and Lizzo.  Greg likes Delacy and Cautious Clay too.  LP, The War on Drugs, and The National are on Don’s list. He also mentioned working on several projects including soundtracks for Sky Man and Harry Connick, Jr.’s upcoming I Saw a Man with Yellow Eyes.  So keep your ears peeled for those. Unfortunately I did not have time to chat with rest of their band. Don and Greg told me I would have a very eclectic mix of music if I did. I like eclectic. Maybe next time!

Lizzo- Juice

Cautious Clay- Crowned

The National- Light Years

The War on Drugs- Pain 

Click here for more info on wholedamnmess.com!

Here are a few  songs from their latest album- Princes Turn to Thieves:

I Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

Maybe You Could Love Me

Just have to add a Candlebox song too! This is one from the 2016 album-

Disappearing in Airports

Spotlights

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Pictured above-Greg Hvnsen, Lawrence Katz, C. Todd Nielsen & Don Miggs

Photos by Stephanie Wright 2019

Hello World! Cool Cubes and More!

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Daniel Callahan (April 2019) photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!

In February I wrote a post about Sound Sampling at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire. This event was led by Ryan Edwards of Masary Studios.     Recently  I attended a dress rehearsal of sorts  for  another one of his projects- Sound Sculpture. The exhibit is to be shown in San Fransisco as part of the  upcoming Mutek SF festival on May 5th.  This interactive, community art piece was first shown in Boston.  Instead of my layman’s observations, click here to read the more eloquent description on  his webpage-Ryan Edwards.info/sound-sculpture.  He writes, “It is like walking onto the staff paper, picking up the notes and moving them around, thereby changing pitch, rhythm, melody and harmony.”  This sounds much better than my initial explanation of moving cubes horizontally, and vertically (as if on a grid) to change the music.  It was fun to see, and hear Sound Sculpture in action. Take a look at my quick, non-techie video from the evening- Sound Sculpture 2019 if you want to see more of these cool cubes. So glad I was able to check out this unique exhibit!

I also had the opportunity to meet  Daniel Callahan at the Sound Sculpture event.  Last spring the multimedia artist and designer brought his project (MassQ ) to the MFA Boston for a night. MassQ seeks to uncover a person’s true self by painting them, using their face as a canvas. Recently Daniel completed the film Come On In as part of his Master of Fine Arts program at Emerson College.  He told me that the film is quite personal. Not only did Daniel write and direct the project; he stars in it as well. Daniel said that he was forced to be creative since using the music of others can be quite expensive. So he composed the score and soundtrack too! To learn more about this psychological thriller go to www.comeoninfilm.com.  Daniel is currently looking into film festivals so keep an eye out! Of course I asked Daniel what he has been listening to. It was not surprising to meet someone who likes electronic music at a Sound Sculpture event. Daniel has been listening to Burial, Chrome Sparks, and Tame Impala.  Thanks to Daniel for taking the time to talk! The artists he mentioned are new to me. The following are a few songs I just discovered on YouTube:

Burial- Lost Dog

Chrome Sparks – Be On Fire

Tame Impala –Borderline

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

Hello World! Meet Carolina Story!

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Ben and Emily of Carolina Story 2019     photo by Stephanie Wright

 

Hello World!

Emily and Ben Roberts make up the duo that is Carolina Story.  This Nashville couple was excited to return to Boston last weekend. They performed in front of a sold out crowd opening for Bob Schneider at City Winery. These parents of two young children are just shy of their 10th wedding anniversary.  Recently they had considered options other than music but decided to give the business another shot. Well worth it! Last summer Rolling Stone picked their song, “We Were Young Once Too”,  as one of the 10 Best Country, Americana Songs of the Week (July 13, 2018).

After their performance the duo told me what they are listening to. Of course Carolina Story is recommended! Ben looked up artists on his phone, and even double checked my list. I didn’t do too poorly except with my battle with spell check. Anyone else have problems with that? Spell check thinks it knows what I am thinking. Ben started off by naming Ruston Kelly’s album Dying Star and Ever Since I Lost My Mind by SUSTO.  Also on his list are Tim McGraw, and Brooks and Dunn. Ben says to listen to at least one John Prine song a day. He gave a shout out to Cody Johnson and Aaron Lee Tasjan too.  Emily and Ben both mentioned listening to Brandi Carlile and Erin Rae.  Emily also added Graham Parsons and Maggie Rogers.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts gave me a lot to work with. I know if we had more time, the list would be even longer! I hope Carolina Story inspired you to look up some of their favorite artists. There is always room for more music to love!  Thank you Emily and Ben! It was nice to meet you!  For more info about their band go to – CarolinaStory.com.

I am digging their songs –  Set In Stone and Lay Your Head Down .

And

Ruston Kelly’s   Jericho

Maggie Rogers’ Light On

Brandi Carlile’s  Party of One

I love Tim McGraw’s video Humble and Kind .  It has been one of my favorites ever since its release a few years ago.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Meet Drew Angus!

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Drew Angus Tupelo Music Hall 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!

Meet Drew Angus! Drew and his band recently opened for Marc Broussard at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire.  This Brooklyn based group has been playing together for almost five years. You know I did not pass up an opportunity to ask what they have been listening to.

No surprise that Drew mentioned Marc Broussard. Marc is awesome! Drew just released a cover of  (Sittin on)The Dock of the Bay  with him. Keep an eye out for Drew’s upcoming EP “Live from Dockside Studios“.  Dockside Studio has an impressive list of clients; including another one of my favorites- Tab Benoit.  I won’t go down that musical rabbit hole now. You can check out the Tab Benoit post later on 603melody.com (#insertshamelessplug). Drew also listens to Ben Rector, Bailen, and Josie Dunne. I thought Old School was sweet.

Sam enjoys Soccer Mommy. He also brought up Elvis Costello’s latest album, Look Now, and Joni Mitchell’s The Hissing of Summer Lawns.  How did I miss Elvis Costello’s new release? Take a listen to  Unwanted Number and Photographs Can Lie.

Spencer mentioned Emily King, Jennah Bell, Ex:Re, as well as the Wood Brothers. Get dancing with Happiness Jones.

Nick added The Saplings- Go Digital to the list.

The band was kind enough to give me the CD – Hold Onto Something.  Brother  and  Always are just two of the songs on it. Thanks to Drew, Spencer, Sam, and Nick for their time, and new music suggestions.  Visit Drewangus.com for more info on tour dates and such!

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

PS  Fun fact- Drew was a finalist on American Idol in 2016.  He was also in this SNL skit (Civil War Soldiers ) with Harry Styles and Jimmy Fallon!