High South with the Londonderry View 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright
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.
Chris Ross and the North 2019- Photo by Stephanie Wright
Chris Ross and the North 2019 – Photo by Stephanie Wright
Chris Ross and the North 2019 -photo by Stephanie Wright
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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 Nashua, NH 2019 Photo by Stephanie Wright
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.
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.
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!
Greg and Don Whole Damn Mess 2019 Photo by Stephanie Wright
Don Miggs 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright
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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!
Daniel Callahan (April 2019) photo by Stephanie Wright
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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:
Ben and Emily of Carolina Story 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright
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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.
Drew Angus Tupelo Music Hall 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright
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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.
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!
Nick, Sam, Drew and Spencer -opening for Marc Broussard- photo by Stephanie Wrightl 2019
Drew Angus – Hold Onto Something -Photo by Stephanie Wright
Group selfie with Marc Broussard, Drew Angus & Joe Stark Tupelo Music Hall 2019
Ryan Edwards – Sound Sampling at the Currier 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright
Hello World! I experienced something out of my element last weekend at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire- Sound Sampling. I had told people where I was going but was unsure of how to explain the event. I really did not know what to expect! If you have been following 603melody you already know I am not a techie, nor do I have musical talent. So these are definitely layman’s observations.
Ryan Edwards of Masary Studios used sounds from around Manchester as well as from participating visitors to create a musical collage. Prior to the event Ryan and his partner Sarah sampled sounds from the city, such as a running river, Jazz Brunch at the Currier, and exhaust tubes. The tubes were a big find for Ryan! He also used previously recorded loom sounds from another mill town. Ryan guided us through the process of collecting more sounds during the event such as stamping feet, finger snapping as well as folding paper. He skillfully altered them digitally until he found the desirable effect. Yes- you may hear me snap with others on my side of the room. This recording goes in hand with the Currier’s current exhibit “Surroundings: A Community Mural”. Visitors may add to the mural until March 4, 2019. Come explore the question – What is a city?
If you are curious about the Currier project, check out my YouTube video of the “rough draft”- Sound Sampling with Ryan Edwards. The finished product may be found at Currier.org/surroundings. This was so much fun! Thank you Ryan!
Although Ryan does not give many workshops, this kind of interactive art is what Masary Studios is all about. They integrate visual and auditory mediums to create engaging community products to share with the public. Waking the Monster at Fenway Park was one of their projects as well as the really cool Sound Sculpture. I want to play with those cubes! Visit their website to learn more – Masary Studios .
One might might be surprised to learn that Ryan has extensive experience with West African music. At age 19 he travelled to West Africa in search of what makes people want to dance. No electronic technology, it was down to basics there- the rhythm of drums. This reminded me of Buxton School’s African dance and drumming program which I just have to slip in here. You may already know I have a soft spot for Buxton – African Drum and Dance (Buxton School).
So what does a techno whiz with African influences listen to? Ryan enjoys James Blake and Stimming. Sarah also mentioned Sylvan Esso. Click below to take a listen.
Stimming also creates sampled music. Check out November Morning . The following videos interestingly show November Morning translated into an orchestral piece without any electronic elements. The first is of Martin Stimming explaining how this project came to be. The second is a recording of the work. Simply amazing!
Wally, Chris, Andrew, Luke, Will and Nick Nashua, NH January 25, 2019
Hello World! Friday night The Mallett Brothers Band performed at the Riverwalk Cafe and Music Bar in Nashua, New Hampshire. I was psyched to go! I have wanted to see them ever since Thomas Snow (pianist for Jonathan Edwards) mentioned the band to me more than a year ago. If you have been following 603melody you may have already caught a clip of them with Dave Mallett (Will and Luke’s dad). The band also includes musicians Andrew, Wally, and Nick. They were excited to introduce their newest bandmate, their drummer Chris. They put the live in live music! After the show the guys were super cool to tell me about their favorite musicians. A pretty diverse list, but they all agreed on Wu Tang Clan. Yes- Wu Tang Clan!
Click below on a few of their favorites. This is the hard part for me, picking and choosing what videos to post, and of course check out some music by The Mallett Brothers Band. I am not sure exactly how they feel about Milli Vanilli ( Girl, You Know It’s True ) but the topic did come up during their performance Friday.
“What are you listening to?” is not as easy to answer as one might think! Will took time to look up some music on his phone. Hiss Golden Messenger and J. Roddy Walston and the Business are new to me. Check out Numbers !
Chris listens to Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead, Tedeschi Trucks Band- Anyhow is pretty awesome, as well as John Coltrane.
Will volunteered that his brother, Luke, likes Nikki Lane. I thought Gone, Gone, Gone was a cool tune. Luke added Donovan Woods to the list. I went down that musical rabbit hole for awhile. I could still be there but got to keep this blog moving. Luke also enjoys Drive By Truckers.
Andrew listens to Phish, Leftover Salmon ( I took a look a listen to Southern Belle), as well as Hardworking Americans.
Wally is wild about 60s music from Italian movies and Japanese girls pop music (Bossa Nova). Ok, I am not too proud to admit that Wally has me slightly stumped on this one. Hopefully this link hits the mark – Nippon Girls. Luckily I have a friend in Japan. Thank goodness for friends and technology! Chika was not sure who the Nippon Girls were, but she tried to help me out with this video. She told me it is called The Sun Is Crying by Ayumi Ishida. According to Chika it is the B-side of the popular 1960s song- Blue Light Yokohama. Thanks Chika! Now back to more familiar territory!
The Mallett Brothers Band set list January 25, 2019
Here are a few of the songs off Friday night’s set list:
PS Just started a YouTube channel earlier this month as another way to share some favorite music videos. There is only one so far that I take “official” credit for filming-my 603melody Charlie Mars interview. Do not expect to hear me singing or playing any musical instruments. Aliens may have taken over my body if that day comes. Call for help! Look up 603 Melody today on YouTube!
It was one year ago today that 603melody.com was launched! The idea is simple. What are you listening to? I love to share my musical discoveries, and musings as well as others’ thoughts. I think my family and friends are umm well relieved. I do not send them nearly as many Youtube videos to check out. I can’t help it if there is so much music to enjoy!
603melody continues to be a learning process. But I am excited to see what the future holds for the blog, and Instagram account (@603melody). Nothing ventured, nothing gained as the saying goes. I appreciate the continued love and support from my family and friends. I am also continually amazed by the kindness of strangers who take the time to answer my questions, and are willing to be part of this endeavor. I can’t thank them enough! Of course many thanks go out to all of you for following along. I know everyone has busy lives with a million and one things to do. If you are new to 603melody or have not had a chance to visit past posts, please do so. But be warned -you may fall through the magical music rabbit hole! One song always leads to another! Hopefully 603melody will help you find some new songs, and artists; or perhaps you will fall in love again with a forgotten favorite.
Last month Grace Morrison played the City Winery in Boston. Grace was quite honored to open for Shawn Mullins. The winery was definitely a step up from the cheese aisle she mentioned performing in one time! The life of a musician is not always glamorous!
Grace enjoys listening to Anais Mitchell’s Hadestown. Visit Hadestown.com to learn more about this musical. She also likes Lisa Loeb (Firecracker) and Tori Amos (Choirgirl Hotel).
Grace and her husband don’t always agree on music. Scott is a Cat Stevens fan. He also likes Guardians of the Galaxy (Volume I and Volume II)- gotta love the “awesome mix tape”; as well as Les Mis and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Tis the season for Christmas music so I asked Grace if she has any holiday favorites. She loves Please Come Home for Christmas by the Eagles, and the soundtrack for Home Alone. Take a listen to Somewhere in My Memory A few years ago Grace even did a holiday commercial for Cardis Furniture –Silent Night.
Visit gracemorrison.com for more info. Thank you Grace for your time!
