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Hello World! Los Colognes (not a typo)

 

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Jay Rutherford of Los Colognes photo by Stephanie Wright 2018

 

Hello World!

Earlier this month I discovered Los Colognes when they opened for Big Head Todd and the Monsters. After their set, lead singer Jay Rutherford told me what he and the band have been listening to.  We also discussed his band’s name; something I think Jay  frequently does. Lost Colognes is not a real Spanish word.  Originally, the band was to be The Clones but the name was already taken.  So it morphed into Los Colognes. Hey, they can claim to be the one and only Los Colognes! As Jay pointed out it is easy to search online.

You know when someone is a Dead Head fan when they not only give the year but also the location of the music.  Jay specifically mentioned listening to Grateful Dead music from Northeastern shows circa 1979.  The band is also listening to Steely Dan, Kurt Vile’s new album, as well as Roxy Music’s  Flesh and Blood.

Loading Zone by Kurt Vile

I am digging Roxy Music’s version of  Jealous Guy.

Take a listen to Los Colognes –  Forever in Between   and  All That You Know. To find out more about the band, please visit their website- loscolognes.net

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

 

 

 

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photo by Stephanie Wright 2018

 

Hello World! 50 Years and Counting: Mr. Jonathan Edwards

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Hello World!

Jonathan Edwards performed at the Tupelo Music Hall earlier this month. He is grateful for his long musical career- 50 years and counting!  Pianist Tom Snow and  Joe K. Walsh (on mandolin) accompanied him on stage.  I was so happy to hear them play My Love Will Keep!  Of course, they also played Sunshine.   After the show, Mr. Edwards took a few minutes to talk with me about what he has been listening to.  I was familiar with three out of the four artists he mentioned.

One musician is a family favorite, Dave Mallett! His sons have a band as well. So I have to include this link of the Mallett family performing together-  Hard Light   (connect those musical dots)!  I think it is safe to say many people know the music of James Taylor (love You Can Close Your Eyes ) and Alison Krauss (Ghost In This House just wow).  Ok, let me just tell you it is taking a lot of self-control not go off on three different musical tangents; but on to Kenny White. You probably have heard his work, even if you were unaware of the creator. Ever wonder who writes commercial jingles? That’s right Kenny White has a “few” under his musical belt.  Kenny White has also worked with numerous artists (including Jonathan Edwards).  Mr. White’s latest album is A Long List of Priors. Just found a new song to enjoy- Road Less Traveled. That’s what 603melody is all about!

I hope you found some new music here or rediscovered some old favorites. Thank you, Mr. Edwards, for your suggestions! For Jonathan Edwards products and info go to  jonathanedwards.net.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

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Hello World! Neighbors and Strangers-Kingsley Flood

 

Hello World!

Last month Kingsley Flood performed a high energy show in Nashua, New Hampshire. The band came to my attention a few years ago via a social media post by the Buxton School. Guitarist George Hall is an alum of the Williamstown school.  Buxton has a special place in my heart, as several of my favorite people have connections there. Sorry, I got a bit off the track, but my musical connect the dots don’t stop there. My last blog post was on Chris Trapper. If you caught it, you may recall that Chris makes an appearance in one of my favorite Kingsley Flood songs, I Don’t Wanna Go Home.  Lead singer Naseem Khuri is his brother in law. I did not think to ask if they have any musical collaborations planned.  Maybe next time!   Waiting for the River to Rise  and To the Wolves are favorites as well.  Earlier this year Kingsley Flood released their 4th album, Neighbors and Strangers (Bottom of the Barrel and  Not Right Yet ).

Individually, the members of  Kingsley Flood have quite the range in musical interests.  Listed below, in no particular order, are a few of artists you may want to look up as well:

Steve Earle, Xenia Rubinos, St. Vincent, Prince, Radiohead, Zero 7, Portishead, Massive Attack, NRBQ, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Mary Halvorson.

Thank you for your time, Kingsley Flood!

For more information on the band please go to-kingsleyflood.com.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

 

Hello World! Connect the Musical Dots with Mr. Chris Trapper

 

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Chris Trapper 2018 -photo by Stephanie Wright

 

Hello World!   Let’s connect the musical dots.  You may already know I am a fan of Great Big Sea.  I discovered Chris Trapper when he performed Sea of No Cares with them a few years ago in Lowell, MA.  During a visit to Newfoundland, he co-wrote the song with Alan Doyle and Sean McCann. You may have heard Chris Trapper’s music in motion pictures, and on television, or even while shopping! Here are just two- Every Angel (The Devil Wears Prada) and  This Time  (August Rush) that have made it to the big screen. Chris is enjoying a solo career, as well as making music with his band The Push Stars. The Push Stars recently released a new album- 3 Feet in the Air.  In September musician Rob Thomas tweeted his wife’s music pick of the day, I Wrote a Song For You.  The next day he posted 3 Feet in the Air as his pick. Both songs can be found on the new album. A few more musical connections as The Push Stars have opened for Matchbox Twenty in the past. Push Stars’ drummer Ryan MacMillan has also played with Matchbox 20. It is a struggle, but I will stay on topic! I love Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20 too!  See how connecting the musical dots leads from one artist to another?! It is a great way to discover new music!

I caught up with Mr. Trapper last month in Lowell, MA. He told me he has been listening to 50s music such as The Fleetwoods, Bobby V. and the Everly Brothers.  I can’t thank him enough for taking the time to talk! Click below for some music that will take you back!

Wake Up Little Susie

Mr. Blue

Chris also listens to Kingsley Flood. His brother-in-law, Naseem Khuri, just happens to be the lead singer for the band.  You may have seen a cameo of Chris in their video  I Don’t Wanna Go Home. More musical dots connected! Stay tuned for a Kingsley Flood post in the near future!

In the meantime, here are a few more of my Chris Trapper favs!

Sea of No Cares

If You’re Still There

Skin

Please go to christapper.com  and thepushstars.com for more information.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

 

 

Hello World! Gutter-Folk

 

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Driftwood Solider- Photo by Stephanie Wright 2018

 

Hello World! Saw Owen and Bobby of Driftwood Soldier for the first time in Nashua, New Hampshire.  They opened for Kingsley Flood. Owen plays the mandolin, and Bobby plays the bass.  They both play foot percussion.

I enjoyed the duo’s updated version of John Henry, and a tune they call the closest thing they have to a love song- The Whiskey Song.

I sat down with Owen to discuss his musical favs which include Dana Sipos, Charlie Parr, and Nina Simone. He also told me to check out Mama’s Broke when he found out that I am a Great Big Sea fan.

Bobby enjoys The Growlers, Monophonics, and Sharon Jones.

So many songs to choose from! These are just a taste.

Dana Sipos- Eyeball Blues    Mama’s Broke- Black Rock Beach

Sharon Jones-100 Days, 100 Nights  The Growlers-Love Test

Thanks to Bobby and Owen, for taking the time to talk!  They are the “friendliest gutter-folk” I have ever met!

You will find their tour schedule and more at driftwood soldier.com  and BobbyandOwenNeedYou.com.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

 

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Driftwood Soldier- Photo by Stephanie Wright 2018

 

Hello World! Ryan Montbleau- I Can’t Wait!

 

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Ryan Montbleau- Tupelo Music Hall 2018 photo by Stephanie Wright

 

Hello World! Ryan Montbleau brought along a full band to the Tupelo Friday night.  They played original tunes, plus some cool covers ranging from Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” to  House of Pain’s “Jump Around”.  Maybe you caught the performance on Ryan’s FB page live-streamed.  My personal favorites are 75 and Sunny, Pacing Like Prince, and Honeymoon Eyes.  Oooh, can’t forget I Can’t Wait.  Take a listen; every time I do there is another song to love.  What is Ryan listening to? He said he had been on a Randy Newman kick (my mind goes straight to You’ve Got a Friend in Me ), and right now is listening to a LOT of Anders Osborne. Side note Osborne produced Ryan’s album I Was Just Leaving. I gotta say I am digging Anders Osborne’s  Higher Ground.

For more info and upcoming shows click here ryanmontbleau.com!

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Million Mile Lexus

Photo shared by Ana and Anton 2018 #millionmilelexus

Hello World!

On a recent visit to New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Hotel,  I spotted a unique white car in the parking lot. My son (a car fanatic)  later confirmed that it was indeed a pretty cool sighting.  Apparently, it was Matt Farah’s Million Mile Lexus.  Other automobile enthusiasts would know about Matt Farah, his podcast ( The Smoking Tire), and his Lexus.  But this was new to me. Apparently,  Matt bought a used 1996 LS400 with high mileage (I believe with just under 900,000.00 miles) and decided to keep it going to a million miles.  Matt is allowing other people to drive his car to help get to that goal. When I spied the Lexus at the end of July, Anton and Ana were the lucky drivers of the vehicle.  Ana and Anton have a vlog and posted this ( USA Road Trip)  to explain their latest adventure.  Unfortunately, I did not meet them while they were touring the 603.  So I reached out and asked what they were listening to on the road.   They said they like to sing and shout, and have fun using Spotify -just browsing random playlists to find something new. If they are unable to connect to the internet, they pop in one of the cassette tapes that came with the car.  Yes, cassette tapes!  Strunz & Farah’s Primal Magic (listen here)  has been a favorite on their 14,000+ mile journey.  Other times they enjoy the quiet. I can’t thank Ana and Anton enough for the photos, and their quick response to my musical inquiry.   I hope they enjoyed their visit to our beautiful state and their amazing trip around the USA.  For more info about Ana and Anton click here adventureholix.com.   So cool!

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Photo shared by Ana and Anton 2018 #millionmilelexus

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

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The Mount Washington Hotel photo by Stephanie Wright 2018

Hello World! Everything is Better with Bacon!

 

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Kevin Bacon 2018 Tupelo Music Hall

 

Hello World! Kevin Bacon, movie star, musician, and BLT connoisseur performed last night at the Tupelo Music Hall.  His band, with brother Michael, is aptly named The Bacon Brothers.  My apologies for the grainy photos. You know that one time you meet Kevin and Michael Bacon, and the pre-show photos are fuzzy. House photographer, Jerry LoFaro, was on hand later in the evening, and I am sure he got some stellar shots of the performance.  He always does! Kevin and Michael brought a full band, including a whistling tour manager. Michael also plays the cello, and the band performed a song complete with ukeleles as well. Yes, ukeleles, there were several!  Chef J served up two versions of BLTs ( Kevin’s creations) for the Tupelo crowd. It was a great night!  What’s better than music and bacon?

Check out Kevin’s sandwiches The BLAT & the BLAST.

More music to love!

Tom Petty T-Shirt by The Bacon Brothers 

Bunch of Words by The Bacon Brothers

For those of you old enough to remember the original Footloose movie (30 +years ago), here’s a little throwback-  Footloose Entrance on Jimmy Fallon

And on a more serious note, kindness counts! To see how you can make a difference go to  sixdegrees.org.

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Harbor Cruising with RCPM!

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RCPM -2018 P.H., Roger, Nick, and Jim (standing) Photo by Stephanie Wright

 

Hello World!  Recently Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers rocked out in Boston. It was a beautiful day to be out on the water and of course, the band sounded awesome! RCPM played songs written back in The Refreshments day as well as new music. I have too many favorites to pick just one. Check these out to get a little taste – Marie,   Sin Nombre, and  Flowerin’ .  What did you think of the Flowerin’ video? That’s a lot of LEGOS! Impressive!  I caught up with the band before they hit the stage. The guys kindly told me what they have been listening to. I can’t thank them enough for taking the time to talk!

 

 

Both Roger Clyne and Nick Scropos are digging Spoon. How about you?

I Ain’t the One by Spoon

Side note, Nick co-owns a Pita Jungle. During my last visit to AZ, I had a chance to eat there with my nephew. He loved their salmon and even said it was his favorite place during vacation. The kid has good taste!  Ok back to the music…

P.H. Naffah has been enjoying older music, such as R & B, Motown, Derek and the Dominoes as well as The Police. It is hard for me to think of The Police as “older” music, but I guess it is after all 2018!  P.H. also mentioned two “newer” artists, Rayland Baxter and Gregory Alan Isakov.

Stable by Gregory Alan Isakov

Casanova by Rayland Baxter

Jim Dalton is inspired by one of my all-time favorites, Bob Schneider! Yes!  So cool to learn that Jim is a fan as well!  He likes Bob Schneider’s Lovely Creatures album; especially the track, Changing Your Mind, featuring Patty Griffin. The album is fabulous but that is a post for another day.

Please visit the band website for more info about RCPM!   Need more? There is also a band documentary  herestolifemovie.com.

 

 

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Nothing Takes the Place of You!

Hello World!  Tab Benoit burned up the Tupelo stage with drummer Jeffery “Jellybean ” Alexander and bassist Corey Duplechin.  I loved hearing two of my favorites, “Shelter Me” and “Nothing Takes the Place of You “.  Tab had the audience going with his humor as well.  After the show, I asked Tab and his band what they are listening to.

Corey listens to Jazz, Funk, and Fusion on Pandora.  He has a wide range of musical interests including Alice Cooper and AC/DC.  I have to say if you wanna rock out AC/DC is at the top of the list!  Although It’s a Long Way to the Top!

Jellybean likes old R and B as well as Mint Condition-check out (Nothing Left to Say ). This is the second time I have seen Jellybean perform. He has a smile that does not quit!

When I asked Tab, he said, “I am listening to you” (talk that is). Not a chance that he would refer to my singing.  Tab feels music deep in his soul and favors the music he grew up with.  Although he did not give specifics, I think it safe to say the Blues were an influential part of his youth!  Tab considers the songs that get stuck in his head a nuisance. Unless of course, they’re his creations. For more info on Tab Benoit click on  tabbenoit.com.  He will be in New England for a few more shows this month.

Thanks “guys”!  Loved learning about “wild chickens” and “tricorn hats” too!

 

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Tab Benoit – Photo by Stephanie Wright 2018

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie