Gregory Alan Isakov at Soho

It was a night of dreamy, feel-good tunes as Gregory Alan Isakov wowed the crowd at Soho with songs from his new album "The Weatherman". With raw emotion and lyrics that matched his folksy aesthetic, Gregory Alan Isakov is not just any acoustic folk singer; he's a poet that pulls at your heart as his voice dissipates through the air like a heady incense fills a room. Isakov's music evokes open plains, blue skies, and the feeling of the sun on your face in the summertime. There is something innately genuine about Isakov that separates him from other singers in his genre. His melodies are simple, and his lyrics are at times dark, but there is a stamp of authenticity that so many other artists lack that he possesses effortlessly. In the last five years, acoustic folk acts have become immensely popular, yet so many of the songs have the same patterns and are for a lack of a better word, uninspired. The pain, loss, and heartbreak are evident in Isakov's music, but are displayed gracefully through his warm, grainy voice that has the quality of making you feel calm and comfortable. "The Weatherman" is a sweet contrast from some of his previous albums like "The Empty Northern Hemisphere" and "That Sea, The Gambler". The new album holds a sacred and personal sound that makes it an emotional experience to listen to. Soho was quiet with wonder as each note slowly dripped into the air- songs like "The Universe" and "Suitcase Full of Sparks" were captivating and profound. Gregory Alan Isakov has similarities to singers like Ray LaMontagne, who also sings of  past experiences and shares what seems like deep, personal thoughts through sensitive lyrics, that strike a chord with their audiences. Isakov's musicality and ability to penetrate to your core makes his music ideal to listen to on a quiet day, as it is reflective and heavy with true feelings. There is a kind of "beautiful sadness" that is embodied throughout "The Weatherman". In its deceptive simplicity, the album is a culmination of what people crave most in life, which is the ability to fall in love, learning to let go, and coming home. It's as if Isakov is giving the listener a small taste of his soul through each song, as Soho's audience was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Isakov presents a refreshing sound that has the earthy resonance good folk music has, with a unique approach that puts him above the rest.

I recommend "The Universe" and "Saint Valentine" on "The Weatherman"

Belle and Sebastian at the SB Bowl

 A sweet and nostalgic feeling was in the air as Belle and Sebastian took the stage at the Santa Barbara Bowl. With a witty" over the pond" sense of humor and a charisma that could only be Stuart Murdoch, Belle and Sebastian delivered a fun, laid- back performance that had the audience swaying and singing along, as many of their tunes are associated with people's childhoods. With quintessential indie-pop numbers like " I Want the World to Stop" and classics like "Piazza New York Catcher" , the band created a relaxing atmosphere that matched the dewy evening. As their first performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl, the band took full advantage of the open-air venue, as Stuart Murdoch frolicked through the crowds, spreading good vibes that were felt by everyone there. Belle and Sebastian has had a lasting quality because of their music's ability to appeal to a wide variety of demographics. Albums like "Write About Love" are cherished by both both young college students and older couples alike. It's the sensitive nature of their lyrics and their playful yet at times melancholy song structure that gives you a similar feeling to listening to a band like The Cure, which certain tunes of Belle and Sebastian is reminiscent of. Their music is the bridge between 80's classics into the evolution of indie-pop; a genre that Belle and Sebastian may very well have been one of the creators of. Established in the 90's, Belle and Sebastian has still managed to keep things modern and fun, while staying true to their roots, as there is a smooth yet progressive transition from their earlier albums like "Tigermilk" and  "If You're Feeling Sinister" to more recent albums like "Write About Love". The slight disco-esq beats and delicate, yet poignant vocals blend together to create a product that embodies a decade yet has stayed fresh enough to be just as interesting to listen to as they were ten years ago. The beauty of Belle and Sebastian is that its as if time has had no real meaning- they're having just as good of a time, if not better, as they did when they first started performing. The band's chemistry with each other along with the string quartet, gave their sound more of a depth and a slight folksy sound that was both unexpected and refreshing. There is a kind of warmth that Belle and Sebastian brings to a performance; it is their genuine love for the music they play and the respect they have for each other that has given this band the lasting quality that so many bands crave for.  Violinist and main vocalist Sarah Martin, along with Stuart Murdoch played a plethora of instruments during the performance, portraying that each individual member of the band is very talented individually as well; the manipulation of so many different instruments has led to a band that is sure to continue to impress crowds well into the coming years; the Santa Barbara Bowl audience sure was.

Belle and Sebastian

Robert Plant at the Santa Barbara Bowl

Patchouli and incense wafted through the air at the Santa Barbara Bowl and was to set the mellow and nostalgic feel of the night. With a colorful poster of a young Robert Plant in the back, his band, The Sensational Space Shifters with the great man himself ignited the stage with a potent blend of Led Zeppelin classics mixed in with songs like "Tin Pan Valley" and "Witchdoctor" creating an eclectic mix that evoked images of desert nights, gypsies, and dimly lit rooms. With lust-ridden riffs and hypnotic middle eastern infused melodies, Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifter's performance took the listener to exotic, far away lands. With a voice like a perfectly aged wine, Robert Plant's voice still demands his audiences attention like it did when he was with Led Zeppelin. His crew of talent under the name of The Sensational Space Shifters is made up of Liam Tyson, Justin Adams, Billy Fuller, John Baggot, Dave Smith, Juldeh Camara, as well as Patty Griffin. Camara, who hails from Africa, lends his unique instrument and voice to many of the songs, giving them a unique multicultural spin. It is the beauty of the manipulation of many of the numbers in their set that gives Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters their one of a kind sound; its the evolution of a tribal middle eastern drumbeat that seamlessly becomes "Black Dog" and then sweetly resolves into a heady mixture of distorted guitar riffs that are caressed by the gentleness of African rhythms that are dispersed throughout the music. Classics like "Going to California" and "Rock and Roll" brought the listener back to Zeppelin roots, but the smoky, mysterious riffs of numbers like "Enchanter" and "Fixin' to Die" were as haunting as amber colored embers in a deep fire. A psychedelic and experimental approach is justified in what becomes the ideal combination of classic rock and world music. Plant's new project can be compared to the likes of a good perfume, with perfectly balanced top and bottom notes that are both familiar and unexpectedly different, essentially bringing about melodies and harmonies that seep into your skin and flirt with your libido as the music possesses an innate sensuality that may have you undressed before you know it. The sexual energy that Led Zeppelin was notorious for is simply extrapolated in The Sensational Space Shifters, as they truly cast a spell on their audience; the performance is like falling under a nostalgic trance that stays long after the show is over. It's the diversity in his band that brings to fruition an album that is unlike anything you've heard before- with hypnotic, prayer-like lines, this was not simply a concert, it was a spiritual experience that had you craving for more and in anticipation of what was coming next. Plant even included "Please Read the Letter" into the mix from his Raising Sand album- the show was a constant see-saw between sweet and sexy, with a kind of foreplay that teased and then plunged into a full on cacophony of musical colors. If you weren't a Plant or Zeppelin fan before, one listen to this album may just change your mind, and hell, you may even need to change your underwear.

Check out the full album on YouTube and 
be sure to buy the album on Amazon: "Live in Rio"

Youngblood Hawke at Avalon

Dimly lit Avalon in Hollywood was all aglow as up and comers Pacific Air started the show with melodic vocals and a fun scene as some of their songs like Roses had everyone grooving to the beat; Pacific Air provided a very cool and "modern" kind of sound that had the young crowd going. With a fun and hip sound, Pacific Air set the pace for what was to be a full on musical party, as Youngblood Hawke was as fun to hear as they were to watch. Made up of Alice Katz, Sam Martin, Simon Katz, Nik Hughes, Omar Ahmed and Tasso Smith, the band is truly a treat for your eyes and ears as this stylish crew had the audience buzzing with numbers like "Stars" and their hit "We Come Running". If indie pop had a definition, it would be Youngblood Hawke, as they provide a much needed escape from the monotonous folsky-rock indie bands that have been multiplying like rabbits; they're like a sip of a frosty strawberry daquiri on a hot summer day, the music is sweet and playful, and while it still has some rock-inspired foundations, Youngblood's young and wide-eyed approach to their tunes is reminiscent of carefree days, youth, and parties, as their concentrated sound explodes into a prism of bright colors. The tribal undertones of the drums help create an animalistic and primal feeling that is epitomized in Sam and Alice's electrifying energy, as their vocals and the controlled chaos of the band are wild and reach new heights- Youngblood Hawke is the kind of band that feeds off their audiences energy, as they're basically having a full on fiesta up on stage with instruments- they are visually creative and stylish, as Alice Katz's caftan flowed as she strutted the stage with power vocals coming from her small frame. Sam Martin was equally entertaining as he got close and personal with the audience dancing from one end of the stage to another. With a colorful band to match, Youngblood Hawke's music is feel-good, chic party music that is perfect listening for a workout or a fun weekend with your friends. Youngblood also contrasts their light feel with edgy songs like "Protect Yourself" which has some bluesy, minor licks that differs from the rest of their material. Named after the novel Youngblood Hawke by Herman Would, Youngblood's music is reflective of a "free spirit" mentality that matches their youthful vibe. A perfect companion to your summer essentials, this motley crew of talent is sure to please and be the "wow" factor to your pool party or summer road trip. So put your dancing shoes on, and get in the groove with their infectious beats and upbeat lyrics... they're simply irresistible.

I recommend "Protect Yourself" and "Stars" off their album "Wake Up"

Sea Wolf at Soho

Folksy melodies blended with ethereal undercurrents filled the air as Sea Wolf crooned bittersweet songs along with his band. The set started with his classic "You're a Wolf" from which he then went into music from his new album "Old World Romance" which is a lyrically and musically stunning album, as songs like "Dear Fellow Traveler" and "Whirlpool" transcends your thoughts to distant lands and warm memories marked by a rosy glow that come from Sea Wolf's clear and harmonically pleasing voice. There is a deep connection Sea Wolf seems to have with his music, as it is easy to tell that each song holds a deeper meaning than what meets the ear- it is his ability to tap into the inner corridors of the soul that makes Sea Wolf's music resonate with his audiences. The music truly has an "old world" effect, as though the sound is modern, there is something innately mysterious about it; the seamless mixture of folk and a light rock sound characterizes this new album, a different perspective from his previous albums. Consequently, the music has a new backbone- this time, with more percussion, more guitar and more fire- it still has all the beautiful qualities of what Sea Wolf is known for, but the heavier sound of the band adds some edge to Sea Wolf's usually soft and pleasing songs that compose the majority of his other albums. Personal anecdotes, nature, and experiences mark most of Sea Wolf's lyrics- his personal attachment to the music is what is makes it such a pleasure to listen to. You can feel his heart ache through songs like "Dear Fellow Traveler" as the music has a definitive light rhythm that explodes into a brilliant mixture of overlapping melodies and harmonies that show off Sea Wolf's talent in a refreshingly unexpected way. Sea Wolf's music has the same effect as finding solace in a forest or driving through the mountains on a foggy day- its the kind of sound that you can get lost in- Old World Romance's haunting tunes burn like dark embers and seep into depths of your very being, as songs like "Whirlpool" and "Nothing" have nostalgic qualities- it’s that "wanderlust" feeling that Sea Wolf's music awakens; not only is it beautiful, but it is in many ways transcendental- the different layers in Sea Wolf's new album create an unforgettable listening experience. Sea Wolf's performance at Soho was as spiritual as it was enjoyable- warm lighting and solid audience energy gave the whole performance a vintage feel, in symmetry with Sea Wolf's sensitive and old soul approach to his music. "Old World Romance" should undoubtedly be listened to like an opus, as each song takes you on a new journey; get your bags together, you'll be traveling before you know it.

Old World Romance

I highly recommend songs "Dear Fellow Traveler" and "Whirlpool" 

Bottle Rock: Three Artists that Brought the Heat

The warm Napa sun caressed my shoulders as I made my to the first of Bottle Rock festival. In the middle of a sleepy residential neighborhood, a fantastic music festival that combined the best Napa has to offer in terms of wine and food combined with one of the best lineups was about to make history. Napa Valley was aroused during the five day festival that is sure to only increase in popularity, as it's first year proved to be an incredible experience for whoever attended. With an eclectic crowd that boasted everyone from the hippie chick to middle-aged couples, Bottle Rock had something for everyone- and for those magical five days, Napa Valley set its soul on fire. While there were some incredible performances given by the top-dogs, here are some of the up and coming artists that rocked it just as well.

Flagship: With a melding of beautiful and harmonious sound with an edge, Flagship is reminiscent of bands like Coldplay, Boxer Rebellion, and Kiven; their rough, yet vocally sweet combination of sounds gives them a unique feel that has both turbulence and epiphany-esq moments, where the sound simply dissolves and leaves you in a different state of mind. The stark contrast between the heaviness of the band and the almost melodically classical qualities of the vocals give Flagship a unique flavor that is represented in songs like "Backseat" and "Older". With introspective words that match their other-worldly kind of music, Flagship is both captivating and interesting to watch as their sound is the kind of music that swallows space; it re-defines the listening experience as the individual listening is treated to a platter full of unique harmonies and melodies that fully satiate the musical hunger that drives us to continually find that "band" or "song" that fulfills us. It may be those almost classical notes that ascend from the golden chords of Flagship's vocalist that take the listener to the next level; they are simply over saturated with talent and it will be no surprise that this little band from Charlotte, North Carolina will be pulling at the heartstrings of alternative rock fans, or for that matter anyone that enjoys good music. Flagship consists of Drake Margolnick, Grant Harding, Matthew Padgett, Michael Finster, and Preston Hayden.

Allah-Las: Birthed from the surfer-rock womb, known as California, or more specifically Los Angeles hails Allah-Las- with a quintessential beachy sound, Allah-Las has you craving summer, roadtrips, and being barefoot in the sand. Allah-Las could just be the child of  ifThe Doors and The Rolling Stones came together;  as their simple combination of layered voices pairs with a hypnotic blend of sun-kissed guitar riffs and a light percussion that is impossible not to dance or sway to. Unlike other indie surfer-rock projects, Allah-Las is churning out the "classic surfer rock" kind of sound that makes it feel like its straight out of the 60's or 70's; their musics mesmerizing qualities mimic the California landscape so perfectly that once you listen to Allah-Las, permanent images of beautiful beaches, tan women, and vintage cars imprint in your mind. There is a kind of sensuality about Allah-Las that warms your soul just like the comfort of a California sunset; Allah-Las' lyrics are all about finding love and running away; themes that ever-present in the California mindset; its the kind of music you want to travel with- its the kind of music that makes you feel young and alive. Songs like "Long Journey" and "Sacred Sands" feel like they almost require a vintage caravan and women clad in caftans and beads- Allah-Las has a nostalgic sound that seeps into your skin and releases thoughts of wanderlust and the want to be free of all your worries. Allah-Las consists of Matthew Correira, Miles Michaud, Pedrum Siadatian, and Spencer Dunham.

Vintage Trouble: Sultry, Mo-town blues and rock come together in a soulful manner as Vintage Trouble was one of the most exciting performances to watch at this year's Bottle Rock festival. With a feel-good sound and a voice that fills the air with a syrupy goodness, Vintage Trouble has all the comfort you seek in a good blues band. The band combines a variety of sounds that have a certain down to earth feel that is both real and hearty. Songs like "You Better Believe It" have a similar vibe to Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, as the singer provides a powerful, take no prisoners kind of sound that is as fun as it is catchy. With a late 70's vibe aesthetic mixed with a modern blues take, Vintage Trouble satisfies the need for some good 'ol blues and rock, while still it making it modern enough that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's the kind of music that brings people together, as Ty Taylor brings the heat through electric vocals and funky rhythms that have your hips jiving and hands clapping.  Bands like Vintage Trouble are bringing blues back with a new twist- something bands like the Black Keys have been doing, and its truly been transforming what people have been listening to. Blues is the heart and soul of most rock n'roll, and really most music; it is the primordial, visceral notes of the dirty riffs that get you somewhere deep in a song, and Vintage trouble delivers all of these qualities with a fiery kick.

Bottle Rock showcased many talented bands, and these three up and comers are definitely bands to look out for as their music offers something really unique and memorable. Be sure to look them up on Spotify and I-Tunes.... and come to Bottle Rock next year to discover some of your next favorite bands. It's nirvana for all you music lovers, and for those that don't really dig the big festivals, Bottle Rock provides the intimacy of individual concerts while still offering Napa's delicious food and wine with a crowd that's mellow and just loves good music; it's all about the music at BottleRock, no fluff included.

Flagship

Vintage Trouble

Allah-Las

Bottle Rock Festival

The White Buffalo at Soho: A magical experience

Raw, Untamed talent undulates through Soho as the White Buffalo bares his soul through rusted melodies that paint mental pictures of barren landscapes, warm whiskey, and old trucks driving through open roads. There is a vintage and natural quality about the White Buffalo that is alluring and rough that you immediately feel like you are intimate with the glorious, heart-wrenching melodies that swell something visceral and primal deep in your body. It's the kind of music that makes you feel grounded and like you've transcended to some kind of spiritual place simultaneously  The White Buffalo pulls at you through songs like "One Lone Night" that start with a growly, dirty sound that ascends into a sweet melody laced with a dark, folksy aura. "Sleepy Little Town" and "Stunt Driver" present The White Buffalo's artistic exploration- with each folk-tinged, blues influenced, and country twanged note that present itself in the most delicate manner, the listener is taken to a simpler place and time. With a voice that has qualities of the great Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and a rustic Iron and Wine, the White Buffalo is the lone-ranger product of a hearty combination of genres that he makes so personal, it feels like he is sharing his deepest fears, passions, and ambitions with you. Elements of rock n' roll and folk intertwine in a hypnotic fashion that has your body and soul gravitating to some higher place, as his honest lyrics and rich, dusty harmonies have the comfort of a well worn pair of cowboy boots or the awe after seeing a mountain view littered with stars. It is so rare to find an artist that is so uninhibited and free; its evident that his lyrics and music come from something deep within him; its the kind of music that stops you in your tracks, and the effect he had on the audience at Soho was something special to see- people were bewitched by his presence and his sound. A humble man that looks a bit like a lumber jack made people feel like they were on cloud nine. It was a performance that was both personal and open at the same time- there was a feeling of being alone and one with the music while a crowd surrounded you; a quality that only some of the best musicians have. The White Buffalo was playing not to your ears, but the hallowed rooms of your soul- his music makes you feel whole and the sound is so tangible and real that its as if he is conversing with your deepest heartaches and inner-most secrets with his sensitive, yet full sound that can only come from a real man. His album is a contrast between rousing tunes to deliciously minor melodies that haunt your mind and send chills down your spine.  The hazy, dimly lit Soho was ignited by a musical flame through the White Buffalo, as his innate musicality burned a magnificent flame song after song. White Buffalo's performance was not just a music experience- it was a spiritual one too.

I recommend his songs "Stunt Driver" , "One Lone Night" ,  "Sleepy Little Town" and "The Whistler" as well as the Dakota Sessions on YouTube.

The White Buffalo's music has also been featured on TV shows like "Sons of Anarchy" as well as the movie "Safe Haven"

Check out The White Buffalo's entire album, and I bet that he'll be your newest starred artist on Spotify, or your latest addition to your I-Tunes library.

The White Buffalo