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

Come See Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers

Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers: Check them out at The Soho, Santa Barbara, CA


Craving that summertime sound? Please be sure to check out Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers at Soho in downtown Santa Barbara. With a cool infusion of rock, soul, folk, and even a little blues, Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers have a little something for everyone. Their record "Driftwood" provides an eclectic mix of sounds that are worth a listen, with feel-good melodies and heartfelt harmonies that are mellow and cool. Bands like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Linda Ronstadt come to mind as tracks like "Ravenous" and "Little Too Late" set a dusky, warm mood that is both intoxicating and inviting. It's sure to be a  fun night at Soho- stay tuned for the full article after their performance, as well as a short segment on an interview with Nicki herself. Come enjoy their music and their awesome vibe at Soho on May 3rd..... it's sure to be a great night.

Renegade Stringband at SoHo

It was a night of foot stomping, soul-warming bluegrass from the band Renegade Stringband. The group of singer Jessica Jarris, banjo player Joe Seamons, guitarist Austin Moore ( a Santa Barbara native), Fiddler Ben Hunter, Bassist Max Kutzman, and dobro player Gavin Duffy who wasn't present. An eclectic group of people, Renegade Stringband offers a plethora of sounds that both delight and intrigue. Each individuals talent is impressive; Jessica Jarris' voice offers powerful folksy and bluesy tones that radiate through the room, while Kutzman's bass gives the band a solid foundation. Seamon's banjo gives their music that quintessential bluegrass feel when added to the richness of Moore's guitar, and Ben Hunter's fiddling is something truly outstanding. Tunes like "Mission Creek" and "Walls of Time" are like walking through an apple orchard on a warm spring day. Jarris' voice really carries and blends seamlessly with the band. Of course after talking with Jarris after the concert she informed me that she had trained in classical voice, and boy could you tell- her musicality is intuitive and she treats each note with a kind of delicacy that's like dessert for your ears. Renegade Stringband also plays bluegrass versions of famous tunes like "Chocolate Jesus" by Tom Waits and "Tighten Up" by the Black Keys, giving these popular songs a wonderful new twist- Renegade Stringband isn't just a typical Bluegrass group- they have solid elements of folk and blues and even a little rock in their music that only further elaborates on their fundamentally grounded, cowboy boots necessary kind of sound. Joe Seamon's banjo on songs like "Anna's Breakdown" exhibit the variety of their music- each song offers a different glimpse of their many gifts, as there was not a dull moment at Soho- what more? It was a Tuesday night, and everyone was dancing along to the irresistible sounds coming from stage. Bluegrass is a genre that is either loved or greatly disliked by people- its this interesting mixture of blues and folk and twangs of country that give it a flavor that has really evolved over the last twenty years.Bluegrass lover or not, its almost hard not to love Renegade Stringband- they offer something novel, that while still being Bluegrass, does not ignore solid folksy and blues inspired sounds that make their sound so much more universal than just a typical bluegrass group. Overlapping vocals in songs like "Terror Risin' Blues" are accompanied by a slightly muted banjo with the heart being in the bass creating an earthy feel that has you swaying and leaves you a little mesmerized. There is something wonderfully homey about Renegade Stringband; their connection with each other and passion for their music leaves you feeling content and satisfied and has the ability to make you forget your worries for a little while- something we all want music to do. After their performance, I got to talk to them a little bit and they could not have been a lovelier bunch; if you're just getting your feet wet in Bluegrass music, Renegade Stringband will not disappoint. The band comes to the Santa Barbara area twice a year, so be sure to check them out when they swing by again.

I highly recommend "Nature's Gospel" and "Terror Risin' Blues"

Renegade Stringband is currently on tour

http://renegadestringband.com/site/

From the left: Gavin Duffy, Max Kutzman, Jessica Jarris, Ben Hunter, Joe Seamons, and Austin Moore

Martin Harley

You may say he's got a bad case of the dirty blues. Opener to ZZ Ward at Soho, singer and guitarist Martin Harley delivers a punch through a strong set of songs that are reminiscent of open spaces, hot summers, and dimly lit bars.  Raised in England, Martin Harley has elements of the greats like BB King and Junior Kimbrough in his music, offering to the audience the ultimate ear candy. With a rough approach to his guitar, Harley releases something primal and attention grabbing the moment his fingers strum the first chords. His album "Mojo Fix" is full of foot tapping and jaw droppingly good riffs that leave you lusting for more. Songs like "Outlaw" begin with a kind of muted guitar sound and a folksy twang that meet together in perfect harmony. Harley's voice glides over his guitar like distressed leather, with the wear and comfort you crave in a good blues singer. With a glass of bourbon in his hand, Harley made quite the appearance at Soho; the moment he starts playing you find yourself watching with delight as his hands skillfully caress the guitar that compliment his tough aesthetic; his lyrics touch on what a lot of blues talk about; going against the man and working hard, except Harley has a pleasantly surprising sensitive approach, as songs like "Cardboard King" are as romantic as they are sentimental, yet with an underlying toughness that gives it a boldness that is unique to him. Harley's "Ball and Chain" showcases his exceptional sliding skills, something that is not only difficult to master but is a large part of most of Harley's music. Delicate folk elements and the hardness of the blues coming together give Martin Harley's style an individual flavor that makes you have the urge to get on a motorcycle and go on a road trip. Barren landscapes and good whiskey seem to come to mind when you listen to him; its singers like Harley that makes the blues so sexy. Thanks to artists like Jack White and the Black Keys, blues has made a comeback, and Harley is not far from those talents- his sincerity, and possibly that charming English accent make his music irresistible. Completely acoustic at Soho, you could really hear the intricacies of his melodies and the glorious improv riffs that he goes into; Harley's album simply adds a couple layers that are definitely worth a listen. Harley is incredibly in tune with his music and you can really hear him feel every note that pours out of his guitar and he fully radiates that to his audience. Martin Harley was the perfect opener for ZZ Ward, and I most definitely look forward to what comes next from him.

Check out "Mojo Fix"

I recommend "Ball and Chain" and "Outlaw"

ZZ Ward: Fire and Shine Tour @ Soho, SB

"Put the Gun Down" Ward's voice commands in a soulful manner as she sways along to her song on stage at Soho in Santa Barbara. Soulful, sultry, and brazen- ZZ Ward brings the cool element to her unique mixture of blues, pop, and folk. Raised in Oregon, Ward has blues in her blood, with her inspiration stemming from listening to old rock, blues, and pop vinyls as well as her father's influence. Ward's voice could be explained as the love child of Adele and Amy Winehouse, except it also has a sound that is distinctly hers. Ward started her set at Soho with numbers like "Home" and "Till the Casket Drops", each offering pleasantly different harmonies and melodies; none of ZZ's music is repetitive, each song has you feeling something totally different from the one that was just played. While songs like "Home" are sentimental and poetic, songs like "Put the Gun Down" and "Blue Eyes Blind" give a kick of female power. Maybe that's what makes ZZ Ward so cool- she embodies female empowerment through her music, and isn't scared to sing what she thinks, something I can totally respect in an artist. Forget sappy teen washout singers that are more show and glitter than substance; ZZ is all substance with a fiery flare that attracts all kinds of audiences. It's obvious that the band she plays with are in love with her as well- not only were they having fun performing, but there is something intuitive between all of them; you can really feel those blues hit you when Eric, the guitarist touring with ZZ goes off into a riff that transcends time; its that kind of sound that gets you closer to god. Good music does this- and ZZ Ward's soulful and sincere voice along with the band is like melted butter on pancakes. Not only is ZZ Ward's music distinctively hers, but her style is also quite something, with her dusky speaking voice and a signature hat with a feather, emphasizing her larger than life eyes. ZZ Ward is too much her own woman to be put in the same category as a bunch of other young female singers- yeah, her music is about a boy that broke her heart, but are they songs about her pining for his love? Hell no. Instead they're a retaliation in the best way; through hearty melodies and sexy rhythms that would leave any boy that broke a girl's heart running back to her in a split second. ZZ Ward is in the big leagues with singers like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Duffy- with a folksy twang that just may have you hopping onto i-tunes to buy the album. It's rare that so much talent can be found in someone as young ; her lyrics are poetic yet bold, and her f*** off attitude matches the album perfectly. ZZ has a kind of demanding presence, and you can't help but dance when her sound hits you- Ward is definitely the new cool chick on the block and someone that you should look out for in the future. Her album "Put the Gun Down" is just the start of something pretty amazing- the girl's got it.

Check out ZZ Ward's album "Put the Gun Down"

I recommend her songs "Put the Gun Down" and "Move Like You Stole It"

Junipero at SoHo

Organic, Folksy, Creative. These are just a couple of words to describe UCSB's own Junipero, a band that has a soft spot in the hearts of all that know of them and their music. Composed of Kasey Warner, Dave Pascoe, Michael Sallstrom, and Hanna Haas, Junipero has a quintessential sound that is reminiscent of warm sunsets, long walks on the beach, and comforting chai lattes. With numbers like "Case of Fire" and a heart-warming rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia", Junipero makes use of compatible harmonies between Michael and Hannah, as well as Dave to create warm and memorable sounds. All four of them create a kind of energy on stage that you can't help but gravitate toward them- Dave's incredible violin skills, Kasey's simple yet unique approach to percussion, and Michael and Hannah's soulful vocals and guitar make Junipero a band that you find yourself swaying to. Junipero has become so popular among UCSB"s student population that during a performance, like the one I recently attended at Soho, people will be singing along and dancing- Junipero also has a fun aesthetic as they like to dress up (especially Dave) and encourage the audience to do so as well. Junipero's music draws in every kind of listener,  from the hippie girl that like to dance barefoot, to serious music lovers and critics, and it seems that Junipero finds a way to make everyone happy. Maybe its that violin or Hannah's grainy vocals, or their alternating melodies and harmonies that slowly take you to a place where all is calm and peaceful. If the phrase "down to earth" could be categorized into a sound, Junipero would be that sound- they are what people seek when they crave that local, "home" feeling you get from listening to a good set of songs. Not only are they all full of talent, but Junipero also consists some of the nicest human beings you'll ever meet. They make sure the audience is feeling good, and radiate love and compassion through each one of their songs. I'm always left with chills and there's undeniably a smile on my face after listening to songs like"Cecilia" and "Case of Fire". Junipero also performed some new songs at Soho, including " The Ballad of Captain Planet" which has your foot tapping, and has a kitschy feel with Kasey's light percussion and Dave skillfully placed violin as Michael sings.  Want to know what Santa Barbara sounds like? Listen to Junipero- they will not disappoint. Be ready though, you'll soon be left with a similar feeling of seeing a warm Santa Barbara sunset.

I highly recommend "Cecilia" and "Case of Fire"

Check out Junipero's MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/juniperosound

Hannah Haas, Kasey Warner, Michael Sallstrom, and Dave Pascoe

Kiven

From the dusty and traffic filled land of dreams, otherwise known as Los Angeles comes a trio of transplants that have a sound and aesthetic that is their own. After meeting at USC, Tyler Demorest, Matt Cohen, and Danny Schnair came together to create Kiven (pronounced Kee-vahn), a band that doesn’t really pertain to one particular genre.  With ethereal and clean vocals, Tyler Demorest’s voice takes the listener on a spiritual journey and add to that Danny Schnair’s hypnotic guitar riffs and Matt Cohen’s bass, the listening experience becomes something surreal and truly beautiful. Elements of MuteMath, Radiohead, and a kind of fortified Bon Iver come to mind, as their different sounds blend together to create something unique and intriguing. With the release of their album “1840” Kiven is a band that can truly hold their own- they defy all categories and labels and have created something that cannot be put into any one kind of genre, something that really separates them from other bands. Kiven recently performed as an opener to Junipero at the Soho, and was a rare treat, and totally unexpected. Numbers like “Hope and Smoke” and “Release” are full of powerful vocals, and heavy machinery, while songs like “Blur” and “Forward” show a more sensitive side that is refreshing, as Tyler also adds piano to some of the songs, giving them a kind of edgy yet delicate feel, an intricate and hard balance to achieve. It is this marriage of different sounds and different approaches that gives Kiven its individual flavor- they defy the rules by tapping into every kind of sound, yet abiding by none. The energy they have as performers is also something really special to see- its as if each performer is having a spiritual and emotional experience with the music, and they emote that to their audience- Danny and Matt’s harmonies add something really profound to their sound as well, as its where the rough meets the pretty, and born are memorable melodies and soulful harmonies that stay with you long after the song is over. Kiven’s music is everything you want in a band; their sound is pleasing yet tough, and their lyrics are introspective. Songs like Blur greet you with rich chords and then disintegrate into a harmoniously set of distorted riffs as Tyler’s vocals float over the band, with Danny and Matt coming in periodically creating surreal moments in their music. For a relatively new band, Kiven has already started to find their footing, bringing something new and interesting to the table. Their energy and diversity of songs demand your attention, and before you know it, you’re captivated, enthralled, and emotionally pulled toward that intangible force that only good music can get you close to. After their concert at Soho, I was able to talk with them a little bit and found them all to be genuine, witty, humble, and all about the music- Kiven is a tremendous force of talent and I highly recommend a listen, it’s an experience of its own. Kiven is recently on tour and just performed at SXSW- it’s a band to look out for; who knows what else these artistic geniuses will come up with next.

I highly recommend “Blur” and “Forward” on their album “1840” and be sure to check out their video “Release” on YouTube

From the left: Matt Cohen, Tyler Demorest, and Danny Schnair of Kiven