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

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"