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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
News This week's new releases (2/17/2009)
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Tue, Feb 17, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Here's a quick rundown of some of the artists releasing albums this week:
The Bakerton Group El Rojo
Morrissey Years of Refusal
M. Ward Hold Time
News / Music Menu Music Menu (2/17/09)
Posted By Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman on Tue, Feb 17, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Hawks Featuring members – or leftovers, a designation they might prefer – of the jazzbo/hard-core Blame Game, Electrosleep International (but not the Deerhunter dude), and lady art-punkers Vera Fang (but not the ladies), Hawks are a cross-section of the ATL underground fueled by booze, questionable behavior, and punishing, uncompromising noise-rock. The band's debut, Barnburner, is out on 180-gram vinyl on Army of Bad Luck, and this donations-only date is part of a two-week East Coast victory lap. Drop some gas-and-food money on 'em and come enjoy the dulcet love. With Grids and Reverser. Lunchbox Records (Schacht)
Monday, February 16, 2009
News / Live Reviews Live Review: Les Lankhorst in Red, Hot & Swing
Posted By Anita Overcash on Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Les Lankhorst in Red, Hot & Swing featuring Susan Roberts Knowlson, Charlotte’s own small Big Band, Phil Tompson, Tim Gordon, Doug Burns, Mark Munson, Noel Friedline, Tom Hildreth, Rick Dior and Stephen Westerfield
Booth Playhouse
Feb. 13, 2009
The Deal: Musician Les Lankhorst, who portrayed Frank Sinatra in the Las Vegas production oh The Rat Pack Is Back teamed up with other musicians to perform a set of legendary swing/jazz covers.
The Good: The band played more than 20 classic songs, including those by Frank Sinatra (I’ve Got The World On A String,” “Come Fly With Me,” “South Of The Border” “One For My Baby,” “My Way,” “That’s Life”), Peggy Lee (“You Give Me Fever”), Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini (“Moon River”), Don Mclean (“Vincent”), Dean Martin (“Ain’t That A Kick In The Head”), Bobby Darin (“Call Me Irresponsible,” “I’m Beginning To See The Light”), Billy Joel (“In Every Heart”), Harry Connick Jr. (“A Wink and a Smile”), Roger Miller (“King of the Road”), Kenny Loggins (“Rainbow Connection”) and even a track from Phantom of the Opera (“All I Ask of You”). The band was small in comparison to the big sounds they put out. Susan Roberts Knowlson, who performed with Les Lankhorst on a couple numbers used vocal skills to capture the crowd on songs like “All I Ask of You.” In addition, another special guest included Davidson college student Stephen Westerfield who impressively played the cello on selected songs. Throughout the night the covers were well done and along with the venue’s cabaret-style set up, the show made for an interesting and relaxing evening.
The Bad: Les Lankhorst talked a good deal in between some of the songs, but in turn it made the show a bit more intimate.
The Verdict: Covers varied, as you can see from the above. I had expected mostly Frank Sinatra songs, but was impressed with the variety Lankhorst played. I’d recommend seeing the show, if swing/jazz music is your forte or if you just want to go out and do something out of the norm. Continues through Feb. 22.
Photos / QC After Dark / News Life's a "Ball"
Posted By Brittney Cason on Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 2:44 PM
My friend, Vittoria, from Chicago was in town this past weekend, so I took her to Bartender’s Ball... and in describing it to her I said, “Remember the scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory when they walk into the factory to a magical chocolate wonderland? Well, kinda like that, but with alcohol.”
Because a ticket to Bartender’s Ball is the golden ticket. Just about every bar in Charlotte sets up a bar booth in the Blake for a nightlife convention that is one massive adult prom where all the punch is spiked.
I ended up in a dinosaur costume — for some reason Loft 1523 had a dinosaur mascot. That is just one example of the shenanigans that goes down at Charlotte’s biggest party.
Photos / News / Live Reviews Live Review: Lovers and Covers
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Charlotte Musicians
Evening Muse
Feb. 14, 2009
The Deal: Some New Familiars get together with a Volatile Baby, a former Near Misses and friends to put on a show of cover songs.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
News / Music Menu Music Menu (2/15/09)
Posted By Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman on Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Zelazowa Touring in support of its second full-length album, Elephants on a Mousehunt, the Philly-based band is often compared to Nirvana thanks to the raw rock sound fused with punk energy. Most bands choose to use the Internet to help spread the good word of their music, but Zelazowa, named after the town where Fredrick Chopin was born, is doing it old school – hitting the road, hard. The guys aren't afraid to play a show just about every night and rocking the hell out of whatever venue is lucky enough to get 'em. Snug Harbor (Hahne)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
News / Music Menu Music Menu (2/14/09)
Posted By Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman on Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Assembly of Dust Conceived by former Strangefolk frontman Reid Genauer while enrolled in the MBA program at Cornell University (indie cred with the North Face set!), Assembly of Dust can, to these ears, too often sound like a symphony of lint (the latter often gathers in one's navel, and, true to form, you can often find AoD gazing at theirs). Musically, it's fairly harmless (a little Jack Johnson, little Jerry, a little Josh Rouse), but for those looking for either anything hot-shit/cold-blooded might want to look elsewhere for inspiration. However, if it's just a little jam-friendly, gentle V-Day chooglin' you're looking for, things are coming up roses. With Millhouse Band. Visulite Theatre (Davis)
Friday, February 13, 2009
10-in-10 CD Reviews / News 10-in-10 CD reviews
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Each Friday we bring you 10-word reviews of 10 random CDs released in the last few months:
Steven Wilson Insurgentes — Porcupine Tree founder releases solo debut — an indie variety pack.
Thursday Common Existence — They call it post-hardcore, I shall call it screamo.
Randy Weeks Going My Way — Rootsy rock album reminded me a bit of Tom Petty.
Andrew Bird Noble Beast — Good folk music, but, for me, only slightly above average.
Gurf Morlix Last Exit to Happyland — Producer-turned-artist releases fifth album; whiskey-soaked, mellow rock.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit — Former Drive-By Trucker keeps the Muscle Shoals sound going.
Ben Lee The Rebirth of Venus — Folk-rock album revolves around the goddess of love, beauty.
Miranda Lee Richards Light of X — Folk singer has some good range in voice, poetic lyrics.
Pat Travers Stick With What You Know Live in Europe — Progressive guitar rocker is probably not known for his vocals.
Chris Darrow Under My Own Disguise — Double-disc reissue from '70s is country-tinged California rock.
Photos / News / Live Reviews Live review: Reckless Kelly
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Reckless Kelly
Neighborhood Theatre
Feb. 12, 2009
Photos coming soon!
The Deal: Country rockers rumble through two-hour set.
Concert Announcement / News Music as a Weapon IV Festival adds to roster
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Disturbed is heading to Charlotte on April 13, bringing its Music as a Weapon IV Festival to Bojangles Coliseum, which we previously announced.
Now, the band has confirmed the acts that will be performing on The Ernie Ball Second Stage:
Suicide Silence
Spineshank
Bury Your Dead
Crooked X
Born of Osiris
After the Burial
Main stage bands are Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, Lacuna Coil and Chimaira.
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PREMIERE: Jon Lindsay Confronts Racism and Homophobia in "Zebulon"
Former Charlotte musician collaborates with members of the Mountain Goats and Sarah Shook's Disarmers on new single.
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Rock & rap arms race at the two political conventions 1
Republicans are paying top dollar for Democratic-leaning music acts; The Roots coming to Charlotte
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STS9 at The Fillmore tonight (10/25/2012)
Spacey instrumentals ebb and flow into layered, trancelike tracks.
