Bahamas with David McMillin- Shank Hall, January 28, 2015

photo courtesy of Steven Bloom

Bahamas is the stage name for Canadian singer-songwriter, Afie Jurvanen who has quickly become one of the fastest growing and most buzzed about acts on the scene today.  Simply put, Bahamas makes fun, lively music. Granted, it's not necessarily music that is going to redefine the indie-folk sound, but it's playful, enjoyable music that can brighten your spirits on a chilly January evening or serve as a solid part of a summer soundtrack.  Many comparisons have been made between Afie Jurvanen and his Brushfire Records label mate, Jack Johnson, and for good reason.  Both artists can pen personal tunes with a light touch. 

The distinguishing feature that sets Bahamas' music apart from other acts is Afie's self-taught, somewhat unconventional and loosely jammy guitar style.  His live show certainly showcased this style of playing well, and made the songs take on a vibrant life different than hearing them on the records.   Afie's vocal delivery is smooth, and his solid range is seen in many of his tracks. 

Often harmonizing with his female bass player and guitarist, Afie delivered a straight forward, and most importantly fun stage set for an hour and fifteen minutes which had the near capacity crowd singing along, swaying and having enjoying life for a while.  Not surprisingly, a good chunk of the set came from 2014's critically acclaimed, Bahamas is Afie record, which found Afie Jurvanen composing some of his more personal and reflective songs to date.  Highlights included, the whimsical, "Bitter Memories," the sway-worthy "Waves," and the energetic, "Little Record Girl."

Opening for Bahamas was David McMillin, the singer/guitarist/pianst from the Chicago-based quartet, Fort Frances.  Like Afie Jurvanen, McMillin is an extremely engaging performer who pulls in the crowd with his honest, narrative song-writing, which is trademarked by vivid similes and memorable imagery.  McMillin started his set with just a handful of folks standing by the stage, and the by the end of his set had the majority of the crowd packed up front to take part in this intimate set.  McMillin's set featured a lot of his own material, including: "Heartsteady," "These Days," "I Will Leave the Rest Behind," and his latest track, "Dreaming Backwards,"  McMillin also played a smattering of tracks recently recorded in Maine as part of the next Fort Frances record.  Based on the warm reaction from the crowd, which included a young woman asking McMillin after his set to sign her jacket, I think it's safe say many of the folks who came to see Bahamas would love to hear more of David McMillin as well.

photo courtesy of Steven Bloom

S.Carey- Cedarburg Cultural Center, 1/24/15

When asked in a recent interview how he would describe his sound, singer-songwriter Sean Carey (who performs under the moniker S.Carey) replied, “I always want my music to sound beautiful. I want people to have an emotional response to it. I want it to be moving.”  This description was spot on for S.Carey’s captivating performance at the Cedarburg Cultural Center on Saturday, January 24th.

S.Carey pushes the boundaries of the traditional singer-songwriter format of acoustic guitars and vocals.  Instead, he and his bandmates incorporate soulful lyrics set against a tapestry of sounds that, in isolation, may seem disjointed, but together allow the music to take on formative shape.  The instruments used during the two set performance alone help tell the tale of the sonic layers S.Carey creates : there was Sean on piano, a violinist/guitarist, a pedal-steel player, and a drummer/vocalist who also occasionally played the guitar.  Each musician had electronic instruments, too, to create effects and loops during the atmospheric jams that accompanied many of the numbers.

Music is all about the details for S.Carey, and the pristine acoustics of the Cedarburg Cultural Center made this a perfect venue in which to experience his “beautiful music.”  You could clearly hear the the musicians’ innovative playing throughout the set, and these slight nuances shaped the rich timbre of the music.  Some examples included the drummer using brush strokes and soft mallets instead of traditional sticks for most of the songs, and also running his fingers around the symbols to create a sort of hushed screech.  The lonely whine of the pedal steel interjected itself amidst the ethereal vibrations of the electric violin. All of these layers were set against Sean Carey’s exceptional work Musicianship creating piano driven melodies.

As an acclaimed percussionist, S.Carey clearly arranged his music for drums to take a prominent role, having the drummer in the front of the stage and using a variety of different percussion techniques in the songs.   This was seen from the first tune “Move” 2010’s All We Grow album, a heavily nuanced tune that featured rain sounds, brushwork drumming, and violin accents to create an opening jam before the tune started.  Other highlights included “Crown the Pines,” a stellar track 2014’s Range of Light LP, which draws many similarities to the music of Sufjan Stevens.  “In The Stream,” a tune Sean admitted was one of his favorites, stood out for its catchy repetitive piano layer, as did “Chrysalis,” my personal favorite song of the set, that Sean wrote about being a father.   The first set closed with a cover of Radiohead’s “Bulletproof… I Wish I Was,” a homage to Sean’s favorite band, and a clear influence in his music.

After a brief break, the band returned for a second set of tunes, which spanned all stages of S.Carey’s catalogue.  The three song series of “Avalanche” from 2012’s Hoyas EP, “Fire-Scene” and “Alpenglow” from Range of Light anchored the set and fully engaged the crowd who was as polite as I’ve ever seen throughout the entire performance.  By the time S.Carey closed the show with the uplifting finale off of * from Range of Light, “Neverending Fountain,” the crowd enthusiastically responded with a standing ovation.

At one point in the set Sean quipped about the last time he was in Cedarburg was for soccer tournament while he was playing high school soccer in Lake Geneva.  We hope that S.Carey won’t be away from the ‘Burg that long again.  S.Carey & co. accomplished their mission of ‘moving the crowd’ at the Cedarburg Cultural Center with his “beautiful music”… that is for sure.

Opening for S.Carey as Len Voy, a new band of musicians who grew up in Ozaukee County and came together at UW-Eau Claire.

The Americana trio feature an electric guitarist, violinist and singer/acoustic guitarist/kick-drummer Nick Lanser.  The band’s brief set was captivating and Len Voy received a riveting ovation from the crowd who clearly wanted to hear more tunes from this great up-and-coming act.

S.Carey Setlist:
Set I:
Move
Creaking
Crown the Pines
Mothers
Action
In the Stream
Chrysalis
Bulletproof… I Wish I Was*

Set II:
Glass
Marfa
Avalanche
Fire-Scene
Alpenglow
All We Grow
Bjork
Neverending Fountain

Review originally appeared in Ozaukee Magazine: 

2014: My Favorite Live Shows

I was blessed to attend a myriad of great live music this year in Milwaukee.  The following are my favorites.  Granted, there was a lot of exceptional music that occurred in the city this year that I did not see-- the Pearl Jam and Outkast shows were ones that have gotten universally rave reviews that  missed out on.  But, overall, I'd say this was one of the stronger years in recent memory for great live shows in diverse venues all across town.

Opening Act of the Year:
Sylvan Esso surprise opener for Volcano Choir 
-Volcano Choir was good, Sylvan Esso was great, and put on an equally engaging performance as Justin Vernon and the Volcano Choir boys  with nothing short of a flawless support set which featured the band at its energetic best.

Best Local Show of the Year:
Buffalo Gospel- Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company 12/20/14
-If Buffalo Gospel didn't tell you that their first trip to Madison was the night before, you would be hard pressed to believe that this superb Americana act is still at the local level.  Their musicianship is up there with top national acts.

Will's Favorite Concerts of 2014:

11.  Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, Shank Hall, 6/17/14

-Nicki Bluhm is the real deal in terms of being a charismatic front woman with an outstanding voice. Her band, the Gramblers, produce great country-inspired rock.  I knew hardly any songs going into this show and left thoroughly "wowed."

10.  Spoon, Riverside Theater, 9/17/14
-Consistency is hard to maintain in the music business, but Spoon has become one of the most predictably good acts out there.  Their live show had a set list spanning their robust catalog and their energy was fantastic.  

09.  First Aid Kit- Bradley Theater at Lakeland College, 11/21/14
-The harmonies from the Soderberg sisters were breathtaking, as was catching a white hot band in a tiny venue.  Kudos to Lakeland College for booking this one.

08. Field Report, Pabst Theater, 10/1/14

-Marigolden comes across live as good if not better than it does on disc.  A remarkably polite and courteous crowd gave local singer-songwriter, Christopher Porterfield, a hero's welcome.  After all, it was "Field Report Day" in Milwaukee.

07.  Jack White, The Eagles Ballroom, 7/21/14 

-One could argue that Jack White personifies modern rock 'n roll, and personally I'd have a hard time refuting that statement.  White is a true rock showman, and had his fans engaged from start to finish on a sweaty night in the venue that smells most like arm pits in Milwaukee-- The Eagles Ballroom

06.    St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Cedarburg Summer Sounds, 8/1/14
-You couldn't ask for more energy in a soul band for over an hour and a half than you got from St. Paul and the Broken Bones, who played the Cedarburg Summer Sounds series.  The ambiance of a scenic outdoor setting on a beautiful summer's night added to the ambiance of this stellar performance.

05. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Pabst Theater 3/6/14
-I don't think a smile left my face for the two hour performance by Sharon Jones and her all-star backing band, the Dap Kings.  This is the most energetic performer out there in terms of raw energy and emotion- bar none.  The fact that she is returning to the road after a battle with cancer makes this show even more of a "wow."

04.   The War on Drugs, Pabst Theater, 9/20/14
-I had the pleasure of seeing the War on Drugs both at the Pabst as well as at the Metro in Chicago when their tour kicked off in March.  The September outing showcased a more polished live show of a band who reached a critical high this year.

03.  Tweedy, Pabst Theater 6/16/14 

-I have never seen a more engaging performance of a band who sold out the Pabst without the audience knowing any tunes from the band's first set, as Sukierae, didn't come out until September.  That said, Jeff Tweedy, son Spencer, and their band delivered a superb performance which one could argue even over shadowed some of Jeff's solo material from the same evening.

02. Trey Anastasio Band- Pabst Theater, Pabst Theater, 2/5/14 

-There are nights when musicians are really on, and I'd argue that I have never seen Trey Anastasio in finer form than I did at the Pabst on 2/5/14.  Listening to the live recording of this show, you can really tell how "into it" Trey was.

01.  Wilco, Riverside Theater, 12/3/14   

-Favorite band.  Front row.  Wonderful and robust thirty-song set list that spanned the band's career.  What more can one ask for?  This was the best I've seen Wilco perform in Milwaukee since their 2009 two-night run at the Pabst Theater.

Buffalo Gospel- Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, 12/20/14

photo courtesy of GigShots by Stephen Bloch

When you think of Americana music, what comes to mind?  According to the Americana Music Association, "Americana" is defined as, "contemporary music that incorporates elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues, resulting in a distinctive roots-oriented sound that lives in a world apart from the pure forms of the genres upon which it may draw."  For a simpler definition, I'd invite you to listen to Buffalo Gospel a band who has been called Milwaukee's best kept musical secret by many concert goers and critics. After checking them out in the beautiful confines of the Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, it is easy to see why.   Blending vivid narrative songwriting, ethereal harmonizing, and a musical line-up featuring acoustic and electric guitars, bass, mandolin, fiddle and brilliant brush drumming, Buffalo Gospel proved to be the "real deal," when they played last Saturday at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company in Walker's Point.

Fronted by singer-songwriter, Ryan Necci, Buffalo Gospel performed a fifteen song set which focused on their 2013 release We Can Be Horses, along with a smattering of older material and new track, "Here Lies Our Lovin'."  At Saturday's show, the band performed as an eight piece with Christopher Porterfield of Field Report joining his friends as a guest guitarist.  The guitar work in Buffalo Gospel is noteworthy, as Necci plays in a very unique style- one I've never seen before in fact- using a capo and also his left thumb to bar the chords on his acoustic guitar.  Allen Cote, who plays electric guitar, punctuates songs with his creatively-energizing fills and riffs, and Porterfield's proficient rhythm work added the create a full and rich sound.  Adding layers to the sound were violinist John Patek and mandolin player/vocalist Ryan Ogburn.  Another key component of this band is the wonderful harmonies between Necci and fellow vocalist, Heidi Spencer.  The interplay between these two talented musicians reminded me a bit of the Decemberists with Colin Meloy and Jenny Conlee.  

photo courtesy of Stephen Kallao

There was a real sense of community between the artists and the audience at this show, which made it feel more like a holiday gathering of friends- new and old- and less of a "concert," so to speak.  To quote, my friend, and Juniper Tar member, Aaron Schleicher, "you won't find a more polite group of folks than these guys."  I could not agree more.  There is a sincerity in the music that comes across even more so when you meet the musicians themselves.  I think it's this tangible "realness" that makes Buffalo Gospel's music resonate with its listeners.  

Opening for Buffalo Gospel were two very talented acts, Simon Balto and Heidi Spencer and the Rare Birds, both who delivered quality sets of music. Spencer's set included the use of Anodyne's house piano which added an extra element of honky tonk to her tunes.

Also, noteworthy in this performance was the venue itself.  The Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company was clearly the best smelling venue I've been in ever!  Instead of the smell of hard cleaners and stale beer which often accompanies small clubs, imagine the rich aromas of fresh coffee and tea permeating throughout the building.  Adding the the ambiance was a truly pristine acoustical set up. which worked wonderfully for all of the acts.  I would easily go see another show here based on venue alone.  Along with the Cedarburg Cultural Center, I'd call Anodyne a "must visit" venue for good music. 


Setlist:
Mule
Hill Outside My Home
Song of the Ox
The Northern
The Southern
The Eastern
The Western (The Devil Is Me)
Rock Island
Here Lies Our Lovin'
Hoarse as a Crow
If I Was the Last Man
When God's Away On Business
Son of a Gun 
All That I Got Left
Letters to Geo

MKE Rocks: Top 14 for 2014

Here we go with my favs of '14...

14. Spoon- They Want My Soul

Austin, Texas's most consistently good rock band, produced another gem of three chord guitar hooks this year with They Want My Soul.  The signature Spoon sound is alive and well with tracks like "Rent I Pay," and "Knock Knock Knock."  

13. Sturgill Simpson- Meglamodern Sounds of Modern Country

This Louisville based troubadour exploded onto the scene with a traditional country style of songwriting.  His narrative tales and expert slide guitar work make this a standout release.  "Turtles on the Way Down," "Long White Line," and "It Ain't All Flowers" are exceptional numbers on the disc,

12.  Sylvan Esso- Sylvan Esso

The debut record from this electro-pop duo is infectious.  Driven by Nick Sanborn's expert beats and loops, and Amelia Randall Meath's unique vocal flow, Slyan Esso delivers a whole lot of sound for just two people.  "Coffee," "H.S.N.T.," and "Play It Right," are great tracks that showcase this artist's unique sound.



11.  Woods- With Light and With Love

Woods, a Brooklyn-based psychedelic folk-rock band released a gem this year.  Their sound has a jammy element coupled with more poppy vocals and arrangements.  The album showcases the diversity of this band.  The title track is a near 10 minute epic of a jam.  Other highlights include the more accessible, "Moving to the Left," and "Shining,"

10.  St. Paul and the Broken Bones- St. Paul and the Broken Bones

The big band soul sound of this outfit from Birmingham, Alabama fills the room.  Singer Paul Janeway has a mighty set of pipes which propels this young soul-revivalist band forward into fresh territory.  Their album is solid, but pales in comparison to their live show.  "Like A Mighty River," is the strongest tune off the record, followed closely by "Call Me," and "Broken Bones and Pocket Change."


9.  Ryan Adams- Ryan Adams
While not quite a comeback record, Adams delivered a very strong release that is up there with some of his better work of his career.  Adams is a true master songwriter as evidenced by rocking numbers like "Gimme Something Good," "Feels Like Fire," and "Stay With Me," alongside slower ballads like, my personal favorite, "My Wrecking Ball."

 

8.  Strand of Oaks- HEAL
An emotionally raw record from start to finish, Timothy Showalter delivers on Strand of Oaks's most recent release, HEAL. This record functions well as a whole piece as well as in individual tracks.  The first track, "Goshen '97" featuring J. Mascias of Dinosaur Jr. fame on guitar is a blistering rocker that drives the record towards other highlights like, "JM," "Shut In," and "Mirage Year."

 

7.  Tweedy- Sukaire
Jeff Tweedy and son Spencer's project ranges from folksy numbers to more experimental rock. While you can hear the Wilco frontman's trademark vocal style, this is a an album that stands alone as a solid record.  The playful "Summer Noon," country-rocker, "Fake Fir Coat," and jammy "Diamond Light, Part 1" stand out on this diverse record.

6.  Jack White- Lazaretto

You can't find too many artists who can genre blend as nimbly as Jack White.  Lazaretto has strong tracks that would be considered rock, blues, and country all on one disc.  The driving instrumental "High Ball Stepper," hard rocking title track, "Lazaretto," and laid back, alt-country tune, "Higher Ground," illustrate this point on White's follow-up to my 2012 album of the year, "Blunderbuss."

5. Beck- Morning Phase
Beck released what I consider to be one of his all time finest records this year.  Morning Phase sees the prolific artist in more a singer-songwriter mode, masterfully telling tales.  It is hard to believe that this is the same guy who brought us Odelay nearly 20 years ago!  "Morning," and "Heart is a Drum" are two of the classic tunes this record provides.  With thoughtful, well-constructed lyrics and melodies this will be a go-to record for some time.

4.  Real Estate- Atlas
The third record from this Brooklyn indie rock band sees them at their finest as songwriters and musicians.  Dreamy tunes like, "Past Lives," and "Crime" suck you in, alongside more sweeping rock tunes like, the stand out, "Had to Hear."  This band is tops on my "need to see live" list, as they continue to progress and hone their craft.  

3.  First Aid Kit- Stay Gold

The Swedish indie folk duo of Johanna and Klara Soderberg released a beautiful record this year, chucked full of pitch perfect harmonies, clever guitar arrangements, and reflective lyrics.  Folk music is nothing new, but these two sisters give it a catchy modern take.  "My Silver Lining," "Stay Gold," and "Waitress Song," help anchor this outstanding record from start to finish.

2.  Field Report- Marigolden
Marigolden is an exceptional record from start to finish which layers sounds on top of one another to create complex arrangements. Catchy melodies, great lyrics and a diverse pallet of music drives this record home.  You know an album is great when you listen to songs over and over and still get goosebumps.  While the whole album is fabulous, "Home (Leave the Lights On)," "Wings," and "Summons" are three of the best.

1.  War on Drugs- Lot in a Dream
Lushly layered instruments, exquisite production, and ultimately creative and contemplative songs make this year's "Album of the Year" a shoe in from early March.  War on Drugs is a progressive rock band hitting their stride.  Every time I listen to Lost in a Dream I discover something new.  This is the mark of a piece of music that is likely to withstand the test of time.  It is simply beautiful from start to finish.  "Under the Pressure," "Burning," "Eyes to the Wind," and my personal favorite, "In Reverse," are all A+ tracks.

Volcano Choir- Turner Hall, 11/30/14

Photo by CJ Foeckler Photography

For folks passionate about music that has gained national acclaim coming from the "Dairy State," Volcano Choir's show at Tuner Hall quickly became the hot ticket in town.  Volcano Choir started their "Repave" tour at the historic Pabst Theater in September, 2013, and chose to conclude their tour a little more than a year later at the Turner Hall Ballroom on November 30th.

For their part, Volcano Choir stayed true to form, performing an array of songs from their two releases, last year's critically acclaimed Repave, and 2008's Unmap. Volcano Choir played a rich set highlighting tracks from both records backed with a wide array of sonic effects and an intriguing light show which featured lights bouncing off of a textured canvass.  For his part, Justin Vernon, Volcano Choir's front man, stood behind a podium of sorts, performing more electronic arrangements.  Volcano Choir's sound is complex, layered, and often times even a little "out there."  They are very good at what they do, and for an experimental folk band that pushes the boundaries a bit, I commend Volcano Choir's effort.  Highlights included, the bombastic "Tideway," the first track from Repave, the groove laden "Acetate," and the show highlight, as far as I was concerned, the dramatic "Byegone." As a band, the material from Repave seemed to fit their live show a little better than some of the slower numbers from Unmap.  With that said, tunes like "Island IS" translated well live and had more energy than on the record. A good sign of things to come, a new track called, "The Agreement," would rival only "Byegone" as the most engaging number of the night, showing that the band is continue to forge along creating new and interesting sounds.

The special surprise opener for Volcano Choir was Slyan Esso, and I must admit that their high energy and animated set upstaged the headliner.  The duo jumped on stage (literally) with Nick Sanborn (a Milwaukee native who played most notionally in Decibully) donned in a Milwaukee Bucks basketball jersey and vocalist Amelia Meath in a black dance dress and tights.  The duo proceeded to mix beats and dance throughout the opener's 45 minute set.  Sylvan Esso had the jam-packed Turner Hall Ballroom bopping along to their electo-pop sounds.  Highlights included blistering tracks off of their 2014 debut record including, "Dreamy Bruises," "H.S.K.T.," and their hit, "Coffee," which features vocalist Amelia Meath's sultry swagger and original flow. The crowd exploded with as warm of a reaction as I've ever seen for a support act.  After all, Meath addressed the crowd saying that when they were just getting started Volcano Choir took them out on their first tour.  Sylvan Esso's top notch performance will rank in my top shows of the year list and made me feel like I was really getting two headlining performances for the price of one.

Photos by CJ Foeckler Photography

Sturgill Simpson- Turner Hall, 12/5/14

photo by Melissa Miller Music Photography

 Sturgill Simpson is an artist who has exploded upon the scene, often heralded as the "new voice" in traditional country music.  His most recent release, Metamodern Sounds of Country Music has drawn significant critical praise in all sorts of music circles, and has also earned him a Grammy nomination for best Americana record.   I went to Turner Hall to check out this songwriter and guitarist and see what all the buzz was about.  I left with my expectations well-exceeded.  Simpson, at one point in the set, commented on how, "last year when he played Turner Hall there were maybe 150 people there, and now everyone seems like they've brought six more of their friends."  This is an artist who is growing in popularity quickly and I have a feeling will be playing much larger venues in the future.  

photo by Melissa Miller Music Photography

Simpson, as a songwriter, tells personal tales with an outlaw country edge, much in the tradition of the iconic troubadours who have proceeded him.  His music invokes a spirit of Wayland Jennings or Willie Nelson in the 70's.

Simpson's ninety minute set blended elements of traditional country, Americana and jam band. While Simpson was a stand out performer and guitarist on his own, his band carried the set, driven by the exceptional brush drumming of Miles Miller, and the slide guitar genius of Laur Joamets, who invoked the spirit of Duane Allman on some of his jams and riffs.

The crowd who came out to see Sturgill Simpson was pretty diverse, while mostly male.  You had hipsters standing alongside folks in Wranglers and cowboy hats, equally taking in the ambiance and music of a singer-songwriter clearly on the rise.

photo by Melissa Miller Music Photography

For an opening act, Lucette, provided some beautiful country-tinged singer-songwriter music.  Her cover of Ryan Adams's classic, "Oh Sweet Carolina," was delivered with passion and poise with just Lucette and her keyboard. Despite the loud crowd, Lucette's keyboard and cello-based tunes were well-received.