A workingman’s musician with a thorough grasp of his craft, Ted Russell Kamp comes into his own as a solo artist and songwriter of note with 'Poor Man’s Paradise', slated for U.S. release in February on Kamp’s Poetry of the Moment label (PoMo) and European release November 25, 2008, with distribution in those territories through Dualtone (and Proper UK in Britain and Northern Ireland). It follows on the heels of Kamp’s most recent CD, the widely praised 'Divisadero', which was named one of the Top 40 Americana releases of 2007 and which No Depression called “…terrific.”
'Poor Man’s Paradise' is a juicy gumbo of country, Southern-fried rock and soul in the style of Kamp’s lifelong inspirations J.J. Cale, The Band, and Kris Kristofferson. Kamp wrote or co-wrote all 11 songs, with a storyteller’s flair for offbeat characters, interesting turns of phrase and a sense of realism that sometimes belies an uncommon circumstance. The lead track, the anthemic “Just a Yesterday Away,” sets the tone, followed by the Jerry Reed-style “Just Go South.” The disc is full of detailed story songs such as the humorous “Ballad of That Guy,” the waltzing “Player Piano” and the heartbreaking, melodic weeper “Let Love Do the Rest.”
A roots-savvy crew of pals recorded basic tracks with Kamp in Los Angeles, including guitarists Tony Gilkyson and Kenny Vaughan, drummer Don Heffington, Marvin Etzioni on mandolin, Waylon Jennings/Highwaymen pedal steel player Robbie Turner, and Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash front-man Mark Stuart. Kamp’s own instrumental prowess is heard on guitar, mandolin, bass, keyboards, lap steel, accordion, trombone and trumpet. “Music is a language,” he points out, “and each instrument helps you speak it a little differently.”
Kamp discovered rich source material in his travels as longtime bassist for Shooter Jennings, with whom he tours regularly. Colorful regional colloquialisms overheard at truck stops and biker festivals pop up in revealing couplets, while fans, musicians, waitresses, desk clerks and others he’s encountered along the road inspire characters like the nostalgic bartender in “Player Piano” and the “poor man” of the title track (co-written with Grammy-winner Chris Tompkins), looking for paradise in the arms of a wayward lover.
“We all go through similar things in life,” he muses. “That’s one of the reasons I relate to songwriting: telling these stories can be very personal and very universal at the same time.”
Kamp got into music as a shy child in a very vocal and expressive family in New York, which honed the observational gifts that sharpen his songs. He’s since become a confident entertainer on stage, but he feels most connected with the “solitary, slow process” of songwriting. He worked on the tracks for Poor Man’s Paradise on his computer in hotel rooms across the country between and after gigs on the road and likens the collection to an intimate journal.
“I know I need to find a way to make it through all my tomorrows/ So when I need the strength I say you’re just a yesterday away,” he sings on the first single, the choogling “Just a Yesterday Away.” That lyric to a lost lover, like most of Kamp’s new songs, reveals more than one meaning; as much as it references the sentiments of the past, it also conveys his innate hopefulness and connection to the artists whose “intensity and heart” remain a vital creative wellspring for him. “I’m influenced by the ‘60s and ‘70s,” he acknowledges. “That’s an era I always come back to when I’m looking for inspiration.”
Those influences are richly evident in the funky grooves of songs like the double entendre-laden “Long Distance Man,” the New Orleans-flavored “Old Folks Blues,” and the road-trip anthem “Just Go South,” which takes a loving page from the Leon Russell playbook on how to “tell a story and be honest but still be funky and groovy at the same time.” The late Charlie Rich would likely appreciate the elegant piano, and the taut mix of heartbreak and humor, in “Dixie,” co-written with Kamp’s Nashville buddy Trent Summar. With its tongue-in-cheek lyrics (“The thrills are getting cheaper and the hills are getting steeper/ But this high life is my life and I think it’s a keeper”) and instrumentation (banjo, Dobro, horns and a Hammond organ solo “that takes you to church a little bit”), Kamp says “Old Folks Blues” has “as much to do with Little Feat as it does with Rev. Gary Davis, and the talking-blues tunes of early Bob Dylan.
“The sincerity, the old-school feel of it, music that’s new and rootsy at the same time — for me, that’s what Americana stands for. I alternate between serious songs and lighthearted songs, so you can listen to the album like you'd follow a good conversation or a movie. I wanted each song on this album to go to a different place lyrically and musically and hopefully listeners will enjoy that journey.”
"Poor Mans Paradise" available here.
Terrible Lizard
After a decade of playing guitar in Chicago blues bands and the California rock scene traversing diverse musical landscapes as Chris Winters, “Chili” came forth and burst onto the scene, and Terrible Lizard was born.
The music, based on the musings and secret rock ‘n’ roll longings of an incurable rocker split the seams of the poor wretch and spewed forth such a smattering of rock ‘n’ roll juice and vibe that a remedy was sought. Chili contacted a familiar cohort, “the Kid” (Stephen Howard).
The Kid, like Chili, shared a penchant for the rocking ethos and for an excess of abandonment to the moment. When asked by Chili if he would collaborate with him on his latest heartfelt tangent, the Kid answered with a yes that resounded and echoed throughout that very room. A third conspirator was sought.
Ryan was immediately suggested as he and the Kid had been in the same band for quite some time and had established there a strong musical kinship. Chili had also played with Ryan on separate occasions and had developed an appreciation for his drumming and musical sensibilities. Ryan accepted the invitation and rehearsals and recording followed.
www.terriblelizardband.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/terriblelizard
Tim Bragg
"Songs for the new album "Stranger Through The Window" came together in France during July and August 2009. The title track was written in Arcachon while staying with a friend. One of the few times during that hot summer – it rained - In fact, it deluged! Watching the rain through the window I also became aware of the house that borders my friend’s garden. She told me something of its history and I wrote: 'Stranger Through the Window'. This track is one of two “narrative” songs on the album – Both drawing from real life. The other, 'The Montbron Girl' is a tragic tale based on true, compelling events - Though both have been 'romanticised'.
There is a bitter-sweet feeling to the album; 'On the Radio' states – 'It couldn’t have been mine playing on the radio/They don’t know me on that kind of show' – 'Chasing Down Dreams' states – 'All this time wasted it’s true/Chasing down dreams that could never come true' – And yet songs from 'Waiting for the Light' (2009) were played on the radio and distant dreams have never seemed closer! 'Where is the Fighter?' - A song for and about Phil Lynott appeared on the EP: 'Where is the Fighter – Songs for Phil Lynott 2009', but has been re-mixed and re-mastered. There’s a country-rock sound to more of the tracks too – especially 'Night is Fallin' and 'Some Answers'. The addition of violin (courtesy of Toby Hill) adds to the country and folk feel that compliments the rockier tracks.
I was also lucky enough getting James Vargas to put down saxophone on a couple of tunes – Including the title track. James is making a real name for himself and is an ‘in demand’ sax player. As on 'Waiting for the Light' Jules Reason displays his excellent guitar, but I also hooked up with some players from way, way back: Gerald Maguire, John Loasby and Adam Beetlestone on electric guitars. The acclaimed American blues guitarist Leburn Maddox also puts in a re-appearance for this album as does Phil Knight, with some sensitive playing. Perry James adds his country feel and Gordon Woodcock supplies some tasteful harmonica. As ever I play my usual range of instruments – Even some lead acoustic guitar on this album!
There’s a real range of genres expressed through the fourteen tracks. This album is both melancholic and optimistic at times – From 'Icy Winter' to 'Sunrise' and 'Summer'.
Recording the album took shape from September 2009 through to April 2010 – I even managed to break my foot in October – Hence the different approach to the drumming in 'Can’t Run Away'!
'Stranger' was mastered by Chris Hardcastle of Arena Sound & Vision."
New album available here.
Tim Steward
Tim is better known as the frontman for Brisbane’s Screamfeeder. The band has been around for over 10 years and have established a dedicated international fan-base.
Somewhere along the line Tim realised he had too many songs in his head for the band alone and he started recording them at home. He then started hiring studios and producers and doing it all properly. It took 5 years of working in between other projects to bring the album to completion, and of course new songs were added along the way.
The album is varied - some of the songs feature piano and strings, some are acoustic guitar or keyboard based and a couple rock out. All are driven by lyrics and melody and Tim’s unique vocal delivery.
The album represents the cream of a 10 year writing period, recorded by the country’s greats; Wayne Connolly, Magoo, Matt Maddock and Bryce Moorhead.
Tim performs live in various modes; completely intimate and solo, duo, small band and big band – numbering up to 10 people on stage, including 3 backup singers.
www.tsteward.com
www.myspace.com/timsteward
www.screamfeeder.com
www.myspace.com/screamfeederrock
Tokyo Rosenthal
“Rosenthal can draw you into his lyrics much the same way that James Taylor and Don Henley can”.
“Take Jackson Brownes’ personal confessions and wrap them in Kris Kristofferson’s world weary tales of broken relationships and you have an idea of what to expect from Tokyo Rosenthal.”
“This is Americana with real teeth in the lyrics”
This and more is what the critics are saying about Tokyo Rosenthal. But it wasn’t an overnight trip. Hardly, as “Toke” has spanned the music scene for three decades. But it’s most recently that recognition has finally reached him through the recording of his CDs, “One Score And Ten” and “Love Won Out.
The song “Edmonton” off “One Score” led to Rosenthal receiving the key to the city of Edmonton as an award for cultural and artistic contributions to Alberta’s capitol city. This led to a month long tour of Canada, TV and Radio appearances, and an opening slot for several nights in Toronto for Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and former Byrd and Burrito Brother Chris Hillman. Toke was personally picked by Chris to share the bill. He has also opened for the likes of America, Rick Roberts and Come On In My Kitchen in addition to headlining shows. His recent festival work includes The Edmonton Fringe Festival, The Carrboro Music Festival, Tyler’s Americana Festival, and the World Music United Festival.
In a career that started with the country rock boom, Rosenthal has honed his craft and tooled his “rootsy, Americana with a little blues thrown in” sound to perfection. His recent move to Chapel Hill, North Carolina has allowed him to team up with famed producer and recording star Chris Stamey in the studio.
But prior to the move Rosenthal made his reputation while living in Rhode Island, New York, and Los Angeles. He headed such groups as the legendary Harpo and Slapshot and Treo Gato as well as his solo endeavors. This has helped him receive radio airplay in the U.S. as well as Canada and radio stations in the UK and Europe are spinning Tokyo now too.
While content to let the critics compare his style to others Tokyo doesn’t hesitate to point out his influences, who include The Band, The Byrds, The Indigo Girls, Gene Clark, Emmylou Harris, and believe it or not Janis Joplin. Toke’s version of “Piece Of My Heart” always sets off a crowd reaction.
Recently we saw Tokyo Rosenthal releasing a new CD entitled “Love Won Out”, that features the single “St. Patrick’s Day”, to critical acclaim. This CD broke into the charts reaching #11 on the Euro Americana Chart, #14 on the F.A.R. Chart and #10 on the North Carolina Roots chart.
He completed a Northeast US tour in March and a UK tour in April. In August he toured Japan and he debuted in The Netherlands in October. In November Toke was back in New York City followed by Woodstock and Boston and then made a “Heartland” tour from North Carolina to Texas and back, headlining along the way at the World Music United Festival in San Marcos.
He begins 2009 with the release of the timely and moving single, “Mister Tell Me ‘Bout The Great Depression” and returns to Holland and visits Scotland for 2 weeks in February for a radio concert tour. This is all followed by Germany and Italy in the spring as well as Colorado. And Toke rounds out the year back in the UK for two weeks, starting November 10th. His third CD, “Ghosts will be released in January 2010. And of course he’s all over North Carolina.....
Always writing and always gigging, his musical journey continues.
www.tokyorosenthal.com
www.myspace.com/tokyorosenthal
Tom Dean
Rex Fowler and Tom Dean emerged as prominent folk-rock artists in the 70's. Rex’s band, Aztec Two Step, burst upon the scene with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1972. This, and their three subsequent albums on RCA Records, were staples of college and progressive FM radio and helped usher the music of the 60's into the 70's and beyond.
Tom Dean and Alana MacDonald's band Devonsquare was signed by Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary chairman of Atlantic Records, after hearing Dean’s "Walking On Ice" from their self-released album of the same name. Devonsquare went on to record another CD for Atlantic titled "Bye Bye Route 66", which spawned several critically acclaimed singles including "If You Could See Me Now", featuring Alana's powerful vocal performance.
Collectively they have toured worldwide, been reviewed in Rolling Stone, performed on David Letterman and shared stages with such musical luminaries as Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt and The Band, and continue to distinguish themselves as esteemed song-writers, performers and recording artists in the venerated genre of folk-rock music.
Along with several prominent studio musicians, Rex and Tom have teamed up in this labor of love to celebrate the genius and artistry of John Lennon. As a gift to John for his 70th birthday on October 9, 2010, they have re-imagined exquisite acoustic renditions of Lennon’s legendary Beatles songs. Besides a smattering of tasteful percussion, Rex and Tom’s distinctive acoustic guitar and vocal stylings and the beautiful voice of Alana MacDonald, featured instrumentation include cello, violin, mandolin, mandola, bass, slide guitar, accordion and chromatic harmonica.
Happy Birthday John!
www.devonsquare.com
www.tomdeansongs.com
www.johnlennonsongproject.com
Tom Freund
Tom Freund, the critically hailed singer/songwriter who often accompanies himself on standup bass as well as guitar and piano, has completed his fourth, full album titled "Collapsible Plans", set for a September release on his own indie imprint Surf Road Records.
Produced by Ben Harper, the album also features guest appearances by Jackson Browne.
New York City native Freund now hangs his hat in Venice, California. When he first moved out to Southern California in the early ‘90s, he formed a duo with Ben Harper, which resulted in an album entitled 'Pleasure And Pain'. Freund spent the mid-‘90s touring with the indie rock cult faves The Silos. In 1998, he released his debut album 'North American Long Weekend' on Red Ant label. The record received an avalanche of critical accolades, most notably in The New York Times in which Ann Powers called it an “unexpected gem” and ranked it #3 in her year-end best-of poll.
2001’s 'Sympatico' drew even more raves. No Depression proclaimed that Freund’s lyrics “capture slices of Americana in a way that many attempt, yet very few actually master,“ while All Music Guide, called it “truly unique and absolutely brilliant.” Freund also is a favorite of NPR’s “Weekend Edition” and has been championed by Los Angeles’ powerful KCRW-FM, where he has performed live on “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”
The Washington Post, listening to the third CD 'Copper Moon', wrote: “Freund clearly delights in enigma. His vocals could go from laconic to impassioned without such obvious trickery as cranking up the volume. His lyrics are full of curveballs.”
Freund is highly respected by his fellow musicians as well. Folk chanteuse Victoria Williams calls Freund’s 2000 disc 'L.A. Fundamental Music' (a soundtrack-oriented EP) “a classic.”
Graham Parker added: “"Listening to 'Sympatico', Tom Freund's second solo release, I find myself just as impressed as I was after hearing 'North American Long Weekend', his solo debut. His songs fill me with an interesting mixture of yearning and melancholy that is somehow thoroughly uplifting at the same time. I get shivers down my spine on almost every tune. Along with Lucinda Williams, Freund is the best singer/songwriter operating today."
"Collapsible Plans" available here.
Tommy Rickard
Drummer and singer-songwriter Tommy Rickard spent 2008 and 2009 in the studio, recording the tracks for his debut album “Dream California”. This record is a melting pot of the music Rickard grew up on. The reverb drenched guitars of California’s surf scene with a raw and honest voice, reminiscent of Johnny Cash. The vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys and laid back feel of the Eagles, with an occasional hint of the punk scene where his musical journey began. The live shows are equal parts all of this with Rickard fronting the band, singing while standing and playing drums. He’s backed by 2 guitars, bass and a female background singer. At times there could be a pedal steel player or possibly someone playing Hammond organ, or even an accordion player. Every show’s different. Every night a new canvas.
Rickard grew up in Northern California on the Russian River and in Santa Rosa. In early childhood he spent many nights singing along with his Italian Grandfather Dominic to Johnny Cash and George Jones songs. As a pre-teen he cut class to air drum along with his mom’s Beach Boys, Elvis, and Beatles records. It all took a turn when, at 13, he got his first drum kit. His first gig followed just months after at a punk festival. Rickard spent his teenage years drumming in the punk band The 4xLoozers and opening for punk legends like Black Flag, Agent Orange, Victims Family, and Sea Hags.
As soon as high school graduation hit he hightailed it down to San Francisco where he met singer Davy Vain. Together they formed the glam rock band Vain. Within a year, they were headlining and selling out clubs all over the Bay Area. Vain were soon signed to Island Records and started working on what would become a sleaze rock classic called “No Respect.” Rickard toured with Vain around the world from 1988 through 1992, opening for Guns & Roses, Poison, and Skid Row. Lemmy of Motorhead jammed with them at the Hammersmith Odeon, the final show of Vain’s sold out UK tour.
The down time after 4 years of touring gave Rickard the chance to reconnect with the SF music scene where he started a new band called Loaded. Their trashy, brit-pop sound garnered them extensive California tours and an EP named “TV Star”, released by Crush Records. When not on the road, Rickard began studies with Bay Area drum legend, Chuck Brown. At this time Rickard also did a short stint with San Francisco punk-metal heroes, The Clarke Nova. They recorded an EP and a full length record for Frank Kozik’s, Man’s Ruin label.
In 1997 Tommy joined up with singer/songwriter Michelle Muldrow to form the alternative country band BloodRoses. After two independent record releases the band drifted off to different states and different callings. Rickard moved on to local power-pop quartet, Blue Sky Roadster. B.S.R. released two records “Julio’s Dream” and “Rollercoaster Goodbye”, both of which received critical acclaim. The band then licensed songs to MTV, VH1, the NFL and a few independent films. B.S.R. renamed themselves Single and released “Welcome Nada” and continued to license songs to MTV and VH1.
It was around this time that Rickard began working with Linda Perry, playing drums on her songwriting demos as well as performing with her live, playing in her jaw dropping tribute to Led Zeppelin. In studio Rickard recorded the Grammy single “Beautiful” (Christina Aguilara). Rickard would continue to work with Perry on her solo records and side projects such as Courtney Love’s “Nobody’s Daughter”.
After acquiring a taste for Southern California, Rickard packed up and moved to Los Angeles to pursue more work as a session drummer. Hard times and closed doors made his first year a difficult one. It was a perfect time for him to pick up a guitar and begin writing songs. The first song written was about longing for a life just out of reach called “Dream California”. Soon Rickard had a few songs put together and tried them out at local open mic nights. He then put together a band of his own and began trading his drum services for studio time to record his album.
As his talent began to spread by word of mouth, he developed a reputation as a drummer comfortable in any style, from metal and country, to jazz and pop. He soon found himself in the middle of the California alt-country scene, a warm and familiar place harkening back to his childhood on the hills of west Sonoma County. From 2006 to 2009 Rickard recorded music for the TV shows 'Scrubs' and 'Army Wives' and the films “Little Manhattan”, “Firehouse Dog” and “Less”, all the while continuing to work with Linda Perry, Michelle Shocked, and members of Dwight Yoakam's and Lucinda Williams' bands.
Part of 2009 was also spent in Germany recording the drum tracks for the Delany “Blood and Ashes”, project. A CD that would accompany the Wolfagang Holbein book, “Chronicles Of The Immortal.” The end of 2009 was spent on a tour of Europe with Vain, celebrating the 20th anniversary of “No Respect”.
www.tommyrickard.com
www.myspace.com/tommyrickard
Tone Bent
Robin Eschner and Bill Horvitz, a.k.a. Tone Bent, double up on guitars and vocals as they perform their original songs, and give an occasional spin to a favorite cover. Both are accomplished musicians and composers, and together they deliver gorgeous harmonies and inspired guitar playing.
Their songs consider the many layers of what it means to be human - the things we all share in common, where we differ, how our lives intersect and influence whatever happens next. The songs move from humorous to contemplative and cover a range of things that include a tribute to Susan Butcher, four-time winner of the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, a nod to a daughter leaving home to go off on her own, a memory of floating down a river in the San Joaquin valley on a hot summer night, and a meditation on the discovery of a certain blue feather and the way it might change one's life.
Their first CD, "Say What You Will", has been described as: "a roaring ride through the heartland of human experience. Built on earthy guitar parts that sometimes simmer with heat, these tracks are a collection of what is, what might have been, and what could be. Composed through lyrical compositions with a circular logic and a talent for storytelling, these tracks speak to the journey inside us all."
Tone Bent is presently recording CD number two in-between performances, where their fans show up again and again to hear favorite songs, knowing that Bill and Robin will always have something new up their collective sleeve - be it a song, the story behind the song, or the addition of new instruments.
www.tonebent.com
www.billhorvitz.com
www.robineschner.com
Tony Denikos
Tony Denikos, (pronounced "deny-kiss"), writes, records and performs some of the most refreshingly down-home Americana music in the States. A native of Laurel, MD, he has been influenced by artists such as John Fogerty, Lowell George, John Prine, Graham Parker and Richard Thompson.
In 2000, Tony released his debut CD "Naked & Smiling", a collection of songs written that established Tony as one of the Mid Atlantic regions finest songwriters. The CD is a creative statement containing bluesy overtures reminiscent of the artists of the late nineteen-forties to songs with lively, eclectic rhythms and messages that lift the spirit.
His second CD, "Time Tells Tales", was released in the Fall of 2003. Stylistically, the album reflects influences from John Fogerty, Little Feat, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Waylon Jennings and Steve Earle showcasing Tony's earthy and unique musical voice throughout. The CD combines roots rock'n, country blues'n and eclectic rhythms as well as powerfully written ballads that stop you in your tracks and make you feel, think and dream.
Tony has just completed his third recording "Already Gone". A compilation of 11 distinctive tunes, these songs explore the entire spectrum of Americana music. This CD is full of cutting lyrical wit, breathtakingly personal storytelling and foot stomping backbeats. There are stories here that everyone can relate to about love, working class attitudes, hope, regret, forgotten patriots and unwitting heroes. Fans of roots guitar and fine musicianship will appreciate the world class cast of players, including: drummer Timm Beiry (Nils Lofgren, Danny Gatton); bassists Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam) and Dave Jacques (John Prine, Emmylou Harris); keyboardist Phil Madeira (Emmylou Harris); and, guitarists Gantt Kushner and Warner E. Hodges (Jason and the Scorchers).
Today you can catch Tony performing his songs at venues throughout the Baltimore/Washington region with a band of incredible musicians presenting to the listening world a writing style uniquely his own. His songs will stay with you long after the lights fade to black.....
www.tonydenikos.com
www.myspace.com/tonydenikosband
Too Slim and the Taildraggers
Underworld Records anno-unces a March 17 release date for 'Free Your Mind', the new CD from Seattle-based Too Slim & the Taildraggers, with national distribution by Burnside Distribution. 'Free Your Mind' was produced by Todd Smallwood and Timothy Langford and – as its title implies – showcases an impressive musical expansion from the band, which consists of Tim Langford (AKA Too Slim) on guitar and vocals, Dave Nordstrom on bass and Rudy Simone on drums.
The new CD takes the group’s blues-based music to new heights, adding rock and Americana influences that make the disc a joyous listen. All of its 11 songs were written by Tim Langford and demonstrate his growth as a songwriter and observer of the human condition. The CD’s opening track, “When You Love Somebody,” marries the heartland rock of John Cougar Mellencamp with the southern rock influences of Lynyrd Skynyrd for a rousing breath of fresh air; while the second track, “Last Train,” is a slice-of-life song inspired by its author reading the crazy stories in the daily paper.
On the rest of 'Free Your Mind', the band stretches its musical muscles, with tough, sinewy blasts of Langford’s crunchy guitar work and soulful vocals layered over a rhythmic framework of Dave Nordstrom powerful bass and Rudy Simone’s kicking drums. With songs such as “Devil In A Doublewide,” “Been Through Hell,” “Testament” and the anthemic title track, Too Slim & the Taildraggers take many twists and turns, but ultimately arrive at a journey well-worth taking.
Langford’s insightful songwriting owes a debt to Tom Petty on many of the songs, especially on “Bottle It Up” and “Throw Me A Rope,” but remains true to his own muse. The album closes with the powerful gospel-influenced ballad, “The Light,” which also features a strong guest vocal appearance by Lauren Evans and some beautifully evocative guitar work by Tim Langford, whose tones on both electric guitar and slide throughout the CD stake his claim as a major guitarist on the rise.
Tori Sparks
Tori Sparks calls Nashville home, but spends most of her time on the road in the U.S. and Europe. Called "a knockout" by the Village Voice, her dynamic live show is equal parts eye-popping soul-singing, and zany stand-up-style humor. Tori's acclaimed third album, 'The Scorpion In The Story', was co-produced with indie rock veteran David Henry (R.E.M., Ben Folds, Josh Rouse, Widespread Panic, Cowboy Junkies), and features players such as Steve Bowman (Counting Crows), Will Kimbrough (Rodney Crowell), Viktor Krauss (Lyle Lovett, Mindy Smith, and, yes, he's Allison's
brother), Fats Kaplin (Mark Knopfler, Kevin Welch), and Barry Walsh (Gretchen Peters).
'The Scorpion In The Story is a tale in thirteen chapters, a tour diary in the form of a concept album. Each song was written about one of the many colorful individuals Tori met while touring across the U.S. last year. The album includes a French version of the song "Merry Go-Round," ("Le Manege"), and ha just been released on Glass Mountain Records. The album quickly broke the Top 100 on the Americana Radio Charts, and is currently at #19 on the European Americana Chart. The sultry murder ballad "Tall Towers" from the new album has been featured on the Paste Magazine New Music Sampler 53, on CMJ's "New Music Download,", and on Microsoft's Windows Media Player homepage.
Tori's relentless touring has taken her from New York to Los Angeles to Miami, from Toronto to London to Paris, and through every small town in between. She books most of her own shows, and does all of her own laundry. In 2008 and 2009, Tori has showcased at Folk Alliance, Bele Chere, American MusicFest, many other conferences and festivals, and played nearly 200 shows to boot. She recently performed on Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour alongside Rolling Stones pianist Chuck Leavell.
Tori is the author of two courses for roaming music business education organization ProMusicU, and is the creator of The Feed Your Soul Guitar Project, a tour and folk art auction benefiting Oxfam America. Besides her big black boots, and balls-to-the-wall guitar playing, she is known for being a part of and organizing benefit concerts on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind, F.A.C.E., the March of Dimes, and the One Campaign.
Tori's albums can each be purchased, for less than the price of a veggie burger in Los Angeles, at one of 100+ digital distributors in 25 countries. These include the ubiquitous iTunes, and 30+ CD retailers, including Best Buy, Target, Amazon, and others. Tori's guilty pleasures include black jelly beans, cop shows, and 80's music. There is a big map of the U.S. and Europe on her wall, full of little colored pins marking cities she's played.
Tori is in and out of the studio, working on her fourth album project. Or second EP. We're not sure yet. And as always, she is and will continue to be on the road literally non-stop throughout 2010. (Her cats don't even recognize her anymore.) Her site includes an exclusive sneak preview of the new project, a heart-stopping ballad called "Letter To A Wretch 2" (w/Shawn Mullins). The song is featured on Sin City Compilation (Vol. 13), debuted in March 2010 at SXSW.
www.torisparks.com
www.myspace.com/torisparks
Trailerpark Idlers
The story of Trailerpark Idlers began in September 2006 when Morgan Hellman and Magnus Larsson teamed up with Jerker Andersson and Gunnar Nilsson to start a country band that would go a little beyond the genre. With influences from traditional country such as; Hank Williams, Carter family and Johnny Cash, to rock and punk acts like Rolling Stones, Motörhead and Ramones, Trailerpark Idlers came up with a sound of their own. A year later Ben Dee Salmenranta replaced Nilsson and in February 2008 Miss LisaLee joined to make the band complete
.
The band is, with the exception of the bass, strictly acoustic. The two lead singers, Morgan and Miss LisaLee, brings a variation in to the music, from raw and mean to nice and sweet. The lead instrumentalist of the band, Jerker, alternate between mandolin and accordion while Magnus beat the drums and Ben Dee ad some bass to it.
Trailerpark Idlers are into a never-ending recording session. Though they has exist as a band less than three years they have released six CD’s so far. They have their own recording studio called “The Forge” and their own label called “Something Wicked”.
The new CD was released in April 2009 and are, at first sight, a collection of Christian hymns. However, as you listen to it you will find that there is a lot more to it than just another country band doing religious songs. You will find that there is hope, despair, doubt, anger and so on....
www.trailerparkidlers.se
www.myspace.com/trailerparkidlers
www.lastfm.se/music/Trailerpark+Idlers
Trey Johnson
Although you may own all the Sorta back catalogs, might have attended their gigs with religious zeal, memorized the words to every song, and be the virtual president of the gone-but-not-forgotten band’s fan club, you’re still in for 44-plus minutes of surprise when you drop your laser on Trey Johnson’s debut CD, "Mount Pelée".
“To me it all sounds like songs that basically came from the same well,” Johnson says with characteristic self-effacement, “but according to Don [producer Don Cento] it sounds dramatically different. He was wonderful about taking these songs and presenting them in different ways.”40-year-old Johnson, who’s best known to fans as Sorta’s songwriter, voice and musical compass, isn’t one to recycle ideas or fluff up the pillows in his comfort zone. With "Mount Pelée", he comes of age as a mature songsmith on a creative high-wire and establishes himself as an artist who can stand on his own two feet without a band, drawing instead, on empathetic session players and an imaginative production team to realize his vision.
For Johnson, a Dallas native who’s married and the father of two, songwriting has always been key: His influences range from Dylan to Cobain to “all the Hanks” and beyond. “Stumbling on melodies that seem fresh and alive is the most exciting thing for me,” he enthuses. “And one thing that’s really influenced this record is children’s books: I’ve been swimming in nursery rhymes for the last five years, and a few of these songs started as children’s songs, bouncy and really repetitive.”
In producer/arranger Cento and co-producer/engineer Stuart Sikes he’s found a dream team of kindred spirits, and the collaborative gestalt imbues "Mount Pelée" with the élan of arrival. “Stuart likes pure sound, and I do, too,” Johnson says. “Sonically, he doesn’t want to just fill up empty space, or put butter all over the sound of a particular instrument. Don was willing to take chances and put weird faces on things. I’d bring in songs that wound up being something totally diff erent than I’d initially thought. It was great, and very exciting.”
Unlike Johnson’s earlier, guitar-driven material, most of the songs on "Mount Pelée" were written at the piano: "Songwriter credits that departure as a significant change in direction. Cento’s astute arrangements, which involve everything from horn section to string section, Hammond to Wurlitzer, mandolin to female voices, recall at times the pioneering work of Jack Nitzsche with Neil Young, Jon Brion with Aimee Mann and T-Bone Burnett with Sam Phillips. As a first-time producer, his contributions to "Mount Pelée" are auspicious. Immediate standout tracks include the wryly humorous 'Unfavorable Way', the artful chamber-pop of 'Old Reactions', and the quietly dramatic confessional that is 'Struggle To Find'. “I’m as happy right now as I’ve ever been in my whole life, and certainly my family is a huge part of that,” Johnson acknowledges. “And I’m so pleased to be able to be a songwriter, and thankful I made that decision.”
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Trey Johnson
