“We’re looking back at that time of black excellence and giving it a new light for today with our music and our brand,” says multi-instrumentalist Adrian Younge.
Author: Bill Kopp
Showing 1-21 of 403 results
Album review: ‘Sudden Swoon’ by Young Mister
Steven Fiore created his latest album, ‘Sudden Swoon,’ in his home studio (he calls it The Study). His process of crafting the album involved recording demos for 20 songs, sharing them with his Facebook followers and inviting them to vote for their favorites.
Penny & Sparrow showcase a new direction at an Orange Peel show
It was a relatively straightforward endeavor to deliver early Penny & Sparrow songs live onstage. The spare yet careful arrangements center on just a few elements. The layered sound of ‘Finch’ looks to be more of a challenge to reproduce in concert.
Album review: ‘You Good?’ by DJ Besbleve
Even those not predisposed toward Besbleve’s spiritual point of view won’t be able to deny the appeal and excellence of his masterfully constructed mixtape.
Alexa Rose co-bills at a singer-songwriter night
As she puts the finishing touches on ‘Medicine for Living,’ her album due in September, Rose is teaming up with duo My One and Only for a songwriter-focused show at Isis Music Hall on Sunday, Aug. 18.
Album review: ‘Collective Will’ by Moonlight Street Folk
There’s a quiet confidence in everything about this record. The musicians sound as if they’ve developed a preternatural level of unspoken communication, and they apply that to their music.
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears keep the blues relevant
When Lewis started writing his own material, his take on the blues reflected the influence of the more modern styles that had informed his musical sensibility. The result was something updated, something unique.
Album review: ‘Beautiful Noise’ by Stereospread
Jumping ahead of critics who might apply their own subjective labels to the band’s music, Asheville-based Sterospread has taken on the task itself, calling the sounds it makes “indietronica.”
Arrested Development headlines LEAF Downtown AVL
The band’s live shows remain full of engaging energy and excitement. Speech and his group have a long relationship with Asheville audiences: Arrested Development played the LEAF Festival in 2009 and has appeared multiple time at The Orange Peel.
Michael Franti & Spearhead stage a benefit for MountainTrue and French Broad Riverkeeper
Ultimately, Franti chooses to lend his name and support to efforts backed by passion: “At the end of the day, it’s just [about] finding people who are passionate about the same things that I am, and who are doing things that have local and immediate impact.”
Album review: ‘Vessels of Sound, Vol. 2: Morse’ by VIA
The Asheville-based shoegaze/electronic band’s fourth collection displays ample charms.
Brevard Music Center gets political during ‘A Copland Celebration’
According to cultural historian Joe Horowitz, “You’re not going to be able to attend the event without asking yourself what it has to do with the present moment.”
Album review: ‘Southern Exposure’ by Spaceman Jones
The record is a cohesive collection that bears the distinctive musical fingerprints of its creator.
The Grey Eagle celebrates its 25th anniversary
Music booker Jeff Whitworth says that he often hears positive comments. “People will tell me, ‘Thank you for hosting metal shows at The Grey Eagle,’ or, ‘I’m glad somebody’s booking real hip hop shows.’”
Two local groups debut new albums and stage release performances
Each group celebrates its new music with a live show at The Grey Eagle: Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters on Friday, June 21; and The Moon and You play Sunday, June 23.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Superb local musicians give touring artists some healthy competition, and the out-of-town acts both bring something new to the local music conversation.
RiddleFest commemorates Burnsville musician and folklorist Lesley Riddle
“What makes Lesley’s music so interesting is that it perfectly straddles the lines between North Carolina Piedmont blues and country music,” Dom Flemons says.
Caleb Johnson debuts ‘Born from Southern Ground’ with a hometown launch concert
Caleb Johnson doesn’t get to spend a lot of time in Asheville these days, but keeps up with the local music scene as best as he can. “And for the most part, the musicians I use out on the road are Asheville-based,” he says.
30 Days out: a look at upcoming concerts
Two internationally-famous touring artists (one in rock and pop, the other a towering figure in reggae) and two intriguing regional acts are among the highlights of the next 30 days in Asheville’s live music offerings.
AVL Beer Week 2019: Kim Thompson of Riverbend Malt House
Thompson describes her work as a maltster as “the perfect blend of cerebral and physical.”
AVL Beer Week 2019: Ben Colvin crafts a beverage company that’s socially and health conscious
Using what Colvin calls a “farm-to-can approach,” the company sources organic roots and fruits to make its “nonsoda soda.”