Through its outreach to young listeners, Ozomatli has expanded, not changed, its focus. And the social themes that characterize much of the band’s music remain at the collective heart of the group.
Author: Bill Kopp
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30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
A collective of local musicians coming together to help support a good cause, an uncompromising hard rock trio, an intriguing post-rock outfit from Asheville, and an iconoclastic rapper.
Album review: ‘Heavy Magnolias’ by Hannah Kaminer
The arrangements are pleasantly varied, but once again, the instrumentation exists in clear service to Kaminer’s voice and words.
Combo Chimbita brings its brand of ‘tropical futurism’ to Asheville
“We don’t sing in English,” Prince of Queens points out. “And we have some very not-mainstream ideas. But it’s fascinating to go to places where you don’t expect that music to resonate and have impact.”
Stephanie Morgan features her solo material in a birthday show
After quietly re-emerging in mid-2017 with a solo album, she put together two new groups: indie-pop band the Mercurists, and an improvisational alter ego, Pink Mercury.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
It’s a triple-bill of synthesists: a soulful, rocking power trio; a local pop-rock group poised to break out in a big way; and a fascinating Canadian dream-pop outfit.
Album review: ‘Ribcage’ EP by Ian Ridenhour
At under 24 minutes, Ribcage delivers less quantity than the average album (that’s why it’s billed as an EP), but in terms of quality, it’s not lacking in the least.
Tesla Quartet reprises a 1945 Asheville premiere of a classical work
The Tesla Quartet — also featuring violinist Michelle Lie and Edwin Kaplan on viola — is firmly rooted in the classical idiom, but its members sometimes find their playing style informed by popular music as well.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Greasy rock ‘n’ roll; doom-laden metal; chiming folky rock; and a rootsy sensation from a big city a few hours south head to Asheville over the next 30 days.
Album review: ‘Mood Indigo’ by Nina Simone
The song selection displays Simone’s mastery at bending various styles to her own particular musical approach. And Simone’s rural Carolina roots show through even in the urban jazz idiom as she plays and sings the gospel favorite “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
Asheville artists help record the songs of a musician suffering from ALS
Two concurrent projects are underway: One is an album of Brian MacWilliams’ songs, provisionally titled Being Here; the other is Brian’s Songs, a documentary that tells his story.
Asheville Rock Collective supports local acts through a concert series and CD
“If you have intensity, if you’re producing original music that is really true to yourself, we’ll back that all day long,” says Asheville Rock Collective organizer John Kennedy.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Glitchy experimental synthesizer music; raucous piano-led rock ‘n’ roll; modern rock mixed with reggae; and folk with contemporary textures: that wide array of sounds — two of which come courtesy of local acts — is just some of what’s on offer in the next 30 days here in Asheville.
Album review: ‘We Made Ourselves a Home’ by The Rough & Tumble
Recorded in Nashville, The Rough & Tumble’s first full-length album, We Made Ourselves a Home When We Didn’t Know features nearly all new material. Indie label Rock Candy Recordings has scheduled the album for a Feb. 9 release.
Steep Canyon Rangers will be joined by symphony members for a hometown concert
A recent North Carolina Hall of Fame induction recognizes the Steep Canyon Rangers’ part in the rich and ongoing musical tradition. “It’s a ridiculously crazy honor to be in there,” banjo player Graham Sharp says, “but it’s also just a reminder of how great this state is for the music we love.”
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Twice monthly, my blog 30 Days Out spotlights upcoming music shows and events of note, shining a light into some less well-lit corners, where some fascinating artists schedule performances. I do my best to give ample advance notice so that you can adjust your budget and calendar in a way that lets you get to […]
Album review: ‘Tropic of Prancer’ by Galena
Galena hasn’t been terribly prolific in terms of recording and releasing its music, seemingly favoring quality over quantity. A new three-song EP, Tropic of Prancer, is to date the only official recorded document of Galena’s sound.
Album review: ‘Remember Every Moment’ by Tin Roof Echo
As the album winds toward its end, a lyrical theme seems to emerge: nearly half of disc’s songs concern themselves — at least nominally — with sleep and dreaming.
Asheville-based tribute bands pay homage to their heroes
Singing and playing in homage to another’s work isn’t the same as performing one’s own original music, but for the members of these local groups, playing in a tribute band scratches a musical itch all its own.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
This edition wraps up the fourth year of “30 Days Out,” taking a look at a beloved local act; a highly regarded regional musician; an alt-country troubadour who got his start in Western North Carolina; and one of pop culture’s most outspoken, iconoclastic and articulate spokespeople.
Holiday Hang raises funds to feed those in need
Banjoist Jesse Langlais notes that, while previous Holiday Hangs have included some informal onstage collaborations between the featured acts, this year may take things to another level.