There’s certainly no shortage of Christmas songs, but Griffin’s original contribution to the genre is a pleasing addition.
Author: Bill Kopp
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30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
This week’s roundup inlcudes Indigo Girl Emily Saliers, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Zeppelin tribute Brown Sabbath and Jamie Laval’s Celtic Christmas show.
The Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their Christmas caravan to Asheville
The holiday tour builds upon the Zippers’ 1998 Christmas Caravan album. “It was my favorite Zippers record,” Jimbo Mathus says, “because it has that great functionality to it, being a seasonal thing.”
Album review: ‘Phases’ by Angel Olsen
Anyone who has enjoyed the singer-songwriter’s work live and/or on record will find that Phases helps round out the listener’s understanding of Olsen’s musical world.
Toubab Krewe returns to the Asheville stage
“Being away from touring has helped give us some good perspective,” guitarist Drew Heller says. “We’re definitely planning on touring countrywide — and then worldwide — but not necessarily for six or eight weeks at a time.”
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Two of the acts previewed in this edition have histories reaching back many years; the other two are newer projects from established artists.
Album review: ‘Natural Mind’ by The Fritz
Despite all of Natural Mind’s inescapable sonic connection to music of the past, the album sounds fresh and modern. With mere weeks left in 2017, it’s a strong contender for the year’s best album from an Asheville-based act.
The Freeway Revival celebrates the release of its debut album
The band got its start when brothers Adam and Jonathan Clayton (on keyboards and guitar respectively) put the project together in 2015. After some personnel shifts, the band settled on its current lineup of the Clayton twins plus guitarist Tim Husk, drummer Cartwright Brandon and bassist Kenny Crowley.
Jeff Santiago & Los Gatos play a benefit for Puerto Rico
In cooperation with local band Modern Strangers, Los Gatos decided to make its already-scheduled Mothlight show a benefit, with all proceeds going toward United for Puerto Rico.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
The artists previewed in this edition are a varied lot: Americana, classical music and rock. Three are regular fixtures on the Asheville music scene, and one makes a debut performance here in the next 30 days.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
All four acts previewed in this edition have an Asheville connection. Three are based in town, and the other features a guitarist who lived here in recent years.
Nick Lowe teams up with Los Straitjackets for a tour with an Asheville date
Lowe released his first solo album, Jesus of Cool, in 1978 (in deference to delicate American sensibilities, his U.S. label re-titled the LP Pure Pop for Now People). Nashville-based Los Straitjackets debuted with the 1995 record The Utterly Fantastic and Totally Unbelievable Sound of Los Straitjackets. Though their music was somewhat dissimilar, both acts have long shared an irreverent and warmly humorous approach.
Album review: ‘Sup’m Old, Sup’m New, Sup’m Borrowed, Sup’m Blue’ by Sidney Barnes
The album’s title references a wedding tradition, and that’s fitting: Barnes moved to Asheville at the beginning of the 2000s to marry his new love; the couple now lives in nearby Rutherfordton.
Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers plays Asheville in support of her first solo album
For her first tour under her own name, singer-guitarist Saliers has put together a band worthy of the material; Hung is featured on violin, and opening act Lucy Wainwright Roche sings harmony. The rhythm section features drummer Reade Pryor and Mars Volta bassist Juan Alderete.
30 Days Out: A look at upcoming concerts
The four acts — The Veldt, Moon Hootch, The New Mastersounds and JD McPherson — spotlighted in this edition represent very different styles of music.
Album review: ‘Revolution Road’ by The Freeway Revival
A well-written, superbly played collection, the album displays the group’s distinctive character. Certainly there are hints of the band’s influences — the usual suspects — but there’s a fresh and modern approach applied to all 11 group-composed songs.
Russ Wilson’s Famous Orchestra helps Isis Music Hall celebrate its fifth anniversary
Not surprisingly, Russ Wilson has his own opinion as to why big band jazz has endured. “For lack of a better term, it appeals to the masses,” he says. “Besides the true musical value — which has to be there — there’s entertainment value to it.”
Woods & Wilds Storytelling and Music Festival encourages conservation
Dogwood Alliance is highlighting the synergy of spoken-word art forms — adding in plenty of music and other activities as well — at The Woods & Wilds Storytelling and Music Festival. The event takes place Sunday, Oct. 1, at Salvage Station.
Album review: ‘Pearl Diver’ by Yonder
Percussion is a rarity on Pearl Diver, but something like it crops up on “Hayabusa Terra,” along with stringed instruments. The album’s ever-present subtlety means that those instruments are used less as means to convey a melody and more to insert deft splashes of tone color here and there.
Houston soul ensemble returns to Asheville
As far as the hurricane that struck Houston last month, Franklin says that those in and around the group remained safe and accounted for. “Everyone’s been volunteering and — as much as we can — trying to provide emotional support to those who have lost everything,” she says, characterizing the response to Harvey as one big, city-wide effort.
30 Days Out: A look at upcoming concerts
This edition previews Asheville shows in a variety of styles: rock, prewar jazz, EDM and a kind of jazz/hip-hop hybrid.