Smart bets: Sweet Claudette and Bombadil

Four- and six-part vocal harmonies and multicolored kazoos captivate audiences when Western North Carolina supergroup Sweet Claudette takes the stage. The country Motown quartet, composed of Amanda Platt (The Honeycutters), Melissa Hyman (The Moon and You), Amber Lyle Sims and Dulci Ellenberger (Now You See Them), supplements itsr intricate vocals with cello, banjo, melodica and […]

Sound Check: Bombadil

Back in 2009, just before Durham-based folk-pop outfit Bombadil released Tarpits and Canyonlands, bassist Daniel Michalak was diagnosed with neural tension. The tour was canceled and the album kind of fizzled. Happily, after years of treatment, Michalak and his bandmates were able to go on the road again in 2012. This June, Ramseur Records will […]

Smart Bets: Bombadil

Back in 2009, just before Durham-based folk-pop outfit Bombadil released Tarpits and Canyonlands, bassist Daniel Michalak was diagnosed with neural tension. The condition made it impossible for him to brush his teeth, let alone play an instrument. The tour was canceled and the album kind of fizzled. Happily, after years of treatment, Michalak and his […]