Tuesday Double Feature: JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound "Rouse Yourself" & Luke Winslow-King " Moving On (Towards Better Days)"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature includes videos for two uniquely interesting artists that just happen to share room on the Bloodshot Record label and will be playing shows her in Portland this coming week. So enjoy the videos and if you like what you see, go check them out live.

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - "Rouse Yourself"


The lovely soul music of JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound is the kind of dance inspiring ear candy that makes you glad to be alive.  Having just released their latest album Howl, the boys will be playing this Thursday evening at Lola's Room downtown. Here's the 411:

Thursday, August 15th
Lola's Room
1332 W Burnside
Doors: 7PM / Show:8PM
Adv.: $15 / Day Of: $17
All Ages


Luke Winslow-King - "Moving On (Towards Better Days)"


The music of Luke Winslow-King is a throw back to a simpler time when jazz and blues were more closely related. Touring on the heels of his latest album The Coming Tide, Winslow-King will be stopping to play two free show in our area. Here are the details:

Friday, August 16th
McMenamins Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St
Show: 7PM
Free
21 & Over

 and

Sunday, August 18th
Elizabeth Caruthers Park
3508 SW Moody Ave
Show: 3PM
Free
All ages

10 Questions: Andy Rosenstein Of JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound

The powerful Neo-Soul group JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound have been making some of the most groove luscious music to come out of Chicago in years. Extremely busy with the release of their latest album, Howl,earlier this year and a tour in support. The band will be swing into town to play Lola's Room this Thursday, August 15th.(See latest Triple Crown)
Andy Rosenstein, who lends keys, percussion and vocals to the band was generous in taking some time out of their busy schedule to talk to us about the band and their latest release.  

BLS: It’s been about a year since By the Light of the Stereo checked in with you. How has 2013 treated you? Are there any new developments with you and the band?

AR: 2013 has been pretty wild so far. In the winter and spring we finished the new record Howl and got all of the new music ready to perform. Since May we've been on the road. We played South By Southwest again and hit up the Firefly Festival out east, which was amazing. We went to France and are heading back for a tour all around western Europe in October. It's been great.

BLS: Back in May you released your latest album Howl. With this being your third album how was the recording and promotion experience different this time around?

AR: I wasn't in the group when they recorded the last record (Want More) but I joined months before it officially came out and did the entire Want More tour as a member of the band. I can say without hesitation that we did a lot more driving last time around. This time, thankfully we've done some flying to gigs, mostly for the west coast. It has made it a lot easier to travel so much. The other big difference this time around is that we've been getting a little more radio play, which really helps.

BLS: Compared to the rollercoaster energy of your last album, Howl plays with a more sedated and even keel. What do you attribute this too?

AR: I think on this album we were looking to make music where we didn't restrict which of our influences we would include. That allowed us to think about post-60s/70s sounds that we like, but that the band had pushed aside in the past-- synths, brit-pop, disco, modern electronic sounds, etc. Somehow when we added all of that together, it might have come out a little less rock'n'roll.
Another factor might have been me joining as the band's first keyboard player who wasn't just a side-man but who worked on the songs and arrangements. Unlike Billy and Ben I don't come from Post-Punk music, so I might have softened things a little.

BLS: Emotionally this album has more prevalent themes of loss, pain and regret. What dose this reveal of your head space when writing these songs?

AR: We wrote Howl during the year and a half of touring on Want More, so we definitely had plenty of time away from people we loved, and complications associated with that. I think that's part of it.
We also recorded Howl in Montreal because we wanted to work with Howard Bilerman, a producer with both Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade albums to his name. Going away to record was also meant to keep us focused on the work, and a little isolated from everyday pressures. It definitely succeeded in making us isolated. Montreal is great, but December there is grey and cold, and I think that comes through, even though it's not a wintery or downtempo album.

BLS: In the process of creating these last three albums have you picked up any new influences along the way?

AR: Everyone in the band is always listening to music that's new to them, whether it's something that just came out or an old gem they just discovered. We also share things that we each take for granted but that other members of the band don't know. And we definitely keep up on what is happening in the music world.
For example, we wrote and recorded Before You Die months before Get Lucky was released, but both songs have Nile Rodgers and Chic as major influences. It must have just been the right time.

BLS: You’re currently on the last leg of a fairly extensive US tour with a European tour looming in the near future. How has the road been treating you this time around? Are their any new experiences waiting for you across the pond.

AR: There are always new experiences out there. This will be our biggest tour of Europe yet, and I know everyone is really excited. The road can be incredibly fun, but it can also be pretty challenging. The trick is to roll with the punches as best you can and try to have perspective and appreciation for all the strange things that happen.

BLS: You recently released a video for “Rouse Yourself” staring Aubrey Plaza (of NBC’s Park & Recreation) and Jake Johnson (of FOX’s New Girl). What was it like to have such recognizable individuals working on this project?

AR: It was very cool for both Jake and Aubrey to make time for us. Jake's an old buddy of Billy's and has come out to see us a handful of times. He also put up a JCBUS poster in his 'bedroom' set on The New Girl, which I know a lot of people saw. With a music video-- and with making an album more generally-- the goal is to get the most people possible to hear your music, and having some big names helps on that count.

BLS: Do you find the road as a source of inspiration or do you feel the studio is more conducive to your creative process? With your busy schedule have you had a chance to write any new material?

AR: For me, it's the studio all the way. I can't write on the road because there's no privacy and quiet. When I'm at home alone is when I can clear my mind. I think to varying degrees that's generally the way the other guys work, too, but I don't want to speak for everyone.
On the other hand, I saw a shouting hobo in a park in Toronto a few weeks ago and I intend to lift a few of the things he said wholesale for a song at some point. He had some really top-shelf craziness.

BLS: If you could open for any of the forbearers of Soul, alive or dead, who would it be, and why?

AR: Hard question. I think Sly Stone, but not because our music and his have a ton in common, but just because he's my favorite.

BLS: Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

AR:
Bailiff : Great chicago indie rock trio with a lot of blues influence, but done in what I think is a unique way. They're about to put out a brand new record, which they let us hear, and it's amazing.

Wild Belle: Chicago brother-sister group with a really sexy, spacey dub reggae kind of sound. They may be famous already-- hard to say what counts these days-- but they're really excellent.

Escort: killer disco band from New York. Think we're going to playing some gigs with them sometime soon.

Rubblebucket: horn-section lead indie rock band from New York with tons of character and humor. Fronted by a super bad-ass gal who plays baritone sax. Every member of the group is an insanely talented and tasteful player.

Hudson Branch: Another indie group from Chicago. Beautiful, expansive tunes, interesting orchestration, and a lead singer who sounds a lot like Paul Simon. Think these guys could be massive if they get a break.

The Triple Crown: 08/12 - 08/25

Tuesday, August 13th
The Heavy
The Silent Comedy
Mississippi Studio
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

Like the bastard sons of James Brown, The Heavy have a sounds that's equal parts Detroit back ally attitude and crossroad's devil-deal  blues. Blessed with a bad ass soul that feel strait out of a Shaft movie, these boys from the UK are powerful and bold. The way they administer their cold-cocked funk makes you want to shake your money maker in a ways that's illegal in fifteen countries. Best known for the use of their song "How You Like Me Now?" in numerous commercials and other arenas. We're lucky to have the chance to catch then in such an intimate venue as the Mississippi Studio.  Joining them is the folk rock of  San Diego-based The Silent Comedy. Even though it's a work night this should be an awesome show so make sure you get there early. 




Thursday, August 15th
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound
Brownish Black
Lola's Room
1332 W Burnside
Doors: 7PM / Show:8PM
Adv.: $15 / Day Of: $17
All Ages

The soulful crooning of JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound is like the caress of a good lover. Telling in its urgency, it is both comforting and exciting and always leaves you wanting more. Based out of Chicago this neo-soul group has a sound that transitions the heydays of it's influencing genera. From 50's doo wop to the grooving funk of the 70's, their sound is bold and rich. Touring in support of their latest album Howl, their show at the Crystal Ballroom's little sister venue Lolo's Room should be awesome. Opening the night is the funky grove of Portland's Brownish Black. If you grew up listening to your folk's soul LP's this is the show you want to catch. So get yourself dapper and pull that lover close to you on the dance floor.

 
Monday, August 19th
Mother Falcon
Mississippi Studio
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 7PM / Show: 8PM
Adv.: $8 / Day Of: $10
21 & Over

Paring symphonic instrumentation with the pop sensibility of an indi-rock band Mother Falcon is truly unique. Based out of Austin this group has truly developed a signature sound with boldly sweeping strings, punctuating horns and multiple other instruments creating a vibrant collage of sound. Consisting of a cast of 17 artist it will be interesting just to see how they fit them all up on the stage. If you are looking for something totally different this is a safe bet. Great music preformed in a wonderfully interesting way Mother Falcon is a awesome way to shake off the painful grind of your Monday. Don't make an early morning an excuse because with a 7PM start time there'll be enough time to get your beauty rest.     

From The Shelf: JC Brooks And The Uptown Sound - Want More (2011)

JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound
Want More
Bloodshot Records

I haven't listened to a soul album this good since lying on my parent's living room floor, one of my father's Motown records spinning on the turntable and the world illuminated only by the dim light of the stereo.  Somewhere between James Brown and Otis Redding the music of JC Brook and the Uptown Sound is a fresh take on a classic sound. With moments of aggressive blues power and sweet soulful tenderness Want More is filled with songs that blessedly capture the feel of all three decades that defined Soul's musical supremacy. With the tender 50's croon of "To Love Someone (That Don't Love You)", the danceable 60's blues strut of "Everything Will Be Fine" and a groovy 70's funk in " Bad News" this album has all the bases covered. There's even a little gospel thrown in there, which has to make Momma Brooks proud.            

Having successfully captured a powerfully raw live sound this album is filled with amazing instrumentation and tremendously awesome vocals. Without a single bad track in the bunch you're going to find yourself listing to this album over and over. If it doesn't make you dance, please see someone because there might be something seriously wrong with you. Trust me when I say this: You Need This Album. So whether you pick up a CD or digital copy or get it on sweet sweet vinyl, don't let another day go by without it.

10 Questions: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound

The amazing retro soul sound of Chicago's JC Brook and the Uptown Sound is some of the best music out there right now. Still gaining momentum from 2011's Want More this band is sure to be a household name in no time.  Guitarist Billy Bungeroth and bass player Ben Taylor took some time to sit down with BLS and answer our questions. Make sure you catch them at our own Mississippi Studios this Friday.

BLS: JC you have a love for acting and the stage. What dramatic elements have you been able to incorporate into the band's live show?

JCB:  Heightened sense of emotionalism or playing emotional extremes when it suits the build of the song. I also play JC as slightly mentally disturbed...

BLS: The rawness of your live show is one of your strongest selling points. Do you feel you were able to better capture that raw feeling in Want More compared to the Beat Your Own Drum Album?

JCB:  I feel that Beat is far rawer production-wise and content/performance-wise. We were just feeling our way through our sound at that point and we recorded it in 2 days.

BLS: What were some of the studio techniques used in the making of Want More that gives it that live feel?

 JCB:  We all played live in a room together for starters. Revolutionary concept, right? As far as studio trickery goes, we mic'd the drums through the heating duct for Sister Ray Charles.

BLS: Having grown up on my father's Motown LP's I can understand the power of soul. Can each of you remember the first soul album you ever heard?

 JCB:  I remember watching the Motown 25 special on TV, and later on, my high school jazz teacher teacher lent me James brown's greatest hits, which I taped on the other side of my Public Enemy "Nation of Millions" cassette

BLS: Chicago is a large part of your bands identity. Can you describe what it's like to be a band from Chicago and what is it about the town and specifically the Uptown neighborhood that has shaped your sound?

 JCB:  Curtis Mayfield and Wilco are both major influences. We have also had the pleasure of playing with Chicago Soul Men Syl Johnson and Renaldo Domino. Outside of that Chicago has great venues and a very encouraging music scene.

BLS: Your music has gained the attention of the blues audience, which is known for loyalty and passion. What has it meant to the band to gain this sort of attention?

 JCB:  The blues have the first and last word in all modern music. Being from Chicago the blues are incredibly important to many of us. If blues fans dig it were honored by the compliment.

BLS: If it was 1980 - who would win in a cage match between James Brown and Rick James? Would it make any difference if it was officiated by Prince and Bootsy Collins?

 JCB:  This is irrelevant both parties would be coked to the gills so the outcome would be erroneous.

BLS: Why did you choose to make Bloodshot records, a label more well know for Alt-country, your home?

JCB:  Good music transcends genre. So does a good label.

BLS: What can we expect from the band for the second half of 2012?

 JCB:  More touring, then recording in the fall/winter

Exactamundo!

BLS: Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

JCB:

JD McPherson

Vitek

Josh & Mer

Aaron Novik

Freddie T & the People

Tuesday Double Feature: JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound "Everything Will Be Fine" & Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears "Sugarfoot"

Sometime there is nothing better than the funky feel of hard warm soul against your eardrums. It's probably what got me into this whole thing, sitting in front of my dad's stereo as his Motown Records spinned into beautiful infinity. It is the rhythm of passion, the ache of heart break and as Otis Redding once sung its sitting across from the person you love the most in this world and sharing a moment as simply profound as drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette.

So this week we solute the sweet music of soul with videos by two modern masters and their amazing groups.


JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - Everything Will Be Fine





JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound have recently released their first album on the Chicago based Bloodshot label and will be playing our own Doug Fir on the 7th of this month.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Sugarfoot




Having released their most recent album Scandalous earlier this year, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears are on the road tirelessly touring. Luckily for us her in the North West It means that we can catch him at the awesome Wonder Ballroom on November 16th.