Living Room Performance: Joe Bonamassa w/ Beth Hart - "I'll Take Care of You"

Joe Bonamassa w/ Beth Hart - "I'll Take Care of You"

The Beacon Theater

November 5th, 2011



Known to surround herself with some of the best guitarists on earth Beth Hart has the sass to keep them on their toes. With the voice of an angry angel she can transition from dirty rock to graceful soul with out batting an eye. While Joe Bonamassa is some what of a guitar savant, and has been providing just the right six-string canvas for Hart to belt her songs. Their latest collaboration Seesaw, released this pass May, has earned them a Grammy Nomination and with any luck a little gold statue come January 26th.

Something fun for a great cause.

Dinner & A Movie Presents
A Christmas Story Screening and Silent Auction

Sunday December 8th
McMenamins' Mission Theater
1624 NW Glisan St.
Doors: 1PM /Show: 2PM
Tickets $5

Are you looking for something to get you in the Holiday mood while helping others in need have a better Christmas, here's your chance. Dinner & A Movie, a local non-profit that mentors impoverished families, is hosting a fun holiday event for families. Kick off the holiday season by seeing this classic film and do a little
Christmas shopping at the SILENT AUCTION. All proceeds will be used to provide Christmas gifts, meals and activities for the impoverished families D& M works with.
So this Sunday afternoon come have a little fun and make a difference while doing it. I double dog dare you!

10 Questions: The Black Whisky Union

LA's The Black Whisky Union was fittingly born in a dive bar in Burbank called the Tin Horn Flats. With just a tinge of Hollywood seediness their jazzy rock 'n' roll  is infectiously fun. Bold and powerful, this talented three piece is fronted by the stunning Brit Sheriden who might look familur from her work in front of the camera as a model and actress in shows like Supernatural.
Set to release part three of their EP trilogy in early 2014 the band had a lot to talk to BLS about.

BLS:  To get started, why don’t you tell us a little about the band. How did you guys come together? Where did you derive your name from? What made you choose it?

Jim: We met at this dive bar in Burbank called Tin Horn Flats... Brit was a waitress and Michael, and myself we patrons looking for a singer.  As we were started writing songs, we would drink a bit... Brit would have her Irish Whisky, I would have my Scotch Whisky, and Michael would have his tequila or Jager... Aka Mexican Whisky/German Whisky.
Combine the 3 whiskers and you get Black... The Union is our bond as friends and partners.

Brit: I had been looking to form a band for a long time and when I met Jim and Wess I knew we were gonna create something awesome. We all clicked from the beginning when we met at good ole Tinhorn Flats. Every writing session we would reward ourselves with a drink of our choice. Which all of our drinks combined makes up the Black and being from the South I love my Whisky. The Union to me is what means the most. We all have so much respect and love for each other. We are a little family.

BLS: From instrumental phrasing to vocal delivery, your music holds a lot of Jazz elements, how does this speak to your influences as both a band and as individual musicians?


Jim: For me it's Steely Dan... They have always spoken directly to my soul. So I typically incorporate major and minor 7th's on just about every song I write. I think blending jazz chords over rock progressions and grooves helps to separate us as a band from the normal.

Michael: For me I would not consider myself a jazz drummer/player. I’m more of groove orientated rock drummer but I feel this blends well with the other styles in the band to help create our unique sound and I’ve also always been a fan of major and minor 7th’s in songs.

Brit: A lot of my inspiration comes from country and old rock music. It is what I grew up listening to. Coming up with the vocal lines for me is so much fun. I love creating something people can groove to and sing along with.

BLS: For music, LA is a complex environment being one of the main hubs of the industry. As a band what are some of the benefits of being located in LA?


Jim: The industry is down the street and lots of amazing musicians! 

Michael :Having the opportunity to have the industry here, meet people and get your music heard. You never know who you’ll run into, where they work, and how they can potentially help with getting your music heard.


Brit: There are so many benefits. We all moved here to follow our passion. I love that this town is so full of opportunity. I dreamed of getting the chance to play at some of the places I am getting to play now.


BLS: On the flip side, LA has also become known as a crowded Mecca of struggling bands and Musicians. What are some of the obstacles you face in such a saturated market?

Jim: Well.. I never think of this as a competition... We just do what we do, and if people like it... So be it.


Michael: No matter where you are major city wise there’s obviously competition. For us we really try to concentrate on good song writing, lyrics and melody. You’d be surprised how many bands don’t focus on that down here. I feel we pride ourselves on these things and helps set us apart.

Brit: In this industry you have to have tough skin. You have to believe in yourself and keep on going. 

BLS:  You’ve been sticking close to home, are there any plans in the works for more extensive touring?

Brit: We would love to. We have not had the opportunity as of yet but I have a really good feeling that is about to change.

BLS: Brit, you’ve had some great success in acting. Which came first the music or the acting?

Brit: The Music has always come first. I begged my parents for a piano at age 5 and started singing at age 8. I always loved performing though. Something about being on that stage. I didn’t get the acting bug till I was a little older and came out to LA for the first time. 


BLS: You all have individual efforts outside the band. With your busy schedules how do find time to put the work into your music? Is it hard at time to balance both?


Jim: Nights and weekends... You squeeze every ounce out of everyday.

Michael
: You find the time whenever you can. Whether it’s song writing or rehearsing. We love playing together as well so we make the time for it.


Brit: I consider music a full time job as well. It is where my heart is and I want to make a career out of it. Any time I have to dedicate to the band and music I do it. 

BLS:  As a band you have released 2 EPs in a 3 part series. Why did you choose to release your music in this format versus a long play album? When can we expect Part 3?


Jim: Well having EPs released over time meant that we could concentrate on just those 3 songs... And the audience gets us in small doses. Breaking it up into 3 parts just seemed to make the most sense. Expect part 3 in Jan... Followed by the entire collection on CD with bonus songs. 

Brit: We wanted to do something different. Not a lot of bands release their EP’s out this way. We thought it would be fun for our fans and also a great way for us to concentrate on only a couple at a time. 

BLS: From your show posters to your website, there seems to be a lot of emphasis the design of your band. Is this a conscious effort? If so why is this important to you as a band?

Jim: I think there are so many bands who don't put the effort into the details... But to create posters that look as big as signed bands... To create band ass imagery. It just all seems to fit what we are all about... The whole package.

Michael: I agree with Jim and I also feel the posters are something not only for image but also nice to look back at and see all the places you played around town.

Brit: I think it is important to have to have an image for the band. Through our posters and designs it is a way of expressing ourselves and showing who we are.

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

Jim: Jellyfish, Dan Reed Network, Tommy Spase, Hayley Gaftarnick, King Washington.

Michael: The Shore, Doves, The Joy Formidable, Remy Zero, Dan Reed Network as well -

Brit
: The Head and The Heart, The Royal Concept. Josh Abbot Band, Ben Rector, Ryan Keen

Tuesday Double Feature: The Black Wisky Union "Little Lady London" & Celleste "Superstar (By Myself)"

This weeks Tuesday Double Feature has two videos staring strong leading ladies.

The Black Whisky Union - "Little Lady London"



The jazzy rock 'n' roll of LA based The Black Whisky Union was born out of a mutual love of music in a dive bar in Burbank. With a story like that how can you not expect something good out of this band. Set to release part 3 of their EP trilogy early in 2014, the band has great things ahead of them. To find out more check out our interview with the band.  

Celleste - "Superstar(By Myself)"



The booming powerhouse of Montreal's Celleste delivers her bluesy pop with keen attention to her musical strengths. Following up last year's Join the Infestation album Celleste has released an EP of acoustic versions of some of Infestation's more defining tunes. In addition to her own music, Celleste is also hard at work with her own record label Mighty Music. Hopefully with the new year she'll be able to find time for touring.  

Cure for the Mondays: Klischée - "Sometimes"

Klischée - "Sometimes"

Just a little something to get you out of your Turkey Weekend stupor.



If the groovy Electro Swing of Switzerland's Klischée doesn't have you nodding your head it might be more than L-tryptophan that's got a hold of you. Set to release their latest album in early February the band has provided us with a little taste. Enjoy and hope that your Monday isn't too bad.

Living Room Performance: Ben Nicholes - "I'll Just Fall"

Ben Nichols (Lucero)- "I'll Just Fall"

May 25th, 2012

Robert Child's Guitars


Lead singer of the band Lucero, Ben Nichols has done it all. With the song writing ability of a southern poet, and the rock 'n' roll heart of a biker gang him and his band are making some of the best music out there. As always the boys are on the road with dates throughout the north and south-east. Touring in support of their latest release the Texas & Tennessee EP, it shouldn't bee too long until they make it back to our part of the world.

10 Questions: Lennon Bone of Ha Ha Tonka

With the release of their fourth and latest album Lessons and an extensive US tour in support, the Midwest sweethearts Ha Ha Tonka have been busy.
Thankfully drummer Lennon Bone was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to tell us about the new album and answer our questions.
When your done with reading the interview check out the our review of the new record.

BLS: You have recently released your fourth studio album Lessons. How has the band changed artistically over the last few albums and how did it affect the songs on this record?

LB: I think more than anything, we've just done this for enough years that we seemed to finally find our footing when it came to putting all of the pieces together. Huge nods have to be given to the producers, Dan Molad and The Ryantist, as well. When we went to the two of them, we knew we wanted to make a record that felt fully produced, and just wanted to try new things in the studio, so that's what we did. I think all of the effort we've put into the last 3 albums allowed us the chance to just do what we know how to do, and let the producers help shape the songs in new ways. It was an absolute blast seeing it all come together.

BLS: With and album titled Lessons; what lessons did you learn with this album and were there any pitfalls you were able to avoid this time around?

LB: I'm not sure what we've learned, lesson wise, with this album. Most of the lessons were from all of our previous experiences. There's so much that goes into releasing an album, much more than just recording. So, we're still bound to learn a few things as this one gains more momentum. As far as pitfalls, I guess we were able to avoid any major disagreements with each other on this record. It all just came together really easily.

BLS: What do you enjoy the most about the new album?

LB: The sonic structure of it. There's so much detail put into tones and phrasing. I love that from song to song, each has its own aural personality, beyond just chords and rhythms. Bass tones are different, different drums, guitars and vocal effects. It really feels like we've graduated to a new place.

BLS: Lessons, is the latest album released on your long time label Bloodshot Records. What is it about this Chicago indi-label that has encouraged your long-term relationship with them?

LB: Well, for one, we signed a contract. Ha. And two, they keep us boozed up when we see them. Very important factors. In all seriousness, they're really making some hard moves for this record to get out there, and we're super grateful for that. Good people, them bloodshot folks.

BLS: There is always talk of the regional aspect of music (like Southern Rock). Do you feel that there is a recognizable Midwest sound? If so, how does your band fit in to that musical pallet?

LB: I don't think there is anymore. If there was, people started ripping it off and making it their own thing, which is what we all do as musicians. I hear a lot of Kansas City bands taking the indie rock sound that's coming out of Brooklyn and making their own thing out of it, etc. There's really no regional separation between sounds anymore, since everything is at everyone's fingertips all the time. And to me, that's great. Music is just music, and it feels like we're seeing genres start to bleed together more than ever.

BLS: In your opinion, what are some pivotal Midwest bands that have influenced, or helped define your band’s sound?

LB: I'm not sure who helped define our sound in the Midwest. There are many bands that have helped us along the way, like Big Smith, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Murder by Death, just to name a select few. It's tough to narrow down or distinguish who exactly is responsible for helping define our sound, as I'm sure we've pulled from a ton of influences individually as well as collectively.

BLS: As an independent band the key is always getting your name out there and your music heard. You’ve worked with companies like Marlboro and recently were interviewed for Elle. Have you found that these unique outlets have provided you with avenues for new audiences?

LB: Oh, I'm sure they have! The weird thing about the industry now is that it's really tough to tell exactly where people are hearing you. We feel very fortunate to have worked with some of these people and companies, but we also just do as much as we can and hope that all the content helps expand the options for people to find us. It's very rare that we turn down any type of press opportunity.

BLS: Having taken your band’s moniker from the State Park of the same name, what is it about this Missouri location that’s garnered such honors? Does the band have a favorite part of the park they like visiting?

LB: We initially decided on the name for a couple of reasons. 1. It wasn't taken. Very important these days. 2. It was unique, and a part of the Ozarks. We've always been very proud of where we're from, and we love having the opportunity to pair ourselves with it in a way that we can talk about it when we talk about ourselves.
We all love visiting the castle there, although there are many beautiful areas of the park. If you're in the area, you should definitely check it out.

BLS: You’re touring in support of the new album. Do you have any good stories from the road?

LB: Nothing too crazy from this tour so far.... but we're pretty early on in the album cycle. If you could check back in a few weeks, I'm sure there would be a few. Or at least some that we'd have to keep off the record. Ha.

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

LB:

Luke Temple

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Lucius

The Spring Standards

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