Love and Music

Music is a generous suitor.  There’s always something new and interesting to catch your ear.  The concept of falling in love is a fair parallel for finding new music that moves you.  “Love” can mean so many things of course.  You can fall madly in love someone, or love them like a brother or sister; or love them in a new age/agape sense that many claim but few understand.  Our attractions to music can be very similar in their disparate sensibilities and styles.  Sometimes you need something to rock you; others you need something to soothe you.  Sometimes you just want to think or feel; and sometimes you want none of these.  The common element is that you find something that touches you on one level or another.  It might be a tryst, or it might become a lifelong love; but music rarely leaves you unscathed.

Just like any relationship, the connection between artist and fan must be maintained.  The artist keeps up their side through new material, but also through their social and personal connections with their fan base.  Some relationships start strong and fade over time; some start slow but grow over time.  I am perhaps talking in circles here, but these concepts apply to two albums I want to talk about today.

The first is from The Grace Stumberg Band, a Buffalo-based act fronted by the indomitable Grace Stumberg.  Stumberg is a diminutive singer with a huge voice, in the vein of Grace Potter.  Over her first two albums, 2011’s To Whom It May Concern, and 2012’s Affect, Stumberg has shown off a powerful voice and a strong songwriting sensibility.  She has an ability to light up a room with that voice.  I was understandable excited upon hearing that Stumberg would be releasing a live album in 2015.  Live At The Studio Café (Popadelic Records) is a fair representation of Stumberg’s live set a fact that is both encouraging and disappointing at times.  The album is encouraging because it gives an accurate representation of her impressive sound, and the material here is among her best.  At the same time, the energy level on the album perhaps leaves something to be desired.  Stumberg is very much engaged with her audience, and the band backs her 100%, but the album doesn’t do her live presence justice. 

At the same time, another Buffalo-based band, Bryan Johnson and Family is coming into their own.  The band released a self-titled demo back in 2011 to positive reviews.  The songwriting showed promise and the sound was dynamic, but the production wasn’t quite where the band wanted it to be.  Bryan Johnson and Family return in 2015 with Cool Your Jets (Admirable Trait Records), a delicious five song EP full of a rock and roll ethic and a wonderfully danceable sound.  The sound is much more polished this time around, and Johnson’s lead vocals and guitar work lead a tight and dynamic quartet with serious chops.  There’s a garage/surf/rock ethic here that’s primitive in nature, but this is overlaid with a polished musical veneer that is impossible to ignore.  Highlights include the title track, “Cerulean Eyes” and “Dead Fox”.  

Both bands are great representatives of the Buffalo original music scene, and both have the potential to rise above it.  Stumberg’s sound might be a little too comfortable to break big, but the talent is there.  Bryan Johnson and Family are still honing and developing their sound, but the pop sensibility and DIY/alternative sound they are cultivating speak of big things down the road.

Stumberg’s Live at the Studio Café is a solid 3 stars out of 5.  You can learn more about Stumberg at www.gracestumberg.com. In the mean time, check out this live rendition of "Root Beer Fairy".

Bryan Johnson and Family’s Cool Your Jets clocks in at 3.5 stars out of 5, but it has some definite 4 star moments.  Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/bjandfam.  

For now, here's a little live footage to wet your whistle.

Transitions, New Places and Garden Songs

Hello!

I haven’t seen you around here in a while.  In truth, there hasn’t been much going on of late.  Have a seat.  The table’s a bit dusty, but we’re cleaning up.

I started this blog seven years ago almost on a lark.  I was deeply involved in music from a young age, as a singer and performer; and as a fan.  This blog at first was a means to expand my exposure to music while giving back to the musicians who made it.  It became something of a mission and a joy; and then a burden.  At one time I was publishing up to three reviews in a day, and spending literally all of my free time doing so.  I built Wildy’s World up to the point where 500 visitors were passing through each day.  I was proud of that, but there was a price.  After a while it became something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do.  Then it became something I resented but still loved to do.

The culmination of all of this came in the last year.  In October I lost my mom after a brief illness.  It was a difficult process that involved making the sort of decisions that no one ever wants to have to make.  It threw me for a loop, and the desire to write about, or even listen to new music, came to a shattering halt.  That wasn’t the only effect, of course, but it’s the one that’s most relevant to this space.

So for a time, music became a burden.  I continued to communicate with musicians and accept submissions, all with the best of intentions.  But when it came time to write, I just couldn’t do it.  It wasn’t fun; the words just wouldn’t come.

Today I turn the page, and as I do the view changes.  I will continue to write my thoughts about music, but the formulaic reviews are mostly a thing of the past.  This space will truly be Wildy’s World from now.  In it I will talk about the world; whatever’s on my mind, really.  That will include music, including great new music from Indie artists.  I will continue to take submissions and spread the word about things that interest me.  I don’t promise to be here every single day, but if you’re interested, this is a place you can come regularly and find something new. 

Today is the first day of my 45^th year.  I suspect it will be an adventure.  Please feel free to join me.

In celebrating transition and change, I’d like to tell you a bit about Ron Hawkins.  As regular readers here will know I think Hawkins is the proverbial bee’s knees.  He’s somewhere between the Canadian version of Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.  His lyrical talent is prodigiously sublime; sometimes deep and occasionally profane but always entertaining.  Hawkins began his career as the co-lead of rockers Lowest of the Low.  It was a good start, as the band was inducted into the Canadian Indie Rock hall of fame.  The band has broken up or gone on hiatus several times, and Hawkins has always managed to remake himself, whether as a solo artist or with bands such as The Leisure Demons and The Rusty Nails, Hawkins has left an indelible mark on the Canadian Indie Music scene.

The most recent iteration of Hawkins’ muse comes in the form of The Do Good Assassins, a quintet consisting of Hawkins (vocals/guitar); Jesse Capon (drums); Alex McMaster (cello/keys/trumpet); Derrick Brady (bass); and Steve Singh (guitar).  Their latest effort is entitled Garden Songs, a collection of ten of Hawkins more thoughtful songs written over the years.  The album was recorded over the course of one week, and highlights Hawkins’ brilliance as a songwriter and lyricist.  It also shows off The Do Good Assassins’ ability to bring those songs to life.  Longtime fans of Hawkins will be familiar with tracks such as “Peace And Quiet”, “Small Victories”, “D.F.W.” , “Propellers” and “Rome”.  There are also some hidden gems here.  “Kingdom Of The Sun” is memorable, and “Saskia Begins”, an ode to a newborn child, is among Hawkins’ best songwriting. The recasting of “D.F.W.” and “Small Victories” particular stand out here, and listeners newly introduced to Hawkins will be stunned by what they hear.  Garden Songs is a must have album.  I’ll give it 5 stars, without reservation.

Learn more about Ron Hawkins at www.ronhawkins.com.  You can pick up the album from Ron’s online store at www.victimlesscapitalism.com.  Please be patient, because the initial demand for the album caused the first run to sell out.  They’ll have more soon! To hold you over, and pique your interest, check out this live performance of "Peace and Quiet", the lead single from Garden Songs.

Our discussion of The Do Good Assassins fit in with the reintroduction of the blog today. They also kick off a week (or so) of discussion of bands related to my adopted hometown of Buffalo, NY.  While The Do Good Assassins call Toronto home, the band (as well Hawkins over the years) have spent a lot of time haunting the clubs and stages of Buffalo over the years.  As a result they get honorary status.  In the coming days we'll also be talking about Buffalo native Jeneen Terrana, and current Buffalo bands Dirty Smile, Grace Stumberg and Bryan Johnson And Family.  After that we'll move on to new or recent releases by Rachael Sage, Seth Glier, Laura Joy and others.

Until next time.

Bryan Johnson - Fun-a-day Ukulele Covers

I had the pleasure of reviewing an EP from Buffalo-based rockers Bryan Johnson and Family back in 2011.  Their self-titled EP was small-budget and rough around the edges, but showed great potential from a band that was still in the process of figuring out who they were. A year or so later I caught them live at a charity event, and was very impressed with the apparent growth of the band.  Bryan Johnson and Family are currently working on a new EP which should be out sometime in 2014. 

In the mean time, Bryan Johnson has embarked on an ambitious and fun project.  Throughout the month of February he is trying to release one cover song per day on Ukulele as part of the Buffalo Fun-A-Day project.  The process of learning one new cover per day on Ukulele is difficult enough, but getting to a point where you're willing to put it out on YouTube takes some serious work.

Johnson is a talented artist, and Bryan Johnson and Family is just one example of the many great bands in the Buffalo music scene.  Check out the cover of Katy Perry's "Roar"! Links to other videos in the series are below!




Check out these covers from the Fun-A-Day series.

Daft Punk - Get Lucky

Lorde - Royals

Ke$ha - Die Young

Capital Cities - Safe and Sound

Justin Bieber - As Long As You Love Me

Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven

And be sure to check out Bryan Johnson and Family on:

Bandcamp

Facebook

Geneva NY Relay For Life - Free Concert Event July 28-29, 2012

Hey New York!  This July 28th and 29th there is an amazing musical event coming your way!  Geneva, NY will be hosting it's own Relay for Life event on those days, and Wildy's World, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society is presenting a free concert event in conjunction with the Relay that is not to be believed!  Check out the lineup!

Saturday July 28th, 2012
4:00 PM   - Bryan Johnson and Family

5:00 PM   - Atomic Solace

5:30 PM   - Christie Lenee

7:00 PM   - The Devyl Nellys

8:00 PM   - Jessie Kilguss & Radio Gold

9:00 PM   - Jennings

10:00 PM - HEADLINER - Rachael Sage

11:00 PM - Jeneen Terrana

Sunday July 29th, 2012
12:00 AM - All Star Jam

The jam will include several of the artists listed above, as well as one or two special guests.

All sets on Saturday are free and open to the public.  Individuals who want to stay on the grounds after midnight must be registered for the Relay for Life.  Special registration bracelets will be available on site for those who have not pre-registered.

All of the artists above are generously donating their time and talents to this year's Relay for Life.  As such, there is no charge, but donations to the American Cancer Society will be gladly accepted.  Additionally, attendees will be able to purchase tickets to vote for their favorite artist of the night.  The artist with most votes will receive a special award!

For more information on the Geneva Relay for Life, please check out the event website!  If you have specific questions about the musical acts, or would like to come and participate in the jam, please contact me at wildysworld@gmail.com, or via http://www.facebook.com/wildysworld. 

All press inquiries can be sent to Laurena Marrone of Grit PR, who has graciously donated her services to promoting the event!

And of course, if you'd like to donate to the Relay For Life as a sponsor for my team, the Cave Crashers, you can click on Wildy's personal page an select the 'donate on my behalf' button.  Any amount great or small helps us build toward a world with more birthdays!

Bryan Johnson And Family - Brian Johnson And Family

Bryan Johnson And Family - Bryan Johnson And Family
2011, Bryan Johnson And Family

There’s a lot to be said for complex creations in rock and roll.  The intellectual crossroads of music theory, the raw energy of rock and roll, and the hubris to take an art form known for simple, recursive structure is an intriguing playground that can be wonderfully refreshing or disastrously awful.  Then again, there’s also a time to just let loose and have fun with the music.  That’s what Buffalo, New York-based Bryan Johnson And Family does best.  Their latest EP, The self-produced and self-released Bryan Johnson And Family, brings listeners back to the early days of rock and roll, when the biggest problems were simple heartache, and what to wear to the party this weekend.

Bryan Johnson And Family opens with "Beaches", a catchy little rocker that will have your toes tapping and a smile on your face. Ironically, "Beaches" is a forlorn love song in pure 1950's rock tradition. The Lo-Fi recording style has a period-feel that works well, although the vocal discipline in both the lead and the backing vocals is questionable, with pitch issues popping up throughout the song. "Cool Your Jets" gets stuck in the monochromatic melody of the choruses, but resolves well in the chorus. The song is catchy enough, but the chorus does wear a bit. "Deck Party" is a solid filler track, set firmly in the roots of 1950's rock. Bryan Johnson And Family overuses the catchy hook that is the basis of the song, but in a style consistent with pop songs of the era. "Doesn't Matter" has a wonderfully catchy chorus - radio worthy in almost any era of rock n roll. The recording quality/production here leaves a bit to be desired, but this has the potential to be a real hit. "Get Over" is a wonderfully is also virulent in nature. In spite of the sonic imperfections, Bryan Johnson And Family draws you in, and you're having fun before you know it. "Not Having Fun" is a solid, brief number about relationships and friends and the poor mixes they sometimes make. The song seems a bit out of place here, and is something of a discordant close to an otherwise consistent and enjoyable experience.

Bryan Johnson And Family brings a certain stripped-down charm to their self-titled EP, surfing the sounds and styles of 1950's rock and roll with a subtly modern edge. The songwriting is solid throughout, and even the sometimes questionable pitch in the vocals doesn't seem out of character with the period sound. Bryan Johnson And Family does suffer somewhat from low-end production values, a choice both artistic and necessity-driven from being an indie band with a very small budget, but the heart of rock and roll beats clearly in this deliciously rough hewn bit of ear candy.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Bryan Johnson And Family at www.myspace.com/wbwt or on Facebook.   You can get a digital copy of Bryan Johnson And Family!  Just message the band through Facebook for details!