Michael Franti

A trip to war torn country is not always the best idea for peace-loving musicians. Nor is going without a military escort. But Michael Franti and Spearhead is not your normal band.

In 2004, sick of the state of the world and unconvinced that sensationalized news headlines and everyday filtered corporate news machine was giving them an honest view of what was actually going on in the middle east, the California based raegae/hip-hop group went on a fact finding trip.

Visiting Palestine, Israel and Iraq with a film crew and an open mind, Franti and crew went to talk to the people of these war ravaged territiories to get the story from the horse's mouth. This wasn't a celebrity ego-trip with CNN in tow getting some good PR footage. This was an unheralded quest to find the truth for those without the means to find it themselves.

What was to come was an award winning Documentary "I Know I'm Not Alone" followed by a book by the same name and a groundbreaking album "Yell Fire." It is political commentary infused with a great beat. If you listened to the music without the lyrics, it would sound like one of the best albums from an emerging force in the live music scene. With the lyrics and the story behind the music, it is as important an album as you will find in the last ten years.

Franti will be coming to New York on June 3rd as part of the annual Mountain Jam at Hunter mountain. Also on the ticket are site favorites Tea Leaf Green, Gov't Mule and Phil Lesh.

Listen to:

Yell Fire
Bomb The World
East To The West
Sweet Little Lies

Grace Potter Hits the Street

The sun finally shined on New York City, and just in time. This weekend was Earth Day weekend. To celebrate and mark the occasion founder of Wetlands and Editor of Relix magazine, Peter Shapiro, and a large team of staff and volunteers brought us the second annual Green Apple Music and Arts Festival. This year it included over 200 music events in San Fransisco, Chicago and here in New York.


On Friday and Saturday, outside of Grand Central Station, at the earth fair, there was a free music stage (shouldn't all music be free). Acts like Assembly of Dust and Gandalf Murphy played over the weekend, but it was Grace Potter and the Nocturnals that brought the streets alive late Friday afternoon.

I have seen Grace about a half dozen times now and she never disappoints. Young, soulful talented and very beautiful, the Vermont native just knows how to sing. Calling her a cross between Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt would go a long way in describing her style but would do absolutely nothing to describe what kind of performer she is.

The stage was set up on Vanderbilt avenue, just outside the train terminal. The crowd of about 200 or so gathered to see the bands were suddenly overtaken by a fast growing wave of onlookers. As person after person coming from work on their way to their daily commute passed by, they were drawn to the stage one by one. And really, how could they not. As she belted out, crooned and lilted each tune, she gained dozens of adoring fans with every note. By shows end, the crowd had tripled in size.

Grace is the draw of the band as she can move gracefully (no pun intended) from organ to piano to guitar with noticeable ability on each. However, she is not exactly alone on the stage, as The Nocturnals are more than just a backdrop for the lady in the middle.

On drums is Matthew Burr, on bass is Brian Dondero and on lead guitar and the occasional harmonica is Scott Tournet. Tournet is a big draw by himself and has evolved into a force as a blues guitarist. Watching him and Grace duel on guitar and organ is fun as it gets.

Grace will play again in New York twice in May. She'll be at the Mercury Lounge on May 22nd and Joe's Pub on May 23rd.

If you want to hear a little before hand i would recommend:

Nothing But The Water
Toothbrush and a Table
Mystery Train

more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/82369865@N00/sets/72157600102896417/

The New Soul, Same as the Old Soul

If you want to remember how music can make you feel...if you want to remember how your soul can guide you...if you just want to hear some damn good music, here it is.
JJ Grey and Mofro. http://www.mofro.net/home.shtml

Down home, Florida swamp, muddy-water blues-soul-gospel-funk.

This band, formerly known only as Mofro has evolved out of the muck of the "just another blues band" talent pool. There is nothing complicated about them, nothing new, nothing groundbreaking, but that's what makes them special. They have humbly embraced their roots and say "this is our music, this is where we come from...dig it or not."

In a rare interview/press conference backstage during last year's Wakarusa Music Festival, JJ Grey eloquently described his feeling about his music and the diversity of the live music scene:

“I don’t know much about genre. I don’t know about all that. I do know a little about people…being one and all. I think we’re all individuals, and I like it all.”

Coming off the successful release of their latest album, Country Ghetto, Mofro will once again run the gamut of the summer music festivals. Check them out while the weather is hot.

Top 5 Recommended Listening:

The Sun is Shining Down
Air
A Woman
Santa Claus, True Love and Freedom
Lochloosa

Martin Sexton in Times Square

I went to the Nokia Theatre in Times Square on Friday to see Martin Sexton. For those out there that don't know Martin, do yourself a favor and spend some good time on his website checking out what he's about: www.martinsexton.com.

He's not just another guy with a guitar. His songwriting is inspired his style is engaging, his energy is contagious and his voice is one of a kind. Just being at a concert of his makes you feel good. Isn't that really what's it's all about?

On friday i was reminded of the first time i saw him at Irving Plaza a few years ago. I knew only a few songs by him, but found myself trying to sing along to his entire set. This time was different, i knew all his songs and still found myself wanting to sing along to his entire set. He wasn't alone with his guitar this time. He was backed up by a bass, drums, keys and a soprano saxaphone. However, even with a full band and a packed house of 2,000, the songs were still as intimate and enjoyable as ever.

Martin has been around for longer than a decade, but is starting to make some noise in the live music scene once again... and its about time. He has a packed tour schedule this spring. Check him out at the Green Apple Music festival in San Fransisco on 4/22 at Golden Gate Park.

Langerado-2007

Friday, 6:00 a.m NYC- 15 degrees, 95% chance of snow and sleet.

Friday, 10:00 a.m. Ft. Lauderdale- 87 degrees, no chance of snow and sleet.

You've got to love florida in the winter. What made this weekend extra special was a great weekend of music, friends and a few hours swimming in clear green southern Florida water.

There are many write-ups about this years Langerado Music Festival you can find online. I don't want to duplicate any of that. But to start this new live music blog, check out my photos of the festival:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82369865@N00/sets/72157600046125570/