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Pearl Jam: proper rock in Detroit city
“It’s evolution baby,” Vedder proclaimed after a cheeky joke that left the audience roaring for more. It was a dick joke, and it was appropriate. Because, while the band has evolved, they’ve remained relevant, they’ve remained rock and roll. And it’s that ever-present air of charisma that keeps them packing arenas.
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Paolo Nutini: life as soulful fodder
In reading past interviews, the thing that intrigued me most about Paolo Nutini was his mention of the item he cherished most, a wooden rocking horse handmade for him by his grandfather. My intention was to learn to whittle, fashion a miniature wooden horse, and hand it to the young powerhouse-of-tune after watching
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Gary Clark Jr.: passionately demure
Gary Clark Jr. stays hidden in the deep red shadows like Dr. Frankenstein’s beautiful monster. Dark grays and husky purples illuminate his silhouette only slightly. His face is turned to the side in musical meditation and humility, his eyes never quite finding the audience. A smooth, buttery falsetto rings through the crowd,
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Amos Lee: our favorite folk soul brother
A schoolyard nearby is out to recess. The yelps and screams of adolescence drift over walls and echo in the ivy-laced courtyard. Voices and a language I’m not acclimated to just yet. All the same, these sounds are those of vibrance. Not a care in the world. Youth and its attributes. Something we, as adults, […]
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Moonface: in the pale light of day
It was nearly sleet. Driving water fell sideways and the wind, it howled. Something felt off about that night, hazy recollections ensued. Within confines, warmth was granted. The Chopin Theatre allowed a retreat. As we sat in the very first seats we came upon we found we were stage center, steps away from the mahogany […]
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Nicole Wray: vivacious lady in wait
Funkadelic soul sister, Nicole Wray, is blending classic jukebox blues, hip-hop, and contemporary soul to create an ethereal, multi-genre, sound that packs quite the wallop. Her guttural and gritty vocals soar high and bite low. She’s celebrating the new vibe as she tours worldwide in support of her most recent self-titled
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Lucius: twice bitten, never quite shy
Without any amount of surprise I’ve discovered that the pop genre is one of my favorites. It’s much more complex than the bubblegum junk that’s mass produced and force fed to the public. Lucius is a prime example. Their songs possess a toe-tapping, harmonious zest, atop a mouthwatering indie-pop hook. Prior to their set
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Amon Tobin: diverging on a whim
Epilepsy was dancing. It was dancing all around me that night. Pleasure in my chest and sweat glistening on my brow. They were all standing too close, I wasn’t on drugs. The music moved me in a way a temperamental lover would. One instant I loathed the insanity of it all but just as I […]
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ZZ Ward: unequivocally captivating
ZZ Ward is the woman that makes a white t-shirt look fierce. Her voice, smooth and sultry as evening bourbon, leaves you with an insatiable craving for more. Effortless, lyrical, and delicious, ZZ Ward delivers. Plain and simple. She has created a collection of songs that satisfy from start to finish. Till the Casket Drops is the […]