Tag Archives: acoustic

PHOTOS: Delbert McClinton at the Musikfest Cafe (RiverJazz)

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On Wednesday night, we were back at the Musikfest Cafe on the third floor of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. This time, it was to experience RiverJazz through the sounds of multi-time Grammy winner and six-decade music veteran, Delbert McClinton.

McClinton, who was supported by an outstanding opening set from singer-songwriter Brian Dunne, took the stage with his band to play their patented uplifting blues rock in front of a packed house.

QSLehighValley: May 12, 2016

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The Quinn Spinn’s weekly local showcase is back, sponsored by The Valley Ledger. We think you’ll be happy with the tunes we have lined up for you this week. Plus, we briefly recap the great experience of covering Allentown JazzFest.

Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
Roi & the Secret People – Little Bit Closer
Acoustic Kitty Project – ‘Shine
Alex Radus – Soldier of the Devil
Michael Meade – I Don’t Mind
Rofo Audio – Maisie
Mo7s – State of Mind
The Band of Rivals – Dust to Dust
Alpha Zero Three – Pearls
JingerKroa – Coward
Go Evolution – Earth to Bob
Marc Ambrosia – Take Good Care of Me

The Quinn Spinn: May 9, 2016

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After taking the week off for the magic of Allentown JazzFest, The Quinn Spinn returns with an all-new episode featuring (mostly) new tunes, as well as some favorites from Good Friends of the Show who are doing big things.

Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
SeepeopleS – Shangri La La
Searching for Donkeys – She’s the Scene
Piqued Jacks – Only a Bridge
Roi & the Secret People – Burnout
The Band of Rivals – Face of Narcissus
Ayoinmotion – Yemoja
REVEL 9 – Awake
Grunge Norris and the Slackers – Shutdown
The House of Haunt – Friday Night Creature Feature
Red Zephyr – Glory Be
Fluffer – Fight All Night

QSLehighValley: Apr. 28, 2016

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Before the show takes a week off to cover Allentown JazzFest, QSLehighValley, brought to you by The Valley Ledger, showcases more of the great artists populating eastern Pennsylvania and the surrounding area.

Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
Alpha Zero Three – Waiting on Myself
Rofo Audio – Blame
Mo7s – Gift Horse
Roi & the Secret People – Phoenix
Alex Radus – We Can’t Play Like Django
The Wayside Shakeup – Love is Temporary
Meghan Cary – Wind
Wet Dentist – In Order to Ascend
Duke Maroon – Heart Attack
This Way to the Egress – Devil’s Breath
Something Like a Monument – Auditory Seizure

Review: Alex Radus – Jewels & Tinware

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Artist: Alex Radus
Album: Jewels & Tinware (LISTEN)
Released: 2014
Genre: Variable

Alex Radus is a versatile artist, capable of writing and playing across styles that range from modern jazz-pop to old-time country folksongs. He does this on his latest album, “Jewels & Tinware,” with an obvious knowledge of and respect for the history of modern music.

Most of “Jewels and Tinware” relies on expert guitar work to set the mood for each song. It is perhaps at is best and most beautifully intricate on “We Can’t Play Like Django,” an ode to the guitar superpowers of Django Rinehardt that features the stylings of featured artist Dave Cahill. Alex is no slouch, either – album closer “Disorganized Religion” is a fast-paced acoustic joyride that couples the artist’s smooth, multi-genre vocal punch with modern country rhythms.

Alex’s blues and jazz sensibilities are clear on “Jewels & Tinware,” with funky album opener “Genius” showcasing his vocal abilities right off the bat. A bit later on “Someday,” Alex slows things down while keeping things super-smooth in this romantic ode to anticipation.

Alex expands his horizons on “Jewels & Tinware,” and the chances he takes pay off. One example as the tastefully-done “Shoveling Stone,” an old-time country folksong right down to its lo-fi production, minimalist instrumentation and vocal harmonies. Also intriguing is the captivating story behind “Soldier of the Devil,” a rugged folk-country song that tells the tale of a World War II soldier who can’t turn back from his deeds.

If you appreciate versatility and a taste of history with your music, you’ll appreciate Alex Radus’ “Jewels & Tinware.” You’d be hard-pressed to argue that the album doesn’t contain a little something for everyone.

Track listing

  • Genius
  • We Can’t Play Like Django
  • I Haven’t Missed You
  • My Funny Valentine
  • Someday
  • Baptism Sketches
  • Never Get Lonely
  • I’m a Pistol
  • Soldier of the Devil
  • Law of Lonesome Hearts
  • Shoveling Stone
  • Disorganized Religion

The Quinn Spinn: Apr. 25, 2016

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This week’s episode of The Quinn Spinn features new and interesting music for your Monday. All but three artists heard on this episode are brand new to Quinn Spinn programming, and none of these songs — aside from the obvious — have been played on one of our shows before.

Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
Crying Steel – Steel Defender
Norse Super Band – Seven Knots
Angels or Insects – War Machine
21 Grams – Phoenix
Cold Snap – Carnival
Mayfly – Infidel Castro
Wet Dentist – Community Piano
Alpha Zero Three – My Signal
Piqued Jacks – Reign of Clouds
The Howling Tongues – Vivian
Project Octane – Funktown Groovin’

QSLehighValley: Apr. 21, 2016

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Bryan Tuk is the founder of Allentown JazzFest, and the CEO and Executive Director of Performing Arts Live!, Inc. Bryan joins us today on QSLehighValley, sponsored by The Valley Ledger, to talk about all things JazzFest — including this year’s performers, new elements added to the mix, and how you can support the cause.

Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
JingerKroa – Echo
Duke Maroon – King Shit
Alex Radus – Someday
Avi Wisnia – Sky Blue Sky
Rofo Audio – Tell Me Something
D.S. Bradford – Elemental Evolution
Julius – Sitting on a Ledge

Review: JD & the Straight Shot at Sands Bethlehem Event Center

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On Friday night, Jewel’s Bethlehem stop on her “Picking Up the Pieces” tour was kicked off by JD & the Straight Shot, who are on the road with the Alaska native in support of their new album, “Ballyhoo.”

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JD & the Straight Shot’s Jim Dolan welcomed thousands to Sands Bethlehem Event Center on Friday night.

The six-piece Americana band came to Sands Bethlehem Event Center to perform a 45-minute, all-acoustic set of selections mostly off of the new album. Frontman Jim Dolan was particularly welcoming with a confident, calm charisma in front of a near-sellout crowd. As a whole, the band was in sync for the entirety of its set, marked by crisp vocal harmonies and well-balanced, skillful instrumentation.

Highlights included the new album’s title track, whose instrumental buildup – marked by Erin Slaver’s epic fiddle work – translated well live and left the audience in awe. Also, the jazz rhythms and duet-style harmonies of “Better Find a Church” carried well through the venue and showcased Dolan and Slaver’s onstage chemistry. Staying on vocals, the band’s soaring four-part harmony on “Nature’s Way” provided another magical moment, especially for the trained ears in the audience.

JD & the Straight Shot heads with Jewel to Atlantic City tonight, before heading back north to Boston to round out the weekend. We wish them well in their travels, and hope they’ll visit the Lehigh Valley again soon!

Setlist:
Empty
Violet’s Song
Glide
Perdition
Nature’s Way
Don’t Waste My Time
Better Find a Church
Ballyhoo
Let it Roll (Little Feat cover)

PHOTOS: Easton Rocks! Fundraiser at the State Theatre

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Carter Lansing, Blue Jean, Alex Radus and Roi & the Secret People packed the house and brought it down during the Easton Rocks! fundraiser at the State Theatre.

You’ve already had a chance to get our take on last night’s incredible evening, presented by DustinSchoof.com. Now, take a look at this great night through Lehigh Valley Underground’s lens.

Bonus Video: Mo7s Performs at The Originals Music Series

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On such an enjoyable night of live music from two of eastern Pennsylvania’s strongest indie duos, we felt it appropriate to capture the essence of what made it great.

Observe, then, our friends Mo7s performing “So Important,” which can be found on the band’s new release, “Gift Horse.” We think you’ll agree that Amy and Dave are as talented as they come.

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