Now that Allentown JazzFest has once again come and gone, we find ourselves at the beginning of a week that features many reasons to celebrate.
Celebrate with us, if you would, by attending any number of these…
We believe that every week is “Super” here on the Valley’s music scene, and this one is no exception.
If you’re like most of the country, you probably won’t be venturing too far out on Sunday. Before then, however, there’s plenty of quality entertainment in your backyard. For example, here are the…
The Quinn Spinn begins its 2017 a week early — and, when you have a guest like local legend Steve Brosky, it isn’t hard to imagine why! Steve joined us to talk music, the scene, and play a couple tracks from his new album, “Still,” live and in-studio!
After enjoying some great acoustic tunes and the glorious smells of craft beer and artisan pizza (that I swear I’ll treat myself to, one of these months) at Scratch, it was time to head to Catasauqua’s Unicorn Theatre. That’s where Shawn Cav Ensemble was beginning their crowdfunding performance in support of their upcoming second album.
Whenever Copper Fields and Mo7s are involved, you know you’re in for a night of high quality performances. That was no different last night at The Originals Music Series, where each band played an hour and 20 minute set inside Chicago Restaurant’s Club Gravity.
Artist: Jon Smith’s Voyages
Album: Indeed (LISTEN)
Released: Nov. 2, 2016
Genre: Pop Rock
At first, you may think – from the full sound and intricate, plentiful instrumentation of “Indeed” – that Jon Smith’s Voyages is comprised of a small orchestra. No one man could produce the variety of sounds from the number of instruments (19, including vocals) featured here.
We’re here to tell you how wrong you are.
Artist: The Dark Matter Trio
Album: The Puzzle With No Pieces (LISTEN)
Released: September 2015
Genre: Fusion
It’s hard to nail The Dark Matter Trio down to a particular genre. The improvisation and rhythm of jazz is ever-present on the Harrisburg-based instrumental outfit’s latest release, “The Puzzle with No Pieces,” but there are heavy progressive rock and jam influences also at play.
Perhaps it is this unexpected, yet seamless meshing of styles that makes “The Puzzle with No Pieces” so interesting. You never quite know where the record is going, causing you to keep your ears tuned in and your mind at work. The band often visits several different ideas as movements in a single song. Take the triple-named Brenda Lea/Myrtle Likes to Swing/All Hallows Eve for example, which starts as an acoustic rocker with a bass and guitar double melody before heading into a folk/bluegrass movement.
Another example of the band’s versatility is the nine-minute closing title track. This jazz-inspired tune progresses gradually into a headbanging rock outro to conclude the listening journey.
In the end, The Dark Matter Trio has chosen an appropriate name for “The Puzzle with No Pieces.” Each of these ten tracks takes on a different shape in the form of varying soundscapes. Yet, it is these individual parts that comprise a complete work of art.
Track listing:
7 4 2
Sketchbook of a Melancholy Fisherman
Not About Time
Funny Little Bird
Chronologiscope
Big Red Truck
Brenda Lea / Myrtle Likes to Swing / All Hallows Eve
Slow Motion Fight Scene
Imaginautical
The Puzzle With No Pieces