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Goodman’s Good Music – Concert Picks of the Week – April 16th

Week Of: April 16-22, 2018

Feeling lifted.

Summary:

People are feeling high with some summertime weather kindly hitting us in Spring. Also, there's a pungent buzz about April 20 floating around the District. Lots of shows that night with particularly dope themes that we're making sense of below.

Top Picks:

DC Music Review Staff Must-See Shows - these are some of the shows that DCMR staff are buzzing about

April 16 and 17 - P!NK at Capital One Arena - I've only heard and seen videos of P!NK putting on a stellar, heartfelt, exciting yet intimate-even-in-a-large-venue show. Here's your chance to see her get aerodynamic as part of her 2018 Beautiful Trauma Tour.
April 17 - Ghost Light at Gypsy Sally's - This past week, DCMR's Josh Brick posted a sweet interview with Ghost Light, "a new project, a true musical collaboration on its inaugural tour, featuring outstanding talent well known to the DC area: five personalities, five perspectives, and five unique approaches towards one common sound." In the interview, the band discusses how rather than initially playing shows, these five talented musicians threw caution to the wind and played together for the first time in a recording studio to see what magic ensued, allowing them to "come to the project with fresh ears and without pre-conceived notions." Check out the full article here and then check out the band, with VA's own Threesound opening, at Gypsy Sally's on Tuesday night.
April 18 - Rick Astley at The Lincoln Theater - not rolling you here, it's for real. The one and only Rick Astley, with his distinctive voice and catchy as anything pop, is playing HERE, yes HERE in DC for you to see. Heralding from England and on his US tour which has been selling out, this will be a fun night to know the musician and man behind the legend.
April 19 - Steep Canyon Rangers at The Hamilton - The Grammy award-winning, North Carolina based sextet, the Steep Canyon Rangers, has spent nearly twenty years, "bending and shaping the bluegrass aesthetic, wedding it to elements of pop, country, folk rock, and more to create something original and all their own." Catch them on tour for their new album, Out In The Open at the ever-awesome venue, The Hamilton.
April 19 - Extra Dirty Thursday with Dirty Grass Players/Dirty Blanket/Fried Pickin' at 8x10 - Come see the sweet sweet newgrass bluegrass sounds of the Dirty Grass Players, along with New Yorker's Dirty Blanket's string-slingin' bluegrass, and Fried Pickin' who won the 2015 Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival- Battle of the Bands. Bring extra napkins because you're gonna lose your sleeves after the first couple of songs.
April 19 and 20 - Dr. Dog with Kyle Craft - April 19 at The National and April 20 at The Jefferson Theater - Dr. Dog, well, I love them. They sound both fresh and familiar to me every time I hear them. They come from Philly and describe themselves as, "part of a long tradition of D.I.Y. pop oddballs who blend unapologetic '60s pop worship with lo-fi recording techniques and an apparent disregard for current trends." They also put on a great show. Opening is Louisiana- native Kyle Craft, who I never heard of but read from his description, "...he’s not the born product of a musical family, and bands never came through town–it was only a chance trip to K-Mart that gave him his first album, a David Bowie hits compilation that helped inspire him eventually to channel his innate feral energy into songwriting and rock and roll." Also, the real deal. If you're in Richmond or Charlottesville this week, this is a best bet.
April 19 and 20 - McCoy Tyner Quartet featuring Sherman Irby at Blues Alley - Born in Philly in 1938, McCoy Tyner is a true legend. His, "blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music." Here's an opportunity to see him live, performing with his quartet at the intimate Blues Alley.
April 19, 20, and 21 - Average White Band on April 19 at at Rams Head On Stage and April 20/21 at The Birchmere - You know their songs and apparently they lay it down just like they did back in the day. The AWB is currently touring with two of their founding members and are playing their well-loved classics as you know them while also reworking some of their originals and other funk tunes into their sets. You have three changes to check them out as they hit the DMV with their groove.
April 20 and 21 - The Decemberists with Tennis - April 20 at The National and April 21 at The Anthem - After a four-year hiatus, The Decemberists are back with a bang, touring their new, rather incredible album, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World. Self-described as their, "most varied and dynamic work, both musically and emotionally," it sounds to me like a labour of love that resulted from the band taking time to live their lives and delve deep into other projects and come back somehow altered. Opening for them is minimalist pop duo, indie favs Tennis.
April 20 and 21 - Lotus with Staycation at 9:30 Club - Described as both an electronic dance and instrumental post-rock band, Lotus is unique, current, and has been playing together for long enough to know exactly who they want to be. Catch them on 4/20 (and also 4/21) with opening local favs Staycation, whose sound is "built on a foundation of dance-inducing grooves, powerful horns, gritty psychedelic rock, and topped off with infectious vocal hooks." It's a win-win, dance your tail off combo.
April 21 - Rockn' to Lockn' Finale - Infinity Downs Farm - The ROCKN' to LOCKN’ Finale is your chance to support six of Virginia’s very best bands who are all vying for a spot to play at this summer's LOCKN' festival in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For more details, check out DCMR's write-up about the finale here and then come support these talented VA finalists at this pre-festival festival.
April 21 - Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at Strathmore - This. Band. Is. Insanely. Fun. The Orchestra was formed in 1985 as a "group of all-singing, all-strumming Ukulele players, using instruments bought with loose change." They had a gig, sold out, and have been a hit ever since. Look them up on YouTube and you'll see why. Better yet, check them out live at the incredible Strathmore for a night that will have you smiling ear-to-ear. (Be forewarned, you may catch the uke bug if you go. It's bitten me already and I couldn't be happier about it.)
April 21 - The Record Company with The Suitcase Junket at The Jefferson Theater - “Caught halfway between the stomp of mid-century rock & roll and the soulful kick of Delta blues, the Record Company kick up a raw, rootsy racket,” raved Rolling Stone. The Record Company hit gold straight out of the pocket, being nominated for a Grammy just over a year after releasing their debut album. Catch them in Charlottesville The Suitcase Junket, a Swamp-yankee, throat-singing, slide guitar playing one-man-band.

Happening on Friday, 4/20:

There is a lot going on in the DMV on funky Friday:

DC:

Better off Dead 420 show with Swamp Donkey Newgrass at Gypsy Sally's and next door catch the Dan Lipton Trio at the Vinyl Lounge - The DMV's beloved Grateful Dead cover band, Better of Dead, are going to be grooving so hard with their quintessential Dead songs on this quintessential night at the quintessential Gypsy Sally's. And while you're there losing your mind, sneak through the back door to get to the attached Vinyl Lounge to catch the free show by the Dan Lipton Trio, whose sweet sounds were featured on our site last week!
Lotus with Staycation at 9:30 Club - (see description above)
DC420 Fest featuring Cris Jacobs Band + Hayley Jane and The Primates presented by SweetWater Brewing and other special guests at FeelFree followed by The After Party Ft. DJ Psycho Les of The Beatnuts with Special Guest at Union Stage - Okay, there is a lot going on with this show. It's got the 420 theme out there for the taking. It's got insane players including Cris Jacobs Band and Hayley Jane and the Primates, both beloved by the DCMR staff (see reviews here and here), and then the music keeps coming with DJ Psycho Les and special guests playing the after party. If you want a lot of great music with special guests, this is a good bet.
Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli are Black Star! w/Dead Prez at The Anthem - Black Star has been around since the late 90s, stemming from an underground alt hip-hop movement which shook through the soil with the critically acclaimed album "Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star" in 1998. This show will be off the hook, especially with the revolutionary hip-hop agents Dead Prez joining the party. After the show, show up next door at Union Stage with your Black Star/Dead Prez ticket to get into the After Party featuring DJ Psycho Les of the Beatnuts (see above) for $15 at the door.
moe. at The Lincoln Theater - moe. is a "preeminent progressive rock band" with a solid fan following because of their excellent musicianship, creativity, and joy they put out on the stage. See them take the love from their audience and give it right back to them at the Lincoln Theater.

MD:

Covered with Jam at Villain & Saint - Covered with Jam is a super solid collective of local DMV musicians, playing their annual 4/20 extravaganza show with a "Feed Your Head" theme featuring songs you know and love, played with heart and soul, that will make you feel high and mighty.
Psycho Killers (Talking Heads Tribute Band) at 8x10 - Psycho Killers are Baltimore's very own Talking Heads tribute band who are so darned fun to see and always put on a great show. Catch them at the perfect Baltimore venue, the 8x10, for two sets at this special 4/20 show.
Scrap Arts Music: Children of Metropolis at Strathmore - This is going to be a super cool experience. Scrap Arts Music is a collective that is, "rooted in street performance, jazz, and world music traditions." What they do is unique, taking scrap junk, recyclables, and the stuff you don't really use anymore and repurposing it into something beautiful. The result on stage yields, "intricate rhythms infused with raw energy, athletic choreography, and the most beautifully inventive instruments on stage today." Their latest production, called Children of Metropolis, is a story of one musician's search for identity in a changing world.

VA:

Dr. Dog at The Jefferson - (see description above)
The Decemberists at The National - (see description above)
Average White Band at The Birchmere - (see description above)

And finally, some Hidden Jems:

April 17: Benefit for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence at the Lab at Convergence - The line-up is Baby Grill, FuzzQueen, and Chaand Soorij for a night of great music for an important cause.
April 18: ProjectHERA presents an Open Mic Networking Night at Epicure Cafe - Join Epicure Cafe for a special kind of open mic night which offers networking opportunities with other musicians in the area where you can, "share your music, but also your best practices, offer advice and support, and help us grow our amazing musical community in the DMV." Local amazing musician, Erin Frisby of FuzzQueen will be onsite offering tips about being a local musician on topics from booking DIY tours to working with PR.
April 19: Dior Ashley Brown & The dAb Band live at The Dew Drop Inn - From her FB event write-up: "Dior Ashley Brown is a name you should know in the District." (DCMR comment: this is TRUE. See our review of her amazingness here.) "Born and raised in DC, she is a multi-talented musician and actress, currently performing in her own one women show, My Vessel, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Come see her shake things up at the Dew Drop with her band, The dAB Band, made up of fellow Duke Ellington Performing Arts High School graduates, Turk Gaines on keys, David Suggs on drums, and James McCreavy on bass."
April 19: Zabelka/Diamond/Fekete, Sameuel Beckett's "Film," Low Ways Trio at Rhizome - This is an avant-guard music/vis arts event that sounds so super dope. See Austrian violinist Mia Zabelka with Boat Burning's Robin Diamond and Andras Fekete; Samuel Beckett's rarely screened 'FILM' with live score by Tim Carless; avant jazz by Low Ways Trio featuring Mark Cisneros, Luke Stewart and Ian McColm.
April 21: Record Store Day 2018 at Songbyrd - Record Store Day at Songbyrd will be going strong! They'll have:
"Select RSD titles available, store open at 8 am. Special activations and products available from DC area labels Federal Green Records and Carpark Records, more to be announced. Vinyl Brunch with DJ Cene spinning all vinyl til 3 pm. The Beautiful Ones Day Party DC starting at 1 pm with DJ Bee spinning a Prince celebration set. And live music The Great Heights Band, Eternal Boy, Party Like It's, Awthentik in the evening." Check it out!
April 21: Jack Funk & Slow Lights at Old Towne Tavern in Frederick - Jack Funk is said to, "haunt the hills of Frederick." Slow Lights is, "a blend of indie, rock and soul influences. Their unique sound contains a mixture of electronic pop, acoustic jams, and funky rhythms." Catch them both in Frederick for this funky night of music.
April 22: Todd Wright/Laura Tsaggaris/Kathryn Rheault Live at Pearl Street Warehouse - See these three great musicians each take the stage on Sunday night at Pearl Street Warehouse for the perfect cherry on top of your weekend.

Here are our recommendations for shows throughout the DMV.

All Featured Events -

District

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Maryland

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Virginia

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Articles Related to Artists in Featured Shows

The Dirty Grass Players and Sicard Hollow Set The Recher Ablaze With Ferocious Progressive Bluegrass Prowess

One Of These Days With Cris Jacobs At The Atlantis – A Tale Of Rain, Sleet, Fire & Brimstone

Little Feat, Oteil & Friends, Daniel Donato, and Karina Rykman Bring the Heat to the 30th Hot August Music Festival

So Glad They Made it! Greensky Bluegrass Brings Joy to The Anthem for Two Nights

Cris Jacobs and Friends Celebrate the Music of Jerry Garcia at Gypsy Sally’s

TESTIFY! DC Supergroup Honors Rage Against the Machine for Benefit Concert at The Pie Shop

Ghost Light Unplugs for Rare Acoustic Set at The Hamilton [Audio/Photos]

Cris Jacobs Band Thrills Raucous Pearl Street Warehouse Crowd

Hayley Jane and the Primates Brings Fall Fire to Tour Opener at Gypsy Sally’s with Pleasure Train [Video/Audio/Photos]

The Days Between Series – Resurrecting the Spirit of Jerry

Cris Jacobs and Friends Return to Gypsy Sally’s to Celebrate Jerry Garcia

The Bridge Comes Home to Baltimore for 3 Nights at the 8×10

Podcasts Related to Artists in Featured Shows

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Livestream

WATCH: Gordon Sterling and the People Debut at Gypsy Sally’s on Friday the 13th

Gordon Sterling debuted his new project, Gordon Sterling and the People, Friday night when they opened up the show for the Pimps of Joytime at Gypsy Sally's. Regular readers will need no introduction to this guitarist and vocalists who plays with Nappy Riddem and hosts the Gypsy Sally's Jam. Joining him in this band are, Mary-eL (Vocals), Gena Photiadis (Keys/Vocals), TJ Turqman (Bass), and Adam "Snaxx" Orlando (Drums).

We were on scene to provide a livestream of their set on the DC Music Review Facebook page. You can also watch it on the DCMR YouTube page, and through Periscope on the @DCMusicReview Twitter. Those of you that would prefer an audio-only stream can find that on DC Music Review contributor, Will Urquhart's Mixlr account.

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Interviews

An Interview with The SteelDrivers

Brent Truitt, mandolin player for The Steeldrivers, the 2016 winner of the Best Bluegrass Album of the year, was kind enough to take a few minutes between travels and tour dates to call in to talk to DC Music Review contributor Karin McLaughlin. This is the first of several interviews with bands that will be performing at the Charm City Bluegrass Festival April 28 and 29 in Baltimore, MD.

Karin McLaughlin: I was lucky enough to have Brent Truitt from the Steeldrivers call in to talk to us a little bit from the road. They are quite busy and they have a great gig coming up that we are going to talk about a little bit later – Brent – thank you so much for taking some time while y’all are on the road, I know you guys are busy

Brent Truitt: Oh, you bet, no problem Karin.

KM: So, let’s see, Steeldrivers – 10 years…I guess congratulations first of all are in order on that for sure! When I think an about an entire decade, I think how much has changed. Number one, I’ve changed, everything around me has changed, and it’s absolutely crazy. Now, you guys are definitely familiar with change but it goes without saying, that your ability to adapt to change, and to do it definitely with style and grace, has served you very well.

BT: Well, thank you

KM: You guys have a Grammy win, and you’ve got a lot of other accolades to go along with it. But you guys have gone through a lot of changes throughout the years. You’ve had some members leave the band, but you’ve also, recently, picked up a new lead singer.

BT: Yeah

KM: So, I’m kind of curious as to how you meld and introduce a new singer into a group that has been consistent and together for so long. And make sure that it’s a relationship that’s meant for the long term.

BT: Well, I’ll tell you what – it’s luck (laughs), I’m just gonna be honest. No, I’m not kidding – both times – when Chris Stapleton left, you know they kind of rambled around and were kinda lost for a little bit and Mike Henderson had heard, and maybe written some, with Gary Nichols, who took Chris’ place, and he came up and tried out and we were like “Wow, you sound great!” He had his own thing but he had this kind of bluesy, you know, gritty thing that Chris had. He was a different guitar player, by a long shot, but it was just a great fit and the band was able to kinda do all the stuff that they’d already recorded with Chris, cause Gary could cover that with ease and then it just kinda also , it just changed into its own thing, which is what – that same thing is happening with Kelvin, Kelvin Damrell, our new guy. He’s actually from really close to where Chris is from in Kentucky. We found him, believe it or not – Tammy’s daughter, is a young teenager and they all live on YouTube. She was looking around on YouTube one night after we had to part ways with Gary and she heard this guy and we were all looking around on YouTube kinda racking our brains, trying to think of somebody. We wanted somebody who could, you know, do a good job on the old stuff. We weren’t really trying to replace Gary or Chris because we wanted to be able to – you know, our fans, we had kinda outgrown ourselves – our fans are more about our songs than they are about any one Steeldriver. You know, when Gary left, we thought well maybe this is gonna be the end, but we went out with Kelvin and did a few shows and they loved him! It was great, he’s able to do the old stuff and he’s able to bring his own thing to the new stuff we’re doing and it’s just like, ‘How do you get that lucky twice?’ To find two guys that are so great, you know? And Gary was just awesome and we were afraid we weren’t gonna find somebody, you know, that could kinda fill his shoes but I’ll be darned if it didn’t happen again. I called him up and I said “Hey man, you ever heard of The Steeldrivers?” and he was like, “Yeah man, I love Chris Stapleton, I love Steeldrivers!” and so we brought him down and he basically knew all four records.

KM: Wow

BT: Showed up and knew a whole pile of songs and we were all just kinda like ‘Wow, this is great. He’s young, you know, he’s young enough to be my kid, which hurts to say. So he’s bringing a whole new energy and we’re just having a great time! It always hard to lose somebody you’ve been touring with for so long but there’s definitely a new energy and kind of just a new vibe going. And the old songs are still alive. It’s important for us to keep everything – we wanna keep the catalog growing but we want to be able to, you know, pay homage to the old stuff. To be able to pull that off, we couldn’t just go find any singer, we had to find the right guy so we all just feel amazingly lucky.

KM: Ironic he’s from the same area as Chris (Stapleton). They must grow lead singers out there like weeds.

BT: It’s crazy. And when you hear him, have you heard him yet?

KM: I heard the new track that I think is on the website.

BT: Ok, good. The first night he played with us, he got a rousing standing ovation. Like a long, big time standing ovation. It happened to be the night that Bill Murray was in the audience. His first gig with us he went out to dinner with Bill Murray after (laughs) which is crazy!

KM: (laughs) Not a bad showing!

BT: Yeah, it was great! Bill gave him a lot of crap, it was pretty funny.

KM: He proved himself on night one huh?!

BT: Yeah, right out of the chute. It was awesome!

KM: Now The Steeldrivers have also been a constant in a scene that has changed quite a bit over the last few years. Bluegrass has kind of taken off on this trajectory of something that it never could’ve been imagined to be, you know, a decade and a half, two decades ago. It was its own little realm of very specific fans but now you see a lot of bluegrass bands playing festivals and getting worked into these bigger festivals with jam bands and all this other stuff. How have you guys seen the changes and how have you kind of rolled with the punches and made sure – you guys have stayed in the forefront of that scene throughout, no matter what the changes are and kind of always been this standard of great music throughout – how do you guys develop as a band and make sure that you stay in the mix and at the forefront of all that change?

BT: Well, that’s a really good question. I’m not sure that we know exactly.

KM: (laughs)

BT: We try to always have really good songs. I mean that’s really - that’s kinda where it all started. The original band – those first two records – it was just chalk full of awesome songs, you know, with Chris and Henderson writing and Tammy’s kinda really stepped up since then, you know Gary wrote a bunch of songs on the Muscle Shaols record, along with – Tammy has a lot of songs on there too – and then we did a couple of old songs that Henderson did. But right now, Tammy’s really taken the load on the songwriting. She’s writing all the time, and bringing in great material, so really I think, at least for our band, if we can kinda maintain the gritty, bluesy bluegrass and keep those songs coming in that fit that mold, I think we’ll be fine. Now as far as us being on the edge, I don’t know how that happens. It just kind of – I think people are drawn to the sound of bluegrass that’s not all really high and whiney and real super traditional. There are those bands that really love the super traditional stuff – but it’s true, it really has opened up in the last 10 or 15 years, which is really good for us. We play bluegrass music but we also kinda play blues and R&B at the same time. It’s kind of a weird thing but we just feel fortunate to you know, that we’re getting in to those festivals and those kinda shows and we’re selling out a lot of theaters. It’s just been great, we’re just so happy that everybody’s sticking with us through all these changes and we just continue to grow and we’re just having fun and riding the wave.

KM: Yeah! And you guys – not only have you been a solid presence in the bluegrass scene but you guys don’t seem to ever be off the road for very long. What keeps that life appealing? And what, more importantly, what makes it so that you guys can stand being around each other for that long of a period of time? Do you guys do a lot of writing on the road?

BT: No, not really. Really when we’re out here, we’re just trying to get the job done. Like today will be, it’s already been a 12 hour day – by the time it’s over it’ll probably be closer to 15 or 16 hour day, when you add the travel and the soundcheck and the playing and all that. I think, or us, we try to not stay out for long periods. We all have families and I own a recording studio and Tammy writes all the time. We all have stuff going on so, for us, we try to kinda be home at least usually 3 or 4 days a week – at least 3 every week. That really helps. I mean we couldn’t do the thing where the bands go out and be gone for 2 months. We’ve all done it, I mean, I’ve done 6 weeks out before. But this band, we just aren’t gonna do that. We wanna keep it fun and just, not feel like we’re driving ourselves into the ground. We’re usually out on Thrusday and home on Sunday, for the most part.

KM: Weekend warriors…

BT: Yes, it really works for us.

KM: There’s a lot of festivals that y’all have played and have had the pleasure to play at but you guys also draw plenty of people on your own, selling out, like you mentioned, a bunch of shows. You guys have a 2 night run in particular coming up real soon, in I think it’s Manchester Music Hall that both nights have completely sold out.

BT: Wow, that’s good news, I didn’t know that! I knew one of them was close.

KM: Well, there you go, I come with the good news, that’s always a good thing. But how different is it for you guys to play - and maybe the kind of onstage as well as the audience – how different is it and do you guys feel the vibes of a solo show versus a festival show?

BT: Well, you know, at the solo shows, they’re there just to see you and that’s one obvious thing that happens. On our solo shows, it’s usually, sometimes it’s theaters – we have a hard time – we have really young fans – our fan range is from 5 to 75 and it’s hard to always please everybody at our shows. Sometimes we’ll try to have a lot of seating and then some standing so people can dance and have fun. But the big thing is they’re just there to see you – you know, they’re there for you and you only and that’s kinda cool when that happens. The festivals are great too. Some of them are just awesome. We’ve played some great festivals. That’s a good scene – you get to be around all your buddies and it’s a kind of a place to catch up with everyone. But the cool thing about doing your own shows is just having 1000 people all singing your songs, it’s crazy. You’re just like ‘Wow, this is so cool! These people paid money to come stand on their feet out here in this.’ We played out in Colorado – it looked like somebodies backyard – but somehow they crammed 1000 people into this spot and they were there for hours before we played! They were just having fun and singing – it was just awesome, it was crazy, out in the middle of the mountains. Really fun! We love those but we love the festivals too. We try to keep a balance of both

KM: Those are the die hard fans! Now this leg of the tour takes you guys up and down the east coast – you have a few mid-west dates thrown in – but we’re gonna specifically talk about The Charm City Bluegrass Festival coming up at the end of April in Baltimore. Now it’s you guys headlining with Travelin McCourey’s, Devil Makes Three, a whole list of others, great bands on this lineup. Are there certain bands that you guys particularly like to play on a bill with when you do festivals – like getting together with old friends – maybe you get some collaborations on stage going or guest spots or something like that? Is it kinda like coming home to old friends when you get together with certain bands?

BT: Yeah, definitely! I mean we’ve all been - you know, this is my 40 something^th year of touring and being a musician so I’ve got tons of friends that show up at these festivals. That part is great. We don’t really have – there’s no one in particular – I mean we’re great friends with Del (McCoury), I’m friends with Ricky Scaggs, Sam Bush and Tim O’Brian and all those guys so when we all get together it’s just great to have some time to visit and kinda catch up on family stuff and just you know, it’s kinda like a family. Especially in the bluegrass world, everybody knows everybody. We don’t really have any particular favorites I wouldn’t say. We just enjoy ourselves and are happy to see our buddies at the festivals.

KM: Are there some road traditions that you guys have as a band that when you get together and you get on the road – you know – this is something that you always do together or do certain people have to have certain things going to make sure that they’re content while traveling on the road?

BT: No, not really – we were all old road dogs, except for Kelvin, and we’re teaching him quick, we’re busting his butt.

KM: You’re breaking him in?

BT: Yeah, he’s just a youngster, I think he’s 25 and he had never been east or west of Kentucky until he went out with us. He’d never been on a plane. I mean, there’s a lot of firsts for Kelvin. But yeah, for the rest of us, all of us have just been doing it for so long that it’s just kind of like, there’s really no, anything special anybody needs. We just kinda roll. A lot of times, we try to go out and have a meal together when we can or after a show we might end up at an Applebees having a cocktail and some appetizers or something. There’s no set thing, we just kinda get er done.

KM: So now that you guys have this youngster aboard, does it kind of bring a fresh new light? I know that it’s probably exciting always to be able to do what you do and love what you do and do it so well, but now that you have this kind of, wide-eyed, not any disrespect, but baby, on the road with you -

BT: He is a baby (laughs)

KM: Is it kind of opening up things and reminding you guys, that this is super exciting and this is what you get to do every single day?

BT: Yes.

KM: I’m sure he’s like a giddy little teenager but does it put a new perspective on things and give you guys a refresh on what you’re doing and why? How does he see it? I’m curious to know his reaction to this whole new world that he’s been thrown into. He gets to do it with some people that have been absolutely amazing and knowledgeable and experienced and very recognized in the field. So I’m sure he is really rolling in it right about now.

BT: Yeah, he is. And to answer the first part of your question, yeah it is nice to have a fresh vibe. He’s just so young and he’s really funny and he’s a smart kid. He’s got a lot going on. He’s a great player so it’s really fun. We were all just basically ill when Gary left but having this new, young guy is just really great. Plus, he’s got a strong back so he can carry a lot of merch. But for him – I can’t really speak for him, but I can see it in his eyes. Sometimes when something new happens, it’s just like ‘Wow!’ I mean, can you imagine, being 24 and sitting down to dinner with Bill Murray? And I mean, he just cruised right through it.

KM: That’s awesome

BT: His first time on the Opry – it was just great. Cause, man that’s a big thing, playing the Opry, for anybody that’s in our genre, it’s a huge thing. And he just walked right up to that mic and he ripped it! It was great and he got a great response from the crowd. He’s loving it, I mean, he’s just soaking it up

KM: That’s great

BT: And it’s good to have somebody we can kinda pick on (laughs)

KM: (laughs) The new kid…

BT: Oh yeah! And he takes it with a smile

KM: Well, that’s good, that’s nice that you guys were so lucky to find someone that kind of, steps up to the plate, and really, even though he is young, meshes well with the band right away and can do all these things. Like you said, stepping up at the Opry and having the confidence and just getting it done.

BT: Yeah, he’s doing it and he’s doing great. I mean, we call him a kid but he’s a man, he’s’ a full grown man. He’s got a wife and two young kids. I think he might still be doing it, I think he’s doing it part time but he’s a certified chimney sweep.

KM: Really?

BT: He’ll go home, work a couple days and then come back out with us. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s able to quit that and do this full time (laughs). But he likes it, he loves building stuff, he’s a construction guy and he likes to work with his hands. He really, he’s just soaking it up.

KM: Interesting. So, you guys have quite a bit of tour dates coming up. What else is on the horizon for Steeldrivers? What are you guys looking forward to this Spring and Summer?

BT: Well, right now, our big thing is to get our record out. We were supposed to have one out already and we’ve already been working on one with Gary, so that’s the big thing right now. We try to, before every trip, we try to get together down in Nashville the day before and work on some of these songs that Tammy’s writing. She’s working with all kinds of great Nashville writers and she’s bringing in some great stuff. And just doing some great stuff so right now, we’re kinda in what we call ‘record prep’. We’re just trying to pick the songs, kind of arrange them a little bit and maybe play one or two live that trip, just to kinda see how they feel. So that’s the big thing right now is getting the next record. Kinda getting the songs chosen and written and worked out and playing them live some before going in the studio, but that’s our big thing right now, just the new record. That’s foremost in our process right now.

KM: Alright, well, I think that’s about all the time that we have for today. I definitely want to thank you so much – I know that being on tour and being on the road, it’s not always easy and you need time to yourself – so I appreciate the time that you take out to talk to people like me

BT: No problem. Tammy did one in the car today too. We love it, that’s what we do so it’s not a problem at all.

KM: Well, thank you very much and I wish you guys well on the rest of your tour and the album and hopefully to see you at Charm City

BT: Yes! Thanks Karin

The SteelDrivers are scheduled to perform on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Charm City Bluegrass Festival.

To learn more about The SteelDrivers you can goto their website or Facebook page.

Concert Reviews

The Motet Headlines Non-Stop Dance Party at 9:30 Club

Denver’s seven-piece funk powerhouse, The Motet, brought their tour through the nation’s capital last Thursday, headlining DC’s 9:30 Club with support from Washington’s “12-piece Afrofunk orchestra,” Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band.

On a night with competing shows all over town, fans who made the choice of getting down at DC’s historic nightclub were not disappointed, as both plans played lively sets that kept the crowd moving and shaking from start to finish.

Chopteeth was an excellent choice for the opening slot and played a great set of world-inspired funk that surely won over more than a few Motet fans. Their music draws inspiration from all over the world, with lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Shereikis and the rest of the band singing in several different languages throughout the set, but is particularly anchored in Afrobeat and big band jazz, featuring a five-piece horn section and a pair of percussionists. The music’s West African polyrhythms and relentless energy got the crowd warmed up well for a long night of dancing.

Drew Sayers of The Motet

When the Motet took the stage, fans were anxious to keep the party going, and the band responded, putting the pedal to the metal immediately with “The Truth.” The Motet horns, made up of trumpet player Parris Flemming and saxophonist Drew Sayers, established themselves right away, along with keyboardist Joey Porter accompanying on the clavinet.

It was immediately apparent that the crowd would feed off the energy of vocalist Lyle Divinsky all night, as the frontman danced around the stage, mic stand in tow at times, encouraging his band mates during their solos. With the exception of a few instrumental numbers where he left the stage, that trend continued throughout the set. Divinsky’s charisma and showmanship set a great tone for the show, and he was aware of it, declaring “We’re starting off real good tonight,” halfway through the opening number.

Slowing things down just a tad with “Back it Up,” this funky R&B tune featured the first standout solo of the night from Porter and an opportunity for the crowd to sing along with the chorus. “Damn!” came next, featuring some call and response, a meaty guitar solo from Ryan Jalbert, and a chorus that would fit right in with James Brown’s catalog.

Lyle Divinsky of The Motet

Divinsky left the stage briefly for the psychedelic fusion jazz jam “Cretan.” When he returned for “Keep On,” the band took off with this infectious rocker, highlighted by a talk-box solo by Porter that really energized the crowd, who roared when the effect kicked in.

From that point on, the band had the crowd in the palm of its hand, slowing the tempo with tunes like “Supernova,” “Rynodub,” and “Fool No More,” before eventually reigniting the crowd with “Closed Mouth Don’t Get Fed” and giving drummer/bandleader Dave Watts a solo to close out the set. Returning to the stage for their encore, the Motet ended the night with their newest song, “Get It Right,” taking time to engage the crowd in one last sing-along, and taking a moment to spotlight each member of the band to close out the show.

Setlist

Click here to see the setlist for The Motet's performance at the 9:30 Club on April 5, 2018

Photo Gallery

Enjoy photos by our photographer Jason Herman of Jason Herman Photography.

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Concert Reviews

Victor Wooten Brings Musical Journey to Rams Head On Stage

Guest Contributor: Nathan Payne/Jester Graphics & Photography

As the sunset on a breezy April evening in Annapolis, Maryland, The Victor Wooten Trio greeted the crowd at Rams Head Onstage, and prepared to guide eager listeners on a “musical journey.” On April 4, the Five-time Grammy Award-winning bassist and composer was joined by the legendary Dennis Chambers (drummer) and Bob Franceschini (saxophone) for a night of unforgettable music.

The evening’s voyage twisted and turned through a world of jazz, rock, and funk, strolling through titles such as 'The Lesson,' 'My Life,' and 'Zenergy.' The group playfully touched on familiar tunes such as the Mission: Impossible theme song, The Pink Panther, and 'Amazing Grace,' which Victor dedicated to his mother-in-law who attended the show that evening. The three music titans have teamed up in a new album titled Trypnotyx, a colorful blend of light-groovy jams and soul-jarring, in-your-face funk. The Trio’s dynamics are truly stunning.

If you close your eyes while listening, it’s easy to forget the lack of guitar or keyboard rounding out the rhythm; their sound is just that deep. At the end of the night, Victor took time to thank the crowd and announced the sequel to his popular book, The Music Lesson, a spiritual search for growth through music written in 2006. He reminded us that music has the power to bring people together and wash away the things that separate us every day. He reminded us that there is always the possibility we can all come together to agree on at least one thing, music.

Photo Gallery

Enjoy these photographs courtesy of Nathan Payne of Jester Graphics & Photography.

Concert Reviews

Field Report Delights at the Songbyrd Music House

Christopher Porterfield (lead vocals, guitar) is the voice and power behind the chilling and brilliant musical experience, Field Report. Drawing a loyal fan base from the DMV, Porterfield welcomed the crowd with a sultry greeting, adding that he was “really glad to be here,” before kicking off the night with “Healing Machine.”

The few who took seats in the pews lining the walls quickly stood and squeezed themselves into the crowd, gently pushing forward toward stage once Field Report came out. Those in attendance were a polite and enthusiastic audience, applauding and cheering at the start and close of each song. Playing with Devin Drobka (drums, fiddle, banjo, backing vocals), Thomas Wincek (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), and Barry Clark (bass), Friday night’s performance was their first appearance at Songbyrd.

The artistically designed and grungy basement venue was the perfect spot for Field Report and their opening band, Campdogzz, whose live sound was First Aid Kit meets Sharon Van Etten. Jess Price’s vocals led the band in a romantic and soulful setlist.

“Michelle” was a highlight of the night. With lyrics like poetry, and a live rendition that sounded like a more folksy The Cure, Porterfield sang with a such a concentrated passion that despite performing in front of 100+ people, it was clear he had zoned into his own musical universe. In the same vein, concertgoers let the music wash over them and consume their beings. Field Report drew in a romantically inclined crowd, with couples swaying intimately to the slower tracks.

With instruments that shared similarities in sound with those utilized by Justin Vernon — such as a gentle, yet masterful guitar strum, as well as mystical sounding chimes and bells —Porterfield’s vocals were reminiscent of a folksy Glen Hansard, as well as David Gray and even Eddie Vedder at times. Around halfway through his set, Porterfield checked in with the crowd to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Although he modestly said that he was “a little out of shape” and “out of rhythm,” the Wisconsin native performed with such skill and precision, it was hard to pull your eyes away.

It is clear that Field Report care deeply about their fans, as Porterfield called out to the crowd, saying that unless anyone had requests, they’d continue playing off “the teleprompter.” Fans shouted out their favorites, much to the band’s delight. The happiness was reciprocated by the audience, as Field Report played fan favorites, including “Fergus Falls,” during which one man excitedly whispered to his girlfriend, “this is it!” when the opening notes rang out.

The band played a wide range of songs, with those on the setlist being more upbeat (or at least played in such a manner), and those that were taken as requests being slower and more intimate. However, after a few fan requests, the catchy, yet extremely well made “Never Look Back,” brought the pace back up. With chimes, bells, and synth programming sprinkled throughout the chorus, the upbeat track would be a perfect addition to your summer road trip playlist. Although the beat creates the illusion that “Never Look Back” is an uplifting track, a closer look shows that there may be deeper undertones: “Forgiveness does not excuse/It just prevents all of the others from destroying you/Never turn around and look back.” And that’s part of Field Report’s mastery — the ability to craft thought-provoking and relatable lyrics and insert them into a rhythm that forces the listener to pay attention in order to get the full impact of the music. Although the band can be enjoyed as an easy and relaxed listen, Field Report are best consumed with full attention and intent.

Christopher Porterfield contemplates and answers questions from his fans.

Throughout the night, Porterfield had excellent and light-hearted banter with the crowd, even asking the audience, “Does anyone have any questions?” When one person questioned how his daughter was, Porterfield launched into a proud ramble about his one and a half year old. You could hear the happiness in his voice as he talked about her and how much he missed her after being away for 13 days. Porterfield’s rapport with his fans depicted him as a supremely good human being, on top of being a talented musician.

The band closed out the night with “Everything I Need,” saying that it would be their final track, making sure to emphasize that they weren’t going to do the whole “will they won’t they” do an encore shtick. Closing the night on a positive note, Porterfield said, “be encouraged, take heart, we’re gonna get through this.”

Field Report are not to be missed, as Porterfield’s passion comes through in every song, every note, and in every scratch and crack of his voice.

Setlist

Click here to see the setlist for Field Report's performance at Songbyrd on April 6, 2018

Photo Gallery

Enjoy photos by our photographer Jason Herman of Jason Herman Photography.

Albums

Concert News, Ticket Giveaway

Ghost Light Prepares for DC Debut at Gypsy Sally’s Next Week [Ticket Giveaway]

DC Music Review is giving away a pair of tickets to see Ghost Light, Tuesday, April 17 at Gypsy Sally's, with Virginia's own Threesound opening the show. To win the tickets, 'Like' our post on Facebook, share it, and tag a few friends in the comment section. We'll announce a winner on Monday morning (April 16, the day before the show).

Ghost Light is a new project, a true musical collaboration on its inaugural tour, featuring outstanding talent well known to the DC area: five personalities, five perspectives, and five unique approaches towards one common sound. Holly Bowling (keys), Tom Hamilton (guitar, vocals), Steve Lyons (bass), Raina Mullen (guitar, vocals) and Scotty Zwang (drums), are coming to DC one week from today to showcase their fresh new sound.

Foregoing current tradition, rather than initially focusing on live shows, the band played together for the first time in a recording studio in Philadelphia. This decision gave the band the ability to come to the project with fresh ears and without pre-conceived notions. They developed songs as they forged their musical communication which led to trust, creativity and an adventurous take on the process. Scotty Zwang explained it thusly, “It’s a unique and interesting approach we get to take... we are being patient with each other and figuring out what the song needs.”

[bctt tweet=”"It’s a unique and interesting approach we get to take… we are being patient with each other and figuring out what the song needs.＂” via=”yes”]

"Having played with everyone involved in a live setting before, I had a pretty firm grasp of what we all brought to the table and it was exciting,” says Tom Hamilton. "There is a wonderful freedom that comes with knowing that you don't have to carry the entire load over the finish line. So when Raina and I were workshopping ideas to bring to this new band, we felt super comfortable going in any direction, knowing that with our new bandmates, the songs will get to where they needs to go. And in the live setting, that confidence is just as strong.” While the recording project has been the beginning point for Ghost Light, the live experience is what will define this band. “In the parts of the sessions where we have had a little more room to just let things go, there have been these little glimmers of what the improvisation will feel like live. That’s a whole other thing and it’s very exciting,” notes Holly Bowling.

The first half of 2018 will see the band playing major venues in major markets coast to coast, followed by heavy rotation on the festival circuit. The debut record will be released in the second half of the year and will be supported by an extensive tour. In 2018 you will get to know Ghost Light, and their future could not be brighter.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on day of show.

[bctt tweet=”TICKET GIVEAWAY! @DCMusicReview is giving away a pair of tickets to see Ghost Light at Gypsy Sally’s on April 17th!” via=”yes”]

Concert Reviews

Funky Dawgz Brass Band Lit Up Gypsy Sally’s with Dan N’ Friends [Video, Audio, Photos]

"We just might love Gypsy Sally's, that's why we keep coming back all the time. We know it's gonna be a good show every single time."

Things got funky at Gypsy Sally's last Friday as the Funky Dawgz Brass Band from Connecticut returned to DC with Dan N' Friends opening up the show. This aptly named group brought an energetic party that ended with them dancing on the railings and playing in the crowd. These guys have a crisp sound you can dance to and flawless transitions.

[bctt tweet=”"These guys have a crisp sound you can dance to and flawless transitions.＂” via=”yes”]

Funky Dawgz Brass Band on this night featured Aaron Eaddy (Trumpet / Lead Vocals), Tommy Weeks (Tenor Saxophone), Mike Marsters, (Trombone & Sousaphone), Josh Murphy (Sousaphone), Colin Walters (Alto Saxophone), and Jon Singngam (Percussion). The night also saw a sit in by Linc Bradham (Keys).

Dan Steele, front man and guitarist for Dan N' Friends, was joined by Stephanie Kaiser (Keys), Colin James (Keys), and Jonathon Model (Percussion). The Funky Dawgz horn section also joined them for a song.

You can relive the entire night with our webcast recording, audio playlists, and photos below.

[bctt tweet=”"We just might love Gypsy Sally’s, that’s why we keep coming back all the time.＂” via=”yes”]

Enjoy video and audio of the show recorded by our collaborator Will Urquhart.

Click here to see the setlist for Funky Dawgz Brass Band's performance at Gypsy Sally's on 4/06/2018

Click here to see the setlist for Dan N' Friends' performance at Gypsy Sally's on 4/06/2018

Photo Gallery

Artist News, Feature, Interviews

DC Music Review Talks with Jesse Royal

Jesse Royal has established himself as one of the next reggae superstars to emerge from Jamaica, and DC Music Review had the opportunity to sit down with Jesse Royal after his captivating performance at the 9:30 Club on March 11, 2018.

Karin McLaughlin: Alright, well first off, thank you very much for allowing me to do this interview, dope show, loved it. So, first full length album, 11 days – number one on the Reggae (charts), how does that feel?

Jesse's debut album, Lilly of Da Valley

Jesse Royal: Um, it’s a blessing you know? But there’s a time in da Earth for everything. A whole heap of youth push forward, a whole of heap of consciousness and a whole heap a people in the universe that kinda ready for the consciousness – you know what I mean? So, nothing woulda do what it would do without the equal – you know what I mean?

KM: In due time.

Jesse Royal: Yeah, so, very grateful, very grateful for the love that they showed, and are still showing right now

KM: How long did this take to come together – and get a final product that you were satisfied to say, this is going to be my first full length album, ‘I’m ready’ – this is it?

Jesse Royal: Well, it, I wanna say, it probably took about 2 years, a year in a half in tops, you know? I mean, we were touring in between so sometime it hard for really get the time for really sit down and do what needs to get done, on the recording side of things, you know? Because touring is a very necessary aspect to the career, but getting in the studio, is always the favorite part for most, true artists I would like to say. You know what I mean – just the whole, creating. taking, like creating It was nothing and now it is something.

KM: Your baby.

Jesse Royal: Yeah, you know? So alongside Riff Raff and a whole host of other brilliant musicians you know. Put a lot of I and I them time and support and effort to truly make it what it is. You know and we’re proud to really give that to the world as our first offering you know - as the set up for the next one.

KM: And it was obviously very well received

Jesse Royal: Yeah, as I say, we give thanks, give thanks for the love, you know?

KM: Nice and so - small axe, one of my favorite Buju songs (horrible singing of said song), how’d you get that nickname?

Jesse Royal: Well I mean we have power in stature, we kind of small in size, but we very big in heart and things –know what I mean? So the name Small Axe kind of come from the whole vibration they have when lot of people they see me pon stage, from a distance, you think I’m 10 feet tall when you see me, you know? But then they say the big thing they come in a small package.

KM: Small axe, fall big tree.

Jesse Royal: Right, so there you go, we’re ready and willing, you know?

KM: And so, you, in true Rasta fashion, have songs that make you wanna dance, talk about smoking herb, but you didn’t grow up in that realm right, you grew up - Baptist?

Jesse Royal: Yeah, my mother, definitely – Christian, my grandmother – Christian my other grandmother from my fathers side– was a Pastor of the church.

KM: So how was that? Coming into that change?

Jesse Royal: You know, Jah work in a mysterious way. Call one out of every family – so here I am. Our consciousness of Rasta is not a far fetched idea, if you understand what I’m saying. I and I conscious with Haile Salassie come from the same text that they’re reading in the Bible. You know – say Ethiopia should stretch forth their hands, you know? As well as, same people said, you know, Christ is gon return with a new name to the dreadful to the Edens and it’s true that alone carry the septor. So if him crown David king and we still work with the thing, that means anything after that must go what? Our King. Cause we have a history, we have a legacy. We have something that we look to -this is our dynasty. It’s not a thing what is I write – an illusion, “Alright, I’ll pick him – to be I and I King.” No. This is knowledge that is there. So they say the more you grow is the more you know and then the more you know, the more you realize and then the more you realize is you can start control your life. The whole consciousness as me say, of his majesty just come through the passage of time, you know I mean? Where once you look, you gon see. And once you listen, you gon hear. You know?

KM: A lot of similarities – I remember reading Catch a Fire and they talk about young Ras Tafari, they said he could talk to animals. They asked him to draw a bird, the one that he talked to, and gave him paper, he drew it and it flew right off the page. So some of the same type stories that they tell about Jesus doing what not.

Jesse Royal: Now, who you talk bout? Who name Jesus? I’m askin you because I and I Rastafari and you tell me bout Jesus and someone says, yes you are the Christ, a great man who walk around the earth, not Africa. And people forget that, you know – is it Bethlehem, is it? Where is Bethlehem?

KM: Jerusalem –

Jesse Royal: And where’s that?

KM: Africa (ish)

Jesse Royal: Right, see so we don’t want to hear any illusions. This man was a real man but you have to identify. One time you said Jesus, we see somebody who they painted for people to praise. This is an illusion. I don’t know anything that this person has done. I don’t know where he came from, I don’t know but if you’re talking about Yeshua, the Christ, now we say we lead the stories, we talk bout when he come pon earth and live like a king. Live like a king, not in a sense of wearing more expensive jewelry than everybody else. He was rich in love, rich in morality, rich in mentality, rich in spirituality. You know, so we hold him in the high esteem. The next one we talk about I don’t know so I can’t comment pon what I don’t know.

KM: So also you performed here two years ago at Cannabis Festival and despite popular belief, Cannabis wasn’t always legal in Jamaica. But now and you spoke a bit on stage -

Jesse Royal: Still not legal – Decriminalized.

KM: So you spoke a bit on stage about that but how do you feel about that changing and going forward – you know, like back 10 years ago, somebody catches a charge, for possession and they’re, they’ve got a permanent mark on them, you know? And now, we see the movement towards, both here and there, especially in D.C.

Jesse Royal: We love progress, on a whole. In whatever way, shape or form, you know? Where the marijuana is concerned, we definitely overjoyed because, we as Rastaman, we know the many benefits of this plant. But because of the ignorant stance of individuals who are in positions of power, they have demonized – a plant! Because you still - I’m sure when you make a sandwiches, you put lettuce in it, right? Because that is what the lettuce is good for. But if, now that an America thing yeah. If you go place like Asia, they will use the lettuce as the wrap. Right? So them use it in all a different way right? And then you have some other individuals I’m figuring that have many other uses. So it’s just like any other plant. For you to glorify one or ostracize the other without, um, the right amount of research is like, the highest level of ignorance. Me now, no say, it’s just what’s going on in the world. We inna the age of information. Once upon a time, we now on different age, them say we inna age of infrastructure, technology or all sorta kinda different kinda thing. Where now, might not hadda focus pon book, I focus pon thought you know? I might not really focus pon Wikipedia, I focus pon thought. And you can’t knock it either because all a these things, it how the world move and this is a necessary point in time. If the age of information is too fast, we still a try figure another road to drive pon now. So everything have it own time in time but here we are in the age of information. So once the youth them have information then everything is going to be what it is supposed to be – the reality is the reality. Imagine when time, we figure out and move out of the age of information. We as human beings master that stage. Imagine like how our children are gonna laugh at us. You guys spent three hundred million dollars on weapons and couldn’t find $10 million for feed starving people? Because this is going to happen and you gon to find out a lot more things, a lot more changes is going to happen because once the people them educated, them is going to be liberated. What you think they used to think back in the day? Deny you knowledge. Because what you don’t know, you don’t know. If you don’t know, say you’re free, I can make you whatever I want you to be. You understand? So with a concept like that, is what they built their whole world on but now, a different time on earth in now, you see. What you have to understand is some realms are gonna open up where you and I did not even, or we couldn’t even fathom or imagine. Why? Because we’re brains so small, you understand? When we reach that level of thinking, it’s like when, you know, before, before you walk, crawling seems like the biggest thing in the world. But then when you learn time fuh you learn to walk, then you think bout jump, or when time you learn to jump you want fly. So it the same thing in now, with everything in our life, you know? So just, let’s watch what the youth gonna do, look what the children gonna do.

KM: And I think the song, Generations speaks a lot to that.

Jesse Royal: Yeah mon – (quotes the song lyrics):

Frivilous like progress
I wanna see the ghetto youths dem hopeless
We a go lef' the old Vatican pope-less
Is a take over, not a protest

Trodding on the wine press much too long
The four hundred years have come and gone
I hope somebody out there see it clear

KM: And also, speaking of your generation, you’re in the mix with a lot - you also gave props to Chronixx, Protege all that

Jesse Royal: Daniel Bombatta, Joe Mersa Marley,(names a whole list of artists) Raging Fyah, what you have to understand is - Think of Bob Marley alone, did a sing. Peter Tosh alone did a sing. Whole heap of youths just a sing, just a singing time. And then if there's a time inna earth, now, who them can use and commercialize, and make media friendly, or whatever, then they will do that. That don’t mean, say, there’s not things going on, It’s like one time – Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo them bad, you know.

KM: *Laughs*

Jesse Royal: You laugh, but whatchyu know? You have some little youth, who is 11 years old, that you and I don’t know yet. But when him done, he gon make Messi look like him never know how to play futbol. You know why? Because him have Pele, Maradona and Messi and Renaldo and Nemar. AND Ronaldino. Because Ronaldino the god of futbol. Ronaldino is the what? Repeat after me: Ronaldino is the god of futbol

KM: Ronaldino is the got of futbol

Jesse Royal: Right, yeah mon. The man that reinvent the game. Just like when me talk bout crawl and walk, Ronaldino start a something no man ever know, make man start think bout things, they never think about before. Said he couldn’t do the bad. And make man start think bout some other tings now. You understand? So him, was a very necessary part of futbol, you understand? What this little round thing the man put here? Well since the beginning of time, I gon kick it. You mean this man come and do something we never seen? My word!

KM: Also you've been pretty outspoken about politics and political figures and how they influence things. You’ve also seen how it is here – How do you think that the gun control and all that stuff – you know, it’s an issue everywhere, here, Jamaica, and you’ve been here for several months touring now – so how do you, as an outsider, view it here as opposed to Jamaica?

Jesse Royal: A very wise society in a sense – because when spirituality missing everything haywire. That means they have people, walk around, don’t even know, , say “You are my brother, or you are my sister, or you are flesh and blood like I and I” Go on and kill people. Because if it was 2000 years ago what you tell me? “Too much slingshot man, why you go and throw so much stone man?” Right – no. Guns don't kill people. Now I and I not the big - really and truly the one thing alone – not gon do, destroy, say, it's not like we fart – definitely, people have to protect themselves. Very true. But, at the same time, there has to be some sort of regulation because not everybody really fit, you know what I mean fuh really understand (whispers) - life and death –like it’s serious thing.

KM: and understand it's permanent

Jesse Royal: (whispers) that’s what I’m saying.

Jesse Royal: You know? It’s a very serious thing. So me no me can tell you know you know if you do it. And you must know if you do it trust. But the reality is, spirituality. See, very key. Like if, the love not get restored – no laws, no nuttin, no one to regulate – trust me, people go strangle people bro. Yeah, mon. Man will start - look at them when them get drunk. Look at them. Yeah - So as them say, it’s a different issue that man have to address, it’s like – you can’t – you know what I mean? You can't just put band aid pon things all the time and say ‘Here’s the problem – that, no, that, no that!’ No – can’t be that, it must be minds of the people must be – the amount of love that you are sewing in your nation because, where love is missing, you can’t expect, um anything else except chaos and hatred and rubbish. You know? But at the same time, with that said – yo, you know how much loving, caring people they have in America? You have so much cautious, conscious, caring as me I say – loving, mindful, herb smoking people. See what I’m saying? So, I mean yeah as me I say – dem have to restore the reality. And it start with the people and dem believing them care make them forget nunna that not worth nothing. It’s that consciousness – see what I say? Know how even when you asleep your heart still beats? How that happen? Who’s doing that? Why are you – how can my body be so intelligent? That even when I am the closest that I can be to death, every single other my organs are working? They are doing their job. You stupid? That can’t be a doctor or no man. There must be something divine about this. There must be something divine why the orange, has every nutrient that I need. You know what I mean? Everything that I get that will grow, has everything that you need, you know? I mean like, you can go get this from the pomegranate, you can go get this from the cranberry, you can go get this from the orange. You can get this from human beings.

KM: I enjoy that, you were talking about that positivity on stage, how we're all in this together, I really like that.

Jesse Royal: Yeah, mon. That’s the beauty of life and when we start realize that – different thing

KM: So you've been in the U.S – you’re heading to Japan next, are you excited?

Jesse Royal: Yeah, mon Japan nice, Japan very nice place you know. Warm.

KM: Have you ever toured in Japan?

Jesse Royal: Yeah, dis the second time in Japan. Lovely, warm place as me say. Very friendly and nice people – they love the music, you know? Yeah so we check for them.

KM: Awesome, well I appreciate it – I think we’re out of time – nice show

Jesse Royal: Yeah, mon and I appreciate your time and fuh comin out and thank you for taking the time.

KM: Yeah, thank you for having us and taking the time – I know y’all are busy

Jesse Royal: Yeah mon but we all in dis ting together so thank you for your time also.

You can learn more about Jesse Royal on his Facebook page or website.

Festival News

Sleepy Creek SpringDig is Rapidly Approaching

Sleepy Creek's SpringDig is rapidly approaching. Held in Sleepy Creek on the Potomac (just a river crossing away from Maryland), the 2018 edition marks the 5th Edition of this family-friendly festival (Kids 15 and under are free to attend with a parent present).

SpringDig takes place on a private campground just outside of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia where Sleepy Creek meets up with the Potomac River. The campground itself is for members only, but all Sleepy Creek Presents events are open to the public.

The line-up of artists for this event include:

Organizers just released their schedule of events which include a wide array of social events, workshops, and performances.

Click on image for size.

Tickets & Fees

In Advance:

Friday-Sunday $75.00 ($78.62 w/service fee)

Saturday-Sunday $45.00 ($47.57 w/service fee)

At Gate:

Friday-Sunday - $85 gate
Saturday-Sunday $50 gate

OTHER FEES (cash at the gate upon arrival)
Thursday/Early Arrival- $10
RV/Camper - $20
Per Pet - $10

Other Fees:

OTHER FEES (cash at the gate upon arrival)
Thursday/Early Arrival- $10
RV/Camper - $20
Per Pet - $10

Buy Tickets Now!

Learn More About SpringDig

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