Live Review : The Jayhawks At The Birchmere by Dave Dembitsky

April 23rd 2017 was the culmination of a twenty year odyssey. I have been trying in one way or another to see The Jayhawks since discovering them in 1997. The Jayhawks are without a doubt one of the greatest bands to come out of the 90's alt rock, alt country, country tinged rock, or whatever scene they always seem to land in. I have always admired the musicianship and mighty songwriting ability of Gary Louris and company, their lush vocal harmonizing paints many vivid pictures of loneliness and heartache coupled with bright and positive undeniable feel good rock and roll. It was a total privilege to finally see them at The Birchmere in Alexandria Virginia.

The show began with "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", a track from their 2000 release Smile. The song played to perfection set the tone for what was to be a masterful performance of songs from all eras. The second song (one of my all time favorites) "The Man Who Loved Life" kicked in and blew me away. For years I had been wondering how it would sound live. I was amazed at how much power and control this band had over their material. Sometimes in the music scene we all fall victim to becoming a bit jaded after watching and performing over the years, it can happen to the best of us. In this case I was transported back to a time when the music was new and every listen was a present just for the listener to unwrap and discover. New songs "Leaving The Monsters Behind", "Lovers Of The Sun", "The Devil Is In Her Eyes", "Quiet Corners & Empty Spaces", sat in perfect harmony with old favorites "Blue, Trouble", "Waiting For The Sun", "Sister Cry" and many more. I particularly enjoyed the ache of "Tampa To Tulsa" and Tim O'Reagan's haunting vocal lent a heavy weight to the fable of "Long Distance Love". All in all this was by far one of the best shows I have ever seen. Watching a group such as this playing through songs from their extensive catalog with such ease and skill was a total thrill.

After the show the band took time to speak to every one who stayed to chat. It is always very refreshing when you meet your heroes and find genuine warmth and humanity. So in parting I give my utmost thanks and appreciation to Gary Louris, Karen Grotberg, Marc Perlman, Tim O'Reagan, and all the others who made this such a great and memorable experience. Also be sure and check out the new Ray Davies record Americana featuring none other than The Jayhawks as his backing band...who could ask for anything more. Except more Jayhawks records!

About the writer: Dave Dembitsky is a producer/engineer and operator of The House Of Lou Recording Studio in Norfolk Virginia. He also plays guitar in Last Remaining Pinnacle and is the co-host of the Custom Made Music Radio Show.

"Five For Friday" with artist, author, and musician James Gerard

James Gerard has been writing and recording with various bands and projects in the Northeastern Ohio area for the better part of fifteen years. His sophomore release, 'You Begin Where I End' is a confidently expansive second chapter for the Ohio-based singer/songwriter. Over the course of the album’s ten tracks, James expands his brand of moody, lyrically driven Indie-Folk, embracing a variety of textures and tones. For this week’s edition of “Five for Friday”, James shares his thoughts on some of his favorite songs but first enjoy his song "You Begin Where I End".

Ben Howard - End Of The Affair

While Howard had been on my peripheral for quite some time, I had initially dismissed him as just another run-of-the-mill singer-songwriter; that is until I heard this song. The first single from his second album I Forget Where We Were, “End Of The Affair” is the perfect representation of everything Howard does. The song begins with his somber, effects-laden acoustic, slowly building upon his perfectly understated Bon Iver by-way-of Nick Drake croon until about halfway through when the whole thing explodes into a frenzy of feedback and cymbals, culminating with a reverb-drenched Howard screaming through his guitar pick-up "What the hell, love?”

Miles Davis - Right Off

The first side of Miles’ Tribute To Jack Johnson, the twenty-six minute “Right Off” features a young John McLaughlin absolutely decimating the proceedings along with Davis and the rest of his band, a 'who's who' of the day's best session players. By this point in time (1971) Miles was no longer content to merely flirt with blending disparate genres; the man was defiantly all in. While history remembers In A Silent Way and the unparalleled Bitches Brew as his hallmark electric albums, for my money ‘Jack Johnson is where Miles and his band were the most dialed in to their sound. This song, in particular, is Miles at his most brazen, literally crafting the foundation for an entire genre (fusion) over the course of this recording.

Matthew Good - Non Populus

My favorite song from what is probably my all-time favorite album. Matthew Good is something of a Canadian institution, and over the years he has gracefully transformed from a 90’s alt-rock-hero-from-yesteryear into a currently relevant and prolific solo-artist. And nowhere has he pushed the envelope of his sound more than on the criminally under-appreciated Lights Of Endangered Species. ‘Lights is a heavily orchestrated mash-up of jazz, folk, and rock, and “Non Populus” perfectly sums up the entire mood of the record. Built around a droning motif that slowly builds over the course of the song’s eight plus minute running time, the largely instrumental “Non Populus” is the sound of an unbridled artist working free of concession to anyone but himself.

Poe - Spanish Doll

Remember her? Don’t feel bad if you don’t, as her career was merely a brief flash of brilliance from which she inexplicably walked away. Another 90’s alt-rock ‘one hit wonder’ who seemed destined at one point to mirror the creative path of a certain Polly Jean Harvey, Poe released her masterpiece House Of Leaves (somewhat a spiritual companion to the cult horror novel by the same name written by her brother, Mark Z. Danielewski) and then promptly retreated into anonymity. House Of Leaves is brilliant. When you are done reading this, you should immediately go and listen to it. And this song, ripe with self-effacing sincerity, contains one of my favorite vocal performances ever.

R.E.M. - The Sweetness Follows

In some ways, Michael Stipe was almost the quintessential anti-frontman. While my fifteen-year-old self knew that without a shadow of a doubt that I was never going to be the next DLR, there was a small piece of me that dared to dream that I might someday have a shot at being the next Michael Stipe. I know it’s probably blasphemy at this point, but for all the charm of the IRS years, I feel like Automatic For The People is where the band was at its artistic peak. This song, a droning, contemplative dirge, is essentially the heart of the record. From the feedback-induced guitar solo to the complete lack of percussion, the song achieves an undeniably potent tone with its pairing of Stipe’s rich, contemplative vocal and one of the band’s most sparse arrangements.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Des Roses "Sideways, Strange Ways" E.P. (desroses.bandcamp.com)

French dream-gazers Des Roses paint a delightful wash of mind bending sounds on their latest E.P. "Sideways, Strange Ways". Opening number "Tell Me When, Tell Me Where" is full of shimmering atmospherics and breathtaking dynamics. The dual vocal delivery and experimental noises are simply beautiful and maintain a level of elegance that is second to none while the organ fueled sounds of "N.P.S" carry you to the realm of another dimension with it's cinematic presence and delicate tone. The E.P. is capped off by the ten minute epic known as "Atlas // Marie Love" which is a cold mix of Cure style guitar work, angelic vocals and a doom-like presence backed by a twisted pop hook. Overall a brilliant release that blends elements of shoegaze, goth and synth pop into a unique and original sounding framework.

February "Hide Me Under Autumn Leaves" Single (februarymusic.bandcamp.com)

The debut single from the Czech Republic based indie rock unit February is nothing short of stellar. You could even say the band has crafted an anthem here as the track is full of uncharted energy matched by an inspiring pop hook that is sure to have you singing along halfway through the first listen. It's dreamy guitar textures and ethereal mood are like a warm blanket on a cold winters night. B-side "And The Birds They Sing To Us As We Walk Home Tonight" is a shuffling guitar based track that has a "feel good" vibe packed with plenty of energy and swing. Looking forward to great things from this band in 2016.

Jake & Elizabeth "Too Much Sugar" LP (jakeandelizabeth.bandcamp.com)

I was blown away by Jake & Elizabeth's 2015 single "Gimme The Stars" and can't explain how excited I am about their new album "Too Much Sugar". Opening track "I Want Sugar' starts things off with a bang as it combines a wandering rhythmic feel with thunderous guitars and a soothing vocal delivery sure to make you melt. "Happy Little Fuck Rabbits​/​Sugar Sadness​/​Sugar Gladness" launches frantic industrial beats with shimmering tones and at times feels like it's taken you on to the set of a Tim Burton film while "Interstellar Boy​.​.​. Interstellar Girl" has a breezy almost tropical feel to it that's full of atmospheric bliss. The chaotic keyboard driven "Puking Up Rainbows" really adds a twisted psychedelic spin on things before giving way to the peaceful tones of "Too Much Sugar". The acoustic based "Sweet Heaven" closes out this phenomenal release in fine form with it's delicate touch and inviting presence. Top to bottom "Too Much Sugar" is an album that never lets up and has all of the ingredients of a true dream pop classic.

Quiet Giant "Loom" LP (quietgiantband.com)

Based in Bethel,Connecticut Quiet Giant impress on their debut album "Loom". Driven by Danielle Capalbo's extraordinary vocals and the cinematic style of guitarist William James the band present 12 well crafted songs that project a spirit of adventure and hope. Opening track "Cathedral" is an uplifting number that moves through several waves of moody territory that take me back to the heyday of college rock radio. "A Long Glow" is backed by the thunderous rhythm section made up of bassist Robbie Vozza and drummer Jared Thompson. It's a colorful track that at times reminds me of Belly and The Darling Buds, while "Grey" is an infectious offering full of highly textured guitars that make it one of the albums stand out tracks. The band mix things up a bit on "Strange Thing" with it's ambient opening and slow laid back demeanor that builds into a blast of intense and seductive rock n roll. "Come In Last" and "Youngest" might be the darkest tracks of the album. Both are incredibly well written and have "Cowboy" like guitar tones that come in at the perfect times and really push the songs over the top. Simply put "Loom" is a gem of an album that you should be listening to RIGHT NOW!!!

Slowtalker (Demo) (slowtalkermusic.bandcamp.com)

Loving this raw stripped down demo from this new Nashville based post punk unit. Lead off by the heart pumping sounds of "Brick" the band blends a wash of noise fueled guitars with brilliant melodies and an enthusiastic vocal attack. "Blooming" is more psychedelic and hypnotic in tone and harnesses a ton of energy with it's pounding drum beat and vibrant guitars. I can't help but feel like this is a band who are quickly developing into something great. A magnificent combination of angst and beauty.

Wish "Psychedelic Music In Your Mind E.P. (wishpsychedelic.bandcamp.com)

Montreal based band Wish offer up a delightful effort on their latest E.P. "Psychedelic Music In Your Mind". The light, blues oriented guitar sounds of "Into The Water" set a solid foundation that's both inviting and mysterious. "Money Has Taken Over Me" is a folk based acoustic number that echoes the spirits of Syd Barrett and Donovan while "The Third Is Coming" has an eclectic "left of center" aspect highlighted by some eerie guitar work that will send shivers down your spine. The vocal harmonies on "The Third Is Coming" add an even cooler dynamic to things as the band delve into elements of soul and bluegrass music while still maintaining it's spaced out form. What I like most about Wish is their ability to create a mood and build on it. They take a style that may be familiar to many and stretching it down a path that is all their own. A remarkable release that leaves me wanting more.

They Might Be Giants - Music Hall Of Williamsburg - 7/26/15

They Might Be Giants continued their series of performances at The Music Hall Of Williamsburg with a show focusing on material from their second album "Lincoln" and selected tracks from their legendary "Dial-A-Song" collection. Formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh (Vocals, guitar) and John Linnell (Vocals, accordion, baritone and bass saxophone, clarinet, and keyboards), the band have a special relationship with their fans and attending a TMBG show is an experience unlike anything else. Much of the audience know the words to every single song and sing along happily throughout the show. The band also regularly tell stories and make jokes that in most cases would have their audience scratching their heads or yelling for the band to "shut up and play" but in the case of TMBG's it's all a part of the fun and the crowd wouldn't want it any other way.

Opening number "Pencil Rain" started things off with it's galloping beat and stoic vocal stance. The crowd shouted out with joy and excitement as the band launched into "Damn Good Times" followed by cheerful versions of "The Worlds Address" and a cover of Destinys Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills".

The set carried on with the classic "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" and fan favorites "Cage And Aquarium" and the country inspired "Number Three" which really got the crowd moving and dancing. The backing band made up of drummer Marty Beller, bassist Danny Weinkauf and guitarist Dan Miller where nothing short of phenomenal as their in the pocket precision playing was spot on.

It was Andrew Harris of Jersey City's 12th time seeing TMBG, "There's just no other band like them" Harris grinned. "I first saw them in the early 90's in Detroit and was blown away by how the two John's play off of each other". "It's one of the greatest partnerships in music". Liz Lundberg of Brooklyn says "I know all of the words to the songs on Lincoln and I get excited when I hear the opening chords of each one", "every time I see them they have such a fun time, and there's always a lot of room to improvise.", "You can tell that it's not rehearsed.", "What TMBG brings to the stage is organic and I think that honesty is what attracts their fans.", "Their music is challenging but not overly complex. Their not trying to evade anybody and I think that's something to applaud".

Other highlights of the massive 37 song set included "Underwater Woman", "Purple Toupee", "You'll Miss Me", "Birdhouse In Your Soul", and two encores that featured "Ana Ng" "Robot Parade" and "Twisting". It's amazing to watch a band that has built and developed a sound, style and presence that's truly all their own. TMBG return to The Music Hall of Williamsburg for shows on 9/27, 10/25, 11/29, 12/31,1/1/16 and 1/2/16.