SoundCheck @MinglewoodHall: Lindi Ortega – “All My Friends”

05/02/2012 By

We were lucky enough stop by Lindi Ortega‘s sound check yesterday before she played at Minglewood Hall to a packed house. She opened for Social Distortion (who we are pretty sure we saw John Stubblefield of Lucero showing around Ardent yesterday afternoon!) which seemed like an odd fit at first, but we figured SD must have fallen in love her lovely persona and music  just like we did and just couldn’t resist bringing her on the road!

Personally, we wanted to check her out after we read that the Canadian-born singer, whose voice has been described as a blend of Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Emmylou Harris, had moved to Tennessee.  That sounded right up our alley and we were not disappointed! She’s going to be on the road with SD and The Toadies for the rest of the month, we highly recommend the show, if you can get a ticket. Check out this excerpt form her sound check last night …

Here’s the Bio:

Biography

Somewhere in an old 1960’s apartment building in the city of Toronto, Canada, a well worn pair of cherry red cowboy boots wait by the door. About a half foot from those boots sits a guitar case, brightly decorated with glittery stars and images of Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo.A little down the hallway and towards the bedroom, a Johnny Cash record is spinning away. On the bed is a journal with a bird on the front cover and the saying “Go Slow, Life in Progress”.Sitting on the floor with a bottle of merlot and a red flower in her dark hair is where we find Lindi Ortega.It’s rather obvious from her appearance that Miss Ortega, with her ruby lips and Mexican/Irish background, is the kind of gal that would stand out in a crowd, but she prefers to be standing in front of one. [Read more...]
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SoundCheck @Minglewoodhall with Harlan

03/21/2012 By

We snuck into 1884 Lounge early last night to catch Harlan during sound check. The name is actually the middle name of John Norris, who is currently touring as a one man band – although he also plays with Scott Campbell when he is available. Here is a video of John soundchecking the first song from the band’s new album.

We chatted with John before the show, and not only is he a talented musician, and super nice guy – he is also an incredible artist. Check out some of his brilliant paintings here. Campbell is no slouch either, he’s been commissioned to do designs for posters and t-shirts for tons of bands including The National, The Antlers, Young the Giant, Okkervil River, and Generationals.

We were lucky enough to snag an early copy of the band’s new record Night Loop and we are in love! Harlan is playing March 23rd in Brooklyn at The Rock Shop w/Bird of Youth. We suggest you catch the show if you’re in the area!

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SoundCheck @MinglewoodHall: Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers – “Gravity”

02/16/2012 By

We were pretty excited to sneak into Minglewood Hall this afternoon and catch sound check with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. They’re opening for O.A.R tonight and we can’t wait to see them!

The band, originally from Western Massachusetts, was formed by college friends back in 2003 and has gotten tons of accolades over the years. They released their fifth studio album called Gift Horse back in October after Brian “Boots” Factor and Stephen Kellogg embarked on their own solo tours.

Check out the lead off single, “Gravity,” from their new album.

[Read more...]

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SoundCheck @MinglewoodHall: The Dirty Guv’nahs – “The Country”

02/03/2012 By

If you are still on the fence about what you should do on this fine Memphis evening, may we suggest the Dirty Guv’nahs at 1884 Lounge in Minglewood Hall?

The swell of grassroots momentum for The Dirty Guv’nahs has generated considerable buzz up and down the east coast recently. Their live shows are selling out venues and theatres from New York City to Florida, where fans pack in to experience a full-bore musical energy characteristic of The Avett Brothers, early Black Crowes, and The Rolling Stones.

The group’s unlikely genesis took place in their beloved hometown of Knoxville, Tenn. where the community has subsequently elected ‘The Guvs’ as the ‘Best Band In Knoxville’ for 4 years running. The Guvs’ sound, which has been described as ‘a passionate, jubilant slice of rock meets Americana,’ is accomplished through a sturdy foundation of gritty guitar tones and tight rhythms, accented with smooth harmonies, crunchy Hammond organ, bluesy piano and vigorous lead guitar solos.

The soulful melodies and catchy choruses come courtesy of the band’s front man, James Trimble, who has drawn comparisons to Jagger, Morrison, and Springsteen in terms of both voice and energy. The finished delivery is a ‘must see live act’ that was accurately described by a recent review in Nashville’s Music Connection Magazine — ‘The Dirty Guv’nahs possess a vintage zest that’s simple enough to attract a variety of listeners, yet a sound mature enough to capture a grizzled industry veteran. This band doesn’t just play music; they capture the human spirit through song.’

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SoundCheck @MinglewoodHall: Amy Lavere – “Stranger Me”

12/23/2011 By

Last night we hung out at Minglewood Hall as Lucero and Amy Lavere got ready to play the 2nd Annual Lucero Family Christmas Show. We heard that it might have been their biggest show in Memphis to date (from ticket sales, the show last year at The Levitt Shell was probably their biggest regarding audience numbers, but it was free!)

Anyway, here’s a video we made of Amy Lavere sound checking with her band, joined by John Stubblefield and Rick Steff of Lucero on the title cut to her latest album Stranger Me.

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