AMERICAN BABIES RE-RELEASES SELF TITLED ALBUM DEBUT TOMORROW – TUESDAY, APRIL 1

Like all brilliant, beautifully rendered albums, American Babies’ new release washes over you with wit, wisdom and tenderness. For the self-titled debut, re-released April 1, 2008 on SCI Fidelity Records, Philadelphia-bred front man and songwriter Tom Hamilton has combined his urbane mindset with the country music of his childhood, creating work that places him alongside career artists like Ryan Adams, Conor Oberst, and Jeff Tweedy. The buzz is already on.

American Babies was silently self-released by the band a year ago. But the secret soon spread. Together for a little more than a year, American Babies have already landed several influential gigs, including much-talked-about performances at Philly’s World Music Café, Chicago’s Wicker Park Festival and Bonnaroo. In addition, American Babies have become “next-big-thing” darlings for such prestigious showcases as the Paste/OurStage South by Southwest Opening Night Party at Stubb’s and the Rhapsody/CMJ Conference Kickoff Event. The chemistry and magical X-factor this band possesses is already apparent, even contagious.

At the time Hamilton started writing acoustic roots material like the titled track, “American Babies,” he was far from home. He’d been writing, performing, and enjoying a swell of critical acclaim with his band Brothers Past — yielding a wellspring of positive notices that could possibly have been his ticket to the big time. But his heart wasn’t entirely in the process as it stood. “For some time, I had wanted to get more into the music I grew up on.”

Which is exactly what he did. He returned to the Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash records his dad made him listen to as a kid, but heard them differently this time. The sounds inspired him wholeheartedly and he began writing in a similar vein. “I don’t want to get too deep on it,” says Hamilton, a candid realist who equates writing songs with any other job. “I write songs and I play the guitar. It is what I do and it is who I am.”

Some people undertake their occupations better than others, though, and Hamilton is a top-rate songwriter. And with the accompaniment of bassist/brother Jim Hamilton and drummer Joe Russo, and Guitarist Scott Metzger, American Babies has developed into something extraordinary.

http://www.myspace.com/tomhamiltonsamericanbabies

LONG ISLAND NATIVES BAYSIDE NEW CD/DVD COMING JULY 22nd 2008

Photo credit: Matt Wysock

Long Island’s beloved BAYSIDE are to release The Walking Wounded: Gold Edition on July 22, 2008, a deluxe CD/DVD package of their fourth studio album. The extended CD package will include live acoustic tracks to be recorded at a special performance that will be filmed at Looney Tunes in Long Island on Monday, May 12th. (Visit www.ltcds.com for more details on the in-store performance). The accompanying DVD is planned to include the full Looney Tunes performance, behind-the-scenes documentary of the band on their Spring 2008 tour, and their music videos from The Walking Wounded.

Directed by Josh Horowitz, Bayside’s new video for their track “Carry On” will debut as the “Featured Video” on MySpace.com this Wednesday, March 26th.

Once their current national headlining tour with The Starting Line wraps up in late Spring, the band plan to enter Los Angeles’ Red Bull Studios in June to write and record their fifth studio album, tentatively titled Shudder. The follow-up to The Walking Wounded is set for release September 30, 2008 and will be produced by David Schiffman (Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Johnny Cash).

“I think we know what Bayside is supposed to sound like,” explains vocalist/guitarist Anthony Raneri. “We have figured it out and we don’t plan on changing the formula. We love what we’ve become and we can only hope to get better at what we do. We have the most time we’ve ever had to prepare for this record from the writing process to the recording process but we want to be sure not to overthink the songs and let them sound the way they were meant to sound. It is going to be the fastest, most energetic, catchiest and most exciting record we have ever made. We are feeling youthful and excited as people and I think it is going to come out in the music.”

Tour dates with the Starting Line

Apr 01 Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR
Apr 02 McDonald Theatre Eugene, OR
Apr 03 Slims San Francisco, CA
Apr 04 The Boardwalk Sacramento, CA
Apr 05 BAMBOOZLE – Left Irvine, CA
Apr 06 Jillians Las Vegas, NV Apr 07 The Rock Tucson, AZ
Apr 09 White Rabbit San Antonio, TX
Apr 10 House Of Blues Dallas, TX
Apr 11 Meridian Houston, TX
Apr 13 House Of Blues Orlando, FL
Apr 14 Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Apr 15 Jannus Landing St. Petersburg, FL
Apr 16 Masquerade Atlanta, GA
Apr 17 Norva Norfolk, VA
Apr 18 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
Apr 19 The Palladium Worcester, MA
Apr 20 930 Club Washington, DC

www.baysideisacult.com

THE MODEY LEMON RETURNS WITH NEW ALBUM ‘SEASON OF SWEETS’

Pittsburgh’s most loved sons, The Modey Lemon, rip through 3 years of silence with their new record, Season Of Sweets. With one foot in the sci-fi darkness of their last record THE CURIOUS CITY, one foot in their past garage angst-ridden wreckage and one foot in the Krautrock brilliance of the German Frontier (three feet?) Season Of Sweets is a fuzzed out, driving masterpiece with catchy hooks beaten to death by guitar/synth mayhem and the anchor of Paul Quattrone’s drums of passion.   As primitive as it is futuristic, Modey Lemon is recreating the present, molecule by molecule, every second of every breath. The Trio from Pittsburgh returns with another helping of sugary sweetness that rots your teeth and leaves you wanting more. Recorded during the dead of winter in Pittsburgh, PA, at the Brass Factory and mixed and recorded by Jason Kirker, member and principal noisemaker.

The last 2 years have been very interesting for the band.  After signing with Mute, recording in the UK and playing the granddaddy of all venues, The Fillmore, opening for Dinosaur Jr., the band took some time away to regroup and work on new material.  The result is SEASON OF SWEETS.

Driven by drummer extraordinaire Paul Quattrone, the songs twist and turn through the imagery and dark rock that has made Modey Lemon famous.  Jason Kirker (engineer and band member) uses an array of keyboards, Moog’s and an assortment of other instruments to create the band’s massive sound.  But the heart of this album is the energy and mysticism singer Phil Boyd leads you on – a truly brilliant creation, with a ton of heart and soul.

www.themodeylemon.com/

TEYANA TAYLOR DROPS HER DEBUT ALBUM, ‘FROM A PLANET CALLED HARLEM’ IN MAY

It’s hard to recognize the pretty 16 year-old poised in first position at the ballet barre. Her usually wild mane is pulled back into a scarf as she takes her final port de bras and retreats to the locker room with a tug of her leotard. “I’m not a girly girl,” she confesses with a shrug. “I don’t like wearing a spandex bodysuit.” When she returns, she’s rocking a fitted cap cocked over her gorgeous crop of corkscrew curls, a subtle sag in her Ice Cream jeans, and a pair of technicolor Air Force Ones. Yup, Teyana Taylor’s got her swagger back.

You may already know Pharrell’s latest protégé from her extravagant, 80’s-themed coming out party on MTV’s Sweet 16 or as the petite pop locker in Jay Z’s “Blue Magic” video, but her V.I.P. status was established even before the cameos and big name industry endorsements. Lady Beyoncé herself was so impressed with the Harlem bred triple threat’s moves that she asked her to teach her the Chicken Noodle Soup — the popular dance Teyana helped innovate — for her performance at the 2007 VMA’s. “That kind of love coming from Jay and Beyonce, was crazy, recalls Teyana. “When he said, ‘Yo, you’re a superstar. I’ll see you at the top,’ I was humbled, like wow!”

With the release of her debut album, From A Planet Called Harlem (Star Trak/Intersope), Teyana finally gets to show off her killer pipes and full-bodied flow to the rest of the universe. The album is a macrocosm of R&B, pop rock, and rap and deliciously rich with sticky hooks and campy lyrical play. “From the songs to the production — the whole direction of the album is insane,” explains the Star Trak maverick. “It’s a story about having fun.”

Of course, the stylish femcee reps NYC to the fullest but it’s her offbeat, ‘afronaut’ edge that makes her such an undeniable rockstar — she’s a seamless blend of hip hop hipster and skater chick. Her hybrid musical style is as rebellious and eclectic as her personality and that’s not the result of a brilliant marketing squad. Just peep her iTunes playlist and you’ll find her rocking out to My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

With production from sonic architects like Jazze Pha, Pharrell, Mad Scientist, Frost, Shondre and Hit Boy, Teyana’s first solo offering has the rumblings of a party-pumping earthquake. The mix of throwback break beats, futuristic boom bap, and melodic renderings is the perfect backdrop for the starlet’s musical mayhem.

“Complicated” is a beautifully airy ballad about a crush that she’s not quite prepared to pursue. I can’t say I’m not impressed by you /I’m not ready to invest/ I can’t say I’m not the girl for you/ I just might not be her yet. She sings with the tender honesty of a young girl with strong sense of self-awareness and wisdom.

“‘Color Me Pink’ is my favorite song,” she says about another coming-of-age single. “It’s about a boy who makes me want to put on a skirt or wear a tutu to ballet class. It’s something every girl can relate to.”

But From A Planet Called Harlem isn’t all flowery femme gems and soulful lullabies. On “Translation,” Teyana gets clever with her wordplay. She spits a few bars of hood patois and then translates it for her less slang-savvy fans. “Switch It Up” is another track that capitalizes on her flow. She adopts her mentor’s cocky cadence and rips the mic over an infectious go-go beat, lacing it with his familiar yezir’s. Then the sassy shopaholic goes ego-trippin on “Traffic Stop,” a head bopping jam that will have everyone singing ” Sittin’ at a bus stop/ Suckin’ on a lollipop/ In my Ice Cream top/ I can make the Traffic Stop”.

“The first time I stepped into a booth I was seven,” says Teyana. “I started singing on the train to make money, just hustling. No matter how much money I get, I still gotta grind. I still gotta work hard to get where I want to be.”

While the average 16-year-old’s burning ambition is passing their road test, Teyana is busy pursuing loftier goals. For now, the industry ingénue would rather focus on kicking her career into overdrive.

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Handsome Furs w/ Violens at Respectable Street Cafe

Respectable Street Cafe has played host to an impressive parade of rock groups throughout its 20-year existence. Respects, as the locals casually refer to it, is located on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, Florida. The founder and owner Rodney Mayo opened the club when Clematis was a haven for drug dealers and prostitutes, a seedy ghetto neighborhood in a sleepy Florida city. Over the last 20 years the neighborhood has gone through many transformations with the present day finding this area one of the hottest nightspots in Palm Beach County. The club has survived the ebb and flow of real estate hype and urban decay by offering an uncompromising musical experience including live rock acts and DJ nights. It continues to be the heart and soul of West Palm Beach’s music scene.

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Brandon Scott Sellner by Diana Olson

Brandon, only 24 years old, is a Twin Cities based singer/songwriter/guitar player from Sleepy Eye, MN.  His music stylings have been compared to those of John Mayer, Johnny Lang, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.  There is growing excitement about this young player.

These are comments from a fan of Brandon’s “He has a huge number of loyal fans who know this is no average musician.  Like a woman at one show said, “its like he sucks you out of the crowd right onto the stage with that guitar.  I’ve seen tears stream down faces of men and women alike, I’ve witnessed people fall to their knees and bow like they are worshipping him and many times I have seen people in the front of his crowds reach out to try to touch his pant legs and shoes while he plays.  He’ll no doubt make Minnesota famous again.  If you ever have a chance to see him, grab the opportunity and you will see what I mean.  Be sure to get up close and watch his fingers move all over that guitar!”- Linda Tauer

Jim Dandy of the longtime southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas, with whom Sellner has toured, says, “Man that kid sure can play.” Sellner also has rocked the house with former members of Canned Heat, Walter Trout and Junior Watson.

Mike Sjulstad of Applauze magazine based in Mankato, Minn., wrote, “This is not your grandfather’s blues. There are blues bands and blues musicians, but few have the blues in their soul.”  “Sellner’s voice is instantly recognizable and that the sky is the limit for this tremendous blues guitarist.”

I asked Brandon a few questions:  When did you start playing guitar?
I started playing guitar when I was about sixteen years old. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar playing and Jimi Hendrix’s music were my two biggest influences. I started singing about four years ago when I started paying more attention to Jonny Lang’s music. Most of my latest originals however, have been inspired by the music of John Mayer.
 
Are you working on a CD?
Two years ago, we were distributing a blues demo that I co-engineered and co-produced at Junior’s Motel Records in Otho Iowa. About a year ago, we released my current single, “Things Are Gonna’ Be Good”, a song I wrote in a Fort Dodge Iowa hospital (I suffered from a ruptured appendix which was nearly fatal, this experience changed my life and inspired me to further pursue my career in music). In May, we look forward to releasing a six song ep including all new original music and a re-mastered version of “Things Are Gonna’ Be Good”.
 
What do you want people to get out of your music?
I take into serious consideration the response of my fan base and listeners. When I’m onstage, its a constant exchange of energy and emotion between the audience and myself. Its very important for me to know that the crowd is as into it as I am and also, I try to let them know how important it is to me to share the music with them. The people make it all worth it.
 
Do you have a favorite song you like to perform?
I’ve always been a fan of Joe Cocker. His rendition of Dave Mason’s “Feeling Alright” is by far my favorite song. We perform it (in our own way) at our shows on a regular basis. Also, a recording that I believe stands the test of time is “Bold as Love” by Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix had a way of putting so much of his inner emotions into his music. Whether it was joy, sadness, paranoia, or just purely raw/in your face, rock and roll, Hendrix had/has a way that makes you feel the music.
 
What is your favorite venue to perform at:
Its difficult to pick just one venue that I would say I enjoy playing at more than any other. I’ve been the opener at Bunkers in Minneapolis on a few occasions. That stage has hosted so much talent through the years, its an honor to play there. I was fortunately a part of the Jimi Hendrix Rememberence Concert at the Cabooze the year before last. Listening to and performing with some of the most talented musicians in the Twin Cities area was a monumental and motivational point in my career. I guess if I had to pick just one venue that I really enjoy performing at, it would have to be the Georgia Theatre in Athens Georgia. Its always a pleasure to play there and the crowd gets so into it.
 
What do I see yourself doing in five years?
I want to see the world. Traveling all over and playing music is what I love and live for. We recently returned from a four week road trip which my manager/good friend and rhythm guitarist Hardy White III organized (he wears a lot of “hats”). With him and my band (Ky Haub on drums and Rick Montpetit on bass), we showcased at the “world famous” Tootsie’s in Nashville TN, performed at the Georgia Theatre in Athens GA for the third time in less than two years, sat in on a southern blues jam in Jackson MS, performed three times at South by South West in Austin TX (thanks to Red Gorilla Music), and performed for the first time in California at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree CA. Music has allowed me to meet new people and see new places. I’m blessed to be able to do what I love and love what I do.

www.myspace.com/brandonscottsellner

Joshua McCain by Diana Olson

Joshua McCain is a Neo-Soul/Jazz musician from Jackson, Mississippi where he grew up a musician in his church. He started playing organ at the age of ten, when his father left the state of Texas to pastor a church in Jackson. There were no musicians in the church so Joshua and his brother Bobby Felder Jr. were inspired to learn how to play certain instruments. Joshua began to teach himself how to play piano by ear, while his brother learned the drums. Eventually they both learned to play organ, piano, drums and host of other instruments. In 1996 they created the Soul 7 Band and began playing around the Jackson metro area, providing entertainment for local clubs, weddings, corporate events and political functions. “My childhood inspirations were my father (A Pentecostal Preacher), Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea.”

In 2000, Joshua started Soul 7 Music Group, a record label that showcased the talent of local artists. He and his brother, who is also a producer, have worked with such local artists as Martel, a Hip-Hop/Spoken Word artist and R&B /Neo-Soul artist Malcolm Shepherd, who guest appears on “Simply Music”, the first record released by Joshua McCain.

After graduating from Jackson State University with a degree in English, Joshua began teaching 7th grade English. While teaching he decided to focus his efforts on producing and running his label. He didn’t have an artist of his own at the time so was inspired to become an artist himself and began working on his debut album “Simply Music”, which was released in late 2006. The song “Simply Music” is a Jazzy/Neo Soul record with smooth piano solos. The records vibe is Boney James meets Teddy Pendergrass with Musiq Souldchild. The album was influenced by a variety of genres ranging from RnB, Gospel, Jazz and Hip Hop. The album was produced and written by Joshua and his brother Bobby, who produced two tracks on the album. The album blends jazzy piano solos, hop-hop driven beats and smooth soft vocals.

Joshua is currently playing at the French Quarter in Memphis, Tn. every second and fourth Friday. He also has a show coming up in Jackson, Ms. on April 11.

His next CD will be available April 29. The CD called “Perfect Timing” is a record with smooth vocals and piano, guitar and sax solos. It will be considered Nu-Jazz/Neo-Soul or Easy Listening.

I asked Joshua what he wants listeners to get from his music? He said, “I want people to feel relaxed and refreshed when they hear my music. I also want to sort of close the gap between Soul, Hip-Hop, and Jazz music.

When asked what he wants to be doing five years from now he said, ” I plan on being a major artist touring the world and also running my own label.”

“Cdbaby. com/cd/joshuamccain is currently the only place to purchase my CD at the time, other than at my shows. My personal website is under construction but here are a few websites where my music can be heard.”

myspace. com/joshuamccain1/

ourstage. com/joshuamccain

reverbnation. com/joshuamccain

cdbaby. com/cd/joshuamccain

music. blackplanet. com/black133

Langerado Music Festival with Jon Tully

The Walkmen

Part 1 

I have no idea who any of these bands are!”

Heard on the way back from the Chickee Hut stage at the sixth annual Langerado Music Festival after The Walkmen’s set, I was hoping the college-age girl who said that was enjoying discovering such bands rather than merely killing time before the show she was really looking forward to – like, say, 311 or G. Love and Special Sauce.

Don’t get me wrong – Langerado, the Florida fest which serves as the season’s opening salvo, had picked up its game as far as headliners go, with the Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Friends the big names out there.

But for me, the fun of a festival like Langerado is seeing lesser-known music acts, some for the very first time. In many cases, there was a real joy of discovery:

Blitzen Trapper

Portland, Ore.’s Blitzen Trapper caught my attention with their outstanding range. I never knew what direction this six-man band would take next — throwing electronics and feedback out one minute, heartfelt country-rock the next.

Dave King

Wisconsin’s The Bad Plus had pulled me into modern jazz a few years back, but seeing this trio live was a real treat. I knew Ethan Iverson was a superb pianist, but seeing drummer Dave King play every square inch of his drum kit is something that is worth your time, if you get the chance.

I also knew well of Built to Spill’s music, but their set went well beyond what I knew of them. Doug Martsch and company created a solid wall of guitar.

Dr. Dog

Even New York’s !!! had a lot of charm, despite their lead singer’s remarks some might’ve considered off-putting – “Had I known what kind of festival it was, I wouldn’t have cut my hair!” Whatever, you guys had massive beats and freneticism in spades.

Speaking of massive beats, no one quite brought them like Thievery Corporation, probably my favorite live act of the entire festival. They could handle chill, they could handle party, they were pros in every sense of the word.

REM

Part 2

I wish I could tell you that my lasting memory of Langerado 2008 was a mix of the joy of seeing R.E.M. and the Beastie Boys for the first time, and the perturbed feeling from the site itself, an inaccessible, ill-marked place known as Big Cypress — a Seminole reservation deep in the center of Florida’s southern end.

But it will always bear the scars of horrible reality.

At approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday morning, while riding on a shuttle bus back from the site to a hotel about 25-30 miles to the east, I was awakened by a loud crunching noise and being jerked forward in my seat. The bus began to swerve before coming to a stop along the dark two-lane road, bordered on both sides by swamp.

Everyone was checking to see if all was well with the passengers. Didn’t seem to be a problem. The bus driver, a nice older gentleman, was trying to keep everything calm and orderly. Quickly a passenger called 911, explaining the situation.

When it became clear that the bus wasn’t going to tip over — and for this, I will be eternally grateful to our driver — I looked out my window and saw debris from what turned out to be a pickup truck scattered all over the road.

The pickup’s driver — whom we found out days later was a woman who practically lived across the street from Big Cypress — was killed.

When the police arrived, they checked for injuries — our driver complained of pain on his side, and was taken away by ambulance. We were escorted one by one off the bus. I looked back once outside, and a chunk had been taken out of the front of it.

It would’ve been one thing if somehow we could be processed by the police (which they actually did in fairly quick order, considering) and be shuttled away, at least as far as the gas station 5 miles away.

Instead, us passengers were constantly bombarded by the reality of it all — the unseasonably chilly air, the sight of police and fire workers walking back and forth as they worked the scene. Sleep was an impossibility. All my focus was on keeping as warm as possible.

And as I put my name on a list of passengers for the police, I couldn’t help but notice the birthdates of others on that road. 1986. 1990. It was one thing for me — a man approaching his 40th birthday — to deal with. It was quite another for some of these kids, many of whom weren’t even close to being out of their teens.

Instead of seeing in their mind’s eye Michael Stipe wearing his green Obama T-shirt proudly at the start of R.E.M.’s set, or reliving Thievery Corporation’s exotic voyages of sound, or even smiling about Dan Deacon’s playtime atmosphere, I’m fearful all they’ll be able to think about is that noise. And that swerving. And seeing that debris.

And all that reality.  

By Jon Tully

Dan Guitar Rogers by Diana Olson

Dan Guitar Rogers was born on January 4, 1971 in Blue Island, IL.  The ultimate blues fan has become the ultimate guitar player through his musical addiction.

At a very young age, Dan Rogers had been sleeping at night with an A.M. transistor radio tucked under his pillow, fascinated with what he heard in the 1970s in Chicago on the airwaves at WLS 89AM Radio.  Emerging from the Disco of the 1975-1979 era, he took notice of several amazing new Rock sounds he heard and would never forget Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Foghat, Robin Trower, Styx, Journey, Led Zeppelin, and others.

Like most white Irish/Catholic middle class boys his age on Chicagos South Side, one had to choose between the Beatles and The Rolling Stones.  Dan heard “Brown Sugar” from 1971 Sticky Fingers album and was forever going to be a Devout Rolling Stones disciple.  At 7 years old his album collection already had the likes of Sam Cooke, The Moody Blues, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller Band, and The Who.
 
As Fate would have it, one day a babysitter in 1979 brought him to a garage to visit her boyfriend that was practicing.  As Dan walked up the driveway hand in hand with her, quite nervous seeing all of these rough looking older guys, complete with guitars, tank tops, bell bottoms, high heeled boots, and very long hair, from the neighborhood and heard the Live Electric Guitar for the very first time.  He was shocked and stunned as he and his teenage babysitter approached and watched his very first live performance ever as this band was just started the opening lines of “Hot Blooded”,  “Cold as Ice”, by Foreigner.  As the drums and guitar began the buildup to the electric guitar solo, a young Danny Rogers watched these “Rock Musicians” belt out the Hot Blooded guitar solo exactly note for note with a vocalist that had an uncanny ability to sing exactly like the vocals from Foreigner, Bad Company, and Foghat.

Dan was so shocked, and deeply impressed to see that these amazing talented individuals, who lived only a few streets over from his home, were so talented that they could actually re-produce the same Majestic sounds that he had been hearing all summer long at night on his little A.M. Radio that was usually pressed to his ear and stuffed inside his pillow to avoid seizure of the radio by his single mother.

As the band launched into “Slow Ride” by Foghat, Daniel stared in awe at the Guitar Player as the very heavy electric Blues was coming from the Les Paul guitar. A lifelong addiction to the Blues and specifically the guitars part in the band, was planted forever in Dans mind…the Rock music he had heard was coming from a very special place: The BLUES.

At that moment he said to himself: “I’m going to learn to play the guitar like that and “I want to be a part of this world of guitar forever.”  The guitarist noticed as Dans jaw hit the floor hearing and watching the intense Blues that was coming from the guitar amplifier and the man reached out to hand him the electric guitar. “Do you want to try?”   At this moment the drummer, the bass player both stepped forward as well to compete with the guitar players offer.  Dan did notice that each musician was needed equally to create the amazing sound he heard, when one stopped playing, they all stopped playing.  As the boy looked at each person, he noticed they were all being very friendly and were offering and wanted him to try to play their instruments as much as the guitar.

In a daze, Danny walked straight over to the guitar player and was so scared of the man that he couldn’t speak or even swallow as the guitar was handed to him.  As Danny took hold of the neck of the guitar, he could feel the weight and power of the instrument and felt as though he was holding a gun that was loaded.  Then the guitar player sat him in his lap and started holding his hands on the neck of the guitar and showed him how to make a few sounds with an electric guitar as the other musicians clapped and then began to play along.  As Dan looked around seeing all the amplifiers, microphones, equipment, and cables he thought, “I could actually someday become part of a musical team such as this.”  This was the summer of 1979.

Through 1980-1989, Dans musical addiction began to increase daily as he begged, borrowed and traded Albums with anyone he could find and he discovered Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, ZZ TOP, Duane Allman, Edward Van Halen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath.   Following the traditional searching backwards and then “hitting the Jackpot” by learning that many of his British guitar heroes were pointing directly to the Blues musicians that were living close nearby in the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods where he grew up (Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Willie Kent, KoKo Taylor, BB King, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, and Junior Wells).

Now its 2008, and Dan Rogers has never stopped playing and practicing the guitar and throughout his life he has researched the Chicago Blues and The British Blues that so heavily inspired him on to even become a semi-Pro musician that has also been teaching others to play the guitar since 1983.  Many years of collecting Blues and Rock albums, attending live concerts, and live jamming with other musicians in Chicago, all over the United States as well as England and Ireland.  Dan Rogers has searched and sought out some for advice, autographs, friendship, and even played with some of the greatest Blues acts in history including, Willie Kent and The Gents, Billy Branch and The Sons of The Blues, Big Time Sarah, KoKo Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Billy Gibbons and ZZ TOP, Bill Lordan, Robin Trower, Sugar Blue, Mavis Staples, Pops Staples, Phil Guy, Mike Gibb & The Homewreckers, Jody Noa and The Sho Nuff Blues Band, Nick Charles, Buddy Miles, Jim Manns Blues Band.

Says Bill Lordan (formerly Robin Trowers drummer), “Dan has a gutsy raw guitar style with a classic blues/rock tone and plays from the heart. Not a lot of fancy runs but you can feel his passion and power coming through his hands from his soul. He has been influenced from great blues and rock players.”

The joy of playing the Blues, meeting musical icons, and watching them perform continues for him as he approaches his 40th birthday.  Danny Guitar Rogers can be contacted on “MYSPACE” at: myspace.com/thegangsterofluv

The High and Mighty Trumpet of Jeff Carver by Diana Olson

 

Jeff Carver is regarded as one of the Twin Cities most versatile and dynamic trumpet players.  Known for his powerful sound and range, he is a sought after player for both live stage shows and studio recording sessions.  Jeff is also highly regarded as a soulful jazz artist, performing inspiring trumpet and flugelhorn with national gospel artists and various local jazz and blues groups.

Since the early 80s, Jeff has performed lead trumpet and been a featured soloist with professional dance and club bands throughout the Midwest.  In addition, he has energized audiences by performing as guest soloist and clinician with high school and college jazz and marching bands throughout the Midwest.  He spent years as a lead trumpet player and soloist for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings Band and owned his own band, the Power Player’s, for the NHL’s Minnesota Northstars.  Jeff has also performed the National Anthem at several Minnesota Twins professional baseball games.

Jeff’s biggest thrill came when he joined trumpet legend, Maynard Ferguson, on stage to perform a couple of songs with Maynard’s band.  In fact, The Boss handed Jeff his own personal trumpet to play!

After a few years away from music pursing several business interests, Jeff’s music career came roaring back.  First co creating and performing with the local R and B Band, Power of 10 and later performing with the Minnesota Music Award winning, Soul Tight Committee. During that time, Jeff also recorded a nationally marketed, smooth jazz CD project for beverage sponsor, Southern Comfort.  The CD featured Twin Cities songwriter and saxophonist, Joe Alley and World class musician, arranger and producer, Ricky Peterson.

Currently, Jeff performs lead trumpet for the Minnesota Music Award nominee 12 piece band, High and Mighty.  In addition, he performs strolling jazz holiday entertainment at Twin City based Bonfire Grill restaurants, making him one of the Twin Cities’ busiest trumpet performers.

Besides his professional performing, Jeff, a former award winning high school band director, has a thriving trumpet lesson studio and works with students on improving their trumpet playing and having more fun doing it.  Adding to his already busy schedule, Jeff can be seen performing at weddings, corporate VIP functions and church services throughout the Midwest.

Jeff is a member of The International Trumpet Guild (ITG), International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE), National Association for Music Education (MENC), The Minnesota Music Education Association (MMEA) and The Twin Cities Jazz Society (TCJS).

Jeff Carver’s career has taken him from music to business, back to music and now he’s enjoying the business of music more than ever!

“When I graduated from college with a music teaching degree, directing high school bands was all I wanted to do.  I had some great experiences and some fantastic students, some who have become lifelong friends.  But after 7 years I was ready for something really different.”

“I took off on a new path and began a business career that spanned many, many years.  It was a terrific time and I got a chance to know some tremendous people, many who were incredibly creative.  Unfortunately, during that time, I put my trumpet down and even sold off my piccolo trumpet and other horns and accessories.  I didn’t think I would ever pick it up again.  However, I am here to tell you, you can come back, you can rediscover your passion and you can do whatever you set your mind to.  For me, its teaching kids and playing trumpet live.  It doesn’t get any better than that!  As Miles Davis said, “sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.”

I have seen Jeff perform a number of times with the High and Mighty.  The horn section of the band is always exciting and involves the audience by spreading out over the venue (standing on chairs, rails and anything else they can find to stand on) and blowing their instruments with authority and energy.  This dance band keeps their fans out on the floor wherever they perform.    If you go to Jeffs myspace (listed below) you will find a special treat in his version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. 

How and when did you start playing the trumpet?

I began playing in 5th grade, like a lot of kids do. I started on a cornet. During those days, young would-be trumpeters started on a cornet because it was easier to hold. Trumpet wasn’t really my first choice I wanted to play drums! However, my parents would have none of that and convinced me to play cornet, and eventually the trumpet.

I struggled on cornet and trumpet early on and even tried to quit band in 9th grade, which my parents were furious about. They said I made a commitment and I was sticking with it through high school. Once I got into high school, my band director, Marty Crandell, inspired me to practice more and become more involved in jazz. My junior year in high school, my dad took me to a concert by trumpet legend, Maynard Ferguson, and I was hooked!! I wanted to play like that! Like so many trumpet players my age, Maynard, who passed away just a couple of years ago, became the trumpet player’s hero. I had some great trumpet teachers over the years including my college teacher, Philip Cansler.

Who were your early inspirations in music?

My trumpet influences are wide ranging but I have always liked the big sound and high range players. I wanted to be like and play like Maynard Ferguson, but I was also strongly influenced by Doc Severinsen, Chet Baker, Bill Chase, Maurice Andre, Claude Gordon and the trumpets from Tower of Power and Chicago.

Have you written any of your own compositions? Do you have a CD out?

I did a record a few years ago with former Minneapolis Sax player and LA producer, Joe Alley, as a promotional project for Southern Comfort Bourbon. Joe wrote all the tunes and its kind of an easy, smooth jazz thing. It did pretty well.  We sold a decent amount of copies and got some airtime. Ricky Peterson, of David Sanborn, Stevie Nicks and John Mayer fame, plays a couple of smokin’ tracks on the CD.

Your deeply involved in education, what do you get out of teaching others?

I was a high school band director in the late 70’s and 80’s. Although I had success and really super kids, music education wasn’t providing what I needed, both as a career and financially. So I did some other things, focusing on the business scene. Now, after all these years, I am back to music and exactly where I want to be. I have about 20 really wonderful brass students and do a lot of public school clinics and trumpet/brass master classes, many sponsored by my friends at Schmitt Music. With my performing and recording work, it’s a nice place to be! I enjoy the teaching aspect like never before! My students range in age from 6 years old to over 50! I really enjoy it when my students come out to hear me perform, too. I try a little harder for them!

What do you want to be doing 5 years from now?

In five years, I hope to be doing more of what I am doing now. I really love playing with High & Mighty and I am sure we will be more successful than ever in five years, as we keep improving all the time! I want to be doing more school clinics and have a few more private brass students. I also want to continue to work on my trumpet playing and be the best I can be.

What is your favorite venue to play at in the TC’s?

I don’t really have a “favorite” venue when performing. Every night is a new experience for us so each club takes on its own personality based on the audience that night and how well I can hear on the stage.

Besides The High and Mighty, are there other groups you enjoy playing with?

Over the last 10 years, I have played with club bands such as Power of 10 and Soul Tight Committee, as well as Davina and the Vagabonds. However, I really feel like I have found my home with High and Mighty and have a riot playing with those guys. I also have a ball playing my Holiday jazz music at Bonfire Grill on Grand Avenue in St. Paul every year. I do quite a lot of noon to 3pm jazz gigs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am also putting a trio together with Todd and Rhonda from High and Mighty, to play some jazz gigs during the week, happy hours and such. We play a happy hour at Bonfire on Grand on Friday, April 4 from 4-6pm. Todd and Rhonda are really fine musicians and I am really looking forward to playing some nice jazz with them.

What do you want people to get out of your music?

I work hard to put on a great show on every gig I play. I am sort of old school in that I love the audience and really get turned on when they goes nuts over what we are doing. There is nothing like that and it takes me to a higher playing level.  I have a lot of friends that come out to gigs from time to time and its always-extra fun if there is a trumpet player in the audience!

I have kicked my trumpet to the curb a few times over the years. I don’t regret it as its part of the journey of life. However, I feel like the balance between my life and where music and my trumpet fits in is perfect. So, I guess you can go home again.

www.jeffcarvermusic.com
www.myspace.com/jeffcarvermusic

High and Mighty Schedule
March 28  Minnesota Wild Game – Excel Center
March 29  Mainstreet – Hopkins
April 11    The Junction – Minneapolis
April 12    The Narrows in Navarre
April 19    Elko Speedway
April 25    Black Dawg – Burnsville
April 26    Minnesota Music Café
May 2        PD Pappy’s  – Stillwater
May 3        PD Pappy’s – Stillwater
May 10     Narrrows North – Maple Grove
May 115   Mainstreet – Hopkins
May 23     Minnesota Music Café
May 30     Narrows North
May 31     Black Dawg – Burnsville
Jeff with Rhonda Johnson and Todd Burrell
April 4    Bonfire on Grand – St Paul

Jeff as Guest Soloist with The Rockford High School Jazz Band
May 22

See Jeff Carvers website for future schedule

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