The HighLife

   


There's a wood carving on the wall of a log cabin somewhere in Maine that says, "he that has the ability to see nature never grows old."  Spring has sprung ladies and gents.  You know, what some call like to sweatshirt season. So in light of that, here's the first in a series of season inspired tracks.  Out of too many conversations about the emotional rollercoaster that is winter emerged this particular mix.  So these are carefully selected to help you thaw out of hibernation. Just hit play and you're set. Better yet, just add it to your library and take them with you everywhere. Stay tuned for the next season...

         

Clap hands...


The Phenomenal Handclap Band - 15 to 20

MELLOW.

I heard some lyrics recently that really caught my attention.  It went like, "nobody hikes up my skirt like you do...", and that was pretty much all that was needed.  I had to know which lady was classy enough to be so honest with her songwriting.  Fortunately it didn't take too long to find the sultry Alaskan who got her start singing in church, eventually moving to LA in 2004, and debuted with 2005's Fate is the Hunter.   Her latest work is the self-titled Kate Earl, and honestly it's hard to be mad at anything listening to the album.  So if you've got things to work out, this is definitely your remedy.  Enjoy!

I've been on a bit of a British music tilt lately.  Particularly, one 24 year old dude ( i think dude applies) from London.  His first album blended energetic riffs with amazing melodies to create songs that touched on issues from the irreverent, to the humorous, to the romantic.  He recently released a new album, titled, Everything is New.  Which showcases his growth as a musician and songwriter.  I was only going to put up a few tracks to give you a feel for his latest album, but i got a little carried away.  So here's a little mix of some old and some new songs of his.  Sort of like his album title.  Ladies and gents, Jack Peñate.

 

Feist - Mushaboom

Greetings and salutations friends!  Today, i'm kicking off a week of new music for your ears. Each day i'll be writing about a group that deserves your utmost attention, and to get it going we'll start with a amazing group from my hometown.

Smoke the Groove


I was at the homestead last week to visit the parentals, and while there i had the opportunity to be at probably the coolest party i'd ever been to in Harrisburg.  A good friend of mine had been invited by the lead singer, Joanna Kirby, to check out this party they'd be playing at.  I was in town and i figured why not.  We get there and realize that a whole block had been shut down for the "party".  Which upon closer observation proved itself to be a concert venue in the middle of the street; perfect.  A few other bands played before they came on; but once they were on, i had a strong urge to find me some glowsticks and dance my ass off.  Unfortunately i didn't really think that far ahead, so no shiny lights.

One song in particular, Isabel, had me moving way before i even realized i was moving, i just had to move.  And by the time they jumped into the best version of Mary J. Blige's "Real Love" i've ever heard, i was kicking myself for not having brought a camera.  Their blend of jazz, soul, and funk is tempered by a very independent vision of their sound.  You really just have check it out for yourself.  You can download a live set they performed at Harrisburg's Der Maennorchor here. 

If you like what you hear, you can also follow them on Facebook or MySpace to get the latest on Smoke the Groove.  I chatted with Joanna and Sonja Bontrager (keyboards) after they played, and they're really cool people on top of their excellent musicianship.  So if you happen to catch them at a Smoke the Groove show, or at one of their various independent ventures, do say hi. 

Joanna Kirby with DJ Ben Freeman

Phish - Contact

Greet the day...