By Jenny

Published: September 17th, 2007

While, some people are still concerned with "keeping up with the Joneses", I'd rather spend my time keeping up with Hezekiah Jones' music. So, in keeping up with Mr. Jones' music I went to The Fire to see him perform. Also, on the bill that night was Chris Kasper, Barbara Gettes, Chris 'Griz' Grunwald, Todd Deatherage and Bevin Caulfield. Hezekiah Jones, is the solo project of Raphael Cutrufello (from StillWillis), which is how I heard of Hezekiah Jones in the first place. Anyway, that night at the Fire, Hezekiah Jones was Raphael (vocals, guitar) with Chris Grunwald (backing vocals), a fellow StillWillis member who was also on the bill that night. Well, Hezekiah Jones had ...

By Jenny

Published: December 12th, 2006

Yet, another Friday night... This time it was a late show at the Tin Angel with Kate Gaffney and Chris Kasper. The real reason why I was there that night was to see Chris Kasper play. He's an extremely talented singer, songwriter. I mean, the story-like description in his lyrics coupled with the subtle, pure sound of his voice and you get some really wonderful music. Though I've seen Chris solo before, that night he had a full band comprised of more Philly musicians (Drew Egmont, Jeff Hiatt, Adam Davis, and Adrien Reju). Almost like a riddle, what do you get when you cross great vocals, a beating conga, the lingering notes from a pedal steel, and beautiful backing vocals? Umm, ...

By Jenny

Published: November 3rd, 2006

I took a short trip to the location of 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, known to most live music fans as the World Café Live. Needless to say, I was there for the music; The Writing Birds’ music to be more specific. The Writing Birds was the first band of the night with Subliminal Criminals, PKP, and Zelazowa to follow. If you've ever seen bands with talents similar to that of The Writing Birds, you know that their music commands your full respect and attention. They really drew me in. Their music had such depth... overflowing layers of lovely sounds, glowing warmth, beautiful vocals, and precious lyrics. I was caught at the show in pure astonishment, almost in disbelief ...

By Jenny

Published: August 22nd, 2006

Yeah, Overlook is definitely a must see local band. Why? Hmmmmm, because they put on some awesome live shows. Saturday night at Grape Street was no exception to their usual awesomeness. The diversity in sound is what I most admire about Overlook. Their music goes from slow and subtle to loud and rockin', but always has a larger than life, atmospheric quality to it. Overlook's unique sound is obviously created by layering the lovely tone of Billy Roach's voice, with Fran Camardella's skilled guitar playing, add in the resonating bass of Zac Boden, and the dynamic beat of Timmy Roach on drums. Then, visualize a stage full of smoke, from a machine, that ...

By Jenny

Published: August 7th, 2006

The Media Theatre has a singer/songwriter series running several Saturdays this summer. Being that it was a singer/songwriter series it seemed only right that they would have Laura Shay play. Laura was the first of three musicians to play Saturday night with a bill that included Trisha O’Keefe and Anthony Orio. I must say, Laura Shay stole the show! I like that when she plays the piano or guitar she always delivers her music with such passion that makes for a very moving performance. So, whether it’s the lovely tone of her voice, the refreshing realness of her lyrics, or the subtle sounds of her playing solo; there is no denying that Laura Shay is ...

By Jenny

Published: August 1st, 2006

Milkboy Coffee is a rather new cafe/venue in the Philly suburbs and for my first time there I was quite impressed by the place. It was definitely working that coffee shop vibe with the couches, wall of art, selective lighting and of course plenty of coffee. I just so happened to be there for the music, actually to see Cliff Hillis play. I've known Cliff as the guitartist for IKE but he has his own so project as well. So, Saturday night at Milkboy it was a duo set with Cliff on acoustic guitar and Ken Herblin on electric guitar (from Cliff's touring band The Forward Thinkers) playing to a nice size crowd of what seemed ...

By Jenny

Published: July 26th, 2006

On a lovely Saturday night in the summer, where do I find myself? At the Fire, because Rarebirds were playing and I had to see them. Saturday night's show was no exception to their usual excellence. Carolynne McNell sings with such passion, warmth, and an overall dreamy tone. Her voice is perfect for their unique pop, rock, and folk-ish blended style. I really love the fact that Rarebirds play with an almost "to good to be true" humbleness that makes their music that much more enjoyable. I mean... why add some bizarre gimmick when you've got real talent? Brilliant! Rarebirds are definitely a band to go see live!