Alain de Courtenay

Since we decided to start this site, I have been excited about the opportunity to tell you about Alain de Courtenay. This is an artist that I take particular pride in sharing with you as I feel that I have been a fan from the beginning. Sometime ago I came across a video that hit me in that "good kind of way." Since first hearing Sing To You I have tried to spread the word of Courtenay to all.

Sing To You

Alain has an innate lyrical ability that he blends with deceivingly skilled guitar melodies. As his originals and covers prove, Courtenay definitely has a patent on his sound. Although his music couldn't be described as true folk, one would not be inaccurate to use the word as a reference.

Alain is the Chicago native that has been making his way up the muscial ranks over the past few years. Together with violinist TJ Callanta, the two have been able to collect a number of fans through both live performances and online video directories. Evidence of the following is obvious when viewing the comments sections from any of Courtenay's videos.

Two-Step

His debut album The Pregnant Letter is now available for purchase through iTunes. Recent posts from Courtenay reveal that he is currently in Los Angeles where he is undoubtedly exploring further options in the music industry. Alain has promised that he and TJ will continue making music together but that there will be a distance seperation for some time. Until then, we still have the blessing of his YouTube videos.

The Modesty of Miles

Anyone that draws comparison to Bob Dylan, justified or not, is sure to stir intrigue. That is a massive statement to measure up to....I mean its Bob "FREAKING" Dylan!! Some are always going to over-elaborate or under-embellish at any chance. But trust me, I brushed aside all the hype while taking this one in. As I suspected, we don't have another Mr. Tambourine Man on our hands but rather a mouse known for it's modesty (please don't allow this to deter you from finding this folksy gem).

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is the Brooklyn resident that came knocking on music's door in the early 2000's. Starting in such bands as Jackson Plastic and Jesus Jackson, Robinson honed a style all his own. After several years of distractions, Miles now has the final say-so. Although he still has the collective spirits that a band has to offer. Kyp Malone (TV on the Radio), Chris Taylor and Christopher Bear (Grizzly Bear) lent musical expertise to Miles for his debut album, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.

The leading track from the album, Buriedfed, is a up then down trip that has Robinson questioning his own mortality. By the time the first chorus arrives, you find yourself moving to the beat and singing the lyrics that you don't know yet. It's a very familiar and comfortable sound that stays on pace throughout much of the album. Songs The Debtor and Written Over help to reduce your heartbeat from the sprint that it is the rest of Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.

There is no need for the modesty, Mr. Robinson. Your self-titled debut album is one of my top musical surprises of the year. The rough and ragged sound that appears from your tracks help define a nostalgic shape that I haven't recognized as of late. Please keep it coming!!

John Butler Trio....they will make you smile.

Never have I walked away from a show with the same sense of happiness and accomplishment as I did the first time I saw The John Butler Trio, or JBT. If a bus had struck me as soon as I walked out, I really think that would have been fine by me (at the time). Some bands have this affect on people....it just makes them happy. From the opening notes of Used to Get High to the last lyric of Funky Tonight, no one had stopped smiling. Simply put, the show was spectacular!!

Setlist:
Used to Get High
Pickapart
Fire in the Sky
Gov Did Nothing
Caroline
Losing You (solo)
Ocean (solo)
Treat Yo Mama
Something's Gotta Give
Groovin Slowly
Daniella
Good Excuse (w/ Bass solo> keyboard solo> drum solo)
Zebra
Peaches and Cream (solo) - Encore
Better Than - Encore
Funky Tonight - Encore If you are a fan of JBT, then you are undoubtedly aware that the band's roots began in Australia where Butler gained a following as a solo act. This momentum continued throughout the year of 1998, which prompted the addition of two band members and the name John Butler Trio. Soon after, the recording of the band's first studio album, Three, was under way. The success of the album brought the trio to the US where they found a following through music festivals, such as Bonnaroo and South By Southwest. The band has since released two additional albums in Sunrise Over Sea and Grand National, both of which hit #1 on the Australian charts.

The John Butler Trio is referenced as a bluegrass jam band containing an eclectic concoction of acoustic, beat driven sounds with a Celtic ambiance. Headed by John Butler on lead vocals and an assortment of instruments (guitar, banjo, lapsteel, didgeridoo, etc.), with Shannon Birchall adding the bass and the occasional violin, and Michael Barker setting the pace on drums. The content of JBT tracks is a broad, yet narrow, view of personal discovery and overall togetherness.

I won't soon forget my personal encounter with JBT, nor the amount of joy their music has provided me....and will continue to do. The performance of Ocean, alone, was enough to solidify that night as one of my top five musical experiences. An experience that still keeps me smiling to this day.