Velvet Caravan at Trinity Sanctuary Concerts – photos

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Last night brought about the long-awaited return of hometown honky-tonk, gypsy-jazz favorites Velvet Caravan to a packed house at Trinity Sanctuary Concerts. It was announced from the stage by band-leader Ricardo Ochoa ‘we’re only going to be performing in Savannah several times a year’, as their national touring schedule has picked up, and what downtime they have is rightfully spent with family & friends. As with a lot of the local & regional acts that have been the regular ‘go-to’ entertainment over the last few years, the Savannah scene is changing a bit lately. I personally think it’ll be interesting to see what bands & performers begin to fill those regular ‘working’ spots.

The short of it is to catch both Velvet Caravan, and your other favorites, when the opportunities arise. Support for live music is the only way to keep the ‘scene’ alive, vibrant, and inspired, as well as to let venues & the city know how important music is to our culture.

Here are a few highlight photos, with more after the jump.

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Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour – 2/16/17 – 2/23/17

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Hey guys,
Wow, this is the most shows I have listed in quite a while.  The weekend starts tonight, highlighted by the Velvet Caravan show at Trinity Church.  I would also like to catch James Chapman’s new band, Goldie, but I think I’ll have to wait until their next show.  I have listed several shows that should be good for those that can stay out later tonight.  Friday presents lots of choices all over town.  I will probably bounce between Col. Bruce Hampton at Barrelhouse and the punk show at El-Rocko (Dad Joke’s 2nd Anniversary Show, congratulations).  The music starts early on Saturday, with an all-day festival at the Ships Of The Sea Museum.  I’m not sure what to do later that night. But I may end up at the Wormhole for their 8th Anniversary Party.  And congratulations to Amy and Jeff, 8 years is tough to do in the bar business.  And, in true Savannah fashion, the weekend doesn’t stop there, there are good shows overflowing into the week. AM Rodriguez continues the roll he has been on lately with a show at the Sentient Bean on Sunday.  El-Rocko has a swing Band on Tuesday and Wednesday.  And, of course, the usual suspects continue for the rest of the week.  I sure hope to see you around somewhere this weekend, be sure to say “hello”.

Thursday 2/16
Velvet Caravan – Trinity Church (7:30 – 9:30p, $20)
Taft, Valore & Cunabear, Goldie, Drinking Bleach – Starlandia (8-11p)
Vibes & Direct – Barrelhouse South
San Soma, McLeod – El-Rocko
Joe Buck Yourself, Gumps – Jinx

Friday 2/17
Damon & The Shitkickers – Tubby’s Thunderbolt (6p)
Ozone To Your Home Tour (hip hop show) – Sentient Bean ($5, 7p)
Aaron Paul Zimmer (frontman for City Hotel) – Tybee Social Club (8-11p)
Marc & Ted Broussard, Josh Johansson – Savannah’s Music City Bar and Grill ($20-35, 8p)
Golden Pelicans, Dumb Doctors, Cray Bags, Rude Dude & The Creek Freaks – El-Rocko
Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express, Mammoths – Barrelhouse South
Ben Lewis & The Kind Dub – Molly MacPherson’s
Dope KNife, Clay Hodges, South Indies, Lingua Franca – Wormhole ($5)

Saturday 2/18
AURA Fest (underground artists) – Ships Of The Sea Museum (1p, $23/25)
The Mustard – Tubby’s Thunderbolt (6p)
Damon & The Shitkickers – Jinx Happy Hour
Sonic Shockwave – Savannah’s Music City Bar and Grill
9th Street Stompers, Hypnotics – Wormhole
Scott Kelly (NEUROSIS), Dead Oak – Jinx ($10/12)
The Werks, Funk You – Barrelhouse South
Louie Louie, Taze Daze – El-Rocko
Aquaducks – Congress Street Social Club
The Mercers – Molly MacPherson’s

Sunday 2/19
Brandon McCoy and A.M. Rodriguez – Sentient Bean (8p)
Big Mean Sound Machine – Barrelhouse South
Voodoo Soup – Congress Street Social Club

Tuesday 2/21
Cory Chambers – Foxy Loxy Cafe (7p)
Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers (swing band) – El-Rocko
Mimi Oz, The Come On, The Go Rounds – Wormhole ($5/10, 6-10p)

Wednesday 2/22
Eric Culberson Band – Boomy’s
Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers (swing band) – El-Rocko
Jonathan Brown (hip Hop) – Wormhole

Thursday 2/23
Machine Dreams, Time – El-Rocko

Benefit for the Savannah Skatepark @ The Jinx – photos

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I’ll make this quick, because there’s a ton of pics in this post and you just want to see if you’re in them.

The Savannah Skatepark needs money to become a reality, punk rock and skateboarding go together like hippies and weed, so a punk rock flea market/benefit show came together at The Jinx to raise funds.

I missed the flea market and Damon and The Shitkickers, but Greta O. and The Toxic Shock, Jeff Two-Names and The Born Agains, Burns Like Fire, Cray Bags and Order of the Owl all ripped. In addition to the music there was (off the top of my head) crowd surfing, raffles, beer throwing, wrestling in the pit (complete with belt), a single string guitar solo, drunkenness, crotch grabbing, on stage pizza eating, a song called “Rock the Cash Bar”, an insanely low microphone, lots of black tee shirts, wrestling onstage, climbing/jumping from things that aren’t meant for that, hilarity, and a warm, fuzzy, general feeling of community.

I’ll shut up now, here’s a ton of pictures to look for yourself in — photos of all the bands are after the jump.

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Coy Campbell’s “Nuevo Serape” – song + video premiere

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We’re thrilled to premiere yet another new song this week: “Nuevo Serape” by Coy Campbell, frontman of Nightingale News.

Coy tells us that the song “was written from a place of new purpose and love last spring and speaks to being in place and doing the work ahead. Sometimes it sounds like a mother’s words to a child. It was a poem written from sleep and into a walk in a morning rain.”

For this beautiful video, the song accompanies images from the Women’s March on Washington and from related Savannah gatherings. There’s an ample dose of the provocative paintings of Savannah-based Panhandle Slim as well.

Enjoy:

New Music Monday – 2/13/17

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We’ve got a small selection for this week’s New Music Monday, but as always some really solid new songs from bands you might know and some you might not. Enjoy.

Iron Reagan
Richmond, Virginia
Crossover Ministry

Blazing fast riffs, sharp breakdowns, loud vocals, and all the hardcore glory one expects from a new Iron Reagan album. The punk/thrash metal, Relapse-Records-titans are back with their third studio album. How fast is this album? They cover 18 tracks in 28 minutes. So, fast. It’s hard not expect good things from former members of Municipal Waste, Darkest Hour, and Cannabis Corpse. As one YouTube comment so eloquently put it, “right in the nuts.” Yep. Perfect review YouTube commenter. Perfect review. —Joshua

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Real Estate
Ridgewood, New Jersey
“Darling”

Indie-rock darlings Real Estate are back with their fourth studio album. “In Mind” is set to drop on March 17, joining the fray of album releases ahead of festival season. The boys unfurled a new single, trademarked with their soft-core, indie-rock riffs and high-strung vocals. Fun, danceable track. I really dig this band’s rhythm section. Those guys are tight. Check mark this as another, probably great, album coming out next month. Maybe, an impeachment will make March the best month ever. Dream big kiddos. Also, the horse in this video is awesome. — Joshua

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Spiral Stairs
Stockton, California
“Dundee Man”

Pavement founding member Scott Kannberg’s solo project, Spiral Stairs, released this rad tune recently. “Dundee Man” is the second single off the forthcoming “Doris and the Daggers,” due out March 24. Sounds like Pavement, without the other members. I dig it. — Joshua

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Lulu the Giant
Savannah
Kingdoms Fall

We previewed and covered the release show for this wonderful debut album from Rachael Shaner, aka Lulu the Giant, so quit reading and hit play. Let’s hope this is the first of many albums from this talented songwriter, singer and bassist/multi-instrumentalist. – bill

Caleb And The Gents, A.M. Rodriguez at the Roasting Room – photos

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The more I get out on the local scene, the more I really dig (ok, love) catching acts at the Roasting Room Lounge across the bridge in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Full disclosure: I’m a musician and songwriter having but recently relocated to Savannah.

The Roasting Room is a solo/duo/trio kind of venue that pairs quality local artists with regional and national touring acts. It’s so up close and personal — a crowd of 75 packs the place — you can see every breath, emotion, bead of sweat on an artist’s brow. The sound rocks (Isaac Smith OWNS it), and the room’s badass lighting makes almost anyone a pro picture-taker.

It’s a listening room, so people are really there for the music which makes for a super-attentive audience — gold beyond measure to any musician. Magical stuff.

The February 10 show, true to form, delivered its weight in sonic gold. A.M. Rodriguez kicked it off with his guy-style confessional folk-iness. His sound, a little Dylan, Van Zandt, some growly Waits occasionally peppered in. Not always in key. Often dark and moody, sexually-charged and brooding.

Rodriguez can also hit the mark on funny. In one tune (un-named from the stage) he sang about his girl running off.

Rodriguez’s delivery, matter of fact and with a smile, made me laugh out loud—oh, the truth of it! Because musicians and our constant hustle. And Rodriguez’s subtext (!), “Come on, you left ME for him, how great a musician can HE be? He makes pizza at MY gig.”

Rodriguez recorded an album last year with Jason Bible, “Dead Dogs and Dried Up Dreams. See? Dark and moody, cut-to-the-bone emotion hinting at black truths. Click the link to listen/purchase for yourself.

Headlining was Caleb And The Gents — a three-piece iteration of Caleb Warren and the Perfect Gentlemen. Typically a six-piece band, this power-grass trio is pure Southern sound — Warren from Chattanooga, Dave Aitken (guitar) and Ian Blanton (bass) both from Atlanta.

The three of them beautifully spun country swing, country blues, a little gypsy jazz into into a new yet familiar dance. My toes were tapping. Folks around the room were definitely bobbing and swaying. Lots of smiles. Mostly, uptempo and moving.

Caleb And The Gents make you feel pretty good. Heck, even the stormier, minor chord songs couldn’t stymie people from tapping along.

A highlight of their set was a cover of “Things Have Gone To Pieces” by George Jones. The synergy among these guys was palpable as they breathed new life into this old-time country classic.

Blanton’s bass playing held the song steady, and Aitken’s leads were intricate without being overdone. The room was riveted. All eyes, ears, and minds were on that song and the players on the stage. Audience and artists together as one fantastic creature. Pure magic.

You know, Savannah needs some of that Roasting Room sparkle. Just one venue, one listening room on this side of the bridge where artists and music lovers can woo and enchant.

Until then, enjoy these glimmers of magic.

A.M. Rodriguez
photo Josephine Johnson

 

A.M. Rodriguez
photo Josephine Johnson

A.M. Rodriguez
photo Josephine Johnson

A.M. Rodriguez
photo Josephine Johnson

Merch
photo Josephine Johnson

Caleb And The Gents

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premiere: “Broken Bodies” by The Winter Sounds

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The new single “Broken Bodies” from The Winter Sounds was written and recorded for Rory Scovel‘s new comedy special being produced by Third Man Records.

“Broken Bodies” shows the work of The Winter Sounds and frontman Patrick Keenan at their best. Provocative lyrics, complex and even delicate instrumentation, a certain catchy and almost anthemic quality — the song feels perfectly in keeping with the band’s rich discography and feels at the same time like a new direction. The band continues to be “creatively dynamic”, as Keenan told us in a summer 2016 interview.

Check out the new track:

Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour – 2/9/17 – 2/14/17

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Hey guys,

This weekend looks pretty good, and I bet it won’t let us down like the Falcons did. There are several good show choices coming up all weekend, starting on Thursday. I plan to make it down to the Jinx later for the singer songwriter night. Probably the highlight of the week is the return of the CUSSES at the Jinx on Friday. I hope to catch the early Hypnotics/COEDS show on Saturday in the Starland District. There are also a few shows on Congress Street later that night. I have listed those and several other choices below.  I hope to see you out enjoying some music soon.

Thursday 2/9
Ben Keiser Band – Tubby’s Thunderbolt Oyster Roast (6p)
Ray Lundy – Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Happy Hour
Cloud9 Vibes, Ellameno Beat – Barrelhouse South
AM Rodriguez, Mike Wheeler, Coy Campbell, Brandon Nelson McCoy – Jinx Singer Songwriters in the Round

Friday 2/10
City Hotel – Rail Pub (6-9p)
Silversed – Savannah’s Music City Bar & Grill
Superbob – Rachaels 1190
Downtown Sheiks – Warehouse
Mandy Barnett – Mars Theater (8p, $25)
The Metal Destruction Tour – Wormhole ($9-15)
Listen 2 Three – Congress Street Social Club
Charlie Fog Band – Molly MacPhersons
Roshambeaux, Wood & Steel – Barrelhouse South
CUSSES, Hank & The Cupcakes, Twisty Cats – Jinx

Saturday 2/11
Damon & The Shitkickers – Jinx Happy Hour
COEDS, Hypnotics, DieAlps – Starlandia Supplies SpaceStation Annex (7p, all ages)
Edgar Loudermilk Band ft Jeff Autry – Randy Wood Guitar (8p, $23)
Atlas Road Crew – Barrelhouse South
The Norm – Congress Street Social Club
Cassie Elle, Valore, Allen Thomas, Whoaa – Jinx

Sunday 2/12
Voodoo Soup – Congress Street Social Club

Monday 2/13
Craig Tanner & Mr. Williams Open Mic – Abe’s on Lincoln

Tuesday 2/14
Charlotte Berg – Foxy Loxy Cafe (7p)
Ben Keiser Band – Bay Street Blues
Eric Culberson Open Mic – Bayou Cafe

Cray Bags – “Sexy Bully” video premiere

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For months we’d heard rumors and whispers in the back rooms of seedy rock venues, caught blips on the internet, overheard fleeting comments that maybe, just maybe, Cray Bags (née Crazy Bag Lady) had created a music video so powerful, so brain melting, so singular that it couldn’t be released in good conscience. Well, after a dark web search that still to this day produces nightmares, we unearthed an awe-inspiring 99 seconds of pure punk rock bliss. Or maybe they sent us a link, it was probably one of the two.

You know the song “Sexy Bully” from Cray Bags’ 2015 Retro Futurist release Hunks, but you’re not ready for the amount of video graininess, rollerblading prowess, amazing sunglasses, beer drinking, rad tricks, visors and, well….if you think you can handle it…..just check out our premiere of Sexy Bully by Cray Bags.

CRAYBAGS-SexyBully from Nothing New on Vimeo.

New Music Monday – 2/6/17

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And it’s that time of the week again. We’ve got new work from:

  • Ron Gallo
  • In For a Penny
  • Dope KNife
  • Mastodon
  • Fit For An Autopsy
  • BNQT
  • The Coathangers

As always, you can join us on Facebook and let us know via the comments what new music you’re listening to.

Ron Gallo
Philadelphia, PA
“All The Punks Are Domesticated”

“All of the punks are domesticated, all of the freaks have gone to bed. All of the pioneers are saved for information tech, or wrinkled or dead.” So begins the last track on Ron Gallo’s debut album “Heavy Meta” (released 2/3 on New West Records). On an album of garage-punk standouts, it’s the outlier that I can’t stop listening to; an almost Lou Reed-ish take on the state of music and culture in today’s society. We’re really excited to be bringing him to Savannah for Stopover. Put him on your must see list for Saturday night, 3/11. – Kayne

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In For a Penny
Savannah
“Stumblin’ Home”

Savannah’s Irish folk punk masters released this rousing video last summer, but this seems like a good time to post it. 2017 might be a loooong year. – bill

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Dope KNife
Savannah
NineteenEightyFour, now available on Strange Famous Records

We’ve already included a few early tracks from and published a strong review of the Savannah-based rapper and producer’s 4th album, but now here’s the whole record. You can fathom its intensity for yourself – bill

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Mastodon
Atlanta, Ga.
“Show Yourself”

About a week after dropping a new single off the forthcoming 7th studio album, Mastodon has unleashed another new track. This isn’t the lamest Mastodon song ever, but it’s close. Following the blazing hellfire of the first single, this track seems mechanically boring. From a band that writes some of the most interesting and provocative metal riffs, it kind of falls short for me. Perhaps, I just got my hopes up. Either way, it doesn’t matter. I’ll buy this album because I am sure there will be plenty of things to love on it. (And I am sure plenty of people will like this track. I am just that one asshole that doesn’t.) Let’s be clear though, I love this band. They are one of my all-time favorites. But, you’re allowed to not like some songs, right? It’s all subjective anyways. — Joshua

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Fit For An Autopsy
Jersey City, New Jersey
“Heads Will Hang”

Yep, more new metal. For the two people who care, you’re welcome. First, if you haven’t heard Fit For An Autopsy’s last album, “Absolute Hope Absolute Hell,” do that now. The Jersey boys—who played Savannah last year thanks to Coastal Rock Productions—have a secret weapon. All of FFAA’s music begins with guitarist and nigh legendary metal producer Will Putney. A badass of the highest order, especially when it comes to writing riffs. I’d say that claim is supported by this track. With each new album, FFAA has drifted more towards melodic compositions. This track is the furthest from their deathcore roots they’ve ventured, and it’s still heavy as shit. Don’t get it twisted, this band will melt your face. To say I am excited about their next album, is a vast understatement. “The Great Collapse” will release hell on March 17, two weeks before Mastodon’s new album drops, making March the most metal month ever by default. — Joshua

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BNQT
USA
“Restart” from Vol. 1, out soon on Dualtone Music Group

Most “supergroups” are one guy you kinda know, another you’ve heard of, and some dudes from a group that you saw on a Spotify mix one time. BNQT breaks that mold (that I just made up) by actually possessing members you’ve heard of from bands that you’ve actually heard. Featuring heavy hitters from Band of Horses, Grandaddy, Franz Ferdinand, Travis and Midlake, I’m curious to see where BNQT goes. This song swings a good bit for an indie rock tune, I kinda dig it. – Tom

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The Coathangers
ATL
“Parasite”

Written while rehearsing for the tour to support Nosebleed Weekend, one of my favorite albums of 2016, this snotty punk burner reflects The Coathangers’ feelings on the current state of political affairs in the US. Pretty sure they’re not real stoked about it. – Tom

Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour – 2/3/17 – 2/7/17

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Hey guys,
It looks like a fairly decent music weekend downtown this week.  There aren’t as many choices as on some weekends, but it seems there are at least a couple of good shows every night. Friday brings the return (“Goodbye but not Farewell”) of the Accomplices as well as the return of Jucifer to the Jinx later that night.  On Saturday, there is a big Skate Park Benefit Show at the Jinx, with several good (mostly punk-themed) bands. And Sunday brings the  Savannah Songwriters to a new location, the Sentient Bean.  Pretty much the only thing I’m thinking about this week is the Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl on Sunday.  I hope you have fun out this weekend and if I see you, be sure to say “hello”.  And if the Falcons should happen to lose, forgive me if I seem pretty grumpy.

Friday 2/3
Erica Franklin – House of Strut (7p)
Accomplices, City Hotel – Service Brewing (7p, $25)
Marshall Tucker Band – Lucas Theater (8p, $30-50)
Wasted Wine – El Rocko
Ajeva, Psychedelic Monks – Barrelhouse South
BBFX – Molly MacPherson’s
Ember City – Totally Awesome Bar
Jucifer, Joi Ryder – Jinx

Saturday 2/4
Locochino, Electric Kim – Barrelhouse South
Damon & The Shitkickers, Order Of The Owls, Cray Bags, Burns Like Fire, Jeff Two-Names & The Born Agains, Greta O & The Toxic Shock – Jinx (6p)
Lurrie Bell – Southbound Brewery (7:30p, $30/35)
Cranford Hollow, Painter & The Poetry– Tybee Post Theater (8-10p, $18)

Sunday 2/5
Tim Malchak, Jason Salzer, Brian Dolzani – Sentient Bean Sav’h Songwriters ($5, 7-8:30)
Voodoo Soup – Congress Street Social Club

Monday 2/6
Craig Tanner & Mr Williams Open Mic – Abe’s on Lincoln

Tuesday 2/7
Ben Keiser Band – Bay Street Blues
Eric Culberson Open Jam – Bayou Cafe

Lulu the Giant album release at Trinity Sanctuary Concerts – photos

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Much has already been written regarding Rachael Shaner‘s album release for Lulu the Giant at Trinity Sanctuary Concerts, so I’ll simply say that last night’s performance not only was well planned & executed, but also had a turn-out of roughly 230 attendees. The City of Savannah showed a lot of love for one of their local favorites, and the energy was palpable.

The following are highlight photos from the show, with more after the jump.

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