Horns? Check. Rhythm section? Check. Soulful lead vocalist? Check. A neo-retro soul sound that will inspire listeners and bring heartbreak? CHECK. This is St. Paul and the Broken Bones, an incredible emerging band with a sound that is polished, authentic, and inspiring in …
Tag Archives: spotlight
Mosey West – Bermuda – Vibrant and intriguing psychedelic folk country rock music
I have heard many unique bands. We live in a world where music can be an experiment. They’re crisscrossing all of the genres making things like country/rap, and bollywood/big band. Sometimes this is a mess that no one asked for. Other times it …
Lake Street Dive – Bad Self Portraits – New dance-inducing album is both nostalgic and fresh
The incredible quartet known as Lake Street Dive released a phenomenal new album titled Bad Self Portraits that highlights their timeless pop sound. Fusing elements of jazz, blues, and classic American rock n’ roll, the blend of vocals and instruments create truly unique …
Leyla McCalla- Vari-Colored Songs: Very Timely Old-Timey Folk
Leyla McCalla. Vari-Colored Songs. Music Maker Recordings, 2014. http://www.leylamccalla.com/ Leyla McCalla might seem familiar to readers of Ear to the Ground, as she’s been with the renowned Carolina Chocolate Drops for a while previous to releasing her debut solo album, Vari-Colored Songs, just …
William Fitzsimmons – Lions – Introspective singer songwriter offers more cathartic music
William Fitzsimmons is the premier introspective singer songwriter. His nearly-whispered vocals and mesmerizing finger picking come together for a sound that is relaxing, romantic, and inspiring. It’s the backdrop for a date, relaxing study music, and an all around great listening experience. His …
Guest Review: Kori Shearer on Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes – Kid Tiger – Energetic percussion-heavy indie rock releases exciting album
On March 4, 2014, four-piece indie rock band Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes will release their sophomore album, Kid Tiger. Based in Nashville, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes have built a significant fan base spanning the country thanks to a slew …
Caitlin Marie Bell – Blood and the Water – Deeply moving Appalachian folk music
Caitlin Marie Bell’s vocals epitomize the folk genre. Now, by that, I don’t mean the new folksy bands that are creeping onto the top 40. Rather, I mean I can hear this girl opening for Peter, Paul, and Mary. I can hear her …
The Noisy Locomotive – The Noisy Locomotive – Album captures fresh, summer, old timey sounds
Do you find yourself needing some more fresh air in your life? Well, we have found a band that was borne from fresh air and moonlight. They are masters of that fresh, summer, old timey sound. It reminds me of square dancing at …
Have Gun, Will Travel – Fiction, Fact, or Folktale?
Have Gun, Will Travel is almost a stereotypical folk band. Start with acoustic guitars, add vocals, clapping, harmonica, good storytelling, and great harmonies, and stir. It’s everything we talk about and that’s not a bad thing. When it’s done well and there’s something …
Guest Review: Kate Logsdon on Rachel Baiman – Speakeasy Man – Beautiful and emotive bluegrass debut solo album
Rachel Baiman is a Midwest grown, Nashville based singer, songwriter, composer, banjo/fiddle player. Growing up in Illinois, she won numerous awards for her fiddle playing, eventually winning Illinois State Fiddle Champion at age 17. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University with …
