SINGER DISCUSSES GOING BLIND AS 2ND SYNDICATED RADIO SEGMENT TAPES NEXT WEEK AT MEMPHIS SHOW
NPR aired a profile on Robert Finley nationally this week as his debut
album ‘Age Don’t Mean a Thing’ on Big Legal Mess (Fat Possum) comes out
today. Finley told NPR that being able to play soul music for a living
in spite of going blind “a dream come true… what more could a man ask.”
He also described his music as “blues that make a person hold their head
up instead of dropping it down.” He and NPR host Jeremy Hobson
discussed how money from his father for a pair of shoes went to his
first guitar; learning music from watching musicians in church; his
religious family disapproving of the blues; what it’s like to go to
school to adapt to becoming legally blind; and sensing the energy from
the audience even when he can’t see it.
‘Age Don’t Mean a Thing’ is earning praise across the board as he
prepares for a Memphis album release show October 6 at Lafayette’s to be
taped by syndicated radio show Beale Street Caravan.
Here’s what we’re reading and hearing:
“Not your average up-and-comer… sounds good to me!”
- Jeremy Hobson, NPR Here & Now, September 26, 2016
“More than convincing.”
- Jon Pareles, New York Times, January 18, 2016
“Amazing… great stuff.”
- Rob Weisberg, NPR Music, January 26, 2016
“ Too legit to quit.”
- Hannah Hayes, Southern Living, August 22, 2016
"A delightful mix of old school blues, soul and R&B, with all of it
propelled by Finley’s gritty-yet-laid-back voice and equally effortless
guitar work. It’s a surprisingly confident effort from a first-time
recording artist."
- Sam D'Arcangelo, Offbeat Magazine, September 29, 2016
“A slab of dirty, sexy soul, gyrating around a firm funk backbeat in
much the same way as most pairs of hips exposed to this song might.
Finley’s Southern croon soars above sensual guitar and horns, reveling
in the freedom the music provides and exploring the crannies of the
instrumentation.”
- Will Rivitz, Pop Matters, August 15, 2016
“His brand of Southern Soul is tough to resist… a master at work!”
- Soul Tracks, August 29, 2016
Showing posts with label offbeat magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label offbeat magazine. Show all posts
Friday, September 30, 2016
Monday, January 27, 2014
LEYLA MCCALLA CELEBRATES LANGSTON HUGHES' BIRTHDAY WITH SHOWS FEB 11 AT BRIC HOUSE AND FEBRUARY 13 AT ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, STAGE 3
THREE SYNDICATED RADIO SHOW TAPINGS OVER NEXT MONTH FOR FAST-RISER AS PASTE STREAMS ALBUM THIS WEEK
Leyla McCalla – cellist and tenor banjo player, Jazz Fest alum, and member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops family – will celebrate Langston Hughes' February 1 birthday with concerts February 11 at BRIC House (647 Fulton St., Brooklyn) and February 13 at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3 (196 Allen St.). Leyla McCalla will be taping three syndicated radio segments over the next month--NPR Tell Me More; NPR eTown; and Nat Geo Radio—talking about her stellar debut album 'Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes,' which is influenced by sounds from New York, New Orleans, and Haiti. Paste Magazine will stream the album this week before its February 4 release.
Performance videos from the streets of New Orleans.
Early buzz came from the UK. The Sunday Times called it an "unforgettable... triumph." The UK's R2 gave it four stars, calling it "a labour of love, beautifully consummated." UNCUT gave it an 8/10, heralding its "magic." The Guardian said that McCalla casts "a charming, resonant spell."
In the US, New Orleans' Offbeat Magazine tabbed it "ambitious, deep and gorgeous." Sing Out Magazine has raved, "What a voice, more Billie Holiday than anything, flourishing in such bare surroundings and bringing the words, whether joyous or dark, to life... As arranger, musician and vocalist she’s a remarkable talent, and this debut is assured and a harbinger of a towering career."
More info on Leyla's tour.
Leyla McCalla – cellist and tenor banjo player, Jazz Fest alum, and member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops family – will celebrate Langston Hughes' February 1 birthday with concerts February 11 at BRIC House (647 Fulton St., Brooklyn) and February 13 at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3 (196 Allen St.). Leyla McCalla will be taping three syndicated radio segments over the next month--NPR Tell Me More; NPR eTown; and Nat Geo Radio—talking about her stellar debut album 'Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes,' which is influenced by sounds from New York, New Orleans, and Haiti. Paste Magazine will stream the album this week before its February 4 release.
Performance videos from the streets of New Orleans.
Early buzz came from the UK. The Sunday Times called it an "unforgettable... triumph." The UK's R2 gave it four stars, calling it "a labour of love, beautifully consummated." UNCUT gave it an 8/10, heralding its "magic." The Guardian said that McCalla casts "a charming, resonant spell."
In the US, New Orleans' Offbeat Magazine tabbed it "ambitious, deep and gorgeous." Sing Out Magazine has raved, "What a voice, more Billie Holiday than anything, flourishing in such bare surroundings and bringing the words, whether joyous or dark, to life... As arranger, musician and vocalist she’s a remarkable talent, and this debut is assured and a harbinger of a towering career."
More info on Leyla's tour.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
LEYLA MCCALLA ANNOUNCES NORTHEAST TOUR, ETOWN TAPING AS PRE-RELEASE UK, US PLAUDITS ADD UP
"UNFORGETTABLE… TRIUMPH" (THE SUNDAY TIMES, UK) 'VARI-COLORED SONGS: A TRIBUTE TO LANGSTON HUGHES' OUT FEB 4 ON MUSIC MAKER RELIEF FOUNDATION
Leyla McCalla – whose solo tribute to Langston Hughes comes out February 4, three days after his birthday – will tour the northeast United States in January and February. The announcement, which includes three stops in NYC, the first during APAP, comes on the heels of incredible reviews in the UK and US and an opening slot for Mavis Staples. In February, she will tape syndicated national radio show eTown, located in Boulder, CO.
The Sunday Times called it an "unforgettable… triumph."
The UK's R2 gave it four stars, calling it "a labour of love, beautifully consummated."
UNCUT gave it an 8/10, heralding its "magic."
New Orleans' Offbeat Magazine tabbed it "ambitious, deep and gorgeous."
The Wall Street Journal premiered a track as well.
Leyla McCalla Northeast 2014 Tour Dates:
January 10 – New York, NY – City Winery
February 4 – Durham, NC – The Pinhook
February 5 – Washington, D.C. – The Hamilton
February 7 – Bayport, NY – Grey Horse Tavern
February 8 – Philadelphia, PA – Tin Angel
February 9 – Lewiston, ME - Bates College
February 11 – Brooklyn, NY – BRIC House
February 13 – New York, NY – Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3
February 14 – Cambridge, MA – Club Passim
February 15 – New Haven, CT – Café Nine
February 17 – Providence, RI – Fete Lounge
February 19 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse
February 20 – Brownfield, MA – Stone Mountain Arts Center
February 25 – Boulder, CO – eTown
July 11 – Courtenay, BC – Vancouver Island MusicFest
Leyla McCalla – whose solo tribute to Langston Hughes comes out February 4, three days after his birthday – will tour the northeast United States in January and February. The announcement, which includes three stops in NYC, the first during APAP, comes on the heels of incredible reviews in the UK and US and an opening slot for Mavis Staples. In February, she will tape syndicated national radio show eTown, located in Boulder, CO.
The Sunday Times called it an "unforgettable… triumph."
The UK's R2 gave it four stars, calling it "a labour of love, beautifully consummated."
UNCUT gave it an 8/10, heralding its "magic."
New Orleans' Offbeat Magazine tabbed it "ambitious, deep and gorgeous."
The Wall Street Journal premiered a track as well.
Leyla McCalla Northeast 2014 Tour Dates:
January 10 – New York, NY – City Winery
February 4 – Durham, NC – The Pinhook
February 5 – Washington, D.C. – The Hamilton
February 7 – Bayport, NY – Grey Horse Tavern
February 8 – Philadelphia, PA – Tin Angel
February 9 – Lewiston, ME - Bates College
February 11 – Brooklyn, NY – BRIC House
February 13 – New York, NY – Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3
February 14 – Cambridge, MA – Club Passim
February 15 – New Haven, CT – Café Nine
February 17 – Providence, RI – Fete Lounge
February 19 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse
February 20 – Brownfield, MA – Stone Mountain Arts Center
February 25 – Boulder, CO – eTown
July 11 – Courtenay, BC – Vancouver Island MusicFest
Monday, June 24, 2013
"True Maverick" (eMusic) Ironing Board Sam, Jazz Fest & Night Train TV Alum To Release Hard-Hitting New Soul & Funk Album Featuring Special Guests The Memphis Horns
Double Bang, the new album from Ironing Board Sam, emphasizes that this
artist has not only come back, but he’ll be around for a long time. The
new two-CD album will be released July 9
by Music Maker Relief Foundation in partnership with Dixiefrog Records.
Double Bang features 12 new tracks written/recorded by Ironing Board
Sam during the past two years, recorded by Ardie Dean in Alabama and
featuring backup by the Memphis Horns. The album also includes Sam’s
first album on the Music Maker label, Going Up, and singles Sam released
on various labels in the 1960s and 1970s.
Sam’s most recent album, Ninth Wonder of the World of Music, was released in 2012, also on the Music Maker label. eMusic said, "'Ninth Wonder' is a superb album for anyone interested in hearing a true maverick at work.... Here’s the most entertaining eight tracks and nearly 22 minutes of blues-based music likely to be released this year, and it should leave you longing for more."
Offbeat Magazine described Ironing Board Sam's 'The Ninth Wonder of the World of Music' as "a gem" in a profile last year.
Read the New Orleans Times-Picayune’s account of Sam’s illustrious career here.
In 2012 Sam was named “Comeback Artist of the Year” by Living Blues Magazine, made a triumphant return to a packed tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2013 Sam performed at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, and will be traveling for gigs all over the USA. At age 72, Sam feels like his career is finally where he wants it to be. “This album is the culmination of my lifelong quest. Fifty years of work towards my artistic vision has finally been achieved,” he said.
Tim Duffy, founder of Music Maker Relief Foundation, says, “Sam has had a truly remarkable journey through life. I have been a personal fan of his since seeing his tour bus on the streets of Asheville in 1981, but Sam has been amazing audiences throughout the South since the 1950s. He was featured on the first African-American televised music revue, The Night Train. Jimi Hendrix backed him up on the Chitlin’ Circuit in the 1960s. He has a place as an important figure in the history of Blues, largely unrecognized until now. With this album he is cementing his place as one of the most talented and hard working R&B artists out there. This album is truly a masterpiece that Sam has created and needs to share with the world.”
Ironing Board Sam has also been the focus this year of a documentary film, Tenth, by filmmaker Tom Ciaburri. Ciaburri used the crowd-funding site Kickstarter to fund finishing the film and releasing it at festivals nationwide. Tom describes Sam’s music as, “Sam beams positivity that comes out in his music – he is an amazingly talented musician who is only getting better with time. “ Tenth is now funded and will be completed in the coming year.
The Sydney Morning Herald said of Sam’s recent tour in Australia with the Music Maker Blues Revue, “Ironing Board Sam, 73 years young, sang like his pants were on fire and attacked his keyboard as if it had sinned.”
Double Bang will be officially released on July 9th, and can be purchased at the Music Maker Store.
###
About Music Maker Relief Foundation:
Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Music Maker aims to keep our Southern culture vital by directly supporting senior (over 55) American roots musicians in need, expanding their professional careers, and providing with basic life needs so they can focus on their art. Music Maker also assists Next Generation (under 55) artists in the development of their professional careers. Since the organization’s founding in 1994, Music Maker has assisted hundreds of musicians who represent the traditions of Blues, Gospel, Old-Time String Band, Jazz and more. Music Maker’s programs ensure the talents of these cultural treasures are accessible so that our rich musical heritage can be shared with the world and preserved for future generations.
Sam’s most recent album, Ninth Wonder of the World of Music, was released in 2012, also on the Music Maker label. eMusic said, "'Ninth Wonder' is a superb album for anyone interested in hearing a true maverick at work.... Here’s the most entertaining eight tracks and nearly 22 minutes of blues-based music likely to be released this year, and it should leave you longing for more."
Offbeat Magazine described Ironing Board Sam's 'The Ninth Wonder of the World of Music' as "a gem" in a profile last year.
Read the New Orleans Times-Picayune’s account of Sam’s illustrious career here.
In 2012 Sam was named “Comeback Artist of the Year” by Living Blues Magazine, made a triumphant return to a packed tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2013 Sam performed at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, and will be traveling for gigs all over the USA. At age 72, Sam feels like his career is finally where he wants it to be. “This album is the culmination of my lifelong quest. Fifty years of work towards my artistic vision has finally been achieved,” he said.
Tim Duffy, founder of Music Maker Relief Foundation, says, “Sam has had a truly remarkable journey through life. I have been a personal fan of his since seeing his tour bus on the streets of Asheville in 1981, but Sam has been amazing audiences throughout the South since the 1950s. He was featured on the first African-American televised music revue, The Night Train. Jimi Hendrix backed him up on the Chitlin’ Circuit in the 1960s. He has a place as an important figure in the history of Blues, largely unrecognized until now. With this album he is cementing his place as one of the most talented and hard working R&B artists out there. This album is truly a masterpiece that Sam has created and needs to share with the world.”
Ironing Board Sam has also been the focus this year of a documentary film, Tenth, by filmmaker Tom Ciaburri. Ciaburri used the crowd-funding site Kickstarter to fund finishing the film and releasing it at festivals nationwide. Tom describes Sam’s music as, “Sam beams positivity that comes out in his music – he is an amazingly talented musician who is only getting better with time. “ Tenth is now funded and will be completed in the coming year.
The Sydney Morning Herald said of Sam’s recent tour in Australia with the Music Maker Blues Revue, “Ironing Board Sam, 73 years young, sang like his pants were on fire and attacked his keyboard as if it had sinned.”
Double Bang will be officially released on July 9th, and can be purchased at the Music Maker Store.
###
About Music Maker Relief Foundation:
Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Music Maker aims to keep our Southern culture vital by directly supporting senior (over 55) American roots musicians in need, expanding their professional careers, and providing with basic life needs so they can focus on their art. Music Maker also assists Next Generation (under 55) artists in the development of their professional careers. Since the organization’s founding in 1994, Music Maker has assisted hundreds of musicians who represent the traditions of Blues, Gospel, Old-Time String Band, Jazz and more. Music Maker’s programs ensure the talents of these cultural treasures are accessible so that our rich musical heritage can be shared with the world and preserved for future generations.
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