Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Turbine - Reward
TurbineReward
Label: Roofland Records
Melting catchy inflections of bluegrass, Americana and jam rock into a fun and furious spectacular of momentous proportions. The harmonious harmonica packs their sultry rhythms with an air of delicacy and intricacy as do the harmonic vocals.
• Turbine WebsiteBeefus - Manpanzee
BeefusManpanzee
Label: Self Released
This Madison based hurdy-gurdy of frenzied bass and electric banjo funkified rock have evolved to produce clever, witty lyrics with a platitude of poignant samples. Favorable vocal and rhythmic comparisons to Primus are unavoidable.
• Beefus WebsiteBrass Kings - Washboard Rope Guitar
Brass KingsWashboard Rope Guitar
Label: Dream Horse Music
As the title suggests, this simple yet catchy and heartfelt music is generated mostly using a washboard, a rope (washtub bass) and a (resophonic) guitar by a trio of freethinking musicians. Nostalgic yet somehow contemporary.
• The Brass Kings WebsiteStealin Strings - Waves
Stealin StringsWaves
Label: Hot Dog Records
With a new bassist under their belt, these rising rockin’ bluegrass pompadours are once again making their way through the festival circuit this summer. They were the only band I noticed at Bella Sol that was given the opportunity due to their versatility, depth of sound and song content to play a set on the main stage plus an acoustic set on the tent stage.
• Stealin Strings WebsitePert Near Sandstone - Needle & Thread
Pert Near SandstoneNeedle & Thread
Label: Self Released
A string contorting bluegrass band emanating from the Twin Cities. Upholding the American string-band tradition while upshifting expansive amounts of enthusiasm into a rousting reverie and full tilt expression.
• Pert Near Sandstone Website • Pert Near Sandstone WikiAsylum Street Spankers - What? And Give Up Show Biz?
Asylum Street SpankersWhat? And Give Up Show Biz?
Label: Yellow Dog Records
The Spankers put on a humorous and entertaining show to be sure and this 2 disc set nicely displays the many facets of this extremely versatile band. Their classics are interspersed with stage banter and stories that round out the live show atmosphere.
• The Asylum Street Spankers Website • The Asylum Street Spankers WikiNew Mountain Kickers - Two Days in August
New Mountain KickersTwo Days in August
Label: NMK Records
Clever kickin’ bluegrass from the mad city! Catchy auburn tales of an impassioned life are picked and strummed from a vintage view while the female vocals issue forth the call of fun and frolic. The simple melodies touched by twang and an effortless glint appeal to my brain and perhaps yours as well.
• New Mountain Kickers WebsiteYonder Mountain String Band - The Show
Yonder Mountain String BandThe Show
Label: Frog Pad Records
Sweet, clever, quaint, touching or zany this Colorado foursome continues to please by carrying on with their tradition of invigorating and infusing traditional bluegrass and stringed instrumentation with a swinging new rock n roll view. If you are lucky enough to have a chance, their live show will revitalize and renew as few do.
• Yonder Mountain String Band Website • Yonder Mountain String Band WikiWookiefoot - Ready or Not
WookiefootReady or Not
Label: Wookiefoot (self)
Wookiefoot (one of my all time favorite bands!) continues on their cosmic musical consciousness exploration journey by offering another ever-evolving excursion into anthemic New Age-ish euphemisms gone hippy pop reggae bluegrass jam funk. Will they be the Shangri La for your soul too? Don’t miss their tour this fall!
• Wookiefoot Website • Wookiefoot FacebookWookiefoot - You’re It
WookiefootYou’re It
Label: Wookiefoot
These magical now age bards have just tagged you with a full spectrum barrage of musical medicine, hop scotching across genres with whimsy and delight. From reggae to bluegrass to jam to conscious hip hop to middle eastern melodies and the combination of all the above there is never a dull moment, especially when complimented by their ever uplifting, thought provoking and clever lyrics. I am excited to see these tribadellic warriors perform this landmark new material!
• Wookiefoot Website • Wookiefoot FacebookNahko and Medicine for the People - Hoka
Nahko and Medicine for the PeopleHoka
Label: SideOneDummy Records
Destined to be the soundtrack of my summer, this landmark 19 track musical journey wrangles numerous genres and approaches to produce a stunning selection of anthems, ballads, raps, and invocations, that are highlighted with deep emotions, intense trauma, extreme sensitivity, Native American chants, and “radical” heartfelt ideals that Nahko and crew have forged into one of the strongest releases in recent memory. By adding trumpet and violin to the lineup, MFTP have jumped to a new level of attainability and tonal dynamics.
• Nahko and Medicine for the People Website • Nahko and Medicine for the People Facebook • Nahko and Medicine for the People WikiBeefus - Busted Teeth Fandango
BeefusBusted Teeth Fandango
Label: Wavelength Productions
Beefus is a musical collective from Madison, known for their quirks, strangeness and unique perspective. This time around there is more steel, grass and twang (and perhaps inbreeding?) than before, but the lyrical content is still twisted, kitschy and head scratching enough to make even Captain Beefheart proud. Remember, the moon always shines when it’s moonshine!
• Beefus Website • Beefus FacebookView More
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