Up Close And Acoustic

Paul Sachs and Tim Robinson, two songwriters out of New York, visit Up Close and Acoustic to talk about their process (they are both involved in the Songwriter's Exchange in NYC and worked with songwriting mentor Jack Hardy). Paul grew up on the mean streets of New York City and his songs have an edge to them that only that experience could impart. Tim grew up a poet in rural New York state, and showcases his lyrics in song. Good conversation and music with both Paul Sachs and Tim Robinson.

Cris Valkyria and Lou Paglione of The Valkyrians, a psyche-folk-rock group
(my description, not theirs) out of Philadelphia, are my guests on Up Close And Acoustic.
The group's music centers around the vocals of Cris and the songwriting of both Cris and Lou. The sound dances between the poetic and the psychedelic and is held together by Cris's ethereal vocals whether accompanied by dense production or a simple guitar accompaniment.
What really makes the band work, is the musical wavelength shared by Cris Valkyria and Lou Paglione. As you'll hear in this episode of Up Close And Acoustic.
You can find more info about the Valkyrians on Facebook and Reverbnation.

Aaron Hehl and John Dutton have the kind of working relationship that allows them to be able to finish each other's musical sentences. Both are fine performers and writers of pop on their own, but together they may be better than the sum of their individual talents. This episode explores what makes them tick musically, how they work together and on their own, and the way their songs develop. And of course, the guys play some of those songs right here.
For more info, find both guys on Facebook.

Jeff Klemens, Joe Altmann, and Matt Chicchi of the rock band Gavilan visit Up Close And Acoustic to talk about their music and musical background as a group, their CD 'Sugar Skulls and Whiskey Drinks', their mutual love of Alt. Country (namely Whiskeytown, Son Volt and Wilco), and how the band came together.
Good conversation and music by the guys here.
For more info, please go to their site http://www.headlesscowboymusic.com

Deni Bonet is set to release her new CD 'It's All Good'. She's played with so many different bands and performers as a sidewoman on violin, that the list is staggering... but here's a few: REM, Sarah McLachlan, Robyn Hitchcock, and Cyndi Lauper. There's many more. But now it's time for her own music.
She has released solo albums before, but they are worked in and around her incredibly busy schedule of recording and touring with others. She's made time to make the CD and has called upon a list of very talented folks to help out on this new project.
We talk about the new CD, her former band The Fabulous Twister Sisters that were the house band for the radio program Mountain Stage, playing with other famous folks, and making the concert film Storefront Hitchcock with Robyn Hitchcock and Oscar winning director Johnathan Demme.
A packed episode here as Deni also plays live for us with guitarist David Patterson, and percussionist Bruno Esrubilsky.
For even more info, please go to http://www.denibonet.com

Singer/songwriter Felix van Cleeff is a young guy to be a Renaissance man, but that's what I'd call him.
Schooled by the music his folks listened to in the 70s when they lived in California, Felix shares his mom's love of Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and other 70s folk-rock bands. Lots of dark and introspective songs from Felix here.
He's also an aspiring movie writer/director with some short indie films already under his belt.
Find more from Felix on Bandcamp and YouTube.

Music from October Project, Gavilan, Shadow Station, Twin Ghost, Jamie Gray, Deni Bonet, and The Steel Wheels is also featured in this episode.

Ro Halfhide is the hardest working and the nicest guy in the Amsterdam songwriting scene. He's a working musician who plays in various bands (as a drummer) and is also a singer/songwriter who accompanies himself on guitar.
He founded the Amsterdam Songwriters Guild, which loosely organizes many of the songwriters in Amsterdam, Netherlands and helps nurture their budding songwriting and performing careers.
He also teaches music and coaches and mentors mentally challenged students in a band setting.
Ro Halfhide is a busy guy, and I'm happy he took the time to talk with me.
For more info, please go to http://www.rohalfhide.com

Also in this episode of Up Close And Acoustic, the first installment of the monthly feature: 'Live From Jet Lounge' featuring luminaries from the Amsterdam Songwriters Guild playing at the open mic at the Jet Lounge Bar.

Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, the husband and wife duo that make up Hungrytown, are my guests on Up Close And Acoustic.
Rebecca is a singer and songwriter that can put a traditional spin on contemporary ideas and Ken is a multi-instrumentalist and producer. Together, they make beautiful and harmonious music together.
Hungrytown lives and records in Vermont and travels the country in their eco-friendly touring vehicle The Blue Meanie.
Good conversation and music here with Hungrytown. For more info, please go to http://hungrytown.net

Carolann Solebello, singer/songwriter from New York City, stops by Up Close And Acoustic while touring behind her CD 'Threshold'. It's her third solo CD and her first since leaving the group Red Molly.
Carolann is a multi-instrumentalist who picked-up some of her influences while acting in a touring company in East Tennessee and Kansas.
We'll talk about all this and more and listen while Carolann plays some of her songs in this episode.
For more about Carolann, please check out http://www.carolannsolebello.com

Chuck Schaeffer is a singer/songwriter from Yardley, PA with a distinct country sound. Growing up around his grandparent's bar, he heard a lot of country music, one hit wonders, and Jimmy Buffett on the jukebox.
He's spent the last few years playing locally quite often, but his ambition is to go to the Grand Ol' Opry... and not just as an audience member.
For more info on Chuck, please go to http://www.chuckschaeffer.com

Rufus Kain is a singer/songwriter based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands. He's a young guy, but comes across like an old hand in the music scene.
He plays lots of different venues around Holland and even arranges tours and festivals for like minded musicians. He also hosts his own radio program which features singers and songwriters both from Holland and beyond.
It's no wonder he comes across like a pro.
Rufus has a big voice and a delicate touch on guitar. Both will command your attention.
For more info on Rufus Kain, please visit http://www.rufuskain.nl/ or seek him out at http://rufuskain.bandcamp.com/

The Lux are a 4 piece rock band out of Abington, PA and they've just put out what I'd call a near perfect album called 'Usual Habit'.
It is rare in this digital, one song at a time era, that such care and attention is give to a full song cycle and these guys have taken care to do just that.
Even better, they rock in concert. It's my pleasure to introduce them to you here in this episode of Up Close and Acoustic.
For more on The Lux, please go to http://www.theluxmusic.com

Singer/songwriter Jill Sobule visits Up Close And Acoustic to talk about her music, what it takes to produce a record nowadays, and play a couple of her songs. She had a couple of hits, including 'I Kissed A Girl' (the good 'I Kissed A Girl'), has done TV soundtracks, and has songs on Clueless and other movie soundtracks. Her latest release 'A Day At The Pass' was recorded with John Doe and is fan-funded! For more info http://www.jillsobule.com

Mary Fahl visits Up Close And Acoustic to talk about her latest record, From The Dark Side Of The Moon, a re imagining of the Pink Floyd classic. We also talk about her time in her first band, October Project, going solo, making music with and without a band behind her and more... http://www.maryfahl.com

Audrey Auld from Nashville, by way of Tasmania, is my guest on Up Close And Acoustic.
She's recently released a CD, 'Come Find Me' and is touring around the country in support of it.
Audrey is also involved with the Bread and Roses organization and we'll talk about her part in bringing the gift of music to some folks who are less fortunate than perhaps you and me.
For more on Audrey, please visit http://www.audreyauld.com and for information on the Bread And Roses organization, visit http://www.breadandroses.org

Singer/songwriter and friend of the show Charlie Phillips has a fantastic new CD available, entitled 'What It Is'.
Recently released, this new disc is a departure somewhat for Charlie. He's worked with a producer, Derek Chafin, to create what is probably his strongest and best recording yet.
So how does the normally 'hands-on, perfectionist' Charlie Phillips deal with working with someone else in charge of the recording of his music? Very well it turns out! Listen here.
For more on Charlie, go to http://www.charliephillips.com

Singer/songwriter and new-folk icon Christine Lavin stops by Up Close And Acoustic to talk about her songs, songwriting and her new memoir Cold Pizza For Breakfast.
We also touch on her collaboration with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and also teaching songwriting.
Best of all, she plays some songs for you. 'If You're Drunk, You Cannot Buy A Puppy' and 'Random Act Of Kindness' were played live for the show.
More on Christine, including all the videos she produces herself, can be found at http://www.christinelavin.com

Vilebred, a quirky, funny and rocking band out of Delaware County PA joins me on Up Close And Acoustic. Centered around the songwriting, guitar and vocals of Sam Vile, Vilebred marches to its own drum.
Trippy lyrics, riffs and vibe describes the band, even if they can't or don't really want to categorize themselves.
For this visit, Sam Vile is joined by Will Donahue on percussion and backing vocals and Chelsea Sue Allen on Keyboards and backing vocals.
For more info, you can find Vilebred on Facebook and at http://www.vilebred.com

Jeanne O'Neill and Thomas Martin are a duo out of Ocean Grove, NJ that are playing behind Jeanne's recently released album 'Impossible'.
Impossible features songs by Jeanne that basically represent the events of the previous 3 years of her life. Heartfelt songs dedicated to her brother's passing, finding a way through what that meant to her, and moving on from it.
Great stuff from Jeanne. Some good enough here to 'out Emmylou' Emmylou Harris. (that's just my opinion of course, but these songs are great. Check out 'Flatline Heart')
For more on Jeanne O'Neill, please go to http://www.jeanneoneill.com

Alexis Cunningham from Medford, NJ (originally from West Virginia) is a prolific singer/songwriter and music video poster on youtube.
She writes and performs great, heartfelt songs about her own life experiences that are so catchy and true that you can't help to feel you know her and like her before you even meet her.
For more info on Alexis, please check her out on Facebook and especially on her youtube.com page, grapejuice4291

Jonathan Brown, the man behind the Amsterdam-based group Dusty Stray, visits Up Close And Acoustic to talk about his new album 'Light Years Away'. Dusty Stray has been known up until now for murder ballads, fateful meetings, and tales of death and suicide... all set to warm, jangly guitars. (check out the previous album 'Tales of Misfortune and Woe')
This new disc adds more instrumentation and a guiding hand from producer Ken Stringfellow and gives Dusty Stray some more facets that sparkle. For more info, please check out http://www.dustystray.com

One of the most popular performers on the British Folk scene, Ian Bruce of Leith, Scotland, is famous for his original songs and down to earth renderings of the poems and songs of Robbie Burns.
His voice is compelling and entertaining. He makes a connection with his audience that leaves listeners wanting more. He believes communication with his audience is key and if you ever get a chance to see him perform in concert, be prepared to join in. For Ian, that's what it's all about.
For more on Ian Bruce, please go to http://www.ianbruce.org

Al Stewart, known by the casual fan for Year of the Cat and Time Passages, and by the Al Stewart fan for Roads To Moscow, Trains, and Nostradamus stops by Up Close And Acoustic to chat about being in the music business for 45 years, his time in swinging London of the 60s, the people he's known along the way (Nick Drake, Richard Thompson Simon&Garfunkel) and his Josef Stalin obsession. Great stuff here. http://www.alstewart.com

Singer/songwriter Christopher Bohn from Philadelphia is my guest on Up Close and Acoustic. A songwriter of occasionally trippy and always lyrical songs, Christopher brings his own unique qualities to songwriting and performing. While listening along, it always seems to be that I can share in Christopher's subconscious and dreams that he's realized in song. More on Christopher at http://www.christopherbohn.com

Singer/songwriter Craig Bickhardt visits Up Close And Acoustic. Craig has such a long and storied career, it's hard to know where to start... Writing for Johnny Cash, the movie Tender Mercies, being part of the hit making machine in Nashville, leaving Nashville and making a living as a songwriter.
Go to http://www.craigbickhardt.com for even more

The Bowmans, twin sisters Sarah and Claire, are a duo based out of Brooklyn, NY. But they tour and travel so much, the road must seem like home to them. Great natural harmonies and down home, heartfelt emotion combine to make incredibly welcoming music. http://www.thebowmansmusic.com

Rocker Willie Nile visits Up Close And Acoustic to play some songs, talk about his new album The Innocent ones, and talk about the One Guitar project.
Can one song, one man, one guitar make a difference in the world? Willie Nile says yes. Go to http://www.willienile.com

Singer/songwriter and retro-Jazz performer Andrea Carlson stops by Up Close And Acoustic to play some songs from her new CD 'Driving Myself Wild For You'.
The CD is great and hearing Andrea perform these songs live for the show is amazing.
We also get to talk about how she helped in constructing the rest of the CD, including painting the front and rear covers and inserts! (Self-portraits!)
Find out more on Andrea at http://www.reverbnation.com/andreacarlsonmusic and at http://www.myspace.com/andreacarlsonguitar

Singer/songwriter, actor, teacher John Galla stops by Up Close And Acoustic to talk about his new... his first CD Sketch. John plays some tunes from the CD and plays some songs by folks who are his influences. http://www.reverbnation.com/johngalla

John Faye, long time fixture on the Philly music scene and new-comer Brittany Rotondo team up for John And Brittany, a rocking project that takes Brittany's words and combines them with John's music and vocals. Good stuff from this group. Find them on Reverbnation

Singer/songwriter Camille Peruto from South Jersey, visits Up Close And Acoustic to play some of her songs and talk about her music. Camille writes beyond her years with a voice that gets to the heart of the matter. www.myspace.com/camilleperutomusic

The band Rivers Monroe from the Philly area, stops by Up Close And Acoustic to unplug and play! Matt, Mike and Kirby hang out to talk about their music, style, influences, sponsors, and more. Chaos ensues. For more about Rivers Monroe, you can find them on Facebook and also at http://www.riversmonroe.com

Eamon and Michael Durkan from Wilmington, Delaware visit Up Close And Acoustic following an afternoon of busking on the streets of West Chester, PA.
Street musicians are not uncommon in most cities around the world, but I was surprised to find them playing in suburbia.
The brothers play some songs and talk about playing street music near home, arranging the music they play and going their separate ways to college.
You can find the Durkans on Facebook and on youtube.

Rock band Run To Sandy from Yardley, PA stops by Up Close And Acoustic to play some songs and talk about the creative process that runs through the band. Formed by a startling chain of coincidences, and not sharing any musical tastes, this band is quite good and full of great stories and story-tellers. http://www.reverbnation.com/runtosandy

Matt 'The Williamsboy' Williams stops by Up Close And Acoustic to play some songs from his first release, 'Analog'. We talk about how he got the record made and how he got attention from a label. Plus, he plays some of his newest stuff that will have to be on his next cd! http://www.williamsboy.com

Rev. TJ McGlinchey stops by Up Close And Acoustic to play some of his cool bluesy-rock. Though just beginning as a performer, TJ is going to school for music and teaching music to others. Excellent songs here by TJ. http://www.reverbnation.com/tjmcglinchey

Singer/songwriter John Childers stops by Up Close And Acoustic to play some new songs. He's just released his first CD Thrillin' and is playing out and about the Delaware Valley. You'd never know that, although he's written songs steadily for a long time, there was a gap of 30 years where he joined the navy, raised a family, and worked the 9-5 job before getting back to music. http://www.johnchildersmusic.com

Singer/songwriter Leendert from Amsterdam, Netherlands visits Up Close And Acoustic to talk about his music (think apocalyptic-folk, which is my description) and play some songs. Excellent stuff here that tries to tell the story of good versus evil. http://leendert.bandcamp.com

One of the godfathers of English Folk-Rock, Iain Matthews stops by Up Close And Acoustic. Iain began in the group Fairport Convention with contemporaries Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings, and Simon Nicol beginning the English electric folk movement, then formed his own group Matthews Southern Comfort, and Plainsong, before starting a long and varied solo career. Lots of stories to be told here. Check out http://www.iainmatthews.com for more
Plus a bunch of new music from Indie and local performers included in this episode!