Published by
ejquinn on
August 25, 2008 in
Artist News, Festivals and OurStage@.
Tags: All Songs Considered, Bob Boilen, Bob Cilman, Brock Lynch, Dora Morrow, Fox Searchlight, Jack Schnepp, Jay Sweet, Newport, newport folk, Paste Magazine, Quinn Strassel, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Steve Martin, The Flaming Lips, Young @ Heart.
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Anybody who has seen Fox Searchlight’s documentary Young@Heart knows why I was looking forward to this interview. Watching them at Newport confirmed they are much more than a novelty act. Young@Heart is a great band, producing profound interpretations of modern bands like Sonic Youth, The Flaming Lips, and Radiohead (Newport organizer and Paste Magazine mogul Jay Sweet was in tears during their rendition of Fake Plastic Trees).
FYI: The chorus just released their new album, Mostly Live, this past week. I’ve listened to it and it’s incredible. Buy it here. Your life will be better if you do.
It was a pleasure talking with their leader Bob Cilman and chorus members Dora Morrow, Jack Schnepp, and Steve Martin. I’d also like to say thanks to Brock Lynch (chorus member not featured in the video) who introduced himself to me backstage and regaled me with several entertaining stories. He even sent me a number of great Y@H clippings in the mail. Thanks Brock!
More great coverage of Young@Heart at Newport can be found at Bob Boilen’s excellent All Songs Considered blog.
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Shep, Xar, Alyssa (OurStage) & Ryan
Ameranouche has been a longtime favorite in the OurStage.com family. Their unique Gypsy Jazz sound, undeniable talent and cool, mellow stage presence makes them a crowd favorite at any live show. This north east base trio came onto the grounds of Newport Jazz both excited and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase their talents at this legendary festival. Their set included a myriad of tunes that, for me at least, made me feel like riding a moped down the cobblestone streets of some romantic town in northern Italy. It was fresh, interesting and light in a way that blended perfectly with the vibe on that warm summer morning.
Ameranouche: Shep, Xar & Ryan
Xar’s eyes closed as her fingers danced almost effortlessly across the strings of her upright bass while Ryan executed his energetic and complex accompaniment with technical perfection and Shep’s incredible finger work showcased an undeniable command over his instrument. These three musicians came together and performed with such a unique harmony that what they created on stage seemed better defined as art than mere music. Which could be why they were met with incredible love from the crowd and a standing ovation as they walked off the stage.
Ameranouche performs @ Newport Jazz 2008
Visit Ameranouche’s Fanclub
Check out this killer live jam with Dred Scott Trio! Hope your sensibilities aren’t easily offended, as the band intersperses a few “F-Bombs” while pulling out all the stops on R-rated Mojo Rhythm…
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After an exhausting, rain-soaked, yet exhilarating day at the Newport Folk Festival, I packed the car and headed north to Montreal for the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. It looks like Chan Marshall (Cat Power) made the same journey because she plays here tonight. I doubt, however, she made the trek in a 1999 Mercury Mystique.
But I’m certainly not complaining. Not with a bill containing MGMT, DeVotchKa, Iggy and the Stooges, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and CSS (among many more).
Unfortunately for Montreal, it looks like I brought the rain with me. That didn’t stop poppy rockers Louis XIV from kicking things off with an energetic set. They weren’t life changing (watered down Strokes?) but they were fun and easy on the ears. More coming soon…
P.S. Highlight of yesterday at Newport? Well, aside from the Young @ Heart Chorus, meeting Bob Boilen whose weekly show, All Songs Considered, is a must listen for me every week. If you don’t subscribe to the ASC podcast, do so.
