Unearthed Music

Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners: East Side Drag

05.15.13 | Dave

Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners is a five piece band that is as steeped in whiskey as they are old-timey Americana. They are: Jacob Miller on guitar,vocals, and kazoo. Ben Bailey on washboard, snare, and vocals Kyle Neumann on harmonica, tenor banjo, and dobro. Joy Pearson on vocals, tenor banjo and kazoo, and finally, Mike Team on the upright bass.

Their album, East Side Drag, was released in June of 2012 and boasts eight tracks of the finest pickin' and singin' that Portland Oregon has to offer. However, beyond a slick brand and a niche market, Jocob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners are bringing real musical talent and authenticity to bear. For my taste, Hesitation Blues and the Belmont Strut are the high points of the album. I love the combination of Jacob Miller's tenor warble alongside his enviable guitar impersonation of Mississippi John Hurt. Furthermore, the subtly Ben Bailey's washboard percussion amplifies the song's interesting texture.

Read on to give the full album a listen. You dig?

Read on...
Features: Unearthed Music, Album Reviews, Tuneage
Tags: Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners

NYC Music

First Blush: Supersynthetic EP

05.13.13 | Dave

First Blush is a NYC based band that boasts Charles Sekel on vocals/keyboards, Zach Honoroff on drums & Zak Croxall on bass. I've enjoyed this band since they debuted their self-titled EP over a year ago, however, I've never been comfortable describing genre titles when things get this blurry, so I'll let them do it. "First Blush makes genre-bending synthpop, combining ethereal electronic elements with strong, catchy melodies and riffs." My thought is that it doesn't matter what you call it, so long as you call it good.

Regardless, in March of this year First Blush released their second EP entitled Supersynthetic. Supersynthetic is six tracks of engaging music that showcases sensitive and thoughtful consideration for musical shape, coupled with a unceasing understanding of groove. Charles Sekel and First Blush show real growth between the two EPs and I look forward to seeing where the band goes as they continue to progress.

Read on to check out the full EP for yourself and then stay in touch with the band via Facebook, Twitter, their Official Webpage, and even their Youtube channel. You dig?

Read on...
Features: NYC Music, New Releases
Tags: First Blush