Saturday, May 4, 2024
Cuban Club | Ybor City
The Record Company
Review of The Record Company, Live at Boulder Theater, January 13, 2024
“The Record Company consists of Chris Vos on guitars, harmonica and lead vocals, Alex Stiff on bass and backing vocals, and Marc Cazorla on drums and backing vocals. Formed in Los Angeles in 2011, the band released their first full length album, Give It Back To You, in 2016. Give It Back To You introduced the world to an earthy, rootsy sound that was certainly grounded in the blues, but was anything but blues and blues alone. There is a rawness to their sound that comes across as both retro and contemporary at the same time. They have been favorably compared to the Black Keys…
“If you are going to attend a Record Company live show, you need to be prepared to move.
“…From start to finish, the band’s set was a high-octane adrenaline rush. Highlights include the terrific jams within the songs “In The Mood For You” and “Life To Fix,” the latter of which included an impressive bass solo from Stiff. I was also pleased and impressed with the inclusion of the song “So What’cha Want” from the Early Songs & Rarities album. That song includes a pseudo rap lead vocal that pumps the energy up another notch or two.
“…At one point early in the show, Vos commented on the freezing weather outside, noting that they were committed to turning up the heat inside the venue. Yep… they did exactly that. If you are lucky enough to be going to the band’s show tonight at the Gothic, you will find out on your own. If you are not, and you didn’t catch any of the band’s shows in Colorado this past week, you’ll just have to wait until they make their way back here again. Trust me when I tell you that you want to put them on your “must see” list.”
– By Rick Witt, Denver Entertainment Hub
Ruthie Foster
“Five-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and roots music giant Ruthie Foster chronicles the emotional extremes of human life and the essence of what it means… on her stunning new full-length release Healing Time.
“The new set drops November 18th, 2022 thanks to Blue Corn Music and is the ninth studio effort of Foster’s 25-year career. This time out, she pushes her considerable vocal and songwriting talents beyond all previous boundaries to deliver a live-sounding batch of new music that communicates directly with the hearts of her listeners in a more profound way than ever before. “With this album, I dug deep and tried to go for the best way to write,” Ruthie explains. “This album says a lot about the period we were making it in, and how I wanted to find my way out of it.””
–By Mike O’Cull, rockandbluesmuse.com
Say She She
“You can imagine Brooklyn-based trio Say She She’s “discodelic soul” fitting neatly into New York’s early-80s post-punk, post-disco world. That’s not to say that their sound is self-consciously retro – in fact, there’s something very 2022 about its warm, lo-fi, bedroom pop-adjacent production – more to suggest that, as with a lot of artists of the early 80s scene, there’s something appealingly idiosyncratic and boundary-busting about their sound. It stirs together everything from budget electronics to soft Philly soul and the echoing space of dub and tops it off with beautiful vocal harmonies: all three members – London-born Piya Malik and Americans Nya Parker Gazelle and Sabrina Cunningham – started out as classical singers.”
–Alexis Petridis, The Guardian
The Dollyrots
Get Your Punk fix with The Dollyrots: Your New Favorite High-Energy Pop-Punk Band!
“The Dollyrots gig review. Have you ever been listening to your favorite band on Spotify, only to have it run out of songs and suggest something new? Well, that’s exactly how I discovered The Dollyrots. Since that fateful day, I haven’t been able to get enough of their music, listening to their catchy punk rock tracks on an endless loop.
“As soon as I heard them, I knew I had to experience their music live. After all, there’s nothing quite like the energy of a great live performance.
“…Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas, the duo behind The Dollyrots, have an undeniable passion for their music that is palpable in every performance they give. Their high-energy shows and infectious enthusiasm for their craft have won over audiences all over the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or seeing them for the first time, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement and energy that they bring to the stage. This is what live music is all about.”
–Andy, rocknews.co.uk
Eddie 9V
“Playing all over the South since he was 15, Eddie 9V is known for his proud allegiance to back-to-basics blues, but on “Beg Borrow and Steal,” he turns his guitar and voice to gut-bucket soul, the kind that is not really made anymore, and his passion is so palpable it makes the music bristle with discovery. Rich organ and bright horn flares flesh out the old-school track, which sounds quite deliberately like it could have been recorded 50 years ago at Muscle Shoals or Hi Records.”
Selwyn Birchwood
“Birchwood combines deep blues, blazing psychedelic rock, rump-shaking funk, and Southern soul into a singularity that’s both personal and universal. His singing, guitar and lap steel work, and songwriting are the real, high-value deal and can raise any roof in the world.”
By Mike O’Cull, rockandbluesmuse.com
Sweeping Promises
“Hailing from the heartland of the Midwest and the yellow brick road leading to Oz, indie darlings Sweeping Promises deliver on the promises of the early post punks by creating a cacophony of angular sounds created from the DIY ethos (Punk-101). The dynamic duo of Lira Mundal (vocalist/bass) and Caufield Shnug (rythmn guitar) will take you back to the days of Television, Pere Ubu, Wire, This Heat and early pioneers Erase Errata. (And since Lira was a former pastry chef, maybe bring a few cookies along for the mystical journey!) Don’t miss their exciting display of power, punk, and passion at WMNF’S Tropical Heatwave 2024!”
–Mike Bagley, WMNF Alternative Music Director & Host of BodyRock on 88.5 FM
Enjoy our great lineup of artists now on Spotify!
The Sensational Barnes Brothers
“From international superstars like Al Green to local legends like Elizabeth King, Memphians have been ingeniously fusing soul music and gospel together for decades. Today, brothers Chris and Courtney Barnes are carrying on that legacy by paying homage to the past while still charting new territory. Before forming The Sensational Barnes Brothers, both siblings were members of the soul/funk group Black Cream and have worked alongside some of the industry’s biggest names. The duo’s debut album Nobody’s Fault But My Own, the very first release under the Bible and Tire Recording Co. label, was hailed as a modern sacred soul classic. If you’re somehow under the impression that gospel music can’t be downright funky, then the Barnes brothers are here to convince you otherwise.”
–Memphis in May International Music Festival
Kristopher James Band
“Kristopher James can SANG. That’s not a typo. This guy can SANG. The amount of soul in this vocal is absolutely phenomenal. The overall production feels like it could have been recorded in Stax in the last 60s. The vibe feels legit and is something we are proud to support. This one came along at just the right time… not too soon or too late. If you miss the “good old days” when people made “real music” then you need to spin this track” (Too Soon, Too Late)” – Ear To The Ground
Divine AF
“These are truly poets of the soul, and masters of the groove. “This Side of Desire” is the funky, rocky, soulful, bluesy album that I’d say a lot of people have been wanting for a long time. It really fills a void in what is today’s music. The variety of genres, rhythms, arrangements, tempos, and vocal stylings keep the listener rapt with attention and tells you that you are entering very special, privileged territory. In addition, the lyrics are great, and so it becomes a sort of a battle to choose between focusing on the words, the music, or the downright stunning vocal performances.”
Soul Purpose IV
The foundations of Soul purpose – a five piece band from Sarasota Florida – are roots, rock and reggae. Influenced by the dichotomy of living in paradise and going through hell. Their “soul purpose” cannot be satisfied through one genre. Bob Marley, Sublime, Larry Norman, Gospel Music, The Who, Metallica, even Bluegrass music come into play.
Black Valley Moon
“The band have now released new album “Songs From The Black Valley “, a 13-track affair that mixes the sounds of garage, surf, rockabilly, and goth and at times this has the effect of sounding like an old school horror, or even spaghetti western soundtrack.
“If the opening salvo of “Choppin’ ‘n Changin’” and “Proxima Centauri Calling” don’t reel you in, then I am afraid you may need to see a hearing specialist.
“… “Beware of The Night” has the feel of an old 1950’s school dance, whilst “310 to Yuma” has me asking if the term Goth Surf has ever been used…”
Nikk Gunns, getreadytorock.me.uk
WAHH World Fusion Band
“‘Best of the Bay’ 2016 winner WAHH World Fusion Band is a unique ‘East Meets West’ World Fusion Band. WAHH! has all original music that features contemporary style Music with Indian and Eastern Influences. Uniquely captivating and fully dynamic ‘Vocal Percussion’ and Indian Raga flavors weave with Rock, Jazz, and Funk Music to create our unique and one-of-a-kind sound. In India, “Wahh” means ‘inner joy and deep appreciation from the heart’ – or ‘wow’… The band leader, Shankh Lahiri, brought this inner joy of Music from India to the West – with a vision to bridge musical cultures and bring diverse audiences together under a creative new sound.”
Tiger 54
“TIGER 54 is a female-fronted electro-punk band that combines elements of punk rock and electronic music to create a unique and energetic sound. The band’s music is characterized by aggressive synth, driving electronic beats, and distorted vocals. TIGER 54 incorporates multimedia into their live performances with synced black and white videos accompanying every song creating an immersive experience for the audience. While TIGER 54’s distinctive sound and uncompromising approach may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate the fusion of punk’s rebellious spirit and the energy of electronic music will find themselves drawn to this band. Their ability to push boundaries and create a sound that is uniquely their own sets them apart from other artists. TIGER 54 is from St Petersburg, Florida.” –Tiger 54
Northstar
“Something magical occurred just as the new millennium was kicking off. There seemed to be a convergence of the best elements of emotional hardcore, pop punk, and alt rock. Is this Thing Loaded is that sound in all its angsty glory. The up-tempo assault of distorted guitars and pained vocals are simultaneously formulaic and inspired.
More than a sonic barrage of thick guitars and aggressive back beats, Is this Thing Loaded displays some excellent songwriting chops…”
The Real Clash
Tampa Bay’s #1 Hip-Hop band smashing sonic molecules since 2012. TRC, better known as The Real Clash, is a local Tampa Bay music collective that fuses hip-hop with many other flavors to create a unique sound. If you had to ponder you could say, Hip-hop-funk. Think of a tribe called quest, a sprinkle of the roots with a slight rock edge. That would be just the beginning. TRC is an experience to behold. You won’t have a full picture until you see them live. –The Real Clash
Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band
St Petersburg FL Martin Luther King Jr Parade on Monday, Jan 15, 2024.
Expect the unexpected with this wild and talented group of volunteer band members! Last year they were such a hit and we can’t wait for them to drum up the excitement again this year. Great music– awesome energy. Tampa Bay is lucky to have them.
Enjoy our great lineup of artists now on Spotify!
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