REBEL SPIRIT MUSIC SERIES
February 6, 2008
8pm - 11pm
FREE
Each month we embark on a lengthy journey to find the finest, undiscovered musical talent this country has to offer and we implore each and every one of you to come along and let us share our spoils.
Join us on February 6th, 2008 at The Rockwood Music Hall for a FREE night of music!
 Alana Amram & The Rough Gems |
 Alex Battles and His Whiskey Rebelion |
 Andy Friedman and The Other Failures |
 The Morning Pages |
| LISTEN | LISTEN | LISTEN | LISTEN |
| Sweet, quirky country music at its very best. Amram is a captivating performer backed by The Rough Gems - a band of unquestionable skill and industry. Influenced by a number of genres it's testament to Amram's talent that her country-inspired sound remains as pure and traditional as you could expect. She has the ability to summon images of balmy, summer romance - you could be mistaken for believing some of her songs were covered country classics given the genuinely deep-rooted style in which she writes and performs. There's a buzz surrounding Amram and 2008 looks likely to be a successful year for the Brooklyn-based singer and her band. | The challenge of producing songs of clarity and substance has often put paid to many a music career. Heaven forbid those that failed ever witness the simplicity of Alex Battles and his Whiskey Rebellion. Here is a man who stands up and delivers with an effortlessness that will leave most audience's jaws planted firmly to the spit and sawdust floorboards beneath them. Picture a buoyant, jovial 'Man in Black' and you'd be somewhere close to the levels of intensity packed in to a Whiskey Rebellion live performance. Inspired by country-blues legends Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Alex Battles' authority and generous stage presence guarantees a rip-roaring good time. | Having been previously likened to Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed you could be forgiven for expecting a certain something from Andy Friedman. But any pre-conceived expectations are instantly forgotten with the first filthy, rusty twang of his guitar. His deadpan wit and no-nonsense attitude ebbs from each excruciating line as Friedman regales audiences with tales of self-loathing, self-destruction and self-pity. His vocal style - both tender and terrifying in equal measure - exudes sincerity, leaving each listener without a shred of doubt as to Andy Friedman's ongoing torture. | Influenced by the mid-60's Dylan era it would be praise enough just to highlight the 'Highway 61 Revisited' inspiration seeping from every pore of this talented five-piece. But it would be all too easy to label these guys as just a tribute act. Simply put, 'The Morning Pages' encapsulate a spirit not seen since the heady days of The Flying Burrito Brothers. Grant Maxwell's distinctive vocal delivery is akin to some of the genre's greats and with they're tenacious capacity for melody-driven country tunes and eloquent, poetic writing 'The Morning Pages' are one band certainly on the rise. |
| ©Joel Crane, NME, Q, Mojo | |||
March 2008
 Ian Axel |
 Pete and J |
 The Mugs |
 Atomictom |