By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

By Author: Angela Bean   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

Lady Redd is a Staunton girl. She has two daughters who she breathes for, and is raising them as a single mother. Brought up with three brothers, she knows how to stand up for herself.  She grew up listening to all types of music, ranging from gospel to heavy metal. Singing in the church choir and participating in choir throughout her school years really built up skills that serve her well as she forges her path to be strong in her art.  Music that has a message behind it is what moves Lady Redd, as she is a spiritual soul and loves God - and loves her life and tries to live it as such. When cousin Shaun Jeas founded Hard Life Records, it was the perfect opportunity to partner up and throw some hooks into his songs.  Shaun liked what he heard so much that he invited her into the Hard Life Shotters group, and Lady Redd signed with the fledgling record label.

M33: What made you want to become a singer?
Benita: I've sung all my life, ever since I was a little girl. Singing is my first love. Music is my first love I should say.

M33: What were some of your musical influences?
Benita Anderson: Growing up in the church watching my mother sing, she was a big musical influence. And of course we had Patti Labelle and Mary J. I'm into the Neo Soul.

M33: Where can we see you perform?
Benita: Right now I don't have any dates lined up except with Shaun Jeas.

M33: What record company are you with?
Benita: Hard Life Records

M33: How did you get with Hard Life Records?
Benita: Shaun Jeas is my cousin. He was looking for me to do the hooks. Hooks are the chorus of a song.

M33: You have an album coming out soon, tell me about it.
Benita: We are working on it. The album is going to be called On My Grown Woman. It's going to be based on love and life experiences.

 

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

By Author and Staff Coordinator: Helen Brown   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

The Rogan Brothers rocked it out again at Millers on Friday night late last year. Back from their Harley Davidson Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, Floyd Fest, and The Crozet Music Festival, they're now working on a pre-production for their first complete album.  They currently possess a five-song E.P., Hang Tough, which has wet our thirst for more to come in the future.  They've also accumulated a trailer, depicting their touring event, at The Harley Davidson Motorcycle Rally, filmed by Johnny St. Hours. The trailer showcases their two week trip from Floyd Fest to Sturgis, giving its viewers a nice taste of The Rogan Brothers as a traveling unit on the road.  However, every time I see them perform locally, I continue to be impressed by their musical prowess, their rockin' energy, the dancing, and the supporting fans.  The Rogan Brothers can be found playing at Millers on the Downtown Mall, usually every Friday starting around ten o'clock, and this is where my story begins. The Rogan Brothers are not merely composed of brothers; only two, in fact.  Josh Rogan is the lead vocalist and the electric guitarist.  His brother, Eric Rogan, plays the bass and performs vocals, as well.  Seth Johnston is the drummer, and Betty Joe is the accordion and keyboard player.

You know when you watch a movie or when you watch a particular band play, and the characters evoke emotion, where you aspire to be like them?  Well, the Rogan Brothers are these so called characters...  Josh Rogan is definitely the lead singer, whose energy and charismatic persona deem him the lead singer.  His lyrical compilation and his heartfelt performances really are the epitome of how the Rogan Brothers describe their music as Rock and Roll, Soul.  His ability upon his American Fender Deluxe Telecaster guitar inspires us all.  With his chord movements that produce melodic harmonies; he's got it all, and I never tire of witnessing his natural talent as a performing artist.

Eric Rogan, the other vocal artist and bassist, whose demeanor is groovy and down-to-earth, can maneuver the chords of his Fender Deluxe Jazz bass, so well, in fact, that you can't help but get into the roll of the beat.  His execution of the chords, along with the dark and dirty element of the bass line engages everyone listening.  You can see everyone nodding to the beats of the bass.  When I watched him perform recently at the Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, VA., I remember being impressed when both he and Josh were totally in sync with one another.  It was almost as if the lyrics melted away and the instruments and their masters took over.  Eric on the bass and Josh on his electrical guitar were bangin' together.

The drummer of The Rogan Brothers, Seth Johnston, formerly in Kate Starr and FFO, can beat out an array of rhythms; which shows his experience as a seasoned drummer.  It's intriguing to witness in person!  When you see his strokes on the high hat, for example; it may be slight, but if that mere act hadn't been issued at that instant, then the beat and the groove would fail the rest of the song.  This shows precise timing, which is essential to establishing a nice groove, and is very enticing to the crowd. 

Betty Joe, who is the relatively new addition to the Rogan Brothers, is like the hook, the hidden spice, which truly enriches the trio and the music's vibe.  Formerly a part of American Dumpster, Betty Joe's accordion is an asset to the other instruments within the band.  The accordion adds a sharp harmony to the rhythm section, a lighter aura to the bass, and a winding voice to Josh's electrical guitar.  Her fingers exhibit fluid motion upon the keys of her Hammond Organ, as well as on the accordion.  That harmonious, almost religious sound comes through in both of her instruments.  Betty Joe's instrumentation adds a cool complexity to The Rogan Brothers, which make her a dangerous hook.

When listening to the Rogan Brothers, I get swept away with in the beat of their music and how the lyrics coincide with true emotion.  The Rogan Brothers have a destiny; which is why their new album is anxiously awaited.  Everyone is called to enjoy the tempo of their music and in the end, themselves.  I know I'm going to be listening to good music and have a bangin,' good time, whenever I watch a Rogan Brother's show.  I enjoyed interviewing the Rogan Brothers very much, and I hope they achieve the goals they've set for themselves and travel far.

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33: What are some of your musical aspirations/and or bands that have influenced you?

Seth Johnston:  A good crew, a good rockin' beat.  I like a powerful, consistent band that works as a machine.  I enjoy playing with a band that enjoys having fun.

Eric:  I'm an avid concert-goer; I've traveled all over the country to see different bands that I enjoy.  Those experiences are the most memorable of my life.  I've always enjoyed being apart of the audience, and one of my main goals is to return some of that back to the crowd that come to see us play.  In regards to particular bands that have inspired me, I enjoy Phish, The Meters, and George Clinton.    

Betty Joe:  I have been involved in music my whole life.   As far back as I can remember, I was listening to boogie, bepop, blues and soul, I taught classical piano for years, and even performed the Rocky Horror Picture show with a local band, which was my first live gig playing by ear.  I was listening to a lot of blues back in the nineties and realized I wanted to play by ear.  I basically taught myself, mostly by listening, but a few live shows left me spellbound by the power of the Hammond B-3.  Finally, I have located a Hammond C-3 and hope to spend the next decade studying that.

Josh: To become a full-time artist; basically be able to play music everyday for a living.  Also, I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, but I would like to be expressive.  I do that through simple rock and roll and writing lyrics.  Basically, just delivering what comes naturally.  I don't want to be like anyone else.  I don't want to copy anybody else's guitar licks.  It's better to spend a lifetime tying to find your own.  So, that's inspirational; the daily progress and daily journey of playing music.

33:  How did you choose your instruments or did your instruments choose you?

Seth:  I think I can be carefree and relaxed but edgy at times, as well as being aggressive.  I think the drums capture all those emotions; the ups and downs of life, and to have my emotions come out on the drum set; that was a good outlet for me.  I can let it out on my instrument.

Eric:   It seemed natural because Josh had been playing guitar for awhile; I figured instead of trying to be another guitar player and trying to play together as dueling guitarists, if I played the bass, then we could make a band.

Betty Joe:  .I wanted to play boogie piano when I was very young.  My mom taught me to play at first then I took lessons.  I always wanted an organ but only in the last ten years have I actually had a Hammond to play.  I also chose the accordion in a whimsical way, over a margarita and some Zydeco, what a great purchase.  It has been a really fun instrument to play in many different situations, from wedding, to cajun punk, to rock and roll; I love it...

33:  What do you think the accordion brings to the sound of the Rogan Brothers?

Betty Joe:  The simple thing about the accordion is that is brings a cool sound to the mix and fills the space without necessarily adding melodic material to arrangements.  Especially, for the Rogan Brothers Band, I think the accordion serves as a bridge between the bass and guitar as does the organ.  I try to add a layer to the sound without being busy.

33:  Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?

Josh:  Oh yeah, as far back as I can remember.  I wasn't really thinking about it, I was just doing it.  Once I was doing it, I had to go to open mic nights and talent shows and you just kind of have to do it, if it's in you; kind of like sports or something that just how people are magnetically drawn to their calling.  It wasn't like, "I want to be this;" "I just want to make it happen."  You discover who you are, while making it happen.

33:  What do you feel like on stage?

Seth:  I don't really feel like myself, I feel melted with what everyone else is doing.

Eric:  It depends... If the audience is into it and their dancing, having a good time, cheering for you, then its one of the best feelings you can imagine.  I always try to put forth my best musical self on stage.  So regardless, of what the audience is doing, I'm striving to find the music in every show.

Josh:  Sometimes it can be completely natural, like in your own living room.  Other nights it can be a little awkward, But, I think the greatest feeling of all is when things go well, when the crowd is into it, when were working together.  That's when the real music comes out.

33:  Do you get nervous?

Eric:  Not very often.  Maybe if there's someone in the audience that I have respect for, but once you find comfort with your ability, then your nervous energy kind of goes away.

Betty Joe:   I only get nervous when my surroundings aren't right, meaning stage set up or sound.  Usually, I love playing and can get lost in the music with little awareness of others.  Basically, I don't take things too....seriously.  I just do what I can with what I know!

Josh:  Occasionally, but most of the time I feel pretty comfortable. 

33:  What do you think the St. Hours trailer suggests about the band as a group and your experience about your two week trip, traveling, and performing at The Harley Davidson Motorcycle Rally?

Seth:  I thought it was about America, the event, and the type of band that plays at such an event.  Basically, it's about playing original music, a band trying to make it, and playing at the biggest biker rally in the world. 

Eric:  It was a new step, we took on new goals, we wanted to document that experience, and we wanted to be prepared.  In relation to what the trailer has to say, the trailer is a representation of what we set out to do.  The trailer isn't specific to what the exact experiences were.  It proves that everything we tried to do, we achieved.  We had a mission, we fulfilled it, and we were successful.

Betty Joe:   To me the best part about traveling to place like Floyd Fest and South Dakota is the quality of people you are playing to.  People at festivals are there to enjoy and have a good time.  They are the best audience to play to.  I love traveling and there's nothing better for a band than to play together every day before new audiences.

Josh:  Well, we're a working band...  I think we're always going to be down-to-earth.  Relating with people on a common plane and being adventurous; that's one of the greatest thing about traveling; hanging with good people, having good times, sharing the excitement of life with good people.  That's really what Rock and Roll is all about; music that bridges that gap form everyday life to magical moments.  Music can be a bridge; it carries people, wakes them up, or reminds them that feeling that only comes around once and awhile. 

33:  What are your thoughts about the Charlottesville music scene? 

Eric:  It was good to grow up where there was a lot of music; inspiring music.  Now were out there doing it as the performers, we've kind of come full circle.  You start out loving it, you end up becoming the performer, and then you're still loving it. 

33:  Is there any struggle with playing music?

Josh:  The harder you work, the better it feels.  So, if there ever is a moment of challenge it just feels better than not playing.  It's not supposed to be easy.  The struggle excites me.  I'm not afraid of failing.  Failure would mean not progressing to a full-time career, which for me seems like a choice.  The struggle is not playing music.  Music is like breathing.  I don't even know how to think of my life with out it.  It seems like there should be a struggle or like you want to hear that there is, but there is really no struggle.

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If I could leave anyone with one last thought, it would be this... Everyone should make an effort to see the Rogan Brothers, because if you're looking to have an awesome night, then you owe it to yourself to visit the Rogan Brothers, on a Friday at Millers.  It's truly interesting to see what each member contributes and how everyone enjoys their gig.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed! 

 

*For further information on the Rogan Brothers, emails welcome at RoganBrothers.com.

 

 

By Author: Adam Price   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

I had heard Menya before when I was living in NYC, so I was really excited when I found out they were playing the Blue Nile in Harrisonburg.  I had met Good Goose before through a mutual friend and I got in touch with him to set up a "brief" interview with the band, which turned out to be upwards of forty minutes with all the random digressions.  After a bit of searching, my photographer Sherry Morris and I met with the band upstairs at the Blue Nile for pre-game drinks.  Sherry and I grilled them on every aspect of being in the band and here is the readable edit.  The cast of characters:  Good Goose (the dj), Coco Dame (the rapper), Angie Ripe (the singer), and Me (Magazine 33). 

 

33: So you guys are based in Manhattan, right?

GG: I live in Brooklyn. 

AR:  We live in Manhattan

CD: O yea, I guess we would technically be Brooklyn-based because that's where we record and practice.

 

33:  Ok, so, NYC, Brooklyn/Manhattan, either one.  And how did you all meet?

GG:  Well, we all go to NYU together.  Well, [Coco Dame] graduated, but we all met our freshman year. 

AR:  Yea, me and [Good Goose] are still in the Clive Davis Dept. of Recorded Music.

33:  O really?  Cool.

AR:  Its like the school of rock at NYU.  So that's where we all met. 

 

33:  How did this whole group start? 

GG:  Essentially, [Coco Dame] and I were in a country band . . .

33: O really?!?

GG:  Yea, and that kind of like, dissolved out, and we ended up going to a bunch of shows during CMJ.  *("College Music Journal" holds their annual music festival in NYC.)*   We saw Spank Rock, MIA, The Cool Kids, a whole bunch of other people, and I had made beats a few years ago.  I used to be all about it, but I hadn't done it in a while, and so I decided to retry it.  So [Coco Dame] and I got together.  She hadn't really rapped before, but I heard her do a few things at parties and stuff so we got together and just made out a few demos and those demos became the first EP.  Eventually we tried to make a huge live band and that fell apart. . .

AR:  . . . seven people . . .

GG:  Yea, it was seven people, and that fell apart.  And [Angie Ripe] is the only one left of that. 

AR:  Yea, I sang on one of the songs from the first EP. 

GG:  The first EP was [Coco Dame] and I sitting in my dorm room in Carlisle Court, I don't know if you are familiar with NYU . . .

33:  Yea, I know Carlisle very well. 

GG:  I forget which tower it was . . . C2 I believe . . . C2 - 10B.

 

33:  So you're saying that that entire EP was recorded in a dorm room? 

GG:  Um, most . . . actually I guess about half of it.  The other half of it was recorded in a classroom at our department.  So I guess half and half. 

33:  So, you guys record in [Good Goose's] apartment in Brooklyn now? 

GG:  Mhmm, yep.  We do. 

AR:  We record in bedrooms . . .

33:  That's awesome.  I mean, it sounds so good. 

(waitress comes in)

 

33:  So, how about the actual music, the writing?  Is it like a collaborative effort? 

CD & AR in unison:  Mhmm

 

33:  So you all sit down in one room and just knock it out? 

GG:  Usually I'll have a beat or something and then I'll give it to them and then they'll record something over it and then I'll kind of like twist it back up and remix that.  That'll usually be what people hear, is like the remix of what they originally recorded. 

 

33:  So, now, here's the question . . . What do you guys consider yourself?  Like genre-wise. 

AR:  um . . . I guess we'd be uh . . . [long pause] . . .  Hip-hop? . . . like Hip-hop-pop?

GG:  I think of it just like sort of a pop grab bag.  Like if it's in the top 40, we take a little bit of it. 

 

33:  So with your rather profane/provocative lyrics, does that take away from certain shows you might be able to get? 

AR:  I don't think it takes away . . . 

GG:  Well, first off . . . we have like a catalogue of like 24 released songs and only like 4 or 5 of them are really that obscene, its just people focus on them because its the more attention grabbing lyrics.  But, you know, we've played shows where there's no cursing at all before. 

33:  O really?!?

GG:  Yea we played a Macy's once.  We can do a completely clean set . . .

CD: . . . but its not as fun . . .

[laughter]

AR:  We like bad words . . .

GG:  We all like club music a lot and its just kind of a part of club music and its a big influence to us. 

 

33:  Have you ever like, tried to get some of those edited ones on the air-ways?  Like college stations?

GG:  Yea, we've got some plays on various stations.  We actually did a live performance at WFMU in Jersey City a while back. 

CD:  And then we do college radio . . .

GG:  Yea, we've gotten college radio spins . . .

AR:  Penn State . . .

GG:  Yea, we did an interview at Penn State a couple of weeks ago, right before the first frat party I ever went to. 

[mixture of laughs and groans]

CD:  A lot of internet radio gets us a lot more . . . well, since they have more freedom . . .

33:  Right, without the FCC and all . . .

 

33:  So you guys have, what, three EPs out now? 

GG:  Two EPs and a "mix-tape."  The mix-tape is really just an album. 

AR:  But it has like, dj breaks.

 

33: And then they can find them on iTunes? 

GG:  The EPs are on iTunes and the free one, you can go to myspace. 

CD:  Its menya.bandcamp.com.  So its like a bandcamp website, its like a service thing . . .

 

33:  How many tours have you gone on so far? 

GG:  Well, we've never done anything long term . . .

AR:  We just constantly go out of town on the weekend. 

 

33:  Well, I know you've been in Virginia at least once before, right?   

GG:  Yea, we play Richmond a lot. 

AR:  Yea, we have a good time in Richmond.  They like all the dirty songs. 

CD:  Maryland a little bit. 

GG:  Yea Maryland's really fun, Baltimore, stuff like that. 

AR:  But New York is always the biggest. 

GG:  Yea we're doing our first like real, REAL tour in March.  We're going down to Miami.  Spring Break . . .

 . . . Three of the seven dates are in Virginia.  You know where our heart lies. 

33:  That's great.  Thanks so much. 

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Stay tuned for Part 2 - The After Party, When We All Got Down.

By Author and Staff Coordinator: Helen Brown   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

When I moved to Charlottesville a little over three years ago, one of the first music venues I attended was Rapunzels in Lovingston.  Ever since then, I have been impressed with the talent that has flowed through the venue, and that continues to captivate its audience.  Blue Line Highway exudes a higher caliber of musical expertise, by possessing an expert understanding of tempo, progression changes, and eclectic style composition.   While their natural talent evolves into a heightened connection with each other's assorted skills, Blue Line Highway creates an ambiance where their initial grooviness meets its soulful roots of traditional country, rock and roll.  With the five albums they've created, Almost Reel(2009), A perfect Curve(2008), Life In a Minor Key(2007), Morning Glory(2006), and East Coast City(2004), they truly have produced and inspiring collection.  Besides being a pleasure to interview, I was impressed by the demeanor of Blue Line Highway.  Their attitude projects true enjoyment for playing music, well; therefore complimenting the lyrical and reinventing their sound.

Since 2001, Blue Line Highway has been composed of four members.  However, on this night, there were two guest appearances as well.  John Leedes (guitar and vocals), Julia Dooley (vocals, percussion, harmonica), Melissa McKenna (vocals, guitar), and Ray Alfano (bass) are the original band members; guest appearances were Joe Connor (accordion) and Doug Austin (mandolin).

When watching a performance, I 'm always interested in the execution of the artist upon their instrument.  For instance, in regards to John Leedes, his versatility and creativity is unmistakable.  He can change any roll in a riff instantly, giving the song an entirely different direction and attitude.  Melissa McKenna, who also plays the guitar and performs vocals, has a different palate of skills.  With her delicate touch on the guitar and her invigorating spirit; she offers a "fun element" to the performance.  When paired with Julia Dooley, both vocals really blend together nicely; Melissa with her deeper harmony and Julia's vocals that utter a female comparison to Don Mclean.  The lyrical compilation, of Blue Line Highway, also attaches a true element of emotion and déjà vu.  Listening to their gig reminded me of a familiar fondness, where their music took me to somewhere I've been before, something I've felt before, and what my heart has desired.

Their sound, although bluegrass based, possess many influences, which add to their uniqueness.  As Melissa McKenna stated, "Were what we call the snack pack; we have something for everybody."   This is, in fact, very true.  I observed a "Grateful Dead-like" tempo, in which Blue Highway would alternate progressions at any unpredicted moment.  However, another influence I observed was a traditional country, rock and roll, influence.  One moment, you would think you'd be hearing what seemed to be a groovy, "Grateful Dead-like," song.  However, with a single transition, there would be a comparable feeling to Dwight Yokam, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Van Morrison, along with a little New Orleans-style Grayson Capps-like, influence, as well.

With regards to the band members and their talents, it was pretty sweet to witness a spectrum of tight base lines, performed by Ray Alfano.  His fingers never stopped.  He possessed a complexity for subtle changes, while still maintaining perfect rhythm and continuity.  Joe Connor also possessed a talent for subtleties within the score. It was very interesting to witness how he produced such a unique sound from within the accordion, while maintaining perfect finger placement.  His angelic accordion added gorgeous intonation, especially when accompanied with Doug Austin's mandolin.  Austin extracted a range of beautiful sounds, complimenting the bluegrass and traditional country elements of the songs.  This produced a classic, European sound, giving a romantic feel to many of those songs.  This ambiance enchanted the entire audience and placed us under the stars.  

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During the interview with Blue Line Highway, I was very interested to ask them questions that had always fascinated me.  They were gracious, and I hope to hear them play again soon! 

33:  How would you describe Blue Line Highway?

Melissa McKenna:  Many people think that we're a bluegrass band.  We don't think that were a bluegrass band, but yet some would classify us as that.  Were somewhere between Loretta Lynn and the Grateful Dead.  Were kind of country, jazzy, jammy...  We don't care really with fitting into any genre; we'll play whatever we want.

33:  What are your personal goals as a musician?

Melissa:  If I can play with people who are better than me and they'll let me play my songs, than that's pretty much all I can expect.  I've already gone further than I expected.

33:  What are your musical inspirations?

Julia Dooley:  Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Jazz, and Older, Traditional Country.

33:  Did you always know that you wanted to become a musician?

Julia:  Well, no; I was always singing all the time, like singing to the top of my lungs, but it was in my room...It's been really fulfilling to me, something that I can't get anywhere else.  But, singing gave me something that I never had; it gave me confidence.

33:  How did you get over your nervousness?

Julia:  Playing, playing out.

33:  Do you having any frustrations with playing music?

Julia:  I think that the commercialization of music is very hard for musicians.  Getting famous; I think that's great, but I think staying true to your music, while trying to make a living; that's extremely hard to do.

33:  I've always thought that being a musician must be very freeing...

Julia:  It is very freeing, and I love that.

33:  How does a band develop its musical style, if, any?

Joe:  Just keep playing; playing whenever you feel like playing, then playing off of each other.

33:  Why do you like performing?

Joe:  It's not so much performing, it's just playing; you have to do whatever's honest.

33:  What are some groups that acted as your musical inspirations?

Ray:   Folk, Alternative, Jazz; of course, I was a metal head.

33:  How does a band develop its musical style?

Ray:  It's a process, but it's hard to place a particular flavor.

33: What do you try to accomplish, while performing?

Ray:  I think that we all just try to blend nicely, with our own talents, while still trying to place with everyone else.

33:  How did you know you wanted to become a musician?

Doug Austin:  I think it just sort of crept up on me.  As a kid, I sang in the church choir and played piano, but music was always just another one of many interests I had.  I never intended to or had aspirations for playing music for a living.  Later in life, after wearing several "hats,"(farmer, carpenter...etc), but also playing musical along in bands, I had the opportunity to play 18^th century music on mandolin and fiddle in Colonial Williamsburg.  This has become my "day job," pays the bills and so allows me some flexibility to play music out in several bands that sometimes might not pay so well... or at all!

33:  How would you describe Blue Line Highway's music?

Doug:  I love the folks in BLH and the sound they've crafted.  BLH is a very tight and original band.  From an instrumental point of view, the arrangements are often surprising and complex, with dynamic shifts, and stops within a piece, as well as sometimes key modulations, all the while allowing plenty of room for improvising and free expression.   Some "jam-bands" are only about jamming and noodeling....which can be fun at times...but I would miss the structure and demand of a BLH original piece.  The audience will also hear intelligent and thoughtful lyrics sung with unbelievable soulfulness.   Within this genre of music (whatever it is), if I can even come close on my mandolin breaks to the artistry that Leedes has on his guitar, I'll be a happy fellow!

33:  How do you like playing at Rapunzels?

Doug: Rapunzels is THE perfect venue, especially for acoustic musicians playing nice instruments.  When you have to "plug in" to an acoustic instrument, you're always making compromises with the sound of your instrument.  The true sounds of the instruments come through....and you're not tethered to a mic either.  It makes you listen very closely to the others in the band so you can all blend your sounds together and not overpower one another.  The vibe I felt was very similar to a house concert.  People are there to hear you play.

33:  What is any thought about the role of music in your life?

Doug: Everyone has something in their nature that they can pour their heart into if they're only fortunate to discover it.  It might be rebuilding transmissions for school buses, farming, or healing people...etc.  While I happen to be blessed with the opportunity to make music for a living... I'd gladly work almost any job that allowed me to keep laying out in some capacity.  Mostly, I'm just glad that my boys have grown up seeing their dad and mom, doing what their hearts pulls them to do.  I wish the same for them.

33:  How do you feel on stage?

John:  When a gig is going well... its one of the greatest feelings I have experienced, and that feeling can actually persist once the gig is over in some cases till the next gig.  I often say I feel as good as my last gig. 

33:  How did you chose your instrument, or did your instrument chose you?

John: My main electric instrument these days is a Paul Reed Smith with single coil pick ups, I started getting into PRS around 1996 but I split my time between my 1st PRS and couple fender Sratocasters, over time I got a 2nd PRS (a Hollowbody) and my strat time started to decrease, I got my single coil PRS in New York City in 2006 (while on my honeymoon) and I'm very comfortable with it for now.

33:  Why do you think Blue Line Highway work well together?

John:  It's a band where everybody gets to share their ideas, feel apart of the creative process, and we get along very well too, which helps a lot in spite of stories about bands like the Who, who played great music even while at each other's throats.

33:  What do you think your music represents?

John:   A chance to break free of the constraints of the physical world.

33:  What are your personal and collective goals for Blue Line Highway?

John:  To play good music, to share it with others, to meet interesting people, and to have a good time.

33: What bands are you in?  Are any members of Blue Line Highway apart of other bands, as well? 

John:  King Solomon's Marbles, The Bart Chucker Band, Harrison Deane Band, and I sit in with Sister Sweet and 2nd Draw (from Charlottesville) when time allows.

Julia is also in 3 Tattoo Red, Joe Conner who sits in on accordion with BLH is also in Blues Catz, King Solomon's Marbles, Harrison Deane Band, and Doug Austin who sits in on mandolin with BLH is also in The Runaway String Band, Soy Hero.

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With a few final thoughts, seeing Blue Line Highway has truly been an enlightening experience.  I enjoyed listening to them play at Rapunzels because of it is a true listening venue.  It's not about the scene; it's solely about the music.  I was impressed by Blue Line Highway's energy, array of individual talents, and their collection of songs and sound.  I know they will achieve much more than they ever think possible, although with their humble nature, I'm sure they are not truly aware of their true artistry.  

For more information in regards to their gig listings, you can contact them by email at Minor.Key@Hotmail.com.   

 

 

 

 

By   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

 

By Author: Devon Spencer   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

Let's not pretend that a straight punch to the crotch sounds appealing. In fact, I can think of little else less enticing. That said, when first I learned of the band whose show I would be attending, I resigned myself to an aural assault by screaming, off pitch "vocalists" and over zealous guitarists. If we have heard it once, we have heard it a million times: do not judge a book by its cover. Straight Punch to the Crotch transcended its ominous name and delivered, on every level, a very pleasant experience.

First and foremost: bravo to Aly Buchanan, Straight Punch's resident horn player. Never was a group of instruments so under-rated. In this, the day of drum machines and studio magic, we tend sometimes to forget the inestimable value of more "traditional" musical elements i.e. horns. Straight Punch to Crotch embraces rock, soul, funk, and yes, even Irish sensibilities, and Buchanan plays a significant role in formulating the band's unique sound. Buchanan displays solid technical ability, but her charm lies more in the personality she injects into each song. A horn player decorates music like no one else can, and Buchanan prove no exception.

Secondly, whoever opted to utilize back up singers deserves a big 'thank you!  Their inclusion alone augmented the band's already full sound, but I wish they had asserted themselves more. We may call them backup singers for a reason, but the two women can afford to make their presence a little more known. When they did surface, however, they completed a song's vocals. While listening to the radio, I often find myself pining after a simple harmony- I'd settle for some "ooos" and "aaas." I encourage the two women to amp up their volume, but that aside, Straight Punch left me more satiated than much modern music.

Despite periodic, vocal timidity, at no moment did the band fail to perform. Nothing kills a live show more than anti-social musicians, and nothing makes ticket buyers feel more as though they have wasted their money. Straight Punch engaged its audience and the audience responded in kind. The lead vocalist's zeal did not waver song after song, but most anomalously, the rest of the band kept pace with its front man. Great performers carry on a conversation with the crowd, and Straight Punch has mastered the communicative give and take that lends itself to a successful performance. Furthermore, they danced! No one on that stage displayed a shred of self-consciousness or hesitation, and such infectious confidence further fueled the enthusiastic crowed. 

You know you have impacted a local scene when more than three people in the audience know the words to your songs. The band may not have drawn quite so large a crowd as the headliners, Kings of Belmont, but the audience in attendance seemed genuinely loyal and supportive. A Straight Punch virgin myself, I nevertheless felt strongly as if I had stumbled into a large, somewhat drunk family. I still puzzle over how these 50+ people all seemed to know, and in fact, be friends with, one another. Whether there is any truth to that statement, the fact remains that for every band member there were five audience members who knew his/her name. One cannot put a price tag on fans like this. If Straight Punch can stand out in Charlottesville, where you cannot walk down the street without tripping over another local artist, its future may be very bright indeed.

By Photographer: Chris Pecoraro   Mon, Feb 01, 2010

Illville Crew is a Hip-Hop Fusion band and is based in Charlottsville. Their music cannot be confined to any one genre though. Their style, very unique and their own. The members include Q*Black (vocals) , MarQui (vocals), Jonathan Chance (Bass), Jay Chowdry (guitar), Chris Doerman (drummer), and DJ Ducktape.

The Illville Crew is inspiring and alive, and they put on a show with tremedous enthusiasm and excitement! Truly amazing to every innocent bystander. The group and their audience manage, with ease, to echo each other with exuberant energy every step of the way! Illville will open your eyes and waken your ears. I suggest you see and hear them at their next show, and I firmly believe you will not be disapointed!