Sessions From the Box

Catherine Feeny

James — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:09:37 +0000

Catherine Fenny once did a tour playing dens, living rooms and gardens. All spot on places for this chanteuse who recently found the courage to call a Dublin Ireland crowd to the mat. Learn more about her here.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Ali Wesley

James — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:16:36 +0000

Ali Wesley brings old 60’s folk and the warm fuzzies together. Then there’s that lovely pink keyboard. Learn more about her here.

Artwork by Emily Block.

The Whitsundays

James — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:39:15 +0000

The Whitsundays are a rock band from the Great White North who’s 60’s tinged rock is apparently inspired by their own night terrors. Learn more about them here.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Aan

James — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:30:56 +0000

Aan. Not to be mistaken for a Bollywood tribute band. From another planet, this trio dazzles us with their twazz rock. Learn more about them here.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Ashia Grzesik

James — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:42:29 +0000

Ashia Grzesik is a self-proclaimed narcissist. Her music will transport you to the back alleys of Eastern Europe or wherever the circus has stopped for a spell. She has an upcoming appearance in Portland, Oregon : Next solo appearance in Portland August 17th
at Salon L’Orient! Enjoy live music, DJ’s, hypnotic dancers and bohemian atmosphere amidst the hanging lanterns of the lavish Fez Ballroom. Learn more about her here.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

The Underscore Orkestra

James — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:08:34 +0000

The Underscore Orkestra darts around the world on a musical merry go round. If you look to your left, ladies and gents, you’ll see gypsy swing. Now crane your neck ever so slightly for 1930’s American jazz. Next stop, klezmer. Learn more about their exploits here.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Julie Doiron

James — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:31 +0000

Julie Doiron rocks without whistles or bells, she rocks without witches or spells, and somehow she keeps her music floating somewhere above the rafters. Learn more about her here.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Garrison Starr

James — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:41:47 +0000

Garrison Starr is a Southerner through and through. I think I may have even had a glass of lemonade when we were chatting. Her music was so enchanting that I really forgot whether I did or not. Her music is like a good meal that sticks to your ribs for days. Learn more about her here.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Carolyn Mark

James — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:29:29 +0000

Carolyn Mark is a country gal with a punk heart. She can coin a phrase, mint a coin, heck, she can probably even mint a phrase. She proves that Americana ain’t just for the lower 48. Learn more about her here.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Boy Eats Drum Machine

James — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:14:19 +0000

Boy Eats Drum Machine is a one man powerhouse comprised of one Jon Ragel, his turntables, sax, a drum and his voice. Don’t mess with him. He eats drum machines. Learn more about the edible music he creates here.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Anya Marina

James — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:20:36 +0000

Anya Marina is a renaissance woman in every sense of the word. Actress? Check. DJ? Check. Left of center Check. Musician? Well, duh. Check. A picture of a unicorn peeing a rainbow on her t shirts on her website? Check. A song in Twilight: New moon? Learn more about Anya at here.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

FPW

James — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:32:49 +0000

FPW is the moniker of the uber jazz trio comprised of Fulero, Prescott, and West. Their excursions over the cliff will take you to sublime places and freaked out spaces. Learn more about them here.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Linfinity

James — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:03:24 +0000

Linfinity is the calming word that soldiers once said to soothe their frazzled nerves. Linfinity’s expansive sound certainly could serve as that balm. Learn more about this collaborative collective at linfinitymusic.com or myspace.com/linfinitymusic.

Artwork by Emily Block.

The Barr Brothers & Sarah Page

James — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:27:48 +0000

The Barr Brothers and Sarah Page really have to be the only band out there that features some swampy blues and a full sized string harp in the same song. Their unique sound is a natural as air when it hits your ears. Learn more at thebarrbrothers.com or www.myspace.com/sarahpageharpist.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

AristeiA

James — Tue, 18 May 2010 05:39:11 +0000

AristeiA want to hurt you. They want to make your ears bleed. The glory of their rock knows no bounds except as seen by the legendary griffin. Learn more about their brutality at aristeia.blogspot.com or www.myspace.com/aristeiaband.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

The Hugs

James — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:04:40 +0000

The Hugs want to cuddle up to your ears so they can release their trojan horse of rock upon your unsuspecting senses. Don’t be fooled by their cute name, these guys prove that the terrorists never won. Learn more at www.myspace.com/thehugsgowild or www.thehugsmusic.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Shelley Short

James — Tue, 04 May 2010 05:15:12 +0000

Shelley Short creates a complex fabric of sound with Alexis Gideon and your bearings might be lost between new and old, here and not here, and dissonance and harmony. Learn more at www.myspace.com/shelleyshort or www.shelleyshortmusic.com.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Leonard Mynx

James — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:32:12 +0000

Leonard Mynx has a lyrical depth that dances in a somber light. The intimacy revealed by his music gives it a power that cannot be measured. Learn more at www.leonardmynx.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Spesus Christ

James — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:38:05 +0000

Spesus Christ may or may not save. Their music may or may not spend those savings. Spesus Christ will stimulate the third eye of androids and their music will remind you that there are still things in this life you can never explain. Learn the teachings of Spesus at www.spesuschrist.bandcamp.com.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Reverse Dotty

James — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:12:42 +0000

Reverse Dotty is a newer band. I promise. You’d be excused if you thought that they were part of the pantheon of classic post punk bands that spazzily worm their way into your heart, mind, and booty. Dig more of their vibe at www.reversedotty.com or www.myspace.com/reversedotty.

Leslie And The Badgers

James — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:24:07 +0000

Leslie And The Badgers remind us that country music knows no borders. Even in Los Angeles, the culture of rich country music reaches back to the days of The Flying Burrito Brothers…this music will make you feel like you just ate a warm piece of pumpkin pie. Check out Leslie And The Badgers at http://www.leslienadthebadgers.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Synchronic Wave

James — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:09:15 +0000

Synchronic Wave create organic matter left by a technological reawakening of the senses. The sounds they leave behind are akin to the sounds you might hear while being the first human to achieve independent flight. Learn more at http://www.myspace.com/synchronicwave or http://www.synchronicwave.com.

In the Country

Marc — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:00:14 +0000

In The Country defies borders despite their name. Their spacious improvisation eschews descriptions of any kind. Get lost in the vast and melodic world of this Norwegian trio that we were lucky enough to host. Learn more at www.inthecountry.no.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Jennie Wayne

Marc — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:57:51 +0000

Jennie Wayne is channeling the celebrated luminaries of folk music. Her marvelous voice will haunt the dreams of many a great man…..even if she isn’t singing them to sleep. Learn more about her at http://www.myspace.com/jenniewayne.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Asobi Seksu

Marc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:52:41 +0000

Asobi Seksu…shoegaze? Dreampop? Are labels necessary? I think not. This acoustic version of Asobi Seksu is just as compelling as the one that makes your ears bleed. Check them out at www.asobiseksu.com.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

The Lower 48

Marc — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:57:35 +0000

The Lower 48 are younguns but you’d never guess that listening to them. Their smoky vocals and classic folk approach challenges their physical age. There is a broad musical palette spread out before them and watching them paint from it will be a treat. Learn more at www.thelower48.org.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Benoit Pioulard

Marc — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:22:34 +0000

Benoit Pioulard brings us the sound of a well guarded secret told in hushed tones in the dusk. To learn more, go to www.pioulard.com.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

DoublePlusGood

Marc — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:27:27 +0000

DoublePlusGood is cathartic for the young and old alike. Weren’t old enough to appreciate the fabulousity that was the 80’s? Well, friend here’s your chance to feel the sounds of this era cascade over you and make you shake your butt. Make your dancipation proclamation at www.doubleplusgoodnews.com or www.myspace.com/dblplusgood.

The Ascetic Junkies

Marc — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:39:51 +0000

The Ascetic Junkies are a nice slice of pie for such a reportedly austere bunch. They graced us with an acoustic set that touched on many topics from the path to happiness to the downfall of politics. TO learn more, go to www.myspace.com/theasceticjunkies or www.theasceticjunkies.bandcamp.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside

Marc — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:34:33 +0000

Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside sound like they hitched a ride on a time machine and brought back the soul of Patsy Cline, the voice of Wanda Jackson, and the attitude of Chrissie Hynde. Sallie’s unassailable voice nearly blew the doors off our humble studio. Learn more about this amazing quartet at www.sallieford.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

The Very Foundation

Marc — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:42:28 +0000

The Very Foundation will serve as a balm to a good night of drinking when you can’t remember whether your girlfriend left you or not. Their catchy tunes are just the medicine you need to move on from any unpleasantness that may have happened. To learn more about them, check out myspace.com/theveryfoundation.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

The Subjects

Marc — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:29:34 +0000

The Subjects are not from the 60’s or even the 70’s, I promise. But you’d be forgiven for thinking their timeless tunes and harmonies came from a time gone by. Another gem from Brooklyn, this music will stick to your ribs. Check out more at www.thesubjects.net.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Garage A Trois

Marc — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:39:56 +0000

Garage A Trois brought something back with them the first time they were exploring the far reaches of musical space together. A funky virus that infects all who hear its cry, the music of Stanton Moore, Skerik, Mike Dillon, and Marco Benevento is an alloy of New Orleans, jazz, funk, and freak out. To learn more about them, check out www.garageatrois.net. To learn more about some of the causes Stanton Moore talks about in this session, please go to www.tipitinasfoundation.com and www.gulfrestorationnetwork.org.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Emily Wells

Marc — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:35:00 +0000

Emily Wells is many people. It depends what part of the room she’s standing in. Her music suggests an invisible soundtrack to Bjork’s dream state. Learn more about her at www.emilywellsmusic.com or www.myspace.com/emilywells.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Moodring

Marc — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:19:44 +0000

Moodring will put you in a trance if you’re not careful. Their music calls to mind some of the great dark psychedelia of the 1970’s that sadly seems to have gone extinct. But, like the great extinct Sardinian Dhole, the DNA of a once great beast can be reassembled in a dark laboratory, reimagined, and even reborn! Check out more at www.myspace.com/themoodring and www.silbermedia.com/moodring.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Donerail

Marc — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:23:34 +0000

Donerail isn’t polite. They don’t ask permission to rock. But should they? Hell, no, then it wouldn’t be rock. Check out more of their antics at www.thedonerail.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Rachel Goodrich

Marc — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:17:11 +0000

Rachel Goodrich makes a joyful noise! It is against the laws of nature not to sing along with, well, just about everything that she plays. The forerunner of the Ukelele renaissance, Rachel Goodrich plays everything but the kichen sink (although she does play the stove). Learn more at www.myspace.com/rachelgoodrich.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Erin McKeown

Marc — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:37:25 +0000

Erin McKeown has a deep and abiding passion for music. Her performances, full of audience participation and stories, are the conduit and manifestation of this passion. She also has a fabulous suit she wears onstage. I’m not sure, but there may be some that call her the gangster of love. Check her out at www.erinmckeown.com.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Westfold

Marc — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:23:49 +0000

Westfold rocks. Oh yes they do. Their multi-layered approach throws a wall of sound up to obfuscate, but they always break it down with a vengeance. Learn more at www.myspace.com/westfold.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Raina Rose

Marc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:38:40 +0000

Raina Rose couldn’t possibly be as young as she says she is. Her creative well runs far too deep and her voice speaks of love so profound and wise that it has the voice of someone who has been with us much longer. But with a full handful of releases to her credit, Raina’s command of a tune is axiomatic. Learn more about her at www.rainarose.com.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Les Etrangers

Marc — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:17:12 +0000

Les Etrangers will lead you by the hand and speak an alluring language as they strap you into the time machine in the corner of the garage they play in. They play French pop so convincing that you’ll believe that Serge Gainsbourg himself is in the audience. Learn more about them at www.myspace.com/lesetrangers.

Artwork by Christianne Goudreau.

Halo Refuser

Marc — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:59:05 +0000

Halo Refuser (AKA Asher Fulero) transcends space and time electronically, shattering the beat in the process. Check out the theory of relativity sonically turned on its ear at www.halorefuser.com or www.asherfulero.com.

Artwork by Marc Girouard.

Audie Darling

Marc — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:13:14 +0000

Audie Darling is a contemporary oldie. She raises the ghosts of true country music’s past and absorbs them. She’s done her stint in Nashville and come out the other side wiser and with a yen for a more homegrown sound.

To learn more, go to www.myspace.com/audiedarling.

Artwork by Emily Block.

Hydropods

Marc — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:20:44 +0000

Hydropods are everywhere. Hydropods are nowhere. Hydropods free verse keeps the tectonic plates of the earth moving. Poetry. Music. Who could ask for anything more? To learn more, check out www.hydropods.net or www.myspace.com/hydropods.

Artwork by Natalie Phillips

Dirty Little Fingers

Marc — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:25:17 +0000

Dirty Little Fingers and whiskey…two great tastes that go great together. How can something so rough also be so smooth? Do I sound like a cologne commercial from 1979? Well, this trio doesn’t. They sound like a lot of hard work and heartbreak. Check them out at www.myspace.com/dirtylittlefingers1.

Artwork by Emily Block

Rena Jones

Marc — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:52:02 +0000

Rena Jones has taken the electronic world and put a warm soothing coat on it. With her epic compositions in which she uses a variety of traditional instruments, she has earned a coveted place among those who seek to meld the electronic and human elements of music.

Check her out at www.renamusic.com or at www.myspace.com/rena.

Artwork by Marc Girouard.

Chris Pureka

Marc — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:38:02 +0000

Chris Pureka is an old school East Coast folkie who’s real age belies her creative voice. Tapping into a deep well of tradition, she even brings a modified piece of front porch with her on tour. Learn more about her at www.chrispureka.com or www.myspace.com/chrispureka

Artwork by Emily Block

The Crosswalks

Marc — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:06:08 +0000

The Crosswalks make me happy. They sang a song about a haircut in which they scream. Catchy as all git out, The Crosswalks deserve a star on the walk of rock.

Learn more about this raucous trio at www.thecrosswalks.com or www.myspace.com/thecrosswalks.

Artwork by Natalie Phillips

Dave Watts

Marc — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:53:06 +0000

Dave Watts has many irons in the fire. Hell, Dave IS the fire. And the iron. One time I saw him practice for nearly an entire day. He also spits fire when he plays the drums. As the leader of the Motet, Dave has shepherded a true world music sensibility into the festival scene. He joined us with the inimitable Asher Fulero and Jim Prescott to lay down the jazz when he was in Portland playing with his funk band, Juno What.

Learn more about the many faces of Dave Watts at www.themotet.net or www.myspace.com/junowhatband.

Artwork by Marc Girouard

Lal Meri

Marc — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:46:57 +0000

Lal Meri is ancient and modern all in one. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “music is the universal language of mankind” and with such diverse elements flowing into this trio’s work, we now know exactly what he meant.

Learn more about them at www.lalmeri.com or www.myspace.com/lalmeri.

Artwork by Emily Block