Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

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Episode 617 - Rachel Solomon Aug 25, 2015

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Pianist, vocalist, and songwriter Rachel Solomon has been making a name for herself since her 2005 arrival in Nashville, TN as an in-demand live and session pianist and singer as well as a unique and powerful songwriter. She released her debut solo record in January of 2013 entitled Love Ourselves, a personal exposition of love, loss, longing, and personal and spiritual growth. She describes it best as a little bit Beatles, a little bit Billy Joel (Rachel's Berklee songwriting professor penned her "The Female Billy Joel"), a little bit Carole King, a little bit Bonnie Raitt (Raitt's guitarist George Marinelli played on the record), and of course – 100% Rachel Solomon.Born a Yankee, raised a southwesterner, reared in the "Live Music Capital" that is Austin, TX, and schooled at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music, Rachel's background is as diverse as her talents are. She comes from a roving music pedigree as the daughter of Andy Solomon, keyboard player for Ted Nugent's early psychedelic endeavor The Amboy Dukes, and he passed along skills of both keyboard and saxophone to a young Rachel. Rachel spent a large portion of what should have been her rebellious teenage years winning classical piano competitions, sitting 1st chair alto saxophonist in the Texas All-State Band, and playing out with local Austin mainstay band The Alice Rose.Rachel Solomon Tour DatesWe dedicate this show to "Kitty" Solomon, RIPLosing a Family pet is so difficult.

Episode 616 - Matt Feddermann Aug 19, 2015

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Matt FeddermannI first met Matt a few years ago through a Craigslist ad for a U87 Neumann microphone. I journeyed up the North Shore to his studio and bought the mic, but more importantly spent some quality time with Matt in his Studio. Here's a man with kick ass Producer props and he is also an excellent (as you will see and hear in this Podcast) musician. If you have the opportunity to see Matt live, do so and enjoy a beautiful night of music. Here's all the videos from the Podcast on Vimeo

Episode 615 - Dayna Clay Band Aug 14, 2015

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The Dayna Clay Band: Fictional character. Real band. Vital cause. Paul McComas' acclaimed novel UNPLUGGED tells the story of Dayna Clay, a 27-year-old rock star battling depression and post-traumatic stress in the wake of an abusive childhood. Although Dayna's story is fictional, the book addresses issues that are all too real. The Dayna Clay Band adapts the novel into a stage production, meshing songs and spoken-word performance to tell Dayna's story. The stage version of UNPLUGGED combines riveting drama with original songs to chronicle Dayna's bumpy journey out of depression, through the South Dakota Badlands, and into discovery, hope, full embrace of her bisexuality, and love. Proceeds from our book, music, merch and ticket sales benefit the Rape, Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN)'s National Sexual Assault Hotline, as well as One Mind for Research, Patrick J. Kennedy's initiative to eliminate the stigma of mental illness. Join us as we spread awareness of this vital cause! Paul McComas is an award-winning author (five critically acclaimed books, plus three in process), actor, educator, filmmaker and musician, and a progressive activist who's been honored by his home state of Wisconsin; the Mental Health Association; and the Rape, Abuse Incest National Network, on whose National Leadership Council and Speakers Bureau he serves. Learn more at http://paulmccomas.com/ Chicago songwriter Maya Kuper is honored to portray UNPLUGGED protagonist "Dayna Clay" in the Dayna Clay Band. Hear more of her music at http://mayakuper.com/On August 18, 2015 you can see a Free live performance of this group on a mission, a very important misson at Greenhouse Theater 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL Donations are welcomed to benefit RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) and One Mind

Episode 614 - Frankie B Aug 12, 2015

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Frankie B joined us recently to record a Podcast. She was recommended to me by Ellis Clark who is producing her latest album, and all the members of her current band whom I already know quite well. Well, they were all correct. This lovely young lady of sixteen years absolutely blew me away. She is a brilliant songwriter, singer, and just happens to be beautiful.You can see her live August 16th at 8:00 PM Uncommon Ground on Clark The CAU crew will be there. Come join us and see what I mean.

Episode 613 - Seth Kessel Aug 05, 2015

Show notes

Seth Kessel is a Brooklyn-bred traveling troubadour. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician. His focus lies in the interpretation of pre-1950′s American music, particularly jazz, folk, country, fnger-picking blues and bluegrass. Seth has toured the United States and Europe extensively playing original music on guitar, electric bass and vocals. Seth joined us on a solo tour and brought his unique blend of old and new music. It was a marvelous afternoon of music and I a certain you will enjoy. Seth Kessel and the Two Cent Band is a five-piece, genre-bending jazz band whose vast repertoire includes everything from Prohibition-era swing and gypsy jazz to a modern take on 1950s rock ‘n' roll. Frontman Seth Kessel, a conservatory-trained musician, drives the band's energetic sound with complex and virtuosic guitar playing and a rich-toned, multi-octave voice. He is also a gifted songwriter, and many of the band's beloved tunes are his original compositions. The band is rounded out with vibrant horns (Gabriel Yonkler on tenor and soprano saxophone; Jackson Hardaker on trombone) and a nuanced rhythm section (Jason Bertone on upright bass; Yaeir Heber on drums and percussion). Live performances often incorporate special guests on fiddle, clarinet, mandolin, accordion, piano, and more. The band is based in Brooklyn but plays regularly both in and outside of New York City to a devoted fan base. In the Golden Days is their debut album. See all the videos from the Podcast on Vimeo

Episode 612 - Robinlee Garber, for "Mercy" Jul 10, 2015

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I fell in love with this lady's beautiful voice the first time I heard it. Robinlee Garber came into the studio and, as you will hear listening to this Podcast, absolutely blew me away. During the interview I was fascinated to learn about the role of the "Expressive Therapist" in a clinical setting.She is blessed with the joy of using her wonderful voice as a tool for her work. As you will read below, she helps people through trying times in their lives.Well, now she finds herself in trying times. Her sweet companion "Mercy" had to have emergency cancer surgery. Mercy has survived the surgery and now Robinlee has to deal with the costs of that decision. As you know, I lost my Buffy this year and, for her, surgery was not an option. There is a GoFundMe campaign to help with those costs. In memory of Buffy I donated and, if you can, please click on Mercy's picture and join me.Expressive Therapist Acoustic Jazz and Song Stylings of Robinlee Robinlee Garber has been providing music and expressive therapy services in hospitals, at fundraising events, festivals, conferences, schools, and in community outreach programs professionally since 1995. She is an expert at working with groups to create murals, group and individual art projects, music-making experiences, and just having a great time exploring personal and group creativity. Robinlee will perform solo and/or with other musical and artistic professionals just about anywhere, at any time, and for any occasion. These days she is singing and playing guitar weekly at various assisted living and memory care programs around the Chicagoland Area, specializing in acoustic jazz and folk music. She also plays daily at Linden Oaks Hospital, and her expressive therapy group has been dubbed "the Frank Sinatra Hootenanny" for its emphasis on music from the 20's, 30's, and 40's. Robinlee also lends her talents and support to volunteer with the not-for-profit Practice With A Purpose (a program affiliated with Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music), a group that performs music for patients, families, and residents at hospitals and nursing homes in and around Chicago.View all Robinlee Garber videos

Episode 611 - Reggie Williams Jul 06, 2015

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Reggie Williams arrived in the CAU Studio in early October while in town for a live performance. This young man from Florida absolutely blew me away. He is a true artist. Tremendous guitarist, soungwriter, and vocalist, he is the real deal and if you have the chance to see him, do not hessitate.Reggie started playing music in Sarasota, Florida at about 16. He was quickly accepted into the local scene, and since then has played over 300 shows, developing his sound into what it is today. His music has been described as folky soul, and he really likes that. He grew up on Jazz and Soul (like George Benson, Al Jarreau, Marvin Gaye), and later on started listening to heavier music (like Coheed Cambria, Linkin Park, and Liquid Tension Experiment). Those may seem like artists that have nothing in common, but for Reggie they represent one very important thing. An emotional connection with the listener. Be it joy, love, wanting to have a good time, regret, rage, or anything between, these artists can convey what they want. Reggie strives to be this way. In the shows that he has under his belt, Reggie found that people can feel that. Reggie has heard so many beautiful, meaningful stories from new friends he meets in the audiences of the shows he plays. Reggie is honestly trying to expose his heart to a listener as a performer, and he believes this to be of the utmost importance to people.Check out all three videos from this Podcast

Episode 610 - Nick Dittmeier Jun 18, 2015

Show notes

Nick Dittmeier is a singer-songwriter from southern Indiana. He fronted the alt-country band Slithering Beast for five years. In early 2013, he branched out and started performing under his own name and established a new band. His first release was an EP called "Extra Better." It garnered local and regional attention and radio play, while earning him a nomination for "Songwriter of the Year" at the inaugural Louisville Music Awards. Relentless performances ensued, while writing a new record. The new album, "Light of Day" was released in late April of 2014, as his tour schedule expanded and more attention was given to the project. Check out his new album "Light of Day" and others at his Website StoreCome join us and see this amazing performer live Saturday, June 19th, Chicago, IL- Honky Tonk BBQ, 10 pmView all the songs from his Podcast on Vimeo

Episode 609 - David Paige Jun 07, 2015

Show notes

David PaigeDavid joined us for a night of his original music, playing his beautiful Gibson guitar. He presented a stong solo acoustic performance. David, in a live environment, rocks out on an electric guitar also and if thats not enough, catch his amazing and creative cover band called "The Student Body"Touring rock singer and featured finalist on VH1's "Make a Band Famous". http://youtu.be/mQBJf8WYrxYDavid Paige has a sound that rocks harder than pop and is more accessible than much of today's alternative rock - his music is a must for any fans of either genre. With memorable melodies, powerful grooves, and energetic live performances, David and his band will give you a show that you won't soon forget. For information on how to blast David Paige's music in your car with the windows down, please visit www.davidpaigemusic.com "Inside Out - Single Available Now!" http://bit.ly/1dD3jRb Check out all the videos from David's Podcast

Episode 608 - How Do We Sing featuring Jarod Facknitz, Erin Flynn, and a menagerie of Puppets Jun 05, 2015

Show notes

Jarod Facknitz and Erin Flynn have created very unique Puppet Show called How Do We Sing. Jarod has been on the Podcast show before and when he called me about this show I didn't quite know what to expect but his previous show was amazing, so I figured what the heck, they are obviously very creative, so let's record a Puppet show.Well, I became a fan and felt the joy of childhood that I so long ago forgot. It is a wonderful show. I want to record their next show, because I now know better how to record the video. I am certain that you too will love this creative duo. Check out all the videos from this Podcast here.

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