Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 597 - Samantha Harlow Feb 14, 2015

Show notes

With nearly a decade behind a Nashville honky tonk bar and countless nights playing solo shows on the road under her belt, Samantha Harlow has plenty of stories to tell. A true raconteur, Harlow's storytelling is marked by mild exaggerations, tongue-in-cheek declarations, and sweeping truths about being a strong woman making her way in the world. Backed by a steel guitar and twangy riffs, Harlow shares tales of heartbreaks past and present - and, more importantly, her resolve to move past them. She's a country artist, to be sure, but not in the folksy, teary-eyed connotation of the title. Fueled by strong and pragmatic Midwestern roots, Harlow's lyrics are equal parts heartbreak and pulling oneself up by the straps on a pair of boots. Previous albums (Boxcars and Other Obsolete Dreams, Love Letters) have detailed her childhood memories of broken family bonds and lofty dreams torn down by the reality of divorce and blue-collar woes. But on her latest cut (Give and Take), Harlow turns over a new leaf - both lyrically and musically. With a faster tempo driven by an electric guitar, songs like 'Kerosene' and 'The Way It Goes' are more about moving on from disappointment than they are about heartbreak itself. Inspired by spending several months on the road in 2012 and 2013, Harlow isn't dwelling on broken dreams any longer. On Give and Take, the country singer has started dreaming up new goals and moving forward one step at a time.All of the videos of the songs from this Podcast are on CAU's Vimeo Channel

Episode 596 - MER Feb 09, 2015

Show notes

Chicago based singer/songwriter and front-man, MER, is a seasoned veteran of the music industry having toured the nation playing over 2,000 live shows supporting dozens of national acts. A melodic, pop overtone streamlines MER's original music ranging from the intimate, acoustic ballads to the powerful, rock anthems. MER's recent collaboration with Chicago producer, Sean O'Keefe (Fallout Boy, Plain White T's, Less Than Jake) turned out two new singles, "Bulletproof" and "Heart Attack" officially released in September of 2013. MER continues to record with plans to release a five song EP in the spring of 2014. Joining MER for this show former guitarist with 3 and Counting, Matt Hines. Their colaboration is amazing. The fit is perfect. Check out all the videos from their Podcast at the CAU Vimeo Channel

Episode 595 - Dwight Smith and Julia Lucille Jan 23, 2015

Show notes

Hailing from Texas Music Mecca, Austin, Dwight Smith and Julia Lucille joined us in the CAU Studio to record this Podcast. Both with solo careers, found each other about a year ago and put together a show that featured both their songwriting skills and together some truly beautiful harmonies.Enjoy the Show!!!Check out all their videos from their Show

Episode 594 - Daniel Connolly w/ Packy Lundholm Jan 09, 2015

Show notes

Daniel Connolly joined us to record a Podcast after he performed at Singing for your Supper at the Act One Pub in Mayne Stage and them performing on the big Mayne Stage along with Melanie Budd. Daniel brought in fellow CAU alumni Packy Lundholm lead guitarist for I Fight Dragons Daniel is the curator for the monthly songwriter's circle at the Oldtown School of Folk Music.What an amazing afternoon of music! I am certain that you will enjoy this show.

Episode 593 - Jodi and Dave Walker Dec 19, 2014

Show notes

Jodi and Dave Walker have been exploring the world of jazz and folk music as a duo for the past 12 years. Over that time we have called Atlanta, New York City, and Chicago home. I first met Jodi and Dave when they were guests on Jenny and Robin Bienemann's CAU/Mayne Stage Showcase. As soon as they walked off stage I invited them to come in and record a show. We had a wonderful time recording this Podcast.

Episode 592 - The Lance Brown Group Dec 16, 2014

Show notes

Lance Brown is an artist, actor, musician and song writer who has lived by his wits and creativity since 1977. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Denver and studied music composition, theory and performance for 3 semesters at the University of Maine under Roswell Rudd, jazz trombonist of Berkley School of Music fame. His songwriting education came from 4 years in the US Navy, 4 years as a social worker in a state institution for the mentally challenged and the various life experiences he has gleaned from traveling as a working actor and musician for the last 22 years. His mainstay has been a one-person show called "Will Rogers Now" which he has toured nationwide for the last 22 years. During all this time he has been a prolific songwriter penning pieces ranging from the patently absurd to the deeply philosophical. On the absurd end he and collaborator Steve Wellman created the satirical "Somewhat Fractured History of the World Show" which was billed as a history of the world from the Big Bang to the present in silly songs and stupid music. Lance performed that show nationwide for 10 years. Lance's satirical songs have found their way onto the "Dr. Demento Show" out of Los Angeles ("Buzzards in Love" "Soap on a Rope") and many local radio stations WBEZ, WFMT and WNUR ("The Dan Ryan Blues). He also performs around Chicago with his Lance Brown Group playing his own form of bluesy jazz and jazzy blues.Here's the link to all the videos from this Podcast.

Episode 591 - The New Zeitgeist Dec 02, 2014

Show notes

Jen Reilly and Eddy Bluma aka The New Zeitgeist met as solo artists reentering the music scene in Chicago of 2009, but might as well have been around since 1929. "Old souls," they have been described by many, the two began collaborating as a folk duo with soulful harmonies and old spirituals. Their devotions range from Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie to Elvis, Joni, The Staple Singers, and Allison Krauss. Their upcoming first and full-length album attempts to capture the timeless and undying spirit of the ages, entitled the "New Zeitegists," (pronounced zī¬¬–tĭ–gĭsts). Their coined word, New Zeitegists implies a revolution as well as a return to the simple things and things that matter; a return to "geist"–spirit, soul, and body. Previous to living in Chicago, in the spring of 2009 Jen Reilly spent four months living at an artists' colony developing her skills and experience in songwriting, performing, and recording at the Contemporary Music Center, an invitation-only community on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Eddy's homegrown Chicago area bands (Candy Coated Tongues, Sux Royale) centered around DeKalb before moving downtown. The two have played at Uncommon Ground almost as a home base since meeting on the Clark location at an open mic in 2009, when Eddy offered Jen to borrow his guitar. Performances by the married duo have included The Heartland Cafe, Skokie Theatre, Red Line Tap, Mayne Stage, The Store, Miseracordia Home's Annual Family Fest, several Independent Chicago Songwriter's Festivals, and Billy Corgan's Madame Zuzu's. Involvement in local music communities has included Independent Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music, and Chicago Acoustic Underground. Their song, "Warm and Dry" has been played on WDCB's Folk Festival with Lily Kuzma. Eddy and Jen are proud to be releasing their first self-titled full album project with Mike Hagler and John Abbey at Kingsize Sound Labs in December of 2014.

Episode 590 - Brittany Lee Moffitt Nov 30, 2014

Show notes

Brittany Lee Moffitt is a professional vocalist, songwriter, and performer from the small town of New Carlisle, Indiana. Brittany moved to Chicago in 2005 to study music at Columbia College. During that time, Brittany was offered an opportunity to represent the music department as a participating singer/songwriter in the 2009 International Summer Music Camp, held by kraut-rock pioneer, drummer, and instructor Udo Dahmen at Popakademie School of Music in Mannheim, Germany. She also shared the stage with artists Earth, Wind, and Fire, vocalist Mina Agossi, and drummer Dana Hall while studying at Columbia. Graduating in 2010, Brittany soon found herself performing in several original and cover band projects, showcasing an array of vocal styles from jazz to hard rock, never missing an opportunity to entertain, experience, and learn. In December 2013, Brittany embarked on her first solo tour as a singer/songwriter along the east coast, performing in Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Cleveland, Ohio. Brittany currently sings with Chicago powerhouse rock tribute band Raised On Radio, the prestigious wedding and corporate-geared Ron Bedal Orchestra, and occasionally with tribute bands Maggie Speaks, Final Say, and Spoken Four, all the while staying busy in various ensembles and original projects throughout Chicago. Brittany is also recording her debut solo record with music producer Drew Mantia at Carter Co. Recordings in Chicago, with a release date set for December 2014."'Acceptance' in human psychology is a person's assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it, protest." my name is Brittany Lee Moffitt, and I'm inviting you to celebrate the release of "Acceptance": my first EP as a "solo" artist, on Friday, December 5th at The Throne Room in Chicago. Joining me on this night are Chicago's own Deep Fayed and Da$Htone. I'm thrilled to add that Deep Fayed will be joining me on stage as my backing band as well. BRITTANY LEE MOFFITT "ACCEPTANCE" EP RELEASE SHOW Friday, December 5th, 2014 Doors @ 8PM $10 door, $7 advance 21+ tickets: http://thethroneroomchicago.com/queueapp.com/events/5700 DEEP FAYED 9PM http://deepfayed.com/ DA$HTONE 10PM http://dashtone.com/ BRITTANY LEE MOFFITT 11PM http://facebook.com/bmofmusic this night will be full of creativity, soul, collaboration, celebration, and inspiration. I can not wait to share this new music with you! please, feel free to message or send me an email at brittany.moffitt@gmail.com with any questions.

Episode 589 - The Morphtet Nov 25, 2014

Show notes

The Morphtet is a piano-based acoustic ensemble, currently in trio form. We are a barrelhouse piano ensemble that stomps right into reggae, soul, and stride. We tackle new standards and lay around with old boogie woogie drinking buddies. come join the CAU Crew this Saturday November 29th at Honky Tonk BBQ where the old upright piano will get put through its paces, and we'll all get some damn good barbeque right in our faces!Joshua Siegal has been playing various instruments and making art in Chicago for decades, but his true love is a big wood box full of vibrating strings and hammers. Currently the piano player for the Morphtet and the keyboardist / principal arranger for The Opposition Party, he has studied with Erwin Helfer and Howard Levy. He also dabbles in interactive media and fiction. Chris Paquette Originally from the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Chris studied under Marcos Chico Perez before coming to Chicago and becoming the percussionist for Frank Catalano and many a genre of music in the windy city. He has played for big names and small and continues to push the limits performing in a variety of situations on stage and in the studio. Besides working on his own personal music, in 2013 Chris completed an album with dub reggae producer, The Scientist, led by drummer Ted Sirota and his Heavyweight Dub project.Josh Therriault has been playing saxophone, clarinet and flute professionally in Chicago since 1996. Heavily influenced by the blues, Josh lends his gritty sound to various projects throughout the city. In 2013, Josh completed a nine month stint as the primary saxophone player for the award-winning "Smokey Joe's Cafe" at The Royal George Theater. You can catch Josh performing on a regular basis with The Opposition Party, ContraBanda and, of course, The Morphtet. Josh also co-leads an original songwriting project called Willy Dynomite in which you can see him perform on lead vocals and keyboards.

Episode 588 - Dhaea Kang Nov 14, 2014

Show notes

Dhaea KangI first met Dhaea while she was performing at the CAU sponsored "Singing For Your Supper" series held on the first Tuesday of every month in the Act One Pub at Mayne Stage.I was, quite frankly enthralled by her strong performance and I immediately invited her to come record a Podcast. This is the result and I am sure you will agree with me that she is a joy to listen to.

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