Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

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Episode 467 - Jenny Dragon Jan 31, 2013

Show notes

Join the CAU crew at Martyr's tonight January 31st for Jenny Dragon's "A Fair Souvenir" CD Release Show.New to the Chicago roots/Americana scene, Jenny Dragon is a six (sometimes eight) piece band that celebrates a throwback take on modern music. Jenny Dragon defines their sound as "Heavy Whimsy," a sound that has been developing over the past two years and expresses the group's desire to create music that is both appealing and consequential. The group seems to defy category, dabbling in a nostalgia that combines jazz, blues, country, folk, doo wop, and rock influences, and often shifting genres to best serve the story of a song. Having recorded and set to release their debut album, "A Fair Souvenir," at Martyrs' in Chicago, Jenny Dragon continues to write and introduce original material to their live sets at some of Chicago's best music venues.

Episode 466 - Common Shiner Podcast in support of their CD Release "Before They Sold Out part 2" Jan 30, 2013

Show notes

Join the CAU crew at Schuba's this Saturday February 2nd at 10 PM for Common Shiner's Album Release Show.In early 2013 the man-boys of Common Shiner released their ridiculously catchy album "Before They Sold Out: Part 2." This album sees them step away from their previous acoustic-driven efforts, and establishes them as a pop-powerhouse involving organs, hard hitting drums, rock-infused piano, thick bass lines and driving electric guitar, all the while maintaining beautiful harmonies and lyrics that will make you cry, laugh and think.Based in Chicago, they have big plans for 2013 through local and regional touring. Common Shiner hopes you'll be all in with them as they spread the word across the midwest.....and eventually the world. If you see them at a show, don't be afraid to say hi or give them a hug. Though you might want to do that before they passionately sweat their faces off on stage.

Episode 465 - Mean Mary Jan 25, 2013

Show notes

'Mean Mary' James, a Florida native now based in Nashville, began life as a musical prodigy-could read music before she could read words and co-wrote songs at age five. By age seven she was proficient on the guitar, banjo, violin, and entertained audiences across the US with her vocal and instrumental skills. Her life has been one long road show interspersed with TV, radio, and film. She has performed more than 500 live TV shows and over 4,000 road shows—including national festivals, fairs, cruises, colleges, theatres, clubs and house concerts.Mary came into the studio this past summer and we had a blast recording her show. I am certain you also will have a blast listening to it.

Episode 464 - Sound Cinema Jan 20, 2013

Show notes

Sound Cinema is an instrumental group comprised of four individuals: Sarah Wong on Violin, Fred Drueck on Drums , Lisa Smith on Cello and Shaun Sinnott on guitar; is a fusion of Jazz, Metal, Classical and Folk. This is their Bio information, but they are so much more. I was mesmerized by their music. Listening to their performance was like taking journey in your mind. I truly enjoyed the heck out of this group. I have also seen them live and I highly recommend that you do the same. Kick back, close your eyes and enjoy the trip!

Episode 463 - Tom Schraeder Jan 15, 2013

Show notes

The door, the gutter, and the grave are three things that 23-year-old Tom Schraeder has one foot in. The door, because he's recently been chosen as one of the Onion A.V. Club's "Top 5 Artists to Watch in 2008," inspired Chicago Magazine's Noah Isackson to declare that "Tom Schraeder [is] on the brink of stardom," and prompted Jim Derogatis (Chicago Sun-Times, Sound Opinions) to proclaim of his Lollapalooza set: "Combined with a moving sound equal parts alternative-country, cornfield psychedelia and Neil Young, tunes like this...marked him as a real talent." The gutter, because his world-weary voice is at times haunting and at times undeniably close to the brink of disaster. The grave, because one or another of the wine, women, and song trifecta will surely be this young man's demise - and he'd have it no other way. The 7 song e.p. with the intensely personal title was recorded in Chicago at Studio Ballistico with Tim Sandusky (Bound Stems, Oucho Sparks), and lends the listener a glimpse of the deceptive simplicity that belies the mark of a pure pop genius. Proving to be as accomplished onstage as he is off, this Chicago newcomer with the old soul is the sort of well-rounded artist that comes around once in a blue moon...this may be the first time you've heard of Tom Schraeder His Ego, but we'll bet you a whiskey shot that it won't be the last.

Episode 462 - Curtis Evans Jan 12, 2013

Show notes

Curtis Evans was born 21 October, 1979 in Elgin, Illinois. He picked up a guitar and wrote his first song at age 15. He played in the rock group The Void from 1997 to 2000 with current members of acclaimed Chicago outfit, inchWORM. In 2004 he formed Our Friends Electric with professional online poker player Amos Lieberman and since 2006 has been performing throughout Chicago with various backing members. He is influenced first and foremost by The Beatles, later by Sparklehorse and Townes van Zandt. Also check him out on Grape Juice Records.

Episode 461 - Sofia Talvik Jan 10, 2013

Show notes

Sofia Talvik is the next rising star from Sweden. She has emerged like a lady of the forest, bringing a new interesting side to folk music. She's playing a unique blend of folk-pop (someone said Neo-Folk). This American genre filtered through her Swedish heritage, becomes something totally unique, a blend that has attracted attention from American reviewers, blogs and music lovers, allowing her tour the US several times. In 2008, she became the first Swedish female singer to play the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago. Sofia Talvik was born on an island just off the west coast of Sweden. At the tender age of eighteen she left behind the comfort of home for the bright lights and lonely nights of Stockholm where every experience, good and bad, would soon take the form of a beautiful, funny or heartbreaking story destined to capture the hearts and minds of all who would hear the words when set to Sofia's gentle, melodic acoustic guitar and minimalist back up of cellos, double bass and soft percussion. Sofia's debut album Blue Moon was released in 2005 to much critical acclaim followed by Street of Dreams in 2007 which features a duet with indie pop icon Bernard Butler from British band Suede, released on her then newly formed record label Makaki Music. Continuing a steady pace of releasing albums Sofia released her album Jonestown, named after the tragic 1978 event in Jonestown, Gyuana, 2008, and was the first Swedish female artist to play the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, that same year. US indie distributer CD Baby wrote "It's not often that an album takes your breath away, and I hate to sound hyperbolic, but "Florida" actually has several "Oh my god!" moments of sheer beauty." about Sofia Talvik's 2010 release Florida, and album inspired by spending a few hot summer months in Florida in 2009.Sofia who toured the US several times from her first success at the Lollapalooza festival in 2008 has been invited to officially showcase at SxSW 3 years as well as to The Folk Alliance International Conference in 2012, is now on a two year tour of the US promoting her 5th release The Owls Are Not What They Seem. She's been noted in media all over the US for her impeccable live performances and captivating stage presence, and recently released her first Daytrotter session.

Episode 460 - Phil Jacobson Dec 28, 2012

Show notes

People always want to know where the story began. For Phil Jacobson, and most artists, it all started with an unexplainable need to express something, an inspiration. "I spent a lot of time listening to the radio and re-creating melodies on the piano," Phil says. "The music would bring out feelings in me, even before I understood the words." Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, Singer/Songwriter Phil Jacobson found joy in the form of music. He thrived on its challenge, taking lessons in many instruments to improve. As his love for making music continued to evolve, he picked up the guitar and hasn't put it down since. He found himself enamored with the music of Stevie Wonder, the Beatles and John Mayer. He attended the University of Miami where he trained with the industry's top jazz musicians. The experience greatly influenced his view of music and it's capabilities. "Studying jazz opened up my ears to new sounds. It provided a foundation that enabled me to embrace multiple styles of music." While studying at "The U", Phil had the distinct pleasure of sharing the stage with some of today's most respected jazz giants including Kurt Elling and fellow Miami alumni, John Secada, Carmen Lundy and Raul Midon.During his last year in school, Phil formed a band with a few close friends and began playing around the South Florida music scene, garnering praise from critics and fans alike. For Phil, writing quality lyrics that inspire his peers has always been at the forefront of his musical endeavors. "Songwriting became an outlet for me to tell stories and describe the things around me in a musical way. It started out as just a hobby, but I fell in love with the release it provided and realized it was something I was going to be doing for the rest of my life." In 2009 he released his first studio recording entitled "Around it Goes", a collection of groovy, well-crafted pop tunes featuring the crowd favorite "Mt. Olympus" and the soul-stirring ballad "Not With You." Phil has spent the last four years working to develop his sound and writing style in the demanding and ever changing Miami music scene. He's earned a following of dedicated fans there and is excited to show them and the rest of the world something new. "Love Right Now", his upcoming EP, is a project aimed at bringing some good vibes to the world. Months of hard work, a successful Kickstarter campaign and a brazen move back to Chicago has left Phil eager to show his fans what he's been working on. "I had to make this EP because I have evolved quite a bit since the last one… I feel this album shows more maturity in my writing and musicianship." Check the charts for "Love Right Now" available January 11, 2013. Keep up to date on shows dates, videos and other tidbits by following Phil on Facebook and Twitter.

Episode 459 - Kurt Loeffler and The Jazz Workship Dec 24, 2012

Show notes

Each year I pick one episode to be my present to our listeners. This year it is Kurt Loeffler and The Jazz Workshop. I dedicated this show to the most influential man in my life, My Father Gordon Teach. MY thanks to all our listeners for your continued support of CAU. Happy Holidays and my wishes for health and happiness in the New Year.Kurt Loeffer grew up in the Detroit, Michigan area where he began playing Drum Set at the age of fourteen. He began studying Drum Set and Percussion in High School and studied with Bruce Pulk, Principal Timpanist and Percussionist with the Phoenix Symphony. He then attended the University of Michigan, School of Music from 1982 – 1987 where he studied Percussion with Michael Udow, and Jazz Vibraphone, Improvisation and Jazz Ensemble with Ted Piltzecker. After completing his Bachelors Degree in Percussion/Performance he moved to Chicago where he continued his Graduate Studies at DePaul University's School of Music and studied Jazz Piano and Improvisation with Alan Swain and privately studied Drum Set/Percussion with Paul Wertico. More recently, Kurt has been studying with Chicago first call drummer, Ernie Adams. Recently, he completed his Master's Certificate in Arranging and Recording Engineering through the Berklee College of Music. He leads his own Quintet, The Jazz Workshop and plays professionally in a variety of groups throughout the Chicago area.

Episode 458 - Dan Clingman Dec 23, 2012

Show notes

Dan Clingman came into the studio way back in June and we recorded a Podcast that somehow or another I misplaced. Dan, ever the patient man reminded me recently that it had never been posted. Well, here it is and my apologies to Dan. Enjoy this songwriter's excellent music and lyrics.To see Dan's other videos from this Podcast, go to CAU's Video Channel

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