Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

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Episode 427 - Frightened Cellar and from Japan, NolenNiu-de-ossi Jul 22, 2012

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James Wilson is free. As Frightened Cellar the singer/songwriter thrashes at the piano, becoming a part of the instrument, drawing you into his cocoon. Joining James for this show is CiCi James, lending her beautiful vocals. This is a 2 for 1 show, as James and CiCi are touring with their friends from Japan, NolenNiu-de-ossi.Check out all the videos from this show on our vimeo site In September of 2011 he received an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognizing his contributions to American popular music. The Deli Magazine named him one of the Top 100 songwriters in NYC, and he ranked in the Top 50 in the Alternative-Soul genre. Born in rural Iowa, the classically trained pianist moved to Brooklyn at age 21 with two suitcases and a few dollars to pursue a career in music. After the deal with his record label went sour, he decided to take a year long hiatus from the city. He returned to his roots in the countryside, but on the other side of the world, moving to rural Japan to study traditional Japanese culture and music. While in Japan he met shinobue player Kazunari Abe. The two formed the band Sora Ocean, recorded an album and toured the country. Their sold-out performances were praised in several newspapers and broadcast on two major television stations. Frightened Cellar recently completed work on his debut solo album "Destroy The Fear That Forms You". He describes the work as a "living newborn organism, emanating sonic emotions from the moment it cracked itself free from my skull". The project was funded by his fans and was mixed by Marcel Van Limbeek. "Destroy The Fear That Forms You" is available through all major online digital retailers including iTunes and Amazon.

Episode 426 - Antony and the Tramps Jul 12, 2012

Show notes

Antony the Tramps will be releasing their debut full length album July 17th, 2012. Over Six "Chicago" months, Antony the Tramps were recording a completely independent, full length album. It's not a studio album, and it's not a live record. Making use of portable recording gear they were able to record anywhere, at any time, with unbound freedom to experiment with sound for their anticipated debut album.   "We had two guiding concepts for this album," Antony says. "We wanted the texture to be ‘wooden-electric', and we wanted the narrative and imagery to be a ‘movie for your ears'. Because we we owned all of the gear and weren't on the clock in a studio, we could really develop our ideas, and play endlessly. That's an incredible freedom, especially when you have seven talented musicians involved. And with this guerrilla recording method we could record in exactly the right space for a given scene. The space we chose was another instrument for us–warehouse hallways, huge recital halls, tiny closets…we weren't stuck in a studio trying to fake it." The result is stunning debut for the Chicago band. A full 63 minutes of original music that takes the listeners through wide open prairie scenes, bustling big-city streets, ragged American-gypsy grooves, intimate soulful pleas, soaring climatic instrumentals, and for the final moment of the album, a heavenly a capella choir that sends the listener endlessly upwards. The album is a beautiful journey. "It's been an incredible process creating it, both in its challenges and success. None of us have created anything like this before, it's something special." The band will be performing the album in its entirety on July 19th - Schubas - Chicago, IL.

Episode 425 - Wells Next The Sea Jul 09, 2012

Show notes

Wells Next The SeaWhat a fun time we had recording this show. Be sure to catch them live 26 July 2012 at The Burlington 3425 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL with Cottage Jefferson and Wooden Rings.Taking their name from the English seaside town, Wells-next-the-Sea (Wells, to their friends) plays dusty Americana; alt-country layered with strings and raw harmonies; and the result is as much mood as craft. Painting from a musical palette somewhere between Son Volt and Neutral Milk Hotel, Wells' folky approach to Midwestern pop has enough grit and swirl to seduce fans of both indie rock and alt-country. Wells-next-the-Sea's new EP Passenger Side is available now on Squirrel Trap Records. Members Liz Barnett- vocals, violin and glockenspiel Brennan Mackey- vocals, guitar, bass, banjo, and ukulele Dann Morr- vocals, bass, guitar, and keyboard Danny Sherrard- vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboard Nat Waters- drums and percussion

Episode 424 - Sean Skyler Jul 08, 2012

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Sean Skyler came in to the studio one April evening and performed a solo show which blew me away. He is the epitome of the classic Singer/Songwriter. Obviously I really enjoyed this show. I am sure you will too.Be sure to catch Sean and his full band at The Metro on July 13th at 8 PM along with Dave Tamkin Company,Dan Tedesco, Sunfallen, and Jeffery David Sean Skyler is a rising singer/songwriter from Chicago. He and his band have spent the past year winning over fans, opening for major acts like Art Alexakis, Everclear, Clayton Senne, and Mark Rose. Last summer they took on "The Mix Festival" in Millennium Park (sponsored by WTMX 101.9 the Mix) and were selected for a back-to-school download promotion for unsigned artists with Target Stores and Mead Notebooks. In the Fall, he tracked his first full band EP titled Big Mistake (now on iTunes) with producer Michael Vail Blum (Goo Goo Dolls, Julian Lennon). With this release he's quickly gained press and become a local radio/podcast favorite with features on Radio De Paul, Region Radio 98.3FM, Earphoria, and Chicago Acoustic Underground. Currently Sean is hitting the show circuit playing both intimate acoustic settings and bigger clubs with his full backing band Sean Skyler and the Daymakers. Ultimately he has hopes to use this record as a building block even in a struggling market. "I think these are the kind of songs people need to hear right now, positivity can be a contagious thing and It's that blind faith that has gotten me through the most difficult points of my life."

Episode 423 - Farkus Jul 06, 2012

Show notes

FARKUSDrummer Dave Durdov entered a Champaign Illinois college party as a stranger when he happened upon Tony Maguire and Brian Gillham jamming together on acoustic guitars. Intrigued by the unfamiliar songs the duo was performing, Durdov had to inquire who they were 'covering'. His question remained unanswered until the three were able to regroup in their hometown of Chicago years later to form the beginnings of Farkus. The final piece of the puzzle, Kevin Coyne, was no stranger to the band. However, Maguire and Gillham were unaware that since they last saw Coyne in high school he was busy honing his musical talent by touring Europe as a bass player. Today Farkus has a catalogue of material, and have released their first record 'Thought You Should Know' which includes "Windsor Noose", the very first Farkus song Durdov heard that night in Champaign. "Farkus shows two very distinct sides on Thought You Should Know. One is the compelling, thoughtful singer-songwriter; the other is the big, arena rock star band with impressive hooks, strong melodies and a sense of pop timing. Both hearts beat within this band..." Wildy's World Review Band Members Tony Maguire: Vocals/Guitar Brian Gillham: Guitar/Vocals Kevin Coyne: Bass Dave Durdov: Drums

Episode 422 - Moses Valdez Jul 05, 2012

Show notes

We had a wonderful time recording this show. Moses is an amazing talent.Moses Noah Valdez is a native of Oak Park, Illinois. While attending Columbia College in Chicago, Moses began songwriting and performing as the lead singer for a local Chicago band, Could Be Karma. He was awarded the 1995 Trailblazer Award with International Airplay for two songs he had written for Could Be Karma, 'Time' and 'If I Die'. After his sister's tragic death in a car accident in 1997, he left his beloved Chicago and moved to Seattle. Snowy Day was written in her memory. While exploring the west coast, Moses began writing and recording songs influenced by his life's challenges and released his first EP Demo, Reflections. 'Held You In My Arms' was featured on WFMT's Chicago Midnight Special Playlist. 'Held You In My Arms' was performed live on Windy City Radio as promotion for his release of 'Reflections'. Moses has made his debut at the Old Town School of Folk Music at the first annual ALT Q Festival in 2001, opening for American folk singer-songwriter, Phranc. He has again performed at the Old Town School of Folk Music in a Benefit Concert for the Victims of the Earthquake in Chile in 2010 with Tropa Solar. In 2008, 'Silent No More' was written and performed at the Silent Too Long, Silent No More Rally, sponsored by Connections for Abused Women and their Children, Pilsen Wellness Center and Mujeres Latinas. Moses resides as a singer-songwriter in Chicago, Illinois.

Episode 421 - Kevin Crafton (Lost and Found 2011 Solo) Jul 05, 2012

Show notes

This show was lost, but now it's found. We recorded Kevin Crafton solo back in the summer of 2011. We recently posted his newer show Kevin Crafton The High Tides Episode 409so I took a listen to this solo show and I had to post it because Kevin is just plain amazing.Enjoy!

Episode 420 - The Red Apples Jul 01, 2012

Show notes

The Red Apples is a Chicago-based roots/rock band featuring the husband and wife lead vocal duo of Ron Lowy and Wendy Parman. The band lights up clubs with engaging vocals, danceable driving rhythms and hot guitar licks. Playing covers and original songs, The Red Apples draws from a wide swathe of Americana influences, including rock, western swing, country, rockabilly, blues, folk, and honky-tonk. The band was conceived with the marriage of singer Wendy and guitarist/vocalist Ron. Their search to find common musical ground led them on an adventurous ride that turned into The Red Apples. Ron Lowy, a seasoned guitarist who has played with acts such as Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, Jump in the Saddle, and The Band, is a talented blend of singer and lead guitar player. His scintillating Stratocaster licks and unique musical sensibility are largely what lends The Red Apples their signature sound. Wendy Parman combines a sense of drama with a terrific range and versitility as a vocalist. Her diverse musical influences and experience singing in various genres can be heard in both her lead and back up vocals. Ron and Wendy create a special chemistry onstage and when they start to harmonize, the temperature starts to rise. Every member of The Red Apples brings their own brand of expertise, history and vision to the band's unique musical sauce. Dave Lenef on lead/rhythm guitar and vocals has quite a diverse musical background. From majoring in jazz guitar in college to performing fusion music with the band Juggular to playing guitar with blues man Elmore James Jr; Dave is a man of many musical hats and makes a big contribution to the sound of The Red Apples. On bass guitar is Kenji Juravic, the latest addition to the Apples, who brings some amazing versatility when it comes to laying down a groove, as well as making substantial vocal contributions.

Episode 419 - Bitter Melon Jun 28, 2012

Show notes

I had the distinct pleasure to have Evanston based Bitter Melon in to record excerpts from their amazing theater show. They will be presenting the show live at Space in Evanston Sunday afternoon July 1st at 2 PM. This will be followed by another performance on August 5th at the Celtic Knot, 626 Church St. | Evanston IL | 847.864.1679 Doors at 2 PM"Cracks in the Foundation" is Bitter Melon Music's first stage show, crafted over two years by Bitter Melon members Al Day, Randy Lee, and Charlie Madigan. The fourth member of the group is Sally Craig Christensen, an actress who performs as a reader for the band. Eamon Madigan is the band's creative and arts director. Bitter Melon Music is an Evanston music publishing house owned and operated by partners Madigan, Day, Lee and Christensen. The CD "Cracks in the Foundation, Hard Lessons in Economics Over Time," is the trio's first project, two years in preparation. It creates a narrative aimed at the question, "Why do such troubling things happen to good people?" and follows that thought all the way back to the nightmares of a general at Gettysburg. Along the way, it touches on hard times for radium watch painters, coal miners, cotton mill and oil workers, the bad things people create for themselves, the heart break of violence, the loss of innocence, retribution and finally, a call to independence and redemption (but not in church!) It's one of those rare band things, a sweeping look at the human condition.

Episode 418 - Voo Davis Jun 21, 2012

Show notes

I had the honor and pleasure to have Voo Davis, Chicago based, former Blues Circuit Guitarist for W.C. Handy Award winner Eddie King in the studio for an amazing tour de force of his brilliant music and guitar playing. Video of the show coming soon. About Voo Davis Born in Anniston, AL in 1973 Brian "Voo" Davis' love for music began at an early age. While Davis' father loved the AM radio of the 70's, his mother stocked old 45s of Motown, Sun, and British sensations of the day. While struggling in the South, the family moved back to the Chicago area and began a modest life. While Davis may have started listening at an early age, he didn't start playing guitar until age 19. By 21 Davis was booking his own gigs on the Blues circuit while cutting heads as a lead guitarist. In 1995 Davis formed the Band "Loose Change." It was a three piece known for their aggressive and dynamic stage shows. Davis earned the nickname Voo for his vast knowledge of Hendrix songs and the ability to play them on command. While on the circuit Davis has sat in with Chicago Blue Legend Eddie "the Chief" Clearwater, Chico Chism, New Orleans based Ironingboard Sam, Lamont Cranston, Chicago harp blazer Matthew Skoller, and many others. Davis learned about the victories and difficulties of the road while working with W.C. Handy award winner Eddie King, KoKo's former Band Leader. King's amazing stage presence and head-cutting, finger-picking approach to the guitar was a great compliment to Davis' aggressive single note style. While touring the US with King, Davis sharpened his skills playing at some of the nation's best Blues Clubs and Festivals, including Chicago's Blues Fest. When it seemed Davis' young career was just taking off, he walked away to pursue other personal endeavors. What brought Voo back to music? Personal tragedy struck in 2009 when Davis' wife passed away. This motivated the young slide player to pick it up again while filling a void left by his wife's early passing. It wasn't long before many of the 12 songs to "A Place for Secrets" were completed. Songs Davis held on to for 10 years were finally being completed and ready to play. Teaming with Producer and multi-instrumentalist Steve Bores, the two constructed an album of numerous styles and personalities. While Bores also played drums on the album, both men worked the bass. Davis shows off his ability to handle several instruments on the album playing all guitar parts, organ, piano, harmonica, and all backing vocals. Like any reputable musician, Davis is able to tap into both personal tragedy and triumph to create music with incredible depth and meaning. His eclectic and dirty guitar stylings of standard and open tunings draw you in and keep you asking for more. His sound is unique, and his voice makes you a believer.

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