Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

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Episode 677 - Dina Bach Jun 07, 2017

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Dina BachDina, came in on a sunny January afternoon and it was as though her smile and songs alone made it feel like a beautiful early spring. What a joy to record and present to you. Trust me you're going to love her music.Check out the videos from her show

Episode 676 - Ben Marshall May 26, 2017

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Ben Marshallis the latest artist to join the CAUDog Records Family. Ben came in to record a Podcast with us last Winter and one thing led to another.It has BEN a journey!!! His earliest memories of music were dancing around the house singing along to Elton John and Beatles records with his family when he was just a child. By age 11, he was drawn to the guitar and remembers bugging his parents to buy him one. After constant persistence, he received his first guitar at the early age of 13. While the neighborhood kids were out playing, he was up in his bedroom listening and trying to jam along with Jim Croce, Muddy Waters, Led Zeppelin, Boston, Eric Clapton and The Beach Boys records to name a few. "I had a record player and a bunch of vinyl records, and I would just listen and try to play along," says Marshall. He can remember that some of the neighbors thought it a bit odd that he spent so much time in his room. "I was just simply dedicated and was really bitten by the blues bug at an early age. I was completely focused on learning from the greats like BB King, Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters." The sound of blues music touched a spot deep within his soul. Along with learning by ear, he was also introduced to George Yeatmen, Sr. and studied classical guitar with him for a few years. This helped him develop technique and a unique finger style. "He was really hard on me but I am so glad I had the opportunity to study with him and learned the value of hard work and the importance of dedicating yourself to your craft." Yeatmen was a guitarist during the big band era and was a well-known musician in the Baltimore area. "He played a huge role in my early development as a musician and he is deeply missed."Click here to see all the videos from this show.

Episode 675 - Humphrey-McKeown May 20, 2017

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Humphrey-McKeownHeather and Tom came on CAU as a duo back in the summer of 2006 on Episode 554This week they were back with the entire band to support their latest release "Tapestry of Shadows". As you can see and hear, we had a marvolous time recording this show. Now you can go see them perform it tonight May 20th live at Durty Nellie's in Palatine, ILThe Humphrey-McKeown songwriting partnership began in 2006 between New York native, Heather Humphrey and Chicago-based, Tom McKeown. At an informal gathering of musicians Tom asked if anyone had interest in writing music. That day Heather said "yes" and two weeks later their collaborative partnership was formed and they were ready to see where this adventure would lead them. Before long, they were writing for publishers in Nashville, Chicago and LA. Combining Heather's innate sense of melody with Tom's pursuit of writing something that hadn't already been done before, Humphrey-McKeown wrote for any occasion and in any style; always seeking to better themselves and their craft. When asked "How do you write better songs?" Their answer has always been "That's easy…we write another song". After penning over 100 songs for others, Humphrey-McKeown changed course to focus solely on their own unique musical voice. From their first open mic in December 2010 through the release of four studio albums in less than three years, Humphrey-McKeown has had a vision of what their writing and singing together could be. Creating the perfect vehicle to bring their songs to an audience proved to be a task that took years to complete. Drummer Jim Livas has brought the big drum sound to HM since the very first show but finding the rest of the musical puzzle pieces proved more elusive. They held auditions and swapped remaining players as needed, always looking for the perfect fit. Finally, during the last recording sessions of what has become the group's fourth album, Jim remembered a truly amazing bassist from his past. That led HM to Tony Meadors and incredibly, his audition actually became one of the final tracks on the fourth CD "All I Wanted to Hear."

Episode 674 - Phillip Michael Scales May 16, 2017

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Phillip Michael Scalesis a gifted songwriter who happens to be the nephew of BB King. His sound fits snuggly between folk and soul; demonstrating his knack for thoughtful, catchy melodies. Whether singing about heartbreak, following dreams, or growing up; his perspective, coupled with his command of language is incredible. It's no surprise in 2013, he won an International Songwriting Award. Along with his gift for writing critically acclaimed songs (Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, American Songwriter) comes his ability to captivate his audience in a live setting. Armed only with a guitar, Phillip-Michael uses his strong, soulful tenor, and quick wit to deliver both a musically and emotionally dynamic performance. "There's something so great about earning a crowds trust, leading them through an emotional journey and coming out the other side together." Phillip-Michael has spent time all over. He was born in Metro-Detroit, moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, and settled in Chicago. He is no stranger to touring and has been on the road for the better part of five years opening for such acts as Guster, David Cook, Bethany Joy Lenz, Crystal Bowersox, Tyler Hilton, Jon McLaughlin, Cory Brannan and Kate Voegele. His music has taken him all the way to the Middle East, as well as festivals across the US and Canada. Click here to see all Michael's videos from the show

Episode 673 - Almond&Olive (A&O) May 06, 2017

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AlmondOlive (AO), comprised of singer-songwriters Natalie Alms and Ollie Davidson, creates inspiring songs that span the folk and Americana genres, while also incorporating Alms' timeless vocals and the duo's distinct songwriting. Blended together, Alms and Davidson's voices sound made for each other, soaring and guiding the music through all the ups and downs of these finely crafted songs. Click here to view all the videos from the Podcast

Episode 672 - Villa Avenue Apr 29, 2017

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Villa Avenue is an original band out of Chicago IL. Villa Avenue has been actively performing in many Chicago land venues such as The Legendary Cubby Bear, Viper Alley, Uncommon Ground, The Elbo Room, and Penny Road Pub. Their singles "If It Comes Easy" , and "Always" have been on 93.1 WXRT in Chicago and 103.9 The Fox. Villa Avenues newest single "Tell Me Your Goodbyes" was produced by legendary producer Stuart Epps in London featuring Stuart Epps on guitar and Paul Hirsh from the band Voyager on Keyboards. Villa Avenue has also opened for national acts; Jason Charles Miller (GodHead) , Royal Bliss, Ron Pope, Bobaflex, Wayland and others! As to their style, there was always uncertainty in defining it as to be a specific one. Due to musical diversity of each member the sound of Villa Avenue wraps around Funk, Jazz and Acousitc Rock. Their tight upbeat rhythms along with riff driven passages are dressed up with unique vocals that all together deliver their audience a one of a kind positive vibe.Videos from Villa Avenue's Podcast

Episode 671 - Robinlee Garber Apr 25, 2017

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Robinlee GarberThe Chicago/Berwyn music scene is blessed with some of the finest Women singer/songwriters in the United States and Robinlee is a perfect example of what I am talking about. She has honed her craft and consistantly delivers great performances. This Podcast and the attendant videos from the show will prove that to all. Take a listen and go see her perform live. You will love it.Robinlee's videos from the Podcast Robinlee Garber was born in Philadelphia and spent her early years listening to and being influenced by her parents' music which predominantly featured Frank Sinatra and other singers of the Great American Songbook. In high school she became inspired by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones, and Elvis Costello. As a child Robinlee always felt different as she struggled with chronic health issues but found solace in creating art and music. She studied figure drawing and glass sculpture at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, and she won a glass blowing scholarship at the Pilchuck School of Glass in Seattle after graduation. Not feeling entirely satisfied with creating her own art for art's sake, Robinlee did what she calls artist activist work, and then she ultimately got another full scholarship to earn her Masters degree in Art Therapy at University of Illinois at Chicago. Since then Robinlee has worked professionally as a creative arts therapist and clinical counselor using music and art to help others heal. Robinlee has been a featured performer several times on WDCB's Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma, she is the music director of Culture Cafe for the widely popular Chicago VeganMania festival, runs a well-attended open mic in Chicago, and has also played her music across the US, Canada, Sweden and Finland. This is Robinlee's first solo album, and she is looking forward to sharing her music and her message of hope and resilience with everyone.

Episode 670 - Ted Wulfers 2017 Apr 20, 2017

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Ted WulfersTed is coming to town this Saturday April 22nd for Record Store Days. He will be performing at Laurie's Planet of Sound at 12 Noon. Take a listen to this Podcast and then come see this most amazing Chicago born phenom. He is one of the very best and a dear friend.Ted Wulfers Record Day commercial

Episode 669 - Old Grand Dad Apr 19, 2017

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Old Grand Dad band came in on a March afternoon and showed off their kick ass rockabilly band. What a great time we had. These guys will get you off your feet for sure. You can see them live this Saturday night at Burlington Bar where they and Edwin are supporting the record release show for Little Boy Jr.

Episode 668 - Phil Circle Apr 16, 2017

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Dear friend Phil Circle joined us along with Lem Roby (Jack Salamander) and the ever beautiful Megan Corse We gathered together to celebrate Phil's journey from the depths of depression and alcoholism to the clear light of sobriety and happiness of now. We are so very proud of Phil's accomplishment. This brilliant singer/songwriter has returned with the strength of conviction, the joy of performance, and the wiry Irish infused humor that has always been a part of his observations on Life. Come join us and you too will enjoy the powerful return of Phil Circle. Click here to see all of the videos from this show

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