DROWNINGMEN SHOW!!!!

Nato Bardeen w/Drowningmen @ the Jewish Mother

It's now the 3rd time I've seen the Drowningmen play; this time it was at the Jewish Mother, and like always their performance was top-notch. They did an incredible set with a nice selection of stuff from the new album, "All the Unknown" and their 1st album, "The Beheading of the Songbird". For those who don't know this band- seriously, I highly recommend that you just dive right into this stuff- these albums are basically classics of our time. I can't stress how much you should see this band live if you can, their performances are always so much intense.

They were relatively recently signed to Flogging Molly's own label Borstal Beat Records (the only band other than Flogging Molly themselves so far to date)- it should be really interesting to hopefully see the label handpicking and releasing other great bands on this label in the future as well. I can't find much of any information about any future plans from the label on the net/interviews with the band, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

James Smith w/Drowningmen @ the Jewish Mother.

Drowningmen have a neat instrumental setup- piano and organ, two guitars, sometimes mandolin, bass, and drums. Part of what I love about watching them play, is that the frontman in this band is quite versatile; Nato Bardeen switches between guitar, piano/organ, and the occasional mandolin and theremin appearances. He is a captivating frontman, the songs are well crafted and he channels them seemingly effortlessly to the audience.

For some songs, James Smith remains on guitar while Nato does additional keys along with Gabe Messer at the organ, creating a neat swirling effect. Jeff and Nato on guitars together create well layered sounds with excellent riff work. One example of such crafts and also one of the highlights of their set-list is a number from the first album called, "Caroline, You're A Mess" with a constant crashing feel, backed with an heavy propulsive beat. It's such an addictive moment on that album and a climatic point in their live show. Crowd-pleaser and potentially a lead single from the first album, "Rita" features a brief melodic guitar inro that introduces and enforces the melody of the vocal lines in the moments to follow. It's a song that wins the heart of the audience and has them singing along with its user-friendly chorus, even though they've maybe never heard it before.

Nato Bardeen of Drowningmen

Some really interesting moments in there set are their songs, "Player Piano (Web We Weave)" from the first album, along with, "The Waltz" plus, "Bored In A Belly", from the second album all have these neat waltz beats coupled with a hard indie-rock feel at times.  they are truly unique- as I can't think of anyone they sound too much a like- just similar pinches here and there.

Gabe Messer w/Drowningmen

Todd Eisenkerch (bass) and Rory Dolan (percussion/drums) give the band the driving rhythmic backbone it needs. Rory in particular, has a a somewhat peculiar set-up and a very unique drumming style, he's definitely a hard-hitting drummer; pounding away at the kit much more savagely than most, but his dynamics are top-notch, he even takes it back appropriately for the softer moments and breaks out some mallets.

Drowningmen write very articulate and enormously infectious indie-pop gems. It's a wonderfully layered sound: waves of organ, ripping guitars; all topped with a unique lead voice, and followed by a tight driving rhythmic force. Some bands you go see, it's a fun night; but it becomes just another night and gets lost in the back of your mind. That's not the case with these guys, they make you remember them each time.

Accordion road trip to Oakton

Michael Rubin.

So I returned with a huge grin on my face from the trip to the accordion clinic and concert in Oakton, Virignia.

I can't stress enough how much thanks I owe to all the guys in my accordion club, particularity Sid and Tip; also Jim Rice for helping me out and helping me get there, and also to Dale Wise for welcoming me into his home as well and taking the time and showing me his amazing accordion repair room and all the accordions he has in there. Their sheer kindness and willingness to help me out is jaw-dropping alone, and I really appreciate the help of the other club members.

Jim Vandelly.

The concert itself was spectacular, I love the atmosphere at workshops like these, because it's basically all accordion players getting together and just playing for each other and sharing ideas and information.

David Rubin was a highlight in my opinion as he gave a performance of this Israeli song I really liked and recently heard at our VALOV meeting just before this event. I had a nice chat with him about klezmer music, something I've grown increasingly interested in.

Michael Bridge.

There was a great performance of Russian bajan music by Jim Vandelly- his set was really interesting and he did all Russian material. I was glad to finally meet him as I had heard about him a year or two ago in the AAA (American Accordion Association) newsletters. I feel Jim and Dave were my favorites of that evening probably, I find them very interesting not only because they are masters at their craft, but also because of the way they specialize in particular genres.

Michael Bridge is like a young accordionist version of Yngwie Malmsteen! He has the most amazing bellow control and shake techniques and he even does this crazy thing where he bends, yes he BENDS notes on his accordion. He briefly demonstrated how he does this at the workshop, it's crazy! You watch him and you can't feel anything but completely entranced and spellbound. Michael Bridge has a captivating quality to him; you become spellbound, completely involved in watching and listening to him. He draws you in within seconds and you can't not just feel compelled to fall silent and become fixated on what he's doing.

Duffy Llama.

Duffy Llama is truly a shoman. This man has STYLE like no one! He writes this golden amazing stuff with these like swinging and sweeping melodies that just kind've lift you off into the stratosphere. He has pizazz! He's highly entertaining, and a very energetic guy. I only get to see him briefly at these sort of gatherings, but I'm glad I get to see him when I do; I definitely look forward to seeing them all again at future events.