“A Sight for the Human Eyes,” the opening track of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, is mesmerizingvery dynamic and layered. I was surprised to learn, then, that Human Eyes leader Thomas Costello and company recorded the entire album at his home. Producer Ryan Gustafson had urged Costello to record a few songs that ended up […]
Dan Schram
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Video: Kathleen Edwards talks “giant boner for Durham,” collaborates with Mandolin Orange
“I really wish I hadn’t written this song because I kind of have a giant boner for Durham,” said Canadian singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards as she transitioned into “Empty Threat,” the first song of her most recent release Voyageur, Friday night at the Haw River Ballroom. The song revolves around the idea of her moving to […]
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Simple Music Video Series: Phil Cook & His Feat’s “Frazee, Minnesota” and “Scorned”
If there could be good news from the fact that his full-time group Megafaun is taking some well deserved time off, it is that folks in the Triangle will get to see Phil Cook & His Feat perform more often. Thursday, Nov. 1, Phil and his brother Brad are involved in a very interesting project. […]
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Simple Music Video Series: Josh Moore covers Ryan Adams’ “Tomorrow”
Since his time with Beloved and Classic Case, Josh Moore has occasionally appeared with new musicopening a local show, releasing a sporadic seven-inch record, popping up to sing background vocals. With all of these appearances, it’s puzzling as to why he isn’t playing out constantly. As you’ll hear in this week’s session, despite covering another […]
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Simple Music Video Series: Town Mountain’s “Run Junior Run” and “Greenbud on the Flower”
When we set out to do this series, I wanted to represent all of North Carolina. Today, we feature friends from the western half of the state, Town Mountain. They are a traditional-leaning bluegrass band who should be included in anyone’s discussion of the best Tar Heel bluegrass acts. Not only are they strong instrumentally, […]
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Live: Old Quarter and Some Army at Tir na nOg (video)
In one of the more solid Local Band, Local Beer showcases in recent memory, Some Army and Caleb Caudle joined Old Quarter for their debut EP release show. Some Army started off the night with a few technical difficulties but finished strong and also debuted a few new songs. Despite taking the stage after midnight, […]
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Simple Music Video Series: Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express’ “Willie Mays Is up at Bat”
Three years ago at another of her roots shows in the damp and dark Berkeley Cafe, local promoter Marianne Taylor turned me on to Chuck Prophet. At the time, he was on tour with his backing band The Mission Express, supporting the then-new Let Freedom Ring. Since that evening the album has not left my […]
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Videos: The Magnolia Collective at Local 506
I wish I’d seen The Magnolia Collective more times over the past few years, either playing late on a weekday at The Station or some other low-lit room in the Triangle. Saturday night at Local 506, they opened for Michigan’s Frontier Ruckus. While the two bands have very different variations on Americana, the bill worked. […]
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Simple Music Video Series: The Weather Station’s “Came So Easy”
A farm in Hillsborough provided the perfect warm-up for The Weather Station, the Canadian act making their first North Carolina visit to perform at Hopscotch Music Festival. The event lends itself to the discovery of new acts, and Tamara Lindeman had been one of the more intriguing selections to play Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh, […]
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Video: Bowerbirds, Hiss Golden Messenger, Prypyat in Saxapahaw
Saturday night offered an evening of beautiful music at the Haw River Ballroom. As the chilly fall wind began to blow through Chatham County, Cup 22 was firing out hot cups of coffee to the mellow crowd. The show began with the two-piece Prypyat, featuring Duncan Webster (Hammer No More the Fingers) and Leah Gibson […]