Showing posts with label Acoustic guitars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acoustic guitars. Show all posts

Monday

Josh Graff

From a recent press release:

 “Josh Graff is a real bluesman!” -Joseph Palmer, owner of The Hangar Bar and Grill

On Friday, June 1 the walls of The Hummingbird Stage and Tap Room will be reverberating with the sound of traditional blues guitar. Josh Graff has been making a name for himself in the Macon, GA area for nearly fifteen years now, and says, “I finally feel like I’ve found myself.”, and where better than where it all began. The twenty six year old guitarist/singer/songwriter has gone full circle, playing everything from blues, R&B, gospel, country, pop, and rock, to hip-hop all over the country from coffee shops, bars, churches, frat houses, festivals, and music venues, to opening shows for Blues Traveler, Huey Lewis and the News, Kansas, and .38 Special.

Josh Graff spent his early teens playing blues guitar and sitting in with bands like Stillwater and The Wall. By the time he had graduated high school, Graff had released three independent albums of mostly original music, and gained a local following doing solo acoustic shows. Then came the creation of Josh Graff & Co., which played relentlessly all across the southeast, and in 2006, recorded an EP in Atlanta, GA with Grammy Award Winning producer/singer/songwriter/musician Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band, John Mayer, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins, Marshall Tucker Band). After a few years together, Josh Graff & Co. went their separate ways and Graff found himself moving to Atlanta, GA to play guitar in Ben Deignan and Suburban Soul. Two years later you could find Graff on stage every Sunday playing guitar at a local church. Still not feeling as though he was doing what he knew he was here to do, Josh Graff found himself at a crossroads.

In early 2012 Josh Graff decided go back to his roots, and be true to himself, as a blues guitarist, doing something he has always wanted to do, put an all-blues band together. Graff throws a few original tunes into an eclectic mixture of traditional blues covers from Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, JB Lenoir, Otis Rush, Freddie and B.B. King, to name a few. With his ever-evolving and rotating backing band of A list musicians, Graff and his band keep the house rockin’ and the good times rollin’ all night.

The first time I met Josh, he sat in with a friend of ours to play lead. Josh proceeded to rip his guitar apart. He played behind his head, behind his back, he walked out to the crowd and stepped up on the fireplace. He really got the crowd going, and when he walked away, many thought the show was over.
In many ways, it was.
I'm bringing this to light, because it appears that Josh is trying to downplay his amazing stage presence. Does he play the blues? Yes, very well; but he is a professional showman waiting to scorch the venue with searing licks AND attitude.

Wednesday

Lance Rodriguez

Lance Rodriguez is the hardest working musician in Middle Ga. these days. He plays bass for American Lesion, drums and vocals for Holocaustion, and for Crescent Moon Dogs AND he performs solo acoustic as Tooley Deviljuice.

One glance at him and you know you're looking at the real deal. In 5 minutes of conversation, you find a humble friendly man with the mind of a poet and the heart of a lion.

His music ranges from heavy metal, to soulful acoustic. He delivers it all with the conviction and passion of  a world class performer.

The first time I saw him perform, I was hosting an 'Open Mic Night' at a nice little upscale restaurant in Warner Robins. He signed up to perform a few songs with Tom Harbs; another of the great talents in Middle Ga.

I was immediately nervous.

I didn't know what to expect. I knew that they were both in a heavy metal band called "Holocaustion" which was known for heavy guitar and screaming vocals. Tom shaves his head and Lance hasn't seen a pair of scissors in years. Lance appears to be the offspring of Rob Zombie and Prince. I was so afraid that they were going to rip into some death metal and screaming....I thought I would have to cut their performance short.

Tom grabbed the microphone, and Lance started playing his acoustic....and they BLEW ME AWAY.
Tom's vocals were beautiful, and passionate. Lance's guitar playing was intricate and nice and ....You can't say this about every acoustic player out there;....His playing was musical by it's own merit. They played country/ irish folk songs, and when they finished, I went looking for the original versions of those songs online. Now I know, not to judge a book by it's cover.

Whoever he is performing with, Lance makes the audience take note and his bandmates sound better. He takes the time to promote and push the local music scene like no one else does....

With all this in mind, I consider Lance Rodriguez to be MidGa's Most Valuable Player.

Lance on facebook
Or contact Lance by email~              The138Records@yahoo.com
And Check him out on Reverbnation

Tuesday

Session Road

The two men who make up the vocal powerhouse of Session Road, Lee and Chad, have been singing and writing songs together for a couple years now.

They have played together in other bands, have recorded in Nashville together, and have decided it was time to get serious about the one thing they love most - MUSIC! With the help of some friends and fellow musicians, they were able to put together a full band and demo to showcase their vocal talents and are working on getting their first full length country CD recorded.

There is no mistaking them once you hear them and the feeling is sure to stay with you. These guys are a national act, they just don' know it yet. Go check them out the next chance you get! They won't be around here long!!
Their website~
Myspace

Saturday

Dance and Songbird Fever on First Friday

I discovered another side of downtown Macon on Friday, March 2!

On the first Friday of each month, throughout most of the year, dance lessons are offered at The Sports Hall of Fame at 7:30PM. My night began, despite my two left feet, as I was given a beginner's lesson in Rumba, The Electric Slide, and a Salsa variation, the name for which I do not recall!

The lessons are offered to all for a nominal fee of $5 per person, whether beginner, intermediate, or expert. This is a bargain and I am so appreciative to Mr. Dolan Maples for inviting me, as I plan to continue lessons!

I chose to walk to my next destination on this beautiful, unseasonally warm night. As I walked the 400 block of Cherry Street, an amazing talent caught my ear from Bearfoot Tavern. I stopped to savor my first moment of listening to Josh Carson! He is definately on my must catch list!

My night continued just down the sidewalk at The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom where I chatted with friends and witnessed another great performance by none other than Louise Warren! Louise opened her set with one of my favorites, "Tom Cat," (but then again, which Louise Warren song isn't my favorite?).

 Louise brilliantly interacted with the audience with her authentic, clever song "Stephen" and gained many new fans! Louise continued her fan-fare as she closed with her self described country song, "Little Bit", because she is a little bit yours!

Matt Moncrief & Stoopgrass promptly took the stage upon Louise's fabulous introduction! Stoopgrass played a phenomenal set, including crowd favorites "Enough" and "Winter"! Fortunately, their performance was being recorded for a live CD. Believe me, you are going to want a copy of your very own!

With so much excitement, it was sad to see the evening come to a close, but there is always the next big gig! I cannot wait!

Friday

Juliette Opry

Remeber that time that you were going through a particularly rough patch? Remember how that one song reflected what you were feeling, and it made you feel SO much better to crank it up and sing along? Sometimes, music does what nothing else on earth can do....It reaches in and gives us just what we need to make life easier to deal with.

The Juliette Opry offers that....
This locally-owned venue is open the first Saturday night of the month, March through November.

Local musicians gather up and jam on the front porch starting around 6 p.m. and then the featured act is inside on stage at 8 p.m. The venue generally features country, bluegrass and gospel, sometimes even a little Allman Brothers (Midnight Rider with a dobro is one of the most awesome things I have ever heard).
The venue is free but donations are accepted and needed for both the Artist and venue. They offer light refreshments, sodas, popcorn and homemade cupcakes at very low cost.
In today's ridiculous economy free is a good thing but they need folks and donations to keep this venue running. If you try them once I promise that you will come back .

The Juliette Opry cuts out all the fog and commercialism that distracts from the music. So, if at any point in your life a song has grabbed you by the heart.... You can relive those moments in Juliette.... at the Opry.

You can email us: Julietteopry@yahoo.com
This is just one of the featured acts you'll find at the Juliette Opry!!
http://forsythmonroe.13wmaz.com/news/arts-culture/69897-catherine-kimbro-juliette-opry

Wednesday

Macon Music- Listening Room

Silence. The occassional sound of someone shifting in their seat. No glasses clinking together. No one talking about Daytona. No one over-imbibing and trying to hook up with your date. Just silence.

Well, not JUST silence. There's a performer there, too. He'd have to be ridiculously good. But tonight is not the night that he entertains you with his crowd surfing. He won't be destroying his equipment, or cussing out the drummer. There won't be pyro or tshirt cannons.

He has a guitar and a microphone. We are all grownups here. He doesn't play to help you drown out you cares, your problems, your relationships long gone. His songs help you relive them. To help himself relive them. He talks about his past, his friendships and his losses. This is the goal of a songwriter's life-to have a roomful of people stop and absorb all the passion, the heartache, the pain, and love that pours from him. The crowd is made up of musicians and music aficionados- people who appreciate what it takes to put your soul to paper.
 Scott Pallot and Travis Bryant host an experience that has been absent from the 'nightlife' that is the Middle Ga. music scene. Thankfully, they did it right. Every show so far has sold out, and I am sure that will continue, because performers who would normally play 4 hours to a crowded nightclub with out breaking a sweat-walk off this stage in less than half that time visibly drained; and the audience is better for it.In this venue, performers give you all they've got, and more than they ever thought they would have to give.

It's music therapy, and 'intimate' is a word left wanting .

Check 'em out here.

Or view this video of Jason Taylor Hobbs on stage accompanied by Scott Pallot.

Monday

Back City Woods

Southern Americana at it's finest! These good ol' boys bring out the footstomping mountain man in ya.
Their energy is infectious and their style unique- but in the best way possible.

Just try to imagine a bottle of moonshine beside a spitoon; both being shaken off the stage by a crowd of college kids stomping to a set of  "homegrown country/bluegrass" flavored "GIT DOWN" music.

This is what your Grandma got aroused by when SHE was in college on Cumberland Mountain. The formula worked back then...and it STILL gets the ladies sweatin'.


For Booking: contact Adam Smith:  His email is.....    booking@backcitywoods.com

http://backcitywoods.com/

You can hear them here.
or Reverbnation



Home

Mama T and Mark

Acoustic duo with passion!!!

Tasha Keeble has the heart and soul of a blues singer, with the Vocals and Harmonica to match.

Mark Johnson is a multi-facted musician; playing...Guitar, Dobro, Mandolin, Harmonica and Vocals.

When together, they pull you in with the searing music and passion that makes you want to be on stage , too.

This is the real deal ya'll! Hearing is believing!

 Mama T and mark offer Acoustic guitars, blues, Country music, and Southern Rock, in and around Columbus, Macon, and Warner Robins!

Contact "Mama T" by email here
Contact Mark Through facebook here


Saturday

sunDollars

Sean Williams, Jacob Bruner, Steven Coley, and Patrick Mcafee.........

Young, but surprisingly experienced, group of gifted musicians. I expect Middle Ga. to be a speck in their rearview mirror very soon. Equal parts musicians and showmen, they win the hearts of the ladies and the respect of the most hardened critics. This is the type of band that Middle Ga. has been missing.

From the Beatles to Modest Mouse they'll blow you away with Alternative Music, Blues, Pop music, Rock and Roll, Southern Rock, original music. Great for Corporate Entertainment, or as a Wedding band!

'Like' them on facebook.

Check out some early video!

Thursday

Shawn Bradshaw

A Singer/songwriter with a pen dipped in whisky!!!
Shawn brings country boy grit to the artform. Great originals and catchy covers!
The ladies love Shawn, and he tries his best to love 'em back!
So, if you like Acoustic guitars, Coffee shop music, Country music, Original music, Songwriter, in and around Macon, Warner Robins, and Columbus- Shawn is your man!
Contact him on facebook here.

Jason Lowery

This guy is really putting his foot down as a musical giant in Middle Ga. If you haven't heard him yet, check him out!!!
His style is reminiscient of early Rehab. He has that professional work ethic so many up-and-comers miss, and he keeps his eye on the prize. Seriously. Give this dude a moment....he'll prove himself. He's gonna be famous. Count on it.

You'll find him listed in Acoustic guitars, Columbus, Hip Hop, Macon, original music, Pop music, Songwriter, Warner Robins
www.jlpopmusic.com/

Just Us

Seasoned pro's who regularly sit in with touring acts-

Scott Pallot
Rhonda Porter
Gary Porter
Ken Wynn
Johnny Fountain
and occasionally Cal Miller!

If you have seen any big name act in Macon recently, One or more of these band members was probably on that stage, too! THIS is what live music is supposed to sound like!

Shane Couillard

     Solo Acoustic Guitar. Plays Country music, Pop music, Southern Rock, and blues in and around Columbus, Macon, and Warner Robins

  http://www.facebook.com/shanecouillard
478-952-3271

Louise Warren

True blue singer/songwriter! This pic says it all...

Contact her and check out her videos here

Shane Bridges

If you've never heard of Shane Bridges, you have missed a lot of great opportunities!

Shane is a local legend, and his credits are too numerous for me to even get started here! Tasteful and talented doesn't even BEGIN to describe this dude. He's got the chops onstage, and cool and friendly off. The guy is awesome! He's one of the go to pro's for groups traveling through as far away as Atlanta, Valdosta- you name it. Check him out here. You'll be glad you did.

Travis Denning

Definitely, Middle Georgia's next big export! Travis has the skills and depth of someone twice his age
Check him out here, and then find him performing...Get a Pic with him now...This dude is going to be the next Keith Urban...er,...umm,..sorry...the FIRST Travis Denning.

Currently, he is recording a country album, but you can catch a glimpse of him working onstage with Homeless Hill- adding just a little more thrust to their already thunderous delivery, and teaming up with Josh Graff for some blues resurrection.

So, you're probably wondering; "He plays Country, Heavy Rock, and Old School Blues: What is HIS style?"
The answer is simple: He can't be restricted to a style. He controls you. He regulates your adrenaline, your tears, your memories. But he's so nice and humble you can't help but like him. He makes you search for a flaw, because he's so damn good, and you can't help but curse him for it.  I just realized I can sum him up with a line from Billy Corgan....
He will "disarm you with a smile, and cut you like you want (him) to."
 His unparalleled awesomeness makes me sick, and I love him for it.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Travis-Denning-Music/151823891529915?sk=app_178091127385is

Matt Moncrief

Matt evolved from church choral boy to imaginative teen, fledgling artist, aspiring bass player and finally an open-eyed adult with the natural identity as a bona fide singer-songwriter. Born to an artistic family that counted his mother as a singer, his father as a guitar and piano player, his grandfather as a violin maker and his older brother Chris as his cohort in guitar lessons, Matt displayed his vocal talent as a child and became a regular soloist at his familys Baptist church in their hometown of Macon, Ga.

At the age of nine, he was given his first guitar and began taking lessons. A year later he picked up the bass and continued his training, which was focused on building from a classical foundation. By the time Matt was in sixth grade, he had secured his place as a bass player in his brothers garage rock band of high school seniors and playing regular gigs at local parties. When he wasnt playing in the band, he could still be found singing in his church choir under the watch of a methodic choral director, as well as attending summer camps and workshops focused on nurturing his artistry.

But it was at the age of 16 that Matt began solidifying his reputation as a talented musician. He and Chris continued playing together and inviting other musicians to join them. Eventually it evolved into the band Red Fish Blu Fish, a regionally acclaimed folk/alternative rock outfit that went on to record three CDs, make its way to college radio and tour the southeastern bar and festival circuit. All of this popularity was evidenced by a loyal and expansive fan base, one that frequently carried over to Matts solo shows. What started as a four-piece outfit ultimately returned to the Moncrief brothers combo.

After 10 years of playing together, Chris went on to become a music educator, classical music performer and family man. And while Red Fish Blu Fish occasionally reunites for select dates, the majority of Matts performances in past years have been as a solo artist. Now 32-years-old, Matt says he finally has enough life experience to call himself a songwriter. Although he began co-writing songs in RFBF, it wasnt until he left his teens that he felt comfortable personalizing his music.

Today, he is well known as the epitome of a 'player with passion'. Local artists are in awe oh his ability to put himself "in the music"- Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter, Scott Pallot, says "Matt bleeds every time he takes the stage."

 Although he retains an extensive cover repertoire to keep in tune with his audience, Matt remains focused on delivering a tight catalogue of original songs. In 2009 he founded "Stoopgrass", his full band outlet for original music.

Bruce Brookshire

Lewis and Matt

Lewis Smith is a local Hard rock favorite! His band, the Hollow, still recieves accolades and air play for their freshman album. Sadly, members of the Hollow are spread as far away as Arizona and California, and there are no plans of a reunion at this time.

Matt Lang is the frontman of Great White Lion Snake; a full on, blast from the hair-band past that takes you back to the hard-rocking party you had during the late 80's/early 90's. They still tour and do well, but when he gets a chance to go acoustic....He calls Lewis.

Lewis and Matt is the acoustic duo that plays all of the hard rock, heavy metal, songs but they do it on acoustic guitars. That means, you'll get the big party without the excruciating volume.

Tastefully restrained, but they still maintain a fire....two of the BEST all-round musicians in Middle Ga.

 

The Window Liquors

How to get a gig at MidGaLive

  If you are a new local band, WELCOME! It is my goal to revive Middle Ga's music scene by bringing new musicians into the fold.  Let me...