Category Archives: Uncategorized

Radio Crystal Blue week of 7/29/12 news

Posted on July 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

Radio Crystal Blue is sponsored in part by:
Ariel Publicity: www.arielpublicity.com
Miles High Productions www.mileshighproductions.com
Serge Entertainment Public Relations www.sergepr.com
Wampus Multimedia www.wampus.com

Radio Crystal Blue is free to share and listen, in accordance with Creative
Commons License 3.0, full attribution, non-derivative, non-commercial.
*************************************************************************
HOW TO LISTEN:
Feed Player at my home page of www.radiocrystalblue.net It is active as a
popup window. Within the page you can stream/share/download the audio. You
can put the player up on your site or blog too.
If you cannot access the Feed Player or do not have Shockwave/Flash in your
browser, try a different browser or go to www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
This page contains a bona fide workable version of the Feed Player.
RSS: www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rss

FEEDPLAYER LINK:
http://fp.bigcontact.com/fp/flash/fp/fp.swf?xmlurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbigcontact.com%2Fradiocrystalblu%2Frss&r=1&t=1001

CONTACT:
EMAIL: cblue456@comcast.net
personal FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/radiocblue
RCB FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=20805478312
RCB DISCUSSION FACEBOOK group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/273953255983866/
LINKEDIN: http://www.linkedin.com/danherman0
REVERBNATION: www.reverbnation.com/radiocrystalblue
VIDEO content: http://www.youtube.com/user/cblue456
TWITTER @radiocblue
STAT BLOG: www.cblue456.tumblr.com
FANDALISM www.fandalism.com/radiocblue
****************
NEXT SHOW will be published on or about August 1 and will be available for
the rest of the year. It’s true. Even if you miss hearing a show the week I
record, you can always find it within the FeedPlayer’s archive of older
shows.
Owing to schedule demands, I usually publish on Wednesdays or as soon as
possible thereafter.
You will hear music in several segments of top indie/DIY/underground
songwriters and bands.
RCB Novus Ordo will also air separately. On this show I spin one song from
8 songs in one sitting and give you background info of each artist.
*******************
On Wednesday, I attended a showcase at The Grape Room, featuring music by
The StereoFidelics and The Trews, along with local band Theopolis James.
Exciting music from all three bands and yours truly with equally exciting
photos and videos (er, yeah. My bias).
VIDEO:
The StereoFidelics: http://youtu.be/eAhV3fDR21A
The Trews: http://youtu.be/a4dz7otSDYI

PHOTOS:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151951632375725.885736.684570724&type=3&l=47e057ecdd

Some RCB LOVE for wholesome online mentions to:
www.thirstyrecords.com
www.thetrewsmusic.com
www.bigbusdream.com

**************
I will be on Skype remotely interviewing several artists as part of Ariel
Publicity’s 6th Digital Press Conference, on July 31:
Jenn Summers www.reverbnation.com/jennsummers
Jesse Terry www.jesseterrymusic.com
The October Project www.octoberproject.net

More about this event at www.arielpublicity.com

WORK: I’m seeking a day job in the areas of support/admin/clerical/research,
within a 15 mile radius of Philadelphia. Contact me if you know of a job
that befits my requirements.

There are days I wake up and wonder what the heck I’m doing with my life and
times. Encouraged by a particular book (suggested by 2 musician friends), I
am watching my energy patterns a bit more. I’m convinced that my work with
covering music events is the sort of work I’d like to do full-time. How to
make it pay, and profit? I’m not sure just yet.

I’ve just read about the demise of Kenny’s Castaways, a venue on historic
Bleecker Street that will be replaced by yet another restaurant or some
such. I have positive memories of Kenny’s, a fine to chill and hear music,
with a number of tables up front, a non-obtrusive stage area, a long bar,
good unpretentious food, and acres of history. I had recorded Elaine
Romanelli and Meredith Blis there. I had also seen acts as varied as Dave
Rave; Whisperado; an International Pop Overthrow Event; a battle of the
bands I don’t recall the winners of, and more. Last time I was there, maybe
3 years go, on my way out I ran into two of the guys from the band Yarn. I
had known them for years prior. They are positively blowing up as far an
indie artists go. www.kennyscastaways.net

**************
TWITTER FIVE TO FOLLOW: These are the last 5 folks that I’m following who
follow back: @BFTGBAND @vajratemple @JoeJordanExpri @TweedFunk @ZipTunes
****************
COVERAGE:
I do audio interviews, photos, video, and audio of live events. You can see
and hear evidence across my Facebook and YouTube channels, plus the field
recording FeedPlayer.Time, location and expense will be taken into account
before taking on a job.

Right now here’s what I’ve planned to see and cover for you:

8/18 is The Mont Clare Summer Jam in Mont Clare, PA, with acts such as
headliners Blue Coupe (members of Blue Oyster Cult & Alice Cooper), Low
Society, and regional acts like Kingsnake, The Watchmen, The Noid, and
others. My exact involvement is undetermined at this moment.
www.rocknrolltheworld.com for more.

I’m seeking at least 1 gig to review in both early and late August.

*********************
RCB REVIEW:
RCB Novus Ordo: Eliane Amherd’s sophisticated urban jazz returns to my
airwaves here. Alongsides are: Planetary Nights (having Eric Ambel in the
producer’s chair for this roots rock effort tells you how good the quality
is); TweedFunk bringing in that funk straight outta Milwaukee; Big Bus
Dream, on RCB sponsor Wampus Multimedia’s music label, and the worldbeat
sounds of Vajra. Also we hear Dovetail, a loose collection of classic and
contemporary folk artists with a real freedom of expression and
collaboration.

RCB proper: I can’t remember a shorter show than this one was, all of 2
hours and 40 minutos. The Orb, featuring Lee “Scratch” Perry are first up
with a new single, preluding a new album! The Orb are one of my all-time
faves. Segment 1: Rachael Sage, Jessie Kilguss & Radio Gold, and Jennings
all perform a Relay For Life event on 7/28 in Geneva NY. Gina Holsopple,
von Grey, and D.B. Rielly are part of the Oswego (NY) Harborfest this
weekend. Speaking of, I am enthused for von Grey’s success and am looking
forward to hearing of their experiences playing bigger venues and places
around the country. Segment 2: Songs from Kurt Henry and Blue Rodeo have a
very similar feel here. 2 songs reflecting on the state of things in the US
after this (Val Emmich & The Veeries, and the duos of Makar and Schwervon!).
Segment 3: The Steel Wheels & Sons Of The Never Wrong are at the Flint (MI)
Folk Music Festival this weekend. Similar vibe of songs by Justin James and
Roger Silverberg. Segment 4: Red Molly with a song cowritten by Amy Speace
and Jonathan Byrd.

******************
AIRPLAY SUBMISSION:
Send CDs to
Dan Herman
Radio Crystal Blue
1701 Snyder Avenue, #4
Philadelphia, PA 19145
CDs MUST have a 2012 release date or have been released no earlier than
November 2011. No exceptions.
Artists are also advised to add my email address to their general email
list.

I also accept EPKs through these companies. For EPK submissions I select
artists on their body of work and the completeness of the press kit. I mean
it. Complete it.
SONICBIDS: http://www.sonicbids.com/radiocrystalblue
MusicSUBMIT: www.musicsubmit.com.
Search for the words Radio Crystal Blue to find my pages there.
*********
Go to a live music event.
Be supportive.
Be informed.
Be irreverent.

Dan Herman
Radio Crystal Blue
www.radiocrystalblue.net
http://www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
cblue456@comcast.net
@radiocblue on twitter
215 995 2234/

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@ The Grape Room 7/25/12

Posted on July 26, 2012 | 4 comments

A balmy sunset greeted me as I strode through The Grape Room‘s doors, just a bit after 8pm, running late, tho the music was right on time. I caught most of the set by the opening act, Collingswood NJ rock band Theopolis James. This power trio has a snarling bass that powers the sound. They are fully original, tho one can hear the mild influences of 70’s classic rock bands such as Blue Oyster Cult and Deep Purple, measured jams, plus varied measures. “The Day Ahead Of Me” started out with a reggae feel, then got into a brief downbeat chorus, then 4-4 very briefly, and maybe a different measure with the bridge. Another song was more harmonic in vocals, which is the perfect counter to such throwback sounds. I really would like to know what sort of 5-string bass Joe Jandura was playing. Beside drummer Miles Holland’s kit were 2 drink, one green, another orange. One only wonders what those were. Talking afterward with Ted Bunch, who is the frontman and also founder of Thirsty Records, he mentions being focused on community and being true to one’s indie roots. Ted was kind to give me a new Theopolis James CD, just 2 days out of the printing shop, titled “A Different Kind Of Evil”. Upon first listen, I already am a fan of “Bummer”, with a well mixed blend of electric and bass guitars. Ted and Miles share vocal duties. From the live set, I recall “Bummer” being part of the mix. Turns out that this song, and “The Day Ahead Of Me” are Miles’ own compositions. The main chords were very familiar, possibly a take-off of some familar (read: VERY familiar) rock song and yet I cannot, for the life of me, place where I’ve heard it before. One of those things that really bug me. But enjoyable nevertheless. Certainly one you’ll like also if you’re into elements of 70’s classic rock.
In the brief interludes of quiet during Theopolis James’ set, I was able to get a few words into Melissa McGinley, one half of power duo (yes, you read that right) The StereoFidelics. Chatting with Melissa, she seems really happy to be back in Philly, and looking forward to upcoming gigs in New England before returning home to NC sometime in August, and then a month or so back on the road. They had been in Colorado earlier in the month while the wildfires were mostly uncontained. Melissa says the smoke could be smelled clearly in the air. The duo tour seemingly half of one calendar year at a time when they’re not otherwise in the studio. Speaking of, they are just putting finishing on a new studio CD. Their prior effort was a live recording in Binghamton NY. For tonight’s show, they planned to show off most of the songs that will appear on the as-yet-untitled CD. For the uninitiated among you, The StereoFidelics operate about 5 different instruments. Chris Padgett is up front working various guitar and bass pedals with plugins on bare feet, strapping on a powerful bass guitar. Melissa handles nearly all vocals on the drumkit. For one song she wielded violin. Their roles are well defined, even off stage; she handles the merch and much of the talking, while Chris does much of the heavy lifting. They have a big van, with 2 pit bull-mixed dogs (true ‘road dogs’, one barely rescued from a shelter) as a neat escape from the stresses of touring.
 
What’s left to say about superb Canadian rock import The Trews that hasn’t already been said or typed? Having seen them prior at North Star Bar, I knew what to expect. Tonight I had to be prepared to experience them with much closer contact, as The Grape Room is a much smaller stage. I spoke with bassist Jack Syperek just prior to showtime.
Set list: World I Know, Not Ready To Go (big favorite of the crowd), So She’s Leaving, Burned, Hope & Ruin, Oceans/Making Sunshine (dedicated to a fan named Janine, who saw the band play at Art Park in Lewiston NY last week), Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me, and Hold Me In Your Arms. Two-song encore of Highway Of Heroes and One By One. Much of the crowd toward the end of the set appeared to be the well-heeled Manayunk locals. Can’t beat $3 Yuenglings.
The Trews have swagger, serious rock stylings with a minimal of flash. As I often say about Canadian bands, they leave blood on the stage, being honest and visceral all at once. The songs are instantly memorable, full of vigor and fire, mainly from lead vox Colin McDonald.
Future dates for The Trews see them with Northeast dates for the remainder of July, then all across their home of Canada for much of August.
VIDEO of The TrewsJosh Harris finished the event up. I was able to stay for just the first 2 songs, given a rather long setup time, and me having to get home at a halfway decent hour. Josh was armed with acoustic, plus bassist. I honestly could not discern his particular style 2 songs in, and there just isn’t much info on the Internet to figure out where he comes from.
 
More photos at the Facebook gallery

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Radio Crystal Blue/RCB Novus Ordo week of 7/22/12

Posted on July 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

Radio Crystal Blue: Novus Ordo spotlights CDs that are debuting on my
standard freeform radio program, Radio Crystal Blue. The show exists as a
weekly podcast.Listen here:
(1) The FeedPlayer on my home page (visible with Flash-supported browsers)
www.radiocrystalblue.net and available to stream/download/share. Click the
pop-up linlk at the ‘home’ tab.
(2) If you cannot view the FeedPlayer, try a different browser, or get
Flash, or try my podcast provider at www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
(3) mp3: https://radiocrystalblue.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/rcbnew072212.mp3

(4) RSS: www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rssThis show was distributed on 7/25/12

Vajra “Intuition” – Pleroma CD www.thevajratemple.com
Big Bus Dream “Here I Am” – Big Dream Baby CD www.bigbusdream.com www.wampus.com
Tweed Funk “Smooth Taste” – Love Is CD www.tweedfunk.com
Dovetail “Hemfärden från timmerskogen – Kaffelåten” Old Doors, New Worlds CD – www.freydashands.org
Eliane Amherd “as if” – Now And From Now On CD www.elianeperforms.com
Planetary Nights “Rollin’ On Again” – Today Ain’t Too Late CD www.planetarynights.com
****************
Running time: 46 minutos
****
All content of Radio Crystal Blue’s programming is free to listen and share
to via a Creative Commons License, version 3.0, full attribution,
non-derivative. For more info: http://www.creativecommons.org

Here’s Radio Crystal Blue proper:

Radio Crystal Blue is my long-running standard freeform radio program. The
show exists as a weekly podcast.
Listen here:
(1) The FeedPlayer on my home page (visible with Flash-supported browsers)
www.radiocrystalblue.net and available to stream/download/share. Click the
pop-up link at the ‘home’ tab.
(2) If you cannot view the FeedPlayer, try a different browser, or get
Flash, or try my podcast provider at www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
(3) .mp3: https://radiocrystalblue.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/rcblive072212.mp3
This show was distributed on 7/22/12
Artists with shared gigs in the near future are noted with * & **
Opening music: The Orb with Lee “Scratch” Perry “Hold Me Upsetter” www.theorb.com
***************
Danielle Asman “Given The Orders” – s/t CD www.danielleasman.com
*Rachael Sage “Abby Would You Wait” – Haunted By You CD www.rachaelsage.com
*Jessie Kilguss & Radio Gold” – The Sky Road CD www.jessiekilguss.com
*Jennings “Figure Me Out” – Take It Or Leave CD www.jennings-music.com
**Gina Holsopple “Thank You” – from the earth CD www.ginaholsopple.com
**von Grey “With You I Can” – Make Some Noise EP www.vongreymusic.com
**D.B. Rielly “Save All Your Kisses” – Love Potions & Snake Oil CD www.dbrielly.com
************
The Kurt Henry Band “On A Summer Tide” – From Our Religions We’ll Be Free! CD www.kurthenry.com
Blue Rodeo “Never Look Back” – The Things We Left Behind CD set www.bluerodeo.com
Makar “America Where Are You” – Funeral Genius CD www.makarmusic.com
Schwervon! “American Idle” – www.schwervon.com
Kosmic Daydream “Odyssey” – psychosomatic playground CD www.kosmicdaydream.com
Val Emmich & The Veeries “When Does The Pain Stop?” – Aide-Memoire CD www.valemmich.com
**********
The Defibulators “Thin Air” – Corn Money CD www.thedefibulators.com
*The Steel Wheels “Breaking Like The Sun” – Lay Down Lay Low CD www.thesteelwheels.com
*Sons Of The Never Wrong “In The Shadow Of The Mountain” – Church Of The Never Wrong CD www.sons.com
Justin James “Help You Stand” – a beautiful life CD www.justinjamesmusic.com
Roger Silverberg “Just In Time For Summer” – Major Seventh Heaven CD www.rogersilverberg.com
*************
Red Molly “It’s Too Late To Call It A Night” – Light in the Sky CD www.redmolly.com
Hungrytown “Just Like A Song” – Any Forgotten Thing CD www.hungrytown.net
Rebecca Loebe “Land & Sea” – Mystery Prize CD www.rebeccaloebe.com
Vance Gilbert “Dragonfly Wings” – old white men CD www.vancegilbert.com
Devon Sproule “Good To Get Out” – Don’t Hurry For Heaven! CD www.devonsproule.com
********
Closing music: Geoffrey Armes “Friedrichstrasse” – Hemisphere CD www.geoffreyarmes.com
Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes. Yeah, that’s pretty short.

All content of Radio Crystal Blue’s programming is free to listen and share
to via a Creative Commons License, version 3.0, full attribution,
non-derivative. For more info: www.creativecommons.orgNext show will be recorded and distributed in the week of 7/29/12

Dan Herman/Radio Crystal Blue:
cblue456@comcast.net
2159952234
www.radiocrystalblue.net
www.facebook.com/radiocblue
www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
twitter: @radiocblue

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Radio Crystal Blue 7/22/12 news

Posted on July 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

Radio Crystal Blue is sponsored in part by:
Ariel Publicity: www.arielpublicity.com
Miles High Productions www.mileshighproductions.com
Serge Entertainment Public Relations www.sergepr.com
Wampus Multimedia www.wampus.com

Radio Crystal Blue is free to share and listen, in accordance with Creative
Commons License 3.0, full attribution, non-derivative, non-commercial.
*************************************************************************
HOW TO LISTEN:
Feed Player at my home page of www.radiocrystalblue.net It is active as a
popup window. Within the page you can stream/share/download the audio. You
can put the player up on your site or blog too.
If you cannot access the Feed Player or do not have Shockwave/Flash in your
browser, try a different browser or go to www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
This page contains a bona fide workable version of the Feed Player.
RSS: www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rss

FEEDPLAYER LINK:
http://fp.bigcontact.com/fp/flash/fp/fp.swf?xmlurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbigcontact.com%2Fradiocrystalblu%2Frss&r=1&t=1001

CONTACT:
EMAIL: cblue456@comcast.net
personal FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/radiocblue
RCB FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=20805478312
RCB DISCUSSION FACEBOOK group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/273953255983866/
LINKEDIN: http://www.linkedin.com/danherman0
REVERBNATION: www.reverbnation.com/radiocrystalblue
VIDEO content: http://www.youtube.com/user/cblue456
TWITTER @radiocblue
STAT BLOG: www.cblue456.tumblr.com
FANDALISM www.fandalism.com/radiocblue
****************
NEXT SHOW will be published on or about July 25 and will be available for
the rest of the year.
Owing to schedule demands, I usually publish on Wednesdays or as soon
as
possible thereafter.
You will hear music in several segments of top indie/DIY/underground
songwriters and bands.
RCB Novus Ordo will also air separately. On this show I spin one song from 6 songs in one sitting and give you background info of each
artist.
*******************
In the prior week I had promised a review of a showcase I attended at The Fire, which included music by At Sea. Here’s a link to the review:
http://wp.me/p1FKJJ-dj
Photos:

**************
I’ve agreed to take part in Ariel Publicity’s 6th Digital Press Conference, scheduled for July 31. I’ll be remotely attending via Skype and interviewing some of their clients. The audio of the interview will be made available once everything is cleared. More about this event at www.arielpublicity.com
WIKI: I’d like to see Radio Crystal Blue grow its online presence with more of a Wiki presence. Some of you know that I have a YahooGroup attached to the show. www.groups.yahoo.com/group/radiocrystalblue Back in 2001 I built this to foster conversation and interest in the show. Lately I’ve become the only one contributing and posting archives of older shows. You can see every show with a playlist on here going back to 2001, just when I started to spin indie/underground songs. This actually predates the time I was really immersed in the music scene in NYC. I’d like to take all the info and make some use of it for my own website. You might wonder who got airplay in a particular show, or what segments held a specific genre, theme, an so forth. What would you like to see? I’ll take suggestions on how to build and grow this presence.

WORK: I’m seeking a day job in the areas of support/admin/clerical/research,
within a 15 mile radius of Philadelphia. Contact me if you know of a job
that befits my requirements.
**************
TWITTER FIVE TO FOLLOW: These are the last 5 folks that I’m following who
follow back: @clearcoversongs @IAlabel @DownwardDogs @sicmanofva @Tom0Perry

****************
COVERAGE:
I do audio interviews, photos, video, and audio of live events. You can see
and hear evidence across my Facebook and YouTube channels, plus the field
recording FeedPlayer.Time, location and expense will be taken into account
before taking on a job.

Right now here’s what I’ve planned to see:
The Trews, and the StereoFidelics, at The Grape Room:
7/25. www.thetrewsmusic.com www.stereof.com www.graperoommusic.com
8/18 is The Mont Clare Summer Jam in Mont Clare, PA, with acts such as headliners Blue Coupe (members of Blue Oyster Cult & Alice Cooper), Low Society, and regional acts like Kingsnake, The Watchmen, The Noid, and others. My exact involvement is undetermined at this moment. www.rocknrolltheworld.com for more.

Radio Crystal Blue continues to circulate the good word on some websites:
www.tonyhalchak.com
*********************
RCB REVIEW:
RCB Novus Ordo: Jenee Halstead returns to the RCB airwaves with a new album, and with songs that were written just prior to recording the album. Rock band Friction Land arise out of the ashes of the band Friction. Foolish Ida is a project by Sarah Rabdau, memorializing a Maurice Sendak character in a song cycle. During the show I read the letter that she composed to Maurice, a letter she never got to send, as the author passed away just prior to the CD release event. Spun music of 2 artists who are pillars of the indie/underground/DIY music scene in Philly: Griz (Chris Grunwald), and Reverend TJ McGlinchey.
RCB proper: I dug out another CD from the long-defunct huH music service, and a great ambient-techno tune by Future Sound Of London. A lot of segments this week. Two segments contained music by artists performing as part of the Huntington (NY) Folk Festival. The 2nd of these 2 segments featured artists who have some connection to each other, mainly in appearing on each other’s recordings. Also receiving airplay were artists who are part of the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Showcase. Segment 1 features more music from Justin Levinson & The Valcours. Segment 2 of the standard segments includes Ratham Stone, who have recently changed band personnel. My Pet Dragon and Lisa Bianco share billing at NYC’s City Winery in August. Wormburner’s song “Some Summer’ is a good seasonal song. Segment 3: Mark Erelli & Eilen Jewell perform in NYC’s Stuyvesant Town on 7/21. Spun another new tune by Joy Mills (of The Starlings) and by Dan May. Segment 4 started with Anna Dagmar, Linq, and Beth DeSombre. Anna and Linq were part of a triple bill in MA 7/19. Anna and Beth are part of a songwriter showcase at The Burren Backroom, 7/22. Closed with another new song by Adler & Hearne, this from an album recorded at Eddie’s Attic in GA last year.
******************
AIRPLAY SUBMISSION:
Send CDs to
Dan Herman
Radio Crystal Blue
1701 Snyder Avenue, #4
Philadelphia, PA 19145
CDs MUST have a 2012 release date or have been released no earlier than
November 2011. No exceptions.
Artists are also advised to add my email address to their general email
list.

I also accept EPKs through these companies. For EPK submissions I select
artists on their body of work and the completeness of the press kit. I mean it. Complete it.
SONICBIDS: http://www.sonicbids.com/radiocrystalblue
MusicSUBMIT: www.musicsubmit.com.
Search for the words Radio Crystal Blue to find my pages there.
*********

Go to a live music event.
Be supportive.
Be informed.
Be irreverent.

Dan Herman
Radio Crystal Blue
www.radiocrystalblue.net
http://www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
cblue456@comcast.net
@radiocblue on twitter
215 995 2234

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