Category Archives: Uncategorized

@ The Fire, 4/28/12


Saturday’s show at The Fire was put together by Steve Quaranta, on the occasion of his birthday. Steve fronts a new band Language Problem, who made their debut on this evening. Language Problem is a rock quartet with a unique styling of mixed measures, psychedelia, inventive instrumentation, and old audio clips between a few songs.
Claire on drums, Steve on keys and guitars, Mike on guitar, Brian on bass are from a collection of 8 former Philly bands.
They have a few songs already out in the various social media circles and are recording more.
Opening the showcase were Gemini Wolf,  the dual keyboard/programming action duo of Mikronesia and Pandar. The latter does the strong vox and the general keyboard action, the former gets spacey and does more of the programming bit. They occasionally have added extra instrumentation in their sound tho Saturday’s show was simply the duo.Through about 7 selections, their songs are barely danceable but brief grooves to them, much the way Bjork and various trip-hop acts have sounded in the past, definitely moody and a bit dark. Talking with Mikronesia (er, Michael McDermott), he says he had composed an opera of their material titled Pangaea, over 10 years in the making. Michael is active in various artist projects involving sound, art, production and music for film and dance. Gemini Wolf have performed in just about every small and large venue in Philadelphia, and a select few in New York and other cities worldwide.
They’re playing next on 5/11 in Brooklyn, at Moon-ii, “an open video workshop..”
“Has anyone seen the Jimi Hendrix biopic on TV?…….Don’t watch it…it was horrible.. But really, you must see it. It was hilarious”. Paraphrasing here Dave Cope’s opening line to the audience as headliners Fantasy Square Garden prepared to stir up the masses. Having played a January residency at this stage, the band was very comfortable in their performance on Saturday. FSG’s members are active in other bands and solo projects. All of their material is penned by Dave, and all are original, tho borrowed heavily from various styles of music such as 60’s girl groups/songwriters, 70’s country rock, 80’s new wave, and a few places in between. The crowd was large and were dancing for much of the set. They are the sort of band one could picture seeing on some variety TV programs from yesteryear. A guy named Ryan, a huge fan of FSG, took to the stage to sing lead for the encore. “Business Or Pleasure” was a favorite. “I’m business, she’s pleasure” uttered stylish frontperson Ali Wadsworth, gesturing to sister and co-lead vocalist Claire. Ali was part of such bands as Unlikely Cowboy and Goldiebox. Claire, like Ali, is a Berklee College of Music graduate and boasts credits that include Andrew Lipke, Good Old War, The Wadsworth Sisters, and more. The sisters took a minute to do a playful original birthday song for Steve.
Chatting with Dave afterward, he mentioned being in the midst of writing and preparing to record songs for his solo album and doing a house concert in NYC. Dave has written hundreds of songs and is the mastermind of Fantasy Square Garden, present on rhythm guitar.
Also part of the mix are bassist Demian Mason, guitarist Andy Keenan, and drummer Kevin Killen (Hezekiah Jones, Chris Bathgate, Jason Crigler).
The stage and performance room was strewn with balloons, party favors and the usual birthday trimmings.
Full photo gallery at Facebook.
No video for this one. Had some trouble with the camera today. Next time!

Radio Crystal Blue 4/29/12 news


Radio Crystal Blue is sponsored in part by:
Ariel Publicity: http://www.arielpublicity.com
Miles High Productions http://www.mileshighproductions.com
Serge Entertainment Public Relations http://www.sergepr.com
Wampus Multimedia http://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 http://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 http://www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu
This page contains a bona fide workable version of the Feed Player.
RSS: http://www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rss

This is the magic link to the popup player. It’s also at the home and
archive tabs of my website
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: http://www.facebook.com/radiocblue
RCB FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=20805478312
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http://www.facebook.com/groups/273953255983866/
LINKEDIN:  http://www.linkedin.com/danherman0
REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/radiocrystalblue
VIDEO content:http://www.youtube.com/user/cblue456
TWITTER @radiocblue
STAT BLOG: (my handicapping blog)  http://www.cblue456.tumblr.com
************************************************
NEXT SHOW will be published on or about May 2 and will be available for the rest of the year.
Owing to schedule demands, I usually aim for noon 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
as many as 8 songs in one sitting and give you background info of each
artist.
*********************************************************************************
Firstly, I must acknowledge the death of a radio hero, Pete Fornatale, who was one of several inspirations for Radio Crystal Blue many years ago. My condolences are posted elsewhere on the Web. I hope that I can make as much of an impact in people’s lives as he did. I will have a dedicated audio segment focusing on his influence at some point in the next show.
Apart from from learning about music (and radio) from Pete’s example, news came down that Kiss-FM, an R&B/hip-hop programmed station in NYC is also biting the dust, with sports programming taking over.   I have good memories of hearing music in the mid-80’s on this station. It will be missed.  I don’t mind sports programming, so long as it’s sports itself and not so much sports talk.  Still, one more station without music programming takes away more memories from all of us (not to mention royalties).

Fandalism is an invite-only social media website that’s just appeared on the greater Web radar. I’ve just joined tho I’m not exactly certain of its goal outside of friending/following/liking. Initially I see a lot of musicians and producers worldwide, not just the US contingent. http://www.fandalism/radiocblue

The Discussion group is kinda dormant.  Feel free to discuss RCB at http://www.facebook.com/groups/273953255983866/

I’m planning to go to a showcase at The Fire on Saturday. I don’t know any of the artists. That’s the point. I come to be educated and entertained.  I’ll have some pics of the event next week.  I go to about 3-4 shows a month to do photos/video.
I haven’t had interview requests in a while but I wouldn’t mind doing a few.  I do have to upgrade my recorder tho.
My computer is flying strong, tho it still has some issues with audio quality.  I’m pretty confident it’s recording in stereo but my recording software seems to think it’s mono. It could well be the mixer I’m using. For you gearheads, I have a Behringer Eurorack UB802. It might need to be replaced. Anyone with ideas on this?

A simple question for you to answer: What does Radio Crystal Blue mean to you?
*************************************************
TWITTER FIVE TO FOLLOW: These are the last 5 folks that I’m following who
follow back: @deviawake @DirtmanTressel @jonregen @TofRedAbbeyBand @musicpartner4
*****************************************************
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.
Planning to work on 4/28. No other gigs on the horizon just yet.
********************************************************************
RCB REVIEW: The annotated version of the shows.
RCB Novus Ordo: Songwriter-activist Lara Herscovitch returns with a new album. Some of the songs focus on the prison population in the US. Arthur Nasson has a new exuberant album that’s all over the musical map.   Adler & Hearne’s new album was recorded at Eddie’s Attic in GA.  Ronstadt Generations are 2 generations of musicians. Michael J. is Linda’s brother; he is joined by sons Michael G. and Petie on the CD “Lulo”, full of music inspired by life experience in the Southwest across 5 generations.

RCB proper: With the passing of Levon Helm of The Band, I memorialized him with 2 songs to kick off this show.  First was Professor Louie and The Crowmatix, whose history is well intertwined with The Band’s. “Restless Islands” features Levon on mandolin.   “Life Is A Carnival” is also covered by The Crowmatix, tho I opted to spin the original here.    the matthew show recorded a song at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis back in February, and this kicks off segment 1. Following this up was a song similar in rhythm and vibe by Deborah Lombardi. She and Josh Joffen performed at a new venue, 89 North, in Patchogue (LI), NY last night.  How about two songs with tuba? Jim Boggia and Tracy Bonham feature this instrument. Both appear at Rockwood Music Hall (NYC) on 4/30.  Within segment 2: My Pet Dragon and Levee Drivers are part of the Launch Music Festival in Lancaster PA tonight. Segment 3: Spun from the new album by DC’s Karen Collins & The Backroads Band, then following up with other Americana/folk groups. Segment 4 began with some statements about American life (Aztec Two-Step, Vance Gilbert).
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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 July
2011. No exceptions.
Artists are also advised to add my email address to their general (not
local/regional) 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
SONICBIDS: http://www.sonicbids.com/radiocrystalblue
MusicSUBMIT: http://www.musicsubmit.com.
(For those in Australia) GIG LAUNCH: http://www.giglaunch.com.au
All you have to do is a search on these sites for Radio Crystal Blue.

Any compelling compilation/concept CDs can also be sent here directly. I’m
seeking material that can be featured, song-for-song, in my CD FOCUS
segments.
*********
namaste

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

Radio Crystal Blue/RCB Novus Ordo week of 4/22/12


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:

(4) RSS: www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rss

This show was distributed on 4/25

Electrik Emily “Since I’m The Girl” – Stiletto Rock CD www.electrikemily.com
Kmang Kmang ‘In The Dangers Of My Imagination” – Drifting CD www.kmang-kmang.com
Adam Cross “Scared To Pieces” – sirens CD www.adamcrossmusic.com
Jordan Carp “Lost At Sea” – Slam Pig CD www.jordancarp.com
Arthur Nasson “I’ve Got a Flanger in My Heart” – West Cambridge Cowboys CD www.arthurnasson.com
Lara Herscovitch “You Are Beautiful” – Four Wise Monkeys CD www.laraherscovitch.com
Adler & Hearne “Alarms” – Live At Eddie’s Attic CD www.adlerandhearne.com
Ronstadt Generations “Off To Battle” – Lulo CD www.ronstadtgenerations.com
Running time: 56 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:
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 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/2012/04/rcblive042212.mp3

(4) RSS:
www.bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rss

This show was distributed on 4/25/12
Artists with shared gigs in the near future are noted with * & **

Memorializing Levon Helm to begin the show…
Opening music
:
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix “Restless Islands” – Over The Edge CD www.professorlouie.com
The Band “Life Is A Carnival” – Cahoots CD
*************************************
the matthew show “The Lesbian Song (Southern Belles)” single www.thematthewshow.com
*Deborah Lombardi “If You Only Knew” – Sweet Revenge CD www.deborahlombardi.com
*Josh Joffen “Glad For The Chance” – Postcard From Antigua CD www.joshjoffen.com
**Jim Boggia “On Your Birthday” – Misadventures In Stereo CD www.jimboggia.com
**Tracy Bonham “Josephine” – Masts Of Manhatta CD www.tracybonham.com
Amy Speace “Ghost” – Land Like A Bird CD www.amyspeace.com
**********************************************
Rod Piazza & The All Mighty Flyers “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” – Almighty Dollar CD www.themightyflyers.com
Sugar Lime Blue “Talkin’ To Yourself” – Far From The Tree CD www.sugarlimeblue.com
Fallen Riviera “Behind The Curtain” – Six Mines CD www.fallenriviera.com
The Real Rough Diamonds “You Don’t Know Anything About Love” – s/t CD www.realroughdiamonds.com
*My Pet Dragon “Love in Hiding” – Mountains and Cities CD www.mypetdragon.net
*Levee Drivers “Poor boy’s shoes” – s/t EP www.leveedrivers.com
*****************************************************************
Karen Collins & The Backroads Band “Why’d You Do Me This Way?” – No Yodeling On The Radio CD www.karencollins.net
Spuyten Duyvil “Halfway Free” – New Amsterdam CD www.spuytenduyvilmusic.com
Joy Kills Sorrow “Wouldn’t Have Noticed” – This Unknown Science CD www.joykillssorrow.com
Hungrytown “Never Realized” – Any Forgotten Thing CD www.hungrytown.net
Natalia Zukerman “Sorry Side Of Town” – Gas Station Roses CD www.nataliazukerman.com
Sarah McQuaid “The Sun Goes On Rising” – The Plum Tree and The Rose CD www.sarahmcquaid.com
*****************************************************************
Aztec Two-Step “Living In America” – Cause & Effect CD www.aztectwostep.com
Vance Gilbert “Old White Men” – Old White Men CD www.vancegilbert.com
Jon Regen “Revolution” – Revolution CD www.jonregen.com
Alan Barrington “You Believed In Me” – Looking For A Novel CD www.alanbarrington.com
Jean Mann “Sleeveless Season” – Dream Of Goats CD www.jeanmann.net
Andrew Calhoun “Buskers” – Grapevine CD www.andrewcalhoun.com
****************************************************************
Closing music: Robert Sadin “Comment” – Art Of Love: Music Of Machaut CD
Running time: 3 hours, 6 minutes
—————————————————————–
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.org

Next show will be recorded and distributed in the week of 5/1/12
namaste
———————————————————————

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

@ The Grape Room 4/19/12


Thursday was a day built for theatrics at The Grape Room. All the artists in this showcase had some sort of visual art going on, often leaning toward non-traditional methods of dance and performance.Opening act was local solo acoustic act boog. boog presents music with gruff voice and rough timed measures of words and chords. Gutteral acoustic blues is his fare. He was dressed virtually all in black including sunglasses, fancying himself quite cool. I enjoyed the latter two songs of his set which happened to be older tunes (these appear on his 2010 album “The Walking Club”). He’s firmly entrenched in the Philly scene and plans to do more shows in the Northeast.

Sylvia Platypus bill themselves as ‘psycho-Celtic’ rock. They are a solid six-piece with something for just about everyone. Not at all a quiet bunch, tho lead singer Janet Bressler presents a quiet power on stage, inwardly led to dancing, arms outstretched at just about any time in the set. She took her act to the audience in the first song, and performed a mock collapse during a closing medley of songs. The band includes Ruchama on bass, a well-hidden Rosalba on drums, Charlie on loud bagpipes, Bill on lead guitar, and Michael Southerton (Song Dogs & The Nightjar) with rhythm guitar. Good live show, very good groove if you dig psychedelic sounds.
   
VIDEO of Sylvia Platypus: http://youtu.be/P96I_yVv0lY
The latter three bands on the set have been touring together. First were The Unholy Sideshow. They are just that, unholy and a sideshow, with music piped in on keyboard and piano by someone. There was a large metal apparatus installed in stage and the devilishly half-naked emcee who performed a dozen death-defying sideshow feats including hammering metal into his nose, gettting into and out of several animal traps (including fox and bear ones), and presented an assistant, Davy Danger, clad in leather and lace. Davy Danger did an exciting Houdiniesque upside-down straitjacket escape from said apparatus, and assisted with several other tried-and-true items like the bed of nails, sledgehammering a cinder block off the emcee. A few volunteers from the audience assisted in the closing act, where their donation of various dollars would earn them staple gun clips on various parts of the emcee’s body. Offers of $100 weren’t made but they would have been directed toward the privates. Great alternative to the usual tipjar passing, eh?
 Mister Joe Black, from UK, performed seemingly authentic German cabaret, both solo on keyboard, and fronting a good band. He covered Britney Spears and The Weather Girls (you know, ‘that’ song) and included a few originals with such velvet-gloved, hat-in-hand forcefullness, complete with double- and triple- entendres). Pretty much everyone in the audience had visible grins on their faces, especially after enduring the sideshow antics on stage prior.
  

This Way To The Egress take their name from a P.T. Barnum slogan, have a great merch table, and provide cabaret, burlesque, and gypsy-punk sounds. They shared band members with Mister Joe Black, notably the fetching Rachel Galassi on keys and violin.

 I stayed for the first few tunes, having to catch the last train out of Manayunk, if not the last bus. I also had enough time to get a customary meal at Frak’s. Their ‘Manayunk Fries” with cheese and bacon, is quite literally to die for, and at a great value for the portion size. No, the fries aren’t camera shy. I was just that much hungry.

Photos at the latest Facebook gallery.