Recent Random Remarks

Earlier in the year I got to see the sold out show at the Ark with The Civil Wars. I was already a fan from having heard their record a year ago, but still I was surprised that the show had sold out when 107one hadn’t even started playing their music yet.  My appreciation for the band increased at least tenfold after taking in the live performance. It was a bigger thrill to spend time with John Paul and Joy in Studio A2 and again have the chance to see them live, this time at the Michigan Theater.  That did nothing but increase my appreciation for their art (and incidentally make me realize Joy Williams is not just beautiful, she’s model beautiful without the airbrushing).  If you get the chance to see this band, do so. Charming, beautiful and talented.  I invested in a few of Joy’s pre-Civil Wars CDs recently and, well…not as good.  I’ll investigate others as I see them at a reasonable price.

In October I accompanied my wife to her Homecoming game at Michigan Stage.  The following weekend we were fortunate enough to go the U of M’s Homecoming game.  I’d never been to the Big House (despite having a U of M degree) so it was great to finally experience what hundreds of thousands of people already have.  I’m sad to report that, despite loving the look of the Big House and enjoying my tailgating experience, I found the U of M fans to be rude and relatively poor sports.  The Wisconsin fans at the Michigan State game were worse, but overall I felt uncomfortable cheering for my team when thousands of their fans acted in a way I that would not.

Sometimes I try to get a message across that I think a lot of people would like to hear and sometimes it falls on deaf ears.  Over the last few weeks, every time I played an Ingrid Michaelson song, I mentioned that Bess Rogers, a member of Ingrid’s touring band, would be in town for a small show. Ingrid draws hundreds of enthusiastic fans to her shows in the area and, since Bess’ style and sense of humor are similar, I thought it would result in a good turn out for her show.  There may have been 30 people at the Neutral Zone’s B-side the other night to see Bess’ show to my disappointment. Her material is quite good and she is deserving of more attention. I’ll give her some attention on an upcoming Acoustic Brunch as I sat down with her in Studio A2 to record something for future play back.  I hope you catch it on Nov 27th!

Acoustic Brunch October 30, 2011

Sunday Mornings 11 am-1pm with John Bommarito

Studio A2 performances, Rare Acoustic versions and familiar songs from the past come together for your listening enjoyment. Grab the paper, some coffee, a comfortable chair and enjoy a couple of hours of fine music.

The Opening Theme is performed by local musician and all around great guy Jason Dennie.  The song is "Five Points" visit  http://jasondennie.com/  for more information

Acoustic Brunch October 30, 2011

Artist-Title-

INDIGO GIRLS-GHOST

GRETCHEN PETERS-GHOST

HOWIE DAY-GHOST

INDIGO GIRLS-GHOST OF THE GANG (ACOUSTIC)

CHUCK BRODSKY-GHOST OF MRS. ADDISON

CHRIS TRAPPER-GHOST IN YOUR ARMS

AARON JONES-GHOST TOWN

PROCLAIMERS-THE GHOST OF LOVE

SHAWN MULLINS-THE GHOST OF JOHNNY CASH

TONY FURTADO-THE GHOST OF BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON (STUDIO A2)

JOSHUA DAVIS-THE GHOST OF RICHARD MANUEL (LIVE IN STUDIO)

STORYHILL-GIVE UP THE GHOST

TEGAN AND SARA-WALKING WITH A GHOST (LIVE AT BORDERS)

GREG LASWELL-YOUR GHOST

LUCCIANA COSTA-MY CITY IS A GHOST TOWN (STUDIO A2)

BARENAKED LADIES-GRIM GRINNING GHOSTS

ALISON KRAUSS-GHOST IN THIS HOUSE

GREENCARDS-THE GHOST OF WHO WE WERE

THE NATIONAL-ANYONE'S GHOST (LIVE BACKSTAGE AT BONNAROO)

ELLIS PAUL & PATTY GRIFFIN-CONVERSATION WITH A GHOST

JOHN WESLEY HARDING -SUSSEX GHOST STORY

EDIE BRICKELL & NEW BOHEMIANS-GHOST OF A DOG

CHANTAL KREVIAZUK-GHOSTS OF YOU

MARK GEARY WITH JOSH RITTER-GHOSTS

ED KOWALCZYK-FACE AND GHOST (LIVE ACOUSTIC)

COUNTING CROWS-THE GHOST IN YOU (LIVE)

Coming Nov 6: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Kate Monoghan, Feist, Ari Hest and more.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

Acoustic Brunch October 9, 2011

Sunday Mornings 11 am-1pm with John Bommarito

Studio A2 performances, Rare Acoustic versions and familiar songs from the past come together for your listening enjoyment. Grab the paper, some coffee, a comfortable chair and enjoy a couple of hours of fine music.

The Opening Theme is performed by local musician and all around great guy Jason Dennie.  The song is "Five Points" visit  http://jasondennie.com/  for more information

Acoustic Brunch October 9, 2011

Artist-Title-Originally By

DUNCAN SHEIK-STRIPPED-DEPECHE MODE

DUNCAN SHEIK-HOLD ME NOW-THOMPSON TWINS

JACKIE GREENE-DON'T THINK TWICE IT'S ALRIGHT-BOB DYLAN

MATT NATHANSON-THUNDER ROAD (LIVE ON ACOUSTIC CAFÉ)-BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

MATT NATHANSON-ARMAGEDDON IT (LIVE WITH IAN BALL)-DEF LEPPARD

MATT NATHANSON-ALISON-ELVIS COSTELLO

U2-CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (LIVE IN SYDNEY)-ELVIS PRESLEY

VANESSA CARLTON-WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME-U2

ARI HEST-JULIA (STUDIO A2)-THE BEATLES

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED-DEVOTION (STUDIO A2)-INDIGO GIRLS

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED-YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELING-RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED-ALL MY LIFE-KC & JOJO

TONY FURTADO-RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM (STUDIO A)-TOM PETTY

JETTY RAE-BY & BY-TRADITIONAL

THE JAYHAWKS-DRIVIN' WHEEL-DAVID WHIFFEN

THE LEMONHEADS-HEY THAT'S NO WAY TO SAY GOODBYE (WITH LIV TYLER)-LEONARD COHEN

SUSAN WERNER-BLUE BAYOU (LIVE WITH GAIL ANN DORSEY AND TRINA HAMLIN)-ROY ORBISON, LINDA RONDSTADT

THE FLOATING MEN-OL' 55 (LIVE)-TOM WAITS

JAKE SHIMABUKURO-BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY-QUEEN

KELLER WILLIAMS-GRANDMA'S FEATHER BED-JIM CONNOR

SMASHING PUMPKINS-NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN-DEPECHE MODE

STRAIGHT NO CHASER-ONLY YOU-YAZ

BEN FOLDS-SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS-POSTAL SERVICE

CARBON LEAF-CRAZY TRAIN (LIVE)-OZZY OSBORNE

Coming Oct 16

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

There’s nothing quite like live music.  I am lucky enough to be able to see a fair amount of live shows in the area and I must say – there’s no shortage of talent worth plunking your money down for.

Recently I had the pleasure of enjoying a show at the Ark with Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys with Jen Sygit and Sam Corbin opening the show. These players from the Lansing music scene are among the best out there. Jen has a voice I like to compare to a young Patty Griffin.  Sam has developed a knack for writing really catchy songs for lovers of Americana/Folk and Lindsay Lou has one of those gorgeous voices you’d swear was active in the 1940’s or something.  If you’re unfamiliar with these folks, look them up. You won’t be disappointed.

Also recently, I saw Seth Glier and Willy Porter on the same night at the Ark.  Willy has been around awhile and is one of my favorite guitar players.  He’s got quite a sense of humor too (evidence of which was strong during his final song that night).  If you’ve listened to 107one for any length of time on a weekday and heard 107one concert calendar that airs twice a day, you’ve heard Willy’s “Road Bone.”  I always like seeing him perform when I can.  A couple of years ago, I stumbled across a CD from Seth Glier. The song “Gotta Get Away” really grabbed my attention and I’ve had a chance to see him live (and hear newer material from) a couple of times since. He’s really getting comfortable up there, though the set was very similar to the last time I caught him (except more refined).  Seth is someone to look out for.

A recent CD sent to me for airplay consideration is from Susan Werner. She is backed by the fabulous Trina Hamlin and Gail Ann Dorsey on this recording. It sounds as if they left very little out this night at the Center for Art in Natick (Massachusetts).  In addition to a great selection of Susan’s back catalog, there is some top rate banter on this CD as well.  I found myself laughing out loud at certain points.  This will provide me with some great stuff to include on a future edition of the Acoustic Brunch. More information at http://www.susanwerner.com/music/index.html   

And now, I look forward to a visit in Studio A2 and a concert with Vienna Teng. More on that later.

John

Acoustic Brunch October 2, 2011

Sunday Mornings 11 am-1pm with John Bommarito

Studio A2 performances, Rare Acoustic versions and familiar songs from the past come together for your listening enjoyment. Grab the paper, some coffee, a comfortable chair and enjoy a couple of hours of fine music.

The Opening Theme is performed by local musician and all around great guy Jason Dennie.  The song is "Five Points" visit  http://jasondennie.com/  for more information

Acoustic Brunch October 2, 2011

Artist-Title

INDIGO GIRLS-POWER OF TWO (ACOUSTIC)

INDIGO GIRLS-LAND OF CANAAN (LIVE)

THE CIVIL WARS-20 YEARS

THE CIVIL WARS-GIRL WITH THE RED BALLOON

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED-SMALLER TALLER (STUDIO A2)

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED-HAPPIEST WE'VE EVER BEEN

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-HOMEWARD BOUND (LIVE NYC 1967)

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-THE 59TH STREET BRISGE SONG (FEELIN' GROOVY) (LIVE NYC 1967)

GARY LOURIS AND MARK OLSON-SATURDAY MORNING ON SUNDAY STREET (STUDIO A2)

GARY LOURIS AND MARK OLSON-THE ROSE SOCIETY (STUDIO A2)

GLEN HANSARD AND MARKETA IRGLOVA-INTO THE MYSTIC

GLEN HANSARD AND MARKETA IRGLOVA-FALLING SLOWLY

VIENNA TENG & ALEX WONG-ANTEBELLUM (LIVE AT JOE'S PUB)

VIENNA TENG & ALEX WONG-THE TOWER (LIVE AT JOE'S PUB)

THE WOOD BROTHERS-ATLAS (STUDIO A2)

THE WOOD BROTHERS-LUCKIEST MAN (LIVE AT BONNAROO)

SETH BERNARD AND MAY ERLEWINE-ON THE MEND (STUDIO A2)

SETH BERNARD AND MAY ERLEWINE-WEALTH (STUDIO A2)

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL-THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL-WHERE'S THE PLAYGROUND SUSIE?

TUCK & PATTI-TIME AFTER TIME

TUCK & PATTI-IN MY LIFE

LOWEN AND NAVARRO-COMPASS POINT

LOWEN AND NAVARRO-BLITZKRIEG BOP

Coming Oct 9 Radical Revisions.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

Acoustic Brunch September 4, 2011

Sunday Mornings 11 am-1pm with John Bommarito

Studio A2 performances, Rare Acoustic versions and familiar songs from the past come together for your listening enjoyment. Grab the paper, some coffee, a comfortable chair and enjoy a couple of hours of fine music.

The Opening Theme is performed by local musician and all around great guy Jason Dennie.  The song is "Five Points" visit  http://jasondennie.com/  for more information

Acoustic Brunch September 4, 2011

Artist-Title

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION -EVERY TIME YOU SAY GOODBYE (LIVE)

CIVIL WARS-I'VE GOT THIS FRIEND

PAOLO NUTINI-NEW SHOES (ACOUSTIC)

DAR WILLIAMS-IOWA (WITH SEAN & SARA WATKINS, MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER & MOTHERLODE)

BRIAN PERRY-IOWA (DEMO)

GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS-TINY LIGHT (STUDIO A2)

LINDI ORTEGA-ANGELS

THE SCRIPT-THE MAN WHO CAN'T BE MOVED (LIVE AT BORDERS)

CARBON LEAF-THE WAR WAS IN COLOR (STUDIO A2)

BRIAN VANDER ARK-ON THE DAY I FELL

BRIAN VANDER ARK-RED LETTER DAYS

BRIAN VANDER ARK-SURRENDER

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION -LAY MY BURDEN DOWN

BROTHER SUN-COME WITH ME

VIENNA TENG-WHITE LIGHT (ACOUSTIC)

CHRIS THILE/MICHAEL DAVES-RABBIT IN THE LOG

BLACK CROWES-GOOD FRIDAY (REWORKED)

ALLIE MOSS-MELANCHOLY ASTRONAUTIC MAN (STUDIO A2)

SHAWN MULLINS-LIGHT YOU UP (STUDIO A2)

ARI HEST-GIVE IT TIME (STUDIO A2)

ALTERNATE ROUTES-RAINCOAT

MAT KEARNEY-HEAD OR YOUR HEART

MAT KEARNEY-VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS

CARBON LEAF-MISS HOLLYWOOD (LIVE AT BORDERS)

JEN SYGIT AND SAM CORBIN – MY SWEET ANGELINE (STUDIO A2)

Coming Sep 11 Radical Revisions with Diane Birch, Carbon Leaf, Corrine Bailey Rae, etc.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

Brian Vander Ark and Jeff Daniels

A couple of weekends ago, I started a short break from the station by heading to Grand Rapids and the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens to see a double bill (well, a double bill in MY eyes) of Brian Vander Ark with Jeff Daniels.  Brian is, of course, the leader of the rock band The Verve Pipe and has released four solo CDs since 2003.  The first three were near the top or in the top 10 releases (in the world according to me) in their respective year of release.  I look forward to hearing new material from Brian whether it’s solo music or music for The Verve Pipe.  He’d previewed a couple of songs for me in Studio A2 a couple of months ago so I had a little taste, but wasn’t sure what to expect as his last release was the Verve Pipe “A Family Album.”  As the title suggests, this is one intended to please adults who have kids.  I don’t have kids, but I found the songs to be extremely catchy and well written.  “A Family Album” was definitely up to par with the recent solo material, but how would it’s success affect Brian’s songwriting I wondered..  I got a bit more of a taste of the new material at the aforementioned concert.

            Brian opened the show in his home town of Grand Rapids and played solo for just short of an hour.  It was the first time I’d seen him in his hometown and it was fun for me to see how he addressed the crowd, especially in regards to the song “Lily White Way” which doesn’t exactly paint a favorable picture of his current hometown.  He apologized for the song’s assumptions and admitted he was wrong about the lifestyle of the town he now lived in.  All in all, a wonderful performance and I got to hear a couple more new tunes while I was there.  I also had my first chance not to pay shipping in order to own the new CD, so I bought it from the merchandise area.  It would provide the soundtrack for the two hour ride home.  More on that later.  One of the songs Brian played in Studio A2 is one called “My Little Town,” co-written with Jeff Daniels.  I assumed Jeff would come out and play it with him, but alas, Brian played it solo. 

            Best known for his roles in Dumb and Dumber and Terms of Endearment, the actor who sings (Brian, incidentally, is a singer who acts) Jeff Daniels has released five CDs of mostly original material.  All of it is entertaining and Jeff is truly underrated for his guitar playing talent (oddly, the Wikipedia page for Jeff makes little mention of his musical career).  I’ve seen him perform a few times and the last couple of performances included the very talented Brad Phillips as a sideman on fiddle and mandolin.  If you get the chance to see Mr. Daniels live, I highly encourage you to do so.  What made this night special was the fact that Brian Vander Ark did end up joining Jeff and Brad on stage for a couple of songs at the end.  Jeff also called his wife and her friends on stage to do the “Big Bay Shuffle” (an honor my wife begrudgingly accepted at the show we attended in December of 2010).  Fun, Fun, Fun, until the 9:45 curfew (9:45? Really?).

            On the ride home I popped in the CD entitled Magazine.  I played it initially at conversation level (you know, the level you play something when you’re not alone in the car) so it didn’t really sink in as much as it would when I played it while I was alone (aka LOUDER).  It hurts me to say I was actually disappointed overall with the end results.  It’s better than most albums I will hear this year (Brian’s songwriting, like Jeff’s guitar playing is highly underrated), but not up to par with his first three releases.  Oh, there are definitely some gems.  The Daniels co-write “My Little Town” is very well done with the band.  Other stand outs include “On The Day I Fell” (a love song for his wife), “Red Letter Days” and “Surrender” -all of which you will hear on the September 4^th edition of the Acoustic Brunch.  My disappointment lies in the near novelty sound of some of the other tracks.  “Facebook Friend” was probably fun to write, but it doesn’t compare to the genius of a song he wrote years earlier called “1229 Sheffield” with its wonderful lyrical twists.  The first single “Michigan Coast to Coast” is certainly a fun song that I can relate to. It too has its share of clever lines that I like, but I just don’t know if it will stand the test of time like so many earlier tunes will.  The album artwork also indicates were in for a less serious time (though the subject matter of “My Little Town” is as serious as a heart attack).  Brian, if you happen to be reading this, you’ve told me you appreciate my honesty.  Honestly, Magazine just isn’t as strong as any of his previous solo work I am sorry to say.  Could I write a song half as good as anything Brian’s ever written?  No way.  Am I happy to own this CD?  Certainly.  Should you own it?  Do yourself a favor and either check out the Acoustic Brunch on September 4or sample it on line first.  If you haven’t heard any of Brian’s previous work, this wouldn’t be the place I suggest you start.

New Music

I feel so out of touch with the music scene. I haven’t had this feeling for years, but for the last month and a half I feel like I don’t know what’s going on.

I know there are new records out or coming out by artists I have liked for years, but normally I’d be able to rave or rant about those releases.  Not so much the case at the moment.  Here’s a sample what I look forward to hearing in the folk music realm:

A long-time favorite of mine, Catie Curtis, releases “Stretch Limousine on Fire” on Aug 30.  Catie’s written and sung some fantastic tunes over the years. I look forward to hearing what is next.

Kris Delmhorst is about to release a covers album (that will come in handy for the Acoustic Brunch I am sure). This won’t be just any covers album, but one dedicated to the music of The Cars.  I would have never guessed that Kris would be the first artist I am aware of to do this.  Should be interesting and hopefully good.

Indigo Girls are readying another release as well. I am rarely disappointed by these ladies. Oct 4 is the date for “Beauty Queen Sister,” though I was not thrilled with the first single on first couple of listens. I am sure there are gems on this release. 

I have heard the forthcoming live release from Slaid Cleaves.  It’s a real nice "picture" of what Slaid does live.  He’s a darn good songwriter and player and “Sorrow & Smoke: Live at the Horseshoe Lounge” might be a good first disc if you’re not familiar with him.  I’ll squeeze in a tune from in on the August 28 edition of the Acoustic Brunch.

Somehow I’ve missed hearing new releases from Chuck Brodsky (Subtotal Eclipse) and Thea Gilmore (John Wesley Harding), but they are out there, just waiting for my (and your) ears.

In the non-folk world I am excited to hear new Snow Patrol and Coldplay releases.  A two CD hits/rarities release from Barenaked Ladies makes me wonder if they’ll come up with any rarities I don’t already have and the reissue of U2’s Acthung Baby! with its multiple discs and multiple choices is also very intriguing.

It’s that time of year where we will be inundated with new music to consider spending our hard earned money on or put on our Christmas lists for someone else to buy.  Prepare yourself!

Steel Wheels, Jetty Rae and Dan Henig

Alright blog, I apologize for ignoring you.  It’s been awhile since I’ve had time and inspiration at the same time.  Today is the day.  I’m listening to a new live CD by a band called The Steel Wheels and that inspired me.  On the day of this writing, they will be playing the Ark tomorrow.  If you read this on or before August 4, go see them.  Great harmonies and a lead singer whose voice perfectly matches the modern bluegrass/folk inspired songs they write.  I imagine they’ll have copies of the “LIVE AT GOOSE CREEK” CD for sale at the show too. Save the shipping costs and buy it there.  If you’re a fan of local bands like Steppin In It and Wayward Roots, The Steel Wheels should appeal to you.

By all rights, I should be going to that Ark show on the 4^th. I know it’ll be fantastic.  I think, however, I will be attending a smaller venue show.  Not because it’s free, but because two local musician friends of mine are playing a show together again at the same place I saw them perform together last time, Crazy Wisdom Tea Room.  While I have always said The Ark trumps all venues, sometimes supporting friends trumps The Ark.  Dan Henig is a singer from Ann Arbor that sent me a couple of demos in early 2010.   Since then, I’ve been bugging him to get to work on a recording people could purchase.  His song “Gravity Bound” is a perfect slice of singer/songwriter pop – the kind we play on 107one.  Even in its raw demo form I could hear a hit.  Dan finally dropped off a finished, more polished EP.  He and I disagree on the choice for a “single” from it, but either way I think his voice and songwriting hold a lot of promise for a break-out artist from this area.  He’ll be performing with another friend of mine, the beautiful and talented Jetty Rae.  Jetty has just released a new recording, La La Lu and the Lazy Moon.  It’s a “children’s” record that sounds nothing like a children’s record.  If you’re a parent and a fan of our Sunday night show Sonic Bliss, this might be a record for you.  On the other hand, you don’t have to be a parent to enjoy it (nor a fan of Sonic Bliss).  I’m not a parent (but I love Sonic Bliss) and I do.  It’s her voice.  Hear it and fall in love with it.  See her live and hear it without the layering and really fall in love with it.  Jetty and Dan are just two examples of the relatively unknown talent Ann Arbor has to offer.  I wish I could do more to change that for them, but there’s only one of me and thousands that need to discover them.

Speaking of things trumping other things as I did above, sometimes “wife” trumps all of my decisions on what I will do (married men, you understand, right?).  I may go to neither show and regret it while meanwhile appeasing my biggest supporter.  Perhaps my next blog will be a review of the show.  Only time will tell as Asia once sang…

Unplugged

It's funny how something that started over 20 years ago is still influencing my music taste today.  In the 1989/1990 TV season, the debut of MTV Unplugged coined a new catch phrase and re-imagined an old concept.  A nicely written history of the show is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV_Unplugged

It was around this time my tastes were expanding beyond the rock (like Rush), pop (like Phil Collins) and so called “new wave” (Depeche Mode) I’d been listening to, to now include the new wave of folk artists.  Thank you Indigo Girls, who emerged around 1989, for reminding me how great the harmony of Simon and Garfunkel was by doing it in your own unique way.  Strangely, at that time of my life, the only time I saw MTV was at someone else’s house.  I was jealous of those who got to see these MTV Unplugged performances.  So many bands reinvented their popular songs in a new way on this show and it lead to other bands recording acoustic versions of their songs for B-Sides for their singles.  Singles and B-Sides are a dying art, but the acoustic reinterpretations continue long after Unplugged gave way to crappy reality based shows on MTV (of course!  Now I actually have cable and could watch it if it were on).

Not as many bands are using the ”unplugged” concept like they would have 20 years ago.  A band that sounds just as good, possibly even better, in this “unplugged” format is The Airborne Toxic Event.  On the surface they have a bit of a light gothic rock sound (not quite The Cure or Sisters of Mercy, but not far from solo Peter Murphy records), but when the strip things down and do what they call Boombastic versions of their songs, it really brings out something truly special.  Seek out some of the unusual places they’ve done these versions of songs from their two records on You Tube or something and then consider getting a CD of them doing them as a rock band.   Its good stuff either way and really getting my attention as of late.

Trends

I'm noticing an encouraging trend in the music business as far as tastes are concerned.  There's a spot for everything in my ears.  Some things I like more than others and some I expect to be more successful to the masses.  What I am noticing is an increase in popularity and acceptance for bands that are more, I guess I’ll call it, organic. 

Mumford and Sons are a great example.  They’ve sold a million copies of their CD, Sigh No More, gotten airplay with three singles now and when you hear it next to Lady Gaga or Black Eyed Peas it really stands out as different – there’s a banjo!  The success of artists like Iron and Wine and the emerging success of William Fitzsimmons I also find encouraging.  Guys who are just doing what they feel with no formula attached.  I hope this leads to the return to popularity of the singer-songwriter. 

Thinking back to my youth when guys like Kenny Loggins could actually have hits, there’s not really pop artists like that having tons of success…but they should.  Matt Wertz is making this kind of music and doing it very well.  And in a different way, Chris Trapper is quietly flying under the radar and I don’t get it.  He fronted a band (The Push Stars) who had regional success (though not my region) and opened for Matchbox20 at the height of their popularity, has had songs in movies and TV shows for years, and yet most people don’t know who he is.  On his first visit to our studios a year or so ago, I told him a story of his friends in Great Big Sea.  While visiting our studio they noticed a signed poster from Mat Kearney (who has had success) and they made the comment “hey, that’s the guy that sounds like Chris Trapper!”  Mat is pretty well known, has had several hits in the format 107one does (AAA) and most of Mat’s fans (who would certainly like Chris’ songs) have never heard of him.  That’s just wrong!

The good thing is, Chris will be in front of 800 or so people this week at the Ark opening for Colin Hay and perhaps folks in Ann Arbor and the surrounding community will take notice.  The other good thing, more people are appreciating this kind of music.  There’s hope yet….

Opening Blog

Welcome to my first blog post. I don't really consider myself a "blogger," nor do I consider myself an expert in any field. I do, however, love music of all kinds and love to share my opinions and thoughts with those who will listen.

 For the last 10 years of my 40+ year life, I've been particularly drawn to stripped down music. It doesn't have to be strictly acoustic or even "folk" for me to be drawn to it, just well-written songs played on real instruments and sung with some passion.  There’s an awful lot of this music out there and little of it is actually played regularly on the radio. It’s nice to see the emerging popularity of bands like Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars and Iron and Wine. It tells me people are starting to appreciate good song writing and singing again.  I hope this trend continues and the popularity of artists who put image before substance diminishes.

A couple of folks who are doing great things in this area of music will be in Ann Arbor this weekend and I get to chat with both of them.  Friday April 22 around 7 PM, tune in to ann arbor’s 107one for a Studio A2 visit with The Paper Raincoat.  Alex Wong is best known around these parts as that guy who plays with Vienna Teng at many of her shows.  He’s also a talented producer and great song writer.  He and Amanda Rubarth have this project called The Paper Raincoat and they play the Ark on Friday as a follow up to a show stealing performance at this year’s Ann Arbor Folk Festival.  Their debut is full of great songs like “Brooklyn Blurs”, “Rewind” and “Sympathetic Vibrations.”  Worth checking out both live and recorded.

Saturday, one of the nicest musicians I’ve become friends with in my nine years of doing radio will be in Ann Arbor for an Ark show and consequently a Studio A2 visit.  Brian Vander Ark gained world-wide fame as the front man of the Verve Pipe.  At their peak, they opened shows for KISS and INXS (to name a couple), scored big with “The Freshmen” and released their finest work just as the nation struggled with the after effects of the 911 attacks.  Brian played the bass player in the movie “Rock Star,” which is just one of the many acting roles he has taken on. In recent years, Brian’s solo work is more focused on songs that connect with people (particularly me, each of his solo albums have been near the top of my “best of whatever year it is” list).  He’s hard at work on another solo record, his first since the success of the Verve Pipe’s reinvention as a “Family Music” band (though I am told they plan to record another adult rock record at some point) and we’ll talk about that and his upcoming show Saturday morning, April 23 at 10 AM.  Perhaps I’ll even get him to do some new music!

- John