Sunday Brunch January 26th, 2020

Looking forward to seeing all the great acts at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival next week.  More info:

https://www.theark.org/folk-festival

Out of the Ann Arbor area? Listen Sundays from 10 AM - noon  at http://annarbors107one.com/

Or in Grand Rapids from 9 AM - 11 AM at http://www.thisisqmusic.com/

Sunday Brunch January 26th,  2020

Sunday Mornings 10 am-noon with John Bommarito

The show opens every week with a song called "Five Points" which you can find here: http://jasondennie.com/?page_id=42 It is performed by local guitar/mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie. 

Artist-Song Title- Concert Date

WILLY PORTER-ROAD BONE (ACOUSTIC)-1/31-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 10/3 The Ark

MOLLY TUTTLE-MAKE MY MIND UP-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 3/14 The Ark

MOLLY TUTTLE-WHEN YOU'RE READY-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 3/14 The Ark

NATHANIEL RATELIFF-EARLY SPRING TIL-2/1 Hill Auditorium

NATHANIEL RATELIFF-YOU SHOULD'VE SEEN THE OTHER GUY-2/1 Hill Auditorium

BETTYE LAVETTE-WISH YOU WERE HERE-2/1 Hill Auditorium

THE LONE BELLOW-YOU CAN BE ALL KINDS OF EMOTIONAL-1/31 Hill Auditorium

INGRID MICHAELSON-MEN OF SNOW (STUDIO A2)-1/31 Hill Auditorium

INGRID MICHAELSON-END OF THE WORLD (LIVE)-1/31 Hill Auditorium

WILLY PORTER-BREATHE (WITH CARPE DIEM)-1/31-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 10/3 The Ark

RAINBOW GIRLS-DO NOT GENTLE (INTO THAT DARK LIGHT)-1/31 Hill Auditorium, 3/21 The Ark

RAINBOW GIRLS-THE FOLKSINGER'S CONTRACT-1/31 Hill Auditorium, 3/21 The Ark

MANDOLIN ORANGE-THE WOLVES-2/1 Hill Auditorium

MANDOLIN ORANGE-LONESOME WHISTLE-2/1 Hill Auditorium

JOHN MORELAND-LOVE IS NOT THE ANSWER-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 8/7 The Ark

CALEXICO AND IRON & WINE-FATHER MOUNTAIN-1/31 Hill Auditorium

ELLIOT BROOD-DIG A LITTLE HOLE-1/31 Hill Auditorium, 5/2 The Ark

ELLIOT BROOD-WEST END SKY-1/31 Hill Auditorium, 5/2 The Ark

BETTYE LAVETTE-MAYBE I'M AMAZED-2/1 Hill Auditorium

COLD TONE HARVEST-OUT ON THE WATER (STUDIO A2)-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 4/24 The Ark

COLD TONE HARVEST-HYMN #101 (STUDIO A2)-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 4/24 The Ark

WILLY PORTER-HARD PLACE (STUDIO A2)-1/31-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 10/3 The Ark

WILLY PORTER-THIS TRAIN (STUDIO A2 WITH NATALIA ZUCKERMAN)-1/31-2/1 Hill Auditorium, 10/3 The Ark

THE LONE BELLOW-WATCH OVER US-1/31 Hill Auditorium

IRON AND WINE-BOY WITH A COIN-1/31 Hill Auditorium

INGRID MICHAELSON-BLOOD BROTHERS (ACOUSTIC)-1/31 Hill Auditorium

RAINBOW GIRLS-39 GREEN LIGHTS-1/31 Hill Auditorium, 3/21 The Ark

Next week's show February 2nd: Radical Revisions!  A tribute to Neil Peart of Rush with lots of Rush covers and many of them by Jacob Moon, also Brian Vander Ark, Soul Asylum, Sweet Water Warblers and more.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

Sunday Brunch January 19th, 2020

I'm excited to see what's next for the young singer/songwriter Alison Albrecht. What a treat to have brand new as of yet unreleased songs performed in the studio with me.

Out of the Ann Arbor area? Listen Sundays from 10 AM - noon  at http://annarbors107one.com/

Or in Grand Rapids from 9 AM - 11 AM at http://www.thisisqmusic.com/

Sunday Brunch January 19th,  2020

Sunday Mornings 10 am-noon with John Bommarito

The show opens every week with a song called "Five Points" which you can find here: http://jasondennie.com/?page_id=42 It is performed by local guitar/mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie. 

Artist-Song Title- Concert Date

AMY PETTY-THE DAY THE DEVIL DIED-1/25 Trinity House, 2/27 20 Front Street, 2/29 Bay City State Theatre

WE BANJO 3-WE ALL NEED MORE KINDNESS IN THIS WORLD (STUDIO A2)-1/19 Listening Room, 3/5 & 3/6 The Ark

ROCHELLE CLARK-IN BETWEEN (STUDIO A2)-1/17 Zou Zou's, 1/18 Sandhill Cranes, 1/24 Trinity House

ALISON ALBRECHT-HURRICANE (STUDIO A2)-

ALISON ALBRECHT-GREEN LIGHT (STUDIO A2)-

ALISON ALBRECHT-AFTER THE END (STUDIO A2)-

JOHN WAITE-ISN'T IT TIME (ACOUSTIC)-1/25 Andiamo Celebrity Showroom

AMY PETTY-MOSES (STUDIO A2)-1/25 Trinity House, 2/27 20 Front Street, 2/29 Bay City State Theatre

GRIFFIN HOUSE-WHEN THE KIDS ARE GONE (STUDIO A2)-1/31 Seven Steps Up, 4/4 20 Front Street

SAM CORBIN-LOOK HOW FAR WE'VE COME (LIVE AT THE LEON LOFT)-1/23 20 Front Street, 2/21 Tri-Cities Historical Museum

ABIGAIL STAUFFER-PUSH (LIVE AT THE LEON LOFT)-1/23 20 Front Street

THE TIMBRE OF CEDAR-LET'S GO (STUDIO A2)-1/19 The Ark, 1/25 The Loving Touch

MOLLY TUTTLE-MILLION MILES-

MOLLY TUTTLE-TAKE THE JOURNEY-

MOLLY TUTTLE-DON'T LET GO-

BAILEN-I WAS WRONG (STUDIO A2)-1/30 The Intersection

ERIN ZINDLE & THE RAGBIRDS-CHANGE OUR WORLD (STUDIO A2)-1/25 Bell's Back Room

TOM BUTWIN-LITTLE BIRD (STUDIO A2)-1/23 The Morrie, 1/25 The Morrie, 2/7 Prism, 2/21 Prism

RUN RIVER NORTH-EXCUSES (STUDIO A2)-1/31 Magic Stick

BRAD PHILLIPS-FAVORABLE DAYS-1/25 Lone Oak Vineyard Estate

BETH STALKER-KILLING FROST (STUDIO A2)-1/25 20 Front Steet

JOE HERTLER-RED WINGS (STUDIO A2)-1/24 20 Front Street

WILLY PORTER-AVAILABLE LIGHT (ACOUSTIC)-1/31-2/1 Hill Auditorium

WILLY PORTER-LOOSE GRAVEL (ACOUSTIC)-1/31-2/1 Hill Auditorium

Next week's show January 26th: My annual highlight of the lineup for the Ann Arbor Folk Festival including Molly Tuttle, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ingrid Michaelson, Willy Porter, Rainbow Girls, Mandolin Orange, Bettye Lavette, Cold Tone Harvest and more.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

Album Review: The Darkness of Birds - Amy Petty (2020)

As a radio host for the last 17+ years I have the pleasure of hearing at least a hundred new releases every year during that time.  Some are from artists I’ve been a fan of for a long time, some are new artists, and some are artists who’ve been out of the music scene for a while. It has been a long time in between albums for Amy Petty.  Her third release, a seasonal record called Sycamore Tree, came out in late 2011.  It’s also been a long time since I’ve heard an album this solid from start to finish, especially from someone who took so much time away from releasing music.  In my estimation, this is a career defining album for an artist who is going to capture a lot of people’s attention with the sheer beauty of this piece of art.   While producer Andy Reed’s assistance with the full realization of what were once acoustic demos is key, it’s Petty’s stunning voice and excellent song writing that really tells the story here.

Each song has its own strength.  “The Dreams That Are Waiting For Us” are adult ideas that Petty’s young daughter came up with off the top of her head.  Not sure what people are made of?  Your answer is here.  From the mouths of babes.  If you are familiar with her earlier material, by comparison, this song sounds so big and ready for a wider audience. Meanwhile, I’m ready to sign her daughter up for a publishing deal if these are the ideas she’s coming up with before she’s even a full time student in elementary school.

“Murder Ballad (The Innocent Cry)” sounds like a Quentin Tarantino movie.  In fact, every time I hear this one I see the music video that doesn’t exist in my head.  It’s masterfully laid out and by the end you aren’t sure who to feel sorry for. 

The depth of the lyrics to “Undertow” are striking.   When the chorus hits, if you weren’t paying attention, you are now.  If her voice didn’t grab you on that first song, your head is going to turn quickly.  In concerts, this one always gets my full attention as it moves from delicate to booming.  Another one I can see a music video for in my minds eye. 

“I’m Sick Of The Radio” with its clever turn of phrase, e.g. “I change one letter and the whole thing is new” (think about it, station WXYZ likely doesn’t have the same format as WXXZ), is another example of the strengths of this songwriter.  I’m not even offended by this as a guy who does radio for a “living” because it’s so good.  It sucks you in.

“Pull” is haunting with its layered vocals.  This one sucks you in too, or rather pulls you in.  The metaphors are strong: “There’s a stranger and she’s waiting in the chamber…”  Guns have chambers, chambers are rooms.  Man that’s good. And so is this song.

The accompanying explanation Petty tells when performing “The Other Way” will help you connect to the song in a way you might not on first listen.  However the beautiful ache in her vocal on the line “will you stay here with me now” will make you choke up.  If it doesn’t, you are dead inside.

Tied with “Undertow” as my favorite song on the record (today anyway) “Liar and A Thief” is so damn catchy.  I played an early, unplugged version of it on my radio program and a listener was so captivated by it she called the station to find out who it was. People don’t usually do that when it comes to unsigned acts at my station.  This could be a hit single in my opinion.  Think back to Lilith Fair era radio.  This would have been all over the radio if it had been released then. No reason it couldn’t be today.

Producer Andy Reed counts in “Moses”, a song that imagines what it must have been like to be approached to play the role in biblical history that Moses played.  When Petty sings “Oh Lord” I never want to hear anyone say or sing those words again other than her.  It’s perfect.

Like the album’s opener, “Closer To Gone” steps pretty far away from what she’s done in the past.  This is more like Sarah McLachlan being influenced by Lorde.  It’s way cool and I can see some remixer turning this into a dance floor hit. I have just the guy in mind, Tyler Duncan.  Do you have trouble sleeping? She can relate and it’s going to get stuck in your head.

“You Never Came” is a bad dream explored in song with more haunting imagery from Petty’s masterful pen.  That ache is there again.  It’s such a lovely ache.

Finally, a rare piano based song in the Petty catalog closes out the album.  “The Day The Devil Died” isn’t going to be played at many churches, but it’s both a stunning hymn and melody and delivered in a way that only this rare talent could.   48 minutes later I’m ready to start at the top again because I want more.

For the most part, it is not an album that will lift you up, but I guarantee you will be moved.  I don’t think it was intended to make you feel good, but you will definitely feel something - the power of the music.  Isn’t that what music is supposed to do? Make us feel?

It's pretty unlikely there will be an album other than this one at the top of my best of 2020 list at the end of the year.  

More info on this amazing artist and her music:

https://www.amypettymusic.com/

Sunday Brunch January 12th, 2020

A mix of funny, romantic and sad on today's program. I hope you enjoyed it.

Out of the Ann Arbor area? Listen Sundays from 10 AM - noon  at http://annarbors107one.com/

Or in Grand Rapids from 9 AM - 11 AM at http://www.thisisqmusic.com/

Sunday Brunch January 12th,  2020

Sunday Mornings 10 am-noon with John Bommarito

The show opens every week with a song called "Five Points" which you can find here: http://jasondennie.com/?page_id=42 It is performed by local guitar/mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie. 

Artist-Song Title- Concert Date

INGRID MICHAELSON-BE OK (ACOUSTIC)-1/31 Hill Auditorium

GLEN PHILLIPS-NOBODY'S GONNA GET HURT (STUDIO A2)-1/17 The Ark

G. LOVE-MILK AND SUGAR (STUDIO A2)-1/14 The Ark

TREY SIMON-ANGEL DOWN IN TEXAS (STUDIO A2)-1/18 Skyline Event Center

AMY PETTY-LIAR AND A THIEF (STUDIO A2)-1/25 Trinity House, 2/27 20 Front Street, 2/29 Bay City State Theatre

AMY PETTY-UNDERTOW (LIVE AT THE LEON LOFT)-1/25 Trinity House, 2/27 20 Front Street, 2/29 Bay City State Theatre

SNOW PATROL-HEAL ME (REWORKED)-

SNOW PATROL-JUST SAY YES (REWORKED)-

THIRD EYE BLIND-WHO AM I (ACOUSTIC)-3/23 Royal Oak Music Theater

FOUR BITCHIN' BABES-WHAT WAS I THINKING-1/18 Macomb Center for the Performing Arts

WE BANJO 3-HAVEN (STUDIO A2)-1/19 Listening Room, 3/5 & 3/6 The Ark

ROCHELLE CLARK-WISH ME WELL (STUDIO A2)-1/17 Zou Zou's, 1/18 Sandhill Cranes, 1/24 Trinity House

ANDREW COLLINS TRIO-GOODBYE BLUE SKY-SHIP IN THE CLOUDS-1/17 20 Front Street, 1/18 Stony Lake Brewing

HEYWOOD BANKS-BIG BUTTER JESUS (LIVE)-1/18 The Ark

HEYWOOD BANKS-GOING BOWLING (STUDIO A2)-1/18 The Ark

JOHN WAITE-HEAD FIRST (ACOUSTIC)-1/25 Andiamo Celebrity Showroom

JOE HERTLER-FADING MARKS (STUDIO A2)-1/24 20 Front Street

BAILEN-SOMETHING TELLS ME (STUDIO A2)-1/30 The Intersection

JOSHUA DAVIS-EVERYBODY GOES SOMEDAY (STUDIO A2)-2/1 Bell's Back Room, 2/15 The Ark, 3/27 MSU Community Music School

GRIFFIN HOUSE-RISING STAR (STUDIO A2)-1/31 Seven Steps Up, 4/4 20 Front Street

GRACE POTTER-PARIS (STUDIO A2)-2/5 The Intersection

SAM CORBIN-MILLIONAIRE (LIVE AT THE LEON LOFT)-1/23 20 Front Street, 2/21 Tri-Cities Historical Museum

ABIGAIL STAUFFER-LOVE SONG OF EARTH AND SKY (LIVE AT THE LEON LOFT WITH JAMIE REGISTER)-1/23 20 Front Street

THE TIMBRE OF CEDAR-SUNNY SIDE UP (STUDIO A2)-1/19 The Ark, 1/25 The Loving Touch

THE LONE BELLOW-COLD AS IT IS (DEMO)-1/31 Hill Auditorium

COLIN HAY-I JUST DON'T THINK I'LL GET OVER YOU (LEON LOFT)-3/29 Royal Oak Music Theater

Next week's show January 19th: Molly Tuttle, Amy Petty, BAILEN, Alison Albrecht in Studio A2 and more.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com

Sunday Brunch January 5th, 2020

The Radical Revisions edition of the show. Always a personal and fan favorite.

Out of the Ann Arbor area? Listen Sundays from 10 AM - noon  at http://annarbors107one.com/

Or in Grand Rapids from 9 AM - 11 AM at http://www.thisisqmusic.com/

Sunday Brunch January 5th,  2020

Sunday Mornings 10 am-noon with John Bommarito

The show opens every week with a song called "Five Points" which you can find here: http://jasondennie.com/?page_id=42 It is performed by local guitar/mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie. 

Artist-Song Title-Originally By-Concert Date

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET-NEW YEAR'S DAY-U2-

ESCAPING PAVEMENT-MONA LISAS AND MAD HATTERS (STUDIO A2)-ELTON JOHN-1/9 River's Edge Brewing Company, 1/10 Otus Supply

YOLA-GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD-ELTON JOHN-

BRANDI CARLILE-LOVE HURTS-EVERLY BROTHERS-

BRANDI CARLILE-A CASE OF YOU (LIVE A THE GORGE)-JONI MITCHELL-

AMY PETTY-THE STORY-BRANDI CARLILE-1/25 Trinity House, 2/27 20 Front Street, 2/29 Bay City State Theatre

KINA GRANNIS & IMAGINARY FUTURE-THE LUCKIEST-BEN FOLDS-

WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS-PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET ME GET WHAT I WANT-THE SMITHS-

THE RAINBOW GIRLS-L-O-V-E-NAT KING COLE-1/31 Hill Auditorium

GLEN PHILLIPS-I WANT A NEW DRUG-HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS-1/17 The Ark

DAVE BOUTETTE-OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNIN (STUDIO A2)-RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN-1/10 Zou Zou's, 2/12 Zou Zou's

IRON AND WINE-LOVE VIGILANTES-NEW ORDER-1/31 Hill Auditorium

JILL JACK-ELVIS MEDLEY (STUDIO A2)-ELVIS PRESLEY-1/11 The Ark, 2/28 Howell Opera House, 3/14 Michigan Theater of Jackson

INGRID MICHAELSON-CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE-ELVIS PRESLEY-1/31 Hill Auditorium

LIZ LONGLEY-JOLENE (STUDIO A2)-RAY LAMONTAGNE-COMING SOON!

COLD TONE HARVEST-OUT ON THE WEEKEND-NEIL YOUNG-2/1 Hill Auditorium

G. LOVE-FIXIN' TO DIE (STUDIO A2)-BUKKA WHITE-1/14 The Ark

MANDOLIN ORANGE-LITTLE MARGARET-TRADITIONAL-2/1 Hill Auditorium

WE BANJO 3-THE LONG BLACK VEIL (LIVE)-LEFTY FIRZZELL-1/19 Listening Room, 3/5 & 3/6 The Ark

ROCHELLE CLARK-ALL THE BEDS I'VE MADE (STUDIO A2)-CAROLINE SPENCE-1/17 Zou Zou's, 1/18 Sandhill Cranes, 1/24 Trinity House

THE RAGBIRDS-RAINBOW CONNECTION (STUDIO A2)-PAUL WILLIAMS AND KENNETH ASCHER-1/11 Listening Room, 1/25 Bell's Back Room

ROBIN WILLIAMS-FIRE (LIVE)-BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN-

INDIGO GIRLS-DON'T THINK TWICE IT'S ALRIGHT (LIVE WITH BRANDI CARLILE)-BOB DYLAN-

BETTYE LAVETTE-MAMA YOU'VE BEEN ON MY MIND-BOB DYLAN-2/1 Hill Auditorium

JOHN WAITE-GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY -BOB DYLAN-1/25 Andiamo Celebrity Showroom

THE RAINBOW GIRLS-ANGEL FROM MONTGOMERY-JOHN PRINE-1/31 Hill Auditorium

THE RAINBOW GIRLS-HELPLESSLY HOPING-CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH-1/31 Hill Auditorium

INGRID MICHAELSON-CREEP (LIVE)-RADIOHEAD-1/31 Hill Auditorium

INGRID MICHAELSON-SKINNY LOVE (LIVE)-BON IVER-1/31 Hill Auditorium

INGRID MICHAELSON-I'VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM-IRVING BERLIN-1/31 Hill Auditorium

Next week's show January 12th: Snow Patrol Amy Petty, Heywood Banks, Grace Potter and more.

Suggestions:  email:  john@annarbors107one.com