Omara “Bombino” Moctar, a young Tuareg guitarist and songwriter, was raised during an era of armed struggles for independence and violent suppression by government forces. His electrifying jams capture the spirit of resistance and rebellion while echoing with guitar riffs reminiscent of fellow Africans Tinariwen and Ali Farka Touré not to mention rock and blues icons such as Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Page. Already a superstar in the Tuareg community, with the release of Agadez on Cumbancha Discovery Bombino’s stature as one of Africa’s hottest young guitarists has been revealed to the world.
Author Archives: Live and Breathing
Flow Tribe: Fiya On Esplanade
Straight out of New Orleans and into your earholes, Flow Tribe comes at you with the delicacy of a sledgehammer. They create “backbone cracking music”, a soul shaking mixture of styles and sounds guaranteed to drive you wild. These are 6 seasoned performers who have shared the stage with the likes of Trombone Shorty, Juvenile, and BIll Summers just to name a few. A relentlessly touring band that plays major venues and festivals around the country bringing with them a heat and passion best described as “bizarrely irresistible”.
the everybodyfields: Helplessly Hoping
It’s seemed like an eternity since June of 2009 when the everybodyfields announced they were parting ways to explore their own musical paths. As dear friends of the everybodyfields we’ve had the honor of watching their solo careers mature and witnessed how captivating and heartfelt they remain. While the everybodyfields may only remain a sweet memory, we’re thankful to have recently been a part of a brief, nostalgic glimpse of something beautiful that may one day be referred to as ‘way back when’.
This Mountain: Distraction
A collaborative group of friends and musicians making lovely folk-rock tunes for themselves and others. From Johnson City, TN they have been making music together since the fall of 2010, and have been capturing ears and getting bodies moving in the region. In the fall of 2011 they released a four song, self-titled EP and released their first full-length album August 21, 2012. And they may well soon be coming to a town near you.
Brandon Adams & The Sad Bastards: Blood
Lubbock-based Brandon Adams — with his deep musical roots as well as a spectrum of inspirations — stands out within the current Texas young country boom. A guitar his uncle gave him led Adams to begin making music while at Texas Tech. From song swaps and sing-along parties with friends, he quickly progressed to playing a local club with a friend as a duo and fronting a popular band in the Panhandle region After a stint working as a golf pro in Central Texas, Adams returned to Lubbock determined to write songs that reflect his own musical personality.
Charlie Shafter: Jamila
Sometimes you encounter a musical artist for a first time and find yourself experiencing a warm sense of déjà vu – not a feeling that you’ve heard it all before, but a feeling that you’ve reunited with a person you’ve known for ages, someone with whom you share a connection. That’s the vibe conjured up by Charlie Shafter, a young singer-songwriter with an old soul – and a knack for forging a connection with just about anyone who crosses paths with his songs.
Red Shoes & Rosin: Ocean
Banjos, fiddles, mandolins…what more could one ask for? Red Shoes & Rosin is a female string trio that sounds old and fresh simultaneously. They combine old fiddle tunes, quaint vocal harmonies, and their own originals, resulting in…RSAR.
Dear Rabbit: With Them Shoes He Only Has One Sock
The man behind the name is Rence Liam, who’s been tearing it up with his eccentric attention demanding one-man-band performances across the USA. Imagine attending a secret party thrown by Salvador Dali in an ornate smoke-filled drinking parlor in the dark belly of a creaky figate with Blackbeard, Captain Beefheart and a bunch of crazed, violent gypsies… Lots of old timey instruments (Accordion, Cornet, Trombone, Banjo etc.) played very energetically with a near-punk delivery with Rence’s belted lyrics over-the-top.. Quite a spectacle!”
JP Harris & the Tough Choices: Two For The Road
You thought country music ain’t what it used to be. Think again. J.P. Harris and The Tough Choices have been resurrecting the ghosts of a time when real, hardcore Honky Tonk ruled the airwaves; before the words “pop” or “new” ever met the word “country.” Leaving home at the young age of 14, J.P. Harris has lived the songs HE writes for well over a decade, getting his start around fires in sheep-herding camps in the southwest and hobo jungles across the country.
Daniel Payne: A Few Fine People
Daniel Payne is certainly no stranger to the life of musical gypsyhood. His exploits of rambling and relentless touring stretch across the globe. 800 Mile Monday is his band and channel for his stories. In between his friendly smiles and down-home West Texas “hi you all,” Payne howls and mourns his savage tales of betrayal, spurned lovers, and low down losers.
