Video Wednesday

From The Laws.

Let's Put Ruby Jane Over The Top!

Ruby Jane is over 92% of her way to her goal.  Let's put her over the top and get her in the recording studio making some new music.

Video: Beau Borrero

Rise Up! by Beau Borrero

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Best of 2011

What was the best music of 2011?

You tell us.  Leave your thoughts in the comments and we'll compile all your thoughts into a Best of List for the year.  Instead of reading what others think was the best music of the year, read what you think was the best music of the year.

Spotlight: Point Reyes

Bay Area via Brooklyn band POINT REYES – named after founder Asa Horvitz's hometown – comes to the Mudlark Public Theater in New Orleans as part of a 35 concert national tour, following four months living in Warsaw, Poland. While living in Warsaw, the band wrote and recorded WARSZAWA, their debut full-length record, released on CAKES AND TAPES (Portugal/NYC). WARSZAWA features cover art by Wilhelm Sasnal, Poland's leading contemporary painter, and is co-produced by Chicago's Neil Strauch (Joan of Arc, Bonnie Prince Billy, Andrew Bird).  

POINT REYES plays, in the words of one Polish critic, "powerful, strange, American music" – contemporary songs that combine a stunning list of influences; from Motown to mid-60s Miles Davis, from Charles Ives to Captain Beefheart to Joanna Newsom, from the New York downtown scene to Walt Whitman. The result is a sound that is absolutely their own: as BreakThruRadio observes, "Point Reyes has no propensity to emulate other artists." 

POINT REYES' performances combine razor-sharp classically educated musicianship and the simplicity of great pop songwriting, with the energy of post-punk bands like Sonic Youth and a free-jazz musician's liquid sense of spontaneity. Film projections of ancient forests, endless Communist apartment blocks, and intimate portraits of people taken across Poland create a backdrop for songs about contemporary life in Eastern Europe and America. The instrumentation is expansive and colorful – cello, vibraphone, marimba, drumset, bass, guitar, and voices interweave, creating a unique sonic world that mirrors the originality of Horvitz's texts. 

To get POINT REYES off the ground, Asa Horvitz suggested that percussionist Kyle Farrell and cellist Daniel Bindschedler join him in Warsaw, Poland (where he was working supported by a Fulbright grant) to spend four months writing, rehearsing, and giving concerts in a completely foreign environment. Farrell and Bindschedler jumped at the opportunity and in May 2011 the trio moved into a sunny attic loft across from the Vistula river. Throughout the summer, POINT REYES immersed themselves in Poland: they performed in towns where no Americans had performed before, rehearsed ten hours a day in the basement of the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music, studied Polish, swam in flooded meadows, became obsessed with Communist architecture, played major festivals in Krakow and Berlin, collaborated with Polish musicians and theater artists, and wrote and recorded WARSZAWA. The project was funded in part by the Fulbright grant awarded to Horvitz. His compositions for theater director Michal Zadara were described by Jacek Cieslak in Rzeczpospolita, a major Polish daily newspaper, as “living minimalist music, impressive pieces of a larger work", and he has been traveling to Poland to collaborate with Polish musicians and theater artists since 2007.

POINT REYES was founded in Brooklyn in late 2010, and released their first EP as a trio,Wetnurse/POINT REYES, in March 2011. BreakThru Radio called the recording, "A unique dichotomy between acoustic and electronic elements…" and wrote that "what makes their music unusual is its obscure alchemy.... anything but lazy… Horvitz has the insight of a visionary.” Bolachas Gratis called POINT REYES ….a great band from Brooklyn who deserve attention." Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors commented "omg" on the download link on Facebook, and the band still isn't exactly sure what she meant. 

When Bindschedler, Farrell, and Horvitz joined forces to become POINT REYES they brought together an eclectic range of talents: individually they had performed at venues like Tanglewood and the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, with free-jazz master Anthony Braxton, and in indie bands alongside artists ranging from Nat Baldwin to Kurt Vile to Megafaun. Classically-educated Farrell had recently been reviewed as "sounding like a '70s funk player who ditched their other band members, did acid instead of coke, and got ear infections from swimming in the funk." Bindschedler was described as "the best baroque cellist in Brooklyn who will do a session at 2 a.m." They had also composed award-winning music for dance, theater, and classical ensembles, led marching bands and experimental theater companies, sung medieval chant, received advanced degrees in music therapy, and conducted ethnomusicological research in five countries. Joining them for this tour is Jack Randall, a classically educated composer and multi-instrumentalist who has toured China as a singer, and had recordings produced by members of Ariel Pink's band. 

Etta James at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2006

Etta James Terminally Ill

Etta James, one of the greatest female vocalists of all time is terminally ill with leukemia.  The 73 year old singer also suffers from dementia.  Even in her late sixties she could put on an amazing show.

Best of 2011

Ok, we're in the final stretch now.  The year is almost over with.  What was the best of 2011?  Who do you think released the best music of this past year.  Share with us in the comments and we're going to take everyone's thoughts and present a best of the year as presented by you, our wonderful readers.

Simply Six: Gregory Abbott

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

I met Miles Davis and I was surprised at how intelligent, humorous, and supportive he was, which was in direct contrast to how I had always seen him in the press. It was an inspiration. To live life doing something creative that you're passionate about and be able to support yourself and family doing so, I thought to myself "how cool is that?". It seemed like the perfect life and a worthwhile goal to purse.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

When I'm not doing my music, I actually spend time exploring the music of other cultures such as the music Putumayo releases. It broadens my musical  perspective and gives me new ideas as regards instrumentation and subject matter.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Well I'd mention two moments. One was the pure adrenaline rush of performing in front of sixty thousand people when I was one of the winners of the Tokyo Music Festival performing at the Budokan. The performance was also broadcast to roughly two billion people over NHK TV. The second was when I was performing at a club in London and was informed by some fans that my record has just gone to #1 on Billboard in the US and in most territories around the world. Wow. What a feeling.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Music is a very powerful medium and has an amazing effect on transforming human emotion. I absolutely believe that it can change the course of events both small and large. I mean, who doesn't like music in one form or another? I've personally seen music break down barriers and create common bondedness. I saw this happen very powerfully and very quickly when I went to Russia with some fellow songwriters (Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bolton, Brenda Russell...) with the goal of creating an album which was released on Epic. The Russians spoke no English and we spoke no Russian yet we communicated perfectly through music. It was definitely a transcendent experience.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has delivered the power of creation back to the hands of the creator (songwriter). With a modest setup, a songwriter/producer can create something at 5:00 and by 7:00 have it available for the world to hear with the press of a button on a computer keyboard. No longer is a songwriter or producer completely  dependent on a record company for the money necessary to create. This establishes a fertile soil for experimentation and expands the borders of musical exploration.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

New Balance High Tops (lol) This would help me be ready to pounce when opportunity presents itself, with good cushioning against the various trials and tribulations life throws my way, and good ankle support to get back on track should I have a mis-step. How's that?

Video Wednesday

This week we feature Jefferson Grizzard and "I Got The Spirit."

Simply Six: Gory Bateson

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

 

The definin’ moment for me happened when I played with Jimi Hendrix at the Spanish Castle in Seattle back in the 60s when I was a teenager. His musicians got sick on a break and I told Jimi I could play, and since he didn’t have anybody to back him up, he let me. That’s where I met Dougie Mac and Dick Diver and we formed The Ethnogs that night. The rest is history, even if some of it ain’t true.

 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

 

Frank Zappa was my hero. He was a freak, and so am I. For some unknown reason, I really dig Jack Back and Tenacious D too. I’m hopin’ to open for them one day. . . if they’ll return my calls.

 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

 

Playin’ for that tribe in New Guinea. The Ethnogs were supposed to have a concert in some arena in the capitol there, but the plane lost our luggage and our instruments. So we paid a cab driver to take us to the tundra, and when we got out we heard these kundu drums and started jammin’ with these tribers. I’ll never forget it. I wrote “New Guinea Swamp Blues” based on that night.

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

 

Music don’t change the world, it changes how you think of the world. And you can quote me on that.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

 

My recent album ain’t called “Is That Viral Enuf 4 U?” for nothin’. Everybody can hear anybody now. Cuttin’ a record ain’t just for the big boys. Any shmo can record in his basement.

 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

You’re kiddin’ me right? I’d be a pair of cowboy boots kickin’ your butt for askin’ a question like that.

 

Spotlight: Rhio

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.rhiosmusic.com
Location: New York, New York, United States
Description: Rhio is a talented singer who feels at home belting a Country Ballad as well as, today's Pop, Latin, and good old Rock & Roll. When you hear her individual sound you know there's only one Rhio.
Biography: Rhio is a singer, actress and author, as well as an investigative reporter in the area of health. Rhio is of Hungarian-Cuban descent, raised in the US, but completely fluent in Spanish. She has appeared on many radio and television shows as a singer, as well as nightclubs through out the US. She has a very individual sound, and enjoys singing a variety of musical styles. She has been featured as a singer on many Radio and Television jingles. Rhio’s fan base is growing every day.
Press Release: PRESS RELEASE RECORDING ARTIST: RHIO Contact: Leigh Crizoe 212-941-5857 Email beso@earthlink.net Rhio is a singer, actress and author, as well as an investigative reporter in the area of health and longevity. Rhio is of Hungarian-Cuban descent, raised in the U.S. but completely fluent in Spanish. As a performer she has appeared on over 50 TV shows and has been interviewed on radio stations throughout the USA. Rhio has done countless live shows at radio station concert events from California to Miami. Currently she is releasing 2 new singles “Don’t Give Me Flowers”, which is a catchy country pop ballad with a strong storyline and memorable melody, and “Just Email Betty B, which is a pop ballad with a light hip hop feel that she is dedicating to all the service men who are away from home. Rhio is a multi talented singer with an outspoken social consciousness who can be a stimulating interview to say the least. She not only can speak about her music, but also topics that relate to a healthy lifestyle, as well as what’s happening in the world, and the environment. Rhio resides in New York City, but her singing career and other endeavors take her on the road from time to time. Check out her music website at http://www.rhiosmusic.com Rhio’s healthy lifestyle website at http://www.rawfoodinfo.com Rhio’s radio show at Raw Energy Radio.com

The Ultimate Blues: Leni Stern and Friends Find the Strength of African Strings on the Intimate Sabani

 Wildly creative guitarist meets musical soulmates and engaging new instruments in Mali—and records a stark yet warm dialogue as part of a close-knit, cross-cultural trio
In a warm Malian hotel room, the ngoni smiled.

A seemingly simple instrument with an evocative sound and deep past, it was both delighting and baffling the intrepid jazz and blues guitar maven from New York. Its tuning was open to interpretation, to the player’s feeling in the moment. The tonic sat square on the middle string, not at the bottom like most Western stringed instruments.

But as Leni Stern played this great-grandfather to the banjo, she knew she was in touch with something big. “I kept feeling I had the ultimate blues instrument in my hand,” Stern explains.

This ultimate blues buoys Sabani (Leni Stern Recordings; release: February 14, 2012), a beautifully stripped down collection of graceful and dynamic instrumental lines, thoughtful songs, and catchy dialogue across traditions. Inspired by easygoing jam sessions with two Malian musician friends and recorded at Salif Keita’s Mouffou Studios in Bamako, Sabani brings the sound of every string, every pulse
of the calabash and bounce of the talking drum to vivid life, to honor the intense and intimate connection Stern has developed with West African music over the last half-decade.

Stern and a trio of African master musicians—Kofo (talking drum, vocals), Alioune Faye (percussion), and Mamadou Ba (bass)—will share this sound with audiences on the West Coast and Midwest as part of theirSpring 2012 tour. Cities include Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Cleveland, Albuquerque, and Phoenix.

“I don’t know why I waited so long to record this way,” Stern reflects. Stern—whose life has taken her from Munich to New York, from the Peruvian rainforests to the music school in Benin she helped found—was a veteran of the American and European avant rock, jazz, and singer-songwriter circuit.

Brought by UNESCO to mentor studio engineers in Mali, Stern was hooked. She began performing at seminal venues like the Festival in the Desert, touring with musicians from Keita to Baaba Maal, and, perhaps most importantly, making close friends with her newfound teachers and companions. She spent nearly two years living, learning, and making music across Africa.

Bassekou Kouyate, masterful player of the ngoni, and other members of his highly respected family showed Stern the instrumental ropes. Ami Sacko, a popular Malian singer often compared to Tina Turner, taught Stern songs and vocal approaches, while her brother Buba also helped Stern work on her ngoni chops. Stern became a member of the family, earning a new name (Oumou) and sharing the many adventures and trials the musicians encountered as they played for presidents or fled collapsing festival stages.

It was playing alongside Kouyate at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malian independence, as one of 50 ngoni players honoring the occasion, that Stern was first wowed by the deep and resonant ngoni ba, an encounter that sparked Stern’s first ngoni-powered, blues-rich song, “Still Bleeding.”

Yet the most powerful moment that became Sabani, the spare follow up to Stern’s more lavishly arranged Africa-inspired work, was the feeling Stern savored as she jammed with friends from Keita’s band, string whiz Haruna Samake and artful percussionist Mamadou “Prince” Kone, who brings some of Mali’s lesser-known rhythms to the album.

Hanging around bus stations and airports, waiting for Keita, or meeting up in the evenings, the three friends often drank sugar-laden tea and made music together, blending their instruments and voices simply and organically.

This vibe bursts through on tracks like “Sorcerer,” which pairs Stern’s sharp, gritty, often eerie guitar with Samake’s round and percussive string work, and Stern’s Ricky Lee Jones-esque vocals with a warm, serpentine chorus in bambara Instrumentals like “An Saba” and “The Cat Who Stole the Moon” show both the virtuosity of crack players and the close listening of good friends, as contrasting yet harmonious melodies and timbres dance in dynamic interplay.

As the project came together in the relaxed atmosphere of Mouffou’s riverside studio, Stern also invited Sacko to sing (the bittersweet “Papillon”), and learned a thing or two from veteran sokou (folk fiddle) player and singer Zoumana Tareta. Tareta regaled the three friends with both wisdom earned from his life as a sought-after musician (by stars like Oumou Sangare, for example) and with the gripping vocal performance that graces “Djanfa.”

These experiences have transformed and deeply moved the seasoned Stern, filling her with a quiet, unexpected sense of coming home, a moody warmth that pervades Sabani.

“After all my time in Africa, all the musicians I’ve gotten to work with, I feel like a different guitarist, a different person, like I belong to the red earth and the warm winds and the people I love there,” Stern muses. ”I don’t think anyone can go and live there without changing profoundly. And we have a lot to learn from Africa.”

Coming Up On Music on the Couch

Monday, December 19, 2011 10pm Eastern; 9pm Central; 8pm Mountain; 7pm Pacific    We will take your calls and questions for both guests at 1.347.633.9400 The live interactive chat room opens 20 minutes before show time. Follow this link HERE and click on the Chat Now icon. Come hang with the fans and musicians who visit each week. Come Sit On The Couch With Musicians You Should Know THIS WEEK: Shane Dwight & Ethan Hanson Sit On The Couch   Shane Dwight Over the past 10 years, Shane Dwighthas performed over 2,000 live shows, released seven CDs, been a repeat performer on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (West Coast and East Coast), and performed at some of the biggest music festivals around the world. Born in the San Jose, CA area on a farm, the music was a mix of Willie, Hank and Waylon out on the ranch and Ozzy and Zeppelin in the house. A few years back, Nashville called and Shane left California and his world has never been the same. His latest album, A Hundred White Lies was written during the time his marriage was ending and 11 of the 12 songs are originals that come from the dark place of Shane's life at the time. We will get to chat with Shane about his life, where he is heading and what he is seeking on this journey.  All that and tuneage from his album. Ethan Hanson Only 21, Ethan Hanson is quickly following the path laid out by artists such as John Mayer, Jonny Lang and Jason Mraz. Having opened up for major acts like Hootie & The Blowfish and JoJo, Ethan is a true artist and creator of music. With Jan Smith, the same vocal coach used by artists like Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey and Usher, he’s not only catching the attention of Fayetteville, as noted by his sold-out shows and the Fayetteville Observer’s quote of the musician, saying, "Oh yeah, the boy can play", but this talented musician and “old soul” is on the brink of breaking out nationally. We will chat with Ethan about his journey so far and where he is hoping his career path leads whie checking out some of his music.

Simply Six: Mike Stout

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Yes - When I was 15 years old at a Boarding school (i.e.-reform prison) in a farm town in the middle of Illinois corn country, I went to a place called the Youth Center and saw a band called the "McCoys" who featured a teenage guitar player named Rick Derringer and a young singer whaling on a song called "Hang On Sloopy,"  followed a week later by a group called "Them" with a young teenage singer named Van Morrison. I said to myself: 'there's my way out of this insanity.'

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Phil Ochs, early Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Bruce Cockburn, Woody Guthrie, delta blues greats like Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Leadbelly, etc and the Beatles - the all time masters of innovation and 3-part harmony.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

 

In 1973, at an International Peace Conference in Montreal, Canada I performed in front of 500 people from 12 countries a song about a Chilean singer and poet, Victor Jara,  who was tortured and murdered after the Sept. 11, Coup d'etat.  There were 20-25 Chilean refugees in the audience who came up to me after the show crying and thanking me for remembering their fallen hero. Also, on July 4, 1974 I performed an anti-war song in front of 5,000 Vietnam Veterans on the Washington Monument in DC to a standing ovation. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

 

Music can change the world by changing an individual's outlook, attitude and connections with the world around them, whether the song is about other peoples, nature, unjust or oppressive conditions or just a doo-wop 4-part harmony tune that makes you forget your surroundings. Music can change the world by bringing joy, hope and rekindled spirit into their hearts and heads of all with ears.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Negatively, in the sense that it has made recordings somewhat artificial with less of that live, spontaneous feel; positively in the sense that it is so exact and precise that you must be at the top of your game to stand out and be heard. Software such as "Pro Tools" can make the worst singer sound like gold, and the best singer run of the mill. It forces you to sing from the heart, and not from the throat.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

 

Flip flops - the most open, naked, and easy to remove at any given moment.

Simply Six: Beau Borrero

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew
they wanted  to   be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed
Sullivan show,  to   another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there  such  a defining moment for you? 

Well as long as we are being honest, I have to say it was rockin out in 7th  grade to "Pyromania" by Def Leppard, specifically the song "Photograph."  I used to sing along in front on the mirror for what seemed like all night.  After that I was pretty much hooked.  Def Leppard gets  a lot of crap, but let's give them their due - what they did, they did well!

 

2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening   to?  Who are some of

your favorites? 

I will go out on a limb and say that the album "Us" by Peter Gabriel might just be the single greatest piece of recorded pop music ever.  I can always go back to that one and be blown away.  Also, Paul Simon's "Concert in the Park."  I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately, too.  Mozart's piano trios, especially the slow movements, are some of the greatest works of music ever, I think.  I can always take a spin through "Thriller" and be happy, too!  Although he is at times base, vulgar and just dirty, Eminem is a genius and I live much of his work.

 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record

or live?

My hometown CD release show for the release of "Well" in October of this year was a truly sublime evening.  About 100 people in the unique setting of my mom's living room.  It was pure joy.  Many of my good friends who I've been playing with for many years, and who played on the record shared the stage with me.  A night I will never forget.

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something   to  listen   to? 

Both, right?  It's like food - there are meals that rock our world, after which we will never be the same, and there are meals that simply give us energy to get to the next day.  

How much can music influence current events?

 I think Bob Dylan and the Beatles answered that one already.  I think we can say with some certainty that the music of the 60's helped to end the Vietnam war.  A song really can wake people up.  Whether they choose to stay awake is another matter.  With the internet, though, we are all listening to such different music, it is harder for an artist to galvanize the public than it was back then.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

 How hasn't it!  I think this is the best time to be a musician in that the pie is bigger than ever, the slices are just smaller - which is great for the little guy like me.  We may never see another super super star like Madonna or MJ, which is fine.  

How has technology affected your career as a musician?  

In soooooo many ways!  I was able to make a really good sounding cd at home for a few thousand dollars.  That would have been impossible 15 years ago, even 10 years ago.  The resources that are available to the average musician are just amazing now.  That said, there is a lot of great music being made out there, which means a lot of competition, but it's way better than having it be in the hands of a few record companies like it was when I was a kid.  It is much more democratic now, in that the people choose the artists they want to support.

 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of

shoes would you be? 

Is it a cop out to say bare feet?  Well, let's see...Birkenstock is making some really good looking shoes these days that are not all clunky and hippie granola, but still stick to their values of making a comfortable, durable shoe that is good for your feet and made of natural material - so I guess something along those lines...

 

REGURGITATOR TAKE ON JAPANESE MONSTER MOVIE IN NEW VIDEO FOR "NO SHOW"

Regurgitator are celebrating the holidays with the online release of the amazing film clip for their single "No Show" from the band's seventh studio album albumSUPERHAPPYFUNTIMEFRIENDS. 

When Quan from the band found this old Japanese monster movie was in the public domain, he just had to screw with it and the results are a holiday gift that keeps on giving. 

What better way to celebrate the season than with "No Show"?

"Jesus is coming, I heard it on the radio"

In 2011, the three wise men have been replaced, Quan, Ben & Peter, and the star giving direction to the kiddies is a gabble of summer radio-tuned stereos pumping out the year's singalong summer anthem from the Regurgitator hymnbook.

The destination is some of Australia's biggest festivals including this year's BIG DAY OUTwhere Regurgitator make their welcome return to the main stage right around the country after smashing shows dedicated to their classic "Unit" album over Christmas/New Year at Falls and Southbound.

The prophecy of this Regurgitator rebirth was set in stone with the launch of the new albumSUPERHAPPYFUNTIMEFRIENDS this year when the band grabbed airplay around the country with "One Day" and embarked on a sellout national tour playing to thousands of fans both new and old.

If ever there was a single made for summer, this is it. Whether you're moshing at all this season's biggest festivals, vomiting on your boyfriend's shoes at a new year's party or celebrating with your family, there's only one choice of soundtrack for this season's greatest memories and latest hits.

Ruby Jane Carjacked

Thursday night Ruby Jane and her mother were carjacked while visiting friends in Houston.  For more on the story go here.  Your help is even more important now in helping her reach her goal on kickstarter.  Every little bit helps.

Spotlight: Darren Hincks

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.darrenhincks.com
Location: Nashville, TN, USA
Description: The songs that Darren Hincks' composes are bits and pieces of the life of a hard-working dreamer. With songs about hopes, dreams, love, heartache, and life in the country, there's a song of Darren's for everyone.
Biography: Darren Hincks was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and grew up with a back yard that looked out on The Grand Tetons, lush meadows, and cool, mountain streams. He lived wild and free in those days and, in fact, his original songs demonstrate that he still retains a wild and free spirit. Darren was raised like most country boys; up early in the morning to milk the cows, feed the livestock, and clean the stalls. Morning chores blended into the daytime work of cutting, bailing, or hauling hay, moving sprinkler pipe for irrigation, fixing fence, or whatever needed to be done. When evening came, it was time to do his chores again. "It was a lot of work and a lot of hours, but looking back, it was a lot of fun," says Darren. Anyone raised around ranchers and farmers knows the meaning of manual labor. And, as Darren got a little older, he found a job "digging in the dirt." With shovel in hand, he went to work. This led to the start his own construction company where he worked from dawn till dusk six days a week to build his business. As Darren says, "I still dig in the dirt but instead of a shovel, I use my Trac-hoe." Aside from commandeering a successful construction company, Darren has also owned restaurants and a night club. Darren Hincks' hard-working background is the key to his inspired songwriting talent. As Darren explains, "When I was ten years old, my Dad bought me a guitar and taught me a few chords. After a while, I got to where I could play music pretty well. The music allowed me to dream of a life I thought I might never have, and to dream of places I thought I might never see. When you come from a life of hard work, you learn how to dream." The songs that Darren Hincks' composes are bits and pieces of the life of a hard-working dreamer. His songs are ones that the common man, and woman, can relate to…songs about hopes and dreams, love and heartache. Listen to his music and get to know Darren Hincks.
Press Release:

Coming Up on Music On The Couch

Monday, December 12, 2011 10pm Eastern; 9pm Central; 8pm Mountain; 7pm Pacific    We will take your calls and questions for both guests at 1.347.633.9400 The live interactive chat room opens 20 minutes before show time. Follow this link HERE and click on the Chat Now icon. Come hang with the fans and musicians who visit each week. Come Sit On The Couch With Musicians You Should Know THIS WEEK: Sean Chambers & Clarence Bucaro   Sean Chambers After spending time as band leader and guitarist for the legendary Hubert Sumlin, Sean Chambers is continuing to make a name for himself in the blues world. Sean was named one of the Top 50 Blues Guitarists by Britain's Guitarist Magazine. His playing and writing has been influenced by the likes of  Hendrix, Hubert and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has recorded three albums, the latest being Live From The Long Island Blues Warehouse. I will sit with Sean and explore his career while we listen to tunes from his album Clarence Bucaro Then Clarence Bucaro takes his seat on the Couch. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Clarence left his hometown relocating to New Orleans to follow his mentor, the Crescent City music icon Anders Osborne. With four albums under his belt, Clarence will be releasing his newest, Walls of the World, in early 2012.  The twelve new songs travel the gauntlet both musically and lyrically weaving through the personal as well as the outside and political world in present times. We will chat with Clarence about his journey so far and find out where the road leads in the future.