Shame that groups still feel the need to move out of the area. You'd think that Appleseed Cast would have shown everyone that it doesn't matter where you're based out of if you tour enough and get your music out there through the internet. Oh well, the scene isn't very supportive or expansive so I can't blame them. I'm just tired of losing talented musicians to Austin, Portland and Brooklyn. Probably similar story in a lot of cities though.
Gee Watts is performing at Dancefestopia Music Festival in KC.
Great interview. Jordan's a great guy. I wish HS all the success they can handle.
Larry, thank you so much for your wonderful article! And many thanks also for letting people know how great the Green Lady is, John Scott has really added a sweet lil' treasure to the KC Jazz scene.
Love this band. Can't wait until Tuesday!
Maybe he and Robert Moore can have a turntable duel.
What makes me cringe is this quote. "I think this creepy obsession with new, new, new, personal 'I wrote it' stuff is a kind of plague on American traditional music". Huh? This is disrespectful to those who write original roots music. There's nothing wrong with doing standards but does she have to insult those who are forging their own path and choosing to write their own music?
@William
Delta blues? ...no. Pokey Lafarge mostly plays western swing, with elements of hot jazz and blues, and is infatuated with Steinbeck. I thought it was analagous to this interview because Elana said that "Our music basically sounds like if you were out driving in Texas during the late 1930s" which would be right in LaFarge's wheelhouse. His band also dresses up in the style of that time period
I saw em open for Black Oak Arkansas at the Riot Room last summer. Both bands were great.
Pokey more of a river blues singer musician?
Great interview. You don't describe "Hot Club's" music, you experience it. We can't wait to travel to Texas from New York, each year, to "experience" Hot Club @ The Continental. The first time I heard them, I closed my eyes and tried to figure out who they sounded like. After the 4th tune, I gave up. Elana isn't Nataile Mc McMaster, Whit isn't Tony Matola and Jake has no equal, period. Now put them together and the chemistry is pure fun and musical heaven. Can you tell, I'm a true fan?
So she's never heard of Pokey LaFarge?
I highly recommend seeing the Grisly Hand live. I got to see them on my birthday this year in Chicago and they were great. Hopefully, our paths cross again some day.
Proud of you my brother! :)
This group keeps a crowd happy and GOING! HELL YEAH!!!
I don't understand what is "very depressing". They have fun, it's nostalgic and the people in the crowd have fun. They're upfront about being a cover band, they aren't trying to "make it" in music. It's just giving people what they want. The people are happy, it's fun and the bars that hire them make money. I don't really see a down side.
I saw them a few years ago at the record bar for new years... one of the best performances i have ever seen. My wife, then my girlfriend, who listens to either indie or mellow music really enjoyed it. Seriously, give them a chance.
Very cool article. I wish I had the funds to have something pressed here. Perhaps a kickstarter deal, or a winning lottery ticket would help, haha.
Seriously though, I will keep them in mind, see what it takes, and hopefully find a way to make it happen someday :)
Would be way more worth it than a batch of compact discs.
As a fellow fan of good vinyl, this is a great article. Sounds like some very good folks doing something really great.
Re: “Gee Watts is trying to turn a big cosign into a career”
Glad you finally caught on to Gee Watts.