Blogs

This week’s album of the week will be Camper Van Beethoven’s New Roman Times.  A true concept album, New Roman Times was the band’s 2004 reunion/comeback record after having been dormant for 14 years.  The concept was strange (what would you expect from CVB?), but intriguing, involving a plot about a fictional America divided into smaller republics (most notably the secular Republic of California and the Fundamentalist Christian Republic of Texas) that are at war with one another.  The band employs some none-too-disguised political jabs as well as indulges their taste for 1970s-style prog rock, mixed with Middle Eastern melodies and ska-based rhythms...All in all, a very fitting selection for KDRT’s Album of the Week in this very lively election season.  Dug Deep hosts this edition of Album of the Week.

It’s cool jazz, soul jazz, a little bossa nova. Plus Al Jarreau’s Take Five, and some modern jazz guitar tonight. Jacy Parker * Charlie Parker & His Quintet * Ethel Ennis * Ruby Braff * Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong * Sam Lazar * Vince Guaraldi & Bola Sete * Stanley Turrentine * Al Jarreau * Howard Roberts * Don Thompson & Pat La Barbera

The best way to describe Michael Nau's first solo LP, Mowing, is as an alternative indie-folk album that is about as eclectic as it gets. Everything is extremely stripped down and low tempo, leaving plenty of time for reflective lyricism that's laced with introspective observations. Nau's voice is as laidback as the skillful but simple instrumentation, never getting angry or excited, just crowing softly as the tune beats on. The best songs on Mowing are the more upbeat "The Glass," the emotionally resonant "Good Moon," and the funky single "Winter Beat." The album works best when you want to listen for relaxation; it won't pump you up, but it will settle you down smoothly and peacefully. Mowing isn't for everyone, but if you are into laidback indie folk, you can't go wrong with Michael Nau.

Live DiRT:  KDRT and Armadillo Music welcome the Peter Holden Band for the Downtown Davis 2nd Friday ArtAbout. The show will broadcast live on KDRT 95.7FM / KDRT.org.

Peter Holden is a San Francisco-based pop/acoustic/rock musician who’s performed in California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Connecticut, to name a few states.  His debut EP The Athens & Other Stories came out in June 2013.  The album is available on virtually every online download site.  A second EP titled simply EP#2 was released last year.  Peter’s sound is reminiscent of Matchbox Twenty, The Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World, and the Gin Blossoms.  Peter grew up all over the country, travelling with his family.  Every place Peter lived became a part in his music.  Whether it’s the rocking EP#2 featuring “Tired of Waiting,” or “Wasted Youth” from The Athens & Other Stories, you’re sure to be singing Peter’s songs before you know it.

Listening Lyrics is honored that during the live broadcast we will be introducing the new CD by the Big Sticky Mess.  Big Sticky Mess traveled lightyears at rocketing speeds to Earth in search of you. Now, as if shot out of a cannon through the heart of a rainbow, the Mess is here bringing a kaleidoscopic mix of extraterrestrial hooks, vibrant grooves and potent beats, purely for your entertainment.  Close your eyes and hear the funky jams reminiscent of decades past with a sound much larger than the three piece arrangement before you should allow.  So slip another drop under your tongue and join the inter-planetary groove train that is the Big Sticky Mess.

All Listening Lyric shows are live on Fridays from 4:00PM to 5:00PM.(PST) on KDRT 95.7FM. For those outside the listening area, the show will stream live online at KDRT.org . It will also be available for replays in the show archives or as an podcast on iTunes under LISTENING LYRICS.

Rated as the top criminal defense attorney in Austin, Texas by Super Lawyers Magazine, Brian Roark is representing a University of Texas student facing expulsion over allegations that he sexually assaulted a non-student at her off campus apartment.  Roark claims the university's investigation of the case and scheduled discplinary hearing violates his client's right to due process of law.  Roark achieved national recognition last fall after successfully representing University of Texas wide receiver Kendall Sanders who was ultimately found not guilty of sexual assault.

Tonight: some swing, some mainstream jazz, and featuring the vocals of Eva Cassidy -- a great crossover artist from the early 1990’s. Eva Cassidy * Duke Ellington and His Orchestra & Oscar Peterson * Clark Terry, Paul Gonsalves * Johnny Hodges * Frank Sinatra * Ella Fitzgerald & Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra * Weather Report * Toshiko Akiyoshi * Gerry Mulligan * The Ray Brown Trio * Eva Cassidy & Chuck Brown * Jim Hall

Headed by frontman Christopher Hunt, along with guitarist Ryan Shickman and drummer Billy Thompson, Gravy Nation began in 2014 right here in Davis and has since grown in popularity due to a solid live act and their first LP, the self-titled Gravy Nation. The rock band is reminescent of pop-punk groups like Better Than Ezra and Green Day but with greater pop sensibility that brings to mind 90s Britpop and classic rock from the late 60s and early 70s. Tracks include "Disconnected Brain," a funky, multifaceted alternative tune that demonstrates Gravy Nation's range and talent, and "It's Too Late," a breezy pop tune that is relaxing despite the grunge vibe that permeates the entire LP. The band knows how to crank out a righteous and angry punk tune, as illustrated by "Boredom Blues," whose lyrics convey the inherent insecurity and restlessness that comes with boredom, and "Day Wrecker," which might be the strongest song on the album thanks to it's anthemic guitar work and infectious bass. All in all, Gravy Nation is a dynamite first LP that bolsters the local music scene and shows fantastic promise for the band. 

There are 7 bands from Davis nominated for the SAMMIES this Year -- MAU, MILLION DOLLAR GIVEAWAY, SPANGLER, BIG STICKY MESS, MISNER & SMITH, and WEST NILE RAMBLERS. Join us for three of these bands performing live at Armadillo Music. Aproximate times are 1:30PM for Million Dollar Giveaway. 2:30pm for MAU, and 3:15 PM for Spangler. All ages--come on down! 

Check out the bands and vote here https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=19807665