#explosionsinthesky
I have a laundry list of posts I’d like to write, and this isn’t one of them. But I just had a moment with a Sarah Sample song, and I couldn’t let it pass without mentioning it to you guys.
Sarah Sample is a Folk and Americana singer currently residing in Boise, ID. Her music has a classic sweetness to it that makes you feel all jittery inside. She writes the kind of songs that immediately make you want to pick up your guitar and write your own. It’s like inspiration just seems to bleed right through the speakers when her music is being played.
Specifically, her song “Texas,” had me at hello, if you will. I don’t know, maybe it’s just cause my wife is from Texas, and I’m a sucker for a love song, or maybe it’s just the simple guitar picking pattern, backed with the swells of electric slide that make-up this beautifully simple song. All I know is that in the middle of this coffee shop, I slipped away to a place where James Taylor plays racquetball with Alison Krauss, and we all get to take turns singing beautiful songs to each other in some park where summer never seems to end.
Give it a listen, maybe you’ll also get to travel to this magical land.
The Trappers playing @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge for the first night of the CWMAs.
I placed my vote for these guys. They played a great set, and were leaps an bounds the best band last night.
Unfortunately for Bronco, I couldn’t stand to sit through any more of Pablo Blaqk’s set, so I left early, and didn’t get a chance to see them. I’ve heard they put on a really great show, though. So congrats to them.
I don’t want to be the guy who tears someone apart on some meaningless music blog, but for the sake of integrity, I have to provide my opinion…
Simply put, Pablo Blaqk squandered an opportunity that a lot of musicians across the Wasatch front would have loved to have. Instead of taking the CWMAs seriously, and providing entertaining art for the people who spent their money to see him play, he took over the night with a sort of open-mic/we don’t give a shit/lets waste some time for 45 minutes kind of set.
Honestly, I can appreciate the sentiment he was going for, I really can. Pablo let his friends play for him in an effort to show that we’re all together in art, music, and so on. Song after song, someone new came up, played a (sometimes) heartfelt song, and simply said “vote for Pablo.” I really like the idea of sharing a moment with your friends, and other musicians, and trying to create a memorable artistic experience. But this fell completely on it’s face.
Not only was it unenjoyable (half the singer-songwriters were too drunk to play well, and one couldn’t even finish his own song), but it was completely unprofessional. If you can imagine a middle school talent show try-out, it wasn’t that far off.
With someone that has the talent of Pablo Blaqk, it would have been really great to see him incorporate his friends in a grand fashion. Let them sing on stage with you, have 4 guitars, 3 banjos, 12 pianos, whatever you want, and make a grand, fun, musical sound. Share your moment, but make sure that it is actually a moment. Don’t waste all of our time with mediocrity at an event that is supposed to showcase the best our state has to offer.
Tonight is the first night of the CWMA showcases
You can check out all of the artists, and whether they prefer kosher or non-kosher meal plans on an airplane, by reading this City Weekly article.
Tonight you can choose between some rock/roll/country at Burts Tiki Lounge, or if you dig that hip-hop flavor you should head over to Wasted Space and get your dance on. The best part about these shows is that they’re only $5. Yeah, for the price of a burger you get to see three of the top bands this state has to offer. So go!
Friday, February 3rd. Shows start @ 9pm
Burts Tiki Lounge:
Wasted Space
- Dusk
- The Numbs
- Burnell Washburn
On February 2nd, The Trappers will be opening for Alabama Shakes at the State Room.
Aside from the obvious love that every human being on the planet should have for Alabama Shakes, and the mind boggling vocals of Brittany Howard, this show has the serious potential to be a top 2012 event (and remember, it’s only January).
The Trappers are the perfect fit to open for Alabama Shakes. Self-proclaimed “woodsy-country” rockers, The Trappers are something you’d expect to find in a Cody, Wyoming bar, surrounded by about 30-some-odd camouflaged Miller Lite hats… except they’re really good! Don’t believe me? Well, they’re nominated for the CWMA’s, so here’s your crow…
On first glance you may think they’re just a fun bar band. When you listen to songs like “Bloodshot Bill” or “Wind & Rain” they’ll get you dancing, and singing along, but then songs like “Waterloo” will bring you down and convince you that The Trappers are actually thoughtful and talented musicians with hearts of gold.
Needless to say, Thursday has the makings for a really great party, and I recommend you don’t miss this one. I’ll be there. Say hello if you see me. I’ll be the one in a trucker hat, and an “I Heart Drilling Oil” shirt.
It’s almost time for the City Weekly Music Awards.
The first couple weeks in February will see several shows across the Wasatch front, showcasing the best bands in the region. A quick look at the list, and you’ll see a bunch of bands we’ve already mentioned here, as well as a few of our favorites that have yet to make it on this ship (in due time, in due time).
I recommend not missing any show including, but not limited to, Ryan Tanner, Pablo Blaqk, The Folka-Dots, The Trappers, and David Williams… but what do I know?
In the meantime, GO VOTE!
