Thursday, February 28, 2013

First/Last-The Garment District (Jennifer Baron)


"The Garment District is the new musical project of multi-instrumentalist Jennifer Baron, a founding member of Brooklyn’s The Ladybug Transistor (Merge). The Garment District’s debut album, Melody Elder, was released on cassette in late 2011, on Iowa City-based Night-People. The sold-out tape is now available via Bandcamp, iTunes, Boomkat, emusic, and Amazon. The Garment District’s music features contributions by Jennifer’s cousin Lucy Blehar (lead vocals) and Jowe Head (bass on "Bird Or Bat") of legendary UK bands Swell Maps and Television Personalities.
Jennifer is co-coordinator of Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh’s first and largest indie/DIY craft fair, and co-editor/contributing photographer for the award-winning book, Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania (Carnegie Mellon Press, 2010)."

Check out the band at their official Website, Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube, Tumblr, Vimeo, Twitter and BandCamp. The release from the band comes as a 7": Nature-Nurture [Sonic Boom Remix] b/w Miraculous Metal/Vigor (La Station Radar) with artwork by Jesse Treece. Pick it up locally at Mind Cure and Sound Cat Records. My sincere thanks to Jennifer for taking the time (and schooling me big time on some obscure cool bands in the process!) to participate in this edition of First/Last.



The first album you ever bought?
Growing up, our house was filled with LPs, cassettes and 8-tracks—some of our first toys—so I was fortunate to feel like I had a private listening library or record store to share with my brother. Among the first albums I bought were compilations of “hits” from the 1950s-1970s. One in heavy rotation included Napoleon XIV’s “They're Coming to Take Me Away” (1966), The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak” (1958) and Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs “Li’l Red Riding Hood” (1966). Those songs all have catchy melodies paired with evocative imagery and narratives to stir a child’s curiosity and imagination. They got lodged in my brain and I still love them, and instantly associate them with childhood.


Your last album bought?
White Fence, Family Perfume Vol. 1 & 2 (Woodsist, 2012) and Swell Maps, International Rescue, a reissue on Alive Records of a compilation featuring recordings from 1977-1979.


Favorite album of all time?
I pretty much stink at best/worst/favorite questions! Too many to fit into one answer, and I think of music as one giant ever-morphing soundtrack to life. I might respond differently if you ask me next week, but for starters: Kaleidoscope: Tangerine Dream; Love: Forever Changes; The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds; Judy Henske and Jerry Yester: Farewell Aldebaran; The Golden Dawn: Power Plant; Syd Barrett: The Madcap Laughs; Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers; Donovan: A Gift From a Flower to a Garden; Mayo Thompson: Corky’s Debt to His Father; John Phillips: John, the Wolf King of L.A.; John Cale: Paris 1919 and Vintage Violence; Songs of Leonard Cohen; The Left Banke: Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina; Brian Eno: Here Come the Warm Jets; Kevin Ayers: Joy of a Toy; New Order: Movement & Power Corruption & Lies.


Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Least favorite and most disappointing are different to me, because most disappointing implies an expectation. Least favorite: too many to name, so perhaps left unspoken. Most disappointing might be Liam Hayes’ More You Becomes You (1998), only because I am so in love with his 1994 debut single, “Three Quarters Blind Eyes” b/w “Found a Little Baby.” But I still dig its intimacy and power, and long for more music by him. Cannot wait to get a copy of his soundtrack for Roman Coppola's new film, A Glimpse Inside The Mind of Charles Swan III, because what I have heard so far is outstanding.


First concert attended?
Peter, Paul & Mary at The Stanley Theatre (now the Benedum) in Pittsburgh with my mom, when I was in elementary school. My mom used to sing “Stewball” to us—my three brothers and me—all of the time when we were children, and she named her dog after the song//horse. My first concert alone with friends getting dropped off by parents was The Kinks, Civic Arena, when I was in junior high.


Last concert?
Will Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy) at Carnegie Lecture Hall on January 26, 2013. Transcendent.


Favorite concert ever?
I am so grateful that there are so many that occupy a portion of the favorite concert spot in my soul. The Smiths, The Queen is Dead tour at the Fulton Theater (now the Byham); Leonard Cohen at the Paramount Theatre in NYC (1994, sat in front of Henry Rollins); all Neutral Milk Hotel shows I saw in 1998; Belle & Sebastian at Angel Orensanz Foundation Centre, NYC (1998); Bedhead at Princeton University (circa 1997); Beachwood Sparks at Mercury Lounge, NYC (1999); Broadcast at the The Bowlie Weekender, Camber Sands, Sussex, England (1999); Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci at Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ (circa 2000); Sun Ra Arkestra at the New Hazlett Theater (2002); Khaira Arby at the Thunderbird (2011); and Bert Jansch (RIP) at Thread Waxing Space, NYC (1999) and Shadyside First Unitarian Church (2010).

One of the most magical concert experiences I have ever had was seeing Brian Wilson’s very first Pet Sounds show at the Beacon Theater in NYC in June 1999. It was both Father's Day and Brian's birthday. Through a friendship with one of Brian's band members, I got to attend an after-party, with my Ladybug Transistor bandmates, that featured a massive cake decorated with the cover of Pet Sounds. Brian made a brief appearance but I think I was more floored to meet the late great lovely Mr. Paul Atkinson, guitarist for The Zombies. He expressed genuine appreciation to learn that someone my age even owned a copy of Odessey and Oracle. When I told him that "Hung Up on a Dream" was my favorite song, he joyfully exclaimed: "I always loved that one too, because they let me play a little guitar solo!"


Least favorite concert?
Shellac in New York City. Why did I go?


Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Recently, being invited to perform at the VIA Music & New Media Festival, co-coordinating the 9th annual Handmade Arcade and eating tacos at Casa Rasta with my husband Greg. The topography, art scene, architecture, neighborhoods, thrift shops, record stores, and the sense that you can truly start or try something here and have a hand in its creative evolution. One of my favorite things about Pittsburgh is its remarkable role in America’s music history, in terms of jazz, soul and funk (Kenny Clarke, Billy Strayhorn, Gene Ludwig, Henry Mancini, Beaver Harris, Roger Humphries), rock and roll (Fantastic Dee-Jays, Swamp Rats, Bo Didley's guitarist The Duchess, Todd Tamanend Clark, The Cynics) and 1950s/1960s pioneering DJs, teen dance clubs and pop hits. This is where tastemaking DJs such as Terry Lee, Mad Mike and Porky Chedwick created hits for many obscure groups and where songs like Tommy James's "Hanky Panky" were literally revived and made into hits here—so music is in this city's fabric. Pittsburgh’s architecture deserves more international attention: with everything from the old Alcoa Building—the nation’s first all aluminum skyscraper—to H.H. Richardson’s jail and church, to Mies van der Rohe’s modern Richard King Mellon Hall of Science and Paul Schweikher’s Brutalist Student Union at Duquesne University, to three Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces and residences designed by his protégés—along with the signature row houses built for the city’s laborers, and the varied hamlets that surround the region. There is such a distinct intersection of labor, innovation, art, and creativity embedded in Pittsburgh.


Thanks, Jennifer. Love your seemingly endless knowledge of underground music. I have been wanting you on the blog for a long time and I really appreciate it.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

First/Last-Joel Ansett

Wednesday, February 27, 2013
East Liberty

"Joel Ansett is a singer/songwriter from Spokane, WA who currently resides in friendly Pittsburgh, PA. He loves lemonade, Gonzaga basketball, and mountains. He plans to pursue songwriting as a career with all of his might."

Check out Joel at his official Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and BandCamp. He is appearing at Shadow Lounge tonight on a bill with The Brushfire and Sun Hound supporting American Opera. My thanks to Joel for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought was Death Cab for Cutie's “Plans”. I heard ‘Soul Meets Body’ on the radio and that easily convinced me to make the purchase.

Your last album bought?
I recently bought Muse's latest album, “The 2nd Law”. I have yet to get all the way through it. For whatever reason I've always treated Muse albums like Guinness: no chugging.

Favorite album of all time?
Somewhat surprisingly, my favorite album of all time is actually the first one I ever bought, “Plans”. I would recommend it strongly to any singer/songwriter. I have listened to that album start to finish so many times and the more I listen to it, the more I love it. It is so melodically rich and not just in the lead vocal; the bass line of ‘Summer Skin’ and the intro to ‘Brothers on a Hotel Bed’ are enough to prove that. Beyond being a melodic masterpiece, Ben Gibbard's lyrics also make the album well worth your time and money. He is one of the most intriguing and engaging lyricists I've ever listened to and “Plans” is certainly a testament to his wit and thoughtfulness.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I am the unfortunate owner of Chris Brown's “Exclusive”. That is more of a genre preference comment than a critical one though. I bought it a while back thinking I would branch out and try something new and ended up not enjoying it much at all.

First concert attended?
For my first concert I saw Jack's Mannequin open for The Fray in my hometown of Spokane, WA. It was thrilling.

Last concert?
I was fortunate enough to see Coldplay at TD Garden in Boston this past summer.

Favorite concert ever?
The Coldplay show, hands down. It was euphoric. I felt some of the most intense excitement I have ever felt at that show. Enough to make me redundant.

Least favorite concert?
Hmm, well, my answer might frustrate some people because I know there are some very devoted Steely Dan fans out there. But, a few summers back my friends had an extra ticket to see Steely Dan and I tagged along. Sorry to say, my favorite part of that evening was the cheese and crackers we brought with us. It's not that it was bad, it was just an entertainment via nostalgia sort of show, and, unlike most of the folks there, I had no memories to connect the songs with so I lost interest pretty quickly. Mmm, that Brie cheese though, delectable.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Well, I've found the perfect night time activity for anyone who doesn't love Pittsburgh yet. Just go a ways southwest of downtown and then turn around and take I-376 East through Fort Pitt Tunnel. Count down from 10 so that you hit 0 just as the tunnel ends and look right once you're on the bridge. If you're not convinced that Pittsburgh has a hint of majesty to it, that little activity should do the trick. Beyond view-hunting, I have also thoroughly enjoyed the people of Pittsburgh. I was not at all expecting to meet such warm and welcoming people when I started doing the open mic circuit a few weeks back, but I can honestly say that every musician I've met thus far has been of the friendly down to earth type and I think that's quite a rare and special thing for a city. I can't wait to keep meeting folks and get an even better grasp on what keeps this city going and what yinz are all about.

Thanks, Joel. Glad  to know you are acclimating into the scene here, bud!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

First/Last-Jann Klose/Rebecca Loebe

Tuesday, February26, 2013
Southside

"Jann Klose is currently completing work on the follow up to his critically acclaimed album REVERIE with producers David Bendeth (Paramore, Bruce Hornsby, Elvis Presley) and James Frazee (Esperanza Spalding, Blondie, My Morning Jacket). He's also co-writing songs and performing with Gary Lucas (Captain Beefheart, Jeff Buckley)."

"Rebecca Loebe is a laid-back award-winning indie-folk singer from Atlanta, GA. Since quitting her job as a full-time recording studio engineer in 2006, she has performed 100+ shows per year at colleges, coffeehouses and theaters in over 30 states of the US and in Europe. In the spring of 2011, her performance on the US premiere of "The Voice" impressed celebrity coaches Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine, prompting them both to ask her to work with them."

You can check out Jann at his official Website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Rebecca can be found at her official Website, Facebook, iTunes, Twitter and YouTube. The singer-songwriters are co-headlining on a brief tour that stop in Pittsburgh tonight at Club Cafe with support from Austen Leathers. My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Jann Klose: Electric Light Orchestra.
Rebecca Loeb: Salt -n- Pepa, "Very Necessary".


Your last album bought?
Jann: The Shins.

Rebecca: Allen Stone, "Allen Stone".

Favorite album of all time?
Jann: There's more than one but I do love Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark".
Rebecca: Carole King, "Tapestry".


Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Jann: So bad I forgot...
Rebecca: Soundtrack to ‘Wayne's World 2’.


First concert attended?
Jann: Prince.
Rebecca: Kids concert: Barry Louis Polisar (who is actually kind of famous now, since one of his songs was used for the opening credits of "Juno"). I saw him at a Montessori school that had a petting zoo when I was 5. It was awesome.
Adult concert: My parents took me to see The Everly Brothers when I was 7 or 8.
Then in 6th grade, I got to start choosing concerts, and I remember going to see Sheryl Crow and R.E.M.


Last concert?
Jann: Olivia Newton-John MS fundraiser w/ John Travolta.
Rebecca: It's been awhile since I've gone to a concert that I wasn't playing at, but I did get to see Robby Hecht in Austin recently and it was wonderful.


Favorite concert ever?
Jann: Roger Waters’ “The Wall”.
Rebecca: Sigur Ros at the Madison Square Garden Theater.


Least favorite concert?
Jann: Hmmm...don't really have one. I think I walked out of an Allman Brothers show once but only because the sound was kind of a mess. Another time I saw them it was perfect. You take the good with the bad.
Rebecca: Gwar. I saw them out of the corner of my eye during SXSW, as I was headed to see the delightful Cory Brannan. Can't say it was for me.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Jann: Love the "old town" vibe of the South Side neighborhood! Always a great and receptive crowd.
Rebecca: I'm really looking forward to coming back to Pittsburgh! Of all the cities I've been to, it's one of my very favorite towns to drive into, especially from the west. The view when you pop out of that mountain tunnel is breathtaking.

Thanks to both of you. Should be a great night tonight.