Portfolio

MANNAH

www.myspace.com/mannahband

http://emilyjramey.com/2009/03/10/mannah-review/

“Mannah is a Nashville-based modern rock and metal band that is known for exciting and engaging live shows, melodic creativity, accessible yet complex music, and good musicianship. The current lineup, which was finalized in late 2006, consists of Jonathan Spencer on Vocals, Kaelin Tauxe on Guitar, and Adam Erickson on Bass. They take a fresh approach to mainstream progressive rock and metal by mixing and reinventing elements of both classic and modern rock in many different genres. Mannah’s music is heavily based on feel and “band to audience” interaction, with lyrical subject matter based on real life experiences and observations.

A large part of Mannah’s musical appeal stems from a unique mixture of personal stylings consisting of multi-octave vocals, shred guitar, extreme slap bass, and progressive drumming. Using these tools, Mannah exhibits a catchy yet innovative sound that everyone can appreciate.”

Mannah is so rockin’.  Jonathan’s got that Geddy Lee thing going on, Toomey is killer on double bass, Tauxe‘s fingers are a blur on guitar, and Erickson fills out the sound spectrum with epic slap bass. And on top of their tight musicial abilities, they just look so prog.  I love their shows.  “And In Health” is seriously one of the best rock love songs ever.  – EJR

—

THE DELTA SAINTS

www.myspace.com/thedeltasaints

http://emilyjramey.com/2009/09/29/the-delta-saints-pray-on-ep-review/

http://emilyjramey.com/2009/02/16/the-delta-saints-article/

“As if the warm familiar melody of rootsy porch music has been plugged in and turned up: The Delta Saints are driving listeners from the comforting recline of their porch swings right to the edge of their seats. It’s a fusion of traditional southern soul and funk-inspired power, all layered with furious harmonica lines that simultaneously tie the group together and threaten to unseat it all in one sweep. It’s the unsettling sound of strength. A strength fueled by talent and bridled by a passion to relate to another that catches the attention of passers-by with its language-like quality. You can hear within it a conversation between five men able to speak to one another through their instruments.

The essence of the Midwest and the bayou work together to make a sound unique but befitting of Nashville. And the energy that sweats from this gritty howling dynamic is a message heralding love and loss and consequence. And though the songs may end, the intensity generated from the act of something old made new again will hauntingly remain.”

I am crazy about The Delta Saints.  Their music is so dirty, and their live show is almost to much to take in.  The room heats up, and nobody cares.  The combination of harmonica, dobro, and that bluesy old-man-from-the-bayou voice from Ringel are enough to make anybody sweat. The Delta Saints have that uncanny ability to make you feel the music in your body and mind whether you like it or not.  I never miss a show in Nashville.  – EJR

—

GRAND MAGNOLIAS (formerly HIGHTIDE BLUES)

www.myspace.com/hightideblues

“Hightide Blues hit the ground running in 2006 headlining over 150 shows in their first year and sharing the stage with such national acts as Sister Hazel, Sara Bareilles, Jason Isbell (of the Drive By Truckers), Karl Denson Trio (KD3), Sam Thacker, Benjy Davis Project, Moses Mayfield, Warm in the Wake, Michael Warren, the Zac Brown Band, and many more.

Their debut album Hightide Blues was recorded in Nashville, TN and consists of unique and energy-filled rock with overtones of alt-country set over layers of acoustic and electric guitars and a hard-hitting rhythm section. The band is made up of four college students from Auburn, Alabama balancing finishing their degree and traveling around the Southeast playing different cities and venues every week. The album’s sound illustrates the band’s musical influences including artists such as Ben Harper, Ryan Adams, and the Black Crowes.”

The boys of Hightide Blues are some of the nicest guys in Nashville, but their alt-country feel is what I like best about them.  The band’s instruments come so easily, and McDonald’s coarse vocals are mesmerizing.  Hightide Blues play a solid live show, and their music is free to download, so you really have nothing to lose in bending an ear for the sake of a promising young act.   – EJR

—

THE HOLLYWOOD TEN

www.myspace.com/thehollywoodtenmusic

http://emilyjramey.com/2009/04/19/the-hollywood-ten-review/

“Fresh Nashville rock ‘n’ roll outfit, The Hollywood Ten brandishes itself with pristene harmonies courtesy of the brothers Ford–Michael and Ben–ripping guitars, tight rhythms and a modern rock edge-meets-indie rock heart. Watch out for ‘em.”

- Under the Radar Review, American Songwriter Magazine

The Hollywood Ten is not a difficult pick.  Their 90s grunge rock sound is just good music, and the musicians themselves often seem too wrapped up in it to even notice that they’re actually playing for an audience. When observing such a rare occurence – that the band just plays, instead of really ‘performing’ – I like to think it’s because the musicians don’t care about their image; they just can’t stop playing.  And if it’s The Hollywood Ten, you won’t want them to.  – EJR

—

COSMIC AMERICA

www.myspace.com/cosmicamerica

“Cosmic America strives to find the diamond of inspiration in all popular styles of music. They take their influences and stir them up always adding their on secret ingredients. This is a prime example of a group of guys who make music because they love doing it. Cosmic has a surreal way of finding universal themes their fans can rally around. Deep and humorous, Cosmic America has become one of the most talked about bands in the Nashville area.”

Cosmic America is a riot.  I can always count on them to rile up a weeknight.  They’re brash and ridiculous and defiant, and I can’t get enough of them.  Cosmic America plays to have a good time, and their attitude permeates their entire audience.  – EJR

—

WESTFOLK

www.myspace.com/westfolkband

http://emilyjramey.com/2009/04/18/oscar-anthony-and-the-westfolk-article/

“Nashville, Tennessee. We got the beat on ‘em. The city. The field. The tramp on the hills. The simple birds calling from elaborate pine tops. We are tired of being torn from arms, and cast into shirtless execution. We don’t buy into this fatal eating of the bread as much as they would like us to. the hungry come starved and searching for survival, but what can we do to help? More people need asking privilege and power for the all affecting system shutdown and for life to find the button and turn on. We be hungry for buttons and the buttoneer that makes them. Fasting for days pointing to that ol’ poet of poets, Oscar C. Anthony, and his group of scientist wrangling prairie dusters, The Westfolk Band. Such is the tired life we carry on our backs and shoulders and so goes the sound of Oscar Anthony & The Westfolk Band. Let us carry your spirits somewhere else.”

Westfolk (formerly Oscar Anthony and the Westfolk Band) is one of those bands that lands in about 9 genres, and nobody can quite agree on a suitable or complete description of their sound.  And somehow, it works.  A band of six members, their sound, in addition to being a combination of blues, country, rock, bluegrass, etc., etc., etc., is a crashing wave of music into their audience.  Their tidal sound can wash you away.  Plant your feet, and feel the blast. – EJR