Music: Alabama

Alabama Music Office goes to 55 Bar in New York City

2013-05-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Alabama Music Office goes to 55 Bar in New York City

Alabama Music Office.com goes to the early jazz perfromance at 55 Bar a jazz club in New York City located at 55 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. (Since 1919) The band was called Jazz Country and featured Amy Cervini. This video captures Amy singing a song about John Lennon.
A funky dive bar from prohibition days, the 55's heart is jazz and its soul is the blues. Incredible musicians rock the house nightly with some of the most innovative playing in NY (if not the world)! Watch musical legends checking out the newcomers and veteran barflies chatting up first timers. A cool staff with no attitude (well, almost), a low cover and a wicked juke box make this a true village hangout.
Don't fence her in: Amy Cervini is a jazz-honed singer who has the big ears and free spirit to reach far and wide for great material, whether it's from Cole Porter or Leonard Cohen, Nellie McKay or Willie Nelson. In January 2012, the Toronto-bred, New York-based vocalist releases her third solo album and first for Anzic Records: Digging Me, Digging You, an homage to the vintage jazz pixie Blossom Dearie. This follows the albums Love Fool (2009) and Famous Blue (2007), which established Cervini as one of the more individual talents on the North American scene for her intrepid sense of song and pure-toned, ever-swinging vocalism. The New York Times has enthused over her as "a thoughtful and broad-minded jazz singer," while the All Music Guide recommends her recordings for the "honest, self-assured and honey-dripping presence clearly heard."
Cervini has performed in clubs and concert halls from Toronto to Tel Aviv and in New York City venues ranging from the Cornelia Street Cafe, Joe's Pub, 55 Bar and the Knitting Factory to the Jazz Standard, Birdland, the Blue Note and Carnegie Hall. She works regularly with her "North Americana" group Jazz Country, as well as the vocal ensemble Monday Off. Her performances have been praised far and wide. The Boston Phoenix said "her singing drew distinctions between rhythm and phrasing -- that is, she can swing, but she also knows where a lyric should fall in the melody and how to turn a syllable." And the Ottawa Citizen declared that "the ex-pat Canadian sings terrific, gimmick-free jazz [with a] poise, intelligence and an unforced honesty that makes every song ring like it was her own." For her part, Cervini says, "I just want to make listeners feel something when I sing. I know that's why I go to a show, because I want to feel, to be moved."

Alabama Music Office goes to MoMA in New York City

2013-05-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Alabama Music Office goes to MoMA in New York City

Alabama Music Office.com goes to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. This was a very enjoyable afternoon. I am now more than ever convinced of art being in the eye of the beholder. Video is very limited there.
Founded in 1929 as an educational institution, The Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to being the foremost museum of modern art in the world.
Through the leadership of its Trustees and staff, The Museum of Modern Art manifests this commitment by establishing, preserving, and documenting a permanent collection of the highest order that reflects the vitality, complexity and unfolding patterns of modern and contemporary art; by presenting exhibitions and educational programs of unparalleled significance; by sustaining a library, archives, and conservation laboratory that are recognized as international centers of research; and by supporting scholarship and publications of preeminent intellectual merit.
Central to The Museum of Modern Art's mission is the encouragement of an ever-deeper understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art by the diverse local, national, and international audiences that it serves.
To achieve its goals The Museum of Modern Art recognizes:
That modern and contemporary art originated in the exploration of the ideals and interests generated in the new artistic traditions that began in the late nineteenth century and continue today.
That modern and contemporary art transcend national boundaries and involve all forms of visual expression, including painting and sculpture, drawings, prints and illustrated books, photography, architecture and design, and film and video, as well as new forms yet to be developed or understood, that reflect and explore the artistic issues of the era.
That these forms of visual expression are an open-ended series of arguments and counter arguments that can be explored through exhibitions and installations and are reflected in the Museum's varied collection.
That it is essential to affirm the importance of contemporary art and artists if the Museum is to honor the ideals with which it was founded and to remain vital and engaged with the present.
That this commitment to contemporary art enlivens and informs our evolving understanding of the traditions of modern art.
That to remain at the forefront of its field, the Museum must have an outstanding professional staff and must periodically reevaluate itself, responding to new ideas and initiatives with insight, imagination, and intelligence. The process of reevaluation is mandated by the Museum's tradition, which encourages openness and a willingness to evolve and change.
In sum, The Museum of Modern Art seeks to create a dialogue between the established and the experimental, the past and the present, in an environment that is responsive to the issues of modern and contemporary art, while being accessible to a public that ranges from scholars to young children.

Alabama Music Office goes to New York City

2013-05-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Alabama Music Office goes to New York City

Alabama Music Office.com goes to New York City on May 1 thru 5, 2013. We did some business and took the time this trip to do several things that we never had time to do on previous visits.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 music clips

2013-05-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 music clips

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. Dick Cooper has the perfect party location overlooking beautiful Shoal Creek. There is always an abundance of talent at any Dick Cooper Party. This video shows Alabama music artists doing what the love, playing music. Muscle Shoals is again developing new sound for the return of Music Mecca status.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Will McFarlane

2013-05-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Will McFarlane

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. Bad weather in the morning with a beautiful afternoon.

Will McFarlane spent six years playing guitar with Bonnie Raitt, from 1974 to 1980. Born on a Navy base in California, McFarlane started voice lessons at age 6, adding piano a year later. Seeing the Beatles play the Ed Sullivan Show when he was 12 inspired McFarlane to take up guitar. He developed a taste for R&B in high school, focusing on Motown material while developing as a rhythm guitarist.
McFarlane attended college in Denver, but soon dropped out and had been playing gigs in bars and clubs across the country when Raitt found him in a club in Cambridge, Mass.

McFarlane learned how to listen as well as play while in Raitt's band. His musical education was a versatile one, encompassing straight blues, country blues, folk, country, rock 'n' roll, as well as singer-songwriter material. Raitt was sharing stages with living blues legends, and McFarlane soaked up as much as he could from them before and after the gigs.

McFarlane left Raitt to move to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, playing on records for Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Etta James and Johnnie Taylor as part of the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.

He parted company amicably from Raitt in 1980, because he and his wife, Janet, wanted a change of lifestyle and didn't want to raise two kids in L.A.
Soon after relocating to Muscle Shoals, he had a spiritual awakening. His younger brother was murdered while McFarlane was still with Raitt, and he says he reeled for three years afterwards.
He became a Christian, but continued to make his living playing secular music at Muscle Shoals Sound, as well as traveling in ministry. During this time his floundering marriage was restored, and he and Janet, now married 35 years, also travel together.

McFarlane has continued to work in secular and gospel music, both traditional and contemporary styles. He has moved back to Muscle Shoals, and plays there, as well as in Nashville, and other places around the country and world, doing sessions and live performances. He was just recently inducted into the Musician's Hall of Fame in Nashville as a friend of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (The Swampers).

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 David Walton

2013-05-14T13:36:00.002-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 David Walton

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013.
David Walton is a folk artist that has played all over the world. He is also an accomplished flutist. David is a true Master of the Bamboo Flute! He has an incredible CD of Native American music. Very Soothing.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Tosha Hill

2013-05-14T08:24:00.001-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Tosha Hill

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013.
Tosha Hill, a Country and Americana singer/songwriter/musician, was born to parents Billy and Tina Hill in Florence, AL. Raised in a family-owned furniture manufacturing business, with three older brothers, there never was a dull moment. Music was a heritage to be kept in the Hill household, passed down from her grandparents, who were sharecroppers and front porch singers. At age nineteen, she has had quite an amazing musical journey to say the least. From singing her first song in a church of fifteen members at the age of twelve to performing for Alabama's Gov. Robert Bentley and the Alabama House of Reps., along with Reps. Phil Williams and Mike Ball from Huntsville, AL, at the age of seventeen. Tosha has also had the honor to perform at the Randy Owen Celebrity Classic for three consecutive years, alongside Nashville greats: Megan Mullins, John Bohlinger, Wade Hayes, Chuck Tilley, Steve Peffer, and John Howard. Tosha has also opened and performed with Travis Wammack, Randy Owen, John Oates, Donnie Fritts and The Decoys, Billy Ryan, Aaron Wilburn, The Martins, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet , and Ed Hill (Member of the Stamps Quartet). Currently, Tosha plays at local and out of town venues with her brothers Josh and Caleb, and enjoys writing with her dad. "It's always exciting to write with dad. We have a certain chemistry and the majority of the time can fill in each other's sentences." Her influences are widely diverse, ranging from Janis Joplin to Emmylou Harris. She is also a member of the praise team at her home church, Christ Chapel, in Petersville, AL.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 The Valley Roots

2013-05-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 The Valley Roots

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013.

Born out of both modern rock and southern soul, The Valley Roots are leading the way in the new revitalization of the Muscle Shoals Sound. Hailing from the tri-cities area, The Valley Roots combine the best of the old and new schools in a unique sound that's made from southern rock, funkadelic rhythms, and sweet soul music joining together. When The Valley Roots play, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 the party continues.......

2013-05-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 the party continues.......

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. This video shows the sights and sounds that is Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013. Look close, more than likely you will see someone you know. Folks come and go all day long and some stay in the house and never come out for the bands playing in the backyard preferring the more intimate singer/songwriter type of music played during the day on the inside.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 "Voodoo Woman"

2013-05-10T18:38:00.001-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 "Voodoo Woman"

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. A super hot version of "Voodoo Woman" was performed by Kendra Sutton, Holley Malone and Scott Boyer III backed by the Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 AllStar Band.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Scott Boyer III

2013-05-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Scott Boyer III

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Jim Cavender on Tele

2013-05-08T14:36:00.001-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Jim Cavender on Tele

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. Jim Cavender was a member of the Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 AllStar Band on this day.

Jim Cavender
Born: May 10, 1962
While continuing to sing, play bass, guitar and drums in various groups, Jim Cavender has recently produced one jazz CD, To A Planet by Rolling Jazz Revue, and one blues/rock live CD, Bookaroo, both in 2010. To A Planet features all original tunes by RJR's new lineup, including Nick Walker on upright bass and Thad Brown on drums in addition to veteran members Cavender, Newt Johnson and Ben Cohen. Bookaroo is a live collaboration between Cavender and Ivy Joe Milan and the Snowballs, Criss Ashwell and other mainstays of the Huntsville, Alabama, music scene. Both the live concert and the CD were fundraising projects for Huntsville Public Library, where the CD is currently available.
In 2008, Jim produced three jazz CDs, Elephants In The Crosswalk and Halloween On Union Avenue by Rolling Jazz Revue and O Christmas Tree-O by the Keith Taylor Trio. The two RJR CDs feature mostly original tunes written by the group's members, Jim Cavender, Newt Johnson, Ben Cohen and Brian Palmieri, but they couldn't resist covering Ornette Coleman's "Ramblin'" on their debut CD, Halloween On Union Avenue. Ken Watters co-wrote "Flying Carpet" with Cavender on the same CD.

Jim has toured throughout much of the country with the bands The Jungle, Then Again and The Snake Doctors. He has performed with Percy Sledge, Bo Diddley and Chocolate Armenteros. He has also performed in Cuba (with pianist Roberto Carcasses and trumpeter Julio Padron, among others), Colombia and Sweden (with bassist Anders Eriksson and trumpeter Toti from Circus Maximus). Jim studied music at East Texas State University, and in his home state of Alabama he was lucky enough to get lessons with the late r&b session guitarists Tippy Armstrong and Eddie "Spanky" Alford.

Cavender has produced or co-produced albums in various genres since 1986 including The Jungle by The Jungle (jazz), It Creeps Up On You by Swine Cadillac (blues), Move To The City by Then Again (rock), Brothers by Ken and Harry Watters (jazz), The Snake Doctors by The Snake Doctors (rhythm and blues), Black Boots And A Suitcase by Joshua Black Wilkins (rockabilly) and Along The Anchorline by Skip Heller Trio (jazz). Currently Jim is working on a collaborative Americana CD project with Skip Heller, due out later in 2010. He also has a CD in the works with his jazz/funk/rock organ combo Trio El Camino.

In addition to playing instruments and/or singing backup vocals on the above-listed albums, Jim Cavender played upright bass and guitar on Don Bowyer's Itchin' In The Kitchen (big band jazz) and co-wrote "Fall Festival" with Ken Watters on Brothers III by Ken and Harry Watters (jazz). Jim also contributed original songs for some of the albums he has produced over the years.

Jim continues to play solo and in various bands in the Huntsville, Alabama, area including Rolling Jazz Revue (jazz), Keith Taylor Trio (jazz), Trio El Camino (jazz-rock organ combo), The Lost Troubadours From The Ford Galaxie (honky-tonk country), Mambo Gris Gris (Latin/Carribean) and The Snake Doctors (rhythm and blues). He also teaches in the music department at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Source: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=17713

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Holley Malone and Friends

2013-05-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Holley Malone and Friends

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. Holley Johnson Malone joins Dick Cooper Party Spring 3012 AllStar Band.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Kendra Sutton and Friends

2013-05-07T14:06:00.001-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Kendra Sutton and Friends

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoal Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. It was a beautiful day by the time the party started. Dick is super lucky as far as weather at his parties is concerned.

Kendra Sutton-Mother, Pianist, Singer, Songwriter, Composer and Arranger
I needed a quiet place to interview Kendra. We went to the Hoover Library which we found was not as quiet as one might think. I first met Kendra, several years ago, when Moonlight Music Cafe was in Vestavia Hills.
(Just before our interview, we talked with Wayne Perkins by telephone. He consented to be interviewed by me in the near future. I want that to be on public record with Kendra as my witness. I have always wanted to interview Wayne. Another on my interviewers bucket list is Billy Sherrill.) Kendra met Wayne through Steve Lowery. On their first conversation, which was via telephone, she and Wayne wrote "Vinyl" a song about vinyl records. She tells me, "He (Wayne) has been like a big brother, a mentor to me. He has taught me a lot about music. He has taught me a lot about people. He's taught me about cord structure, progression and tempo changing. Probably the biggest things with him, is tempo changes." She continues, "The best thing about Wayne is he taught me that it's as important to know when not to play as it is to know when to play. I am very blessed to have great friends who are knowledgeable and just good people."
Kendra Sutton is from Birmingham, Alabama. She went to Shades Valley High School. She started playing piano when she was about four years old. At elementary school age she was enrolled in Birmingham Southern Conservatory of Music where she took higher-level classes. She started songwriting at about the age of eleven. That is when she started writing classical compositions.
She started gigging as a solo act. She recorded a solo piano/vocal album "Soft Landing" during that period. Then came Kendra Sutton and the Bad Luck Boys. The Bad Luck Boys was Jubal Dalzell (cello, guitar, mandolin, vocals), Brandon Cates (bass guitar, vocals) and Mark Beasley (drums, percussion). They recorded a CD at Sun Studio in Memphis, amply named "The Sun Sessions." They were an area favorite that gigged in virtually every venue in and around Birmingham. Plus opening for acts such as Rascal Flatts and Kelly Pickler.
There were other bands along the way, but her focus these days is on The Hollows. The Hollows is Kendra, Eric Ominus (bass), Sue Nuchols (fiddle) and Sarah Green (guitar). This band requires that she sing harmony, which she has never done because she has always sung lead vocals. She and Sarah share the lead vocals in The Hollows. She says the band is "unique" in that they play originals and rare covers.
In 2009 Kendra dropped out of the music scene when her eight-year-old daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with AML - acute myelogenous leukemia. That type of cancer is very rare and very aggressive. Normally AML does not attack children. It is more common with people in their eighties. Kendra said, "It was a fight for her life. It's been very challenging and still till today, we have to handle things differently than we did prior to that, because of her immune system. She is currently off therapy and doing great. She is doing Great!"
Kendra is just now getting back to where she feels comfortable throwing herself back into music again. She put her music career on hold to take care of her daughter. She says Victoria is still her number one priority.
She recently got to be on stage with one of her idols, Randall Bramblett. She was one of the acts playing for Mark Mizells birthday party at Marty's. Bramblett was on the same bill and she had to perform following him. She says, "I though I was going to have a heart attack having to follow him. He was so awesome. He's amazing."
I asked, what do most people not know about Kendra Sutton? She answered, "The best song that I have ever written is going to be my next one. Just trying to write some good stuff. Trying to write some new stuff. Challenging myself and trying to evolve everyday to be a better person, better musician and better songwriter." (Kendra is also an accomplished photographer.)
When asked, where does she see herself in the future? She replied, "I really, really want to get more of my stuff published. I would really love for other people to sing my songs. That is really where my heart is at, in the writing. I see myself doing more gigs with my new band, The Hollows. A show we recently did at Moonlight On The Mountain, which is a very wonderful listening room with incredible sound, I didn't have one but three people come up to me and say that my songs made them cry. All of them had tears in their eyes. That made me feel good, so I guess I want to see more people cry (laughter). In a good way, not in a bad way. I think that is the meaning of soul, it's not the way you sound but the way you feel. You feel soul, you don't hear it."

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Wayne Chaney and Friends

2013-05-07T10:37:00.001-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 Wayne Chaney and Friends

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoals Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Party on April 28, 2013. Wayne Chaney joins friends to entertain on a beautiful Spring afternoon.
For almost thirty years, Wayne has been the production manager, band leader, trumpet player, and vocalist for the Architect of Rock n' Roll, Little Richard! Wayne also fronts his own band "The Chaney Gang", which has entertained the Shoals area for years. He was also a member of the hit recording act "FCC", that had a number of hits back in the 70's.

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 early happenings

2013-05-06T18:24:00.001-07:00

Dick Cooper Party Spring 2013 early happenings

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Shoals Creek near Florence, Alabama to attend the Dick Cooper Spring Party on April 28th, 2013. This video shows the gathering in it's early stages. Sights and sounds of folks having fun on this beautiful Spring day at this beautiful place overlooking the lake. The musicians had just begun to play. Wayne Chaney was in control of the microphone so we get to hear his opinions on his medical condition and other information he felt we needed to know. Wayne being Wayne! We are all glad he is still with us and in reasonably good condition considering!

Stacey Morris and Friends at Alcove International Tavern

2013-04-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Stacey Morris and Friends at Alcove International Tavern

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Stacey Morris and Friends for Tuesday Night Jazz.

Tuesday nights mark jazz nights at Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa from 8:30-11:30 p.m.
This Tuesday, Alcove owner Chad Smith, says Stacey Morris and Friends will provide the tunes.

Alcove has jazz music weekly and Smith tells us what kind of talent they bring in for these nights.

"You can expect a four-piece, and sometimes more, group of talented local jazz musicians," said Smith. "They are very versatile in their skills and the instrument lineup changes around so there's always something different and exciting going on."

Smith says sometimes the musicians are from the University of Alabama's School of Music while others are Tuscaloosa professionals.

Alcove International Tavern is located on the corner of 8th Street and 22nd Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. The jazz music is Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Source: http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/12/jazz_night_tuesday_night_at_al.html

Hallelujah Junction at Marty's with Kendra Sutton on guitar

2013-04-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah Junction at Marty's with Kendra Sutton on guitar

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Marty's on Birmingham, Alabama's Southside to attend a performance by Hallelujah Junction. My definition of Hallelujah Junction is "a meeting where many are joined for a joyous praise in song." That is just what you get with this very talented band. This was only their second gig. We believe this is the first ever video of Kendra Sutton playing guitar. Hallelujah Junction is Kendra Sutton, Holly Malone, Mark Mizzell, Mike Hill, Alan Nettles and Clay Walker sitting in on keyboards from time to time.

Marty's present Hallelujah Junction featuring Holly Malone

2013-04-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Marty's present Hallelujah Junction featuring Holly Malone

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Marty's on Birmingham, Alabama's Southside to attend a performance by Hallelujah Junction. My definition of Hallelujah Junction is "a meeting where many are joined for a joyous praise in song." That is just what you get with this very talented band. This was only their second gig. Hallelujah Junction is Kendra Sutton, Holly Malone, Mark Mizzell, Mike Hill, Alan Nettles and Clay Walker sitting in on keyboards from time to time.

Hallelujah Junction at Marty's

2013-04-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah Junction at Marty's

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Marty's in Birmingham, Alabama to attend a performance by Hallelujah Junction. My definition of Hallelujah Junction is "a meeting where many are joined for a joyous praise in song." That is just what you get with this very talented band. This was only their second gig. Hallelujah Junction is Kendra Sutton, Holly Malone, Mark Mizzell, Mike Hill, Alan Nettles and Clay Walker sitting in on keyboards from time to time.

Tuesday Jazz Night at Alcove International Tavern

2013-04-28T07:28:00.001-07:00

Tuesday Jazz Night at Alcove International Tavern

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Stacey Morris and Friends for Tuesday Jazz Night.

Tuesday nights mark jazz nights at Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa from 8:30-11:30 p.m.
This Tuesday, Alcove owner Chad Smith, says Stacey Morris and Friends will provide the tunes.

Alcove has jazz music weekly and Smith tells us what kind of talent they bring in for these nights.

"You can expect a four-piece, and sometimes more, group of talented local jazz musicians," said Smith. "They are very versatile in their skills and the instrument lineup changes around so there's always something different and exciting going on."

Smith says sometimes the musicians are from the University of Alabama's School of Music while others are Tuscaloosa professionals.

Alcove International Tavern is located on the corner of 8th Street and 22nd Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. The jazz music is Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Source: http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/12/jazz_night_tuesday_night_at_al.html

Voodoo Saints at Chloe's Cup Jazz Night

2013-04-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Voodoo Saints at Chloe's Cup Jazz Night

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Chloe's Cup in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by the Voodoo Saints. Tuesday night is jazz night in Tuscaloosa and the Voodoo Saints set the standard for jazz that puts a smile on your face.

The Voodoo Saints are a New Orleans style Dixieland Jazz trio that are based out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The group is comprised of Nathan Holaway on soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet, and vocals; John Holaway on acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, banjo, and vocals; and Adrian Marmolejo on upright bass and vocals. When you hear all three of us together, it's more satisfying than a fresh beignet and cafe au lait. The Voodoo Saints have only been together since 2010, but in that short time we have played for The Bama Theatre, The Kentuck Arts Festival, The Alcove International Tavern, Evangelines Restaurant, Carmelo Cafe, Chloes Cup Coffee & Teas, Dickens Downtown, The Harrison Gallery, The Arboretum Plant Sale, as well as many weddings and other private functions. Our love for New Orleans culture is transparent in our delivery of the music. Our hot jazz group's main mission is to provide more than enough fun, cheer, and positivity to make even the hardest working professional forget about the cares and woes of their day. At any given performance, you could hear songs by Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Danny Barker, Jelly Roll Morton, Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, Professor Longhair, or Buckwheat Zydeco. So come see us next time we're performing and we're pretty sure you'll leave saying "These three guys know how to get down and they make you feel like everyday is Mardi Gras Day. "

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler! (Let The Good Times Roll), Voodoo Saints

Ham Bagby at OZ Music

2013-04-26T06:51:00.001-07:00

Ham Bagby at OZ Music for Record Store day

Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ Music in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Ham Bagby for Record Store Day.

Biography
I've been playing gigs in Tuscaloosa and wherever I can since the late '90s. I play a lot of weird covers and some originals that range from mildly serious to absolutely absurd in content, and I like to pretend that people like it (although I honestly don't pay attention to such things). I get the most credit for hosting the Open Mic Night at Green Bar and for my yearly Ham Ham Jam Jam at Egan's Bar and Grill.
Describe your sound
I love old country, R&B and rock 'n' roll, and I try to keep my mind open to anything and everything. When I play, I like to play a lot of guitar solos. I think the guitar solos are where it's at. I suffer from having learned a lot of really big and crazy guitar stuff in my younger years, so I try to fit all of it into my sets to validate those chops. I'd hate to think it was all a waste of time.
What made you want to write and play music?
I remember loving Prince, Michael Jackson, Hall and Oates and a lot of pop stuff from the '80s when I was young. I think I also had all of the Weird Al records, too (which is probably where the humorous side came from, even though a sense of humor has always been important to me). Shortly after that period of listening, I graduated to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, but that was also around the same time that Yo MTV Raps started to come on. I think rap music has been a surprising (influence) on me. I'm fascinated by it. Mainly, I love the attitude and the determination of those early artists. Obviously I don't rap, but I refer to myself in the third person and whatever little subtle things I take from there. So I took all I could from everything I heard when I was younger when I started playing guitar, and I tried to force them to fit together. Les Nuby from Vulture Whale once told me I sounded like Waylon Jennings meets '80s rock.
What should people expect from your live show?
I just want to entertain. I'll play some songs you know, but don't necessarily think about hearing a three-piece rock band play. I play a lot of guitar solos and try to sing like Aretha or X-tina. I say "tip your bartenders" 500 times a night. Usually I close with (the title song from Bagby's upcoming album) "S***'s Crucial." Expect that, that right there.
Favorite venue to play in Tuscaloosa
I love Egan's because I feel like I really figured it out there (I am still learning), shows and performing started making way more sense in that room. No stage, ankle deep in beer, you know? Green Bar is big, too (same guidelines, less beer wading). Also, it's a physically larger room so you can get a bigger crowd and that happens sometimes. I recorded my record in that room, and I do the Ham Ham Jam Jam at Egan's. Honestly though, I really like all the bars I play. I've made some pretty amazing music with some amazing people all over Downtown and the Strip, so I feel like it would be a shame to say I only like playing two rooms.
Advice for newcomers to the Tuscaloosa music scene
Go to open mics and play as much as you can. Meet as many people as you can and find places to perform. Never be rude to a sound guy, especially over a microphone. Thank the door guy and the bartenders at the end of the night and make sure you learn their names (and tell the crowd to tip). Don't play the same covers as everyone else, if it's about covers, find some deep cuts everyone knows and make the scene fresh. Definitely don't be afraid to write and throw in a few originals. If you want to play all originals, good. You're going to need to start traveling and finding other bands to split bills with. There's three or four venues in Tuscaloosa that cater to original music, and that's cool, but you need to get it out there. Also, if you're young and in school and you want to play music live, learn your instrument like a freak in your free time and listen to music of varying genres all day long. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.
Where can people hear your music?
My new record is coming out soon, it's called "S***'s Crucial is Track 7." If you like my Facebook page, Ham Bagby, I will keep you abreast of all the developments. There's a ton of silly little videos on YouTube you can look up (once again by searching for Ham Bagby). Apparently, if you Google me stuff comes up, also.

Source: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20120316/ENT99/120319748

Golightly at OZ Music

2013-04-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Golightly at OZ Music for Record Store Day

Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ Music in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Golightly for Record Store Day.

When Lena Dice and Wright Gatewood joined together to create music, they had one goal in mind: to have fun. GOLIGHTLY was formed in the summer of 2012 and has been trucking along ever since. They were looking to create a sound that would put there listeners in a "happy-go-lucky" mood and maybe garner a foot stomp or two. They are here to entertain. They are here to share. They are here for you! Look out for their debut EP this spring!

Blackwater Thieves at OZ Music

2013-04-25T09:44:00.001-07:00

Blackwater Thieves at OZ Music

Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ MUsic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Blackwater Thieves for Record Store Day.

The Tuscaloosa, Alabama jam band, The Blackwater Thieves earned their chops late at night, shaking down sweat drenched parties any chance they had, building fans one hip-twisting groove at a time. The 'Thieves are made up of Chris Pritchett on guitar and vocals, Harrison Wallace on bass and vocals, Jonathan Harms on lead guitar, Michael Ray on drums, and Brooks Mitchell on key/vocals.

Blackwater Thieves' Chris Pritchett talks songwriting process, band's future (Q&A)
By Coti Howell | chowell@al.com
on January 10, 2013 at 5:05 PM
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- School is back at UA and Green Bar wants to help you kick it off right with Tuscaloosa jam band, The Blackwater Thieves tonight at 10 p.m.
The Blackwater Thieves are Jake "Peteman" Peters on bass, Jonathan Harms on lead guitar, Chris Pritchett on guitar and vocals and Brooks Mitchell on keyboards and vocals.
We got to know The Blackwater Thieves a little before their show tonight and this is what they had to say.
Coti Howell: How did The Blackwater Thieves come to be?
Chris Pritchett: The Blackwater Thieves started in the fall of 2010 as a four-piece house party band. The founders of the band are Chris Pritchett and Jake Peters along with former original members, Colin Jones (saxophone) and Clay Hunter (drums). We were a new band at the time and only had the capability of playing shows in our living room for parties we hosted. We were not good enough to get hired to play nor did we have a singer to even sing the songs. Success to us is when we got offered to play at someone else's house for a change. The parties got bigger, and more people started coming out to our shows, thanks to the kegs. As the band progressed, the direction of the band changed as well as the lineup. We added an extra guitar player (Rob Keating), a keyboard (Jermey Moulder) and a new drummer (John Laing). When the spring of 2011 rolled around, we felt we had enough experience to play at an actual venue. We played our first gig May 21, 2011 at Rounder on the Strip. We have been gigging ever since with additional changes to the band.
CH: How has your music evolved through those changes?
CP: With each addition of a new member comes a new sound. Our approach is to let our personal styles/tastes blend cohesively as one sound. Currently we have a mixture of jazz, blues, funk, and psychedelic rock baked into one.
CH: Describe that mixture of sounds in one adjective.
CP: Two words: Supercalifragilous Expialidocious.
CH: Where do you find inspiration for your music?
CP: Our main inspiration for our music comes from our love of improvisational music. Music that is made solely in the moment with immense communication aiming to achieve individual stylistic expression while maintaining a coherent sense of direction. We like to jam.
CH: Describe your music-making process.
CP: As far as composition, generally one person will come forth with an idea and present it to the group. We take that idea and start developing individual parts while building structure to the song. Depending on what kind of song we're writing, we will determine if lyrics are appropriate and if so we will toss around subject matter/ideas to write verses on. As far as improv, we like to be unpredictable. Sometimes we may not even know what's coming next because we will reach parts in songs that you don't rehearse. It comes strictly from being in the moment and communicating with other band members non-verbally. We strive for a collective groove between the members.

CH: What do you guys have in store for 2013?
CP: We have enough originals to do a full-length album and are looking for a studio or someone who would like to work with us. We're going to continue playing local shows as well as book more shows in the surrounding states such as Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.
Source: http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/01/celebrate_a_new_semester_with.html