The Colorado Sound S9|EP40 2015

I spend my days listening to music from here in Colorado.  I am frequently blown away.  Lately it’s been new releases from Megan Burtt and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, both of which deserve plenty of national attention and one of which is.

night sweatsThis weekend I got into a conversation about the state of Colorado music – and talk got around to Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and how they just landed at #1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative singles chart.  A brilliant song + #1 Billboard chart action => ?Grammy nomination??  …can you name each of the Grammy nominees and winners from Colorado the past several years?  It’s a pretty impressive list that includes Gerald Albright, Dianne Reeves, Chris Daniels, Pretty Lights, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) and the Lumineers.  

chrisdanielsthekings3Big Birthday Hugs to my pal Chris Daniels who posted over the weekend that “…FUNKY TO THE BONE is nominated for 4 different Grammys in the 58th Grammy Awards! It is the preliminary round – but we are up for BEST BLUES ALBUM Category 49! There are 143 artists in that category like Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and on an on — so making it to an actual nomination is going to be pretty impossible – but hey – I’m alive and that’s a miracle in and of itself – …”

Chris Forsythe, age 42, a lifelong resident of the Colorado Springs area, passed away suddenly on October 14, 2015 at his home. He was a sound engineer for the Black Sheep, a musician, a father, son, brother, uncle and friend to the music community of Colorado.  More info.

Speaking of spending my days listening to Colorado music …I listen a lot in my car and at the gym via my Verizon data plan to The Colorado Sound Live365 … based on the most heard tracks the past 30 days it seems like (if you’re listening) it’s during the morning mix set .. which is heavy on the classics.  If you’d like less “old” / more “new,” with more snap-crackle-pop then listen noon-6PM … at 6PM it’s the Jazz Dinner time … at night it gets edgier.

KCMJ logoBeginning Saturday Oct 24, The Colorado Sound will be presented on KCMJ in Colorado Springs.  The show will air from 3PM-5PM on Saturdays.  KCMJ is currently only streaming; they’re working on raising the remaining $10K needed to erect a tower, purchase a transmitter etc. to get on the FM dial at 93.9FM.

That brings The Colorado Sound up to 60 hours of programming a week, aired on 39 frequencies.

KUNC 2The KUNC Colorado Music Spotlight OCT 20-23  

  • Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids
  • Eldren
    • Tuesday 10: 20 am & 11:20 pm
    • Wednesday 12:20 pm
    • Thursday 11:20 am & 9:20 pm
    • Friday 1:20 pm
    • 91.5FM Northern Front Range/Denver
    • 91.7FM Denver, Golden
    • 102.7FM Boulder
    • online at KUNC.org

VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK

I’ve been waiting for a new Dressy Bessy with anticipation for a while now.  They have a new album due out on February 5, 2016 on Yep Roc Records called Kingsized.  This is the first single … Lady Liberty.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Colorado Sound is supported by listener donations, and by local businesses and organizations.  Sponsorship opportunities are very limited.  If you have an organization or business that would like a bit more statewide exposure during the upcoming holiday season please contact me at thecoloradosound@gmail.com for more information.

mishawakaThe Colorado Sound is supported by the Mishawaka Amphitheater … and yes, they have shows year round … during the cold months indoor in the SpokesBUZZ lounge … see www.themishawaka.com for upcoming events.

SpokesBuzz Fort Collins logoThe Colorado Sound SUPPORTS SpokesBUZZ … a Colorado 501C3 non-profit dedicated to supporting the global visibility of Colorado sound and culture and to developing the professionalism of our local artists.  More info atwww.SpokesBUZZ.org

PLAYLIST S9|EP40 2015

HOUR 1

Townes Van Zandt “Colorado Girl” from Townes Van Zandt (1969)
Judy Collins “Someday Soon” from The Very Best of Judy Collins (2001)
(N) Post Paradise “Generator” from Bring It To Life (Side A) (2015)
Andy Palmer “Good Son” from Hazard of the Die (2013)
Mosey West “Old Stone” from Bermuda (2014)
Beki Hemingway “Lay It Down” from I Have Big Plans for the World (2013)
Drag the River “Not That Kind” from Drag The River (2013)
Elephant Revival “Shadows Past” from Sands of Now (2015)
(D) The Fremonts “How Often” from The Fremonts EP (2015) 
Acoustic Junction “The Wind” from Acoustic Junction (1995)
Rose Quartz “Leaving Now” from Axis of Love (2015)
Chip Stephens Trio “Cookin’ At the Continental” from Hold On to What Counts (2007)

HOUR 2

Chris Daniels & the Kings “Not Dead Yet” from Is My Love Enough (1993)
Electric Swingset “Inebriated Witch Doctor” from Inebriated Witchdoctor (1996)
(N) Liz Barnez “If I Had A Gun” from Welcome Back (2015)
Haunted Windchimes “Out With the Crow” from Out With The Crow (2012)
(N) Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band featuring Erica Brown “Next To Me” from Born to Love the Blues (2015)
String Cheese Incident “Song in My Head” from Song In My Head (2015)
(N) Andy Hackbarth “Mountains” from Panorama Motel (2015) 
(N) Eldren “Deathville” from Welcome to Deathville (2015)

In The Whale “Mail” from Full Nelson (2015)
The Knew “Modern Woman” from Schmew (2015)
The Apples in Stereo “Same Old Drag” from New Magnetic Wonder (2007)
Dressy Bessy “Automatic” from HollerandStomp (2008)
Gerald Albright “Slam Dunk” from Slam Dunk (2014)

The Colorado Sound S9 EP39 2015

It has got to be a sign of my age that I am so distressed over the loss of five members of our music community over the past month, and the news that another of our community, Amanda Capper, has what her doctors have said is an “incurable” stage four breast cancer that has spread to her liver.    The most recent loss is long time scene drummer Gordon Grip (Men From Mars, Wild Bill Band and many others) who sadly passed away from complications due to a recent stroke.

On a much happier note, Jimmy Ayers daughter posted that his cancer has all but disappeared – leaving huge sighs of relief and smiles thru the long list of well wishers on the post.  There is a gofundme account set up to raise funds for Amanda.

A new Colorado super-group on the way …

This picture emerged over the past week on FB.  No name yet for this collective, but they are in the studio with award winning producer/engineer John Macy.  According to Macy, he “…first met Jock in 1973 when he was with Gram Parsons …and [we] have worked together over the years since. I met the Subdudes in the 80’s and cut some of the demos that got them their Atlantic deal …kinda a homecoming week for me.”

Can only imagine what these five Colorado music legends are conjuring.

(L-R) KENNY PASSARELLI (Joe Walsh/Barnstorm, Hall & Oates, CSY, Dan Folgelberg, Elton John and many others), STEVE AMEDEE (the Subdudes), JOCK BARTLEY (Firefall & Gram Parsons) and JOHN MAGNIE (the Subdudes)
(L-R) KENNY PASSARELLI (Joe Walsh/Barnstorm), STEVE AMEDEE (the Subdudes), JOCK BARTLEY (Firefall/Zephyr) and JOHN MAGNIE (the Subdudes)

LIZ WELCOME BACK LPLIZ BARNEZ – WELCOME BACK

Much like the ‘dudes in the above photo, Liz and I have been friends in the scene since they all arrived in NoCO in the late 80s and I was doing on-air time at both 96.1 K-SKY and KCSU in Fort Collins.  So it has been with some considerable “when’s the next album coming” prodding that I am, thankfully, able to present the radio debut of “Welcome Back” this week …an album that stretches back eight years in the making – 12 songs recorded in Lyons, Colo.; Nashville, Tenn.; Fort Collins and Loveland, Colo.; and New Orleans.

Liz is known as being an exquisite singer-songwriter, on even par with any we may think of as “national” in caliber. Both her 1993 debut and her 2005 “Revealed” showcased her growing maturity as an adult.  On “Welcome Back” she has become the adult fully realized.  On the title track, she sings as if from the perspective of a parent welcoming her child-self to adulthood / home;  “how you’ve grown, just a child when you left, a bird leaving the nest you’ve flown…you were broken, you were cracked …now you’re home, welcome back.”

Here’s a taste:  

“Welcome Back” draws on Liz’s Louisiana heritage for a little New Orleans funkiness (Simple Song) to go with some slight Latin and folk influences …with songs that range from rebirth (Welcome Back) to murder (If I Had A Gun) and reacquaints her in the studio with producer/engineer/multi-instrumentalist/composer Dave Beegle (Dawg House / Loveland).  She is joined on the album by Bryon Holley (drums), Marty Rein (bass), Eric Moon (keyboards), Subudes John Magnie (accordion, harmonies), Steve Amedee (percussion, harmonies) and Tommy Malone (guitar) and others.

Now if you want to hear the full track you will have to tune into 91.5FM KUNC this week.

KUNC 2The KUNC Colorado Music Spotlight OCT 13-16  

  • Liz Barnez
  • Jill Sobule
    • Tuesday 10: 20 am & 11:20 pm
    • Wednesday 12:20 pm
    • Thursday 11:20 am & 9:20 pm
    • Friday 1:20 pm
    • 91.5FM Northern Front Range/Denver
    • 91.7FM Denver, Golden
    • 102.7FM Boulder
    • online at KUNC.org

MUSIC EDITOR WANTED AT WESTWORD

“Westword has an immediate opening for a Music Editor to oversee coverage of Denver’s dynamic music scene. We’re looking for a journalist with excellent news judgment, a strong writing voice, sharp line-editing skills, a wide range of musical interests, and a passion for telling stories that engage and challenge our readers. Applications from candidates with experience covering (or editing) beats other than music are welcome and encouraged. In addition to writing and assigning weekly print features, the music editor is expected to bring a unique vision to our daily online music coverage and to maintain a strong social-media presence.

Westword offers competitive salaries and benefits. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé and clips to DEN-music-editor@voicemediagroup.com.”

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Colorado Sound is supported by listener donations, and by local businesses and organizations.  Sponsorship opportunities are very limited.  If you have an organization or business that would like a bit more statewide exposure during the upcoming holiday season please contact me at thecoloradosound@gmail.com for more information.

mishawakaThe Colorado Sound is supported by the Mishawaka Amphitheater … and yes, they have shows year round … during the cold months indoor in the SpokesBUZZ lounge … see www.themishawaka.com for upcoming events.

SpokesBuzz Fort Collins logoThe Colorado Sound SUPPORTS SpokesBUZZ … a Colorado 501C3 non-profit dedicated to supporting the global visibility of Colorado sound and culture and to developing the professionalism of our local artists.  More info at www.SpokesBUZZ.org

VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK

It’s one of those weeks where something light and whimsical just feels right .. thanks Lara for this one 🙂

PLAYLIST S9 EP39 2015

(D) = LP, EP or single debut
(N) = new song spin from previous LP/EP debut

HOUR 1

The Samples “Did You Ever Look So Nice” from No Room (1992)
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club “Limon” from Slim Cessna’s Auto Club (1995)
(N) Von Stomper “El Paso County” from Americado (2015)

Fierce Bad Rabbit “Time Machine” from Maestro & the Elephant (2013)
Pandas & People “Still Young” from Pandas & People (2014)
Hornbuckle “Complicated” from Virtue & Vice (2013)
Leftover Salmon “Highway Song” from Euphoria (1997)
Finnders & Youngberg “After Tonight” from Eat The Moon (2015)
Cary Morin “Tennessee Jed” from Streamline (2013)
Mercury Project “Fenced In” from Soapbox Jive (2004)
(N) Grim & Darling “Congratulations World” from Beauty Through Pain (2015) 
Charles McPherson “Spring is Here” from The Journey (2015)

HOUR 2

Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids “Did You Boogie (with Your Baby)” from Best of Flash Cadillac and The Continental Kids (2010)
Joe WalshMidnight Visitor” from Barnstorm (1971)
(N) Lara Ruggles “Moon in My Heart” from Cynics & Saints (2015)
Big Head Todd & The Monsters “Josephina” from Black Beehive (2014)
Richie Furay “We Were The Dreamers” from Hand In Hand (2015)
Longest Day Of The Year “Ride On the Carapace” from Carapace (2015)
King Cardinal “Gasoline” from One A Giant EP (2015)
Vices I Admire “The Wicked Sun” from Fables (2013)
Take to the Oars “Stones & Sticks” from American Volume (2011)
(D) Liz Barnez “Welcome Back” from Welcome Back (2015)
Jeff Brinkman “Halo” from Strange (2012)
Tia Fuller “Descend to Barbados” from Angelic Warrior (2012)

The Colorado Sound S9 EP38 2015

(EDITED:  4:20PM) This is not a very happy day for our scene.  Gary Lee Bomar, owner of Gary Lee’s Motor Club and Grub on South Broadway in Denver, has reportedly passed away from injuries sustained recently in an accident in Mexico.

According to a FB post that came across Sunday, from Gary Lee’s sister Tiffany;  “Gary Lee Bomar passed away this afternoon surrounded by his family and close friends. This is a finality that we never could have imagined. We have done our best to keep you all updated through this tragedy. We are now asking for PRIVACY to mourn the loss of our son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. We will post arrangements when we have them made. Thank you for your kindness.”

Prior to receiving news that Gary Lee Bomar had passed away, I received word that Denver bluesman JD Kelly has been moved to hospice care.   I've known JD since the '80s when he fronted JD Kelly & the Love Bandits and played regularly at Linden's in Fort Collins.  More recently he appeared as second vocalist and trombonist in Eef & the Blues Express.  He and Blues Express keyboardist Jimmy Ayers were diagnosed with stage four cancer this summer.  According to friends in the scene, JD had stopped chemo treatments recently.

[EDIT] JD Kelly passed away today from colon cancer.  RIP.  😦

I met Gary Lee once, so I cannot say I knew him.  I do, however, know many of his friends – musicians all – some well known to us in the scene.  The outpouring of love and support on FB this day is evidence enough of what he meant to so many.  RIP Gary Lee Bomar.

Changes afoot at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins.  Liz Evans is out as talent buyer/in house promoter according to a post she made on FB this weekend.

VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK

I haven’t done a TOP 20 chart in several months now, and with that I have not featured the monthly video picks.   These are the top 8 Colorado music videos that came my way in September.  from Trout Steak Revival, Good Time Travelers, Kerry Pastine & the Crime Scene, Facing West, Andy Hackbarth, Lara Ruggles, Von Stomper, and the Symbols.  

KUNC 2The KUNC Colorado Music Spotlight OCT 6-9

  • Rick Roberts/Flying Burrito Bros
  • Michal Menert
  • 91.5FM Northern Front Range/Denver
  • 91.7FM Denver, Golden
  • 102.7FM Boulder
  • online at KUNC.org
  • Tuesday 10: 20 am & 11:20 pm
  • Wednesday 12:20 pm
  • Thursday 11:20 am & 9:20 pm
  • Friday 1:20 pm

The Colorado Sound is supported by the generous contributions of Colorado organizations and businesses that promote art and culture, sound and music, in our state.  I am very appreciative of their efforts and their support.  I currently have very limited opportunities for new supporters of the show.  If your business or organization fits, I’d like to hear from you.  Please email me at thecoloradosound@gmail.com … all applications for support are considered, however, space is limited so I cannot accept everyone on board.  Thank you toThe Mishawaka Amphitheatre for their continuing support.  The Colorado Sound proudly supports the efforts of SpokesBUZZ, a non-profit supporting the global visibility of Colorado sound and culture and developing the professionalism of our local artists.

PLAYLIST S9 EP39 OCT 2015

(D) = LP, EP or single debut
(N) = new cut from previously debuted LP or EP

HOUR 1

The Apples in Stereo “Seems So” from Tone Soul Evolution (1997)
The Moonrakers “Junction Commercial” + “Baby Please Don’t Go” from Anthology (2007)
(D) Whitherward “Radio Silence” from Music Monster (2015) 
Garuud Effekt “Cut Me” from Cut me (2014)
String Cheese Incident “Drive” from One Step Closer (2005)
Danny Shafer “Jesus, Tonto and Springsteen” from Weddings, Floods and Funerals (2015)
Leftover Salmon “Sing Up to the Moon” from Aquatic Hitchhiker (2012)
(D) Michal Menert “High Noon” from Michal Menert & the Pretty Fantastics 1 (2015) 
The Samples “Wild River” from Return to Earth (2001)
Megan Burtt “In a Minute” from The Bargain (2015)
Rob Drabkin “Hope in a Hopeless World” from Little Steps EP (2013)
Montropo “Follow Me” from Follow Me (2015)
Ben Markley~Clint Ashlock Quintet “The Return” from The Return (2014)

HOUR 2

Dan Fogelberg “Longer” from Phoenix (1979)
Stephen Stills “Down the Road” from Down The Road (1972)
(D) Andy Hackbarth “Panorama Motel” from Panorama Motel (2015)
Paul Kimbiris “Dark Side of Pearl” from Dark Side of Pearl (2014)
(N) Amberly Chalberg “Big Blue Truck” from There Will Come A Day (2015)
The Motet “123” from The Motet (2014)
Calder’s Revolvers “Leave Ya Be” from Sunday Morning (2014)
Mohammed Alidu and the Bizung Family “Land of Fire” from Land of Fire (2010)
Wendy Woo “Surprise Me” from Gonna Wear Red (2002)
(D) Grandpa’s Gun “Bite the Bullet” from Back Into Town (2015)
Poco “Neil Young” from All Fired Up (2013)
Young Ancients “Going Back to Tulsa” from Fishstory (2015)
Bill Frisell “Baja” from Guitar In the Space Age (2014)