Sunday I experienced a “fainting” spell while out on a 20 mile bike ride that landed me in the ER (by ambulance). Monday I experienced a broken thumb and bruised ribs while out on a 15 mile bike ride that landed me in the ER (I drove myself). On both days I did not make it more than 3.5 miles into my ride. I blame the weather for getting me too excited. Along the way I talked about music – Colorado music – with those who attended to me.
Every person I spoke with was between 25 and 50 yrs old. With a few notable exceptions no one knew any of the current crop of bands making “headlines” regionally. Yeah, everyone knew BHTM was from here … and a couple of folks knew about OneRepublic and the Fray, but beyond that there were generally blank stares and “I don’t go out very often” comments.
Broadcast radio and Pandora were the sources for music – not any other source was mentioned. I did of course let everyone know they could listen to Colorado music online at The Colorado Sound Live365 … need to remember to keep business cards in my pocket though so I don’t have to write down the url everytime … www.live365.com/stations/thecoloradosound.
While suffering through all of this (i did a lot of maniacal laughing actually …esp thinking about the medical bills to follow) I was graced with a private listen to the new Megan Burtt album coming out this August. I won’t spoil the fun, but this one will leave you with a huge grin, shaking your head at just how amazingly talented my friend truly is. Of course hard core fans know this already.
Happy to report this morning that Richie Furay’s new album “Hand In Hand,” that I’ve been playing on the show since last summer, will finally be released to the general public on March 31. It is currently the #1 most added album at Americana radio nationally – though no word yet on whether those folks servicing the record to radio actually even know we have radio in Colorado … more on that to follow in the days and weeks ahead.
While checking out the Americana Music Association radio airplay charts I noticed the latest Leftover Salmon release, High Country, at #21 – down from #18 LW and 19 the week before.
Well, off to the doctor to assess the damages … I’ll be sure to let folks know where to tune in for Colorado music … hope you’ll do the same today.
I don’t often post pics from friends’ FaceBook posts, but this is one time I couldn’t resist. Congrats to Sami Jo Lien and Bradley Weaver who went and got themselves legally married this weekend …and as usual for such celebrities, they managed to avoid the press by keeping it all a secret outside of family and close friends. Bradley is 1/5 of Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts, and Sami Jo is Senior Publicist at JKSCommunications according to her FB page.
In the meantime, Mrs Goat and I celebrated our anniversary (on the same day you guys?? Really?? Does this mean a joint anniversary party next year?) Congrats you two from Mr & Mrs Goat.
Local blues guitarist/vocalist James Speiser recently had a bike accident that required his elbow be replaced and a plate inserted into his wrist. James is a full time working musician. Like many in our scene he doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover a situation like this. In a FB post from James this weekend he says, “With $92,000 in hospital bills and out of work, I have to thank MusiCares for helping me with some expenses and my surgeons cost. I have to thank David Booker and the Colorado Blues Society for hosting a benefit to help me. Denver has an amazing blues and music community and we really help each other out. I am very grateful.”
“The MusiCares Foundation, Inc., was established in 1989 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Meant for musicians to have a place to turn in times of financial, personal, or medical crisis, its primary purpose is to focus the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues which directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. The foundation’s programs include emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, outreach and leadership activities, and senior housing.” – wikipedia
On Oct 21, 2013, Musicare announced the establishment of the MusiCares Colorado Relief Fund in an effort to provide support to members of the music community affected by the September floods in Colorado. Assistance includes basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, and transportation; medical expenses; clothing; instrument and recording equipment replacements; relocation costs; home repairs; debris removal; and more. (http://www.grammy.org/news/musicares-establishes-colorado-flood-relief-fund)
Not to be outdone or overlooked, the Colorado Blues Society is a Colorado 501C3 non-profit with a mission to “increase awareness of and appreciation for the Blues as an indigenous American Art form (and the wellspring from which all contemporary popular American music originated).” Although their primary function is education, the organization is also very active in relief efforts for local causes, and has been known to help out as they can when local blues artists are in need.
The Colorado Blues Society is hosting a benefit for James at Herman’s Hideaway on Nov 22. At the present time, it looks like the lineup will include Steve Crenshaw, David Booker, Delta Sonics, Chris Cheslin, Armando Lopez and maybe John Long, and will include special guest appearances by Pattie Melt and others. There may also be a silent instrument auction.
Speaking of blues, this weekend marks the closure of one of Colorado’s most loved, respected, and venerated blues establishments – Blues & Greens at The Boulder Outlook Hotel. Mrs Goat, Goat-boy, and I stopped by to say hi to old friends celebrating the end of an era. Here’s a snapshot of the day …
This is the week I pull spins data from around the state for the next NEWS NOTES & SPINS column due out NOV 1. It’s also the week I cut and edit the next Offstage …Beyond the Music, with November’s featured artist, Reed Foehl. Thanks to Richie Furay for being October’s featured artist. What a thrill.
It’s a very busy week in the goat den. This is also the final month for submissions for BEST OF consideration for 2014. Any new releases from October on are considered 2015 releases.
I have two underwriting/advertising opportunities available for The Colorado Sound, and its various properties. For more information, contact me directly via email at thecoloradosound@gmail.com
Video Pick of the Week
PLAYLIST S8|EP41 2014
(D) debuted lp, ep, or single
(N) new cut from previously debuted lp or ep
HOUR 1
Acoustic Junction “Where Is She Now” from Surrounded by Change (1993) The Simpletones “Tattooed Angels” from Squiggly (1996) The Seers “Deaf In June” from Cellophane Eyes (2014) Lion Drome “Winter” from Curve of the Earth (2014) My Body Sings Electric “Oceancrest” from Part 1: the Night Ends (2014) (D) Esther Sparks & the Whiskey Remedy “Forgive Me” from Love Songs (2014) The Lumineers “Ho Hey” from The Lumineers (2012) Matt Skinner Band “I’ll Keep Loving” from Native Stranger (2013) Jami Lunde “Some Place Tonight” from Big Black Birds (2011) Fierce Bad Rabbit “Beliefs” from Maestro & the Elephant (2013) Monroe Monroe “Engines Will Come” from Engines Will Come (2011) Brad Goode “All Fall Down” from Chicago Red (2013)
HOUR 2
Zephyr “Mad Dog” from Heartbeat (1982) The Apples in Stereo “Seems So” from Tone Soul Evolution (1997) Hot Rize “Blue Is Fallin’” from When I’m Free (2014) You Me and Apollo “Ghosts” from Sweet Honey (2014) Euforquestra “Take Me Dancing” from Fire (2014) Pandas & People “Still Young” from Pandas & People (2014) FaceMan “Tackle Me Down” from Talk Talk Talk (2013) Poco “A Good Feeling to Know” from The Essential Poco (2005) Richie Furay “Hand In Hand” from Hand In Hand (2014) (N) Reed Foehl “Caroline” from Lost in the West (2014) Analog Son “The Game” from Analog Son (2014)
I sometimes have to just sit and laugh at how busy I am nowadays trying to keep up with all the music and musicians that exist here in Colorado. I’m sure I’ll be bemoaning life here coming up in December, which is traditionally my slowest month of the year, but for now let’s just say I’m living on the wings of the dream I had 14 years ago now when my wife encouraged me to engage in my passion for local music, and the musicians who bring it to us.
Not all hits come easily, nor when the single, ep, or lp are initially released to the public. Sometimes it just takes a while … example from the past = Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” released initially on their 1973 debut, but that didn’t become a huge national hit until 1976. I bring this up, because I spent last weekend absorbed in Nina Storey’s newest album “Think Twice,” that I “debuted” a new cut from on this week’s show. It’s an exquisite album, from a Colorado native, who has had to move geographically in order to advance her career. Maybe with a little help from her friends here in Colorado we can “break” a hit single from the album… do check it out.
I got very good news this week that the show is doing very well in the 2PM time slot on KUNC FM .. heard on 20 FM frequencies statewide, including along the Northern Front Range at 91.5FM, the Denver/Golden area at 91.7FM, and in Boulder at 102.7FM.
There are only 2 places you can download our podcast series Offstage …Beyond the Music – at KUNC FM and at iHeartMedia’s Radio 94.9 Colorado, heard only in NoCO and online every Sunday morning from 8AM-10AM. Thanks to those stations and their respective teams for hosting the podcast on their sites. You’re more than welcome to stream the podcast here, but if you want to take it on the go, I ask that you please visit the station websites to download it.
A final note before we get to the music … if you’re involved with music in Colorado and you have new music to share, or a new video, pls get in touch with me so I know about it. Sometimes I just can’t find it all on my own 😉
No VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK this week .. instead, as I’ll now do every other week, here’s the most recent OSBTM episode. Enjoy.
OFFSTAGE …BEYOND THE MUSIC EP4|PT1 with Richie Furay
PLAYLIST S8|EP38 2014
(D) = debut of LP, EP, or single
(N) = debut of track from already debuted LP or EP
HOUR 1
Beast “Spaceman” from “Beast” (1969) Joe Walsh “Turn to Stone” from Barnstorm (1972) (D) Claymore Disco “Light Ahead of Me” from Light Ahead of Me (2014) (D) The Burroughs “Anna” from the burroughs (2014) String Cheese Incident “Stay Through” from Song In My Head (2014) Kate LeRoux “Doing It All For Love” from Phoenix (2014) Rob Drabkin “Little Steps” from Little Steps EP (2013) Leftover Salmon “Up On The Hill Where We Do the Boogie” from The Nashville Sessions (1999) Yonder Mountain String Band “Steep Grade, Sharp Curves” from The Show (2009) Flobots “The Circle In the Square” from The Circle in the Square (2012) Big Gigantic “The Night Is Young (feat. Cherub)” from The Night Is Young (2014) Brad Goode “Tight Like This” from Tight Like This (2010)
HOUR 2
Tommy Bolin “Wild Dogs” from Teaser (1975) Lothar & the Hand People “Machines” from Presenting… (1968) (D) Kyle Hollingsworth “Happening Now” from Speed of Life (2014) Tennis “I’m Callin’” from Ritual In Repeat (2014) (N) Nina Storey “Run for Cover” from Think Twice (2013) The Samples “After the Rain” from Underwater People (1992) Buffalo Springfield “Kind Woman” from Last Time Around (1968) Richie Furay “We Were the Dreamers” from Hand In Hand (2014) (D) Born to Wander “I Can’t Help It” from Born to Wander (2014) Ron Miles “Say It Loud” from Westword ’96 Music Awards Showcase (1996)
Sunday I experienced a “fainting” spell while out on a 20 mile bike ride that landed me in the ER (by ambulance). Monday I experienced a broken thumb and bruised ribs while out on a 15 mile bike ride that landed me in the ER (I drove myself). On both days I did not make it more than 3.5 miles into my ride. I blame the weather for getting me too excited. Along the way I talked about music – Colorado music – with those who attended to me.
Chris K's Colorado Playlist 