NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK: EILEN JEWELL ‘QUEEN OF THE MINOR KEY’

The story behind the record ‘Queen of the Minor Key‘ goes something like this: Eilen Jewell had writer’s block, so she retreated to a cabin without electricity and running water in the mountains of Idaho. The Boston resident Jewell originally hailed from the land of Famous Potatoes, but instead of digging up tubers, she found gold from a previous decade of American life. This might not make sense, but who cares?

The album is definitely cool, whether Jewell’s channeling Patsy Cline on the torch song “Only One” or getting all hopped up as on the rhythm and blues honker “Bang Bang Bang”. Jewell also has a sense of humor. On the aforementioned song, she describes cupid as a sinister seraph who doesn’t take aim with a bow and arrow but just shoots his sawed off six-gauge shotgun and blindly blasts love into a crowd of people. “It’s funny until it happens to you”, she warns, “because love is careless, random, and cruel”. Just thinking about love this way makes a person thirsty. Here, have some “Kalimotxo”. – Pop Matters

POSTED BY:RECORDEXCHANGE ON JUNE 28, 2011 AT 12:58 PM

Eilen Jewell is performing LIVE @Bridge Street Live on August 20th @ 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.

Just Announced @ BSL - 6.29.11

::Just Announced::

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas Tuesday September 20, 2011 @ 8:00 PM "Fraser, one of the most respected of all exponents of the Scots fiddle, would look long and hard to find a more appropriate cellist as a partner. Haas can switch just as effortlessly as Fraser from a gentle singing tone to driving, dancing melody. A positive joy." — The Scotsman Scottish fiddle and cello music of unrivaled beauty, eloquence, and passion. The musical partnership between Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as Scotland's premier fiddle ambassador, and the sizzlingly-talented young California cellist Natalie Haas may not seem an obvious one. Fraser, acclaimed by the San Francisco Examiner as "the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling," has a concert and recording career spanning 30 years, with a long list of awards, accolades, television credits, and feature performances on top movie soundtracks (Last of the Mohicans, Titanic). Fraser has been sponsored by the British Council to represent Scotland's music internationally, and received the Scottish Heritage Center Service Award for outstanding contributions to Scottish culture and traditions. Natalie Haas, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, wasn't even born when Alasdair was winning national fiddle competitions on the other side of the Atlantic. But this seemingly unlikely pairing is the fulfillment of a long-standing musical dream for Fraser, whose cutting-edge musical explorations took him full circle to find a cellist who could help him return the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music. The duo's debut recording 'Fire & Grace' displays dazzling teamwork, driving, dancing rhythms, and the duo's shared passion for improvising on the melody and the groove of Scottish tunes. The two instruments duck and dive around each other, swapping melodic and harmonic lines, and trading rhythmic riffs. The recording won not only critical acclaim, but also the coveted the Scots Trad Music "Album of the Year" award, the Scottish equivalent of a Grammy. Tickets - $22, $32

An Evening of Music & Comedy with Dave Rave and Friends Friday September 23, 2011 @ 8:00 PM Dave Rave is a musician’s musician. To the general public, he’s the manic Teenage Head rhythm guitarist who graduated to lead singer and catapulted the band back into the charts; but musicians know him as a valued session player (Daniel Lanois, Andrew Loog Oldham, Alex Chilton, and countless others) who can play the best version of a song he’s never heard. Media continually notes “his sharp pop intelligence means the songwriting is of high standard.” Dave continues to produce incredible music in a wide variety of genres from jazz to folk to rockabilly to punk. But it is Dave’s pop sensibilities and his devotion to making music that is honest, intimate and real regardless of whether he touches you with smiles, tears or the occasional urge to pogo in your living room. Daves love of comedy made him have the idea to bring his favorite comics to join in on the fun: Mike Yard has become one of the hottest comedians touring the country today. In addition to being one of the most sought after acts on the college and university circuit, Mike's made a name for himself as one of New York City's premier comedians. Michael was honored to be named one of Comedy's most thought provoking comedians by The Black Comedy Awards. His quest to delve deeper into the minds of the masses paid off when Rev. Jessie Jackson invited Mike to perform twice for The Rainbow Coalition/ Operation PUSH national conventions in New York and Chicago. Mark Riccadonna is a hard working comic that gets the job done with a truthful style and a positive message. He doesn't just tell jokes; he turns stories into life. Mark has the charisma and is a gifted storyteller who can transform a crowd into an audience. The minute Mark gets on stage, you’ll laugh and feel like you've known him forever. His unique delivery and voice combined with his likeability on stage and off made Mark into a favorite in clubs and theatres everywhere. Also on the bill is writer and comedian: James Oakes. Tickets - $20, $30

Bob Malone Sunday October 9, 2011 @ 8:00 PM “Bob Malone doesn't just accompany himself on piano. He supports his singing with pulsating, roaring keyboard work that grabs you and shakes you until you cry for mercy.”— Keyboard Magazine Malone is currently on tour with John Fogerty of the Creedence Clearwater Revival. The man contains multitudes. Multitudes of rhythm, soul, jazz, blues, smoke and magic. He’s an astounding piano man, a deeply soulful singer and a tremendously gifted songwriter whose music merges strains of honky-tonk New Orleans, Memphis soul, Chicago blues, East Coast rock ‘n’ roll, the California sound and more, all rendered in a voice that marries the spirit of Dr. John with Elton John. He’s “the train that never stops,” as one writer put it – a musician forever on the road who has amassed a vast network of fans around the globe, all hungry for his newest musical offering. And now comes 'Ain’t What You Know,' the eagerly anticipated new album, produced and created with producer-guitarist Bob DeMarco. It’s Malone’s seventh album, and the first to be released both on vinyl and CD. It’s a new phase for Malone, an evolution of his expression both as a songwriter and performer. It’s both edgier and more intimate than his previous records, both sorrowful and celebratory because, like his fellow Jersey native Bruce Springsteen, Malone writes songs that cover the full gamut of human experience, from deeply blue to vividly exultant. Malone’s last two albums, the live “Malone Alone” and the 2006 studio effort “Born Too Late” earned Top 20 spots on the Living Blues, Roots Music Report and Earshot (Canada) radio charts, steady play on over 300 non-com and A3 radio stations, including Sirius and XM Satellite Radio, and high-profile play on syndicated shows such as Car Talk, Acoustic Café, and the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. Additionally, Malone has been a featured performer twice on The Price Is Right, and his songs have been heard on television shows including Jag, Felicity, Cupid, One Life To Live, The Young and the Restless, All My Children and films Hollywood Palms, Jaded, P.S. I Love You and One Eyed Horse. Tickets - $15, $25

Just Announced @ BSL - 6.22.11

::Just Announced::

Walter Trout Friday August 26, 2011 @ 8:00 PM Walter Trout's 20th album is called Common Ground, but for the visionary roots singer, songwriter and guitarist that's more than a title. It's where Trout's compelling music resides — in a territory that unites the worlds of blues, rock and pure sonic adventurism, where inspiration and technique meet to create a unique, soulful language. In a sense, the title also describes Trout's personal geography. Although he lives in California, he spends much of his life on the road bridging the U.S and Europe, where he's so well-known and respected that the United Kingdom's BBC Radio One placed the Stratocaster master at number six on their list of the Top 20 guitarists of all time. Legendary BBC disc jockey, Bob Harris, in his book "The Whispering Years" calls Trout: "The world's greatest rock guitarist." (p. 186) Tickets - $25, $35

Monroeville Saturday July 16, 2011 @ 8:00 PM Monroeville is an exciting new acoustic band with a combined experience of almost 80 years of playing and singing. Individually they have been nominated for Grammy awards, won prestigious competitions, founded bands, and have been highly influential to their following and peers. Collectively, in their few months since forming, they have appeared on the Today Show, started a record label, gathered a solid fan base, and established themselves as a powerful new act in the business. The group consists of six young men from the East Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina areas. “I am having an amazing time working with Monroeville. These guys are so talented and musically mature beyond their age. They are pushing the boundaries of the acoustic music genre." - David Hall – GRAMMY® Award-winning Engineer Tickets - $12, $22

Armed Forces Comedy Tour feat. Mark Riccadonna, Carole Montgomery & Kevin Downey Jr. Saturday August 27, 2011 @ 8:00 PM These three amazing comedians fly all around the world making our troops, our hero's laugh and get a taste of home. Mark Riccadonna is like the Johnny Cash song but global. He has played everywhere in the country and thanks to Armed Forces Entertainment around the world several times entertaining our troops. Mark has the charisma and is a gifted storyteller who can transform a crowd into an audience. The minute Mark gets on stage, you’ll laugh and feel like you've known him forever. Mark is a native of Youngstown, Ohio and has been in several films, on the stages of Broadway and works as a voice over artist. With over 25 years of performing experience, Carole Montgomery is a veteran of the standup scene nationwide. Too many TV credits to list but include: Showtime, Oprah, MTV and Lifetime. The National Mom is on the move! Comedian Kevin Downey, Jr. is turning heads everywhere. His explosive comedy style keeps audiences coming back to see him every chance they get. He can be heard on The Bob and Tom Show, Sirius and XM Satellite radio. He’s been on Comedy Central, What Not to Wear, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy where he got a much needed haircut. Kevin appears at the Comedy Stop in Las Vegas at least four times per year. He has an ever-growing fan base that comes to see him again and again. Kevin Downey, Jr. writes a column called, “Drinking on $11 a Night”, which can be read in Bachelor Pad Magazine, GC magazine, at usedwigs.com anddrinkingon11.com. Kevin’s song, “Secret Garden of Dirty Little Whores, (who think they’re better than me)”, can be heard on college and traditional radio stations throughout the country. Tickets - $20, $30

Steve D'Agostino Singin' & Swingin' The Great American Songbook Saturday September 10, 2011 @ 8:00 PM Steve D'Agostino has been performing the songs from the "Great American Songbook" for 20 years. His journey to a commitment of "expression" through the music and lyrics made popular in the United States and around the world by vocalist such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash took root a long time ago. At the age of 8, Steve responded enthusiastically to the opportunity of attending weekly guitar lessons. Playing the guitar and listening to classic vocal performances of standard tunes with his dad at a young age provided Steve with the essential experience and exposure that began to mold his understanding of melody, harmony and rhythm. At the age of 14, while attending St. Joseph's high school in Trumbull, Steve began to study guitar with Tony Purrone and Sal Salvador at the University of Bridgeport. During his course of study with these university professors, Steve secured a position playing guitar with the University of Bridgeport Big Band under the direction on Gary Riggerio. In the early 80's, Steve started playing guitar and singing "live" with his first band "Finesse". The band experienced quite a following and established themselves as a successful GB (general business) group in Connecticut performing an average of 100 engagements a year. As Steve continued to evolve, his voice began to be an essential skill that his band began to rely on. As a result of his vocal development, in the the late 80's, Steve began to dedicate himself more on the development of his singing skills. Today, Steve's 20 plus years of experience are evident with every performance as he tenderly delivers melodies on ballads or relaxes the placement of a lyric on any "medium" to "up-tempo" swing tune. This vocal artistry has taken Steve from "coast to coast" and through the dedication of he and his live band, Steve has become "the standard" of this genre of music on the local scene. Steve continues to honor and maintain the tradition of the Great American Songbook today by humbly interpreting the timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Every time he stands in front of an audience, his interpretations of these great american songs reminds his audience about the skill and importance of the "art and craft" of songwriting and public performance. Tickets - $25, $35

Abigail and Lily Chapin + Sean Rowe

Abigail and Lily Chapin are known for pristine harmonies and haunting melodies. Though they have gained comparisons to sister acts of old, they have also deviated from that comparison “more like a distaff Lennon/McCartney than a traditional sibling act...” (Steve Horowitz, Popmatters). Their songs defy genre, melding elements of pop, blues and psychedelic rock with hints of apalacian banjo riffs, echoing percussion and modal harmonies.



Opening the show will be special guest Sean Rowe and he's got a magic new album out. Rowe’s honest and haunting songwriting have already earned comparisons to Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks phase, for his abstract lyric phrasing, and the way he crafts an experience of emotion, rather than telling a linear tale. Most powerfully he brings to mind Leonard Cohen, with songwriting which tends to build into powerful, yet vulnerable, cathedral-like monuments of sound.



Sunday, July 24th @ 8pm - Tickets are $12, $22 vip.

Rock Star Comic: Dustin Chafin

Dustin set foot in the boxing ring at the young age of five.
Full of fight and fury, he quickly won golden gloves. As a
young man, Dustin’s path took a turn towards the
spiritual, and led him to the mountains of Chile where he
worked as a missionary for many years. After developing
a love and deep appreciation for people and their
experiences, Dustin followed his calling from the Chilean
forests to the tall buildings and crazy streets of New York
City. There he found his true passion, culminating his
experience of peoples and their voices and the fight of
the ring: stand-up.

Dustin is here This Thursday, June 23rd w/ Nate Bergatze. Another comic who's unique brand of comedy is quickly turning heads. This is going to be a very very funny show, check out tickets here!

::Just Announced::

::Just Announced::

Liam Ó Maonlaí Wednesday, July 13th @ 8:00 PM Bono once described Liam as‘The Best white boy soul singer in the world’ and he has been also been described as one of Irelands best Sean Nos (traditional Irish) singers. In 1981 he won the all Ireland final as bódhran player under 18. He has been a finalist on the tin whistle, piano and as a singer many years over. In Ennis in 1985 he and Fiachna Ó Braonain ,with the enchanting presence of Maria Doyle Kennedy won a music award called Gradam Shlogadh. They had put together a rhythm and blues group with all songs written in Irish. This was the seed beginning of Hothouse Flowers, which went on to be one of Ireland’s most successful rock bands and released seven albums. All through the Hothouse Flowers years, Liam remained faithful to his traditional roots. 'Traditional music does not belong to me. I belong to it. The same as the land.' Born in 1964, Dublin Ireland Liam is one of Ireland’s best-loved musicians and singers, both in rock and traditional music. Spanning over twenty years Liam’s career has seen him have number one hits in over twenty countries, to playing with Aboriginal musicians in Australia outback and recording with some of the worlds best musicians including Carlos Nunes, Donal Luney, U2, Rolf Harris, Van Morrison to name but a few. A master pianist, Liam also performs on guitar, harp, tin whistle and bodhrán. Tickets - $15, $25

An Evening with Sean Chambers & Lubriphonic Wednesday, July 20th @ 8:00 PM With this new release under his belt, and a new fire in his belly, Chambers and his band are preparing to get back out on the road to continue where they left off almost six years ago! Sean’s regular touring band consists of longtime bassist Tim Blair and drummer Paul Broderick, who were also members of Hubert Sumlin’s touring band. If you like your blues blazin hot, this trio will definitely light your fire! Digging deep and giving it all in everything they do Chicago’s Lubriphonic specialize in a unique offering of funky rock n’ roll. The septet’s tight and raw sound is immediately familiar, fusing the roots of soul with explosive in-your-face delivery and sensuous R&B dance music. Lubriphonic began with a residency at the legendary "Checkerboard Lounge". Their day gigs had been touring with Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush & other bands but they had ideas to create something new. They moved their residency to aliveone on the north side in 2006 and continued to write and perform on Thursday nights when all of them were off the road. Since 2008 the band has been playing shows across the country. They have released four studio cd's & numerous live shows. Tickets - $12, $22

An Evening of Low Rock w/ You Scream I Scream & Bipolar Jukebox Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 @ 8:00 PM You Scream I Scream, based on Nantucket and in New York City, is at its core a three-piece band with distorted bass guitar and vocals, Rhodes and synth, along with floor tom-driven drums and big cymbals. The music’s unique fingerprint is part Talking Heads in its beats and the lyrics’ sometimes dark playfulness, and Floyd Kellogg’s vocal stylings--baritone singing and yelling contrasted with “bitchy girl” backing vocals--and stripped-down instrumentation can be reminiscent of Morphine or Soul Coughing. “Bug in a Light,” the band’s debut album, led to several catchy music videos, landing spots on MuchMusic’s "The Wedge,” MTV, New York Noise and Billboard.com. YSIS has recorded material for an EP as well as their second full-length album, to be released later in 2011. Tickets - $15

4TH Time Around Friday August 12th, 2011 @ 8:00 PM If you missed the 4TH Time Around in May, this next date is your chance to experience a great night of dancing fun. Those who did attend in May will surely want to return as they danced all night. From the first song to the last encore, they were screaming for more. It wasn't just the crowd who had a great time. The band members, Keith Riendeau, John Jarsbek, Rob Brainard and Doug Morneault expressed that playing for such an electrifying and energetic group of people fuels their passion for the music they play. This makes for a memorable night for the band as well. Their blend of 50's-80's music, with tight vocal harmonies, whether fast or slow, will surely bring you to the dance floor. Bridge Street Live's Nightclub Atmosphere, couple with a perfect sound system, will provide for an exceptional dancing and listening experience for all. YOU GOTTA BE THERE!!! Tickets - $12, $22

LittleHouse Saturday August 13th, 2011 @ 8:00 PM Joe Patrina formed LittleHouse in 2008. Since then, the group has amassed a loyal following. The music always draws from various original American styles: country, rockabilly, rock, spiritual, folk and blues. It’s the music we have all listened to over a lifetime. As Joe describes it, “LittleHouse is a song-lovers band, with strong vocals and clear lyrics that are meaningful to adults of all ages. I call the blending of styles ‘Heartland Music.’” “A night out listening to the original music of LittleHouse is an intimate experience,” says singer/songwriter Joe Patrina. Join us for this wonderful evening of music with LittleHouse at Bridge Street Live! Tickets - $20, $30

The High Sea's Headliners Saturday September 17, 2011 @ 8:00 PM ...A night of great stand up Comedy and Magic from two of the top cruise ship Guest Entertainers performing today. Tom Briscoe & Bob Brizendine. According to his numerous ex-bosses, co-workers, family and friends Comedian Tom has finally figured out that Stand Up Comedy is the only sustainable marketable skill he has. Ridiculously numerous false starts in other careers – from billboard painter to national sales trainer to beer truck driver – along with living in a house with his wife of over twenty years and their two daughters have all provided the comedic fodder for his flourishing comedy career and his appropriately named One Man Show: …SO I GOT FIRED FROM THAT JOB. When not performing at one of his hometown NY regular venues or at any one of the premiere Comedy Clubs throughout the United States and Canada, he can be found Headlining shows on Cruise Ships from Alaska to Australia, Tahiti to Tierra Del Fuego. He’s travelled to all 7 continents and over 80 different countries by bringing the funny to diverse audiences on all the major cruise lines. He can be heard on XM Radio, seen on The Comedy Channel in Canada and regularly performs at world famous Las Vegas & Atlantic City venues including The Borgata, The Tropicana and The Riviera. The Tom Briscoe Comedy Show is hilarious. Enjoy clean, original Stand Up Comedy from one of the best. The Magic Kat Himself Bob Brizendine is not your typical Magic act. Bob Brizendine takes comedy, magic, and pure insanity, mixes them together to make a show that is guaranteed to please any crowd. Bob has used his quick wit, and expertise in sleight of hand to entertain audiences around the world for over 15 years. Bob 's distinctive style, high energy, and interaction with the members of his audience, will leave you gasping for air between laughs and still wanting more. Tickets - $20, $30

New Shows On Sale Today! (6/7/11)

::Just Announced::

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials Sunday, July 17th @ 8:00 PM “The world’s #1 houserocking blues band” —The Boston Globe From smoking slide guitar boogies to raw-boned Chicago shuffles to the deepest slow blues, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Lil' Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman. He and his blistering, road-tested band, The Blues Imperials—guitarist Mike Garrett, bassist James "Pookie" Young, drummer Kelly Littleton—are celebrating 20 amazing years together. Live, Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials simply can't be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe-walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. Not since the heyday of Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers has a Chicago blues band made such a consistently joyous, rollicking noise. Tickets - $12, $22

SAVOY BROWN featuring Kim Simmonds Friday, July 29th @ 8:00 PM Legendary…a blues/rock institution…true innovators. These are just a few of the ways Savoy Brown has been described over the past forty years by music critics and fans. One of the earliest of British blues bands, Savoy Brown, with founder guitarist Kim Simmonds at the helm, helped launch the 1967 UK blues boom movement that brought blues music back to the USA invigorating the style forever. In the process, the band became part of the framework that launched the rock and roll music of the 1970’s. Their influence now stretches into modern rock as we know it today. Tickets - $25, $35

Chatham County Line Thursday, August 11th @ 8:00 PM Ten years in, the four gentlemen of Chatham County Line have a lot to reflect on: sold out shows in the US and abroad, appearances on national radio & TV, four solid selling records, and four really dirty suits. "We want to be the band that puts on the most professional show in the business of what we do," says singer/guitarist/songwriter Dave Wilson. "If you've taken your time to be there for us, we are going to prove we are there for you." The newest addition to their bluegrass catalog, Wildwood, is no departure from the path CCL has been carving during its decade of existence. Another strong batch of songs, with solid melodies and lyrics, telling the tales of what all those years on the road have brought to them. Tickets - $12 $22

Hot Day At The Zoo Saturday, October 22nd @ 8:00 PM New England’s genre-bending American roots string band, Hot Day at the Zoo, is spreading their “zoograss” sound nationwide. The high-energy quartet mixes folk, blues, ragtime and jazz with progressive bluegrass and Americana-infused rock and roll. Hot Day at the Zoo is pioneering their sound in a way that is reminiscent of how Johnny Cash transformed traditional country music. They have the songwriting and full-bodied sound of the Grateful Dead, the technicality and momentum of Sam Bush, the tightness and the ability to talk musically like Charles Mingus, and the cool, easy rock demeanor of Steely Dan. Fans accurately describe this sound as “zoograss.” Zoograss illustrates a new beginning for HDATZ who continue to develop exponentially. “Every week it seems we are breaking into new, uncharted territory with new songs, new ideas, and new aspirations,” says Dion. “This album is just a taste of what this band is capable of.” Tickets - $12, $22

Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys Thursday, November 17th @ 8:00 PM Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys have quickly become the act to watch on the zydeco circuit. Brimming with coy sensuality, Rosie’s music is fresh and daring while still retaining its links to its bayou Creole heritage. Rosie has a rare combination of talent, not only in the zydeco world, but in any musical genre. She can write top-notch award winning songs, hang with the best of them on her instrument, and can sing circles around her peers. Rosie is among the few zydeco artists who still sing and write some of their own material in Creole French. "Today’s premier female artist is Rosie Ledet, whose soulful voice kicks her male counterparts’ right out of the club." - WALL STREET JOURNAL "If the Allman Brothers went zydeco they would probably sound like Rosie Ledet." – NEW YORK TIMES Tickets - $12, $22