The guys of Market East clearly have a thing for the warmer months of the year. There was “Marielle,” the rhapsody over cherry red lips and beach afternoons that opens their debut EP (check it out performed for Out of Town Films here). There are the languid, easygoing arrangements and breezy Brian Wilson-style vocal harmonies … Continue reading →
Sharply-dressed gospel-funk ensemble The Relatives wrapped up this year’s Non-COMM with a Friday night set of sweet harmonies on the World Cafe Live stage. Hailing from Texas and performing together since 1970, the group just released its first album of original material in 30 years, The Electric World. Check out photos from their performance above, … Continue reading →
Singer and songwriter José James and his his impressive backing band brought smooth, jazzy and eclectic sounds to Non-COMM last weekend. James released his album No Beginning, No End on Blue Note Records in January and worked through an assortment of songs from it during his set, as well as a winning cover of Bill … Continue reading →
Boston bluegrass five-piece Della Mae got Non-COMM attendees warmed up for three days of music with a lively set during the convention’s opening cocktail hour on Wednesday. Their new album, The World Oft Can Be, is out next Tuesday on Rounder Records. Check out photos from their set in the gallery above. For more of … Continue reading →
Gospel-rock legend Mavis Staples played a powerful set accompanied only by a guitarist for the downstairs Non-COMM crowd at World Cafe Live. Her performance touched on Staples Singers staples such as “The Weight” and “I’ll Take You There” along with selections from her new Jeff Tweedy-produced LP One True Vine. Check out photos from the … Continue reading →
Award winning Blues guitarist and singer Super Chikan and the Fighting Cocks made the trip from his home in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Philadelphia last Thursday, May 16 in a double header Mississippi Blues Project concert as part of WXPN’s Non-COMMvention with the Homemade Jamz Blues Band. Born James Louis Johnson in Darling, Mississippi in 1961, … Continue reading →
Last Thursday during XPN’s Non-COMMvention, the Tupelo, Mississippi brothers and sister trio, the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, performed in concert with Super Chikan for the final Mississippi Blues Porject concert series. The band performed songs from its new album, Mississippi Hill Country. The band, featuring Ryan (guitar/vocals), Kyle (bass) and Taya (drums), played a fun … Continue reading →