Big Blue Spruce (the trees smell great, but I have got to get this off my chest… I decorated a blue spruce tree for Christmas and it pricked the hell outta me, I think I bled) is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. And that’s saying something. As a reviewer, you want to give people a frame of reference so they know what to expect, but I am literally racking my brain to come up with someone to compare them to, and I can’t.

After checking their web bio, it says they’re going for an Animals-covering-Pink Floyd type of vibe. Well, that’s why I can’t compare them; Pink Floyd music scares the crap outta me, so I don’t listen to it. And frankly, these dudes from big pokey tree creep me out a bit too. I’d say they nailed that freaky, haunting, mellow vibe that Floyd fans eat up but I run from. It’s like music from another time, and that’s probably why the Animals-ish guitar work is hard to place. Because it’s Animals-ish guitar work. The three songs I’ve listened to by them (“All Away,” “Show Your Face,” and “When It Dies”) aren’t exactly catchy. They’re like, sad? Haha, sad rock, does that exist? I’m just creating new alt-rock categories over here… But I’m sticking to it. Up-tempo sad rock. It’s something in their voices, I don’t know what, but it makes me think they will be playing live with scowls on their faces. That’s not a bad thing though, as long as they play. At the TOOL concert I went to, Maynard kept his freaking back to the audience the whole time, and I nearly died in the mosh pit trying to get close to… his back?!?

Point is, at least you’ll see Big Blue Spruce face forward. A full-length album is currently in the works for these three Philly gents, so if you hear and like, stay tuned, of course. I’m picking up a little Brandon Boyd/Incubus whining, too. Floyd-meets-Incubus-meets-Animals. Hm.

Saturday, March 19, 2010, 8:30 p.m.
Big Blue Spruce w/ Stolen Rhodes
@ Puck Live, Printers Alley, Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-9000
Get Tickets

CDs are constantly being released into the wild after much nurturing and care. And much as it is with the release of an animal, those who have cultivated the album are full of love and hope for what has been in their care for so long. The consuming, inspiring work is over, but the road still stretches out before the artist’s creation.

Matthew Ryan’s “Dear Lover,” which has officially joined the flock of the released, effuses that love and hope in every beat, phrase and melody in its Dylanesque tracks. A well-known and much respected Philly-born musician with a rich history in his craft, Ryan’s sound is every bit as Dylan as Dylan is himself (right down to the harmonica). And this assortment of anthems of life and love and hope and being who we are in our world today serves as proof that this guy knows how to raise tunes that are ready to fly off and survive on their own.

This certainly isn’t the first disk Ryan has released to the wild and we can only hope it won’t be the last. The continued evolution of the brilliant recordings species depends on it.

Special guests at the fete will be Garrison Starr and Luke Brindley. I’ve already gushed about Luke (here), so now I must dedicate some space to Ms. Starr. With her unique, bittersweet, folky, alternative sound, she’s a perfect addition to the heartbreaking elation of a CD release. Garrison’s expressions of those universal human things we all experience are definitely more sweet than bitter, and her melodies, while endearing, are never trite.

The celebration of the liberation of “Dear Lover” will be held at the Tin Angel on March 11th. With three amazingly honest artists, this evening promises inspiring flights all around. You will definitely want to witness Ryan’s release in its natural habitat and toast to its freedom flight as it makes its way toward the sunrise.

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 8:00pm
Matthew Ryan (CD Release) w/Garrison Starr and Luke Brindley
Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St, Philadelphia PA, 19106
Get Tickets

Once again I find myself composing a blog in full support of a musician with a sound I don’t normally find appealing. But there is something so tingly about Liz Longley. Two measures in and I am so lost in the evocative sound of her voice that I can only love the slide guitar for complementing it so perfectly and unobtrusively.

Not surprisingly, I now have a severe case of green-eyed vocal envy. My plan is to learn the lyrics to all of her songs so I can mouth the words and imagine that it is my voice that I hear. I may even hire her to just walk around behind me and be my voice, like I’m some kind of ventriloquist dummy. Which isn’t that far of a stretch really.

Cut from the same cloth as greats like Ani DiFranco and Jewel, with a strong influence from Joni Mitchell, her singer/songwriter, folk, Nashville sound is so huge, that it almost seems dangerous that you should be able to see Ms. Longley perform in a small venue. Her voice is as clear as a bell and will ring in your ears (and soul) long after she’s packed up her guitar and moved on to the next stop on her tour in support of her new CD Somewhere in the Middle.

This woman is tough and sensitive and bluesy and brave. And every one of her tunes exudes these characteristics in a very rich way. It is my fervent suggestion that you get out and see her up close while you can. And make sure you demand to hear gems like “Rush,” “Almost Over You,” “Overdue” and “Go On.” Before OSHA shows up with protective ear-wear.

You love Liz Longley. Maybe you don’t know it yet, but you do. And there’s no better time than the day before Valentine’s Day to spend an evening with someone you love. Amirite?

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 8 p.m.
Liz Longley w/ Seth Glier
Burlap and Bean, 204 South Newtown St, Newtown Square, PA 19073
484-427-4547
Get Tickets

You’re hearing some talk about something happening in Northern Liberties this week. You’re not sure what it is, but it sounds BIG. Lots of bands... something about Sgt. Pepper... something about it being wintertime…

Yep, the 8th annual Northern Liberties Winter Music Festival is upon us. Indie base The Fire has lined up local favorites, up-and-comers, outta state bands, and a multiple band Beatles tribute to rock Philly all week long. Shows kick off tonight at 9pm with a double bill featuring Bunjii’s smooth hip hop grooves and Major League’s Fall Out Boyish-poppy rock. And don’t use the snow as an excuse… the fest is going strong, all week long. Wednesday the 10th has Texas’ own Auto Body up alongside the uber-fun Cheap Dinosaurs, Thursday the 11th is a smorgasbord o’tunes with headliners infinien and Chris Kasper (crooner) taking the stage with Mason Porter, Andrew Lipke, Spirit and Dust, Oso, and Cowmuddy.

However, this upcoming weekend is where it’s at. The Fire has shows coming outta its ears—Toy Soldiers play BACK TO BACK on Friday the 12th, starting at 7pm (All Ages), alongside The Great Unknown and The Lawsuits, with additional musical stylings from Fantasy Square Garden, Orbit to Leslie, and J-Roddy and the Business. Saturday the 13th is my man, Slo Mo (mmm, steel guitar), and The Spinning Leaves. Rounding out the Fest on Sunday, Valentine’s Day, the 14th at 7pm (All Ages) is PJ Bond and Triangle Shirt Factory (haha, funny name) with Chelsea Mitchell and out-of-towners Billy Wallace and The Waltz. The happy ending (if you will) is a massive Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band tribute featuring Toy Soldiers (yeah, they get an award for like, owning the festival), Cheers Elephant, Canadian Invasion, and Oso. How’s that for Valentine’s Day? You get to rock out to the Beatles all night long.

Some stuff to keep in mind... While these shows are wallet-friendly, you can buy tix in advance for LESS money, if you can believe it. Also, I didn’t even mention the opening acts, about two per show. Yep, that’s extra added ticket value, and if you get their early you can take advantage of the beer specials from 7-8 pm. You basically get four shows (or more) for like, 7 to 12 bucks. Shows are 21 and over (except as noted above), and all shows are at The Fire. Happy Winter Fest rockin!

Get yer details here.

Photo by Lisa Schaffer

Ben Arnold is the secret musical love child of Jimmy Durante, Dr. John (of “Makin’ Whoopee” fame) and Louis Armstrong, with just a little help from Randy Newman. O.k., the math doesn’t quite work, but I know what I’m talking about.

After hearing just a few of his lyrics, the man so clearly has the blues that I can actually taste the bourbon through my speakers. And yet, nothing about any of his songs can bring me down. They’re just too optimistic.

It’s like he’s just so happy to be sad that he can’t even stand it.

His gravelly, seen-it-all, world-weary, soulful voice and lyrics are the perfect juxtaposition for his crisp, fresh, up-beat, cheerful melodies. I mean, how is it possible that I’m dancing in my kitchen to a song called “Let the Tears Roll Down,” how? I’m so confused now. He’s making me want to be melancholy just so I have something to be ecstatic about.

“Ridiculous!” you say? Go to his show at the Tin Angel on the 29th and find out for yourself. But make sure you have something really heartbreaking to wallow in so you have a reason to bop around to joyfulless (yes...I had to make up a new word to describe them) tunes like “Suckin’ Honey,” “Nevermind My Blues” and “Heaven Next Time.”

Otherwise you’re going to feel left out. Which will make you sad. But wait...then you’ll be happy because you finally got sad and have a reason to dance gleefully throughout the show. Now I’m confused again. But does that make me sad or happy? Do I cry or dance?

Thankfully, I think Mr. Arnold has officially made it o.k. for us to do both.

Go. Be sad. Enjoy the out of it. And just try not to laugh through your tears as you dance on the emotional roller coaster. I’ll be at the metaphorical bar cry-laughing into my bourbon.

Friday, January 29, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Ben Arnold w/ Pete Donnelly (from The Figgs)
The Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St, Philadelphia PA, 19106
Get Tickets