Every so often, an artist’s music hits home in a way that can only be described as “intense”. In the case of environmentally-conscious, Wisconsin-based indie rockers Cloud Cult, it’s not only the music that is intense but the back-story as well.
Noah Benardout is a name that I expect we’ll hear a lot this summer. Backed by some of the top session players in the business, the young singer-songwriter nails down some superb pop-soaked melodies on his EP that includes a punchy romp called “Haley.”
Every musician wants their music to be heard by as many people as possible, even record producers who’ve worked with Joan Jett, Andrew W.K., Sonic Youth, Hole, the Posies, and more. Producer Don Fleming, who has produced albums for these big names and many others, is now using his equipment and expertise to bring his early music back to the shelves and, for the first time, to the digital world.
Improvisation in a musical context is often a lot harder than most people will think. When listening to a Jazz or Blues musician get up on stage and improvise a solo, it often sounds as if they’re just making it up on the spot, but what people don’t see is the countless hours spend in the practice room, rehearsals and jam sessions to get to that point.
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, vocalist and songwriter Finlay Morton sounds as if he grew up surrounded by Interstates, roadside café’s and downhome Midwestern values. His music possesses a touch of Bob Dylan, a little Tom Petty and good ole’ fashioned American Rock n Roll all mixed together in a highly personal and entertaining fashion. Alongside his band, Morton conjures up the best elements from every era of rock history. There are solid, well-written lyrics, deep grooves, catchy guitar riffs and creativity to spare. Morton may be from Scotland, but he writes and records tracks that are better than most of the American artists on today’s songwriting scene.
Jamie McLean first made crowds take notice when he was the guitarist for New Orleans’ famed Dirty Dozen Brass Band. With the Dirty Dozen, McLean played sets at Madison Square Garden, Bonnaroo and Japan’s Fuji Rock. In 2006, McLean established his own outfit, the Jamie McLean Band and has never looked back, pumping out their brand of original roots, rock n’ roll, country and swampy soul. To date the band has released three full-length albums, Completely, American Heartache and This Time Around.
Brad Barr is one of those truly amazing guitarists on the scene today. He has the ability to mix, fuse, and transcend styles that range from jazz, folk, rock, experimental, indie, improvisation, flamenco, and more, which really helps to give him a unique sound that’s all his own.
Finding the right mentor is, and always has been, a huge part of a band’s musical and personal development. Countless bands and solo artists over
One of our favorite things to do around Guitar International headquarters is read other guitar websites. We’re always on the lookout for new sites to check out. Sites that will catch our attention with their quality content, engaging writing and interesting approach to everything guitar.
GI catches up with The Graduate’s Max Sauer in Quincy for the release of their new album, Only Every Time
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