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Quarantine Hot 🔥 Take #2-after all this is over, they should really bring back matinee shows like in the 60-70s. I would love to see a band play for lunch and then go back and see them do it all again later that day. #matineeconcerts 
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The Cat Attic's 'A House With Stairs' (Climbs Into The Mind Of Each Listener) It is my sincerest pleasure to introduce, The Cat Attic, to all of my readers. The Cat Attic is a Boston-based Folk-Rock band that has been getting quite the amount of attention within the scene. I was asked to review their recent album entitled, 'A House With Stairs' which will be available this coming Friday. I encourage you all to download "Monsters" off this album here: https://hypeddit.com/track/1rw5qm Also, Check out The Cat Attic on all socials and at their website below. Without further ado, here are some of my thoughts on 'A House With Stairs.' "Cut Her Teeth" opens up 'A House With Stairs' and it exemplifies what The Cat Attic is bringing musically to this album. I am immediately impressed, not only with the dynamic sound of The Cat Attic but the clearness of the album's mix itself. The breakdown of this song reminds me of Railroad Earth, which is a great thing. I also get a Greensky Bluegrass or Yonder Mountain String Band vibe but The Cat Attic has an immediate sound that is all their own. "Monsters" driving backbeat stood out to me from the opening seconds of this song. Drummer, David is the backbone of this song and many others. He is always recorded crisp and clean. "Monsters" is another song from 'A House With Stairs' that is lyrically evocative and confronts the monsters that live within us all. "Civics And Cats" shows extreme vocal skills and harmonies from Richard and Holli who seem to have a palpable music connection that is relayed through their songs and vocal harmonies. The entire band works well together in "Civics And Cats", and within the entire album; working almost as a symbiotic creature to form this musical mixture. "Weird Song, Richard" begins with a long reverbed whistle. It’s my opinion that there should be more whistling in songs altogether. "Weird Song, Richard" is my favorite song off of this album. I enjoy the imagery and lyrical content that juxtaposes with a great musical breakdown. When the song gets into the "jam" it completely changes the dynamics of what The Cat Attic can do. Turning more jam and progressive as the song develops, this is where the elements combine to get my blood pumping. I would have loved to have heard more of this throughout the album but I can imagine this improvised at a live performance. "King Of All" really exemplifies the musicianship from the entire band. Polished and familiar, "King Of All" is one of the most well-done tracks on this album. "Preacher" is classically composed with a string band bluegrass feel in mind. Again we see evocative imagery "blood on your hands." This song meshes well with the other tracks on this album and it is placed within the others in perfect order. "Holding All's" lyrics shine through from the onset of the song. Lyrically driven "Holding All" is a profound song with lyrics that relate to each listener. The mandolin work by Richard is prominent within this song and shows his level of musicianship. "Broken Roses" beginning has a very progressive rock feel relying heavily on Jenna the outstanding fiddle player but as the breakdown transitions the band transforms into a rousing bluegrass-folk feel. The dichotomy between the beginning of the track and the rest is very different and I love the transitions in and out of this song. "Saint Simons's" begins "Freedom tastes like NoDoz and caffeine" poignant lyrics that begin this song and draw the listener in with storytelling. The Cat Attic seems to hit their stride telling a great story and matching music to word, driving the album forward. Both "House Of Debris" and "Firefly" are examples of how The Cat Attic uses storytelling to their advantage. The bass playing from Mike can be heard prominently throughout all of these tracks, holding down the driving force in this band. After listening through 'A House With Stairs' three or four times now, there seems to be a real connection between the band and their songwriting. This connection is shown throughout the entire album and it’s what draws the listener in: closer to the story, closer to the sound. Some bands are good at songwriting or working together while other bands are tight vocally or improvisationally. The Cat Attic seems to combine all of these elements into one cohesive unit that is beyond what each element brings on its own. While I did enjoy the more progressive bluegrass sounds from songs like, "Broken Bones" or, "Weird Song, Richard" the lyrical developments throughout this album are what is most important. All in all, each song on 'A House With Stairs' works well with the next and takes the listener on a sonic journey ascending the musical stairs into The Cat Attic. The Cat Attic have put an exuberant amount of work into this album and it shows. I hope that each of my readers who listen takes something away from 'A House With Stairs' because there is a lot to uncover in the attic. Written by RA Fadley -Website: www.thecatattic.com -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1pRoWitRE0B8xVmHrEnVqM?si=5XAQMNXvRF6wWV189G-WpQ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecatattic/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatatticmusic -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh9q3rmZWSwcLLByF_ovU_g?view_as=subscriber  Sol Roots Artist Spotlight-(Light In The Darkness)
I have been in contact with Sol Roots, the Premier Blues Jam Band from the DC area, for many years now. I have finally found the right time to review some of their music and add them to the JBP collection of reviews! It’s hard to believe that we have reviewed over 100 bands on Jam Band Purist.com and we are just now getting around to Sol Roots. Sol Roots are raw, yet musically polished, they are easily one of the best bands coming of the DC area today. With a soulful voice that matches the power and dynamic playing from its lead member. The man behind the name is somewhat mysterious though and seems to hide in the cracks of Blues and straight-up Funk. He reminds me of many of the old Bluesmen or even a figure like a Wolfman Jack. Sol Roots have shared the stage with some of the greatest acts and has even collaborated with artists like Ron Holloway regularly. Their recent releases and singles can be found on SoundCloud and here https://solroots.bandcamp.com/. It has been a pleasure to stay in contact with Sol Roots as they continue to grow and evolve in the DC Maryland Virginia music scene. While things have been quite difficult lately for musicians, Sol Roots has had some cool virtual gigs and you can see those online, as well. I see big things in the making for Sol Roots and I am happy to add them to the list of JBP Artist Spotlights. Look for a big announcement soon! I am also working hard to bring to all of you the JBP Presents: Video Podcast and am looking for all the help I can get with sponsors, editing, and content. If you have anything you'd love to hear me rant about email me or comment below. RA Fadley  Erin Lunsford Album Review: 'The Damsel'
It’s been a while since I’ve talked about Erin Lunsford from Erin and The Wildfire. I wanted to let all my readers know that my friend, Erin has recently recorded a solo album ‘The Damsel’ and I am digging what this Virginia native brings to my ears. ‘The Damsel’ runs the gamut between rock, folk, and bluegrass. Erin does a wonderful job transitioning these songs into a cohesive sound; a universe all her own. 'The Damsel' is like a spotlight into her secret world. Erin has control over this musical process and it’s exemplified by the natural tonality of her voice and her solid musicianship. "How Many Birds" opens the album up, setting the precedent for what is about to come. I enjoy the timbre of Erin’s voice and the vocal arrangement in this tune. The backing music adds a smooth, and transitory quality. Lyrically, I could feel the emotion and the descriptive imagery within made me feel the cold in the air, while I flew away south all alone. A lonely lament of a migratory bird. "27 Summers Down" leans more into the bluegrass feel. The banjo is featured heavily. This song's lyrics resonant with me because I too seem to be chasing a dream into the ground no matter what cost. "27 Summers Down" brings to life the anxiety and torture of making a dream come true while still being uplifting and thought-provoking. The vocal delivery on this is wonderful. "Virginia Brother" and "Goodbye To Greenbank" are both rooted in an Americana feel that vibe well with the other tracks on 'The Damsel.' I can hear Erins voice clearly, shining through all else. "Whatever U Like" and "Wherever You Are" are more rock-oriented and they also fit nicely within the pallet of what Erin has created. All in all, 'The Damsel' hits home for its listeners. There is something for everyone to hear. During these crazy times, I find it relaxing to listen to all genres of music, and 'The Damsel' certainly delivers a diverse arrangement that I am happy to review here at Jam Band Purist. I hope Erin has great success with this album. You can get it here at www.erinlunsford.com I also hope to see her and her band The Wildfire do their thing live as soon as possible. Thanks for reading and stay safe. RA Fadley |
WARNING: The views and opinions expressed on this site may not be in conjecture with your own. Be Advised
Editor: Robert (R.A.) FadleyFreelance Writer, Musicologist, Music Journalist, Music Critic, Music Writer, Author, Musician, Singer-songwriter, Composer, Guitarist. Categories
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