Larry Keel

New Additions:

Keller Williams & the Keels - Thief CD - Keller Williams' latest studio release, 'thief', serves as a follow-up to his highly acclaimed 2006 release of anything-but-traditional bluegrass songs, 'grass'. Teaming up once again with his good friends Larry and Jenny Keel (on guitar and bass, respectively), Keller gives the bluegrass treatment to 13 unexpected rock, pop and folk songs. From Ryan Adams and Amy Winehouse to Presidents of the United States of America and the Butthole Surfers, Keller & the Keels tread on hallowed territory. But with 'thief', they aren't stealing from their musical heroes, rather paying their respects and breathing new life into old classics.

Widespread Panic - Dirty Side Down CD - Dirty Side Down, the 11th studio album from Widespread Panic, is comprised of 12 songs that incorporate Panic's unique blend of rock, jazz and blues inspired textures into songs flowing with melody, rhythm and emotion. After 24 years, Widespread Panic remain one of America s best live bands, and most successful touring acts. Aside from their legendary live shows, they continue to raise the bar in their genre through their songwriting, and Dirty Side Down is a prime example. Band members John Bell (vocals/guitar), John Hermann (keyboards/vocals), Jimmy Herring (lead guitar), Todd Nance (drums/vocals), Domingo Ortiz (percussion) and Dave Schools (bass/vocals) combine their efforts by writing, or co-writing, 10 of the album s 12 tracks. Songs, such as the dark, multi-layered opener Saint Ex , the boogie blues of Jaded Tourist or the laid back Southern nature of When You Coming Home showcase Widespread Panic s dynamic range as songwriters and musicians.

iLa Mawana - Soldiers of Sound CD - Boston-based iLa Mawana presents their first studio album! Developing a strong reputation among fans for their tight pocket reggae grooves, iLa Mawana has put together a cohesive group of songs that capture their energy with captivating new melodies.

"...Boston-based iLa Mawana is solidly reggae, but by mixing dub, roots and Afro-beat, they add dimension to their sound, taking them from quintessential to alluring." - Performer Magazine

"Boston's iLa Mawana have a vibrant Jamaican flavor that uses a familiar template, proudly following in the footsteps of reggae legends. Adding a twist to their traditional leanings, the nine-piece posse fuse their style with strains of dub and ska, then alter the vibe further with lyrics that fit more naturally with today's sensibilities." - Music Connection Magazine

Sol Driven Train - Believe CD - At shows, the band members bounce to the pulse of the music along with the crowd. Stylistically the band "seamlessly mixes Allmanesque Southern rock, languid world-beat, swampy funk and downright catchy melodies as they swap lead singers and instruments. A punchy horn section adds an extra dimension of sweaty soul to the genre-blurring jam party" (Atlanta Creative Loafing, 11/21/06). All that sweat is paying off for Sol Driven Train. With their honest songwriting and energetic live performances, they are attracting fans devoted to witnessing their musical rise. Believe is a snapshot of the ever changing life and sound of Sol Driven Train. The album spans the gap from comedy to tragedy with a track sure to capture the imagination of any listener.

Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band - The Wages CD - "I grew up in the country, and rural life and rural culture has shaped me and my music," says Reverend Peyton, who really is a Kentucky Colonel, just like Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers and Tiger Woods. "I have been playing music since I was a little kid. I am pretty sure we are on to something now." That combination of authenticity and originality is evident throughout the Big Damn Band's "The Wages," driven by the trio's big damn vocals and melodies, gutbucket guitar playing, and foot-stomping rhythms, all in service of songs that are honest and moving, devoid of irony or artifice.

Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet - Live At The Triple Door CD - Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet follows up the release of their classic 2007 studio album Husky with the perfect companion piece, Live At The Triple Door. Multi-tracked at the venerable Seattle jazz venue, the band winds their way through seven torrid performances, including 'Summer Pudding,' 'Taming The Shrew' and 'The Third Rail.' Adding distinguished flourishes to the Syncopated Taint Septet on this evening is both a string section and the acclaimed Seattle vocalist Om Johari, who contributes two hair raising performances: a rendition of Nina Simone's 'Mississippi Goddamn' and a re-working of Sarah Vaughn's 'The Mystery Of Man,' which was adapted from the poetry of Pope John Paul II. The final shine on Live At The Triple Door comes courtesy of arranger Eyvind Kang who adds string overdubs to enhance the pre-existing live strings.

Long a staple of the Northwest music scene and a revered cult figure around the country, tenor saxophonist Skerik adds yet another jewel to a steadily growing discography that includes acclaimed works by his other bands ranging from Garage A Trois to Critters Buggin to The Dead Kenny G's.

Coming Soon:

June 1 - moe. - Smash Hits Vol 1 CD
Grateful Dead - At the Hollywood Festival, NW England 1970 DVD
Ozric Tentacles - Erpland CD&DVD
Dickey Betts & Great Southern - 30 Years of Southern Rock (2 CDs)
Jack Johnson - To the Sea CD

June 8 - Warren Haynes presents the Benefit Concert Vol 3 (2 CDs)

Last Week:

Future Rock - Live in Wicker Park CD - New live album that captures the raw energy of a memorable live-electronic performance that packed the fair streets of Chicago, turning rooftops into dance floors and fans into maniacs hanging out of open windows. The atmosphere and the songs, six of which have never officially been released--are the best representation of Future Rock ever recorded. Live in Wicker Park also features live remixes of Black Moth Super Rainbow and Death from Above 1979 that are sweeping proof of Future Rock's remarkable remix skills.  But that's not all.  The live album is a 52-minute wall of sound that'll leave listeners wondering how three people create the rhythmic textures that seem to come from a small army, rather than just a trio.  The album is available everywhere, TODAY, and is featured on Future Rock's Bandcamp site: http://futurerock.bandcamp.com.  You can watch a live video of the song, Romantic Rights (Live Remix) from Future Rock's 4/30/2010 performance at the Park West in Chicago on Vimeo.

MOKSHA Posters & Tshirts!

Moksha Poster

Moksha Spaghetti Strap Tee

Moksha Women's Tee

Moksha Men's T Brown

Moksha Men's T Gray

Upcoming Events:

May 28-30 - StrangeCreek - Greenfield, MA
Bella Vida Music Festival - Clarks Grove, MN

June 3-6 - GroverFest - Davidson, NC
Wakarusa - Ozark, AR
Outrageous Universe Revival - Sherman, NY

June 10-13 Bonnaroo - Manchester, TN
Harmony Festival - Santa Rosa, CA
8th Annual Nor-east'r Music & Art Festival - Mio, MI

June 17-19 Harry's Hoe Down 2010 - Starks, ME

July 2-4 Nateva - Oxford, ME

Video of the Week:

Keller & the Keels with Drew Emmitt, Bill Nershi & Ronnie McCoury performing Cracker's "What the World Needs Now" at DelFest 2009

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Lee Crumpton

New Additions:

Max Allen Band - Ending Sun CD - MAB's newest release, "Ending Sun" is extraordinarily engaging. Like previous MAB albums, "Ending Sun" combines well constructed lyrics, distinctive melodies and powerful song structures with a level of musicianship that is uncanny. After one listen you will want to begin following this band as they tour the country and catch one of their shows near your hometown. $12

SOJA - Born in Babylon CD - Hailing from Washington D.C. - reggae band SOJA is on the forefront of the reggae revolution. SOJA embodies musicians unlike any other band in any genre of music, to date. Their first album "Soldiers of Jah Army EP" was recorded independently with renowned sound engineer Jim Fox and released at the beginning of 2000. In 2002, SOJA followed with the release of their first full-length album, "Peace in a Time of War." The band then came out with "Get Wiser," their second full-length album in 2006, which debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release. In 2008, they released their EP "Stars and Stripes" which contained three new songs and remakes of popular songs. In early 2009, the band released the documentary DVD "SOJA Live in Hawaii: A Marc Carlini Film," showcasing the power and energy of their 2008 Hawaiian tour which included four islands, five cameras, four shows, and everything in between. Now, SOJA has unleashed their third full-length album "Born in Babylon" - the culmination of all past efforts on their label DMV Records. $14

Manu Chao - Baionarena (2CD+DVD) - Global star Manu Chao presents a double live album/DVD called "Baionarena" - recorded in France in 2008. With 33 total tracks, it features a variety of recent hits, older classics and rarities performed at Manu's standard level of high-energy raucousness along with tens of thousands of fans. Whether you saw Manu Chao headline Coachella, Austin City Limits or one of his many sold-out theater dates across the U.S. "Baionarena" will help recreate that experience in the comfort of your own home. "Baionarena" also includes a special 30 minute behind the scenes tour diary along with the full concert.

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic (2LP+CD) - (2LP Colored Vinyl)(Transparent Yellow & Transparent Blue)(w/Bonus CD) 2009 album from the Alt-Rock heroes, their 12th album overall. Embryonic is also their most ambitious album to date, recorded and envisioned as a double album that can take it's rightful place beside The White Album, Physical Graffiti, The Wall and others. $24.98

James Brown - The Godfather's Smackdown CD/DVD -The greatest performer of all time! Recorded on tour in New York, Atlanta & Miami in 1980.
Over 70 minutes of music - including all the vital hits - remastered from the original tapes. Bonus DVD includes a professionally filmed and edited show. $14.98

Bela Fleck - Throw Down Your Heart DVD - Follows American banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck on his journey to Africa to explore the little known African roots of the banjo and record an album.  It's a boundary-breaking musical adventure that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Africa - an Africa that is very different from what is often seen in the media today. At first glance, it might seem odd that the banjo is the catalyst for this journey.  But in fact, the banjo is originally an African instrument.  And Bela Fleck's passion for the banjo runs deep.  In his trailblazing 30-year career, Bela has brought the instrument into jazz, pop, classical, and world music settings, and won eight Grammys along the way (not to mention the 20 nominations, in more distinct categories than anyone else, ever). As Bela travels across Africa, he forges both musical and personal connections.  Using his banjo, he transcends barriers of language and culture, finding common ground with musicians from very different backgrounds and creating some of the most meaningful music of his career. $22.99

Coming Soon:

December 8 - Medeski Martin & Wood - Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set (5CD+2LP+DVD)

Last Week:

Daptone Gold CD - Daptone compilation featuring rarities, classics and previously unreleased tracks from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, The Budos Band, Binky Griptite, Lee Fields, Antibalas and many more in gold digipak packaging. Liner notes by Douglas Wolk. CD $11.98

The Black Crowes - Cabin Fever DVD - Cabin Fever was an innovative recording session where Before The Frost... Until The Freeze was recorded over a series of five nights at Levon Helm Studios. The sessions were filmed in front of an intimate live audience and allows the viewer into the recording studio with the band. Songwriting sessions are revealed and lots of never before seen banter and behind the scenes footage is shown.

Chris Robinson had this to say about the Cabin Fever sessions: "I think we fulfilled a musical commitment to continue on the golden road of artistic independence. Approaching 20 years into our careers, we still are ambitious enough to push ourselves to create something unique that we have never done before." $14.98

String Cheese Incident - Trick or Treat BOX SET - This nine-disc box set was culled from a variety of epic SCI "Hulaween" shows from 1998-2004. This exclusive box set offers seven of SCI's famous Halloween cover sets in their entirety, including String Cheese performing songs by such artists as the Beatles, Beastie Boys, KC & The Sunshine Band, Phish, and many others. Includes: Rare, collectible 12"x12" print feat. brand new cover art from Michael Everett (signed and numbered), 6 special commemorative mini-posters from the 1998-2004 Hulaween shows, Personalized liner notes from the band, Photo booklet by famed rock photographer C. Taylor Crothers, "Best Of Trick or Treat" Double CD,  "Best Of Trick or Treat" Double Vinyl (including digital download card), Bonus content from additional "Hulaween" shows. $125

Gov't Mule - By A Thread LP - Gov t Mule wildly creative and fearsomely talented rock band lauded by Rolling Stone for Successfully bringing the classic power-trio sound of Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience into the 21st Century has completed work on By A Thread - their first studio album in 3 years.

Recorded largely at Willie Nelson's Pedernales Studio in 2009, the album s origins are apparent from the first track, Broke Down On The Brazos, named after the nearby river, with a deep Texas stomp for the backbeat and featuring the trademark guitar-work of ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons. $17.98

Primus - Fizzle Fry LP - The classic Primus album "Frizzle Fry" re-mastered and re-released on Vinyl! Hear such classics as "Too Many Puppies", "Mr. Knowitall" and "John the Fisherman" the way they should be heard. $18.98

Les Claypool - Purple Onion LP - Purple Onion has sold over 17,000 units on CD and now is finally available on vinyl! Featuring fan favorites "D's Diner" and "Cosmic Highway" tis is unmistakably one of Claypool's masterpieces. Featuring guests Warren Haynes, Norwood Fisher & more. $18.98

Of Whales & Woe LP- Les's 2006 studio release "Of Whales and Woe" featured musicians Paulo Baldi (drums), Mike Dillion (percussion), Skerik (sax), and Gabby La La (sitar). This album is filled with quirky gems including the theme to the wildly popular animated series "Robot Chicken". $18.98

Live at the 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival CDs! Click artist to hear samples and learn more.

Ivan Neville's Dumpstafunk $16

Galactic $16

The Radiators (2 CDs) $24.99

Pete Seeger $16

Johnny Winter $16

Papa Grows Funk $17

The Meter Men $17 featuring: Leo Nocentelli - guitar & vocals, George Porter Jr. - bass & vocals, Zigaboo Modeliste - drums & vocals

Doc Watson $17

Allen Toussaint $17

Otra! $17

Voices of St. Peter Claver $17

John Mooney $17

Amanda Shaw $17

Pine Leaf Boys $17

Upcoming Events:

December 4-6 - Rock the Resort - Kerhonkson, NY

April 15-17, 2010 - Wanee Music Festival - Live Oak, FL

April 22-25, 2010 - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival - Pittsboro, NC

Video of the Week:

Bela Fleck - Thrown Down Your Heart (trailer)

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Lee Crumpton