The Station

New Releases:

Moksha - Here to Go CD - Las Vegas rock outfit Moksha, who finds a common musical stance with bands like Phish, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead, among others, release their second album. "Here to Go" was produced independently by Moksha Music Limited and four-time Grammy Award winner James 'Bonzai' Caruso, with Peter Apfelbaum doing the horn arrangements.

"Here to Go' is Moksha's first endeavor with new band member, Sam Lemos as lead vocal, adding another level to Moksha's mastery of instrumental jam music. It fuses all the musical genres that influence each of the band members, into a sound uniquely their own.

"Starswarm", "Here to Go" and "Bubbles" Take a rocket blast, straight into a deep space, psychedelic funk, rock utopia, back down to earth with melodic pop, and back again into hyperspace with a rip-roaring instrumental.

"Real Show", "Into Thin Air", and "Fruit of Tulum", stay closer to earth with Reggae, World Music, and Spanish Instrumentals, that keeps the energy moving and the horns and vocals shining. "Leg up" is a sweet melodic country inspired ballad. The cornerstone of the album

"The Measure of all things" is a beautiful and mercurial song that delves into the depths of the mythic realm and the heights of keyboard solo heaven.

The remaining songs switch between explosive funk with soaring vocals and classic horns, to good solid rock that pushes until it eventually comes apart at the seams

With their music circling the world, then to space and back, Moksha is "Here to Go"

Dave Littrell - Now I See CD - Dave Littrell's songs pair his storytelling skills with methodical acoustic guitar playing, bouncing rock rhythms and hook-filled melodies. The endless array of instruments Littrell has in his repertoire contributes a further level of sophistication to his effortlessly smooth vocal delivery. A solo project was a natural way for Littrell to express the lighter, more melodic side of him than the guitar solo-filled intricate rock and electronica of The Station. This progression culminated with Littrell's 2011 solo debut album, Now I See. In addition to his captivating vocals, Littrell plays acoustic guitar, bass, saxophone, piano, organ, percussion, and flute, on the album. Now I See was produced by Littrell's longtime collaborator and co-founding member of The Station, Dave Carter.

Coming Soon:

Songs of Water, 10ft Ganja Plant, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey

Last Week:

The New Mastersounds - Breaks from the Border CD - The New Mastersounds release their first ever US recorded album, "Breaks From The Border". "Breaks" marks a new era in the band's sonic landscape by topping their unique syncopated grooves with group vocal stylings. Their new sound has been band tested, fan approved. After a major US festival tour, instead of flying home to England, they diverted to Texas, where they recorded at Sonic Ranch. Sonic Ranch is a residential studio in the middle of a huge pecan orchard, which became the setting for the band s seventh studio album, "Breaks from the Border".

Pimps of Joytime - Janxta Funk CD - Over the course of the past four years, the Pimps of Joytime have evolved into a road tested and audience approved groove machine. They have excited crowds at over 100 club dates and festivals in 2010 and this year's ongoing "All The Way Live" tour far exceeds the volume of previous years. Amazingly, their stage performance improves each night as the electricity between the band members rises to new heights. This fluidity is not something you can manufacture; it is an authentic and exciting collaboration that is the Pimps of Joytime. With the "All The Way Live" tour, The Pimps are offering their fans and music lovers alike a chance to experience the electrifying rhythms that lace the album, Janxta Funk!

Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, the Pimps of Joytime are paving their own unique path in the world. What do you do when there isn't a phrase to describe your sound? You coin a new one of course! Janxta Funk, as Brian J describes it "is a style that is part gangsta, part janky". Janxta Funk ranges from Latin inspired rhythms to deep funky grooves and hot dance beats. Those who have experienced a Pimps show agree that you have to see the band live to truly understand their unique combination of musical elements, including afrobeat, rock, hip-hop and electronica. The exponential growth of the band's fan base is attributed to their artful blend of musical styles framed by bandleader Brian J's classic songwriting along with the band's undeniable swagger on stage. Their live synergy consistently inspires dance parties wherever the band appears!

Brian J is a charismatic and soulful visionary, whose well-crafted songs invite the listener to enter a world of infectious dance grooves and indelible melodies. He spent his formative years in New York City, New Orleans and Los Angeles, honing his craft to become an accomplished live performer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is joined by the lady of rhythm and soul, Mayteana Morales. Fans lose themselves in her beats and are captivated by her distinct voice. Completing the front line is Chauncey Yearwood who adds funky flavor to every song with tasty conga grooves and his classically soulful voice. Filling out the rhythm section is super talent David Bailis on bass and synth and rotating cast of top notch drummers.

In 2005 Brian assembled this group of righteously soulful vocalists and musicians to bring to life the musical concept that would become The Pimps of Joytime. The band's diverse sound and spirited attitude is strongly influenced by the Brooklyn DJ culture and live music scene from which they emerge. The new album Janxta Funk! features collaborations with legendary artists Cyril and Art Neville of the Neville Brothers and Roy Ayers have helped vitalize the band's connection to its roots.

The Pimps of Joytime are poised to bring their audacious sound to savvy audiences around the planet. Janxta Funk! is a new chapter in the book of the Funk and a testament that real funky music is alive and kicking!

Also available: Pimps of Joytime - Funk Fixes & Remixes CD

Upcoming Events:

Aug 18-20 Camp Barefoot - Bartow WV

Aug 26-28 Summerdance - Garretsville OH

Aug 26-28 NedFest - Nederland CO

Aug 27-29 Music on the Mountaintop - Boone NC

*Sept 1-4 The GETDOWN - Mebane NC

Sept 2-4 Headjamz - Adams TN

Sept 23-25 H Blast! - Reidsville NC

*Look for the Home Grown Music Booth at this event!

Video of the Week:

New Additions:

Boogie Husters - Boogie Hustlers CD - On their third album, the Boogie Hustlers have once again found a way to seamlessly merge various genres of music into a sound that is uniquely their own. Strikingly different from the band's previous album True Colors, their newest self-titled release Boogie Hustlers is a bare bones, back to basics, beautiful blend of classic soul and rock n' roll teamingwith emotional, heartfelt songs about love and life. From the driving road anthem "9 Deep" to the mellow masterpiece "Down the Line", this eclectic album proves to be their best yet. $12

Shpongle - Live from the Roadhouse 2008 DVD - As an artist, it's always good to challenge yourself... and the thought of translating all the complex layers in a shpongle album into a live show with a band gave me a panic attack... and still does! Pretty early on I realized the secret would be to bring in musicians far better than ourselves... and lots of them! Two weeks before the show the band had never even met each other, even though I had recorded some of them individually in my studio for previous Shpongle albums. We all rehearsed in a darkened room, with no air or daylight, getting to know each other by smell alone... and perhaps sound. Reams of manuscript paper littered the floor, everyone wore ear plugs, and all I could think was "What the hell am I doing?" . We didn't know if we would ever repeat the performance, so recorded it for posterity... Surely only an idiot would actually release their first ever gig though, right? We hope you like it... it was made with love, sweat and laughter.... Welcome to Shpongleland! $16.98

Buckethead & Friend - Enter the Chicken (re-release) - The ever mysterious and amazingly talented guitarist and theme park manager Buckethead has opened the doors to his famed Bucketheadland once again, and this time he has asked his friends to help him provide the thrills and chills to his guests. Complete with brand new bonus track Shen Chi, Enter the Chicken is ready to take listeners on another sonic loop. Also on board are the vocal performances from many of today's brightest musical talents including Saul Williams, Efrem Schulz (Death By Stereo), Maura Davis, Azam Ali (300 Soundtrack) and Serj Tankian himself. These artists as well as the others that are featured on the album were hand picked by Tankian and Buckethead to ensure that each song takes the listener on a unique musical voyage. The 12-track adventure is filled with sonic twists and turns that will leave listener's ears delighted and their mouths overflowing with enthusiastic comments. $11.98

Coming Soon:

January 12 - Vampire Weekend - Contra CD
Charlie Hunter - Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid CD

January 19 - Danny Barnes - Pizza Box CD
South Memphis String Band - Home Sweet Home CD

Last Week:

Blakroc - Blakroc CD - The brainchild of The Black Keys and Damon Dash. Produced by and featuring The Black Keys, BlakRoc also hosts a star-studded line up including Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Jones, NOE, Nicole Wray and Billy Danze. Of the album, The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach said 'no samples were used on the record, it's all live instruments and live vocals. $14.98

Live from Bonnaroo 2008 DVD - Designed to reflect the breadth and diversity of the Bonnaroo experience, the DVD features exclusive performances and backstage footage of artists such as Metallica, Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, The Raconteurs, Tegan and Sarah, Against Me!, My Morning Jacket, Les Claypool, Broken Social Scene, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, among many others. Sam Erickson (My Morning Jacket, Dave Matthews) and 44 Pictures directed the program, which features exclusive packaging and artwork . The audio was engineered from Bonnaroo's pristine master soundboard recordings and remixed in stereo and 5.1 surround sound. $17.98

Bootsy Collins - Christmas is 4 Ever CD - Funk legend Bootsy Collins spices up Christmas time with his first holiday album, Christmas Is 4 Ever, boasting nine "Bootsyized" yuletide classics along with four brand-new holiday songs. Bootsy is joined by Snoop Dogg, who raps on the new song "Happy Holidaze," and Charlie Daniels, who provides fiddle and background vocals for the holiday standard "Sleigh Ride" (which also features vocals by Ohio Players lead singer Sugarfoot). Other guests include Bobby Womack, the late Roger Troutman (Zapp), and former James Brown collaborators Fred Wesley, Bobby Byrd, and MC Danny Ray, as well as former Parliament/Funkadelic members Blackbyrd McKnight and Bernie Worrell. $7.98

Bootsy Collins - Be With You DVD - A tribute to Mr James Brown, Mr Bobby Byrd and Roger Troutman. Now Glory Be Come Funk with Me.

DVD contains holiday music video of "Be With You".

Purchase with Bootsy's "Christmas is Forever" CD and get both for only $10! To take advantage of this offer, add the DVD to your cart, but not the CD - the special offer will appear during checkout. $4.98

Upcoming Events:

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

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

Video of the Week:

Buzz Universe - The Wait to Return

The 9th Annual HGMN Year End Awards (and staff picks)

STUDIO ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Zach Deputy - Sunshine Read our interview with Zach where he discusses the making of Sunshine. For those not familiar, Deputy's truck and all his musical gear were stolen the day before he was to go in the studio to record this CD!

LIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR: The Station - Speed of Sound - Live at Marley's offers two plus hours of ambitious, genre-bending rock and roll. The songs are characterized by incredibly strong guitar work, energetic, effusive lyrics, and a stark mixture of musical styles ranging from progressive rock and horn-driven funk, to spacey jams that remain sharp and on point. Read our full review.

DVD OF THE YEAR: SOJA - Live in Hawaii - In January of 2008, SOJA returned to Hawai'i for their third tour of the islands, accompanied by award winning filmmaker Marc Carlini, and a five man camera crew. Carlini captured performances in Honolulu, Kona, Maui, & Kaua'i; as well as behind the scenes footage featuring the beautiful landscape of Hawai'i, its lifestyle, culture, and experience through the eyes of SOJA. View trailer.

CUSTOMER'S CHOICE: Retail: New Monsoon - Live Customer's orders spoke and they bought the most of this double live CD from the hard working road warriors New Monsoon.
Wholesale: Derek Trucks Band - Live at Georgia Theatre - Stores most often puchased this amazing double live CD set from DTB. This one would be on my deserted island CD list for sure.

NEW HGMN BAND OF THE YEAR: Three Legged Fox The young PA quartet made the biggest impression with our staffers in 2009.

ROAD WARRIOR OF THE YEAR: Zach Deputy - Zach performed well over 200 shows in 2009. While not included in the offical count we personally know that he performed over 20 sets at Bonnaroo alone!

HGMN HALL OF FAME: STS9 joins The Motet, Umphrey's McGee, The Recipe, Deep Banana Blackout, The Big Wu, Acoustic Syndicate, The Disco Biscuits & Keller Williams in this select list of bands that have helped define HGMN over the years.

HG REPS OF THE YEAR: Traci Tuttle (Freemont, NH) & Cassandra Chalkley (Marlbrough, NH)

HGMN VENUE OF THE YEAR: Nelson Ledges Quarry Park - Garrettsville, OH
Runner Up: Livewire Music Hall - Savannah, GA

HGMN JAMcaster OF THE YEAR: Endless Boundaries on WBZC, DJ=Jaybird

Congrats to all the winners and thanks for making 2009 a year to remember!

HGMN Staff's Favorites of 2009:

LEE:
Favorite shows: Phish - Charlottesville 12/5/2009
The Mantras - 9/4/2009 Get Down Music Festival

Albums: Scythian - Live CD
The Motet - Dig Deep CD
The New Mastersounds - Ten Years On CD
Max Allen Band - Ending Sun CD  Max Allen Band - Ending Sun CD
Jeff Bujak - Alive Like the Spine CD

ROBIE:
Favorite shows: Galactic - 11/14/09  Bear Creek Music Festival
Cut Copy - 3/24/09 Cat's Cradle

Albums: Memory Tapes - Seek Magic
Pretty Lights - Passing By Behind Your Eyes
The New Mastersounds - Ten Years On
Signal Path - Clash
Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue

SHERRY:
Favorite shows: Derek Trucks Band - 10/30/2009 Carolina Theatre, Durham NC
Lotus  - 11/11/2009 Cat's Cradle, Carrboro NC

Albums: Lotus - Hammerstrike CD
The New Mastersounds - Ten Years On CD
Derek Trucks Band - Already Free CD
Widespread Panic - Montreal 1997
Steppin' Razor - Gold In Rule CD

TREVOR:
Favorite shows: -Perpetual Groove - Camp Barefoot 2009
Donna the Buffalo - Spring Shakori Hills (Sunday Night Set)

Albums: The New Mastersounds - Ten Years On CD
Laura Reed and Deep Pocket - Live at Tree Sound Studios CD/DVD
Lotus - Hammerstrike CD 
Widespread Panic - Montreal Sept 8, 1997 (3 CDs)
Rodrigo y Gabriella - 11:11 CD

J. Evan Wade:
Favorite shows: Scythian at the Blind Tiger 2/11/09
Josh Philips Folk Festival at the Blind Tiger 9/10/09

Albums: Toubab Krewe - Live at the Orange Peel
Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy
Cadillac Jones - Rhythm Method
TR3 - Radiance
Three Legged Fox - Not as Far

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

New Additions:

Derek Trucks Band - Already Free CD - Nearly a year in the making and brimming with a newfound focus on original material, Already Free is The Derek Trucks Band's natural evolution as they move forward integrating influences that span a variety of musical genres. Known for their blues roots, the group takes this album well beyond blues to incorporate the larger sounds of rock & soul. Already Free, features a stirring cover of Bob Dylan's Down In The Flood as well as the new songs, Down Don't Bother Me and Get What You Deserve. Guest appearances on the album include vocals from Susan Tedeschi and Doyle Bramhall II. $16.97

The Station - Speed of Sound - Live at Marley's (2 CDs) - The Station balances its jams on a metallic edge, adds a dash of funky machismo and even summons its Southern-rock roots to provide a fine introduction for new listeners. Despite a running time of nearly two-and-a-half hours -- all but two of these 12 songs clock in at longer than 10 minutes -- Speed of Sound remains a far-from-laborious listen. The Station jams creatively while still focusing on the songs' melodies, structure and overall effect. Highlights include Illuminator, which boasts jaw-dropping guitar and sax solos, and the heartland anthem Midwest Moonshine. But, really, cue up just about any of these tunes, push 'play' and let your opinion of jam bands likely be altered for the better. - Michael Popke, Sea of Tranquility.org $16

Mark 0'Connor's Hot Swing Trio CD - Acoustic, progressive violin and Django-style guitar jazz played by Mark O'Connor and his Hot Swing Trio featuring Frank Vignola and Jon Burr. Writing about the live concert at which this recording was made, respected critic Terry Teachout, wrote for the Washington Post, "what I find most exciting about the Hot Swing Trio is the collective willingness of its members to knock down the artificial boundaries between seemingly different musical idioms. I can't wait to hear the CD that comes out of these concerts." $15.99

Albert Collins - Cold Tremors (2 live CDs) - Collins plays his fingers raw, coaxing more diversity and tasteful licks out of his guitar than you'll hear on most of his studio recordings. The first disc features a much-recommended live album, recorded at the infamous El Mocambo in Toronto. The second features a 1969 gig Collins recorded at the Fillmore in San Francisco, when he served as an opening act for the Allman Brothers. $22.98

Coming Soon:

January 20 - Umphrey's McGee - Mantis CD
Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention - In the 1960s DVD (pre-order)
Derek Trucks Band - Already Free CD
Alex Machacek, Neal Fountain, Jeff Sipe - Official Triangle Sessions CD
North Mississippi Allstars - Do It Like We Used To (2 live CDs)
Steve Earle & the Del McCoury Band - The Mountain CD
February 10 - moe. - Dr. Stan's Prescription Vol. 2 (2 CDs) (pre-order)
Mike Dillon's Go Go Jungle - Rock Star Bench Press CD
Jorma Kaukonen - River of Time CD $17.98

Last Week:

Video of the Week:

Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Obama Song

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