Do You Hear The Music?

I am a huge Donavon Frankenreiter fan and when he was no longer with Brushfire Records it might have been a blessing in disguise for me selfishly.  For those who may not know, Brushfire Records is Jack Johnson’s label and has many of my favorite artists: ALO (plus Zach Gill solo), Matt Costa, G. Love, Mason Jennings, Neal Halstead, etc.). 

Anyways, when I found out Donavon had signed with Lost Highway I found myself drawn to their website for information and low and behold stumbled upon some musical gems that I have on my constant playlist in Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears and Ryan Bingham.

The first time I ever listened to Black Joe Lewis I almost peed my pants in excitement.  I mean this sounded like a 21^st century James Brown, the funk, soul and rock & roll all in a fun and raw way.  His music just grabs a hold of you and takes you for a ride that can be described as captivating.  When I discovered BJL and listened to his album Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is, I had to share it with EVERYONE and of course, anyone who listened to it became an instant fan too.  As the legend of BJL grew (in my world we are talking) I hoped and prayed that I’d get a chance to see him live. Shortly after I received an email from a buddy of mine, Ryan Doherty of WENDOH Media Companies, with the subject Thank You and in the body “just booked Black Joe Lewis for the holiday party.”  I was ecstatic to say the least and let’s just say the show in December 2009 at Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel was everything and then some.

Now Ryan Bingham who’s probably best known these days as an Oscar Award Winner for his track “The Weary Kind” in the Jeff Bridges movie “Crazy Heart” is a different story.  I will be the first to admit that country music is not in my everyday music selections but after hearing “Dylan’s Hard Rain” in June of 2009 I switched my stance and was addicted to his album Roadhouse Sun.  Bingham’s raspy, whisky voice takes hold and drives you deep in the heart of Texas.  After becoming a fan I took myself back a couple years to his debut release Mescalito and wondered how this guy has been flying under the radar for so long.  Looking forward to the September 7 release of his album Junky Star.

Lost Highway also has another country artist who I’ve become a fan of in Hayes Carll.  His twangy voice and ragged tunes is easy to become addicted to from the Texas singer/songwriter.  Did I mention that the label also has Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams and Lyle Lovett?!

Tags: ALO, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Brushfire Records, Country, Donavon Frankenreiter, Dylan's Hard Rain, Elvis Costello, G. Love, Hard Rock Hotel, Hayes Carll, Jack Johnson, Junky Star, Las Vegas, Lost Highway Records, Lyle Lovett, Mason Jennings, Matt Costa, Mescalito, Music, Neal Halstead, Roadhouse Sun, Rock & Roll, Ryan Adams, Ryan Bingham, Tell Em What your Name Is, Wasted Space, Willie Nelson, Zach Gill