August 2017

Chris Gantry's music was always stylistic fusion: his 1967 album debut Introspection sounded a little bit folk, a little bit pop and only a little bit country, with smooth melodies and verdant string charts. But the 60s were afoot, and by the time of Chris' second LP in 1970, Motor Mouth, his approach had radicalized into a wide-eyed, hard-edged delivery. The critics dug it, and Chris played on Johnny Cash's TV show, but the next Gantry record didn't appear for five more years.

On October 13th, longtime Pokey LaFarge sideman Ryan Koenig will take his long-anticipated step onto the center stage with the release of his debut album, Two Different Worlds, via St. Louis label Big Muddy Records.

Legendary singer/harmonica master Kim Wilson has gone back to the basics and old school Chicago blues for his exciting new CD, Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1, coming October 20 from Severn Records. Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 was produced by Kim Wilson, with most tracks  recorded and mixed by Nathan James at Sacred Cat Studios, Oceanside, California; except tracks 4 and 15 recorded by Big Jon at Big Tone Recording Studios, Hayward, California.

The modern R&B soundscape has found itself deeply embedded with elements of electronic music. This crossing over of appeals has seen rise to the next wave of musical superstars and has served as a foundation for the music of Lafa Taylor. After having previous projects featured on major media outlets Billboard, Okayplayer, Huffington Post, and CRAVE while blazing the festival circuit, Lafa’s latest release, the 8-track EP Ridin’ Slow, sees a more mellow side of the California-native without losing an ounce of danceability.

Drum legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bill Bruford, best known for his work with YES, King Crimson, Genesis and his prolific solo career, is releasing the definitive boxed set “Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago.” Scheduled for release on Winterfold Records on October 28th, pre-orders are now being taken for the Limited Edition 8-disc set, which features unreleased, remixed or remastered material & a signed certificate.

WinterWonderGrass Festival, and Elephant Revival are teaming up with the Caravan Outpost to produce Caravan to WonderGrass—a unique one-day gathering for the whole family. Taking place in beautiful Ojai, California on Saturday, November 18th, Caravan to WonderGrass promises a simple, sustainable and inspired gathering of music, arts and community with an emphasis on supporting local artisans.