Hailed as “the new master of the slide guitar” by the Montreux Jazz Festival, and “the real thang” by the legendary Bootsy Collins, singer-songwriter, Jack Broadbent, returns after 3 years to deliver an upbeat and smooth slide guitar performance in his new single “Wishing Well”.
His new single has a catchy hook, a hint of folk and blues, as well as a satisfying guitar solo. Growing up, Jack listened to a variety of different artists that influenced the way he produces and performs his music, including Radiohead, Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, and Davey Graham. Listening and learning from a wide range of artists helped him to create a unique style by mixing various genres which led him to develop his own.
With a successful history of opening for acclaimed artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Hallyday, Robben Ford, and Tony Joe White, Jack has headlined internationally and played at sold-out shows all over the world.
Singer-songwriter Jack Broadbent is returning with “Wishing Well” after 3 years without a release. Written and produced by Jack, alongside Bruce Cameron, the new album Moonshine Blue is set for release on 11/11/2019.
Lauded by many outlets such as PopMatters, RELIX and Culture Collide, who said, “This retro-inspired four piece play classic late 60’s style acid rock with such authenticity, you’d never believe these guys were born in the 90’s.”
Popmatters took it a step further by saying, “The Cuckoos have a reputation for mixing the eerie, post-punk sounds of Joy Division with psychedelia and funk...the group transports us back to an era filled with the kind of vibrant hues favored by the Doors and Love while remaining very much of this moment and, ever so slightly, the future.”
Lead singer Kenneth Frost talks from the heart about the release, “A lot of the record is from personal angst that we have gone through, and it’s really a trip through the ups and downs of love. The songs aren’t sappy but they aren’t bitter. They just kind of mark where I was in my soul at the time.“
In their early 20’s, the band is far beyond their years in not only the subject matter, but the overall sound, musical construction, and the lyrics of the songs. Heavily inspired by iconic artists such as Joy Division, Prince, The Doors and Madonna combined with more modern artists like Tame Impala and The Strokes, The Cuckoos have a throwback feel told through a modern lens matched with a live show that has gotten them many fans in the last two years.
I Hate Love is rooted in their primal psych-rock-post-punk soul but broadens its scope. It’s a new signature sound, one that will appeal equally to folks weaned on essential art-rock like Talking Heads and those attracted to retro-future acts like Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats.
I Hate Love was produced and mixed in Austin by Chris “Frenchie” Smith (…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, The Toadies, Fastball) at the Grammy-nominated producer’s studio, The Bubble, and mastered by Gavin Lurssen (Chris Cornell, Frank Zappa, Iggy Pop, Kid Cudi) and Reuben Cohen (Leon Russell, Dweezil Zappa, The Motels)
Recording artist/hard rock band, JANUS today released a powerful song and video called, “Stolen Sisters”. The release of this song marks the first original JANUS cut in many years and is a plea about the ongoing plight regarding missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and JANUS hopes it will raise awareness.
The descriptive lyrics are underpinned by the driving beat and a protest cry, “See the face of our stolen sisters, know her name/calling out, she will never be silent.” The video matches the passion and cry of the song with images of indigenous women and girls as well as family members and protest marches intertwined with live performance footage of JANUS. “Stolen Sisters” is an anthemic dirge that leaves the listener/viewer energized by the music and informed about the issue at hand.
The video premiered yesterday on Pure Grain Audio who said, “[‘Stolen Sisters’] is a bold and intense modern rock track that is both gripping and powerful.” JANUS partnered with the Sovereign Bodies Institute on content for the video including the images and statistics shown. Sovereign Bodies Institute (SBI), is an affiliate of Seventh Generation Fund, a non-profit at the forefront of Indigenous leadership for 40 years.
To add another layer, “Stolen Sisters” was produced by multi-platinum producer David Bendeth (Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice & Men, Breaking Benjamin, Paramore) who has sold over 60 million records in his career. David Scotney says, “David’s excitement for the cause and my passion for the song made him the perfect partner to enhance the song and make it as meaningful and urgent as the message itself,” he continues, “David was amazing to work with. He's intense and, like any master of their craft, knows how to pull the strings and get the best song idea and performance out of you. It really happened without me even realizing it! I grew as a songwriter thanks to his involvement.”
“Stolen Sisters” is released through Music Sparks Change and oneRPM and can be heard on all streaming services.
Taking inspiration from many different musical genres, across many decades of music, The Cuckoos have crafted an album that sounds familiar while still being completely original.
Lead singer Kenneth Frost’s smooth vocals perfectly mesh with the bands dancey, funky tracks. I Hate Love was produced and mixed in Austin by Chris “Frenchie” Smith (…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, The Toadies, Fastball) at the Grammy-nominated producer’s studio, The Bubble, and mastered by Gavin Lurssen (Chris Cornell, Frank Zappa, Iggy Pop, Kid Cudi) and Reuben Cohen (Leon Russell, Dweezil Zappa, The Motels)
I Hate Love exclusively premiered on POPMATTERS who said “[The Cuckoos] conjure memories of Bauhaus but with a more succinct, direct approach via numbers such as ‘Heartbreak Paradise’, ‘Lady Boy’, and ‘I Can't Get Over You’.”
The Cuckoos also appeared on Austin’s renowned NPR affiliate, KUTX, yesterday performing two songs and being interviewed by Deidre Gott about the release of I Hate Love.
The Cuckoos will perform an album release show at Cheer Up Charlies in Austin on 1/25/20 followed by an in-store performance at the famous Waterloo Records on 1/30/20 in support of the release.
Nashville-based blues guitarist/singer JD Simo today releases the music video for his recently released single, “One of Those Days” from his forthcoming full-length album, JD Simo due out on August 21, 2020 on Crow’s Feet Records
American Songwriter exclusively premiered the music video with journalist Rey Roldan effusing: “Opening with an image of a plutocrat spouting out capitalist nonsense to a gray, rain-soaked crowd soundtracked by the dischordant guitar crunk intro, it soon transforms into a sun-drenched and rainbow-colored explosion of color as the music itself moves up to the major scales...his searing electric guitar slices through a velvety and funky bassline and unhurried drumbeat, while his smoke-puncturing falsetto cuts through the haze.”
The music video is a creative collaboration between JD and famed animation director, Anne Walker Farrel, (known for her work as lead animator on Bojack Horseman and Director of Duncanville and Final Space), and is a look into the mind of JD.
The feeling of the song is perfectly expressed in the video with trippy animations that flow seamlessly with the funk/soul/blues arrangement. The visuals depict an escape from reality as the animated JD floats along in a colorful array of animation that transitions from a grey and mundane world to a vividly colorful dreamscape.
Farrel talks about the collaboration: "JD and I chatted briefly before animation began to discuss his ideas for the video and to brainstorm the sort of look and mood we wanted. I was instantly drawn to the psychedelic energy of JD’'s music, but I was also reminded of something said to me at the start of the year, before things seemed to get harder and more complicated every week that went by. “As artists, it's easy to feel helpless when the world is in distress, so we do the only thing we can - shine the light that was given to us, and keep putting small, beautiful things into the world.” That's what this video is about, for me. Music and art, coming together to cut through the clouds. It's just one of those days, after all."
Journalist, Jedd Beaudoin for Popmatters chimed in: “...‘One of Those Days’ demonstrates his particular vision for the future of American music..that it need not break from tradition to break new ground, nor pay homage to the past to prove itself. Having collaborated with Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, and Blackberry Smoke, Simo is one of the most exhilarating voices of his kind.”
With the absence of “in-person” performances, JD Simo has been performing live to his followers in a weekly Facebook Live series, called Greasy Time. JD has been interacting with viewers every Friday with performance, storytelling, and insights into his musical and personal inspirations. JD also appeared in the premiere live stream for American Songwriter’s Behind The Mic Series.
Nashville-based blues guitarist/singer JD Simo released the second single and music video, “Love” from his forthcoming full-length album, JD Simo due out on August 21, 2020 on Crow’s Feet Records.
Relix exclusively premiered the new single and video, JD told them, “This song and video embody exactly where I’m at, at this moment. Doing my best to stay positive and non-complacent in these times. During the pandemic, I’ve been more connected to my peers than ever before. I’ve also had time to learn skills and dive into records with a passion I haven’t felt since I was a teenager. Silver linings indeed. I made this with my friends and I’m proud to share it right now. The sentiment and vibe is what I want to share. Now is not a time for grandstanding, I feel. It’s a time to band together and be selfless, compassionate, and loving. Hope you enjoy my humble video.”
“Love” is a perfect example of JD’s versatility as a musician and songwriter. His most recent release, “One of Those Days” is a softer, more easy-going tune, while “Love” is a much heavier rock’n’roll influenced song. Distorted guitars and gritty, yet soulful, vocals throughout the track build-up to a Morello-Esque solo.
The music video features cameos from many of JD’s close friends and collaborators. Such as, Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Black Crowes, Grammy winner), Charlie Star (Blackberry Smoke, Grammy winner), Todd Park Mohr (Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Grammy winner), Lillie Mae (Third Man Records, member of Jack White’s band) Webb Wilder (Fat Possum Records, Grammy winner, co-host of the Americana Music Awards), and many more. Conceptually the video is JD daydreaming, as he has been unable to tour for months now and misses being on the road.
Though he can’t perform “in-person” JD has been bringing his music and personality to fans through a multitude of projects he’s started in quarantine. Greasy Time is his weekly Facebook Live series where he performs, plays some of his favorite music, and interacts with fans. JD has started an Instagram podcast series called Brother From Another Mother, where JD talks with other musicians. He has also started another Instagram series called #TShirtTales, where he supports local businesses, artists, and other things that he likes, while also creating Spotify playlists that coincide with each episode.
Austin’s, The Cuckoos today release their new EP Honeymoon Phases, exclusively premiering with Glide Magazine who said, “Over the course of six explosive tracks, they delve into a range of sounds and emotions. Opening track “Weekend Lover” is a synth-driven banger that feels like a fiery 80s anthem complete with digitized guitar-shredding, while “I’ll Be Your Tramp” brings to mind more contemporary influences like Man Man with its bouncy, carnivalesque groove and sleazy vocals.”
Kenneth Frost, lead singer of The Cuckoos tells Glide Magazine about Honeymoon Phases, “Although we could have released them [I Hate Love and Honeymoon Phases] together as a double album, we decided the two groups of songs have a slightly different flavor. Honeymoon Phases has a more uplifting, bittersweet goodbye quality to it, almost as if I Hate Love was going through an experience, and Honeymoon Phases is looking back on that experience in a new light. Maybe some bad memories jump back at you here and there, but, in the end you realize it was all just lessons to be learned to do better next time.”
The new EP is The Cuckoos’ follow up to their January release of I Hate Love. The three singles released ahead of Honeymoon Phases, “She’s Wearing Lipstick (From Someone Else’s Kiss)”, “I’ll Be Ur Tramp”, and “So Real, So Surreal”, have been lauded by critics and fans alike.
In premiering the first single, Blackbook said, “Sometimes a track is so far left of the current zeitgeist, that it’s a thrill just for that very reason. And Austin’s The Cuckoos have an utterly infectious new single, “She’s Wearing Lipstick (From Someone Else’s Kiss)”—from their forthcoming EP Honeymoon Phases—that has drawn to the surface a love of disco-goth-pop that we frankly never really knew we even had.”
Over the past year, The Cuckoos made an impact with fans, industry folks, and the press including Austin’s KUTX, American Songwriter, RELIX, and Pop Matters among others.
Jedd Beaudoin of Pop Matters said, “[The Cuckoos] conjure memories of Bauhaus but with a more succinct, direct approach.”
In the absence of “in-person” live performances, and in celebration of the release of the EP, The Cuckoos have teamed up with Bandsintown for an album release show. The performance will be streamed live on Twitch today, August 7 on at 3PM ET.
The Cuckoos will tour in 2021 to the delight of fans with dates to be confirmed.
Michael’s initiative is the NYC based Crew Count created to combat an NYPD initiative called Operation Crew Cut, which drastically increased the gang database in NY by over 40,000 people who are overwhelmingly people of color. Mind Wide Open is partnering today with Crew Count to raise funds to continue the important work they are doing in the most challenging NYC neighborhoods. Their goal is to create educational, employment and other opportunities to lower the numbers of kids that are getting involved in gangs.
The pair also delve into subjects including systemic oppression, prison reform, women in prison, and mental health challenges. Michael reveals his own struggles with intergenerational trauma, how therapy has helped him and how he still loves the neighborhoods in and around NYC where he grew up.
He told Lily, “It’s imperative that we start to allow space for our young people to recognize that nothing about systemic racism is normal and the trauma that comes from that is not normal. It’s okay to say that we’re hurting and asking for help.”
Michael is his authentic self, talking candidly about himself but also about other initiatives he is involved with including helping Women of color. Michael recounts a trip to visit a relative in prison where he noticed that the vast majority of people taking the bus were visiting the men’s prison, while there were far fewer people visiting the women’s prison.
He says, “When women go to prison, we forget about them. They’re left there to deal with all sorts of abuse. I’m just starting to unpack that and becoming more verbal about lifting up our women in our communities.”
Lily says, “It elevates Mind Wide Open and my mission in welcoming Michael K. Williams today. His work toward systemic change, racial justice, and focus on the importance of mental health exemplify everything I could hope to achieve with the series. He is a force for change, honesty, and authenticity. If you are able to donate any amount to Crew Count, please do.”
In season two of Mind Wide Open, Lily has conversations coming up with renowned artists, activists, mental health professionals, and others. The show will be on IGTV every other Tuesday at 12 noon ET and is now available as a podcast on Spotify and Apple as well as on YouTube with subtitles available in Spanish and English.
Critically acclaimed guitarist and vocalist, JD Simo, today releases his new LP, Mind Control.
Paste Magazine exclusively premiered the new album and said, “Simo has a history of working with a diverse range of sounds. On Mind Control, his reach is as thrilling and inviting as one expects.”
JD told Paste Magazine, “Over lockdown my buddies and I were really obsessed with Afro Beat and North Mississippi trance stuff. So lots of Fela, Tony Allen and Junior Kimbrough especially but also Fred McDowell, Jessie Mae Hemphill, CeDell Davis. R.L. Burnside too.
So that mix really permeates a lot of the record. Those Afro Beat grooves with that real raw sludgy thing on top. It happened really naturally and without preconception.”
Mind Control marks JD’s third studio album, and his first since the start of the COVID-19 shut down and showcases his growth as a musician and a songwriter. He showcases complex guitar work and insightful lyrics to create an emotional and thought provoking experience.
American Songwriter premiered the first single, “Know It All” from Mind Control and said, “Simo’s artistic growth and newfound creative liberty can be heard in full force on his new single, “Know It All.”... A bluesy track showing off his road-worn skills—with blistering guitar fills...the single is representative of how songwriting (especially with the level of openness Simo was embracing) can be a phenomenal vehicle for thinking about how to live a good life.”
JD also released the psychedelic single “That’s When You Know That You’re Down” which was lauded by American Blues Scene, “‘That’s When You Know You’re Down” is a guitar-driven, blues-based psychedelic rocker that echoes the avant-garde sound of early Captain Beefheart — affording the listener imaginative thrills.”
The album opens with the funky and bluesy “Go Away Satan” which JD performed live for Paste Magazine.
“I’m In Love” and “Let Go” follow as the second and third songs, each displaying JD’s dynamic songwriting, and his ability to take elements from multiple blues adjacent genres and combine them to create a unique listening experience.
The drum-driven “Want What I Don’t Have” breaks up the album’s two singles, “Know It All” and “That’s When You Know That You’re Down”. Adam Abrashoff’s steady drumming keeps the song moving forward along with Adam Bednarik’s cool and laid back bass lines.
“Fucked Up” features sludgy and grungy guitars, which switch between heavy distortion to masterful leads.
The album closes with “Devil Is Always Watchin’”, “People Pleaser”, and “Recovery”.
JD’s guitar work is unmatched, and his impressive and tasteful solos display his prowess with the instrument. JD is currently on a co-headlining tour with Boston based blues band GA-20.
Tour Dates:
NOV 5 FRI Chipper’s College Lanes Fort Collins, CO
NOV 6 SAT The Animas City Theatre Durango, CO
NOV 7 SUN Launchpad Albuquerque, NM
NOV 9 TUE 191 Toole Tucson, AZ
NOV 10 WED Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ
NOV 11 THU Coach House Concert Hall San Juan Capistrano, CA
NOV 12 FRI The Siren Morro Bay, CA
NOV 13 SAT The Mint Los Angeles, CA
NOV 14 SUN Soda Bar San Diego, CA
NOV 16 TUE Felton Music Hall Felton, CA
NOV 17 WED Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music Berkeley, CA
NOV 18 THU Humboldt Brews Arcata, CA
NOV 19 FRI Wow Hall Eugene, OR
NOV 20 SAT The Jack London Revue Portland, OR
NOV 21 SUN The Crocodile Seattle, WA
JAN 7 FRI City Winery Nashville, TN
JAN 8 SAT Revolution Music Room Little Rock, AR
JAN 10 MON Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery Oklahoma City, OK
JAN 11 TUE Tulips FTW Fort Worth, TX
JAN 12 WED Antone’s Austin, TX
JAN 13 THU Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio, TX
JAN 14 FRI Continental Club Houston, TX
JAN 15 SAT DBA New Orleans, LA
JAN 18 TUE Buddha Live Fort Myers, FL
JAN 19 WED Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL
JAN 20 THU Tuffy’s Sanford, FL
JAN 21 FRI Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL
JAN 22 SAT Union Hall Lakeland, FL
JAN 23 SUN Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Ponte Vedra, FL
Nashville-based guitarist, singer, songwriter JD Simo today releases the first single “Mortgage On My Soul” from his upcoming LP Songs From The House of Grease, due out January 13, 2023. Pre-orders and pre-saves are available today here.
The new single is JD’s creative and incendiary take on the classic from hill country blues pioneer Mississippi Fred McDowell. “Mortgage On My Soul”, and the other songs on the upcoming LP, were produced and recorded over just two days.
JD says, “Mortgage on my soul is an old Mississippi Fred McDowell song that I just really dug the words too. I also love the hypnotic vibe of his style. So over the course of a few months we started doing this during sound checks. Adam Abrashoff came up with this killer Afrobeat style groove and that’s how it really came together. It’s also a really good showcase for my slide playing. It’s just such a blast to play. I could play it for an hour”
JD’s expert playing is on full display on the song, a version that pays homage to the original while adding a modern take. JD’s powerful, soulful vocals along with the passionate guitarwork have been a staple of his signature sound. As fans have come to expect, JD’s guitar solo kicks the intensity up to the next gear, especially with the backing of longtime collaborator and drummer Adam Abrashoff and bassist Todd Bolden.
JD’s love and respect for the roots of blues and rock n roll led him to be hand selected by music supervisor David Cobb to record all of the guitars for the blockbuster Elvis biopic. In an in depth interview with Guitar World about his role creating the soundtrack in the Elvis film JD said, "I’m such a fan of Elvis’ music, but also the music of that period and the other stuff we recorded for the film. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, Muddy Waters, B.B. King – all of that is a big part of my musical DNA."
JD released his LP Mind Control in November 2021. The album received critical praise from American Songwriter, American Blues Scene, among other outlets with Paste Magazine lauding “Simo has a history of working with a diverse range of sounds. On Mind Control, his reach is as thrilling and inviting as one expects.”
JD will be touring alongside Patrick Sweany this Fall on a 9-date run through the middle of the United States. More tour dates will be announced in the coming months.
Nashville based acclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter JD Simo today releases his new LP, Songs From the House of Grease.
On this new collection, JD showcases his artistic growth as Songs From the House of Grease opens with JD’s take on hill country blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell's classic “Mortgage On My Soul”.
JD lends his signature style of blues rock to the tune creating a driving, face-melting guitar performance backed by long time collaborator and drummer Adam Abrashoff and bassist Todd Bolden. JD’s jazz chops are also on full display performing his version of the John Coltrane song “Afro Blue”.
Next up is the original “Missy’s Strut” further expanding on the interplay of the band, following with a cover version of Blind Afred Reed's “How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live” The album closes with “Higher Plane Pt 1 & Pt 2” where JD combines all of the elements heard throughout the record, huge guitars, jazz improvisation, and spotless synchronization between him and his band.
JD says, “This record really came together in a low-key manner. We had a little break from touring in June of last year. I asked the fellas to come over to cut some of the songs that we’ve been playing, but hadn’t been recorded yet. There really wasn’t much of a plan other than that. As a result, John Coltrane’s ‘Afro Blue’, Mississippi Fred McDowell’s ‘Mortgage On My Soul’ and Blind Alfred Reed’s ‘How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live’ were just fun to play. I think that comes through on the recordings just how comfortable and easy-going it was; it's as if you’re in the room with us hanging out.”
While touring consistently in 2022 and creating his own new record, JD also lent his guitar chops to the critically acclaimed ELVIS movie. He was a key contributor in the scoring and creation of the soundtrack. JD’s love and respect for the roots of blues and rock n roll led him to be hand selected by music supervisor David Cobb to record all of the guitars for the blockbuster Elvis biopic. He is featured on 12 tracks from the official soundtrack, nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media in the 2023 Grammys, including providing guitar samples for the viral hit “Vegas” by Doja Cat which has over 325 million streams on Spotify and was nominated for Best Rap Performance.
JD says, “Being part of the Elvis movie is the gift that keeps on giving. Truly the honor of my life to have been part of it. May the Grammy's treat us well!”
JD released his previous LP Mind Control in November 2021. The album received critical praise from American Songwriter, American Blues Scene, among other outlets with Paste Magazine lauding “Simo has a history of working with a diverse range of sounds. On Mind Control, his reach is as thrilling and inviting as one expects.”
The JD Simo Duo (JD Simo and Adam Abrashoff) will be touring this February and March on a 16-date run across the Midwestern, Southern, and Eastern United States. More tour dates will be announced in the coming months.
The evening overview including musicians, presenters and performers: The night’s honorees will be Benny Golson (composer and saxophonist), Wendy Oxenhorn (founding director and vice chairman of the JFA), legendary songwriter Mike Stoller, Titans of Jazz Bass (Cecil McBee, Rufus Reid, Larry Ridley, Paul West, Buster Williams and Reggie Workman) and a special tribute to the late Ramsey Lewis (composer and pianist). In addition to an evening of honors, the night will feature a gala concert headed by Musical Director Steve Jordan. Performers include Jon Batiste, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Bettye LaVette, Monty Alexander, Ray Parker Jr., Kenny Barron, and more.
WHAT: ‘A Great Night in Harlem’ will raise funds to help with housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief and emergency financial support, and help support employment creation opportunities.
Held at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the concert is the JFAs way of reminding everyone, through this historical shared experience, of the immeasurable contributions and cultural impact these creative artists have made to society.
WHEN: Thursday, March 30, 2023
6:30 p.m. Media Check-in
7:00-8:00 p.m. Red Carpet Arrivals
8:00 p.m. Concert followed by VIP After-Party
WHERE: Apollo Theater
253 West 125th Street, New York, NY (between 7th and 8th Ave.)
ABOUT THE JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) has been keeping jazz and blues alive for 34 years, by providing compassionate, personalized and discreet support to lifelong jazz, blues and roots musicians in need as a result of age, illness or circumstance.
Programs include:
Preventing homelessness and eviction by paying rents and mortgages; providing free medical care, including surgery, providing emergency financial assistance and much more.
Creating dignified work through our Jazz & Blues in the Schools and free-to-the-public concerts, employing hundreds of musicians throughout the U.S. including Puerto Rico.
