Jeffrey Silverstein is a songwriter living in Portland, Oregon. He has been making music for over a decade. Prior to relocating to Portland, Silverstein released music with Brooklyn-based duo Nassau and Baltimore’s Secret Mountains. You Become the Mountain is his second solo album, inspired by the Pacific Northwest, meditation, long-distance running and Silverstein’s work as a special education teacher. Reviewing it for Dusted, Jennifer Kelly observed that “You Become the Mountain explores the conjunction of the natural world and whatever’s beyond it, in slow blossoming instrumentals that carry you out of the moment into a calm meditative space.”
Staple Singers – Freedom Highway
I’d initially caught wind of the Staple Singers via The Last Waltz and praise from Dylan and Levon Helm, but diving into their catalogue of soul, folk, gospel and R&B has been one of the most rewarding listening and record-collecting experiences. I started with a re-press of their 1959 debut Uncloudy Day and have spent so many slow weekend mornings listening to Pops’ signature tremolo guitar and the pure vocal arrangements of Mavis, Pervis, and Cleotha. A defining album of the Civil Rights Movement, Freedom Highway is one of the most powerful live recordings and performances I’ve ever heard. Recorded at Chicago’s New Nazareth Church in 1965, hearing the congregation react to this music is soul-stirring.
George Harrison – All Things Must Pass
I could yammer for days about how big of an impact this record plus George’s playing have had on me. The packaging for the 3-LP set is gorgeous. It’s a record that grounds you and sets you back on the path. Hard to argue with contributions from Billy Preston and Eric Clapton. More recently I’ve come to appreciate the pedal-steel work from Pete Drake. Been listening to a lot of Pete Drake, Red Rhodes and Buddy Emmons recently. “Wah-Wah,” which might have the greatest riff of all time, being written on the day he left the Beatles, is also one of my favorite pieces of George trivia. Really nice demo version of “All Things Must Pass” here.
Jerry Garcia – Garcia
My interest in the Dead has grown quickly over the past 4-5 years. I think the best way to get into ’em is to find our own way in. Jerry’s first solo release Garcia from 1972 served as a really nice entry point for me. I just cannot get enough of “Bird Song” and these versions of “Deal” and “Sugaree.” This album also sent me down a path of listening to more of the Jerry Garcia Band and his work with Merl Saunders. Definitely a record that keeps on giving.
Vetiver – Tight Knit
It’s no secret I’m a big fan of all things Andy Cabic/Vetiver. This record holds up over a decade later. No skips, phenomenal songwriting and band. “Rolling Sea” is one of the best album openers and “Another Reason To Go” is the deepest groove. Watching them live around the time this record came out made me realize how important having the right players behind you can be. If I had to narrow down my record collection to only three, I’m 100% this record would make the cut.
Akron/Family – self-titled
Discovering the music of Akron/Family rewired my brain. I miss seeing them live more than anything but am glad to have their albums to soften the blow. This record captures so much of what I appreciate about music and I have the same “holy shit” moment every time I return to it a few times a year. It’s the record I point to over and over when people ask me what my influences are. Listen to this album immediately, please.
Ted Lucas – self-titled
This is a record I want everyone to hear at least once in their lifetime. It stopped me dead in my tracks the first time I heard it. Grateful to the folks over at Yoga Records for making it more widely available. You MUST also hear the Blind Boys of Alabama doing “I’ll Find A Way (to carry it all).”
Hailu Mergia – Wede Harer Guzo
This is my go-to Sunday morning album. Originally released in 1978, I still have never heard music that comes close to sounding like this. Spellbinding and tremendously grounding.
Norma Tanega – “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog”
Steve Gunn turned me on to this record. Norma Tanega was an American folk and pop singer-songwriter, painter, and experimental musician. An unmarried queer woman born of immigrants, Tanega’s hit single “Walking a Cat Named Dog” landed her on the billboard top 100 chart and a slot on American Bandstand. Tanega’s music would go on to be covered by the likes of Art Blakey, Barry McGuire and contemporary artists including Yo La Tengo and Thee Oh Sees. After releasing her second and final solo LP, Tanega moved back to California where she worked as a public school teacher and focused on painting and making experimental music using earthenware instruments. Stunning arrangements, guitar playing, and lyrics.
Peals – Walking Field
Beautiful record from William Cashion (Future Islands) + Bruce Willen (Double Dagger) This record pushed me towards more instrumental/ambient music. I love records that can establish mood quickly and this one does just that.
Bobby Charles – self-titled
Tracked at Bearsville Studios and co-produced by Rick Danko, this album is a collection of laid-back Americana with enough of Charles’ Cajun influence to keep things interesting. Sometimes referenced as a “lost” record of The Band, Garth, Levon, and Richard all made contributions. Sung in his signature drawl, Charles has an uncanny way of making the simplest joys in life the most interesting on songs like “Let Yourself Go,” “Grow Too Old,” and “Tennessee Blues.” A reissue is now available via Light in the Attic.
Despedidas são sempre difíceis. Quando são definitivas, pior ainda. Mas é possível enfrentá-las com relativa leveza e deste choque sairmos com um sorriso. É isso que Heartleap é: um adeus triste (por ser o que é), mas aconchegante (por aquilo que nos traz). Pouco antes do seu lançamento, Heartleap – cujo nome é uma adaptação de “Hart’s Leap”, quadro da filha de Bunyan (Whyn Lewis) que é, também,…
San Francisco City Hall To Celebrate Centennial With Live Music, Cabaret, Silent Disco And More
San Francisco City Hall To Celebrate Centennial With Live Music, Cabaret, Silent Disco And More
This June, the San Francisco City Hall will celebrate a major milestone: 100 years.
To celebrate the significant occasion, the city will hold a family-friendly celebration in Civic Center Plaza June 19 from 6 to 11 p.m., that will be free to everyone. The event will feature music, entertainment, food trucks, and a light show set to illuminate the façade of City Hall.
