Fiddlefreak Folk Music Blog » ukulele

Whiskey Chimp: Barely Right Now (MP3)

Stuart Mason — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:20:24 +0000

Barely Right Now

It has been almost a year since Fiddlefreak reviewed a live show by Whiskey Chimp, calling them “seven deadly sons who are bound for glory, or Hell in a handbasket.” We have been proven prophetic by their brand new third full-length record Barely Right Now (FP Records). On this CD they seem to fuse into each and every track the musical influences (bluegrass, swing, Cajun, punk, rockabilly) that formerly appeared on separate tracks. Born in the sunny time warp of Ventura, it’s a tasty blend that pairs well with Tecate and lime. Add a helping of humor and fold into tortillas with a dash of habanero sauce. Then run like the wind, because if you don’t you will be sucked into the hilarious toilet bowl that is Planet Chimp.

This past weekend I visited with the Chimp at the Parkfield (CA) Bluegrass Festival, where I laughed until my sides hurt. For every funny, edgy, irreverent original song in their extensive repertoire, they seem to have a half-dozen more waiting in the wings. Their wit is razor sharp, their sense of humor is sick, and their musicianship is impeccable — especially the many layers of harmony. Fiddlefreak sez: Whiskey Chimp is king of the jungle!

LISTEN: Loosen Your Bible Belt

LINKS:

WEB SITE

MYSPACE

LISTEN/BUY

BONUS VIDEO: If I’d a Shot Ya Sooner

Folkies Gather in New York

Stuart Mason — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:14:52 +0000

Last weekend I made a cross-country trek with my band to attend the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance music booking conference, or NERFA. The event was held for three days at a hotel/resort in the Catskills, a couple hours drive north of NYC. While my primary goal there was shameless self-promotion, I was also able to meet, hear, and jam with some up-and-coming bands that are worthy of the Fiddlefreak Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Keep an eye on these guys!

Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers
A unique blend of Swedish, old-time American, and original fiddle-based groove music, with nyckelharpa. Web site here.

Nathan Rogers
The son of legenday Canadian folksinger Stan Rogers, Nathan carries the flag of his father with pride and grace. Web site here.

Creaking Tree String Quartet
If your musical tastes lean to acoustic newgrass-jazz, check out this virtuosic string band based out of Toronto. Web site here.

Tripping Lily
This Cape Cod-based combo caught my ear with their jazzy folk-pop hooks featuring ukulele, mandolin, and fiddle. Web site here.

The Johnny Starlings

Stuart Mason — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:26:27 +0000

The Johnny Starlings are singer/songwriter Jody Mulgrew and friends, sometimes changing but always including multi-instrumentalist Yohei Shikano. Their newest release Aiming Too High features the crystal-clear vocals of jazz diva Inga Swearingen on backup harmonies.

The Johnny Starlings with Inga Swearingen

I saw the Starlings on the main stage at the Live Oak Music Festival, where they brought forth a mellow and authentic vintage sound reminiscent of a Honolulu speakeasy back in the 30s. With his ukulele and fedora and high clear vocals, Jody led the band though a selection ranging from sunny California country-pop to acoustic retro swing, and all of them original songs written by Jody.

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from you Jody–what’s next? More of the same, we hope!

Recommended tracks:
Aiming Too High
On The Porch
Light in My Hand
‘Til My Peace Be Made

Johnny Starlings Website (listen)

Johnny Starlings on CDBaby (buy)