Features Stories

Review / Stream / Download | ALO @ Double Door 10/14/15

Shapeshifting In Chicago - ALO @ Double Door 10/14/15By @312mrgA Wednesday morphed into a Saturday last week inChicago, with ALO playing a smoking hot, extended set at the Double Door.A week into a tour supporting Tangle of Time, their latest release, the band took their party to Bucktownwith an undeniableswagger. The band broughtpolished new tunes...

A Swift Change In Direction | Edward David Anderson's Loxley Sessions

By: Alex Wood | Photos: Kim AndersonThough Edward David Anderson has a lengthy musical career behind him, the songwriter has spent the last three years redefining himself as a solo musician following the demise of Backyard Tire Fire.Andersons new album, Lower Alabama: The Loxley Sessions, marks a swift change in direction after his solo debut...

Going Off The Rails - An Interview with ALO's Zach Gill

Going Off the Rails - An Interview with ALOs Zach GillBy @312mrgIve had the pleasure of interviewing ALO keyboard, vocalist, ukulele and accordionist Zach Gill twice now prior to shows at Chicago's Double Door, including their upcoming 10/14 visit. In these conversations, I've learnedthat hes humble, thought provoking, and wont let a question or random tangent...

Review / Setlist / Video | Gene Ween @ SPACE 10/1/15

Words & Photos: Alex WoodWeen fans flocked to Evanstons SPACE on Thursday for an intimate performance from Gene Ween. Playing with an electric four-piece backing band, the singer delivered a set spanning Weens eclectic discography in addition to songs from his most recent record, Freeman.Gener opted for a straightforward rock band, backed by guitars,...

Review / Photos / Full Show Video | Farm Aid 30

Words: Carmel O' Farrell | Photos: Kristine Condon Photography & Paul NatkinAfter 30 years, Farm Aid is one of longest running benefit concerts.Rockers Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp have been returning to this yearly event since its inception. Not only do they serve as this iconic festival's headliners, theyve also made it their...

Album Review | Animal Liberation Orchestra - Tangle Of Time

By @312mrgUnless you live on the West Coast, the chances of seeing ALO or any of their side attractions take somewhat of a hit. While they have been together for over 20 years, theystill seem content on an organic and sustainable growth.For the rest of the country, they may not bring their lively shows through...

Review & Photos | Summer Stash @ House Of Blues 8/29/15

Words & Photos: Tara Gracer PhotographyOn August 29th, All-Star Vibe Entertainment produced Summer Stashat the House of Blues with local bands assembled in one of their trademark seasonal events.The Pistachio Brothers were the first of four acts -- the duo, AJ OReilly and Ian Engels, brought a soulful acoustic feel to the welcoming crowd....

Setlist / Review / Full Show Video | Disco Biscuits @ Concord Music Hall

Words & Photos: Carmel O'Farrell (@carmelocorn) The Disco Biscuits have now clocked in numerous appearances at North Coast Music Fest but their sets in Union Park tend to be short and perhaps a bit too formal for most die-hard Biscuits fans like myself. A late show is a natural place to rectify this,...

Review / Video | Kamasi Washington @ Bottom Lounge 9/9/15

By: @WeirScrewedKamasi Washington is a musical force.Having played with jazz legends like Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, and George Duke, it became clear that the jazz world couldn't contain theLos Angeles based saxophonist. His unmistakable tone has also contributed to recordings byLauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar (he also was the string...

Review / Setlist / Photos | Tallest Man On Earth @ Thalia Hall 8/31/15

Tallest Man on Earth Fills Chicagos Thalia Hallby Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioKristian Matsson is the Swedish singer-songwriter also known as The Tallest Man on Earth. For a decade, Matsson has won fans and critical acclaim for his studio efforts, and especially on the strength of his animated, energetic solo concerts.His fourth and...