Did you miss Hillstomp’s whirlwind set at the inaugural Fluff and Gravy Music Festival? Well, you’re in luck because they will be playing all over the Pacific Northwest from now through December.

The band has spent the better part of the last decade building a name for themselves among the US and European festival and club circuits, garnering a reputation for their raucous live sets and their ability to work an audience into a fervor. They have toured with such legends as The Devil Makes Three and The Reverend Horton Heat. The new record, Portland, Ore, (April 2014) is their first offering since 2010’s Darker The Night and represents a natural progression for the band with plenty of their trademark high-octane raw blues, mixed in this time with some genuinely tender moments and ballads.

Here’s where they’ll be…

Upcoming Tour Dates

10/05/14 – Fall fest – Bend, OR
10/09/14 – Bartetts – Spokane, WA
10/10/14 – Top Hat – Missoula, MT
10/11/14 – Filling Station – Bozeman, MT
10/18/14 – Umpqua Watersheds Brewfest – Roseburg, OR
11/06/14 – Ten Depot Street – LaGrande, OR
11/07/14 – Neurolux – Boise, ID
11/08/14 – John’s Alley – Moscow, ID
11/14/14 – Wild Buffalo, Bellingham, WA
11/15/14 – Rhythm & Rye – Olympia, WA
11/28/14 – Rays Golden Lion – Richland, WA
12/12/14 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
12/13/14 – Conor Byrne – Seattle, WA

The record, Portland, Ore, is available on LP/CD/FLAC/mp3, and can be ordered here.

Kevin Lee Florence – Given

Now available on LP/CD/FLAC/mp3

Be the first to stream the full album here, this week only

From a young age, Kevin Lee Florence was always singing – first in church, and then inadvertently around the house. It wasn’t until his early twenties, however, that Florence picked up the guitar and immersed himself in Neil Young, Damien Jurado, Paul Simon, and a host of other folk legends, despite being raised in an community that disparaged folk music. He found inspiration in his father’s vinyl collection and an inborn penchant for writing poetry, and gradually set about turning his passion into something viable.

It was only fitting that at age 22, a chance encounter with a Gillian Welch record in a Sacramento suburb spurred Kevin Lee Florence to consider creating his own music. Eleven years later, the Folsom, California native—now a resident of Portland, Oregon—is set to release his debut solo album Given via the local indie label Fluff & Gravy records.

Given represents the cream of the crop from his personally penned songs, along with two of Florence’s favorite covers: Paul Simon’s “Peace Like a River” and Damien Jurado’s “Ohio.” These gentle nods to two of his biggest influences help flesh out the simple, nine track record. Flecked with folk influences, finger-picked guitar lines and distinctive harmonies provided by his sister Kelly Florence, Given falls somewhere between Sam Beam’s hushed, vivid folk and Simon’s own conversational, quirky lyrical genius. The slow-burning hope of “Could Today be the Day” falls into a groove, and contrasts with harmony fanfare and drama on album closer “Kindness.” For the more traditional minded, “Shining Shining” is pure pastoral bliss, with bright piano accents and lush harmonies. Through it all, Florence’s understated, warm voice carries the record, wrapping you like a warm blanket on an autumn evening.

Recorded almost entirely live at Fivestar Studio, the finished album is a completely analog effort that features no digital processing. Fivestar Studios is located in the midst of L.A.’s artistic haven Echo Park, and the likes of Father John Misty, Dawes, Bonnie Prince Billy have recorded there. The album features a roster of world-class musicians, including bassist Jon Button (Sheryl Crow, Robben Ford), drummer James McAlister (Sufjan Stevens, Bill Frisell), and guitarist Danny Donnelly. Garth Hudson of The Band, Kevin’s personal hero, is featured on two of the album’s tracks.

“Given, the debut album by singer/songwriter Kevin Lee Florence, shows what a powerful thing it is to have a highly adept artist at the helm and a tremendously talented backing band providing additional instrumentation to that artist’s creations.  He is further proof that the Pacific Northwest has a well of talent that is plentiful and untainted by the assembly line rubbish consistently spewed forth from the mouth of the mainstream music machine. ” – No Depression

Prior to launching his solo career, Kevin led the Northern California band Silver Darling from 2006-2010. A few short months after forming, the band was approached by Davis, Ca-based Crossbill Record, with whom the band released the full-length‘ Your Ghost Fits My Skin’ and the EP ‘Wrap Around My Heart’. A mix of high energy Americana and dark slow-burners; the band toured the west coast extensively sharing the stage with Jason Isbell, Damien Jurado, and The Cave Singers among others.

Today, Given is available on LP/CD/FLAC or mp3 directly from Fluff and Gravy Records, Amazon or iTunes

 
Find Kevin Lee Florence here 

http://kevinleeflorence.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kevinleeflorence

Jeffrey Martin’s new record, Dogs in the Daylight, is full of all kinds of wondrous, dark and absorbing tales. One of those is Coal Fire, which he discusses with our friends at The Bluegrass Situation, who are premiering the track today.

“I came across a story a while ago about an entire town in Pennsylvania that was forced to relocate due to an underground coal fire that had been burning for at least 40 years,” Martin tells The Bluegrass Situation. “Nobody knew it was there or how far it had burned, and then the people’s well water started boiling and smoke started hissing up through their backyards. The whole idea of something burning under the surface, beneath everything we know, seemed so haunting to me.”

Check out the full article and listen to the track here

There is a holiday feel in the air today here at Fluff and Gravy Records. What are we celebrating, you ask? Why, the release of Jeffrey Martin’s latest record, of course!

The album, titled Dogs in the Daylight, is an ambitious 15-track collection that is full of weight and intricacy. While the arrangements at first seem more dense than his previous self-released albums, complete with piano, bass, fiddle, drums, and even trumpet, the songs are still carried by Jeffrey’s voice and the sincerity of this songwriting – the very qualities that separate him from his peers. Jeffrey will be touring Regionally and Nationally through 2014 in support of the record.

Order the record here, or pick it up from your favorite online service or local retailer.

Since releasing their acclaimed record, Better Days, in October of 2013, the Harmed Brothers have spent most of their days on the road, and that will continue for the foreseeable future. While much of their time has been spent in the Midwest/East coast, their next string of dates finally brings them to the West Coast again for the entire month of September. The shows will be a combination of stripped down duo performances and full band performances, but that matters little. The Harmed Brothers live shows have always been carried by the songwriting, vocal harmonies, and the undeniable charisma of core members, Ray Vietti and Alex Salcido. Be prepared for an unforgettable roller coaster ride through their catalog of rousing sing-alongs and tender ballads, and yeah, there will probably be whiskey involved too. Get out there and join the party…

 

8.15 Kansas City MO, Davey’s Uptown
8.16 St. Cloud, MN, The Red Carpet
8.17 French Lake, MN, Weber’s Deck (early show, 1pm)
8.17 Annandale, MN, Russell’s Bar
8.18 Bayport, MN, Bayport BBQ
8.19 Madison, WI, The Wisco
8.21 Chicago, IL, Reggie’s
8.22-24 Friendship, IN, Whispering Beard Folk Festival
9.04 Cottage Grove, OR Axe and Fiddle
9.05 Eagle Point, OR, Agate Ridge Vineyard
9.06 Willamina, OR, Wildwood Hotel
9.07 Portland, OR, Secret Society Ballroom
9.08-10 Long Beach, WA, Adrift Inn
9.11 Bellingham, WA, The Green Frog
9.12 Seattle, WA, Conor Byrne
9.13-14 Little Rock, WA Fluff and Gravy Records Music Festival
9.18 Rogue River, OR, Cattlemens Saloon
9.20 Redding, CA, Bombay’s
9.23 Mariposa, CA, The Hideout
9.24 Fresno, CA, House Show
9.25 Pioneertown, CA, Pappy and Harriet’s
9.27 Long Beach, CA, Long Beach Folk Revival Fest Official After Party
10.01 Santa Cruz, CA, The Crepe Place
10.03 San Francisco, CA, Plough and Stars

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCTMsljIOLM[/youtube]

On August 19, Jeffrey Martin will be releasing his Fluff and Gravy debut cd, Dogs in the Daylight. The record is packed with 15 tracks of dark and deliberate Indie Folk songs, carried largely by Jeffrey’s deeply personal lyrics and his unforgettable voice. You can hear the titled track here, courtesy of Glide Magazine.

Please join us on August 30, at the Alberta Street Pub to celebrate with performances by Hip Hatchet, Vikesh Kapoor, and of course, Jeffrey Martin.  Tickets will be $10, Doors at 8pm.

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4zziPcq-sE[/youtube]

 

Every week, Elwood Blues (aka Dan Akyroyd) picks his favorite new blues song of the week and plays it on his show TheBluesMobile. He calls the feature “Blues Breaker“, and this week we are honored that he has chosen Hillstomp‘s Santa Fe Line, from their latest record Portland, Ore. Read about it here, and listen to the show this weekend (sat/sun) on one of the hundreds of affiliated listed here

The first single form Jeffrey Martin’s Dogs in the Daylight happens to be the title track, and it premiered today at Glide Magainze. Check it out here! And while you’re at it, chew on this lovely in-depth interview featured at Eugene Daily News.

Catch his Eugene “pre-lease” show tomorrow night (details here). Stay tuned for an announcement for the big Portland release show!!!

Back in 2012, Devon Leger in No Depression wrote “(Jeffery Martin) is an incredibly rare find among today’s glut of singer-songwriters: a songwriter whose songs are immediately affecting. These are the kind of songs that can change you.” Shortly after, Jeffrey was selected to perform at the NPR Mountain Stage New Song Contest in New York City.  Since then, he has been touring relentlessly, earning opening slots for the likes of Anais Mitchell, Sean Hayes, Frank Fairfield, Joe Pug, Gregory Alan Isakov, David Wilcox, and others.

We are pleased to formally announce what has been until now a very poorly kept secret… Portland based Indie-Folk artist Jeffrey Martin  has recently partnered with Fluff and Gravy Records and will be releasing a full-length album on August 19.  The album, entitled Dogs in the Daylight, is an ambitious 15 track collection that is full of weight and intricacy.  While the new album is bigger than his previous self-released albums, complete with piano, bass, fiddle, drums, and even trumpet, the songs are still largely carried by Jeffrey’s voice and the sincerity of this songwriting – the very qualities that separate him from his peers.

Check out the video below for a sneak preview of the record, and if you are so inclined, you can pre-order a copy here

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4zziPcq-sE&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

 

On September 13-14, 2014, Fluff and Gravy Records is proud to announce the inaugural FLUFF AND GRAVY MUSIC FEST at Music on the Mounds. 12 hours of Music will begin at noon on Saturday, and will feature 11 of the 14 bands on the Fluff and Gravy Label, including Hillstomp, Sassparilla, The Harmed Brothers, The Evangenitals, Jack Wilson, Jeffrey Martin, Kevin Lee Florence, Kenny Feinstein, Vacilando, Drunken Prayer, and Mike Coykendall.  Sunday will feature music from 11am-1pm, and will finish with a set of gospel music preformed by an ad-hoc ensemble of Fluff and Gravy musicians. In addition to music there will be food and craft vendors, and camping, so please do bring your tent, van or RV and find a camping spot for the night of the concert (welcome to arrive on 9/12 and enjoy TWO nights of camping). There will be no alcohol sold at the event, but there will be free beer tastings courtesy of Big Deck Brewery. Camping spaces are limited and are assigned on a first come-first serve basis. ALL AGES and FAMILY FRIENDLY!

The venue, located just outside of Olympia, WA, sits on 10 beautiful acres, bordering the Mima Mounds Natural Preserve. There is plenty to explore, both on and off the property, and the music will take place in the barn which has recently been converted to house an ongoing series of concerts.

TICKETS: The only way to obtain tickets is at the link here. They are limited and will NOT be sold at the gate. Camping passes are going fast, so be sure to gets yours asap! Tickets are only $50 for the weekend, or $55 with camping included. Reserve your spot now!

Gates open at 10am on 9/13, but you are welcome to come out and set up on Friday, 9/12 with a camping pass!

Music begins at noon on Saturday, 9/13 and concludes at 1pm on Sunday, 9/14.

Drunken Prayer continues their House of Morgan video series with their version “Heigh-Ho (Nobody Home)”. The traditional song is a 16th century English madrigal that’s rumored to scare away the demons of hard times. It was often sung as a children’s carol at Christmas. The original tracks were recorded in December, 2011 live at KXCI in Tucson, AZ, with mandolin and backing vocals by W.C. Beck.

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRPIzHIEcTo[/youtube]

 

As we prepare for Anna Tivel’s June 17 release, Before Machines, please help us to celebrate by downloading “Gentle War”. Featuring Sam Howard on bass, Taylor Kingman on guitar, David Strackany on drums, and Jeffrey Martin on backup vocals, it is one of the standout tracks on the record. The track is available as a FREE DOWNLOAD until the official record release on June 17.

Sassparilla is set to release their double cd, Pasajero/Hullabaloo, on June 17, but you can hear it, streaming in it’s entirety right now, at Consequence of Sound!

Pasajero was recorded in the Portland studio of Eels’ own Chet Lyster. Here, Blackwell says he attempted to “put a pulp novel to music,” adding “I didn’t want to force-feed the plot to people. I wanted them to make up their own story based on their interpretation of the metaphors.” To that aim, Blackwell made the dense consumable by presenting it via a wide swathe of Sassparilla’s influences. There’s the Door-esque psych jams like “Peaches” and “When You’re The Devil”; the sweet and sedative blues ballad “Cool Thing”; the sax-powered arena rock anthem “Overture”; and the album ending folk-pop ballad “Radio Child”, which wraps things up in a haze of romanticism.

The one common denominator of each song, though, is their studio luster and the balance of darker subject matter with shimmery and extravagant soundscapes.

Meanwhile, Blackwell moved out of the studio and into his own attic to record Hullabaloo. Here, the band delivers a crash course of their live show, which includes lots of group shouting, sweaty beards, and a slightly improvisational nature. There’s the Howlin’ Wolk-inspired blues-rock barnburner entitled Through The Fence”; “It Ain’t Easy”, which can only be described as gospel-on-acid; the hook-heavy ragtime jam “Cocaine”; the pure punk of “Why You Making It Hard”; and “The Hoot Song”, which Blackwell co-wrote and performed alongside his twin two-year-old sons. “I find whenever I’m stressed, tired, angry…a good hoot gets me back in line,” he said. “Kids: so much more wise than we are.”

Check it out the full article here, and pre-oder the double cd or mp3 here

 

There is so much going on with Nick Jaina that it is difficult to know where to start. For one thing, he is now residing in New Orleans, but more on that in a moment. After releasing last summer’s Primary Perception, the lead single, “Don’t Come To Me”, was picked up by NPR’s Heavy Rotation and Morning Edition, and he toured the West Coast (including a stint at Folsom Prison) and Midwest with a string ensemble.  But that was just the beginning. Since that time, Jaina has been busy as musical director and composer for the contemporary dance pieces “Emergence” and “Rituals” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. After selling out two shows, the New York Times called his score “the most physically bracing part of the night”. Of late, he has  been  focusing his energies on a one-man theatrical set of music and storytelling called “The Hole in Coffin”, and will be spending the summer in New Orleans to bring it to the stage. It will be premiering at the Fringe Festival in November and at PUSH Festival in Vancouver, Canada in January (2015).  In addition, Nick has been hosting “The Story of Your Life” on X-RAY FM in Portland, which is a 30 minute weekly show combining new instrumental music with conversations with fascinating people. After its run on the radio it will continue on as a regular podcast.

With all of this, it is understandable that Jaina has only rarely been seen publicly performing his Indie Pop repertoire over the last several months. Word on the street is, however, is that we are all in for a treat, as Nick will be returning to the Northwest in June for a short run of performances, which will find him accompanied by trumpet, violin and drums. Here are the details, catch him while you can:

June 7, Sou’Wester, Seaview, WA
Tues Jun 10 at Red Light in Bellingham, WA
Wed Jun 11 at Fremont Abbey in Seattle, WA (with Stelth Ulvang, of The Lumineers)
Fri Jun 13 at Portland State University in Portland, OR

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M47iv0sg-6k[/youtube]

 

 

 

Anna Tivel will host a record release party on June 12, at The Old Church (Portland).  She will be joined by local icon,  Mike Coykendall, and the up and coming Vacilando. Her upcoming full-length offering, Before Machines, will be her first release on Fluff and Gravy Records. The tracks range from intimate singer-songwriter performances with just Anna and her guitar, to live tracks with a full band, and everything in between. Bassist Sam Howard (Tony Furtado, Ruth Moody), guitarist Taylor Kingman (The Hilldogs) and drummer, David Strackany provided the backbone for the live tracks, with overdubs by Michael Monko (guitar) and Jeffrey Martin (vocals), all of whom will be performing with Anna for the release party.

Tickets for the event are available here , for 8 bucks, show starts at 8pm

Before Machines will be available on June 17, on cd and digitally. Anna will be touring throughout 2014 in support of the record (more details to come!)

You can pre-order now, here

 

 

 

 

 

 

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8pZXBo7LJM[/youtube]

Portland’s alt-blues/stomp outfit, Hillstomp, will spend June and July touring the West Coast, in support of their latest record, Portland, Ore.

The band has spent the better part of the last decade building a name for themselves among the US and European festival and club circuits, garnering a reputation for their raucous live sets and their ability to work an audience into a fervor. They have toured with such legends as The Devil Makes Three and The Reverend Horton Heat. The new record, Portland, Ore, is their first offering since 2010’s Darker The Night and represents a natural progression for the band with plenty of their trademark high-octane raw blues, mixed in this time with some genuinely tender moments and ballads.

Catch them live, this summer!

Upcoming Tour Dates

6/5 – Johnny B’s, Medford, Ore
6/6 – The Independent, San Francisco, CA
6/7 – The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA
6/8 – Lagunitas, Sebastopol, CA
6/10 – The Mint, Los Angeles, CA
6/11 – DiPiazza, Long Beach. CA
6/12 – Winston’s, San Diego, CA
6/13 – Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA
6/14 – The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA
7/3 – Emerald of Siam, Richland, WA
7/4 – Corbett Funfest, Corbett, WA
7/5 – Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland, OR
7/16 – Music In The Park, Monmouth, OR
7/18-20 – Wildwood Music Festival, Willamina, OR
7/23 – Downtown Sounds, Bellingham, WA
7/24 – River City Saloon, Hood River, OR

 

The record, available on CD and LP, and can be ordered here.