Happy Holidays from Fierce Bad Rabbit
Photos courtesy of Darren Mahuron

“Fresh, energetic and intelligent, Fierce Bad Rabbit takes you on a journey so interesting that you don’t want it to ever end. From the opening notes of “Everything Is Alright”, the first track on their eponymous debut EP, through the infectious melody and lyrics of “YOU!” off of their 2012 EP, “Live and Learn,” you know you’re in for something new and captivating. Tightly woven tapestries of notes and well-crafted lyrics delivered with disciplined passion by frontman Chris Anderson, who also plays guitar and keyboards, combined with the powerful yet perfectly nuanced viola and supporting vocals of Alana Rolfe, the rock-solid rhythmic backbone of Dayton Hicks on bass and Max Barcelow on drums create a constantly changing yet consistently fulfilling musical experience for the listener.

Photos courtesy of Darren Mahuron

The vocals themselves may occasionally make you think that you could be listening to a new project from Brandon Flowers of The Killers or Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem. The band clearly shares the influences of such indie favorites as Arcade Fire and The Shins, and there is a certain kinship with other leading-edge artists like The National, Iron & Wine and Band of Horses. But the music this Ft. Collins, Colorado-based quartet makes is all their own, and the more you hear it the more it comes across as a brilliant amalgamation of many musical styles and structures. Alternately joyful and somber, forceful and laid back, playful and contemplative, their songs challenge you to decide whether you should stand and listen intently or grab the person next to you and dance the night away.

Formed in 2009, the band released two solid recordings in scarcely more than a year: the self-titled debut EP and a full-length, 15-song sophomore effort, “Spools of Thread”. After making an immediate impact on the increasingly sophisticated and crowded Colorado music scene, playing to packed houses at local hot spots in Ft. Collins, Denver and elsewhere and drawing large crowds at busy festivals like the Westword Music Showcase and UMS, the band is now touring extensively, including appearances at America’s preeminent independent music gathering, South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, the storied Viper Room in Los Angeles, California, and many, many more.

Listen once and you’ll be impressed. Listen again — and see them perform live — and you will be a fan. From that point on you’ll want to see them again and again, and you’ll join the growing ranks of people eager to see what happens next for this talented group called Fierce Bad Rabbit.”

Find FBR at www.facebook.com/fiercebadrabbitmusic  or www.reverbnation.com/fiercebadrabbit

Photos courtesy of Darren Mahuron

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Brent Cowles, Joe Sampson and Nathaniel Rateliff. Photo courtesy of Cindy at Angel Mountain Media.

Nathaniel Rateliff, Brent Cowles and Joe Sampson perform/interview on a special ” “Songwriter in the Round” session of KRFC 88.9FM Live@Lunch.

“While recording In Memory of Loss, Rateliff lived in Chicago, working with producer Brian Deck to craft the nuances: mournful harmonica on “You Should’ve Seen the Other Guy,” the ominous organ of “Longing and Losing,” propulsive bass drum on “Early Spring Till.” Rateliff’s Rounder debut is rooted in a bygone era. It’s both fresh and classic, imbued with a melancholy nostalgia, the rough candor of rock’n’roll’s past and the warmth and earnestness of folk storytellers. Rateliff has a personal connection to the sounds of the 60s and 70s. “It was more about songs, and not about an industry,” he says. “It was about a movement, not about making money. I think we’re moving back into that again. There’s still an importance in actually writing songs again. People are interested in hearing things that make sense.”

These thirteen tracks, with their soulful minimalism, certainly make sense. Hints of the music he grew up on – Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, the Beatles—shine through. (Album closer “Happy Just To Be,” with its pounding piano chords, is a close cousin to the Lennon-penned “Across the Universe.”) Yet Rateliff is also at home in what may be called, for lack of a better term, the neo-folk revival. His voice is so confident that you can occasionally imagine the music dropping out entirely, a song propelled solely by Rateliff’s a capella strengths—equal parts church spiritual and TV on the Radio riffing on the Pixies’ “Mr. Grieves.”

“The one thing that made me want to write and play music was trying to get the same feeling that it gave me when I listened to it,” Rateliff says. “Like having an anxiety attack—where you almost start to weep, at the same time feel a strange pressure in your chest.” This persistent troubadour has struggled and persevered to this point; now, the wider world is ready for Nathaniel Rateliff. “In Memory of Loss,” he says, “is for everyone who’s willing to listen.”

Andrew Schneider (host), Brent Cowles, Joe Sampson, Nathaniel Rateliff and Dane Pribbeno (sound) at KRFC. Photo courtesy of Cindy at Angel Mountain Media.

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Andrew Schneider (host), Johnny Hickman & Drew Jostad (sound) at KRFC after the radio show

“Hickman is best known for co-founding the band Cracker. His fiery lead guitar sound and spirited co-writing gave flavor to that band’s alternative radio hits, including Teen Angst, Low, Get Off This, and Eurotrash Girl. Cracker, founded in 1991 with childhood friend David Lowery, has eight full-length releases to date. Kerosene Hat (1994) remains an alternative music collection staple. Lowery and Hickman together are seen as godfathers of the alternative music scene, who turned gently away from plaid-clad grunge in the 1990s with more countrified and bluesy stylings. Their collaboration with the jam-band Leftover Salmon in 2003 further proved that no one genre could contain them.

Prior to his tenure in Cracker, Hickman toured as a solo/folk acoustic performer, had a brief stint in the Unforgiven (a tongue-in-cheek-Western guitar rock band), and co-founded the Inland Empire (California) cult band the Dangers. Influenced by punk rock, surf guitar, and true Bakersfield country, Hickman’s sound is often imitated but never perfected by anyone but he and his signature 1978 Les Paul.

Occasionally, Hickman ventures away from solo work and Cracker to spearhead side projects, such as All Thumbs Trio (with moe. guitarist Chuck Garvey, and East Coast guitarist Gibb Droll), and Crazysloth, an Arizona-based band. Film and TV work to date include one full film score for the independent River Red, as well as the placement of Lowery/Hickman songs in several popular films.”

~courtesy  © ReviewNetMedia.

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“Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, The Holler! presents a bluegrassy sound, rock n’ roll personality and passionate vocals delivered with mountaintop exclamation.  This quartet of prolific songwriters uses mandolin, guitar, bass, drums, and four bombastic baritone voices to create their Folkedelic sound.  In the canyons of influence, with child-like eyes and wonder, these tone chasers relentlessly explore their roots in acoustic music and dramatic lyricism.  This band’s bottomless cup of original repertoire is led by mandolin obsessed songsmith Michael Kirkpatrick, whose voice resonates with evangelical theatrics and gratitude.  Hot-shot guitar slinger Brian Adams picks some of the tastiest licks this side of Garciaville.  With Brad Poto on bass guitar and Kris Smith on drums, The Holler!’s energetic live show is fortified with a groove that induces movement of body and mind.   9 years of sonic wanderlust has seen the band through many forms, employing sitar, keyboards, tuba, lap steel, accordion and world percussion into their evolving acoustic folk-rock format.  Their repertoire artistically celebrates reverence for nature, the exploration of human consciousness, and their passion for festive community gatherings while echoing the Colorado landscape The Holler! calls home.

In addition to original music, The Holler! has fun twisting up songs by influences such as: Led Zeppelin, Bjork, The Grateful Dead, Ween, Roger McGuinn, Taj Mahal, The Highwaymen, and Darrell Scott.  They have a charismatic ability to connect with a diverse demographic of music lovers, shaking up dance floors, elevating love frequencies, and having lots of fun along the way!

“The group’s songwriting is second-to-none, creating a diverse album that holds quick to its mountain roots.  There is some subtle magic going on here as The Holler! swiftly and thoroughly draws you in with their one-of-a-kind lyricism and finger-pickin’ goodness.” -review of Gratitude by Dusty Ray, Scene Magazine July 2011

-awarded “Best Bluegrass Band 2011″ by the Fort Collins Musicians Association

-placed 3rd Place in Northern Colorado’s Scene Magazine Battle of the Bands 2010

History

Holler!WildPicked who?  Michael Kirkpatrick’s progressive acoustic vision goes back to 2002 with a project called Wildwood Holler! consisting of upright bass, banjo, and mandolin. This Colorado string trio made an underground name for themselves, from the Rockies to the Ozarks to the Cascades, in a big green school bus between 2004-2008. Eventually percussion and a tasty guitar player were added and banjo was traded for the tuba! This rock-tuba-grass quartet recorded and performed under the name Handpicked Holler! from 2008-2010. In early 2010, bass guitar was re-introduced to the band and the name was simplified to The Holler!.  Michael continue’s to walk this path of folk-rock and bluegrass with willing cohorts and enjoys the experience of working with great musicians.”

Band Members

Michael Kirkpatrick- Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar, Lap Steel

Brian Adams- Guitar, Vocals

Brad Poto- Bass, Vocals

Kris Smith- Drums

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“It’s fashionable these days for bands to call themselves “eclectic,” or “genre-bending,” but for Denver, Colorado’s Oakhurst, those terms aren’t the result of some marketing strategy, or even of well-meant wishful thinking—they’re the simple, unvarnished truth.  For proof, just look to the fact that Oakhurst has been nominated for their hometown’s independent weekly’s music awards in five different categories—or, even better, just listen to their brand new album, Barrel.  Because when you get right down to it, it’s all about the music, and while the music Oakhurst makes on Barrel isn’t the kind that defies description, it’s definitely the kind that defies any one description. The result is a perfect snapshot of an upward-bound quintet that’s as broad-ranging as any you’re likely to hear all year.

Produced by Joe Pisapia (Guster, K. D. Lang) and recorded at Nashville’s Middle Tree Studios, Barrel takes a noticeable turn from the bluegrass leanings that characterized the band’s previous effort, Jump in the Get Down. On Barrel, largely due to the mid-production departure of the group’s banjo player and the arrival of guitarist Daniel Lawrence Walker – whose slide work gives the project a bluesier edge – the band finds it self with a whole new sound. That’s not to say that there isn’t continuity in the prominence of acoustic guitar, mandolin and even some banjo throughout. In fact, there’s even a taste of just-about-straightforward ‘grass in the tribute to one of the group’s heroes, John Hartford.

“It’s much more roots-rock Americana,” bassist Johnny Qualley told the Aspen Times while the group was still hard at work on the album, and that’s right as far as it goes, but in the end, Barrel really does elude easy description; just when you think that you’ve got it pegged with the good-time, good-natured feel of the title track, your expectations are confounded by the electrified sonorities and heartfelt yearning of “Satellites,” and then by the country flavor of “Out West,” written with the help of the Infamous Stringdusters’ Jeremy Garrett.  There’s the easy R & B sway of “I’ll Be All Right,” the lilt of “Promises,” the moody cosmic American music atmospherics of “Surrender” and “Please,” which seamlessly blend a dozen different influences. Then there is the heartfelt appeal of “Time To Change” and even a raucous hoedown on “Mission,” which brings the banjo back for one more turn.

What’s more, there are also new accents, new rhythms, like in the loose, easy-going lope of songs like “Hallelu.” There are also new textures, and a new gravity, too, in the lyrics; these are boys who know how to settle back and have a good time, but they’re also men who know there’s more to life than that. Just within the three songs on the Barrel EP, there is prevailing optimism in the face of adversity, the importance of a father’s touch and awe for life itself.  Through these tunes the writers seem to be acutely aware that there are lessons and opportunity all around them and these songs inspire us to remember the simple things and not get  wrapped up in or trapped by the times, locations or circumstances we live in. They unpretentiously encourage us to simply enjoy life and all it brings.

Yet there’s a logic—even a kind of inevitability—to Barrel’s quicksilver shifts, reflecting the twists and turns of a collective career that’s now entering its second decade.  Qualley and lead singer/guitarist A. P. Hill are the lone holdovers from the founding lineup, with drummer Chris Budin, mandolin/guitar man Max Paley joining more recently and Walker the freshest recruit—but whether old or new, each member is an essential contributor.  The result is an ensemble that’s earned enough acclaim—and enough fans—to keep them on the road year-round.  Indeed, whether tearing it up around Denver, traveling across the country or crossing the oceans, Oakhurst have been tapped to appear with a dizzying variety of fellow artists, ranging from jam-grass favorites like Yonder Mountain String Band and Leftover Salmon to Americana staples like the Avett Brothers and John Hiatt to country icons such as Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett to flat-out rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Heck, Zac Brown and a couple band mates sat in and played funk songs with Oakhurst one year at Telluride Bluegrass. How many genres does that cover? Wherever they have done their thing, they have always gotten audiences up on their feet with their infectious energy.

So when you hear Oakhurst—and their latest album—described as “eclectic,” resist the temptation to doubt.  Some artists talk the talk, but when it comes to music that knows no boundaries and no limits and yet remains deeply rooted in the American vernacular, Oakhurst is one tight group that knows how to walk the walk.”

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Andrew Schneider, Marty Rein, Brian Hull & Drew Jostad at KRFC with Spenser the dog after the radio show -Photo courtesy of Angel Mountain Media

Brian Hull has been performing music professionally for the past few decades. You may have enjoyed his vocal stylings with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro or with one of his bands at other venues around town. In the early 90′s he moved from Texas to Fort Collins with his band Ezra’s Poundcake. In ’97 he founded the popular funk/soul/and jazz band Meadowlark Jivin’. Currently working on mixing their third CD,  Meadowlark Jvin’ has two CDs out , “Have you ever seen Meadowlark Jivin?” and “It’s the Groove”. Both CDs are in the KRFC library and receive regular spins on various DJ shows. In recent years, Brian has done a lot of solo gigs and he enjoys the variety of playing in a solo or duet format in addition to with the full band. “Playing solo has challenged me to really get my act together and know my songs like the back of my hand.”, Brian explains.   With Marty Rein (bassist-Liz Barnez, 3 Twins, Escape Goats)  accompanying him, Brian performs original music you won’t hear with the band, an a capella song based on a Rumi poem and a few other popular tunes that Brian puts his own spin on.

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Ben Taylor at KRFC | Photo :Angel Mountain Media

“The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben Taylor’s life was always centered on music, although he spent several years traveling the world, developing a deep appreciation for the earth and the outdoors. Taylor’s acclaimed previous releases include his debut album, Famous Among the Barns, and Another Run Around The Sun, which was hailed on BBC Radio 2 as “LP of the Week.” All have been released on Iris Records, owned and run by Taylor and industry veteran/musician, Larry Ciancia. It’s a place where the duo is able to control their artistic decisions and create opportunities for other like-minded artists. Ben has performed on such national television shows as Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The CBS Morning Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and was featured on an A&E Biography profile as well as on the Howard Stern radio show. He also made his acting debut with a recurring role on NBC’s American Dreams as Cal, a struggling singer/songwriter. Taylor has been featured in countless magazines including People Magazine, Vogue and has even appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. He has toured extensively for

Larry Ciancia, Ben Taylor and David Saw at KRFC after their radio show. | Photo: Angel Mountain Media

years with artists such as Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley and Dar Williams. Taylor’s memorable melodies, immaculate acoustic guitar playing and insightful, honest lyrics have been captivating fans since the moment he embarked on this journey. Making music has become as natural as breathing to Taylor. Accordingly, this approach has colored his songwriting to create music that defies genre definitions. Taylor seamlessly merges the sounds and styles of rock, pop, folk and hip-hop. His albums often run the gamut from sonically spacious acoustic numbers to layered vocals, beats and unique samples. His honest music is led by what is often described as his tuneful and expressive voice, the kind of voice that makes its impact with the smallest turn of a whispered phrase.”

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Seth Glier & Ryan Hommel on tour from Massachusetts appeared later that night with Cheryl Wheeler at Avogadros Number. Seth found out that morning his 2011 release, The Next Right Thing, was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.

“MPress recording artist Seth Glier will grab you…if not with his powerful falsetto or his melodic prowess, then with what Performer Magazine calls his “intoxicating groove.” The 22-year-old singer, pianist and guitarist – who abandoned studies at The Berklee College of Music after one year because he “decided I should be playing for people and not for grades” – aims straight for the gut & has quickly established himself on the national scene performing over 250 shows a year.

In 2010, Glier shared stages with such diverse artists as James Taylor, Mark Knopfler, The Verve Pipe, and Edwin McCain. He has appeared as a mainstage artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY) and the Kerrville Folk Festival (TX). USA Today recently compared Seth to Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel and recommended his track “Lauralee” on their “Listen Up Playlist” (Feb 2011).

The only musical member of his family, Seth was raised on the music of Joni Mitchell, Martin Sexton and Randy Newman, but considers his brother to be his greatest influence. “My brother is autistic and non-verbal. I learned to communicate with words better once I realized how to communicate to someone without them.” Maybe the term ‘old soul’ has meaning after all…”

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Nate Barnes, Daniel Sproul, Jacob Sproul & Jimmy Stofer

“Boulder-based rock and roll band Rose Hill Drive has returned to debut the addition of new member bass player Jimmy Stofer and an entire album’s worth of brand-new material. In 2003, guitarist Daniel Sproul, his vocalist brother Jacob and childhood friend drummer Nate Barnes began practicing in the basement of the house on Rose Hill Drive in Boulder, Colorado that the Sproul brothers grew up in. Since then, they’ve released two full-length albums, 2006′s self-titled debut and 2008′s “Moon Is The New Earth,” several EPs, and developed a worldwide fan base. In 2009, the trio went on hiatus. In the ensuing months, Jacob switched from bass to guitar, bassist Stofer came on board, and the newly formed quartet began writing new material, which eventually became the band’s third studio album, 2011′s “Americana.” Stofer was previously a member of such local favorites as Hello Kavita and Dualistics. Rose Hill Drive’s raw, emotive rock has earned the group high praises from both critics and fellow musicians alike.

Nate Barnes, Daniel Sproul, Jacob Sproul and Jimmy Stofer

The band toured with Stone Temple Pilots this summer and has opened for Wilco, The Black Crowes, Queens Of The Stone Age, VanHalen, Aerosmith, and The Who, among others.

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Guitarist Alfredo Muro was born in Lima, Peru. At the age of ten, he began teaching himself to play the guitar and was soon awarded a scholarship to study with Maestro Jose Pepe Torres at his Guitar Academy. Many years and awards later, Muro continued his studies with two of Peru’s greatest guitar masters, Octavio Ticona and Carlos Hayre, gaining mastery of harmonic theory and the rich variety of Peruvian folklore. After four years of intense studies he moved to the United States to broaden his musical skills studying with great masters Manuel Lopez Ramos, Frank Costa and John Doan. Since then, Muro has established a prodigious repertoire ranging from classical music to Latin American and Spanish music, and from Baden Powell and Jobim, to Bach and Albeniz. Mr. Muro has a special love of Brazilian music. He has studied and mastered the intricate styles of Choro, Samba, Frevo, Bossa Nova and Afro-samba. Alfredo Muro has been described as a Latin virtuoso, but his musical styles and tastes are far more versatile, ranging from standard classical repertoire to jazz. His forte is South American music in its many guises: folk, jazz, Brazilian, classical. Whatever the style, it’s the emotional content of his music that carries the day. While on tour in Europe, Muro played in 1984, for the late Pope John Paul the Second at a “Special Audience” at the Vatican. He has been invited to several international guitar festivals around the world. He has performed in Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Italy, Germany, Canada, Dominican Republic and in many venues throughout the United States, including the Kennedy Center for the Millennium Concert Series, and the Smithsonian Institution. Muro has released six CD’s: “Journey Through The Strings” “The Musical Sea” “Alfredo Muro and Friends Live at St. Gertrude Monastery” “Alma Brasileira, Volume 1” “Alma Brasileira, Volume” and his latest solo guitar works  “Latin Impressions ”released on June 2009, was pre-nominated for the Latin Grammy . Another important project in progress is the publication of his arrangements of selected Brazilian solo guitar works.

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