I first heard about Annie Eve from my friend Mike who met her by chance on vacation. He told me that on the last day of his vacation, while everyone was coming to the harsh reality that they would have to split, Annie started making up songs on the spot, shocking everyone with a music ability that no one knew she had. Yes, but behind a humble demeanor, is a wonderful voice just bursting with potential and excitement. While listening to one of Annie’s songs on her Myspace, I scrolled down and read some of the comments. One listener wrote, “a breath of fresh air in a genre that has started to sound the same.” This could not be a more spot on compliment. Annie does just that. In her Youtube videos, she strums away on her acoustic while sitting on her kitchen floor as a computer picks up a rough recording of her youthful folk. It is the fact that she is sitting in her house that makes the music so raw and refreshing. She is a tremendous, young talent that is starting to tour and her music proves that she is ready to make a name for herself and add her soulful voice and folky guitar riffs to a watered-down folk genre.

Annie Eve hails from North London. She started playing music when she was 13, inspired by her older brother who is also a musician. I had a chance to interview Annie Eve through e-mail (oh the wonders of the technological age). Her enthusiasm shined through her words. Before she even got to answering the interview questions she wrote, “As soon as I picked up the guitar I started to write songs, it really just came naturally. Playing guitar, singing and writing songs all come in a package with me I don’t like doing any of them separately. Music is all I do now, I spend my time writing, recording or playing anywhere and I love it.” In an industry that often gets bogged down by musicians unable to balance fun with the often overriding want to make money, this is just great to hear.

Before we get to the interview, I would like to include a song by Annie that I believe most directly highlights her potential.

“Fish Bowl Shark Tank” is raw, exceptionally catchy, and wonderfully structured. Annie’s youthful vigor and ardent voice seeps through the homemade recording and gives the song a hint of maturity, even though she is clearly a callow musician. Yet, age aside, her emotion is raw and fresh, and her voice is uncultivated, but I mean that as a compliment. This song particularly reminds me a lot of Jaymay, a folk singer-songwriter from New York, and I believe Annie is travelling a similar path in both lyric and music. Take a listen to Jaymay.

What do you all think?

Here is the interview with Annie Eve:

Music Court: Who inspired you to get into music? Are there any bands you can label as major influences?

Annie Eve: My brother Simon first got me wanting to get into music, he showed me a load of music id never heard of, it was like his mission to make sure I didn’t listen to generic pop, I remember him sitting me down and playing a bunch of punk, blues and rock tunes at me (Simon fighting the good fight). The songs of mine I like the most are usually the ones that have been inspired by another band or a song, so I have alot of inspirations. To name a few, I would go with; Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Rilo Kiley, Bon Iver, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Kimya Dawson and John Martyn. You might not hear them in my music necessarily but trust me they are in there.

MC: Tell me about your music making process if you can. How long does it take for you to generally write and record a song?

AE: Writing songs comes naturally to me, however writing a song I like, or think is good enough is another issue. After I write a song, Ill show my producer David, and play it at an open mic night, then Ill work on it and change it whenever I play it until I’m happy with it.

MC: Any plans for some upcoming shows?

AE: I’m starting to gig alot more now my EP is almost done, the next one I know of is on the 23^rd of May at The Abbey Tavern in Kentish Town.  I’ve also just booked a month in America to travel around and play, Ill post what im doing either on my facebook page or Myspace.

MC: Have a favorite band or song?

AE: My favourite band? Wow, I have many, to name a few; Radiohead, Rilo Kiley, Ramones, Led Zeppelin, Kings of Leon, Bon Iver and so so many more.

As one can see, she is starting to travel and play and this will hopefully help her get her name out in the music world. If you would like to learn more about Annie and see if she is coming to a town near you visit her Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/annieeve. Also, you can watch some of her videos over on her Youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/AnnieEveTracks.

Band: Headtronics

Genre: Jazz, Funk, Electronic dance music

Members:

– DJ Logic (Turntables)

– Freekbass (Bass)

– Steve Molitz (Keyboards)

Band Preview

In 1968, Eric Clapton, coming off a stint with John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers, teamed up with Jack Bruce (formerly of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Graham Bond Organisation, and Manfred Mann) and Ginger Baker (formerly of  Graham Bond Organisation) to form one of the first supergroups, a combination of musicians already well-known for their work in other bands. The term was coined in 1968 from the title of a session album by Al Kooper, Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills. The album was titled Super Sessions.

Supergroups are still rocking the music community in the 2010’s. One such fresh supergroup just hitting the road for the first time in six days, performing their first show at The Crosstown Station in Kansas City, MO at 10 p.m. is funktronica supergroup Headtronics.

Headtronics is composed of three of today’s exciting funk musicians, keyboardist Steve Molitz (formerly of Particle and Phil Lesh and Friends), aptly titled bassist Freekbass (seven time Cincinnati music award winner), and talented turntablist DJ Logic.

Moltiz, Freakbass and DJ Logic met at the Church of Universal Love and Music Festival last summer, and after an on-stage jam session they decided to play some shows together. Music fans open your minds and allow the music of Headtronics to pour inside. Check out their myspace page for a song sample: http://www.myspace.com/headtronics

I had the opportunity to interview Molitz about the band and where he sees the project going in the future.

1. Music Court: Describe for me how the Church of Universal Love and Music Festival last
   summer inspired you all to form Headtronics. Had you ever collaborated
   before prior to that event.

   Steve Molitz: The CULM Fest was the first time that we all played together. There was enough synergy while the three of of us were improvising that we decided to explore the combination and the sound a bit more.

2. MC: Can you give me an idea of Headtronics’ sound? What will the music be
   like?

   SM: I think it’ll be a nice mix of funk, groove, jazz, and electronic dance music…

3. MC: Headtronics is an awesome name. Where did it spawn from?

   SM: Bootsy Collins thought of it… (Bootsy Collins is a legendary funk musician)

4. MC: Your tour is just about to start. Can you tell fans who are going to
   flock to venues to see Headtronics what they can expect from the
   collaboration.

   SM: Since this is our first tour together, even we don’t know exactly what to expect! So, I suppose fans can just expect the unexpected, and they can expect to dance…

5. MC: Are you planning on taking this collaboration into the studio?

   SM: Absolutely!

6. MC: You all have such a diverse musical background. I am wondering, if you
   were stuck on a desert island with only access to three songs, what songs
   would you choose?

   SM:
   1. Bob Marley: No Woman No Cry
   2. Paul Simon: Homeless
   3. Michael Jackson: Man In The Mirror

Good choices by Molitz.

Concert Times:

Tuesday, April 20^th The Crosstown Station, Kansas City, MO at 10:00 pm

Wednesday, April 21^st Cherokee 2720, St. Louis, MO at 9:00 pm

Thursday, April 22^nd Headliner’sm Louisville, KY Time TBA

Friday, April 23^rd The V Club, Huntington, WV Time TBA

Saturday, April 24^th The Play by Play, Cincinnati, OH Time TBA

Monday April 26^th Cosmic Charlie’s, Lexington, KY at 10:00 pm

Band: Equaleyes

Genre: Rock/Reggae/Pop (Always, if delicately done, a great mix)

Members:

– Jeff Crosby (Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting)

– William Prescott (Drums, Vocals)

– Daniel “The Hawk” Blumenfeld (Keys, Accordion)

– Tom Borda (Bass, Vocals)

Band Review:

There is a short list of known musicians from Idaho. This list includes Paul Revere, from Paul Revere and The Raiders, Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue bassist), and the prominent singer/songwriter Josh Ritter. We can add a burgeoning band to this list; Equaleyes (E-Qual-Eyes: To Make Equal).

The name Equaleyes suits this Boise band particularly well. Hidden behind their interesting music is a heart that numerous bands tend to lose as they start playing professionally. This can be heard in their music and seen in their numerous humanitarian efforts. Equaleyes has affiliated themselves with organizations including the U.S. Special Olympics, Casting for a Cure and Veterans for Peace. They have also donated the proceeds of several of their shows to raise funds for cancer patients in the state of Idaho. In an interview with http://www.livemusicnewsandreview.com, where they were featured as the Band Spotlight, lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff Crosby spoke of their endeavours.

“We’ve realized that our music and music in general is a great way to bring attention to a cause and to help people in need. There’s no better way to spread awareness about something than through the power of songs. Knowing people personally that have dealt with cancer or are a military veteran has been a huge motivation to be involved and help in some way. Being aware of the environment and helping those in need we hope is common sense to our generation and definitely plan to always be involved in helping a cause or something bigger than us.”

Big words from a 22-year-old. The band has focused on not only giving back, but also making great music. Boy, they are the full package. So, how about we get to some music.

Equaleyes is a fresh blend of rock, pop, funk, bluegrass and reggae. That is certainly an earful. But, unlike some bands who quickly fall apart because of their ambition, Equaleyes is talented enough to make it work. They ably switch gears in each song on their most recent release While I’m Alive (released in 2008). Songs on this album range from pleasant experimentation to upbeat reggae/pop. Then, after you are immersed and ensconced in the reggae funk explosion, you are taken on a wild ride through the mountains of Idaho. It is such a treat to hear young musicians create a beautiful palette of music with such ease. This is a band that has the ability to strike it big. So, it is time we show these Idaho boys some east coast love.

This post comes at a good time for Equaleyes. They are due to release a new album in a month that, if While I’m Alive is any indication, will sure to be quite entertaining. You may want to put that CD on your list of upcoming releases. Also, they are embarking on a tour (I will include dates below)

Best Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r_46K39mKQ (Sorry embedding was disabled)

“The Beaten Path” is a fun, upbeat tune that really makes you want to get up and move. It is highlighted by Crosby’s excellent vocal and the carefree, but cogent lyric. Here is a portion of the lyric.

“We walk our own path / we sing our own songs / we live the life of our choice
When this all gives in / and true life begins / we’ll all use our own voice / let’s use our own voice”

This seems quite appropriate for Equaleyes

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Mar 11 2010 The White Owl  Logan, Utah
Mar 12 2010 The Downstairs  Park City, Utah
Mar 13 2010 The Hogwallow  Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 15 2010 Cervantes W/ HOME Denver, Colorado
Mar 17 2010 Whistler’s Cafe  Nederland, Colorado
Mar 19 2010 Connor O’neill’s Boulder, Colorado
Mar 20 2010 Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins, Colorado
Mar 22 2010 Cervantes Otherside W/ Fatty Lumpkin Denver, Colorado
Mar 23 2010 Salida Cafe   Salida, Colorado
Mar 24 2010    Crested Butte, Colorado
Mar 25 2010 Fly me to the Moon Telluride, Colorado
Mar 26 2010 The Summit  Durango, Colorado
Mar 30 2010 Mystic Hot Springs Monroe, Utah
Apr 2 2010 Woody’s   Moab, Utah
Apr 3 2010 Woody’s   Moab, Utah
Apr 9 2010 Liquid (Yonder Mtn. Afterparty!)Boise, Idaho

Information:

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/equaleyeslive

Website: http://www.equaleyeslive.com/

If you’d like to contact the band for booking, cds, merchandise, general info, send an email to equaleyeslive@hotmail.com, or leave a message on the myspace.

*Are you a new band that thinks your music is better than most of the stuff out there in the music world today. Well, we at the Music Court want to hear you. Send your band info; a band bio, updated band members, pictures, a sample track and potential tour dates (basic press pack) to musiccourt@gmail.com for a chance to be profiled on the blog.*

Hey new bands out there. Right now you are competing with no one in getting a profile of you on the Music Court. Help with your publicity or just enjoy some random guy saying good things about your band. But, I don’t like to throw away compliments to something that is not showing promise. So, impress me. Send your information: updated band members, bio, some music samples to musiccourt@gmail.com or through a twitter message. As promised through a twitter message, the band in the palace today is Chicago’s very own, Lubriphonic.So, Lets bring on the funk!

You know what is funny about Lubriphonic. Look at the picture above. They all look like musicians. If I saw these guys I would think of them as awesome musicians before they even play. And, let me tell you, when they play it is a treat for the ears. My assumption that they are awesome musicians is correct. Throughout their individual careers members of Lubriphonic have toured with the likes of Buddy Miles, The Ohio Players, Buddy Guy and Lenny Kravitz. That is not a bad list of musicians. But, they were side-men to these performers. It was never their own creation. But, these men soaked up their back-up experience and eventually came together as one single entity, Lubriphonic; a band that just oozes soul, old-school rock n’roll and funk.

Lubriphonic is the brainchild of blues guitarist Giles Corey and drummer Rick King. Corey has some experience, only performing with guys like Buddy Scott, Eddy Clearwater and, I don’t know, Bo Diddley. King has only appeared in two feature documentaries about the blues and has performed with the likes of Chuck Berry. Yeah, they are only okay blues musicians. After realizing that their skills worked together perfectly, they joined forces like superheroes and recruited more of the very best blues and funk musicians in Chicago. They ended up with an agglutination of funk, soul, blues and rock n’roll dance music that clicked fused into a musical masterpiece. They started selling out weekly shows and realized that something was there.

Lubriphonic is currently touring and will be in various venues in Colorado until March 15. If you live in the area you should go check them out. They make music that drives you to get up and start shaking your hips to the beats. You can check future dates and booking opportunities on http://www.myspace.com/lubriphonic

Best Album

Soul Solution

Released in 2008, this album showcases the talents of this band well. It most truly is a soul solution. Giles Corey’s vocal prowess is unmistakable and he at times sounds like Gregg Allman. I don’t throw around compliments like this all of the time. He is also a tremendous guitarist who knows how to enjoy a blues solo. The horns that sound throughout the album are poppin’ and it is hard not to bop your head or move your feet when listening. It is an effervescent and pleasurable release and should be owned.

Buy it here or sample it here: http://www.lubriphonic.com/fr_musicstore.cfm

Best Song

Close your eyes when listening to this song which appears on Soul Solution. “Rain Keeps Falling”  is a classic example of why this band is awesome. The fast blues guitar is paired with staccato horns that blend in magically with the awesome drum beat. And the guitar solo. Just wow. Lubriphonic is a chef and this is a perfect concoction. Magnifico.

And Improved...

Do you remember when I mentioned that there was a possibly that I would bring back an old category eventually. Well, tonight is the night, for the grand re-unveiling of The New Band Palace. The premise of the category was send all your new band information to musiccourt@gmail.com (i.e. myspace page, band info). At the end of two weeks I would listen to each band that sended me their info (This worked quite well. I received one band and I am not even entirely sure if it was intentional) and then pick the best of the bunch and profile them for publicity on the blog. There was one problem. I got no bands. Simple as that. The category collapsed and that was that.

Well, here I am telling you that the New Music Palace section in the grand multi-layered castle of the Music Court is back. It is open for business once again. What does this mean? You have a new band struggling to get attention. Well, I get a fair share of viewers a day that may want to check out your music. Send what you got to musiccourt@gmail.com and if I get your info you may be a post in 2 weeks. The reason for the sudden appearance of this once antiquated section is kind of funny.

A little bird notified me today that my old Middle/High School bowling coach’s son is in a pop/punk band touring the United States. I have known Mr. Hecht since I was around 12-13 years old. I am 20 now. Therefore, if I hear his son is in a band I will profile it. It is just as easy as that.

So, you have a few second? Well you are on the blog so I will assume yes, or you are just procrastinating slightly (okay, maybe a lot). Check out: http://www.myspace.com/withthepunches. I would suggest listening to the first song, “Burned at Both Ends,” which mixes the classic pop/punk sound with this interesting Boston anthem-like feel. By creating this semi-variation on an otherwise tried genre of music, With The Punches represents a new style of punk quite well. I am impressed. But, I would like to challenge him to a bowling game. He may make better music than I, but, can he get the ball in the pocket better. Well, his father is Mr. Hecht, so probably. Dam!

Still, check out their music, and enjoy! Congrats to With the Punches and good luck with the rest of the tour.