Ariella (and Nicolaas)
Infusing Funk, Jazz and Samba with Blues Soul and Tango, Award winning International Touring artists Ariella and Nicolaas (video) have created a memorable ear-catching sound. Formed in September of 2013 they quickly became one of the top acts in their native Tampa Bay music scene, as evidenced by their nomination for best local group in Tampa Bay and Ari for best Jazz vocalist.
And they continue to excel as this comment on social media says: “They are so hot and steamy on stage, they should advertise themselves as “Viagra for the Soul!” Marvelous! Superb and Fun Musicians. 10 stars.” Visit them on Facebook
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Dustbowl Revival
Dustbowl Revival
Check out the Sway at Home music festivals on youtube and and on their web site.
Over the past few years, The Dustbowl Revival has been making a name for itself with a vibrant mix of vintage Americana sounds. Critics have proclaimed that this eclectic eight-piece “would have sounded utterly at home within the hallowed confines of Preservation Hall in New Orleans’ French Quarter” (Los Angeles Times) and their “upbeat, old-school, All-American sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should be: hot, spontaneous, engaging and, best of all, a pleasure to hear”
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Dawes
Dawes is an American folk-rock band that has spent the last decade and a half serving as the primary torchbearers for the “Laurel Canyon sound.” Formed in Los Angeles in 2009 following the dissolution of the post-punk band Simon Dawes, the group transitioned into a more organic, roots-oriented aesthetic. Led by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, the band quickly established itself as a critical darling, blending the poetic introspection of 1970s singer-songwriters with the muscular, live-performance energy of a seasoned rock ensemble. Their music is often described as timeless, evoking the ghost of Jackson Browne, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and the gritty guitar sensibilities of Neil Young.At the heart of the band’s identity is Taylor Goldsmith’s songwriting. He is widely regarded as one of his generation’s most gifted lyricists, possessing an uncanny ability to spin conversational phrases into profound existential observations. His songs often function as short stories, populated by characters grappling with the passage of time, the nuances of modern love, and the quiet tragedies of everyday life. This narrative depth is anchored by his brother Griffin’s drumming, which is characterized by a melodic, soulful touch that provides the band’s rhythmic backbone. Together, their sibling chemistry creates a telepathic musical foundation that has remained the group’s constant through various lineup changes.The band’s discography serves as a chronicle of their evolution from retro-leaning folk-rockers to sophisticated studio craftsmen. Their debut album, North Hills, was recorded live to analog tape, capturing a warm, hazy atmosphere that felt like a rediscovered relic from 1971. As they progressed through albums like Nothing Is Wrong and Stories Don’t End, their sound expanded to include more polished production and adventurous arrangements. However, they never lost the “live in a room” feel that makes their records feel intimate and authentic. By the time they reached All Your Favorite Bands, they had solidified their status as a premiere live act, known for extended jams and a rotating setlist that rewards a dedicated, cult-like following.In recent years, Dawes has navigated a significant transition. After the departure of long-time members Wylie Gelber and Lee Pardini, the Goldsmith brothers decided to continue as a duo, a move reflected in their ninth studio album, Oh Brother (2024). This latest era emphasizes the raw connection between the two siblings, stripping back some of the auxiliary instrumentation to focus on the interplay between Taylor’s guitar and Griffin’s percussion. Despite the smaller core membership, the band continues to tour with a robust live lineup, maintaining their reputation for high-energy performances that bridge the gap between indie-folk and classic stadium rock.Ultimately, Dawes occupies a unique space in the modern musical landscape. They are a band’s band, frequently invited to back legendary artists like Jackson Browne, Robbie Robertson, and Elvis Costello. They have avoided the fleeting trends of the digital age, opting instead for a career built on craftsmanship, touring, and a deep respect for the tradition of American songwriting. For their fans, a Dawes song is more than just a melody; it is a mirror reflecting the complexities of growing up and growing older in an ever-changing world.Dawes-FB page
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Jerry Douglas
THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND
Dobro master and 14-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas is to the resonator guitar what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric guitar: elevating, transforming, and reinventing the instrument in countless ways. In addition to being widely recognized as the foremost master of the Dobro, Jerry Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking recording artist whose output incorporates elements of bluegrass, country, rock, jazz, blues and Celtic into his distinctive musical vision. Called “dobro’s matchless contemporary master,” by The New York Times, fourteen-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas is one of the most innovative recording artists in music, both as a solo artist and member of groundbreaking bands including J.D. Crowe & the New South, the Country Gentlemen, Boone Creek, the Grammy-winning The Earls of Leicester, and Strength In Numbers.
Douglas’ distinctive sound graces more than 1500 albums, including discs released by Garth Brooks, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Earl Scruggs, and Ray Charles, among many others. Since 1998, he’s been a key member of “Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas”, touring extensively and co-producing and playing on a series of platinum albums. He has produced albums for Krauss, the Del McCoury Band, Maura O’Connell, and Jesse Winchester and is is co-Music Director of the acclaimed BBC TV series Transatlantic Sessions, and his latest solo album Traveler features guest appearances by such notable friends as Paul Simon, Mumford & Sons, and Eric Clapton, among others. (from NPR)
In studio with John Hiatt on a great tune — “All the Lilacs in Ohio”
