KRNN Tune IN

Words and photos by Annie Bartholomew/KTOO

There really is nothing like seeing Hillstomp at the Southeast Alaska State Fair. Before this weekend I’d seen the Portland duo twice  down in northern California, in my school’s school cafeteria.  They were still loud and high energy then, but nothing like the screaming mosh pit of shirtless kids I had to fight to  see them in Haines.

Being a guitar-drum pair with fuzzy vocals and amazing fret work,  they get a lot of comparisons to the early Black Keys. But after you get past their equipment, Hill Stomp is a whole different band. The energy of a punk rock show, the soul of Mississipi Delta, and the grittiest country blues you’ve heard in your life. While other forms of American folk and country music have become more refined and pure, Hillstomp gets back to the roots with an unforgiving, in your face aesthetic.

The Haines Fair was the perfect venue for yet another peformance from  Hurricane Henry and Lord Johnny Buckets.  I know from personal experience there were sore necks and bruised knees Sunday morning from all the hair whipping and head banging that happened at the Fairgrounds.

Katey Blagden/KRNN

He was wearing a crisp cowboy hat and suspenders, his steel toed boots stepping down on a tambourine and a homemade kick-drum that was made out of an old, yellow briefcase. I first saw Shakey Graves perform in a small bar in Eugene and I was shocked to discover that such a large sound was being made by only one man.

The Austin native, Alejandro Rose-Garcia’s, voice erupts with an energy that is unique in modern day music. He is not just a musician, nor a wonderful performer, but he is a storyteller. He tells tales of his experiences on the road and his life in Austin and does so in such a way that is irresistibly intimate and relatable.

And when he plays he transforms, his music sends you from spinning across the dance floor to slowly swaying back and forth to high energy foot stomping all within a verse. His voice howls and then whispers, his feet calmly tap and his body bounces energetically. Shakey’s persona embodies the spirit of traditional Texas music. He not only physically resembles something of a young Townes Van Zandt, in his tall slim stature and his dark features, but his guitar picking does as well. His raspy voice adds in an element of Texas Blues; like he has been smoking cigarettes around a bonfire under the Texan stars.

My discovery of Shakey Graves has been a well kept secret for quite some time now, but I think it has been long enough. The live performance was all a gal from the North Country could ever dream of a Texan musician and his recorded tracks have a similar effect. Right now, his recorded music is limited, but watching and listening to live videos is worth investigating and I will leave you with a couple of my favorites. I am heading down south to visit family for a few weeks, but first I am making a detour to catch another live performance of his at Pickathon Music Festival outside of Portland. I will be back after with more new music to report. Until then, stay cool Juneau.

On Friday morning, Lahna Deering was in the KXLL studio promoting Deering and Down’s weekend shows when Radio DJ Jessie suggested they go thrift shopping at “Sally’s,” Juneau’s downtown Salvation Army.  After taking a million photos the night before at open mic, I decided to try something new and video tape the adventure. Set the song “Towney” Lahna, Rev and Jessie pick through Sally’s looking for that perfect piece. 

 

 

Shot and Edited by Annie Bartholomew
Music: Deering and Down / Towney

Tune in tonight on Tideline with Angelina (5-7 pm) for special guests Deering & Down! 102.7 FM or www.KRNN.org

 

On April 29, 1913, a patent was granted to Gideon Sunback for his invention of the “hook-less fastener” to be known as the “zipper.” Gavin, the dog, opens the zipper of his KRNN t-shirt to supervise John, the host, who will pull together a zipper-related song list for the occasion. You are invited to join together in tribute to this zipper 100th anniversary on Crosscurrents, 4/29 at 8 am.

The April 22, 1970, Earth Day was the start of the environmental network of organizations with more than 17,000 associated groups in 174 countries. Gavin (the dog) barks in favor of a clean environment while John (the host) searches for an Earth Day related songs for your radio environment. You are invited to reduce, reuse, and recycle while listening to Crosscurrents, 4/22 at 8 am.