The Sunday Sessions Project's podcast: Recent Episodes
The Sunday Sessions Project
Best place on the web for original live music!
The Sunday Sessions Project was developed by PBR Productions as a way for us to get to know the workings of the new studio we built while giving original musicians a much deserved outlet. As we grow and develop as a studio, so to does the show. We have an ever changing variety of original musical acts, from Rockabilly to Funk, Jazz to Pop, we strive to provide musicians of all genres an outlet to be seen. If you are a true music lover and are looking to discover new music all the time, this is the show for you. Tune in Sunday night at 8pm to see what’s playing.
Tonight we are grateful to have Adam and Peter join us to share their folk sound from Under The Oak. Tune in with us and chat. As always we are always looking for new submissions so please feel free to drop us a line if you have an original band. If you would like to know a bit more about the band check out the writeup below. Thanks!
This week The Sunday Sessions Project welcomes mandolin playing extraordinaire Adam Monaco of “Under the Oak” to the show along with fellow Oak member Peter Oswald on cello. Adam writes deeply personal folk flavored music the can speak directly to the listener and imparts a sense of profound connection. His band,” Under the Oak”, which also includes Peter Oswald, Chris Peace and Maggie Pope, combines the members strong musicianship, harmonies and writing to create special, passionate songs. Adam started his musical odyssey as a kid playing the saxophone but as a teen decided that he needed to write his own music and for that he needed a guitar. After graduating from school and taking a desk job he quickly realized that he had to quit that job and make a life for himself with music. He has supported the Philadelphia music community with a number of time-consuming projects one of which helped musicians afford studio time. During this time he took up the mandolin and worked hard at honing his craft and sharpening his songwriting. Both have paid off with beautifully crafted songs that will be the centerpiece of his first solo effort. He “likes to push positivity and awareness” and “always tries to create some hope even during hardship”. https://linktr.ee/AdamMonaco Adam loves to be part of a musical community and that includes connecting and supporting other musicians. He is currently using this prolonged pandemic absence to dig deep into his own songwriting although he is also missing his work as a solo performer. Adam has enjoyed success playing house concerts where he can share an intimate show with his audience. Check out Adam and his work with “Under the Oak” https://www.facebook.com/undertheoakband/ See Less
This we we rock with Andorra! The guys bring their indie rock style to you for another new episode. Watch with us tonight! Tune in for new music every episode. If you have an original band drop us a line, we're always looking for submissions. For more on the band check out the write-up below. The Philadelphia Indie music scene is thick with talent and The Sunday Sessions Project is thrilled to welcome Andorra, a band that has been an integral part of that scene for ten years. Andorra started, as so many bands do, with a childhood collaboration between Kevin McCall and Jordan Petrellis. The band has had many different players over the years but these two continue to be the backbone of the band. Michael Trycieckj joined the band after having known Kevin forever and Dante DiLoreto rounded out the lineup after meeting Kevin while they both attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Kevin McCall - guitar, vocals Jordan Petrellis - drums Michael Trycieckyj - bass, keys, vocals, harmonica, viola & theremin Dante DiLoreto - guitar, vocals
Andorra's music is straight up Rock 'n Roll with a touch of their early 90's progressive influences. Kevin and Michael are the primary songwriters. On their new album, Family Tree, you get a lot of truly personal and private stories mixed with a great rock sound that is uniquely Andorra’s. Even when addressing tragedy, the guys don't mix it with maudlin riffs but rather keep it rocking. The title song "Family Tree" is about a true-life miscarriage that left Kevin with one less brother and an acknowledged hole in his family. He credits his father with his forthrightness. Kevin says that the record is "definitely hard rock with some blues rock added to the mix" and even a little Neil Young style storytelling. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YEMUX24uNhHFhRTQcExJj...
They are currently adapting their music and working style to the new realities of a Covid world. They want to play out so they are hoping to put together an acoustic set that could work with the todays live music scene. They also have a separate EP project that has a boogie blues rock sound. They are putting together a documentary film that will chronicle their many lineups and years of music. Check out their set this Sunday and give a listen, https://youtu.be/PaLN9uto9Pw
They are thrilled with the reception their music received at radio 104.5 annual anniversary show where they have opened for Florence and the Machine and The Killers. https://www.facebook.com/andorramusic
This week we have Candy Ass ! This animated punk group brings their fun style and music to you tonight. As always if you have an original band drop us a line. Please like, subscribe and share! For more about the guys give a look to our write-up below. The Sunday Sessions Project welcomes the brand-new indie band Candy Ass to the show. The provocatively named band @thecandyasses hails from the Philadelphia music scene and is hoping that their new music will get them noticed. They have varied musical backgrounds that are sorta kinda pop-power-punk. Bass player Shane Hobensack describes their music as “angsty nervous energy indie-punk”. The band started as drummer Matt Boncek and Shane writing together and then quickly expanded to include lead vocalist Kevin Bradley and guitarist Mike Vermeil. The band has been writing new material in a very timely way. Since they all have the ability to record at home they have been sharing tracks and writing without being in the same space. Someone sends out a bit of a demo and the other band members jam on it and share it. Kevin Bradley (Lead Vocals / Guitar) Shane Hobensack (Bass / Backup Vocals) Matt Boncek (Drums / Backup Vocals) Mike Vermeil (Guitar / Backup Vocals)
They are hoping to get in front of a live audience soon and share their growing catalog. Give them a listen.
Tonight we are greatful to bring you The Underwater Robots! The guys put on a great show sharing their alternitive rock style with us. This 6 member group will get you grooving. Look for their new album this October. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. As always if you have an original band drop us a submission. Read on for a full discription.
The Sunday Sessions Project welcomes Underwater Robots with their sing-a-long-dance-a-long rock to the show this week. This local outfit blends all the right elements of cool riffs, strong vocals and great songwriting to deliver straight up Rock and Roll. http://facebook.com/uwrobotsphilly
The band started with Tim and Erik playing acoustic covers at house parties and shows that just didn’t fulfill the guys musically. They realized that they needed to play originals and build a bigger band that would appeal to a bigger audience. Although they say there is “nothing scholarly about us” it is clear that they write great tongue in cheek lyrics and can deliver a big rock sound that could be lovingly dubbed “Dad Rock”. The kind of music that a Tom Petty fan would appreciate. https://open.spotify.com/artist/45EOb1vdtDbgPw9kw8jLjp?si=0tzpHZPtS16MBvA8PoTI5w
UWR’s first album “Like Frank Sinatra”, recorded at Headroom Philadelphia, pushed the band to reach a wider audience with songs that appeal to alternative, progressive and indie music fans. They like to build many of their songs organically while in the same room noodling together.
Keeping the music flowing, UWR is getting ready to release a new album this fall called “Aaardvark” (Yes, they know that aardvark is normally spelled with two not three a’s- obviously there is nothing normal about these guys). They are keeping their musical mission alive by creating music that they love and hope their influences would listen to as well. They have been getting recognition on Spotify discovery lists and hope that the new album can create more buzz.
Tim Oberholtzer - Lead Vocals Eric "EB" Birkelbach - Acoustic Guitar/Vocals John Sepcie - Electric Guitar/Vocals Bob Gleason - DrumsTaj Aya - Keys/Vocals Joe Mulroy - Bass
Tonight we are greatful to bring you Paul Saint John and the Nighthawks! The guys joined us to bring their rocking folk for everyone to dance to. Watch with us and enjoy.
Their music is driven by Paul’s strong lyrics and vocals and the Nighthawks fantastic rhythm section.
Paul started out playing music as a teenager in his native Scotland where he had some early success with American influenced folk-rock music. He later quit the music scene and decided to vacation in San Francisco. This random vacation choice, made while drinking with his cousin, led him to meet his future wife, Philadelphian Bridget, at a happy hour. After living many years in the area and raising a family Paul decided to return to music. This decision had a few stops and starts over the years, during one of his musical periods he opened for British legend Al Stewart at the packed Colonial Theater in Phoenixville PA. He is now roaring back with a new band and new a sense of purpose. Although his return to the guitar was meant solely to amuse himself he soon found that he had to write songs and that they needed to be played.
Paul began jamming with his friend bassist Bryan Quigley which soon led to forming a wonderful band that includes Brian Turner on drums and Chris Palmer on guitar and mandolin. This lineup is perfect for delivering Paul’s upbeat dynamic style of rock. Although Paul was writing songs as a solo artist many of them were clearly meant to be played with a band for a bigger more aggressive sound. They released an EP- Whistles and Bells in May and are working on new material. You can listen to the band and their “Everyman Songs” at www.paulsaintjohnmusic.com. Or check them out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/paulsaintjohnmusic
Paul’s songs are extremely catchy, the kind of music that after a few listens you can sing along to even after a couple of pints. @ PBR Productions
Roi and The Secret People bring their eclectic mix to our studio this week. This band started as an ever evolving and rotating group of backing musicians and friends of Mike Roi in New York City and then morphed into a great Easton Pa. area band.
Mike, of Jupiter Florida, started writing his own songs in High School and has been touring off and on ever since. He made his way through Philly, New Orleans and New York City and eventually settled in the Easton. His deep love of all things Rock ‘n Roll and “his magnetic stage presence, angelic voice, and deft lyrics, he has proven there is no genre he cannot master - from Southern and hard rock, to Indie and folk”. Mike has put together an extremely talented band of all stars with deep roots in all things Rock.
Craig Martin on drums. Craig has been playing music for 30 years including a long successful career in hard rock on both coasts Jason Hedrington - Moog/Keys. Jason's been nominated as Lehigh Valley Keyboard Player of the Year 10 times. Glen Radomski – Bass. Played up and down the east coast in funk / fusion instrumental bands. Ed Golden – Guitar. Ed's musical background includes touring with groups like Ruff House and the theatrical band Rasputin in the late 80's and more recently the eclectic jam-band, The Skulldiggers.
It is truly amazing that Mike has been able to assemble a band with this much depth and talent starting with, oddly enough, a Craigslist ad. The band comes from a strong foundation of metal, Neil Diamond and Iron Maiden. While establishing their own sound RSP has also explored all the classic rocks sounds, New Orleans Blues and English based rock. The music is very lyric driven and Mike blames his exposure as a kid to the “The Jazz Singer” for his theatrical bent as he writes situational observations into movie like images. Check out their upcoming tour schedule at https://roiandthesecretpeople.com/shows
and give a listen https://mikeroi.bandcamp.com
also check them out on FB https://www.facebook.com/roiandthesecretpeople
Roi and The Secret People have played many renown music venues and won their share of music awards. This is a band well worth getting to know!
The one man band Jon Perry of The Wood and The Wild shares his audio visual styling with us. The Sunday Sessions Project welcomes something new this week in “The Wood and The Wild”. The Wood and The Wild is the name of a unique solo project by multi-instrumentalist Jon Perry. Jon conceived this project a few years ago as a way to dig into stories that went deep and were autobiographical.
Jon wrote an intimate and honest album and then did it all. He plays all the instruments on this, essentially, long poem that has been described as “cinematic folk”. To that end he will bring his multimedia presentation of this album to our studio. He has also sometimes settled on the description of his music as “supernatural folk”. Whatever you want to call it this album is a great listen. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thewoodandthewild
Although Jon enjoys many other musicians work he has tried not to attach himself to anyone else’s coattails musically. At all times he has attempted to craft an album that is honest to his life and experiences. His family has deep musical roots in Virginia which adds authenticity to his song writing. His voice has been described as “perfectly suited to folk”. Jon feels blessed and happy to be a working musician.
Taken as a whole the album sets a mood that can’t be ignored as it floats through an uncommon musical landscape. From the ethereal to the upbeat Jon paints pictures with his music.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/thewoodandthewild/about/?ref=page_internal
The Sunday Sessions welcomes The Missing Frets to the show this weekend. They are led by South African native Shaun Lovell who hails from these parts now. He is joined on bass by his wife Bindu Lovell and Johnny Martin on drums. https://themissingfrets.com/home
Shaun started his musical journey playing West African djemba drums. He took his love of music and desire to see the world on the road after South Africa emerged from apartheid. His itchy feet took him around the globe in search of a master drum teacher and eventually brought him to California and Russel “Buddy “ Helm who literally wrote the book on meditative drumming “Drumming The Spirit Life”. He met his wife and the guitar in California. Both of these things changed the direction of his life and music. It turned out after much hard work and study that Shaun was a guitarists and song writer. He says that music is his salvation.
Shaun starts his songwriting by collecting his thoughts and riffs in a file on his phone. When he is ready he dives back in to see what strikes him. Many of his songs vouch for the underdog because he feels deeply about others and brings a “we can all do this attitude” to his writing. All of his interests coalesce into a dynamic sound that can be reminiscent of Midnight Oil and Stone Foxes. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWUBMJkGi8e4usqZdpIwjw?view_as=subscriber
The hard rock drumming by Johnny Martin has brought a new energetic flair to the music that helps the band connect with live audiences and propels their recordings. Shaun is thrilled by the streaming response to the new song “Cartel Sage” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsrdxFk5flE&feature=emb_title
The Sunday Sessions Project welcomes Semblance to our studio this week. One of the definitions of the word semblance is spectral appearance or an apparition. Well, Maeve Gorman and her band certainly have a sublime quality to their music. It has a completely lable-less quality to it but still draws heavily from a Bowie-Synth-Industrial vibe that places it somewhere on the Alternative Rock Pop spectrum.
Gorman, CRY BBY, has been making music since she was a tween. She has always been in bands but by the time she was a high school sophomore she realized that she needed to play her own music. As much as playing cover songs was a learning experience it did not fulfill her musically. She needed the self-expression that can only come from knowing what you want to say and finding a way to do that. She often finds it hard to know what to say in any given situation so being a song writer has provided her with a much-needed outlet.
The band includes drummer, SCR FCE, Aaron Pignone and Sean Devers, PIG PEN, on the bass. These musicians have known each other for years but just recently gelled into a great moody band.
They are currently perfecting a mixtape that they hope will raise their profile. A quick listen of their music including “Mercy” https://www.semblanceisaband.com/media shows a firm grasp of how production can raise the bar. The band has been working with producer Carl Bahner, of the band Cheerleader, to get that deep layered sound that has become their signature.
Their music videos, created sometimes with friend Lex Forgione, have a particular aesthetic that can be monochromatic or black and white and are always full of atmosphere. These videos draw on Gorman’s story telling that represents “a universe that is devoid of color and is almost an emptiness”.
Check them out on their home page or streaming. They are particularly pleased with the reaction to their take on “Small Victory” which has gotten over 100,000 plays. Listen here https://open.spotify.com/track/5gyRDLn9PnVJd5pmjhLa75…
Check out more of their music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KvoZV3DfJRF4x6JOYc4mo…
This week we're back with a new episode! The Sunday Sessions Project is thrilled to welcome to our studio this weekend Jamie and the Guarded Heart.
Jamie Salvatore created the band after years of playing in bars and a desire to fill out his songs with the sounds he loved. He counts among his many musical influences classic rock, punk and folk. Along with Morgan Russo on bass, Jamie has played a thousand shows that over time have helped him find his sound melding his style with his deep appreciation of the song writing and storytelling of the decidedly working-class musicians he listened to growing up. Being from the small blue-collar town of Conshohoken Jamie felt connected to people who have to work hard every day. He picked up the guitar at fourteen and at eighteen he took his cover songs out in public but became increasingly interested in finding his own voice.
The band is completed by Carly Bondra on guitar and Graham Travaglini on drums. The band likes their music to connect with people and to that end Jamie wasn’t satisfied playing solo. He brought Morgan back to the bass. It was something she did as a teen but needed a reason to pick up again. She is a huge music fan and Jamie, her husband, was able to convince her to play and hit the road with him. Carly, a friend from the Conshohoken PA area, joined the band to give it a bigger rock sound and Graham is a great drummer that Jamie needed to play with even if he is not always available because of his other less than rock side job of Lawyering.
Jamie enjoys playing live venues and was excited to hear the band's music played on a couple of Philadelphia radio stations recently. He has found the fan response to the music heartwarming. Check out their recently released “Television” as well as the wonderful “The Great Unknown”.
jamieandtheguardedheart.com facebook.com/jamieandtheguardedheart instagram: @jamieandtheguardedheart youtube: Jamie and the Guarded Heart
Hidden Song Show 3. We would like to thank The Contact Collective, Doug Kaetz & From The Dark River, Mosey Beat, and Chris Schulz & The Barren Pines for tonights episode. IF you have an original band please reach out and send us a submission!
The Sunday Sessions Project welcomes Carter Lansing of the Acoustic Kitty Project this week. Carter does all of his solo and band work under this unusual moniker. He heard about a CIA funded program from the 60’s that attempted to implant listening devices in stray cats to spy on folks. After $20 million dollars and countless dead cats “this incredibly stupid venture” was scrapped but a great band name was born.
Carter grew up in a musical family and was an English major in school. These two forces combined to make a great storyteller and song writer. After 25 years of making music he finally listened to his wife, Rebecca Altmann, and headed into a studio. He has subsequently recorded two solid albums that draw from his own folk-rock stylings and his bandmates strong country influences.
Carter got his first guitar from his brother-in-law at the perfect time. He was a huge music fan and a poet and he listened to everything from Dolly Parton to Kiss. His song writing usually starts from something that is autobiographical and relatable although not always a 100% true. He looks for something that resonates with him. He enjoys singer song writers that can punch you in the throat and make you say “how did he know?”. He says sometimes the rhyme is better than actual life.
Carter is looking forward to recording new music and getting back out with his band. He is in awe of his bandmate’s musical talent and says they keep him sharp. Backed by veteran drummer Bill Matlack Jr., Bassist Marty Chamberlain, Dan DeChellis on Keyboards and Mike Carr on lead guitar, Acoustic Kitty Project continues to impress every crowd that they have the privilege to play for. They have won numerous local music awards. You can listen to their music and check out the calendar at http://www.acoustickittyproject.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/acoustickittyproject
The Sunday Sessions Project is happy to welcome the newest sensation from the Poconos- The Contact Collective
With good karma and diverse musical backgrounds this band is making exciting Rock-Fusion. Gregg, Aaron and Nick were playing music together in fellowship at their church and realized they had something special so they expanded into The Contact Collective. Their music is tough to pin down. Each member comes from a different musical past and sensibility. TSSP talked to two of the founding members -Nick and Gregg. Their excitement is contagious. Both men spoke of the band as a collaboration drawing from rock, dance, reggae, blues, church, alt-rock and even metal. You can hear echoes of “the Roots” in their arrangements,
They are hoping to draw an international audience to their sound and are working on a new album. They are writing new material that “depends on the creatives sparks” that come from a multi-genre core in their community. The heart of the music “is their engine”. The writing isn’t premeditated but rather organic and taken from life and then edited.
With the stunning lead vocalist Elonda Vibez fronting the band, Gregg Hedrington on the keys bringing the groove, Johnny Valinote on the bass with his unique foundation in classical and jazz, Jonathan Lindsay who has been playing drums since his first breath, Aaron Dixon on rhythm guitar and vocals and lead guitarist Nicholas DeSouza who started playing the guitar on his grandfather’s front porch this band delivers a unique genuine sound. They are a true collective that together is stronger than each member’s strengths or weaknesses. They like to say that “none of this would be possible without all of these incredible killer musicians”.
Elonda Vibez -Vocals Gregg Hedrington- Keyboard and vocals Johnathan Lindsay – Drums and percussion John Valinote -Bass Nicholas DeSouza – Lead guitar Aaron Dixon -Rhythm guitar and vocals
Give them a listen on the usual on-line platforms and at http://thecontactcollective.net/ On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/worldlove369/
The Sunday Sessions Project is thrilled to welcome back Harry Walther of “The Harry Walther Band”. http://www.harrywaltherband.net/ Harry and the band have been big supporters of TSSP and although the entire band couldn’t join us Harry will be doing a solo acoustic set this Sunday.
Harry’s music can be best described as Americana with a huge nod to Rock and Roll. He loves story telling. He often starts a song with a compelling title and then builds from there. He has been playing music, “all my life”, for 35 years. His parents loved music and you can hear their musical tastes in his song writing. His father was a fan of old country and his mother was big into Elvis. At 13 he got his first guitar and he hasn’t put it down since. He merged rock with his other musical influences and his brand of high energy Americana was born.
Harry brings a Springsteen like energy and showmanship to his live shows. Harry and the band aim to entertain and when the audience responds that partnership is like “lightening in a can”. The combination of classic covers, high energy rock and exciting originals makes them a great Philadelphia area band. This band lineup has been together for seven years although Jeff and Chris have been with Harry forever and that longevity shows in their tight arrangements and respect for each other. Harry also enjoys doing acoustic solo shows where he can create a more intimate musical experience.
Harry Walther- Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Guitar, Synth, Mandolin, Jeff Moran-Bass, Guitars, Vocals Chris Farraday- Lead Guitars Dave Marabella -Drums, Percussion
They are currently working on a new CD that will showcase their song writing as well as their live energy. Harry’s goal this year is to get as much of his original music out as possible and “to kick some serious butt”. Just like so many musicians in our area, the virus has temporarily dried up the bands live performances which can be tough on people who thrive on audiences and need shows to keep fans interested and continue fan base building. They are looking forward to the return of their gig schedule in the local vibrant music scene. You can check out the HWB on FB https://www.facebook.com/www.harrywaltherband.net/ and their homepage and itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/western-gate-ep/id973278080
Mosey Beat, a New Jersey based power trio, brings their Prog-Rock Fusion Dance sound to The Sunday Sessions Project.
Mosey Beat has been tearing up the bar scene playing their unique brand of fusion dance music. They hold local audiences enthralled by their live performances. “Mosey Beat’s mission is to allow for every moment to be enjoyed with passion while keeping the groove steady, words heavy and the good vibes plenty.”
They formed in 2012 but they can trace their origins back even further to the brothers Taylor and Blair growing up and playing music together as kids. They played many instruments and as Taylor started writing music they realized that they needed to form a band to play their original material.
You may think you know what you are going to hear live after listening to Mosey Beat’s albums but they like to change it up with improvisational jams that can get you swaying and dancing. They have a strong thumping bass line provided by Dave Abraham. Dave steps out of the pentatonic, a musical scale with five notes per octave, box and expand the colors of the notes to bring a different sound every time they play.
Blair O’Connor started to play drums at age 5. He took private lessons and played in the High School marching band. He went on to play guitar but eventually found his way back to the drums.
The band writes the music together by using each of their own strong building blocks and layering it with Taylor O’Connor’s lyrics. Taylor describes his lyric writing in a very cosmic way. He starts with a vibe and he lets the lyrics open up to a feeling outside the body. Musical connectiveness. Although Taylor played acoustic music for years he has fully embraced the electric guitar and is capable of “blending genres and pushing boundaries”.
Mosey Beat is thrilled with their studio albums and their live album “Live @ Levitt Pavilion”. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQzT9J6gHvRpEmVC0xvhkfWCQnMX2zl5y They are currently working on two EPs for separate releases in the summer and later in the year. They enjoy what they are doing and are hoping for continued expansion of their reach. They are excited for the future. You can check out their schedule on their home page https://www.moseybeat.com/ , FB http://www.facebook.com/moseybeat and listen on your favorite streaming service.
Taylor O’Connor- Guitar and vocals Blair O’Connor-Drums and vocals Dave Abraham- Bass
Tonight on The Sunday Sessions Project we have Doug Kaetz & From The Dark River who helped us out to keep new content for you! The guys did an acoustic set for us and sent it in. Watch with us tonight at 8pm. And remember if you have an original band to send us a submission. Things are a bit crazy but once the smoke clears we'll still need more bands!
Doug Kaetz and band are a Lehigh Valley PA area group that is enjoying their musical ride. They are the winners of "Discovered Artist of 2019" at the Lehigh Valley Music Awards. They play hard rock originals and covers with their own unique stamp. The band has a lot of gigs coming up including a very busy season up and down the New Jersey coast.
Doug is classically trained multi-instrumental musician and educator. At Moravian College he studied classical guitar, jazz and choir. While there he became a jack of all trades in his musical community playing with anyone and playing anything that was needed. This experience made him a quick study and a student of a wide variety of music. Although they are known has a great Rock n’ Roll jam band they love playing their own originals. Being full time musicians can be a crap shoot but these guys are ready.
Doug grew up as a heavy metal fan. The bands list of influences is all over the map. From Korn and Slipknot to Jack Johnson and The Doobie Brothers. A producer once said that “Doug Kaetz sounds like Doug Kaetz. Some musicians sound like their influences but Doug can’t be compared to any others. He has his own sound”. He likes to write from his life and observations. His love of comic books and movies and his metaphoric word play all come together in something completely original. Some of the writing has odd signatures like “Insanaty” which is meant to unbalance the listener. You can’t tap along to it. You can check them out on Spotify and at http://dougkaetzmusic.com/ and also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/fromthedarkriverband
Doug Kaetz- Lead vocals/Lead guitar Shawn Cavanaugh-Bass/vocals Ian Kirk-Lead vocals/Lead guitar Mark Marina-Drums
Hi folks, thanks to quarentine we have to reschedule Roi and the Secret People we'll keep you posted when we have a date. But worry not, we still had a few more hidden songs! This weeks brand new episode features My Familiar, Slim and The Perkolators, The Vinegar Creek Constituency, Parlour Noir, and Pieces of Reason here with unheard songs from our show. We're still hoping next week that we can bring you some new music from Doug Kaetz & From The Dark River. Stay tuned and hope to see you then.
Today due to technical difficulties we have for you the Hidden song episode! It's a new show with past bands. We ask each band to play a fifth song for just this occasion. Sit back and enjoy! Remember if you have an original band drop us a submission!
The Vinegar Creek Constituency Duo brings their imaginative take on almost folk/almost bluegrass/almost Americana to The Sunday Sessions Project this Sunday. Don’t let the banjo fool you, this isn’t a typical bluegrass band. The Vinegar Creek Constituency Duo of Leo DiSanto and Jeff Bryson play songs with strong contemporary storytelling and acoustic mastery. The VCC started as Leo's attempt to bring the amazing musicians he encountered in the Lancaster PA area out from around campfires and onto stages.
Leo began his musical journey in garage rock bands that had a hippy, punk sound. He soon discovered acoustic music greats like Doc Watson and his current direction was set. He started playing at picking parties and met and jammed with his future bandmates. Jeff comes from a rock guitar background that was shifting to mandolin at the time they met. He has a completely unique way of playing that is far from traditional. Leo is hoping that the nickname “Wolfmandolinest” catches on. Mark Rast started out as a banjo prodigy and stayed that way. Pierre de Vitry is a multi-instrumentalist that comes from a strong musical family Mike Vitaly has his roots in the jam scene and is a bass professor at Miller University with a rock solid sense of timing
This group of talented musicians bring a slew of musical interests and backgrounds to the band. Classical, Old Time Appalachian string band, Gypsy Jazz, garage rock and high octane bluegrass. All of this turns a live performance of the VCC into a great, crowd pleasing, foot stomping good time. https://www.vinegarcreekconstituency.com/video You can also hear their music on most streaming platforms
The title of their last album is “Amerikindasorta”. Ameri-kinda-sorta pretty much sums up their mashup of all the stuff they like with a personal twist. The lyrics of their songs are inciteful, sometimes sad and always fun. The duo is releasing a five song EP “The Halloween Tapes” https://www.vinegarcreekconstituency.com/store
The band, duo and trio are always looking for new places to play and have been all over. They have been to the Folk Alliance in New Orleans, West Virginia, Tennessee and Mississippi and hope to tour near you. Check out their schedule here- https://www.vinegarcreekconstituency.com/shows
Leo DiSanto-vocal, guitar, harmonica Jeff Bryson-vocals, mandolin, tenor banjo Mark Rast-banjo, dobro, vocals Pierre de Vitry- fiddle, harmonica, vocal Mike Vitale-double bass, vocals
Parlour Noir will be our guest this Sunday! Parlour Noir is a very unique and entertaining band that makes you want to be part of a scene you may not have even known existed. A place and time of jazz dance music, period costume, and a party sensibility.
“Combining vocals, horns, piano, banjo, drums, and upright bass, Parlour Noir swings hard through a repertoire that spans 1922-1945, including a handful of original tunes made specifically for the dance floor.” Although they come from a variety of different musical backgrounds they share a deep love of swing music and enjoy spreading the message that started in 2017 and is going strong. Adam Darer and Paul Salter first played together at jam sessions at the “Circus Mansion” part of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. Paul is an accomplished swing dancer and instructor who in a previous life played guitar in a punk band. Adam took piano lessons as a kid and felt right at home playing jazz.
Everyone in the band loves what they are doing. Friends joining together -Paul invited Adam and then Marco Del Destino joined on drums, Zak Kneeland learned the banjo just so he could be part of this crew. When ever possible they include Dave Young on the bass and Timothy Hill on the coronet so that they can bring a big sound.
They are part of a lively music and dance world that captures and excites them with its long tradition of historical jazz and syncopation. There is nothing better for this bands’ spirits than to look out at a room full of dancing happy people. It makes for a lovely, wonderful evening.
2020 is a big year for Parlour Noir with people wanting to celebrate all things 20’s. Their schedule is packed with swing dances, fund raisers, cocktail parties and Jazz shows. https://www.parlournoirjazz.com/shows
Marco Del Destino: Drums, vocals Paul Salter: Vocals, woodwinds Zak Kneeland: Vocals, Banjo Adam Darer: Piano Dave Young: Upright bass Timothy Hill: Coronet
Three of the members are swing dancers with Paul and Zak teaching in the Philadelphia area so break out your flapper dresses, suspenders and vests and join the fun. https://parlournoirjazz.com/music
This week we get off the couch and cut a rug to the music of Mike Guldin and Rollin and Tumblin! For a guaranteed boogie good time check out a Mike Guldin and Rollin’ & Tumblin’ live show of “Good ole butt-shakin music”.
This band has turned longevity into a gold standard. Some of them having been playing together for 31 years and instead of it getting stale it just keeps getting better. This band knows how to entertain. They want you up out of your chairs and being a part of the show. Every night “they lay it down”.
Mike Guldin started with the guitar when he was 15 and turned professional at 18 playing in the Philly area. He is heavily influenced by the standard bearers of the blues- Muddy Waters, the three kings- BB, Albert and Freddie but he also digs deep into the southern sounds of Muscle Shoals, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. Having shared the stage over the years with many music luminaries he has also developed a love for a wide variety of sounds all of which can be heard, in part, on his three CDs, the most recent being “Mike and The Tumblers Live” recorded at The Sellersville Theatre.
Mike and the band like “real music”. No drum machines. https://youtu.be/1CiSPIa8b4o They look for something that is heavily crowd centric so the audience “can fuel the fire”. For an extra treat go see them when they are appearing with The Snake Eye Horns.
They are particularly proud of being finalist in their two appearances at International Blues Challenge.
This road house dance band has a full schedule check it out-
https://www.facebook.com/pg/mikeandthetumblers/events/?ref=page_internal
For more listening go to-
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOUE-5TjdjGLmOqTzgbsTnJ_AppZx6RQD
Mike Guldin- Guitar, vocals
CJ Clark- Bass, vocals
Tim Hooper- Keyboards, vocals
Matt McNally-Drums
This week Smoky timbers comes in to share a bit of a style variety with us. Smoky Timbers is a talented Pennsylvania progressive folk band made up of cousins and friends. George Gaston at first put together a combo to play Rockabilly and swing but it morphed into something new and fresh as the band came together playing pop songs with unique instrumental spins. They are great at taking these songs and making them fresh with a folk flavor.
George brought his cousin Holly Gaston and friend Keith Szczeniak together for the funeral of Georges father, Billy Gaston. They played together at the memorial and haven’t stopped since. They liked this experimental experience so much that they decided to try a few gigs. Both Holly and George grew up surrounded by music so it was a natural transition for these family members to keep the music going.
They are proud of their varied musical tastes with Holly and Haley enjoying some more contemporary genres which makes their song writing have a dynamic push and pull. These differences also make their rewrites of contemporary material time consuming and thrilling.
The songs that they play don’t stick to a 12-bar blues setup and don’t categorically fit into a folk format. They like to sneak in some trumpet and when they can even a little harmonium. Although the band is still developing they feel that their democratic take on song writing and band decision making creates a great working setup. Rehearsals, fellowship and dinner are all part of this band’s chemistry.
One of the bands new signature songs “A song for you” is Hollys wedding vows put to music. The band played it at the ceremony.
George started playing guitar in 4th grade.
Keith picked up the drums in high school to join Georges punk band
Holly was born a musician and
Haley is a classically trained pianist that can play any instrument placed in her hands
Holly Gaston - Acoustic Guitar/Lead Vocals
George Gaston - Bass/Background Vocals
Keith Szczesniak - Drums
Haley Whitney - Electric Guitar/Background Vocals
You can check out their schedule
https://www.facebook.com/pg/smokytimbers/events/?ref=page_internal
or give a listen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P58kHrvfu3o
If you have been to any Philly area blues shows recently you have probably seen and been blown away by “Slim and the Perkolators” I know it’s a cliché but they are smokin’ hot. Their careers are taking off and the shows are electric. Recently they had a great showing at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis where they made it into the final rounds that started with 230 nationally ranked blues bands. They will be touring out of the area in New York and New England and have been booked for festivals in Florida, Delaware and Kentucky.
In his early 20’s Derek “Harmonica Slim” Matteson was given a harp as a gift. A gift that he has not put down since. He worked hard to hone his craft and diligently pursued work in the area. He was mentored by area great Mikey Junior in all things blues. He was introduced to traditional musicians and fell in love with Chicago and West Coast Blues sounds. After he met Tim Perks it all came together and a great band was born.
Tim Perks grew up outside of London in the 60’s listening to the blues infused British Rock n’ Roll of the time. His older brother brought home some Peter Green albums and Tim’s musical path was set. Fast forward to the early 80’s and Tim is living in Pennsylvania, obsessed with classic blues guitarists, but it wasn’t until eleven years ago that Tim started to truly put the time into the guitar. At first his only expectation was a few open mics, then maybe a bit of real gigging. That dream morphed into being a real band and now playing festivals around the country and becoming a full-fledged national artist. Tim’s song-writing is based on things in his life that tell a blues flavored story.
One of the things that keeps their shows interesting is that they don’t like to play the same groove twice in a row. They want you to dance but to feel each song differently and they like to “explore the spectrum” that is the blues. They have a very well received debut album “Slim and the Perkolators” that can be purchased at shows and on their website.
https://slimandtheperkolators.com/store
Derek “Harmonica Slim” Matteson- Harp, vocals
Tim Perks -Guitar, vocals
Mark A. Shewchuk-Drums
“Doghouse” Dave Young- Standup Bass
Check out his video
https://www.facebook.com/HarmonicaSlimandTimPerks/videos/597402187707080/?vh=e&d=n
And schedule
https://www.facebook.com/HarmonicaSlimandTimPerks/
The band was assembled over a few years by front man Damien James with the help of old high school friends Luke Benedict and Lydia Joy and the rich Philadelphia music scene which Damien says exposed him to different sounds and possibilities.
Damien came to the Philadelphia area with a music degree from Lebanon Valley College in Annville Pennsylvania. He started out playing open mic nights and meeting his future band mates thru friends and shared musical interests. He had been writing melodies with violin and cello parts because he felt the cello was seriously under used in contemporary music when he met Alyssa Almeida, an accomplished cello player from Temple University.
He claims the partial description of folk because his writing approach is classic cords-lyrics-melody and he embraces the dark because none of his songs are in a major key.
The songs, although not “edgy”, have an edge to them. The band prides itself in making dynamic exciting songs with uncomfortable changes that aren’t necessarily “clean” or “resolved” and can be traced to an alt-rock aesthetic.
My Familiar is finishing up a concept album called Demons. The songs on the album are inspired by, but not literally about, the seven deadly sins. As Damien found himself at a crossroad in his life and trying to understand what he was going through he found that a few of his songs that he was currently writing seemed to be thematic so he decide to stretch himself and see where it would take him. He has enjoyed having a vision for the whole project.
Damien James - Vocals/Guitar
Lydia Joy - Vocals
Luke Benedict - Drums
Brian Clarke - Bass
Alyssa Almeida - Cello
Chesy Tronchoni - Violin
Check out their new song “Demons” on Facebook and youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5_aTzjJZXU
This week The Joe Kirschen band came down to rock.
Joe Kirschen has been a part of the Philadelphia area music scene for years. He was a member of the Philly Celtic/Rock band the Hooligans for 20 years and now brings that experience and a love of different genres to his own original work.
Joe doesn’t like to categorize his music but when pressed he admitted to folk and classic rock sounds. His debut LP “Flashes” has many other influences included the harder edged title song. “Train Song” is destined to make people dance to its rockabilly blues groove and “Pages In Between” is a well-crafted beautiful song.
Joe has never been far from the music. Aside from playing in area bands he also produced his own music video show from his living room studio called “The Love Lounge”. It featured Celtic area greats such as “Blackthorn” and “John Byrne” for The Irish Celtic Show.
Joe is currently devoting a lot of time to writing and recording his next LP. As much as he has always loved playing in front of an audience, nothing beats playing his own songs in front of those same people and having them sing along to his lyrics. He finds it very gratifying.
He started playing music in the Philadelphia area in the late 1980s. He says that there is a rich musical environment here that is open to original artists. Joe was also the founder and publisher of the Philadelphia based bi-monthly music magazine Rockpile for twelve years. Rockpile covered the independent music scene which Joe is very much a part of now.
Check out Joe Kirschen’s music on Facebook and at JoeKirschen.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/joekirschenmusic/
https://joekirschen.com/music
The Band Joe Kirschen- Guitar, vocals
Denis Manchon- Guitar
Pete McCoudry- Bass
Rob Monterosso- Drums
Mellowbird came to the studio today to share some of their awesome melodies with us!
These three bandmates met at Temple University studying for degrees in Music Therapy.
Music therapy combines a love of music and a desire to help people, not with musical pursuits, but rather people with a host of problems, disabilities or dementia, achieve non-musical goals.
Alyssa recently graduated and is helping people wherever she is needed.
The band combines a shared interest in a folky jazzy style of music that they fully write together. They are proud of each other’s high level of musicianship. They write deeply personal songs and are working to create a coherent sound. They feel that music “should feel good to make” and “the process should be just as good as the final product is”. To that end they truly enjoy each other company and musical contributions.
Although they have collected enough original material for an EP they have chosen to concentrate on their live performances and hone their sound before entering a recording studio. They hope that their music will surprise people and bring a fresh rock sound to their folk. They consider their process as making a “purposefully written song”.
Singer- Peyton Coleman
Guitarist-Anna Gentile
Cellist- Alyssa Almeida
Ladies and gentlemen Pieces of Reason! The guys came down today to rock The Sunday Sessions Project. We had a great time filming with them today. As always please like, share, follow, and subscribe. If you have an original band drop us a submission. Pieces of Reason, a Philadelphia area eclectic rock band, stops by The Sunday Sessions Project to play original songs, some with very personal origins.
Michael Lang- Lead singer and lyricist Pat Rooney- Lead guitar Dust-Bass and Artist (see great drawing of band) John Bowers-Drummer
The band plays original songs that they have written as a collective, the pieces of the musical puzzle sometimes coming together as an accident. The very nature of life’s ups and downs is the reason for the name- Pieces of Reason, a name that they kept coming back to because it resonated with the members. They started out in the area playing covers and after a time realized that their hearts were not into it and that they needed to tell their own stories. Some of the stories come from the many difficulties that life can throw in our paths.
Their full-length album, available on all the usual streaming platforms and as a CD at live shows and CD Baby, is called Bi-Polar because the songs are all very different styles, making the music hard to pigeon hole. They have great guitar licks and bass lines as well as strong drumming and lyrics.
Most of the members, at different times, attended the same High School, William Tennent High School in Warminster Pennsylvania. While playing a gig they reached out to a guitar player who often came to their shows and said “hey wanna join a band? Yeah? Okay. Here are 12 originals you have to learn” So Pat joined the band. Another of life’s accidents
Many of the band’s songs hit close to home with them. “It” was written about Mikes daughter Aleena, a twin, and her troubling heart condition at birth. “Cost” is about Alzheimer’s disease and “Waiting” is about domestic violence. This all may sound deep and it is, but the music is alive, driven and powerful.
Pieces of Reason supports their fan base as much as the fans support them. They are acutely aware of fans and what they bring to the process of being a band.
Check out the songs, like and follow the band on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/piecesofreason
Chris Schulz from Chris Schuls and The Barren Pines comes down to play an acoustic set for us. Ashme the rest of the band couldn't make it but Chris did a great job playing for all of us!
This week we spice it up with the Ska / Punk styling of Them Spicy Boize! We always love something new here at The Sunday Sessions Project and these guys definitely brought it!
On this weeks episode we have the band Two Rocks Rye. We had a great time listening to the guys jam out. These guys have a great original sound that keeps growing as they do!
We had Harry and Chris from the Harry Walther Band back down for an acoustical set in our new format. Give a listen and let us know what you think.
A new up and coming Philly band flip comes down to share their talent and energetic musical mix of instruments and more.
TK 2 came down to the studio to share there original music with us and get the ball rolling on The Sunday Sesions Project! Thanks for starting us off guys!
The Harry Walther Band came down to rock with us in his own Americana Style!It was a pleasure to have them down, lets rock!