AUGUST 2008 ONLINE EDITORIALS
KRFC Live at Lunch Preview
By Chris Galis
8/1 Scott Von
There is a quiet, subdued storm raging down in the valleys and on the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and his name is Scott Von. He has been playing around Northern Colorado with vigor and will be appearing on Live at Lunch on Aug. 1st. Scott Von is an easy-going artist with catchy, hook-driven songs that skip along the nickel strings of his acoustic with ease. His writing is simple and evocative, and compounded with his playing he provides songs that are cut from an honest and heartfelt cloth.
8/5 High Windy Band
Reigning from our mountain brethren from the eastern side of the country, High Windy Band will be stopping by the KRFC studios on their short touring stint through Colorado. This modest five-piece bluegrass outfit has become nationally recognized for their musical abilities and the sound they produce with it – tradition within origin. Proclaiming themselves as the future in blue-grass music, HWB traverses new paths with their innovative sound while always keeping an eye on the ground they have crossed, so as to not forget where the heart of their music was born.
8/6 Justin Roth
Pinned as one of the latest and greatest singer/songwriter guitarists emerging from the Rocky Mountain area, Justin Roth combines the percussive force of contemporary guitar techniques and lucid writing to create an atmosphere of polished potential genius. As of late he has garnished award after award for his savvy songwriting and inspiring performances at venues such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, and even won the prize for “Best Song” at the Indie Acoustic Project. With comparisons to folk legends such as Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges, he is sure to impress.
8/15 Jalan Crossland
One of the veterans of the alt-country scene, Jalan Crossland will be performing on Live at Lunch on the 15th. Nationally known for his virtuosic finger picking on all things stringed, he also happens to be a pretty descent songwriter. His writing is inevitably tied to the country he grew up in, and with songs that talk about hobos, mobile homes, and methamphetamines, Crossland’s music becomes a tongue-in-cheek country experience not to be missed. Since 2005 he has become a regional favorite, touring with his new band, the Jalan Crossland Band.
8/22 The Laws
Quite possibly the finest of Canadian married singer/songwriter couples, The Laws will be performing on Live at Lunch on the 22nd. Founded and fed on a strict country diet and polished up with dynamic harmonies, The Laws have refurbished the old copper cup that is Americana and given it a new shine. The duo is currently tearing through a hectic touring schedule supporting the release of their new album, Ride it Out, which they produced under their own label. With this release they chose to open up their sound from acoustic duo to full-on country assault.
8/27 Ian Thomas
With such a natural panache for folk music, you would think that there is something undeniably special about Ian Thomas – but the truth of the matter is that there isn’t. He is just a bearded man with an acoustic guitar, a mouth harp, and the sounds that he hears in his head. Lucky for us, those sounds happen to be some of the most authentic blues and folk heard in some time. It will be worth it to hear how Thomas writes his modestly genius songs and what his plans are for his assuredly bright future.