Tuesday 18 Jun
 
 
CD reviews

Jumpship Astronaut — Lights Burn Out

Oklahoma has never been the haven for electronic rock music that it is for country, folk and, as of late, psychedelic pop, but from the sound of Lights Burn Out, Oklahoma City upstart Jumpship Astronaut seems intent on changing that.
06/12/2013 | Comments 0

Various artists — Reaching Out

Like so many Oklahomans, the local music scene has responded with generosity and grace in the wake of last month’s tragedy in Moore. In the weeks since, droves of local musicians have banded together for benefit concerts and radio marathons to raise funds for the relief effort, and with extraordinary results.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

Progress in Color — Get Well

It’s been a long, bumpy ride for Glenpool’s Progress in Color, which saw a record deal with Epic evaporate before even one record could come of it, but it’s led the outfit to where it was supposed to be.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

Joe Average — The Lullaby Goodbye

There’s no telling why Joe Average chose the moniker he did. He’s far from mediocre.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

Limber Limbs — Limber Limbs

A new name can be indicative of far more sweeping changes. Such is the case of Limber Limbs.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

SXSW: Glen Hansard


Irish singer/songwriter makes 'em swoon

By Stephen Carradini March 17th, 2012

Glen Hansard took the stage solo, accompanied only by his trademark acoustic guitar. He played two of his own songs, asking the audience to sing along with him. His Irish tenor was on full display, and the audience swooned. But the set really got going when he invited Jake Clemons onstage for a cover of a Bruce Springsteen's "Sad Eyes." (The cover was apt and meaningful because Clemons is the nephew of recently deceased, longtime E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons.) When Clemons had a chance to solo, he did so ferociously, riling the crowd up with his powerful runs and melodies. It was a hair-raising, moving experience.

Hansard added to the intensity by roaring his way through that and the next song, Van Morrison's "Astral Weeks." Hansard amped up the excitement even more for the latter tune by inviting several members of Lost in the Trees to guest on drums and bass. Even though they men hadn't practiced together, the newly-assembled band attacked the song, eliciting screams and cheers from the audience.

The two covers rocked on for so long that Hansard only had time to finish with an a capella tune of Irish descent. The tune, sung from the perspective of the corpse at a funeral, was a celebratory tune; Hansard taught the audience to sing along, and they did so with gusto. In contrast to Hansard's emotive side (which was on display in the first two tunes) and celebratory side (the next two), the final tune was tinged with a wistful respect; Hansard is a man who can thrive in any musical mood. He toasted to his father at the end of the song, and Clemons toasted with him; it was a fitting end to a magnificent, tremendous set.

Photos by Matt Carney


 
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