Last week we welcomed alt-country band June Star to March’s installment of our microshow series. Andrew Grimm stripped it down a bit to acoustic guitar (frontman Andrew Grimm), pedal steel (David Hadley), electric guitar (Burke Sampson), and piano (Michael Ward). There were some unusual picks, including two unreleased tracks a Joe Doe cover, and one request from Grimm’s former roommate for a song that has probably never been performed in public.

Technical info: Vox: AKG 414, Acoustic Guitar: SM81, Electric Guitar: EV 308, Pedal Steel: Sennheiser 421.

Download MP3s - 119.45 MB

(more…)

Cameron came in earlier this spring for me to produce his second record. Keep in mind his last record barely came out 9 months prior. Nothing can stop this man. He is a prolific creator of wonderfully crafted pop songs.

He completely stripped down his band relying predominantly on his guitar/piano, Geoff Knorr on cello, Christopher Pierorazio on drums and Dave Hadley on pedal steel. A super-group of sorts. Complete pros.

As always, working with Cameron was a joy. He knows exactly where he wants to go with his music and having worked together previously eased the creation of this work. Plus he knows when to take advice to create the best possible song.

Cameron is someone who changes things up every step of the way and while many would see this as a challenge we thrive on trying things differently. Creating music the same way every time would be more of an obstacle.

Also to be noted is that David Manchester at teamAdelle Studios did the wonderful album artwork. Here are three of my favorite songs.

Baby Come Home

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Never Taught Much

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Every Hundred Miles

Adobe Flash Player is required to play this audio.

Cameron Blake came in last night for his microshow. Dave Hadley (Caleb Stine/Wye Oak) joined him on pedal steel; Gabe Finck (BSO) was on french horn; and Chris Pierorazio on percussion and drums. It was a perfect night of rain, friends and a religious musical experience. Cameron never fails to bring on the fight and last night was no exception. Hearing Cameron rework his songs’ arrangements brought new life to them. He also covered a song by Baltimore’s own Caleb Stine. And you know we love when Baltimore artists give love to their own. Thanks Cameron!

(more…)