News, Jams & Music Happenings

Summer is fast on us and soon we’ll be off to our paradises, lounging on docks, beach chairs and poolside patios. With that, we’ll be listening to music. I’d like to start this month’s newsletter with reviews of two albums released over the past month by local bands: The Monkton Road Band and Whiskey Feathers.

LOCAL ALBUM REVIEWS -JUST RELEASED

MONKTON ROAD’S “FIREBALL SESSIONS”

I’ve said a lot about Monkton Road on previous posts. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan. So as expected, the quality of musicianship on this album is exceptional. I only had to sit back, pour my signature glass (Wild Turkey, Rye – yes, 2nd shelf, but it was good enough for Hunter S. Thompson) and take in the amazingly clean guitar of Jody West and harmonies of Susie West and Talbot Mayo (2nd and 3rd from left)–I knew I’d be in for something special.

I’ve noted Talbot’s ability to channel that gutsy Loretto Lynn country twang, but I also liken her to the softer sounds of Emmy Lou Harris or Patty Loveless–think Patty’s album “Mountain Soul.” And Susie West, though she pulls her own inspiration from the reflective backdrop of Carly Simon; Susie’s songs run a deep, poetic (often reflective) quality in line with Kathy Mattea (think “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses“) or Lee Ann Womack.

There are plenty of songs on this album that are airwave capable, if Country radio had some guts. Two of my favorites are Birmingham, where Talbot’s not my first rodeo, farm-girl sincerity had me riding right beside her down that lonely stretch of Southern highway. Jody’s guitar work on the lead is smooth as silk. Another favorite, Susie West’s Trippin’, had this ol’ Cowboy (wanna-be) softie welling up almost instantly; the harmonies are expertly interwoven–Talbot’s rising sweetly over Susie’s strong, soulful center.

If you love solid Americana with a driving bass/snare pulse that makes you want to roll the car window down and crank it up, then I recommend locking your Spotify on their channel. And for extra effect, back it up with a few Fireball shooters, just wait until you get home.

Listen to or download their album on Spotify or Apple Music. CDs available at shows. Sample song: “Breathe.”

UPCOMING SHOW: The Rotunda in Baltimore on July 8th from 6 – 9.

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WHISKEY FEATHERS’ “STARDUST A GARDEN”

It’s exciting seeing this band jump in and rise up through the local scene. Their debut album is almost certainly going to break them further out, maybe a lot further.

I didn’t know much about the band coming into this preview (though I did try to reach out to them sometime back.) But I’m glad I took in their new album from a fresh, bring-it-on perspective. I knew Monkton Road had history (Susie West had been in Nashville and LA, Jody West a studio musician in Nashville) But these guys are truly local. So I wondered what musical blanket would fall over me when I kicked back, pushed the volume on the ol’ Pioneer (Yeah, old school guy) and let these feathers fly.

What I got was a classic album journey from a songwriter who chases after the world, ordering it in line, demanding it stay positive and pour down some much needed, cleansing rain. We’re not talking about Johnny Cash redemption here. We’re talking about celebration – victory over the next ridge. Brittain Duckworth is the ambitious lieutenant waving his sword, a plume of feathers in his hat–charging along the firing line.

Straight up – Stardust a Garden is a soulful expression of the way we all want to feel, mixed with a few backhands against the follies of modern society. I got the feeling the writer knows a bit about things. Which is the number one reason we follow any artist.

There are a lot of great songs on this album. Two of my favorite, which aren’t headliners, are “Wrinkles in the Fabric” and “I am Stars.” Both songs take me back to my hopeful youth. I’m back in high school, sitting on the hood of my 70 Malibu, gazing out over the reservoir, waiting on Friday night.

Whiskey Feathers new album can be found on Spotify or you can download from their website. CDs are available on their website as well.

UPCOMING SHOW: Playing with ” Geraldine” on Friday, June 30th. Concert at the Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. $20 night of or $18 in advance.

Local Venues Under the Radar

• FILLING STATION – Sparks. This is a great little spot and my favorite for coffee at the laptop. Their Mexican food is the best! They just started their summer Friday evening music program and have snuck in Whiskey Narrows and a fun pair called Patapsco Delta Boys this month. At the end of June (30th) they have the ever-eclectic, always entertaining Mark Brine . Mark’s no rookie; two-time Grammy nominated. Connect on Insta for upcoming shows.
• PARK INN– This former gas station along the north end of York Road above Parkton always seems to keep a low profile (kind of like the old Park Inn did), but they offer live music. I think they only have a Facebook page for following events. Upcoming bands include “Brother and Sister,” “Fitzkee Brothers,” and “Foggy Hollow.”

MUSICIANS! COME OUT AND SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE Thursday July 6th – 6 – 8 pm: Hootenanny! – Open Jam at Black Locust – This will be a fun Bluegrass/Americana jam with all proceeds from the jar going to Hodgepodge Animal Rescue. One dollar per pour donated by Black Locust Brewery in Freeland. All levels of players and singers are welcome.

Butch: “You have to have timing… I can teach you anything on that banjo but you GOT to have timing. ” Me, (gulp): “I think I got that handled, Butch.”

Butch Neil, reflections on lessons.

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FEATURE SUMMER CONCERT

Untwistavus Festival and Black Locust Brewery are collaborating on a day-long music/arts event on July 15th, 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Events will include collections of local visual artists as well as a screening from local filmmaker Windy Hackett Marshall.

Bands include: Sean K. Preston, Arty Hill and Long Gone Daddys, Shane Hall’s Coupe D’ville, Rodney Henry, Joe Fraley of King Devil, Boothill Getaway, Rivers, and the Madi and Tyler Duo.

Southern PA Spotlight Musician

Susan Fidler

Susan Fidler comes from quite a pedigree of bluegrass as daughter of Ray Davis, former WAMU radio host for their weekly bluegrass segment. Anyone who grew up in Baltimore or DC in the 60s and 70s remembers clinging by their radio to catch the latest in bluegrass. It was the ONLY way I knew anything about what was going on with new bands, and I can honestly say, Ray Davis (along with Bob Dylan) led me to my first guitar at 14, and then banjo at 22. Susan’s voice is a real gift. I’ll be sure to post whenever she plays in the Gettysburg area. Until then, check our her Youtube channel or Soundcloud for originals, including her album.

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Editorial Note:

Thank you to all the readers who’ve followed or liked our Hootenanny Facebook site and Insta at @herefordhoot. We’ll be meeting again at Black Locust on July 6th at 6 pm. Please come on out and say hello. We’re happy to hear your stories about music in the Hereford area and toast a beer to the players not with us anymore. It’s all about new friends and community!

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Until next time…keep the circle be unbroken.