Studio 34 Presents: Sweet Sound of Music
Saturday, February 5 @ 7:30pm
$10 suggested donation – sweet teas and hot cider are on us!
We are thrilled to
look back at one year of the Sweet Sound of Music Series – a year of truly special musical performances and incredibly appreciative audiences. We are now looking forward to an impressive 2011 line-up that will begin in February. So come, settle in, cozy up, and take a listen to some of Philly’s finest musicians and a special out-of-town guest, traveling all the way from Michigan.
Johnny Miles is a singer-songwriter-bandleader whose musical manifestations and permutations have haunted stages large and small since 2005. Whether smashing and crashing with raucous rock and roll or whispering in your ear with heartbreaking lullabies, Miles’ work is all about the song itself and his impressive catalogue takes center stage. His latest release When The Saints Sleep was named “Best of 2010” by WXPN and recent appearances at Kimmel Center and Philadelphia Folk Festival have helped to solidify his growing reputation as a writer and performer to be reckoned with.
Ross Bellenoit, ace studio guitarist and sideman to top folk and roots artists, will release his first album as a solo artist on Dec. 18, 2010. Released as a limited edition LP on 12-inch vinyl. Eight Track Mind features ten original songs, all penned by Bellenoit.
Bellenoit emerges here as a songwriter steeped in traditional songcraft — clearly influenced by the gifted songwriters he’s accompanied, and obviously more concerned with songwriting and production than showing off his considerable chops as a guitarist. The rockers on Eight Track Mind bring to mind the pulsing immediacy and oddball hooks of an Elvis Costello tune, while other songs feature unexpected musical turns reminiscent of Richard Thompson. “As a songwriter,” he says, “you’re looking to have an impact more than anything else. It’s got to resonate with the listener.”Bellenoit’s talents were highlighted in a 2009 Philadelphia Weekly cover story “The Session Players”, wherein no less an authority than Chuck Treece proclaimed, “That Ross is a motherf*#er on guitar” (emphasis his). As one might expect, Eight Track Mind provides more than a few showcases for his playing, which is stylistically reminiscent of Bill Frissell but also suggests David Gilmour’s melodic emphasis, with the occasional “face-melting” sonic assault thrown in for good measure.
Small Houses is a Michigan based indie/folk project featuring frontman Jeremy Quentin, a Flint native and and former East Coaster. Soft and Introspective Melodies accompany what Mostly Midwest described as, “furious fingerpicking.” Quentin’s songs range from dark and introverted to upbeat and lyrically playful while maintaining an utterly Michiganian sound. Small Houses starts off 2011 with a a great range of tours throughout the nation while preparing for a special E.P. release in March as well as a full length set for the upcoming Fall.
“Jeremy Quentin pulled it all off with a lyrical honesty and unique perspective portrayed through soft, introspective melodies and sincere vocals.” -The State News
“Stripped-down, acoustic folk tunes that span from upbeat and lyrically playful to minimal and melancholy.” -Rich Tupica, City Pulse
