As a founder, John Medeski is forever linked with Ropeadope - from the first record (DJ Logic) to his work on The Word, The Campbell Brothers, and more. Todd Clouser is forever linked as well - a nomad dedicated to persistent collaboration, Todd has worked with Steven Bernstein, Chris Wood, dred scott, and a host of musicians on his path to make sense of the world around us. From directing Ropeadope SUR with Hernan Hecht, to Radio 21 million, to his Music Mission effort to support at-risk communities, Todd is always working for a greater good. Last year Todd, John, and drummer JT Bates held an epic throwdown at The Ice House in Minneapolis and recorded the night. Titled You The Brave, the full recording is available on January 26th worldwide. Dig.
New Music | Logan Richardson
Logan Richardson returns to Kansas City for his fourth studio album. Taking in the world experience, the LIFE experience, and the current state of humanity on the planet earth, Logan presents Blues People. Recorded in Omaha and mixed in KC, the album features local musicians Ryan Lee on drums, DeAndre Manning on bass, Justus West on guitar, and the Berlin based, Ukrainian guitar player Igor Osypov.
Blues People begins with an assault on the senses – heavy guitar sets the tone for what will be an excursion into the mind of Logan Richardson. If you were hoping for a nice Jazz lounge evening sipping brandy, you are immediately informed that this will not be the case. Logan stands in front of the heavy intro and states his intent with a quote from Donny Hathaway: ‘I like to do blues as a reflection on a period, past and present, in Black people’s lives. … It is a complete negative… on the secular side, of the religious music that we had in church.’ Logan further informs us ‘ I’m a country and western freak… I dig the simplicity’
And so we are forewarned and also welcomed: Logan tells us that this is chapter 2 of Shift and to an extent we agree. It is a chapter in his life, and a reflection on his personal experiences. Yet Blues People tells the story of a man’s place in history, with a perspective that can only be obtained by being Logan Richardson. In this personal way it becomes universal, as we all have a story to tell.
New Music | Progger
Based in New York and Austin Texas, Progger united in a Brooklyn studio this summer for their fourth studio album. A frenetic session of serious hustle and creative collaboration brought fourth Dystopia, an epic journey into a land that only Progger can inhabit. Brian Donohoe's compositions are well suited for two lead guitars, and having both crews in one place put four guitars in the room. What do we call that? Progger heaven. The beats are funky, the chords are smooth, with just the right touch of swirling psychedelic Prog-rock laid on top. Oh, and some extra love from Nate Werth and Justin Stanton. Get ready to dig in on this one.
New Music | Molly Tentarelli
LA born and Portland bred, Molly Tentarelli carries a legacy of music from her family tree. Her parents were both musicians on major labels, therefore Molly began singing and writing music at a young age. Touring the world as a vocalist with Jarrod Lawson, Molly returned to Portland and began her own project. She sent the music to her godfather (Mark Hudson) and he fell in love with the project. Mark asked his friend David Sanborn if he would be interested in playing on the album. Sanborn agreed, and the project was in full swing. Soon Will Lee, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Del Atkins, Pedrito Martinez, Oli Rockberger, Gregg Bissonette, Timothy B. Schmit, Ricky Z, Jason Sutter, Jim Cox, Anton Fig, Lelan Sklar, and Chris Botti were all in the mix, rounding out a beautiful album with extraordinary players. A strong backdrop for Molly's delicate voice and positive songs. The first single is out, and the album preorder begins next Friday. stop in here and follow for notifications.
