This Weekend...The 2nd Cromwell Record Riot

The second Cromwell Record Riot will take place this weekend at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, CT. The first Cromwell Record Riot of 2010 saw an overflow of vendors selling everything from LPs to CDs, from DVDs to t-shirts and more. So, get there early to grab some amazing deals and hard-to-find items. Show hours are from 9:30am to 3:30pm this Sunday, May 2nd. There is also an early admission that will cost you only $10 and will get you in at 8am, an extra 90 minutes before the regular paying collectors show up. The Crowne Plaza is located off exit 21 from I-91. Don't forget to sign up to the mailing list to receive emails on future Record Riots.

CD Review: Everest Try To "Approach" The Top

Los Angeles band Everest are on the verge of releasing their sophomore album “On Approach” and are already on tour in support of it. The band currently joined Minus The Bear for a 28-date tour that kicked off in Spokane, WA on April 19 th. The tour will make stops along the east coast on April 30th at the Webster Theatre in Hartford, CT and on May 5th at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, MA. The tour will conclude at the Bonnaroo Festival on June 13th.

The lead-off single, “Let Go” from the band’s new album carries a thumping beat that becomes the backbone of the song. The lyrics are simple and catchy enough to make an impact on alternative radio. Everest dive right off into the deep blues with “I’ve Had This Feeling Before” as the bass lines of Elijah Thomson jumps all around Dave Latter’s drumming. The band sways between radio friendly hits like “Keeping The Score” and “Tall Buildings” and the experimental rocker, ”House of 9’”. The songs “Dots” and “Unfortunate Sea” show a lighter side to Everest’s sound. The former song give off an almost a lounge-feel to the melody, while the latter’s acoustic harmonizing is a nice addition to the album. “Fallen Feather” shows another dimension to the band’s overall songwriting and how it's progressed since their debut album. The hidden gem on the album is the song “The Rush” with its storied lyrics and relaxed sound. The album closes with the pounding drums of “Catalyst” highlighted by some slide guitar.

“On Approach” will be released on May 11th. Vist everestband.com to find where to pick up the new album and for a complete list of tour dates so you can check this rising band when they visit in your area.

CD Review: Sevendust Return With "Memory"

Hard rockers’ Sevendust have just released their new album entitled “Cold Day Memory” on April 20th. Recorded by Grammy nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Staind, 3 Doors Down), the album took over 8 months from start to finish and is the bands most complete work to date.

Sevendust come roaring right out of the gate with the album’s lead-off track “Splinter.” The heavy drumming and hard, crunching guitars prove why Sevendust is considered one of the best metal acts in music today. In the song “Forever,” Lajon Witherspoon’s vocals get pushed along by the drumming of Morgan Rose. The duel-guitar attack provided by John Connolly and the newly returned Clint Lowery along with it’s sing-along chorus and harmonizing is why “Unveiling” became the band’s highest charting single debut ever. The song “Last Breath” continues the formula that works so well for these hard rockers who have broken through to the mainstream. The power that Sevendust puts out is felt through the speakers during the songs “Ride Insane” and “Hear and Now.” Once again Lajon’s vocals shine through on the songs, “Confessions” and “A Better Place.” The closing song, “Strong Arm Broken” bookends the album with one of Sevendust’s heaviest songs.

Sevendust are currently on tour promoting their new album and are making their way up the east coast. “Cold Day Memory” is available now and comes with a DVD that includes some behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the album. For more information on Sevendust’s new album and tour, please visit www.sevendust.com.

Weekend Music At The Daffodil Festival

The weather is getting warmer, the grass is growing and the flowers are blooming, which means it's time for the 32nd annual Meriden Daffodil Festival. Each year the city of Meriden puts on a great festival at one of the area's landmarks, Hubbard Park. It's a weekend filled with crafts, food, fun and of course, MUSIC.

The weekend will be filled with over 30 bands performing on three different stages over the course of two days. Many bands are returning guests at the festival with a few new bands invited to keep the music scene growing. See the full schedule of bands performing below.

Also, tune in to Homegrown (WESU - 88.1 FM) this week as Rob DeRosa will be playing songs from many of this weekend's performers. Go to www.wesufm.org for a live webcast of the show. For full coverage of the weekend's events, please visit myrecordjournal.com and daffodilfest.com. Go out and support your local music.

Saturday April 24, 2010

The Jeff Crooms Welcome Stage

11:00-11:45 Big Fat Combo
12:15-1:00 Forrest Harlow
1:30-2:15 The Peacock Flounders
2:45-3:30 Dog Bite
4:00-4:45 The Down Fi
5:15-6:00 Kicking Daisies
6:30-7:15 The Seth Adam band
7:45-8:30 The Mold Monkies

The Food Tent Stage

10:30-11:30 Chico & Friends
12:00-1:30 The Gonkus Brothers
2:00-3:00 The Key West Trio
3:30-4:30 River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs
5:00:-6:00 The Shiny Lapel Trio
6:30-7:30 The Michael Greenberg Band

The Bandshell Stage

12:30-1:15 Boxxcutter
1:45-2:30 The Frank Critelli Band
3:00-3:45 The Manchurians
4:15-5:15 Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez
5:45-6:30 River Street
7:00-8:30 The Bernadettes

Sunday April 25, 2010

The Jeff Crooms Welcome Sage

11:00-11:45 Baby G
12:15-1:00 The Jenn Hill Band
1:30-2:15 Closely Watched Trains
2:45-3:30 James Velvet & the Mighty Sparrows
4:00-4:45 The McLovins

The Food Tent Stage

10:00-11:00 The Citizen Spy
11:30-12:30 I.N.I.T.Y.
1:00-2:00 Jazz The Ripper featuring Sideways Jaye
2:30-3:30 After All
4:00-5:00 Sean, Kelli & Wayne

The Bandshell Stage

11:30-12:15 DuNovo
12:45-1:30 Pnut Butter Jam
2:00-2:45 Last Years Deal
3:15-4:00 The Zambonis

CD Review: Jonny Lang Comes Alive at "The Ryman"

At 29 years old, Jonny Lang is veteran artist. He released is first blues album when he was 14 years old and hit it big with his multi-platinum album "Lie To Me" when he was 16 years old. Jonny Lang won his first Grammy award last year and has toured with such legends as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Buddy Guy, B.B. King and others. On April 20, Lang will release his first live album entitled "Live at the Ryman" recorded on his 2008 summer tour.

On "Live at the Ryman," Jonny Lang comes roaring out of the gate with three songs from his Grammy winning album "Turn Around." The songs don't stray much from their studio versions, but Lang's voice gives off more passion for the lyrics in this live setting. His five-man backing band polish off the songs nicely with their harmonizing background vocals. Lang settles into the deep blues on "A Quitter Never Wins", before slowing things down with the 10-minute run through "Red Light." Chants of "everything's gonna be alright" provoke an electrifying solo from Lang. The funk sound of "Don't Stop (For Anything)" brings the tempo back up and continues into "Thankful" as Lang trades vocals with percussionist Jason Eskridge. The gentle acoustics of "Breakin' Me" show off Lang's softer side before finishing with an fiery version of his hit song "Lie To Me."

Jonny Lang just finished a month of shows in March on the Experience Hendrix Tour, playing along side Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. His live album will be released on Concord records and will be available in online and in stores on April 20. Visit www.jonnylang.com for more information.