Issue Project Courtyard Great Lineup to End Summer

The Issue Project courtyard on a beautiful afternoon was a perfect site to hear a selection of music by three different musicians. Greg Jamie's pure unadorned set was sandwiched between two experimental improvisational sets by Sacred Harp from Virginia and Honne Wells with Juan Comas.

Sacred Harp’s compositional arrangements with instruments, amplification, and accouterments created a trance, not for sleeping or contemplating but a welcome space from ear to head.

The instrumental set featured finger picking on a classical guitar, bowing of an electric, and anything but typical on a sitar. Utilizing a looping percussion of scrubbed strings was an effective background for a guitar instrumental.

Greg Jamie's solo set consisted of songs from his newly formed outfit Blood Warriors and one song off a 7” collaboration with Honne Wells. Going solo is a rare occasion for a man that fronts two bands. So his apparent shyness was charming to watch. Playing guitar, and harpsichord and hearing his straightforward vocals were delightful.

The sun was setting as Honne Wells and Juan Comas was on stage, and the quietness of the night took hold, guiding the sound to resonate off the concrete and bricks. Starting with a five-minute compositional movement that struck time like a broken clock tower. Guitar string pings applied in various measures broke up the composition and were contrasted by Honne Wells grunting low vocals.

This spectacular collaboration is something to witness. The guitar, slide guitar, banjo, mouth harp, stomping, and vocals are melded together to create unique sounds that are unfamiliar and offsetting. Familiarity is not their forte but creating dramatic and mesmerizing tension is.

Flicker Set Here

Blood Warrior from [dog]and[pony] on Vimeo.

Honne Wells Gots Some Dates

The mysterious Honne Wells will be playing with Juan Comas @ Starr Space the space looks awesome!
 

I'll be in town for this afternoon's free music Friday series at the American Folk Art Museum

5:30 pm sharp. HONNE WELLS banjo solos and hollers July 24th!

Honne Wells with Juan Comas; Sound with Benefits

Wednesday night at The Stone Honne Wells stepped out of hiatus and onto the stage accompanied by musician/artist Juan Comas to bring Wells’ latest project to fruition. They played an array of string instruments tuned to specificity. The results were a dynamic assemblage of sound that was deceptive to the viewer’s eye but surprising to the ear. Put assumptions aside, the banjo, guitar, and zither sounded like high and low-pitched bell-like percussion sounds. The zithers hummed and swelled in a loop-like circular reverberation. The repetitive flutter plucking of the banjo had an unfamiliar quality, and the guitars played with a glass slide and strum beat asymmetrical patterns of percussion. The kick drum was true to form. This compelling mix was contrasted by the guttural low styling of Wells's voice. His vocals are low and vibrate into depths of gospelesque blues of hard times and tough luck. The unexpected results of playing live tuned the audience into the process. We were welcome receptors. All 4 songs clock in at about 10 minutes or longer. The first was the combination of two zithers, one fretted and one fretless, coordinating a long building dialogue between them. Honne repeated, / don’t feel like I’m alone anymore / never feeling home in this world /. Switching it up with two guitars, they created a high-pitched bell-like clank, and the kick drumbeat escalated to reflect Honne’s powerfull ramblings. Honne Wells's striking physical presence his neck stretched, chin upward, and stoic manner, captured the conceptual attitude. Honne introduced the next song “(Don't Follow Me Down To) The Bottoms” saying, “this song is written by Edgefield C. Johnston, a good friend of mine”. Repeating a graveling intense verse / You Can’t Ride with Me /. With banjo in hand, he plucked its strange tuning accompanied by Juan on the zither.  

He thanked Shannon Fields for curating and The Stone “for supporting artists and culture in this fair city”. Then he said, “I’m going to sing a song about murder”. “If you live in America you have obviously murdered someone to some degree”. The song began, and loudly he sang, “I have something that I must confess ess ess ess…. I just killed a man. Sometimes it is necessary to leave the bar venue behind with its loud, rude patrons there to socialize. The music takes a back seat. Just saw Honne Wells on Friday night Solo in just that situation and was determined to see him properly at The Stone. I’ve heard raves about this venue, and now I know why. Tonight it was music with benefits. The Stone provided the benefits of hearing music with no distractions and gave to the audience with no other agenda but to listen.

Solo Set at Southpaw

There are no refreshments or merchandise at The Stone. Only music. All ages are welcome. The Stone is booked purely on a curatorial basis. We do not accept demos of any kind. Each month a different musician is responsible for curating the programs, with 100% of the nightly revenue going directly to the musicians. Now that’s refreshing! The stone is a project of hips road, a not-for-profit organization Collector catalog from the Yell-O-Faith Experimental Recording Archive What The Lead Told Or Said 2005 -2007 The Analog Stone City Sessions 2006 Mother Pie Album 2007 -2008 Flickr Set The Stone Flickr Set Southpaw

Langhorne Slim and the War Eagles at the Rock Star Bar

Langhorne Slim and the War Eagles tear it up unplugged at the Rock Star Bar. After performing “I Love To Dance,” technical sound difficulties ensued. Langhorne Slim, Malachi Delorenzo, and Paul Defiglia made a decision to unplug the defunct PA system and go ahead with the show. And so they did…

The supportive crowd quickly took their places on the stage platform and closely packed the surrounding areas. Being close to the band, the crowd assumed the responsibilities of a supporting cast of veteran “War Eagles.”

Together they did a fifteen-song set of old and new material, including encores that didn’t take much prompting. In the song “Checking Out,” the audience weighed in with / I’m going home, I’m coming home / that’s where I’m going / building momentum. During “Restless,” the crowd/ band did their best. Langhorne, as a band leader, reprimanded us like a loving parent. Smiling, he said, “You got to learn the song.”

Crammed together and in it together, Mr. Slim still found space for his convoluted antics. He strutted with his guitar in the confined space, made priceless facial expressions, and sang on a drum set to maximize his voice level. Malachi subdued his usual drumming intensity and picked it up only for effect. Paul lent support on bass, playing some fine solo interludes. With little room to breathe, they never missed a beat.

Tonight sealed my belief in this band’s ability to connect with an audience. They have heart, authenticity, talent, and a love for music performance that sets them apart from other bands. Whether they are opening for the Pogues at Irving Plaza or playing acoustically at the Rockstar Bar, Langhorne Slim knows how to deliver.

This curated night of music at the Rock Star Bar rarely happens in the music scene today. The night's mix of eclectic music styles created an atmosphere that celebrates the diversity of the genre. In between acts, music tracks set a mood with songs by Hank Williams III, Musical Youth, Mongo Joy, and a few awesome recordings of the one-man band Abner Jay.

The night started colorfully with a cover band that did a fine job channeling Janis Joplin. Janis appeared in the form of a man extravagantly dressed to replicate. This was the only band not part of the original lineup but was a fun opening.

Jazz duo Tyler Miller, vocalist, guitar player, and trumpeter Dan Blanketchip played jazz standards. We were treated to tunes like “Saint James Infirmary,” "Dinah," and "Honeysuckle Rose." They exchanged duties throughout the set. The trumpet playing was pristine, while Tyler played guitar with ease and dexterity. His vocals were perfect.

The mood switched gears as the stylish Honne Wells stepped onto the platform and slowly sat with the guitar in hand. He steps, picks, slides, whistles, and sings with a voice that has never seen the light of day. He brings reverence and humor, channeling a slice of Americana with a refreshing new twist.

The time was right for the upbeat original folk styling of Hop Along Queen Ansleis. Her fans gravitated towards her as she began her set with “Spinach Water,” holding a small touring guitar. She glowed and emanated joy as her powerful voice reached a range of high octaves with ease and veracity. Her set was a mix of favorites from her 2005 debut, “Freshman Year,” and new tunes soon to be recorded. She sang an outstanding cover of Hank William's “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” It rang with originality and was so beautifully arranged I almost didn’t recognize it. She is a captivating performer ready for a wider audience.

The crowd was unprepared for the Charm City Drug Band but thoroughly embraced their NY debut performance. This Baltimore collective assembled its instruments on-site. Finding anything that can be banged, rubbed, or hammered at the bar. The night’s set up was a plastic bin, metal piping, wooden dowels, a metal urn, and discarded refrigerated shelving propped up against the back wall of the platform. The improvisational clatter beat and surged organically, creating a beguiling sound. The audience was perked with interest. As the players went into overdrive, so did the PA.

The PA failure led to a delightful accident that propelled Langhorne Slim's impromptu acoustic session. The melding of great musicians was no accident. They were a sampling of one person’s eclectic and passionate taste and, in my opinion, a masterful night of music.

04 /19 / 07 Rock Star Bar lineup curated by: Marlon Ziello
Related articles by Obsession Collection: Langhorne Slim
Hop Along Queen Ansleis
Honne Wells

Rock Star Bar 04 /19/ 2007

Click on picture for Album Link / pictures by Artifact.

Honne Wells with special guest Gregory Jamie At Tonic

Honne Wells with special guest Gregory Jamie from O’Death at Tonic.

Dolled up in suit and silk bowtie it is hard to look away, when Honne Wells steps on the stage. Then he speaks and takes the audience off guard, as they lean in to hear him speak. With an unusually deep range he intertwines tall tales that lead to song.

Joining Honne Wells on stage was Gregory Jamie lead singer and guitarist of the band O’Death. Honne Wells voice is a deep guttural baritone in contrast Gregory Jamie has a high intense nasal voice. While the disparity is startling and distinctive, their shared sensibilities about music is what makes the pairing so extraordinary.

They both embrace the roots of Americana and use that platform, as a vehicle to transform music. What evolves is inspiration, and collaboration meant to be fostered.

Donning two guitars, a banjo, some slides, tambourine and a metal sheet. The gentleman played, sang and two stepped in succession.” Holler At Da Holy” was very effective, because it capitalized on just the voices and the step. In-between Honne played a nice instrumental “Dram From A Dog”. The last song was a bonus “George P. Lennin Blvd.” about dirty water. Honne’s foot tapping, progressed into leg slammin, and the atmosphere became edgy and immediate as the pace thickened.

Witnessing this pairing was a highlight in my quest to find great music.

Set List
Oh-Literate Man Blues
The Seed That Ne're Got Sewn
Been Licken
Dram From a Dog Holler At Da Holy
George P. Lennin Blvd.

Web Album Link show pictures by Artifact

Honne Wells, Performance Stature of a Veteran

HONNE WELLS gave a performance with the stature of a veteran at Bar 169 in the Lower East Side. As Honne Wells sat down on a low stool, he slowly took off his shoe, placing his foot through a small tambourine. The mic stand was set low. Standing at six foot two inches in a grey suit and wide tie, he slowly began to stomp his foot, placing his hands behind his back. He bent over at a forty-degree angle to sing into the mic. His voice is low at the extreme, guttural and startling. The sound resonated, the air thickened with anticipation, and the time period altered to the early beginnings of Blues. Mr. Wells sat down with his guitar tuned to an irregular E. His glass slide tools are laid out in a row. Each is used and carefully chosen to vary the intonation of the rugged sliding bass notes. His fingerpicking moved the higher strings to a constant flutter. Five songs in, he added whistling to his repertoire. Ending the set with a great cover of Good Night Irene by Lead Better. Standing again, he sang and paused carefully between verses, leaving his audience speechless. Honne Wells blends earnest songwriting and conceptual affect with stunning music. Although he is a young man, his level of performance acumen is that of a veteran. Self-released What the Lead Said 2005 Honnephone Self-released Mother Pie 2006 Honnephone "The sound you hear are the harmonics of sorrow, people have called it folk, blues, gospel; but all it is to me is war." Honne Wells

Photo credit: Joshua Eric Schwartz