30 Days Out, July 2021 #2: Jameron, The Honeycutters, Carly Taich, Marbin
Lots of choices for live music in the next 30 days in and around Asheville. Go see some. Here’s a quick look at four solid choices: Two local bands, two touring acts. Support live music!
Artist: Jameron
Venue: The One Stop
Date: Saturday, July 17, 8 p.m.
Door: tip jar
The name suggest a jam band, and there are hints of that style here. But there’s a funky, soulful vibe at work as well, one that places an emphasis on listener-friendly tune designed to make you move. The band’s music is nicely expressive, and holds up to close listening as well.
Artist: Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters
Venue: Salvage Station
Date: Saturday, July 24, 7 p.m.
Door: $20
Time have changed for print publications, thanks in part to the pandemic. Two years ago, a story about The Honeycutters’ rollout of its new album – one track a month – would have been a shoe-in for local print coverage. In this semi-post-pandemic era, I’ve found that’s no longer the case. That’s a shame for the band, other local/regional acts and the region as a whole. This superb country/Americana band always turns out heartfelt, compelling music. And here’s an opportunity to see them live. (I have interviewed and written about them many times; here’s a link.)
Artist: Carly Taich
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Sunday, August 8, 5 p.m.
Door: $12
Folk-flavored music that’s more sophisticated than much of what the genre offers. Imagine a cross between Carole King and Lisa Loeb, with hints of Van Dyke Parks. Taich’s vocals are supple, expressive and adventurous without being showy.
Artist: Marbin
Venue: Isis Music Hall (lawn concert)
Date: Thursday, August 12, 7 p.m.
Door: $15
Jazz-rock fusion had its heyday in the early ‘70s. Since then the form has generally been watered down, transmogrified into “smooth jazz,” which is a travesty. The original stuff was exciting, drawing from both musical traditions in a way that was challenging yet accessible. The good news is that select acts like Marbin are still out there, creating new music with all the thrill of prime-era fusion. They’re a popular draw here in Asheville, and with good reason. Here’s an interview with the band, from nearly four years ago.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.