soul Archive
21 Nov 2022
Album Review: The New Mastersounds — The Deplar Effect
For more than two decades now, The New Mastersounds have been creating and refining their winning brand of fusion/funk/what-have-you. Right out of the gate, the result of their creative endeavors was impressive indeed. Their debut long-player, Keb Darge Presents The New Mastersounds (re-released on vinyl in 2021 and reviewed here) was a solid offering, but
13 Nov 2022
The Freeway Jubilee: Always in Motion
Launched in 2015, The Freeway Revival crafts original uptempo, soulful Southern rock for enthusiastic audiences. And the Asheville-based group builds on the proud tradition of soaring collectives like Delaney & Bonnie and Friends or – a more contemporary reference – Tedeschi Trucks Band. Bassist and songwriter Kenny Crowley spoke with Bold Life between gigs and
15 Oct 2022
30 Days Out, October 2022 #2: Rocky Horror, Legendary Pink Dots, Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast, Alvvays
This go-round is especially impressive. In addition to an all (local) star treatment of a beloved musical theater work, we’ve got two intriguing touring bands coming to Asheville. I’ve seen both, albeit many years ago, and can personally vouch for their music being outside the ordinary in the best possible ways. And then there’s a
11 Aug 2022
Tedeschi Trucks Band Shoots for the ‘Moon’ with Four-album Project (Part 2)
Continued from Part One… The creative wellspring from the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s 12-member ensemble yielded a lot of worthy material. “That was the direction we just kind of went with,” Tedeschi says. “Whatever was a great song and really sounded strong and could carry its own was going to be part of the project.” But
10 Aug 2022
Tedeschi Trucks Band Shoots for the ‘Moon’ with Four-album Project (Part 1)
In a popular music era defined by singles, shuffle play and short attention spans, rock/soul revue Tedeschi Trucks Band is pursuing an unlikely path. The powerhouse collective led by wife-and-husband due Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks has recorded a thematically-linked set of albums – four in total – and is rolling them out on a
09 Aug 2022
Susan Tedeschi: To ‘The Moon’ … and Beyond
This is the first of two features focusing on Susan Tedeschi and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the group she leads with husband Derek Trucks. Taking a page from the classic early ‘70s Mad Dogs and Englishmen musical revue – and adding its own original songwriting, character and musicianship – has been a winning approach for
15 Jul 2022
30 Days Out, July 2022 #2: The Deslondes, The Aristocrats, Rebekah Todd, L.A. Witch
One act with local ties, a supergroup, an emerging artist to watch and some no-holds-barred west coast rock are among the highlights of live music in Asheville over the coming 30 days. Artist: Rebekah Todd Venue: The One Stop Date: Friday, July 15, 9 p.m. Door: (?) With two albums and an EP to her
29 Jun 2022
Whenever You’re Ready: Brian Auger Celebrates 60 Years in Music (Part 3 of 3)
Continued from Part Two… The electric fusion group drew inspiration from across the musical landscape, combining sounds the likes of which one might find on a Miles Davis album of the era with a funky soul and r&b sensibility. Among the Oblivion Express’ most beloved recordings is a scintillating Auger original, “Happiness is Just Around
28 Jun 2022
Whenever You’re Ready: Brian Auger Celebrates 60 Years in Music (Part 2 of 3)
Continued from Part One… Not long thereafter, Auger was leading an organ trio at a Manchester club called The Twisted Wheel. There he was approached by a “rather tall guy.” Long John Baldry, as he was known, was a household figure in British music, having been a guest on two Beatles TV programs. Baldry asked
27 Jun 2022
Whenever You’re Ready: Brian Auger Celebrates 60 Years in Music (Part 1 of 3)
New collection of classic and rarities from the celebrated music figure Organist, composer, vocalist and band leader Brian Auger is best known for his work leading two bands: in the ‘60s he launched The Trinity, a pioneering soul/jazz/rock outfit featuring powerhouse vocalist Julie Driscoll. And in the early ‘70s Auger pursued ambitious yet accessible jazz