Somebody's Darling @ Hill Country NYC

While the voice of Amber Farris started off the night somewhat smooth and reserved, carefully waiting for Wade Cofer to get his bass pounding, soon enough Somebody's Darling was ready to bring on the heat. Opening the show with "Bad Bad," from their 2014 release Adult Roommates, Somebody's Darling brought to New York City that Southern blues-rock which the state of Texas has been happily endorsing for several years.

Originally from Dallas, the band has now relocated to Nashville to take in the musical influences, write some new songs, and record a new album. It appears the Lone Star State's loss is a benefit for other areas of the country, as the move allows the band a road more easily traveled. Their current tour has taken them into the Northeast, for the first time since they appeared at the CMJ Music Marathon in October, before taking the southern route back to Nashville, Texas, and points... many points west. This night the vibe of Somebody's Darling fit right in with the Texas BBQ being served at Hill Country in NYC.

 For the rest of the review and more photos, please jump over to Somebody's Darling @ Hill Country NYC

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A Little Talk with Keyboardist and Grammy Nominated Producer Paul Brown

There is no question Paul Brown loves what he does. With blonde hair whirling around his head and a smile emanating from deep within, Paul Brown lets his soul bleed through the keys of his Hammond B3 organ. The result is the most delicious side dish you might ever taste. Watching him play reminds you why that instrument has been included in so much rich musical history since its creation in 1935.

Paul's personal history is nearly as rich. The incredible positive attitude he radiates is in stark contrast with the story of his life. While living in Memphis, at the age of twelve, he and his brothers became wards of the state following the death of their mother. They were sent to live at the Tennessee Preparatory School in Nashville, where the only thing to give Paul hope was an old upright piano. That hope was later destroyed when those in charge took away his privilege to practice music. He soon ran away, eventually finding his way back to Memphis and work on the riverboats. While working as a deckhand, he continued his musical progression, adding R&B, funk, and soul to his rock background.

A chance phone call led to playing keyboards in Ann Peebles ("I Can't Stand The Rain") band and a friendship which endures to this day. Brown has played behind artists of every genre. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Down in Louisiana by Bobby Rush was nominated as Blues Album of the Year and Paul Brown as Producer along with it. After working in the studio alongside The Waterboys, he was invited to tour with them in Europe this past year, and will join them for another tour early next year. He has also been having way too much fun working with Nashville-based gospel-blues singer Mike Farris.

I recently caught up with Paul Brown between Mike Farris shows at The Iridium in New York City, and in a casual stairway talk, I learned about the interesting life of Paul Brown.

Kath Galasso: You and I have something in common, that being the love for the Hammond. Sadly, only one of us can play it. You’ve developed a unique partnership with it. What is it about the Hammond that connects to your soul?

Paul Brown: It’s the colors and the expression. When you get a great singer and you’re playing it, there’s nothing like being able to add those more subtle colors to it. Small things, because it can inspire them, just like their voices inspire me to play in certain ways.  I think that I learned that early on. When I started playing with Ann Peebles, that was really when I connected with the Hammond. She was on Hi Records and all the stuff she did had tons of B3 on it, so I really started figuring it out quick. And it’s funny cause I’m not a jazz guy, like the Jimmy Smith guys, I’ve just got a different vibe. I’m just coming from a different place. I love the more simplistic approach, and there are some things I do on there percussively that just come out of me. And somehow a lot of people have picked up on it. I’m just grateful that instrument is around for me to connect with.

For the rest of the interview, please jump over to OnStage Magazine "Just a Little Talk with Grammy Nominee Paul Brown"

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Howlin' Along with Jared Green

You can admit it. At some point in each of our lives, we've howled. Whether it was listening to Warren Zevon doing "Werewolves of London," or after having a really strange day and looking at the night sky you realize it's a full moon, or just singing along with dog. There are definitely times when we channel our inner wolf.

However, some of us do it better than others.

From out of Nashville, the Howlin' Brothers are making noise in the music business and it's not just a howl or two. Blending bluegrass, blues, Americana, roots and old-time music, the Howlin' Brothers have created a new album of songs crossing many genres. Once you take a listen, two things will happen: you'll notice your feet are tappin' and your face is smilin'.

I had the privilege of speaking with Jared Green (Guitar,Harmonica,Vocals) right before the release of the album. To read the interview, hear their sound and learn about the band, jump over to my page at musicstaruniverse.com for the Jared Green Interview

Check out their video for "Big Time"

A New York-Nashville Connection: Marc Scibilia

"So what are you going to do with your life...move to Nashville and write songs?"  Uh, why not. The story goes that a teacher in his upstate New York high school spoke those words to Marc Scibilia out of frustration. Could be he took it as the incentive he needed, because that's exactly what he did a month after graduation. Now, at the age of twenty-six, Scibilia has been writing, singing and recording ever since.

After being featured in the TV show Bones, the first release from his self-titled EP, "How Bad We Need Each Other" has been getting some airplay...and with good reason. It's worth way more than just a listen.

Here's a bare bones version of the song.

"How Bad We Need Each Other"

And a couple more tasty treats:

"What If I Can"

"Bright Day Coming"

Some good stuff from a young talent. 

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Nashville: It Ain't Just Country Anymore...Josh Hoge

Out of Nashville, but don't go listening for any twang here.  Josh Hoge has been working his butt off trying to get his music heard. With pop, rock, blues and soul influences, his first released studio album, "Everything She Was" came out in 2008.  Prior to that was an unreleased album, as well as the critically acclaimed "Bedroom Sessions" EP, which was recorded over a few days period in the singer's bedroom.


Playing over 175 dates a year, Josh Hoge has steadily built a fan base across the country.  A new CD is due out before too long, but in the meantime listen to a live version of "Take It Or Leave It" Raw and powerful, let it rip into your soul.