Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis
Producer’s Note:
This was the last scheduled Acoustic Session of the season and in true form it ended on a high note. The opening act was a tall, slender bluesman from Austin, Texas named Gary Clark Jr. He played his red Epiphone hollow body through a Fender VibroChamp amplifier, and he strapped a harmonica around his neck like the greats of yesteryear. The first song he played was “When The Sun Goes Down”, originally made a hit by Leroy Carr in 1935. Well, young Mr. Clark would have made Leroy proud with his mesmerizing rendition of this historical tune. My first impression was that Gary was a modern day Jimmy Reed, and by the end I still felt that way. Although along the twists and turns of his dynamic set, Gary showed us more then just blues covers.
After blasting through his second tune with the style and pulse of John Lee Hooker, he showed us a playful and soulful side by singing a more contemporary R&B track which showcased his vocal talent. A request, “Bright Lights, Big City” was the last song he chose to play, and although Jimmy Reed had a song of the same title, this one was clearly Gary’s own. More than just a bluesman, Gary Clark Jr. is poised to take the world by storm, and honestly I can’t wait for his time to come. I joked with him before the set that I would take a drink every time he made a mistake. He responded by letting me know I’d be drunk, but he was wrong. I never even took a sip. Cheers to you Gary. (Listen to “When The Sun Goes Down” on the player to your right).
honeyhoney was the headliner on this glorious October evening, harvest moon full in the night sky. The energy was high and the crowd was thirsty for stimulation. Suzanne and Ben did their job and provided a heart pounding, tear welling set of emotionally charged tunes that treated the audience to the release they needed. The instrumentation was like nothing we had yet to experience at the Acoustic Sessions. Ben sat and alternated between acoustic and electric guitar while he thumped a kick drum with his right foot and a tambourine with his left, all the while singing perfect harmonies. Suzanne danced around while letting her effortless voice soar and alternating between plucking a mean banjo and playing a fiery fiddle.
Let’s just say these two performers create a very unique live experience that one needs to witness to believe. “My Old Friends” was a great story song that had the audience captivated by the inherent honesty and the brilliant musicianship reminiscent of dueling banjos. And on “Back To You” the foot stomping was unleashed with a fervent sermon about what comes around goes around. Again the guitar and banjo playing on this tune were phenomenal, and the breakdown in the middle of the song had the crowd howling at the full moon. The set was perfectly sculpted, and the songs lived together in a world of balance and inspiration. As far as I’m concerned, HoneyHoney is a must see, even if you don’t like this style of music, you will be moved. (Listen to “My Old Friends” and “Back To You” on the player to your right).
- Evan Brau
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis October 22 2010 @ 7:30 - 9PM
Event Date: Friday, October 22nd, 2010 @ 7:30PM - 9PM
Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation
Featuring: Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder, honeyhoney and Gary Clark Jr.
7:30PM Doors
8:00PM – Brandon and Leah
8:30PM – Gary Clark Jr
9:00PM - honeyhoney
Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation
Featuring: Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder, honeyhoney and Gary Clark Jr.
7:30PM Doors
8:00PM – Brandon and Leah
8:30PM – Gary Clark Jr
9:00PM - honeyhoney
Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder, honeyhoney and Gary Clark Jr October 22nd 2010
Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis
Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder:
Malibu natives, Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder have been playing music together almost all their lives. Between Leah's soulful vocals and Brandon's rhythmic guitar works, a truly unique sound has been born. Their incredible feel is equally matched by the quality of their songs. Brandon and Leah were heavily recognized at the Los Angeles Music Awards winning numerous awards for their live performances including Leah for "Front Person of the Year." Their infectious music caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records to which they are currently signed and making their first record.
honeyhoney:
1. What is your musical background?
Suzanne: I learned how to sing from musical theater, obsessing over Mariah Carey and Disney cartoon movie soundtracks that came out when I was a kid. I sang "Part Of Your World" as my fifth grade choir solo... I wore a fin. I also started playing the violin when I was ten and sucked pretty bad.
Ben: I also played violin when I was little. I sucked too but maybe all little kids suck. After violin I picked up the drums and started playing jazz for a while. Soon I realized that no one liked jazz except me, so I started playing guitar and writing songs. I am proud to say I've never worn a costume while performing.
2.Where are you from?
Suzanne: I'm from Strongsville Ohio.
Ben: I'm from New York and Massachusetts.
Gary Clark Jr.:
Gary Clark Jr. began playing guitar at the ripe young age of 12. Born and raised in Austin, TX, Gary continued to play small gigs through his early teens until one day he was noticed by the legendary Clifford Antone, owner of the notable Austin blues club Antone's. Through the connections made by Clifford within his club, Gary soon was sitting in and learning from various musical icons, including the incomparable Jimmie Vaughan. Through the mentoring of Jimmie and others within the Austin music community, Gary began to receive much critical acclaim from both his musical peers and the Austin community as a whole.. At one point, the mayor of Austin proclaimed May 3, 2001 Gary Clark Jr. Day.
Gary went on to win the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist on three separate occasions, as well as awards from Blues magazines and associations throughout the country. After playing the nationally televised Austin City Limits and touring with the likes of artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Pinetop Perkins, and Doyle Bramhall, he continued his performance career by releasing three self-produced albums and scoring the major motion picture "Full Count." He also starred in a principal role in the John Sayles film "Honeydripper" alongside distinguished actors such as Danny Glover and Stacey Keach. Gary is currently in the final stages of completing his fourth full length release album, as well as looking forward to playing the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival hosted by Eric Clapton.
Malibu natives, Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder have been playing music together almost all their lives. Between Leah's soulful vocals and Brandon's rhythmic guitar works, a truly unique sound has been born. Their incredible feel is equally matched by the quality of their songs. Brandon and Leah were heavily recognized at the Los Angeles Music Awards winning numerous awards for their live performances including Leah for "Front Person of the Year." Their infectious music caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records to which they are currently signed and making their first record.
honeyhoney:
1. What is your musical background?
Suzanne: I learned how to sing from musical theater, obsessing over Mariah Carey and Disney cartoon movie soundtracks that came out when I was a kid. I sang "Part Of Your World" as my fifth grade choir solo... I wore a fin. I also started playing the violin when I was ten and sucked pretty bad.
Ben: I also played violin when I was little. I sucked too but maybe all little kids suck. After violin I picked up the drums and started playing jazz for a while. Soon I realized that no one liked jazz except me, so I started playing guitar and writing songs. I am proud to say I've never worn a costume while performing.
2.Where are you from?
Suzanne: I'm from Strongsville Ohio.
Ben: I'm from New York and Massachusetts.
Gary Clark Jr.: Gary Clark Jr. began playing guitar at the ripe young age of 12. Born and raised in Austin, TX, Gary continued to play small gigs through his early teens until one day he was noticed by the legendary Clifford Antone, owner of the notable Austin blues club Antone's. Through the connections made by Clifford within his club, Gary soon was sitting in and learning from various musical icons, including the incomparable Jimmie Vaughan. Through the mentoring of Jimmie and others within the Austin music community, Gary began to receive much critical acclaim from both his musical peers and the Austin community as a whole.. At one point, the mayor of Austin proclaimed May 3, 2001 Gary Clark Jr. Day.
Gary went on to win the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist on three separate occasions, as well as awards from Blues magazines and associations throughout the country. After playing the nationally televised Austin City Limits and touring with the likes of artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Pinetop Perkins, and Doyle Bramhall, he continued his performance career by releasing three self-produced albums and scoring the major motion picture "Full Count." He also starred in a principal role in the John Sayles film "Honeydripper" alongside distinguished actors such as Danny Glover and Stacey Keach. Gary is currently in the final stages of completing his fourth full length release album, as well as looking forward to playing the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival hosted by Eric Clapton.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ryan McGarvey and Antonio Pontarelli September 11th 2010
Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis
Producer’s Note:
Ryan McGarvey
Antonio Pontarelli
As a guitarist, I know how difficult it can be to pull off acoustically what was born electrically. And also what a pain it can be to wail with an acoustic guitar when there is no rhythm section behind you to fill up all that space. Well, Ryan McGarvey showed me the solution….just grab your guitar out of it’s cozy case, plug it into a digital delay pedal to fill up some of the void during your ripping solos, and commence blowing minds with your tasty licks. Easier said then done right? Well, Ryan got it done.
Aside from being a phenomenal 23 year old guitarist, this young buck has a surprisingly soulful character to his voice. And it’s a rare moment when the energy and texture of two talents combine so comfortably in one performing artist. The song I enjoyed the most is the one available to listen to at this site. Ryan didn’t introduce the song that night, and he didn’t leave behind a set list, so I just labeled it as “Tasty Licks”, because there are so many of them in the track. I’m sure you can always find Ryan McGarvey on the web and ask for the real name of the track. (In fact, please go to his site, you’ll be happy you did.) By the end of an exhilarating set it appeared as though Ryan didn’t want to leave the stage, and the audience was so mesmerized they didn’t even realize he had just ripped a ten minute acoustic guitar solo in their faces, that is, until the four minute crescendo started. It was a glorious ending, the kind you’d expect to see in front of 10, 000 plus, which proves to me that Ryan had a lot of fun, and it was contagious.
The next performer was an amazing 19year old violinist named Antonio Pontarelli. The setup was unlike anything previously attempted at The Acoustic Sessions. There was a Baldwin Baby Grand on stage, and an accompanying acoustic guitar off to the side. Antonio played his electric violin through a gorgeous deep cherry wood grain Mesa Boogie single twelve combo amp. (I seriously almost drooled on his amp). I mic’ed it up with an SM 57 off axis, like I would a Les Paul. It actually turned out sounding really nice, mainly due to some virtuosic playing by Antonio. Antonio’s track on this site is the only instrumental he played that night, but I thought it captured the most moving part of the show.
Don’t get me wrong, Antonio has a beautiful voice, I just have an affinity for the moments when performers put it all out on the limb, when they really dig deep and inspire. That moment was captured in this recording, which I listed simply as “Solo” for yet again I lacked a proper title (I recommend finding this artist online as well). You can really hear the attack in each note, particularly when Antonio let’s loose at the end with some Classical stylings worthy of Carnegie Hall, which apparently this young man has already played. Overall, young Mr. Pontarelli gave an emotional and charismatic performance, one that none in attendance will soon forget.
- Evan Brau
Producer’s Note:
Ryan McGarvey
Antonio Pontarelli
As a guitarist, I know how difficult it can be to pull off acoustically what was born electrically. And also what a pain it can be to wail with an acoustic guitar when there is no rhythm section behind you to fill up all that space. Well, Ryan McGarvey showed me the solution….just grab your guitar out of it’s cozy case, plug it into a digital delay pedal to fill up some of the void during your ripping solos, and commence blowing minds with your tasty licks. Easier said then done right? Well, Ryan got it done.
Aside from being a phenomenal 23 year old guitarist, this young buck has a surprisingly soulful character to his voice. And it’s a rare moment when the energy and texture of two talents combine so comfortably in one performing artist. The song I enjoyed the most is the one available to listen to at this site. Ryan didn’t introduce the song that night, and he didn’t leave behind a set list, so I just labeled it as “Tasty Licks”, because there are so many of them in the track. I’m sure you can always find Ryan McGarvey on the web and ask for the real name of the track. (In fact, please go to his site, you’ll be happy you did.) By the end of an exhilarating set it appeared as though Ryan didn’t want to leave the stage, and the audience was so mesmerized they didn’t even realize he had just ripped a ten minute acoustic guitar solo in their faces, that is, until the four minute crescendo started. It was a glorious ending, the kind you’d expect to see in front of 10, 000 plus, which proves to me that Ryan had a lot of fun, and it was contagious.
The next performer was an amazing 19year old violinist named Antonio Pontarelli. The setup was unlike anything previously attempted at The Acoustic Sessions. There was a Baldwin Baby Grand on stage, and an accompanying acoustic guitar off to the side. Antonio played his electric violin through a gorgeous deep cherry wood grain Mesa Boogie single twelve combo amp. (I seriously almost drooled on his amp). I mic’ed it up with an SM 57 off axis, like I would a Les Paul. It actually turned out sounding really nice, mainly due to some virtuosic playing by Antonio. Antonio’s track on this site is the only instrumental he played that night, but I thought it captured the most moving part of the show.
Don’t get me wrong, Antonio has a beautiful voice, I just have an affinity for the moments when performers put it all out on the limb, when they really dig deep and inspire. That moment was captured in this recording, which I listed simply as “Solo” for yet again I lacked a proper title (I recommend finding this artist online as well). You can really hear the attack in each note, particularly when Antonio let’s loose at the end with some Classical stylings worthy of Carnegie Hall, which apparently this young man has already played. Overall, young Mr. Pontarelli gave an emotional and charismatic performance, one that none in attendance will soon forget.
- Evan Brau
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis September 11 2010 @ 6 - 10PM
Event Date: Saturday, September 11th, 2010 @ 6PM - 10PM
Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation
21 and up / Invite all friends and family
Featuring: Ryan McGarvey, Antonio Pontarelli and the visual art of Pamelina H
Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation
21 and up / Invite all friends and family
Featuring: Ryan McGarvey, Antonio Pontarelli and the visual art of Pamelina H
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Marcus Eaton, Shawn Hlookoff, Russell Ali featuring Dave Hall, Leah Turner with Trev Lukather and Jamison Boaz, Chloe Jackson with Chris Price Saturday, August 14th 2010
Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis
Producer’s Note:
Well, it was another beautiful evening at the Villa Pool, and the crickets were chirping in anticipation of the magnificent and diverse talent that was due to hit the stage. (You can actually hear the little bugs singing in some of the recordings available on this site for streaming, i.e. “Fiona” by Marcus Eaton) First to take the stage was the adorable Chloe Jackson accompanied by guitarist Chris Price. Chris played his acoustic flat in his lap, the way famed blind guitarist Jeff Healy does, adding an interesting visual element to a well crafted performance. Chloe’s voice was pure, clean and passionate as were the songs. It was a pleasant and gifted performance, and a perfect way to start the show.
Next up was guitarist Russell Ali and his troop of talented friends who shared the stage like a family of wandering gypsies. The falsetto stylings of Dave Hall were the first to grace the mic amid this seriously diverse group of performers. Dave’s Prince-meets-Lenny Kravitz delivery was captivating and ultimately very listenable, which is saying a lot considering how difficult it is to stay in tune in that register while performing live. Accompanying Russell on guitar during Dave’s shot at glory was Jamison Boaz, who sang the next two songs while Russell peppered our ears with some of his patented tasty licks. Then out of the ether of the Sunset Strip came Leah Turner, wearing jeans patched with black lace and wedges from hell. She whipped around her black and blonde two- tone hair, grabbed the mic like a scepter and asked “How’s everyone feeling tonight?” Her voice was sensual and gritty, like tangy salted butter. I knew we were in for a thorough rocking, acoustically…of course. After a few whoops and hollers, she introduced her accompaniment as Trev Lukather (clearly Steve from Toto’s son since they share the same mischievous grin) He gave a quick shout out to Russell for letting them take the stage and then said “I question my sexuality everyday hanging out with him”, which in Hollywood is the ultimate compliment. (Like I said, Steve’s son) Let’s just say they rocked. Then Russell came up to join them for the last song by the most diverse group of talent I’ve seen in a while.
But wait, there’s more. Next to hit the stage was the charming and charismatic Shawn Hlookoff. He had a style like Chris Isaak meets Morrissey and his voice was radiant and true. He played both guitar and piano while he sang, backed up by a bass player and a percussionist who slapped some meter-perfect cajon. His voice never faltered throughout the performance and his songs were captivating and soulful. At one point he asked his rhythm section to take a break and played a song titled “Fool” which vocally, blew me away. You’ll be hearing more from this young Canadian, that I can guarantee.
Last and by far the most awe-inspiring performer of the night was Marcus Eaton, whose skill on guitar left everyone’s jaw agape. Not to mention his songs were inspirational and well crafted, his voice was glistening with tone like John Denver meets James Taylor and his use of loops and pedals made everyone wonder if he was some sort of wizard or mage of performance technology at the 50th level in the World of Musicraft. It seriously sounded like he had a band behind him for most of the night. Although my favorite moment was when he took us back in time to a song called “Fiona” which was just one guitar, one voice and a perplexingly beautiful tune. Marcus led the crowd through a variety of emotions from hilarity on his “Barbie and Ken” song, to romance and vitality on some of his more flamboyant latin numbers. The crowd sang along to “Billie Jean” which he placed strategically in the middle of one of his own creations, and they gave him claps and snaps where ever and whenever he needed them throughout the set. We were all in the palm of his magical hands, on a glorious Hollywood night at the always enchanting Sunset Marquis Hotel.
- Evan Brau
Producer’s Note:
Well, it was another beautiful evening at the Villa Pool, and the crickets were chirping in anticipation of the magnificent and diverse talent that was due to hit the stage. (You can actually hear the little bugs singing in some of the recordings available on this site for streaming, i.e. “Fiona” by Marcus Eaton) First to take the stage was the adorable Chloe Jackson accompanied by guitarist Chris Price. Chris played his acoustic flat in his lap, the way famed blind guitarist Jeff Healy does, adding an interesting visual element to a well crafted performance. Chloe’s voice was pure, clean and passionate as were the songs. It was a pleasant and gifted performance, and a perfect way to start the show.
Next up was guitarist Russell Ali and his troop of talented friends who shared the stage like a family of wandering gypsies. The falsetto stylings of Dave Hall were the first to grace the mic amid this seriously diverse group of performers. Dave’s Prince-meets-Lenny Kravitz delivery was captivating and ultimately very listenable, which is saying a lot considering how difficult it is to stay in tune in that register while performing live. Accompanying Russell on guitar during Dave’s shot at glory was Jamison Boaz, who sang the next two songs while Russell peppered our ears with some of his patented tasty licks. Then out of the ether of the Sunset Strip came Leah Turner, wearing jeans patched with black lace and wedges from hell. She whipped around her black and blonde two- tone hair, grabbed the mic like a scepter and asked “How’s everyone feeling tonight?” Her voice was sensual and gritty, like tangy salted butter. I knew we were in for a thorough rocking, acoustically…of course. After a few whoops and hollers, she introduced her accompaniment as Trev Lukather (clearly Steve from Toto’s son since they share the same mischievous grin) He gave a quick shout out to Russell for letting them take the stage and then said “I question my sexuality everyday hanging out with him”, which in Hollywood is the ultimate compliment. (Like I said, Steve’s son) Let’s just say they rocked. Then Russell came up to join them for the last song by the most diverse group of talent I’ve seen in a while.
But wait, there’s more. Next to hit the stage was the charming and charismatic Shawn Hlookoff. He had a style like Chris Isaak meets Morrissey and his voice was radiant and true. He played both guitar and piano while he sang, backed up by a bass player and a percussionist who slapped some meter-perfect cajon. His voice never faltered throughout the performance and his songs were captivating and soulful. At one point he asked his rhythm section to take a break and played a song titled “Fool” which vocally, blew me away. You’ll be hearing more from this young Canadian, that I can guarantee.
Last and by far the most awe-inspiring performer of the night was Marcus Eaton, whose skill on guitar left everyone’s jaw agape. Not to mention his songs were inspirational and well crafted, his voice was glistening with tone like John Denver meets James Taylor and his use of loops and pedals made everyone wonder if he was some sort of wizard or mage of performance technology at the 50th level in the World of Musicraft. It seriously sounded like he had a band behind him for most of the night. Although my favorite moment was when he took us back in time to a song called “Fiona” which was just one guitar, one voice and a perplexingly beautiful tune. Marcus led the crowd through a variety of emotions from hilarity on his “Barbie and Ken” song, to romance and vitality on some of his more flamboyant latin numbers. The crowd sang along to “Billie Jean” which he placed strategically in the middle of one of his own creations, and they gave him claps and snaps where ever and whenever he needed them throughout the set. We were all in the palm of his magical hands, on a glorious Hollywood night at the always enchanting Sunset Marquis Hotel.
- Evan Brau
Friday, August 13, 2010
Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis August 14 2010 @ 6 - 10PM
Event Date: Saturday, August 14th, 2010 @ 6PM - 10PM
Call time: 5 pm
Sound check: 5 pm
Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation
21 and up / Invite all friends and family
No cover / No BAR minimum (Great event cocktails / Food prices – “The sliders are awesome!”)
SET LIST:
6:00 pm - Event begins
6:15 pm - Chloe Jackson
6:45 pm - Russell Ali and Davhall
7:15 pm – Russell Ali and Leah Turner
-- 10 Minute Break --
7:45 pm - Shawn Hlookoff
-- 10 Minute Break --
8:30 pm - Marcus Eaton
9:30 pm - Music portion ends
10:00 pm - Event ends
Call time: 5 pm
Sound check: 5 pm
Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation
21 and up / Invite all friends and family
No cover / No BAR minimum (Great event cocktails / Food prices – “The sliders are awesome!”)
SET LIST:
6:00 pm - Event begins
6:15 pm - Chloe Jackson
6:45 pm - Russell Ali and Davhall
7:15 pm – Russell Ali and Leah Turner
-- 10 Minute Break --
7:45 pm - Shawn Hlookoff
-- 10 Minute Break --
8:30 pm - Marcus Eaton
9:30 pm - Music portion ends
10:00 pm - Event ends
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