The Compound Grill 7000 E Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054
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Eric Johnson
Johnson’s eminence as a musical artist goes well beyond just his stunning guitar mastery. His keen compositional sense and lyrical playing create instrumentals that speak to listeners and convey thoughts, emotions and imagery, and Up Close also spotlights his singing and sure way with words. “It really boils down to the music and the song at the end of the day,” he explains. “If it doesn’t have that it gets boring for me.”
On his new release, “I wanted to bare myself a little further and show myself more,” says Johnson. “As you evolve as a person and artist, you reach forks in the road where you look at what it is you really want in life and to bring out in yourself and thereby affect other people. What’s most important to me is to grow as a person, and because of that, I want my music to also grow and have more of a profound meaning and impact.” And Up Close finds Eric Johnson continuing to expand his artistry with compelling and enriching results.
Martin Sexton
Martin Sexton fueled his dreams on the timeless sounds of classic rock and roll. He began to build his following singing on the streets of Harvard Square in Boston and self-produced a collection of demo recordings, In the Journey, which he sold 20,000 copies out of his guitar case busking. Worldwide touring and activity behind his records has laid a foundation for Martin Sexton’s career with a loyal fan base. Sexton has released Black Sheep, The American, Wonder Bar and Live Wide Open to name a few on his independent label KTR. His latest studio offering, Seeds, debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and the Los Angeles Times writes, “Call him a soul shouter, a road poet, a folkie or a rocker and you wouldn’t be wrong.”
Soul Salvation featuring Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn
Paul Thorn and Ruthie Foster have forged a compelling path for the next generation of songwriting blues and soul artists. Rich with honest spirituality and possessing vocal abilities that have critics comparing her to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin, Ruthie’s passionate songs and scintillating live performances always make for an uplifting experience. Paul Thorn is an authentic new voice in the modern blues scene, bridging classic forms with twenty-first century sensibility. Performing on their own and together with Ruthie’s band, it's an evening of raw musical emotion, soulful singing and finely honed musical virtuosity guaranteed to be good for the spirit!
Boombox
BoomBox consists of two versatile producers, DJs, songwriters, multi-instrumentalists and longtime friends Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux. Together they develop an electronic blend of vintage Rock and Blues made to move dance floors while incorporating their signature Backbeat, Psychedelia and Funky House sounds. Applying a multi-track platform, they are free to create their hybrid style on the fly with a rhythm that moves fans and opens them up to Godchaux and Randolph’s overall vision. Derived from the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals, AL, to the psychedelic rock and underground electronic scenes of the west coast, their unique approach can only be achieved by the blending of sound and culture.
Each live show is unique to the venue and the crowd, who are the driving force of the rhythmic BoomBox experience. “It’s all natural, it’s all in real time, and that’s why it’s Rock ‘n’ Roll”, says Godchaux. Traditional set lists are never created prior to shows, instead, BoomBox chooses the music based on the atmosphere, to create a one-of-a-kind experience for fans. Randolph adds, “We just want to go out with no game plan. That way it’s fresh for us, and we can follow the energy of the crowd. We’re down to get down, and we hope that people are down with us.”
Tommy Castro Band
“He can do no wrong…soulful, heartfelt vocals and exquisite, stellar guitar. An inspired blend of blues, R&B, soul and roadhouse rock” –Blues Revue
Ever since he first picked up a guitar, Tommy Castro believed. He believed he would not only be able to make a living playing music, but could develop his own signature sound, fusing blues with R&B and roots rock ‘n’ roll. And he has done just that. Castro began his career playing in local Bay Area cover bands prior to joining the nationally touring R&B party band, The Dynatones. Since forming his own band and relentlessly touring the world, he has become one of the blues’ top drawing artists and best-loved performers, known worldwide for his impassioned vocals, forceful guitar work, striking songwriting and galvanizing live show. Castro’s contagious, boyish energy and his uncanny ability to connect one-on-one with his fans – who often travel great distances to watch him play — have made him and his horn-fueled band among the blues world’s busiest, most popular acts.
John Lee Hooker, Jr.
John Lee Hooker Jr. was born in Detroit "Motor" City with Delta blues-filled blood running through his Motown veins. The son of the great John Lee Hooker, he was exposed the life of the blues from a young age. At only eight years old Jr. performed on Detroit's WJBK radio and knew from that moment that he wanted to follow the path of his father and become a world-class musician. Touring alongside Hooker, Sr. throughout his teens, Jr. had already performed in prestigious venues such as Detroit's Fox Theatre with acclaimed musicians like Jimmy Reed by the time he was 16. In 1972, an eighteen year-old John Jr. was singing vocals alongside his father. With the support of his family and friends, and a crew of talented musicians who never ceased to believe in him, Jr. Hooker finally found his own inner muse, making music that expresses the depth of emotion he has experienced in his personal life.
"Tie" One on for Autism
***When Purchasing a Couples ticket: Purchase TWO then apply Discount Couples Code. ***
Inkwell Productions & Lisa masters present:
"Tie" One on for Autism"
Ticket Prices Include: Buffet Dinner & Dessert Live Music Entertainment Goody bag w/ a copy of The Funny Side of Autism Around the World 50/50 Raffle Silent Auction Cash Bar Ribbon to tie on!
Kids 10 7 under eat free.
Specialty Drink of the Evening: "the Spectrum"
Anthony Mazzella - Valentines Day
Anthony Mazzella is a professional concert guitarist, recording artist and producer. BILLBOARD Magazine describes him as "the new generation of guitar hero" and GUITAR ONE magazine voted him "one of the top ten guitarists in the country". Anthony released 8 CD's, tours internationally, made guest appearances on major artist’s releases, receives airplay on national radio and satellite television, and has an independent film soundtrack to his credit. He is an established presence in the genre of instrumental music and has many new projects on the horizon. He has opened for headlining artists, James Brown, Tower of Power , The Commodores, and Spyro Gyra. His original music is composed with a fusion of world influences consisting of acoustic and electric fingerstyle, classical, flamenco, jazz, funk, R&B, celtic, ambient, rock, medieval & middle-eastern.
Anthony is an internationally acclaimed artist who continues his studies by exploring music from cultures all over the world and collaborating with musicians indigenous to those regions. He currently resides between New York City and Sedona Arizona with a mission driven by the desire to "give life to music and music to life."
Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreamers
Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Bill Frisell touring behind the release of Beautiful Dreamers - a stunning recording consisting of original compositions and striking reinterpretations performed along with the unique talents of Eyvind Kang (viola) and Rudy Royston (drums). Produced by longtime collaborator Lee Townsend and recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, Beautiful Dreamers captures the musical magic that's inhabited the performances of this particular ensemble since they first played live together as a trio in 2008. Frisell, a consummate artist who's garnered respect and acclaim throughout his long career, considers this to be a particularly special project.
Bill Frisell's artistry is legendary and he's made an indelible imprint on American music. His passionate, versatile talent transcends genres while pushing musical boundaries. He's worked comfortably within the realms of jazz, rock, progressive folk, Americana, blues and classical playing with his own hand-picked ensembles or collaborating with stellar musical peers such as Paul Motian, McCoy Tyner, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Lucinda Williams and Loudon Wainwright III to name a few. With Beautiful Dreamers, Bill Frisell has created one of his most personal musical statements working with Kang and Royston who engage him in seamless and stimulating musical dialogue.
Says Frisell: "I'm so fortunate having the chance to play music with Eyvind and Rudy and having an audience willing to go along for the latest adventure. I'm the luckiest guy in the world being surrounded by all these folks who have so much faith and trust in the music, helping me to make my dreams come true."
Twenty five years after their T-Bone Burnett produced debut Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams led them to win a Rolling Stone reader’s poll as “Best New American Band,” The BoDeans are still rocking and harmonizing gracefully, touring the U.S. regularly and exposing the kids of their longtime steadfast fans to real, heartfelt and trend-free music. Best known for their mid-90’s Billboard Top 20 hit anthem “Closer To Free,” which became the theme song for Fox’s “Party Of Five,” Kurt Neumann (vocals and electric guitar) is still focused on, “writing songs that bring good things to the world.” The new album, Indigo Dreams, is a salute to the working man – his dreams, his desires, his love, his responsibilities, his ethos.
For the BoDeans, the fact that their music was never easily pigeonholed into a specific genre or style was more a strength than a problem as their career developed. They followed their debut with Outside Looking In (1987), Home (1989), Black and White (1991), and Go Slow Down (1993), which featured “Closer To Free” which became a massive pop and adult contemporary hit when the world heard it every week via “Party of Five.” They released the 2 CD live set Joe Dirt Car (1995) and Blend (1996).
A few years after the release of the 17-song compilation The Best of BoDeans – Slash and Burn in 2001, they returned to studio recording with Resolution (2004) and then a live album and subsequent DVD called Homebrewed: Live From The Pabst (2005). Still was released in 2008, Mr. Sad Clown in 2010.
Neumann sees the enduring success of the BoDeans as a byproduct of making music that creates a special connection to moments in people’s lives. “It’s not always this dramatic,” he says, “but we do hear of stories where people are ill or dying and our songs give them a sense of joy and hope. It’s always wonderful to be important to people’s lives. We also saw this YouTube clip of two kids in car seats singing one of our songs on a family road trip. Their parents are playing our songs and we are a part of their world in that moment. I want to know someday that I’ve brought good things into this world, and this kind of fan response confirms that we have been able to do this.”
Carolyn Wonderland
Carolyn Wonderland is being praised unanimously for her new album ‘Peace Meal’ (Bismeaux Records) that finds her collaborating with producers Larry Campbell, Ray Benson and the Monkees’ Michael Nesmith.
Critics are heralding the album for capturing the high energy of Wonderland’s electric live shows and displaying the raw talent that has made her a legend of Texas, and a huge hit in performances across the US and abroad. Check out what critics are saying about Wonderland’s brilliant ‘Peace Meal’:
“Texas’ blues machine [Carolyn Wonderland] churns out a keeper.” – USA Today
“Relaxed, accomplished and roadhouse-dirty, “Peace Meal” is the sound of a veteran artist who knows exactly who she is, playing straight to her considerable strengths.” – Newark Star-Ledger
“The greatest Southern blues voice of all time, part whiskey, part wolf-mother in heat.” – Houston Press
Diego's Umbrella
San Francisco’s ambassadors of gypsy rock, Diego’s Umbrella captures California’s cultural multiplicity with enthusiasm, humor and decadence.
These urban, gringo mariachis have performed more than 1,000 live shows at clubs and festivals across the U.S. and Europe. The band’s lively, unforgettable, heavy-hitting stage show has visually and aurally captivated diverse audiences from all walks of life. Influenced heavily by flamenco, klezmer, Eastern European and Latin sounds, Diego’s Umbrella has introduced the world to a new kind of popular music: Gypsy Rock. They possess a pop sensibility and punk rock energy with sounds reminiscent to that of Gogol Bordello, Devotchka and Muse.
While the origins of Diego’s Umbrella date back to the 2001, with the collaboration of founding members Vaughn Lindstrom (acoustic guitar, vocals) and Tyson Maulhardt (electric guitar), they officially hit the scene in 2005 with the release of their first full- length album Kung Fu Palace. Violinist Jason Kleinberg and bassist Kevin Blair came on board early in the project, and the 6-some was rounded out by Ben Leon (vocals, guitar) and Jake Wood (drums) in early 2009.
The Group has released 3 albums including Viva la Juerga ’07, Double Panther ’09, and a host of independent recordings. They have been featured in major motion pictures, network television, and numerous documentaries, in addition to countless worldwide radio and print. Currently, they are in the studio working on a new EP to be released later this summer.
Grady Champion
Grady Champion is a young, blues singer and harmonica player, born October 10, that has been compared to Sonny Boy Williamson, and people can hear exactly why on his Shanachie debut Payin' for My Sins released August 24, 1999. The album includes a version of "Don't Start Me to Talkin'" that really shows Grady's high-energy singing and harmonica playing and an update of the traditional blues lament "Goin' Down Slow" with an AIDS parable -- a hard-bitten vignette of modern life. His revved-up, soulful vocalizing and the charm and insight he brings to his songwriting in numbers like the campy "My Rooster Is King" and the classic-sounding tale of infidelity "You Got Some Explaining to Do" (co-written by his producer Dennis Walker, who helped Robert Cray reach national fame) mark Grady as an important new talent.
