Influenced by a wide-spectrum of musical genres from the 1950’s rock and roll of Buddy Holly, to the ’70’s punk rock and ’80’s hip-hop, JD McPherson first began playing guitar at the age of 13. During high school the young musician played in a number of local punk bands and began crafting his own rock and roll songs. McPherson subsequently performed in the groups the Poison Okies and the Starkweather Boys, before beginning his studies at the University of Tulsa. After graduating with a degree in fine arts, and a short spell as an art and technology teacher, the singer-songwriter sent a demo to Hi-Style Records’ exec Jimmy Sutton.
McPherson later signed with Hi-Style Records who issued his debut full-length “Signs and Signifiers” in 2010. The album highlighted the singer-songwriter’s vintage sounding blues-rock, charted at No. 161 on the Billboard 200 upon its major-label rerelease in 2012, and won the 2012 Independent Music Award for Best Rock Album. Later in 2012 McPherson released the single “Your Love (All That I’m Missing)”, and was dubbed as an “Artist to Watch” by Rolling Stone Magazine. The musician was subsequently invited to tour alongside Nick Lowe on his tour of America’s West Coast.
The EP “The Warm Covers”, featuring McPherson’s take on songs by Billy Boy Arnold and Lowe, was issued in 2014, before he returned to the studio to focus on his follow-up album. “Let the Good Times Roll”, produced by Mark Neil, was released in February 2015, charting at No. 142 on the Billboard 200.
Known for their catchy guitar riffs and short aggetated lyrics, Deeper did not disappoint. Bringing energy and a new found sense of identity, Deeper had the rooms attention right out of the gate with the tone of the show immediately apparent. This was a rock band and this was a rock show. While their self titled debut album “Deeper” certainly has its highlights, it can at times come across flat. Deeper’s live performance managed to bring those songs to life. The guitar sounded...twangy...and foreign...and polished? The vocals, their delivery in particular, was almost David Byrne-like. In a good way! Pink Showers was the inevitable standout, but a “new one” to close out the show was certainly a treat as well. Overall: Would see again.
Also: Shout out to the opener Diviño Niño. Would recommend.
New Orleans, the home of jazz, blues and The Soul Rebels. Destined for success after parading around the streets of New Orleans in the tradition of the second line and jazz funerals, the Soul Rebels began their professional debut with the famed Neville Brothers in New Orleans at the hot spot Tipitina’s! They impressed the crowds so much that they continued to open for the Nevilles and this was just the beginning.
Their genre crossing sound between Mardi Gras funk, soft rock, funk and reggae has gained them attention from a spectrum of artists such as Better than Ezra, Counting Crows, Green Day to name a few. This live show is still delighting fans worldwide as the outfit are known for throwing everything they have into their performance, merging their own original music with incredible covers of Eurythmics 'Sweet Dreams' and Hall & Oates 'I Can't Go For That' which are assured to get their audiences dancing and cheering along.
An incredibly happy live act, the group always appear ecstatic to be performing together and to their crowds as they launch into jazzy numbers such as 'I Like To Move It Melody'. For an old style sound with a modern dance twist, The Soul Rebels are a must see artist.
Brilliant gig! Went having never heard any of Margo Price's recordings, purely on the merit I understood her to be be an exciting new artist.
Turns out the hype wasn't wrong. Brilliantly sweet voice and excellent leading lady and show-woman with a superb band. She and her band provided a storming set that I would happily watch all over again
Waited to get a signed CD after the performance and got to chat with her briefly and she was as delightful as as had shone through during the gig, a truly lovely lady!
Highly recommended
With a blues heart straight from Oklahoma, JD McPherson is a blessing from the blues God.
Take a look at his performance for KEXP back in 2012. I know it's perhaps dated, but it shows JD, Jonathon David McPherson, in his natural vibe. The double bass brings a funky jazz swing to it all, contrasting to JD singing 'I'm nothing but a country boy.' His music derives from the essence of popular music today: blues, jazz, country and classic rock n roll. JD is the perfect example of a rockabilly. Although stating that his music is old school, JD admits that he takes inspiration from various artists including Wu-Tang Clan and Pixies.
I admit I can't quite see the links myself but inspiration comes in all different types of forms. Whatever his inspiration is, JD produces faultless country rock music. He has a couple of shows commencing soon which could be paving way to the start of new material and a new record. Let's hope.