Music

“Feel-good, retro funk.” -NY Times
“Ten tracks with a distinctive New Orleans flair.” -Relix

This self-titled debut from Ghosts of Jupiter delivers a fresh spin on hard-swinging psychedelic rock while invariably taking the listener back to an era when music truly mattered. And though the fuzz and fire of the double guitar attack really fuels the vessel, it's Wilson's melodic songcraft and gifted traversal of light and dark imagery that makes this voyage accessible to a mass audience.

“The band's sound feeds on vintage fuzz, but the attack draws modern oil — proving the point that a lot has happened since Led Zeppelin.” –Jeff Wallace My Secret Boston

RMB's first official live album, recorded on August 18th, 2011 in the Life is good store on Newbury Street in Boston. A portion of every copy sold will be donated to the Life is good Playmakers, who provide training, resources, and support to the adults dedicated to caring for children facing life-threatening challenges.

Cold Sky was recorded in a series of sessions over several years. All of the takes are live, with very little embellishment beyond what was happening in the room at that moment. A document of seven years worth of songs, this record finally brings Ryan Fitzsimmons' dynamic live show to a recorded format.

Lyle Brewer's debut EP, recorded live in the studio with Mike Piehl on drums and Dean Cassell on bass. Infusing jazz, blues, rock and roots, this trio manages a fresh instrumental record that is sure to get the attention of any ears within range. And who knows, it may even quell a fear or two.

This 2-track, limited edition vinyl EP was the very first offering from Ghosts of Jupiter back in May of 2011, before they were even Ghosts. It was their [Nate Wilson Group's] way of giving the public an introductory teaser of what was to come later that year. Featuring two tracks from what would eventually be their debut album, mixed and mastered specially for this 7-inch vinyl release, the band went ahead with a limited pressing of just 300 of these little gems. Very few currently remain, and once they're gone, that's it... a rare collectible if there ever was one.

Assembly of Dust's 2011 release Found Sound represents a “behind the curtain” look at a band that has gained notoriety as a studio/live performance hybrid. AOD's crew secretly recorded the band in order to capture totally inspired, unfiltered versions of their best material. While the album maintains the well crafted songs and lyrical depth that Genauer and company are known for, it separates itself from past efforts with an energetic delivery that showcases true musicianship. The energy captured on Found Sound represents what fans from coast to coast have known for years: music's best kept secret may have just been found.

RMB's long-awaited third studio release features stripped-down arrangements of 14 new songs, all produced by Martin Sexton. This album was recorded at Camp Street Studios in Cambridge, MA in the spring of 2010, just before the boys left on tour as Martin's opener and backing band. Featuring the wildly popular “Songbird” in addition to the wide variety of song styles captured here, this album has a little something to offer everyone.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples delivers wall-to-wall joy on her triumphant new album.

Produced by fellow Chicagoan Jeff Tweedy at Wilco's studio The Loft, the intimate and textured production showcases the iconic singer at her most powerful and fervent. You Are Not Alone mixes traditional gospel numbers with two new songs written for Mavis by Tweedy, plus her unique interpretations of songs by Pops Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Rev. Gary Davis and Little Milton.

Distinctive, high energy funk/rock/soul blend with a dose of dance grooves and DJ maneuvers. Peter is joined here by a full house of truly gifted friends, including Tim Reynolds (Dave Matthews Band), Alan Evans (original MBL, Soulive), Poogie Bell (Herbie Hancock), Jeremiah Hosea (James Blood Ulmer), Oja (Earthdriver), Ryan Montbleau, Jason Cohen, and Yahuba Garcia (Ryan Montbleau Band)... spinning up 14 original songs that will turn on your dizzymaker!

These songs were recorded live during a five-city solo tour in the northeast U.S. in the spring of 2009. The final track “More and More and More” being the only exception was recorded at Crit Harmon's studio in July of '09. From one fantastic little venue to the next, these stages of development are presented for your enjoyment.

Each of AOD's songs on this album are realized with an ace band and a diverse collection of collaborators including Béla Fleck, David Grisman, John Scofield, Mike Gordon, and Martin Sexton. Highlights include: opener “All That I am Now,” with Genauer trading verses with Richie Havens over a galloping, insistent beat and swirls of psychedelic guitar, the “Strawberry Fields”-esque “Arc of the Sun,” the aching beauty of “Light Blue Lover” with Genauer backed by the supple harmonies of Grace Potter and guitar work of Tony Rice, and the country shuffle of “Leadbelly,” enhanced by the masterful pedal steel of Jerry Douglas.

The second studio offering from The Lost Onion, where the title song “The Year of the Ox” was spawned by a placemat that depicted the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. That prompted research by Jen into some deeper Eastern philosophy and led to the discovery of the sacred Ox Herding Pictures. The story of this album is loosely based on those pictures as they apply to taming one's mind, all presented in the diverse musical fashion that is unmistakably The Lost Onion. With funky grooves, silky transitions, infectious chorus lines, and deep lyrical content, this is one album that makes a remarkable artistic statement.

On Monday June 23rd a lucky few Chicagoans were treated to an intimate performance at the Hideout by the leading lady of protest, Mavis Staples. Accustomed to appearances at large venues, particularly in her hometown - the Windy City itself - Staples played with a stripped down, raw and swampy three-piece band and just a handful of back-up singers, providing a rare opportunity for fans to get close and sweaty with a figure who has led the musical charge towards equality and justice for the past five decades. Fortunately, the magical set was captured on tape, and now the rest of us can experience the righteous protest and joyful inspiration Mavis imparted that evening via Live: Hope at the Hideout.

Before they were Ghosts, the Nate Wilson Group turned out this full-length psychedelic rock opus back in September of 2008. A dense, hard sound contrasted with Wilson's delicately edged voice has this album riding an animated surge full of big guitars, big motifs, and bold arrangements.

“Unbound crackles with Led Zep-like ferocity. With a seemingly endless supply of thunderous riffs at his disposal, Wilson and his crack band rekindle the glory days of '70s heavy psychedelia on tunes such as the menacing 'Scatterbrain' and the gloriously sludgy 'Hear the Echoes.' One thing that hasn't changed is Wilson's knack for melody. The man knows his way around a hook, no matter the style.” –Christopher Blagg Boston Herald