Sat May 14, 2016
Neck of the Woods Presents: JAMES MCCARTNEY, Lou Evans, Andy Kong
SEE EVENT DETAILS
James McCartney
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James McCartney has remained fiercely dedicated to his musical vision of melding smart hooks and feral alt-rock with the grandeur and spiritually centeredness of psychedelic music. Now, he issues the sharpest entry of his vision, the majestic The Blackberry Train engineered by Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies and PJ Harvey).
“It’s all been an evolution,” James says. “This set of songs definitely has a harder edge, but it’s a continuation of the last album. The main thing for me is to not conform or compromise.”
James’ panoramic artistry is inspired by such diverse musicians as Kurt Cobain, The Smiths, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, The Cure, The Beatles, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, and Hank Williams. His fingerprint aesthetic has earned him plaudits from Rolling Stone, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Daily News. He’s earned a strong following the old fashioned way, through tirelessly touring the US, Europe and the UK, and playing bigger and bigger shows with each go around.
The Blackberry Train is an epiphanic co-mingling of aesthetics. James sought out the distinct audio stylings of Steve Albini to conjure a grungier sensibility. He welcomed the engineer’s gifts for capturing music with a raw clarity, and Steve Albini’s reputation for not impinging on an artist’s vision. The results make for an eclectic album with fastidiously crafted songs documented in the studio with glorious purity.
“I like the music to have elements of the avant garde, psychedelic, and be just a little against the grain,” James reveals. “But in the end, it’s about having as much emotion as possible for me, musically and lyrically. It’s all about the music being cathartic, heartfelt and true.”
The Blackberry Train manages to be both diverse and cohesive. The album opens invigoratingly with the jangling rocker, “Too Hard” and closes with the stately and aptly named folk song “Peace and Stillness.” Between these bookends, highlights include the rough-edged and urgently melodic “Unicorn,” the anthemic “Peyote Coyote,” and the soulful ballad “Prayer.” One very personal song is the winsome and reflective “Waterfall” which was inspired by memories of his mother.
This summer and fall James will embark on extensive tour dates in the U.S. Thinking ahead, James says: “I just want to keep on going, keep working, and improving as a songwriter. I’d love to feel that I realized my full potential both as a person, and as a songwriter. That feels like a great, fulfilling goal to shoot for. Making a lot of music, and striving for more depth artistically–those are my goals.”
Lou Evans
Lou Evans is a singer/songwriter based in San Francisco, CA. He played professional baseball in the Miami Marlins Minor League system from 2001-2005. In 2005, he decided to pursue his burgeoning music career. An American Idol Season 4 contestant, Lou has constantly been performing and writing new music. The past few years he has been given some great opportunities to shine by singing the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game and Golden State Warriors games. Having released his first EP (All a Dream..) in October 2013, he has recently released his first official music video 'Light on Your Toes', and his full length album, 'Lost then Found'. With his album release show at the nationally renown venue, The Great American Music Hall. A powerful, soulful vocalist and passionate songwriter, his momentum is soaring. Keep your eyes and ears open for this rising talent!
Andy Kong
Independent in every sense of the word, 26-year-old, Andy Kong, writes, records, produces and engineers every song from “notes on a napkin” to the final mix. Raised on the classic records of the 60’s and 70’s, the Northern California native is defining a sound that blends the intimacy of James Taylor with the synthetic grit of modern electronic artists like James Blake and Chet Faker.
Andy’s unique sound is as equally fresh as it is accessible and has lead him on multiple tours across the western United States, headlining stages up and down the coast including, Freight and Salvage (Berkeley, CA), Cafe Du Nord (San Francisco, CA) and the Alberta Rose Theater (Portland, OR).
In 2014, Andy was awarded “International Song of the Year” by the West Coast Songwriters Association and is currently promoting his new Meteor Showers EP, while finishing up production on a new video-musical project, entitled “Westfalia”, due out in the Fall
Venue Information:
Neck of the Woods
406 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA, 94118
http://neckofthewoodssf.com
show less
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James McCartney has remained fiercely dedicated to his musical vision of melding smart hooks and feral alt-rock with the grandeur and spiritually centeredness of psychedelic music. Now, he issues the sharpest entry of his vision, the majestic The Blackberry Train engineered by Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies and PJ Harvey).
“It’s all been an evolution,” James says. “This set of songs definitely has a harder edge, but it’s a continuation of the last album. The main thing for me is to not conform or compromise.”
James’ panoramic artistry is inspired by such diverse musicians as Kurt Cobain, The Smiths, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, The Cure, The Beatles, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, and Hank Williams. His fingerprint aesthetic has earned him plaudits from Rolling Stone, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Daily News. He’s earned a strong following the old fashioned way, through tirelessly touring the US, Europe and the UK, and playing bigger and bigger shows with each go around.
The Blackberry Train is an epiphanic co-mingling of aesthetics. James sought out the distinct audio stylings of Steve Albini to conjure a grungier sensibility. He welcomed the engineer’s gifts for capturing music with a raw clarity, and Steve Albini’s reputation for not impinging on an artist’s vision. The results make for an eclectic album with fastidiously crafted songs documented in the studio with glorious purity.
“I like the music to have elements of the avant garde, psychedelic, and be just a little against the grain,” James reveals. “But in the end, it’s about having as much emotion as possible for me, musically and lyrically. It’s all about the music being cathartic, heartfelt and true.”
The Blackberry Train manages to be both diverse and cohesive. The album opens invigoratingly with the jangling rocker, “Too Hard” and closes with the stately and aptly named folk song “Peace and Stillness.” Between these bookends, highlights include the rough-edged and urgently melodic “Unicorn,” the anthemic “Peyote Coyote,” and the soulful ballad “Prayer.” One very personal song is the winsome and reflective “Waterfall” which was inspired by memories of his mother.
This summer and fall James will embark on extensive tour dates in the U.S. Thinking ahead, James says: “I just want to keep on going, keep working, and improving as a songwriter. I’d love to feel that I realized my full potential both as a person, and as a songwriter. That feels like a great, fulfilling goal to shoot for. Making a lot of music, and striving for more depth artistically–those are my goals.”
Lou Evans
Lou Evans is a singer/songwriter based in San Francisco, CA. He played professional baseball in the Miami Marlins Minor League system from 2001-2005. In 2005, he decided to pursue his burgeoning music career. An American Idol Season 4 contestant, Lou has constantly been performing and writing new music. The past few years he has been given some great opportunities to shine by singing the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game and Golden State Warriors games. Having released his first EP (All a Dream..) in October 2013, he has recently released his first official music video 'Light on Your Toes', and his full length album, 'Lost then Found'. With his album release show at the nationally renown venue, The Great American Music Hall. A powerful, soulful vocalist and passionate songwriter, his momentum is soaring. Keep your eyes and ears open for this rising talent!
Andy Kong
Independent in every sense of the word, 26-year-old, Andy Kong, writes, records, produces and engineers every song from “notes on a napkin” to the final mix. Raised on the classic records of the 60’s and 70’s, the Northern California native is defining a sound that blends the intimacy of James Taylor with the synthetic grit of modern electronic artists like James Blake and Chet Faker.
Andy’s unique sound is as equally fresh as it is accessible and has lead him on multiple tours across the western United States, headlining stages up and down the coast including, Freight and Salvage (Berkeley, CA), Cafe Du Nord (San Francisco, CA) and the Alberta Rose Theater (Portland, OR).
In 2014, Andy was awarded “International Song of the Year” by the West Coast Songwriters Association and is currently promoting his new Meteor Showers EP, while finishing up production on a new video-musical project, entitled “Westfalia”, due out in the Fall
Venue Information:
Neck of the Woods
406 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA, 94118
http://neckofthewoodssf.com
James McCartney
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James McCartney has remained fiercely dedicated to his musical vision of melding smart hooks and feral alt-rock with the grandeur and spiritually centeredness of psychedelic music. Now, he issues the sharpest entry of his vision, the majestic The Blackberry Train engineered by Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies and PJ Harvey).
“It’s all been an evolution,” James says. “This set of songs definitely has a harder edge, but it’s a continuation of the last album. The main thing for me is to not conform or compromise.”
James’ panoramic artistry is inspired by such diverse musicians as Kurt Cobain, The Smiths, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, The Cure, The Beatles, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, and Hank Williams. His fingerprint aesthetic has earned him plaudits from Rolling Stone, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Daily News. He’s earned a strong following the old fashioned way, through tirelessly touring the US, Europe and the UK, and playing bigger and bigger shows with each go around.
The Blackberry Train is an epiphanic co-mingling of aesthetics. James sought out the distinct audio stylings of Steve Albini to conjure a grungier sensibility. He welcomed the engineer’s gifts for capturing music with a raw clarity, and Steve Albini’s reputation for not impinging on an artist’s vision. The results make for an eclectic album with fastidiously crafted songs documented in the studio with glorious purity.
“I like the music to have elements of the avant garde, psychedelic, and be just a little against the grain,” James reveals. “But in the end, it’s about having as much emotion as possible for me, musically and lyrically. It’s all about the music being cathartic, heartfelt and true.”
The Blackberry Train manages to be both diverse and cohesive. The album opens invigoratingly with the jangling rocker, “Too Hard” and closes with the stately and aptly named folk song “Peace and Stillness.” Between these bookends, highlights include the rough-edged and urgently melodic “Unicorn,” the anthemic “Peyote Coyote,” and the soulful ballad “Prayer.” One very personal song is the winsome and reflective “Waterfall” which was inspired by memories of his mother.
This summer and fall James will embark on extensive tour dates in the U.S. Thinking ahead, James says: “I just want to keep on going, keep working, and improving as a songwriter. I’d love to feel that I realized my full potential both as a person, and as a songwriter. That feels like a great, fulfilling goal to shoot for. Making a lot of music, and striving for more depth artistically–those are my goals.”
Lou Evans
Lou Evans is a singer/songwriter based in San Francisco, CA. He played professional baseball in the Miami Marlins Minor League system from 2001-2005. In 2005, he decided to pursue his burgeoning music career. An American Idol Season 4 contestant, Lou has constantly been performing and writing new music. The past few years he has been given some great opportunities to shine by singing the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game and Golden State Warriors games. Having released his first EP (All a Dream..) in October 2013, he has recently released his first official music video 'Light on Your Toes', and his full length album, 'Lost then Found'. With his album release show at the nationally renown venue, The Great American Music Hall. A powerful, soulful vocalist and passionate songwriter, his momentum is soaring. Keep your eyes and ears open for this rising talent!
Andy Kong
Independent in every sense of the word, 26-year-old, Andy Kong, writes, records, produces and engineers every song from “notes on a napkin” to the final mix. Raised on the classic records of the 60’s and 70’s, the Northern California native is defining a sound that blends the intimacy of James Taylor with the synthetic grit of modern electronic artists like James Blake and Chet Faker.
Andy’s unique sound is as equally fresh as it is accessible and has lead him on multiple tours across the western United States, headlining stages up and down the coast including, Freight and Salvage (Berkeley, CA), Cafe Du Nord (San Francisco, CA) and the Alberta Rose Theater (Portland, OR).
In 2014, Andy was awarded “International Song of the Year” by the West Coast Songwriters Association and is currently promoting his new Meteor Showers EP, while finishing up production on a new video-musical project, entitled “Westfalia”, due out in the Fall
Venue Information:
Neck of the Woods
406 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA, 94118
http://neckofthewoodssf.com
read more
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James McCartney has remained fiercely dedicated to his musical vision of melding smart hooks and feral alt-rock with the grandeur and spiritually centeredness of psychedelic music. Now, he issues the sharpest entry of his vision, the majestic The Blackberry Train engineered by Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies and PJ Harvey).
“It’s all been an evolution,” James says. “This set of songs definitely has a harder edge, but it’s a continuation of the last album. The main thing for me is to not conform or compromise.”
James’ panoramic artistry is inspired by such diverse musicians as Kurt Cobain, The Smiths, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, The Cure, The Beatles, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, and Hank Williams. His fingerprint aesthetic has earned him plaudits from Rolling Stone, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Daily News. He’s earned a strong following the old fashioned way, through tirelessly touring the US, Europe and the UK, and playing bigger and bigger shows with each go around.
The Blackberry Train is an epiphanic co-mingling of aesthetics. James sought out the distinct audio stylings of Steve Albini to conjure a grungier sensibility. He welcomed the engineer’s gifts for capturing music with a raw clarity, and Steve Albini’s reputation for not impinging on an artist’s vision. The results make for an eclectic album with fastidiously crafted songs documented in the studio with glorious purity.
“I like the music to have elements of the avant garde, psychedelic, and be just a little against the grain,” James reveals. “But in the end, it’s about having as much emotion as possible for me, musically and lyrically. It’s all about the music being cathartic, heartfelt and true.”
The Blackberry Train manages to be both diverse and cohesive. The album opens invigoratingly with the jangling rocker, “Too Hard” and closes with the stately and aptly named folk song “Peace and Stillness.” Between these bookends, highlights include the rough-edged and urgently melodic “Unicorn,” the anthemic “Peyote Coyote,” and the soulful ballad “Prayer.” One very personal song is the winsome and reflective “Waterfall” which was inspired by memories of his mother.
This summer and fall James will embark on extensive tour dates in the U.S. Thinking ahead, James says: “I just want to keep on going, keep working, and improving as a songwriter. I’d love to feel that I realized my full potential both as a person, and as a songwriter. That feels like a great, fulfilling goal to shoot for. Making a lot of music, and striving for more depth artistically–those are my goals.”
Lou Evans
Lou Evans is a singer/songwriter based in San Francisco, CA. He played professional baseball in the Miami Marlins Minor League system from 2001-2005. In 2005, he decided to pursue his burgeoning music career. An American Idol Season 4 contestant, Lou has constantly been performing and writing new music. The past few years he has been given some great opportunities to shine by singing the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game and Golden State Warriors games. Having released his first EP (All a Dream..) in October 2013, he has recently released his first official music video 'Light on Your Toes', and his full length album, 'Lost then Found'. With his album release show at the nationally renown venue, The Great American Music Hall. A powerful, soulful vocalist and passionate songwriter, his momentum is soaring. Keep your eyes and ears open for this rising talent!
Andy Kong
Independent in every sense of the word, 26-year-old, Andy Kong, writes, records, produces and engineers every song from “notes on a napkin” to the final mix. Raised on the classic records of the 60’s and 70’s, the Northern California native is defining a sound that blends the intimacy of James Taylor with the synthetic grit of modern electronic artists like James Blake and Chet Faker.
Andy’s unique sound is as equally fresh as it is accessible and has lead him on multiple tours across the western United States, headlining stages up and down the coast including, Freight and Salvage (Berkeley, CA), Cafe Du Nord (San Francisco, CA) and the Alberta Rose Theater (Portland, OR).
In 2014, Andy was awarded “International Song of the Year” by the West Coast Songwriters Association and is currently promoting his new Meteor Showers EP, while finishing up production on a new video-musical project, entitled “Westfalia”, due out in the Fall
Venue Information:
Neck of the Woods
406 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA, 94118
http://neckofthewoodssf.com
show less
Date/Times:
406 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
The Best Events
Every Week in Your Inbox
From Our Sponsors
UPCOMING EVENTS
Great suggestion! We'll be in touch.
Event reviewed successfully.