Music Videos
The Front Line
***Click on the red tabs for event details***
The Front Line
The High Altitude Underground
The Pulse
WONDERDRUG ROCKS FANS INTO EUPHORIC ECSTASY
by Cyndi McCoy, April, 2011
The boys are back and friends and fans of Fraser Valley-hometown-borne rock band Wonderdrug (vocalists Matt Holliday, guitar; Chris "Willy" Williamson, bass; and Andy Moore, guitar; Tim Connelly, keys; and "Texas Terry" Tompkins) are estatic to see them together and tighter than ever. It's almost as if a day had not passed since they played.
by Cyndi McCoy, April, 2011
The boys are back and friends and fans of Fraser Valley-hometown-borne rock band Wonderdrug (vocalists Matt Holliday, guitar; Chris "Willy" Williamson, bass; and Andy Moore, guitar; Tim Connelly, keys; and "Texas Terry" Tompkins) are estatic to see them together and tighter than ever. It's almost as if a day had not passed since they played.
For the evening we forgot our troubles, including grief over the loss of too many fallen friends recently, and were brought together in melodic harmony. Like a picture from the past which was brought back to life, the troupe and its performance fuzed a powerful connection with the audience. Fans reminisced and we were reminded how plentiful and great the arts in Grand County are. (To keep it alive I urge each and every one of you to support those venues that consistently support local artists).
The absolutely-electric show, the first of several to come while Williamson and Connelly are in town after moves east, played to an overflowing Winter Park Pub. The celebration not only attracted the fantastic fan-fare that has always loved and supported the band (as well as band One Time which featured Holliday and Williamson), but a score of other musicians who came to honor the group, and many pleasantly-surprised Pub patrons who had no idea just what they had in store for them when they came out for some good deep dish.
Hugs and hellos welcomed Eric "Oly" Olson, who just got back from a tour with band Stereomaid (with Eric Elliott, bass; and Ryan Sapp, drums), as well as Mike Shanihan (who played guitar with Olson and hibernating band Huge in Germany). With radio interviews (KCMV 106.3) recently, and Chicago next on the map for Stereomaid, Olson and the band is really going places, literally. (Ah, if only there was a grant to support a road-trip to photograph their many future adventures.) Check out their new video for song "Better Than Today," with footage of the band with friends during their recent California tour, on Olson's myspace page (olyrockandrolltome).
Hunker Down guitarists and vocalists Matt Brown and Andy Straus, Yaniv Salzberg (bass) and Greg Travis (percussion), who all recently made waves of raves at shows to include the Crooked Creek Eatery/Saloon venue, were also able to stop in. Also in tow was a phenomenal trumpet player from New York City (Ryan) who had accepted an invitation to play with Brown at February 24th's evening of Art and Visual Enlightenment at the Circle H Retreat and glass gallery/studio. Brown and Ryan not only attracted large groups there (with fiddle player Matt Brigown) and at the Iron Horse Bistro, but Ryan just happened to have his trumpet handy at the Wonderdrug show. I sure hope we get to see the big city slicker back in town because Brown is amazing by himself, but that Circle H show was sick! The crowd especially enjoyed "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," "Jeremy," and "Summertime." I thought "Jeremy" with Brigown kicking it up a notch would be just incredible, maybe even just with Brown and Brigown. The violin weaved in so well with the Pearl Jam tune and the trumpet during "Summertime" was perfecto. (Check out the calendar on ThisSideOfBerthoud.com for future Circle H events, and check out Brown who entertains for the a Happy Hour Friday at the Crooked Creek Eatery/Saloon once a month at least.)
It didn't take long for the dance floor to fill up as we shook and shimmied to oldies, goodies, and killer new works by Williamson, who's been a writing fool since his departure (so much that he's too busy to shave or get a haircut I joke, but the furry fury hopes to donate to Locks for Love in honor of One Time fallen member Craigy T). Favorites for me always include Williamson's "Stella Said" and One Time hit "Long Shot," which is also one of my favorites on the This Side of Berthoud compilation CD Teresa Hill and Slopeside Productions put together (Volume One).
Like an illegal drug, the band keeps hearts smiling and pounding from such wonder that comes from this group of talents. Invisible capes flying as their fingertips rip and roll, members almost resemble superheroes set to save the world --- with their rock. Guitarist Andy Moore has especially shined since his return to the county, with growing confidence showing not through his shy smile, but his blessed hands and that beautiful slide guitar.
Mark your calendars for back-to-back shows at the Tugboat in Steamboat next weekend, as well as the Crooked Creek Eatery/Saloon venue in Fraser the following weekend. After all, Connelly and Williamson are back only for a short period and as Ullrs soundman Vincent Jordan quipped after the Pub show, "Time is not an infinite window."
Until next time, we'll hope see you out there!
The absolutely-electric show, the first of several to come while Williamson and Connelly are in town after moves east, played to an overflowing Winter Park Pub. The celebration not only attracted the fantastic fan-fare that has always loved and supported the band (as well as band One Time which featured Holliday and Williamson), but a score of other musicians who came to honor the group, and many pleasantly-surprised Pub patrons who had no idea just what they had in store for them when they came out for some good deep dish.
Hugs and hellos welcomed Eric "Oly" Olson, who just got back from a tour with band Stereomaid (with Eric Elliott, bass; and Ryan Sapp, drums), as well as Mike Shanihan (who played guitar with Olson and hibernating band Huge in Germany). With radio interviews (KCMV 106.3) recently, and Chicago next on the map for Stereomaid, Olson and the band is really going places, literally. (Ah, if only there was a grant to support a road-trip to photograph their many future adventures.) Check out their new video for song "Better Than Today," with footage of the band with friends during their recent California tour, on Olson's myspace page (olyrockandrolltome).
Hunker Down guitarists and vocalists Matt Brown and Andy Straus, Yaniv Salzberg (bass) and Greg Travis (percussion), who all recently made waves of raves at shows to include the Crooked Creek Eatery/Saloon venue, were also able to stop in. Also in tow was a phenomenal trumpet player from New York City (Ryan) who had accepted an invitation to play with Brown at February 24th's evening of Art and Visual Enlightenment at the Circle H Retreat and glass gallery/studio. Brown and Ryan not only attracted large groups there (with fiddle player Matt Brigown) and at the Iron Horse Bistro, but Ryan just happened to have his trumpet handy at the Wonderdrug show. I sure hope we get to see the big city slicker back in town because Brown is amazing by himself, but that Circle H show was sick! The crowd especially enjoyed "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," "Jeremy," and "Summertime." I thought "Jeremy" with Brigown kicking it up a notch would be just incredible, maybe even just with Brown and Brigown. The violin weaved in so well with the Pearl Jam tune and the trumpet during "Summertime" was perfecto. (Check out the calendar on ThisSideOfBerthoud.com for future Circle H events, and check out Brown who entertains for the a Happy Hour Friday at the Crooked Creek Eatery/Saloon once a month at least.)
It didn't take long for the dance floor to fill up as we shook and shimmied to oldies, goodies, and killer new works by Williamson, who's been a writing fool since his departure (so much that he's too busy to shave or get a haircut I joke, but the furry fury hopes to donate to Locks for Love in honor of One Time fallen member Craigy T). Favorites for me always include Williamson's "Stella Said" and One Time hit "Long Shot," which is also one of my favorites on the This Side of Berthoud compilation CD Teresa Hill and Slopeside Productions put together (Volume One).
Like an illegal drug, the band keeps hearts smiling and pounding from such wonder that comes from this group of talents. Invisible capes flying as their fingertips rip and roll, members almost resemble superheroes set to save the world --- with their rock. Guitarist Andy Moore has especially shined since his return to the county, with growing confidence showing not through his shy smile, but his blessed hands and that beautiful slide guitar.
Mark your calendars for back-to-back shows at the Tugboat in Steamboat next weekend, as well as the Crooked Creek Eatery/Saloon venue in Fraser the following weekend. After all, Connelly and Williamson are back only for a short period and as Ullrs soundman Vincent Jordan quipped after the Pub show, "Time is not an infinite window."
Until next time, we'll hope see you out there!
The First Pulse: It's Alive
by Cyndi McCoy October, 2009
Hear ye, hear ye! It'll be here, yea.
Thanks to all the hard work by Slopeside Productions and This Side of Berthoud producer Tree Hill the Web site has a new look and feel. And I hope to have for you, dear readers, dear music aficionados, dear seekers of thrill and chill, the most up-to-date arts and entertainment news right here.
by Cyndi McCoy October, 2009
Hear ye, hear ye! It'll be here, yea.
Thanks to all the hard work by Slopeside Productions and This Side of Berthoud producer Tree Hill the Web site has a new look and feel. And I hope to have for you, dear readers, dear music aficionados, dear seekers of thrill and chill, the most up-to-date arts and entertainment news right here.
THE PULSE
Love ‘em, hate ‘em,
new GC metal band
doesn’t care
By Cyndi McCoy, October 2011
“Nakkii” (song lyrics):
Spirit of murky depths dwells beneath the blackened ice.
Offerings of blood quench the thirst of mortal desire.
Unbaptized children upon his funeral pyre.
Drowning pregnant women within the darkness in his eyes.
Lures to the stony shore with strings of lyre’s cry …
He fears “neither wolves nor beasts of the forest … .” He is
an old shaman, an ancient sage, who finds power in chants.
Just like the villagers of Wismar must have in old Finnish tales, today people are fearfully fleeing the grips of Nakkii. The name has been adopted by one of Grand County’s newest bands, which emerged on what most suredly had been a lunarless night, from its murky depths, and started making waves at Ullrs Tavern’s open mic nights at the beginning of 2011.
Most run away but frankly the band doesn’t really care; Nakkii’s music isn’t for everyone. If there’s even one that stays, it’s worth it. The two fired-up frontmen sum up the band’s sound in four words: “Ski thrash death ride!” They are “Fjordshield Frosthorn,” a.k.a. “Metal Head Ted” Anderson, III (bass, vocals) of Winter Park; and “Slidborg Tundgcraft,” a.k.a. Chris “Pops” Popovich (drums, vocals) of Granby. “I think it’s good to have a choice of music options; keeps it fresh,” Popovich said.
Both came to Grand County about a decade ago, and were already honing their musical talents. Popovich, originally from Minnesota, has played with the likes of many local bands like the Hot Jalopys (which has a song on the first volume of This Side of Berthoud) and Stony Credenza. Anderson, who’s lived in about seven different states, has played with local bands Columbian Necktie and The Pine Beetle.
Anderson started the band, what he calls “an experiment,” with friend Derek Gertz, whom he met at a party in 2009. The two struck up an intense conversation about metal which sparked up practice sessions to follow. Popovich, whose repertoire on guitar surpasses most local guitarists’, joined the band in the beginning of 2010. The first practice didn’t go so well, Popovich admits, but Anderson and Gertz gave the guitarist a second chance. By their second practice, the band’s founders discovered Popovich could sing and play drums (which he just “picked up”) at the same time, and well, and that is where he has stayed.
The new drumming-force-of-nature got just two months to play with Anderson and Gertz before the latter moved out of town and several short-lived replacements had stepped in, and back out: Dave Blevins, Brandon Olson (the original singer who moved to Alaska), and Amaurante Montez.
By the end of that year bass player “Reykjavik the Enslaver” Ray VanWey, of Hot Sulphur Springs (and formerly of Wisconsin) completed what is now the tried-and-true trio. “He’s a solid guitarist; innovative and creative,” Popovich said of VanWey. “We basically threw him to the wolves, and he’s risen to the challenge,” melding his style into theirs with ease.
The style as a whole combines VanWey’s fiery licks with the old-school metal band influence that Popovich pays homage to, and the hard-core metal of Anderson’s liking. Their lyrics are inspired by stories and poetry from spirit Nakkii’s origins, from resources such as “The Prose Edda,” a Finnish/Icelandic book on Norse mythology. “We like to tell dark stories with our music,” Popovich said. “What do you think we’re going to sing about? Flowers, puppies and love?”
Popovich jotted down the lyrics for one song after watching a show about the Dark Ages on the History Channel. “Voyage to Wismar” is about a Viking raid on a German village. “Euphoric Fear” is about a nightmare.” “The Heathen’s Toll” is about going to hell. “Pack from Ironwood” is about wolves that hunt the sun and moon, and “Kenaz Isa,” the band’s newest favorite to play, is about rune magic.
“In this era of humankind it’s especially easy to be inspired by darkness and grief,” Anderson said. Heavily-lain with description and gory detail, the songs “put the listener right into it,” Popovich said, like they’re there “drinking mead from the smashed, scooped-out skulls of (their) victims … .”
Since, Anderson, Popovich and VanWey have melded into a rip-roaring groove. And they’re not going to let a little closed-minded few dim their hopes and dreams. “Our goal is just simple: Play the music we want to play … we just want to do what we like doing most, playing the music that makes us happy,” Popovich said. “We know we’re not for everyone, and we respect that too.”
Despite a rough reception in Grand County, Manda at Obsidion Fog Promotions in the nearby Front Range has had no trouble booking the band, which has played with big names to include VX36, Weaponizer, and Schitzophrenic so far.
“This is not radio-friendly music,” Anderson adds. “And (we) don’t expect or really desire for those who are ‘mainstream’ to enjoy our brand of metal. Basically you either understand or you don’t.”
Popovich and Anderson agree: if their music reaches just one new fan, it will all have not been in vain. Anderson’s personal goal: “Changing the world! Changing the world one f*’n piece of sh* at a time!” Even if, like the sorry soul (in song “In Darkness I Wait”) who is buried alive, “only the worms and maggots are there to listen.”
Most run away but frankly the band doesn’t really care; Nakkii’s music isn’t for everyone. If there’s even one that stays, it’s worth it. The two fired-up frontmen sum up the band’s sound in four words: “Ski thrash death ride!” They are “Fjordshield Frosthorn,” a.k.a. “Metal Head Ted” Anderson, III (bass, vocals) of Winter Park; and “Slidborg Tundgcraft,” a.k.a. Chris “Pops” Popovich (drums, vocals) of Granby. “I think it’s good to have a choice of music options; keeps it fresh,” Popovich said.
Both came to Grand County about a decade ago, and were already honing their musical talents. Popovich, originally from Minnesota, has played with the likes of many local bands like the Hot Jalopys (which has a song on the first volume of This Side of Berthoud) and Stony Credenza. Anderson, who’s lived in about seven different states, has played with local bands Columbian Necktie and The Pine Beetle.
Anderson started the band, what he calls “an experiment,” with friend Derek Gertz, whom he met at a party in 2009. The two struck up an intense conversation about metal which sparked up practice sessions to follow. Popovich, whose repertoire on guitar surpasses most local guitarists’, joined the band in the beginning of 2010. The first practice didn’t go so well, Popovich admits, but Anderson and Gertz gave the guitarist a second chance. By their second practice, the band’s founders discovered Popovich could sing and play drums (which he just “picked up”) at the same time, and well, and that is where he has stayed.
The new drumming-force-of-nature got just two months to play with Anderson and Gertz before the latter moved out of town and several short-lived replacements had stepped in, and back out: Dave Blevins, Brandon Olson (the original singer who moved to Alaska), and Amaurante Montez.
By the end of that year bass player “Reykjavik the Enslaver” Ray VanWey, of Hot Sulphur Springs (and formerly of Wisconsin) completed what is now the tried-and-true trio. “He’s a solid guitarist; innovative and creative,” Popovich said of VanWey. “We basically threw him to the wolves, and he’s risen to the challenge,” melding his style into theirs with ease.
The style as a whole combines VanWey’s fiery licks with the old-school metal band influence that Popovich pays homage to, and the hard-core metal of Anderson’s liking. Their lyrics are inspired by stories and poetry from spirit Nakkii’s origins, from resources such as “The Prose Edda,” a Finnish/Icelandic book on Norse mythology. “We like to tell dark stories with our music,” Popovich said. “What do you think we’re going to sing about? Flowers, puppies and love?”
Popovich jotted down the lyrics for one song after watching a show about the Dark Ages on the History Channel. “Voyage to Wismar” is about a Viking raid on a German village. “Euphoric Fear” is about a nightmare.” “The Heathen’s Toll” is about going to hell. “Pack from Ironwood” is about wolves that hunt the sun and moon, and “Kenaz Isa,” the band’s newest favorite to play, is about rune magic.
“In this era of humankind it’s especially easy to be inspired by darkness and grief,” Anderson said. Heavily-lain with description and gory detail, the songs “put the listener right into it,” Popovich said, like they’re there “drinking mead from the smashed, scooped-out skulls of (their) victims … .”
Since, Anderson, Popovich and VanWey have melded into a rip-roaring groove. And they’re not going to let a little closed-minded few dim their hopes and dreams. “Our goal is just simple: Play the music we want to play … we just want to do what we like doing most, playing the music that makes us happy,” Popovich said. “We know we’re not for everyone, and we respect that too.”
Despite a rough reception in Grand County, Manda at Obsidion Fog Promotions in the nearby Front Range has had no trouble booking the band, which has played with big names to include VX36, Weaponizer, and Schitzophrenic so far.
“This is not radio-friendly music,” Anderson adds. “And (we) don’t expect or really desire for those who are ‘mainstream’ to enjoy our brand of metal. Basically you either understand or you don’t.”
Popovich and Anderson agree: if their music reaches just one new fan, it will all have not been in vain. Anderson’s personal goal: “Changing the world! Changing the world one f*’n piece of sh* at a time!” Even if, like the sorry soul (in song “In Darkness I Wait”) who is buried alive, “only the worms and maggots are there to listen.”
By: Cyndi McCoy, Slopeside Productions
That's right. If Jed Henry of the Bailouts band calls with a last-minute gig to crank out, and he will, I will be doing my darned-tootinest to share it with you fine folks. The purpose: to be able to look at one site to find out everything fun that's going on in the Fraser Valley.
Tree has designed a calendar page for artists to enter appropriate items and I've been rubbing shoulders with the biggies (those PR people and businesspersons known to support the local scene on an admirable level) to get us all in the loop --- to have the finest summer the Grand County area has to offer.
I'm happy to report there is now tons of music on Wednesdays in the county, with the Vista Vibe out at SolVista near Granby, and with Concerts in the Garden at the Crooked Creek Saloon in Fraser (with a portion of sale proceeds to benefit great causes like Grand County Pet Pals and Advocates).
As always, thing's will be hopping in Winter Park on weekends. Regular supporters include Jeff Williams at the Winter Park Pub (who also has his garden stage open for summer to entertain all ages during afternoon shows), Ullrs is bringing in tons of talent from all over, and Travis Smith at Freestyles always has some grooves going on.
I'm pleased to announce one of my favorite Front Range bands, Motorhome from FoCo, is on the lineup for the Pub. Traveling acts will be the cup o' tea at Ullrs. Highlights include Morsoul, James and the Devil, as well as local bands Wonderdrug and Hunker Down. Also on my wish list to attend are the Hideaway shows feat. Opie Gone Bad and Wendy Woo.
Also, don't miss the Grand County Blues Society's summer line-up. This year's Blues Fest was outstanding, with many performers, especially Trampled Under Foot, putting on extremely powerful shows at Hideaway Park and Smokin' Moe's at Cooper Creek Square. The Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce also presents free concerts Tuesdays at the old schoolhouse in Fraser and Thursdays at Hideaway Park in Winter Park. Bring a picnic basket and the whole family out.
When in doubt, check out our calendar page. The hardest part is choosing what you want to do. Our hope is to have families entertained from dawn to, well dawn, we suppose. Choose a day on the calendar and the opportunities await.
Tree has designed a calendar page for artists to enter appropriate items and I've been rubbing shoulders with the biggies (those PR people and businesspersons known to support the local scene on an admirable level) to get us all in the loop --- to have the finest summer the Grand County area has to offer.
I'm happy to report there is now tons of music on Wednesdays in the county, with the Vista Vibe out at SolVista near Granby, and with Concerts in the Garden at the Crooked Creek Saloon in Fraser (with a portion of sale proceeds to benefit great causes like Grand County Pet Pals and Advocates).
As always, thing's will be hopping in Winter Park on weekends. Regular supporters include Jeff Williams at the Winter Park Pub (who also has his garden stage open for summer to entertain all ages during afternoon shows), Ullrs is bringing in tons of talent from all over, and Travis Smith at Freestyles always has some grooves going on.
I'm pleased to announce one of my favorite Front Range bands, Motorhome from FoCo, is on the lineup for the Pub. Traveling acts will be the cup o' tea at Ullrs. Highlights include Morsoul, James and the Devil, as well as local bands Wonderdrug and Hunker Down. Also on my wish list to attend are the Hideaway shows feat. Opie Gone Bad and Wendy Woo.
Also, don't miss the Grand County Blues Society's summer line-up. This year's Blues Fest was outstanding, with many performers, especially Trampled Under Foot, putting on extremely powerful shows at Hideaway Park and Smokin' Moe's at Cooper Creek Square. The Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce also presents free concerts Tuesdays at the old schoolhouse in Fraser and Thursdays at Hideaway Park in Winter Park. Bring a picnic basket and the whole family out.
When in doubt, check out our calendar page. The hardest part is choosing what you want to do. Our hope is to have families entertained from dawn to, well dawn, we suppose. Choose a day on the calendar and the opportunities await.
Slopeside Productions rolls out
“This Side of Berthoud” CD encore
by Cyndi McCoy, April, 2011
With thumb stuck out pointing toward Granby, Bradley Hilton anxiously awaited a ride home after a day of snowboarding. As he stood there at the north edge of Fraser, his mind wandered back to a book he had been reading: Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.”
“This Side of Berthoud” CD encore
by Cyndi McCoy, April, 2011
With thumb stuck out pointing toward Granby, Bradley Hilton anxiously awaited a ride home after a day of snowboarding. As he stood there at the north edge of Fraser, his mind wandered back to a book he had been reading: Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.”
His musical ambitions had begun in Grand County, and like Kerouac, Hilton saw the road before him, U.S. Highway 40, as “an anywhere road for anybody anyhow.” He waited, taking in the inspirational panorama around him, perhaps “lean(ing) forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
Before long a fellow traveler pulled to the side and offered Hilton a ride. It would be a chance meeting that would prove most beneficial in both their journeys.
Jed Henry of folk/punk band The Bailouts was pedal to the metal (as usual) heading northwest on that paved main vein which pumps wayfarers through Grand County. His mind raced around getting to Harry Lemons for work on time, and finding a place to record his band’s explosive new song “She’s A Pipe Bomb, I’m a Match.”
Henry’s boss had mistakenly taken the key to Harry Lemons, where Henry tended bar, home with him the night before and Henry was on his way to pick it up. The side trip just happened to lead Henry exactly where Hilton was headed.
Hilton, formerly of band Fat Amber which would contribute “Out of this Place” for the album, was up visiting his old stomping grounds. Small talk swerved into thoughtful exchange and the two, both blossoming musicians, discovered they had a lot in common.
As luck would have it Hilton was studying mastering and recording at a school in Denver. The stranger, who would quickly become his friend, knew a couple of buddies who could help him record The Bailouts’ new song, and they also had the know-how to master the entire album for Slopeside Productions.
While the rest of Grand County’s finest musicians began tuning in their latest and greatest, the wheels began turning for graphic artist Hill, musician on the album and its producer.
Inspired by Henry’s story of that fateful day when Hilton’s path crossed his, Hill immediately steered toward artist Chris Dyer for the album cover. She had picked up his work for several different personal projects and it just so happened one work in particular, that she hadn’t had a chance to use would be perfect.
With five seconds to spare, the album, which now graces a vibrant hitchhiker underneath a blue sky, features more than 20 songs by local musicians and bands. The musical journey carries passengers along a winding array of musical talent, including that of several veterans from the debut album.
Like an angel from the harp-section of heaven, Ali Grayson once again gracefully descends upon our ears, this time with “Suspended.” The singer/songwriter, who just recently released a debut solo album, coasts into the mix with another perfect sample of just how beautiful her voice is.
Adam Lynam, host of Crooked Creek Saloon’s open mic nights on Thursdays, also jumped back on the bandwagon. Like “Dusty Roads,” which appeared on the first album, “In A Dream” fires up the album’s romantic side. Also drifting along Lover’s Lane is Robbie Gonzales, phenomenal guitarist who dedicates song “Sunshine” to his wife Sara.
Keyboardist Brad Pregeant and his lovely wife, singer Lynnea Godfriaux also return. The couple, who sailed listeners out to a playful sea on the last album, roll out another uplifting tune with “Ain’t Nothin’ Broke That ... .” They prove time and time again that there “ain’t nothin’ wrong ... if (they) do it together.”
Tree, who appeared on the debut album with a song from the Gaia Blue, and Stereomaid frontman Eric “Oly” Olson also return with cutting-edge, thought-provoking jams “On & On” and “Pocketknife” (respectively).
Local stewed rompgrass favorite Hunker Down picks another winner with “Old Fiddle.” The catchy tune was inspired when the instrument from his grandfather’s bequeathed collection, like Newton’s apple, struck the band’s violinist in his noggin.
Unlike any other musician in the county, “Walking Jukebox” Gary Key makes you smile with “Not Like all the Rest.” The song, about a musician working out a tune, shows Key’s more than just a singer and a player. The thoughtful lyrics, and his wide array of talent will chill listeners to the bone and is sure to become an album favorite.
It doesn’t take long to understand or love Mary Hemme, grandmother who runs Second Hand Grand in Fraser with family members. Hemme has several album credits of her own, including the surprisingly sultry “Travelin’ Man” that appeared on the first “This Side of Berthoud.” For the new album she offers yet another down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness piece entitled “As I Am.”
And they are just the first stops along the way through the abundant album credits. Newcomers Scott Torello (of Sasquatch Mountain Project, playing “All I Need Is Time”), Simon Nicol (“To Whom It May Concern”),
NectaFlow (“Consequences”), Steve Cormey (“Stick It”), Red Fox Run (“To Live”), and Bob Ramsey (“A Lot Like Me”)are great additions to the work.
Bands Hippie’s Sideshow Hootenanny (“It’s Not Me,” written by Matt “Hippie” Petty, host of open mic at Ullrs Mondays), Wonderdrug (“Stella Said,” written by Chris “Willy” Williamson), Conscious Koma (“World Grows Smaller”), and Irish band Claddagh (“Tail Waggin’ Dog”) also show promise of becoming Volume II favorites.
Slopeside Productions and producer/musician Teresa “Tree” Hill are excited to present the second volume of local music compilation “This Side of Berthoud.” The CD is set to hit the road with a release party scheduled at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at Brickhouse 40 in Granby. The event rounds out the town’s fun-filled Earth Day celebration scheduled in Polhamus Park.
Those unable to attend the Earth Day finale show are able to get copies of the album (for a mere $10) directly from featured musicians or participating retailers (Radio Shack, Seven Sisters, Mountain Grind, Second Hand Grand, Brickhouse 40, and more to be listed at www.thissideofberthoud.com).
Before long a fellow traveler pulled to the side and offered Hilton a ride. It would be a chance meeting that would prove most beneficial in both their journeys.
Jed Henry of folk/punk band The Bailouts was pedal to the metal (as usual) heading northwest on that paved main vein which pumps wayfarers through Grand County. His mind raced around getting to Harry Lemons for work on time, and finding a place to record his band’s explosive new song “She’s A Pipe Bomb, I’m a Match.”
Henry’s boss had mistakenly taken the key to Harry Lemons, where Henry tended bar, home with him the night before and Henry was on his way to pick it up. The side trip just happened to lead Henry exactly where Hilton was headed.
Hilton, formerly of band Fat Amber which would contribute “Out of this Place” for the album, was up visiting his old stomping grounds. Small talk swerved into thoughtful exchange and the two, both blossoming musicians, discovered they had a lot in common.
As luck would have it Hilton was studying mastering and recording at a school in Denver. The stranger, who would quickly become his friend, knew a couple of buddies who could help him record The Bailouts’ new song, and they also had the know-how to master the entire album for Slopeside Productions.
While the rest of Grand County’s finest musicians began tuning in their latest and greatest, the wheels began turning for graphic artist Hill, musician on the album and its producer.
Inspired by Henry’s story of that fateful day when Hilton’s path crossed his, Hill immediately steered toward artist Chris Dyer for the album cover. She had picked up his work for several different personal projects and it just so happened one work in particular, that she hadn’t had a chance to use would be perfect.
With five seconds to spare, the album, which now graces a vibrant hitchhiker underneath a blue sky, features more than 20 songs by local musicians and bands. The musical journey carries passengers along a winding array of musical talent, including that of several veterans from the debut album.
Like an angel from the harp-section of heaven, Ali Grayson once again gracefully descends upon our ears, this time with “Suspended.” The singer/songwriter, who just recently released a debut solo album, coasts into the mix with another perfect sample of just how beautiful her voice is.
Adam Lynam, host of Crooked Creek Saloon’s open mic nights on Thursdays, also jumped back on the bandwagon. Like “Dusty Roads,” which appeared on the first album, “In A Dream” fires up the album’s romantic side. Also drifting along Lover’s Lane is Robbie Gonzales, phenomenal guitarist who dedicates song “Sunshine” to his wife Sara.
Keyboardist Brad Pregeant and his lovely wife, singer Lynnea Godfriaux also return. The couple, who sailed listeners out to a playful sea on the last album, roll out another uplifting tune with “Ain’t Nothin’ Broke That ... .” They prove time and time again that there “ain’t nothin’ wrong ... if (they) do it together.”
Tree, who appeared on the debut album with a song from the Gaia Blue, and Stereomaid frontman Eric “Oly” Olson also return with cutting-edge, thought-provoking jams “On & On” and “Pocketknife” (respectively).
Local stewed rompgrass favorite Hunker Down picks another winner with “Old Fiddle.” The catchy tune was inspired when the instrument from his grandfather’s bequeathed collection, like Newton’s apple, struck the band’s violinist in his noggin.
Unlike any other musician in the county, “Walking Jukebox” Gary Key makes you smile with “Not Like all the Rest.” The song, about a musician working out a tune, shows Key’s more than just a singer and a player. The thoughtful lyrics, and his wide array of talent will chill listeners to the bone and is sure to become an album favorite.
It doesn’t take long to understand or love Mary Hemme, grandmother who runs Second Hand Grand in Fraser with family members. Hemme has several album credits of her own, including the surprisingly sultry “Travelin’ Man” that appeared on the first “This Side of Berthoud.” For the new album she offers yet another down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness piece entitled “As I Am.”
And they are just the first stops along the way through the abundant album credits. Newcomers Scott Torello (of Sasquatch Mountain Project, playing “All I Need Is Time”), Simon Nicol (“To Whom It May Concern”),
NectaFlow (“Consequences”), Steve Cormey (“Stick It”), Red Fox Run (“To Live”), and Bob Ramsey (“A Lot Like Me”)are great additions to the work.
Bands Hippie’s Sideshow Hootenanny (“It’s Not Me,” written by Matt “Hippie” Petty, host of open mic at Ullrs Mondays), Wonderdrug (“Stella Said,” written by Chris “Willy” Williamson), Conscious Koma (“World Grows Smaller”), and Irish band Claddagh (“Tail Waggin’ Dog”) also show promise of becoming Volume II favorites.
Slopeside Productions and producer/musician Teresa “Tree” Hill are excited to present the second volume of local music compilation “This Side of Berthoud.” The CD is set to hit the road with a release party scheduled at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at Brickhouse 40 in Granby. The event rounds out the town’s fun-filled Earth Day celebration scheduled in Polhamus Park.
Those unable to attend the Earth Day finale show are able to get copies of the album (for a mere $10) directly from featured musicians or participating retailers (Radio Shack, Seven Sisters, Mountain Grind, Second Hand Grand, Brickhouse 40, and more to be listed at www.thissideofberthoud.com).
