TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

MISSY RAINES AND THE NEW HIP

“… I once had a dream about the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe, pop master Joe Jackson and jazz giant Ray Brown. They were like… friends. They got together and jammed and it was a whole new kind of music, it was very cool. And then I woke up, and I knew what I had to do…” says Missy Raines; but progressive bluegrass is nothing new to her. She launched her career with the experimental bluegrass band Cloud Valley, toured with Eddie and Martha Adcock, was a member of Claire Lynch’s Front Porch Band, and won IBMA's Best Bass Player of the Year award 7(!) times. Missy's influences are diverse: Tom Gray, Todd Phillips, Ron Carter, Christian McBride as bass players; Tony Rice, Sam Bush, and David Grisman as three major life changing influences.

Missy’s dream finally came true when she brought 4 very talented musicians together to form a new band: Missy Raines and The New Hip. But how did these musicians come together? Missy says: “They are fabulous talents and I feel very lucky to have found them. It took a while to assemble everyone and it wasn't easy. One tactic was to find the players whose playing I loved, but who were already knee deep in their own careers but to ask them about protégés, students, folks they'd heard recently who impressed them. That's exactly how I found Ethan Ballinger- through Matt Flinner. I love Matt's playing and I wanted someone with that sensibility. Ethan was one of Matt's students till he got so good they started gigging together. I've known Michael for years and when I first heard him play I knew he was special and I knew I wanted him in the band. He's been there since the start. I met Megan at a session in town and Lee through Ethan."

She adds: "Word of mouth is a pretty powerful tool. The bigger question is, "how do you keep them?" I think it comes down to creating a band that you would want to be in yourself. Musically, everyone contributes- ideas are solicited and most arrangements are group efforts. Everyone writes in this band, so we often feature individuals with their own tunes. At the end of the day, I have to ultimately be responsible for what goes out, but I'm constantly aware that I've got amazing musicians around me and I really try to tap into the creativity and synergy that is going on when we're all together. We're all building a trust among us and that takes time but is one of those things that make bands thrive."

There is indeed great chemistry between the band members and it most definitely reflects to the music they create. Their debut 5 song EP recently came out (May 20th 2008). The opening track is a great bluegrass/jazz piece called "Eye of the Liger", an Ethan Ballinger song. Ballinger, 21 years old, started his music career playing rock and blues electric guitar. He is however playing mandolin and mandola now and blending his jazz skills with bluegrass and acoustic music. Ethan, Megan and Michael each take their solo turns on "Eye of he Liger". Please pay close attention to Megan McCormick who was already featured at such a young age on Flatpicking Guitar Magazine's September-October 2006 issue. The founder of the magazine Dan Miller says she will be a role model for guitarists regardless of gender and generation. Lee Holland, the most recent addition to the band plays percussion on "Eye of the Liger" and "Basket of Singing Birds".

With her incredible bass playing aside, Missy's steamy vocals are also unique for the genre. She has the voice of a jazz singer mixed with country and pop influences. "Basket of Singing Birds", a song written by Ed Snodderly, really does suit her voice as the verses are on country-pop side and the chorus is on pop-jazz. She did not win the best bass player award for nothing 7 times in a row. When you hear her play you will immediately realize that she treats bass as a lead instrument more than just a rhythm section element. Like on "Stop, Drop & Wiggle", the second instrumental song written by the band. Guitarist Michael Witcher brings a more bluesy sound to this song whereas the guest John R. Burr takes a fusion-like turn on hammond organ. "Magnolia", written by Ed Snodderly sounds like Nickel Creek meets early John Cowan solo. Last track "Fingernail Moon" is more on the folk side with a little bit of Joni Mitchell feel.

This album is loaded with positive energy. It is in the lyrics, it is in the melodies, it is everywhere. Do not try to pinpoint this band's sound by picking it apart song by song, we actually discourage you to do so. Enjoy the music as a whole and it will get to you quickly when you don't try to categorize it. Tony Rice said "Playing with Missy is like walking on air", well, listening to Missy Raines and The New Hip feels the same way, truly uplifting...

Visit the band's website at: www.missyraines.com

Visit their myspace and listen to their songs at: www.myspace.com/missyrainesandthenewhip