Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Stacey Morris and Friends at Alcove International Tavern



Stacey Morris and Friends at Alcove International Tavern




Alabama Music Office.com goes to Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Stacey Morris and Friends for Tuesday Night Jazz.

Tuesday nights mark jazz nights at Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa from 8:30-11:30 p.m.
This Tuesday, Alcove owner Chad Smith, says Stacey Morris and Friends will provide the tunes.

Alcove has jazz music weekly and Smith tells us what kind of talent they bring in for these nights.

"You can expect a four-piece, and sometimes more, group of talented local jazz musicians," said Smith. "They are very versatile in their skills and the instrument lineup changes around so there's always something different and exciting going on."

Smith says sometimes the musicians are from the University of Alabama's School of Music while others are Tuscaloosa professionals.

Alcove International Tavern is located on the corner of 8th Street and 22nd Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. The jazz music is Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Source: http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/12/jazz_night_tuesday_night_at_al.html

Hallelujah Junction at Marty's with Kendra Sutton on guitar



Hallelujah Junction at Marty's with Kendra Sutton on guitar



Alabama Music Office.com goes to Marty's on Birmingham, Alabama's Southside to attend a performance by Hallelujah Junction. My definition of Hallelujah Junction is "a meeting where many are joined for a joyous praise in song." That is just what you get with this very talented band. This was only their second gig. We believe this is the first ever video of Kendra Sutton playing guitar. Hallelujah Junction is Kendra Sutton, Holly Malone, Mark Mizzell, Mike Hill, Alan Nettles and Clay Walker sitting in on keyboards from time to time.

Marty's present Hallelujah Junction featuring Holly Malone


Marty's present Hallelujah Junction featuring Holly Malone

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Marty's on Birmingham, Alabama's Southside to attend a performance by Hallelujah Junction. My definition of Hallelujah Junction is "a meeting where many are joined for a joyous praise in song." That is just what you get with this very talented band. This was only their second gig. Hallelujah Junction is Kendra Sutton, Holly Malone, Mark Mizzell, Mike Hill, Alan Nettles and Clay Walker sitting in on keyboards from time to time.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Hallelujah Junction at Marty's


Hallelujah Junction at Marty's

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Marty's in Birmingham, Alabama to attend a performance by Hallelujah Junction. My definition of Hallelujah Junction is "a meeting where many are joined for a joyous praise in song." That is just what you get with this very talented band. This was only their second gig. Hallelujah Junction is Kendra Sutton, Holly Malone, Mark Mizzell, Mike Hill, Alan Nettles and Clay Walker sitting in on keyboards from time to time.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Tuesday Jazz Night at Alcove International Tavern


Tuesday Jazz Night at Alcove International Tavern


Alabama Music Office.com goes to Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Stacey Morris and Friends for Tuesday Jazz Night.

Tuesday nights mark jazz nights at Alcove International Tavern in downtown Tuscaloosa from 8:30-11:30 p.m.
This Tuesday, Alcove owner Chad Smith, says Stacey Morris and Friends will provide the tunes.

Alcove has jazz music weekly and Smith tells us what kind of talent they bring in for these nights.

"You can expect a four-piece, and sometimes more, group of talented local jazz musicians," said Smith. "They are very versatile in their skills and the instrument lineup changes around so there's always something different and exciting going on."

Smith says sometimes the musicians are from the University of Alabama's School of Music while others are Tuscaloosa professionals.

Alcove International Tavern is located on the corner of 8th Street and 22nd Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. The jazz music is Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Source: http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/12/jazz_night_tuesday_night_at_al.html

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Voodoo Saints at Chloe's Cup Jazz Night


Voodoo Saints at Chloe's Cup Jazz Night


Alabama Music Office.com goes to Chloe's Cup in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by the Voodoo Saints. Tuesday night is jazz night in Tuscaloosa and the Voodoo Saints set the standard for jazz that puts a smile on your face.

The Voodoo Saints are a New Orleans style Dixieland Jazz trio that are based out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  The group is comprised of Nathan Holaway on soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet, and vocals; John Holaway on acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, banjo, and vocals; and Adrian Marmolejo on upright bass and vocals.  When you hear all three of us together, it's more satisfying than a fresh beignet and cafe au lait.  The Voodoo Saints have only been together since 2010, but in that short time we have played for The Bama Theatre, The Kentuck Arts Festival, The Alcove International Tavern, Evangelines Restaurant, Carmelo Cafe, Chloes Cup Coffee & Teas, Dickens Downtown, The Harrison Gallery, The Arboretum Plant Sale, as well as many weddings and other private functions.  Our love for New Orleans culture is transparent in our delivery of the music.  Our hot jazz group's main mission is to provide more than enough fun, cheer, and positivity to make even the hardest working professional forget about the cares and woes of their day.  At any given performance, you could hear songs by Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Danny Barker, Jelly Roll Morton, Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, Professor Longhair, or Buckwheat Zydeco.  So come see us next time we're performing and we're pretty sure you'll leave  saying "These three guys know how to get down and they make you feel like everyday is Mardi Gras Day. "

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler! (Let The Good Times Roll), Voodoo Saints​

Friday, April 26, 2013

Ham Bagby at OZ Music


Ham Bagby at OZ Music for Record Store day


Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ Music in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Ham Bagby for Record Store Day.

Biography
I've been playing gigs in Tuscaloosa and wherever I can since the late '90s. I play a lot of weird covers and some originals that range from mildly serious to absolutely absurd in content, and I like to pretend that people like it (although I honestly don't pay attention to such things). I get the most credit for hosting the Open Mic Night at Green Bar and for my yearly Ham Ham Jam Jam at Egan's Bar and Grill.
Describe your sound
I love old country, R&B and rock 'n' roll, and I try to keep my mind open to anything and everything. When I play, I like to play a lot of guitar solos. I think the guitar solos are where it's at. I suffer from having learned a lot of really big and crazy guitar stuff in my younger years, so I try to fit all of it into my sets to validate those chops. I'd hate to think it was all a waste of time.
What made you want to write and play music?
I remember loving Prince, Michael Jackson, Hall and Oates and a lot of pop stuff from the '80s when I was young. I think I also had all of the Weird Al records, too (which is probably where the humorous side came from, even though a sense of humor has always been important to me). Shortly after that period of listening, I graduated to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, but that was also around the same time that Yo MTV Raps started to come on. I think rap music has been a surprising (influence) on me. I'm fascinated by it. Mainly, I love the attitude and the determination of those early artists. Obviously I don't rap, but I refer to myself in the third person and whatever little subtle things I take from there. So I took all I could from everything I heard when I was younger when I started playing guitar, and I tried to force them to fit together. Les Nuby from Vulture Whale once told me I sounded like Waylon Jennings meets '80s rock.
What should people expect from your live show?
I just want to entertain. I'll play some songs you know, but don't necessarily think about hearing a three-piece rock band play. I play a lot of guitar solos and try to sing like Aretha or X-tina. I say "tip your bartenders" 500 times a night. Usually I close with (the title song from Bagby's upcoming album) "S***'s Crucial." Expect that, that right there.
Favorite venue to play in Tuscaloosa
I love Egan's because I feel like I really figured it out there (I am still learning), shows and performing started making way more sense in that room. No stage, ankle deep in beer, you know? Green Bar is big, too (same guidelines, less beer wading). Also, it's a physically larger room so you can get a bigger crowd and that happens sometimes. I recorded my record in that room, and I do the Ham Ham Jam Jam at Egan's. Honestly though, I really like all the bars I play. I've made some pretty amazing music with some amazing people all over Downtown and the Strip, so I feel like it would be a shame to say I only like playing two rooms.
Advice for newcomers to the Tuscaloosa music scene
Go to open mics and play as much as you can. Meet as many people as you can and find places to perform. Never be rude to a sound guy, especially over a microphone. Thank the door guy and the bartenders at the end of the night and make sure you learn their names (and tell the crowd to tip). Don't play the same covers as everyone else, if it's about covers, find some deep cuts everyone knows and make the scene fresh. Definitely don't be afraid to write and throw in a few originals. If you want to play all originals, good. You're going to need to start traveling and finding other bands to split bills with. There's three or four venues in Tuscaloosa that cater to original music, and that's cool, but you need to get it out there. Also, if you're young and in school and you want to play music live, learn your instrument like a freak in your free time and listen to music of varying genres all day long. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.
Where can people hear your music?
My new record is coming out soon, it's called "S***'s Crucial is Track 7." If you like my Facebook page, Ham Bagby, I will keep you abreast of all the developments. There's a ton of silly little videos on YouTube you can look up (once again by searching for Ham Bagby). Apparently, if you Google me stuff comes up, also.

Source: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20120316/ENT99/120319748

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Golightly at OZ Music



Golightly at OZ Music for Record Store Day




Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ Music in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Golightly for Record Store Day.

When Lena Dice and Wright Gatewood joined together to create music, they had one goal in mind: to have fun. GOLIGHTLY was formed in the summer of 2012 and has been trucking along ever since. They were looking to create a sound that would put there listeners in a "happy-go-lucky" mood and maybe garner a foot stomp or two. They are here to entertain. They are here to share. They are here for you! Look out for their debut EP this spring!

Blackwater Thieves at OZ Music



Blackwater Thieves at OZ Music 




Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ MUsic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Blackwater Thieves for Record Store Day.

The Tuscaloosa, Alabama jam band, The Blackwater Thieves earned their chops late at night, shaking down sweat drenched parties any chance they had, building fans one hip-twisting groove at a time. The 'Thieves are made up of Chris Pritchett on guitar and vocals, Harrison Wallace on bass and vocals, Jonathan Harms on lead guitar, Michael Ray on drums, and Brooks Mitchell on key/vocals.

Blackwater Thieves' Chris Pritchett talks songwriting process, band's future (Q&A)
  By Coti Howell | chowell@al.com
on January 10, 2013 at 5:05 PM
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- School is back at UA and Green Bar wants to help you kick it off right with Tuscaloosa jam band, The Blackwater Thieves tonight at 10 p.m.
The Blackwater Thieves are Jake "Peteman" Peters on bass, Jonathan Harms on lead guitar, Chris Pritchett on guitar and vocals and Brooks Mitchell on keyboards and vocals.
We got to know The Blackwater Thieves a little before their show tonight and this is what they had to say.
Coti Howell: How did The Blackwater Thieves come to be?
Chris Pritchett: The Blackwater Thieves started in the fall of 2010 as a four-piece house party band. The founders of the band are Chris Pritchett and Jake Peters along with former original members, Colin Jones (saxophone) and Clay Hunter (drums). We were a new band at the time and only had the capability of playing shows in our living room for parties we hosted. We were not good enough to get hired to play nor did we have a singer to even sing the songs. Success to us is when we got offered to play at someone else's house for a change. The parties got bigger, and more people started coming out to our shows, thanks to the kegs. As the band progressed, the direction of the band changed as well as the lineup. We added an extra guitar player (Rob Keating), a keyboard (Jermey Moulder) and a new drummer (John Laing). When the spring of 2011 rolled around, we felt we had enough experience to play at an actual venue. We played our first gig May 21, 2011 at Rounder on the Strip. We have been gigging ever since with additional changes to the band.
CH: How has your music evolved through those changes?
CP: With each addition of a new member comes a new sound. Our approach is to let our personal styles/tastes blend cohesively as one sound. Currently we have a mixture of jazz, blues, funk, and psychedelic rock baked into one.
CH: Describe that mixture of sounds in one adjective.
CP: Two words: Supercalifragilous Expialidocious.
CH: Where do you find inspiration for your music?
CP: Our main inspiration for our music comes from our love of improvisational music. Music that is made solely in the moment with immense communication aiming to achieve individual stylistic expression while maintaining a coherent sense of direction. We like to jam.
CH: Describe your music-making process.
CP: As far as composition, generally one person will come forth with an idea and present it to the group. We take that idea and start developing individual parts while building structure to the song. Depending on what kind of song we're writing, we will determine if lyrics are appropriate and if so we will toss around subject matter/ideas to write verses on. As far as improv, we like to be unpredictable. Sometimes we may not even know what's coming next because we will reach parts in songs that you don't rehearse. It comes strictly from being in the moment and communicating with other band members non-verbally. We strive for a collective groove between the members.

CH: What do you guys have in store for 2013?
CP: We have enough originals to do a full-length album and are looking for a studio or someone who would like to work with us. We're going to continue playing local shows as well as book more shows in the surrounding states such as Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.
Source: http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/01/celebrate_a_new_semester_with.html

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

T-Trio at OZ Music


T-Trio at OZ Music for Record Store Day

Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ Music in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by T-Trio for Record Store Day. I know very little about this band other than it being a Michael Battito creation.

Hartle Road at OZ Music


Hartle Road at OZ Music perform for Record Store Day


Alabama Music Office.com goes to OZ Music in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Hartle Road for Record Store Day.

Hartle Road is based in Columbus, Miss., but you might remember them as The Motions. Formerly one of Tuscaloosa's most active local bands, the indie alt-rockers (Toby Hartleroad, Max Hartleroad, Miles Jordan, Harrison Bennett, Miles Smith and Tyler Carter) are just a few miles West.
Inspired by the legendary "Wrecking Crew" and baptized by the spirit of Little Richard and The Boss, Hartle Road are rock n' roll missionaries, looking to find all the lost and tormented souls left shivering in the cold by the musical wasteland....

Get ready to be saved!

5 kids from the South played as the Motions until they became Hartle Road

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Bear at Bama Theatre


The Bear at Bama Theatre


Alabama Music Office.com goes to historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by The Bear.
Mellow is the best way to describe The Bear and its core members. They can't easily define the band's genre, or its sound, or even its new album — and they don't really feel inclined to.

"We've tried to decide what genre we are, but we haven't really come up with anything," said Amber Murray, one of The Bear's lead singers. "I think folk is probably the easiest way to describe it."

Murray's husband, guitarist and singer Nathan Pitts agrees. Kind of.

"It's kind of a mellow album in general," he said. "There are some more rocky parts, more up-tempo, a little moody. There's an earthy kind of folk sound in it."

Definitions, or lack thereof, aside, The Bear is one of many bands emerging from the Shoals' indie scene, bringing together artists from other projects to create a unique alt-country, pop and, yes, folk sound.

The Bear's debut album "The Bear" will be released Friday at a party and concert at Billy Reid, 114 N. Court St., Florence.

Named for William Faulkner's short story "The Bear," the band started first as Murray and Pitts, who met while students at the University of North Alabama in Florence.

After a few years, they added to their ranks as keyboardist Ben Tanner, a recording engineer and musician who is a member of local bands Lauderdale and Belle Adair. Pitts also plays peddle steel for Doc Dailey and Magnolia Devil.

Kyle Minckler, on drums, and Ben Stedman, on bass, round out the group.

Tanner, who helped engineer Dylan LeBlanc's successful 2010 album "Paupers Field" and plays with his band, also recorded and mixed The Bear's first self-titled album. They worked for marathon sessions last summer during two weekends, Murray said, recording at Wildwood Park Recording and Noiseblock Recording Studio, both in Florence.

Murray's distinctive voice dominates the album; she performs 11 songs, all of which she wrote. Pitts wrote and sings four. A banjo can be heard on some tracks, adding a folk quality to the sound, while the keyboard adds more "spacey" qualities to others, Pitts said.

Perhaps the lack of genre definition stems from the singers' different musical backgrounds; Murray grew up listening to and was influenced by bluegrass and classical music, while Pitts started with classic country and went a more rock direction. But together, their tastes work, Murray said.

"I was worried — Nathan and I write different styles of music — that it wouldn't sound cohesive," Murray said. "But now I'm pretty happy with the overall sound."

"The Bear" will be available at area stores such as Rivertown Coffee, Pegasus Records and Billy Reid in Florence, as well as online at cdbaby.com. Band members want to play more venues, Pitts said, but finding spaces that fit their vibe can be tricky.

Not that they can specifically define their vibe. Murray will settle with folk, though.

"I think there's definitely folk roots in the music, and there's definitely ... I guess there's pop influences," she said.

"A lot of folk."

Sarah Carlson can be reached at 256-740-5722 or sarah.carlson@TimesDaily.com.

Source: http://timesdaily.com/stories/The-Bear-still-undefinable-debuts-album,40757

Monday, April 22, 2013

Callooh! Callay! with Dan Walker at Bama Theatre


Callooh! Callay! with Dan Walker at Bama Theatre


Alabama Music Office.com goes to historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Callooh! Callay! with Dan Walker.
Muscle Shoals-based band The Bear strives to blend elements of country, folk and indie-pop to create a sound that transcends these typical genre descriptions and fits into all of them, and yet none of them, at the same time.

"There are elements of several different genres in our music, so one genre doesn't encompass our sound," band member Nathan Pitts said. "We aren't really doing anything overtly experimental, but we don't feel a need to confine ourselves to one style of music."

The Bear and Tuscaloosa's own Callooh! Callay! will perform Friday at the Bama Theatre's Acoustic Nights.

The Bear, formed in 2006, originally featured just Pitts on guitar and vocals and Louisa Murray on banjo and vocals. Not long after, Ben Tanner joined the band on keys, followed by Kyle Minckler on percussion, Ben Stedman on bass and Daniel Stoddard on pedal steel.

The band is based out of Muscle Shoals, Ala., a city famous for its contributions to the music industry and for its own bluesy, soulful sound. Although The Bear's music doesn't quite fit that mold, Pitts said the band enjoys performing there.

"To me, playing in Tuscaloosa isn't drastically different [from playing in Muscle Shoals]," Pitts said. "Both cities have a great core of musicians and supporters who come out for shows. There always seems to be an energetic crowd."

The Bear released their second full-length album, "Oversees Then Under,"in March, a followup to their 2011 self-titled debut album.

"I think the new album is a little more polished than our first," Murray said. "There is a little more pop influence, and I think we experimented more with recording techniques. Also, the band has had time to grow a little tighter and more mature, and hopefully that shows."

Pitts and Murray said they draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including the music they listen to and the books they read.

"I'm a pretty avid reader, so I get a lot of inspiration from my favorite writers," Murray said. "Lately I've been reading a lot of Haruki Murakami and Flannery O'Connor."

Adam Morrow, vocalist and guitarist for Tuscaloosa-based Callooh! Callay!, said he is a fan of The Bear and looks forward to seeing them at Acoustic Nights.

"The Bear are one of the best bands in Alabama, which is really saying something these days," Morrow said. "[Their new album] is absolutely incredible. It's ambitious and beautiful and catchy"

Callooh! Callay!, long-time favorites of the Tuscaloosa music scene, is comprised of Morrow, as well as Natalie Jensen on bass, keys and vocals, and Bowen Robertson on drums. Friday, Morrow and Jensen will share the stage, and they'll be joined by a surprise guest for the second half of their set.

For the members of Callooh! Callay!, the Greensboro Room at the Bama Theatre holds sentimental value. Morrow said the band played some of its first "serious" shows there, one of which was recorded and put online as the band's first release.

"It has been some time since we played Acoustic Night at the Bama, but that room is really important to us, as a band and as fans of music," Morrow said. "It's a listening room, somewhere where the music is the focus, and I think that lends itself to really rewarding experiences for both the artist and the audience."

Morrow said for Acoustic Nights the band plans on making some slight changes to its usual set.

"It's a fun challenge, to strip away all of the noise and rethink how to present the song in a way that may be seen as a little more pure," Morrow said. "We hope that maybe leaving more quiet spaces will let our songs breathe a little more for the night. We also try and work up a cover or two for these shows -- we almost never do that for the full band show -- so it's fun to pick something out and go after it."

The Bear and Callooh! Callay! will perform at the Bama Theatre's Acoustic Nights Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Source: http://cw.ua.edu/2013/04/17/the-bear-and-callooh-callay-to-perform-at-bama-theatre/

Callooh! Callay! at Bama Theatre



Callooh! Callay! at Bama Theatre


Alabama Music Office.com goes to historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by Callooh! Callay!. 

"Callooh! Callay! are acutely aware they hail from the great state of Alabama. They have been in existence, in some form or the other, since 2008. They have three members, two boys, and one girl. They are not just from Alabama, but from the South.
Callooh! Callay! clearly has a deep love for the traditions they work in. At the same time, they revel in subverting those traditions. An old hymn becomes the centerpiece for a song about dissolution, the last coherent snippet before the end. A straightforward rock n' roller loses it straightforwardness as soon as the lyrics intrude. A synth shows up out of nowhere. A cover of Dylan's "Maggie's Farm," becomes a dirty rocker. Not even the band knows if they'll ever play it again.
It's in the name- Callooh! Callay! An exclamation of joy, an expression that says words have no meaning. Except for the meaning you make. So they get up and stage and they make meaning.
Oh, and the music? That's pretty good, too. Rock, blues, roots, folk, pop. Just like the South, a convergence of influences becoming a moment. A moment becoming a shared experience. Sometimes their music sounds like Sonic Youth hooked up with William Faulkner somewhere between Mississippi and New Orleans. Sometimes it holds the righteous fury of the preacher and the resignation of the bluesman. Sometimes it just sounds cool."

"With a reputation for going above and beyond the standards for a fantastic performance, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama based band, Callooh! Callay! returns for another Otherfest. With a sound that can only be described as a gritty raucous of uplifting southern noise pop, Callooh! Callay! exudes live energy that is force to reckoned with. Propelled with a youthful energy and an obvious joy, Callooh! Callay!'s live show can only be described as one that comes close to that of a religious experience."

Sunday, April 21, 2013

SwiftKick at Green Bar


SwiftKick at Green Bar

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Green Bar in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by SwiftKick. SwiftKick is Kenny Smithermen, John Kliner, David Ivie, Brenda Belvin and Patti Townsend.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

SwiftKick at Green Bar featuring the Ladies


SwiftKick at Green Bar featuring the Ladies

Alabama Music Office.com goes to Green Bar in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama to attend a performance by SwiftKick. SwiftKick is Kenny Smitherman, David Ivie, John Kliner, Brenda Belvin and Patti Townsend.

Friday, April 19, 2013

2nd Hand Tunes of Evanston


2nd Hand Tunes of Evanston


Alabama Music Office.com goes to Evanston, IL. to visit a record store that is a must visit every time I go to Chicago.
Second Hand Tunes is Chicago's oldest and most respected purveyor of new and used music, movies and other assorted nonsense.
We pay CASH for your used compact discs, vinyl records, DVDs, videos, cassettes and stereo equipment. Heck, we'll even consider your old 8 tracks!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Reckless Records


Reckless Records


Alabama Music Office.com goes to Chicago and while there visited Reckless Records. This is one of the record shops that I never miss visiting while there.

A huge part of what makes Reckless Records a unique store is what YOU bring through the door to sell or trade. If you want to get some new music or movies and you don't want to spend too much money, then bring in your old CD's, DVD's, LP's, 45's, video games, cassettes, VHS tapes or music- related books. We'll consider buying anything music-related! If you just want some quick cash, great! We do, however, offer 20% MORE in trade than we do in cash. For instance, if we offer you $10 cash, that will be $12 in trade and so on.

If you have a huge collection you are interested in parting with it, but it's going to be too large to bring to one of our locations, let us know - call any of our shops (numbers listed at the top of the page) or contact us via our online form. We may be able to save you the journey by sending out a couple of our expert staff to have a look and make an offer. Check HERE to see contact information and our locations on the map.

We have a large and diverse staff who have years of experience with all genres of music and formats: blues, jazz, classic rock, punk, hip-hop, world, indie, etc. We know when you have a rare item and we price it accordingly. We also mark each item individually so you can have a look at what we are willing to pay before the transaction takes place.

What DO we pay? That's a question we get asked a lot, and one we cannot answer easily. However, we do our best to price things fairly and we have a reputation for paying higher prices than anyone else. What we pay is based on numerous factors such as condition (this is VERY important), whether we already have copies on hand and what we sell the item for in the store.

Our hours for buying are from 10AM - 9PM, Monday through Saturday, and 10AM -- 7PM on Sunday at the Wicker Park and Lakeview stores; 10AM - 8PM Monday through Saturday and 10AM - 6PM Sunday at the Loop store.

We try to finish trades as quickly as possible, but we often get backed up. If we cannot get yours done quickly, we will usually ask for a phone number and call you when we're done so that you can leave and come back later the same day.

We will not keep items overnight unless absolutely necessary. We almost always finish pricing large collections the same day, and will tell you ahead of time if that's not going to be possible.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bloodshot Records



Bloodshot Records



Alabama Music Office.com goes to Bloodshot Records in Chicago. I have reviewed Bloodshot's releases for years but had never met these folks.
Since 1994, Bloodshot Records has championed the music that lurks between genres. We've always been drawn to the good stuff nestled in the dark, nebulous cracks where punk, country, soul, pop, bluegrass, blues and rock mix and mingle and mutate. We like artists who work over American roots forms with chains and velvet gloves with little regard for formality or protocol, who aren't afraid to molest and caress these forms and take music into uncharted and exciting waters. They don't listen to the taste-makers or trend-watchers---hell, most of the time they don't even listen to us.
What we all share is a punk/DIY ethic of expression; we all appreciate that music is only innovative and interesting when you're willing to take chances with it, to follow your instincts. By not bothering with stylistic straitjackets, we haven't made it too easy for anyone to get a solid grasp on what we do or what to call it---sometimes we don't even know, but that's what makes running this asylum so much fun.
Help us support this great music, won't you? The Wal-Martization of America continues unabated. Small labels, independent retail and innovative radio are becoming rarer than humility on a Fox TV reality show. The end result is less choice for the discerning music fan.

We invite you to grab a frosty beverage, roam around Bloodshot's site, check out some new sounds and keep an open mind. Help us fight the good fight. If you like what you hear, help spread the gospel. Support independent retailers, pester chains to carry our stuff, call radio stations, annoy bloggers, bring friends to shows and help keep these struggling artists on the road. They aren't looking to make millions, they just want to make enough to bring their art to you.

What we all share is a punk/DIY ethic of expression; we all appreciate that music is only innovative and interesting when you're willing to take chances with it, to follow your instincts. By not bothering with stylistic straitjackets, we haven't made it too easy for anyone to get a solid grasp on what we do or what to call it---sometimes we don't even know, but that's what makes running this asylum so much fun.
Help us support this great music, won't you? The Wal-Martization of America continues unabated. Small labels, independent retail and innovative radio are becoming rarer than humility on a Fox TV reality show. The end result is less choice for the discerning music fan.


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The JC Deagan Company of Chicago



The JC Deagan Company of Chicago




Alabama Music Office.com goes to visit Gilberto Serna at Century Mallet Instrument Service in the J.C. Deagan Company of Chicago Building at 1770 W Berteau Ave.
Century Mallet Company was founded in 1980 by master tuner Gilberto Serna.  Located in the same building that J.C. Deagan, Inc. occupied for nearly 100 years, the Company has many connections to its historic predecessor.  Our master tuner, Gilberto, worked for J.C. Deagan for over 15 years and was trained by J.C. Deagan's very own master tuners.

When J.C. Deagan, Inc. was sold in the early 1980s, Gilberto wanted to keep the tradition of the old company alive. As a result he founded Century Mallet Instrument Service at the original J.C. Deagan address, with machinery, tuning instruments, and tools purchased from Deagan. His goal was to provide maintenance to all J.C. Deagan percussion instruments.  After a quarter of a century and hundreds of satisfied customers, his commitment remains the same:  Providing quality service to all percussion instrument owners.
Repair, tuning and restoration of vintage keyboard percussion instruments from J.C. Deagan and other famous manufacturers.
Sales of new and refurbished percussion instruments, from J.C. Deagan and other manufacturers.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Alabama Music Office goes to Chicago


Alabama Music Office goes to Chicago or Chicago the way I see it!-Jerry W. Henry


Alabama Music Office.com goes to Chicago during April 2013. Night scenes of Chicago, Vienna Hot Dogs Chicago style, the Elbo Room neighborhood bar, Powell Book Stores and more.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Candye Kane at Magic City Blues Society junkyard juke


Candye Kane at Magic City Blues Society junkyard juke


Alabama Music Office.com goes to DanielDay Gallery for the Magic City Blues Society junkyard juke with Candye Kane performing.
 Kanes' live shows are the stuff of legend. She honors the bold blues women of the past with both feet firmly planted in the present. She belts - growls - shouts - croons and moans from a lifetime of suffering and overcoming obstacles. She uses music as therapy and often writes and chooses material with positive affirmations that leave the audience feeling healed and exhilarated. A show that is part humor, revival meeting and sexuality celebration, she'll deliver a barrelhouse-tongue in-cheek blues tune or a gospel ballad like Jesus and Mohammed, encouraging audiences to leave behind religious intolerance. She'll slay the crowd with her balls out rendition of Whole Lotta Love or glorify the virtues of zaftig women with 200 pounds of fun. She often says she is a "fat black drag queen trapped in a white woman's body" and she dresses the part. Bedecked in bright colored feathers, sequins and rhinestones, Kane's performance is Mississippi by way of Las Vegas with a quick stopover in San Francisco.

A Blues Diva of the 20th century who can liven up any party without shedding a stitch - People Magazine
A true celebrity diva- New Yorker Magazine

This tough cookie wails with a rousing confidence and affirmation of identity and the courage of her convictions - Downbeat Magazine

A serious and seriously powerful singer who lays it all on the line - The Philadelphia Inquirer

A voice that is a natural wonder - like the Grand Canyon. - The Washington Post

Candye Kane has that big, brassy voice that has authority and sass; the kind of thing men like because it's seductive and women like because it's powerful - BB King to the San Diego Reader

Monday, April 1, 2013

Lake Tuscaloosa Opry Band


Lake Tuscaloosa Opry Band


Alabama Music Office.com goes to Lake Tuscaloosa near Northport, Alabama for a performance by the Lake Tuscaloosa Opry Band at the Lake Tuscaloosa Opry. Band members are Brandon Malone, Toby Tidmore, Donna Wise, Nancy Alexander, Steve Goodson, Kenny Tidmore, Dennis Harkey and Quilla Humbers.
This is a place where you can safely take your family for a wholesome evening of grass roots, country western and gospel music. Live music provided by local musicians started out as just a few friends getting together and playing music and it has grown since then.   Concerts are held year-round at 7:00 Thursdays, on Lake Tuscaloosa. You'll see fiddles, mandolins, Dobros and guitars on stage. Basically, these are acoustic jam sessions that cater to family audiences.   There is $4.00 per person cover charge to help with the expenses like electricity which keeps the air conditioning and heat to provide a comfortable setting for your enjoyment. No alcohol is allowed on the premises and no smoking inside the facility.