Appendix E-J

To me, there is not much better than when a musician’s voice is as good an instrument as the one they happen to be playing. You’d think this would come naturally, but it very often does not (names could be mentioned…but I don’t want to start any scuffles). Names that do fit the “voice is as good an instrument as any” category are Ryan O’Neal (Sleeping At Last), Matthew Perryman Jones, Nathaniel Rateliff (Born In The Flood), Karen Peris (The Innocence Mission), and Glen Hansard (The Frames). There are more, but I need to get to making my point.

Two whose voices are smooth like a nice glass of whiskey and warm my innards just the same are Aaron Espe and Gregory Alan Isakov. And looky here, they’re both playing at Everyday Joe’s on Saturday night:

I have been fairly giddy concerning this show for several months, as have you I am sure. To increase that excitement exponentially, our friends over at The Mountain Tempo have posted a new song by Mr. Isakov over on their fine, fine blog. To hear it, click on his lovely South African face below.

Further:

• The Mountain Tempo
• Aaron Espe on Myspace
• Gregory Alan Isakov on Myspace

Popularity: 80% [?]

The Academy Awards took place on Sunday. They were long. I had a fever and wanted nothing more than to sleep. But, I fought valiantly through set design awards and the like just so I could see the presentation for “Best Original Song.”

You see, a song from the indie-film Once was nominated. If you haven’t seen the film, you should go see it right now…unless you hate musicals…but I hate musicals and I loved the movie and the music in it. The music is great if you haven’t seen the movie, but is magnificent if you have.

Sorry for the rambling.

Anywho, the song “Falling Slowly” from Once was nominated…and it won. This, you see, is great. Why? Because the film’s stars/writers of the song – Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Marketa Irglova – are indie musicians & perform together under the musical moniker The Swell Season. Everyday Joe’s loves indie artists to bits. That’s a fact, jack.

Here’s Irglova’s acceptance speech:

“Hi everyone. I just want to thank you so much. This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this, it’s just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don’t give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. And so thank you so much those who helped us along way. Thank you.”

Preach it, Chzech lady.

Hansard’s speech was also great, which is what one would expect from an extremely (though not overly) excited Irish man. You can read it here.

The Swell Season will be performing at the Ellie Caulkin’s Opera House in Denver on May 3.

Popularity: 16% [?]