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Blues Underground Network |
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Stormcellar "Carl's Chair"
There are certainly a lot of unique and creative ideas that lead to not only the names of Albums, but also the way they were recorded. "Carl's Chair", the latest release from the Australian band Stormcellar, is certainly no exception to that rule. You see the title of this Album refers to a chair that is owned by Carl 'Golden Roadie' Silverswaard. The significance of the chair is that it was used as the focal point for the recording of this Album, which was recorded Live "on the porch of 'Burgoon', a 100 year old Farmhouse in Cumnock, New South Wales", June 28th - July 1st, 2010. Carl's Chair, as you might imagine, goes everywhere with Carl and the Band.
Another unique thing about this Album was the fact that Stormcellar created a blog specifically about the creation of "Carl's Chair", from the very beginning sessions and setup at Burgoon, through the remixing and mastering process, right up to the finished product ready for shipping. I have come across a few other bands doing stuff like that to allow their fans to see the whole process of creating an Album, but never in quite as good of detail as Stormcellar managed to do for "Carl's Chair". The link to the "Carl's Chair" Blog can be found on the Bands website,http://www.stormcellar.com.au/ .
"Carl's Chair" consists of 12 Tracks, all originals, written by band members Michael Barry (Vocals/Harmonica), and Paul Read (Mandolin/Acoustic Slide/Electric 12 String/Acoustic Bass/Backing Vocals). Other Band Members for this release included Michael Rosenthal (Acoustic Guitar/Backing Vocals), Theo Wanders (Percussion/Drums/Backing Vocals) and Scott Browne (Acoustic Bass). Special Guests on this Album included The Southern Belles (Jo Fitzgerald - Vocal Harmonies, Kate Doherty - Backing Vocals, and Mika Handa - Backing Vocals). The Southern Belles were brought in for the Gospel track called, believe it or not, "Southern Belles".
Stormcellar is not a Bluesy band by any stretch of the imagination, although Track 4, "Half Man Cow" did have a jump blues feel to it, with great harmonica throughout. No they are not a blues band, but what they are is a fabulous Roots/Alt Country band and "Carl's Chair" is about as good of release in that style, so far for 2011.
When I listened to "Carl's Chair", I really got a great out in the woods kind of feel from it, not only because it was recorded outdoors, but because the music and lyrics came across with a nice wholesome down to earth feel. Their were certainly not any technical glitches that I noticed listening to this Album, and Stormcellar did a great job remixing and fixing anything that needed it, via Goose Studios in Leichhardt.
As I continue to follow Stormcellar, I also continue to appreciate the effort, creativity, and musicianship that they all possess. I am also impressed with the great Vocals of Michael Barry and Backing Vocals of Paul Read, Michael Rosenthal, and Theo Wanders, which come across loud and clear on "Carl's Chair".
I found "Carl's Chair" to be an exceptionally good Album, especially with the fact that it originally started at as only going to be an EP, and have no problem at all Highly Recommending it to not only those that love great Roots/Alt Country, but also to everyone else. It ain't Blues, but it sure is worth listen, or two...
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
Additional Info
Tracklist
1. Company of A Friend 3:08
2. Hollow Tree 3:28 3. Lucky Streak 2:38 4. Half Man Cow 2:35 5. The Way That She Smiles 2:03 6. Cheap Hotel 2:56 7. Tall Timbers 3:16 8. Running Jody 3:54 9. Snowy & The Boys (Play Me Some Mandolin) 3:11 10. 4:25 11. Rest My Bones 4:01 12. Sunshine In the Rain 2:33 Listen To Samples Here... Recorded Live on the porch of 'Burgoon', a 100 year old Farmhouse in Cumnock, New South Wales. What started as an EP got a little carried away and we wound up with a full album of Roots and Country influenced songs, played on Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica (you know, the usual). About Stormcellar Emerging from the Blues & Roots jams of Sydneys Inner West in 2007, Stormcellar released their first studio album in 2008 and set about playing original music drawn from the spectrum of Roots influences. Stormcellar have maintained a solid gig and production schedule, using their constant live gigs to test and develop new material anywhere they can, from pubs, clubs and RSLs, Acer Arena, malls, festivals, surf clubs and community events. After a year supporting legendary Australian rockers ‘The Radiators’ and producing the all-analogue experimental EP ‘Spacejunk’, Stormcellar released their second studio album, ‘Nuevo Retro’, which entered at #1 on the Australian Blues/Roots Charts in April 2010. The first video from ‘Nuevo Retro’ for the song ‘Don’t get Around Much’ found its way to the 7 am audiences of the Channel 9 TODAY Show, and their anthemic Ned Kelly song ‘Last Drinks at Glenrowan’ has been featured on ABC radio. Stormcellar have recently completed the recording of their next project, ‘Carl’s Chair’, featuring Roots and Mountain Acoustic styles recorded live on the porch of historic ‘Burgoon’ at Cumnock, in rural NSW and will be showcasing their new album at the Tamworth Festival in 2011 The Band: Michael Barry – Harmonica and Vocals 
Carl 'Golden Roadie' Silverswaard - Our gold plated roadie, sitting in his chair...
Websites:
http://www.stormcellar.com.au/ http://www.myspace.com/stormcellar
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