The Round Table

Joe Firstman will perform at The Living Room in New York City this Saturday, February 13th, in support of his recently released full-length album El Porto. If you’re a fan of good old americana rock, this album should be part of your music collection. El Porto is heartfelt with immensely personal lyrics penned by Firstman, who has the innate ability to transport you to another time with his intricate delivery.

For those familiar with Firstman’s debut album The War of the Women, which I happen to LOVE, El Porto is a natural evolution. The songs that comprise the new album are simple, yet demonstrate a certain confidence of a singer-songwriter coming into his own. And, I’m not certain, but believe that “Today,” which is featured on El Porto could easily be a continuation of “Can’t Stop Loving You” from The War of Women. (Joe, if you’re reading this — give me a shout, dying to know).

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Benjy Davis Project came to rock as they headlined a Rock Ridge Music showcase at Sullivan Hall last night. The often subdued Davis released his inner showman as his band wailed behind him complete with guitar solos and pulsating drums as they brought some southern heat to a chilly November night here in NYC.

It was a noticeably different lineup for BDP, which only included original members Benjy Davis (no brainer there) and Mic Capdevielle (drums). The new addition, Patrick Thorton (bass) and Brian Fechino (guitar), definitely brought a fresh sound to the group. Though, I’d venture to guess the liquored up college-crowd failed to notice the new lineup as they faithfully sang back all the lyrics while groping each other. Seriously, kids are talented these days and clearly have no shame.

But BDP managed to stay focused as they played the standard crowd favorites off their latest release Dust, including “I Love You,” “Same Damn Book,” “Sweet Southern Moon,” and “Still Sweet.” They also mixed in some older material in “Do It With The Lights On,” and “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Have to admit, though I enjoy BDP unplugged, witnessing them plugged in up made for a nice change of pace.

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credit: Ben Renschen - http://www.benrenschen.com

Calling all NYC music fans,  Joe Firstman will perform tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 13th) at The Living Room at 8p. After migrating west from his home in North Carolina, the talented singer-songwriter found his muse in LA — a city of excess, ego and beautiful ladies — which fueled his songs.

It didn’t take long for Joe to gain notoriety, first came the big Hollywood gigs, then the industry buzz, then the big deal with Atlantic Records and national tours with big rock stars like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Willie Nelson. Next he landed a regular gig as the bandleader on the “Last Call with Carson Daly” show.

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We’re continuing with our free music Wednesday to get you through the day, thanks to our good friends at Rock Ridge Music. On November 11th three of Rock Ridge’s finest, Benjy Davis Project, Andrew Hoover, and Joe Firstman will team up to perform at Sullivan Hall here in NYC.

Let’s just say it’s a singer-songwriter showcase made in heaven — all that’s missing is the amazing Tony Lucca. Hey Rock Ridge, can you get Tony on board?! I digress.

Download a free sampler of BDP, Andrew Hoover, and Joe Firstman now. Then purchase tickets to the show at Sullivan Hall at 7:30p on November 11th. We’ll see you there – we expect a group sing-a-long. Check out our past coverage of Benjy Davis Project and Andrew Hoover.

Fried pickles, sweet tea, fireworks, and Tony Lucca or the perfect way to spend 4th of July. We headed to The Evening Muse in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina for an intimate performance with Tony Lucca who started his set by asking the audience to snap along to his opening number as hand-clapping is too much of a commitment upfront.

Having seen Tony Lucca perform numerous times now, I was surprised by how candid he was that night. He hit on everything from taking swipes at Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Sarah Palin all in one song to his life story through music and quite possibly one of pop cultures most talked about break-ups: Justin and Britney (more on that later). Of course he also found time to mix in several love songs and even a Billy Joel cover “Vienna.”

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