Music Under Fire

Its a shame this was our first time to the spacious brick capsule called the 'World Cafe Live' down on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. It's suited in a warm environment, the tall skyscrapers of our city a mere quarter-mile away, yet lingering on the campuses of both Penn University and Drexel University and a grassy field, covering the West side of the building. The World Cafe also houses Philadelphia's own independent radio station WXPN who are finishing up their donation drive to keep the radio station going for more years to come. Please visit them to help contribute in any way you can.

Pictures and Sound



Luke Reynolds' name may ring a bell if you've heard of Blue Merle. In fact, he was the lead vocalist for Blue Merle and later moved on to operate as a solo unit since the releasing a solo EP titled The Space Between the Lines. Reynolds now travels with two other members, Dave Wilder (bass) who previously played with Jem, and Pete McNeal (Drums) to make up a three-man band named Pictures and Sound. The band operates under Vanguard Records, who have contributed to the careers of other great singers and songwriters such as one of our other recent favorites, Greg Laswell and a slew of other artists (Edwin McCain, Hootie & the Blowfish, Blues Traveler, Shawn Mullins, and Chely Wright).

The show began with McNeal's drums, which were quick and rhythmic like that of a drum machine. No sooner did Reynolds' sing that their sound was completed with drums, bass and Reynolds on the guitar as well. It was a showcase of the relaxed atmosphere that Blue Merle could have pulled off. The simplicity of the three members on stage was satiating to the crowd as onlookers patiently waited for the jazzy lead act, Nikka Costa. It's safe to say, there was more to be found in this act. Many were swaying to the music, and unexpectedly found themselves enjoying the open air of the World Cafe much more with an stellar opening act.

Pictures and Sound opened with two of their own songs from their new self-titled album, both quick rhythms, with relaxed guitar melodies, uplifting and captivating. The second song dramatically stretched more than five-minutes as there was no lull in the performance as Reynolds played to the crowd with a new jazzy version of "Burning in the Sun", slowed down by as much as 30-40 BPM. Perhaps this had the potential to be the most captivating performance of the night, offsetting the pace from the previous song. But this was not the case.

Reynolds proceeded to play a song called "Sundays", which was a collaboration with Felix Haaksman who makes up one half of the German re-mix team Haaksman + Haaksman. This collaborative effort mastered in the streets of Berlin was wildly different from the other songs played throughout the night, featuring a pulsing bassline and had a duality (as most collaborative efforts do) which seemed to be an addition to Reynold's melodies and influence, with the drum beat and bass combined.

The most captivating moment of the night was when Pictures and Sound played the first track from their latest, titled "Everything Leaves A Mark". The song is upbeat and the vocals fit perfectly to the guitar and drums. Their entire performance was top notch, really. The band backed by McNeal and Wilder complimented Reynold's vocals and the band seems to be having a great tour thus far. You can follow up on what the band has been doing on their blog. Make sure you go out and buy Pictures and Sound's album!

MP3: Pictures and Sound - Forever to Reach (buy)

MySpace: http://picturesandsound.com/
Blog: http://picturesandsound.blogspot.com/

Video: Pictures and Sound - 100 Directions











Nikka Costa



The eight-man funk band highlighted by Nikka Costa arrived on stage after a brief intermission between sets. Immediately, fans and patrons alike found open places in front of the colorfully lit stage. Once prepped properly, wailing horns and kickin' jazz erupted to the giddy delight of everyone.

This release wasn't complete though until seconds later, the soulful speech of Nikka protruded from her ensemble at center stage. As she was skillfully inserting each lyric onto the thumping melody's palate, she sent a karmic presence to the abiding room by the pushing and pulling of her arms.

Along with her own aura, the skilled help on stage worked through their respective trade, whether it was trumpet, trombone, bass guitar, electric guitar, drums, keyboard and anything else available. Not only did the group together manage to create an electricity with their instruments, their personalities flew across the room, too, as each sound created an important part of the whole.

For more on Nikka Costa, head here.

MP3: Nikka Costa - Stuck To You (buy)