The Floorwalkers

The Floorwalkers (originally dubbed Money For Gyros), is a six man band from Columbus, OH. The members are Jonathan Elliott (vocals), Theo Perry (lead guitar), Ben Meinhold (bass), Kerry Henderson (guitars), Tom Lasky (drums), and Todd Hamric (piano/organ). Playing largely as an acoustic band in 2004, they quickly grew in popularity and notoriety playing house parties, college functions, and local venues. More recently though, it is becoming well known of The Floorwalkers' immense love and live energy on the electric stage. They are still fairly new to the scene and do most of their touring throughout Ohio. This video is "Carolyne" from their debut album The Natural Road.

http://www.thefloorwalkers.com/

Smelly Dog

Ahmad Jamal

Frederick Russell Jones (Ahmad Jamal) was born July 2nd, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA. He is an American jazz pianist, arranger, teacher, and jazz theoretician. He began playing the piano at the age of three, and began his formal training at age seven. When Freddy "Fritz" Jones was 32 he converted to Ahmadiyya Islam, and officially changed his name to Ahmad Jamal. His first professional job was with the George Hudson Orchestra at age 18. This exposure helped him gain critical acclaim for his solos. According to Stanley Crouch (jazz critic), Jamal is second in importance in the development of jazz after 1945 only to Charlie Parker. For the past 5 decades, he has been one of the most successful small-group leaders in jazz. This video is "Darn That Dream" from 1959. Its sad to say, but there is not much opportunity left to catch a live performance of this musical prodigy.

*Ahmad Jamal plays Steinway pianos exclusively*

http://www.ahmadjamal.net/

Smelly Dog

Treetop Flyers

Treetop Flyers are a five piece band currently residing in the London, England area. The current incarnation has been together since early 2009 and finished recording their debut EP To Bury The Past in September of the same year. The band consists of Reid Morrison (vocals/guitar), Tomer Danan (drums), Sam Beer (guitars), Laurie Sherman (guitar), and Matthew Starritt (bass). This London project has flavors of country and blues, laced with hints of soul. They are yet to be signed by a record label. I expect good things to come from this band in the future. There cover of "When She Don't Need Me" was the 2nd most popular track on More Townes Van Zandt By The Great Unknown album, that was released in October. Their website is currently under construction so it's probably best to get more information on Myspace or Facebook. This song is entitled "Rose Is In The Yard."

www.treetopflyers.co.uk

Smelly Dog

Horse Feathers

Horse Feathers is a folk inspired indie band from Portland, OR, led by singer/songwriter Justin Ringle. His first project was a duo with Peter Broderick. They put out an album in 2006 entitled Words Are Dead, and later that year Broderick's sister, Heather, joined the group. The trio put out an album in 2007 entitled House With No Home. The Brodericks would eventually leave to persue other music projects. The current installment includes Justin Ringle (vocals/guitar), Nathan Crockett (violin/musical saw), Catherine Odell (cello), and multi-instrumentalist Sam Cooper (drums/percussion/etc). The video is of "Vernonia Blues" off the newest album Thistled Spring. I would suggest checking out "Heathen's Kiss" on HearYa.com to get a taste of the band's multi-instrument talent. I am definitely going to check this band out the next time they cruise through town.

http://horsefeatherstheband.com/

Smelly Dog

LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem is the stage name of American producer James Murphy, co-founder of record label DFA Records. When performing live, Murphy is accompanied by Tyler Pope (bass, guitar, synths, claps, drum machine), David Scott Stone (guitar), Pat Mahoney (drums, percussion, drum machine, claps, synths, vocals), and Nancy Whang (vocals, keyboards, synths). Many others have been a part of the LCD project throughout the years as well. James has released 3 studio albums, the latest being This is Happening. Prior to its release, Murphy said that the album would be better than the other 2, and that it would likely be the last LCD Soundsystem album. This video is "All My Friends" off of Sounds of Silver.

I have been a huge fan of this band for quite some time. The first two albums in my opinion are better than the recent release. LCD has gained a momentous following in the past 2 years and are a staple of the festival circuit. I had trouble deciding which song to choose for the video because they are so many great licks! Make sure to check out Tribulations, Daft Punk is Playing at My House, North American Scum, and Losing My Edge.

http://www.lcdsoundsystem.com/

Smelly Dog