Hymn to Him

Out of sure laziness and since I haven't posted in ages, I'm doing a cut and paste from allmusic.com on this artist. I'll be better next time. Enjoy in the meantime.

The pseudonym of Canadian singer/songwriter Jonas Bonnetta, Evening Hymns also features a revolving door of fellow musicians backing Bonnetta live and on record. Born in Orono, Ontario, Bonnetta first came to prominence with his 2007 debut, Farewell to Harmony. Although this was released under his real name, Bonnetta eventually opted for the Evening Hymns moniker for fear that his music would be pigeonholed as generic singer/songwriter material. The first official Evening Hymns album, Spirit Guides, was released in 2009. Recorded in just four days at an art gallery where Bonnetta worked, the album followed in the footsteps of his debut, a mix of acoustic guitars, field recordings, and eclectic instrumentation. After Bonnetta moved back to his hometown to help run his family's newly purchased sawmill, his father passed away. Channeling his grief into his songwriting, the results would become the basis of his third album. Relocating to Perth, Ontario and living in a small cabin that partner and bandmate Sylvie Smith's parents had just bought, Bonnetta was joined by members of The Wooden Sky, Timber Timbre, and City and Colour to record what would become 2012's Spectral Dusk. The remote location and his father's passing gave the album an almost spiritual feel, moving from brooding instrumentals to emotional paeans to his father.

Tex Mex

Okay. I'll admit, this isn't a new discovery. Alejandro Escovedo isn't a new artist on the scene. I had the honor of seeing him live a week ago and he totally blew me away. His music was poetic and moving and his voice was superb. He played an acoustic guitar and was accompanied by a violinist and the two of them meshed perfectly. If you get a chance to see Alejandro live, do yourself a favor and check him out.

"House" music

Another band with great vocals. What's up with that? It seems like the last decade was full of mediocre vocalists who developed this huge following. Or was it just me? Anyway, "Houses" features wonderful vocals and beautiful arrangements. I'm sure they're great live. Now this is kind of odd. I did a search of Houses on all music.com and it said there were no results! How weird is that? So I can't tell you anything about the background of the group. Listen and enjoy!

Peter Broderick. What else can I say?

This guy has writen some amazing music. And it's been used in several  phenomenal movies. Check him out. I don't know why he isn't more famous.

Antony & Cleopatra? I think not.

I've been on an Antony & the Johnsons kick lately. This is someone you either love or hate. It took me a bit to get used to him, but nowI'm hooked. Antony Hegarty was born in the UK and was raised in California. He said he felt like an outsider until coming face to face with the image of Boy George. That's about the limit of the biography I'll give you. He sings in a soprano voice and I find his lyrics quite moving. And in my opinion, his main cred is he sang a couple duets with Bjork. Need I say more? Give hime a chance and I think he'll grow on you too.

Mind Your Grammar!

London Grammar is a trio of musicians that one again is hard to define. Just give them a listen and decide for your self it you like them or no. I'm guessing, no one actually reads this blog, so it doesn't really matter what I post here. Prove me wrong and leave a comment.

Lordy! Lordy!

Lord Huron is the band formed by Ben Schneider, who was raised in Michigan, but relocated to Los Angeles. On a trip home, he recorded a few songs which were inspired by the bountiful nature of his home state. The band began performing in 2010 and developed their show on the road. They've received national attention with their EP Mighty, and have been selling out venues across the country. The band performed at large festivals like South be Southwest, Outside Landis, and Lollapalooza. Schneider consists of childhood friends and released the full-length Lonesome ''Dreams in 2012. Lord Huron's music has an energetic, catchy sound to it and many of the songs make references to nature--songs that make you get up on your feet and dance. I had the opportunity to see them live a week ago and they and the crowd were wonderful. If you get the chance, don't miss them!