merry christmas

Time does fly when you're busy living life and spending it with dear friends and family.

Much to catch up on, much to post and plenty of photos to share.

But before anything else, here's wishing everyone a very, merry Christmas!

 

music to my ears

I'm a sucker for acoustic sets - violins, guitars, pianos - paired with soft, melancholy and stark vocals; written with heartfelt intimate lyrics that tug at your heartstrings.  Which is why I'm glad I got an invite from D to check out one of her favorite Denver-based musician, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Wheel. He's got a distinct, infectious, somber voice full of emotion that conveys both joy and sadness.  She got me hooked. 

:: via Nathaniel Rateliff & the Wheel ::

Check out some of his songs courtesy of the Day Trotter's review.  The video below is of his piece "Early Spring Till" accompanied by Julie Davis' (of Bela Karoli) harmony, who is also incredible all by herself.  She possesses a powerful voice; smooth, smoky and jazzy, which was a nice addition to Nathaniel's set. 

 

:: Julie Davis via Bela Karoli ::

Another local musician I discovered that night was Ian Cooke.  I arrived at the Bluebird Theater to find him, center stage under a dimly lit spotlight, and his cello.  He uses a loop pedal during his solo performances to layer his cello, like in his video below.  His compositions are pulled from Classical influences mixed with Folk and Jazz... all recipes for a truly original and eccentric type of music.  I dig it.

Julie Davis, on the bass, also joined him on stage for a few songs that made for a perfect combination of classical and jazzy acoustic compositions.

:: via Ian Cooke ::

We also loved Houses' performance and I especially loved their song, "We'll See the Sun."

Other Denver-brewed bands also threw a lively, entertaining show.  Especially the one who we thought was just the "tamborine girl" but to our very pleasant surprise, was the lead vocalist of Snake Rattle Rattle Snake. She's talented and her voice seductively soared over dance rock rhythms. The hottest tamborine girl ever. She made me wish I were in a band.

introducing SammyT

A very talented and sweet, dear friend of mine linked me to his blog with his most recent work. 

Meet SammyT - a talented musician with an infectious energy, amazing voice, a heart made of gold and a smile that can light up a room.  Not to mention, he's got the moves for you ladies that can make your hips swing.  Always a good time when he's around which makes me wonder.... why have I not hung out with him in a while?  Sammy pie, let's get together soon!

Take a listen...


Hopless n Love from Samuel Taggett on Vimeo.

Street Etiquette :: "Cookie" Boots

Once again, these boots from Ronnie Fieg in collaboration with Ralph Lauren in action.  Compliments of the Street Etiquette.  Love the leather jacket.  Love the zippers on the jacket.  Love the plaid button-up.  Love the hat, scarf and fingerless gloves combo.  In my opinion, this is a great look for that hip, urban guy.