Blog Archives

4/26/2018

Deb Bartel

HR and Marketing Director, East Wisconsin Savings Bank

This week Deb Bartel, of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (an Avenue supporting partner and Listening Room sponsor), shares a peek at her playlist. Like most Avenue listeners, Deb’s music tastes are wide-ranging. Also like most Avenue listeners, her passion for music is obvious! Take a look.

“I love music. I love the stories and inspiration behind a song, love to learn about musicians, and I love to sing. As far as what I listen to – I split my time between several different genres of music based on where I am and who I'm with.

“I’ll start off with a music confession: Sunday mornings I love to listen to a polka show that’s on a local radio station close to where I live! It drives my husband nuts, but it’s just too much fun to listen to. Especially if we’re on our Harley! (I also make him listen to Patsy Cline on the bike, and reassure him that all bikers love Patsy).”
Patsy Cline Crazy https://youtu.be/6QEDb3xzdec

“Throughout the week, I will listen to hard alternative rock. I'm a little over 50, and grew up with hair bands, but I really like newer hard rock (as long as it’s melodic). I don’t get into that angry roaring sound, but give me a hard rock band that has a slight melodic bent to it, and I’m all over that. One band that I go back to again and again is Staind, with lead singer Aaron Lewis. “Mudshovel” is such an amazing song, so much passion. He can tear a song apart, but then he can sing something like “Black” by Pearl Jam. I was a big hair girl in the 80s, and I really did NOT like grunge. But I can still remember exactly where I was when I heard Aaron Lewis sing “Black” – and I finally understood that song, and those lyrics, and almost had to pull over in my car, I was crying so hard (and became a huge Pearl Jam fan, right then and there). Go figure, because now Aaron sings country music. Which is good!”

Aaron Lewis “Black” https://youtu.be/JC6_WgraOBA

“I tend to listen to country while I’m working. I love country music. Not bro-country, or that crossover chick-country crap they call country these days. Gary Allan is one of my favorites. This man has had a difficult life, and those struggles come through in his music – you can feel that pain in his voice and his lyrics. “It Ain’t the Whiskey” is one of my favorites. He didn’t write it, but the story and his delivery are what I love about country music. I can’t wait to see him in a smaller venue in a few weeks, doing an acoustic show where he gets to talk about what went into his songs, or why he chose them.”

Gary Allan “It Ain’t the Whiskey” https://youtu.be/m3Xr67jp1Fo

“And of course if you’re talking about country music, you have to pay homage to Chris Stapleton. That man could sing the phone book and I’d cry. “Fire Away” and “Parachute" are two of my favorites - especially since they’re on my list of karaoke songs to rip into."
Chris Stapleton “Fire Away” https://youtu.be/ZI-aPHeUDlk

“Finally, I love revisiting my youth by listening to 70s classics. The Eagles, Dave Mason, Journey, Boston, Pablo Cruise, Ambrosia, Elton John, Firefall, Gary Wright, Little River Band, Gerry Rafferty, Heart, Fleetwood Mac – Love them all! Brings back memories of sleepovers, staying out until the streetlights came on, baby oil suntans, and spraying Sun-In in our hair!

“I need to go listen to some music…"

What are YOU listening to? We’d love to hear! All that’s required is your love for music! Send your current playlist and a few words about it to listeningroom@avenueradio.com – you could be featured in The Listening Room!

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4/19/2018

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Steve March-Tormé

Singer/Songwriter, Avenue Host

This guy needs no introduction to Avenue listeners! Today we’ve got Steve talking about the music he listens to when he’s not playing music for you.

If you are a fan of Steve, and The Avenue’s format, you’ll want to grab your tickets to Uncovered Too, starring Steve March Tormé. Steve brings his considerable music chops, an all-star band, and special guests to The Meyer Theatre June 28. It’s your chance to see Steve in his natural habitat – the stage! Steve will share the kind of songs we all love from The Avenue as well as his stories behind the music. Those who attended last year’s show raved about the experience so we’re bringing it back! Get your tickets by calling 1.877.508.9191 or online here.

“So, my first LISTENING ROOM contribution. Well, since this is my first, we will go a bit "old school" today, next time I'll write about some more contemporary music.
Here are three offerings that I would suggest to those who'd like to listen.

"I'm definitely a melody/harmony guy. I appreciate all kinds of music but what perks my ears up are interesting left turns in melodies, chord changes, harmonies, etc.

“One of the albums that spurred my interest in being a musician, as I'm sure it did for many others, is The Beatles Rubber Soul. Is it their best album? I'm not sure how to qualify “best” when it comes to The Beatles. Sgt. Pepper was probably more important historically, Revolver might have had the best songs overall but Rubber Soul was where they went from being a curiosity to “wow, these guys just passed up the other groups from England, big time!”
From the opening guitar riff on “Drive My Car” to the fuzz bass on “Think For Yourself” to perhaps the best song John Lennon ever wrote “In My Life,” it just evokes really happy memories for me personally and I never tire of playing it.”

The Beatles, Think For Yourself https://youtu.be/oQ9lEkpaIO8
The Beatles, In My Life https://youtu.be/5zTdxxl-RjA

“Next up: the self-titled debut album by Take 6, released in 1988 on Reprise Records. I've always loved thick, rich vocal harmonies, but even after knowing some of the work of the New York Voices, Manhattan Transfer and especially the Hi-Lo’s, I’d never heard ANYTHING like Take 6. Of course, 10 Grammy wins later and just about every other award one could attain in the recording business, not to mention collaborating with everyone from Whitney Houston, Al Jarreau, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and the aforementioned Manhattan Transfer (whom I saw them in concert with 2 years ago), I'm obviously not the only person who was blown away by their talent. It’s one thing to be able to sing the way they do, that’s impressive enough. But to arrange for a capella singing with the density and sophistication that they do? That’s a lot more than a doo wop group hanging around a street corner. That first album is sublime."

Take 6, Spread Love https://youtu.be/zRfcMn1TVAM

“And finally, a double album that came out in 1972, which cemented my being a big fan of Todd Rundgren, Something/Anything.

“There are other musicians who’ve played all the instruments on their albums and some are really good and some . . . well . . . maybe they should’ve used other players for a little help. Not the case here. Todd plays everything on the album (except for one or two tracks that have horns) and the albums are so diverse and so musical but mostly, they hit my sweet spot: great melodies and harmonies. There are melancholy ballads, hardcore rockers and some unique pop offerings that make those two discs unique and still relevant. He also had the hubris (insight?) to make the first song the single and he did it on purpose, copying the formula that many Motown groups did. And he got away with it. “I Saw the Light” is still one of his best known singles. I wore out Something/Anything a long time ago but I can still throw it in the car stereo and appreciate how good it is.”
Todd Rundgren “I Saw the Light” https://youtu.be/U_KGv7rDWFM

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4/13/2018

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Hillary Reynolds

Singer/Songwriter Peridot, Hillary Reynolds Band

This week we turn to Hillary Reynolds, friend of The Avenue, whose music is familiar to listeners as Hillary Reynolds Band and Peridot. The Appleton native has relocated to Los Angeles but makes it back to her hometown now and again, sometimes as a special guest in our studios or in concert with Steve March Tormé.

Hillary will be in town soon, and in advance of that we talked with her about what music is currently on her playlist.

You can see Hillary in concert, April 19, with Peridot performing at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega for an intimate trio performance featuring a timeline of songs spanning from the Hillary Reynolds Band as well as some brand new songs. Advance tickets are $12 (Tickets $15 at the door). More information available at http://wegaarts.com/tickets/

And, you can also see Hillary in The Avenue’s upcoming Uncovered Too with Steve March Tormé – get your tickets now at avenueradio.com.

Peridot “Lonely Work” https://youtu.be/9YXftp7zE4M
Learn more about Peridot here http://peridotband.com

“My musical “comfort food” will always be The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, Neil Young, Sam Cooke etc… I call them “comfort food” because when I was growing up, I had no choice over what my parents fed me (for which, I am forever grateful!) - for better or for worse, these artists will always be full of nostalgia & a sense of home.

“Lately, I’ve really been cutting my teeth into some Scandinavian music. There seems to be something in the water for me out there. I think I’m drawn to the music because the songs aren’t afraid of being complex, simple, honest and the music isn’t watered down. Maybe that statement makes me cynical, but lately, I've been feeling like music tastemakers are more important now than ever before in a world of 30 second clips of Instagram “stars,” lip syncing “stars,” streaming, accessibility and content overload. That being said, each artist I’m drawn to right now is distinct, and their music is a glimpse into their imagination as well as a lens into how they see the world. There’s a cool depth there. Knowing that Avenue listeners are always up for discovering new music, I figured these three artists would be perfect for adventurous ears.
“About a year ago, I started listening to Norwegian singer-songwriter and producer, Aurora. She’s an old soul. Her music has a way of combining raw, ethereal vocals with complex soundscapes that fuse together to give a soul-bearing flavor to pop. Her music has a lot of moments in each song – I love “Conquerer,” “Runaway,” “Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1).” Oh! and go for a run while listening to “Running With The Wolves.” She’s so incredibly weird & lovely in the best way. Listen to her ASAP. Do it!”

Aurora “Runaway” https://youtu.be/d_HlPboLRL8
Aurora “Running With the Wolves” https://youtu.be/06ht9MyJLT4

“Tingsek is my favorite artist from Sweden. Specifically, his Restless Soul record. He had a hand in writing, producing, and mastering everything on Restless Soul and also mixed the entire album. I admire the hell out of that. Check out tracks “Coming Back to You” and “Goodbye.” His voice is soulful and dreamy. His latest record, Amygdala is a little more out-there, pushing the conventions of pop, but there’s still something undeniably magical about his sentiments, arrangements, & ability to produce delicious sounding tracks."

Tingsek “Goodbye” https://youtu.be/9n699dykRXs
Tingsek “Coming Back to You” https://youtu.be/ctAWx6ixUhY

“Finally, Bernhoft. Another magical Norwegian. Holy cannoli. I love his writing. I love his voice. Love his guitar playing. “Come Around” and “Falter” are two standout tracks. If you can ever see him live, do it. His energy is contagious and he’s probably one of the happiest individuals I’ve ever met.”

Bernhoft “Come Around” https://youtu.be/iyyq8yiJAgo
Berhnoft “Falter” https://youtu.be/Qv0f0QcIO20

Enjoy, Avenue fam :)
Love you more,
Hillary

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4/6/2018

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Jon Wheelock

Singer/Songwriter J-Council

Jon Wheelock fronts the Fox Cities R&B and soul band J-Council. To anyone who’s seen Wheelock live, he’s “the guy with the big voice,” skillfully able to belt out versions of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” or “Shotgun” by Jr. Walker and the Allstars and make them his own. Several J-Council songs are in regular rotation on The Avenue, like “Hold My Heart.” We asked Jon about what’s on his playlist, not surprisingly, they’re the same songs that influence the J-Council sound.

The band will have a new album released sometime this summer. We’re looking forward to it! In the meantime you can have a listen to J-Council here https://soundcloud.com/j-council/hold-my-heart and if you haven’t seen them live, get on it!

Make sure to follow J-Council on Facebook for show dates and album release news https://www.facebook.com/jcouncilmusic/

“So I'm always on a heavy rotation of music. I listen to a bunch of different things depending on weather, mood, time, who I'm with or who I'm not with. I do have my go to favorites though. Here are a few, in no particular order.

Bill Withers, for the heartfelt songs and emotional loss. “Hope She’ll Be Happier” is the song that kind of started all of this J-Council stuff. I performed it with my dad at the chapel for the first time.”
love

Al Green for his moans and squeals of love and pain. James Brown for his screams and unmatched groove! And Otis Redding, for a bit of all of the above! “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” is a favorite.

“Overall the Motown sound will always have my heart. I'm also heavily into hip-hop from the 90s so that definitely sneaks its way into the J-Council sound.

“To me music is simply everything."

Listen for yourself here:

Bill Withers https://youtu.be/HpDXAZtT59s
Al Green https://youtu.be/rqqAnjY2Rmo
James Brown https://youtu.be/DgukXPbGS1I
Otis Redding https://youtu.be/YIlWjhci01U

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Deb Bartel

Steve March-Tormé

Hillary Reynolds

Jon Wheelock

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