Eric Roberson
The Grammy nominated R&B singer (whose work delves into
gospel and smooth jazz) is having a particularly prolific year with his new
album “The Box” coming August 12 just months after his B-Sides collection. He’s
paired with Atlanta singer Algebra Blessett.
Rascal Flatts & Sheryl Crow
The award winning country trio returns following the May release
of “Rewind” (which boasts its heavily R&B-influenced title track). Grammy
winning rock singer Crow needs no introduction to the country crowd. Like Jewel
before her, she’s moving into country, but her storytelling writing style was
never far off to begin with.
London Souls
This eclectic New York band - one of a handful of acts sweeping
through on its way to and from Floydfest in Virginia this weekend - is a bit
different than the Americana roots acts that frequent USNWC’s River Jam series.
While the duo has roots in blues, it shifts from ska to funk to soul to rock
and does it all well with fired up performances.
Michael Tracy
The Charlotte-based rock singer-songwriter, whose sound bridges
the classic `70s rock of Peter Frampton (there’s even a reference in his live
show) with the grunge era Southern blues-rock of Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, celebrates the release of his new EP with a set that will be recorded live.
Joe Firstman
Saturday 9 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 35th
St., $14, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Charlotte born singer-songwriter made a name for himself
early on as an Atlantic Records freshman who opened for Jewel and Willie Nelson
and later as Carson Daly’s late night band leader. Since then he’s become one
of the least predictable indie artists out there churning out jazz, soul,
blues, rock - which is probably why the labels had a tough time categorizing
him.
Mates of State
There’s no other band that sounds quite like these married
parents playing drums and vintage-sounding synthesizer-based indie rock and
trading off shout-sung vocals and frequently harmonizing. The duo’s 2011 release
“Mountaintops” was one of the best unsung releases that year.
Sara Bareilles
The piano pop singer behind hits “Love Song” and “Bottle It Up”
jumps to outdoor amphitheaters with the success of her latest hit single
“Brave” and third album “The Blessed Unrest,” which showcases the
sweet, romantic pop she’s known for as well as quirkier Fiona Apple-style avant
pop.
Andy Vaughan & the Driveline
This Richmond quintet make authentic, old school country that
rides in on weepy, but not maudlin pedal steel, shuffling tempos, and Vaughan’s
traditional storytelling style which stirs memories of vintage honky-tonks and
late `70s/early `80s urban cowboys. It’s not exclusively retro with a touch of
pop in the writing, but honors the classics.
Umphrey’s McGee
Thursday 8 p.m., The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory
Blvd., $31, www.livenation.com
On its new album “Similar Skin” the jam stalwarts explore a new
path. Inspired by the Oprah-approved, celebrity-endorsed self-help book “The
Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment,” which focuses on living in
the now, the album (which is less hokey than that sounds) is the band’s
heaviest mixing rippling dance grooves with classic arena and progressive hard
rock.
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