Although sometimes the work seems thankless, hidden, and for the most part, what happens is widely unknown, D.I.Y. music projects are often some of the most important contributors to a music scene. Denver is lucky to have plenty of do-it-yourself-ers whose projects may lie just beneath the surface, but the effect they have on local music goes well above and beyond. One of those such projects is Brass Tree Sessions, a homegrown concert and video recording series that has been tirelessly hosting local band after local band each month and is now entering its second season on PBS as a television show. They've been featured on this blog a couple times already, but the recording sessions are always worth checking out because of the quality and variety of the acts the bring in - such was the case this past weekend when Brass Tree Sessions hosted Raven & The Writing Desk, Tantric Picasso and Faceman.

A Brass Tree Sessions concert is essentially a house show, which affords a certain comfort and intimacy that isn't found in a more formal concert setting. Attendees can hang out in the back yard, basking in the sun with a beer in hand and food on the grill while a trio of amazing local bands set up shop in a dining room transformed into a performance studio. When it is time for the music to get going, people crowd into that small space, literally inches away from the performers as they play a set. The informal setting gives a sort of candid look at the people and personalities that are in each band, especially since the setting offers the chance to meet the performers face to face. It is a rare concert experience with incredible appeal to live music fans.

FaceMan

FaceMan was up first to kick off the afternoon. FaceMan performed as a trio that featured David Thomas Bailey (guitar), Dean Hirschfield (drums) and Faceman (vocals, guitar). Configured as a sort of power trio, FaceMan offered a sound that blended the punch of rock 'n' roll infused with the timelessness of folk/Americana. Forgoing a bass player, David Thomas Bailey used a seven string guitar to hold down the low end while simultaneously playing guitar. Dean Hirschfield showed off his accomplished drumming skills that included a number of creative approaches to percussive sound. Faceman played guitar and kept the band rooted with his powerful voice.

FaceMan

The great thing about attending a Brass Tree Sessions concert is you get to see an entire set, not just what ends up being recorded and edited into a music video. FaceMan got the crowd and themselves warmed up with a handful of songs mostly from their latest album FeedingTime. "TheBeast" approched energetic rock 'n' roll from an indie angle - loud but catchy and melodic. I was blown away by their performance of their new single "TheGospel" - with its beautiful melody, great instrumentation, poignant lyrics, and an ever building energy that seeped all the way into my bones. The songs they performed for their video shoot was great too, but I'm grateful I was able to catch both that and the unrecorded moments. The musical blend that FaceMan has was very well balanced and expertly delivered and they are definitely worth checking out.

Tantric Picasso

Next up was Tantric Picasso. This fearsome retro-influenced five-piece featured Jackson Boone (vocals, guitar), Marko Melnick (guitar, vocals), Pablo Cruz (bass), Matthew Tanner (drums), and Karl Rivers (keyboard, guitar). Tantric Picasso are contemporary revivalists of raw classic '70s style rock 'n' roll - the kind from the good ol' days that fused distortion, energy, attitude, blues and funk into a flamboyant melt-your-face-off package that put the hair on the chests of manly men. Although some of their recorded material (and from what I've seen performed before) has hints of psychedelic electronica in it, this set was all about rock 'n' roll.

Tantric Picasso

Tantric Picasso began their set the same way they start their new album, Make Your Love Bigger, with the lead-off track "Going To War". Midway through that first song, Pablo Cruz' bass malfunctioned, and attendees were a afforded a rare up close look at a couple things; what band members have to do when it comes to equipment failure and what it's like to sit in for a spontaneous jam session (as the rest of the band decided to keep playing music during the unexpected interlude). Seeing that occur was just as, if not more fulfilling than perhaps watching their set go off without a hitch. Moments later everything was back in full swing, and Tantric Picasso continued to rock the crowd's faces led by Jackson Boone's guttural wails, keeping the energy flowing all the way up through when they finished on the funked out single (and one of my favorites) "Strider". Be sure to check out Tantric Picasso, they will take you back in time while obliterating your eardrums - in the best way possible, of course.

Raven & The Writing Desk

Raven & The Writing Desk performed the final set of this session, and they began to impress even before they played a single note. Somehow, the six members of the band crammed themselves and all their gear into an approximately 15' x 15' space that could just barely contain them. Julia LiBassi (vocals, keyboard), Scott Conroy (guitar), Ryan Self (bass), Adrienne Short (violin, vocals), Neil Mitchell (marimba, melodica, percussion) and Matt Murphy (drums) all arranged themselves into the snug environment (the marimba alone took up nearly a third of the available space). The band began to play and with their performance they seemingly attempted to bring down the Brass Tree House walls with an enthralling set of their progressive baroque rock.

Raven & The Writing Desk

The explosion of sound began with "Wooden Lover" from their album Recidivist - an almost steampunk-like song that seemed to blend Victorian piano and vocal melody backed by powerful rock 'n' roll. As they performed songs from the The Bonedale EP, I was amazed by the creative use of atypical instruments, and how they all seamlessly worked together. Despite the large array of instruments, nothing was ever forced in there, and every instrument had a chance to shine. I loved the melodica and electric guitar featured in "Infancy Til' Death". I loved the violin solo at the beginning of "Tiny Terrors". The marimba was an instant crowd favorite, especially in the spontaneous interlude performance of "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid. I really didn't want them to stop playing, but alas bass trouble reared its ugly head again when a broken string forced an earlier end to their set. Hopefully they had enough good video footage to work with because this band needs to be seen to be believed. You can get the chance to see these guys this Wednesday, May 9 at the Hi-Dive, performing with Suckers and Young Man. I strongly recommend attending this show!

Brass Tree Sessions concerts are amazing on so many levels, and I think they are a must-see event if you truly love local music. They do a phenomenal job at selecting incredible local bands to perform. They offer an environment that'll offer a new perspective to viewing bands. They allow attendees to get up close and personal with these talented musicians. And you can always relive the moment, at least some of it, when the music videos from the sessions are released - not to mention the subsequent exposure a recording can give. D.I.Y. projects are fueled by the passion of the people behind them, but they thrive off of support from the community. Part of what has kept Brass Tree Sessions alive are donations, so be sure to not only stop by and see what it's all about, but help keep it moving forward in the future if you can - believe me, it is so worth it.

See more pictures from this show in the Facebook photo album. Like the Concerted Effort page to stay updated.

What a difference a day made. February began mildly, just another day in this overall mild winter we've been having, but over the course of 24 hours that changed drastically. Perhaps the groundhog was right, and the sight of his shadow brought about a wicked storm as night fall came. Despite the sudden change in weather, the show at the Bluebird Theater still went on. This local showcase presented by Tone Dynamix brought out an eager crowd of people to see these four talented bands.

Safe Boating Is No Accident

Safe Boating Is No Accident went on stage first. The trio of Leighton Peterson (vocals, guitar), Neil McCormick (bass, vocals), and Zay Rios (drums, vocals) opened the night with some of their new material. Being the first time I caught this band live, I was expecting to hear some avant-garde folk like what they had on their currently released EP, but this band has switched gears since that release. They shed the mellow, acoustic-driven experimental folk music for something a little warmer, brighter and more energetic - a good contrast to the cold darkness outside.

Safe Boating Is No Accident

They performed an electric guitar driven, coastal/surf inspired style of indie rock that at first took me off guard, but quickly drew me in. Their new approach differed greatly in sound from what they had previously recorded, but I think their personalities and band identity still came through in their reboot. They still maintained a penchant for good songwriting, just draped around a more melodic and danceable sound that was welcoming and a little bit more accessible. Although I still enjoy their older material, I welcome the progression of this band.

The Marrow

Up next was a band that I thought was very exciting the first time I saw them and was eager to see again, The Marrow. The Marrow has five talented members; Tania Katz (vocals/accordion/keyboard/percussion), April Anderson (drums/percussion/vocals/keyboard), Aaron Burris-DeBoskey (guitar/vocals/keyboard/trumpet), Kris Becker (guitar/vocals), and Rodrigo Valdes (drums/percussion). They create an amazing blend of experimental folk/jazz/rock that really has to be experienced to be fully understood.

The Marrow

To really describe this band, I'll have to revisit and expand on the analogy I first used when I saw this band. I compared this band to a Bordeaux wine blend because the way they carefully mixed various styles into something that definitively stands on its own. This time, I had the benefit of comparing this night's performance to a very early performance (the one I saw last). Very much like a fine wine, they have definitely become better with age. Now their flavor profile, their identity, is even more richly defined, and although they may not be immediately accessible or readily suited to a wide range of tastes, those with a refined (experimental) palate can pick out the myriad of nuances in their sound, enjoying what they have not only through each individual component but what they have as a finished, creative product.

The Marrow

They began their set by performing their first EP, Cave, in its entirety. Cave is more like a flowing suite than a collection of individual songs, and The Marrow performed it as such. They tweaked the order a bit, starting with "I Am", but then went on to smoothly blend "Cave", "Lady Lisbeth" and "The Devil" into one flowing piece, taking the audience on a musical journey that was sometimes melodic, sometimes chaotic, but with the band always in complete control. Whether they cooed the crowd with smooth vocals or built wonderment by creating intricately elaborate soundscapes, the first half of their performance was done perfectly - much riper and polished than when I saw them before. I knew they had the potential to be stunning after some time, and it appears it really didn't take long to reach that point.

The Marrow

The latter half of The Marrow's set was also a treat, which included a couple new unreleased songs and a few selections from the newly released EP Crawlers. When The Marrow performs, they have quite the expansive stage setup, and yet they still manage to achieve a far greater range of sound than one would imagine. The new songs "Where Are" and "Your Side" were so amazing and so elaborate, all I can say is I feel sorry for anyone that missed them because it was epic. The songs from Crawlers were also incredible, and to be honest, I could go on and on about what made them that way, but instead, I will just state plainly that this band is cleverly eclectic, interesting, and do well to create a sound that explores new territories in music. For fans of experimental rock, this is a band that should not at all be missed.

Tommy & The Tangerines

Tommy & The Tangerines took the stage next, transitioning the mood of the evening towards the lighter side. This Boulder based six piece band featured Mic Carroll (vocals, superstar dance moves), Matt Hendrick (guitar/vocals), Ian Hendrick (guitar), Laura Stratton (keyboards), Patrick Coleman (bass), and Ben Batchelor (drums). They created a playful brand of pop-rock that delivered energetic music with a lot of  danceability. The combination of catchy vocals, a melody driven sound and bombastic stage presence marked a performance that attracted a party-ready crowd to the dance floor.

Tommy & The Tangerines

From the very beginning of their set Tommy & The Tangerines created fun atmosphere of excitement. They opened their set basked in orange light, radiating the crowd with playful energy and a sunny tone. Although pop rock 'n' roll is the band's main footprint, I enjoyed their foray into soul with "Face", especially with the addition of a guest saxophonist. The crowd seemed to momentarily forget the snow and go into a summer-like party mode when they performed "Sam I Am". "Friends Today" was an endearing catchy tune with a hint of jazzy blues-rock. The country influenced song "Great Mistake" ended their set well, getting the crowd riled up like they were hearing their favorite tavern drinking song. Fans of pop-rock will find Tommy & The Tangerines very appealing.

Tantric Picasso

Finally it was time for the headlining band, Tantric Picasso, who were celebrating the release of their new record Make Your Love Bigger. Tantric Picasso is a five piece band featuring Jackson Boone (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Marko Melnick (guitar, vocals), Pablo Cruz (bass), Matthew Tanner (drums) and Karl Rivers (keyboards, guitar). Hearing this band live is like taking a journey aback in time, at the height of the free love era steeped in classic rock 'n' roll. Their newest record is a modern embodiment of that vintage sound, complete with raw energy, face melting riffs, powerful drums, dazzling keys, and wicked guttural screams.

Tantric Picasso

To kick off the night, the band launched a strategic attack on the Bluebird Theater crowd by unleashing "Going To War", a track laced with sexy, jazzy funk-rock juxtaposed with forceful, throaty lyrics that lit the venue on fire. "Kaoss" was true to its song title, but its driving, pulsing beat gave it a strange sense of order and appeal. "Strider" brought more vocal swagger that any '60s-'70s manly-man probably would have used to hype himself up had the song been available in that era. As they continued to play more selections off of their new album they were able to truly revive the feeling and intensity that prior generations probably sought out in vintage rock 'n' roll.

Tantric Picasso

Their set wasn't all straight hard-hitting rock however, as Tantric Picasso also toyed with a few other vintage styles with the same sense of authenticity. Raw, powerful blues rock flooded the venue every time the harmonica made an appearance. "Rose Coloured Binoculars" was a foray into psychedelia - an acid trip experienced solely through sound. They even had a few slower, more soulful jams that easily could have been baby boomer love anthems. For their encore piece, the band jammed out, bringing up a longtime friend to join them on stage and pound out a blues riff.

Tantric Picasso

Tantric Picasso might as well be called rock revivalists, but they really are a modern embodiment of a combination of all the aspects that made vintage rock 'n' roll so great. However, they manage not to sound like a retread of any of those classic bands that have been played and replayed time after time again. Somehow they have honed in on the very essence of what makes that recognizable sound, expanding on it to make it their very own. As a result, their new record is fresh and exciting, and their stage presence made their performance seem absolutely authentic. If you love rock 'n' roll, fall in love with Tantric Picasso.

See more pictures from this show in the Facebook photo album. Like the Concerted Effort page to stay up to date.

It's Groundhog Day - that festive time of year that calls for extreme celebration. Luckily, the Bluebird Theater is hosting a show tonight that should get the celebration rolling. Four local bands will be showcased at the Bluebird Theater tonight, providing a mix of indie rock that will help spark all the fun. Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter, and with a storm brewing he just may be right, but the mix of music featured tonight should provide warmth.


The headliner is Denver/Boulder based band Tantric Picasso. This five-piece band creates music that is like taking a psychedelic trip back into the past. They make retro sounding psychedelic indie rock that experiments with elements of blues, jazz, electronica and folk, resulting in a sound that is rooted in the past but definitely has an eye toward the future. Check out "Bob Saget's Shit Eating Grin".



Tommy & The Tangerines is a local six piece band that's all about having fun. They have an infectious indie pop-rock sound and strong stage presence that makes this band a joy to watch. They combine a host of genres in their overall pop-rock sound, but they are known for injecting a lot of soul and feeling into their music. Check out "Face".



The Marrow is a local five-piece band with a very unique and captivating sound. They create experimental rock that combines jazz, folk, and touches of world music with psychedelia to make music that is refreshingly different. Their live sets are awesome to watch, as it allows their sometimes unusual instrumentation to come to life. Check out "Lady Lizbeth".



The night will begin with the local three-piece band Safe Boating Is No Accident. This band is another experimental indie rock band with a an avant-garde approach to folk music. There is a strong acoustic framework to the sound, but it has bluesy electronic rock elements and ambient sound draped around it. Check out "Cancer Wing".


The Bluebird Theater doors open at 7:30PM and the show begins at 8:00PM. The show is all ages and tickets are $15. Tickets and more information are available online here.