Last week I ventured into downtown Raleigh for an evening of music featuring my nephew, Ben Rolston, and the band he recently joined.
(Four-fifths of The Appleseed Collective, playing at Tir na nOg in Raleigh.)
Raleigh is a far piece from The Appleseed Collective‘s hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan, but they had stopped in on the homeward leg of a tour through the southeast. Described as mixing “the Hot Club of Paris with the sweaty soul of Dixieland, a couple blades of bluegrass, a pinch of ragtime beat, and a western swinging swagger,” the band put on a terrific show at Tir na nOg Irish pub.
As their web site notes,
Everybody brings something fresh to the table. Upon returning from a trip to New Orleans, guitarist Andrew Brown had a song in his heart that just wouldn’t quit–when a chance meeting introduced him to Brandon Smith, violinist and improvisation enthusiast, Andrew knew he’d found the Stephane Grapelli to his Django Reinhardt. Vince Russo, percussionist and van-packing expert, speaks freely and cleverly with each clack of the washboard or ding of the short-order cook’s bell. Katie Lee brings a vocal range that is a force to be reckoned with. It’s angelic one moment and powerhouse the next, all complemented by twinkling banjo melodies. And the addition of double bassist Ben Rolston to the mix delivers a level of musicality and jazz sophistication that sends hearts a-flutter.
Here’s a video of them performing one of the songs from their Baby to Beast album:
I got to catch up a little with Ben before the show, and in all had a great time. Check out The Appleseed Collective, or if you prefer more improvisational jazz, check out Ben’s solo album, Fables.
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