"so many things I would have done,....

but the clouds got in my way."....

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            HEARING IT sung around her home as a child, Julia Lashae knew only these lines from Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," and didn't realize there was any more to it.....

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            "I always thought it was such a sad song," she recalls.  It wasn't until Julia grew older that she finally heard the rest of the lyrics, and realized that its meaning was far less dour than she had thought as a child--instead of a wistful lament to a defeatist resignation that some things may simply be out of reach, "Both Sides Now" could actually be about breaking through those clouds that can keep us from taking risk, whatever they may be, to arrive somewhere new.....

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            Perhaps it's fitting, then, that "Both Sides Now" opens Lashae's newest album, Eadem Mutato Resurgo.  She initially broke into the ....New Orleans.... scene with Johnny and the Swingin' Demons at the height of the 1990's neo-swing craze, through raucous shows at the both-now-defunct Whirlaway Lounge and SwingTown on ....Bourbon Street.....  In 2003, however, seeking something new, LaShae set off on her own to release her first solo album, Introducing..., her take on a set of traditional jazz standards and arrangements.  She quickly made a name for herself as a smooth, engaging jazz vocalist, performing heavily around town in the album's wake.  Fans of Introducing... and the more standard tunes LaShae has performed for years in ....New Orleans.... may find her latest record a bit surprising, however.....

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            Eadem Mutato Resurgo is a rich collection of both songs and stories that does include a couple standards ("Old Devil Moon," "Scotch and Soda"), but places them in context with the work of such diverse songwriters as Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Paul Simon, Irving Berlin, Paul McCartney, and Noel Gallagher (remember the last time they all went out for a beer together?), as well as LaShae herself, who includes an original ("Curly Brown Hair") on record for the first time.....

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            Known already for her rich vocal work, LaShae wanted to showcase an often overlooked dimension of songs performed in the jazz world: the lyrics themselves.  ....

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            "I wanted to pay tribute to my favorite songwriters," LaShae explains, "people who tell good stories... [and] write really beautiful and interesting lyrics."  ....

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            The arrangements chosen on the album lend a discreet resonance to the original songwriting, mostly remaining simple enough in texture to let LaShae's voice shine through but rich enough in subtle accents to keep the listener hooked.  Invoking inventive jazz pianist Brad Mehldau's arrangement of "Still Crazy After All These Years," George Benson's soft, funky take on "Here, There, and Everywhere," and a modern Latin interpretation of Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," LaShae and co-producer Mike Esneault weave together a diverse set of influences with the work of these iconic songwriters to create a fun, engaging backdrop for LaShae's soft and sincere declamation.  ....

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            The highlight, however, may perhaps be the lone original LaShae includes on the album, "Curly Brown Hair."  If Eadem Mutato Resurgo as a whole is an homage to her favorite songwriters, then "Curly Brown Hair" is a tribute to them all encapsulated into one song.  Strong, figurative imagery sits on top of a minor, sparse piano line that seems to loll back and forth with a start-and-stop motion not unlike the movement of the water described in the lyrics, and this is paired with a soaring, catchy hook of a chorus that could easily have come from Joni Mitchell herself.  LaShae says she is planning on including more originals on future projects, and if this song is any indication, then this is a development to be cheered, as she has definitely absorbed much from the talented songwriters she showcases on this record.  ....

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            All in all, Lashae says of Eadem Mutato Resurgo that "I made it for me."  Though fans of her previous, more traditional work may be taken slightly aback by the new directions taken on the record, close listens will reveal LaShae's voice as silky and engaging as ever--it just appears on a new sort of canvas, one that should win her fans from both traditional and modern jazz circles alike.  But no matter what direction LaShae has taken or where she may go, be it a new musical direction or further into a burgeoning film career, one thing is for certain-- if she has a vision for something new, clouds are certainly not going to stand in her way.  ....

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Julia LaShae's music is available in-store and also online through CDBaby.com, ITunes, and Amazon.com.  You can learn more at www.myspace.com/julialashae.....

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Written by Parker Hobson....

For Neworleansmusicians.net....

In the chilling winds of Autumn, the death of the seasons, a crisp eerie wind passes over the gold coast. Tourism in ....New Orleans.... picks up for the celebration of All Hallows Eve. With the French Quarter flying the ghoulish décor high, and the costumed dead and undead alike roaming the night filled streets, a frightening backdrop is set for this the perfect of holidays. But away from the witch parades of ....Jackson Square.... and masquerades on ..Decatur.., lies a sixteen year old annual tradition of ....New Orleans...., one that sends thousands into horrific hysteria.....

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The House of Shock was started in 1993 by Jay Gracienette, Steve Joseph, and Down front man Philip Anselmo. Ross Karpelman, a local musician, plays the part of the H.O.S. mascot and leader, “Lord Belial”. Jay Gracienette, is also a local musician who has played in multiple bands in the Nola metal scene. In their spare time, the connoisseurs of fear dug graves in a backyard and had fun scaring and sharing the thrill and terror. Their obsession with horror movies, music and other spooky Halloween attractions would start a ongoing celebration that most H.O.S. staff now call family.  The crowds grew each year, and now in 2009, after three changes in location, the House of Shock is bigger then ever. It has been featured in the Top 10 haunted house attractions in ..America.., second only to The 13^th Gate Haunted House in ....Baton Rouge.........

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What makes the House Of Shock a must see is the entire experience you get before and after entering the attraction. With suspension act Pain Tribe performing on stage in front of the H.O.S., the full bar, live bands, a freak show by Reverend B. Dangerous, and so much more, the experience is like no other. Mr. Dangerous’ act includes drilling, hammering, and stapling objects into his face! There is also food available provided by the appropriately titled Hells Kitchen, and a live act pre-show featuring Lord Belial (Owner Ross) and Larry Breaux. It is a rock show packed into a five minute satanic frenzy. Each year the pre-show theme is changed, and in the 2008 season the crew put together a skit playing on the Presidential Election that ended with Lord Belial becoming President of the ....United States...., leading the country to do his evil bidding. With help from their freak show cast of three hundred and visual tech wizard Freddie Bufford, the House of Shock has received praise from Rolling Stone Magazine, Local News, protestors of all kinds, and was featured in a segment on Fuse TV. ....

.. ..

This Halloween, local black metal band Goatwhore will be playing at the House Of Shock, fans can expect to be scared senseless by the macabre of the H.O.S., then see some brutal, loud and abrasive metal. Prepare yourselves for a combination that is a match made in hell. Because in this setting, heaven has no place.....

.. ..

Goatwhore, formed in 1997 by guitarist Sammy Duet (Ex- Crowbar, Acid Bath), spread their devastation and mayhem through the metal scene by touring relentlessly and recording albums with blast beat battery and a funeral cult atmosphere. Singer Ben Falgoust delivers his guttural shrieks and growls, backed by drummer Zack Simmons (Nachtmystium), and bassist Nathan Bergeron. Supporting their new release “Carving Out the Eyes of God”, the band continues to deliver the dark and unnerving. Their influences range from Venom to Celtic Frost, and even Judas Priest. Goatwhore shows no signs of stopping or slowing down, intending to bring their message to the masses in one head banging circle pit. Following two tours across the country, and preceding their Halloween performance, Goatwhore will also be supporting local southern hardcore blues legends EyeHateGod in ....Baltimore.., ..Maryland.... on Oct. 23^rd. ....

.. ..

So this Halloween, skip the latest Saw movie flop at your movie theater, forget the costume contest at the local bar (which will no doubt end in terrible 80’s dance music, vomit and unforgivable karaoke), and join the damned, the blood thirsty, the maniacal, the Thrill seekers, and the place where outcasts and psychos alike are welcomed, House of Shock.....

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There is no turning back now. The army of lord Belial commands you!....

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I am Ryan McKern for neworleansmusicians.net....

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For more information on the House of Shock and Goatwhore please follow these links:....

.. ..

www.houseofshock.com....

http://www.twitter.com/houseofshock....

In the heart of ....New Orleans...., just across the way from Mid-City, follow the dark road across the railroad tracks. Past the Marigny, the Creole cottages, Po-boy shops and local bars, you find yourself in the Bywater, an area of Nola that many tourists don’t see, or even know of.....

Artists, musicians, poets, students, or residents who have lived their entire lives in this neighborhood make up this unique and culturally strong side of town.....

.. ..

If you are local, or out of town and happen to find yourself off the beaten path, let me tell you of a new shop that is as important to the musical scene of ....New Orleans.... as the diverse talent that roams the venues in the twilight hour. Magazine Street is one of the few places that offers an independent music shop today. With thousands of diverse musicians that make up the population of the ....Crescent.. ..City...., few outlets for gear or repairs have been available to the public since Katrina. Webb’s Bywater Music has been open just a short amount of time, but has already received attention from local musicians and people all over ....Louisiana..... Stopping by this indie style shop, one can feast there eyes upon vintage Strats, custom bass models and other quality gear that is often sought out. The store is founded by local musician and underground notable Paul Webb, who can be seen pummeling audiences with the notorious hardcore doom devastation band Hawg Jaw, previously featured here on N.O.M. Paul also lends his bass and lead guitar talents to local instrumental favorite, Spickle and the 3 piece rock outfit ....Mountain.. of ..Wizard..... A supporter of the ....New Orleans.... music scene, Paul took his vision of a music shop and made it his reality. Pushing the need and focus to deliver a music shop for everyone, he managed to accomplish this without the look and feel of a typical corporate retail chain store. This is a customer service courtesy that makes anyone who walks in the door feel like they are in good hands. This is exactly the positive addition that our city needs, a store for the people by the people. Paul Webb is an inspiration to all in the city and beyond who wish to give their creative vision a strong and accomplished outlet.  This is yet another testament proving that producing a passionate dream can be a reality with the right mind set and hard work. ....

.. ..

Webb’s Bywater Music: 3217 ....Burgundy...., NOLA 70117....

Hours are 12:00pm – 6:00pm Monday – Sunday....

Contact them by phone at 504-232-5512.....

.. ..

I am Ryan McKern for neworleansmusicians.net....

.. ..

For more information on this store and related topics....

Please follow the links below:....

.. ..

.. ..

http://www.myspace.com/bywatermusicstore....

http://www.myspace.com/pwtheband....

http://www.myspace.com/hawgjaw....

http://www.myspace.com/spickle....

http://www.myspace.com/mountainofwizard....

http://www.myspace.com/pwebb72....

Clisson, France is probably best known historically for the revolt in Vendee’ in 1792. Since then, the town and castle were rebuilt in the early part of the 19^th century. Today, it holds the annual 3-day outdoor metal music festival known as Hellfest; an event that takes the concert experience and expands the senses with 3 stages of ear splitting mayhem.

The 2009 festival showcased headliners such as Black Sabbath, Manowar, The Misfits, Killing Joke, Motley Crue and Machine Head, just to name a few. But what got America’s attention, and the rest of the world, was the booking of some of New Orleans' finest in Underground metal.

On Friday June 19^th, on a warm summers day in France, among the black dressed, beer sipping, pierced metal fans, was an energy and anticipation which could be felt all the way to the vineyards of Bordeaux (A place I hope to retire one day. Although I’m not a religious man, the wine is something of divine creation!) The first of our Nola brothers to shatter the fields of international metal was innovators of southern grindcore, Soilent Green. Those who know the Nola scene are schooled in this bands history. So I wont elaborate on the past. To the rest of you, lets just say these guys were among the biggest bands in the 80’s scene.  They arose like a petrified corpse floating up from the Pontchartrain River. The band’s career has continued to influence the music industry throughout the years. Soilent Green took the stage early in the day at the Terrorizer Tent, the 3^rd stage of Hellfest. The response was great, and it was truly a rare treat for fans because Soilent Green rarely plays international festivals, seldom touring in that part of Europe. Their blend of brutal blast beats, southern riffs and Ben Falgoust's ferocious stage presence set the bar for bands that day. Crowd surfing and pits erupted.

Earlier that day, on the 2^nd main stage, the legendary EyeHateGod pummeled the crowd with blaring feedback, deep kick drum rattles, and confederate flags draped over the massive amplification of guitarist jimmy Bower’s rig.....

If Soilent Green was a rare and exciting adventure for the festival, then these guys certainly did not disappoint.

This may have been EHG’s first over sea’s show in 5 years!

Everyone was moving with the fathers of sludge, clapping, head banging, circle pits, and even singing along!

Even Down front man Philip H. Anselmo joined the boys for a song, cigarette in hand, and strumming the down tuned riffs that make EHG’s rhythm of dysfunction sound like the call of a funeral march on cheap whiskey and pills. Mike Williams’ humor also played a prompt role, as he is one of the best front men around. I have been a fan of this band for many, many years. And it was great to see that no matter where, or what size the crowd, these guys always make it feel like an EyeHateGod show. Unforgiving, driving, and dangerous, that’s how Southern Blues Hardcore should be! ....

Also performing the second day of the festival was Outlaw Order, a hardcore meets doom outfit that consists of EHG band members minus Jimmy Bower. Outlaw Order has received great success from there latest album, Dragging Down the Enforcer. Seeing their first performance in France ever, 00% has been Playing numerous shows in the Louisiana, Texas, and Southern area. This band is another representation of the sounds of the streets, and can be likened to a pissed off riot cop on Mardi Gras.

Rounding out the day was headliner, and undisputed New Orleans heavy weight champion, Down. It’s no surprise that Down had landed a slot at this year’s festival. Their successful 3^rd album, Over the Under, supporting Metallica on there 2008 tour, putting in work and playing shows all over the world secured their spot on the bill with ease. Down has made New Orleans a house hold name for many metal fans who were not aware of our city’s potential in the genre. And the look on everyone’s face when they hit the stage could be described as awestruck.

What was truly amazing to see was this band playing among their own heroes, bands like doom metal pioneers Saint Vitus and Pentagram, Cathedral and of course the mighty Black Sabbath (which is to be referred to as Heaven and Hell, for legal reasons).

These are bands that have no doubt influenced the sounds of  the NOLA scene, and the world.

Songs like Lifer, New Orleans is a Dying Whore and

Bury Me in Smoke got the crowd in an uproar. Down is one of those bands that show true perfection with a live show; from Kirk’s riff assault, Rex’s groove and deep bass growl, to Pepper Keenan’s blues/metal solo’s, Jimmy Bowers ability to smoke all most any drummer (his sense of rhythm with the kit is undeniable), and Phil’s charisma and powerful and melodic vocals, the combination is a phenomenal must see. Down has made the metal of the Crescent City the sound for the world to enjoy. With thousands singing along to the song Stone the Crow, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this band delivers, every time, anytime.

Maybe it’s the French culture that brought forth the French connection and the Creole /Cajun culture this day, But no matter who you are, or where you are from, the true stars that shined that day were those from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a resident, I am happy to see any of our bands reach the success they deserve, and teach the world what we have to offer.

I’m Ryan McKern for neworleansmusicians.net....

For more information on these bands, and more....

on the New Orleans underground scene, please follow these links.....

http://www.hellfest.fr/web08/accueil.php?langue=english

www.nolaunderground.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2icVcZIGaQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EucAnpRaZr8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LVLvjQ0xCM

http://www,myspace.com/outlaworder

http://www.myspace.com/eyehategod

http://www.myspace.com/soilentgreen

www.down-nola.com

www.thehousecorerecords.com

A Hanging, Haarp, and Mountain Of Wizard CD Release Show

May 15^th @ The Hi-Ho Lounge, New Orleans LA

         Like a police siren ringing in the rat infested streets of the lower 9^th, the New Orleans underground music scene is an ever expanding demographic. The music is an assault to the senses. It is powerful, relentless, and it puts the swagger into a scene charged by the products of its environment. This year has given some major opportunities to a few of Nola’s finest. For instance, bands such as A Hanging got to play a show with the legendary Saint Vitus. A Hanging had only started playing live in 2007, and metal giants Saint Vitus only performed in the U.S. once in 2003 (coincidently in the Crescent City on April 11th @ One Eyed Jacks). Since then, A Hanging has grabbed fans from all over the United States, and extended their reach to other continents. Seeing this band play live, or hearing the album, the reason why is clear. They incorporate the best of old school hardcore; the fast but solid groove along side hammering guitars. Found in bands like Exhorder and Slayer, their rivaling style is rounded off with terrorizing vocals, punching like a jailed pit bull. A Hanging also got a nice review from Decibel Magazine on there new album “Food For Rats”, which was recorded and produced by the band.

         Formed in the aftermath of Katrina in late 2005, Haarp has been knocking holes in the city with their down tuned, doom infused, crafted brand of metal. Since their formation, this band has been working the scene, playing gigs almost weekly. Chances are, every time you got a flyer in New Orleans for an upcoming show, Haarp was a part of it. When this band plugged in and the guys rang into the first distorted crunch, it was possible that the roof of the club might collapse from the force of sound. They recently signed with Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Records, a fantastic record label concentrating on the needs to put out original music, and focus on giving back control to the artists. I spoke with their guitarist Grant recently, who said the Housecore release is tentatively scheduled for July of 2009. Haarp, as well as A Hanging, will be featured on the up and coming documentary entitled Slow Southern Steel, which is a showcase of southern metal & sludge from across the southern U.S. The film had a huge focus on New Orleans. Fans of The Melvins, Morbid Angel, and Buzzoven, should check out this band.

         Also on board for this event is Mountain of Wizard, featuring Paul Webb ( Spickle, Hawg Jaw). Accompanied by Aaron, and Bennett Bartley, this trio produces a unique and refreshing dose of pure Rock n’ Roll. Not much is known of the origins of this mystic crew, but here is a small cryptic message from the band’s website.

“ We will only be on this earth for a short time. Soon, two colleagues shall embark on a quest for further enlightenment. We may be seeking a speaker of spells whose finger controls Ivory.”

Show some love for the city's underground in heavy music. Just recently, the first award ever handed down for heavy music was given to Zebra in this year’s New Orleans Music awards. Congrats guys, and keep the scene sick! You can catch Haarp, A Hanging, and Mountain Of Wizard at 8 p.m. at the Hi-Ho Lounge on May 15^th. I’m Ryan McKern for neworleansmusicians.net

For More information on these bands and other New Orleans related sites, Please follow the links below:

www.thehousecorerecords.com

www.myspace.com/haarpnola

www.myspace.com/ahanging

www.myspace.com/moutainofwizard

www.nolaunderground.com

www.myspace.com/hiholounge

www.myspace.com/hawgjaw

On Friday, February 20^th, Neworleansmusicians.net went out to The Bar in Fat City to check out headliner Eyehategod, with Blowermotor and Haarp. After a drink and a shot, I began making my way through the crowd. As I was soaking in my surroundings, it was cool to see people wearing Eyehategod, Soilent Green, and other local bands’ shirts. Typically, what you will find at these shows is that the crowd is supportive; not just because they came out that night for a show. They are ‘supportive’ because these are the same fans that own the T-shirts and CDs, that follow the progression of each member, and flip them off while they’re on stage to let them know they care. Tats, keychains, mohawks, and shaved heads all stood at attention as the first band began their set. Hailing from the land of cows and nothing, a.k.a. Gonzales, La, Blowermotor’s slow methodical twangs seduced the heads in the crowd as drummer Ben Fridge’s blood red kick pulsed on stage. Singer Joel Cangiolosi’s brow creased tight like his dreads as he screamed into the microphone. I thought they played a good set, and told Joel when we met later. Their style introduces itself, then pauses while the lead guitar tells you what’s about to happen. What follows is the reason why you can’t stop banging your head. Speeding things up a bit, their last song, Speed Freak, was a definite crowd pleaser. Bassist Slimm threw out the same note in a fashion that could only be compared to the sound of a big block at idle. As Joel choked down the neck of his guitar, all paused, then BAM! The song took off quicker than Emeril Lagasse’s career! This song was aptly named and well received.

Next up was Haarp, from New Orleans. You may recall that they put out an EP with fellow metal heads Thou, out of Baton Rouge. As it turns out, they are also about to release a full length album through Housecore Records. From bald heads to shaggy beards, the five members graced the stage. Slow southern drawled licks rang out, and screams from the crowd could be heard in anticipation. At 11 pm, the head count through the door was 100 and growing, and vocalist Shaun aurally assaulted every last one of them! This guy has such a deep, intense scream that I was just waiting for his head to explode! Profound, subterranean power chords reigned down on us, bringing us all “from shit to roses”.  Dispersed rhythmic tempo change ups speckled bouts of slow tempo ballads that would definitely have to look up just to see sludgecore. Grant and Jason, on guitar, lashed out with precision backed by Ryan (Bass) and Keith (Drums). These guys aren’t playing around. This is as serious as it gets!

Last but not least was Eyehategod, the center piece for this evening’s feast. Intense feed back rang out as the band surveyed the crowd, taunting us. Drummer Joey Lacaze hit the kick just once to see it for himself. And sure enough, fists were in the air with furious anticipation. A few long guitar twangs rang, then “Take As Needed For Pain” pressed the troops. Guitar power chords ripped like saws through the air placing each person in the crowd on the same planar vibration. The mob began to agitate like a swarm of bees, and a pit erupted in what was now a wall to wall packed house. Throughout their performance, we were thrown through a rage of tempo changes and one could see that the masses finally found what they were looking for. And who knew it, but crowd surfing was still alive and well in Fat City! The zombie on stage called himself Mike Williams, and cursed the crowd for having to perform after a day of drinking. He was even kind enough to say hi to the posers belting out, “what’s up you Hot Topic mother fuckers?!” One could call this kin to smacking the hive with a stick! They gave a great performance and really had the crowd’s energy in the palm of their hand.

     Now if y’all have been paying attention, you saw our press release for this band’s 20^th anniversary show at One Eyed Jacks last year. That’s right, this band is over 20 years strong and still harassing the ear drums of people across the  lobe! People came from all over the U.S., Canada, and even the U.K. to see Eyehategod tear it up with Crowbar and Hellkontroll that night. As metal fans native to New Orleans, we should be proud of these guys. And that goes for the bands mentioned previously in this article. A T-shirt, a CD, or a hoodie might not seem like much to us. But to them it’s everything. You’re not only contributing  funds to future efforts, you’re advertising our independent musicians. This is what Neworleansmusicians.net means every time we say, print, and distribute these words “SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE!!!” So check out the links below, and practice what we preach!

Special Note: The second edition of lead singer Mike
Williams’ book, " Cancer as a Social Activity", was re-released on
Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Records website. It’s a collage of poems and entries
that deal with Mikes life, the darkness of the streets, the abuse of drugs,
politics and more. Its really a good read for anyone who enjoys Mikes lyrics.

www.thehousecorerecords.com

www.myspace.com/eyehategod

www.myspace.com/blowermotor

www.myspace.com/haarpnola

www.myspace.com/thebarrocks

www.myspace.com/thouband

Article by David Trahan for Neworleansmusicians.net

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Photographs by: Alas Vera for Neworleansmusicians.net

                          
myspace.com/veraellen1