Tin Angel PA

A duo is probably the most efficient way to describe Francis singing and playing guitar, with Tom on keys. I have reviewed several acoustic shows in pint-size venues before. Some have outperformed my expectations, others just seem to fade into the noise of claustrophobia.

An innocuous stage setup lay before me at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia.
I had never seen Francis Dunnery perform until that night. I am of course somewhat familiar with Tom Brislin’s career. Mr Dunnery it seems has had a fairly illustrious musical career, being the frontman for sometimes rock, other times pop, but mostly ProgRock band It Bites during the ‘80s. It Bites had a fair amount of success including a #6 with song ‘Calling All Heroes’ on the UK Singles Chart. According to what I read online, his career also saw him hobnob with some significant names in the British ProgRock scene, such as Chris Squire and Robert Plant.
His most current projects are his solo performances and the recently formed New Progressives. The latter it seems, has as its mission, to develop a new approach to progressive rock.

Prog music has its roots in the British movement against pop and rock music of the late ’60’s/early ‘70s. Those who championed this style chose to push the boundaries in composition and live performance; hence the term progressive. Many iterations later, prog music has in many ways become more of a show than a movement. I would very much like the opportunity to sit down with Mr Dunnery to discover what he thinks he has added to the ProgRock repertoire; so Francis, give me a call. (continue reading…)

Thom Shepherd & Megan Linville At the Tin Roof, Nashville

Thom Shepherd is one of these down to earth musicians I’ve mentioned in my various articles. The kind so comfortable with themselves and their music they don’t try to please. They are just who they are; comfortable.

Thom wore a perpetual smile on his face for the 45 minutes we chatted in his office just off Music Row, and was accommodating in more ways than one. This two-times cancer survivor is unabashed about his brush with death; which he agreed was fodder for songwriting, his love for country music, and respect for his fellow musician and partner Megan Linville.

I made plans to meet Thom before I left Dallas to join Tom Brislin for the drive down to the music city. It was Rocky Gribble of the Grapevine Opry who suggested I give Thom a tinkle.
My week in Nashville was scheduled to be chock-a-block full, and just as I expected, Tuesday rolled up without so much as a breather. When Tom Brislin, his old school chum Dan Thomas and I negotiated our way to the Tin Roof where Thom and Megan were to do a show, the hands of the clock were about to strike the pose ’7′.
I had already attended a private viewing of the Nashville Symphony at rehearsal that morning, and interviewed three Steinway pianists at separate intervals in the afternoon. But my exhaustion was fleeing. I was to meet the person from whom I would glean a terrible secret. I was to pry from his knowing hands, the secret to writing an award winning song! (continue reading…)

New Jersey Indie Rock band 'Spiraling'

Keyboard player/vocalist, Tom Brislin and leader of New Jersey band Spiraling, announces to me, just today, that all their CDs are for sale for US$5!

From now until 1st January 2010, Spiraling’s “Transmitter” (2002) and “Time Travel Made Easy” (2008), including CDs released under their previous moniker ‘You Were Spiraling’ and of their live performances, are up for grabs for only US$5 (plus S&H.)

Spiraling embraces Indie Rock-Pop with a distinct sound that is powered by synth chops, courtesy of its founder and songwriter, Brislin, whose playing style was influenced in its formative years by ‘80s new age and ‘70s prog rock. Brislin is also known as having appeared with Yes on their Symphonic Tour in 2001 and Meat Loaf from 1998 til 2001.

Time Travel Made Easy (2008)

Transmitter (2002)

Brislin is very clear as to what he looks for in his music but lets the moment influence the end result. Not surprisingly, Spiraling, with Bob Hart on bass, Marty O’Kane on guitar and Paul Wells on drums is a ‘Rock’ solid performance that speaks a simple language in its lush textures, vintage synth sounds and the strong vocals of the leader of its pack.

Did I mention that everything, including their other merchandise is going for US$5? If you haven’t yet got a piece of Spiraling, here is your chance!

Footnote : Coming up are articles written of Tom Brislin and my trip to uncover Nashville the ‘Music City’. Pictures & video (c) Spiraling.