Brown Bag
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Brown Bag

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"BROWN BAG: “Getting Ready For RECYCLED MUSIC”"

Brown Bag plays a brand of what I call “timeless, middle of the road music” that adopts real musical instruments and voices. And that my friends is already an achievement as far as the sampled “iTunes generated” music scene is concerned.

Before anyone goes off on a tangent, thinking that my use of the title ” timeless, middle of the road music” is denigrative or alludes to insignificant, meaningless music. Wrong.

My use of the term “timeless, middle of the road music” alludes to a genre, that firstly, as the word so clearly explains, will definitely stand the test of time. In that no matter which musical style is in vogue at any given time, this music will always be appreciated. And if you check out the artists who historically have embraced this genre, you will be left without a doubt.

Secondly this style embraces tiny little fragments borrowed from varied, modern musical concepts and sounds, without totally engulfing one specific style or completely excluding another.

The melodies stay simple and neat, while the arrangements are never over-bearing or elaborately self indulgent. Endearing itself to a vast, world-wide listening audience.


Organic Music Band - BROWN BAG
On ‘Just Walkin’ in fact, I heard strong influences from ‘timeless’ cult artist Van Morrison, which included not just that famously peculiar vocal phrasing, but even the laid back, but vibrant musical arrangement. Clearly demonstrating the band’s above-mentioned songwriting qualities.

Another highlight for me was “Dell” which rode in on a subtle Arlo Guthrie-styled flavor. A really catchy vocal melody, is held together by a band that constantly delivers cohesive and tasteful playing.

On “Here Today, Whistle Tomorrow” the boys break-out with their ‘Crosby, Stills Nash & Young’ vocal harmony arrangements. Once again proving that they’re capable of walking the musical tightrope regardless of it’s style or root extraction.

The overall impression is that Brown Bag comprises a group of very accomplished musicians who truly believe in what they are doing. There is never a hint of egoism or exaggerated heroics in their playing. They seem to have found the perfect musical balance for their particular brand of playing. The individual prowess of each musician never exceeds the sum of the allocated musical parts within any arrangement, this way always leaving the song to take center stage in their performances.

We eagerly await the release of the album – “Recycled Music”, to hear if Brown Bag confirm the evolution of their timeless, middle of the road music! - Jamsphere.com


"BROWN BAG: “Getting Ready For RECYCLED MUSIC”"

Brown Bag plays a brand of what I call “timeless, middle of the road music” that adopts real musical instruments and voices. And that my friends is already an achievement as far as the sampled “iTunes generated” music scene is concerned.

Before anyone goes off on a tangent, thinking that my use of the title ” timeless, middle of the road music” is denigrative or alludes to insignificant, meaningless music. Wrong.

My use of the term “timeless, middle of the road music” alludes to a genre, that firstly, as the word so clearly explains, will definitely stand the test of time. In that no matter which musical style is in vogue at any given time, this music will always be appreciated. And if you check out the artists who historically have embraced this genre, you will be left without a doubt.

Secondly this style embraces tiny little fragments borrowed from varied, modern musical concepts and sounds, without totally engulfing one specific style or completely excluding another.

The melodies stay simple and neat, while the arrangements are never over-bearing or elaborately self indulgent. Endearing itself to a vast, world-wide listening audience.


Organic Music Band - BROWN BAG
On ‘Just Walkin’ in fact, I heard strong influences from ‘timeless’ cult artist Van Morrison, which included not just that famously peculiar vocal phrasing, but even the laid back, but vibrant musical arrangement. Clearly demonstrating the band’s above-mentioned songwriting qualities.

Another highlight for me was “Dell” which rode in on a subtle Arlo Guthrie-styled flavor. A really catchy vocal melody, is held together by a band that constantly delivers cohesive and tasteful playing.

On “Here Today, Whistle Tomorrow” the boys break-out with their ‘Crosby, Stills Nash & Young’ vocal harmony arrangements. Once again proving that they’re capable of walking the musical tightrope regardless of it’s style or root extraction.

The overall impression is that Brown Bag comprises a group of very accomplished musicians who truly believe in what they are doing. There is never a hint of egoism or exaggerated heroics in their playing. They seem to have found the perfect musical balance for their particular brand of playing. The individual prowess of each musician never exceeds the sum of the allocated musical parts within any arrangement, this way always leaving the song to take center stage in their performances.

We eagerly await the release of the album – “Recycled Music”, to hear if Brown Bag confirm the evolution of their timeless, middle of the road music! - Jamsphere.com


"Review: Fresh Hops, Brown Bag, Joe Marcinek Band, Catfish & The Dogstars @ Martyrs 10/2/12"

Brown Bag stayed true to their South side roots, back with their drummer Matt Rezetko for their first show since their Shoe Fest appearance. They started their set off fittingly with a song called “Manteno”, the name of the town where the festival took place. Consisting of Dave Waterman (Vocals/Guitar), Mike Ellis (Keys/Vocals), Jack Pieroth (Bass), Dan Cantone (Guitar/Vocals), and Matt Rezetko (Drums/Percussion) the set had a decidedly delta bluesy rock feel to it with subtle Stevie Ray Vaughan undertones — these were distinct enough to set themselves apart from the jazz sandwich of Fresh Hops and Joe Marcinek Band.

Part of what made them even more appealing was their witty banter and energetic stage antics that captured their exuberant good-hearted nature. After the band called a group social they actually started to play even tighter and more cohesively. Waterman has a voice that morphs and elevates to the style and song. Sometimes sounding like Jim James of My Morning Jacket sometimes, like in “Baby, Can I Buy You A Beer”, his voice deepens into a haunting Geen Ween impersonation. I enjoyed how Dan Cantone sat atop his perch in a Steve Kimock pose at times playing his guitar with a slide technique. “Southside Love” got a few ladies practicing their best waltz moves on the dance floor as the doo wop number was sang soulfully and sweetly by Waterman. Ending with the beautifully harmonized “Dell”, Waterman again switched his vocals — this time to a Wilco-esque middle of Americana folk twang. - The Barn


"Review: Fresh Hops, Brown Bag, Joe Marcinek Band, Catfish & The Dogstars @ Martyrs 10/2/12"

Brown Bag stayed true to their South side roots, back with their drummer Matt Rezetko for their first show since their Shoe Fest appearance. They started their set off fittingly with a song called “Manteno”, the name of the town where the festival took place. Consisting of Dave Waterman (Vocals/Guitar), Mike Ellis (Keys/Vocals), Jack Pieroth (Bass), Dan Cantone (Guitar/Vocals), and Matt Rezetko (Drums/Percussion) the set had a decidedly delta bluesy rock feel to it with subtle Stevie Ray Vaughan undertones — these were distinct enough to set themselves apart from the jazz sandwich of Fresh Hops and Joe Marcinek Band.

Part of what made them even more appealing was their witty banter and energetic stage antics that captured their exuberant good-hearted nature. After the band called a group social they actually started to play even tighter and more cohesively. Waterman has a voice that morphs and elevates to the style and song. Sometimes sounding like Jim James of My Morning Jacket sometimes, like in “Baby, Can I Buy You A Beer”, his voice deepens into a haunting Geen Ween impersonation. I enjoyed how Dan Cantone sat atop his perch in a Steve Kimock pose at times playing his guitar with a slide technique. “Southside Love” got a few ladies practicing their best waltz moves on the dance floor as the doo wop number was sang soulfully and sweetly by Waterman. Ending with the beautifully harmonized “Dell”, Waterman again switched his vocals — this time to a Wilco-esque middle of Americana folk twang. - The Barn


"Brown Bag: Recycling Old-school Americana"

Chicago-bred Americana band Brown Bag will perform Saturday, January 19 at Tres Hombres. The city-slicker roots should not fool anyone, as Brown Bag hones a sound that is both honest and unique. They are a perfect fit for even the pickiest Southern Illinois folk/Americana fan. Self-described as “organic-folk-blues-rock,” Brown Bag represents a resurgence of folk music that has been described as a youthful, modern-day version of the Band.

Brown Bag consists of Dave Waterman (who about a decade ago played in Carbondale band Rural Love Invasion and the Super American Happy Fun Good-time Jamband) on vocals and guitar, Jack Pieroth on bass, Dan Cantone on guitar and vocals, Mike Ellis on keys and vocals, and Matt Rezetko on drums and percussion.

Brown Bag’s debut album, Recycled Music, was recorded right here in Southern Illinois at Misunderstudio, and is a strong, well-written, precision-delivered introduction to the band’s modern roots music. Check it out at <http://www.BrownBag.bandcamp.com>. There, listeners can also hear Live at The Ace Bar, recorded in July 2012.

Check out our interview with Brown Bag founder Dave Waterman.


Tell us a bit about the history of the band.

The band started in 2010 at the annual Oink Fest in Chicago, Illinois. For the past two years we have been mastering our style in various venues around the city. In June of 2012 we released our debut album, titled Recycled Music, recorded at Misunderstudio. We also played local Illinois festivals like Whippersnap Music Festival and Shoe Fest this past summer.


Who are some of the band’s major influences?

Budweiser, Coors Light, and Maker’s Mark.


Tell us a bit about your debut album, Recycled Music. You recorded it down here at Misunderstudio?

Yeah, the album was recorded at Misunderstudio in Murphysboro, Illinois, last January. We had a blast working with producer Mike Lescelius and engineer Alex Kirk. Recycled Music is a hodgepodge of different styles of music, penned by [me] during the three years prior to recording.

On a mild Friday afternoon in January, we took the five-hour drive down to the studio, where Lescelius made us feel like we were at home until Monday morning. For two and a half days we lived in the studio, recording from early in the morning till late at night. Due to the lack of studio time, we approached the sessions well-prepared, having practiced thoroughly prior to heading down. We started with Jack and Matt laying down the rhythm tracks, while meticulously editing where we could over the long weekend. Mike and Dan recorded most of the weekend, adding color and psychedelic noises through soloing. On the last day Dave added his guitar and vocals.

I was a little tired at the end of the weekend when it came time to lay down the lead vocals. Luckily, Lescelius is not only a great producer but also a great bartender. He gave me the pick-me-up I needed to do my best. It was a great experience to really dedicate a whole weekend to recording our music.


Where did the name Brown Bag come from?

Soon after realizing the diversity of the band’s music, anything could be in the bag. So, through stream-of-consciousness [I] blurted out “Brown Bag!” and the name stuck.


Members in the band are involved in different projects. Tell us about that.

Cantone and Rezetko play with the live hip-hop group Shapes and Colors. [Me] and Pieroth play in Caution. Ellis is a full-time music teacher at Morgan Park Academy. We all think it’s important to stay busy at our craft.


What are some of the themes of the writing?

Some of the themes include desire to escape, communication-- verbal/nonverbal-- displacement, empowerment, and happiness to be alive.


What can people expect at the show?

Music driven by melodies, angst, and blues, with some witty stage banter, as well as quality live sound.


who: Brown Bag

what: Americana CD release party

where: Tres Hombres

when: Saturday, January 19

- CarbondaleRocks.com


"Brown Bag: Recycling Old-school Americana"

Chicago-bred Americana band Brown Bag will perform Saturday, January 19 at Tres Hombres. The city-slicker roots should not fool anyone, as Brown Bag hones a sound that is both honest and unique. They are a perfect fit for even the pickiest Southern Illinois folk/Americana fan. Self-described as “organic-folk-blues-rock,” Brown Bag represents a resurgence of folk music that has been described as a youthful, modern-day version of the Band.

Brown Bag consists of Dave Waterman (who about a decade ago played in Carbondale band Rural Love Invasion and the Super American Happy Fun Good-time Jamband) on vocals and guitar, Jack Pieroth on bass, Dan Cantone on guitar and vocals, Mike Ellis on keys and vocals, and Matt Rezetko on drums and percussion.

Brown Bag’s debut album, Recycled Music, was recorded right here in Southern Illinois at Misunderstudio, and is a strong, well-written, precision-delivered introduction to the band’s modern roots music. Check it out at <http://www.BrownBag.bandcamp.com>. There, listeners can also hear Live at The Ace Bar, recorded in July 2012.

Check out our interview with Brown Bag founder Dave Waterman.


Tell us a bit about the history of the band.

The band started in 2010 at the annual Oink Fest in Chicago, Illinois. For the past two years we have been mastering our style in various venues around the city. In June of 2012 we released our debut album, titled Recycled Music, recorded at Misunderstudio. We also played local Illinois festivals like Whippersnap Music Festival and Shoe Fest this past summer.


Who are some of the band’s major influences?

Budweiser, Coors Light, and Maker’s Mark.


Tell us a bit about your debut album, Recycled Music. You recorded it down here at Misunderstudio?

Yeah, the album was recorded at Misunderstudio in Murphysboro, Illinois, last January. We had a blast working with producer Mike Lescelius and engineer Alex Kirk. Recycled Music is a hodgepodge of different styles of music, penned by [me] during the three years prior to recording.

On a mild Friday afternoon in January, we took the five-hour drive down to the studio, where Lescelius made us feel like we were at home until Monday morning. For two and a half days we lived in the studio, recording from early in the morning till late at night. Due to the lack of studio time, we approached the sessions well-prepared, having practiced thoroughly prior to heading down. We started with Jack and Matt laying down the rhythm tracks, while meticulously editing where we could over the long weekend. Mike and Dan recorded most of the weekend, adding color and psychedelic noises through soloing. On the last day Dave added his guitar and vocals.

I was a little tired at the end of the weekend when it came time to lay down the lead vocals. Luckily, Lescelius is not only a great producer but also a great bartender. He gave me the pick-me-up I needed to do my best. It was a great experience to really dedicate a whole weekend to recording our music.


Where did the name Brown Bag come from?

Soon after realizing the diversity of the band’s music, anything could be in the bag. So, through stream-of-consciousness [I] blurted out “Brown Bag!” and the name stuck.


Members in the band are involved in different projects. Tell us about that.

Cantone and Rezetko play with the live hip-hop group Shapes and Colors. [Me] and Pieroth play in Caution. Ellis is a full-time music teacher at Morgan Park Academy. We all think it’s important to stay busy at our craft.


What are some of the themes of the writing?

Some of the themes include desire to escape, communication-- verbal/nonverbal-- displacement, empowerment, and happiness to be alive.


What can people expect at the show?

Music driven by melodies, angst, and blues, with some witty stage banter, as well as quality live sound.


who: Brown Bag

what: Americana CD release party

where: Tres Hombres

when: Saturday, January 19

- CarbondaleRocks.com


Discography

Recycled Music LP - 2012
Recorded at Misunderstudios
http://brownbag.bandcamp.com/album/recycled-music

Photos

Bio

Formed in Fall 2010, Brown Bag is a fresh, organic rock & roll band hailing from the south-side of Chicago, IL. Influences include but are not limited to rock, folk, blues, and jazz. They refuse to stick to one specific musical movement, with a that is as diverse as their influences, while remaining concise and cohesive.

Brown Bag has shared the stage with acts such as The funky Meters, Keller Williams, Johnny Winter, Greensky Bluegrass, Railroad Earth, Particle, Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons, Digital Tape Machine, Zmick, Strange Arrangement, Henhouse Powlers, Leadfoot, Family Groove Company, Old Shoe, The Delta Saints, Good Gravy, Shapes & Colors, and many other excellent bands.