Handful of Luvin'
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Handful of Luvin'

Seattle, Washington, United States | SELF

Seattle, Washington, United States | SELF
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"4 Peaks Summer Jamboree"

The folks at 4 Peaks Presents did what they do best. They threw a party under the watchful eye of the Cascade mountains, invited their closest friends, and brought together some of the best (and soon to be best) roots-based jambands. Unfortunately, their greatest task was a behind the scenes battle with Deschutes County. But, it takes more than outdated county codes, permits and good-ole-boy commissioners to stop a Jamboree!

The grandiose nature of Bend, Oregon provided the perfect backdrop to the intimate setting of the Rockin’ A Ranch. Having a Jamboree on the ranch allowed music lovers to separate the good (music) from the bad (everything else) of a festival. A grassy field took the place of a blacktop parking lot; permanent, wood rail fences replaced temporary, plastic ones; and instead of the normal lines of the masses, there were just friends milling about.

The beautiful day began with a couple of sets from some local bands. The Mostest kicked off the festival with a solid set of covers and originals by lead guitar/vocalist/prolific songwriter Mark Ransom. Showing why they are one of the most popular Americana bands in Central Oregon, the Mostest tore threw songs from their latest live release, Masala Mostest. Watching them on the stage, I couldn’t help but get the feeling that their perm-a-grins told the story of the day, from the musicians point of view.

Wild Rye took the stage next with their Scottish-based Americana tunes. Their blend of two fiddles, a cello and guitar provided a nice change to the typical jamband-based lineup that dominates most festivals. The skilled musicians quickly won the crowd over with standards such as Josefin’s Waltz, Wind that Shakes the Barley and Sleep Sound in the Morning. While mostly instrumental, Kate Wells’ hypnotic voice during their original tunes seem to enchant the crowd. The fact that their set was so well received restores may faith in the crowd’s ability to appreciate a wide array of quality music.

Another bright spot of the day was Jay Seals. Since the (so-called) break-up of Blue Turtle Seduction, Bend has been wondering when Jay would roll back through town. I know many fans are excited about BTS reuniting for the Las Tortugas festival over Halloween in Yosemite. Jay is also working with his new band, Jay Seals and the Hydrodynamics. I always appreciate the more stripped down acoustic versions of songs I have listened to many times. The intimacy of the songs combined with the ability to hear all of the lyrics allowed the listener to connect with the artist. Obviously, it can’t ever take the place of what Jay does with a full band, working the crowd into a bouncing frenzy, but it is nice to hear the softer side of rock n roll once in a while.

One of my favorite things about festivals is getting the chance to discover new bands to add to my itunes. Seattle-based band, Handful of Luvin filled that role nicely. Living up to their moniker of “fiddle driven roots rock,” Handful of Luvin impressed me from start to finish. Andrew Joslyn’s fiddle playing immediately drew me in to their Americana set. I could easily recognize his accomplished classical upbringing, all the while being happy he decided to pursue the more loose styles of gypsy and rock fiddle. Andrew’s ten minute fiddle solo in the middle of their set impressed even the most skeptic of concertgoers. Handful of Luvin easily switched from folk-rock to reggae to world rhythms, all with an underlying Classical and Celtic themes. I really can’t say enough about these guys. The David John’s lyrics were well written and sung, the rhythm section of Mike Knight (drums) and Pat Files (bass) was solid, and of course, Andrew’s fiddle-playing was top notch.

The highlight of the 2010 Jamboree though was Poor Man’s Whiskey, which by the way permeated the air as the band took the stage. PMW is another one of those bands that Bend is in love with, and I believe the reverse is true as well. They bring their “High-octane Hootenanny” to Central Oregon a couple times a year, and always to 4 Peaks Music Festivals. It’s exciting to see how much PMW has stepped up their game to become one of the most entertaining jambands on the west coast. While they haven’t shed their bluegrass roots completely, they are moving towards a full-blown Rock n Roll show. Following in the early Grateful Dead tradition of an opening acoustic set, PMW likes to draw the crowd in with a couple of unplugged tunes, usually played amongst the audience. PMW has polished their live shows playing such festivals as the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (CA), Byron Bay Blues and Roots Music Festival (Australia), High Sierra (CA), Telluride Bluegrass Festival (CO), and Las Tortugas Dance of the Dead (CA).

Poor Man’s Whiskey is more than just the sum of their parts. They are a very hard-working group of musicians focused on becoming a bigger and better band. They constantly try to up the ante on their musicianship all the while trying to give the best show they can. They deftly moved through originals and covers and back again, ensuring the crowd stayed engaged and attentive to their show. Josh Brough’s (vocals, banjo, organ) lyrics show the maturity of those who came before him, a la Townes Van Zandt. Jason Beard (mandolin, guitars) must be happy he is in a band that allows him emulate both the Allman Brothers and Allison Kraus & Union Station. The steady back end of Aspen (bass, vocals) and George Smeltz (drums, suitcase, vocals) proved they have no problem with country swing, Americana or southern rock. Standing front and center, Eli Jebidiah (guitar, mandolin, theremin, vocals) and his “sun-painted” Taylor made sure PMW stayed with its crowd-pleasing task.

As of late, Poor Man’s Whiskey has honed their craft through covering some of their favorite albums. Their Darkside of the Moonshine performances, complete with laser light show, have been captivating audiences for the last couple of years. More recently, PMW performed Old and in the Way with special guests Michael Kang (SCI) and Peter Rowan (Old and in the Way). Tunes from both remakes appeared throughout the night, as well as an Allman Brothers jam and some Tom Petty. The range of covers and originals highlighted PMW’s true music ability.

While Deschutes County made sure no loud music occurred after 10 pm., 4 Peaks made sure the music didn’t stop. When the stage lights turned off, the campfires were lit. Members of Poor Man’s Whiskey, Handful of Luvin, and Wild Rye were more than happy to keep the music going as the campers got treated to unplugged, acoustic songs and sing-a-longs well into the night. This was perhaps the best part of the Jamboree, and 4 Peaks in general. Despite a concerted effort by the 4 Peaks crew to keep it small this year, the 2010 4 Peaks Jamboree will go down as one of the best in Central Oregon. - Jam Bands - by Gregg Morris


"The Great New Album from Handful of Luvin’"

The alt rock folk scene has a wide selection of musical styles mixed together. Some aren’t too good and others work very well together. Falling into this latter category is the band Handful of Luvin’. An eclectic mix of styles can be found in their music. A bit of rock is there, along with alt folk and a touch of pop. There is also a very strong Celtic influence in their music.

Considered one of Seattle’s most requested bands, Handful of Luvin’ recently recorded their third full-length album. The title of the album is Life In Between. It was self produced and released.

The members of the band are David John, Andrew Joslin, Patrick Files and Mike Knight. David does the lead vocals and plays guitar. Andrew is on 5 string violin. Patrick is the bass player. And Mike is the band’s drummer.

There is extra help on the album by way of trumpeter Samantha Boshnack, keyboardist Oskar Kollen, midi programming by Yevgeniy Frid, cello by Caleb Hegg and clarinet from John Benefiel.

Interesting string music opens Born Lucky. It has a toe-tapping, folk rock beat with fluid vocals. There is a bit of retro guitar that creeps into the song here and there.

Breadcrumbs has more of a Country flavor to it than anything else. It made me think of bands like Rascal Flatts.

Celtic sounds mixed in with a slight rock styling can be found in Kickdrum. There’s some pretty slick violin music in the song.

I love the acoustic guitar in Washington. The song is mellow but has a kind of in-your-face attitude.

Beautiful violin and viola begin This Man. From the intro the song transcends into an interesting mix of Reggae, alt folk and pop. I know that sounds a bit strange trying to explain what I heard in the song, but believe me, it really works.

The sixth song on the album is somewhat unusual. It’s title is The Pilgrimage (Into The Chaos). It features an audio track from philosopher Alan Watts. Behind the talk from Watts is serene background music. The song has a tough rock guitar anthem styled closing.

Strong string music permeates a Country rock styled song called There’s No Right There’s No Wrong.

Lazy Men has an almost light Jim Croce sound to it.

Treaty is a toe tapper with tough string music. The strings made me think of Robbie Steinhart of the classic rock band Kansas.

Glass Ceiling has a light, somewhat Celtic sound with a tiny bit of Country thrown in.

Bomb Bomb is a definite interesting song. It contains a bit of what I might call Gypsy music, or perhaps Hungarian restaurant styling. Fused in with that strings sound is rock and country to make it an intriguing sounding song. And just to top it off, Samantha Boshnack’s trumpet adds a slight Herb Alpert edge to things.

I liked the whole album but one of my favorite songs was Harry Met Rona. The band took a couple of traditional Celtic instrumentals and incorporated them into an incredible mix with a slight rock influence. If you even slightly like Celtic music, you will love this song.

The album ends with another song fronted by an audio clip from Alan Watts. The title of this final song is Fingers. Slight rock music permeated by violin backs the Watts speaking part.

Life In Between has a definite eclectic sound. The songs mix classic Celtic music with folk, rock, various alt influences and a sliver of country. The vocals are well done and the music is very cool.

I was all set to not like this album. Most of the band’s I’ve heard that incorporate Celtic music into their styling don’t do it that well. But I was more than pleasantly surprised when I found that I liked the album. I especially liked the songs Kickdrum and Treat and the instrumental Harry Met Rona.

Life In Between can be purchased through iTunes, amazon.com and other online venues.

Visit the Handful of Luvin’ official web site to find out more about the band and this new album. The site is www.handfulofluvin.com. - Bruce Von Stiers Reviews


"Handful of Luvin': Life in Between"

"Have you ever wondered what it might sound like if you tried to break up a scuffle between Gaelic Storm, Bill Withers, and Dave Matthews Band? Oddly enough, I have. And it sounds like Handful of Luvin’, one of the best bands (with one of the worst names) you have probably never heard of. Life in Between is one of the most eclectic sounding records I have heard in a good long time without the whole mess “trying to hard” creates. These songs sound really natural, as if the band just sweat them out during a hot New York summer.

The album opens with the stellar track “Born Lucky” and it’s a hard song to top but they certainly follow the “Put Your Best Foot Forward” rule. When those soulful vocals hits they meld with music just right and take you somewhere else. As a matter of fact, the whole record is like that. The band expertly transports you to another place, offering a journey not quite like anything else out there today. The gentle, yet edgy songs, “Washington” and “Lazy Men” are absolutely mesmerizing and so soulful you’ll geek out trying to imitate it with your acoustic guitar. If there were an Acoustic Guitar Hero game, these songs would be among the most popular. Other highlights include the boppy “Glass Ceiling,” the experimental, sample-heavy, and slightly creepy “The Pilgrimage (Into Chaos),” and the other bookend “Fingers,” which has a slightly Bluegrass bent that I really love.

Overall, I wouldn’t have given this band a chance at all if it hadn’t come from a publicist I trusted to offer quality music. The cover art is bland, the name is ridiculous, and there is nothing eye-popping about the packaging, but once you listen you are immediately hooked on Handful of Luvin’. They truly have the potential to be one of this generations greats… you even get kind of used to the name after awhile. Don’t miss out on Life in Between, you’ll be glad you sought it out."
by Mark Fisher - Colossal Pop


"Handful of Luvin': The New Folk?"

Seattle based band, Handful of Luvin’, have seen some notable local success since their 2005 inception. In 2008 they were voted third best local band of Western Washington by King 5 Evening Magazine and have been selling out venues across the Northwest with their avid touring schedule. During the course of the next 30 days the band will be seen at over 17 venues around Washington, Idaho, California and Oregon.

Their four-piece line-up consists of a vocalist/guitarist, violinist, bassist, and drummer that together produce a succinct relationship between folk and reggae with touches of bluegrass, blues and rock weaved in. True to the implications of these musical tonalities, the lyrical content is authentically blue-collar and often ponderous and reflective.

In the vein of many successful bands prior to Hand of Luvin’, moments of their most evident lyrical melancholy include the most splendid and tender melodies of their work. The song “Stand Strugglin’”, from their 2007 release Land of Giants acts as a testament to the care and thoughtfulness put into the melodies in a marriage of blues and classical compositions.

When the band takes to the stage, however, their performances are filled with excitement and verve. None of the artistic care and heavy-handed lyrics become lost in the transition from the CD to the stage, yet the atmosphere does not feel burdened or bogged down by the serious material. The band seems to really enjoy themselves, confident and at ease during their performances.

Their third and most recent album, titled Life in Between, lends a more up-beat and readily accessible element to their portfolio; constantly adapting to new styles such as the Celtic instrumental “Harry Met Rona”. Some of their previous acoustic melancholy, that was a markedly compelling feature, is a little under-pronounced; however the album is a step forward for the band in many ways.

While imagining a band that is this eccentric in their use of commonly berated genres (such as bluegrass) becoming a feature in the musical landscape seems difficult and counterintuitive; it could very well happen. The nuisances of the band never actually over commit to a specific sound and instead creatively flitter and synchronize the apparent genre influences of the band. I used the words folk, reggae, bluegrass, blues and rock earlier in a vain attempt to construct an idea of their sound; however the final product is such a tight conglomerate of the influences that it essentially becomes its own genre.

Much of their strength seems to lie in the eclecticism of the band’s individual members. In addition to their performances with Handful of Luvin, three of the four members maintain side projects of very different sounds. Bassist, Patrick Files is currently a part of the Mobius Jones Everlasting Blues Band, drummer Michael Knight performs with rock band Blunt Mechanic and Violinist Andrew Joslyn plays with the hip-hop artist Macklemore as well as the Passenger String Quarter. - Best New Bands.com


"Handful of Luvin': The New Folk?"

Seattle based band, Handful of Luvin’, have seen some notable local success since their 2005 inception. In 2008 they were voted third best local band of Western Washington by King 5 Evening Magazine and have been selling out venues across the Northwest with their avid touring schedule. During the course of the next 30 days the band will be seen at over 17 venues around Washington, Idaho, California and Oregon.

Their four-piece line-up consists of a vocalist/guitarist, violinist, bassist, and drummer that together produce a succinct relationship between folk and reggae with touches of bluegrass, blues and rock weaved in. True to the implications of these musical tonalities, the lyrical content is authentically blue-collar and often ponderous and reflective.

In the vein of many successful bands prior to Hand of Luvin’, moments of their most evident lyrical melancholy include the most splendid and tender melodies of their work. The song “Stand Strugglin’”, from their 2007 release Land of Giants acts as a testament to the care and thoughtfulness put into the melodies in a marriage of blues and classical compositions.

When the band takes to the stage, however, their performances are filled with excitement and verve. None of the artistic care and heavy-handed lyrics become lost in the transition from the CD to the stage, yet the atmosphere does not feel burdened or bogged down by the serious material. The band seems to really enjoy themselves, confident and at ease during their performances.

Their third and most recent album, titled Life in Between, lends a more up-beat and readily accessible element to their portfolio; constantly adapting to new styles such as the Celtic instrumental “Harry Met Rona”. Some of their previous acoustic melancholy, that was a markedly compelling feature, is a little under-pronounced; however the album is a step forward for the band in many ways.

While imagining a band that is this eccentric in their use of commonly berated genres (such as bluegrass) becoming a feature in the musical landscape seems difficult and counterintuitive; it could very well happen. The nuisances of the band never actually over commit to a specific sound and instead creatively flitter and synchronize the apparent genre influences of the band. I used the words folk, reggae, bluegrass, blues and rock earlier in a vain attempt to construct an idea of their sound; however the final product is such a tight conglomerate of the influences that it essentially becomes its own genre.

Much of their strength seems to lie in the eclecticism of the band’s individual members. In addition to their performances with Handful of Luvin, three of the four members maintain side projects of very different sounds. Bassist, Patrick Files is currently a part of the Mobius Jones Everlasting Blues Band, drummer Michael Knight performs with rock band Blunt Mechanic and Violinist Andrew Joslyn plays with the hip-hop artist Macklemore as well as the Passenger String Quarter. - Best New Bands.com


"Handful of Luvin' + Korby Lenker"

An established crowd-pleaser (Handful)...(which) respects their roots while focusing on rock..... - Seattle Weekly


"Handful of Luvin'"

"Handful of Luvin is an eccentric blend of harmony and considerate lyrics. Spawned from Seattle, Handful of Luvin is one the city's most adored live bands. The band is a unique blend of writing, music and overall emotion. Together, Handful of Luvin fashions music into an adaptation of magic." - Tanya Vece - Tanya Vece - The Horse Chronicles


"Handful of Luvin' Nominated Best New Artist in the Seattle Weekly"

Handful of Luvin' was nominated for Best New Artist in the Seattle Weekly for the 2006 Music Awards. - Seattle Weekly


"Handful of Luvin' - Life in Between Review"

"Handful Of Luvin's third full length release is the work of a band just coming into it's own. Confident and self-assured, obliterating the demarcation lines where genres stake out their turf, Handful happily incorporate influences from Vivaldi to Vasser Clements, from the Stones to Riverdance, refracted through Pop sensibilities, with bright hooks and melodies that remain. ......If I have one caveat it would be this.....To my mind the sound is a bit slick, an almost pop-ish veneer that belies and betrays the rootsy origins of the music. The sound could use a little of the husk & busk immediacy of a more "live" sound. But its really a minor quibble.....and as Handful Of Luvin' tthemselves will tell you....There's No Right, There's No Wrong........"

Full review at: http://mog.com/deadmandeadman/blog/2177755 - MOG


"Handful of Luvin' Voted in Top 5 Best Local Bands of Western Washington"

"Voted 3rd Best Local Band of Western Washington by King 5 Evening Magazine for 2009. Voted in the Top 5 Best Local Bands by King 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington 2008." - Evening Magazine


"First Night"

". . .we walked outside to the Pierce Transit Park right as Handful of Luvin’ began playing. Um, wow. Just wow. Good gravy in all that’s made from butter, I am in love. I was so drawn in. The voice, the violin, the rhythm, I couldn’t help but want to dance. I was drawn to the stage, and immediately began taping. The crowd was nuts, the dancing, the energy, and vibes of happiness. These people loved this band, and I craved more when they were done. I will definitely be seeing more of them soon." -- Steph DeRosa (Weekly Volcano) - Weekly Volcano


"Handful of Luvin' is ready to spread the jam"

by PAT MUIR
April 16, 2010

YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC

Handful of Luvin's two founding members are ready to quit their day jobs.

The eclectic Seattle band's fiddler, Andrew Joslyn, has already given notice at the office where he does paralegal work, and front man David John is considering leaving behind a job waiting tables. Seven years in -- with a loyal following, a new album and a resume full of gigs at Seattle's marquee venues -- it's time to get serious.

"It's exciting," John says. "It's really exciting that Andrew's quitting his job and we're heading to that next level."

Joslyn and John started playing together in 2002 when they were students at Western Washington University. They went through a few incarnations before adding Patrick Files on bass in 2004 and Mike Knight on drums in 2005, the lineup that plays the Yakima Sports Center tonight.

Relentless gigging and a vocal fan base has kept Handful of Luvin' in the mix on the Seattle scene, but they haven't really broken through the way they hope to with "Life In Between," released in January. The album, which the band released on its own, represents a leap forward for Handful of Luvin' in terms of production values and attention to detail on each song. Two previous albums had potential but ended as disappointments, Joslyn says.

"Finally, for the first time, we have a product we're really excited about," he says.

The band is most interesting when its disparate influences are evident. Joslyn plays a Celtic-style fiddle with a Flogging Molly sort of fervor, John was raised on Motown and classic '60s songwriters like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, Files is a metalhead who treats the bass like a funky lead instrument rather than an in-the- pocket rhythm instrument, and Knight is an indie music veteran. When that's all going on together, the sound is raucous and spontaneous- seeming -- the kind of sound that can earn the "jam band" label.

"We try to avoid (the label), just because it seems to have a negative stigma," Joslyn says.

Talk about it for a while, though, and he does acknowledge that, sure, OK, fine, maybe Handful of Luvin' is a jam band.

"I had a really hard time with it for a while," Joslyn says.

But being a jam band doesn't have to be a bad thing. This is not, after all, a band to turn on, tune in and drop out to; it's a raucous bar band that just happens to extend its four-minute studio songs to nine or 10 minutes on stage. And, though "Life In Between" doesn't have any 10-minute songs, it is the closest yet that Handful of Luvin' has gotten to capturing its live sound. There's an instrumental, for instance, and there are nods to each of the members' influences.

"It's a very diverse set that goes from genre to genre and energy to energy," John says. "By sheer variety it can captivate an audience."

The band is marketing the album primarily online and through its performances, something John and Joslyn believe is the future of the music industry as the influence of traditional record labels and commercial radio continues to shrink.

"It's really the only way going on nowadays," John says. "The successful bands coming out right now are the ones who have built their own network, their own grass-roots things."

But doing the leg work to build a network like that takes time, which is why they're looking at losing those day jobs. It's a move John has always planned for, purposely avoiding getting a good job after college because he knew that one day he would have to choose between the job and the band. Now, it's no contest: Between waiting tables and Handful of Luvin', he's ready to choose the band.

"We're probably never going to get rich off of it," he says. "But we will have a really cool job."

Pat Muir can be reached at 509-577-7693 or pmuir@yakimaherald.com

If you go

WHAT: Handful of Luvin'.

WHEN: 9 tonight.

WHERE: Yakima Sports Center, 114 E. Yakima Ave.

COVER: $5. - Publication: Yakima Herald-Republic (Washington)


"An Earful of Buzzin' for This Band"

An earful of buzzin? for this band

Apr 25 2008

Fiddler Andrew Joslyn returns to the island tonight with Handful of Luvin?.

It?s been seven years since Andrew Joslyn left Bainbridge High School to pursue a music degree at Western Washington University.

Armed with a violin and a classical background, Joslyn quickly realized he needed something else besides the regimented schedule and requirements of a university music major to keep his musical passion alive.

?I?m not Jascha Heifetz or a hard-core classical violinist and I?m definitely not a morning person,? said Joslyn at his current home in Seattle. ?I just thought, there is no way I am going to make it like that.?

So he dropped his major to a minor and started experimenting with fellow Western alum and singer/songwriter David John Wellnitz.

?I was an RA when I met David John, and we put on a concert for the students and I heard his music for the first time. I was just amazed,? Joslyn said. ?We started playing coffee shops together? from there it morphed into this bizarre musical project for me.?

Joslyn is returning to the island with a 5-string electric violin, a menagerie of effects and a group of talented musicians better known as Handful of Luvin?.

Handful consists of Wellnitz on guitar and vocals, Patrick Files on bass, Michael Knight on drums and Joslyn on fiddle/violin.

They?ll showcase their talents this evening at the Waterfront Park summer concert series.

Handful comprises a fine mix of experimental violin/fiddle on top of John Mayer-esque songs with undertones of harder blues rock, Celtic riffs and classical compositions. It?s a new music sensation that has lately been generating well-deserved hype in the Northwest.

The group generates a lot of their own buzz with an extensive gigging schedule that sees them covering a swath of the Northwest I-5 corridor on any given week.

The four-member band recently got back from a West Coast tour as well, and hasn?t stopped for a break yet.

?Let?s see, this week we have three shows, I think next week we have four shows,? Joslyn said as he tried to recall dates and times.

?Our talent manager has been talking about playing Korea and doing an extensive East Coast tour and I?m just like?wow.?

The band has been featured on radio station 103.7 FM ?The Mountain? and was the station?s local access artist for a month, which helped give it a solid 200-person following at most of its shows.

?I think the Mountain thought we were just a college band and we wouldn?t be going anywhere. I mean, if I got our first album in the mail that is what I would think,? Joslyn said, recalling their first hastily recorded album in a basement in Bellingham. ?I am curious to see what they think of the next album.?

That album, ?Land of Giants,? offers an energetic follow-up with enough pop for radio and enough technical prowess to silence the most persistent music snob.

The album was produced by Steve Adamek, a Seattle rock legend who produced Left Hand Smoke?s last album and was a songwriter for the 1980s Seattle band the Allies.

?He had mentioned he wanted to produce us and I called him up when we were looking at making this recording and said, ?we really need your help?,? Joslyn said. ?We?re four guys with strong egos and we needed a good objective outside view for this album.?

The concert in the park comes two days before the band?s anticipated official release party for its new album at Seattle?s Showbox Theater. However, Joslyn said the band will sell copies of the CD at Waterfront Park to those who can?t make the four-band event.

This will be Handful?s first show on Bainbridge; Joslyn says he?s eager to come back to share his music with his hometown.

?Last time I was there I did a lot of music with Alan Simcoe; we played a lot of swing and jazz,? Joslyn said. ?Music on the island has changed now. It seems like it is really being promoted and being encouraged, which is a lot different from what it was when I was in high school.

?I don?t know what our reception will be like, but we do have a lot to offer.? - Bainbridge Review


"CD REVIEW: Handful of Luvin - Life In Between"

Artist: Handful of Luvin
Album: Life In Between
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.handfulofluvin.com
Genre: Alternative Folk/Pop
Sounds Like: Train, Rob Thomas, Flogging Molly
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Lazy Men, Kick Drum, There’s no right, there’s no wrong
Weakness: David John’s voice sounds more like Rob Thomas than Rob Thomas
CD Review: Seattle’s own Handful of Luovin' release their 3rd release "Life In Between" on January 20, 2010.

Logging in at just over 49 minutes, the CD kicks things off with “Born Lucky” a dynamic intro piece that serves up classic Celtic overtones lending itself into progressive rock crescendo delivering lush mandolin licks, driving rhythms, & a rich melody that peaks & valleys its way through fruition. Track 2 “Breadcrumbs” shifts gears a bit with an upbeat acoustical backbone, serving up sizzling fuddle, driving guitar rhythms & full tilt vocal passion from lead singer David John. Track 3 shifts gears back down a bit with “Kickdrum” an easy flowing reggae melody that will inject its infectious melody into your soul as it gently slithers across your ears. This CD makes a great first impression. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of such classic acts like Train, Flogging Molly, & maybe a hint of Dave Matthews Band. The music itself is an amazing blend of modern acoustic folk, with Celtic roots with an unmistakable alternative college rock vibe – an impressive combination! The musicianship of this 4 piece is equally as impressive. The fiddle/mandolin accents from Andrew Joslyn are well placed. The rhythm groove (Bass & Drums) push the natural accents well. But the most impressive thing about Handful of Luvin’ is the vocal persona from front man & guitarist David John himself. He is perhaps an major undiscovered talent, possessing a vocal flair reminiscent of such prime time singers like Justin Timberlake, Rob Thomas & a splash of Patrick Monihan (Train) – another impressive combination. The CD itself offers a rich melodic vocal foundation, against a earthy mosaic of acoustic rock with elements of Celtic rock & easy flowing folk. From mesmerizing “Washington”, to passionate “There’s no right, there’s no wrong” to stripped down ballads “Lazy Men” this CD pretty much has it all. Like the aforementioned there’s a few worldly-type grooves like “Kinkdrum: “Bomb Bomb” & “Harry Met Rona.” To keep things interesting. These songs clearly prove this band can dish out more than just Alternative Celtic Rock. They possess enough talent & musical diversity to keep you guessing. I can honestly say I was entertained the entire time, with never a dull moment to be found. Note for note & song for song – “ Life In Between” is pretty much amazing!

This CD has one very obvious blemish that unfortunately sticks out like a sore thumb. At times David John’s voice sounds more like Rob Thomas than Rob Thomas himself. No matter how hard I try, I simply cannot let this go. Don’t get me wrong David - your voice works well, & goes down smooth, but if things don’t work for you & Handful of Lovin take my advice & launch the hottest Matchbox 20 tribute band ever!

From start to finish Handful of Luvin’ is one impressive catalog of music. The music is highly original, uplifting, & extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t a weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing & playing abilities of this 4 piece are rock solid. The lyrics are catchy lyrics, & the melodies are well crafted & hooky. Last but not least the vocal presence from frontman David John is world-class. All in all - “Life In Between” is one of the best CD’s that’s come across my desk this year. If you like Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews Band with a splash Celtic flair then you should definitely jump into “Life In Between” head first! - Muse's Muse


"Interview with Handful of Luvin'"

JULY 9, 2010 - With the music industry squarely focused on pulsating electronic pop sounds, one would begin to wonder whatever happened to that 90's college radio aesthetic which rewarded musicianship and content above celebrity. The Seattle-based Jam-Americana band HANDFUL OF LUVIN have both musicianship and content to spare on their latest offering LIFE IN BETWEEN, an engaging concept album (a first for the band according to violinist ANDREW JOSLYN) detailing the rocky, winding road of life. Despite the heaviness of this oh-so ambitious approach, the music is never weighed down by good intentions . In fact, HANDFUL OF LUVIN are an adept band of troubadours who aren't about to let their rich, earthy sound grow stale or have it fall upon deaf ears given their ability to change rhythms at a moments notice. The results here are amazing, memorable and - above all else - catchy. - Rockwired Magazine


"Handful of Luvin' Album Review (Life in Between)"

From start to finish Handful of Luvin’ is one impressive catalog of music. The music is highly original, uplifting, & extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t a weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing & playing abilities of this 4 piece are rock solid. The lyrics are catchy lyrics, & the melodies are well crafted & hooky. Last but not least the vocal presence from frontman David John is world-class. All in all - “Life In Between” is one of the best CD’s that’s come across my desk this year. If you like Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews Band with a splash Celtic flair then you should definitely jump into “Life In Between” head first! - Indie Music Digest


"Local Act Handful of Luvin'"

"A potpourri of all great bands we've loved before, each member brings his own unique sound and experience to the stage, formulating an utterly beautiful frenzy. The violinist is mesmerizing as he plays away with all the sound and fury of a regular rock star. And it doesn't hurt that the singer and songwriter is unassumingly gorgeous — maybe the sweat oozing down our face at their last show wasn't just from dancing."

Coming together from five very diverse musical backgrounds, Handful of Luvin' is playing to packed local clubs and writing some of the catchiest songs since motown.
- Seattle Weekly


Discography

Handful of Luvin's newest release "Life in Between" (2010) is a tour de force of contemporary roots rock. Always hard to define or describe, Handful's signature sound of a raging violin laced with a driving rhythm section, and deep introspective lyrics, yet hopeful and upbeat, abounds on this new album. There is definitely something here for everyone.

Land of Giant's is Handful's sophomore album (2007), and first stint with a record producer. Handful of Luvin' teamed up with The Allies producer Stevie Adamek to piece together a veritable gem of folky pop songs. With tracks like the raging song "Elephant", to the soulful and upbeat "Letters", and with dance tinged "Framed", the album continues to evolve their folk/world/pop rock sound, which promises lots of energy, soul, and maturity over their last album.

Handful of Luvin’ released their debut album ‘Balance’ in June 2005. The name of the album was a homage to the vast musical diversity which Handful of Luvin’ has. The 11 track CD, was recorded and produced by the band in one month at Birddog Studios in Bellingham Washington.

Radio Airplay:
Life in Between is spinning nationally.
http://www.crossovermedia.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=projects.map&projectID=399

Syndicated Programs include: UnderCurrents
Markets include: New York, San Francisco, Cleveland, Austin, Houston, Baltimore, Milwaukee Memphis, Albuquerque, Berkeley & Sacramento CA, Madison WI, Canada
Online Programs include: GURU, Taintradio, WGOE

Photos

Bio

A rock quartet featuring a rocking classically trained violinist, Handful refers to their music as "fiddle driven roots rock," and their cheerful blend of folk-rock, reggae and world rhythms, plus secondhand baroque and Celtic influences with catchy pop hooks, strongly recalls the vintage sound of Actual Tigers, the madness of Flogging Molly, and the moodier, more experimental side of Wilco.

The band 'Handful of Luvin' originally began in the spring of 2002 when front man David John & Andrew Joslyn {fiddler} met at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. At the time David John was promoting his own second self-produced solo album 'Blue Room,' and had a considerable fan following in Seattle and Bellingham. Andrew on the other hand was a classically trained musician who had decided to pursue freer styles of fiddle playing such as Scots Irish, Blues, Gypsy, and also rock fiddle. When the two met, and began playing with each other, Andrew's fiddle complimented David's unique guitar work and soulful vocals perfectly. In the fall of 2003 they began performing together & immediately realized the potential of their sound, and quickly set about forming a band.

Moving to Seattle in 2005, David John(vocals and guitar) and Andrew Joslyn (violin/viola) fleshed out the Handful with bass guitarist Patrick Files, and drummer Michael Knight. Patrick's own background with funk, rock, and thrash metal brought a whole new dimension of musical variety into the band, whereas Pat’s friend Mike Knight {drummer} was recruited as the final member into the band. Originally Mike was apart of the indie-jam rock band 'Carraway' and produced several recordings with them. Within Handful Mike is able to use his extensive expertise with the drums & percussion. His uncanny attention to detail keeps the band on point.

Working with Carol Tingstad (Tingstad & Rumbel, David Lanz, Gypsy Soul), Handful has shared the stage with a number of iconic groups such as: Phish, The Proclaimers, Carbon Leaf, Young Dubliners, Brett Dennen, and more.