Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers have lived their life on the road. This digital release (which will be available in physical form at shows this fall) is a testament to that life. Recorded live at Irving Plaza in New York in April 2010, the show was the band's 1000th. It featured the band in their purest of forms, Kellogg as a solo artist and with members of the band, both current and former, on stage performing classic Sixers tracks as well as excellent new ones from their latest studio release. The set opens with a stunning solo performance of "Satisfied Man" and closes with the Kellogg classic "See You Later, See You Soon." The meat in the middle consists of some fan favorites, some lesser known goodies, and the hits. "Thirteen," "Shady Esperanto And The Young Hearts," and "Such A Way" all appear in all their live performance glory. Friends Josh Ritter, Serena Ryder, and Marc Roberge of O.A.R. all lend a hand with the show, appearing on stage for some beautiful guest vocal performances. All in all, Stephen Kellogg proved why 1000 shows later, the band is still going strong and have reached a level that few bands ever get to. Sonically, the album feels just like you are there. There's no doubt that these guys have another thousand shows left in them, and each one is sure to be just as good as this one.
Vanguard Records has put together a collection of tunes by a handful of great artists and they are giving it to you for free this Holiday Season. Just click here to download a bunch of great songs by Brett Dennen, Brandi Carlile, Needtobreathe, Josh Ritter, Joshua Radin, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Greg Laswell, Meiko, and more. Happy holidays and enjoy!
At first listen it is hard to grasp the songs on this album. Each song in itself does not stand out on its own. So, one might say, this album is not a success. Well, that would be a false statement if uttered, and the truth is that this album is sonically beautiful and a incredibly cohesive album. It truly is a collection of songs that as a whole completely outdoes each of its individual parts. Don't get me wrong, there are standouts on the album including the title track and the lead single, "Shady Esperanto And The Young Hearts." But, it's the intimate moments that are spread throughout where Kellogg shines as a storyteller and really connects with the listener. He is the same type of artist that a painter or an author is, putting his heart and soul out there for the world. He showcases his true talents as a lyricist and musician on songs like "Satisfied Man," "A (With Love)," and "Lonely In Columbus." Friends join in as well with Josh Ritter, Serena Ryder, and the Alternate Routes making appearances and the Sixers are on their game like never before. This album is a masterpiece and may prove to be a defining moment in the Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers' career, showing that being musicians is not just about writing really good singles, its about making really great albums.
