Some recent music releases from our own backyard
CONCORD and CLAYTON, CA (Nov. 14, 2024) — The Beat of Diablo – both this column and the radio show on KVHS – aims to spotlight the current local music scene. But “local” can be subjective.
Normally, I showcase what’s new around the Greater Bay Area, often featuring bands and artists residing in Oakland, Berkeley and occasionally San Francisco. In this month’s column, I’d like to bring some attention to recent releases from musicians living right here in Concord and Clayton.
First up, the hip-hop album “objects in the mirror” from Ay Gabe! The debut release from the Concord songwriter dropped this summer and is filled with introspective songs exploring metaphysics and personal growth. Super smooth beats with jazzy keyboard loops and angelic vocal harmonies set the table for Ay Gabe! to demonstrate his impressive skills as a lyricist and rapper. Recommended track: “tend to be.”
Also released this summer was the EP “Fast Love Songs” from Concord artist Matt Xavier. Known locally for his passionate vocal delivery and soulful keyboard chops, Xavier leans into both skill sets across the four-song EP reminiscent of mid-’90s era pop R&B, incorporating elements of jazz, hip-hop, funk and lo-fi chill beats. Recommended track: “Geenie’s Song.”
Patsy Cline tribute
Next, “Patsy on the Porch,” the new Patsy Cline tribute from Clayton’s double-platinum singer songwriter Nathalie Archangel. The album showcases the voice of the Nineteen Hand Horse singer across 10 Cline classics, including “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Crazy.”
Archangel’s backing band is on point throughout the record, playing tightly and tastefully to properly honor these classic country ballads. Recommended track: “I Fall to Pieces.”
Staying in the country world, John Paul Hodge recently released two singles. With some old-timey country elements, “Call’m Cowboy” is an ode to the Concord singer-songwriter’s late father Frank Hodge, who passed earlier this summer.
“Mind Your Matters” is a contemporary song that reminds us to keep in perspective what’s really important. He discourages conflict from discord, singing “The Moon should never battle the Sun.”
The eccentric Concord rock group East Bay Soup Kitchen has also been releasing singles throughout the year, most recently dropping “Anxiety” and “Death and Taxes.” The former is a playful song that alternates from a snake-charmingly sinister groove to an upbeat fist-pumping rock jam, while bemoaning the relentless hold anxiety can sometimes have on us. The latter is a fun pirate-like boogie that gripes on various injustices associated with how our tax dollars are spent and who’s not paying their fair share.
It seems appropriate that of the five singles the band has released in 2024, these two dropped just a handful of weeks ahead of Election Day.
For a more comprehensive list of recent local music releases, along with links to places online to stream or purchase these tunes, visit ConcordRockCity.com.
Other local music news
An all-ages music venue is set to open in Walnut Creek. Up the Creek Records and Skate Shop recently relocated to Mt. Diablo Street, with plans to build a performance stage and concert area to routinely offer all-ages shows. They hope to exclusively feature local, original music acts, with concerts wrapping up by 9 p.m. Additional info at UpTheCreekRecords.com.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, don’t forget to tune into 90.5 KVHS for the annual jazz episode of the Beat of Diablo. This year’s show will include a mini-spotlight on I am the Octopus from Concord, as well as a bunch of recent jazz tunes from all around the Greater Bay Area. Episode 166 will air at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 on 90.5 FM, streaming at KVHS.com.
The Martinez Music Mafia will once again host their annual Holiday Pageant and Toy Drive Dec. 6 and 7 at the Campbell Theater in Martinez. Proceeds and donated toys will enable several local charities to bring holiday cheer to those who might otherwise go without. For this year’s line-up and additional event information, follow Martinez Music Mafia on social media at Facebook.com/MartinezMusicMafia.
Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.
Dave Hughes
Dave Hughes is a local music advocate with an extensive network of independent artists. He produces and hosts a local music program on KVHS called The Beat of Diablo, every Sunday at 7:00 PM on 90.5 FM. Dave also catalogs local music releases at ConcordRockCity.com.