Our PNW Music

From hercrookedheart.com

Rachel Ries, the writer, multi-instrumentalist and producer behind Her Crooked Heart, demonstrates immense vulnerability and multifaceted musical craftsmanship in delivering personal and profound musical soliloquies on love, leaving and the life that follows after burning it all down. With To Love To Leave To Live (May 2019), Her Crooked Heart presents a debut record unique in form, made up of cyclical narratives and intertwining histories, each informing the next. The result is a transformative song cycle, led by a charismatic personality, wholly indifferent to expectations of genre and instrumentation.​

In 2013, after two and a half years of marriage, Ries found herself touring a record around the world, accompanied by a stack of divorce papers in a pocket of her suitcase. She had left her marriage and a good man in New York City and leapt into the untethered unknown. What transpired was in turns euphoria and despondence; old lessons learned in new ways. The songs on To Love To Leave To Live are a compassionate and at times wry catalogue of those tumultuous years. With co-producer Shane Leonard, she enlisted several collaborators whom she’d met on the road; some while touring with Anaïs Mitchell: Brian Joseph (Sufjan Stevens, Paul Simon), Rob Moose (yMusic, Alabama Shakes), Mike Lewis (Bon Iver), Alec Spiegelman(Cuddle Magic), Pat Keen, John DeHaven, Ben Lester and Rachel's own siblings.

To bring these songs and this record to the stage, Ries has enlisted a powerful group of women; women who can, in their way, take on the feminine, humanist mantle of Her Crooked Heart and make it their own: Siri Undlin (Humbird), Adelyn Strei(Adro), Hilary James (We are the Willows, Bathtub Cig). The quartet blends classical and electric guitar; piano and vintage synths; cello, woodwinds and drum triggers. This merging of acoustic and synthetic sounds is all in service of the voice: four part vocal harmonies that shift from ethereal to an elemental wail, always telling a story of transformation.

Website- https://www.hercrookedheart.com/home

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzn0p4cFK1hI5tL7S3bkHww

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/rachelriesmusic/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hercrookedheart/

https://swaywild.comudy GiecekR

Sway Wild was born on a small island in the Salish Sea.

Following a two-month sailing voyage through the remote anchorages of British Columbia, acclaimed indie-folk duo Dave McGraw & Mandy Fer, returned to their San Juan Island, Washington home still hungry to explore. The result was nothing short of an artistic epiphany; an evolution of sound that called out loudly for a new name. Sway Wild released its self-titled debut album worldwide in 2019.

Sway Wild’s infectious sound explores the corners of rock, pop, funk, and folk, but at its nucleus it is undeniably a music full of joy. It can squeeze the heart in your chest, it can draw tears from your eyes, and it can force you to get up and move your body; over and over, it somehow manages to do all three at once. Fer and McGraw’s gorgeous harmonies paired with moving lyrics serve to both process and share their jubilation, grief, and frustration with a complex and deeply imperfect society.

Push Play

to Listen

Join hosts Rudy Giecek and Kristine Miller Cartwright as they talk to Skagit County’s prominent singer/songwriter, Jack Mattingly. Jack, and his band Whiskey Fever, who won the US Bank #TourPossible Seattle competition in 2017, are one of Skagit County’s most esteemed bands. Frequently playing to standing room only venues, their combination of Jack’s high-spirited original songs and magnetic stage presence coupled with the band’s engaging connection with the audience have made them a favorite, not only in the Skagit County and NW Washington music scene, but also in college party scenes ranging from Bellingham, Seattle, Chelan, Yakima, Ellensburg, Spokane and everywhere in between. 

In Part 2 of our two part episode, you’ll hear Jack Mattingly recall stories from tours gone wrong and tours gone just right. We also discuss some of the Whiskey Fever’s songs; The ones Jack likes as a band and some of the ones he likes most. Jack’s humor and charm had a way of instilling a spot in the hearts of everyone who meets him. After you listen to this episode, you will see why we chose Jack Mattingly to kick off our first podcast “Skagit Valley You Don’t Want To Miss This”.

Be sure to like our social media pages so you can keep up to date on all of the best local music in NW Washington:

Website- https://jackmattinglyandwhiskeyfever.com/media

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyFeverBand

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyfever

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4731j2g5Xi6UiOhzo1eFfH?si=tD4OgnxKQq-ED1sySGR5lA

This was recorded before we got better with our audio….

Join hosts Rudy Giecek and Kristine Miller Cartwright as they talk to Skagit County’s prominent singer/songwriter, Jack Mattingly. Jack, and his band Whiskey Fever, who won the US Bank #TourPossible Seattle competition in 2017, are one of Skagit County’s most esteemed bands. Frequently playing to standing room only venues, their combination of Jack’s high-spirited original songs and magnetic stage presence coupled with the band’s engaging connection with the audience have made them a favorite, not only in the Skagit County and NW Washington music scene, but also in college party scenes ranging from Bellingham, Seattle, Chelan, Yakima, Ellensburg, Spokane and everywhere in between. 

In Part 1 of our two part episode, you’ll hear Jack Mattingly recall stories from his childhood about talent shows and English class rap battles, as well as learn about his song writing process, childhood musical influences and onstage alliances with his audience. Jack’s humor and charm had a way of instilling a spot in the hearts of everyone who meets him. After you listen to this episode, you will see why we chose Jack Mattingly to kick off our first podcast “Skagit Valley You Don’t Want To Miss This”.

Be sure to like our social media pages so you can keep up to date on all of the best local music in NW Washington:

Website- https://jackmattinglyandwhiskeyfever.com/media

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyFeverBand

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyfever

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4731j2g5Xi6UiOhzo1eFfH?si=tD4OgnxKQq-ED1sySGR5lA

If you didn’t already know, we have a legendary singer songwriter that lives part time in Skagit County. Randy Weeks’ (formerly of the cow punk band The Lonesome Stangers) most popular hit is a song called “Can’t Let Go”. It was most notably covered by Lucinda Williams on her 1998 Grammy Winning album “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road”. Not only was it the stand out hit of the album, but Ms. Williams was also nominated that same year for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance on Mr. Weeks song.

If that isn’t a big enough deal, this song, which is decades old, was covered by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss! “Can’t Let Go” is not only covered by legendary musicians, but also by thousands of artists all over the country whose genres run the gamut between Rock, Country, Folk, Blues and everything in between. My favorite local band that covers this amazing song is The Enthusiasts out of Anacortes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/music.randyweeks

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRs-MNE5ypdboNkAEMQEElA

Website: https://www.randyweeks.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mIaQ7ul3GWc1xln6aLLiW?si=jNjRAzlLTiCZ9KbBvJ59IQ

On this episode of Our PNW Music, we talk with Brett Benton and Jesse James of the BRETT BENTON TRIO.

Brett Benton, originally from Tuscaloosa AL, is an extraordinarily talented young guitarist who has dedicated his art to preserving the early Delta Country Hill Blues music style, which originated in Mississippi in the early 20th century and was popularized by artists such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, R.L. Burnside and Lead Belly. 

Jesse James, who is also an extremely gifted guitarist, originally hails from outside of Lake Chelan. When Jesse isn’t playing bass guitar for Brett, he’s playing lead guitar as the front man for his own band, Jesse James and The Mob.

Listen while both Brett and Jesse give us a history lesson on the Delta Country Hill Blues style, and tell us what initially drew them to music and more importantly, what enticed them about this genre that played a pivotal role in the shaping of Rock & Roll.

BRETT BENTON
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/brettbentonblues/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/brettbenton_?utm_medium=copy_link

Website: http://www.brettbentonmusic.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCaeLgJJBhFkvha3nx0K3sYw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7g6Yz9VZkkZXNHN4DiZHQm?si=xwoig9QjSimyFF2QxNFXTg&dl_branch=1

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brett-benton/1335709893

Email: [email protected]

JESSE JAMES

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessejamesmob/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessejamesmob?utm_medium=copy_link

Website: https://www.jessejamesmob.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCg0UCot-8b1NazUeEC7PhTQ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YwCfCqR03EmfoSczwDtDl?si=sDJyXkmfQ6GYFaXXK976DQ&dl_branch=1

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jesse-james-and-the-mob/1381506682

Email: [email protected]

Check out Whiskey Fever: https://jackmattinglyandwhiskeyfever.com/media The song used in the intro is 'Why Would I Ever Want to Miss This’

Cody Jordan was born on December 27th 1991 in the city of Yakima, WA. To father John, and mother Kelly Jordan.

In 1993 John and Kelly moved their family to Selah, WA.

Growing up in on a 41 1/2 acre plot of land in the most northern bounds of Selah, which is referred to by locals as the area of Wenas, Cody learned to appreciate the beauty and landscapes of the area. Quiet was prevalent, and whilst experiencing the quiet Cody began writing poetry at a very young age.

At the age of 13 Cody began writing raps, and pursued hip hop / rap music from the age of 13 into early adulthood. While doing so, he opened up for various headlining artists, however, Cody was not fulfilled pursuing the dream of his younger self. At 22 he decided to reinvent himself.

In 2014 Cody decided to go to school at Yakima Valley College, where he was trained in the theatrical arts. Throughout his colligate career he wrote plays and acted in several productions spanning from musicals to Shakespeare. It was at this time, Cody’s love for music began to resurface. With his new found philosophy in regard to theatre, and education steeped in the liberal arts, as well as his passion for beautiful imagery, Cody began to pick up an old guitar that his parents bought him one childhood Christmas, and play.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cascadecody

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascadecody/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgA1fZbvPmuGY2Yuh-hLCA

Website: https://www.cascadecody.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lGQXlpUABNgD7i2HLLVmS?si=e1c2mASKQXauaqFTzV5eRQ&dl_branch=1

Bradford Loomis grew up in the Washington State. His style is one of our favorites!

From his website:

Playing 355 shows in two years, while also releasing a Christmas EP (Wintering Heart) and a live album (Live at the Red Clay Foundry), has taken him far and wide in his travels and given him some insights. “I feel strongly the duality of the artist. On one hand, I am compelled to speak about what I see and have experienced. But, I also feel the pull to speak about how things could be.” he says. “In my experience there is so much more that we agree about than what divides us. I think people sometimes just need help seeing hope.”

In his new album Where the Light Ends, Bradford balances that duality with a masterful grace. Lyrically, he speaks of the raw reality of the human condition with passion, sharing tales that are shaped by grief and longing colored by wistfulness and regret, but are lifted by enduring hope, humility and love.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ynkLJzBc8Mzyuk6hWyTRC?si=5OSt7xpVTHq-dh6Gj-iZWA

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/bradfordloomismusic

Instagram: http://instagram.com/bradfordloomis

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCladgR_grbPRCI4jsU5_ZhQ

Website: https://www.bradfordloomis.com

Timothy Langford is Too Slim and he was on to chat about his band Ann the music he has been playing since the early 1980’s.

From website-

 Tim “Too Slim“ Langford is a monster guitarist and unabashed 
blues rocker whose influences run the gamut from Lightnin’ Hopkins,
 Freddy King, Duane Allman, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Robin
 Trower. He is a prolific singer/songwriter whose songs have now 
yielded an impressive 13 studio Too Slim and the Taildraggers albums, 2 solo albums and several live CD’s all on his own Underworld Records imprint.
 Too Slim and the Taildraggers are Tim “Too Slim" Langford on guitar/vocals, Zach Kasik on bass/vocals and Jeff “Shakey” Fowlkes on drums/vocals.

  "High Desert Heat” is the latest giant step in the evolution of their contemporary Blues/Rock sound that has been described as “Straight Whiskey Blues with a Southern Rock Beer Chaser”. High Desert Heat charted 11 times in the Billboard Top Blues Album Chart in 2018 and was nominated for Best Blues/Rock album at the 2019 Blues Music awards. High Desert Heat is also featured in heavy rotation on Sirius XM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville. Their Previous release “Blood Moon nominated for “Blues Rock Album of the Year" at the 2016 Blues Blast Music Awards ” and was voted Blues Rock Album of the Year at the 2016 Jimi Awards.  Blood Moon reached  #6 on the Billboard Top Blues Album Chart in 2016. The 2014 release Anthology was vote #1 Blues Album of the Year by Blues Matters Writers Poll in 2015. The 2013 release "Blue Heart" rose to #3 on the Billboard Top Blues Album Chart and was nominated for Rock/Blues Album of the Year at the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards. “Shiver (2011) was nominated for "Rock/Blues Album of the Year" by the Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards.

 Too Slim and the Taildraggers’ high energy Blues Rock has been thrilling audiences for years. The band’s ever evolving musical direction cannot easily be classified into any box or category.  Tim “Too Slim" Langford has received Lifetime Achievement and Hall Of Fame awards by three Northwest blues societies, 
as well as more than 40 regional and national music awards. Too Slim and the Taildraggers music has also been featured on MTV’s series, The Real World and Road Rules. After 30 years of knocking it out of the park on recordings and stages across the world, Too Slim and the Taildraggers shows no sign of slowing down.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7CSwswyyJWwaxmOeCkzZQe?si=B9HSdhFPSr-BfD1eHquKAQ

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/TooSlimandtheTaildraggers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tooslim.mac/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOemmGEamiBsu9nAictDB0w

Website: https://www.tooslim.net

In this episode we visit with Perfect By Tomorrow (PBT), a Rock Reggae band currently based in Bellingham, WA.

PBT was formed in Stanwood WA with brothers Turner Williams (guitar/vocals) and Morgan Williams (bass), along with high school friends Joe Sunderland (vocals/guitar) and Justin Dobbelaar (drums). Originally starting out as a Petty Pop Punk band playing the lunchroom and dances at Stanwood High School, they have moved to more of an electric rock reggae sound over the years.

Join us as Turner, Joe and Justin regale us with stories from their high school days, how they arrived at dual lead singers and what the future holds for this amazingly eclectic band.

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/PerfectByTomorrow/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/perfectbytomorrow?igshid=1twvtzyuvht1t

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCjYp_ccetuE_4BHn3OkaRyA

Twitter: @PBTmusic 

Website: https://www.perfectbytomorrow.com/

Email: [email protected]