a night filled with Troubadors

This is the best lineup of artists I have seen this year besides MDF. Four individuals with haunting vocals and vivid storytelling ability took the stage of the Rhythm Room 7/6/09 in Phoenix,AZ.

TOM VANDENAVOND

This was the 4th or 5th time I have seen this guy play, and could probably watch him a couple times a week and not get tired of it.

WILLY TEA

I havent been captivated by a solo performance like this in years. Willy Tea had my full attention from start to finish and I will never miss a chance to see him play.

MARIO MATTEOLI

what more can I say about this guy. love his music

SODA & his HASHKNIFE OUTFIT

the only way i could ever describe Soda's style would be gypsy hillbilly, not that it matters when its this good

double feature

I tried to make two shows on 6/17/09. Witch Hunt was playing a house show and Mario Mattteoli was playing a pub show. I caught 2 locals at the Witch Hunt show but unfortunatelyy missed them. I did catch all of Mario though, who played the Laurelthirst Pub.

MURDERESS

First time seeing this band, the bass player and vocalist had a lot of energy, I'd love to see them play in frnt of a drunker or more energetic crowd

ABANDON

Abandon used to be Helghast

MARIO MATTEOLI

I had been listening to his albums all week, excited for the show. As always he sounded great.

August in Arizona part 1: Austin Invasion

On my latest trip to Phoenix, AZ, I was fortunate to attend 3 different shows, 2 in one night and scored some decent video. the First show I attended was Scott H Biram, Mario Matteoli, and Tom Vandenavond at the Last Exit Bar in Tempe,AZ. There was already a camera crew present so some the shots having random people walking in front of me, while i try to re-angle.


First up on the lineup was Tom Vandenavond from Austin,TX. This guy probably has the most haunting male vocals I have heard in a long time and sings some great ballads . Its hard to compare him with anyone, he has style thats familiar while also being original. if you like the video posted below you can check out more music at

Tom Vandenavond

Next up was another singer songwriter from Austin,TX, Mario Matteoli formerly of the Weary Boys who had percussion and vocal backup by Cayce Marsh. I had never seen Mario Matteoli solo and was really looking forward to it, after seeing the Weary Boys a handful (or maybe 2 handfuls) of times. I would have to say the only thing I found disappointing was how short the set was. It was great to hear songs sound so full when they had the simple ingredients of acoustic guitar, vocals, and feet stomping along with the tambourine. Each video features a song from different albums, if you want to hear more go to

Mario Matteoli