11am
-
6pm
Arts
Washington Street bet. Observer Highway & 7th St.
A celebrated singer and songwriter, Alejandro Escovedo has as eclectic a background and body of work as any rock artist of his generation. As comfortable performing with a string ensemble as he is with an amped-up power trio, and as likely to bare his soul in his lyrics as he is to display some serious rock & roll swagger, Escovedo had already played an important role in punk (with the Nuns), roots rock (the True Believers), and alt-country (Rank & File) before he launched a solo career that's seen him work with everyone from Tony Visconti, John Cale to Bruce Springsteen. Beginning with 1992's Gravity, Escovedo's music has been consistently literate, ambitious, and eclectic, with 2001's A Man Under the Influence exploring different genres and approaches from track to track, while 2008's Real Animal and 2016's Burn Something Beautiful focused on passionate, guitar-based rock & roll. 2018's The Crossing (and its 2021 Spanish-language counterpart La Cruzada) told a richly detailed story of the immigrant experience.
Crossing borders, jumping barriers, taking risks, betting it all: that’s the path Alejandro Escovedo has been taking in his lifelong search for the heart of rock and roll. The epic 17 song suite comprising The Crossing is about that journey: searching, but not necessarily finding, eyes and ears open all the way. Ranging from sweeping orchestral numbers to classic rock to bursts of 70s punk, the collection finds Escovedo delving further into his lifelong musical journey across his most sonically diverse work yet.
Alejandro Escovedo was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 10, 1951, one of 12 children. His family was steeped in music: His father played in mariachi bands and swing combos both before and after he emigrated from Mexico to the United States. Alejandro's older brother Pete Escovedo is a jazz artist and studio musician; he was a member of Santana and founded the group Azteca. Another older brother, Coke Escovedo, also worked with both jazz and Latin groups, enjoyed a solo career, and was a member of Santana and Malo. Pete's daughter Sheila Escovedo became a pop star as Sheila E. Alejandro's younger brother Javier Escovedo founded the early Los Angeles punk band the Zeros. And another younger brother, Mario Escovedo, played in the hard rock outfit the Dragons.
In 1988 No Depression magazine declared him the Artist of the Decade.
In 2019 Alejandro received the “Townes Van Zandt Award” from Austin City Limits. He would then receive the “Independent Icon Award” from A@IM Libera Awards in 2020. In 2020, Escovedo issued La Cruzada, which featured Spanish-language interpretations of the 17 songs from The Crossing. The album first appeared in a limited-edition for Record Store Day, and was given a full release in September 2021. Also, Alejandro was inducted into the “Austin City Limits Hall of Fame” in 2021.
“Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre.” – David Fricke, Rolling Stone
“There are songwriters who sing their songs, and then there are songs who sing their writers.” – Lenny Kaye ( Patti Smith Band)
“A masterwork from one of the genuine lights in rock music.”- Billboard
“Escovedo has blended the lyricism of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne with the raw power of the Stooges and the Velvet Underground…the result is music with heart, brains, and a burning sense of adventure.”– Mark Kemp, Rolling Stone
Freedy Johnston is one of those rare singer-songwriters who counts critics among his biggest fans — and whose heroes consider him a peer. Not bad for a self-proclaimed "geek in glasses who never left his room."
On September 9th, Forty Below Records will release Johnston's 9th album, Back on the Road to You. It's a record steeped in wit, humor, pathos, love, and friendship drenched with memorable, infectious melodies. Johnston recorded the album in Los Angeles with producer Eric Corne after setting up house in nearby Joshua Tree. The new surroundings have imbued the album's mood and instrumentation with echoes of The Byrds, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Joining Johnston in the studio were Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, and long time collaborator, Susan Cowsill, along with an all-star roots music band, including Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams), Dusty Wakeman (Jim Lauderdale), Dave Raven (Shelby Lynn) and Sasha Smith (Priscilla Ahn).
In 1994 Rolling Stone named Johnston the 'Songwriter of the Year', describing him as "A master storyteller, (who) sketches out full-blown tragedies in a few taut poetic lines." Adding, "He joins that elite cadre of songwriters—Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello—whose brilliant pop compositions turn magical with the addition of a defiantly idiosyncratic singing voice."
Lead-off single "There Goes a Brooklyn Girl" is a case in point. Jangly hook-laden guitars tug at a heartbeat drum pattern, propelled by intermittent finger snaps. Along with Johnston's uncanny lyrical charm and sweet sentimental harmonies, it evokes the image of "a never-ending love story. She's the hip girl in the office who lives with her musician boyfriend out in Williamsburg. He tends bar until 4. It can't last. But at least a song comes out of it," Johnston quips.
Aimee Mann joins Johnston on the angelic "Darlin'," a song about undying love and the ghosts of the night. Enhanced by Doug Pettibone's lilting pedal steel guitar, it wouldn't sound out of place in a Gram and Emmy-Lou set. Aimee stated, "I've always loved Freedy's voice and songwriting. There's something so matter-of-fact yet plaintive about his records, and that combination is incredibly compelling. I'm absolutely delighted he has a new record coming out and even more delighted to be singing on it. "
"Tryin' To Move On" is a raucous road trip song about reinvention via misadventure. While "Madeline's Eye" - a song only Johnston or maybe Harry Nilsson could have written - is a charming futuristic satire where the machines even take over our hearts. "At the altar, you'll be asked, "have you read the manual thoroughly?" Johnston jokes.
Elsewhere the album veers from the Crazy Horse laced "Power of Love" (featuring Susan Cowsill) to the lush orchestration of "Somewhere Love" and "Trick of the Light," further reinforcing the overarching themes of the album.
Freedy Johnston has taken an unpredictable path throughout his 30-year career. It's a true underdog story. He has a wicked gift for turning a melodic phrase with equal parts' heart on his sleeve' troubadour and weaver of mysteries. The Kansas native released his first two records with the widely respected indie label Bar/None. Can You Fly made many 'Best of the Year' lists, including, The New York Times, Billboard, and Spin Magazine, to name a few. Robert Christgau for The Village Voice called it "a perfect album," and Playboy declared it "the best album by a new male singer-songwriter in at least a decade." Can You Fly was also cited in music critic Tom Moon's book, 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die.
All the critical acclaim helped Johnston land a four-album major-label deal with Elektra Records. Butch Vig was brought onboard to produce 1994's This Perfect World. The album opened with the hit "Bad Reputation" and included other standouts such as the title track and "Evie's Tears." It garnered more critical acclaim for Johnston, who recorded three additional records for Elektra, 1997's Never Home (produced by Danny Kortchmar), 1999's Blue Days Black Nights (produced by T Bone Burnett), and 2001's Right Between the Promises (produced by Cameron Greider).
Freedy has contributed music to films such as The Farrelly Brothers cult classic Kingpin as well as Things to do in Denver When You’re Dead, and Kicking and Screaming. A series of albums followed his Elektra output, 2006's Live at McCabes Guitar Shop, as well as 2010's Rain on the City. In 2015 the self-funded Neon Repairman was released to critical raves from Stereogum, Paste, The New York Times, and Magnet.
Back on the Road to You is a return to grace for this gifted songwriter. It embodies the sound of an American original, reminding us that he is still considered one of the best songwriters of his generation.
Over 250 artists, crafters, makers, local businesses and food vendors will be participating.
2 performance stages will feature live performances by:
Alejandro Escovedo and The Rant Band, Freedy Johnston, Cliff Westfall, Rio the Messenger, Frankie Morales and the Mambo of the Times Orchestra,
The Gentlemen of Soul, Hudson City Rats, Matt Madly (a.k.a. Matt Azzarto), 3 Dollars and Sir Synthesis.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Burgiss, Veolia, The Rockefeller Group, Ironstate, Colavita, This is It Stageworks, My Gym Hoboken, Muller Insurance, the Hudson County Division of Parks and Roads, Anthony Davids, Choc O Pain French Bakery and Cåfe, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and JP Bagel Express. Supported in part by a grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism. www.visitnj.org
For more information: gfallo@hobokennj.gov
A celebrated singer and songwriter, Alejandro Escovedo has as eclectic a background and body of work as any rock artist of his generation. As comfortable performing with a string ensemble as he is with an amped-up power trio, and as likely to bare his soul in his lyrics as he is to display some serious rock & roll swagger, Escovedo had already played an important role in punk (with the Nuns), roots rock (the True Believers), and alt-country (Rank & File) before he launched a solo career that's seen him work with everyone from Tony Visconti, John Cale to Bruce Springsteen. Beginning with 1992's Gravity, Escovedo's music has been consistently literate, ambitious, and eclectic, with 2001's A Man Under the Influence exploring different genres and approaches from track to track, while 2008's Real Animal and 2016's Burn Something Beautiful focused on passionate, guitar-based rock & roll. 2018's The Crossing (and its 2021 Spanish-language counterpart La Cruzada) told a richly detailed story of the immigrant experience.
Crossing borders, jumping barriers, taking risks, betting it all: that’s the path Alejandro Escovedo has been taking in his lifelong search for the heart of rock and roll. The epic 17 song suite comprising The Crossing is about that journey: searching, but not necessarily finding, eyes and ears open all the way. Ranging from sweeping orchestral numbers to classic rock to bursts of 70s punk, the collection finds Escovedo delving further into his lifelong musical journey across his most sonically diverse work yet.
Alejandro Escovedo was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 10, 1951, one of 12 children. His family was steeped in music: His father played in mariachi bands and swing combos both before and after he emigrated from Mexico to the United States. Alejandro's older brother Pete Escovedo is a jazz artist and studio musician; he was a member of Santana and founded the group Azteca. Another older brother, Coke Escovedo, also worked with both jazz and Latin groups, enjoyed a solo career, and was a member of Santana and Malo. Pete's daughter Sheila Escovedo became a pop star as Sheila E. Alejandro's younger brother Javier Escovedo founded the early Los Angeles punk band the Zeros. And another younger brother, Mario Escovedo, played in the hard rock outfit the Dragons.
In 1988 No Depression magazine declared him the Artist of the Decade.
In 2019 Alejandro received the “Townes Van Zandt Award” from Austin City Limits. He would then receive the “Independent Icon Award” from A@IM Libera Awards in 2020. In 2020, Escovedo issued La Cruzada, which featured Spanish-language interpretations of the 17 songs from The Crossing. The album first appeared in a limited-edition for Record Store Day, and was given a full release in September 2021. Also, Alejandro was inducted into the “Austin City Limits Hall of Fame” in 2021.
“Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre.” – David Fricke, Rolling Stone
“There are songwriters who sing their songs, and then there are songs who sing their writers.” – Lenny Kaye ( Patti Smith Band)
“A masterwork from one of the genuine lights in rock music.”- Billboard
“Escovedo has blended the lyricism of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne with the raw power of the Stooges and the Velvet Underground…the result is music with heart, brains, and a burning sense of adventure.”– Mark Kemp, Rolling Stone
Freedy Johnston is one of those rare singer-songwriters who counts critics among his biggest fans — and whose heroes consider him a peer. Not bad for a self-proclaimed "geek in glasses who never left his room."
On September 9th, Forty Below Records will release Johnston's 9th album, Back on the Road to You. It's a record steeped in wit, humor, pathos, love, and friendship drenched with memorable, infectious melodies. Johnston recorded the album in Los Angeles with producer Eric Corne after setting up house in nearby Joshua Tree. The new surroundings have imbued the album's mood and instrumentation with echoes of The Byrds, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Joining Johnston in the studio were Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, and long time collaborator, Susan Cowsill, along with an all-star roots music band, including Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams), Dusty Wakeman (Jim Lauderdale), Dave Raven (Shelby Lynn) and Sasha Smith (Priscilla Ahn).
In 1994 Rolling Stone named Johnston the 'Songwriter of the Year', describing him as "A master storyteller, (who) sketches out full-blown tragedies in a few taut poetic lines." Adding, "He joins that elite cadre of songwriters—Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello—whose brilliant pop compositions turn magical with the addition of a defiantly idiosyncratic singing voice."
Lead-off single "There Goes a Brooklyn Girl" is a case in point. Jangly hook-laden guitars tug at a heartbeat drum pattern, propelled by intermittent finger snaps. Along with Johnston's uncanny lyrical charm and sweet sentimental harmonies, it evokes the image of "a never-ending love story. She's the hip girl in the office who lives with her musician boyfriend out in Williamsburg. He tends bar until 4. It can't last. But at least a song comes out of it," Johnston quips.
Aimee Mann joins Johnston on the angelic "Darlin'," a song about undying love and the ghosts of the night. Enhanced by Doug Pettibone's lilting pedal steel guitar, it wouldn't sound out of place in a Gram and Emmy-Lou set. Aimee stated, "I've always loved Freedy's voice and songwriting. There's something so matter-of-fact yet plaintive about his records, and that combination is incredibly compelling. I'm absolutely delighted he has a new record coming out and even more delighted to be singing on it. "
"Tryin' To Move On" is a raucous road trip song about reinvention via misadventure. While "Madeline's Eye" - a song only Johnston or maybe Harry Nilsson could have written - is a charming futuristic satire where the machines even take over our hearts. "At the altar, you'll be asked, "have you read the manual thoroughly?" Johnston jokes.
Elsewhere the album veers from the Crazy Horse laced "Power of Love" (featuring Susan Cowsill) to the lush orchestration of "Somewhere Love" and "Trick of the Light," further reinforcing the overarching themes of the album.
Freedy Johnston has taken an unpredictable path throughout his 30-year career. It's a true underdog story. He has a wicked gift for turning a melodic phrase with equal parts' heart on his sleeve' troubadour and weaver of mysteries. The Kansas native released his first two records with the widely respected indie label Bar/None. Can You Fly made many 'Best of the Year' lists, including, The New York Times, Billboard, and Spin Magazine, to name a few. Robert Christgau for The Village Voice called it "a perfect album," and Playboy declared it "the best album by a new male singer-songwriter in at least a decade." Can You Fly was also cited in music critic Tom Moon's book, 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die.
All the critical acclaim helped Johnston land a four-album major-label deal with Elektra Records. Butch Vig was brought onboard to produce 1994's This Perfect World. The album opened with the hit "Bad Reputation" and included other standouts such as the title track and "Evie's Tears." It garnered more critical acclaim for Johnston, who recorded three additional records for Elektra, 1997's Never Home (produced by Danny Kortchmar), 1999's Blue Days Black Nights (produced by T Bone Burnett), and 2001's Right Between the Promises (produced by Cameron Greider).
Freedy has contributed music to films such as The Farrelly Brothers cult classic Kingpin as well as Things to do in Denver When You’re Dead, and Kicking and Screaming. A series of albums followed his Elektra output, 2006's Live at McCabes Guitar Shop, as well as 2010's Rain on the City. In 2015 the self-funded Neon Repairman was released to critical raves from Stereogum, Paste, The New York Times, and Magnet.
Back on the Road to You is a return to grace for this gifted songwriter. It embodies the sound of an American original, reminding us that he is still considered one of the best songwriters of his generation.
Cliff Westfall is a New Jersey- and Catskills-based songwriter whose literate, contemporary spin on classic country themes has been compared to Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Crowell, Robbie Fulks and Elvis Costello. His 2018 debut album, Baby You Win, garnered airplay on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country station, among many others, and received strong reviews in upwards of 30 publications, both in the US and worldwide — including an “Album of the Month” feature in the UK’s Country Music People print magazine. The album also made numerous year-end ”Best Of" lists. Westfall has also been a finalist in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at MerleFest in North Carolina.
Backed by top musicians — his bandmates have toured and/or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Ronnie Spector, Danger Mouse, Dispatch, the Demolition String Band and many others — Westfall’s band provides a frequently raucous but always danceable groove to showcase his vocals and lyrical wit. He has been on bills with such notables of the indie rock and Americana worlds as The Minus 5, The Sadies, Wayne Hancock, Eilen Jewell, Jesse Dayton, The Legendary Shack Shakers, and Laura Cantrell. For more information: Cliffwestfallmusic.com
