Yellow Lady Slipper

Hanging up the slipper.

yls — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:47:23 +0000

Well folks, many of you have probably sensed that something is up with the Slipper due to our recent silence. Now’s the time to let you all in on the big news.

Sadly, the YLS project will be put on indefinite hold, effective immediately. We want everyone to know that this isn’t the result of hard feelings or any other band-related frustration… rather, it’s necessary because Josh and his wife Adrienne are going to be seeking greener pastures: they’re moving to North Carolina sometime this summer.

We don’t have plans to do any sort of “final show”, but we will all continue playing. Josh will continue songwriting and he’ll also be getting back into session drumming. Bill, Bryan, and Sean will keep looking for opportunities to play with other folks in the Pittsburgh area (like the upcoming “Yellow Teeth” collaboration).

Many, MANY thanks go out to those of you who came out over the last few years to hear us. It has been awesome. We had great times playing for you all, sharing the stage with talented musicians and hanging out, and we hope to play together again someday.

Thanks again to everyone, God bless you all.
Josh, Bill, Bryan, and Sean
Yellow Lady Slipper

Music Monday: Jazz Guitar Legend Jim Hall

yls — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:32:16 +0000

If you’re into jazz guitar and don’t know about Jim Hall, well that’s unfortunate. But somewhat understandable. Jim’s playing is not flashy and attention-grabbing, but it is melodic and intricate. Plus he helped to define that classic mellow jazz guitar sound. Here’s the tune that introduced me to him, Sonny Rollins’s rendition of “Without a Song”:

Notice how tasteful his playing is… he’s almost soloing right along with the melody, but he doesn’t steal the spotlight. It’s as if he and Sonny are having a casual conversation the whole time. And of course that’s not to discount the excellent rhythm section, Bob Cranshaw and Ben Riley (killer brush work!).

If you want the best of Jim’s work though, I’d say it’s his 1975 album Concierto with an absolute monster line-up: Sir Roland Hanna, Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, Ron Carter, and Steve Gadd. Here’s a sample track starting off with a bit of Jim’s virtuosity and creativity:

Though my favorite track on the album is the title cut, a beautiful arrangement of Rodrigo’s Conecierto de Aranjuez. Nearly twenty minutes of some of the most thoughtful and melodic improvisation that’s ever been captured. Go get it! Or better yet, go catch him playing somewhere!

Tone Tuesday: The Hammond B3

yls — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:56:36 +0000

The sound of a B3 melts my soul.

I once had the privilege of standing about 5 feet from a B3 being played through a Leslie cabinet. Though borderline deafening, the tone came at me from all directions and was unlike anything I’d ever heard before. I highly recommend it if you ever get the chance.

Music Monday: What a groove.

yls — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:07:24 +0000

Just let it sink in.

I especially love when they dig into the third verse. Makes me want to cover some ol’ Cale tunes.

Freedom Leash Brooklyn Jam

yls — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:07:16 +0000

Here’s a little of what the Slipper’s been incorporating into shows lately: