American Nomads At ‘The Loft’: Showing ‘Em What They’re Made Of

September 7, 2018 by David K. Moseder

American Nomads In The Loft at City Winery / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Brooklyn Roads ventured across the East River on August 16 to catch American Nomads at Manhattan’s new The Loft at City Winery. The Greenpoint-based octet played a tight, 10-song set of Americana and roots music with a dash of zydeco. The latter was courtesy of Walter Kenul, who proved that the accordion can be soulful instrument in the right hands.

The band led off with, appropriately enough, “Welcome To My Everyday,” followed by “Lost Inside the Chords,” a song in the best life-on-the-road/whiskey-and-women tradition.

Susan Darmiento and American Nomads On Stage / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz /courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Kenul and Susan Darmiento then teamed up on “What We’re Made Of,” a pleasing, down-home style duet. Darmiento’s strong vocals were also at the heart of the band’s rocking, roots-style cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” It was one of the true highlights of the evening, along with “A Revelation’s Gonna Come,” a song that reached number six on the Billboard AC charts a few years back, and the follow-up single, “Dogtooth Bend,” which, fueled by guitarist Dante DeLemos’ gritty lead vocal and Joseph Humann’s harmonica riffs, gave off a true country blues vibe.

Indie Synth Rocker Chapell / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz /courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

American Nomads wrapped things up on a high note (or notes) with rousing renditions of “Ghost Highway” (title track of their most recent album) and “White Lightning” (an original song, not a George Jones cover). We look forward to hearing more original music from this band — and more cool covers too.

For the third time this year, American Nomads were paired with singer-songwriter Chapell, this time around serving as his opening act. The eclectic, indie-rock sounds of Chapell and his band provided a nice complement to the Nomads’ contemporary Americana style.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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