v14i03

"The Most Fun You Can
Have with Your Boots On"
Live Music Fri. & Sat. 9-1
One of this Area’s Original Country Dance Halls
440-275-5332
jewelsdancehall
CABINET
Alt Country/Bluegrass/Folk from Scranton PA
Beachland Ballroom Thu, Mar 20 | 8:30 PM
(7:30 Door)
$12 ADV / $14 DOS
Whether its rustic “American Beauty”-
era Grateful Dead or old-timey bluegrass,
Cabinet has digested it all. But that is not to
say that Cabinet recreates older styles. No,
this is music that might have its roots in the
past, but it is current and vibrant, with a sense
of celebrating the now. The band self-released
a debut album, “Cabinet,” before signing with
Ropeadope, which took notice and re-released
that album digitally.
Their fourth album “Leap” was recorded
live in the studio, over four days with a live
audience. The result is a flawless recording
that leaves the listener with the feeling that
they too were there. No digital perfection
is needed because they nailed it right then
and there. From the first few notes you can
tell that this is a recording to own, to savor, and to explore. Cabinet weaves bluegrass, country
and folk influences to powerful effect. Tight dynamics punctuate gorgeous, soaring harmonies
as down-to-earth rhythm and lyrics give way to dreamy jams that are the musical equivalent
of the back road scenic route. But this impressive result is no accident. Pappy Biondo [banjo,
vocals], J.P. Biondo [mandolin, vocals], Mickey Coviello [acoustic guitar, vocals], Dylan Skursky
[electric bass, double bass], Todd Kopec [fiddle, vocals], and Jami Novak [drums, percussion], all
love and live music. When you finish this record, you will see the house that Cabinet built. Sleek,
sturdy, built from the heart with sublime finishing touches.
When it comes to the music of Cabinet, the essential bywords are soul, simplicity, and
serious musicianship. In concert, the combination of these qualities invariably yields an
experience that is so celebratory and moving that the very word Cabinet takes on a new, vivid
meaning for anyone in the audience. An inclusive and engaging energy is the uniting throughline
as they each have a nuanced approach and posses broad talents in their own rights. But the
passionate, affirming, and joyous musical world that they create together is Cabinet.
Listeners that haven’t yet experienced Cabinet in person will no longer be left out, thanks
to a trio of live releases. THIS IS CABINET - SET I (released Dec. 2010 on Ropeadope
Records) showcases the band’s arrangement of traditional country and bluegrass songs as well
as extended versions of tracks from their Self-Titled debut. THIS IS CABINET - COVERS
(a free album given to fans for the 2011 holiday season), again showcases arrangements of
traditional and standard bluegrass and folk numbers plus a couple Paul Simon tracks thrown in
for good measure. ELEVEN (out now on Ropeadope Records), is the band’s most ambitious
release to date. A live DVD / CD recorded November 11, 2011 at Abbey Bar, a former WWII
aircraft parts factory turned brewery, in Harrisburg, PA, ELEVEN captures Cabinet in the heart
of their element. Performed in front of a rambunctious sold out crowd this 11 song set features
fan favorites “Tower”, “Elizabeth”, “Old Farmers Mill” and “Coalminers” as well as previously
unreleased material. ELEVEN surely lives up to the band’s ever growing live show reputation.
Cabinet is a band that has outgrown any “regional favorite” tag and has progressed to a
broader fanbase, all while retaining their signature sound. Not only did the band put together
their very own celebration of music and art this past spring with The Old Farmers Ball Music
Festival in Scranton, PA but they have also played many great venues and festivals (Floyd Fest
‘12, Peach Music Festival ‘12, Philadelphia Folk Festival ‘12, Dark Star Jubilee ‘13) across the
22 www.northcoastvoice.com • (440) 415-0999 February 26 - March 12, 2014