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Luke Callen // Brian Johannesen

  • Trumpet Blossom Cafe 310 East Prentiss Street Iowa City, IA, 52240 (map)

8:30pm doors, 9:15pm music $10, all ages as always

About Luke Callen:

In an age of quick fixes, flashing screens, and pop ‘songs’ that are more formula than art, an album that takes its sweet time is a radical act. “Also Going Nowhere”, Luke Callen’s third full-length effort is just that - a collection of songs that spread out through time and space, dripping with honest Midwest charm and a mischievous glint. It’s music that you can relax into, paired with lyrics you’ll want to chew on and savor, that ask something of their listener. These songs are proof and reminder: you don’t actually have to go anywhere at all to, you know, get somewhere.

This no-frills arrangement style is like a drink of water for those of us who crave something real and honest to listen to. The sonic palette pays homage to a whole plethora of elements endemic to the American music tradition without feeling derivative or landing too hard on any one side of the genre question. Sure, fans of John Prine, The Band, or Randy Newman will undoubtedly hear traces of Callen’s biggest influences, but there’s a modern assessment within the music that is the distinct voice of an artist coming into his own and sharing stages with fellow pickers and balladeers like Charlie Parr and Margo Cilker.

About Brian Johannesen:

“With gritty vocals and a swaggering, everyman style of country rock Johannesen’s sound is at times reminiscent of acts like Lucero, Ryan Bingham, and James McMurtry. ”

— Glide Magazine