In “A Song Film by Kishi Bashi: “Omoiyari” acclaimed Japanese American musician Kishi Bashi embarks on a transformative journey to confront his heritage and reconcile the painful history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Inspired by the rising tide of discrimination against marginalized communities, Kishi Bashi delves into the untold stories of incarceration survivors, composing an album titled “Omoiyari” that captures their experiences. “Omoiyari” is Kishi Bashi’s fourth album following the acclaimed 151a (2012), Lighght (2014), and Sonderlust (2016), which have garnered serious acclaim from outlets including NPR Music, The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian, and his most important yet. Through breathtaking performances and intimate interviews, Kishi Bashi’s music becomes a catalyst for healing and social change, urging audiences to embrace empathy, understanding, and love in the face of prejudice and discrimination.”

Mike Savino is not your grandaddy’s banjo player, and Tall Tall Trees is definitely not your average indie-folk outfit from NYC. Savino has released two records on his own start-up label Good Neighbor Records, Tall Tall Trees (2009), and moment (2012), and has toured extensively, mystifying audiences with his innovative banjo technique. Whether performing with a full band or solo, Savino runs his instrument, dubbed by fans as the “space banjo” or “banjotron”, through a slab of effects and loopers, bowing, drumming, and strumming out multi-textured arrangements on the fly to support his lyrically driven songs. Most recently, Tall Tall Trees has been touring the US and Canada collaborating with beatboxing violinist, and of Montreal alum, Kishi Bashi. Savino is currently working on a third record which he is expecting to release in 2014.
 
“Bearded man sings songs, violates banjo” – CMJ
 
Moment, the band’s sophomore album, was recorded with a full band including Mathias Kunzli (drums, percussion), Kyle Sanna (guitar, keyboards), Benjamin Campbell (bass), and Dave Gilbert (guitar) and was made possible by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign. The album has been called “an LP of majestic sonic qualities” by Groopease and showcases their evolution from a quirky bluegrass-leaning side project into a fully formed indie-rock band. Recorded by Matthew Cullen (My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne) at Dreamland Studios (Fleet Foxes, Delta Spirit) outside of Woodstock, NY, and mixed by Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man), moment finds the band crafting a rich textured sound to support the more complex themes dealt with in this set of nine songs. Inspired by a group camping trip into the Alaskan wilderness, moment tells the story of a man yearning for escape and connection with nature. Listen Before You Buy called it a “beautiful and compelling album”, drawing references to Wilco and Brian Eno.
 
Tall Tall Trees’ self-titled debut was released in 2009. Jezebel Music dubbed it “a perfect storm of catchy songwriting, spot on performances, and crisp, inventive production.” The record became a mainstay on college radio charts for several months despite the band’s lack of promotional funding. According to College Music Journal , “it’s impossible not to smile at their pop-driven folk songs” earning the band official showcases at the CMJ Music Marathon three years in a row.
 
Songs like “Heart Says Go” and “Bubble Gum” have found their way onto television shows like Teen Mom, American Pickers, and Two and a Half Men and have earned the band a loyal cult following for their eclectic brand on indie folk-rock.
 
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photo credit: Austin Warnock