Check Them Out Now: Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Band

I saw these guys open up for Levon Helm at a Ramble in Woodstock and was blown away. I immediately bought their album Rise and Bloom after their set. I consider it a very good album that is well produced however it does not do the band justice as a live act. Key tracks are a cover of his grandfather's (legendary 91 year-old folk/protest singer Pete Seeger) classics, "Bring Em Home," a song about the safety of our soldiers abroad and freedom of speech, the opening original "Sail Away Ladies" and a soulful cover of Jim Garland's "I Don't Want Your Millions Mister." With "El Plano de La Paz" Tao throws new listeners a curveball with a wonderfully arranged latin song with bluegrass undertones. With this song Seeger draws back to his roots as he spent a few years growing up in Nicaragua.
Overall I would say if anyone is interested in any type of alternative music they should at least give this album a shot. They are self described as "Folk meets Rock-n-Roll with a with a 'rootsy and psychedelic' twist. Breaking the barriers of traditional folk to bring a unique and distinctive sound to the table." I would have to say that is a perfect description of their sound. Other members of the band include Laura Cortese on fiddle and vocals, Jefferson Hammer who plays a great pedal steel, Robin McMillan on the drum kit and Jake Silver on bass. Trust me, check these guys out. If they ever come to town you should definetly go see them because their live shows are full of energy. You can listen for free at http://www.myspace.com/taorodriguezseeger. Give them a shot.