Blues on Grand Gets New Life

Street view of the newly renovated front of
 the former Blues on Grand location in Des Moines.

Hey everybody thanks again for reading my blog here at Music Reviews by a Musician. If anybody has a topic they would like me to blog about please send me a request at jesseastewartmusic@gmail.com.

So recently I was informed that someone in Des Moines is reopening the former Blues on Grand location. The location downtown is being renovated and is set to open sometime in April. For the full article from KCCI in Des Moines click here.

Arguably the former home to blues in the midwest; Blues on Grand was a staple to the Des Moines music scene until it closed in October of 2010. Now new owner Frank Farrell is set to reopen the spot as the Gas Light; not Blues on Grand.

What is my take on this you may ask? Well as much as I loved Blues on Grand and the fact that it was a home to blues in Des Moines; I am all for the reopening of the location under a new name and with a new style. Des Moines is in need of quality music venues and the room at the old Blues on Grand location was one of the best in my opinion. Granted it was not a very big place but the aura that it put off and the sound that came out of that room was tremendous.

It will definitely be different to step foot in the old Blues on Grand once it reopens as the Gas Light. Judging by the changes to the outside of the building I can only guess the inside will be changed as well. Nothing in my opinion will ever replace the history and vibe of Blues on Grand. However when one tradition dies it allows for a new one to rise. Hopefully the Gas Light can start its own tradition in that location and help further the music scene in Des Moines.

Live music is where it is at and the more venues there are for it in Des Moines the better it is for all of us eager musicians out there just chomping at the bit to play as much as possible. Kudos to Mr. Farrell for trying to add to the Des Moines music scene; hopefully this works out for the best.

Until next time keep on rocking away music lovers,

JAS

Photo credit goes to  fellow friend and musician Josh Tilton

Another Online Discovery

Hey everybody I'm back after a hiatus here with another blog post. Today's post is about an artist I once again stumbled across online who I think many of you will like if you have not heard of him. His name is Jake McVey.

Jake McVey is an interesting story because he gave up his lucrative guitar building business in order to chase his dream of becoming a professional musician. I must say that was a wise choice because McVey is very talented. His sound definitely fits that mold of today's country music sound.

After listening to McVey's music for a little while I was very impressed with not only the musicality but the song quality. Many of the songs that McVey plays are capable of being hits in my opinion. And although his music may not be innovative it is very catchy. I feel like I am listening to country music being sung by a southern rocker from the 70's who just got back from church. There is definitely a gospel feel to his music and that just makes for catchy material.

I am going to go out and say that this is another artist who will breakthrough soon into the country music scene. The guy has catchy music and a great sound that will carry him a long way in my opinion.

Until next time keep on rocking away music lovers,
JAS