Julia Massey and The Five Finger Discount (Album Release Party) with The Glass Notes and Yevtushenko

Julia Massey and The Five Finger Discount

Imported from the Mid-Atlantic by way of the rocky mountain state, Julia Massey brings to the city of Seattle an outer-space sized sound that she and her band have branded COSMIC-FOLK-ROCK. The music they’re producing is fun, full of energy, and heart-opening; and that’s just scratching the surface.
Writing, recording, and performing alongside Massey for the last three years are bassist Geoff B. Gibbs and drummer Dominic Cortese. That’s been enough time to hone in on a particular feel, but their critically acclaimed release of 2011, “Is There Room For Me?” is not what you would expect.
This album is, by far, Massey's heaviest and most experimental to date, almost completely transcending her self-proclaimed genre. Characteristic of Massey's previous recordings, “Is There Room For Me?” gives the first impression that it is one lollipop short of children's music, but the listener quickly realizes this music is not for children, but rather brings out the child in you, which is the essence of Massey's genius. "Is There Room For Me?" is innocent, playful, and sometimes sensual; yet, its most redeeming quality is its subtlety. Whether it is Massey's unique vocals, timeless poetry, or the edgy accompaniment from Gibbs and Cortese to Massey's progressions and melodies, this record unveils a new season at every listen.
As the record unfolds, Massey cheerily explores subjects such as the similarities between the top of a mountain and the bottom of an ocean, alien visits, and a skate park she used to observe outside of her living room window. She also touches on more introspective themes such as the last wishes of a dying parent in "Aghadoe" and our place in the universe on the title track. Massey also pays homage to one of her heroes, Emily Dickinson, on a track titled "#712," after a poem of the same name. Dickinson's influence can be seen all over Massey's lyrics throughout the album.
In short, Massey and her band turn what is seemingly a collection of pop songs into a collage of compositions that display a thick stack of thin layers to be effortlessly peeled back by listeners. Unlike Radiohead or other Prog bands whose music takes years to uncover fully, all of Massey's layers float into your psyche like a feather taking your heart and mind on a journey that ends in sunshine. Then, like all great bands, you want more.

The Glass Notes

The Glass Notes story begins in a Seattle pub August 2009 when Seattle musician Robb Benson (Dept. of Energy, Dear John Letters, Nevada Bachelors) learned his bartender Jake Uitti was an accomplished poet.  Jake began sending his poetry to Robb, who transformed these poems into songs.  Robb had previously used this style of poet/songwriter collaboration during his Dear John Letters years.  The much loved DJL used this formula successfully during their time playing together, releasing three well received albums, the last reaching as high as #34 on the CMJ charts.

Robb’s latest band Dept of Energy used primarily his own lyrics, so he was very excited to work with another great poet.  The new tunes began to multiply very quickly.  During this time Robb learned that Jake, along with being a nationally published writer/poet, was a very talented bass player as well.  Their music chemistry was a perfect match to the songs that had been created. Soon the two began playing live shows to an ever growing audience. As a duo they played a few dozen shows. As of today they have written and recorded nearly 70 songs. 

Renowned B3 player Ty Bailie (Flight To Mars, Dept of Energy, Star Anna) was enlisted to add his keyboard magic to some of the recordings.  Shortly after, the band acquired the services of accomplished drummer Perry Morgan (Souvenirs, Gary Reynolds, Blue Spark) who became the official third member.  The group mainly plays as a trio, but from time to time players like guitarist extraordinaire Tim “Rock Tim” DeJulio ( Flight To Mars, North Twin, Lazy Susan) join The Glass Notes onstage.