"Tonight you had real musicicans." That's what one attendee told me. "Incredible night, incredible venue, one I will not forget." And that's what another person told me. And what a concert is was! For a second time Burlap to Cashmere played to a packed house of 75 people, the largest crowd we have ever hosted. The music and stories and question and answer time went on for over two hours nonstop! This is a band that really connects with an audience, hat stayed around talking to each person until the very last fan had left.
What did they play? Songs from their entire repertoire, audience requests, new tunes from Freedom Souls, their newest release. And a few bonuses: "Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash, and "The Boxer," by Paul Simon. Wise cracks. Confessions. "Family" ribbing (Johnny and Steve are cousins, and Teddy may as well be, as he grew up with them.) =
And the fans? Many die-hard, some new. All convinced that this is a great band. One couple called to apologize that they could not make the "drive FROM OHIO due to the rain." Wow. Others drove a couple hours in the rain. But all were excited to be here. What a chemistry this band has, what warmth, what soul, and what heart. Brooklyn and Jersey come South. HERE'S MORE:
READ: For a band that many wondered what had happened to, the last few years have seen Burlap to Cashmere blow back into the national scene with gusto. In 1998 the band released the critically acclaimed debut Anybody Out There? After a whirlwind of tours, awards and an ever-growing fan base, they did what no one expected. They disappeared. And then, they were back.
In 2010 the band headed into the studio with acclaimed producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits). The result? A self-titled album of new, organic sounds with faith-tinged lyrics that won't leave your head. And with this year's Freedom Souls,they continue with that same organic sound with just enough tweak to keep us guessing,
With its core lineup intact – singer/guitarist/songwriter Steven Delopoulos, guitarist John Philippidis, and drummer Theodore Pagano — Burlap to Cashmere returned with renewed focus, drive and energy. “There’s something about family and people you’ve known forever that makes the chemistry happen,” Delopoulos says. “There’s a sense of honesty and trust. That’s Burlap to Cashmere.”
This is a band that has a deep and accomplished musicianship and a really distinctive sound. This is particularly apparent in the songs that incorporate their unique approach to traditional Greek rhythms, songs that recall the musical intimacy of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel, coupled with Delopoulos’ introspective, poetic songwriting. Fans of modern troubadour outfits like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons will find common ground with Burlap to Cashmere’s output, with the added textures of the Greek and Mediterranean influences further fleshing out the band’s unique take on 21st Century folk-rock music.
WATCH B2C perform "Closer to the Edge" (but sign up on our mailing list to receive an update when some video from his very concert is posted!:
WATCH B2C Perform "Basic Instructions" in the house last year:
VIEW Pictures From Our Evening Last Year: