Half Past 6
Minneapolis, MN
Half Past 6, the self-titled debut by Twin Cities songwriter Tom Gebell and lead singer Greg Carson (January 8, Top Spin), kicks off 2008 with an uplifting resolution. No longer willing to dwell upon the gloom and doom dominating the headlines of recent years, Half Past 6 invites us to simply ‘tune out, turn off,’ and find those ‘better days out in the distance’ for ourselves. “As an average guy living in the Midwest, I can’t change the world,” explains Gebell. “But I can try to make my own little world a better place.” It was that very thought that led Gebell to call upon the capable voice of veteran singer Greg Carson for his new band. Carson’s strong, expressive tenor brings out vivid characters in Gebell’s stories of everyday people who find the strength to cope with and conquer their demons. Their early-January release comes at a time when many people are looking to make changes in their own lives.
Half Past 6 moves fluidly between styles – fusing rock, blues and country together to create a sound Gebell calls “Heartland Rock.” Topics vary from simple love songs (“I Need Help,” “I’m Comin’ Home”) to songs of vindication and redemption (“Gone Tonight”). They implore the acceptance life’s curveballs with a sense of humor and grace (“Turned Out Wrong,” “The Keys,” “Live and Learn”), and even offer a little advice (“Every Dog,” “The Center Lane,” “One Man’s Fortune”).
The band plans to tour regionally in 2008. On stage, Gebell and Carson will be joined by permanent members of the band: brothers Joe (keyboards) and Ben Peterson (drums); and bassist Paul “Pops” Pederson, who toured with Gebell as part of Darrin Rosha’s band in 2002.
http://ww.halfpast6band.com
http://myspace.com/halfpast6band
by Chris Murphy for Classic Rock Revisited
For the fourth year in a row, my wife and I made the 9 ½ hour trek north to Moondance Jam in Walker, MN. What started in 1992 featuring regional bands over two nights has blossomed into the premier classic rock festival in the US that takes place during four nights in July every year. While other festivals have come and gone and still others have changed their format to draw in younger fans, Moondance Jam has stuck to its guns and has continued to bring the best classic rock to northern Minnesota... As soon as you enter the jam site, you can tell your experience will be different than just a rock concert. The staff is extremely friendly and it is easy to tell they enjoy their job... The next thing to notice is row after row of campers all enjoying themselves, some sitting around talking while others are playing games... The camping area now has over 300 electrical campsites and over 1800 primitive campsites. The one thing everyone has in common is a smile on their face... [read the entire review]
by Marty Moffatt
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MOONDANCE ROCKS MINNESOTA FOR THE 17TH YEAR IN A ROW!
Review of Moondance Jam Sizzlin' 17