by Jaz Bowens
Tin Angel on 2nd street right near Penn’s Landing is a great place to frequent if an intimate musical atmosphere with local artist is something you enjoy. That is why your very own That Music Magazine chose Tin Angel to host their showcase this past Thursday. That Music Mag’s Showcase featured Liz de Lise, Giada J., and The Tony DeSimone Band. Three bands with their very own unique sounds, styles, and stage in their career graced the stage as they engulfed the small crowd with their inspiring talents.
all photos by Jaz Bowens
Liz de Lise, originally of Ambler, PA, is a folk music songstress who draws influences from jazz. As the first on stage she set the tone for the rest of the night. It was just de Lise, her two guitars (acoustic and electric), and a loop pedal. They both churned out light slow paced melodies; her voice with similar depth and tone, eased along each song. To best describe her music I’d use the word light. It was soft and airy. Something you would imagine when modern folk music is described. You can learn more about Liz de Lise on her website and various social media sites like Facebook or Bandcamp.
The next on stage was Giada J accompanied by her two acoustic band mates; Brianna Sig on the cajon and Tai Dash on bass. The trio sounded great and bought a little spark into the darkly lit venue. Originally from Italy, Giada J sang both originals and covers in English and Italian. Her singing was great live and the audience was impressed. Giada J’s song, “The Secret”, which can be found on YouTube was nice back drop to the atmosphere in the room. I also recommend the video for her song “Crazy”. I’m sure some of us can relate to it.
Last but not least, Tony DeSimone and his energetic band were up. What was most impressive (besides their music) was their ability to fit five people and a drum set on Tin Angel’s very small stage. They made it look effortless just like their instrument playing and songs. The seasoned musicians knew what they were doing and got right down to business. It’s no surprise that his band can be heard on radio stations all over the world. They sounded seamless. A classic American rock band. “Finding Me” and “After Thought” were songs that stood out. He engaged the audience by inviting people on stage to play the tambourine and telling us what certain songs meant to him. “After Thought” is a song he wrote after his divorce, and it can speak to many people in a number of situations. Tony DeSimone’s set was great as was all the other artists’ sets.
It’s unfortunate there wasn’t a larger audience because the music was great, the venue was appropriate, and the drinks were strong. The weather was nice and it would have been a nice place to take a date or a friend. That Music Mag’s showcases give local artist a place to shine while introducing bands to new audiences. All in all each artist was given an adequate amount of time on stage to perform a number of songs. They each brought something different to the scene, and I now have three more bands/performers to keep an eye on.
