Virtual Campfire: The Movie

Virtual Campfire is a group of musicians who are committed to having fun and making music.  Their music is infectious, joyful and darkly funny.  The spirit of the band is that of street buskers, but all the members (Brian, Mark and Ben Karmelich, Steve Goldstein and Chris Newton) are accomplished musicians and it shows.  The new film S’mores Across America captures the spirit of the band and their music very nicely as it documents their West Coast tour of 2012; which started right here in Portland.

            The tour began at the miniscule Jade Lounge in southeast Portland, where just getting the band on stage filled the building.  The band travels down the coast to ever larger venues and more enthusiastic audiences as they get closer to their home in Southern California.  Along the way we experience the band’s inclusive “campfire” style music. We also get a glimpse into the complicated relationships of the band members and a bit of history on the original Karmelich band Sauce: a band that has been rightfully described as “too clever for its own good.”

            S’mores Across America evokes all of the rock-and-roll documentaries you have ever seen, as well as most of the great road movies.  The greatest tribute, though, is the homage to Christopher Guest as the band members explain the origins and history of Campfire music; which unfortunately does not exist as a category for the Grammy awards.  According to the band Campfire music is possibly the oldest form of music.  They had to invent fire just so they could have campfires to go along with the music.

            If you attended any of the shows in the S’mores Across America Tour then you owe it to yourself to see this film and remember the dark days of 2012 as well as the voice of hope that came to us from out of California.  If you’ve never seen the band then you owe it to yourself to see it and learn about this entertaining band.

Well, I can't seem to embed the video, but here is a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43eF-BtO54I

S’mores Across America Tour

            Virtual Campfire kicked off their 2012 summer tour “S’mores Across America” with their first non-California performance in Portland, Oregon at the Jade Lounge.  They filled the house, the only problem is at possibly Portland’s smallest venue they filled the house when they took the stage.  Despite some cramped staging and some initial confusion caused by the limits of the performance space, Virtual Campfire got off to a great start with a rollicking and fun set.

            Besides doing some of the best songs from their first album, they also played music from earlier incarnations – the band Sauce and two musical shows, Jesus’ Kid Brother and One Dakota.  The small but appreciative audience had a great time and everybody was laughing and singing along by the time they closed with their hit song Life.

            Besides the Karmelich Brothers (Brian, Mark and Ben – guitars, mandolin, harmonica, violin and accordion) plus Steve Goldstein (12 string guitar) and Chris Newton (bass), who all appeared on the album – Burning Hot Tonight – the band was filled out with Jim Hudson (conga drums and general madness) from Sauce and Jeff (sorry I couldn’t read your last name, Jeff), the newest member of the band who is a talented percussionist – he played the cajon a wooden box played as a percussion instrument.  The result was that they rocked the roof off the joint.  In fact the bartender had to keep telling them to turn it down, which added some real authenticity to their garage band feel.

            “At our age we’re not looking to get rich or become huge rock stars,” says Steve Goldstein, “We’re out to have fun.” Mission accomplished, gentlemen.  It was one of the more enjoyable times I have had recently and I will be glad to see them any time.  Here is a link to the rest of the dates on the tour – if you’re anywhere nearby it is worth it to hear this enjoyable band.

Virtual Campfire: Burning Hot Tonight

Liner Notes.

When I heard that Steve Goldstein was putting out a new album I was excited. I have loved Mr. Goldstein ever since his days as the folk rock idol Steve Moon, far too many years ago to admit. Then I got Virtual Campfire: Burning Hot Tonight. This is a great album. Sadly Steve didn’t write any of the songs. Come on, Steve. Fortunately the Karmelich brothers (Brian, Mark and Ben) are not only great musicians, but talented and funny song writers. Chris Newton, who plays a mean bass, rounds out this Campfire Band made up of Campfire Campers.

The sound is what your family might make around the campfire if your family is made up of talented musicians with an extremely dark sense of humor. These songs are funny. Sometimes it surprises you that they are funny when you consider what they are singing about. They sing about getting older and facing death…and it’s a gas.

Therza Road the first track is deceptively simple. The casual sounds of the opening set the stage giving us the feeling of sitting around a campfire. Then the rich sound of 12 string guitar introduces us to one of the catchiest melodies on the album. You’ll be singing this song as you go about your business. 12 String guitar is not the only thing here though. The sound is rich and the mandolin really stands out. And Mark Karmelich is a genius with the harp. These guys are tight, but they are really having fun.

The next track I Blinked was my favorite song the first time through on this album and I still like it. It is a catchy country sounding tune with excellent vocals (and backup vocals). It is also a very funny song about the experience of getting older-- It turns out that this is the major theme of the album. We are also treated to more great harp work.

Then comes Naked Pregnant Women on the Moon. This is a silly and kind of light-weight song, but it is one of my favorites. It even grows on you the more you hear it. I don’t know these guys well enough to distinguish between Brian and Mark Karmelich on lead vocal (they’re both great) but the one who sings this one is my favorite – sorry Mark or Brian. The thing you notice in this song, if you haven’t got it yet, is the humor of the lyrics. These guys are brilliant and funny.

What Does it Take to Make a Friend? which comes next gives us another dose of witty lyrics and idiosyncratic vocals. We also get a great chance to hear Mr. Goldstein’s steady hand on the guitar and Chris Newton’s flute playing. I find these songs grow on you the more you listen to them.

Virtual Campfire TV Show Theme Song is beautiful. This song gives us the full feeling of the music these guys are putting out. It is also the most Campfire of the songs. I love it. We may not be good looking, but this sure feels right. When they play that music we’re gonna feel real good. I want to watch this show regularly. What channel is it on?

We Want Love comes next. This song has some of the best and most interesting guitar work on it. I love the vocals and the lyrics are funny and sharp. The chorus almost makes you sing along. This is fun music.

Fisherman’s Fiesta. First time through I didn’t know why this song was here. It doesn’t feel like the rest of the album, until you listen to it a few times. When Steve G told me that they were “having a blast.” I realized why this song is here. They are having fun and it is a fun song with some funny lyrics.

Something Different comes next. This song was written by Bill Carlisle – who’s he? He is a great songwriter. This one has a great old-timey country sound, funny lyrics and a philosophy of love that I share. This is a favorite. Hoo-ray for that little difference.

Tomorrow’s Sandwich. I absolutely love this song. The music is great. The vocals are great. This might be the other Karmelich brother, though. Maybe he’s my favorite – sorry Brian or Mark. I identify far too much with this song. That’s a little bit sad.

Life. This song brings a smile of recognition to most people’s faces, but somehow I don’t think it is going to get very much airplay on the radio.

Oh Joy. No this one has my favorite vocal – sorry Brian and Mark. Steve Moon, I mean Goldstein, sings this dark and hilarious song. I won’t give away the joke, but if you know about Steve’s other incarnation you will see the grand irony. This song also has a great sound and is even a little reminiscent of William s. Burroughs.

Marry Someone Like Your Mother the album ends with this sweet ode to family values.

I love this album.

Jd chandler

©2012 jd chandler