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Denver’s Psychedelic Jam Band RADO Releases First-Ever Debut Album “Baker’s Measurements”

Denver’s RADO is turning up the heat in the Mile High City with the release of their debut album, Baker’s Measurements, set to drop on August 9, 2024. To celebrate, they’re throwing an album release party at Cervantes’ Otherside, where their grooves are sure to get everyone dancing.

RADO has been making waves in Denver’s music scene since they formed in 2019. Their signature sounda potent mix of psychedelic rock, funk, and electronicahas earned them a devoted following, with fans who eagerly anticipate their extended improvisational jams. Known for their live shows, RADO thrives on the connection between the band and the audience, creating a communal atmosphere where the music becomes a living, breathing entity.

There’s something about playing live to an audience that I can’t quite describe with words, especially when you’re deep in an improv moment,” the band reflects. “I suppose the best way to put it would be ‘true presence,’ where everything is deeply connected and interwoventhe band, the audience, and the music.”

The transition from stage to studio presented a new challenge for RADO. Known for their spontaneous, jam-heavy performances, the band had to strike a balance between their freewheeling style and the more concise demands of a studio album. They embraced the opportunity to experiment with different song structures, blending tight tracks with the kind of expansive jams that fans have come to expect.

One track that showcases this duality is “The Twist.” While the live version features a lengthy intro and outro, RADO decided to trim these sections for the album. “For whatever reason, those pieces of the song just didn’t seem to connect as well in the studio,” they explain. “Sonically, we weren’t capturing the essence of the song.” However, other tracks like “Thank You Mr. Science” retain their extended jam sections, with a six-minute improvisational segment that captures the band’s live energy.

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RADO’s journey to “Baker’s Measurements” has been as adventurous as their music. Following a successful spring tour that took them through eight states in fourteen days, the band returned on the road this summer. A recent three-night run in Nebraska was a highlight, with the band receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from fans. “We’ve got to give a big shout-out to our friends in Omaha,” they say. “The shows were great… I’m not sure we’ve gotten a reaction like that about our music outside of Colorado. It felt like home for sure!”

Artwork – Jackie DiNardo

The name “RADO” originated as a shorthand for Colorado, reflecting the band’s roots. A humorous twist by keyboardist James Hatch, referring to the name as “raw dough” – like what you’d make a pizza with –sparked a series of baking jokes. “We thought it was hilarious. It ultimately led to fans adopting the name The Bakery,’” after the band’s friend Lucia handed out 50 baker’s hats at our 2023 Cervantes show. This playful spirit is steeped in their album title “Baker’s Measurements,” a nod to their raw, improvisational music style.

For its influences and songwriting, the band draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, blending dance, funk, rock, reggae, and jazz into a cohesive jam-band experience. Their songwriting process is collaborative, with each member bringing unique ideas to the table. The lyrics often draw from personal experiences, observations, and moments of inspiration. For instance, “Back Nine” was inspired by a memorable golf tournament, while “My Song” pays homage to a lost friend.

The songs chosen for “Baker’s Measurements” had to meet specific criteria: they needed to evoke emotional resonance, showcase musical complexity, offer a unique sound, convey a clear intention and message, align with the albums concept, and highlight the band’s chemistry.

As RADO prepares to hit the road for more tour dates, their debut album stands as a testament to their unique blend of improvisational flair and tight, melodic songwriting. With influences ranging from The Beatles, Phish, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, and Motown legends like James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins, RADO has crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, inviting listeners to join them on a musical ride that is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.

Photo – Timothy Cheatham

If you’re in Denver on August 9, don’t miss the chance to see RADO live at Cervantes’ Otherside. It’s sure to be a night of music, magic, fun, and a little bit of whimsy. Tickets are still available at: https://etix.com/ticket/p/42872630

“Baker’s Measurements” Album Track List:

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  1. Run n’ Hyde
  2. Back Nine ft. Adam Langdon on percussion
  3. My Song
  4. Thank You Mr. Science
  5. The Twist
  6. Tea for Two
  7. River

To listen to the new album as well as stay updated on upcoming tour dates and releases, visit RADO’s website or follow them on social media.

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Artist Spotlight

D. Edge drops irresistible new single “GO T.S.F.G.”

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D. Edge is back with a bang! With his latest release, “GO T.S.F.G.,” the dynamic artist continues to impress with a catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and a living and breathing sound evolution that gives us plenty of reasons to keep an ear out. This track proves how D. Edge is a rising force in the new music scene, presenting a perfect balance of addictive beats with outstanding vocal flow.

The music has a driving energy but a laid-back feel, allowing the track to breathe and groove effortlessly. The hypnotic cadence of the melody keeps listeners moving and numbers vibrating at the same time. It’s a perfect demonstration of how D. Edge understands how to combine energy with ease, making every moment feel seamless and effortless.

But this is not only about the beat. But what makes “GO T.S.F.G.” stand out is D. Edge’s flawless melodic flow. His delivery rides effortlessly over the instrumental, carving every phrase easily and in style. It’s a performance with a sense of freedom throughout a single song. His voice hits sweet, almost ethereal notes and confident, nearly commanding ones, and he captures in his notes every turn.

Regarding lyrics, it sounds like an invitation to a unique sonic experience. MDOT D. Edge provides an atmosphere for the audience to jump into the unexplored world of the track, breaking free of the everyday to lose themselves in the soundscape truly. The song title, “GO T.S.F.G.,” raises a question, adding to the song’s allure as fans ponder its meaning.

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This is an incredible song, and if you have been listening to his music for years or if you’re thinking about listening to it for the first time, Go T.S.F is a must. It highlights the evolution of someone like D. Edge. With this release, he has cemented himself as an artist to follow in the constantly changing music landscape.

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Artist Spotlight

Peter Wilson breathes melody into Utah Phillips’ legacy with haunting new single “Old Man”

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“Old Man,” Peter Wilson’s newest song, is a raw intergenerational dialogue steeped in empathy and aching humanity. Written in collaboration with the now-deceased Utah Phillips, a legendary folk musician known as the “Golden Voice of the Great Southwest,” this song presents a moving narration through the eyes of someone society too often neglects.

With lyrics by Phillips and music by Wilson, “Old Man” unites two poets in time. The effect is a gorgeously stripped-down folk ballad that comes across less like a performance than a moment of authentic listening, like a man on a park bench finally telling you the truth about his life, and you can’t help but lean in. Wilson’s acoustic music is spare and stark, letting the story do the heavy lifting. Every chord sounds intentional, as if he’s allowing room for the words to breathe, not speeding them up, just allowing them to speak. His tone is steady and gentle, almost reverent, echoing and channeling the spirit of Phillips’ storytelling. Every note carries the respect you can hear.

However, what makes “Old Man” land so much harder is its unvarnished honesty. There’s no fancy version of homelessness here. No over-dramatization or overproduction. Just quiet, contemplative music that puts you in someone else’s frayed shoes. It’s the kind of song rarely written, inviting you to rest momentarily contemplate. The track feels timeless, rooted in classic folk, and has fresh emotional resonance. It resonates with today’s audience as incisively as it may have decades ago, reminding us that tales like this still play out on every street corner daily.

By combining Utah Phillips’ words with his musical setting, Peter Wilson has created more than a song. He’s made a vessel for compassion, memory, and our oneness as humans. “Old Man” has no interest in working for your attention. It quietly earns it.

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