Railway Gamblers ‘Not Often You’re Here’ Album Release
Railway Gamblers ‘Not Often You’re Here’ Album
On September 9, 2022, Chicago based Cosmic Americana band, Railway Gamblers, released their sixth album, Not Often You’re Here via Portland, OR based record label, Dutch Records. The Album features 13 brand new songs written, arranged, and performed by the core members. Railway Gamblers is Brendan Folliard (singer, primary songwriter, rhythm guitar, harmonica, piano), Matt Fricks (lead guitar), Sean Wilmsen (drums), and the bass duo of Dan Kane and Joe Sexton make up the core of the group. In addition, the amazingly talented guests on this album include Shannon Baker on backing vocals/vocal harmonies, Justin Bell on organ, and Brandon Reisdorf on fiddle. All 13 songs were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Hagler at Kingsize Sound Labs in Chicago. Railway Gamblers ‘Not Often You’re Here’ Album is available on all digital streaming platforms. Coinciding with the digital release, the band performed a special day of release shows.
Two Not Often You’re Here Album Release Shows
The ‘Not Often You’re Here’ is so good that it needed two album release shows on the same day. The first show was an early-evening performance as part of the the BAPA (Beverly Area Planning Association) Porch Concert Series. The second show was a late-night barn-burner at Harte’s Saloon.
BAPA Porch Concert
First up was the Morgan Park BAPA Porch Concert at Smith Village MCL which kicked off approximately 6pm (more toward 6:30, but who was really checking the time?) The band performed a two-hour live performance that was absolutely free. The weather was beautify for the Porch Concert party which included everything needed for a fantastic block party! In addition, BajaJachera food truck and local craft beer was available for purchase.
Although the show was the Not Often You’re Here Album Release, the setlist included a great mix of new and old songs from their six albums. The evening began with the first song off Not Often You’re Here, “Be With Me Tonight”.
Highlights included:
- What a Wonderful Woman
- A beautiful acoustic rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Unchained Melody”
- Closing out with Comin’ Down
Hartes Saloon Concert
Evergreen Park’s Hartes Saloon was the second destination for the night. Having played their first show at Harte’s Saloon, it was fitting that Railway Gamblers would bring it full circle for a record release show. Following the opening artists, Bourbin Belts, Railway Gamblers kept the place going late into the night (or do you say early in the morning?) as they performed from 10:30 to 1:00am.
Highlights included:
- “Be With Me Tonight” with background vocals by Shannon Baker
- Accusations with the Hey Boiz, Pat Egan and Jim Egan
- Another beautiful duo acoustic rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Unchained Melody”
- First time performing the jam, “Blue & Torn”. This is sure to be a staple in their sets going forward.
- A request that came in a few days in advance of the show, “Troubled Mind”
- “Colorado” requested at the show, with vocal help from Joe Sexton
- I can name that song in one note. Ok, so my favorite, “Sarcastic Smile (Satanic Eyes)” with Joe Sexton on bass.
- Closing out the night with a duo acoustic version of “I Wanted More (Not Often You’re Here)”
Links
Keep up with Railway Gamblers’ latest information and show dates at: Railwaygamblers.com
Railway Gamblers Setlists
“Not Often You’re Here” Album Release Shows
September 9, 2022
(Set list provided through Railway Gamblers’ Instagram post)
::BAPA Porch Concert Setlist, Chicago, IL::
Be With Me Tonight
Gone Again
Alone in the Night
Whispering Wind
Here for the Wait
Losing Hand
Out in the Streets
Day by Day
Let the Fire Burn
Gimme a Wheel
A Greater Place
What a Wonderful Woman
Unchained Melody*
Stone’s Throw
Time and Time Again
Diamond Road
Accusations
Years From Now
Blistering Cold
Comin’ Down
::Harte’s Saloon, Evergreen Park Setlist, Evergreen Park, IL::
Alone in the Night
Gimme a Wheel
Here for the Wait
Be With Me Tonight (with Shannon Baker)
Gone Again
Let the Fire Burn
Stone’s Throw
Diamond Road
Accusations
Leave You Lonely
Unchained Melody*
Run Through the City
Blue and Torn (YouTube video from show)
Whispering Wind
Blistering Cold
Comin’ Down
Troubled Mind
Colorado
Sarcastic Smile (YouTube video from show)
I Wanted More (Not Often You’re Here)
About John Kosiewicz
