Simply put, The ReBirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. ReBirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, “…it’s clear that ReBirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat (July 2001).” With influences coming from New Orleans Funk, Chicago Rock and Soul, Philadelphia Groove, Ohio Thump, Kansas Jazz, and North Dakota __?__, the
HighEnd Trio draws from varying traditions to create original songs and improvisations. Over the past 4 years the group has established a loyal following, winning the 2006 Mayfest Battle of the Bands and selling out shows across Evanston and Chicago. The band began as an instrumental guitar trio in 2003, where it earned its name, but after numerous additions has formed a dynamic and sound that has taken on a life of its own. Packed with energy, thoughtful words, and hot grooves, the HighEnd Trio just might make you reconsider your job as telemarketer...
Bombay Beatbox presents: "Karsh Kale - MIDIval PunditZ - Vishal Vaid: LIVE" A night of Indo-Electro-Acoustica featuring live performance collaborations, DJ sets and visuals
Karsh Kale - Drums, Tabla, Guitar MIDIval PunditZ - Electronics Vishal Vaid - Vocals, Harmonium, Keyboard Warp & Radiohiro - Bombay Beatbox DJs Video Janitor - Live video mixing Karsh Kale: Tabla Player, Drummer, Producer, Composer, Remix Artist, and D.J.,Karsh Kale, is riding the landscape between organic and electric traditions of the past, present and future. His solo work is an expedition into the uncharted sound of South Asian America. Being an Indian born in the U.K, and brought up in the United States, the fundamentals of Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop and modern electronica play as much a role in Kale's style as Indian classical and folk music does. Kale is a founding member of Tabla Beat Science, an "Asian Massive" super group of sorts, featuring tabla legend Zakir Hussain, bassist Bill Laswell, Indian sarangi maestro Sultan Khan. Karsh has toured as guest percussionist with Sound Tribe Sector 9, DJ Spooky, and Ming & FS. He has had a long-time working relationship with New Delhi based electronic artists the MIDIval PunditZ, NYC based vocalist Vishal Vaid and Bollywood composer Salim Merchant. Numerous artists from all over the world have also employed Kale's percussion and production skills over the years. He has worked and performed with diverse artists such as Herbie Hancock, Ravi Shankar, Sting, Norah Jones, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Arto Lindsay, Dave Douglas, Hassan Hakmoun, Will Calhoun, Paul Oakenfold, DJ Logic, Cheb I Sabbah, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Madras Cinematic Orchestra, Talvin Singh, Plastilla Mosh, Sussan Deyhim, Paula Cole, Susheela Raman, Gigi, Nishat Khan, and Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan to name only a handful. His three full length albums on Six Degrees Records have received international critical acclaim. Two songs of Kale's (Distance, One Step Beyond) have also been included with all installed Microsoft Windows Vista computers. His latest release "Breathing Under Water", a full collaboration album with Anoushka Shankar released on EMI/Manhattan in late 2007 to rave reviews. Karsh was recently asked to perform for the famed Bang On A Can Music Marathon in NYC as well as being commissioned to score an all new original soundtrack for the classic Bruce Lee film "Enter The Dragon" which will debut at the Celebrate Brooklyn festival in July.
MIDIval PunditZ Since their Six Degrees Records debut in 2002, the MIDIval PunditZ-the first Indian electronica band to hit the international scene-has ushered in a new era of possibilities for the sound of 21st-century India. Their unique and expansive artistic vision marries the soulful elegance of South Asia's extraordinarily rich traditional and classical music heritage with the exuberance and limitless potential of modern Western electronic music. Listeners around the world have embraced their culture-crossing expressions with huge enthusiasm, and their audience grew rapidly when one of their tracks from their first, eponymous album, Fabric, was used on the soundtrack to Mira Nair's hit film "MWedding". With their last Six Degrees release MIDIval Times, the duo of Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj -who work as producers, remixers, and club impresarios as well as live artists-document the musical, emotional, and intellectual journey of their past three years. The sound can be labeled as Indian Electronica but more specifically it's the perfect blend of south Asian traditional sounds with the electronic edge of the Western world. Not only does the duo perform live around the UK, Southern Asia and the USA, but they also have composed music for Bollywood as well as contributing songs to Hollywood itself. Combining the unique sounds of the sitar, sarangi and haunting vocals, one certainly doesn't need to understand the language being sung to understand the depth and emotion within the music itself. The duo collaborates with impressive artists including; celebrated Pakistani female singer Abida Parveen, Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of the legendary artist Ravi Shankar, NYC based producer Karsh Kale, Indian tabla giant Zakir Hussain and Kailash Kher, whom Gaurav describes as "a new Bollywood playback singer." Just to name a few. Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj are both heavily involved in India's contemporary music scene. Raina, who had studied architecture, was a radio DJ, while Tapan was an engineer in a New Dehli recording studio. It didn't take them long to realize that they had a lot of common ground. Both of them were lovers of Indian classical music, but they were also into the hip-hop, drum 'n' bass/jungle and house that was being imported from the United States as well as Europe. And when they started working together, the goal was to combine all of their influences. Pooling their resources, they started their own recording studio, and started holding dance parties (which they call Cyber Mehfil parties) at various New Delhi venues.
Vishal Vaid: Is a vocalist trained in the tradition of North Indian classical music with a particular emphasis in the art form of Ghazal, a style of vocal expression dating back to the thirteenth century. Vishal continues to explore the rebirth and infusion of the traditional Ghazal and all of its implications with other contemporary sounds and musical cultures, including American folk music, Moroccan Gnawa music, drum and bass electronica and, of course, urban dance. After presenting three highly successful Tribute to Nusrat performances in 2007, Vishal Vaid will show why, he is prepared to help carry the torch that the inimitable Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan lit decades ago. Raised on a steady diet of the traditional music from India and Pakistan in the forms of ghazal and qawwali, Vaid was equally inspired by the street sounds of his native New York. He been the lead voice on all three Karsh Kale records, in addition to recording with artist such as film composer Jamshied Sharifi, Moroccan musician Hassan Hakmoun and can also be heard on Anoushka Shankar & Karsh Kale's Breathing Under Water album. Vaid is currently recording his forthcoming debut album for Sargama India, one that promises to be a sonic voyage into worlds past and future. No one leaves his passionate concerts uninspired, as his voice is one that stretches across boundaries and heads straight into the heart of what matters: the human connection.
Bombay Beatbox: Djs Warp and Radiohiro Selfless Indian Classical and World Electronica music promoters, producers and djs, who strive to make Chicago a better place to be musically! Bombay Beatbox presents international music producers and DJ's that are rewriting the sounds of London's "Asian Underground" or "Asian Massive" sound. Bombay Beatbox regularly host a night of "Asian Massive" music at Sonotheque. Over their four years they have regularly hosted and debuted like-minded artists including Karsh Kale, Cheb I Sabbah, Tabla Beat Science, Talvin Singh, Bassnectar, State Of Bengal, Luke Vibert, MIDIval Punditz, DJ Rekha, Janaka Selekta, Sub Swara, Mec en Dede and many more. They have DJed at just about every to be the very first DJs to perform at one of Chicago's most prestigious venues, the Chicago Symphony Center, where they converted a packed house crowd to the future sounds of the international dance music. As emerging artists in their own right, Radiohiro and DJ Warp are regularly invited to performed in San Francisco, Dallas, DC, NYC, and Burning Man. They recently produced music for the highly respected world music label, Six Degrees Records and their latest original music is also getting high rotation on several radio stations in America, Germany, South Asia, and BBC's Radio 1 and BBC's Asian Music Network. They are also key players in Karsh Kale's Kollektiv, an international consortium of Asian music producers and collaborators. In addition to the music, Bombay Beatbox also prides itself on regularly feature some of the very best video artists in the country.
LUBRIPHONIC greases your ears, moves your hips, and leaves you reeling in sweaty bliss. Simmering and intense, with chops to spare, Lubriphonic’s live performances create a spicy dish that is guaranteed to cure what ails you. Lubriphonic is the brainchild of guitarist Giles Corey and drummer Rick King and began with a residency at Chicago’s legendary Checkerboard Lounge. They recruited some of the best blues, funk, and rock musicians in the city for these raucous sessions. The result fuses roots music with explosive rock’n’roll and sensuous old-school dance music-- part Stones, part Funkadelic, and part Otis Redding. Lubriphonic marked 2006 with it’s second album “Supermoncho” recorded completely live in the studio. Available for download at CD Baby and iTunes, the ten original tracks are aggressive and soulful, propelled by a relentless groove, crunchy guitar, and popping horns. Lubriphonic toured throughout the Midwest, including the Wakarusa Festival, Tabfest, and Blottopia VII. Live, the band expands it’s repertoire into lush and diverse improvisations, bringing their dynamic sonic stew to growing audiences everywhere.
Welcome to ROOM 11 where music is the answer and that's never a question. Combining ol'skool funk & classic rock, this 5piece original live band is a re-freshing new look and sound in a town dominated by rock and blues respectively. Led by founder BIG CED(bass) along with the ladies of ALLEGRA DOLORES(vocals) MURPHY(drums) and JAY(guitar) this unit is quickly being recognized for electrifying live shows complete with super tight grooves and creative musical transitions that keep audiences on their feet the entire set. One would have to attend a performance in order to fully comprehend. Look for an EP along with a 12 city tour in late 2008.
MR. BLOTTO came together in the early 90's. The guys knew each other from other bands and decided to get together on their off nights to play whatever they felt like playing with no real plan for world domination.Taking advantage of Chicago's rich Open Mic Night scene, Mr. Blotto played "about a Million" 3-songs "short sets". The managers of many of the bars asked them to come back and open for their weekend bands. After a run of these, a series of bootleg tapes gained a surprising measure of popularity and Mr.Blotto went into the studio to record Parking Karma. The band was not yet a year old.After the release of Parking Karma, Mike, the only one who had a day job, quit it. They moved into a house which was quickly christened "Chateau Blotto". It soon became somewhat legendary in the late night/after hours musician party scene. Sunday mornings began to resemble the aftermath of an altercation in a Guitar store.Around this time, David B-3 Allen joined. He brought to the band his formidable skill on the Piano, Synths, & Hammond B-3. In addition, he supplied another singing voice and a somewhat insane improvisational wit.Next came Bad Hair Day. This CD propelled Mr. Blotto to the top of the regional scene. The band went from one-nighters in bars to playing theaters on consecutive nights without repeating a song. 1997 brought a Radio Show (the Snappin' Apple Sing-Along). This was an hour-long weekly syndicated broadcast featuring live Mr. Blotto soundboard DATs. The show ended when the lead station was gobbled up by a huge rhinoceros of a multinational conglomerate who knew not the Blott.1998 saw a third CD, Ancient Face; 1999 brought Mark Hague. As lead guitarist, he quickly jelled with the boys and helped pen the next generation of Mr. Blotto tunes. Paul, Mark & Mike started meeting every Monday to work on new original ideas. In these sessions, any idea would be chased down and put to tape. These songs became Cabbages and Kings, the 4th CD which WXRT called "the band's best release yet".Around this time, the band addressed the constant demand for a Live Record. Mr. Blotto had been, from its inception, an improvisational band and had always allowed people to record the shows. They went so far as to build a Taper Plug In Patch Bay into the soundboard so that tapers would get a high quality audio feed. As a result, clean Mr. Blotto boots began to cross the country, often in advance of the band.Seeing as not everyone had a portable CD burner or DAT, Mr. Blotto began issuing Live Shows and Compilations. The "Bootleg Series" is a single CD of songs handpicked by the band for their unique characteristics, where the "Just Did It" series is made up of double disc sets from one particular show or run of shows.
GREAT AMERICAN TAXI continues to break through the barriers of traditional music and forge a musical path that is distinctly their own. With Leftover Salmon's former front man Vince Herman steering the ride, Great American Taxi reaches beyond the realms of traditional Americana, Roots, Funk, Rock, and full flavored Country and has instead melded these into a sound aptly dubbed, "Americana without Borders". Great American Taxi was originally formed when Vince Herman scrambled to put together a group of musicians for a post-Katrina benefit. What transpired was the creation of a 7 piece band that gelled so quickly it was impossible to give up. A few years later (and a couple members lighter), Great American Taxi has traveled across the country countless times picking up many fans for the ride, become a staple to the festival scene, and released a critically acclaimed debut album (Streets of Gold). It appears, to the joy of their fans, that Taxi is here to stay. While Great American Taxi has chosen to make their mark the old fashioned way, taking to the road and gaining fans one by one, their debut album, Streets of Gold, hit the shelves with a great response from fans and critics alike. From the warm heart-felt lyrics of the title track, to the festival feel of "Ride", down to the politically and environmentally charged "Appalachian Soul", this album truly shows the range and appeal of Great American Taxi. While relying on their talent in improvisation, it is truly their songwriting and the structure of their songs that makes them unique to the scene. On lead guitar, vocals, and various other instruments, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon) drives this ride bringing along his now famous festival attitude for passengers to enjoy. Keyboardist, Chad Staehly (John McKay Band) brings literate, melodic tunes in the vintage country rock tradition. With additional vocals and a powerful big-room feel provided by drummer Jake Coffin and bassist Edwin Hurwitz, Great American Taxi has found a recipe that keeps fans traveling from city to city to see what they might come up with next. To keep the ride fresh, Taxi has a rotation of lead guitar players getting on and off the ride in different cities, among them are Jefferson Hamer (Single Malt Band), Barry Sless (Phil & Friends, Moonalice), and Jim Lewin - but you never know who might get on in your city! It is the blending of each band member's style and experiences as well as a dedication to playing great new music that makes Great American Taxi a force to be reckoned with. No other ensemble on the scene today floats so effortlessly along the roots-rock spectrum with such ground breaking original style or genuine love of music and the stage. Through it all, they keep the audience dancing - and laughing - along.
LEADFOOT STRING BAND "Chicago's freshest post-bluegrass with tasty electrified grooves served up spicey how you like it with lightening fast delivery." Jaik Willis
THE HENHOUSE PROWLERS strive to play bluegrass the way it was meant to be played. A five piece band (guitar, banjo, fiddle, dobro and upright bass) with a focus on traditional vocal harmonies, hard driving instrumentals and sincere lyrics. In keeping with the standards set 50+ years ago, the Prowlers perform around a single microphone and wear neatly ironed suits to accompany their cracking smiles. The effect of this setup draws a crowd in to an intimate performance that is virtually unmatched in the Chicago area. While standard bluegrass songs are a significant part of their sets, it's the original tunes and lyrics are frequently requested by the audience. Songs of reverence for the way things used to be, combined with stories of contemporary frustrations leave a lasting impression on any audience member listening.
About Ten out of Tenn Nashville, TN: Its no secret that the home of country music serves as a hideout for one of America’s most bustling music scenes. People move to Nashville aspiring to change it, only to find themselves chewed up and spit out by the spirit that gave us Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, and Bob Dylan. What rises from the dust are songs with ache and pain, hopes and sorrows, victories and defeats. But redemption is found in the community of people whose kinship runs much deeper than the music. Ten out of Tenn is a compilation that shines a light on a few of the many Nashville artists who haven’t waited around for the world to hear about them. With TV being the new radio and beat up vans the new tour bus, this generation of American originals have taken full advantage of opportunities to take their music beyond the city limits of their adopted home town. Years of restlessness and work have allowed competition to give way to a community where late nights on the front porch are king. Ten out of Tenn volume 1 was released in 2005 and partnered with Myspace and Paste Magazine for an extensive national tour. Volume 2 is partnering with American Songwriter Magazine for a tour set to launch on July 22 at Nashville’s historic Belcourt Theater. The tour will feature a rotating lineup of artists sharing musicians and supporting one another. Tickets will go on sale June 13th.
Butterfly Boucher (www.myspace.com/butterflyboucher) Griffin House (www.myspace.com/griffinhouse) K.S. Rhoads (www.myspace.com/ksrhoads) Erin McCarley (www.myspace.com/erinmccarley) Andy Davis (www.myspace.com/andydavis) Tyler James (www.myspace.com/tylerjames) Trent Dabbs (www.myspace.com/trentdabbs) Matthew Perryman Jones (www.myspace.com/mpjmusic) Katie Herzig (www.myspace.com/katieherzig) Jeremy Lister (www.myspace.com/jeremylister)
BRIAN VANDER ARK Massive success and its aftermath have sent many artists into oblivion, forever trying to recapture the moment when the world first bowed at their feet. (Seriously? Massive? Who was bowing? How did I miss that?) That moment came for Brian Vander Ark when, as the lead singer and principal songwriter for The Verve Pipe, he sold more than 3 million albums worldwide (I seriously had no idea it was that much....where the hell is all that money? I can't afford health care!) and produced a string of hit singles, including the 1 song 'The Freshmen.' ("A string of hit singles"? I recall a very minor hit called "Photograph" that I thought enabled me to quit my job at MC Sporting Goods. I ended up re-applying after the fall of our next single, "Cup Of Tea".) More than just the frontman, Vander Ark was its literal and figurative voice, providing the creative spark and writing songs that gave the band its devoted following. (Well, that's true. I was more than just the "frontman". I remember a show in Orlando when I actually had to set up my own amplifier. IMAGINE!) Although the songs were cast in the style of the era, they remain singular and special. His gift is one of tremendous storytelling clarity expressed through melodies and rhythms that are unique, riveting, intensely personal and entirely gripping. (Hmm...that's nice..we'll keep that.) Rather than blindly attempt to reclaim a throne that was fleeting at best, the Michigan native struck out on his own, sold all his possessions, hit the road and released his acclaimed debut solo CD, Resurrection, in 2005. (Well, I did keep some clothes. Not the "rock star" ones. I gave all of those to a friend who wears them on occasion. Whenever I see him, I always feel very nostalgic. "I remember those pants from when we opened for Kiss in '96. Look -- you can still see the stains from the audience's spit!") This inspired collection of original songs recalls an era when artists were not afraid to express their hearts direction and soul's design. (Give me a break. That's just a taaaad pretentious..) Vander Ark continues that commitment with the release of his latest solo CD, Angel, Put Your Face On. Both earnest and reflective, this music once again takes an intimate look at life while exploring themes of family, love and loss. (Wow. They nailed that one. I'll have to use that for interviews.) His journey has resulted in a lyrical, engrossing collection of songs wrought from an experience that many have dreamed of but few have faced. On the way, Brian rediscovered his love for performing and now revels in a freedom that few can claim as he travels the road playing his songs and connecting with audiences. (Whaaat? That's it? What about Mark Walburg lip-synching to my voice in Rockstar? My acting debut in Rockstar? I had a couple of lines! What about the movies I've scored? I wrote a play! What about all the nay saying ex's who said I couldn't commit! I'm married now! We have a baby! We're traveling the U.S. in an Airstream trailer. And I"m driving it! Hello? Heeeeellooooo??)
DAVID MCMILLIN will release his new full-length LP, Heartsteady, on Tuesday, August 19th. The twenty-three year-old singer-songwriter plans to tour all summer and fall to promote the release. North American dates through August have been announced. McMillin has been on the road for much of the last two years, breaking only to work in the studio on his latest effort. McMillin was recently named 2008 Best Fok, Country, or Americana Act in Chicago by the Chicago Reader. He has spent 2008 headlining his own shows and also touring as an opener for Shelby Lynne, Marc Cohn, Josh Ritter, Ryan Bingham, Grant-Lee Phillips, Martin Sexton, Matt Nathanson, Shawn Mullins, and Emerson Hart. McMillin, an Indiana native, has toured throughout the country and earned a strong following. McMillin has experienced a lifetime of love and loss, of good times and heartbreak. Some call his music folk or blues, others say it’s alt. country. He's got his own name for it: "old-fashioned whiskey and cigarettes rock and roll." When asked about his new album, Heartsteady, McMillin said: "it's a hopeful record." This record "proves that there is beauty everywhere, that there are people that make the world better, and that growing up can be easier than we think," he said.
TMBTB, a Talking Heads cover band, brings the heat... every show. Since forming in May 2007, TMBTB has been "Burning Down The House" (playing to packed audiences) throughout Chicago. With a rapidly expanding repertoire from the Talking Heads' catalog of countless hits, TMBTB is a dynamic group of 5 energetic, young, talented Slippery People that will leave you "Crosseyed and Painless" (begging for more).
Formed to spread their intense love of really soft music, Smooth Move is making noise in Chicago. The first show at the Hideout drew nearly 150 lovers of Yacht Rock. The effortless grooves of Steely Dan, insane harmonies of McDonald, and lyrical wit of Loggins come alive with every Smooth Move performance.
Chicago based, Vocal Stylist, Typhanie Monique known for her power throat days fronting, Peking Turtle, Improv outfit - SUMO, and gracing the stages of Chicago's top jazz venues had an itch to get back into the "big band" improv funk scene.? ?Tonight she gathers some of Chicago's finest musicians to form The BMC - The Booty Movement Coalition!? An improv, freestyle groove gathering for those who need to shake their groove thang and feel the spirit of IMPROV!
The Coalition - Typhanie Monique - Vox Lamar Jones - Bass Rick Gehrenbeck - Keys Scott Tallarida - Guitar Kaylan Pathak - Percussion Victor Garcia - Trumpet Marqueal Jordoan - Saxophone Craig Sunken - Trombone and many special guests!
In August 2002 they became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. Tributosaurus is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, they had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles they had a full big band, for Paul Simon an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet they'll have 'em.
The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 4 of the top musicians in Chicagoland - Chris Neville (Keys/Vox), Curt Morrison (Gtr/Vox), Dan Leali (Drums), and Jon Paul (Basses). These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note.
The shows have developed into a unique scene — hipsters and musicians mingling with fans in the sell-out crowds, enjoying a one-night experience that will never be performed again. For over 50 bands, we have been joined by members of The Rolling Stones, Umphrees McGee, Sonia Dada, Blue Man Group, Mister Blotto, Anita Baker, The Band, Poi Dog Pondering, Local H, The Pat Metheny Group, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the list goes on and on.
In August 2002 they became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. Tributosaurus is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, they had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles they had a full big band, for Paul Simon an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet they'll have 'em.
The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 4 of the top musicians in Chicagoland - Chris Neville (Keys/Vox), Curt Morrison (Gtr/Vox), Dan Leali (Drums), and Jon Paul (Basses). These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note.
The shows have developed into a unique scene — hipsters and musicians mingling with fans in the sell-out crowds, enjoying a one-night experience that will never be performed again. For over 50 bands, we have been joined by members of The Rolling Stones, Umphrees McGee, Sonia Dada, Blue Man Group, Mister Blotto, Anita Baker, The Band, Poi Dog Pondering, Local H, The Pat Metheny Group, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the list goes on and on.
A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and non-stop music since 1991. For die hard rockabilly devotees and civilian music fans. Over the last decade, this highly organized vibrant jam session, held the first Thursday of every month at Martyrs', has become rockabilly central for many of the musicians & fans of Chicago's American roots scene. Although the monthly jam is devoted to rockabilly, the Big C Jamboree has also offered the span of '40's-'50's Amereicn roots music from Hillbilly Boogie to Western Swing, Jump Blues and 1st generation Rock-n-Roll. The night is run swiftly and simply: a host band performs a short set, followed by a myriad of roots musicians who do 3 songs each. The party like atmosphere includes socializing, drinking & dancing galore while the rotating line-up onstage usually features the raucous sounds of pompadoured rockabilly musicians wailing away on upright basses and hallow-bodied electric guitars; and there's NEVER a cover! It's one of the most dedicated evenings of music in the city. -Chrissie Dickinson, Chicago Tribune
THE HONEYBEES play a mix of rockabilly, country swing, & jump blues all mixed together like a martini. The double vocal from Barb and Rachel keep you interested in listening to what else they can do!
GREEN SUGAR was founded in 2003; a product of the meat grinder that is the Los Angeles club scene. Following the completion of musical studies at the famed University of Southern California, founding members Parker Dodson and Nick Borowiec set out to create a sound that harkened back to the days when bands like Neil Young and Crazy Horse and The Black Crowes roamed the earth, drowning the world with bad-ass boogie Rock and Roll. The two put together an acoustic duo under the dubious moniker of the Merle Haggard Trio, and went about the clubs, following pretty, local crooners on the scene with their own style of coarse rock that started turning heads immediately. Growing into an electric trio and later a quartet, various incarnations of the band now known as GreenSugar spent the better part of the next two years building a fiercely loyal fan base throughout L.A. Following a string of successful dates at Harvelle's, the renowned Blues Rock bar that resided on the cities west side, the rigors of the lifestyle wore down the rhythm section, forcing Parker to re-locate to his home town of Chicago. Upon returning home he called upon the services of an old friend Patrick Luby, a hard hitting John Bonham-style drummer, who eagerly took the throne and immediately anchored an organic blues rock sound that was fast becoming known as, "Stomp Rock and Roll." Enlisting the help of Aaron Cleall, an experienced road-savvy veteran to complete the rhythm section, the group's studio effort GreenSugar was a snapshot of Rock in the 21st century. Produced by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Fall Out Boy, Cheap trick) at Gravity Studios in the heart of Chicago, the music was laced with gritty, raw and relevant sounds, garnering comparisons to the power rock of the 70's, while maintaining the catchy melodies that have become the blueprint for success in the mile-a-minute world of the music industry today. Following the recording the band recruited Michael Starcevic on guitar to fill out the sound and took to the clubs to enlist a following in Chicago that could rival its core fan base in L.A. GreenSugar is currently being represented by Hard Core management out of Cleveland and is seeking a record deal. The band has since played some 50 shows over the course of the summer all throughout the Midwest, giving fans a heavy dose of "Stomp Rock and Roll" night in and night out.
LOS BORRACHOS: Still ailing from the vigorous "Laughing Stocks Of The Border" tour 10 years ago, Los Borrachos return to the stage with their unique Salsafunkadisco™: a groundbreaking musical tour-de-force that will charm and disarm each and everyone who paid through the nose to see them. 15 years ago, in a darkly lit bar in the remote barrio of Irving Park and Damen, the idea of Salsafunkadisco™ was hatched by 8 gringo musicians from various well known Chicago collectives. They would trash the idea of becoming a Foreigner tribute band. They would take rock music staples from the 60's through the 80's and mangle them into maniacal magic, pouring tequila over them and setting them on fire (but not the whole 1/5th por favor)- craftily reinventing the songs with Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Tango, and Bossa Nova rhythms. This idea proved to be nothing short of a divine intervention! Paint It Black(Rolling Stones) became a sublime Tango... We're Not Gonna Take It(Twisted Sister) rolled out as an oom-pa-pa Mexican Polka... Panama(Van Halen) morphed into a scorching Samba... Smoke On The Water(Deep Purple) went Bossa Nova and the list goes on and on...(really- Rojo has the list to prove it) But did they stop there? Was their radical, inspired plan enough to hang their sombreros on? Of course not! They added a limbo contest. They threw in a "Name That Tune" style game show called Stump The Borracho!* AND, they made a pact that every word ever spoken on stage would be from the Berlitz book of Spanish. These gringos are a sight to behold- prepare to be overwhelmed by the spectacle that is: Los Borrachos *No Whitesnake, Bo Deans or Billy Joel will qualify for stump status at any time
MY MY MY is less than a year old, but, in that short time they've twice been featured on WXRT's Local Anesthetic, played a WXRT sponsored show, the Around the Coyote Festival, released an EP entitled, Conjugation Nation; and in June of 2008, they played Mayor Daley's Bike to Work Rally in Daley plaza and at the TASTE OF CHICAGO. The five of them came together in the spring of 2007, serendipitously, through the grace of Craigslist, all expecting the worst but hoping for the best. Singer/songwriter Russell Baylin found funky bassist John Roper, veteran drummer Bill Skafish, and honey-voiced harmony singer Sarah Snow who then brought in the multi-instrumentalist Johnny Szymanski to play keys and guitar. From The Daily Herald -"Please welcome Chicago's incarnation of the New Pornographers: The breezy pop of this new quintet is just as insistent as those Canadian indie pop stars, with boy-girl harmonies, folk-pop singalongs and an emphasis on adventuresome fun. This debut collection is heavy on the groove, thanks to an elastic rhythm section and song arrangements that veer in unexpected directions usually to end up embracing big pop moments."
With 2007's debut studio album 'The Right Way EP,' SANGAMON has set the stage for a bright future. Unforgettable melodies, soaring guitar, harmonious piano, and powerful rhythms define the textured sound of Sangamon, but it's the attention to detail that gives their music life. They feed on contrasts; going from dance to downbeat, heavenly to sinister, complex to stripped, always trying to pull the listener in a little closer. Formed in early 2007, Sangamon's music represents the culmination of its members' past experiences refined by a formulated approach to instrumentation and songwriting. This band takes pride in writing music that can appeal to the masses while still giving the avid music aficionado something to wrap his/her mind around. Although each of these four gents are accomplished musicians in their own right, Sangamon represents the pinnacle of each member's personal musical affiliations. In Sangamon's short existence, they've had the good fortune of performing at the Pygmalion Music Festival as well as sharing the stage with great acts such as Maserati, Two Gallants, Canada, Shipwreck, 56 Hope Road and Unwed Sailor. Sangamon will be performing around the Midwest in support of 'The Right Way EP' during the winter/spring of 2008. Sangamon is a reference to the name given, by the American natives, to the bountiful river valley in which the band calls home.
THE BUTTON PUSHERS are a melodic, alternative rock band from Chicago, IL. The foursome consists of: Jeffrey Isoe: Vocals/Guitars Johnny Bliss: Vocals/Keys Brian Quinn: Vocals/Bass Eric Olson: Drums/Percussion Button Pushers was conceptualized by Johnny Bliss and Jeff Isoe in Eugene, Oregon long before its inception. Over several years, and constant collaboration on each others' recordings, Jeff persuaded Johnny to leave the west coast and move to Chicago, to form the Button Pushers. The addition of bassist, Brian Quinn, soon followed, rounding out the band's funkier ambitions. Their aim: Make great songs of all genres; the "sound" will fall into place. In Spring of 2008 they found a well-seasoned drummer in Eric Olson and created a band capable of throwing any style at their audience, as they often do. Vivid harmonies underscore catchy melodies in most BP tunes, but never discourage their penchant for ambience or heavier rock. If you can put a label on this band, just wait for the next song. The scope of BP may make it difficult to pin them down, however, it certainly adds to the unique musical environment they inhabit. Come experience the excitement of Button Pushers and join the quickly rising fan base!
If you’re not proactively ignoring local music in Lawrence, you’ve surely noticed their name on fliers, if not seen them on stage several times already. THE VOLS (formerly the Volunteers) consist of Rustine Leonard on bass, Andrew Kissel lead guitar, piano and vocals, Tyler Jack on guitar and vocals, and Austin S on drums. -- Rory Flynn - Lawrence.com
Formed in early 2007 by singer songwriters Don Melas and Andrew Wetmore, The NASHVILLE WRECKERS are a uniquely powerful force. Combining their two different but complimentary writing styles they make a sound like thunder and lightning. Melas singing of broken things and sadness with a voice both wounded and defiant. Wetmore’s songs filled with sarcasm and spite are registered in his cracked tenor. Hearing them together is unforgettable.
THE COLUMBINES arrived with a splash, riding a flaming wicker bunny that shot meteor-like from the sky into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. With primitive tools they make caveman post-apocabilly with songs about love, songs about anger, songs about angry love and lovely anger, songs with birds, bees, cars, trains, and planes, songs about the devil you know and songs about the devil you don't.
THE INNOCENT EP" is the debut record from singer/songwriter Michael Hardey and his solo project, The Innocent. The six-song EP from the Chicago-native comprises elements of rock, pop, and americana to form a solid independent debut with sharp melodies and catchy hooks. Produced and recorded by Mike Hari at Pragma Studios in Chicago, mixed by Mike Zirkel at Smart Studios in Madison, and mastered by Jay Franco at famed Sterling Sound in New York City. This debut packs a vibrant, contagious punch.
Postponed due to Immigration Issues (more details tba) Tuesday, Aug 12 - 9pm - $20 Jam Productions present Eddy Grant
Since "Black Skin, Blue Eyed Boys" through "Living on the Frontline", Eddy Grant has been recognised as a vociferous promoter, through socio-political commentary, of the culture and achievements of contemporary black people. Eddy's meticulous method of recording is to a great degree responsible for his reputation - he has played every single instrument, sung every vocal part and produced every track on all of his solo albums - a time consuming and little known fact, which only a man of his committed vision could so painstakingly ensue. Born in the Caribbean nation of Guyana in 1948, Eddy was exposed during his childhood to the distinctive sounds of African and Indian music which is indigenous to Guyana along with the music of the surrounding countries such as Surinam and in particular Trinidad and Tobago. As a pre-teen, his musician father moved the family to Kentish Town, North London. In the stark, post-war period (from 1960 onwards) suburban environment, he was exposed to the rock and roll of Chuck Berry and the nascent pop music scene. This early combination of ethnic and commercial pop influences culminated in Eddy founding the Equals, probably the finest and certainly the first multi-racial pop/rock outfit to achieve international acclaim. The Equals topped the chart with their classic "Baby Come Back" and with Eddy as songwriter, lead guitarist and producer, they went on to achieve three more major top 10 hits in the following 18 months. At 23, the pressures of his hectic recording and touring schedules took its toll.Though a tea-totaler and a staunch vegetarian, Grant suffered a severe heart attack which forced him to undertake a major evaluation of his future. He canceled all touring activities and eventually had to leave The Equals. During the ensuing period of introspection, Eddy opened his own recording studio in order to record at his pace and to help cultivate the careers of other artists he had discovered. Subsequently, during the 1970's, he began the process now crystallized in his more recent albums to merge the influences of early pop, rock and soul with the calypso music of the Caribbean countries and the African rhythms of his childhood, to form a unique hybrid - the influential sound of Soca music. Grant recorded what is generally recognized by the cognoscent as the very first Soca record "Hello Africa" and this remains a classic golden oldie in many parts of the world inhabited by Soca aficionados. He has successfully fostered leading Soca artists such as Gabby, Superblue, Black Stalin, David Rudder, and Grynner, and thanks in no small part to Eddy Grant's patronage, soca music now enjoys an expanding popularity in all corners of the world. Grant's enthusiasm and devotion to his musical heritage continues. He recently acquired the record and song catalogues of Calypso legends: "Mighty Sparrow", the "Roaring Lion" "Atilla The Hun" and "Lord Kitchener" among a multitude of other great Classic Calypsonians from the Golden Age of Calypso, in order to personally preserve, and to introduce to a wider audience, this historic and important musical heritage. This passionate interest in African rhythm and Soca, and his individualistic style has put a lasting influence on a range of other artists, as diverse as Sting, UB40, The Rolling Stones, and even The Clash who covered his "Police on my Back" for their celebrated 'Sandinista' album. Commercially, the first half of the 1980's was enormously successful for Eddy Grant; in less than four years he enjoyed eight major international hit singles, including the US#1 - "Electric Avenue", "I Don't Wanna Dance" and "Romancing the Stone". By that time he had established his own label, Ice Records, with which he astutely avoided the pitfalls of many long since formed, failed and forgotten independent labels, by occasionally tapping into the distribution muscle of the major companies (viz. Phonogram, Virgin, RCA, CBS, EMI and Warner) without ever losing control of either his music, or his destiny. When the mid-eighties pressure of his solo success again threatened to compromise his newly defined game-plan, Eddy moved his family back to the Caribbean , not to his birthplace of Guyana , but as a compromise with commercial reality, to the island of Barbados , where communications with the outside world were more highly developed at that time. Here, he again built a commercial recording studio complex known as Blue Wave, whose clients have included Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones, Sting and Elvis Costello. It's where the Rolling Stones prepared for their Garangutan "Steel Wheels" tour. His excursions from this temporary sanctuary have been mainly for live performances at such events as the "Sport Aid" stadium show, ground breaking concerts in Yugloslavia, Hungary, Cuba and South America, and the "Farewell to the GLC" concert which he headlined on the banks of the River Thames in London. The dawning of the New Millennium saw him performing via satellite to the rest of the world, from an event held in Tobago called The Ringbang Celebration 2000 Today. However, his studio is at the center of his drive to record, promote and market Classic Calypso, Soca and 'Ringbang'. This new genre that has taken the Caribbean by storm; a distinctly Caribbean musical concept that Grant has developed, that he loosely defines as a "bridge between rhythms, focusing one's attention on rhythm and the part it plays internationally. What Ringbang seeks to do is envelop all the rhythms that have originated from Africa so that they become one, defying all geographical boundaries." It also carries with it a philosophy conceptualised for the Caribbean People in particular the Youth, though it may be applied to any group of people. Over the past fourteen years Eddy Grant has been assiduously acquiring all the old calypso catalogs of such greats as Roaring Lion, Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener and Lord Melody. At the same time, the label has been signing a number of today's hottest Soca and Ringbang exponents. As Grant wrestles with the day to day problems of setting up a profitable recording company as President and CEO of his company, he must confront sales, promotion and marketing nightmares, the direct consequence of the traditionally seasonal aspect of Classic Calypso, Soca and Ringbang. He asserts that music pirates in the Caribbean and the United States are the biggest culprits, keeping the production and packaging quality down. However, he is passionately committed to the artists and the music of the region, and believes that with proper management, these artists can indeed finally start to profit from their artform. With offices in Barbados, London, and the United States, Ice Records has become in a few short years the premier international Classic Calypso, Soca and Ringbang record label. The company is aggressive and does continuous marketing research to determine what will make these genres, the last "unexploited" English-speaking music in the world, the mega-hits that they surely deserve to be. In 1995, Gabby's "Dr. Cassandra and Roaring Lion's "Papa Chunks" broke the previous sales records many times over. As Eddy says, "in my heart, I know that Soca and Ringbang have the same potential as reggae to achieve great popularity... but there has never been any proper commitment to marketing these artists and their music. We are not Sony, and the artists on board realise it will take time. It is an upliftment process." Without a doubt, this music has finally found someone prepared to put his money, time, talent and, perhaps most importantly, love, right there where his mouth is.
MAIN STREET MINORITY is a five piece rock band from Chicago. They play music that matters. The five members: Proyce, Pauly, Jared, John, and Jochim come from different towns. They're different ages. But when their different experiences come together they create rock music that is hard to describe but easy to listen to. The band is influenced by many of the same artists that inspire others. What separates Main Street Minority from the pack is the wide range of influences. They listen to rock, jazz, hip hop, and pop and sometimes all these influences can be heard in the same song. They are lyrically influenced by the world that surrounds them, whether it's a story on the news or a story that they heard from a friend in a bar. The members of Main Street Minority have been together a short while, but have already headlined some of Chicago's best known clubs: Double Door, Elbo Room, Logan Square Auditorium, House of Blues. They were also selected to play on the Chicago stop of the 2008 Vans Warped Tour! They have finished their first EP in early 2008 and look to play relentlessly to promote their music.
Tell everyone about this. Well, maybe not everyone, if you know what I'm say'n. This celebratory gathering features guest appearences from Robbie Fulks, Deanna Varagona, Scott Tipping & Friends, Steve Frisbie, Liam Davis, members of EXO, Dave Sills & Chris Walke, members of Lush Budgett and much much more!
"Is HOSTAGE JULIET a not-so thinly veiled Shakespeare reference? Who's to say, but the local quartet is perfectly suited for a My Bloody Valentine dance party--even if it's not really the most dance-able music around--with their faithful shoegaze. It's laidback, plenty thick, and sure to induce sighs, even with cascading washes of gorgeous melodies and beautiful vocals." - The Onion
NEEDERS & GIVERS: Three Hoffman brothers have come together to make their first album. The process was daunting; there were many groundings and timeouts. Eldest brother Christopher always took the top bunk, and Dylan was not allowed to watch the private screening of Watership Down because Ian felt it had a “hard G” rating that might keep him up at night. Despite all of this the brothers were able to meld their unique talents and diverse backgrounds into a cohesive, dynamic album tilted The Other. Ian Hoffman was first interested in film music, writing piano and orchestra scores as early as age 7. By his 20’s Ian was a multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, French horn, guitar, trumpet, bass, and voice. It was at this time that Ian began to write and record hundreds of pop, rock, and electronic songs. He soon formed his first band, Kameelian. His other projects include Plaid Penmanship, Mr. Tumnis, Little Electrode and an appearance on the Captain Beefheart tribute album Neon Meate Deram of a Octafish. Christopher Hoffman started playing cello at age 5. By junior high he added voice, drums, and bass to his repertoire. Soon after he began playing in jazz and rock bands. He studied cello and recording arts at the University of Wisconsin. Following a full-time engineering position at the Chicago Recording Company, Christopher accepted a teaching position at The New School in New York. Although teaching full time, Christopher has continued gigging and recording with notable musicians Ryan Scott, Pagoda, John Zorn, Ryan Adams, Clare Muldaur, Christina Courtin, Teddy Thompson, Umphrey’s McGee, and many more. Dylan Hoffman studied violin as a child and continued playing into early high school. In his 20’s he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, mastering the drums quickly and on his own. Dylan has worked with Sleepy Sleepy Octopus and Surgeon General as well as providing drums for Ian’s previous project Mr. Tumnis and his home recordings. The Hoffman brothers have successfully weaved together their influences from orchestral, jazz, pop, avante garde, electronic, and rock music. The melding of the brothers’ influences coupled with their open mindedness about all genres of music has paved the way for original songs with a familiar sound and a matchless quality. Collectively, the Hoffman brothers have played hundreds of venues with previous and current projects. They have experience at notable Chicago venues like the House of Blues, Double Door, Schuba’s, and Martyrs’ as well as many other venues across the country and in Europe. Their live performances offer reworked, rocked out versions of the LP songs interlaced with exciting new songs. Joining Ian and Dylan in live performances are Devin Swearingin-Ross on bass, Mike Maimone ..boards, and Zack Andersen filling the role of percussionist, guitar, and background vocals.
THE COAST release their much-anticipated debut full-length, Expatriate, on Aporia this April. Recorded in winter 2007 in Toronto with producer Chris Stringer (We’re Marching On, Ohbijou), the album is a departure from the layered epics of their first EP, harnessing the off-the-floor energy of their live show and letting their signature hooky guitar melodies stand on their own. The band was touted as one of the acts to watch in 2008 by Canada’s national music monthly Exclaim and Toronto’s Eye Weekly, thanks to the buzz that continued to grow as the band toured extensively across North America last year, playing alongside such acts as Tokyo Police Club, The Dears, Sam Roberts, The French Kicks, and a coveted CMJ showcase with Foals, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Le Loup.
Femme 2008: The Architecture of Femme proudly presents THE DOLCE CABARET: A Sassy, Sweet, Sweaty, Feel Good Saturday Night Performance Extravaganza Delish, devilish and divine live entertainment from an eclectic and electrifying lineup of foxy queer performers from near, far and overseas presenting Burlesque, Live Music, Spoken Word, Poetry, and Performance Art Hosted by Mae Westside And Featuring:
Vixen Noir, Rosie Lugosi the Vampire Queen, Shar Rednour, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Tara Hardy, Pidgeon von Tramp of the Von Foxies, Axon D'Luxe, Glenn Marla, Titland, Cherry Poppins, the Transformers, Gina Francesca Anna de Vries, Thisway/Thatway, Girlie Pink, the Miracle Whips, Maggie Crowley, Toni Coles, Mae Westside, the Drag King Fem Show, Ms. Cherry Gallete, plus TBA Afterparty to follow.
* - Admission: $15-50 sliding scale general public, free for conference attendees (register at femmecollective.com )
For those of you who grew up in Ireland, Thin Lizzy led by Phil Lynott, were the greatest rock band of all time. For everyone else they were the band that made the summer of '76 memorable with their radio hits "Jailbreak" & "Boys are Back In Town". Although many may think of Thin Lizzy as a hard rock band, Critic John Dugan writes that "As the band's creative force, Lynott was a more insightful and intelligent writer than many of his ilk, preferring slice-of-life working class dramas of love and hate influenced by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and virtually all of the Irish Literary tradition. Van Morrison was a major influence, as well as American groups Little Feat, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen. Their music covered much territory including hints of country and traditional folk music." Though others had earlier used similar techniques, Thin Lizzy is widely recognised as one of the first rock bands to employ double lead guitar harmony (the twin guitar clash) - a technique pioneered by Wishbone Ash in the U.K., whilst independently in theUSA by Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers Band. This style was later refined and popularised by bands of the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Judas Priest & Iron Maiden especially. The latter group in particular has praised Thin Lizzy extensively and even covered the song "Massacre" from Lizzy's popular Live & Dangerous album. Come celebrate Ireland's greatest rock band & their leader, Phillip Lynott. Tin Lynott digs deep into the catalogue playing tunes from every record from the band's 1971 debut to Phil's solo pop releases of the '80's. Hear why " IN PHIL WE TRUST"
THE FUCHSIA BAND will make history this year as they return to America to appear as HEADLINERS for an unprecendented THIRD YEAR IN A ROW at some of America's most important Irish Festivals such as The Kansas City Irish Festival and The Jackson, Mississippi Celticfest. The lads will also be taking the stage again for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW at other important festivals such as The Minnesota Irish Fair and the world's LARGEST Irish festival, The Milwaukee Irish Festival Add new appearances as HEADLINERS at other important American Irish Festivals such as The Dayton, Ohio Celtic Festival and The Chicago Celticfest, in the heart of the "Windy City", and the legend of The Fuchsia Band is destined to spread even farther and wider this year! Don't miss the chance to take a trip to Fuchsialand this summer with the lads from Cork!
A quintet comprised of some of America’s most talented, young musicians, BUA have been described by Irish Music Magazine as “the essence of a superb band,” their sound “a throwback to the playing of the 1960s and 1970s, keeping the music down the path of tradition” and their 2006 release, Live at Martyrs’, “a work without gimmicks, where the musicianship is of the highest quality.” It is no surprise then that Bua, lending to its Irish Gaelic meaning of ‘innate gift,’ have quickly risen to the status of America’s premier traditional Irish music ensemble. As a band, Bua have performed at numerous festivals including Boston’s prestigious Irish Connections Festival, The Milwaukee Irish Festival, Cleveland’s Irish Cultural Festival, Celtic Fest Chicago and The Saline Celtic Festival. As individuals they’ve shared the stage with a host of top Irish musicians including Martin Hayes, David Munnelly, Liz Carroll, Larry Nugent, Paddy Keenan, Aoife Clancy, Pat Broaders, Dennis Cahill, John Williams and more! Bill Margeson of the Irish American News captures their essence concisely: “Clearly, this group is no locally-based collection of musicians trying to break out of Chicago. This is a group that has established itself [both] individually and as a group in the eyes and ears of the traditional community…As other bands change, disband or simply fade away, the tradition is blessed by what seems to be an inexhaustible pool of talent that comes to the front of the stage. It is Bua’s time. Here they come.”
Combine the smooth, sensual vocals of David Ryan Harris, the clever turn of phrase of Dar Williams, and the engaging, fan-centric personality of Matt Nathanson and you have ERNIE HALTER. With mature, controlled phrasing that showcases his Berklee education while never overshadowing the intense emotion infused into each note, Halter has mastered a mellow, groove-laden sound so reminiscent of old-school soul that it causes the listener to forget for a moment that they are listening, not to a vinyl LP, but an mp3.
Much like his hometown of Nashville, singer JOSH HOGE represents Music City's competing spirits of tradition and rebellion. Yet, in a town known for the tradition of country music, there’s no denying that rock, pop and soul have all buried their roots into the streets of the city. Spend some time in the neighborhoods and you’ll see, hear and feel the collision of these musical styles. But it’s that very conflict of culture that has helped shape the sound of Josh Hoge – a combination of smooth Southern soul, gritty R&B and a rebellious heart in the tradition of legendary Nashville mavericks.
At the youthful age of twenty-one, it’s fair to say that IJ QUINN is an old-soul at heart. Born and raised on a farm in the small North Carolina town of Warsaw, IJ developed a musical style reverent of the R&B/Soul greats he grew up listening to – Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire. IJ learned piano at age three (3), self taught guitar at fourteen (14), and has been student of pop music all his life. IJ recently moved to Chicago to finish recording his debut full-length LP, When They Want It The Most, with producer Chuck Gladfelter (ex-Dovetail Joint). He's recently opened for artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Landon Pigg, Ari Hest, and Matt White.
With his warm, rich tenor and emotionally powerful songs, BRENDAN JAMES announces himself as an artist-to-watch on his dazzling debut album The Day is Brave. Rooted in the classic singer/songwriter tradition, the album is 11 tracks of stunning songcraft: elegant, earthy, and displaying a total lack of artifice that is rare in the pop world these days. The musical narrative that runs throughout The Day is Brave has been years in the making for James, who grew up in Derry, NH. Though James was always told he had a powerful voice, he didn't begin writing songs until his sophomore year at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. James taught himself to play piano and took a year off from school to spend time in L.A. writing songs. "I was so passionate about songwriting, I wanted to get involved in the music scene and start performing," he says. In 2002, he returned to Chapel Hill, graduated, and moved to New York City, where he toiled at Urban Outfitters by day and performed at open mics around Manhattan's East Village at night. To gain access to a piano to practice, James would sneak into hotel ballrooms around the city. "I'd dress to look like a guest at the Plaza Hotel, so I could walk in there unnoticed," he says. Hence, where the name of his 4 song EP - "The Ballroom Break-In." Encouraged by his new mentor, James continued to write and perform and eventually enlisted producer Mikal Blue for his first full-length record. Blue, who would go on to score a platinum record with Colbie Caillat, wanted to help James capture the intimacy of his live performance. "I said to Mikal, 'I've done a lot of shows over the last few years and I want to give the audience as real and genuine a performance as possible when it comes to the vocals and piano playing.'" The Day Is Brave is thankfully that honest musical manifesto that acknowledges James's growth as a person and a performer. Dominated by James's expressive piano playing, the songs are mainly autobiographical, like "Green," about a former girlfriend he met while working at Urban Outfitters, and "Manchester," about the town in New Hampshire where James spent most of his time after his parents divorced. James's youth is also the focus of "The Other Side," a playful tune James says he wrote about not fitting in as a kid and "that moment when you wake up on the other side of life and are like, 'Man, I don't have to deal with that anymore.'" Other standout tracks include "Early April Morning," a deeply felt love song, and "Hero's Song," a soldier's-eye view of the Iraq war that is also featured on Eddie Vedder's Body of War Soundtrack due out in stores March 18th. James's ballad "The Sun Will Rise" has also already received national attention since the music supervisor of the hit ABC show Private Practice used it in the season's final episode of 2007.
BOOMBOX is producer/DJ Russ Randolph and singer/songwriter/guitarist Zion Rock Godchaux. This pair of dynamic artists uses their rich musical history and their vision of music and popular culture to deliver a style of music distinctly different from anything heard or seen in music today. This signature sound and show brings live music to a new, elevated level. BoomBox evolved through the common visualization of a pair of forward thinking artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Raised by supportive and musically inclined parents, both Godchaux and Randolph had an obsession with music at very young ages. Godchaux, who grew up with deeply embedded rock and roll roots, began playing drums at the age of two, and played guitar and wrote his own songs as a teen. During the 90s, Godchaux was a well-received touring DJ based out of the San Francisco area. Randolph began as a young drummer, but it’s what was happening behind the scenes that attracted him most. As much producers as they are musicians, it is Randolph’s understanding of soundscape and Godchaux’s knack for songwriting that keeps BoomBox resonating at higher levels.
WILDFIRES RECIPE: : Take one part, Chuy & The Bobcats. One part Lil' Luis y Los Wild Teens. 1/3 Thrill Seekers(Angel & Luis' garage band). A few cases of beer. Some Early Times Whiskey. A few Jaeger bombs for good measure... mix all in a blender with some ice... And what do you get? Your favorite band: LUIS & THE WILDFIRES!!!!! Enjoy!!!!
Omar Romero was born in Ensenada, Mexico, not very long ago. He has been playing guitar since he was 14. He formed his first band "The Screamin' Solo Flights" in August 1999. The band quickly gained a great reputation for their live shows and they toured most of the US until they decided to break up. Playing their last show at the Hollywood All Dayer in September 2001. They recorded two tracks on the Uranium Rock 10" and they were both club hits in the US and received great reviews worldwide. Omar decided that the next band would have a new direction. They would have a wilder rockabilly sound. Influenced by people like Hayden Thompson, Jackie Lee Cochran, Patt Cupp, Warren Smith, Tracey Pendavis. He formed Omar and the Stringpoppers in November 2001. They had their first show in Crazy Jacks with Big Sandy. The band have developed into the US's number one rockabilly band playing extensively throughout California and Europe. Omar onstage is like watching a tornado unleash. If you find this a bold statement, when you catch his live show, you will not be disappointed. Over the last two years, Omar and the Stringpoppers have played in Spain, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, UK, and they were one of the healdliners at Viva Las Vegas 2003. They set a new record for encores and also for CDs sold at the weekender. They continue to headline shows throughout the US where their shows are seen as a major event. And in 2005, they are booked to headline Friday night at May Hemsby, which is usually attended by around 5000 people. From Hemsby, the Stringpoppers start their third European tour. In 2005, they return to Viva Las Vegas's main stage where they are sure to create another storm. The Stringpoppers have released their first ever 45 RPM record and sold out while on their tour through Europe. Their first CD "Take off Rhythm" and second CD "Getting Wilder" with Omar and the Stringpoppers have both sold unbelievably well and are still very much in demand. Omar's permanent band consists of Omar Romero (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jeff Gerow (Drums, Hollers), Danny Angulo (Lead Guitar), Iggy Garcia (doghouse bass).
Mato Nanji, the stellar guitarist, singer and songwriter of Indigenous will be releasing his Vanguard debut, Chasing the Sun on June13. Considered one of blues-rock's most exciting talents, Mato is forging his own way as the face of Indigenous. Mato first formed the band with his brothers and sister back in the late 90' s. They released Things We Do in 1998 and the family band from Nakota Tribe of South Dakota never expected the mass reception they received from the blues and rock communities. As with some bands that are together for a long time, the siblings were eager to try new directions and explore their own musical potential. Now, this new Indigenous CD, Chasing The Sun, finds Mato expressing himself as never before. His songs, his instrumental skill, always critical to the band's success, thrust his abilities to the spotlight. Some of the highlights on the CD include, "Runaway" and "The Way You Shake." with all the Indigenous trademarks, explosive guitar hooks, inventive solos, and an inexorable sense of rhythm ala Jimmy Reed. "Fool Me Again," one of the disc 's pivotal moments and first single, finds Mato in Robert Cray mode, with a gorgeous guitar motif, inspired solos and the record's most memorable chorus. Produced by Indigenous and Steve Fishell, Chasing The Sun, is sure to bring Mato a step closer to being hailed as the next great guitar hero!
After a six-year absence from the recording studio, Malian guitarist Habib Koité and his band Bamada return this fall with a stunning new album, Afriki. With more than 250,000 albums sold around the globe, an appearance on the popular television show Late Night with David Letterman, a duet with Bonnie Raitt on her 2002 album Silver Lining and nearly a thousand concerts on some of the world's most prestigious stages under his belt, Habib Koité is one of Africa's most beloved and popular musicians. Afriki, which will be released by Cumbancha on September 25th, 2007, features an appealing set of songs that reflect Habib's unique and innovative approach to the diverse styles of Malian music. Few African artists have received the sales and media exposure of Habib Koité. Called "Mali's biggest pop star" by Rolling Stone (in an infamous article in which Bonnie Raitt compared Habib to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn), Habib has also received raves from widely-read publications such as People, Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. Just this June, Habib graced a 2-page photo spread in the pages of Vanity Fair magazine. While sales of African music CDs generally struggle to break the 10,000-unit mark, Habib has defied expectations by selling more than 100,000 copies of his last two studio albums, putting him in the upper echelons of world music artist sales. Devoted fans have waited a long time for Habib to return to the studio to record the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2001 release Baro. As with many craftsmen, Habib is a perfectionist, and spends a great deal of time composing and arranging his material. Habib draws on styles from the different regions of Mali, rather than solely on the music of his particular area as most Malian musicians do. Habib has gained a strong fan base by integrating the rock and folk sounds of the Western world, without watering down his cherished Malian roots. Habib descends from a line of griots, traditional troubadors who provide wit, wisdom and entertainment and his charisma and magnetism translates across cultures. Years in the making and recorded on three continents, Afriki finds Habib exploring some new musical directions. James Brown veteran Pee Wee Ellis arranged horns on the song "Africa," which calls upon Africans to take responsibility for their own future and not depend on the outside world. Habib touches on personal subjects, as in "N'ba" (My Mother), an homage to his mother who passed away suddenly while he was on tour. The rousing song "Massaké" (The King) finds humor in the royal status of children who are treated like kings by parents that obey their every whim. The overarching theme of Afriki, which means "Africa" in the Malian Bambara language, is about the strengths and challenges of the African continent. "People here in Africa are willing to risk death trying to leave for Europe or the USA, but they are not willing to take that risk staying to develop something here in Africa," says Habib. "Life can be really good or really bad wherever you live. People need to understand that. Even though Mali is poor, we still have good quality of life: You can walk outside and smile and someone will smile back. I have thought about it a lot, and I am not convinced poor countries necessarily have a worse quality of life then rich countries." Many of the lyrics on the album follow traditional themes. In the recent tradition of nation-building songs, "Barra," whose title means "Work," calls on farmers, fishermen, animal breeders, and tradesmen of Mali to "get organized, get up, and get to work." Habib is transposing his role of modern-day griot into a facilitator helping fellow Africans survive in the Western-dominated, industrialized world. Also in the griot tradition, on "Nteri" ("My Friend," in English), Habib thanks all the people who have shown kindness and generosity to him along the way. He starts with acknowledging ancestors and nearby families, but then generalizes his gratitude: For all those who have showed me a day of respect I love you, follow you, and greet you, acknowledge you Those who unite the masses, stay in front Those who look after the masses, stay in front Source of hope and joy, I will always be grateful to you Because I am satisfied. "Namania" tells the story of a dark-skinned woman who is always sitting under the shade of a tree by the river. The white of her eyes stands out beautifully. One young man falls in love with her and tells all his city friends, who fall for urban women, that they must come and see this beauty. When the man returns to her tree to find her, she is gone. He calls out, "Where are you? Where are you? I hope you didn't disappear like the trees across the river." Habib recalls a farm he visited as a child with his grandfather. All the big trees of the farm were cut down and the farm was replaced with houses. "In the song, I talk about the things I love so much, and want to keep forever," Habib explains. "It's a love song but it's also about the things I want to keep." Afriki emphasizes a tight acoustic sound, showcasing some little-heard traditional instruments such as polyphonic hunter's horns, alongside balafón (wooden xylophone), n'goni (a Malian lute) and Habib's iconic voice and guitar. "I want to open a small window to the new generation," explains Habib regarding his use of Malian folk instruments, "to help them hear our old traditions even if it is in new music." Afriki will surely please Habib's extensive fan base and should help bring the Malian superstar to an even wider audience. Habib Koité & Bamada's Afriki is the fifth release from Cumbancha, a record label founded by Jacob Edgar, who has been the head of A&R at Putumayo World Music for many years. The album was co-produced by Cumbancha and Contre Jour, Habib's longtime management and production partner.
What do you get when you put together four first-class musicians with resumes that include playing/recording with Sting, Steve Kimock, John McLaughlin, Bela Fleck and Chick Corea? You get Garaj Mahal. This amazing 4-piece band consists of Kai Eckhardt (bass), Fareed Haque (guitars), Alan Hertz (drums), and Eric Levy (keys). Each member of Garaj Mahal is a seasoned artist with reputations worthy of individual praise.
The Hue is a Chicago-based progressive rock quartet featuring Marcus Rezak and Jared Rabin on guitars, Geoff Shell on bass, and Brian Gilmanov on drums. These four individually accomplished musicians came together for the first time as a band in February, 2007. With an array of influences that range from jam-rock, metal and jazz to classical and bluegrass, The Hue has succeeded in creating a totally unique and original brand of electrified instrumental music in their short time together. With all four members of the band contributing to their arsenal of original material, their thunderous sound continues to evolve and grow with each show. From tight progressive rock tunes and wild dance til you drop jams to lyrical and melodious jazz pieces, and of course a healthy dose of dueling guitars, The Hue's live performances are already causing music fans in Chicago to take serious notice.
In their short time together, The Hue has played all over the Chicago scene including venues such as the House of Blues, Abbey Pub, Martyrs', Kinetic Playground, and Subterranean. The band started their experience together with a two-month long stint of Wednesday nights at Chicago's famous Wise Fools Pub. They've already shared the bill with national acts including The Wood Brothers, The Pnuma Trio, New Monsoon, Karl Denson and The Motet, and have been joined onstage by other Chicago artists including Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey's McGee. The Hue is the next truly original rock band coming out the Midwest, so come check out the next show!
Formed in Brooklyn, New York, Piñataland is the creation of David Wechsler and Doug Stone, performers/songwriters who set out to form a new band centered around their fascination for the stories and sounds of the Weird Old World. Over the past few years, the 5-piece Piñataland have become experts at conjuring the strangeness of history to life with violin, tuba, accordion, guitar and drums. Far from being "old-timey" purists, the band's strikingly original music resembles some never-existed pre-WWII rock, lurching from the epic and grandiose to the haunting. Piñataland draws inspiration from the all-but-forgotten events of the past 200 years, yanking dim but startling memories directly into the audience's waiting ears. The menacing "Ota Benga's Name" summons the tragic ghost of the African pygmy who found himself living in the monkey house of the Bronx Zoo in 1904. "Flying Down to Moscow" is a Cold-War, Kremlin-Country tribute to Mathias Rust, the West German teenager who landed his small plane in Red Square in 1987. The epic "Sleepwalker" tells the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad, as seen through the closed eyes of a man sleepwalking across the great plains of the 1860's. These and other shadowy events from our collective unconcious are featured on their new album, Songs for the Forgotten Future. In addition to appearing at numerous venues on the East Coast, Piñataland has been featured on NPR's All Songs Considered, performed at the Thomas Edison Historic Site (where they demonstrated wax cylinder recording), the American Museum of Natural History's Margaret Mead Film Festival, and the historic Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel. They have also played live on New Jersey's famed WFMU, and mounted their own multi-media show in 2001 at the HERE Arts Center in NYC.
A native of Austin TX, SUZANNA CHOFFEL grew up singing in bands and school choirs, picked up a guitar at age seventeen, began writing songs and graduated with a BA in Music Technology from College of Santa Fe in New Mexico. Her musical studies combined with her innate sense of rhythmic phrasing, poetic sensibilities, and her naturally smoky voice all work together to create a fresh and unique sound. She uses her guitar to create staccato rhythms underneath her dazzling soulful vocal melodies, all backed by a pulsing band with unique instrumentation. Her music has been described as "indie pop with urban beats", and "jazz-infused soul pop" with comparisons ranging from Feist to Nelly Furtado to Norah Jones to Erykah Badu. Since the 2006 release of her debut album, Shudders & Rings, she has been finding her name atop many a music reporter's list as "one worth watching". Her song "Hey Mister" was licensed by the City of Austin for inclusion in the Austin Music Vol. 7 compilation CD (March 2008 release). In April 2008, Suzanna Choffel won the $10,000 Grand Prize in the nationwide Famecast Pop competition. Suzanna Choffel's red-hot band creates a fresh and original instrumental backing. The lineup consists of drummer Eldridge Goins (Johnnie Johnson, Carolyn Wonderland, Big Al DuPree, The Heathens), bassist Johnny Vogelsang (Bob Schneider, Soulhat), vibes/accordion/synth player Laura Scarborough (Lila's Medicine, Ohn), and saxophone/clarinet player Brad Houser (New Bohemians, Boombox, Critters Buggin'). The result is a smokin' hot rhythm section that can riff, improv and meander like a jazz band, yet has the stability of her strong pop-soul songs to ground them, resulting in a sensational new sound.
You know full well that Rock ‘n’ Roll isn’t dead. So does INDIGNANT. They just really like reminding everyone what it sounds like. After 2 years of hustling it out in rehearsal studios and rock clubs throughout the Midwest, Indignant has arrived as a 5 piece band dead set on the revival of music that’s informed & instructed by the swagger of classic rock and the energy of punk. To the boys in Indignant, there’s something incredibly life-affirming in the sound of telecaster riffs through a tube amp woven dexterously with Les Paul driven leads, drums that sound like canons firing from the riser, keys that complement the rock with a punchy roll, the dirty wail of a harmonica, howling vocals and a bass line that keeps the whole flying wreck together. This is the sound of Indignant – and it sounds like rock ‘n’ roll. The result is something like sending the Black Crowes on a bender with the gents in Social Distortion – driving, melodic and whole hell of a lot of fun. Indignant isn’t necessarily trying to re-invent the wheel so much as roll that wheel well. To them, bourbon soaked, cigarette stained, bleeding fingers and broken strings is the foundation and the stages they play are the launch pad. They know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but hey, they like it.
What can be said about a band that blends the different experiences of Urban men, Farm boys, Designer jeans, Strong chins, Good manners, Foul mouths, Eggsheads, Eye liner, and 4 nationalities into a cohesive modern rock sound? IT IS WHAT IT IS – IIwII. With varying influences tied together only with a dynamic charismatic presence, IIwII can only be described as an electric rock circus. Fronted by the operatic Josh Law and his forceful tenor these guys sound like the bastard children of rock. A slyly smiling Josh, sums up the band’s image as, “We don’t focus on any one particular style other than just playing really good f&*ing music.” As their sound has developed, the acclaimed 5 piece has acquired much recognition for their astonishing live shows, supple melodies and musical panache. Michel Geadah provides a great deal of IIwII’s live show charisma with his incendiary guitar skills. Michel, eyes lighting up while playing air guitar, shouts, “The high energy of our studio songs and the smut in our jams really get the crowd pumped.” Get this man some Ritalin. And while the band has graced the stage of many venerable Chicago venues, IIwII remains no foreigner to dingy local bars and dirty basement gigs. Young Nam, the band’s cofounder and bassist, a smile on his face relates, “I never give a s&*t where we play, I just love playing in front of a packed house since it gets everybody ready for the after party.”
Breaking new ground TOM FULLER's Pop Music Abstract Man CD represents an upbeat new melodic rock sensation the has both classic and contemporary pop rock music listeners excited. His new remake of the classic soft pop rock tune "THE AIR THAT I BREATHE" embodies a sound that you can't escape from. A melodic pop rock masterpiece that reveals a completely different side to Tom Fuller's artistic talent and ability to touch the very souls of classic pop rock fans. ABSTRACT MAN, the title of this amazing new release says it all! Tom Fuller's breakaway from a softer more mellow sound in "CHASING AN ILLUSION" is heard on this CD, which displays a well-rounded up-tempo compilation of melodic rock titles that will move the most reserved of Contemporary rock music lovers to get up and dance.
For more than a decade Sweden's now legendary progressive rock giants,The Flower Kings have dominated the new worldwide prog-revival releasing 11 studio albums in 12 years. Originally drawing from obvious influences such as The Beatles,Yes,Pink Floyd,Frank Zappa & Genesis, the Flower Kings have evolved into a seasoned and mature band who's sound is now as recognizable as that of their mentors. A sound that has come to be adored by fans and press alike.
Flower Kings will play a short USA tour in Aug 2008 in support of their latest critical acclaimed CD . The band will play most of the new album and most certainly some older fan favourites plus the odd jam that is now an integral part of The Flower Kings live experience. Part one of the tour, supporting this latest album "The Sum Of No Evil", saw the band tour most of Europe last november with guest Pat Mastelotto behind the drumkit. Pat an American that once had big USA and worldwide hits with Mr Mister and later on played on many pop albums including XTC,The Rembrants etc. but since the early 90's is most know for his pioneering work with heavy beats and drum electronica,most significant in King Crimson. All members of TFK having a long history in different bands and recordings, most significant are perhaps Roine Stolt's contributions in "Transatlantic" alongside Dream Theaters Mike Portnoy and Marillions Pete Trewavas, a progrock "sideproject" that took flight in early 2000 and quickly gained "supergroup" status among progressive rock fans and press .
The new incarnation of Flower Kings include: (from top left in photo) tomas bodin; keyboards roine stolt: guitars & vocals jonas reingold: bass & vocals erik hammarström: drums ola heden: vocal & keyboard,guitar hasse fröberg: vocals,guitar Any lover of melodic rock,experimental rock,progressive or symphonic will enjoy this band that seems to have found the secret formula of bringing every aspect of soulful and uplifting entertainment alive onstage and on record. Once you've become friends with the music of The Flower Kings there is no turning back.
JOHN WESLEY The music of JOHN WESLEY has been called lyrically sensitive and musically dynamic. Wesley's current brand of guitar-driven acoustic and electric songs represent the cultivation of a diversity of inspirations from alternative, progressive, classic rock and folk genres intertwined with poignant lyrics drawn from the poetry of the common man. Furthermore, his skillful, versatile and energetic guitar style complements with fury his soulful emotionally-charged vocals reminiscent of Roger Waters or Bruce Springsteen. But what really appeals to Wesley's fans worldwide is a spark of sincerity and sensitivity so oft absent in today's mainstream music.
Most recently, John Wesley has performed as sideman, guitarist/vocalist for critically acclaimed Lava/Warner Brothers UK based recording act Porcupine Tree, during the In Absentia and Deadwing world tours. In recent years he as performed lead guitars and background vocals for White Lion frontman Mike Tramp, subbed on lead guitar and bass for Gainesville's Sister Hazel, and as lead guitarist for Scottish neo-prog legend Fish on many lengthy European, American and South American Tours and on several US and European Solo dates.
John Wesley's professional music career began in the early 80's in the Tampa, Florida area where he founded 1991 Southwestern Music Conference's showcase act Autodrive. The following year Wesley embarked on a solo career and became the premier opening act for British rockers Marillion on seven consecutive tour legs around the world -- especially North and South America, the UK and Europe -- where he played for hundreds of thousands of fans. In 1998, Wesley embarked with ex-White Lion front-man Mike Tramp on an extensive tour as premier opening act for the prestigious Peter Frampton/Lynryd Skynyrd tour. Following this was several world Tours with Scottish artist Fish. In 2001, John Wesley was the primary co-writer of Fish's Fellini Days album. He began touring as guitarist and backing vocalist for Porcupine tree in 2002, and has is currently touring in support of the bands recent release, Fear of a Blank Planet.
Wesley's 1994 first album, Under the Red & White Sky, released on Racket Records quickly sold out it's first pressing of 10,000 copies and has been repressed in 1998 quickly selling another 10,000 plus copies. His second release, The Closing of the Pale Blue Eyes, also quickly sold out and has been re-released as a bonus disc on the NEW re-mastered Under the Read and White Sky disc. Wesley's third solo effort, The Emperor Falls, for former Music for Nations label magnate Martin Hooker's new venture, Dream Catcher Records in Europe, quickly sold out it's first printing. In 2002, Wesley released his fourth solo album, Chasing Monsters, in Europe on Dreamcatcher Records to great acclaim in the Euro Indy circles. In 2005, Wes produced and recorded his fifth studio release, Shiver, co-produced by Mark Prator, and mixed by Steven Wilson of Porcupine tree. Wesley has toured the U.S. and Europe extensively to support his independent European releases - performing as opening act for Marillion, Fish, Porcupine Tree, Sister Hazel, and Blackfield.
Pecha Kucha launched in Chicago on 29th May 2007 featuring an array of artists, musicians, architects, designers, writers and activists each presenting their work in some depth but at a comically breakneck pace —20 slides, 20 seconds each. International celebrity architect Mark Dytham MBE made the trip from Tokyo to join locals with assorted accents and images. With 200 Guests, Presenters for Vol.01 - 29th May 2007 were: Mark Dytham, musician Jon Langford, artists Christine Tarkowski and Callie Roach, photographer and curator Whitney Bradshaw, fashion designer Jessica Graham, plus architects Natalie Banaszak, Peter Exley, Grant Gibson, Yamani Hernandez and a few other special guests.
DROP Q is Kris Myers on drums (Umphrey's McGee), Brian Felix on keys (OM Trio), Chris Clemente on bass (Kick the Cat), and Kalyan Pathak on Percussion (Fareed Haque Group). This veritable "Supergroup" of Chicago based musicians. With a focus on Improvised Electronica and Drum n Bass, all 4 members bring their substantial jazz and fusion chops to the table for a totally unique experience every time they hit the stage.
TERRIBLE SPACESHIP: "...And this problematical object came out clear and sharp and bright. And this Thing I saw! How can I describe it? A monstrous tripod, higher than many houses, striding over the young pine trees, and smashing them aside in its career; a walking engine of glittering metal, striding now across the heather..."
ATYPICAL SCIENCE is here! In the words of the great Parliament Funkadelic the mother ship has landed. We've come to rip down the walls and elevate your minds. Comprised of J-typical the doctor and C-typical the maestro, Atypical Science started out as a recording project that spent 2½ years recording and writing “Encyclopedia.” This show is the release party for this record. A deep multi layered soul and dance groove backed by the hard hitting drum stylings of Earl Talbot of Poi Dog Pondering fame, the Atypical Science live show is a heavy hitting dark danceateria that should not be missed.
