Author Archives: grnarrow

On a Friday night, what could make it all alright…Some down home original sounding Funky music with the one and only mister Clyde Stubblefield and his band. That is what went down at th Rathskellar to celebrate WSUM’s 6th Anniversary.We are blessed to have Clyde as a Madison resident of over 30 years and we look forward to the continuation of Funky Monday coming back in the near future. Currently, the Clyde Stubblefield Band sports two featured vocalists (male and female), a three-piece horn section (sax, trumpet, trombone), a organ/keyboardist, a percussionist, a smokin’ guitarist and a rock-solid bass to play with the Funky Drummer. Clyde Stubblefield IS the FUNKY DRUMMER! He drummed for James Brown from 1965 to 1970 and recorded such hits as “I Feel Good”, “Coldsweat”, and “The Funky Drummer.” Clyde is one of the most sampled drummer ever, providing some of the most famous and familiar grooves used by DJ’s and hip-hop artists around the world.

THE Funky Drummer, Mr. Clyde Stubblefield

Last night Madison was in DA HOUSE at the Majestic. Galactic brought its from the corner to the block funk sounds to our neighborhood and the crowd was ready, set and man did they go. Both the band and the audience seemed to be on top of their evenings game plan. Galactic provided the back-sound of real home grown funk that started at the click of Stanton’s drum stick and didn’t stop until the whole gang arrived. The audience was giving back the love to the band and especially when they introduced Mr. Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 onto the stage. I could tell by his eyes that he was touched deeply by the warmth of the reception the room provided. There was a track or two from J5 and DA FISH kept it real, just like we like it here in MadCity. There was a wave of arms dancing to the hip hop thang and bodies shakin’ themselves silly to the funky lines being dropped. With the cold air left outside, the heat was turned up as Galactic took us through a music journey that was reminiscent of strolling down a N’Orleans block, where each turn can weave into an unexpected mesh of artists doin’ their thing. They even took a moment to reflect on the past, busting out treats from the snack jar—Manic Depression & Immigrant Song. The latter ended the show in a swarm of head bobbing, and when the whole gang arrived back onstage, including members of the opener Ohmega Watts, the room filled up with the rhythm and soul that a good funkin’ leaves behind, a lasting memory allowing myself to attempt to learn some new adjectives. This was a show that was better than expected even when expectations were out of sight. Go Galactify yourself and keep DA FISH fed with the love.

On Friday night after the Esperanza Spalding Trio show, we were treated to the second set of the Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for some relentless vibes fortified with a rock steady sound. With a bowl full of sweet smelling groove of roots reggae and experimental dub, this very well could be some North American International Body Music. Giant Panda is honored to have shared bills with reggae greats Toots & The Maytals, The Wailers, Lee Scratch Perry, King Yellowman, Morgan Heritage, The Meditations, Mad Professor, and Edi Fitzroy. GPGDS has been joined on stage by members of John Brown’s Body, Brazilian Girls, Thievery Corporation, Umphrey’s McGee, and String Cheese Incident. Giant Panda continues to put on concerts in their hometown of Rochester, NY featuring other modern American powerhouses such as Dub Trio (in Madison on 2/25), and Toubab Krewe. The set was electrifying and a stream of soulful sound made for the get down to get DOWN.

get on down w/GIANT PANDA

There is a reason that Esperanza Spalding is usually smiling. Playing her music feels good- and it shows. An artist that goes about defining her music nightly with a voice of rhythm -n- blues jazz-scat painted with a distinct soul unique to Miss. Spalding. Her bass flirts with her vocals and creates a romantic sound captivating as it can be traditional at times, there was a sense of freedom both on the stage and in the crowd. The trio consisted of Mr. Leo Genovese on piano and Mr. Otis Brown III on percussion, and they were tight. From the moments Miss Spalding groove her way on stage, the happiness was contagious with layers of brilliance, beauty (both visual and auditory) and bold composition and arrangements and I would invite you to look into this artist who spends time playing bass for Herbie Hancock and drives her art down new unpaved paths that make her future one to keep an eye and ear on. Opening the evening off in the Wisconsin Union Theater was songstress and Gretchen Parlato with the wonderful guitarist and spirit, Mr. Lionel Loueke. The evening closed with a couple of pieces these unique artists collaborated on which showcased the openness of jazz music with an invitation for continual exploration. A stirring night of sound integration, just like the world palate presents us daily.

Last night at the High Noon Saloon, Madison’s very own Baghdad SCUBA Review tucked the hump day goodnight with a rockin’ jam party of feel good energy (not only coming from the band itself, but the SCUBA Crew in the crowd had a true positive wave about it as well). This progressive sound is a match for listeners of cross-genre likings, as it mixes a potent blend of well crafted songs with a certain stage spark that fires up easily and burns well throughout the night. With six members on stage, the intersections of where sound meets is often exact and timeless, moving from jam to groove to rock without blinking an eye, this is certainly more than a “Jamband”, it is way more than a band that jams as well. It is Baghdad SCUBA Review, and you might want to catch the wave of positive energy and sound as I am sure this band will make its way to you in one way or another soon.

Madison’s own Baghdad SCUBA Review

Wind Chills of minus 25 cannot stop the arrow from turning green and free forming its way all over you. Here’s a tissue to clean off and see what you heard.

Together- Sammy Figueroa
Blusette- Hilario Duran & Perspectiva
La Concha- Daniel Mancero
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I Don’t need no Mary (Juana)- Andre Williams
Crooked- Keller Williams
Someday the Sun won’t Shine for you-Jethro Tull (live/acoustic)
the Runaway- Gentle Giant (live)
Message Stick- Xavier Rudd
Bongo Bong- Delta Nove
Buffalo- Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad
New Mexico Dub- Jah Wobble
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Coffee- Papa Mali
When I call Home- Honeytribe (demo)
Wine and Women- Pedro Arevalo
Freedom- SOL
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Koi Bole Ram Ram- Cheb i Sabbah
Chandalis Bliss- Jetsunma
Bounce Baby- Galactic w/Z Trip
Even Stranger- Baby Elephant
Wonders & Signs- Buckshot LeFonque
Shake Everything you got (live)- Maceo Parker
Chalky’s Back with Knife- Suite Crude Review
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Burning Love- Eric Sardinas and Big Motor
Cheddar- Mike Keneally and Beer for Dolphins
Purple Haze- Frank Zappa
Immigrant Song-Mike Keneally & Beer for Dolphins
Out @ 11- Baghdad Scuba Review
Ladies Man- Keith Kilgo