Category Archives: SHOW “G”-Views

There were moments when I thought a sky opening storm was brewing up to release its wrath, and other moments I thought of pets I had growing up. For the fist 40% of the show, bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King (collectively known as the Bad Plus) were completely instrumental. Right away you can see and feel the specialness of this threesome, the ebb & flow of “in the momentness” grabs you instantly. The other portion of the show feature indie rock vocalist, Wendy Lewis teaming with the band to dissect and recreate songs we know into new pieces that almost seem distant from our trained listening. The version of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb is a rendition that made me feel like if that was the only time I had ever heard that song, if the original never existed….I’d be completely satisfied with the Bad Plus with Wendy Lewis‘ version as the only one. During the U2 song Under a Blood Red Sky, I swear the top of the building could have flown open with the lift of gargoyles and a storm unlike any other could have been waiting out doors…..but then it came back around to the sound of U2….This show twisted my ears some, all for the better…..but personally, I don’t need to hear Blue Velvet anytime soon.

Here is a portion of “Comfortably Numb”

The waves of sound were explosive at times with a deep crowd riding the beats of highs and lows. The improvisational music EOTO creates in a live setting in cerebral and danceable, while you are in the house…you be in Da House!! this night it was once again at the High Noon Saloon, a venue here in Madtown that features live entertainment 7 days a week…..that’s right, 7 days a week!! I met up with the winner of the 2 tickets there smiling and dancing…always nice to meet the listeners. With the loops rolling and the beats chasing the time, Jason Haan and Michael Travis had the landscape of people who were ready for this experience, outside of themselves in movement with colors shining and bodies showing off why they’re there. Imagine music that is made right before your eyes and reacts to how you act…it is as cool as it sounds! EOTO is definitely an act to behold in any live setting they lay day their unique style and sound.

I was very excited that on the occasion of the Novruz Celebration, the Center for Russia, East Europe and Central Europe brought a free performance from the Silk Road Ensemble. The evenings performers were Shahyar Daneshgar on percussion and vocals, Noruz Mamedov on vocals/saz/percussion, Arif Bagirov on tar/saz/Azerbaijani guitar and Rashad Mamedov on keyboards and Garmon. This cultural and musical journey takes the sounds and styles from that long wide band of land from Turkey to China which brought wealth and knowledge back in both directions. This main point between East and West created a unique and infulential arts scene which still flourishes today. The show was an attempt to help spring peek her head through…the sounds this group brought certainly could have woke up any deity in charge of seasons or weather…these artists create a dialogue with instruments and vocals that have morphed into a new audio-vernacular. I am thankful for their visit.

Having the set start of with Madison’s very own: “the original Funky Drummer“, Mister Clyde Stubblefield sitting in—-It was obvious that Karl and the group were pumped up to have that moment trapped in time. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe sent the Majestic Theater into a wave of groove that range from bouncing funk to a deep house background trapping the ear in a mesmerizing sound net. On a cold wet snow filled Madison evening, the music certainly kept a happy warmth en-clouding the crowd of dancers that seemed to be rockin’ to and fro on a gentle, yet sometimes sideways washing wave of sweet movement….There were moments that kicked in a rock -N- roll slam jam and others that could have you completely lost in your own space…..space jazz is always one of my personal favorite styles to reach in concert format and let me attest, that there was nothing tiny about this show. It was heavy and ready……and it was!

Having the Cashman duo in studio for the show with a sort of unplugged session was nothing like hearing that raucous Mississippi juke-joint music, much less delta than hill country live in a tunnel like bar room setting. Ray and Todd were making winds swirl and snakes get up and run….The rawness of these kinds of blues slid off the git-tar in a serpentine dance mingling with the dancing girls. We got a taste of some of the old and some brand new unreleased material as well as some traditional blues sounds including a kicking “In my Time of Dying”, which was one of those songs you almost never want to hear end when in a live setting. I know the guys made a good impact on the scene and I look forward to seeing them back here in Madtown in July bending ears and stomping feet.

Brett Dennen is no longer an up and comer or an emerging artist to watch for…it’s obvious that many eyes and ears are on him. The Majestic Theater was swamped with a range of people but tilted towards this college towns number one resource, the students. Brett sold out the venue and to me the reason is those “in touch with it” songs coupled with this voice that sounds like no other in ways that are comfortable. The stories being dealt out are written and delivered out of respect towards what is going on—both personally and nationally. Don’t forget to look up and watch Brett tell the stories, the animation is genuine with emotion and facial expressions that have you knowing that this artist is with you right there in that moment.

When it was announced that the KODO Drummers would be in town back in the summer at the Overture Center, as part of this season’s international Festival, I was completely thrilled as I have always found this show to be one that captivates my feelings of inner connections to my surroundings through sounds. The rhythm and beats which carry rediscovered traditional roots and values come alive and take control one strike of a drum at a time. Moments of silence huddle close to sounds of thunderous storms while bodies cores are being challenged to their pounding limits. There is a primal fierceness but certainly a child-like playful side as well mixing in some humorous musical skits while peeking the audiences curiosity as to where this now moment will lead them. From the moment the drummers came out on stage until the time of the “great drum” the audience was ready to explode with appreciation for this unique fervent flavor, fulfilling the translation of KODO—HEARTBEAT. The sounds of taiko is felt in the body as much as it is heard….it is like the pulse of mother nature and while in attendance it may just sit you in her lap and allow the beat of her heart to take you over too.

I had the chance to chat with drummer/composer/vocalist Thymme Jones the other day as an on air guest to the show, as his band Cheer Accident was rolling into town on Sunday night at the Frequency. The boldness of their new album on Cuneiform, Fear Draws Misfortune comes out in obvious yet unfamiliar contexts. The show is as much of a sound exploration as the album suggests, riveting artistic coherency reaching lush and captivating post rock/art rock even avant-progressive……whatever you want to titled it–it takes you away with an edge of superior musicianship making the tools of the trade and the ideas of their use unconventional—unprecedented and unmatched. From the cover of the winter’s SIGNAL TO NOISE to the underground scene of the windy city, Cheer Accident is a show to be a part of, especially when you want that more to a show you might be looking for. On the album I have quickly fell flat for the interlude escape offered up by “and then you Realize you Haven’t Left yet” to the where is it going to take me feeling left from “Humanizing the Distance”. This release offers the listener some daring boundary erasing experiments set to cause inexplicable reactions.

Cheer Accident-Fear Draws Misfortune-Cuneiform-2009

The night was already a success being the Mrs of the G’s day of birth celebration at a nice eatery and then some time at the Majestic Theater getting into the jams. Future Rock opened up with their amazing light show and a creation of sounds new to the electronic late night scene. Skillfully manipulating live loops, synthesizers, filters and an electronic drum kit, the trio succeeds in creating a larger-than-life sound that sends crowds into frenzies, which is a common outcome here in Madtown. When the Disco Biscuits brought their fusion of trance and jam rock out on the stage I found myself engulfed in the easiness of the transitions and the successful capturing of an audiences ears and more with their explosive livetronica. With a new album to be coming out soon, the Biscuits are certainly poised to defend the cool scene for which I believe they helped pioneer. For more about what’s going on with Camp Bisco….head over here.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings blew the top off of the Barrymore last night. The place was storming with Sister Sharon’s sweet soul and shaking with the grooves laid down by the one and only DAP KINGS. Before the show Sharon and I and some of the gang hung out and chatting about the sounds and the scene—then when the lights came up and the opening act, Menahan Street Band hit the stage with a rhythm and stellar sound that captured the crowd with a musical net that encompassed the entire room. Made up of many members of Sharon’s band, Menahan Street Band has a new album out and is soul exciting that it’s hard to keep from moving. Then the Dap Kings took the stage and introduced the spirit, vibe and direction the night would be heading, a trip down memory lane for some—-a brand new bag for others but regardless this was about to be a night for many to recall. Sharon was in an audience participation frenzy and even grabbed the hand of this G to be a part of the on-stage excitement. What a thrill to be serenaded by the on and only Sharon Jones. Many highlights, too many to write down but hearing the Sam Cooke R & B classic “a change is gonna come”, a duet performed with Mister Charles Bradley was a top notch reward for recent president elect and the citizens of the United States…Bradley also is doing a few numbers with Menahan Street Band as part of the tour as well. There was more than magic in the air on this night which might just have lead up to the hottest show of the year and I look forward to the return of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings to Madison for now on. Thanks Daptone Records for keeping’ the SOUL Excitement alive and well cared for.

MisterG on stage w/Sharon & the Dap Kings 12/03 Barrymore Theater.

Sharon making SOUL EXCITEMENT in MADISON

As soon as I took one step into the theater, the Brass infused funk–N’Orleans style was booming courtesy of Troy “Trombone Shorty” and Orleans Avenue. I can’t say enough about the playing and the show they put on. Troy was holding notes longer than some people were in the bathroom and the band was on fire as usual. That is one act I hope to see return this summer around festival time!! JJ brought out Mofro with the stage set for a serious soul infection. Starting on the keys himself and hitting off with some new and some relative tracks to the new, the Majestic was electric with the mere presence of this band. Direction unknown was certainly on tap as we were treated to some soul, funk and let’s just say, JJ had his mojo workin’.

My recent conversation with JJ Grey before he hit Madison.

We made it to the Congress Theater after running into some of the great Chicago traffic we all hear about….this helped ease into the rippin’ blues that Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials were delivering as we made our way into the mouth of the theater. Lil Ed is a true showman and the skills of the band had the joint jumpin in rhythm and howling with the feelin’. I am big on Lil Ed!! Majors Junction picked their family style grass to the pleasure of the crowd, with tantalizing twanging, smiling faces and sweet sounds, Majors Junction was quick into the hearts of those with listening ears. In between all of the acts is a picking circle high up in the balcony, sort of Muppet show like at times with the spotlight hitting them up just right-they kept your foot stomping while waiting for the next act to follow on the big stage. In the front of the house was a second smaller stage filled with bands a plenty knockin’ it into the next big act in the great room. Ha Ha Tonka, neither blues nor bluegrass made its way on stage to a warm reception. These boys like to rock and with harmonies and moments of a’capella–they sure have a sound worth checking into on any billing. But the reason for my getting involved in this festival, the David Grisman Quintet made an immediate impact as soon as the Dawg and his mates took the stage. This is no ordinary act, no easy way to categorize Blues/Bluegrass or otherwise, this is a fusion of global quiet music set to the time of another place…a space occupied and polised up by the Dawg himself. I watched the crowd try to believe what they were seeing when that little Mandolin made such sweetness on stage. I look into the dreamy eyes of those witnessing the Quintet for the first time in complete amazement that these “old timers” could be so damn electrified without being plugged in. Chicago’s Don Stiernberg joined the group on stage for a few tunes and before you know it, the set was through leaving David and the audience ready for the next time. Closing out the evening was the Avett Brothers. Somehow these fellas have figured out a way of capturing true Americana in a bottle and releasing it at will onto those who never knew and those who love them so. I was somewhere in the middle when the night started and now am a fan. I am already looking forward to next year’s potential as this was the first go around for this festival, while the kinks are worked out—start preparing yourself for next year’s event now.

Check out my chat w/Mike Raspetello, the Director of the festival HERE.

The two dozen singers, dancers and instrumentalists who make up the Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa create a rhythmic feast drawing on a variety of influences including traditional Griot songs, reggae, and the sounds of the kora, a 21-stringed instrument of the lute family used across West Africa. Blending the traditional music of Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Benin, the Ivory Coast and Mauritania with a contemporary flair, this show brought the land of stories right to our doorsteps in Madison. The players were in top form, challenging one another with style and speed. Rhythm never lacking. The women singers and dancers brought the feel of Mother Earth, or Mother Land clear into the forefront and the lush crowd at the Overture was often caught in rounds of applause. After the show, I had a chance to spend a moment with Mr. Dembele and the Ensemble with laughs shared, this was a show that keeps traditions alive.

Mr. Bamba Dembele and MisterG

Listen to my translated interview w/Mr Dembele Here.

If you want to laugh, and I mean pee your pants over and over laugh…try heading to Dixie’s Tupperware Party. With the bar open and the uses for plastic products as surprising as who might just think it to be a good idea to use Tupperwares in the bedroom, it is as fun to look around and watch the party goers as it is to be an active part of the show (especially when you escape being chosen). Dixie has the run of the place at the Overture until November 2nd, so don’t deny yourself the need for plastic storage with a strange twist and a good laugh. This is a top notch Tupperware extravaganza complete with on the spot humor that reminds you just how much people want to laugh hard out loud….and buy bundles of that plastic crap. I walk away, still just regular friends—but I can say ” I had a fun time at a Tupperware Party”

Thanks Dixie.

Check out my chat with Dixie here.

IN a time where everyday is almost unbelievable, it is nice to get out for a night and escape back in time and be a part of theater and radio, to remember just how far we have come. Or have we. I almost prefer the watching of radio to the radio itself. There is a thrill is watching the actors MAKING radio. Tonight at the Overture Center, L.A. Theatre Works did just that. They recreated and redefined radio theater with their performances of War of the Worlds and The Lost World. From thrill and chills to a few gut-wrenching laughers, this double billing brought it all to the audience–the remember when factor of being tricked into believing in a Marian invasion to the adventurous discovery into a world thought only was alive in children’s book, where dinosaurs lead the charge. The acting and scripting was enormously thrilling, especially noticing how many things each person on stage took control over, whether it sound effects or personality changes…each nuance was believable.

For more about this show and L.A. Theatre Works, click here for my conversation with Susan Loewenberg, founder and producing director of the group

What can I say that I haven’t already said in regards to Tommy Emmanuel? The person I believe Tommy is makes him wonderful, the acoustic innovation of mammoth (extra fingers?) proportion makes him special – couple those two beings together and you walk away within awe. Tommy’s spirit takes his guitar art to new levels that leave people damn happy. This night at the Majestic in Madison had that magic, that spirit and Tommy’s guitars are being talked about by many of those first timers in audience. There are always so many highlights and most people have their own so I will share just one insight as for this evening—the sit down 70’s product of Michelle by the Beatles was edgy and altering, and for that I am thankful. Opening the evening was Anthony Snape, who played himself a nice acoustic sound with a crooners vocals to compliment, a nice billing indeed.

Thanks to Gina for making it possible.

SO, Jason & Travis from the String Cheese Incident have a project…it’s called EOTO (pronounced E-O-TOE) but naming this all live improv drum -n- bass dub steppin’ spectacle is really of no use. Everything from night to night is different, like switching a mask and costume several times on Halloween and on this particular night in Madison at the High Noon Saloon, they were bruising the joint with punches of sounds heavy and melodic, stylish and funky and often times down right far far out. There is no excuse for your body not to be feeling like Captain Caveman and clubbin’!! I cannot tell you how cool it is to know that they create this show on the moment and the moments were shared by an energized room of beat seekers that left this night joined in sweat, new moves and unique grooves…AMEN for EOTO.

Check out my conversation w/Jason Hann of EOTO & String Cheese Incident right here.

Thanks to Erin @ Tsunami & Cathy at the High Noon

A mixture of it all, tasty to the ears. If you don’t have fun at a Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue show then you just don’t have any fun left in you. The crowd was an eager and willing to join in from the moment troy announced “Just because there are chairs…” The Memorial Union theater was rockin’ out to a blend of old school Marvin Gaye and Jessie Hilll (granted these classics had a new twist to them for sure)–>there was a great version of Green Day’s Brain Stew and a finely thrown in amount of original Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue spice. There is no way I wouldn’t make this act one of the things I see wherever they might be setting up thier funky shop. Rumor has it that Troy and company will be back in the Madison area opening up for JJ Grey’s MOFRO in November at the Majestic.

Check out my recent conversation w/Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews here.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue-Check ‘Em Out

Well, the audience inside the Majestic Theater certainly did their best to make our pal Xavier Rudd feel at home here in Madtown. From the moment his bare feet hit the stage people were giving out those warm Madison welcomes that seem at times to melt many artists w/a happy surprise (I always will remember Chali 2 Na‘s face when the crowd here erupted). Mixing in tracks fro the new album (Dark Shades of Blue) with a variety of what now feel like old favorites or a comfortable blanket from our musical childhood, the show was soothing with times stepping away from the didgeridoo kit & gave us some acoustical slide action. There were moments when worlds seemed to collide and the paste holding them together was some serious jams, keep on rockin’ in a free world…..wouldn’t it be nice?!!! I know after this show that Xavier Rudd is doing his part to try and make it more than a slogan.

Check out my most recent conversation with Xavier Here.

The final event of the Willy Street Fair for my ears was local act Whore du Jour and Madison’s own Jane Wiedlins (that’s right our very own resident Go-Go) new act Lady Robotica…it seems the members of Whore du Jour and Jane were Kidnapped, probed and became the rockin’ story tellers of Lady Robotica. The groups kicked some serious tail with a catchy avant garage band bounce and some seriously rocking riffs, held together by a solid beat keeper on percussion, Whore du Jour would certainly be many peoples favorite act at a concert. Lady Robotica has one serious message, have a lot of fun and purchase a ray gun cuz the probing ain’t done yet. Robotica featured 7 tunes, 3 of which were familiar Go Go tunes and the others were, well…tales of what has happened and what might be set to happen to any of you who become taken by the aliens….

Whore du Jour Willy St Fair 2008

Lady Robotica