Category Archives: SHOW “G”-Views

To experience the Anoushka Shankar Project is to open yourself up to the wonders of mental movement. For this project, Anoushka is joined onstage by: Tanmoy Bose– tabla, Ravichandra Kulur– flute, Leo Dombecki– piano, and Jesse Charnow– drum kit. In 2007 the tour consists of new, acoustic versions of select pieces from Anoushka´s album Rise, new and as yet unrecorded compositions by her, and a showcase of some of her father Ravi Shankar´s finest Raga creations. The fusion of traditional Indian Classical and masterfully arranged audio interpretations featuring a blend of instrumentation, consumes your senses in a timeless moment of rapture. This project is certainly a step into the modern musical times with a strong sense of understanding where people have been drawn in in the past. There is a vision to this music. As with her father Ravi Shankar, the ability to listen and hear have in my humble opinion, placed Anoushka in a position to shape and invent within the structure of music, and create new boundaries for others to gain inspiration from. With a mixing of perspective, reflection and exploration, that magic of the Sitar should aptly be the choice to create these new stories. Sometimes it’s hard to turn the page, but in this case…..who KNOWS what’ll be next….SPEAKING OF…..

I invite you to check out a new project that features Miss Shankar and Karsh Kale.

Also, take a moment and re-visit my conversation with Anoushka about one year ago….ENJOY

..with Anoushka Shankar 10/5/07

What can be said that hasn’t been….for me, the show usually begins when Victor Wooten gets his bass some “alone time” on stage. Not to disappoint, this bass space was far-reaching, oft-exploratory and bone-a-fide funky at times. Jeff Coffin kept reminding me why sax is so damn good. Just imagine the Flecktones without it. Yeah, I agree. Where o’ Where are you tonight….Futureman is one cool cat (check out my past interview with Roy Wooten) with his unique blending of percussive magic from this world and beyond I found myself happily lost from thoughts other than “the moment” while he worked his art in front of our eyes. Speaking of right in front of our eyes, Bela Fleck can make his fingers appear like they wiggle and jive right in front of you, wherever you sit or stand at a show. He not only uses those banjo strings to play to us, but thankfully has found a way to use those strings to bring us to the music…with so much to take out of a Flecktones show, I really got a kick out of the rendition of the Beatles “Come Together“, just so perfectly true on that night.

Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack De La Rocha has completed his debut solo album, which was seven years in the making. De La Rocha collaborated closely with The Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore, and Billboard.com quotes a source that says it sounds like “Led Zeppelin meets Dr. Dre.” Since leaving the band in 2000, De La Rocha has worked with several artists including DJ Shadow and Trent Reznor, but it is not yet known if these artists will feature on the album. The report also reveals that some of the album was recorded at an eco-friendly studio in Los Angeles, owned by Jack Johnson. Since De La Rocha is currently unsigned, a release date is unconfirmed.

Meanwhile, reunited Rage Against The Machine play the following shows this fall:

New Orleans, LA City Park (Voodoo Music Experience) (October 27)
Las Vegas, NV Sam Boyd Stadium (Vegoose Festival) (28)

Something to look forward too times two.

West Africa never felt so close as it did on Sunday night when Toubab Krewe took the stage at the High Noon Saloon in Madison. There is some kind of wonderful happening when the cultures of a roots-centric West Africa and the rockin’ of the rolling hills in North Carolina collide in a rhythmic force so powerful you can feel the earth take a breath of contentment. The soles of people bare feet were in step with the beats of a sound so “in the now” that you could almost see people embark as if they stepped foot in the transporter room on Star Trek. The band sweats out exploration and expansion, and the music that follows them on the stage beams with excitement and demands that you move along whichever way you choose. They have been features at venues such as the Bonnaroo and Vegoose festivals to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Their live shows and self-titled debut album have won international acclaim from the New York Times, Global Rhythm, fRoots, NPR and more. The members of Toubab Krewe developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with luminaries such as Lamine Soumano, Vieux Kante, Madou Dembele and Koungbanan Conde.

Opening the show was Yawo. The set was an elaborate blend of afro-cuban beats and funky scales which took potions of his Togo, West African homeland and global rhythms which manage to combine luscious melodies with a get-up-and-groove music that won over the crowd easily.

Yawo at High Noon Saloon

TOUBAB KREWE 9/16/07 Madison WI

The signature sound of The Chicken Chokers combines a string pounding 4-man rhythm section, ever-crazed fiddling, infamous ‘air-raid siren’ vocals, and the hallmark Chicken Choker Big Boy Chorus. Throughout the 80’s the Chokers entertained many, influenced a select few, and recorded 2 albums for Rounder Records before exploding in all musical directions. Recent twenty year reunions reveal that the Choker Drive survived the explosion. Combining the unvarnished, primitive energy of the early years with sound scrapbooks from 5 separate musical journeys, the band endures, still inspiring amateur dancers and professional revelers to higher states of consciousness. This album is kind to your ears and your feet at the same time. It is a blend of ten recognizable tracks with one original, yet with the Chokers’ twist to some of these ole favorites, you’ll be heading off on your own musical explosion. Be warned…this album comes complete with strings attached.

Muddy River release ’07

Talk about down-tempo tres chic pop that can chill out the warmest of listeners. This eclectic, multi-instrumental SoCal-based trio that likens their distinct sound to “an experiment in Latin, blues, trip-hop and soul.” UNA has left a mark with me by the Portishead/Morcheeba sound-a-like moments with just as much trip as hop and soul. If UNA is the focus at any local or near -enough-bye chillout club, get there and be ready to groove graciously, with slow rhythms and conscious beats…aware yet never over dominant. Who/What is UNA? Jazz/electronic explorers combining the sultry voice of Jennifer Cook with the inspired keyboards and guitar of The Mighty One (Richard Larsen), and the down-tempo turntables of Eddie Barajas. I have a good feeling and a sneaky suspicion that listening to this album, ONE by UNA, will make you the cool kid on the block.

You like punk rock? You like the sounds of underground rock -n- roll? TRUE punked out rock and roll? Let me tell you what should be in your player tomorrow and there is no surprise it is a Wicked Cool Records release. Long known to have the best sound of any room in the world, where the sounds would begin to live within your body..CBGB‘s was and will always be a legend of and within New York City’s underground music scene. Thankfully some of the artists of that scene trickled out above ground now and again. Hilly Kristal started it in 1973 and even though the initials stood for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues it would be the birthplace of Punk. This great release known as Little Steven’s Underground Garage presents: CBGB FOREVER has Fourteen studio tracks, including RARE cuts from Green Day, U2 and Foo Fighters. Plus additional songs from Audioslave, Ramones, Good Charlotte, Talking Heads, Rancid, Velvet Revolver and more. Liner notes by Lenny Kaye (guitarist for Patti Smith Group & producer of NUGGETS compilation). Features artwork by Arturo Vega, artistic director for The Ramones. I can feel myself there again, as I was fortunate enough to see a few shows there, especially when hearing the middle of the album Patti Smith Group doing Till Victory. If you were another fortunate soul who stepped into the doors and walked the walk, you need to add this to your history…if you were not able to get there, this will help give you a good idea of just how good it rerally did sound at CBGBs.

CBGB FOREVER & RIP Mr. Hilly Kristal

Every year, for the past 41 years, there has been the Orton Park Festival, and this year was no exception. Sunday was the day I spent time there, and here’s why. First, the weather was finally splendid, absolutely. The local to the Madison area Balkan-ic Reptile Palace Orchestra with fiery Anna Purnell in the lead will get everyone dancing in mid-afternoon. The set was wild, ecclectic and there was an array of moment in the crowd that would have made the Wachowski brothers re-think The Matrix. From there, The Fareed Haque Group treated a large crowd of smiling faces to some Jazz-infused ragas on Haque’s sitar as well as some spacey jams while playing guitar and accompanied by is group to just plain rock. You can tell that extensive travels, especially long stays in Spain, France, Iran, Pakistan and Chile, exposed Haque to different musics from a very early age, and these influences stuck. In 2001 Fareed co-founded the jam super-group Garaj Mahal, joined George Brooks’ group Summit, featuring Zakir Hussein and Steve Smith and continues to record and tour with the amazing Fareed Haque Group.

Madison’s Reptile Palace Orchestra

Fareed Haque

I also remember trying the same delicious local wheat beer twice….and now you know that too.

And they were! There was no messin’ around, oh wait…yes there was. Abby and Amanda (the Ditty Bops) were dressed like vegetables, to help promote local farmers and sustainable community farming, on their FARM TOUR 2007. So the carrot did a duet of a childhood lullaby, written for her, by her mother. And the singing partner this night was in fact, her mother. The sharp honey sounds, combined with a toy-box filled with an assortment of instruments affectionately plucked with a cynical sweetness. The Barrymore was lined with a local farmers market in the halls leading into the ballroom. There was, as should be, plenty of down home dancers, including several in the single digit age group. Kudos to the band/the venue/ and the families for making this friendly for all ears. On the most theatrical moment of the evening, during “your head’s too big”, the was a plea to re-use bags and a cry of stop relying on plastics…oh yeah, complete with props. Included from the prop closet was, and I get excited thinking about it…Bubblewrap.

I encourage families to get to know the Ditty Bops, and go on out and meet up with them in a live setting and support what they are doing. It’s for good.

thanks to Sybil

Decided to head out for some dinner and free, that’s right free entertainment last night. Jazz at Five is a free event on Wednesday early evenings and this week featured local act the Jeanne Woodall Quartet at 5pm followed by the Hilario Durán Trio. Mr. Duran is a pianist, composer, bandleader and arranger of the first order and last nights showing left all in attendance knowing exactly why he is held in such high regard. Hypnotically attacking the keyboard with an arsenal of tools that includes runs executed in octaves, block chords at fast tempos, and that method so characteristic of Cuban pianists, his style and grace are unparalleled. The sounds burst off of the keys with an electric energy that traveled directly into the glass-rounded room with a captivating glow of natures very own accompanying lighting storm. This was my first musical event since reaching the Mad City and it did not disappoint. And for those of you asking: What was the choice for dinner? Well, Turkish dumplings stuffed with Beef Tenderloin covered with a spicy curry sauce was what hit the G’s-spot, which turned out to be a great warm up for the show.

Hilario Durán 8/22/07

Looking for the path to figuring out if you… yes you indeed enjoy world music. Here it is!!! Putumayo brings us WORLD HITS, a ear-opening experience that reminds us that some songs just hit it off for people everywhere. From the opening track of Peter Tosh with Mick Jagger doing the Temptation’s “Don’t Look Back from 1978, such the appropriate way to start this album, you’ll be looking forward to what’s next… ALWAYS a thrill. “Oye Como Va”, as made infamous by the classic Latin-rock group Santana off their 1970 release Abraxas, will be sure to set off some momentary senses of deja vu in many a listeners mind. Follow that in the middle of this trip with the cult classic The Harder They Come, by Jimmy Cliff, still thought of as a legend in Jamaican music. A personal favorite of mine, yes I must indulge for a moment..Cameroon‘s Manu Dibango reminds us why he has been a figurehead in African music for over 50 years. Such a innovative visionary from dancable Congolese rumba to the ever-exploratory avant garde jazz, this is one saxophonist I know that when I hear Soul Makossa, I am not only going to shake myself form the ground up, but my mind will venture into uncharted spaces as well.

Set to be released in the U.S and Canada August 28th, be sure to get your copy.

Thanks to Kaveh, as always.

While listening the first time through this album, I knew it was for me. Heavy organ stylistics, and beats that make your heart jealous. And, I must say, there is more jam in Cameron Mizell’s guitar than in any breakfast restaurant on the east coast. On his new album, Cameron partners up with keys guru Brad Whiteley and drummer extraordinaire Mike Fortune to create one of the funkiest jazz instrumental albums of 2007. Well chosen classics blended nicely and with an obvious careful thought make the original tracks stand out like a ornate centerpiece on the dinner table. The wide ranging set on LIFE IS LOUD makes those lucky enough to listen feel a part of the grooves, whether by an uncontrollable urge to shake it slightly, or an all out boogie-down. The thirteen tracks all have a quality of life different from one another making each one almost an album by itself. This album was crafted, not merely put together. It is (in my opinion), an antique in the making. A project that will inspire you, the listener, to greater things but also hopefully carry Cameron Mizell into the future with a larger sense of direction as both a player and a writer. I know he has my vote of confidence.

Cameron Mizell’s Life is Loud 2007

It is no surprise that I have been listening to a lot of soulful funky with an R-n-B flavor. I do like to keep it real you know. Marcus Miller will have a new album out sometime towards the end of the year, and there have been a couple of teasers on his myspace page. Check out the upcoming title track FREE, featuring the beautiful voice of Miss Corinne Bailey Rae. This is such a pretty song with soulful thumps by Marcus on bass that make you want to hug onto the nearest……well maybe thats just me?? Head on over there for yourself and decide. I will be lucky sometime in the early winter months to be setting up a potential conversation with Marcus to discuss the new album, the ongoing tour dates and maybe even engage in some serious basketball conversation.

Many thanks to Bibi for the slam dunk.

Influenced by ground-breaking artists such as Mahavishnu, Weather Report, Jimi Hendrix, and Miles Davis, it is obvious that Doug John’s earliest endeavors explored every genre. Going on the road at a very young age, he honed his technical skills on stage with many soul, funk, blues and jazz bands, realizing they were all connected by the rhythm of the soul. After playing together as fellow clinicians in 1991, Victor Wooten described Doug Johns as “a great talent who will definitely make his mark in the bass world.” Today, they maintain a personal and professional relationship. But even before gaining notice from Victor, Bass Player Magazine wrote, “Doug Johns wastes no time demonstrating command of his instrument,” and went on to say he “is an impressive showcase of… versatility and professionalism.” Later, while recording tracks at Joe’s Garage in Los Angeles, Dweezil Zappa cut right to the chase and said, “Doug is a freak of nature!” The culmination of these musical experiences has led to the much-anticipated release of Doug Johns’ self-titled, debut CD. The opening tune, “Pimpasaurus Rex,” comes out swinging and includes stellar performances on horns from Joe Miller from one of my personal favorite groups, Chicago’s own Liquid Soul and Kenny Anderson (Arturo Sandoval, Tom Jones). Following Doug’s funk roots, “Hippobottomus” features the deep groove of an unstoppable rhythm section with Chris Ceja on drums and Mark Leach on Hammond. Bound to be a bass players’ staple, track# 9 revisits the country song, “The Claw.” Jerry Reed’s classic takes a smoldering turn with Doug Johns and Victor Wooten furiously trading solos. Flavored with the soul of his teachers – Jaco, Stanley and Bootsy – Doug Johns’ first CD offers variety,depth and should have a home in your set list.

Burnt Sugar played an outdoor event at Real Art Ways and really put it together for an early evening of spiritual hip-ness, funk-a-fied jazz-a-delia that sounded like a new world being born. I enjoyed meeting up with Greg Tate and Moist Paula Henderson who gave me a brand new album of hers to SAX you up with. The vibe, the crowd and the sound was the architect erecting a new buliding on a planet of the undiscovered, a true DIRECTION UNKNOWN adventure in the mindspace. If you haven’t checked them out, you should.

19 members of the Arkestra on stage

Full of energy and life, this sampling of Afro-Cuban selections awakens the Samba, Mambo and Salsa dancer within those listening. With Jazz stylings reminiscent of the early big bands of the 40’s when Afro-Cuban sounds where being explored and experienced on a global level. While many of the names are familiar in this compilation, from Tito Puente to Poncho Sanchez, it is the arrangement on the album that treats the senses to a cool breeze of style where you can feel the ladies’ dresses breeze by as they cha cha cha across the floor. Some how, with all the examples of fine Latin Jazz to choose from, Putumayo’s Latin Jazz is smooth and feels so good like a perfect Sunday afternoon and the chores don’t need to be thought about, just let loose.

Psychodelic GRANDE Beat sounds extraordinary– ‘We Are The Night‘ is the sixth studio album from the duo of Ed Simonsand & Tom Rowland. It starts with Willy Masons short dramatic intro which he states ‘There’s no path to follow‘, which would be more awe-striking to me if seen in a live setting. ‘We are the night‘ explodes with pulsating 4/4 beats and the psychedelic layers build and build until a house of hybrid sounds is built. Track #4,’Saturate‘ is an electronic speed stepping race in high, I mean high paced competition, this track is a serious workout, a full days work, but worth every drop of sweat. ‘Do it again‘ is the first single off the album, listen to it and you’ll see exactly why. I am not at all into the goofy ‘Salmon Song‘, it makes me skip with a heavy thumb onto the next track. Speaking of the next track: Burst Generator, is that genre bent sound storm that I seek in an album, it has the energy of a new born cub and the drive of a steam locomotive gone astray. I will leave my thought there, as I want to hear some feedback from the thirsty eared and open minded.

Send along your thought on this album to: greenarrowradio@hotmail.com

I have been so busy with life, and conversations with artists that I have neglected to talk up the shows I have been seeing. First. Dickey Betts and Great Southern really was on when I saw them… Pedro was right in our chat, a lot of old favs and a ripping rendition of Hoochie Coochie Man with Pedro leading the vocals…

Akashic Records, Tyrone Farm had more FUNk on its plate then bargained for. There is a lot of talent in that group, from Beau Sasser on Hammond to Johnny Trama on guitar and all points in between, this group is one NEVER to miss out on live..trust ME…They kept the barn that is gently nestled in the quiet corner filled up with sound that not only did the cows come home but they brought friends and picnic baskets in hand.

And just the other night it was Dub is a Weapon and Lee “Scratch” Perry. The hang in between was beautiful and vibe-tastic…the band was tight..from Larry and Dave right over to Chrissy on Sax. She made the show…..Scratch was delightfully loving of all on stage and sent more magic into the crowd with song then I have witnessed in a long while. He looks like the show that he still is, I was very impressed!!! Dub is a Weapon backed Scratch on stage with a certain bounce to their beat, like that final puzzle piece clicking into place…it is a perfect match made in space with just the right mix of ebb and flow…and never enough Lee “Scratch” Perry.

You remember friend of greenarrowradio Desiree Bassett….Here is a little idea of what I am talking about. I saw Desi play live in Manchester CT and she blew the roof off the place. With a new band playing with her, bassist David Stolz, a former member of the Dickey Betts Great Southern & Rob Godfrey, the drummer of the Sesame Street Band. The early show was one that I wouldn’t want to have to play after, but when this power trio was finished, Desi ended with a monster shred that would have those in the documents department of the government jealous. People of all sizes and shapes came over to chat with her and get a closer look at the next rock and roll star.

Desdamona is the premiere female hip hop & spoken word artist in the Midwest. Inspired and empowered by rap and R&B, she moved to Minneapolis, to get noticed on the music scene. “I found open mics and started to perform my lyrics as poetry and I got known as a spoken-word artist, when the truth is, that’s not what I was initially. But becoming a spoken-word artist actually made me a better writer.” She has been awarded the MN Music Award for Best Spoken Word Artist for the past five years. her first full length cd, The Ledge, largely produced by Reggae legends Sly & Robbie. She also co-founded and produces B Girl Be, the only female hip hop festival to incorporate all four elements of hip hop. B Girl Be (named after one of her poems) celebrates its third annual festival in June, 2007. June 2007 also marks the release of Desdamona‘s second full length release The Source, which is a nationally released project on FS Music.
The Source is set to wake up minds and inspire those you always wanted to try, something. Desdamona shines THE LIGHT on those willing to look and listen, from true soul, a taste of hip hip and man if there isn’t a madd dash of Reggae flow mixed with a poetic reality. This album is the SOURCE of being aware that you are a human BEING not just a human DOING.

Enjoy.