A Looking’s Glass

The first portion of today’s long show is a scene from seeing into the movie as one of the characters as they think about it while asleep….Here is how you were taken to look through the outside window of the inside’s eye:

Subterranean Homesick Blues- Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks
Johnny Put your gun Down- Cornmeal (live)
Scarlet Begonias- Great Caesar’s Ghost Ft. Butch Trucks (live)

St. Stephen- Grateful Dead (live ’68)
Eyes of the World- the String Cheese Incident (live)
Jam..I’m Mad (Mad Man Blues)- Big Brother & the Holding Company Ft. Janis Joplin (live ’68)

Never get out of These Blues Alive- Canned Heat ft. Taj Mahal (John Lee Hooker Narrative)
Gloria- Van Morrison Ft. John Lee Hooker
~~~~~~~~~~
No Worries 1- Lefty Jones Band
Elephant King- Yellow Ostrich
Gypsy Black Cat- Hollis Brown

Bohemian Rhapsody- Caravan of Thieves (live)
Cicada- Hazmat Modine
~~~~
Listen to My Heels- Theresa Andersson
Pony- Annette Peacock
Baby Let’s Dance Together- Kittu
the Edge- David McCallum
Interlude- Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Bárbaro
Su Suzy- Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Bárbaro
Idle Time- the New Mastersounds (lack of afro remix)
It’s Real- Hot 8 Brass Band (Lack of Afro Remix)
Sugar Cane- Bahama Soul Club (LACK OF AFRO remix)

~~~
naturalE- THEESatisaction
Best Love 1- Georgia Ann Muldrow
In the Beauty of Holiness- Azanyah
Highway to Heaven- Don Byron New Gospel Quintet

Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks

Let’s call in a night in Stow-ton, errr Stu-ton, OK, let’s just call it Madison. Tonight at the Stoughton Opera House, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks brought the good fun out to play. From the moment they all take the stage, until the moment the lights finally come up and it’s time to say goodnight, Dan and the band bring entertainment to their audience, through the songs we have all grown close to (and man, they brought out some goodies they haven’t played live in a while, you’ll have to go check them live to know which ones). For me, it’s like seeing that Uncle that always gives you the things your parents said you cannot have….The show has is whirls and twirls in sync, the spontaneous nature of the banter to the crowd is like that uncle turning to the kids table to get a quick laugh, and man….if that band isn’t sharp. While each audience member could tell you which song of the evening was their favorite….I am always going to be partial to Uncle Dan’s version and rendition of the Horace Silver classic “Song for my Father”, especially since I know how much Dan loves that tune. Call the show witty, sarcastic, clever or whathaveyou…..but the sold out crowd at the Stoughton Opera House called it a night to remember with Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks and I for one am ready for that live album.

A big Mill Valley Family thank you to Clare for always making the magic happen.

Alvin Ailey

As part of the day working with young minds, it is nice to be able to share all kinds of experience with them. Especially something like this. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 23 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents. Today, the Company continues Mr. Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 200 works by over 80 choreographers are part of the Ailey company’s repertory. Before his untimely death in 1989, Alvin Ailey designated Judith Jamison as his successor, and over the next 21 years, she brought the Company to unprecedented success. In July 2011, Ms. Jamison passed the mantle to Robert Battle. In announcing his appointment as Artistic Director, Ms. Jamison stated, “Combining an intimate knowledge of the Ailey company with an independent perspective, Robert Battle is without question the creative force of the future.” I saw people turn their body into water, reenact the history of a people and take a new level of movement as the clock moves.

Pocomania

May the Voodu take you over. I want to thank Carrie and Fuzz from Caravan of Thieves for being guests on the proGram. We spoke of their recent set at the High Noon Saloon, the making of their new album “The Fun House” and how their Gypsy Swing Pop Rock-icana got its start and where they are taking it. Here’s how the music rolled:

African Spiritual- Babatunde Olatunji
Bajo del Rio- Count M’butu
Soldier of Love- Dubtonic Kru ft. Dylan Murray/Masia One
Healing- Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Loose Cartilage- the Black Seeds

Another Fire- Brownout
the Good Leaf- Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
—–
**On air chat w/Carrie & Fuzz of Caravan of Thieves**
Psycho Killer- Caravan of Thieves (live)
Master Maqui- Rodrigo y Gabrela & C.U.B.A ft Le Trio Joubran
Cumbiaje- La Chiva Gantiva
Apretao- La Chiva Gantiva

Romantech- New York Gypsy All Stars
Ai Houde Bakoi- the Touré Raichel Collective

Ahoulaguine Akaline- Bombino
——–
Uptown Party Life- David Last Vs. Zulu
Bombs Away- Minimal
Sabatoge- Lance Herbstrong (Alex Metric edit)
Rhythm & FX- All Good Funk Alliance
Right on Track- Liftoff
Diamond- Kutkorners ft Curtis Santiago (Inst)
New World Anthem- the Manhattan Project

Sunset (Bird of Prey)- Fatboy Slim ft. the Doors
Xylophone- Lazerbeak
the Hangar- Elephant & Castle
Dialed out- Loop 2.4.3
So Strong- Loop 2.4.3

Justice all over.

The first portion of today’s proGram is aired with the hopes that the sentiment for justice being served for those who deserve is going to be upheld. Not just cosmically, but leGally. All over the world…..Here is the way that vibe got sent out:

Up Up Up- Dan Hicks & the Acoustic Warriors (live)
Hell, I’d Go- Dan Hicks & the Acoustic Warriors (live)
The Bully- the Ragbirds
Eat You- Caravan of Thieves

Folsom Prison- Sirsy (live)
The Land of Drunk & Stoned- Lipbone Redding & the Lipbone Orchestra
——
Miss Sticks Again- the Harmonious Five
You don’t Love me- Great Caesar’s Ghost FT Butch Trucks
(live)
Go Home- Scott Sawyer
It’s a Deal- Big Brother & the Holding Company ft Janis Joplin (live)
It is What it is- Diane Durrett
Soulsville- Huey Lewis & the News
Cloud 99- Sol
———-
Eleanor Rigby- Wes Montgomery
P’bubu- Jon Gold
**Crepuscule Suite**
~ 5:37 PM (Intro)- Grégoire Maret
~ Crepuscule- Grégoire Maret ft Marcus Miller
~ 4:23 AM (Outro)- Grégoire Maret

Jean’s Garden- Skeebo Knight
Pick Pocket- Billy Martin & Wil Blades
Eternal Wait for What’s Next- the Karl Walters Jr Trio

Elton John in Madison

I was fortunate enough to catch Sir Elton John this evening at the Alliant Energy Center (thanks Steely). It is always thrilling to scratch a star off the list of “must see”. I was caught off guard when Sir Elton announced that Croatians Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, known together as 2 Cellos would open up the night’s music and then sit in on a number of tunes throughout the evening. I am a big fan of the interpretations to rock classics that these two put forth on their cellos, and just how must rock is in them. This tour has been billed as featuring number one chart hits and classic album tracks from throughout Elton’s incredible five-decade career….and did he ever. The band includes Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, ( from Elton’s original band) Mr. Nigel Olsson on drums, and Kim Bullard on keyboards…but also featured an original Family Stone member Rose Stone…and this band was spot on all night. The songs which we have all hEARd many times still managed to sound alive and fresh in a live setting, due to just that, Sir Elton live in a show is as professional as it gets. The energy in the venue semmed to recharge him with each key he pressed. He was a workhorse who only took short breaks to skip around the stage and introduce the tunes. Almost three hours of hits and man, he could have just kept going and going. His wave to the audience was meant for everyone, just like these songs.

Caravan of Thieves Swing In

While swing is only a part of their thing, I was able to catch Caravan of Thieves at the High Noon Saloon, doing an early set opening for The David Wax Museum. This gypsy swing pop rock-a-cana band put on a short gem of a set filled with good times and the want of more. I am happy to have guitarists and vocalists Fuzz and Carrie on the proGram this week to discuss the Madison show, the new album “The Fun House” and the journey of Caravan of Thieves. The crowd of people, few familiar with this band were definitely left with that feeling of more more more, especially after their energetically rearranged version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. I am a sucker for the stand up bass, and Mr. Brian Anderson thumped and stamped the reasons for that all evening, while violinist, Mr. Ben Dean roused the crowd with his swing string thing. To close this and many of their shows, Caravan of Thieves played “Raise the Dead”, which takes your spirit out for a remembering walk and unites the people in attendance in a shared moment.

The David Wax Museum won me over instantly with the voice of David Wax. The words that rolled off his tongue were like familiar waters I used to play in years gone by ago….the harmonies of the band are as contagious as an autumn cold which easily captured my ears, and they didn’t try to escape. I look forward to the returns of both acts with more stage time in the future the next go around.

In and Outeresting

The second portion of the proGram had the twists and turns of a wrestling match, where sound prevails. Sometimes it is in and outeresting to see where the songs take me, and this set is certainly a little bit of the ol’ in and out. See what I am talking about here:

Sour Times- Portishead
Delicate Dream- Shana Halligan
I.F.O. (Identified Flying Object)- Deee Lite
Candy Perfume Girl- Madonna
Mel Benson- Jessica Lauren Four
Teju Na Estrada- Céu
Contravento- Céu
Gracias- Sarah Aroeste

——-
91.7 WSUM Togged to the Bricks- Lee Pons
Sing on- the Eureka Brass Band
Showtime- the Soul Rebels
Plutocracy- Skerik’s Bandalabra


Peace of Green- the Claudia Quintet +1
Carambola- Sao Paulo Underground
Solos- Joel Harrison/Lorenzo Feliciatti/Cuong Vu/Roy Powell/Dan Weiss
June the 15th 1967- Michael Gibbs & NDR Bigband
Corps Et Âmes- Forgas Band Phenomena
Drill Beats- Bill Laswell/Raoul Bjorkenheim/Morgan Agren


Montserrat- Jeff Lorber Fusion
Crooooz- Alan Evans Trio
Authoritay- Alan Evans Trio

———
Gonna be Sick (Mylo Remix)- The Dø
Don’t Lose Yourself- Mamadee
Ane Nahatke- the Touré Raichel Collective ft Cabra Casay
Land of the Free- Esperanza Spalding
Ka Mele Oku’u Pu’uwai- Sol Hoopii’s Novelty Trio

I Mean Green

Part one of two shows is a Green is Green setlist. It ain’t easy, but someone has to be it. Here’s what green was sounding like this morning:

Black Heart Today- Amy Ray
Good Day- Luce (live MMM Studios)
Big Trouble- Canned Heat ft Roy Rogers
Combination of the Two- Big Brother & the Holding Company ft Janis Joplin (live)
—-
The Shakedown- Yellow Ostrich
Everything Gonna- Early Thomas

The Loveless- Billy Idol
California Sun- the Ramones (live)
Pressure Drop- Toots & the Maytals ft Eric Clapton
—-
Thing a Ma jig- the Harmonious Five
Devil in my Mirror- Zucchero

——-
Intermission- Lee Fields & the Expressions
Monkey Hips & Yice- Little Anthony Mitchell & the Modern Detergents

Lima Blues- Bronx River Parkway
Mas Y Mas- Bronx River Parkway
Bubbles for Shiloh- Ray Lugo
Daddy Brought his A Game- Lack of Afro
Move yo Body- All Good Funk Alliance
GreenArrowRadio Theme- Mister Rourke

Brimful of Asha- Cornershop (Norman Cook Remix)
Interlude: T Drops in- the TAO of GROOVE
Flowing like Water- the TAO of GROOVE
—–
Set the Children Free- Larry McDonald ft Toots Hibbert
Never Grow Old- Toots & the Maytals ft Terry Hall/the Skatalites/U Roy
Hard Road to Travel- Jimmy Cliff
Yee Ha Ha Ha- Lee SCRATCH Perry
Crosstown Dub- Guvna Dub
the Lion of Judah Hath Prevailed (Little Axe Chilled Remix)- The Process meets Ghetto Priest

the Eye in the Ceiling

There is a new piece of technology in the studio, Big Brother Eye Spy…..Here is the second portion of the show that the eye in the ceiling was a part of:

Gledaj mi Like- BraAgas
1100 Years- the MelDavians
Limousine Blues- Stephane Grapelli/Toots Thielemans
Bambezela- Hugh Masekela ft Gugu Shezi


Jagoda’s Dream- Sao Paulo Underground
Watkins Glen- Dead Cat Bounce
Beast Crusher- Skerik’s Bandalabra (live)
E Z Pass- NY Gypsy All Stars
Suki Muki- Balkan Beat Box

———–
Like Rain- Ducky
Blur- Dirty Dishes
the Needle & the Damage Done- Todd Clouser’s A Love Electric
NY’s Sa Si Su Se So- SoSaLa
Moon Tune-Bill Laswell/Raoul Bjorkenheim/Morgan Agren

Watermelon Man- Herbie Hancock
Happy Together- Soniadada (live MMM Studio)
————
Antibalas- Minimal
Bailando (Bobby C Sound TV Remix)-Empresarios
Echoes- Lance Herbstrong Remix
Ugly- Bassnectar ft Amp Live
The Bite Marked Heart- Brother Ali

Murder is the Case (remix)- Snoop Doggy Dogg
Night of the Living Basshead- Public Enemy

Tethered to a UFO

The path today was short twanG into some thouGhtful blues, with a kick kicking… never allowing a set to go by without getting some funkiMess in there and ain’t it a shame if we can go round the world toGether lickety split? Here is what was on in the UFO’s player:

Her Habit was Strong- Bruce Piephoff
Bus Bus- Amy Ray

—-
Talk About Suffering- the Blind Boys of Alabama
True Friends- Shannon Curfman (live MMM Studios)
All I Need- Eric Sardinas & Big Motor
Danger Zone- the Sean Chambers Band (live)
That’s my Home- Buddy Guy w/Robert Randolph
Don’t owe you a Thing- Gary Clark Jr.
I Been Low- the Jamie McLean Band

———-
Heavy Moan- Early Thomas
The Funhouse Entrance- Caravan
Live Forever- Caravan
Move Mr. Man- the Harmonious Five
I Still got it- Lee Fields & the Expressions

Feelin’ Good- ‘Bama & the Family
——
Mind Under Construction-Bootsy Collins w/Buckethead & Z Class
Who’s got the Weed?- G Love & Special Sauce
Funky Kingston- Toots & the Maytals ft Bootsy Collins/the Roots
Unforgettable Super Lady- Javelin
Sambazooka- Ray Lugo
Banana Wine- Mo Colours
Osupa 2- the Lijuadu Sisters
Independence Cha Cha- Baloji w/Blitz the Ambassador/Joya Mooi/Freddy Massamba