Madison Welcome Bent Knee to Art In

Bent Knee is a band without frontiers. Its borderless sound combines myriad influences from across the rock, pop, minimalist, and avant-garde spectrums into a seamless, thrilling whole. Its latest album, “Land Animal” the groups first for InsideOutMusic/Sony, takes its sound to a new level. It offers a suite of songs full of addictive hooks, lush melodies and enthralling twists and turns that capture the reality of life in the 21st Century—a reality of people and nations in the midst of tumultuous change. It also communicates a ray of hope and desire for listeners to embrace the fact that they’re not alone in their struggles. The band has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Its last two albums, 2016’s “Say So” and 2014’s “Shiny Eyed Babies”, were hailed as significant art-rock achievements. The group has performed hundreds of shows across the world to date. With “Land Animal”, Bent Knee has elevated its storytelling ambitions to create narratives that reflect and refract the currents we’re exposed to in the news every day. But wait…there’s more….

I had the chance to reconnect with members of Bent Knee in support of their upcoming event in Madison at Art In. Spent some time aGain with bassist, Jessica Kion and first timer on the show, violinist, Chris Baum. They will be heading here on The Paper Earth tour, which we find out, has been anything but a wild ride. We spoke about the differences/similarities in the process developing the “Land Animal” and this new work which Madison will get a taste of first hand. I am always thrilled to share tales of learnings about ourselves when we stretch into new circles, and Bent Knee latest work performed with the Boston Conservatory Percussion Ensemble, will prompt you to go check out the YouTube video and leave you wanting to check it all out in different shapes and forms.

Image by: Chris Anderson

Igor And The Red Elvises Rock In

Igor Yuzov was born in Germany, raised in Ukraine and studied in Russia. He grew up in the former Soviet Union, where folk music was the norm and rock’n’roll was illegal. A rebellious streak, however, led him to seek out the forbidden music. As soon as it became possible, Igor left Russia for America with his “Folk’n’Roll” band Limpopo and was personally greeted by Ronald Reagan. In 1993, Limpopo won Star Search and their popularity began to blossom. Igor dreamed that Elvis Presley came to him and told him to start playing rock’n’roll. Igor and his Russian friends became Red Elvises and gave street performances on Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. As their crowds grew larger, the City of Santa Monica ordered them to discontinue their street performances. Evolving over the years, Igor’s music has been labeled “Siberian Surf Rock” which contains humorous lyrics and grooves that forces his audience to dance. Over the past 20 years, Red Elvises have constantly toured all over the world with occasional breaks to record new music and to participate in film and television projects. No matter where they perform, Igor & Red Elvises always bring the party with them.

I had the opportunity to chat with Igor ahead of the July 11th show in Madison at High Noon Saloon. We give new comers to the scene an idea of what to expect from the a Red Elvises‘ show and who will be on stage rockin’ you. Igor and I talk about the party that naturally ensues with their style of music and if you ask me, Madison sounds like the perfect place to get a party started. Igor and I compare the shared international discussions and feelings both World Cup soccer and a musical bridge provide those who are paying attention. I think you will also find it interesting to hear what artists Igor would share with the listeners if given a portion of the show to proGram.

Photo credit: Emily Butler Photgraphy

Rain Art Drops In

The second portion f the proGram had the showers take on the drop art:

Do It With Soul- Tower of Power
No Limit- Marcus Miller
Flat Tire Blues- Rob Dixon Trio Ft. Charlie Hunter/Mike Clark

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1972- Robert Miller’s Project Grand Slam
Ocean- Oytun Ersan

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Better Endeavor- The Midnight Hour
Love is Free- The Midnight Hour Ft. Eryn Allen Kane
Ravens- The Midnight Hour

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Immortal Lover- Andrew Bayer Ft. Alison May
Requiescence- 9 Theory Ft. Zigzilla
Dimes For Nickels- 9 Theory
Sweet Kinch- Kaidi Tatham
Outta Audah- Kaidi Tatham
Unique- Kaidi Tatham

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Your Cocoon- Jerry Paper
Ultimate Ocean- Geliks
Oba Oluwa- Ekiti Sound Ft. Prince G
Across The Room (Tycho Remix)- ODESZA Ft. Leon Bridges
Amore- Pitbull Ft Leona Lewis
2nd train First- D.Dahlinger
Drums Of Dol- D.Dahlinger

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Sound The People- Red Baraat Ft. Heems
Next Level- Red Baraat
Benanga- Jupiter & Okwess
Bengai Yo- Jupiter & Okwess
Ofabombolo- Jupiter & Okwess
Slush Fund- Molly Tigre
Tolo- Molly Tigre
Yekermo Sew- Molly Tigre

Up The Down Slide Side

The first portion of the proGram went up and down and repeat until we made it:

Preludio- Kittel & Co.
The Boxing Reel- Kittel & Co.
It’s Not OK Not To Be OK- Nicki Bluhm
To Rise You Gotta Fall- Nicki Bluhm

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Fill ‘Em up Again- Larry Keel Ft. Del McCoury, Mike Guggino & Jason Carter
***Excerpt of my pre-recorded conversation with Mr. Larry Keel***
Ripchord- Larry Keel Ft. Sam Bush
Rehab- Keller & The Keels
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Mowing Report With Mustapha
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I Want Your Soul- Waydown Wailers
Love On The Bayou- Waydown Wailers
Whiskey Ghost- Tom Hambridge
Going Down South- Russ Green Ft. Eric Bibb
Hound Dog- Crystal Shawanda

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Milking Muther For Ya- Buddy Guy
Bad Day- Buddy Guy
Tomorrow Night- Lurrie Bell & The Bell Dynasty
Kitty Whipped- David Brinson

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Who’s Gonna Help Brother Get Further- Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Paradise- Big Sam’s Funky Nation
I Like The Music- Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Welcome To The Terrordome- Brownout