Thursday night Fatso's usually has a DJ to entertain the drinkers crowding around the bar for $1.50 drinks, but last night was special; the bar got to host the first-ever performance of a conglomeration of excellent local musicians. Imagine a combination of brilliant talent on a variety of instruments to make a new, fierce, formidable jam band.
First there's the powerful beats of Mark Hill (of The Floozies) on drums. Then there's the bold funk of Garrett McKinzie (of G.E.M.) on bass guitar. These two have already played together in G.E.M., and took their familiarity and joined the others to make a strong, intricate, flowing jam. Leading with wicked solos and jam styling was Billy Wassung (lead guitarist and singer for Sonic Sutra) on guitar. Martin Farrell added to the jam's collective harmony with his keyboard. Meanwhile a saxophonist who drives to Lawrence from Osage to play shows with The Floozies and other bands joined in with a jazzy voice to complete this genius ensemble.
Starting around 10:30 p.m. the improv performance quickly drew listeners to fill up the dance floor with catchy, dance-able layers of exciting beats and clever melodies. The collection of musicians had a natural synchronized harmony that could only work with great jam artists.
The only downside to this whole show was the venue. Fatso's isn't normally the place for a hip, funky jam band to make it's first appearance. Although it was certainly crowded for the $1.50 drinks, the majority of the crowd didn't seem to be there for the music. You could practically draw a line in the floor separating the bar area, crammed full of polo-shirts and bleach-blond split ends, and the folks on the dance floor and smoking outside the wide-open entrance to the back patio, who knew the band members or just knew there was good live music at Fatso's that night. "Venture" would be far better off at any of the usual funk, jam hangouts like The Bottleneck or Jazzhaus.
It's been said that the band had jammed and practiced together before, but this was the first live performance of "Venture". Hopefully it is the first of many shows to come!
Now for previews:
Tonight, May 14th, Mouth and Calamity Cubes will be playing their Festy Fest Preview Party at Jazzhaus for $4. The doors open at 9 p.m., but the show probably won't get going until about 10. Anyone who likes funk and/or Americana should be there. It's also Stephen Gunn's birthday tonight, so come out and celebrate with the drummer from Mouth!
Also tonight; Labretta Suede and the Motel 6 will be playing with The Spook Lights. According to Lawrence.com Labretta Suede and the Motel 6 is a New Zealand rock group with a '50s influence. They will be playing with the best Lawrence has to offer of that style in The Spook Lights and their intricate, psychedelic rockabilly and surf rock. The Spook Lights always put on an amazing, energetic show that everyone needs to see. Doors open at 8 p.m. and it will cost between $6-8.
But if anyone is just not in a music mood, there are other fun things to do out on the town on a Friday night. This Friday, Liberty Hall is playing the film "Dazed and Confused" starting at 11:30 p.m. Watching this classic party-lovers' movie at the antique theater will cost $5. Fans of Free State Brewery can get a cup of delicious beer from Free State at the movie theater!
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 15th, Checkered Beat will be playing reggae and ska back at Jazzhaus. Same deal as tonight at Jazzhaus: the show starts at 10 p.m., $4 for a night of great music at a great venue.
Sunday, May 16th, Mo Marma, Rocket Science, and Jason Phoenix will be rocking out at the Jackpot, reminding everyone that school is over, and Sunday nights are just another night to party! Rocket Science - the brilliance that is the combination of Ian Dumpert's bass and Evan Leitnaker's beats - is a fantastic show on its own, but there's even more! Mo Marma is featuring great musicians - and this writer's good friends - Mark Hill, Trevor Stout, Garrett McKinzie and Kyle Aller. With Jason Phoenix opening with his DJ, techno styling, this show will make everyone rock out Sunday like it's still Friday. Show starts at 10 p.m. and it will cost $3 for people 21 and older, and $5 for the young 'uns. This show is 110% worth it! Be there!
Showing posts with label the Jackpot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Jackpot. Show all posts
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Fuzzy Nasty debuts at the Jazzhaus while North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue shakes up the Bottleneck
It was a busy Thursday, with friends going to the bars early, after hanging out even earlier. But the night was just getting started when I left Louis' Downtown to go to the Jazzhaus and catch Fuzz Nasty.
The five-piece funky blues band was performing for the first time together on stage, for what was a long, exciting set of blues with funky bass and keyboard solos as well as jazzy saxophone and trumpet parts.
The lead singer, who occasionally busted out a trumpet, had a perfect funky blues voice, reminiscent of James Brown. Beside him was a saxophonist with skills and energy, backed up by an electric guitarist and bassist who worked well with the fast-handed percussionist and the keyboardists' deft harmonics.
Altogether the band sounded well practiced and confident, far from beginners. It's hard to believe last night was their first performance, but it's exciting to think they started so strong.
Still, when several of my friends were calling it a night as early as 11:30, and many more friends were at another show, I couldn't resist the temptation to hop over to the Bottleneck for some hardcore blues-rock.
When I saw North Mississippi Allstars when they played the Granada a year ago last Fall, the band consisted of three, and the crowd, although not quite big enough to fill the large venue, was still big, excited and happy to cheer the band on. Some friends there were among the most appreciative audience members, and together we made sure we had a great time, even in the crowded Bottleneck.
Last night the North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue had a new drummer, and additional guitarists and singers switching places with the lead singer and guitarist. The band, although larger, was now on a smaller stage, playing at a smaller venue. The Bottleneck was virtually packed, but sadly the crowd filling the dance floor was over 50% older couples, too tired and calm to dance to the energetic blues rock. Those trying to get down to the jams had trouble finding space, and other people to dance with. But with enough drinks, it was hard to resist the beats.
North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue may be larger than before, but the core of the band, the lead singer/guitarist and the bassist are what make it powerful. A stronger harmony and steadier body of music behind the rocking, funky solos and jams only makes the band better. However, the crowd was clearly not appreciative of the great band's fantastic performance.
After playing from about 10 until 12:30, the band stopped, slowly taking a drink before pretending to put away their equipment. Sadly, the crowd of elderly folks was not familiar with the cat-and-mouse game in-which the band stops playing well before the bars close, so the crowd can request an encore that the band will be allowed to deliver. As soon as the final song finished, and the crowd gave a brief applause, the dance floor emptied abruptly, everyone making a bee-line for the bar, bathrooms or the exit.
The only people who looked more surprised or disappointed than me were the band members themselves. So, with an hour left before last call, my friends and I made our way back to the Jazzhaus to catch the end of Fuzz Nasty's set.
The new funk band was still at full blast in the Jazzhaus, with the bar completely full and the porch outside loud with excited smokers talking. The band had a full dance-floor of fans getting down, and played until last call. Fuzz Nasty has a perfect grasp of bluesy funk music, with a smooth blend of saxophone, guitars, and keyboard backed up by bass and drums, with the singer's comfortably familiar voice. After their "final song" the band was taken aback at the audience's vehement demand for more. A short encore was allowed by the bar owners, to which virtually everyone stayed, for one last funky jam.
After all that, with work early in the morning, I decided to pass on the after-parties, but I'm excited for more great local shows like Fuzzy Nasty's debut, as well as big names like North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue coming to town.
As for this weekend?
Tonight: Friday, March 12th, Speakeasy is playing at the Bottleneck with Bootney Farnsworth. Speakeasy is a jam rock band, that I know I've heard of before, but I'm not sure how familiar I am with their music.
Tomorrow: Saturday, March 13th, Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds are playing at the Jackpot with Spook Lights, The Harrisonics, and Weird Wounds. The Spook Lights are my favorite local band before I discovered From Quiet Arms. The Spook Lights play a hard, sharp style of Rockabilly that I personally love. The Spook Lights don't play often these days, but I'm keeping my eyes open for them.
The five-piece funky blues band was performing for the first time together on stage, for what was a long, exciting set of blues with funky bass and keyboard solos as well as jazzy saxophone and trumpet parts.
The lead singer, who occasionally busted out a trumpet, had a perfect funky blues voice, reminiscent of James Brown. Beside him was a saxophonist with skills and energy, backed up by an electric guitarist and bassist who worked well with the fast-handed percussionist and the keyboardists' deft harmonics.
Altogether the band sounded well practiced and confident, far from beginners. It's hard to believe last night was their first performance, but it's exciting to think they started so strong.
Still, when several of my friends were calling it a night as early as 11:30, and many more friends were at another show, I couldn't resist the temptation to hop over to the Bottleneck for some hardcore blues-rock.
When I saw North Mississippi Allstars when they played the Granada a year ago last Fall, the band consisted of three, and the crowd, although not quite big enough to fill the large venue, was still big, excited and happy to cheer the band on. Some friends there were among the most appreciative audience members, and together we made sure we had a great time, even in the crowded Bottleneck.
Last night the North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue had a new drummer, and additional guitarists and singers switching places with the lead singer and guitarist. The band, although larger, was now on a smaller stage, playing at a smaller venue. The Bottleneck was virtually packed, but sadly the crowd filling the dance floor was over 50% older couples, too tired and calm to dance to the energetic blues rock. Those trying to get down to the jams had trouble finding space, and other people to dance with. But with enough drinks, it was hard to resist the beats.
North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue may be larger than before, but the core of the band, the lead singer/guitarist and the bassist are what make it powerful. A stronger harmony and steadier body of music behind the rocking, funky solos and jams only makes the band better. However, the crowd was clearly not appreciative of the great band's fantastic performance.
After playing from about 10 until 12:30, the band stopped, slowly taking a drink before pretending to put away their equipment. Sadly, the crowd of elderly folks was not familiar with the cat-and-mouse game in-which the band stops playing well before the bars close, so the crowd can request an encore that the band will be allowed to deliver. As soon as the final song finished, and the crowd gave a brief applause, the dance floor emptied abruptly, everyone making a bee-line for the bar, bathrooms or the exit.
The only people who looked more surprised or disappointed than me were the band members themselves. So, with an hour left before last call, my friends and I made our way back to the Jazzhaus to catch the end of Fuzz Nasty's set.
The new funk band was still at full blast in the Jazzhaus, with the bar completely full and the porch outside loud with excited smokers talking. The band had a full dance-floor of fans getting down, and played until last call. Fuzz Nasty has a perfect grasp of bluesy funk music, with a smooth blend of saxophone, guitars, and keyboard backed up by bass and drums, with the singer's comfortably familiar voice. After their "final song" the band was taken aback at the audience's vehement demand for more. A short encore was allowed by the bar owners, to which virtually everyone stayed, for one last funky jam.
After all that, with work early in the morning, I decided to pass on the after-parties, but I'm excited for more great local shows like Fuzzy Nasty's debut, as well as big names like North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue coming to town.
As for this weekend?
Tonight: Friday, March 12th, Speakeasy is playing at the Bottleneck with Bootney Farnsworth. Speakeasy is a jam rock band, that I know I've heard of before, but I'm not sure how familiar I am with their music.
Tomorrow: Saturday, March 13th, Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds are playing at the Jackpot with Spook Lights, The Harrisonics, and Weird Wounds. The Spook Lights are my favorite local band before I discovered From Quiet Arms. The Spook Lights play a hard, sharp style of Rockabilly that I personally love. The Spook Lights don't play often these days, but I'm keeping my eyes open for them.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tyler Gregory fills the Jackpot with his sonorous voice and bluegrass jams
Wednesday night one might not expect to find anything good playing at the usual venues. Last night, March 11, Tyler Gregory had his CD release party at the Jackpot. The small venue filled to the brim, with a crowd bands there rarely enjoy.
Brent Barry and Katlyn Conroy opened for Gregory with other musicians, playing acoustic folk tunes. I arrived late, so I only heard the last couple of songs of a collection of folk instruments on stage. Whoever they were, they sounded fairly good, but nothing special.
Tyler Gregory came on around 12:30, and began playing a set, like the expert busker that he is. He was sitting in a chair, with a wooden board propped under his feet. He stomped on the wood to create a percussion while he strummed at a banjo and later a guitar. The instrumentation alone gives Tyler Gregory's music a familiar, nostalgic quality. What takes it over the top, to make him someone to be followed, is his voice.
Every song, Tyler Gregory sang with a passion and practiced skill that is rarely found in most bands' vocalists. His particular brand of folk, with hints of blues and bluegrass, makes him a particularly interesting artist to use vocals so strongly in his work.
After several songs alone, Tyler Gregory was joined by a stand-up bassist. The bass line added to the body of the music, but Tyler Gregory's voice still led the songs. Even when a mandolin player came up, the trio's instruments kept a good, quality melody going, but Tyler Gregory's vocals stood out especially.
After the show, Tyler Gregory said he was pleased with the outcome. "It was a school night, and people still came out, and I was really happy with the crowd," Gregory said. His new album "A Path Less Traveled" was being released for $10. He also has an EP called "Moonshiners" for $5. I wish I had more money last night, I would have bought them.
I look forward to hearing Tyler Gregory's impressive voice more at other venues. He may have picked up his skills practicing on the streets, but he belongs on stage.
Tonight I'm torn between going to see North Mississippi Allstars and Fuzz Nasty. Friends are supposed to be going to both, so, it's all up in the air right now. We'll see who calls who, and who is having a pre-party.
Brent Barry and Katlyn Conroy opened for Gregory with other musicians, playing acoustic folk tunes. I arrived late, so I only heard the last couple of songs of a collection of folk instruments on stage. Whoever they were, they sounded fairly good, but nothing special.
Tyler Gregory came on around 12:30, and began playing a set, like the expert busker that he is. He was sitting in a chair, with a wooden board propped under his feet. He stomped on the wood to create a percussion while he strummed at a banjo and later a guitar. The instrumentation alone gives Tyler Gregory's music a familiar, nostalgic quality. What takes it over the top, to make him someone to be followed, is his voice.
Every song, Tyler Gregory sang with a passion and practiced skill that is rarely found in most bands' vocalists. His particular brand of folk, with hints of blues and bluegrass, makes him a particularly interesting artist to use vocals so strongly in his work.
After several songs alone, Tyler Gregory was joined by a stand-up bassist. The bass line added to the body of the music, but Tyler Gregory's voice still led the songs. Even when a mandolin player came up, the trio's instruments kept a good, quality melody going, but Tyler Gregory's vocals stood out especially.
After the show, Tyler Gregory said he was pleased with the outcome. "It was a school night, and people still came out, and I was really happy with the crowd," Gregory said. His new album "A Path Less Traveled" was being released for $10. He also has an EP called "Moonshiners" for $5. I wish I had more money last night, I would have bought them.
I look forward to hearing Tyler Gregory's impressive voice more at other venues. He may have picked up his skills practicing on the streets, but he belongs on stage.
Tonight I'm torn between going to see North Mississippi Allstars and Fuzz Nasty. Friends are supposed to be going to both, so, it's all up in the air right now. We'll see who calls who, and who is having a pre-party.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Early weekend previews
This weekend there are plenty of shows, but nothing that I'm 100% sure I'm going to. However, tonight and tomorrow night, there are some good-sounding concerts that I hope to attend.
Tonight: Wednesday, March 10, at the Jackpot at 10, Tyler Gregory is having a CD release party.
It's $5-7 according to Lawrence.com. Some friends are going, so I'm tempted to go, simply to hang out with them, and see a new show.
Tyler Gregory busks downtown all the time. Just the other night his strong, minstrel's voice, and clean guitar strums filled the night with music outside the bars on Mass street. His blues, folk, americana style is something virtually anyone could enjoy, no matter their normal tastes.
Tomorrow night: Thursday, March 11, there are two shows going on. North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue is playing at the Bottleneck for $16. I've seen the North Mississippi Allstars before. I'm guessing it's mostly the same band. As I recall, their hard-rock style bluegrass, funky jams are a special blend that's hard to describe, let alone compare. The lead singer, who switches between guitar, mandolin - and for a few songs the drummer sings, he covers drums - is a man of great energy and wicked skill. The bassist, a big, young fellow with a lot of heart and some funky fingers, gives songs a hot beat and fun rhythm with his bass lines and solos. The drummer is also young, but energetic, with crazy, wild passion both on percussion and when he sings and plays guitar for his songs.
At the same time Fuzz Nasty will be stirring up some "old-school funk", James Brown style at the Jazzhaus for $5. I've never seen Fuzz Nasty, but several friends are planning to go, so I'm fairly sure I'll have a better time there than at the Bottleneck. The price difference is not a big factor, since North Mississippi Allstars are easily worth $16 to see in a venue as intimate at the Bottleneck, however I am not rolling in the dough at the moment, so I'm going to stick with my friends and rage the Jazzhaus.
I'll update if I find out about anything really exciting this weekend. Until then!
Tonight: Wednesday, March 10, at the Jackpot at 10, Tyler Gregory is having a CD release party.
It's $5-7 according to Lawrence.com. Some friends are going, so I'm tempted to go, simply to hang out with them, and see a new show.
Tyler Gregory busks downtown all the time. Just the other night his strong, minstrel's voice, and clean guitar strums filled the night with music outside the bars on Mass street. His blues, folk, americana style is something virtually anyone could enjoy, no matter their normal tastes.
Tomorrow night: Thursday, March 11, there are two shows going on. North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue is playing at the Bottleneck for $16. I've seen the North Mississippi Allstars before. I'm guessing it's mostly the same band. As I recall, their hard-rock style bluegrass, funky jams are a special blend that's hard to describe, let alone compare. The lead singer, who switches between guitar, mandolin - and for a few songs the drummer sings, he covers drums - is a man of great energy and wicked skill. The bassist, a big, young fellow with a lot of heart and some funky fingers, gives songs a hot beat and fun rhythm with his bass lines and solos. The drummer is also young, but energetic, with crazy, wild passion both on percussion and when he sings and plays guitar for his songs.
At the same time Fuzz Nasty will be stirring up some "old-school funk", James Brown style at the Jazzhaus for $5. I've never seen Fuzz Nasty, but several friends are planning to go, so I'm fairly sure I'll have a better time there than at the Bottleneck. The price difference is not a big factor, since North Mississippi Allstars are easily worth $16 to see in a venue as intimate at the Bottleneck, however I am not rolling in the dough at the moment, so I'm going to stick with my friends and rage the Jazzhaus.
I'll update if I find out about anything really exciting this weekend. Until then!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Happy Mardi Gras in Lawrence, Kansas!
Happy Mardi Gras! It's Fat Tuesday, and Lawrence has had a parade, and is now preparing for drink specials and shows at every bar in town.
I'm not sure what all is going on tonight. Lawrence.com has some information, but I'm surprised not to see more shows, or special events happening at various bars.
What I DO know is that my friends' band, From Quiet Arms, is playing with Weatherbox, and Second Star Operator, at the Jackpot.
Lawrence.com says the show will start at 9, and cost $5-7.
From Quiet Arms is a fantastic local band, and I enjoy all their shows. I know I have a full description of the last show of theirs I went to somewhere in an old post.
I'm not sure what all is going on tonight. Lawrence.com has some information, but I'm surprised not to see more shows, or special events happening at various bars.
What I DO know is that my friends' band, From Quiet Arms, is playing with Weatherbox, and Second Star Operator, at the Jackpot.
Lawrence.com says the show will start at 9, and cost $5-7.
From Quiet Arms is a fantastic local band, and I enjoy all their shows. I know I have a full description of the last show of theirs I went to somewhere in an old post.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Entrance Band recreates the 60s better than a time-machine, and a Doors tribute band called Moonlight Drive attempts the same thing at Jazzhaus
Okay, long title, I know. It pretty much sums up this review, but for more, read on;
My night started with me jamming at a friend's. Wes is very good at his electric guitar, with a lot of Tool and Nine Inch Nails influence in his style. Following along on the Bass is great practice for me. And together with Wes' friend on a drum, we actually jammed out some really good little songs.
But that wasn't enough music for me. I had heard about Moonlight Drive playing Doors songs at the Jazzhaus, and thought that sounded like fun, and I also expected to see some friends there. Sadly, when I arrived the band was going, with a full crowd on the dance floor, and the bar was pretty busy, but not a single friendly face was in sight.
After listening a short while, I saw that the band had a competent recreation of the Doors' own sound as well as the songs themselves.
However, I noted with much displeasure that the crowd consisted of a great deal of older folks, deep into, or even beyond middle-age, crossed with a thick helping of preppy frat-boys and sorostitues in their North Face jackets.
I had read about The Entrance Band in The Pitch at work today, and so when I saw they were playing at the Jackpot tonight, I was tempted to stop by there if the Jazzhaus was no good. Since the crowd at the Moonlight Drive show sucked, I opted to go see an even more interesting band at a slightly less preppy venue. Deciding between replays of oldies, and new music of a related genre, I choose the new any day. I mean, if I want to hear the Doors, it's as easy as playing my iTunes. But The Entrance Band has few songs online, and they're new and growing, so I'm excited to say I saw them live at the intimate venue they played.
I've met the manager of the Jackpot, Emily, before when she worked at The Reply Lounge across the street. She and her crew at the Jackpot have to deal with a lot of people in a small space, and it can get tedious. I can sympathize, but the Photobooth between the bar and the stage is a little much. I mean, all these vain, drunk, obnoxious people line up to cram in the tiny booth, with the flimsy curtain half-drawn to block NONE of the flash of the camera as it blinds the audience in the already-tiny, already-cramped venue. It's ridiculous.
I missed one of The Entrance Band's opening bands, Lights, or Continents. I can't be sure what band I saw that was made up of three beautiful ladies, one on drums, one on electric guitar and vocals, and one on electric bass. But they were great!
As I was finding a few friends I recognized at the Jackpot, I saw the members of The Entrance Band walking around the bar.
To my horror and disgust, the guitarist/singer reeked like a rotten pumpkin filled with roadkill. At first; trying to comprehend that foul odor, I wondered if there was any way I could forgive such a stench. Fortunately when the band came on, the music quickly overcame the smell. One sense can override another, at times, and thank god for that. The singer/guitarist also took off his shirt when on stage, and I've never been made to feel sick, but, the heavy psychedelic rock got me lost in the awful, deep dents in the scrawny musician's ribcage, as he shrieked and moaned into the microphone.
The band comes together with the bassists' wicked lines, the drummer's heavy beats, and the guitarist's sick riffs, sometimes accented by - other times tainted by - the guitarists "androgynous singing" to quote lawrence.com's preview of the band.
Indeed, The Entrance Band got down hard, with their heavy, trippy, psychedelic rock. The band members' hair, clothes (or lack thereof), the crazy visuals played from a projector, across the band, combined with their epic, awesome, hardcore music, REALLY made me feel like I had traveled through space and time to some 60's rock show in California. I have a great admiration for the young band members' talent and exquisite taste. I have put them on the top of my list of new music I want to get on my computer.
I want to go on, but it's very late and I really am no good at describing music, but I just have to insist that The Entrance Band is something else, and you have to check them out. Their biggest hit, Grim Reaper Blues, is on youtube, and you can see just what they're all about in that one song. But every song is great and different. I hope to someday see this band at a festival. They are originally from L.A., and I have growing aspirations to someday live in L.A., and hope to see them there!
Now to previews:
Saturday, February 13, Bela Fleck is playing at Liberty Hall. Doors open at 8. But tickets are a pretty penny. Lawrence.com says the tickets will cost between 35 and 56 dollars. A lot, if you're me right now. So...We'll see about that one. But Bela Fleck is awesomely talented, like, the Jimi Hendrix of Banjo.
Then, Friday, February 19, Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe are playing at 9 for $19-21. I LOVE electronic shows and there are never enough of them. I think I'm going to be VERY ready for this show, so I look forward to it very very much.
My night started with me jamming at a friend's. Wes is very good at his electric guitar, with a lot of Tool and Nine Inch Nails influence in his style. Following along on the Bass is great practice for me. And together with Wes' friend on a drum, we actually jammed out some really good little songs.
But that wasn't enough music for me. I had heard about Moonlight Drive playing Doors songs at the Jazzhaus, and thought that sounded like fun, and I also expected to see some friends there. Sadly, when I arrived the band was going, with a full crowd on the dance floor, and the bar was pretty busy, but not a single friendly face was in sight.
After listening a short while, I saw that the band had a competent recreation of the Doors' own sound as well as the songs themselves.
However, I noted with much displeasure that the crowd consisted of a great deal of older folks, deep into, or even beyond middle-age, crossed with a thick helping of preppy frat-boys and sorostitues in their North Face jackets.
I had read about The Entrance Band in The Pitch at work today, and so when I saw they were playing at the Jackpot tonight, I was tempted to stop by there if the Jazzhaus was no good. Since the crowd at the Moonlight Drive show sucked, I opted to go see an even more interesting band at a slightly less preppy venue. Deciding between replays of oldies, and new music of a related genre, I choose the new any day. I mean, if I want to hear the Doors, it's as easy as playing my iTunes. But The Entrance Band has few songs online, and they're new and growing, so I'm excited to say I saw them live at the intimate venue they played.
I've met the manager of the Jackpot, Emily, before when she worked at The Reply Lounge across the street. She and her crew at the Jackpot have to deal with a lot of people in a small space, and it can get tedious. I can sympathize, but the Photobooth between the bar and the stage is a little much. I mean, all these vain, drunk, obnoxious people line up to cram in the tiny booth, with the flimsy curtain half-drawn to block NONE of the flash of the camera as it blinds the audience in the already-tiny, already-cramped venue. It's ridiculous.
I missed one of The Entrance Band's opening bands, Lights, or Continents. I can't be sure what band I saw that was made up of three beautiful ladies, one on drums, one on electric guitar and vocals, and one on electric bass. But they were great!
As I was finding a few friends I recognized at the Jackpot, I saw the members of The Entrance Band walking around the bar.
To my horror and disgust, the guitarist/singer reeked like a rotten pumpkin filled with roadkill. At first; trying to comprehend that foul odor, I wondered if there was any way I could forgive such a stench. Fortunately when the band came on, the music quickly overcame the smell. One sense can override another, at times, and thank god for that. The singer/guitarist also took off his shirt when on stage, and I've never been made to feel sick, but, the heavy psychedelic rock got me lost in the awful, deep dents in the scrawny musician's ribcage, as he shrieked and moaned into the microphone.
The band comes together with the bassists' wicked lines, the drummer's heavy beats, and the guitarist's sick riffs, sometimes accented by - other times tainted by - the guitarists "androgynous singing" to quote lawrence.com's preview of the band.
Indeed, The Entrance Band got down hard, with their heavy, trippy, psychedelic rock. The band members' hair, clothes (or lack thereof), the crazy visuals played from a projector, across the band, combined with their epic, awesome, hardcore music, REALLY made me feel like I had traveled through space and time to some 60's rock show in California. I have a great admiration for the young band members' talent and exquisite taste. I have put them on the top of my list of new music I want to get on my computer.
I want to go on, but it's very late and I really am no good at describing music, but I just have to insist that The Entrance Band is something else, and you have to check them out. Their biggest hit, Grim Reaper Blues, is on youtube, and you can see just what they're all about in that one song. But every song is great and different. I hope to someday see this band at a festival. They are originally from L.A., and I have growing aspirations to someday live in L.A., and hope to see them there!
Now to previews:
Saturday, February 13, Bela Fleck is playing at Liberty Hall. Doors open at 8. But tickets are a pretty penny. Lawrence.com says the tickets will cost between 35 and 56 dollars. A lot, if you're me right now. So...We'll see about that one. But Bela Fleck is awesomely talented, like, the Jimi Hendrix of Banjo.
Then, Friday, February 19, Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe are playing at 9 for $19-21. I LOVE electronic shows and there are never enough of them. I think I'm going to be VERY ready for this show, so I look forward to it very very much.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
From Quiet Arms and The Irietions bring crowds into the Jackpot twice in one night
Last Friday night I was tempted to go to a number of shows downtown. I had high hopes that I might be able to see everything in the same night, but it would have required more money than I had for music that night, and I had a flight to Miami early in the morning, so I only saw a couple of shows at the Jackpot, stopping at a couple of friends' places in between for some rest and relaxation before the bands I wanted to see came on.
I'm sorry that I couldn't put this review up sooner, but I opted to spare myself the torture of lugging my laptop through three airports, only to remember that my Grandparents don't have internet in their ancient house on Miami Beach. So, I'm back, and here's how these bands sounded:
My friend Josh' band, From Quiet Arms was playing an early all-ages show at the Jackpot. The show was for American Low Life's EP release. Building Rome, and The Head-On Collision also played. However, I only got to the show in time for From Quiet Arms' first song, and stood with Josh' other friends, cheering after every song. The crowd started off quiet, they didn't appear to be warmed up by the other bands very much, but As soon as From Quiet Arms got going, so did the audience. The band's harmony, beats, rhythm are all obviously the result of hard work, practice, and natural talent. I know the band members are pretty close, and it shows in how in-sync their parts are. I could hardly believe a 6 piece band of such young men could be so...professional. The band has a special sound that's like a blend of punk and metal with a hint of emo to it, that actually is good. I plan on a preview every time I hear From Quiet Arms is playing again.
After the show I stopped off at a friend's house. Two of my friends are also friends of Josh, I learned, but sadly they did not arrive at the Jackpot until just after the band finished. So, what to do? Bounce back to their crib for some cool chillin', naturally. Then, Josh' band was having an after-party that I had to check out. It was a good time, but I timed myself just right, so I would return to the Jackpot for the Irietions'.
Lucky me; I came back to the Jackpot just before the band came on, and saw another friend, who I sat with until the songs started. The Jackpot is a small, narrow venue, and sometimes I feel kind of awkward there alone. Even with friends, it's just...so small. But, after I had a couple of drinks I felt much more comfortable to dance a little to the awesome Reggae beats of the Irietions. The Irietions were playing with Checkered Beats, and Hector the Selector, but I arrived after they had played.
The same time the Irietions were on, Euforquestra played at the Bottleneck. I think one of my friends went to the show, but I have not heard from him if he did, or if it was good, but I recall the album of theirs he played for me at his house sounded good.
Another show at the Granada sounded tempting, but hearing that a certain person would be at the show made me happy to choose between the Irietions and Euforquestra. But, I was invited to that show by a couple of friends that went, and afterward I heard great things about it. The DJs and artists performing were all electronic, but other then that I don't know much about any of them. Lawrence.com lists them as follows; Kundalini Rising 3 with Eskimo, Alex B, Clandestine, and EZ brothers. The show was $10, which I had, but was reluctant to spend, but from what I've heard and the pictures I've seen, it would have been way more than worthwhile. I will make sure and check out any of these artists next time I hear about a show of theirs.
I like the Irietions, don't get me wrong, but I've heard them before, I realized, and they're good Reggae, but Electronic has a special place in my nerdy heart.
Now for a re-iteration of a show preview: Tea Leaf Green will be playing with Elmwood at the Bottleneck for $13. I hope a few friends might join me to hear this Wakarusa regular. Tea Leaf Green is a pretty cool Jam band, and with the right crowd, this show could be amazing.
I'm sorry that I couldn't put this review up sooner, but I opted to spare myself the torture of lugging my laptop through three airports, only to remember that my Grandparents don't have internet in their ancient house on Miami Beach. So, I'm back, and here's how these bands sounded:
My friend Josh' band, From Quiet Arms was playing an early all-ages show at the Jackpot. The show was for American Low Life's EP release. Building Rome, and The Head-On Collision also played. However, I only got to the show in time for From Quiet Arms' first song, and stood with Josh' other friends, cheering after every song. The crowd started off quiet, they didn't appear to be warmed up by the other bands very much, but As soon as From Quiet Arms got going, so did the audience. The band's harmony, beats, rhythm are all obviously the result of hard work, practice, and natural talent. I know the band members are pretty close, and it shows in how in-sync their parts are. I could hardly believe a 6 piece band of such young men could be so...professional. The band has a special sound that's like a blend of punk and metal with a hint of emo to it, that actually is good. I plan on a preview every time I hear From Quiet Arms is playing again.
After the show I stopped off at a friend's house. Two of my friends are also friends of Josh, I learned, but sadly they did not arrive at the Jackpot until just after the band finished. So, what to do? Bounce back to their crib for some cool chillin', naturally. Then, Josh' band was having an after-party that I had to check out. It was a good time, but I timed myself just right, so I would return to the Jackpot for the Irietions'.
Lucky me; I came back to the Jackpot just before the band came on, and saw another friend, who I sat with until the songs started. The Jackpot is a small, narrow venue, and sometimes I feel kind of awkward there alone. Even with friends, it's just...so small. But, after I had a couple of drinks I felt much more comfortable to dance a little to the awesome Reggae beats of the Irietions. The Irietions were playing with Checkered Beats, and Hector the Selector, but I arrived after they had played.
The same time the Irietions were on, Euforquestra played at the Bottleneck. I think one of my friends went to the show, but I have not heard from him if he did, or if it was good, but I recall the album of theirs he played for me at his house sounded good.
Another show at the Granada sounded tempting, but hearing that a certain person would be at the show made me happy to choose between the Irietions and Euforquestra. But, I was invited to that show by a couple of friends that went, and afterward I heard great things about it. The DJs and artists performing were all electronic, but other then that I don't know much about any of them. Lawrence.com lists them as follows; Kundalini Rising 3 with Eskimo, Alex B, Clandestine, and EZ brothers. The show was $10, which I had, but was reluctant to spend, but from what I've heard and the pictures I've seen, it would have been way more than worthwhile. I will make sure and check out any of these artists next time I hear about a show of theirs.
I like the Irietions, don't get me wrong, but I've heard them before, I realized, and they're good Reggae, but Electronic has a special place in my nerdy heart.
Now for a re-iteration of a show preview: Tea Leaf Green will be playing with Elmwood at the Bottleneck for $13. I hope a few friends might join me to hear this Wakarusa regular. Tea Leaf Green is a pretty cool Jam band, and with the right crowd, this show could be amazing.
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