First of all, here's the video for Son's of Soul as requested on the last post!
-----> Sons of Soul Video
This 11 minute clip features the songs, "Get out of my Life," and "Ride that Train." Enjoy!
Well friends, I was on a woodland retreat last week and could not make it to Studio Five Wednesday, but I DID have the privilege of viewing, "Organasm" the week before.
Is anyone out there familiar with something called a, "Bandgasm?" I took up use of the phrase in high school, referring to the big parts of orchestral pieces where everything explodes in a riotous burst of music and emotion. Consider a Sousa March, or my favorite, "Valdres" where right after the dog fight it gets quiet. Soft. Tender. Then builds, builds, builds until the whole ensemble is blowing their hearts out, and the Greenswamp Lillies let out squeals of repressed delight. Yes. That, is a bandgasm, and that is what our January 30th group pursued, with Organasmic results.
With great care, LFS5 DJ's enounciated the name, Organasm on our late night but family friendly show. We learned that the name derives from their Hammond Digital organ. Admittedly, the sound was organasmic, but I must say that I am still jaded from the rocking sound the Sons of Soul produced with their legit church basement organ. Of course, digital organs are easy to transport and gig with, and that's important, but that makes the "real" thing that much more impressive. Sorry Organasm, you lose that round.
HOWEVER, this three piece, purely instrumental, "anything but traditional jazz" group is pretty sweet.
They formed in 2011 when Wes on Keyboards and Jake on Bass posted an internet ad looking for a drummer, and while Kyle, "wasn't the best drummer they auditioned," he was by far, "the coolest dude." And thus the band formed. Cool dudes are important, especially when they search far and wide for broken cymbals to manipulate and tweak to form their precise sound.
During my time in the studio, Organasm played an original tune called, "Cisky" (C is the Key!) and a cover of Chic Correa's standard, "Fingerprints." While having no vocals, the trio succeeds in producing a complex narrative with emotional rises and turns. My initial impression that they did not possess enough dynamic variation was overturned when I realized I was sitting directly in front of the drum!
Definitely check out and like Organasm on Facebook, and be sure to stay tuned for the release of their album titled, "Stink Pocket" this fall!
Showing posts with label Minneapolis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minneapolis. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Step Rockets, Blast Off!
Yesterday, the magical day of 12-12-12, the last chance we'll have to write a date like that for the rest of our lives, Studio Five had a visit from the Step Rockets.
Like the aeronautic innovation for which they are named, they fired us off in multiple stages of rock and roll.
Having only come together as they are this year, the Step Rocket pride themselves with being a unique fusion of decades from the swinging sixties of our parents' generation through the new sounds of the turn of the century. They successfully do this in style, energy and even instrumentation.
If you missed them last night, you can still hear the program in the archives at the kfai website.
There's already a video up here:
Or, if you want to get out in the world, they're playing a show this very night with Vienna at the 331 Club in North East. Music starts at 9:30 and there's no cover! Make it official by checking them out on Facebook.
~Green Swamp
Like the aeronautic innovation for which they are named, they fired us off in multiple stages of rock and roll.
Having only come together as they are this year, the Step Rocket pride themselves with being a unique fusion of decades from the swinging sixties of our parents' generation through the new sounds of the turn of the century. They successfully do this in style, energy and even instrumentation.
If you missed them last night, you can still hear the program in the archives at the kfai website.
There's already a video up here:
Or, if you want to get out in the world, they're playing a show this very night with Vienna at the 331 Club in North East. Music starts at 9:30 and there's no cover! Make it official by checking them out on Facebook.
~Green Swamp
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Os Mutantes, My Bread and Circus
As some of you may know, Sergio Dias of Brazil's, "Os Mutantes" came to town last Friday, leading a rousing show at the Cedar Cultural Center. Knowing I would never forgive myself were I to miss the chance, I made sure I went. It was great, and I want to share its monumental significance.
The favorite class I ever took was an 8 person seminar on, "Latin American History." We started in 1791, Revolutionary Haiti, and worked our way up, reading entire books and passionately discussing them. By the end, familiar with the revolutionary spirit of Latin America, we read "Brutality Garden: Tropicalia and the Emergence of Brazillian Counterculture" by Christopher Dunn.
Like the slave revolts of Revolutionary Haiti set blaze to colonial oppression in the cane fields, in 1968, the field of Brazilian pop-culture became alight with the fire of Tropicalia.
Tropicalia emerged in the late 1960s as a "cannibalism" of many world influences and identities to create a unique entity of rebellion against the structured populist nationalism of Brazil's military government.
The prominent figures of Tropicalia; Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa and Os Mutantes fall in line with other visionaries of the time time, including Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and the Doors who also pushed the boundaries of popular convention.
Os Mutantes shared the stage in Sao Paolo when fellow Tropicalia activist Caetano Veloso spoke most clearly of what the movement represented. Met with disapproving boos aroused by their shocking wardrope choices and anti-establishment messages, Caetano Veloso said the following:
So this is the youth of today that want to take over power? you have the courage to applaud, this year, a music, a type of music you would not dare to applaud last year! this is the same youth that will always, always, kill tomorrow the old enemy who died yesterday! you do not understand anything, anything, anything, absolutely nothing!
Os Mutantes, originally consisting of Rita Lee, Arnaldo Baptista, and Sergio Dias released their first album in roiling 1968 and became a significant icon of Tropicalia, donning outrageous costumes for their correspondingly theatrical performances. Also that year, The Mutants featured on the title track of a compilation which is now considered the manifesto of the Tropicalia movement, "Tropicalia: ou Panis et Circencis."
The title of this album, "Bread and Games" comes from Latin satire and refers to a political state where a population is lured away from real issues by distractions employed by a corrupt government. In Brazil, which had been under military rule since 1964, these were fighting words.
Finally, considering my excitement for the riveting historical context surrounding Os Mutantes, I spent all of Friday in a tizzy of anticipation for evening. Once there, positioned in the middle with a proper view, adequate dancing room and supportive companions, I lost myself further in the performance itself. History served as a mere backdrop to the extremely tight musicality and vibrant storytelling of the group. Carried through time, and continuing to forge their own unique edge, Os Mutantes transcended time. I dance, dance, danced in revolutionary 1968, right here in Minneapolis!
-G. Swamp Lily
The favorite class I ever took was an 8 person seminar on, "Latin American History." We started in 1791, Revolutionary Haiti, and worked our way up, reading entire books and passionately discussing them. By the end, familiar with the revolutionary spirit of Latin America, we read "Brutality Garden: Tropicalia and the Emergence of Brazillian Counterculture" by Christopher Dunn.
Like the slave revolts of Revolutionary Haiti set blaze to colonial oppression in the cane fields, in 1968, the field of Brazilian pop-culture became alight with the fire of Tropicalia.
Tropicalia emerged in the late 1960s as a "cannibalism" of many world influences and identities to create a unique entity of rebellion against the structured populist nationalism of Brazil's military government.
The prominent figures of Tropicalia; Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa and Os Mutantes fall in line with other visionaries of the time time, including Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and the Doors who also pushed the boundaries of popular convention.
Os Mutantes shared the stage in Sao Paolo when fellow Tropicalia activist Caetano Veloso spoke most clearly of what the movement represented. Met with disapproving boos aroused by their shocking wardrope choices and anti-establishment messages, Caetano Veloso said the following:
So this is the youth of today that want to take over power? you have the courage to applaud, this year, a music, a type of music you would not dare to applaud last year! this is the same youth that will always, always, kill tomorrow the old enemy who died yesterday! you do not understand anything, anything, anything, absolutely nothing!
Os Mutantes, originally consisting of Rita Lee, Arnaldo Baptista, and Sergio Dias released their first album in roiling 1968 and became a significant icon of Tropicalia, donning outrageous costumes for their correspondingly theatrical performances. Also that year, The Mutants featured on the title track of a compilation which is now considered the manifesto of the Tropicalia movement, "Tropicalia: ou Panis et Circencis."
The title of this album, "Bread and Games" comes from Latin satire and refers to a political state where a population is lured away from real issues by distractions employed by a corrupt government. In Brazil, which had been under military rule since 1964, these were fighting words.
Finally, considering my excitement for the riveting historical context surrounding Os Mutantes, I spent all of Friday in a tizzy of anticipation for evening. Once there, positioned in the middle with a proper view, adequate dancing room and supportive companions, I lost myself further in the performance itself. History served as a mere backdrop to the extremely tight musicality and vibrant storytelling of the group. Carried through time, and continuing to forge their own unique edge, Os Mutantes transcended time. I dance, dance, danced in revolutionary 1968, right here in Minneapolis!
-G. Swamp Lily
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Sunny Era's Triumphant Return
I am REALLY excited for tomorrow's LFS5.
Two years ago, I decided to go to a show at the Cedar Cultural Center. To celebrate a CD release for the Poor Nobodys, The Sunny Era and the Brass Messengers came to play. Come to think of it, this may have been my first time seeing ALL of these bands! The Brass Messengers remain among my very favorites, and even after a failed audition I persist in my quest to reach their caliber. The Poor Nobodys continue to stand out in the area as well.
Yet another happenstance occured that evening. In fact, no longer able to keep evesdropping on the concert goers ahead of me, I jumped into their dialogue, only to discover I was speaking to The Thug himself!
Now that we can see the significance of tomorrow's show, let me tell you about what we're going to hear.
The Sunny Era is a three piece ensemble consisting of Erik and Laila Stainbrook, and Rob Foehl. I've always been blown away with Laila's performances, considering in the course of a show she'll wrench your heart strings as only the sincere tones of the violin, clarinet, accordion and hey why not the keyboard, can.
And she's just one member of this vastly versatile group!
With their extensive instrumentation, they present a sweeping range of mournful, heartfelt and driving world music with a rooted local flare.
According to their website, their new album travels away from these ethnic roots to a more "rockin" style. Personally, I really dig the gypsy groove they've got going, but I can't wait to hear their next album, "Lost in the Sea of Ghosts" which gets released at the Cedar Cultural Center on November 29th. We should all go check it out, but I also have a hunch we might get to hear some new stuff tomorrow at 10 on Live From Studio Five!
-Greenswamp
Two years ago, I decided to go to a show at the Cedar Cultural Center. To celebrate a CD release for the Poor Nobodys, The Sunny Era and the Brass Messengers came to play. Come to think of it, this may have been my first time seeing ALL of these bands! The Brass Messengers remain among my very favorites, and even after a failed audition I persist in my quest to reach their caliber. The Poor Nobodys continue to stand out in the area as well.
Yet another happenstance occured that evening. In fact, no longer able to keep evesdropping on the concert goers ahead of me, I jumped into their dialogue, only to discover I was speaking to The Thug himself!
Now that we can see the significance of tomorrow's show, let me tell you about what we're going to hear.
The Sunny Era is a three piece ensemble consisting of Erik and Laila Stainbrook, and Rob Foehl. I've always been blown away with Laila's performances, considering in the course of a show she'll wrench your heart strings as only the sincere tones of the violin, clarinet, accordion and hey why not the keyboard, can.
And she's just one member of this vastly versatile group!
With their extensive instrumentation, they present a sweeping range of mournful, heartfelt and driving world music with a rooted local flare.
According to their website, their new album travels away from these ethnic roots to a more "rockin" style. Personally, I really dig the gypsy groove they've got going, but I can't wait to hear their next album, "Lost in the Sea of Ghosts" which gets released at the Cedar Cultural Center on November 29th. We should all go check it out, but I also have a hunch we might get to hear some new stuff tomorrow at 10 on Live From Studio Five!
-Greenswamp
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Mayda
Happy Belated Halloween, Live From Studio Five Listeners!
I regret not being around last week, I was enlisted in the care of two very large dogs more than one bus ride away. It sounded like everyone had a good time, and here's a link to access the flikr photos and a video!
http://kfai.org/node/32203
Tonight, everyone is abuzz over Mayda. I just helped carry up some drum equipment, and now they're getting set up in a very cluttered Studio Five. We are in the midst of a record sale, and when I arrived today, I could barely see the floor through all the boxes of vinyl and Cds.
We pushed things to the side, and now from what I can hear down the hallway, it's going to be awesome.
Mayda and her band out of St. Paul perform Hip Hop, Rock, and Soul. Mayda herself recently toured Korea, and she's definitely someone to follow in our area!
I'll be back with some follow up after the show!
I regret not being around last week, I was enlisted in the care of two very large dogs more than one bus ride away. It sounded like everyone had a good time, and here's a link to access the flikr photos and a video!
http://kfai.org/node/32203
Tonight, everyone is abuzz over Mayda. I just helped carry up some drum equipment, and now they're getting set up in a very cluttered Studio Five. We are in the midst of a record sale, and when I arrived today, I could barely see the floor through all the boxes of vinyl and Cds.
We pushed things to the side, and now from what I can hear down the hallway, it's going to be awesome.
Mayda and her band out of St. Paul perform Hip Hop, Rock, and Soul. Mayda herself recently toured Korea, and she's definitely someone to follow in our area!
I'll be back with some follow up after the show!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Climbing Trees and Disaster Birds
Here I am, Live, from Studio Five (Two, actually, if you're going to be technical) on this, Wednesday night, and you know what that means!
As I am still getting into the flow of blogging here, and you've but just met me, my posts probably won't be THAT good,
but for tonight, I want to say a little about Climbing Trees, which I had the pleasure of seeing some of last week.
First, I'll hook you up with the live stream: http://kfai.org/playlists/610/2012-10
And then, I'll show you this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY8SJkypy6o
It's from last year, but it's a good song. I liked the band Climbing Trees, I only stuck around for a bit, but they're definitely a group I'll keep on my radar. I can see myself rocking out at a concert with them, or cranking them up for a day of productivity.
But now, the more I listen, I realize how sexy they are. They seem to be aware of this, as their reverbnation page bio says, "Springing out of depths of the Minnesota "Turtles" music scene comes Climbing Trees with competent grooves that makes your girl shake her tittys. The Climbing Trees are a clammy plamed, jetsetting drunken orgy of the ears."
Or maybe I'm the only one that finds "clammy palmed ear orgies" sexy. It also helped that their drummer Vincent, disrobed right off the bat. Granted, studio Five gets pretty steamy, but some do it better than others. I was sad that the wrestling mask was also a casualty however, this band definitely holds up its image.
From here, I start prepping for tonight's band, "Disaster Bird."
I saw them hauling equipment through the hall way. According to their facebook, I can tell I'll like them. Their instrumentation includes a trumpet, accordion, glockenspeil AND mischief. I'm going to go shmooze so I'll have something to write about next week!
Also, I've had an ear worm this week, "The Sunny Era." The Thug told me they've already played for us, and that makes me sad, but I'll write more about them later too. I promise.
As I am still getting into the flow of blogging here, and you've but just met me, my posts probably won't be THAT good,
but for tonight, I want to say a little about Climbing Trees, which I had the pleasure of seeing some of last week.
First, I'll hook you up with the live stream: http://kfai.org/playlists/610/2012-10
And then, I'll show you this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY8SJkypy6o
It's from last year, but it's a good song. I liked the band Climbing Trees, I only stuck around for a bit, but they're definitely a group I'll keep on my radar. I can see myself rocking out at a concert with them, or cranking them up for a day of productivity.
But now, the more I listen, I realize how sexy they are. They seem to be aware of this, as their reverbnation page bio says, "Springing out of depths of the Minnesota "Turtles" music scene comes Climbing Trees with competent grooves that makes your girl shake her tittys. The Climbing Trees are a clammy plamed, jetsetting drunken orgy of the ears."
Or maybe I'm the only one that finds "clammy palmed ear orgies" sexy. It also helped that their drummer Vincent, disrobed right off the bat. Granted, studio Five gets pretty steamy, but some do it better than others. I was sad that the wrestling mask was also a casualty however, this band definitely holds up its image.
From here, I start prepping for tonight's band, "Disaster Bird."
I saw them hauling equipment through the hall way. According to their facebook, I can tell I'll like them. Their instrumentation includes a trumpet, accordion, glockenspeil AND mischief. I'm going to go shmooze so I'll have something to write about next week!
Also, I've had an ear worm this week, "The Sunny Era." The Thug told me they've already played for us, and that makes me sad, but I'll write more about them later too. I promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)