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West
Regional Report
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Edited by Sarah Bruner
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Karl Denson In Bend and Lovin' It! by David Riddle Set
I: set break 12-12:40+/-(Karl wins skateboard) Set
II: Karl
Denson--tenor and alto saxophones, flute, various shakers,vocals I just had to mention that Karl Denson's Tiny Universe gave Bend, Oregon a shot of funk, that it's needed, since they were last in town. Bend was privileged enough to get the only 2 night stand, in the state, and we even threw them a BBQ, hooking Karl on "backstraps"(which he said he'd write a song about)and even managed to get him to twist an ankle, playing some volleyball. He even won a skateboard, for telling the best joke! If you've ever heard "Tim bucked two". At any rate, the first night was a little hazy for me, and I just remember the sheer talent of seeing this "new ensemble" play Karl's tunes like they'd done it for years. I won't even attempt to describe the first show, other to say that some felt it was the better of the two. I disagree completely. The second night, Tuesday, was a barn burner. At least 100 more folks turned out and the band had been fed well, at the BBQ, and treated to tasty Deschutes beer. Spirits as well as everyone else were high! Needless to say, this band is on fire! They were absolutely fantastic, seeming as if they'd played together forever, moving effortlessly, from Karl's tunes, to Greyboy... and then the two EPIC moments. James Brown's "Payback" and "The Power of Soul". "Payback" had the house sliding! It was oozing with so much funk, that life preservers were being handed out! I swear, you've never seen "white Central Oregonians" move like that! It was the SHIT! Absolutely fantastic...and if you don't check them out, you're in need of meds. As far as I'm concerned, KDTU are pumpin' it out, it's too funky, and you gotta be there! "The Power of Soul" was an all out assault, with great effects on the guitar, making it nearly "grungy", to say the least! Everything was possible! Couple last comments, but both Karl and Ephram are amazing musicians. Karl played his sax, like a didjeridoo, at one point, keeping the note going for around 2-3 minutes. And Ephram! He inhales as he plays the trumpet, causing some of the most amazing "natural effects" that I've ever heard from a trumpet. Every time it went from drippy funk, into liquid psychedelia, there was Ephram making the sickest sounds! Awesome!
Ponticello
and The Big Wu Man oh man! Again i've been hit with massive deluges of beautiful and wonderful music! Every Wednesday night here in Portland there is an all-star funk jam going on, at "Jimmy Mak's" 300 NW 10th Ave., that sort of compares to M.M.W., Soulive or any other fine open free jam! Free jams are cool in how they are non-linear, webular, fractal. The troop that holds down this Wednesday night jam are Randy Monroe on bass, Doug Lewis on guitar, Ben Fowler on Saxophone, Andy Love on drums, Joey Porter on electric piano and Derek Simms on trumpet.. These guys play a smooth yet glorious jam, and then let guest musicians sit in on sets in-between, this session is a $1,000,000 ticket! I've been watching a lot of television lately, and feel like my mind has turned a bit mushy as compared to when I have been focusing most of my energy towards studying and reading, TV., truly is an opiate for the masses, and I hate to admit it, but I watch it. Another thing that i'd like to report on is the new "Jambands.com" radio station, on "radiosonic.net" internet radio, this shit is happening! Full length, high quality stereo sound, with the band, album, and songs listed, with a choice to skip forward if you want! Nice! I'm now able to hear many bands that I was curious about from reading reviews, and I have been trying to get their albums here, which is tough, "Soulive's", "Turn it out" is nowhere to be found in this town, yet I was lucky to find it for sale on "Velourmusic.com's" interesting web site. "Ponticello" is an eclectic three piece jam band from Seattle, consisting of Chris Murphy on electric Violin, Ted Kamp on bass and vocals, and Sean Shacklett on drums and percussion. These guys jam and make some beautiful music, their live show gets spontaneous and improvised at times, without losing the jam, that's how it was when I saw them at the "Mt. Tabor Pub" on April Fools Day opening for "The Big Wu". "Ponticello's" debut album "dark skies" has a good sample of their talent, but doesn't highlight their jam power. "dark skies" contains many songs filled with intense emotions, my favorite tunes on this album are the first one, "Heartbreak", which is a heavy in theme, but works well with the dissonant electric violin, and songs number three and four, "Shining Through", and "Long Hard Night" which are pleasing to the senses. "Ponicello" will be in New York City, and back East touring this April, check them out if you are able to. "The Big Wu" is a great band. "The Big Wu" know their licks, beats, harmonies, and poetry inside and out. When awesome bands like "The Big Wu", "Dark Star Orchestra", "Hot Tuna", or "Jimmy Cliff" come to town, I sometimes pull out the instant camera, and snap a few picks, yet this can affect my mood for the evening, I feel myself being more reserved and self conscious, when thinking about something other than the music, it removes me a bit from getting into a free relationship with the music. Because of this I decided to forgo the camera this evening, and just tried to relax, enjoy and experience the music of "The Big Wu" as fully as possible, and man, it was awesome! I was flying through the air during and after the show, these guys must have eaten fish burritos at "Dingo's Taco Bar" before the show, because they were dialed in and pushing it with delicious soul touching music all evening. I like to hypothesize on metaphysics, visualization, transubstantiation, yoga, dancing and music, and feel that Mt. Meru is with "The Big Wu"!. Hang Loose.
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