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Northeast Regional Report
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Edited by Tony
Oliveira
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Regional Report Edited by Tony Oliveira Hello all, I think this is starting to become an annual right of passage, but once again, the first regional report of the year is a bit light. Maybe it just goes hand in hand with many people's new years dieting resolutions or more likely, most of you are still recovering. I guess it's only right that I add to this tradition by making my section late too. Really, the "coming soon" that is always in this section has such a pleasant tone of anticipation that I just can't resist. On another note, there were quite a few nye shows in the area and I'm sure the reviews will trickle in (hint, hint), but for now - I give you the New England Jamband Link section that I've been amassing for what seems like forever...rough translation - a few months. There is a nice Jiggle review also and be sure to check out the link to hometown shows- courtesy of those nice fellows from the Slip :) Best of 2000? As I alluded to above, I really suck. I mean, procrastination-wise, which means I didn't get my thoughts written down in time to put it in the Best of 2000 feature (on the front page), but why deprive myself of the joy of typing...right? So here is my own best of 2000. Personally, this year was the most wonderful year of music I've ever experienced. Many, many road trips, lots of great people, terrific venues and of course, some mind blowing music too. In fact, there was so much great music that I could never just pick one show, so I won't. One of the first things I realized in my travels this year, other than that gas was pretty expensive for the good ol US of A, was that there are so many variable that go into your enjoyment or opinion of a show. So many that it's nearly impossible to separate them from the music. I don't even feel the need. You can get the tapes and listen/judge the show on musical merits if you wish. I guess this would be labeled "babbling segue" -> "Tony's best of 2000." I'd have to guess I saw close to 100 shows this year, which shouldn't be taken as any kind of musical bragging -just trying to put in perspective. 75% of those shows were for two bands - the Slip and the Disco Biscuits, which just happen to be my two favorite bands. Anyhow, the Slip - I was fortunate enough to catch quite a bit - from Martha's Vineyard to as far as Seattle and many points in between. I'd have to say the *best* show I caught was out in Santa Cruz. The energy in that room was unreal that night and it was reflected in the music that BAM ( Brad, Andrew, Marc) put out. The show had pretty much all you could want in a show. The venue, Palookaville, was pretty cool. There was plenty of space to dance. The crowd was attentive and very into the show and there were a bunch of east coasters out there that only added to the overall feeling in the place. Truly one of the best Slip shows I have seen. A couple of other shows worth mentioning are the Missoula Montana show. This one was mainly due to the venue. It wasn't the best venue in the country, but it was an Elks Lodge and the irony of being out in Montana (my first time for sure) and seeing the band play an Elks Lodge (I played soccer for an Elks lodge when I was 12!) was great. Crowd was a bit unfamiliar with them, but at least they didn't take up any dancing space. The other show I'd like to mention was the San Diego show. Again, this one had a lot to do with the venue. I have no idea how many shows I've seen in my lifetime, but how often can you say...I never_____. Well, I never saw a show on an island on a golf course until that night. Let me see if I can set the scene. This was a day off on Phish tour (phish was actually playing the san Diego area the next day), so there were plenty of curious phans. The show was on a man made island - think of one of those island golf holes. It was even covered in putting grass. It was surrounded by water and the water had some of those giant Koi Gold fish swimming around. One side of the island even had fake waterfall and the other side - that side was responsible for one of the more serene experience I've had at a show. You see, if you positioned yourself just right, in this case to the right of the stage in the back, you could see the Slip playing and at 2 o'clock to them...the Eighteenth hole! - which was lit up and still had golfers on it. I can't begin to tell you how much that made me laugh, but in a good way. This was my last slip show of the eight I caught (starting in Chicago) and that only made the whole experience even more enjoyable. As for the Disco Biscuits... this past year was a wild ride unto itself. It started with Marc (their bass player) being asked to leave the band, it included his surprise return, and ended with the band being as tight as I've ever seen them, and of course - they've also decided to leave us (the east coast) for points west (the Santa Cruz area to be exact). I thought I went a bit overboard last year with seeing them, but this year topped it. When you see the band more times than Marc in a year, you know you have a problem! There are too many shows for me decide on, but there were a few memorable ones. The first one that comes to mind is the unexpected return of Marc. I'm not sure that most casual fans or readers will understand the significance of it, but if you were at the crowbar in State College PA that night you would immediately understand. The seven hour drive to the middle of nowhere PA on a Wednesday nigh was quickly forgotten when Jon announced that the band just wasn't the same without Marc (as Marc took the stage). I don't know that I've had such an intense rush of emotion in quite sometime, and lets just say there weren't many dry eyes in the place. That and it looked like new years eve with all the hugging and congratulatory hugs. Not to mention that show was web cast so many fans got to join in the revelry from the other side of their pc screens. I don't think any show is quite as memorable as that one, but there were a few shows that stood out for me. Santa Cruz (once again at Palookaville) was exceptional. The Portland show at the Crystal Ballroom - mainly for the fun factor and the bouncing floor! You really have to experience it to believe it. Boulder Co...almost got shut out of a show a couple of thousand miles from home! Chicago was great all around. Bloomington Indiana...dingy bar, great show...who would have thought? The Southern run, so much fun and just a whole different feel than seeing them in the east. The two Virginia shows...ahh...those college shows can be a lot of fun, but pretty odd and definitely trouble ;) Last show of fall tour and the fans are shooting rubber darts at the band who is returning fire with cherry tomatoes! Look out below. I guess there are too many shows to mention here, but I'd like to just mention that I feel quite lucky to be a part of this crazy music scene we have going. Not to belittle the experience of touring with one of the larger bands out there like Phish for example, but I personally believe it is far more interesting to catch these young, up and coming bands who play their hearts out for little money and sometimes little fan fare just because that is what they love. I guess to each their own. Bring on the spring shows!
NEW ENGLAND BAND LINKS? Well, I finally got around to compiling this section. It's not quite comprehensive, in fact it's rather sparse, but I've purposely left it that way. Next month I will do my best to add all the bands that I know of (and yes, you can still send me links!), but for now - I wanted to feature the bands (some via their fans) that actually sent in links...thank you! Band Links - if you are in a band, publicist, mgr or even friend of a band that is both - from New England (i.e., currently calls New England home) and has a website - then please feel free to send me the URL for their site. Please verify the URL if you could, no use listing broken links. Also, please include the state they are from. That would be helpful. I would really like the focus of this to be on the many smaller bands that never even get out of New England and are mainly known to their local fans. These are the bands that would benefit most from this. I'd also like to ask that the band be true to the particular genre that this site caters to. Really, it's a pretty wide label - Jambands - and basically, if a band does some improvisation and the focus is on the live experience, then they would qualify for this. I look fwd to getting your submissions and hope this proves to be helpful to the bands and fans alike. FREE REVIEW PRIZE: (Analog or CD-R) Believe it or not, I've actually gotten around to sending out some past winners (past winners check your stockings!) and if I somehow forgot you...see below! Of course, new reviewer's are always welcome to submit their reviews so you too can experience first hand just how much of a procrastinator I am ;) Info below: Just a reminder, I will pick one review each month with the winner receiving a FREE show from my dat (analog tapes) or from my CD-R list. A show will likely be limited to 3 cds or tapes, and since I enjoy spinning analogs from my dats about as much as I enjoy hangovers, this will for all intent in purposes be a CD offer, though I may be willing to spin analogs from my cds. I won't necessarily pick the most well written review; in fact, the winner will be somewhat random (I am a bit partial to new reviewers though)! Reviewers, please check this section to see if you have won. This month's winner is John aka Zink...Congrats! and get in touch with me for details of the offer. NOTE FOR PAST REVIEW "WINNERS": I've returned to the nest, and with my return...I hope to catch up with all the past winners and get their cd's out in time for the holidays! So, if you've won the review prize in the past and have not received your discs...send me a little reminder {preferably just return the e-mail which I sent you that had some lame excuse as to why I have yet to burn them ;) } and I will get to burning Looking forward to more great reviews in the coming months.
* NEWS FROM NOWHERE * NEWS FROM NOWHERE * UPCOMING: An Evening of Modern Urban Adaptations of Traditional West African Folk Music Tuesday Jan 16th - Lizard Lounge -Cambridge MA Featuring -Bill, Jared and Garrett of m/o with Marc and Andrew of Slip as well as Senegalese master drummer - Mamadou N'Dyaie and DJ Mr Rourke. The local Boston music scene (courtesy of Berklee School of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music to name but a few) is full young jazz musicians who grew up on Phish and the Dead, an so naturally have an interest in this type of music. I've been thinking about this after my return to the area and after running into Marc (bass player from the Slip) at the Chopping Block (Mission Hill area of Boston) and chatting about this very same abundance of local jazz musicians, I've decided to give them some much deserved attention. Funny thing is Marc had said they were considering adding something to their own site as well and they have! It can be found at: http://www.theslip.com/HometownMusic.html Probably more skewed towards jazz which isn't a bad thing. Anyhow, below is pretty much the same schedule and you are probably better off checking the Slip site for more updated info in the future, but for now: Monday - The Fringe (Every Monday) - Outstanding jazz trio! - Lizard Lounge in Cambridge (on Mass Ave between Porter Sq and Harvard Sq) Tuesday - Anti Jazz Raygun w/Naftule's Dream - Lilli's, Somerville MA (on Somerville Ave, near Porter Sq T-Stop) - Open Jam Night - The Chopping Block - Boston MA (near Mission Hill area) . I'm not 100% sure about this one though. Please call the club. I will update this for next month's section. Wednesday (Every) - The Jazz Farmers (Every Wednesday) 10pm-2am *FREE* - The Chopping Block -Boston, MA (Mission Hill) Thursday - Club D'elf w/ Alain Mallet - The Lizard Lounge - Cambridge, MA - The Mingus Three -Every Thursday 10pm-2am *FREE* - The Chopping Block; Mission Hill, MA Also for some good jazz, check out: http://www.wallyscafe.com/ which has live music 365 days a year! Note: Most of these are on a regular basis, but you should always call ahead and check. Also if you know of anything similar, feel free to e-mail me at ne@jambands.com News: Zyrah's Orange, a local (to boston) trio, has just released "Body" which features ten new tunes. It will arrive in retail stores throughout New England by early November (including all Bull Moose and Newbury Comics outlets). Announcement: Boston Area Show Discussion List A Onelist email group called beantownshows has been started. Check out: http://www.onelist.com/community/beantownshows for more info.
SHOW REVIEWS: REVIEWS! REVIEWS! REVIEWS! GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: I pretty much accept anything as far as reviews go, as long as they pertain to jambands. Really, this is a very broad category, and I give a lot of leeway on this too. Of course, I reserve the right to not use anything or to edit them as I see fit. You will get full credit for reviews and I generally take a hands-off approach to editing, meaning I don't want to change the feel of your review. After all, YOU were there, not me. Some important things to keep in mind: Deadline! Our deadline is the 5th of the month. This may change in the future, but for now that is it. You can still send me your review if you miss the deadline; I "may" be able to get it in, if not; it will be used in the next issue. Please run "Spell-Check" before submitting your reviews. Also, if you are referring to song titles, please put them in "quotations". When e-mailing them in, it's best to just put them in the body of the e-mail or mail them as .txt. If you send something else there may be a chance that I won't be able to open it because of software incompatibilities. The best way to get a feel for what the reviews are like is by reading past ones. Remember you don't have to be a journalist or professional writer, you just had to be at the show. If you have any specific questions just send me an e-mail: ne@jambands.com I promise to be gentle. I guess that's it for now. Looking forward to getting some new reviews and reviewers in the coming months. p.s. I've added reviewer's e-mail addresses, so feel free to contact them if you like their reviews or even if you don't...feedback is always welcome.
REVIEW:
J2K1: Jiggle New Year Experience 2001 by John Zinkland aka "Zink" I swallowed the last bite of my delicious Ruben sandwich and thought about the night to come. "Wow, " I thought, "I'm in Worcester." I attended Clark University in Worcester, MA from 1991-1995, but have since moved to Portland, OR. Being in Wormtown made me wax nostalgic on more than a few occasions. "That's where I lived my junior and senior year," I'd say to my friends. "I wonder if so and so restaurant is still there?" As we walked out of the Irish restaurant right across from the Palladium, one memory came rushing back to me in vivid detail. Worcester is cold. Damn cold. We peered across the street to see the masses beginning to gather in front of the Palladium. They were hunched together and standing in line, but seemed to be very excited about the Disco Biscuits show they were about to see. As we walked up Main Street I thought to myself, "How many of those folks have really even listened to much Jiggle?" I knew their show was gonna be great, but I was extremely psyched for the musical performance I was about to experience in a much smaller and intimate setting. We turned up Pleasant St. and walked up the little frozen hill until we came to the Tammany Club. Tammany is a classic "Wistah Baah." The bar is along the wall on the right, while the left side is divided from the right by another wall with some open spaces in it.. There are pool tables on the left and there is a dance floor on the right, just in front of the small stage. The stage was decked out in streamers, festive balloons, a Happy New Year sign, a strange Yoda alien laying behind the keyboards, and a large green alien hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the stage. There were also little glow lights wrapped around the guitar player, Gary Backstrom's, mike stand that lit on and off randomly throughout the show. The crowd started to really fill in by 9:30pm just as Jiggle took the stage. The first set kicked in at about the same time as my "good feelings." The jack-n-cokes had been going down smoothly all night and served to accent my psychedelic mood perfectly. Tonight was about music, ritual, and celebration. I was feeling good; it looked like many other people were feeling good, and the band definitely seemed to be feeling good. "Good," I thought., "everyone is good." I smiled as the band started up their acoustic mini-set (approx. 30 minutes long). It was a nice little warm up set that stretched a fairly broad range. An old timey sounding number, "Who's That Knockin'?" opened up the set and was a fun little upbeat ditty. Then the band went on to play some covers like "Hot to Go" by Lyle Lovett, "Water of Love" by Dire Straits, and "Dire Wolf" by the Dead. After a beautifully played old-school Jiggle original called "Break the Light" that is very mellow but builds to a great melodic jam and climax, they ended things off with the old bluegrass standard "Salty Dog," sung by bassist Chris Q. This very fast song had the crowd shakin' their hips quite a bit and everyone cheered as the short set ended. Smiles and laughter pretty much describe the time between the first and second set. It seemed that everyone either knew each other or were happily meeting and greeting one another. The happy family vibe was heavy in the air. As the band took the stage at a little after 10:00pm, the now packed house were ready to groove. The band kicked it in with a relatively old Jiggle classic called "Easy Street," which reflects the feelings of a hard-working small band very well. The band then went through a couple of shorter numbers. Another bluegrass tune presumably left over from the first set led to a very concise melody called "Really Should Know," written by keyboardist Paul Wolstencroft.. This second of the shorter tunes is one of my favorites. It is relatively knew and captures something special with its passionate vocals and interesting flow. These tunes led into the jam-centered tune, "Reflection." The song has a vocal section at the beginning but then kicks in to a killer trance like jam that just seemed to be getting farther and farther out there on this night. Greg Vasso's drumming was syncing up well with the percussion playing of Jiggle's newest member, Miguel Pujado. 'Pujats,' as he is known to some, brings quite a breath of fresh energy to the band. He was set up with some congas, bongos, and various cymbals. As this long and furiously jammed song started to wind down, the band segued into their song "Everything," which wisely reminds us that "everything you do comes back to you." The heat from the crowd was starting to even out as Jiggle slammed into the set closer "Lost and Found." This song just flat out rocked. There were bodies moving frantically as beer suds and sweat drops flew here and there. If the full house was happy at the end of the first set, they were absolutely ecstatic now. Two sets down, one great big New Year set left to go! As the clock ticked closer and closer to midnight we all talked and drank. The tension built slowly as 2001 was about to peer its head around the corner of last year. Our good feelings surged as the band took the stage at about ten minutes until midnight. The invisible streams of energy were being flung around by the band and everyone in attendance as the beginning notes to "Walk Right Out" rang out. This intensely jammin' opener wailed, plain and simple. Just as the jam was getting to incomprehensible levels, the band stopped abruptly and started the New Year's count down in unison. The obligatory kisses, hugs, and champagne were bandied about freely. A happy new year, indeed! Just as we seemed to be slightly beginning our decent out of this joyous other-worldliness, the band kicked into the song "Fine Line." Everyone's attention snapped back to the stage as Jiggle fiercely played through their disco staple. "Boy in the Bubble?" Huh? What was happening? Somehow "Fine Line" slowly evolved into Paul Simon's "Boy in the Bubble," which quickly reminded me that Jiggle had covered the entire "Graceland" album this past summer at Berkfest. I was happy to get a little taste of it and they really ripped through an impressive and faithful interpretation of the tune with some added Jiggle flavor. This went back into "Fine Line" for a rollicking disco climax. Whew! After a few tunes the band played a very nice version of the old Jiggle classic, "Invisible." The crowd was basically a throbbing mass at this point. It was about 1:00am and people were passing various beverages and smokables to and fro. We all moved as one as the band pounded out some very high-energy music. What we didn't know, however, was that we were only now approaching the best part of the show. A slightly shaky "Oye Como Va" was great to hear as Pujado's playing added the percussive flavor this tune calls for. Next was an original song called "Turn Myself Back Home." Maybe Jiggle was playing it as a nod to the fact they were in Tucson, AZ for last year's big New Year's celebration? As I looked around the room to see a swirl of smiling faces and people in their various groove trances, I seemed to remember thinking about the song "Terrapin Station" by the Dead. Just as the thought entered my mind, I turned around towards the stage as the band played the opening chords to that very song. This was a very fun song to here and everyone seemed to dig it. The very end part slowed down to nothing and then came thundering back in a sweet ebb and flow of musical energy. Then out of nowhere they start into Santana's "Black Magic Woman." It rocked. Pujado was going absolutely crazy as he banged away on an extended solo. Bass player Chris Q was leaning back and smiling with his eyes closed as Gary shredded away on the guitar like a mad man. The entire thing peaked wonderfully. Very nice stuff! We cheered for more and were treated to a double encore at about 2:00am. First was a personal favorite of mine, the Jiggle original and straight ahead rocker "Wastin' Time." Then they closed the night with a look back on the year. "Good Times Bad Times" seemed to sum it all up very nicely. It rocked even harder than the first encore and inspired me to try and have a music filled 2001. As the set ended and the lights came on, the happy faces of the crowd had a new feature to them. They also looked tired now. We all had had quite a workout. It had been a serious celebration. We milled about and said our good byes. Eventually, we had to go out into the bitter cold Worcester night. "I can't wait to see them again," I thought as we drove back to our hotel through the frozen darkness.
The
Disco Biscuits
by Ian Koudstaal
New Years Eve 2000 was a night filled with a number of phenomenal shows geographically spread about the nation. I happened to be
closest to Worcester, Massachusetts where The Disco Biscuits were serving up three absurd sets of Bisco madness at The Palladium.
The night was hyped with high expectations due to past New Years performances by the band which have included the debut of
Barber's Hot Air Balloon in 1998 and the crafty Japanimation Jam to Akira in 1999. Adding to the soaring potential surrounding this
show was the debut of Brownstein's Chemical War Brigade on the previous night. While nothing as extravagant developed, the musical
journey on New Years Eve was more than enough to make up for the lack of a "momentous event."
Nonetheless, the 2001 Dance Odyssey that The Disco Biscuits pulled off was momentous in itself, to say the least. The Jungle they
had set up on stage was very appropriate for a number of reasons; the first being the simple fact that no one can look at a tropical plant
without experiencing a sense of elation and the second reason I will mention later. As the Biscuits took the stage, the venue erupted.
This explosion boosted the band into the musical exploration that would cover more musical space in five hours than many musicians
could dream of in a life time.
On with the first set... Kamaole Sands started off with a happy-go-lucky groove that found its way into House Dog Party Favor before
cashing in on the round trip ticket that brought us home to another Kamaole Sands. When Mindless Dribble began, the show turned a
new leaf and the only word to describe this change is HUGE. This powerful rendition of Dribble stood on its own and was followed by an
amazing rendition of Frog Legs, a song that had spent over a year in the vault. This version of Frog Legs included a humorous false
countdown leading into a huge jam that peaked and crashed its way into the ending of Pink Floyd's Run Like Hell.
Heleakala Crater was another unexpected number in this ever-climaxing show. The Crickets that followed was utterly dancelicious and I
almost threw out my back as the music forced me to dance fervently. The most beautiful and exploratory Magellan these ears have
heard launched the band into a four-song run that would take us into the real millennium. The gorgeous jam, which included yet another
false countdown, exploded into Munchkin Invasion. The dancethon found its way into Hope where we were treated, finally, to the real
2001 countdown which ended with yet another flawless segue back into Munchkin Invasion. As we all traded hugs and high-fives, we
were pelted by Dunkin Donuts Munchkin Minnie’s - a creative advertising scheme if I’ve ever seen one. As all the New Years excitement
toned down, I was able to give the band my undivided attention. I feel this is when the show really got heavy and the band reached a
new level musically. The chorus of Munchkin Invasion was enormous and was accompanied by a watertight light show that made my
head spin. The craziness came to a screaming halt and the set closer commenced. Helicopter was played furiously and the altered
Happy New Years lyrics were the icing on the cake. As the band promised to return shortly for their last set, we all made a quick pit
stop to the bathroom and the bar before reclaiming dancing real estate.
The last set was more about quality than quantity. By this point, I was so sore from dancing that all I was capable of was bobbing my
head with a dropped jaw. I stood in awe as Brownstein executed the sweetest bass solo that ripped into a stunning Shem-Rah Boo.
The next round trip musical excursion embarked from a raging Floes via an inverted, wild Little Betty Boop. The band returned to Floes
with a vengeance to close the night. The audience stood screaming in awe for the band to return and give an encore which,
disappointingly, never occurred due to an apparent coup d’etat by the venue management. Upon realization of the fact that the Biscuits
had just graced us with a mind-blowing three set performance, I was able to justify the lack of an encore and spend the rest of the night
drinking like a fish with an ear-to-ear grin.
At that time, I realized that I had just endured one of the most powerful musical experiences ever. As much as I would like it to be, New
Years isn’t every day and I’ll be forced to wait a whole year to do it all over again. This does not mean that I won’t be out chasing live
music acts as always. It does mean that I will have to focus my efforts on seeing The Disco Biscuits as many times as possible as
they are guaranteed to blow the roof off whatever venue they enter.
To all, I wish a Happy 2001. Peace.
New England Jamband Links The Beatroots Birdhouse Clemmy's Guttata Cosmic Dilemma Dimitri Gurevitch Quintette Distant Relatives http://www.distant-relatives.com Electric Blue and the Kozmik Truth Groovehounds Jiggle http://www.jigglethehandle.com Keitel http://www.mp3.com/keitelrocks Liberty Bus Mamacita Mountain of Venus http://www.mountainofvenus.com Mr Gildersleeve Ol Brown Shoe One Flew East The Pete Scheips Band http://www.bignoisenow.com/scheips.html Psychedelic Breakfast http://www.psychedelicbreakfast.com Strange Pleasure http://www.kindvibes.com/strangepleasure/ V. Majestic Vogonz Zyrah's Orange
NEW ENGLAND SHOW CALENDAR Editor's Note: The Calendar, as mentioned earlier, has vanished again...stolen by the Grinch?...who knows? It should make a return right around the time the snow does. Patience. If you would like to add a show that you don't see on the calendar listing please e-mail Armand at armand.turcotte@bigfoot.com. You can also e-mail him if you'd like to receive it as a once a month e-mail. Please be aware that Armand puts this out on a monthly basis (the first of the month) so he needs sufficient time to update it. |
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