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Big Sky Regional Report
Edited by David Shulman - davids@sterlingdirect.comHi all,
First of all, the Big Sky Region needs to gloat that Phish decided to perform their summer tour opener smack in the middle of our region! It will be very interesting to see what spring influences each member brings to the tour.
I also have to plug this months "Minutes With Mimi", which consists of an interview with Brandon Berry, President of High Peaks Productions, as well as the Mimi Fishman Charity auction #3! Please check it out!
Still looking for any and all contribution to the region report. Please, please, please, send your reviews, thoughts, band info, etc. Just about everything sent to me so far has found a place in the report.
Many of you will be traveling this summer. Please be wise, safe, careful, and thoughtful!
- David
Tue. June 15th Allman Brothers Band - Riverport
Tue. June 15th Denoa - Cicero's
Wed. June 16th Kerosene Willie / Big Bang Theory - Cicero's
Thur. June 17th Jiggle The Handle *** Cicero's
Fri. June 18th Dexter Grove *** Cicero's
Sat. June 19th Foxtrot Zulu / Seven Days *** Cicero's
Tues. June 22nd Widespread Panic / Dirty Dozen Brass Band American Theater
Tues. June 22nd Space Pocket / Youngblood Brass Band - Cicero's
Wed. June 23rd Widespread Panic / Dirty Dozen Brass Band American Theater
Wed. June 23rd Kerosene Willie / Big Bang Theory *** Cicero's
Thur. June 24th Pepperland / Static Circus *** Cicero's
Fri. June 25th Govt. Mule / Day By The River *** Mississippi Nights
Fri. June 25th Sean Cannan & Co. *** Sally T's Olde Town St. Peters
Fri. June 25th Madahoochi / Sensefeelia *** Cicero's
Fri. June 25th WAR - Blue Note, Columbia, MO
Sat. June 26th Amorphous Band / Strange Pleasures *** Cicero's
Tues. June 29th Smokin' Grass *** (Stumble In To Cicero's Cicero's
Wed. June 30th Kerosene Willie / French TV *** Cicero's
Wed. June 30th Ani Defranco / Maceo Parker Forrest Park Dwight Davis
Fri. July 9th Quiver *** Cicero's
Thur. July 15th Tony Furtado Band *** Cicero's
Fri / Sat July 16-17 Gypsies On The River, Big Wu, Jazz Mandolin Project, Ominous Seapods, Madahoochi, and others *** G&L Campground Lesterville, MO
Wed. July 21st Deep Banana Blackout *** Cicero's
Thur. July 22nd Percy Hill / Moon Boot Lover *** Cicero's
Thur. July 22nd Ozric Tentacles *** Mississippi Nights
Fri. July 23rd Day By The River / Zen Mothers Cicero's
James Mullins is a volunteer/programmer at KDHX FM88.1 St. Louis Community radio and host of "Stumble In The Dark", which is a radio program dedicated to playing Jam Band music. The show airs on Tuesdays 8:00 to 10:00 PM CST.
Stumble In The Dark page: http://www.i1.net/~moby/stumble.html
broadcasting on the WWW: http://www.kdhx.org now using REALAUDIO!
request line: (314)664-3688 office: (314)664-3955KDHX FM 88.1 St. Louis Community Radio
3504 Magnolia
St. Louis, MO 63118Stumble In The Dark home office
James Mullins
5810 Goener
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone (314)832-5529
Fax (314)481-1191
Rich Vining (resident River Rat) has started something called MO Heads (Missouri Heads Discussion List). It's a discussion list to discuss and share information about events coming to MO, tape trades, setlists, show reviews and a lot more. Thanks, Rich, for providing yet another outlet for information on jam bands and all around good grooves. Go to http://MO_Heads.listbot.com to join or use the button on the Stumble In The Dark Page.
Disco Biscuits Cicero's - March 22, 1999
After hearing an abundance of reports about the live prowess of the Philadelphia-based jam band the Disco Biscuits, I was elated to have the opportunity of seeing them -- at a tiny venue in St. Louis no less.
Cicero's, who recently has seen recent visits from Day by the River, Jazz Mandolin Project and Ominous Seapods among others, has a small room for its live entertainment, which is narrow and long, but if you are close to the stage you get a clear, eye-level view of the goings-on. Such was the case for me at this show.
Recently I have become hopelessly hooked on the Biscuits' 1998 LP titled Uncivilized Area. Their live sound fulfilled the improvisational abilities showcased on their releases. One element of their sound, which fans have began to call "Bisco", that separates them from most jam bands is the driving, spaced-out sound from the keyboards.
As certain songs began to take off, the alien-like, pitter-patter footsteps and flights of the Hammond Organ played by Aron Magner would dictate the flow and direction of the jam.
It was great watching lead guitarist Jon Gutwillig's expression of spaced-out concentration. He was really feeling the sound.
Gutwillig also demonstrated a talent for taking things into higher realms. One song late in the second set, called Morph Dusseldorf, literally morphed into distinct segments of jamming and song, sustaining high coherent energy and basically blowing the show wide open.
Eventually, "Dusselldorf" returned to its familiar refrain.
Each band member, including bassist Marc Brownstein and drummer Sam Altman, contributed on vocals, though most of the performance was jamming. Brownstein was setting the pace late in the second set with some funk-oriented rock, and, as the show reached high gear, the peak was suddenly flattened by the venue's mandate of ending shows at 1 a.m. What a bummer. The Biscuits even said they could keep playing for hours, which I hear they do when they have the freedom. Such as in New York.
What made the show particularly enjoyable was how much fun these fellows were having. They were animated and seemed to thrive on the aspect of interconnectedness.
These guys tour constantly and put on one hell of a good show. Great jamming rock with a space-jam psychedelic tinge. On "Area" be sure to fully consume the prolific tracks: "Aceetobee" and "Little Betty Boop". You will soon be hooked as I am. In fact, the entire album is chock full of good groove.
For more info, check out discobiscuits.com
Keller Williams Cicero's, St. Louis - June 10, 1999
Set I: Instru., Stupid Question, Relaxation Station, Bird Song, Tribe, Passapatanzy, Sir Duke, Blazeabago, Breathe, Thirsty in the Rain, Shapes of Change, Soul Shakedown Party, 430- "loup", Tell My Feet, Brunette
Set II: Instru, Funky Town, Inhale to the Chief (revised version), American Girl, Sally Sullivan, Dear Emily, Rockumal, Eleven, Dynamo Hum, Vacate, Brunette Loup, In The Middle, Best Feelin'
On June 10, Keller Williams played his first solo gig in St. Louis. Of course he had stopped in town before supporting both SCI and Galactic, but this was special. This was one man, his guitars, and his ability to make the darndest noises come out of his body that you ever did hear.
The setlist itself looks interesting, but it only tells part of the story. The room was absolutely packed, and aside from the usual talkers in the back (what the heck is up with that?) everyone was totally into it and maintained focus on Keller for the duration of his time on stage.
The first set was, in my opinion, highlighted by a nice "Bird Song," the Keller original "Tribe," Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke", Peter Rowan's "Thirsty in the Rain", and the item labeled as "430- 'loup'". It's always interesting for me to see how the crowd reacts to Dead covers like "Bird Song," as I have a love/hate relationship with Dead covers. As beautiful as the songs may inherently be, I see a lot of artists using them to relate to the lowest common denominator among the crowd where an original or more obscure cover may have been more interesting. Regardless, Keller played the song well and the dude up front in the "Forever Jerry" shirt and dreadlocks seemed to enjoy it immensely. I'll assume everyone is familiar with the rest of the covers with the possible exception of the Rowan tune. Keller mentioned playing with Rowan at the upcoming Telluride Bluegrass Festival and hoping he'd play this particular song, which was quite upbeat and pleasant even though the lyrics seemed to have intended to be a bit sad.
For me, the absolute highlight was the "430- loup" segment. *This* was cool as hell. Keller would play a riff, sample it, and let it loop. Similar to what Phish fans have seen and heard Trey Anastasio doing for a few years now. So, as he would loop a riff or beat, he would then sample another and layer them. If I recall correctly he eventually wound up with about four or five layered beats/riffs cycling on top of one another, then would jam along with himself on mouth flugel (aka air trombone) or on a hand drum. It was very cool and I hope it translates well to tape for all those folks who don't get a chance to see live Keller in the flesh.
Because of time restrictions at St. Louis clubs, the second set was kept down to about 55 minutes if I'm not mistaken. Still, it managed to squeeze in a number of really interesting segments. "Funky Town" was fun to hear after not having seen him play it since the 4/5/98 show in Carbondale (with String Cheese Incident and Day by the River). The version of "Inhale to the Chief" which followed was better than the versions I've heard on tape... always funny how I don't know the name until I hear Keller inhale at the end before doing that little Indian call. "American Girl" was a very unexpected cover... yes, it was the Tom Petty song.
The other highlights of the second set for me were the Frank Zappa song "Dinah-Moe Humm," the "Brunette Loup" segment, and the closer, "Best Feelin'." Where some folks live for Dead covers, I always like to hear a well-done Zappa tune. A friend I was with pointed out to me that he has now seen moe., Day by the River, and Phish each play FZ tunes as well as Keller. Not bad company. Not to mention "Dinah-Moe Humm" is a hilarious tune. The "Brunette Loup" was like the looping bit in the first set and had a similar groove to it. Again, very cool. I actually thought the show would end after this because of the 1am curfew, but Keller just kept on playing with the house lights on. He finally ended with a well-played cut of "Best Feelin'" at about 1:10 and I was sure the staff at Cicero's was getting nervous that they were going to have to shut him down. Bravo, Keller. Very good show, and we hope to have you back in the Show Me State really soon.
Nebraska Report for May-June, 1999
by Paul L. "Pro" Pearson, Ph.D.
It's been an exciting month in Omaha and it's clear the summer is going to heat up the jamband action. Lots of stuff planned for June and July.
5/22/99-Jen's Party, Sokol Hall, Omaha NE
setlist at http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990522set.htm.Omaha's best indoor venue (Panic played here last time), Sokol was alive and jumping for a four band celebration. A phat light and sound show augmented good performances from Uncle Sid's Music Farm, Strange Pleasures, Cosmic Ripple and S.O.U.P., which entertained the 200 or so attendees. A spirited performance by Les Super Anges, a rhythm dance troupe from Benin, W. Africa, between sets made the night extra special.
5/27/99-Strange Pleasures and Les Super Anges, Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE setlist at http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990527set.htm.
On any given Thursday night, you can see Strange Pleasures at the Saddle Creek. Some shows are better than others, but they are rarely as entertaining as this particular evening. An acoustic opening set by Earl Bates, Joe Boarman and Miss April Domet got the crowd warmed up, just in time for Les Super Anges. The Super Angels are 13 or so performers from West Africa, stranded in Omaha facing deportation and trying to make money to get back home. But they were so much more. Their colorful costumes, drummers, dancers and chanting took the Saddle Creek over, captivating the majority of the crowd. This is a scene rarely scene in a bar anywhere, let alone a Thursday night in Omaha. The angels displayed their craft in fine fashion, and got the crowd involved as they accepted donations, performing two dances.
Strange Pleasures then took the stage and began ripping it up, ending the first set with a groovin' China Cat at Steve's. Les Super Anges came back out for another dance, pulling Nils from Paddy O'Furniture, Earl Bates, Scott Halverson (arguably the best 'hippie' dancer in the Saddle Creek crowd) and others up to dance with the troupe. Les Super Anges turned the place out- the vibe was so overpoweringly positive in the room that the second set was intense. A spirited Man Smart, Woman Smarter got everybody (including the sound guy) out shaking, and the transition into Aiko, Aiko brought two of the drummers from Les Super Anges up to jam an extended drums with Steve Fisher, which whipped the crowd into a bouncing mess. The jam continued crazy from there, ending with an out-of-the blue 'Antelope'. A couple long time listeners said that it was the best Strange Pleasures had ever sounded-I think it was just the vibe in the room, 'cause it was thick and funky. A night that we will never forget.
May 30, 1999-TBA, Pastimes Bistro, Omaha NE.
Setlist at http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990530set.htm.A trip back to the acoustic roots brought Steven Petty and Greg Beebe of Strange Pleasures together with Randy Miller of S.O.U.P. on keys and Miss April Domet on vocals for Earl Bates' Sunday Night Revue. Earl kicked off the show with a six song acoustic favorites set. Listed as T.B.A. (totally bass- ackwards?) on the schedule, the above collection took the stage and kicked out a solid two hours of acoustic jams and stellar four-part vocal harmonies. Some debut covers and old songs surfaced amongst some pretty nice jams, particularly 'Do You Relate?' to end the evening.
6/3/99- Strange Pleasures-Saddle Creek, Omaha NE.
http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990603set.htm .Honeyplush opened, debut of "Other Side of the Wall."
6/10/99- Strange Pleasures-Saddle Creek, Omaha NE.
http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/990610set.htm.Debut of "Can You Be Persuaded?" guest artists Dominic Greer, (guitar and vocals, opening act and first set) and Mark Berger (guitar second set)
The Zen Mothers from Grand Forks will make their Saddle Creek debut on June 22nd before heading west by southwest. Strange Pleasures will be heading to St. Louis to take on the jamband-friendly crowd at Cicero's on June 26th. We hope to see you there. Details are still to come, but Strange Pleasures will be heading to Colorado for the 4th and 5th of July for a multi-band jam sponsored by Quixote's True Blue Café in Aurora, CO to be held somewhere in the mountains. SP will also play Quixote's on the 8th and 9th.
Strange Pleasures Schedule for June/July:
Thursday June 17 Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE with special guests: JRZ System
Friday June 18 Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE
Saturday June 19 415 Club, Omaha NE with the lovely Miss April Domet (semi-acoustic)
Thursday June 24 Knickerbocker's-9th and O Sts, Lincoln NE opening for Woodstock legends Canned Heat
Saturday June 26 Cicero's-6691 Delmar, St Louis, MO opening: The Amorphous Band 8 PM-1 AM, all ages show
Sunday July 4 Independence Jam and sponsored by Quixotes True Blue Cafe
Monday July 5 oustide in the Rockies near Red Rocks location, time, band and other information TBA.
Thursday July 8 Nebraska's Kindest Band at Denver's Kindest Bar and Quixotes True Blue Cafe
Friday July 9 9150 East Colfax Aurora, Colorado (303) 366-6492 Concert Info and Voice Mail (303) 343-8010
Saturday July 10 Private Party- Allan's Park, CO Allan's Park Lodge
Thursday July 15 Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE with special guests: ALLSET psychoactive jamband from New England
Until next time... take care. Pro
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