Fall Music Review 2000, Portland, OR

by Gordon Wilson

Holy Harvest Moon.  Boy oh boy am I having a rough Fall, my grandmother died, and I have been applying for jobs for the past year, 2 to 3 jobs a week, and I haven't had one positive response!  I'm starting to feel like the Elephant man, or Frankenstien or something.  Being a recreational drug user in America today is like being an early Christian in Rome, or one of a number of discriminated peoples of history(blacks, jews, women, non-christians, gays, etc.)  when are recreational drug users going to unite and stand up for their human rights?  I study poetry, art, history, music, and philosophy, and am inspired to think on my own and want to help and contribute to society, yet the workforce here in Portland is so stiff.  No free love philosophy for her iron gut!  It's cold plastic fascist corporate culture that runs today's society.   Mention love in a job interview today in America, and they'll laugh in your face!  What a pity.  Well i'm still well enough to make it out to some musical extravaganza's and would like to report on them as follows:

The Slip played a magnificent show at Reed College on 9-22-00.  This show was incredible.  I have just recently become familiar with the music of The Slip, and it has brought me much Pleasure.  I listen to their CD "Does" often, and was super excited to see them perform live!  Merde'!  They blew the house down in my mind this night!  I feel that the band might have been a bit worn out when they arrived that night, but they played a high flying, super psychedelic 3.5hr-4hr show that ended with everyone wanting more!  Jesus!

Merl Saunders and His Funky Friends played 10-07-00 at the Crystal Ballroom, and totally brought the boogie to Portland!  I have jammed along with Merl on his "Fire Up" album with Jerry Garcia for years, and his new stellar "Merl and His Funky Friends" CD totally rocks, but had never seen him live.  So finally getting to see Merl live was miracle like!  I sometimes feel I might go overboard in my admiration for a band, but it's all just a huge channeling of love(and beer) from my end!  I hope I'm not too crazy or anything, but good music can really put you in touch with the soul and in turn wild abandon.  Merl is a champion, and knows how to play, and how to pick good musicians to play with.  This show is priceless!  Check them out if you can.

The Big Wu rocked the Mt. Tabor Pub on 10-14-2000, and showed that they are high minded musicians.  I feel a strong sense of meditation, yoga, and clear mindedness when I listen to the Big Wu.  Tonight the Wu played many new originals and a Jethro Tull, and Cat Stevens cover tune.  I was wishing for a Dark Star, or Morning Dew, but no Grateful Dead covers this night!  The Wu have a dynamic sound that is a mix of hillbilly, country, and psychedelic rock.  I want to keep learning and hearing more about the Big Wu, they are a strong, talented and well tuned musical act.  Go Al!