Concert Photos in Flux
My photo hosting domain in undergoing a server port; so most of my concert photos are in limbo at the time being. They should be back online shortly. Thanks, Dan.
Tool 2010 tour dates… so far…
TOOL tour dates for Summer 2010… so far…
Sat 6/19 – New Orleans, LA @ UNO Arena
Sun 6/20 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
Tues 6/22 – Cedar Park, TX @ Cedar Park Center
Wed 6/23 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Ford Arena
Fri 6/25 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
Sat 6/26 – St. Charles, MO @ Family Arena
Thur 7/1 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Center
Sun 7/4 – Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
Mon 7/5 – Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre
Wed 7/7 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
Fri 7/9 – Vancouver, BC @ GM Place
Mon 7/12 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic
for more info, check out: http://www.toolband.com/
~Dan – np: Damien Jurado – Saint Bartlett
Megadeth & Slayer bringing back Classic Metal
Megadeth and Slayer, who last toured the U.S. together 19 years ago on the “Clash of the Titans” extravaganza, have confirmed that they will each perform, start to finish, their 1990 releases – Megadeth’s Platinum Rust In Peace and Slayer’s world-wide, million-selling Seasons In The Abyss – on the upcoming North American Carnage Tour. …With Slayer and Megadeth co-headlining, Testament will be Special Guest on all dates.
They come to Portland area’s Washington County Fairgrounds on September 4th. For more dates…GO HERE or megadeth.com (or slayer.com).
~Dan – np: Sevendust – Cold Day Memory
Glen Phillips on SB Creative Community
Here’s a half hour interview (and live session) with Glen Phillips from earlier in April…
Good interview with a hometown interview show (Santa Barbara Creative Community)… he talks about his solo stuff, Works Progress Administration stuff, RemoteTreeChildren, Plover, Toad the Wet Sprocket, touring, etc…
Keep up on all things Glen Phillips over at http://glenphillips.com
~Dan – np: Kaki King – Junior
Reptet Coast to Coast Tour
I wasn’t able to hit their most recent local gig (in Cottage Grove, OR), but good news for non-West Coasters, Seattle-based jazz sextet REPTET is making a jaunt through the north, midwest and east coast…
2010 Coast-to-Coast Agendacide Tour
- Apr 27 Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern
- May 6 Wilmington, DE – Mojo 13
- May 7 Philadelphia, PA – Chris’s Jazz Cafe
- May 8 Tivoli, NY – The Black Swan
- May 9 New York, NY – The Local 269
- May 10 Brooklyn, NY – Rose Live Music
- May 12 Cleveland, OH – Nighttown
- May 13 Grand Rapids, MI – Founders
- May 14 Three Oaks, MI – The Acorn Theatre
- May 15 Chicago, IL – The Viaduct Theatre
- May 16 Madison, WI The Frequency
- May 17 Minneapolis, MN Acadia Cafe
- May 18 Fargo, ND – The Red Raven
- May 20 Missoula, MT – Top Hat Lounge
- May 21 Sandpoint, ID – Eichardt’s
Their latest release is the 7″ vinyl Agendacide. Find out more about Agendacide and the tour at: http://www.reptet.com/
~Dan – np: Clogs – The Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton
recent jazz {Mar/Apr 2010}
So, I usually don’t do album reviews, but I get tons of music; so I figured I’d do little snippet reviews once a month or so… here are some recent jazz CDs I got recently. All of them were pretty darn fabulous…
The Dreamers – Masada Book Two, Book of Angels, Volume 14: Ipos (Mar 2010) The Dreamers sextet is made up of Cyro Baptista, Joey Baron, Trevor Dunn, Marc Ribot, Jamie Saft, and Kenny Wollesen and it quite frankly one of John Zorn’s most accessible bands. They weave in and out of some new Masada compositions. Highly enjoyable and easily drinkable with enough complexities to keep you coming back to the well!
http://www.myspace.com/zornroz
John Zorn – In Search of the Miraculous (Feb 2010) This album was inspired by “esoteric spiritual practices, white magic, ritual, traditional myths and ancient legends.” This album is a great adventure, and as a plus is performed by the soothing Alhambra Trio (who had a great, evocative album out in late 2009) joined by special guests Kenny Wollesen, Carol Emanuel, and Shanir Blumenkranz.
http://www.myspace.com/johnzorn
Jamie Saft – A Bag of Shells (Mar 2010) This soundtrack album is for the four films Murderball, God Grew Tired of Us, Dear Talula, and Brooklyn Exile. It jumps all over the place, starting with the harder edged “Murderball” title track to many different styles – some background music and some that catch your ears and take them for a ride.
http://www.myspace.com/jamiesaft
Haftor Medbøe – A Box of Monkeys EP (Jan 2010) My only complaint about this EP is that… it’s too short. Haftor Medboe bridges the gap from contemporary jazz to electronic, and while I’m usually not fond of vocals in my jazz music, the Björk-like vocals from guest singer Anneke Kampman are a superb match. This guitar-driven EP has a great mix of electronics and traditional jazz instrumentation (sax & trombone).
http://www.haftormedboegroup.net/
Loose Grip – Looking Glass (Apr 2010) This guitar and tenor sax infused contemporary jazz band is led by drummer Chris Wallace. I dig this record a lot… great for fans of Chris Potter and Joe Lovano on the sax angle, great for fans of the guitar jazz like John Scofield, etc. It’s a well made record, that I’m sure will get many more spins from me this year.
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LooseGrip
VW Brothers – Muziek (Feb 2010) The Van Wageningen Brothers have played with many immense talents in the jazz world (anyone heard of Stan Getz?). Finally on their own… they captured some great sounds on their band-leading debut album. From the funk of “You Guys Done Yet?” to the South American flavor of “Benito” and “Zapatos de Madera” to the Miles Davis cover “Milestones,” the VW Brothers don’t disappoint – check it out now!!
http://www.vwbrothers.com/
Chris Tedesco – Living the Dream (late 2009) Partially recorded with a big band and partially with a 32-piece studio orchestra, Living the Dream grabs for the 1960s jazz gusto led by Chris’s wonderful trumpet work. This is a definite record to pick up if you dig the swinging big band style. The album also features singer Tony Galla on a handful of tracks.
http://www.christedesco.com/
The Ullmann Swell 4 – News? No News! (early 2010) German reed-man Gebhard Ullmann and New York free-jazz trombonist Steve Swell trade off writing duties and collaborate to bring some great free-jazz improvisations as well as some concise, beautiful compositions to our ears. There is definitely a noticeable juxtaposition between the four songs from each leader and the 2 collaborative pieces. While the album isn’t cohesive, it’s not really intended as such. With that being said, it is definitely an enjoyable spin for my ears.
http://www.gebhard-ullmann.com/
http://www.steveswell.com/
More by late April/early May…
~Dan – np: Sevendust – Alpha
Over the Rhine – Let’s Make a Record
From overtherhine.com…
Let’s Make a Record!Thanks for your interest in helping us fund the next Over the Rhine record! We begin recording on Monday, May 17, 2010, in South Pasadena with producer Joe Henry and an amazing group of musicians. We can’t thank you enough for your help.
Please select whatever donation level is a good fit for you.
All donations however small or large are greatly appreciated.
We can’t do it without you.Gratefully,
Linford and Karin
$15 donation
– beautifully packaged CD with artwork, photos, notes, credits, thank you’s etc, shipped to you 30 days in advance of official release date + a personal “thank you” on the band’s website (updated weekly) + 3 digital bonus tracks + small surprise when CD ships
$50 donation
– all the above + a personal “thank you” included in the album’s artwork + immediate (RIGHT NOW) digital download of nine of the forthcoming album’s unadorned, bare bones demos recorded at Nowhere Farm
$100 donation
– all the above + special “super deluxe” box set version of the album, complete with 180 gram vinyl, CD version described above etc + expanded booklet with additional photos, journal entries, notes etc. (LIMITED EDITION)
Over the Rhine are one of my favorite artists… it’s been a while since their last one (2007’s Trumpet Child). I dig this new trend in special goodies. Anyway, if you know of Over the Rhine already, you know you want the Embrace It version. :) If you don’t know them yet, listen to them at your favorite e-tailer (I’d recommend Films for Radio and Good Dog Bad Dog or Ohio as starting points – all different but gorgeous albums). You can also listen on MySpace… http://www.myspace.com/overtherhine
For more info on the new record and a few special reunion shows, go to http://www.overtherhine.com/makearecord.php (I wish I still lived in Cincinnati sometimes).
REVIEW: Erin McKeown & Emily Wells @ Mississippi Studios (Portland, OR – 4/21/10)
FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM
(despite these pictures, this show was not a head-scratcher)
Last night, the Mississippi Studios in Portland had a triple-bill tour de force. Almost two and a half hours from three wonderful musicians – violinist indie-rapper Emily Wells, folk-pop songwriter Erin McKeown, and Portland-based singer Timmy Straw. All three were showered us with great music (both old and new)…
Timmy Straw hit the stage late and quickly went into the first number. Timmy’s vocals were gorgeous, in that gristly-yearning kind of way. Songs were mostly haunting piano numbers, but there was some electronic-infusion on a song or two. I picked up Timmy’s equally gorgeous debut CD, 2009’s State Parks. Timmy only had a little banter during the set, playing fairly straight from one to the next (playing about 6 or 7 songs in a half hour). Songs I did catch names for are “Rock of Ages,” “Scoops,” and “Herakles.” I highly recommend State Parks. I think you can only get it at shows at this point (if someone has other info, please pass it along).
Erin McKeown went on around 10 and his us with a lot of gems from her latest album, Hundreds of Lions, out on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. I’d seen her a couple times prior (in Cincinnati), and she was just as adorable and delightfully charming with her stories and music as she can be. My wife noted (and I agree) that Erin has such great stage presence and spark. She’s a ball of joy and it comes through in her songs…
Erin’s Setlist: ~45 mins
- “Manifestra” (new song)
- Cinematic
- Santa Cruz
- You, Sailor
- (Put the Fun Back in) the Funeral
- Queen of Quiet
- Didn’t They
- “Train of Steel” (new song)
- Lullaby in 3/4
Emily went on around 11 and started swinging with her crowd-pleasin’ hip-hop numbers. She employed Doug from the Portland Cello Project during half of her set. I saw her play with the PCP last summer, and it’s what had me sold on her music. She switched between violin and various other toys in her arsenal (toy pianos, drum loops, toy microphones, guitar, ukulele, etc). She relied a lot on looping – which is always fun, as far as I’m concerned. The hour-long Emily Wells “solo/live remix” included some of her Symphonies, her über-fun Notorious B.I.G. cover, as well as some newer songs… oh, and she was sportin’ some bling…
Emily’s Setlist: ~1 hour
- If You Love Me, Really Love Me
- Symphony 1 In the Barrel of a Gun
- Symphony 6: Fair Thee Well & the Requiem Mix
- Juicy (Notorious B.I.G.)
- Mama’s Gonna Give You Love (new song)
- Give Ya Everything (new song)
- Let Your Guard Down (new song)
- The Fire Song (new song)
- Passenger
- Encore: Symphony 9 & the Sunshine
Emily has a new album coming out later this year, and also a project with Dan the Automator called Pillowfight. Check her out on the MySpaces to keep in the loop. We headed back home to Eugene around midnight… tired, but content.
many more photos below
The Appropriate Linkage:
- Emily Wells on MySpace
- Erin McKeown’s Site
- Erin McKeown on MySpace
- Timmy Straw on MySpace
- Mississippi Studios
~Dan – np: Ozomatli – Fire Away
no download or free torrent mp3 flac available
support music by buying it
EMILY WELLS, ERIN McKEOWN
& TIMMY STRAW PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2010 Daniel Temmesfeld and Margaret O’Brien,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution
(click for larger)
REVIEW: Jónsi of Sigur Rós @ Roseland (Portland, OR – 4/13/10)
FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM
Jon Thor Birgisson aka “Jónsi” has a majestic voice and a penchant for clever, extravagant, and utterly gorgeous stage show that converts the already beautiful music into something worthy of an art exhibit. His voice is well known in the indie rock scene via his long history bringing the enigmatic Sigur Rós to our shores/ears.
Sigur Rós is on a hiatus while many of the members’ families welcome new children into their lives; so Jónsi decided to follow-up his last album (Riceboy Sleeps with his partner Alex) with a “solo acoustic album.” That “solo acoustic” album morphed into what became GO, a not-so-acoustic album. Go fits in with the most recent Sigur Rós album (Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust). It’s a “more accessible rock” affair full of the ideals, quirks, and high quality craftsmanship we’ve come to expect.
That high quality craftsmanship shows in Jónsi’s decision to bring in 59 Productions to work up his tour stage. If I wasn’t sold on going to see Jónsi before, the lead-up to the show was almost unbearable after seeing the 59 Productions behind the scenes video. More on that later… first, the opener…
Death Vessel (aka Joel Thibodeau) hit the stage around 8 and played a 35 minute set (6-7 songs). His songs were gentle acoustic numbers, and his voice reminded me a lot of the late Jeff Hanson (nice falsetto). The crowd seemed a little restless near the end, but I thought Death Vessel put out an enjoyable set.
Jónsi went on right at 9pm and started the show with just an acoustic guitar solo tune, Stars in Still Water. Shortly thereafter the band joined him and the stage show began. The walls and projectors played for about half of the songs in the set, and ranged from butterflies, to other animals, to a rainstorm that turned into a flood. Some of the coolest effects were the burning stage-pieces early on, as well as the water flood. It was quite astonishing how well done everything was… and it didn’t take away from the music at all.
Setlist: ~85 minutes
- Stars in Still Water (solo)
- Hengilás
- Icicle Sleeves (K14 or Red Bicycle)
- Kolniður
- Tornado
- Saint Naive (K7)
- Sinking Friendships
- Go Do
- Boy Lilikoi
- K12
- New Piano Song (K365)
- Around Us (with acoustic piano intro)
- Encore: Jonsi New Guitar Song
- Animal Arithmetic (Jonsi donned a colorful headdress)
- Grow Till Tall
The fave songs of the night were Tornado, Go Do, Boy Lilikoi & Grow Till Tall – as those were the ones that resonate with me the most from the record. All in all, it was an utterly superb show, and it ranks easily in my favorite shows ever (which includes many Sigur Rós shows, too). The stage, the songs, the voice, the beauty… I hope Jónsi comes back through soon – either solo or with his “main band.”
Speaking of bands… the band members for Jónsi’s solo tour are Alex Somers on guitar, Úlfur Hansson on bass, þorvaldur þorvaldsson on drums and Ólafur Björn Ólafsson on piano
many more photos below
The Appropriate Linkage:
- Jónsi’s Site
- Jónsi’s 2010 Tour Recap splashpage
- Jónsi on MySpace
- 59 Productions (Jónsi’s stagecraft masters)
- Sigur Rós’ Site
- Sigur Rós on MySpace
- Death Vessel
- Death Vessel on MySpace
- Roseland Theater
- Other Reviews of Interest:
- My Sigur Rós Oct 2008 Review (with photos)
- SPIN‘s Vancouver Review (April 2010)
- Brooklyn Vegan‘s Vancouver Review (April 2010)
- RAW Pie Recipes from Jónsi & Alex’s cookbook
OK, I’m off for a while… if you comment, sorry if I won’t/can’t respond (or potentially be able to approve comments) for a bit. Anyway, for those of you who are going to one of the upcoming dates, have fun. It is an AMAZING show. Check out more tour dates below.
~Dan – np: Derek Webb – Stockholm Syndrome
JÓNSI (from Sigur Rós) & DEATH VESSEL PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2010 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution
(click for larger)
Higher Resolution (8 pics)
Limited to 1200 pixels wide or tall (5 DV, 27 Jónsi pics)
2010 North American Tour Dates
- april 6 vancouver, canada vogue theatre
- april 7 vancouver, canada vogue theatre
- april 9 seattle, wa the showbox sodo
- april 10 seattle, wa the showbox sodo
- april 13 portland, or roseland theatre
- april 15 berkeley, ca zellerbach auditorium
- april 16 san francisco, ca palace of fine arts
- april 18 indio, ca coachella
- april 21 denver, co paramount theatre
- april 22 lawrence, ks liberty hall
- april 24 minneapolis, mn pantages theatre
- april 25 minneapolis, mn pantages theatre
- april 26 milwaukee, wi the pabst theatre
- april 27 chicago, il vic theatre
- april 28 chicago, il vic theatre
- april 30 toronto, canada sound academy
- may 1 toronto, canada sound academy
- may 2 montreal, canada metropolis
- may 3 philadelphia, pa electric factory
- may 5 boston, ma house of blues
- may 6 boston, ma house of blues
- may 8 new york, ny terminal 5
- may 9 new york, ny terminal 5
Ellery :: This Isn’t Over Yet
Ellery‘s newest album, This Isn’t Over Yet, finally has a release date… June 15th.
1. Where It’s Going (streaming)
2. Happy
3. Oh No
4. What I Need
5. Pieces
6. Lay Your Head Down
7. Blame Me
8. Christopher
9. Someone To Say It To
10. All
11. Ways To Go
If you didn’t do the Ellery Stimulus Package last year, you can pre-order either the digital or the CD version over at Bandcamp.
~Dan – np: Jeanne Cherhal – Charade
REVIEW: Tegan & Sara @ Keller Auditorium (Portland, OR – 4/8/10)
FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM
Last night’s Portland show was near the end of a long, 3 month tour for Tegan and Sara‘s sixth album, Sainthood. The record (out last fall) is rockier than their prior, but fits in with their near history. A great mix of pop songwriting with an alternative, modern rock edge. The twin sisters trade off on vocal duty, and this is their first record where they actually wrote the songs together in the same room. The closeness shows in the cohesiveness of this record compared to 2007’s The Con or 2004’s So Jealous (both great records as well).
Upon arrival to the Keller Auditorium, I got a good chuckle out of “tailgators” in a nearby park running through the oddly entrancing “Alligator” dance (see the music video). If you hadn’t heard, there’s also a remix LP out now of the Alligator Remixes.
Holly Miranda was the first opener and went on right after 7:30. I wasn’t expecting a full band for her, but more of a singer-songwriter. Her band put together a great 30 minute set – more like a singer-songwriter vibe with a rockin’ boost. I didn’t know any of her music, but I’ll definitely check her out soon.
Steel Train hit the stage after a short set break. They’re all seemingly young guys from New Jersey, but they played a very throw-back, ‘cross-the-big-pond 30 minute set. Really reminiscent of 80s Brit-poprock, they had a great stage presence. The lead singer was very humbled alongside his rock energy… again, they seemed like really nice gents. Great tunes, great energy. Their set was capped by some crew coming out and drumming alongside them – one in a gorilla costume.
Tegan and Sara hit the stage right at 9pm. They came out blazin’ with quartet of songs from their latest record… The Ocean, On Directing, The Cure, and Alligator. I’m actually a little surprised they didn’t try to incorporate some of the aforementioned “Alligator dancers” in their stage show.
Tegan and Sara both switched between guitars and keys. Most of the vocal duties for the night were Tegan’s, but Sara had a few of her songs in the mix as well. The set was primarily made up of selections from Sainthood and The Con, but they threw in a handful of older tunes for good measure. Both Tegan and Sara had some funny stories (and a little bit of sisterhood bickering). It was cute… :)
Setlist: about 95 minutes
- The Ocean
- On Directing
- The Cure
- Alligator
- You Wouldn’t Like Me
- I Bet It Stung
- The Con
- Nineteen
- Northshore
- Night Watch
- Red Belt
- Monday Monday Monday
- Where Does The Good Go
- Speak Slow
- Walking With A Ghost
- So Jealous
- Hop A Plane
- Sentimental Tune
- Hell
- Encore: Back In Your Head (acoustic)
- Dark Come Soon
- Divided
- Call It Off
- Living Room
Due to it being the last night of the tour, emotions ran high (for all bands). The bands also seemed really well practiced. The show ended early (comparably to most rock shows), but due to its earlier start time, we all got a great amount of bang for our buck. I imagine Tegan and Sara will take a bit of time off before the summer festival circuit, but I hope they swing through Oregon again soon!!
many more photos below
The Appropriate Linkage:
- Tegan & Sara’s Site
- Tegan & Sara on MySpace
- Steel Train’s Site
- Steel Train on MySpace
- Holly Miranda’s Site
- Holly Miranda on MySpace
- PCPA/Keller Auditorium
Check out their past 2010 tour dates below.
~Dan – np: Jónsi – Go
no free download or torrent available
TEGAN & SARA PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2010 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution
(click for larger)
Higher Resolution (15 pics)
Limited to 1200 pixels wide or tall (28 pics)
The North American Sainthood 2010 Tour Dates
- January 5 – 6 Vancouver, BC Orpheum
- January 7 Kelowna, BC Community Theatre
- January 8 – 9 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- January 11 – 12 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- January 13 Saskatoon, SK Saskatchewan Place Concert Bowl
- January 14 – 15 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
- January 18 Montreal, QC Place des Arts
- January 19 – 20 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
- January 22 – 23 Ottawa, ON Bronson Centre
- January 25 Quebec City, QC Imperial Du Quebec
- January 26 Fredericton, NB Fredericton Playhouse
- January 27 Halifax, NS Rebecca Cohn Auditorium
- February 12 Northampton, MA Calvin Theater
- February 13 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
- February 16 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre
- February 17 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
- February 18 Richmond, VA The National
- February 20 Tampa, FL Tampa Theatre
- February 21 Boca Raton, FL Sunset Cove Amphitheatre
- February 23 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
- February 24 New Orleans, LA Tipitina’s Uptown
- February 25 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom
- February 26 Austin, TX Bass Concert Hall
- February 27 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
- March 2 Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues
- March 3 San Diego, CA Copley Symphony Hall
- March 5 – 6 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
- March 24 Minneapolis, MN The Orpheum Theatre
- March 25 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre
- March 26 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
- March 27 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
- March 28 Lakewood, OH Lakewood Civic Auditorium
- March 30 Columbus, OH PromoWest Pavilion
- April 2 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
- April 3 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater
- April 4 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
- April 6 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
- April 8 Portland, OR Keller Auditorium
Help A.N.M. make their recording goal…
A.N.M., the new supergroup formed by Jimi Hazel & Rick Skatore of 24-7 Spyz, dUg Pinnick of King’s X (pictured to the left), Phil D. Fish of Fishbone and others, is fishing for fan-supported recording budget. 1,860 people pre-order the new record for $20, and it gets done. Find out more over at the Help ANM Record Blog.
My $20 is in the can. Hopefully they can raise enough to get the album out in 2010.
Unrelated…
French-popsters Clare and the Reasons now have a digital boxset… their first two albums (The Movie and Arrow) and Live in Paris, all for $19. Check it out at Frog Stand Records.
Seattle-area indie singer-songwriter Damien Jurado also just put his newest up for pre-order. It’s called Saint Bartlett, and with the pre-order, you get an immediate download (the physical version comes out at the end of May). To find out more, check out Secretly Canadian Records.
~Dan – np: Jónsi – Go
no free download or torrent available
Secret Chiefs 3 – Satellite Supersonic
In conjunction with their upcoming European tour, the Secret Chiefs 3 (led by Mr. Bungle guitarist Trey Spruance) are releasing a CD made primarily from their vinyl-only offerings back in 2007…
Satellite Supersonic Vol 1 – Tracklist:
- UR – Circumambulation
- ISHRAQIYUN – Balance of the 19
- ELECTROMAGNETIC AZOTH – Ubik
- UR – Kulturvultur
- ISHRAQIYUN – Balthassar : Melchior : Kaspar
- ELECTROMAGNETIC AZOTH – The Left Hand of Nothingness
- UR – Anthropomorphisis : Boxleitner
- ?
The long-awaited Book of Souls is due out by the fall… hmm… heard that before. :)
~Dan – np: Jónsi – Go
no free download or torrent available
Sarah Kirkland Snider, My Brightest Diamond & Signal – Penelope
Sarah Kirkland Snider‘s debut album Penelope (New Amsterdam Records, September 2010) is a 60-minute song cycle for female voice, chamber orchestra, and electronics, composed by Sarah Kirkland Snider, featuring vocalist Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond and highly acclaimed chamber orchestra Signal, conducted by Brad Lubman, with sound design by Michael Hammond.
A deft blend of Snider’s classical training and strong interest in indie rock, pop and folk musics, Penelope is a genre-defying work that moves organically from moments of wistful strings-and-harp reflection to dusky post-rock textures with distorted drums and guitars, helmed by a strong sense of melody and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting. Derived from a multimedia-theater piece co-created by Snider and acclaimed playwright Ellen McLaughlin, the work centers on a woman whose long-missing former husband turns up at her door, traumatized by two decades spent in an unnamed war. To restore his memory, the woman reads aloud from Homer’s “Odyssey.” The result is a poignant, haunting story in song.
The New York Times praised the work for having “an elegiac quality that deftly evoked sensations of abandonment, agitation, grief and reconciliation…ably [demonstrating] the poised elegance of Ms. Snider’s writing.”
Penelope has appeared in various guises over the past two years: it originated as a music for a theater piece and then debuted as a song cycle with Signal last May. When Shara came aboard the project, Sarah revised and expanded the songs yet again, tailoring them to Shara’s unique talents and arranging them for Sarah’s dream cast of characters: a 25-person orchestra of strings, harp, percussion, drums, electric guitar and bass, and electronics (with sound design by Michael Hammond). The cycle grew from 40 to 60 minutes. The album comes out this fall!
For more info, and a link to a free download of the first “single,” visit the brand-spankin’-new Penelope website.
~Dan – np: Tegan and Sara – Sainthood thainthood
Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 1 #3
One a month in 2010…
Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 is rolling along… This month, it’s Bob Dylan‘s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” I’ll admit, I’m not a Bob Dylan fan (I know, it’s heresy) – but I like Derek’s version regardless of my lack of history with the original.
For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 1 was part of the Stockholm Syndrome pre-order package, but you can still join in over at the DW store. My plea for Derek to cover Tori Amos’ “Crucify” is likely not gonna happen. Oh well… I like the first three months’ output regardless.
- January: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- February: Coldplay – Fix You
- March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
Derek’s playing at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR, at the end of the month with Jennifer Knapp. I’ll be there with my camera in-tow. Look forward to a Jazzsick review later in the month.
~Dan – np: Sarah Kirkland Snider w/ My Brightest Diamond – Penelope
Democracy Vol. 1 is the first in a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.
Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 12. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 12 months. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!
Mondo Cane – pre-order
Quick post… Mike Patton‘s Mondo Cane is now available for pre-order… due out May 4th on Ipecac.
~Dan – np: Tegan & Sara – The Con
no free download or mp3 / flac torrent available. support music by buying it.
REVIEW: Nellie McKay @ Berbati’s Pan (Portland, OR – 3/31/10)
FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM
Nellie McKay‘s most recent album, As Normal As Blueberry Pie, came out last year, and while different from her prior records, it definitely fit in her catalog nicely. It featured her at her campiest but also her jazziest, versus her edgier side. For evidence of the campiness, check out the lovely publicity shots over on nelliemckay.com. The serious and silliness perfectly fit her personality. I wouldn’t want Nellie any other way.
On to the show…
The venue, Berbati’s Pan, was known to me more for its rock acts. The “jazzy, bluesy, singer-songwriter evening” in store for us was bound to be a big question mark regarding how it would come across… well, it was delightful. The lighting and small couches on the outskirts of the club made for a nice atmosphere. We got to the show just before Howard went on. Most of the people were hanging out on the chairs & couches; so we got some spots right up front.
Howard Fishman opened up the show and hit the stage around 8:45pm. He played guitar in Nellie’s backing band, the Aristocrats, last fall. He played a good set of bluesy standards and originals. He had a lap steel guitarist, Henry Bogdan, playing with him. He played about 25-30 minutes, primarily “upbeat blues” tunes… with a few darker tunes thrown in near the end. Some of my favorites were “The One Rose (That’s Left in My Heart),” a silly song about the Red Sox, and the capper called “Best Days.”
After a short break, Nellie hit the stage alongside both Howard and Henry around 9:20pm. Her set was a more stripped down version of what she brought to Seattle last fall. A great selection of Doris Day and other older standards, with a few of her own songs thrown in for good measure. Her originals were some of my favorites for the night – specifically “Toto Dies” and “The Dog Song.” The newer cover tunes added to her setlist – “Small Day Tomorrow” and “Two Sleepy People” – were really great as well.
She was a giddy and lovable as usual… very jokey and generally in a delightful mood.
Setlist: about 75 minutes
- Do Do Do (Doris Day cover)
- Sentimental Journey (Doris Day Cover)
- A Wonderful Guy (Doris Day cover)
- Georgie Girl (The Seekers cover)
- Mean to Me (Doris Day cover)
- Prisoner of Love (Kitty Wells cover)
- Close Your Eyes (Doris Day cover)
- “Happy Birthday” (to Becky)
- If I Ever Had a Dream
- Toto Dies
- P.S. I Love You
- Mother of Pearl
- Alone When It Rains (duet with Howard Fishman)
- The Dog Song
- A-Tisket, A-Tasket (Ella Fitzgerald cover)
- Small Day Tomorrow (Bob Dorough / Fran Landesman cover)
- Crazy Rhythm (Doris Day cover)
- Encore: “Old-fashioned Bodega” (title unknown)
- Two Sleepy People (Hoagy Carmichael cover, duet with Howard Fishman)
many more photos below
Howard joined her on vocals on two songs. “Alone When It Rains” is actually a song of his, which was sung last night as a tribute to her former dog, Charro. The Hoagy Carmichael duet (“Two Sleepy People”) had a giggle-fit lyrical screw up, but they kept rolling with it. Henry’s lap steel changed the Doris Day sound to a more bluesy feel from the jazz sound of the Aristocrats backing band. The more stripped down Nellie backing band was a treat. I hope she keeps on swinging through the Pacific Northwest.
They’re off to Seattle next (check out more tour dates below). Catch them if you can!
The Appropriate Linkage:
- Nellie McKay’s Site
- Nellie on MySpace
- A good Nellie fansite at .NET
- Howard Fishman’s Site
- Howard Fishman on MySpace
- Berbati’s Pan (venue)
- My Prior Nellie McKay Reviews~
~Dan – np: Coheed & Cambria – Year of the Black Rainbow
no free download or torrent here
2010 Tour Dates (so far)
- 3/28/2010 Los Angeles, CA Alex Theatre
- 3/29/2010 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
- 3/31/2010 Portland, OR Berbati’s Pan
- 4/3/2010 Seattle, WA Paramount Theater A Prairie Home Companion
- 4/10/2010 Delaware Water Gap, PA Deerhead Inn
- 5/15/2010 Sellersville, Pennsylvania Sellersville Theater 1894
- 6/1/2010 through 6/12/2010 New York, NY Feinstein’s at The Regency
- 9/17/2010 Monterey, California, United States Monterey Jazz Festival
NELLIE McKAY with HOWARD FISHMAN PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2010 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution
(click for larger)
Higher Resolution (8 pics)
Limited to 1200 pixels wide or tall (32 pics)
Tool’s Lateralus (Japanese version)
Tool‘s “Lateralus” covered by various players of the Japanese musical instrument, the koto…
~Dan – np: Nellie McKay – Normal As Blueberry Pie
Jónsi’s “Stars in Still Water” video
The new video for Jónsi Birgisson’s “Stars in Still Water” is featured over at Paste…
Debut album, Go, comes out April 6th. North American Tour starts April 6th as well. For more info, go to http://www.jonsi.com/
~Dan – np: Tin Hat – Foreign Legion
Jónsi’s “Boy Lilikoi” video
The new video for Jónsi Birgisson‘s “Boy Lilikoi” is featured over at SPIN…
Debut album, Go, comes out April 6th. North American Tour starts April 6th as well. For more info, go to http://www.jonsi.com/
~Dan – np: Dave Holland – Pathways
-Eyvind Kang
-Frank Zappa
Amazon.com mp3 downloads
Creative Commons
This blog and concert photos therein are licensed under a Creative Commons License. Available with Attribution for Non-Commercial, Non-Derivative Use.
pacificlectic : concert reviews & eclectic music news 