Favorite Concerts of 2008

3rd Dec 08 (Wed) Leave a comment

Well, shockingly, I don’t have any concerts on the calendar for December 2008 (next up is Zappa Plays Zappa on Jan 2nd).  Of course, Sam Bond’s may book a jazz show that I don’t find out about until a week prior.  Eh, anyway, I’ve seen 42 concerts and 91* artists perform so far in 2008 (which is oddly considered a “slow year” for me).

Assuming no other shows pop up out of nowhere and blow me away, here are my favorite concerts for 2008:

  1. Extreme & King’s X – Union Center Blvd Bash – Cincinnati, OH {10 Aug} [review with pictures]
  2. Jude Christodal, opener: Ryan Andrew – Aladdin Theater – Portland, OR {6 June} [review with pictures]
  3. Secret Chiefs 3 with Secret Chefs 3, Diminished Men – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR {3 Aug} [review with pictures]
  4. Sigur Rós with Parachutes – Arlene Schnitzer Hall – Portland, OR {6 Oct} [review with pictures]
  5. Ornette Coleman – Arlene Schnitzer Hall/PDX Jazz Fest – Portland, OR {15 Feb} [review]
  6. SFJazz Collective with Dave Douglas, Joe Lovano, Miguel Zenon and more focusing on the music of Wayne Shorter – Newmark Theatre/PDX Jazz Fest – Portland, OR {15 Feb} [review]
  7. Ani DiFranco, openers: Animal Prufrock, Judy Grahn – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, OR {16 Apr} [review]
  8. My Brightest Diamond with Clare & the Reasons – W.O.W. Hall – Eugene, OR {21 Nov} [review with pictures]
  9. Nellie McKay, opener: Amorèe Lovell – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR {15 Aug} [review with pictures]
  10. Orange Tulip Conspiracy – Samurai Duck – Eugene, OR {17 Nov} [review with pictures]
  11. Bill Frisell / Eyvind Kang / Rudy Royston – The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts – Eugene, OR {7 June} [review with pictures]
  12. Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket with J.Kingham – W.O.W. Hall – Eugene, OR {21 Feb} [review]
  13. Branford Marsalis and the Philharmonia Brasileira – The Hult Center – Eugene, OR {2 Oct} [review]
  14. Medeski Martin & Wood – McDonald Theatre – Eugene, OR {15 Nov} [review with pictures]
  15. Talkdemonic with Heavenly Oceans – Sam Bond’s Garage – Eugene, OR {9 Feb} [review]

Runners Up: God of Shamisen at Samurai Duck, EARTH at WOW Hall, Radiohead at White River Amphitheatre, Skerik’s McTuff & Skerik’s Maelstrom Trio at Sam Bond’s Garage, and Raquy and the Cavemen at Cozmic Pizza.

Shows I’m bummed I missed… Beck in Bend, Tegan & Sara in Salem and/or Portland, Sunn 0))) in Portland, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey (twice) in Eugene, Glen Phillips in Portland, Chali 2Na & Ozomatli in Portland, Steven Bernstein’s Millenium Territory Orchestra at Seattle’s Earshot Jazz Fest, and next week’s Charlie Hunter in Portland (I wish it weren’t on a Monday). :( Oh well, maybe next year

Of my concert photos this year, I think these are my faves (in no particular order):

  • Jude Christodal
  • Silhouetted Secret Chiefs 3
  • Jason Schimmel & Timb Harris from Secret Chiefs 3
  • Sunspot Doug Pinnick & Ty Tabor from King’s X
  • Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme
  • Nellie McKay
  • Ninja, laser-eyes Lee Smith from God of Shamisen
  • Jónsi Birgisson from Sigur Rós

I’m definitely looking forward to 2009… Dweezil Zappa & Co playing Frank’s music, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, the SF Jazz Collective (with Dave Douglas & Joe Lovano), and Madeleine Peyroux are already on the calendar

~Dan – np: John Zorn Film Works XXII: The Last Supper

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*
This was also the first year in 11 years that I haven’t seen Over the Rhine.  I wish I was able to make it to their reunion show with Ric Hordinski, but alas, I shan’t be able to go.

Past Concert Fave Recap: 2007

{{Puscifer}} Live in Las Vegas (2/13, 2/14 & 2/15)

2nd Dec 08 (Tue) 6 comments

Update 2/16: If you came here looking for a review or setlist, SPIN has a great review here:
http://spin.com/articles/puscifer-plays-first-ever-live-show

2/13/09 Puscifer set list (per SPIN):
(Video segment #1)
(Skit)
“Sour Grapes”
“Rev 22:20”
“DoZo”
(Video segment #2)
“Drunk With Power”
“The Undertaker”
“Vagina Mine”
“Momma Sed”
(Video segment #3)
“Polar Bear”
“Trekka”
“Indigo Children”
“The Mission”
“Queen Bee”

Some fan-shot YouTube Videos from the show:

Puscifer with Milla Jovovich “The Mission”

Puscifer “Mama Said”

Original post (12/2/08):

To which I’ll add a precursor (“I wish this weren’t Valentine’s weekend”)… from Maynard:

Bust out your best mint green polyester suit and white patent leather shoes! Puscifer makes its live debut this February 13 & 14 at The Pearl in The Palms Casino. VEGAS, BABY!!! YEAH!!! With a cast of characters that include both musicians and comedians, I see the shows as a new take on what an evening of entertainment can be. I will share more details with you over the next couple of months but with rumors already circulating about what I was planning I wanted to make sure that the newsletter subscribers were the first to know. Many Many Many details to follow. C’mon 7’s and 11’s!

Puscifer will also have a remix for “Lighten Up, Francis” in Underworld 3 and we are working with Renholder and Milla for the end credits.

Update: A third date (2/15) has been added…

~Dan – np: Steven WilsonInsurgentes

Faith No More reforming?

28th Nov 08 (Fri) 6 comments

Update (2/24/09): Per Pitchfork and Tripwire, the band is set to reunite for some European dates in 2009.  The line-up will be their touring lineup from 1997: vocalist Mike Patton, keyboardist Roddy Bottum, bassist Billy Gould, drummer Mike Bordin, and guitarist Jon Hudson.  I’ll post dates when/if they come in.

OK, so I think I need to get my hands on a Kerrang magazine… their website has a blurb about a Faith No More reformation.  Mike Patton (their singer in the good era of FNM) talked about the possiblility of a future reunion in Jan 2008.  In other press since then, he didn’t rule it out, but he said it was unlikely.

OK, so anyone have this most recent Kerrang (with Metallica on the cover)?  Does it offer up anything more than speculation?  Or is the “reformation” something with Dio as the singer? :rolleyes:

~*~*~*~*~*~

11/29/08 Update (from Blabbermouth): According to U.K.’s Kerrang! magazine, industry insiders suggest that hugely infuential ’90s alt-metal band FAITH NO MORE is planning to return next year. Kerrang! understands that a number of U.K. venues have been placed on hold for shows from the band next spring, while U.K. festival appearances are rumored to follow in the summer. Founding bassist Bill Gould told Kerrang! “If anything like this were to happen, it would have to come from the band, and I haven’t spoken with any of them in over a year. So as far as I know, there isn’t anything to talk about, and I’m pretty sure that if you were to contact [Mike] Patton [vocals], he would tell you the same thing.” played down the speculation, telling

~Dan – np: WussyRigor Mortis -EP-

Ric Hordinski back with Over the Rhine… one night only

25th Nov 08 (Tue) Leave a comment

I knew about this a bit ago, but don’t know why I never blogged it… anyway, guitar master & production wizard Ric Hordinski (aka Monk) is playing a one-off show with his former band, Over the Rhine, at their annual get together at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati, OH.  This is one of those shows that I’m totally bummed I’ll be missing.  Ric is an amazing guitarist, and Over the Rhine’s sound has been missing a ton of what I loved ever since he left in 1996/1997.  I also assume that original drummer Brian Kelley will be playing with the band, too.  But I haven’t heard either way///

Anyway, one night onlyOver the Rhine with Ric Hordinski, December 19th, 2008 at the Taft Theater, Cincinnati, OH.  Check out http://overtherhine.com/ for more info.

Ric is also doing his annual holiday show at his monastery studio with Ellery (my new favorite husband-wife duo from Cincinnati).  Ellery’s 2006 debut album (Lying Awake) and very recent EP (You Did Everything Right) are among my favs in that genre that includes singing*.

*– Yeah, this year is my first year with more instrumental intake than vocal… alas, I still dig me some folk-pop stylings… especially that of Tasha & Justin Golden (i.e.- Ellery).

The Ric Hordinski & Ellery get together is the week prior (December 12th):

Friday, December 12th :: 7:30pm
– Doors open at 6:00pm, with caroling at 6:30pm
– Tickets are $15, only 100 seats available!

~Dan – np: Steven WilsonInsurgentes

limited editions up the ying yang

24th Nov 08 (Mon) Leave a comment

(photo by xPyralisx)

Holy cow… I got (Porcupine Tree, No-man, Blackfield frontman) Steven Wilson‘s double-disc+dvd uber-deluxe edition of his first solo album Insurgentes in the mail today.  Holy cow.  Like, seriously… wow.  Gorgeous artwork.  Utterly gorgeous.  If most albums are just normal, this one is a Hyperbole Department’s Executive Management.  Check out http://www.swhq.co.uk/ for a trailer or two for the album.  The limited edition only had 3,000 pressings (for the 2CD/1DVD version) and 1,000 pressings for the (2CD/1DVD/vinyl version).  Alas, the normal album will be well worth the cover price as well (and out in Feb 2009 on KScope)… Steven Wilson is one artist in the rock scene that truly excites me lately.

I also got a notification for “not enough postage” on the Sigur Rós uber-deluxe edition of Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust.  Gotta pick that up at the post office tomorrow and bring my $3.28 to resolve the postal inequity.

I’ll post reviews with pics over the weekend, while I’m chillin’ the empty cavities where my wisdom teeth used to be.

~Dan – np: MSNBC Countdown Keith Olberman11/24/08 podcast
-and then after it ripped to my iTunes-
Steven WilsonInsurgentes

art

REVIEW: My Brightest Diamond @ W.O.W. Hall (Eugene, OR – – 11/21/08)

22nd Nov 08 (Sat) 6 comments

FYI… my PHOTOS of the SHOW are at the BOTTOM

Yay… I’ve been waiting for this show for a few months.  I last saw Shara Worden (aka My Brightest Diamond) in April 2007 at the MusicNOW Fest in Cincinnati.  It was at that show where she debuted many songs that ended up on A Thousand Shark’s Teeth.  I was going to drive up to Portland on Thursday for the show, then they announced a Eugene show (yay!).  It was sparsely attended, though not as sparse as a Glen Phillips’ WOW Hall show earlier this year.  I don’t know… WOW Hall shows seem so hit or miss.  Maybe the Blues Traveler show at McDonald Theatre on Friday hurt MBD’s crowd?  Anyway, the artists were in good spirits and put on a great show nonetheless.

Openers, Clare and the Reasons, went on around 9pm and played 40 minutes of very cinematic-tinged, indie-pop fare.  The band was made up of singer/guitarist Clare Muldaur Manchon, multi-instrumentalist Olivier Manchon, and string-players Hiroko Taguchi & Maria Jeffers – – all four dressed in all red costumes.  (The MBD & Clare touring collaboration was also an efficient one, as Olivier, Hiroko & Maria were MBD’s backing band as well.After their set, buying their studio CD The Movie for $10 seemed like a steal. I look forward to hearing it, as it’s littered with guest artists / studio collaborators such as Van Dyke Parks (!!!!!) and Sufjan Stevens.

(click for larger)

Clare & the Reasons’ Setlist:

  • Pluto a fave of the set, nice pizzicatto strings
  • Better Without You
  • Pluton / Rodi a fave of the set, nice saw work, 1st song done in the dark with flashing lights
  • Nowhere
  • Can Your Car Do That? (I Don’t Think So)
  • Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears cover)
  • Cook for You

Next up was My Brightest Diamond, who has gotten a lot of dedication here on this blog – – for which I do not apologize.  In fact, she’s been the most prolific (or at least most little web goodies) of the Asthmatic Kitty artists lately.  I mean, come on, Sufjan!  You’re overdue. :)  Anyway, back to MBD…

(click for larger)

MBD’s performance was excellent, as usual.  As mentioned above, Olivier Manchon, Hiroko Taguchi, and Maria Jeffers were her backing band as well – – this time dressed in black & white costumes. They played around an hour, which included a magic show, a shadow & puppet show, twirling & whistling hoses, and much storytelling.

MBD’s Setlist:

  • Golden Star a fave of mine
  • If I Were Queen
  • Apples a fave of mine
  • To Pluto’s Moon
  • Olivier’s Magic Show
  • Disappear a fave of mine
  • Dragonfly a fave of mine
  • From the Top of the World started Shara’s At the Back of the North Wind storytime
  • Black & Costaud a fave, started with Olivier’s storytime
  • The Ice & The Storm
  • Inside a Boy a fave of mine
  • Je n’en connais pas la fin / Hymne à l’amour – with an excellent shadow and puppet show
  • Encore: The Gentlest Gentleman – with Shara on mandolin

Check MBD‘s music out on iTunes, Amazon, or your local record shop…

My Brightest Diamond’s CDs:


(plus she’s got a ton of remixes and b-side whatnot on iTunes)

The Appropriate Linkage:

The Next Tour Stops:

Nov 22 2008 – Swedish American Hall, San Francisco, CA
Nov 24 2008 – Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA
Nov 25 2008 – Casbah, San Diego, CA
Nov 26 2008 – Hotel Café, Los Angeles, CA
Nov 29 2008 – Solar Culture, Tucson, AZ
Nov 30 2008 – The Cooperage, Albuquerque, NM
Dec 3 2008 – Granada Theater, Dallas, TX
Dec 4 2008 – Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack, Little Rock, AR
Dec 5 2008 – The Bottletree, Birmingham, AL
Dec 6 2008 – Square Room, Knoxville, TN
Dec 7 2008 – The Earl, Altanta, GA
Dec 9 2008 – Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
Dec 10 2008 – Gravity Lounge, Charlottesville, VA
Dec 11 2008 – Rock n Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
Dec 12 2008 – First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia, PA
Dec 13 2008 – (Le) Poisson Rouge, New York, NY

OK, that’s all for now from me…

~Dan – np: Mostly Other People Do the KillingThis is Our Moosic

CLARE & the REASONS -and- MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND CONCERT PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2008 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

Talkdemonic – Daytrotter Session

21st Nov 08 (Fri) Leave a comment

Portland, OR-based post-rock / electro-acoustic group Talkdemonic has a Daytrotter Session up now… four songs, in-studio for FREE

http://daytrotter.com/article/1494/talkdemonic

1) CSJ9 2) Shallow Doldrums 3) Bering 4) March Movement

Past Daytrotter Sessions I’ve blogged about (and dug):

~Dan – np: J.C. Hutchins7th Son: Descent (audio book)

MBD “Tainted Love” and Streaming Concert

21st Nov 08 (Fri) Leave a comment

Shara Worden (aka My Brightest Diamond) is on a new covers compilation, Guilt By Association Vol 2.  Also on the compilation are Matt Pond PA and Kaki King (two other artists I like).  For the complete tracklist, go here.  MBD’s version of Soft Cell‘s “Tainted Love” is on the compilation, but also available HERE for FREE.  Yes, free as in “free.”

(photo by Fazimel)

Also, filed under “late to the dance”… MBD’s Seattle Triple Door concert on Wed the 19th was streaming over on Synclive.com.  Well, it’s no longer streaming (except in time-lapse continuum locales), but the entire hour and 58 minutes of Clare & the Reasons (opener) and My Brightest Diamond are archived.  Go here (click the Synclive picture below):

Tonight is MBD in Eugene… so… it’s gonna be an AWESOMELY heels-over-head* DAY!!! I’ll have pics and a review of the show posted by Sunday at the latest…

*– no puppies were harmed in this (I hope)

~Dan – np: J.C. Hutchins7th Son: Descent (audio book)

stupidest exercise equipment… ever

20th Nov 08 (Thu) 3 comments

Ani DiFranco’s iTunes Originals session

18th Nov 08 (Tue) Leave a comment

Ani DiFranco unexpectedly showed up in my weekly iTunes email this morning.  I love the iTunes Originals series… it’s a good mix of interviews, album tracks, and in-studio iTunes exclusives.  Well, Ani’s got one out as of today (11/18/08).

$9.99 for 24 tracks (includes interviews).  Just do a search for “Ani DiFranco iTunes originals” in… um… iTunes… duh!  I’d post a direct link, but apparently those are local drive-specific.

~Dan

REVIEW: Jason Schimmel’s Orange Tulip Conspiracy @ Samurai Duck (Eugene, OR – – 11/17/08)

18th Nov 08 (Tue) 1 comment

FYI… my PHOTOS of the SHOW are at the BOTTOM

Samurai Duck on a Monday night… ugh… but it was for a good cause.  It was to see Jason Schimmel’s Orange Tulip Conspiracy (hereafter “OTC”).  I’d seen Jason thrice prior (with Estradasphere once and with Secret Chiefs 3 twice).  I fought the late night start to the week, the sleepiness, the sticky bar, and deep fried pizza (shudder).  Egads, why did I let myself be sucked in by $3 fried pizza?  I mean, sweet muscular Jesus… why!?  It was wrong on too many levels…

Anyway, OTC went on around 10pm, or at least I thought.  They were just foolin’, as I think Jason was setting up his Mac to tape the show and needed some levels.  They went on for real around 10:20 and played until just about 11:30.  I’m bad with the song names on instrumental bands, but they played most of the music from their eponymous debut CD.  They also played a Django Reinhardt tune like no Django I’d previously heard (it was pretty fun, fast & furious).  Hot Club de France was usually fun & furious, but not so fast… it was fun to OTC stretch it out at the end, too…

(click for larger)

The band was made up of bandleader Jason Schimmel (on guitars & swanky hat), John Whooley (on saxes & keys, an original Estradasphere member), Dan Robbins (on basses), Zach Cline (on guitar) and Lee Smith (on drums).  John Whooley really ripped it up, and the live show was very much more sax-oriented than I remembered the CD being.  It makes me wish I’d seen the earlier incarnation of Estradasphere (even though the current incarnation is excellent).  Lee Smith also seemed more comfortable because he didn’t have to start his set in a ninja costume

The 70 minute set was full of rockin’ jazz-infused tunes.  Very swingy in spots, but Jason also pulled out a 7-string for a chunky low-end on a song.  If John Petrucci (from Dream Theater) has taught me anything, it’s that I love me some 7-string.  The night was full of what my wife might call a band in an “identity crisis,” but that’s exactly what I love about bands in which I’ve seen Jason play – – they’re full of energy & musical chops.  OTC aren’t afraid to just push the envelope.  They enjoy ripping it open like a birthday card from a rich Aunt. :)

The live show was pretty awesome, and the album is fantastic.  It’s quite frankly in the running for faves of the year.  It can (and should) be bought via Web of Mimicry/Lobefood (click the picture below):

The Appropriate Linkage:

Where they’re heading next on this 2008 West Coast Tour?

Nov 18 2008 – On the Y, Sacramento, California
Nov 19 2008 – Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz, California
Nov 20 2008 – The Ruby Room, San Diego, California
Nov 21 2008 – The Knitting Factory, Hollywood, California
Nov 22 2008 – Hotel Utah, San Francisco, California

~Dan – np: ZakaryaThe True Story Concerning Martin Behaim
        
 -and- ElleryYou Did Everything Right -EP-
 

ORANGE TULIP CONSPIRACY CONCERT PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2008 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

odd music news day

17th Nov 08 (Mon) Leave a comment

I honestly don’t know which one I like best…

(1) Tool front-man Maynard James Keenan planning a Las Vegas act at The Palms for 2009, or

(2) The Beatles 14-minute avant-garde “Carnival of Light” experiment (from 1967) is going to be released

From Blabbermouth:

The Pulse of Radio reports that TOOL frontman Maynard James Keenan is putting together a cabaret-style show for a string of dates at The Palms in Las Vegas, beginning in mid-February. According to an inside source, the shows will feature both comedy and music. Keenan is not a stranger to this kind of gig – he told The Pulse of Radio that his side band PUSCIFER actually evolved out of a similar type of show he used to do in his pre-TOOL days in Hollywood. “Generally started off as a name that I was attaching to some of the comedy things I was doing with (comedian) Laura Milligan at this club called Tantrum which existed in the Diamond Club on Hollywood and La Brea,” he said. “(We’d) have a variety show, lots of talent coming through there just kind of trying out their new stuff. So PUSCIFER was kind of like the band that would kind of close the show.”

Milligan is a comedian and actress seen on “Mr. Show” and more recently in “Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny”. Several performers from both projects used to work on the same gigs as Keenan. Keenan’s Vegas act will reportedly incorporate both friends and outside musicians to perform some music from PUSCIFER and other material.

From All Music & NME:

The Beatles’ “Carnival of Light,” a 14-minute experimental piece from 1967, may see the light of day soon if Paul McCartney has his way. McCartney confirmed the track’s existence in a BBC Radio 4 interview; the song was recorded for an electronic music festival but was never officially released.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, McCartney said: “The time has come for it to get its moment. “I like it because it’s The Beatles free, going off piste. I said all I want you to do is just wander around all the stuff, bang it, shout, play it, it doesn’t need to make any sense. Hit a drum then wander on to the piano, hit a few notes, just wander around. So that’s what we did and then put a bit of an echo on it. It’s very free.” According to BBC News, McCartney pushed for the song to be included on The Beatles’ Anthology releases in the mid-’90s, but it was vetoed by the rest of the band.

~Dan – np: John ZornFilm Works XXI: Belle de Nature / The New Rijksmuseum

REVIEW: Medeski Martin & Wood @ McDonald Theatre (Eugene, OR – – 11/15/08)

16th Nov 08 (Sun) 2 comments

FYI… my PHOTOS of the SHOW are at the BOTTOM

Keys player John Medeski, drummer Billy Martin, and bassist Chris Wood make up one of my favorite groove and experimental jazz trios on the scene today.  I’ve seen them twice prior (once only casually, once as a hardcore fan), and this third time was again in the clearly hardcore fan category.

This tour from Seattle to Reno is the last of three short jaunts in 2008 that are all part of their Radiolarian experiment.  This special series – named after a type of single-celled organisms with remarkable exoskeletons – sees the trio getting together for five days to hammer out new material. Then they go on a brief tour to practice the pieces live, after which they cut a record of the new material. Instead of the standard industry practice of write -> record -> tour, MMW will write -> tour -> record.

The opener was no one.  This was an “Evening With MMW” type of thing.  Which, IMO, just rocked.  It’s not to say that an opener might not have been enjoyable, but sometimes you just want to dig into to the real deal.

Medeski Martin & Wood were on top of their game.  The hit the stage around 8:20pm and played a 1st set that was about 60/40 on the experimental vs. groove jazz.  Their experimentation seemed a little bit more cohesive than, say, their Live at Tonic from a few years back.  I dug it a lot, but some of the crowd was definitely itching for their more danceable, groove-oriented jazz.  They ended this first set around 9:30pm and took a break…

(click for larger)

I toyed with the idea of leaving… I mean, I just saw 70 minutes of fantastic MMW.  I’m glad I stayed, though.  They hit the stage again around 10:00pm and played another solid hour plus of 120% groove.  Great vibe, great fun… at one point all three were playing percussion of some sort.  They also had a more rock tune in the bunch.  Near the end of their 2nd set, I went to the “lounge” area to see what it was all about.  I grabbed a beer and partially watched the encore via the TVs in the lounge (a weird but convenient trend in concert going these days).  Near the end of the encore, I had to see it from the floor.  Fantastic show all around!!

MMW’s setlist for tonight?  Ha!  I could only tell you that it was a smokin’ 2++ hour show… but song names and jazz music are usually hard to recollect.  If I get wind of a set list via the MMWSetlist site, I’ll post it here.  It may very well have been all Radiolarians Part 3 outside of the encore (which had been “Crosstown Traffic” at recent shows).

Their newest album, Radiolarians 1, is out now and is fantastic.  As is their John Zorn / Masada Book Two album, ZaebosRadiolarians 2 & 3 are expected out early 2009, I imagine.  I’m glad to be part of the Radiolarians 3 performance this swing through Eugene.  They’re going in to record Radiolarians 3 over Thanksgiving (or so said the merch lady).

The Appropriate Linkage:

Next show… tomorrow (Monday the 17th) is Jason Schimmel’s Orange Tulip Conspiracy at Samurai Duck in Eugene.  OTC is a great eclectic instrumental band (similar to Jason’s other band Estradasphere but without the “metal” aspect).  I wish it weren’t late on a Monday at a dive bar, but it promises to be a VERY good show nonetheless.

~Dan – np: John ZornFilm Works XXI: Belle de Nature / The New Rijksmuseum

MEDESKI MARTIN & WOOD CONCERT PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2008 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution





Ani DiFranco – Billboard acoustic set & interview

15th Nov 08 (Sat) Leave a comment

RECIPE: Amazin’ Beans (with Amazin’ BBQ Sauce)

15th Nov 08 (Sat) 5 comments

I made some Amazin’ Beans (with homemade BBQ sauce) for Veggie Supper Club.  If you stumbled in here from a recipe search; well, this blog is mainly music related, but here are some past recipe I did: Vegan Biscuits & Gravy -and- Spiced Biscotti.

(photo courtesy recipedose.com)

These recipes are adapted from my sis-in-law’s recipe!

Amazin’ BBQ Sauce

Makes roughly 28 oz., but I usually make a double batch to keep around or give to friends

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups catsup
  • 1 12 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbl. vinegar
  • 1 tbl. orange juice concentrate (or 1/4 cup OJ)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp. mustard powder (or mustard to taste)
  • 1/2 tbl. toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil (or other oil with chili powder for kick)
  • 1 tsp. liquid smoke
  • 1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version)
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. chipotle powder (or cayenne)
  • white pepper to taste (be careful with this…it gives it “bite”)

I mix all this stuff and simmer it for about an hour. When it is nice and thick, I let it fall to room temperature, then chill it so the flavor gets nice and rich. This stuff is best after a few days in the fridge. It is good on/in all kinds of things, but it was originally designed for use in the Amazin’ Beans which follow.

Amazin’ Beans

Makes 6 hearty servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (16 oz) kidney beans
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) baby lima beans
  • 1 can (16 oz) navy beans
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 12 oz. amazin’ bbq sauce (recipe above)
  • Bread crumbs, toasted

Note: The bean style and size of can may vary, but the above is a good guideline.

Drain and rinse beans thoroughly (this cuts down on the “gas” later).  Combine all ingredients and mix well.  It should be really saucy.  Pour into casserole dish and cover lightly with toasted bread crumbs.  Bake uncovered at 350F for about 45 minutes.  Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

~Dan – np: Medeski Martin & WoodRadiolarians 1

Opeth “Burden” video

13th Nov 08 (Thu) Leave a comment

I’m not psychic… I just knew that a video was impending for Opeth… well, as correctly guessed yesterday, I’m following up two rap posts in a row with a Swedish death metal post.  Well, sort of… the latest video by Swedish death metal band OPETH is here… it’s called “Burden,” and it’s barely even regular metal (sigh):

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/video/view.aspx?songID=2362

I guess making a video for a 10-minute long brutal onslaught isn’t all that “commercially viable.”  Alas, we got “Burden” instead.

~Dan – np: Miles DavisIn a Silent Way

OutKast times 3 for 2009

12th Nov 08 (Wed) 2 comments

Another rap news blog… two in a row (don’t worry, I may very follow this up with an OPETH blog)…

This from SPIN:

After a three-year absence after the release of their conceptual record Idlewild, Big Boi and Andre 3000 will unite for a proper Outkast release in 2009 — in addition to a pair of solo albums from each! “Y’all gonna get three records from the ‘Kast next year,” Big Boi told MTV.com.

The forthcoming releases include Boi’s oft-delayed sophomore solo outing, Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty, a new Andre 3000 record, which “he’s working on,” and the much-anticipated Outkast album. “We’re gonna wait until the top of the year — January or February — to put it out,” Boi said of his solo set. “Then ‘Dre is gonna come hit y’all, and [then] we’re gonna do the Outkast album.”

This past September, Andre addressed the Southern duo’s absence. “To be honest, I work best when people doubt me,” he told MTV. “Actually, if you see me, tell me I’m wack. That’s the best thing you can do for me. You know, if you want a greater album, say that. Say that!”

Shake it like a… set of 3 records that’re being shaken…

~Dan – np: Jurassic 5Jurassic 5 (11th Anniversary edition)

Jurassic 5’s 11th Anniv on 11/11

11th Nov 08 (Tue) 4 comments

I picked up Jurassic 5‘s 11th Anniversary edition of their self-titled debut today.  I had the 1st disc (full-length compared to the normal EP) via a UK import, but there’s also a 2nd disc of b-sides and rarities and a bonus DVD of live footage, a documentary and music video.


J5 Deluxe Re-Issue:
01 In the Flesh
02 Quality Control, Pt. 2
03 Jayou
04 Lesson 6: The Lecture
05 Concrete Schoolyard
06 Setup
07 Action Satisfaction
08 Sausage Gut
09 Improvise
10 Blacktop Beat
11 Without a Doubt
12 Lesson 6 (Reprise)
13 Action Satisfaction (Dub)

Bonus Disc:
01 Ignition Sequence
02 Ducky Boy
03 Verbal Gunfight
04 Rubber Tires
05 Long Road to Glory
06 Ghetto Diplomat
07 Lesson Four: The Radio
08 Jayou Remix
09 The Rhythm
10 (Who’s Gonna Be the) Next Victim
11 The Joint Freestyle
12 The Joint Promo
13 Wake Up Promo
14 Power 106
15 Unified Rebelution

DVD:
30 minute live performance “Jurassic 5 at Brixton Academy”
60 minute documentary featuring Jurassic 5 during early years
“Concrete Schoolyard” music video

Ah… rap at its best to me = Jurassic 5.

~Dan – np: Miles DavisA Tribute to Jack Johnson

Olbermann Special Comment: Proposition 8

11th Nov 08 (Tue) 9 comments

Vladimir Bozar ‘n’ Ze Sheraf Orkestar

8th Nov 08 (Sat) 1 comment

new music alert

Vladimir Bozar ‘n’ Ze Sheraf Orkestar‘s Universal Sprache is one of those albums that is hard to define.  Vladimir Bozar started as an offshoot from a French Frank Zappa cover band, The Children of Invention.  Their last gig was Vladimir Bozar’s first gig.  The music on this debut CD is a great mix of the insanity that comes from artists like Frank Zappa, Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs 3, and to some extent John Zorn.

Clearly not for the purveyor of “pop” music, this is a very imposingly hard to digest collection of great sounds that I wouldn’t necessarily call “songs.”  With that being said… I love it.  It jots and tittles across your mind, and right when you start getting into the groove… it slaps you upside the mouth, buzzes up your leg, claws through your pant leg and sits down like a puppy who wants to be petted, then zooms off for an espresso.

Metal, punk, classical music, jazz, movie sound, Tzigane music, electronic, and spoken word.  This Ritalin-side effect gang of misfits has toured in Europe with Trey Spruance’s Secret Chiefs 3, as well as the stripped down Estradasphere Trio.  Trey Spruance said of Vladimir Bozar ‘n’ Ze Sheraf Orkestar that “obviously, this music is composed of lunatics hopelessly.” :)

The album, Universal Sprache, was recorded in Estradasphere’s Seattle studio with Tim Smolens recording, Tim Smolens and Jason Schimmel* mixing, and Timb Harris contributing trumpet, TIm Smolens contributing bass & vocals, and Jason Schimmel contributing mandolin.

*– Speaking of Jason Schimmel, I’m stoked for his amazing Orange Tulip Conspiracy tour coming through Eugene, Oregon, next week… November 17th @ Samurai Duck.

Vladimir Bozar ‘n’ Ze Sheraf Orkestar are planning to tour Europe and (hopefully) the US in 2009.  In the meantime, you can hear clips of the album on MySpace and order it from iTunes, EMusic, Rhapsody, et cetera… or physical CDs via Estradasphere’s Lobefood mail order should be coming soon (not yet, though).

The band is:

  • Djé de Vence (Jérome Simond)-Clavier/Sequencer/Accordion
  • B’hz (cédric Benard)-Drum
  • Cyro (Cyril Torres)-Guitar/back vocal/kazoo
  • Mina (Jasmina Barra)-Bass/vocal
  • Pedral (Pierre Lacasa)-Lead vocal/mandolin

On the web:

~Dan – np: Frank ZappaOne Shot Deal