Friday, June 29, 2012
Simple Music Video Series Simple Music Video Series: Django Haskins' "Elsinore"
Posted by Dan Schram on Fri, Jun 29, 2012 at 2:16 PM
Back in February when we filmed this session with Django Haskins of The Old Ceremony, he alluded to a busy couple of months ahead. Since then he has done some overseas touring with Big Star, and his band The Old Ceremony signed with Yep Roc Records to release their next album, Fairytales and Other Forms of Suicide on Aug. 20. The selection featured in today's session, "Elsinore," is a song off that upcoming release. Seeing Django play solo is an infrequent occurrence these days and will become more so with an even busier couple of months ahead. Tomorrow he plays solo as part of the Saxapahaw Rivermill Farmers' Market and Music Series at 5 p.m. Admission is free but be sure to see the swan.
The purpose of the Independent Weekly's Simple Music Video Series is to capture local and touring musicians who we feel are producing something special. The hope is to capture something very simple in order to mirror the experience of viewing a performance as if you were in a small crowd watching a quiet set. We hope for content of the music to be the primary focus of the series, not multiple camera angles meant to keep the viewer guessing and entertained.
Most bands featured in the series will be a sample of the deep pool of talent in the Triangle, while others will represent some of our touring favorites.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Live Actions: New Bills Announced: Duke Performances 2012-13 season
Posted by Ashley Melzer on Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 5:44 PM
Check your bank statements: It's time to throw a lot of money into the tills of Duke Performances. The just-announced calendar for the 2012–13 season features a glut of talent and variety. Artists based as close as the Triangle (Lost in the Trees) and as far as the orchestra pits of Asia (China National Symphony Orchestra) will grace stages across Durham in the coming year, presenting shows or participating in illuminating collaborations.
Season highlights include a two-night stand with soulful cellist Meshell Ndegeocello (Oct. 19 and 20), a transcendental evening with The Mountain Goats and New York-based a cappella quartet Anonymous 4 (Oct. 6), and a percussive journey with Glenn Kotche, Megafaun and On Fillmore (Feb. 22). The calendar also touts artistic offerings of wild musical comedy (Reggie Watts, Oct. 26), acclaimed tap (Savion Glover, Jan. 23), cabaret (Meow Meow, Feb. 12–14), and monologue theater (Mike Daisey, presenting a new work Jan. 30–Feb. 3).
There are also plenty of piano and ensemble sounds to delight the more refined palate. The popular Piano Recital Series has several bookings and an expanded format to include recitals by solo guitarist Eliot Fisk (Sept. 28) and violinist Leila Josefowicz (March 8). There's also a chance for gospel fans to get in on the action, thanks to three stellar quartets: John P. Kee and The New Life Community Choir (Sept. 14 and 15), The Mighty Clouds of Joy (Nov. 16 and 17), and Richard Smallwood and Vision (March 30).
World-class artists will also be breaking from the confines of campus to play downtown Durham venues. Béla Fleck and The Marcus Roberts Trio will headline a night at the Carolina Theatre (Nov. 8). Tift Merritt and Simone Dinnerstein will take over the First Presbyterian Church of Durham (April 4). Lucky jazzheads will have five chances to see bands out downtown—notably The Bad Plus at Motorco (Sept. 21 and 22) and the Fred Hersch Trio at Casbah (Jan. 25 and 26).
Ticket availability is staggered for this year, with season tickets on sale Tuesday, June 26; single tickets on sale Tuesday, July 17; and Duke student passes available Tuesday, Aug. 21. Visit dukeperformances.org for information about these and many more performances.
New Music Black Zinfandel: funny name, casual band
Posted by Bryan C. Reed on Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 3:34 PM
By his admission, Brian Cruse isn’t adamant about much. But there was one thing upon which he insisted: “I was like, ‘My next band’s going to be called Black Zinfandel. I hope everybody’s cool with that because that’s the one thing I insist on,’” he says. “And I have a feeling that that name’s the only reason anybody cares about us—because it gets a few chuckles.”
The moniker does elicit a few laughs, suggesting middle-aged women sipping stained wine by a pool. But the handle is hardly the only reason anybody cares about Black Zinfandel. Singer-guitarist Cruse, bassist Seth Beard and drummer Evan Williams all bring strong backgrounds with unconventional punk to the new outfit. Cruse and Williams played together in Grass Widow—not to be confused, each of them will remind you, with the San Francisco post-punk trio—before Williams picked up the sticks for Whatever Brains. Cruse took a break from bands, save a few one-offs. Beard played drums in Logic Problem and Antibubbles, and a few other short-lived indie rock and hardcore ensembles.
So far, Black Zinfandel is a low-stress, maybe-kinda-punk band. “I consider it punk rock, and it sounds like punk rock,” explains Cruse, “but I don’t know if the punks will think it sounds like punk rock.”
Most of Black Zinfandel’s plans are still in the maybe stage. They’d like to add a fourth member, but logistical barriers have already led to the departures of two guitarists, Lucius Cyrus (of The Static Minds) and Nicole Story (ex-Lazy Janes). They plan to incorporate some visual elements and instrument swapping into the set. Cruse doesn’t play drums but promises some “Moe Tucker, standing-up shit.”
It’s fitting that Black Zinfandel will play its first show on a bill with two other bands whose punk credentials feel more like guilt-by-association. Tuesday at Slim’s, the trio will share the stage with the local band Infección and Sweden’s Terrible Feelings. Infección’s jittery, clean-toned songs borrow as much from pop and post-punk as they do from obscure European hardcore bands. Terrible Feelings released their debut LP, Shadows, through the Canadian punk label Deranged Records, but they play driving pop full of dark themes and ringing hooks in the vein of Masshysteri.
Somewhere in that broadly defined vision of punk, there’s room for Black Zinfandel—even if nobody, band included, can tell exactly where just yet. “That’s the worst question you could ever be asked: ‘What do you sound like?’ or ‘What kind of music do you play?’” Cruse says, with a laugh. “If you can answer that, you suck.”
Friday, June 22, 2012
Simple Music Video Series Simple Music Video Series: The Tender Fruit's "Weighted Down"
Posted by Dan Schram on Fri, Jun 22, 2012 at 11:31 AM
When we began brainstorming artists for this series, Christy Smith and her Tender Fruit project were one of the first I wanted to recruit. Shortly after the new year, Christy and cohort Patrick Dyer Wolf graciously agreed to be one of the test subjects for the series. After a fun photo shoot involving Christy's collection of masks, the duo ran through a series of songs together and solo for us.
Today's Simple Music video, recorded at F/Stop Grooves studio in Raleigh, is an unreleased number being considered for inclusion on their follow up to 2010's Flotsam & Krill.
The Tender Fruit play Local 506 next Saturday, June 30, with Jeff Crawford and Skylar Gudasz & The Ugly Girls. Tickets for the 9:30 p.m. show are $7.
The purpose of the Independent Weekly's Simple Music Video Series is to capture local and touring musicians who we feel are producing something special. The hope is to capture something very simple in order to mirror the experience of viewing a performance as if you were in a small crowd watching a quiet set. We hope for content of the music to be the primary focus of the series, not multiple camera angles meant to keep the viewer guessing and entertained.
Most bands featured in the series will be a sample of the deep pool of talent in the Triangle, while others will represent some of our touring favorites.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Simple Music Video Series Simple Music Video Series: Wylie Hunter's "Child of Summer"
Posted by Dan Schram on Fri, Jun 15, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Today's session brings us Wylie Hunter, who came to Capital Club 16 on a Monday afternoon to perform a few songs off his excellent recent release, Someone You Used to Know. The album is yet another produced by the ever-budy James Wallace and Jeff Crawford at Arbor Ridge Studios. Look for more members of the Arbor Ridge crew to be featured in the coming months.
Here, Wylie performs "Child of Summer," proving that his dynamic style can be delivered solo just well as backed by his band, The Cazadores. Wylie Hunter & The Cazadores open for country music traditionalist Jonny Corndawg at Local 506 on Monday, June 18. Doors at 8:30 with a cover of $9.
The purpose of the Independent Weekly's Simple Music Video Series is to capture local and touring musicians who we feel are producing something special. The hope is to capture something very simple in order to mirror the experience of viewing a performance as if you were in a small crowd watching a quiet set. We hope for content of the music to be the primary focus of the series, not multiple camera angles meant to keep the viewer guessing and entertained.
Most bands featured in the series will be a sample of the deep pool of talent in the Triangle, while others will represent some of our touring favorites.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Simple Music Video Series Simple Music Video Series: Hiss Golden Messenger (with Megafaun)
Posted by Dan Schram on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Sunday afternoon at Capital Club 16, Hiss Golden Messenger, or Michael Taylor, visited Raleigh to film an installment of the Simple Music Video Series. He brought along two special guests: Phil & Brad Cook of Megafaun. Earlier this week, Taylor announced that the Cook Brothers would accompany HGM for his set opening for Michael Chapman at The Pinhook Tuesday, June 12. Below is a preview of what folks are in for Tuesday, plus an unreleased HGM song to be included on untitled, upcoming album.
Enjoy "Red Road Natahalia" by Hiss Golden Messenger, accompanied by Phil & Brad Cook. See them Tuesday at The Pinhook with Michael Chapman. The early show starts at 7 p.m. and costs $8.
The purpose of the Independent Weekly's Simple Music Video Series is to capture local and touring musicians who we feel are producing something special. The hope is to capture something very simple in order to mirror the experience of viewing a performance as if you were in a small crowd watching a quiet set. We hope for content of the music to be the primary focus of the series, not multiple camera angles meant to keep the viewer guessing and entertained.
Most bands featured in the series will be a sample of the deep pool of talent in the Triangle, while others will represent some of our touring favorites.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Live Actions: Reviews Bulked-up Beast dazzles at Motorco
Posted by Jordan Lawrence on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 7:32 AM
- Photo by Jordan Lawrence
- A bigger Beast
The Beast + Big Band
Motorco Music Hall
June 6, 2012
The Beast is, without doubt, one of the strongest live acts in North Carolina. In this particular case, I’m not talking about instrumental chops or songwriting wit, although the Durham hip-hop-and-jazz four-piece has more than its fair share of both. Right now, I’m referring to heavy lifting, the ability to take on additional sonic weight and keep right on trucking. It was that strength that made the band’s opening set for Duke Performances’ annual Music in the Gardens series (relocated to Motorco due to threat of inclement weather) so thrilling.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the additional budget and exposure, The Beast expanded into a 12-piece mini-orchestra, filling out their energetic sound with strings, horns, guitar and additional percussion. Amazingly, the added heft didn’t slow the typically light and lively outfit. Bolstered by the orchestra’s swells, the band’s slyly sensual rhythms took hold more easily, allowing them to stretch out without forsaking momentum.
Much of this success had to do with the skill of The Beast’s reinforcements, an impressive bunch that included a N.C. Symphony member as well as regulars from the outsized salsa outfit Orquesta GarDel. One highlight was a freestyle piece that united the concept of off-the-dome rapping with improvisational soloing. Pierce Freelon’s verse was a touch clumsy but nevertheless charming as he traced personal connections between himself, The Beast and the big band surrounding them. The jaw-dropping solos overshadowed any weakness and proved Freelon’s points. Indeed, it was hard to think anything but happy thoughts as Al Strong’s piercing trumpet lines dazzled the senses.
- Photo by Jordan Lawrence
- Eric Hirsh leading the charge
But what truly won the night was The Beast’s fiery passion, which burned brighter thanks to the extra accompaniment. No moment proved this better than the ensemble’s upgrade of the solidarity-endorsing “My People.” Freelon began the song with a simple, soft-spoken message about North Carolina’s anti-gay marriage Amendment One: “Let’s repeal it.” Strings and horns filled in the spaces left within Eric Hirsh’s tinkling piano lines as Freelon worked himself into a fervor, jumping up and down, fist-pumping and screaming, “Fuck Amendment One!”
As performers, the four guys that make up The Beast are a conduit, transmitting incredible energy to their audience. On Wednesday, their role wasn’t really different. They simply utilized the added players as another power source, growing their intensity to match the ensemble's exaggerated sound. The results were organic and overwhelming, more the work of a practiced touring outfit than a one-off collaboration. Here’s hoping the night’s success inspires The Beast to bulk up more often.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Simple Music Video Series Simple Music Video Series: John Howie Jr. & The Rosewood Bluff
Posted by Dan Schram on Fri, Jun 1, 2012 at 2:26 PM
We return to our Simple Music Video Series with a February performance by John Howie Jr. & The Rosewood Bluff with Mandolin Orange. Here, Howie is backed by drummer Matt Brown, who passed away last month. On Sunday, June 3, a benefit concert at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw will assist Brown's family. Here's what Peter Blackstock had to say about the show in this week's Independent Weekly.
When drummer Matt Brown passed away April 25 from a heart attack at age 42, it hit home with a lot of people, and affected quite a few bands. Here's one way to measure how important a musician is to his community: Among my duties at the Indy is updating our live music calendar, and in May, I started seeing quite a few previously booked shows falling off of various venues' listings. Baron Von Rumblebuss was suddenly missing from the ArtsCenter's schedule. John Howie Jr. & the Rosewood Bluff canceled a Casbah appearance. Stratocruiser disappeared from a booking at the Cave. There were others, too, all hit by the same thing: Matt was their drummer, and now they had to readjust to a future without him.
No one has a harder challenge in facing that future than Brown's wife and two young children, and so this show was organized on what would have been Matt's 43rd birthday as a way to raise funds for his family, with performances by more than a dozen bands he played with. Headlining are two of honky-tonk singer John Howie's bands—the Rosewood Bluff and a reunited Two Dollar Pistols—along with visiting luminary Grant Hart (formerly of Hüsker Dü), whom Brown had backed on recent visits to the area. And there's more, lots more, all the acts missing a heartbeat in their lineup without Brown's presence, but remembering him through their music: The Venables, The Independents, Stratocruiser, Baron Von Rumblebuss, Randy Whitt, Pagan Hellcats, The Kinksmen, The Jaybirds, The High & Mighties, 40 Oz., Brian Hill and Project Mastana. The event runs from 4 p.m. to midnight; suggested donation is $5, and there'll be T-shirts, posters and music for sale as well, with proceeds to going to Brown's family.
Read Howie's tribute to Brown here.
The purpose of the Independent Weekly's Simple Music Video Series is to capture local and touring musicians who we feel are producing something special. The hope is to capture something very simple in order to mirror the experience of viewing a performance as if you were in a small crowd watching a quiet set. We hope for content of the music to be the primary focus of the series, not multiple camera angles meant to keep the viewer guessing and entertained.
Most bands featured in the series will be a sample of the deep pool of talent in the Triangle, while others will represent some of our touring favorites. Through the series, some local acts will cover songs by other local acts. Here, Howie and company cover "Almost Hear the Blues," by Stonewall Jackson of Tabor City, N.C.
News flashes Goodbye, Titan bassist Matt Cash to play final show Saturday night in Raleigh
Posted by Corbie Hill on Fri, Jun 1, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Saturday night will see Matt Cash, bassist for Raleigh post-rock stalwarts Goodbye, Titan, play one last show with the band. It's a friendly split, and he isn't going far: he will remain active in his increasingly dance-oriented shoewave trio The White Cascade. And in a more literal way, he isn't going anywhere - the two bands share a practice space. He won't even have to move his amp.
“Like a lot of my friends that are active musicians in this area, we have jobs, families and other extracurricular activities to which we devote our time,” says Cash, who has played with Goodbye, Titan for two years. “I came to the point where there was not enough of myself to go around.”
New bassist John Pyburn has been a fan of the band since he saw it play a 2009 show at Jack Sprat, an East Franklin bar and coffee shop. He became close friends with the members, particularly Cash. But even when guitarist Allen Palmer recently texted Pyburn, asking him to come hang out at practice (“and bring beer”—an important request, considering Pyburn works as a cellerman for Big Boss), the bassist didn't see the invitation coming.
“When they took a break, Cash turns to me and asks how I'd like to play in Goodbye, Titan,” he says. “My jaw hit the floor.” Pyburn quickly, excitedly said yes.
And Cash doesn't view his own departure from the band as a farewell, necessarily, so much as a “see you later.” He says playing music in the Triangle has an open-ended quality to it, referring to local musicians' proclivity to unlikely, fascinating recombinations.
"I would like to think that these guys know that even though I can't play with them right now, there could be the most crushing doom project literally right around the corner that they nor anyone else could possibly imagine," he says.
Yet Cash is taking one last time onstage with this instrumental quartet Saturday night at Slim's before Pyburn, who has already been practicing with the band, takes over completely. "[There will be] lots of tears and smiles and uncomfortably long bro-hugs," says Pyburn of the bittersweet, though exciting, transition. "It'll be a party for sure!"
Estocada opens the 10 p.m. show, which is $5 at the door.
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