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| just a reminder Chadivus plays the Tuba |
So to business, the show was very fun. I forget how much I love Kilby Court but I also remember why it is a hard place to watch a show. Kilby has such a nice open air courtyard and it allows for a very natural conversation area and pre-show bonding. It also has a rough time with acoustics and stuffiness because the actual stage area is too small.
The opening band was named Barbaloot Suitz and it is actually a duo featuring Jonali on guitar and vocals and McFish on Trombone. This band intrigued me to the point that I felt moved to contact them. The sound is very innovative and I enjoy how they are trying to experiment with abrupt tempo changes and tone colors (especially when the trombone mimics and matches Jonali's ethereal vocals.) I see a huge amount of potential with what they are trying to achieve but I also see that it is going to take hard work and fine tuning to make it into a viable, growing musical group (then again all groups of excellent caliber do take hard work and fine tuning so I am excited by their possibilities.) The trombone work is good, McFish has a solid tone with a good match of mellow and harsh (although I would like to see him explore some pedal tones in places.) I wanted to hear him break forth with some Frank Rosolino style technical passages on his solos but that is a huge thing to ask considering who Rosolino is. I think Jonali's guitar technique is solid in general but needs a little bit of technical
work on tempos and I would like to see her play a hollow body electric over an acoustic/electric just to get better depth of sound when mixed. As said though her vocals are ethereal and create a haunting melodic focus for the music, which I love. They might also consider adding a bass voice either as a stand up bass or a tuba (but I am partial to the tuba just sayin) I think it would add a tonal base to grow the sound of the entire ensemble from and allow a strong reference for intonation and rhythm. Lastly a rhythm section would be cool as well, however I would look at an alternative drum set using Afro-Cuban percussion and tonal percussion (a marimba or vibraphone would add some cool harmonic and rhythmic options.) Just some observations from a long term musician and person involved in the music world, thank you for indulging me.
Now onto The Anchorage. As said I will write more when I review Regrow however this band ROCKS live. The horns are in your face but even better since I reviewed Bridges, their ensemble playing is electric with all of the strengths that I liked even stronger and the opportunities to improve were all improved. Derek's vocals are very good live and the bass playing was amazing. This band has impressed me even more than before and I was very grateful and humbled to hear them. What made the experience even better is that the show was packed and everyone enjoyed the performance. I am looking forward to more great and amazing music from this band.
Lastly after the show Lord Darksteel, Monsieur OneTrack and myself journeyed to The Republican to enjoy a pint of Guinness and a cider and talk about music. We talked punk rock and ska and many other styles. We discussed philosophy and honor and enjoyed each others company without pressure to impress. This is why I enjoy the Republican because even with its hipster clientele, it still is an old world Irish pub complete with cement floor, wooden chairs and tables, shuffleboard, drinking songs and the best poured Guinness in the state. Overall a great weekend.I almost forgot, WATCH THE NEW DAREDEVIL SERIES ON NETFLIX, so amazing!!!
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