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Dr. Rock & Latin Rock Inc presents:
Zanzibar plays a mix of infectious, danceable, grooves based on Afro-beat, Latin, Funk and other styles in an original format. Zanzibar is based in San Carlos but has been playing throughout the Bay Area at festivals, clubs and parties.
Growing up in SF, brothers Ron and Alfonso Portillo were influenced by local bands such as Santana, Malo, War, El Chicano, Azteca, and Journey. Having come from a musical family, the brothers started playing music together in the early '80s. They continued on their musical journey and were later discovered by Victor Pamiroyan, manager of Latin legend Pete Escovedo, who recognized Los Cochinos as an up and coming band that is well on its way to success in the Latin rock music scene. Ron Portillo's talented hands create the Latin flavored songs on the keyboard and Alfonso creates the melodies on his guitar with feeling and passion. Together, they create a special sound that has been compared to the early sound of Santana, Malo and other Latin Rock style bands.
Slim\'s presents:
Pro-Pain's latest offering "No End In Sight" is undoubtedly their most mature, melodic, and musically diverse album to date. Some of their most inspired work can be heard in songs like "Where We Stand" and "God's Will," while signature tracks such as "Halo," "The Fight Goes On" and "Let The Blood Run Through The Streets" unleash a sonic pummeling that will surely satisfy the band's die-hard core fan base. Production credits go to Gary Meskil (singer/bassist) and long standing lead guitarist Tom Klimchuck who said this of their latest studio experience: "We took a step back in time to a more old-school approach, similar to recording in a strictly analog environment. Overall, there was very little processing done to the tracks."
In addition to its solid production qualities and musical diversity, "No End In Sight" features guest appearances by the likes of Stephan Weidner of German superstars Bohse Onkelz, Rob Barrett of Cannibal Corpse, Rupert Keplinger (Ubergas, Der-W), and others. In summation, Pro-Pain founder Meskil states: "'No End In Sight' is a testament to our authenticity and our originality. It is exactly the album that we wanted to create this time around and we hope that our fans enjoy it as much as we do." Fog City Music presents:
The sound of The Police is so very distinctive...the poly-rhythmic textures of drummer Stewart Copeland, the guitar sound-scapes of Andy Summers, the reggae bass lines and unmistakable high-pitched wail of Sting. From their 1978 breakthrough album "Outlandous D'Amour" through 1983's swan song "Synchronicity," The Police constantly bridged elements of various music styles, blending reggae with punk, jazz, funk and rock, and made a sound all their own. No one sounded like the Police...
...until now.
When you hear Stung perform their stunning re-creations of The Police's amazing collection of songs, re-creations of the music by drummer John Messier and bassist Eric Swihart and the dead-on wail of singer/guitarist Brooks "Bee" Lundy, audiences sing along to many of their favorite Police songs, reveling in the old gems and re-discovering the many B-sides that groove. From early Police hits like "Roxanne" and "So Lonely," to chart toppers like "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Every Breath You Take" and "King of Pain," all those elements are there; the hyper-syncopated rhythm, the dreamy, ethereal guitar, the high pitched wail...you can close your eyes and forget, for a moment, that it is NOT the Police...and then you've been Stung!!!
Slim\\\'s presents:
Neverland: A Tribute to the King of Pop! is San Francisco's newest dance tribute act that honors the music of one of the world's greatest entertainers, Michael Jackson. Formed in April of 2009, the 15-piece ensemble plays the hits including "Billie Jean," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Rock With You" and "Thriller. Neverland's debut was June 20th at Bimbo's so come enjoy their second performance this evening! WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM (7/13) - "Black Cascade" is the third album (and second released on Southern Lord) from the grim Cascadia black metal horde Wolves In The Throne Room. This new album further solidifies their death-like grip on the jewel throne of American black metal. Blazing and crystalline metal riffs slowly collapse and shift into ritualistic dirges that invoke endless rain falling upon the ancient cedars of the pacific Northwest. It is as if the instruments are controlled by shadowy and elemental forces of nature rather than three forest-dwellers from Olympia, WA. "Black Cascade" blazes down a slightly different path than the recently released "Malevolent Grain" EP. This album bleeds with a much more primal, raw and aggressive aesthetic than anything the band has done before. ERIC HUTCHINSON (7/15) - "Sounds Like This" was released on Hutchinson’s own label, Let’s Break Records, at the end of August 2007. Overnight it was breaking records – thanks largely to the efforts of a good friend. One of his high school buddies emailed celebrity blogger Perez Hilton a link to Hutchinson’s MySpace page. Hilton recommended it on his site and soon, Eric’s album was ensconced in iTunes’ Top 10 alongside the latest releases from Kanye West and Dave Matthews. It peaked at #5 on the iTunes album chart, becoming the highest-charting album by an unsigned act in iTunes history. No small accomplishment for a record that almost didn’t get made.
A flurry of press followed, including features in Billboard and the Washington Post, which said “Hutchinson is undeniably charismatic, splitting his time between keyboard and guitar, crooning about stormy romances and everyday struggles.”
Although he’s been favorably compared to his early idols (Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Paul Simon), one of the most remarkable things about "Sounds Like This" is the sheer breadth of musical styles Hutchinson effortlessly encompasses. His ease is perhaps inherited from his grandmother, who played viola in a local orchestra, backing everyone from Tony Bennett to Aretha Franklin as they came through town. From the buoyant album opener, “Ok, It’s Alright With Me” to the thoughtful “Back to Where I Was,” depicting two friends at crossroads in their respective lives, to the soulful “You’ve Got You,” the self-described student of pop music fuses divergent styles into a sound he alone owns. Hutchinson’s vocals veer from a gritty growl to a shimmering falsetto on “Outside Villanova,” which gives way to the jazzy “Food Chain,” wherein the narrator comes to terms with a relationship marred by lies and broken expectations.
Fan favorite “Rock & Roll” follows a pair of players rolling their way through the bar scene and ultimately into bed with one another, while its lilting ska-inflected groove erupts into one of Hutchinson’s rapid-fire bouts of wordplay. Eric takes pride in the raw, vintage vibe of "Sounds Like This." “I tried really hard to keep it organic,” he says. “Music is human expression and what’s more human than to make a mistake? So to record something and then take out all the mistakes leaves the project with no soul to it.”
BRAND NEW (7/17) - ***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SHOW IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT - THANK YOU!*** Please note the following: 1. There is a two ticket limit per customer. 2. Tickets will ONLY be available online (www.slimstickets.com) or by charge-by-phone (888-233-0449) - there are NO fax orders or outlet/box office sales for this show. All tickets will be will call. 3. No hard tickets will be issued at the time of sale. 4. All ticket purchasers will have to present photo ID and the credit card used for purchase at will-call on the night of the show. ONLY the person whose name is on the card used to purchase the tix can pick them up. All purchasers and their guests must then enter the venue immediately upon receipt of their tickets from the will-call window. 5. Once tickets have been purchased there will be no name changes. 6. No refunds or exchanges. These policies have been put in place to restrict both scalper access and motivation so that we get the most tickets into actual fans' hands at the reasonable price set. We hope that everyone will forgive the minor inconveniences associated with them in light of the greater good. Guitar Player presents:
The foundation of the Arc Angels was laid at the Austin Rehearsal Center (ARC) which so aptly gave them a name. There, Sexton had a writing room to work on his next solo album, Bramhall was working under a development deal with Geffen Records, and Layton had a drum room where he would often practice. The initial idea had been quite simple; create a band that can jam when people happened to be in town or not on tour with Stevie. But Vaughan’s death changed everything. When the foursome came together, press were quick to dub them a “Texas supergroup,” but the guys shunned that tag. The band was purely a musical outlet and inspiration to all of them.
Not intending to be a recording band, the guys played live and just for fun, opening for the likes of Robert Cray. But they soon found the excitement and challenges of being a band, worth the effort. Sexton and Bramhall tabled their solo projects and began creating music specifically for the Arc Angels.
The band’s 1992 debut album release, Arc Angels, on Geffen Records met with much critical acclaim and managed to break onto the Billboard Top 200 chart. The sound was unique -- raw and intense rock and roll steeped in the roots of Texas blues, but still radio-friendly and widely appealing. The group toured heavily after the album and on Tuesday, June 9, 1992, the Arc Angels made their network television debut on the NBC show " The Late Show with David Letterman" where they performed "Living In A Dream". On Wednesday, January 6, 1993, they again performed on Letterman's show, this time playing "Too Many Ways to Fall". It seemed that this Texas quartet was poised to explode onto the national scene.
But their name proved a harbinger of things to come; The Arc Angels fell as quickly as they rose. Creative differences, heavy touring, and Bramhall's admitted descent into a deep and nearly deadly heroin addiction caused the breakup of the band in 1994. The Arc Angels came to an abrupt halt in October of that year with a series of farewell concerts at Austin's Backyard outdoor venue.
They each followed their individual paths from there. Bramhall went on to solo projects as well as touring with Roger Waters and Eric Clapton's band. Sexton made two critically acclaimed solo albums, toured with Bob Dylan, and has produced numerous high profile artist projects. Meanwhile, Layton recorded three albums with the Texas soul quintet Storyville and has backed such artists as Buddy Guy and John Mayer.
Nearly fifteen years after headlining the Austin City Limits Festival, the Arc Angels have decided to reunite and record new music, as well as release a Live DVD/CD. This time, the band consists of original members Bramhall, Sexton and Layton only.
"Charlie and I started to write together again and decided that we should get the band back together. The chemistry that we all have together is one entity and it's something very real. It's fun," said Bramhall. “We’re trying to take advantage and savor the good things and one of the good things is the Arc Angels,” added Charlie Sexton.
The launch of their new music and live tour was at Austin's annual South by Southwest Music Festival in March 2009. Following that, they will open for Eric Clapton on his European tour in May, and then embark on their own U.S. tour this summer. “The stars kind of aligned once again. The band's back together and we're doing some new things," said Layton. TOADIES (7/19) - Why is it such a big deal that the Toadies are back? The band rose to fame in the 90's when their debut album, "Rubberneck," went platinum on the strength of two smash singles “Possum Kingdom” and "Tyler." It then took a long seven years for their follow up album, "Hell Below/Stars Above" to be released. Shortly thereafter, bassist Lisa Umbarger quit the band. The remaining members played a few farewell shows, before going their separate ways. Vocalist Vaden Todd Lewis started a new band, The Burden Brothers, drummer Mark Reznicek began playing with Eleven Hundred Springs and guitarist Clark Vogeler moved to LA to start a career in film.
It wasn’t until 2005 that the band got together again for a one off show on St Patrick's Day in Dallas. In 2006, they reunited once more for a string of sold out shows in Dallas, Austin and Houston. Vogeler says, “The fan response really surprised us all. I had no idea that people would show up in the numbers that they did. Clearly, people still wanna see a Toadies show." Lewis adds “After the first show, we started getting more offers for the Toads. I like to work. A lot. So we did a few more shows during my time off from the Burden Brothers. They turned out to be a gas.” So what's next for the Toadies? “Expect lots of rock. And maybe even new Toadies releases in the future. Whether that involves putting out some unreleased archival stuff, or even recording new material... who knows?” says Reznicek.
Let’s face it: the music industry isn't the same as it was 10-15 years ago. They just don't make 'em like they used to. Remember when the rock/alternative scene was good? It was a long time ago, I know. Bands don't sound like The Toadies, or The Pixies, or Nirvana, or the old Pearl Jam (before becoming political activists) anymore. Now we have to live with, and listen to generic crap rock, nu metal & American Idol rejects. Music needs redemption, dammit. Vogeler says, “I've realized that trends in popular music come and go, but hardcore fans of a band stick around for the long run. The Hell Below era reminds me of what a struggle it can be for a band who just wants to record albums and tour. These days the band gives me a sense of optimism that perhaps we can play music on our terms.”
What better reason for the Toadies to pick up their guitars and re-tune the strings? The band's new album, "No Deliverance," was released in August 2008. 107.7 The Bone presents: Slim\'s presents: SOLID STATE LOGIC (7/23) - Formed in SF in 2004, Solid State Logic has quickly developed an original, heavy alternative rock sound that has the hook to set new standards in the post nu-metal scene. As music trends come and go in the alternative rock genre, SSL quickly formulated a sound that both captures the raw sounds of bands like Alice in Chains along with the modern-edged sound of today. BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH (7/24) - Named after Israeli fusion artist/producer Badawi’s 1996 release – which pays homage to nomadic Arabic poet tribe the Bedouins – power trio Bedouin Soundclash formed in 2001 at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Unlike most musicians who try to mimic their musical idols, Bedouin Soundclash forges their own musical path creating music embodying each member’s personal and diverse musical preferences. With a seductive combination of lead singer Jay Malinowski’s soulful wail and hypnotic rhythmic guitar grooves, Eon Sinclair’s deep dubbing bass, and Pat Pengelly’s driving rhythms, Bedouin Soundclash creates its own innovative fusion of Reggae, Rock, Punk and Soul. BLOWOFF (HOSTED & DJ'D BY BOB MOULD & RICH MOREL) (7/25) - Bob Mould and Richard Morel's Blowoff is a musical smackdown of a party that has become a destination event for a wide cross-section of appreciative fans. Alternative music-loving boys (girls welcome!), burly beer-drankin' men, leather daddies, and loads of chunky hunks like those featured in Blowoff's smokin' signature artwork have found the party they've been looking for in Blowoff.
Keenly maintaining the musical emphasis of the Blowoff parties, Mould and Morel DJ in tandem, laying down a meaty signature mix of indie rock, electro and house (from Chromeo to Matthew Dear to Annie to Amanda Lepore), accented by a series of artfully eye-popping vignettes projected throughout the club.
Originally a live and DJ musical collaboration between Washington, DC-based singer-songwriters Bob Mould — formerly of alt rock bands Hüsker Dü and Sugar — and electronic producer/artist Richard Morel, Blowoff began over five years ago at DC's Velvet Lounge. Though the venues have changed, the DC party has become a local staple built around the music, great visuals, signature flyer artwork and an enthusiastically devoted fanbase, which now numbers well over 1000 at each event. Smart Bar in Chicago, Minneapolis Eagle (a Pride event), Homo A Go Go (Olympia, WA), 2006 Folsom Street Fair (where Blowoff was a headliner) have all hosted Blowoff. AMERICAN SPELLBOUND TOUR FEATURING LACUNA COIL (7/27) - Lacuna Coil's newest effort, "Shallow Life," is another huge step forward in the band's continuous evolution and marks their first full-length since 2006's "Karmacode" - proving to be well worth the wait.
Cristina Scabbia (vocals) states: "'Shallow Life' is a natural metamorphosis from within the band; we explored different musical territories while maintaining our own style. A mix of old and new, fast and slow and light and dark. The album production is incredibly powerful and has a beautiful purity to it. Hopefully listeners will feel the same sort of connection that we have to these songs. Shallow Life has forced us to challenge ourselves. It represents the way we see ourselves in the days we live in through truth, love and lies."
The American breakthrough for Lacuna Coil whose moniker translates to "empty spiral" in English, betraying the rich versatility of their music - began with 2001's "Unleashed Memories," but the runaway success of 2002's "Comalies" was the foundation of which the band's success was built. The album was praised by the likes of Entertainment Weekly, Revolver, Rolling Stone, Stuff and virtually every hard rock/metal publication of note. Soon after the album's release, the group's profile grew tenfold thanks to aggressive touring with the likes of P.O.D., Opeth, Anthrax, Type O Negative and Danzig.
In early 2004, Lacuna Coil's successes were validated with an invitation to participate in that year's Ozzfest, supporting such metal stalwarts as Judas Priest, Slayer and Ozzy himself. Lacuna Coil offered something unique to the package that ultimately struck a chord with fans, resulting in their being hailed as the year's breakthrough artist.
The group kicked off the "Karmacode" album's extensive touring cycle with a high profile, sold-out six-week U.S. trek as direct support to Rob Zombie and the summer of 2006 was spent on the main stage of Ozzfest playing alongside such acclaimed acts as System Of A Down, Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold, as Scabbia became the first female front woman ever to grace the fest's main stage.
With five full-length albums and two EPs now to their credit, Lacuna Coil have ensured that each offering further enunciates the subtle, solemn beauty they create. "Shallow Life" takes that a step further, seeing them further mature as musicians and songwriters to deliver their most cohesive, career-defining album. Slim\\\'s presents:
The Wailing Souls saw large success in the early '90s featuring songs on soundtracks including the certified gold album for Disney's film "Cool Runnings." Their 1992 album "All Over The World" also achieved a great deal of success for the group, selling over 800,000 copies.
The Wailing Souls pushed the musical limits of the Reggae genre with that release,blending sounds of Funk, R&B, and Country into their Roots tradition, securing their reputations as pioneers in the genre.
Fusing the harmonies of Motown with the roots and dancehall sounds of Reggae, The Wailing Souls persist as one of the most powerful forces in Jamaican music. To this day, the group continues to release provocative, highly regarded regarded albums and is one of the most popular live Reggae acts on the scene. THE LOU DOG TRIO (A TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME) (7/31) - The Lou Dog Trio began when college musicians Dustin Finney and Jordan Fezler realized there was something missing from the live music circuit in California . After the passing of Sublime's lead singer, Bradley Nowell in 1996, most of Sublime's cult following would never get to see the band live. In 2006, Lou Dog Trio was created, bringing live performances of Sublime's biggest hits and B-side anthems to West Coast venues. Lou Dog Trio brings an incredible energy to the stage and is selling out venues up and down the down the West Coast in an effort to "keep Sublime alive." STELLASTARR* (8/1) - In conjunction with their brand new album "Civilized" hitting streets on July 7th, the band is pleased to announce their first cross-country tour in over 3 years! KPIG presents:
"Love Filling Station," Winchester’s Appleseed debut and his first studio CD since 1999’s "Gentleman of Leisure," offers nine characteristically top-flight originals among its dozen songs. It also highlights Jesse as a graceful, soulful vocalist, as memorable a singer as a songwriter. His light southern tenor drawl, warmly wrapped in country/bluegrass/folk arrangements, can gently ascend to the heavens a la Roy Orbison, as in the lovestruck wonderment of “O What a Thrill” (already covered by The Mavericks), dish some sly, wry dirt (“It’s a Shame About Him”) and even capture the sublime hush of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me,” one of the CD’s three covers. The lightly rocking “Wear Me Out,” another original, mixes a mock-plaintive vocal of sexual exhaustion with a funky, gospel-tinged call-and-response as the great bluegrass solo artist and sideman Jerry Douglas threads carnal lap steel guitar licks throughout the song.
Aside from Douglas’s guest shot, some of the core musicians on "Love Filling Station" are the equally estimable Russ Barenberg (guitar, mandolin); Mark Fain (bass) and Andy Leftwich (fiddle) from Ricky Scaggs’ band; Jesse himself (guitar, keyboards, lead and backing vocals); and solo artist Claire Lynch, who summons her inner Dolly Parton on one of the album’s other cover songs, “Loose Talk,” an uptempo country lament about wagging tongues and provincial minds.
The strength, sincerity and humor of Winchester’s songs combine the laidback gentility of his Memphis upbringing with the perspective and longing of his longtime Canadian exile, self-imposed in 1967 upon receipt of his draft notice. The ten years that followed, before then-President Carter declared amnesty in 1977, may have limited his recognition and eliminated touring in the US, but the next 25 years based in Montreal were voluntary and productive, in a leisurely way. Repatriated in Virginia with an American-born wife since 2002, Winchester sounds happy to be home on "Love Filling Station," and we’re glad to have him back.TICKETS ON SALE Sun. July 5 THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS (8/6) - So about that name then: "It's 100 percent completely arbitrary," laughs singer Ronnie Winter. "When we started the band, we only cared about having a good time and writing good songs far more than coming up with some symbolic, incredibly intelligent name."
A brief listen to The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' music and it's obvious that these boys have spent a lot of time concentrating on their music. Their songs are flush with the determination, hunger and energy of youth. And while they tap into elements of pop-punk, pop, screamo, and metal, they combine them in a way that's both surprising and invigorating: and when your music speaks so eloquently, who cares what's in a name? IN REVERENT FEAR (8/7) - In Reverent Fear's album, "Stomacher," is a devastating and powerful show of the band's musical range; balanced between their loose-and-reckless moments of intensity and their more subtle and haunting sections with lounging melodies and guitar lines, the album is tightly structured, each song polished and refined. It has been six years since the members first formed in Concord, CA, playing shows up and down the coast and finding their sound. In 2001, before most of the members were of legal age, the band released their first EP, "Living a Life in Debt to Another," helping fuel their immersion in California's various music scenes. In 2003, they released their first full-length, "Written in the A.M.," gaining them a new wave of followers and sending them across the country, where they played such big attendance festivals as Warped Tour, Furnace Fest and Cornerstone. As a culmination of their passion, intellect and experience, "Stomacher" was released in 2006. Since the band's inception, two members have gained degrees in philosophy and theology serving their music’s rare marriage between the mind and the heart, without sacrificing the sheer power that has always been at the band's core. LED ZEPAGAIN (8/8) - "It's amazing how much you sound like us...You must have grown up on this because you were inside the music, and you paid attention to detail in your presentation...I can tell you guys really love the music!" - Jimmy Page
Led Zepagain takes their audience to a place that not only replicates a Led Zeppelin concert, but captures the heart and soul of the world's greatest band. A Led Zepagain show features all of the Zeppelin highlights, from the high energy electric classics, to the beautiful acoustic works; from the soaring leads on the double-neck guitar, to the brilliant keyboard passages, and from the high, Robert Plant screams, to the trademark pounding rhythms. From the moment Led Zepagain hits the stage, you'll believe, this is definitely the “Real Deal!”
BARCELONA / MEESE (8/12) - You could never call Meese frontman Patrick Meese a rock ’n’ roll cliché. Patrick worked past his troubled years long before the label heads were calling, before the Fray was opening for his band and before his song was all over the radio.
There’s a reason the industry has been buzzing over the Denver-based four-piece. Patrick, schooled in music as much as life, is a master of melody. And proof of his unyielding grasp on pop music (as an art form and a populist celebration) is found in the band’s dynamic confection, “Next In Line.” One listen to the infectiously soulful “nah-nahs” of the lead single and you’ll understand Meese’s love of fist-pumping, rock-infused pop that begs to be sung along with.
The band's new album, “Broadcast,” produced by Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt, Depeche Mode), covers the wide spectrum of the band’s many stylistic interests – from guitar-driven rock to avant-garde electronic, from melodic piano pop to four-on-the-floor dance.
BETO CUEVAS (OF LA LEY) (8/14) - From rock and pop, to joyful and melancholic music; to metaphoric and straightforward lyrics, this artist comes back with his newest production. Beto Cuevas, former lead singer of the Chilean band La Ley, presents his first solo album as singer, composer, musician and producer: “Miedo Escénico,” released in September 2008.
The color palette on the cover of “Miedo Escénico” is a reflection of the songs included in the album: from violet to green, from red to white; bright tones emerging powerful over an intense dark background. These contrasts reflect the mood of the songs: stories between the lines; borrowed anecdotes, experiential passages, adapted and nostalgic tales. AN EVENING WITH WILD CHILD: A LIVE RECREATION OF A DOORS CONCERT (8/15) - Wild Child is a Los Angeles-based act with 20 solid years of performance in the competitive LA music scene. Faithfully re-creating a live Doors concert on stage, this is not a typical Doors tribute band! The music is painstakingly reproduced and combined with the voice, look and essence of Jim Morrison live on stage (performed by lead singer Dave Brock.) Wild Child mirrors the depth, energy and emotion of The Doors concerts as they were live back in the late 1960s. The band also utilizes the same musical instruments live as The Doors did over 35 years ago. Wild Child performs internationally, playing to packed venues around the globe. QUANTIC AND HIS COMBO BARBARO (8/16) - A multi-cultural band of exceptional musicians giving an explosive sonic snapshot of the ever-evolving musical landscape of the Americas.
On the crest of a burgeoning worldwide wave of interest in the lesser-tapped sources of music from the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa, Quantic and his new band, the Combo Bárbaro, are leading the charge. The stunning album, ‘Tradition In Transition’ (out on Tru Thoughts in July), and upcoming live tour of selected spots in Europe and America throughout August and September, will see this international cast of acclaimed musical creators fusing those rediscovered psychedelic, experimental and rhythmically rich sounds of the past with deep funk and soul elements, giving life to an explosive sonic snapshot of the eclectic and ever-evolving musical landscape of the Americas.
In 2007 Will ‘Quantic’ Holland moved to Cali, Colombia’s third largest city, to pursue his passion for both unearthing lost treasures from Colombia’s musical past and making new music with the golden array of talent available today. As a travelling music maker/DJ, continually searching for unconventional destinations to both find and showcase his music, Holland found it to be a rewarding move, and Colombia was to prove a perfect home-base to fuel his remarkably prolific creativity.
Since he settled in Cali, Holland has set up an analogue studio and recorded and released two albums (2007’s highly lauded ‘Tropidelico’ by The Quantic Soul Orchestra; and the debut from his tropical-dub side project Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno, in 2008) featuring some of the cream of Cali musicianship. Upon realising the potency and sheer depth of quality present in these players, Holland assembled his Combo Bárbaro (literally translating as ‘group of barbarians or people from outside Europe’) to take up the baton from The Quantic Soul Orchestra in the realisation of the next phase of his musical vision.
The stellar array of musicians at the core of the Combo Bárbaro are: pianist Alfredo Linares, who wowed the sell-out crowds with his virtuoso performances on The Quantic Soul Orchestra’s 2008 tour; Freddy Colorado, the energetic, charismatic cornerstone of the Cali music circuit, on congas; Fernando Silva on baby bass; William Holland himself on electric guitar; and London-based drummer and long time Quantic collaborator Malcolm Catto, also well known for his own band The Heliocentrics, in fine form. ‘Tradition In Transition’ also benefits incalculably from the talents of veteran Brazilian writer, arranger and musical innovator Arthur Verocai, who scored and directed a 12 piece string section on several themes. Legendary Panamanian soul singer Kabir lends his rich vocal tones to two tracks; Indian-born singer Falu, now based in the USA, brings her beguiling mix of North Indian Classical and rock-influenced vocal styles; and Pacific folklore singer and award-winning songwriter Nidia Góngora contributes her beautiful song “Un Canto A Mi Tierra."
In crafting the sound of Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro, Holland felt it was imperative to have the core stable of musicians in the same room, creating an organic dialogue between them – a simple rule which, in an age of drum machines, samples and voice correction, is all too often overlooked. People will be instinctively drawn time and again to revisit the music made in this traditional, substantial way, undoubtedly because strange, unexpected things take place, musicians improvise and exciting musical statements are made, and this was the environment needed for the recording of ‘Tradition In Transition’. The result is a multi-cultural patchwork – a record bathed but not exclusively rooted in Colombian musical culture, embracing the musical range of all the American continent – honouring and utilising its contributors’ individual backgrounds while conjuring up a unique brand of contemporary music that is a joy and a celebration to listen to, and a live experience that defies comparison.TICKETS ON SALE Sun. July 5 SET YOUR GOALS / FOUR YEAR STRONG (8/21) - Summer is here and you know what that means! Time to break out the cut-off shorts, barbecues, and Slip n' Slide. Or, if denim and bruises aren't your bag, how about a Four Year Strong summer tour? That's right, Four Year Strong are proud to announce GIGLIFE! They'll be hitting the road this summer alongside Set Your Goals, Polar Bear Club and Fireworks. You could melt in the summer heat or you can check out this awesome lineup on a tour that is not to be missed! 107.7 The Bone presents:
After the shows were completed in 2008, four of us were motivated and inspired enough to start working together closely and create music once again. A conscious decision was made to continue moving forward and write a new Forbidden album, our first in 13 years! After many conversations and soul searching we decided on the following line up to accomplish this...
We would like to proudly announce that the line up for this album and all of our up coming shows are, Russ Anderson, Craig Locicero, Steve Smyth, Matt Camacho, and Mark Hernandez. That being said, the re-union is now over and the future of Forbidden has begun. Mark and Steve are officially members of Forbidden!
We are extremely excited about Steve Smyth joining us for our newest chapter! Steve has been jamming and writing with us already and is a perfect compliment to the new material. The chemistry between the five of us has been a real inspiration, Steve is just the fresh blood we needed to carry out such an endeavor. Yes, the new material will be what you would want and expect with more then a few surprises. It will absolutely be Forbidden.... Evil and Twisted!!!
Not far down the road, new music will do our talking.
Steve Smyth: 'I am very happy to have been invited to join Forbidden! Having been a long time fan of the band, it's great to have been presented the opportunity to perform with them, like at the Thrash of the Titans show in 2001. I look forward to touring in the near future with Craig, Matt, Russ and Mark, and also to have a hand in the creation of a new album with such a talented and creative bunch of individuals. Let’s tear it up!'
See you all 'out there' in 2009." - Russ, Matt, Mark, Craig and Steve MONSTERS OF ACCORDION FEATURING JASON WEBLEY (8/29) - An international mob of squeezebox wielding maniacs is launching an all out attack on San Francisco. Geoff Berner, of Vancouver, is a self described "Klezmer mongrel" playing his original take on traditional Jewish folk music fueled by his wry, biting humor and more than a few shots whiskey. Former Gogol Bordello member, Stevhen Iancu of Tokyo sings fiery rhythm-driven songs marrying his Gypsy roots with traditional Japanese styles. Eric Stern, the devilishly virtuosic leader of Portland's Vagabond Opera, displays his acclaimed operatic tenor to the accompaniment of French musette, Balkan, and Arabic accordion stylings. These three are joined by infamous accordion howler, Jason Webley, of Seattle. Webley, who organizes the annual tour, is known for his passionate voice, his caterwauling squeezebox and his ability to get a room of strangers to throw their arms around each other and sing with abandon. The monsters will be joined by special local guest Mark Growden. TINTED WINDOWS (9/1) - Tinted Windows are: Taylor Hanson (lead vocals), James Iha (guitar), Adam Schlesinger (bass), and Bun E. Carlos (drums).
Taylor Hanson is best known as a member of Hanson, the multi-million-selling trio of brothers from Tulsa who have been recording and touring since 1992. James Iha was one of the original members of the Smashing Pumpkins, and has also been a member of A Perfect Circle and a solo artist. Adam Schlesinger is in the bands Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy. Bun E. Carlos is the drummer of the legendary Cheap Trick, with whom he has played since the group's inception in 1974.
Taylor and Adam first crossed paths in the mid-Nineties and stayed friends ever since. "Taylor and I had always talked about trying to do something together," says Schlesinger, "maybe write some songs, or play some shows - something." Meanwhile, James' and Adam's respective bands had toured together, and the two have been collaborating on various projects for years, including guesting on each others' records, producing other groups together, running indie label Scratchie Records and co-owning a recording studio in Manhattan.
James, Adam and Taylor started kicking around the idea of writing and recording some songs that would set Taylor's unmistakable voice against some loud guitars. They also talked about fusing the sounds of power-pop, rock and New Wave of the late 70's and early 80's, which they all loved, with the more modern rock and pop sounds of their own groups. "We talked about everything from from The Buzzcocks to The Knack," says Iha. "And, of course, Cheap Trick."
When discussing possible drummers to round out the group, they thought, according to Taylor, "Who do we know that can play drums like Bun E. Carlos?" They ran through a list of names, before realizing the obvious. Both the Pumpkins and Fountains Of Wayne had shared stages with Cheap Trick over the years. Figuring it was a long shot, but worth a try, they got in touch with Bun E. and asked if they could send him a few song demos. Much to their delight and surprise, he was into it, and agreed to come to New York to work with them. Explains Bun E., "The songs are great and I'm honored to be a part of Tinted Windows."
The result is a stripped-down, high-energy record that combines the strengths and identifiable styles of all four members, and yet doesn't really sound like anything else any of the four has done elsewhere. And with three of the four band members contributing songs, there is a real band vibe in the diversity of the material. Slim\\\'s presents:
Inspired by the Beatles, the four-piece Translator featured two singer/songwriter/guitarists (Steve Barton and Bob Darlington) and a sound that spanned Merseybeat and stripped-down rock to psychedelia. Larry Dekker on bass and Dave Scheff on drums completed the lineup, a constant during the band's initial seven-year run, as well as for their sporadic, post-breakup reunion appearances. Formed in Los Angeles in 1979, Translator relocated to San Francisco where they were signed to Howie Klein's independent label, 415 Records, on the strength of the demo tape they sent to college radio station KUSF; the loose and rambling yet laconic "Everywhere That I'm Not" remained the band's signature tune.
The song was featured on Translator's debut album "Heartbeats and Triggers" (415/Columbia, 1982), which was produced by David Kahne and became an underground and college radio hit, though its 1983 follow-up, the Kahne-produced "No Time Like Now," didn't fare as well. Breaking away from a tight new wave formula and finding a simpatico producer in Ed Stasium, the band created a lush third album simply titled "Translator" (1985).
As the decade wore on, they increasingly explored psychedelia, and live shows became three-hour affairs filled with traditional San Francisco rock-style jamming. "Evening of the Harvest" (1986) was the sound of a mature band and their most realized statement to date, as it fused rock with the band's increasingly nuanced side. And yet, it signaled their end. That year Columbia issued "Everywhere That I'm Not: A Retrospective"; two more CD retrospectives "Translation" (Oglio, 1995) and "Everywhere That We Were: The Best of Translator" (Columbia Legacy, 1996) followed, and the band took some brief shots at reuniting in 1993 and in 1995. In 1996, ten years after their official breakup, the band was paid its highest compliment when Beatles fans mistook their take of the instrumental "Cry for a Shadow" for a new recording by the Fab Four from the "Anthology" sessions (in fact it was an old Translator B-side). Translator continued to reunite on occasion, and Barton also worked as a solo recording artist. In 2006 Translator appeared at the annual SXSW festival in Austin, TX, where their tight, stripped-down rock of the '80s sounded right in line with the 21st century's back-to-basics rock. ~ Denise Sullivan, All Music Guide DAVY KNOWLES & BACK DOOR SLAM (9/7) - After a brief break from two years of non-stop touring, Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam is back with a new album produced by Peter Frampton and mixed by Bob Clearmountain.
"Coming Up For Air," a smorgasbord of rockers and acoustic ballads, includes Davy’s and Peter’s dueling guitar solos on George Harrison’s anthem, “Hear Me Lord,” and an extraordinary bonus track duet with Jonatha Brooke of her “Taste of Danger.”
The album is built around nine Davy originals (two co-written with Peter Frampton). Highlights include rockers “Tear Down The Walls” and “Riverbed” and the soulful “You Can’t Take This Back.” After a three week solo stint opening for Jeff Beck in April, Davy and the band are hitting the road again in support of this album. OBITUARY (9/10) - When Obituary announced plans to record a new album in early 2007, the metal world stood up and applauded. One of death metal’s crown jewels was returning and fans couldn't have been more enthused. The album, "Xecutioner’s Return," delivered the goods as only Obituary could. Now, two years later, the band returns with eighth full-length "Darkest Day." Signature in every way, the record proves the band gets even better with age.
Obituary's core of brothers - John Tardy (vocals) and Donald Tardy (drums) - with guitarist Trevor Peres came together in 1984 forming what would become one of death metal's most successful and internationally respected bands. Obituary 2009 - the Tardy brothers, Peres, guitarist Ralph Santolla and bassist Frank Watkins - remains unwaveringly brutal. Said John Tardy about new CD "Darkest Day," "It came out really sick and I cannot wait for you guys to hear it... it is heavy!" Added guitarist Ralph Santolla, "The new stuff is heavy, some of my favorite OBI riffs yet. Trevor's guitar sounds huge and menacing. If you like Obituary, you're gonna love this record." Pirate Cat Radio presents:
Long the bards of downward mobility, Southern Culture on the Skids have always embodied countrypolitan. Recently described by Dwight Yoakam (in Filter) as "really on the outside, like Dick Dale meets Hank Thompson," SCOTS have mixed high and low culture for decades, endlessly touring, serving up moonshine martinis and poultry picking for fans everywhere. Now, with their new fifteen song covers collection, "Countrypolitan Favorites," they've given the Go-Go country treatment to some of their favorite songs, creating a tasty buffet of tunes from Don Gibson to T-Rex.
It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's the mystical masked avengers Los Straitjackets! The Los Straitjackets latest album "The Further Adventures of Los Straitjackets" continues their conquest as the champion luchadores of instrumental rock. With the heroic efforts of Eddie Angel, Daddy-O Grande, Pedro Del Mar and Teen Beat, the world renowned kings of Chopsville are set to release one of their most remarkable albums to date. Los Straitjackets newest full length album features 13 tracks of future vintage sounds straight from planet Straitjacket. Each CD package includes exclusive trading cards featuring the secret identities of Los Straitjackets along with information on their superhuman characteristics. Comic book panels detailing the adventures of LS provide clues to how the heroes acquired their now legendary powers. With well over a decade of experience under their utility belts, the instrumental rockers 14th album finds the band in classic form. Do not succumb to the evil temptations of mediocrity and check out Los Straitjackets' amazing journey to save the world one riff at a time. Slim\\\\\\\'s presents:
Considered by some to be the "holy grail" of punk rock, the Bad Brains iconic legacy is best defined by their energy, both live and in the studio. Bad Brains are one of the definitive American punk groups who garner the same respect as the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, The Clash, and the Ramones. The band brought a new dimension to music by melding punk and reggae into an innovative style that has yet-to-be copied, thank God. DID WE MENTION THIS IS THE ORIGINAL LINEUP!? (H.R., Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer & Earl Hudson.)
***Please note that there is a 4 ticket limit per person.*** Dr. Rock and Latin Rock Inc presents:
Mestizo... was originally formed in a garage more than 25 years ago by 6 teenagers attending James Denman Jr. High, and Balboa High School...using the name "Race" as a metaphor for their ethnic diversity. From those beginnings the band evolved in several incarnations, ultimately into "Sapphire" which lasted until the birth of Disco in the late 70's which all but caused the demise of "live" music. It was the end of an era, and the end of the musical careers of several of the bands members.
Now... after more than a 20 year hiatus, "That Sound" is Back! using original & new members, Mestizo is bringing back the "Live" Classic Latin Rock Sound. Featuring a 13 piece band (orchestra?), you can't help but get up and dance the Calypso, Cha-Cha, or Salsa! (or whatever you can remember moving to back then!)
Mestizo...(which is slang for blend) emanating from San Francisco's South of Market District, is fortunate to have a talented staff of musicians who grew-up and or appreciate that era, and were more than happy to have the chance to revive it. TICKETS ON SALE Sun. July 5 Slim\'s presents:
The highly influential band started as a punk rock band but established their own unique style blending punk, country and psychedelic rock. The band later gained significant exposure when the Kirkwood brothers served as guest musicians on Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. The band's subsequent album "Too High To Die" went gold, selling over 500,00 albums and became their most successful release. The band has been going full-on since their reunion in 2006.
Everyone from Nirvana to Dinosaur Jr. to Stone Temple Pilots cite the Meat Puppets as of the most significant American bands! EDGUY (9/27) - It’s virtually impossible not to enjoy a band who injects an element of fun into their music at their own expense for our entertainment. Proud winners of multiple gold medals in the Olympic sport of Live Performances, "Tinnitus Sanctus" by Germany’s Edguy is an invigorating new collection of anthems, huge harmonies, and ample vocal & guitar hooks showcasing the perfection of their cheerful brand of rock ‘n’ roll-infused melodic metal. Eager, adept & ready to exploit their musicianship, songwriting, and production talents after two solid years of touring for 2006’s "Rocket Ride," the members of Edguy entered Gate Studios in Germany with long-time collaborator/producer Sascha Paeth prepared to steer clear of fan expectations in order to focus on the groove and the art of the song for their latest studio album.
The truth is, when it comes to making music, Edguy do so without a shred of pompous seriousness, reveling in the joy of playing and performing their compositions to live audiences of 20 or 20,000. If melodic, rock ‘n’ roll-infused metal is what you’re looking for, this is the real deal; if you want fun, more so.
Skilled in making the human spirit soar high above our mundane existence, Edguy will happily see to it that you will never frown again. Once you’re hooked, there’ll be no turning back. Slim\\\'s presents:
For its second album, "Citrus" (released in 2006), the band headed into Gigantic Studios in New York City to record with producer Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, Tokyo Police Club, Shy Child). The result was tremendous: a powerful, sweeping album, sung in both English and Japanese, which showcased Yuki and James' ever-growing songwriting skills. "Citrus" received worldwide acclaim and expanded Asobi Seksu's fan base all over the United States, and also into Europe, Japan, Australia, Korea and Mexico.
When the time came to begin work on their third LP, James and Yuki once again enlisted the skills of producer Chris Zane. After a long eight weeks in the studio together, the band has emerged with another exceptional piece of work. Asobi Seksu have always been masters at creating musical textures; gauzy, cloudy dreamscapes for their slower songs and squalls of guitar and daisy-chained effect pedals for their barnstormers. What truly distinguishes them is that the band has now married this ability to a finely honed pop sensibility. The songs they write aren't just "pretty," they're melodically rich and incredibly catchy.
As their captivating live show attests, Asobi Seksu have outgrown the comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and others, and have finally realized their potential as one of New York's greatest bands
Multi-instrumentalist and home-recording phenom Emil Svanängen lives in Sweden and he makes records and plays shows under the somewhat inscrutable name of Loney, Dear. In either his tiny Stockholm studio apartment or the basement of his parents’ house, and with a dedication bordering upon manic, Emil discreetly builds Loney, Dear songs using a modest home studio set-up. In this way he has recorded and then released himself on CD-R four albums in the last two or three years. He has managed to sell several thousand of these, pretty much on his own. The music of Loney, Dear has been aptly described as, “soulful indie folk with a powerful mini orchestra.” Layer upon layer, adding instrumentation and vocals, these songs seem to bloom like time-lapse photography, depicting glimpsed scenes of modern disaffection and timeless yearning. When performing live, Loney, Dear becomes the band Emil conjures alone in his home studio, and mutates into a full, five-member band complete with guitar, sax, drums, organ and clarinet, shouts and claps. "Loney, Noir" is the most recently recorded Loney, Dear album. It is at once effervescent and resigned, exhilarating and melancholy, joyous and confessional. And we are under its spell. Slim\'s presents: OWL CITY (10/19) - Hello, my name is Adam. I prefer daydreams over reality. Music is my muse. I write and record in my basement. I have trouble sleeping. These songs are all I have to show for my sleepless nights. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them. It means the world to know someone is out there listening. You have no idea how much I appreciate you. Thank you. | |||