On the cusp of releasing their first studio album since 2002’s Senor Boombox, the Disco Biscuits are riding high following a few years of rediscovering themselves.
Marco
Supporting their latest live album MOODOO, George Porter, Russell Batiste, and Brian Stoltz, along with Page McConnell in tow, rolled into Higher Ground to finish their brief but inspiring four night marathon tour. The Vermont stop on this tour was very appropriate as the live album they were supporting was recorded last November at Burlington's Club Metronome where McConnell made an impromptu surprise sit-in worthy of an official release.
Back from a brief hiatus, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, comprised of prolific songwriter Nathan Moore and the members of The Slip, made a triumphant return at South Burlington’s Higher Ground.
Vernon Reid, most widely recognized as the guitarist from late 80s/early 90s evolutionary rock group Living Colour, is no stranger to the world of experimental music. He has worked with everyone from the legendary experimental guitarist David Torn, to the avant minded turntablist DJ Logic. For his latest project Free Form Funky Freqs, Reid teams up with free jazz bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma and powerhouse drummer Calvin Weston.
Having just released a brand new album, the children’s themed “Let’s Go Everywhere”, it would be easy to think Medeski, Martin and Wood would be playing the Chuck E. Cheese circuit. Instead, this ever-evolving three- piece is focusing its energy on the ambitious goal of rewriting the “traditional” rules of touring.
Does Eugene Hütz, strike you as particularly laid back? You think he stands stoically in front of his microphone like Thom Yorke? Nope. Hütz, the Urkranian born lead singer of gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello is particularly animated, and he’s not ready to stand back and let his guitarist do the talking.
The Duo should not be judged by their album outputs, they are first and foremost a live act. Their performance at Higher Ground, although not one of their “epic” shows, was surely another whirlwind of unclassifiable rock and jazz that proved they are one of today’s elite instrumental rock units going.
Set in the heart of autumn in beautiful upstate New York, this year’s eight annual Woodstock Film Festival impressed with a blend of small town charm, prestigious films, and great music. There was a little bit of something for everyone, even those who aren’t your average film fest attendees.
Jacob Fred are on top of their game, a group that just keeps developing into new, refreshing directions while always paying tribute to the jazz masters. Fittingly Hass reminded the audience near the end of the set to remember to, “listen to a little jazz everyday.”
