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Show Planning On Making Community ‘Feel The Beat Of The City’

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drum-dayton-courthouse-squareThe universal language of drumming has many layers to it.  The rhythm and beat to drumming is beautiful, exotic, and spiritual.  For some cultures, drumming helps with the lines of communications within their group or other tribes.  Some cultures see drumming as a way of healing.  For most folks, hearing the rhythmic drumming symbolizes good times, and have individuals gather around to dance with another, laughing, smiling, and being carefree.  Places like the legendary city New Orleans will have groups of drummers play in the streets all day and night.  These type of events that Peter Benkendorf and the group The Collaboratory got the idea that will come to life this Saturday night at Courthouse Square in Dayton.  The affair is titled Drum Dayton-Feel the Beat.

The Collaboratory is part of Benkendorf’s own group which he founded, Involvement Advocacy.  Involvement Advocacy was born in 1992 in Chicago, and the mission was to provide citizens the opportunity and resources to address systemic challenges facing the community, by providing frameworks for new possibilities and collaborative action.  According to Involvement Advocacy’s website, they are fostering imaginative, pioneering, civic engagement and community building initiatives that touch on issues ranging from public housing and urban renewal, to the arts and the environment, from youth development and cross-cultural connections, to technology advancement and community gardens.  “We really want to get everyone back to coming out and really supporting this great city”, Benkendorf explained.  “This city has a lot to offer and we want people to witness that themselves.”

Drum Dayton will be presenting drum lines, drum groups, individual drummers, and collaborations, followed by a community “drum circle”.  The goal is to present the elegance of communicating through drumming, and present to attendees the rich history and splendor that drumming offers.  “We wanted to have everyone come and see drumming that they haven’t witness before”, Benkendorf said.  “We want people to maybe even get influenced to the point that they maybe would like to get involved in drumming.”

The tentative schedule for Drum Dayton is:

4:00   Chaske Hotain Native American Drummers

4:30   Joseph Glenn Steel Pan Duo

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Baoku Moses

5:00   Michael Bashaw’s Bamboo Stick Orchestra

5:30   University of Dayton Drumline

6:00   Wright State University Percussion Ensemble

6:30   Baoku – Nigerian Hand Drummer

7:00   Dayton Phil. Orchestra Percussion Trio

7:30  West Side Drum Corps

  • Dakota 3DI
  • Dayton Young & Gifted
  • T.R.S.S. Drumline

8:30   DrumDayton Collaborative

9:00   Community Drum Circle

 

Don’t worry, food trucks will be at the event all night for those who develop a hunger of watching the show.  The vendors who will be there are:

• McNasty’s

• El Meson Express559555_377404845671954_1674175345_n

• Horseless Buggy Eatery

• Courtland’s Mobile Grill

• Sweet Eats

 

Drum Dayton will be providing the community a shot of fresh life that will once again give the people in town even more reason to say that they live in one of the best cities in the United States.

For more info, click on the event Facebook page here.

‘The Spark’ Ignites Kevin Heider

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‘Patience is a virtue’

The quote above is more than just a phrase.  It’s something that most of us try to live by.  It is hard to patient.

Remember when you were a kid, and it was Christmas Eve?!  You placed a couple of chocolate chip cookies on a plate, along with a half-filled glass of milk on a table near the Christmas tree.  The sweet treat was for the jolly man who would shimmy down the chimney and drop off presents for you and your family.  Your mom and dad would tell you to head to bed, and you would just lay there-wondering when he would arrive.  Late in the evening, you would tip-toe down towards the tree just to see if Santa arrived earlier.

How about going for a job interview, and being told that you will be called within a couple of days.  This is the job that you have been waiting for since you can remember.  All the time you stayed in, studying your craft when you could have been out and about.  Putting in the extra work to make sure that when your name is called on, you were going to be ready to roll.  Now you have met with the one person that will make or break this dream.  Days feel like years.

It’s those moments in our lives that make having patience extremely difficult.  I will admit-I have struggles with being patient sometimes. When it comes to one of my favorite bands releasing new music, I can’t wait to get my hands on it.  It happens to all of us at one time or another.  You get excited.  You can’t wait to see what will happen.  However, we have to understand and come to grips with that whatever is supposed to happen will happen.  We have to remain calm and cool and the endgame will be worth it.

 This was the mindset that Kevin Heider had to have when he was courting his wife.  “It took me four years to have go on a date with me.    (Laughing) Four years!” Heider says to me during our sit down together recently at Ghostlight Coffee on Wayne Avenue.  “She didn’t think  that we could work, and she was coming off from a relationship.  I just had to wait.” Heider would make subtle comments along the way,  making playful remarks from time to time, mentioning that they are perfect for each other.  Heider was never pushy, though.  He knew that  patience was in order.  So after four years of waiting and wishing, the day finally came.  Heider finally got that date and the rest is now  history.

Kevin Heider is a hometown boy that is starting to get his feet back on the pavement here in town after recently living in the  Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area for a couple of years.  For the past few years, Heider has been traveling the United States, playing music full-time.  It was living in this area where he would meet the future Mrs. Heider.  As much as he enjoyed living in the area, the Dayton area just calling him back.  So Heider came home for the holidays.  The move back home quickly became a no-brainer for Heider and his new bride agreed.  “I always loved this city”, Heider says he slipped on his cup of coffee.  “It would take me over an hour just to meet up with friends who weren’t far away from me.  It was nice for a while, but I really wanted to get back home.  When we came to see my folks, my wife feel in love with the city also.”

Heider recently released his newest double album, The Spark back in March of this year.  His first album To Whom It May Concern was released in 2009.  The acoustic piano album provides a warm, heartfelt view of the world in his eyes.  The following year The Salzburg Revolution came out.  This album started to feature what is now Heider’s indie rock/folk sound.  In 2011, Ready, Set, Become… dove into the good and bad that is involved with families.

Recorded in Innovation Studios in Steubenville, Ohio, The Spark is the biggest album that Heider has done to date.  He dives into the human spirit, with the first half of the album diving into the dark side of a person who is dealing with some dark undertones.  ‘St. Brigit’s Fire’ is a fantastic Irish drinking song that should be added to all pubs around the United States.  One of the most powerful songs in the first half of the album is the bonus track ‘The Spark (A Reprise for the Folks in Newtown)’.  “I was in the studio when it all was unfolding”, Heider talked about when describing the unfortunate events that took place in Sandy Hook.  “I was like everyone else I am sure-completely horrified with what was unfolding.  So I went into the recording area and just starting playing.  I didn’t think much of it while I was recording it, but it turned out wonderful.”

The second half dives into the individual having a ‘spark’ fire up inside them, and finds the beauty and love in the world.  Some of the songs are actually pretty personable to Heider, for they are footprints from his life.  ‘Lonely In St. Louis’ starts with an acoustic guitar then builds to a crushing rush of guitars and organ play as Heider talks about not wanting to wait to see his love.  ‘Girl from Frederick’ explains his wife and his first date.  The French horn and mandolin add a beauty to the song that is written and ready to be placed in a romantic comedy.  Overall, the album is blistering with full-fledged folk rock to be sure to make everyone who enjoys national acts like The Lumineers and Phillip Phillips will for sure dive into The Spark with pure enjoyment.

Kevin Heider is about to embark the road again after getting married and settling in back home in Dayton.  Has I have learned from talking with Heider, and hearing about being on the road, meeting his wife and waiting for her to go on that first date-he’s not afraid of being patient.

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REVIEW: Red Moth Records Swarm of Talent Infest Oregon District

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I Died Trying (photo by Mike Ritchie)

I Died Trying (photo by Mike Ritchie)

On Friday, September 20 Red Moth Records took over Blind Bob’s for an evening of nightmarish stylistic mental flossed loud metal, some heavily metaled influenced hard rock and some unique 70’s rock throwback instrumentals. Red Moth mates I Died Trying, Mangrenade, Bearer of Bad News and head honcho Close the Hatch played an entertaining bill of uniquely diversified sound along with Kentucky’s Bad People.

Dayton’s answer to the sound of a mental ward’s subconscious I Died Trying opened the rainy night with two songs, rapturous in sound and nearly impossible for the brain to decipher on first listen. Eerie guitar suspense sends us traveling down an old west road as the sun sets as the strings fight each other to the death and the weather beaten outlaw stands in the dirt ready to kill. Hell’s intercom opens for a three way conference call electric screamfest. Tony Goff’s guitar proves instruments can have souls, playing music to satisfy every personality a person could have. Napalm Death meets Nile with NIN and Godflesh in a barroom brawl adding moments of unnerving tranquility to pleasant insanity. The music’s a challenge for the mind’s ear to interpret but less difficult than trying to make sense of the mind in Goff’s bald, bandana wrapped head. These are The Things We Think and Do Not Say.

Swallowing Swords has a jazzy beginning with Goff playing violin, opening with those creepy insomniac eyelid chords as the mind walks a tight rope between skyscrapers with no balance beam, finishing with some bizarre hooks of 80’s guitar solos. IDT is like punching someone in the face full force with your brain, putting it back in and closing with a bad sewing job.

Bad People (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Bad People (photo by Mike Ritchie)

From Lexington comes the multigenerational influenced loose morals of Bad People, who almost didn’t make it due to mother’s nature’s pissy mood, but nothing stops a dedicated band from a gig. The instrumental foursome took turns giving audience face time playing high energy, solid blues, modern progressive rock with a jam band feel and solid song structure. HQ 1 has a happy jump up and down good hearted feel. Tool meets Sabbath then Soundgarden in the classic 70’s rock arena, keeping the pedals busy with a hard snarled note swagger. They play the majority of their upcoming CD (to be released in October), finishing with HQ 2 blending elements of 60’s psychedelica with Rush and a more technical take on Opeth with some space age rocket ship trip blasting effects from the machines.

Cincinnati drunk rock Mangrenade is as metal as it sounds…for a band that doesn’t play it. They’re a selective punk pastry with influences from Lenny Kravitz to Sabbath with some Rage Against the Machine/Alice in Chains experimentation. Playing three cuts off their newest EP Lions in the Parking Lot and two from January’s More Than A Handful EP. Godless Heathen has the guitar driven Kravitz rock groove. Where Swagger Turns to Stagger is an inebriated dirty street chugger played to collapse with an early Sabbath guitar sound all over the pile of discarded bottles. There’s some peppered C.O.C. in Deep Cut’s Soundgarden of 70’s sound. I’m the One carries some Cobain like shrieking with its rockabilly punk Henry Rollins angry rebellion attitude, taking a breather half through to calm down. Lions in the Parking Lot roar with a Misfits charm, bass groove and whisky wailed vocals. Bassist Ben Morgan is a short haired Steve Vai with glasses. They also might be the first band to inspire an interpretive dance pit on hardwood as select patrons performed gymnastics, ballet moves, summer salts and breakdancing during the set.

Bearer of Bad News (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Bearer of Bad News (photo by Mike Ritchie)

From the spawn left from the urban decay and industrial rot inhabiting downtown Dayton cometh Bearer of Bad News. Covered in diesel, dust and blood red tattoo ink they create raw, abrasive, angry and loud sounds because this is the life they live and the music that’s inspired them. Their sound mutated from the likes of Motorhead and Biohazard with some Chrome Division exhaust inhaled a bit later. On video Brian Brenner’s rasping deep tirades take the form of a muffled straightforward Glen Danzig, live Evan Seinfeld, Cronos, Udo Dirkschneider and Dez Fafara take ripping hold of his vocal chords.

The basement door closes as the muffed sounds of what’s never talked about is heard from the basement as Black Top Blues starts shoveling basement backroom dirt in your ear and some hard gravel embedded guitar chords down your throat. Don’t look in the corner.

Like the Priest’s slowly deliberate bass pace gives the pit brethren a pit break. The Blame Game blends the Cavalera Conspiracy with some railroad power chords and chain-gang riffs.  Bearer of Bad News carries a hard glove studded wallop and strong underground sound (some of their videos are shot in claustrophobic unfriendly basements). 2012’s Triple Homicide and Involuntary Manslaughter EP’s are available on iTunes or at shows.

 

Close the Hatch (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Close the Hatch (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Red Moth Records artists and founders Close The Hatch came on to deliver the evening’s final abrasive set of cathartic musical misanthropy. Guitars, keyboards, drums and a keytar (yep) bring this moody, broken glass menagerie of concocted sound and abysmal bliss to fruition. Their sound carries that feeling of dark trapped ecstasy right before your face gets ripped off by Cenobite hooks.

A sadists pleasure of growled vocals and face stretching sound of metaphorical noise. Songs about dark dreamscapes in the mind and the last remaining fragments right before waking. Kali starts, going back and forth with its brain erasing sound erosion quickly changing to kinder more gentle chords before repeating a few times. Beyond the Wolves starts with a creepy dripping cave dance along dark buried walls. Right before the stalking intruder meets the fire red narrowed eyes of his demise. Stephen Barton growls out the beast’s fury as he plays chase on guitar.  People have been known to slam-dance into walls at their shows, and themselves. There’s also some surprise classical music played against hell’s roaring guitar choir. The closing 11 minute Wolves plays some clanking off notes reminding you of the sound the wind makes when hitting old strung bottles and cans outside that forgotten cabin no one should go to. We get into sludgier sound as the warned visitor opens the rotted cellar door descending into the bad, dark memories that wait around the corner.  Close the Hatch resembles a chainsaw turning on in the brain.

‘Don’t Slip’ on Dip Spit

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You are a person that enjoys music that is light to the ears.  When you are having dinner with that special loved one, you light the candles on the table and softly start that smooth music that only seals the deal of making the night perfect.  How about this-you are person that enjoys soft rock.  You are at the doctor’s office and you start to Michael Bolton belt out love songs.  C’mon, you enjoy it.  You try to hide it.   You scoff at the fact that you are sitting there listening to someone who lose their cool whenever he is on the television.  I’m not a fan, personally, but hey-the cat has fans.

Well…this isn’t going to be that type of music listening.

(Photo Courtesy-Jennifer Taylor Clarke)

Two men comprise the hip hop duo Dip Spit, and they are about to drop their names in the music scene’s hat with their first LP, Fight Music for Boot & Fist.  DipSpit, and DJ DumptRuck make up the band (their actual names have been made to be a  secret).  They started their bond for music when both of them attended Wright State University.  They attended some of the same  classes, including some poetry sessions.  DipSpit moved to Chicago where he followed his love for poetry.  “It was really amazing to  be around all those poets”, DipSpit explained.  “There would be poetry slams that I would attend that really were out of this world  with how quickly folks could make up such amazing work.”

After a couple of years, DipSpit became unhappy with being in the hustle and bustle of the Windy City and decided to come back  home.  When he returned, he started to write music and would showcase it with DumptRuck.  In return, DumptRuck would also  supply music.  “We had a blast making music for one another.  We would always be trying out stuff for one another.  The twosome  even would reveal that they have been creating music for the past four years.  “We didn’t think about it”, DumptRuck says when  asked about not releasing the music.  “We were just cool with only having it for ourselves.”

However, the pair realized that they have some really good work that they felt would be good enough to possibly be released.  So, they started to slowly hitting the open mic circuit, with mostly performing at that now recently closed down RnR Playdate, which was held weekly on Sunday nights at One Eyed Jacks in Fairborn, Ohio.  “We really felt like we really had a home at that open mic”, DipSpit declares.  “We really developed our stage presence there.”  The crowd reaction to each of their sets grew more and more appreciative to their unique presence and unique show.  Both men hit the stage with such bravado and swagger.  They throw every ounce of themselves into their show.  DumptRuck’s plain white t-shirts that have a hand written statement written on them quickly become soaked with sweat.  Dip Spit is a mildly quiet guy till his heads touch a microphone.  He then turns into a fast-spitting lyricist that immediately gets the crowd into the show with him.

A year will be removed with the release of Fight Music for Boot & Fist.  Dip Spit isn’t made for everyone, and the duo is well aware.  Their lyrics dive into the pool of fun and carefree immaturity.  Some would quickly think that the band Tenacious D had some part of this in the way of influence.  What really stands out, however, is the music that accompanies the lyrics.  Both Dip Spit and DumptRuck cite that have dove into the vast collection of hip hop from the early beginnings of its introduction into the music world.  Run DMC, Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy are a few of the artists that they grew up listening to. The album itself contains a bootleg feel that is perfect for these two.  The titles of the songs themselves also will give the listener the impression that this duo doesn’t really take things seriously, including a sampled Dropkick Murphy ‘Shipping Up To Boston’ in the first track ‘Hulk Hogan Sex Tape’.  However, when you dive into the LP, you quickly realize that the guys are in fact taking their craft seriously.  It’s a fine line of just goofing off and presenting polished work.  Dip Spit manages to have their cake and eat it too.  As I mentioned earlier, the music isn’t made for everyone.  The duo even will tell you that it isn’t.  However-you can’t help but let go and enjoy this offering.  It’s almost genius.

Four years in the making, Fight Music for Boot & Fist will be released for the masses in all its glory and Dip Spit, DJ DumptRuck are proud of the work that dipspitthey have done.  “It’s been a long time coming, and we are excited to give the people this album”, Dip Spit says.

Dayton-Dip Spit has arrived.  You have been warned.  Or has the band always says-“Don’t Slip.”

This Saturday night, Dip Spit will be also celebrating their new work by throwing their event, Fist Fest 2013.  Alt-Country/Punk Rock singer Christopher Salyer, the amazingly talented Trey Stone, and Indie rockers Monkey with Bone will also be performing at Oregon Express along with the duo.  Showtime is at 9pm.  To hear more of the band, click here.

Coming Up in Local Jazz – October 9 through October 22

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Who is Clay Greg Abate?

    Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 225 days a year touring the globe.

    In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years.

    In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favorite in the New England area and from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87.

    Following this experience Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the U.S. Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK, and Moscow and Georgia Russia.

    Greg’s newest release The Greg Abate Quintet features Phil Woods, Jesse Green, Evan Gregor and Bill Goodwin.

    Greg is a true International artist and has been touring through South West Ohio twice a year for as many years as I can remember and I always make a point to catch him. This Thursday, October 10th Vectren Jazz & Beyond will partner with Cityfolk, to present their seventh event this season (more here) featuring Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney Trio in the Dayton Art Institute’sShaw Gothic Cloister from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. In addition to the Art Institute Greg will be at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati two nights with the Phil DeGreg Trio, a jazz & arts brunch at Coco’s Bistro in Dayton and at Spinoza’s in Beavercreek playing the latter two again with the The Lee McKinney Trio.

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Jazz Central Big Band with guest Ken McCoy

    Last Thursday evening seventeen players from our general area and one very special guest assembled at Jazz Central to perform for a painfully small audience. They played a number of arrangements by Ken McCoy, formerly of the Jazz Ambassadors, that totally thrilled the listeners. I challenge you to find a three hour live performance anywhere for just $5 that can compare. It’s amazing to me those artists, who are among the best and aren’t even making gas money continue to show up. Listen to me, when I tell you, you’re missing something very good and it happens on the first (Jazz Central Big Band) and third (Generations Big Band) Thursdays each and every month. Same applies to Gillys or wherever – so much excellent entertainment going to waste so to speak. What I’d like to get across is if we want to continue having good jazz, we need to get out and support it when it’s available, you won’t be disappointed.

 

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

 

Today Wednesday, October 9 – The Dave DeWitt TRio with Randy Mather is at Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza in Worthington, OH.

Thursday October 10 – The Dayton Art Institute presents their seventh Vectren Jazz & Beyond event featuring Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney Trio.

Friday October 11 – Greg Abate with the Phil DeGrge Trio is at the Blue Wisp and iBig Groove – Melodic Music for Piano , Bass and Drums with Kim Pensyl is at Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant both in Cincinnati.

Saturday October 12 – Greg Abate with the Phil DeGrge Trio is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and Randy Fankell and the Jazz Militia is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton.

Sunday October 13 – Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney Trio is doing a jazz & arts brunch at Coco’s Bistro in Dayton.1380441_10151998022578833_1615929632_n

Monday October 14 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.

Tuesday October 15 – The Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam features Tony Hagood Quartet plus Pete Mills in Columbus.

Wednesday October 16 – the Eleven piece Different Hats Band is at the Dayton Event Connection and Blue Wisp Big Band performs in Cincinnati.

Thursday October 17 – The Generations Big Band returns to Jazz Central and Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney are at Spinoza’s in Beavercreek.

Friday October 18 – The Shaw Stanley Trio plays at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and JC & The Rowdy’s Blues Jam is at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Saturday October 19 – The Chris Barrick Quartet is at the Cincinnati Public Library Atrium in Cincinnati and the John Von Ohlen Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.

Sunday October 20 – The Jazz Jam Session with Kenny Baccus is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Bluesbent is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Monday October 21 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday October 22 – Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café in Columbus and Jazz Cab continues at the Greenwich in Cincinnati.

 

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

2013 Dayton Music Fest: 5 Bands To Checkout During The Weekend’s Event

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In 2004, the Dayton music scene was comprised of tremendous acts playing all around the town each and other night.  Problem was there were folks who lived in town that still didn’t know just how good the music was here.  Dan Clayton, Andy Ingram, and Shawn Johnson went to work and they wanted to showcase the extravagant talent in a unique way.  Thus the Dayton Music Fest was started.  Going in its 9th year now, Dayton Music Fest is now in the hands of Dayton’s own Don Thrasher and Kyle Melton.  The two have assembled 32 acts ready to perform in various locations throughout Dayton for Friday and Saturday night.  Each set will undoubtedly give the crowds that fill the venues a diverse collection of talent that shines brighter than most cities.  Here are 5 bands you need to check out.  For some, these acts are staples.  For others that haven’t seen these acts-you are in for a treat.

Noah + The Rescue Radio

 

Outstanding blues guitarist Noah Wotherspoon has built quite the resume, developing a following all around the world with his performances.  He also has opened for Leon Russell, Latimore, and Boz Scaggs.  Wotherspoon has multiple appearances at the Chicago Blues Festival, The Blues Masters at the Crossroads Festival in Salina, Kansas.  He has now expanded his mastery of blues and has added Tom Rastikas on bass and Josh Johnson on drums to make up Noah + The Rescue Radio.  The band’s lo-fi sound will feature influence from ’60s British pop/rock along with Wotherspoon’s signature guitar play.  Noah + The Rescue Radio will be performing at Canal Street Tavern, which will suit the band’s style just perfectly.  Showtime is tonight at 11.

 

 

 

 

 Tim Pritchard & The Boxcar Suite

 

Tim Pritchard and the Boxcar Suite’s shows are a music lovers dream.  Their jangly sound present a little bit for everyone.  Fans of  country and fans of rock will come together in unison with the incredible guitar play from Pritchard himself, along with Tony Moore  and bassist Phil Caviness.  The lyrics of the songs according to the band are ‘bittersweet and beyond’.  You can see and hear for  yourselves at Canal Street Tavern Saturday night at 10:30pm.

 

 

 

Red Hot Rebellion

 For those who to catch a set from a group that are low-key, chilled out-you aren’t going to find it with Red Hot Rebellion.  You are not  going to get anywhere near that.  You will be witness to a band that play at a frenzied pace, with no know having their shirts dry.  This  punk/metal hybrid, Ramones influenced band will be thrashing the stage, giving the audience all the more reason to rise up and let  their hair down.  For the faint of heart-you may want to stay away.  For those who want to rock-get yourself down to Blind Bob’s on  Saturday night.  Showtime is at 10:30.  

 

 

Meghna & The Majority

We can’t forget the ladies that will be highlighted during the Dayton Music Fest.  Meghna & The Majority’s sets have included mind-  blowing renditions of Adele’s Skyfall and Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days Are Over.  Don’t be fooled, however.  The band will  also play originals that will be infused with jazz, country, and folk.  Meghna’s lyrics dive into her relationships from the present and  the past, good and bad.  Each lyric sung oozes bluesy tones.  Meghna & The Majority is perfect for all ages to sit back and enjoy.  Catch  them 1pm Saturday afternoon at the Midwest Outdoor Experience.

 

 

TEAM VOID

TEAM VOID has recently released their second album ‘Robot Killer’, which is full of their vintage, surf rock sound.  These Luchador-  mask wearing quarter are simply a pleasure to listen to.  Nothing but instrumental play, expect to be dazzled with an onslaught of  seamless guitar play and superb horn play.  TEAM VOID will be nothing like you have ever seen.  The masks will unquestionably  throw off newcomers to the band, but will quickly forget it once you start to hear the band play.  The band will be closing out the  night at Oregon Express on Saturday around midnight.  Perfect timing for their set.

 

Admission for all the shows is $10, and $5 for any one venue.  For more info, click onto www.daytonmusicfest.com.

Club Panama Rocks for 7th Annual Juvenile Diabetes Benefit

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1231613_10200677179353441_1470829809_nFor seven years Club Panama owner Susie Maynard has held the For Love of Sonny Rock 4 A Cure, a juvenile diabetes fundraiser to raise awareness, educate and honor her son who passed away in 2004 from the disease. Maynard has owned the club for over 25 years, giving several area bands their start including ShovelHead, National Headcase, Devium and Mother’s Onion. In 1994 she was dubbed The Mother Of All Rock by the Springfield News & Sun. Panama was also one of the only clubs at the time to give original local metal bands a shot.

The club has received several awards from the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Over 3 million people die annually from the disease and it’s the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, amputations, and a major factor in heart attacks and strokes, among other conditions. It’s a physically debilitating disease and no cure has been found.

On Friday October 4th and Saturday the 5th, 12 bands from Dayton and Springfield will volunteer their time and talent to help support the cause. Friday’s lineup includes Element of Surprise, Fletcher Munson, Blackout Method, TBH (This Blessed Hatred), National Headcase and Killed By Art. Saturday’s showcase features The Defendants, Mothers Onion, Dead Beat, Gathering Mercury, Silver Skull and Abrade The Regal. There will be raffles, auctions and drawings both nights. Both shows start at 8:00pm with a $5 cover. Club Panama is located at 951 James Street, Springfield OH 45503.

Over The Rhine Returns to Victoria Theatre **Ticket Contest**

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otr

The husband and wife team of pianist/guitarist/bassist Linford Detweiler and vocalist/guitarist Karin Bergquist make up the core of the Cincinnati  inspired  musical group OVER THE RHINE.  Performing for over 20 years, they  developed a large and intensely loyal following in their hometown, before they independently released their first two albums, Till We Have Faces (1991) and Patience (1992). Their new double album’s (Meet Me at the Edge of the World) effortlessly engaging, timelessly resonant songs more than justify such loyalty, once again validating OVER THE RHINE’s enduring musical mission. Their 2012 debut at the Victoria Theatre has led to a return engagement this Saturday, Oct 5th at 8:00pm.

easton

Opening the show will be Akron native Tim Easton.   Now a  Nashville, Tennessee-based  guitarist and singer-songwriter playing musician.  His latest album “Not Cool” is  described as “kind of a 50′s, Sun Studio thing, kind of a rock and roll thing.

Tickets are available online for $30 – $40 with a $5  processing fee.  You can avoid the fee by purchasing tickets in person at our box office.

DMM has two pairs of tickets to giveaway to one our lucky readers!  Just like and share this story and fill out the entry form below.  We’ll post our winners here on Tuesday night. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

 

Coming Up in Local Jazz – September 25 through October 8

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Hall of famer Clay “The Cooker” Collins

Who is Clay “The Cooker” Collins?


Clay Collins came to Dayton from Chicago in 1968 as a Radio News Reporter for WAVI/WDAO and advanced to Program and Community Relations director. Clay’s infinite knowledge and love of jazz music gave birth to his own weekly program “Jazzsistically Speaking” which aired on WAVI/WDAO from 1969-73, on WING from 1975-83. His jazz radio career continued at WCSU up to 1994 and at Clear Channel’s Smooth Jazz 106.9 until they decided to go Country in 2009 and he opted to leave them behind. Shortly after and because of Clear Channel’s decision, WDPS 89.5-FM went to an “all jazz, all the time” format. On October 1st, 2009 “The Cooker” hit the airways from 9:45 AM to 12noon, and so “Jazzsistically Speaking” continues to this day.

 

On November 24, 2007 Clay was inducted into the Dayton Broadcast Hall of Fame and on September 28th Clay will celebrate forty-five years of being on Dayton radio and the station has decided to celebrate his milestone on that date by offering their 3rd Annual Listener Appreciation Concert. WDPS (Dayton Public Schools) radio is located at 741 Washington Street in the David H. Ponitz Career Center.

 

In addition this free event will be a continuation of Jazz Advocate’s annual Community Jazz Festivals and will be offering four acts on stage:

            The John Slate Trio (4:00 – 4:45 pm)

            The Special Guest Band (5:00 – 5:45 pm)

            The Jazz Central Band (6:00 – 6:45 pm)

            Dean Simms’ tribute to Louie Armstrong (two sets, 7:00 – 7:45 & 8:00 – 8:45 pm)

In addition we will have drink and food vendors, a student bake sale, a dancing area, sponsor tables and of course a number of give-away prizes.

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Satchmo Dean Simms

 

The above four groups are all great and have the elements to make this a very fun and entertaining mini jazz festival. The finale tribute to Louie Armstrong, I’ve had the good fortune to have seen twice and in my humble opinion is the best live jazz performance ever. When Dean Simms takes the stage, the audience is immediately captivated, as they are taken on an epic journey of Louis Armstrong’s “bigger than life” stellar career. Their rendition of “Basin Street Blues”, show stopping Conga-line performance of the “Saints Go Marching In”, up tempo version of a “Wonderful World”, “St Louis Blues”, and ending their 90 minute show with a standing encore performance of “Hello Dolly”, that leaves you totally mesmerized! This man looks like Louie Armstrong, he sounds like Louie Armstrong and when he plays the trumpet that caps it off – he is Louie Armstrong. You end up feeling like you’ve experienced a live performance of America’s greatest ambassador of jazz.

 

 

 

WDPS (89.5 FM) has filled a void in the local market as “Dayton’s home for jazz”  since moving to its new studios in the Ponitz Career Technology Center in 2009, and has earned a loyal following. Students in the Ponitz CTC arts and communication career pathway have disc jockey duties and serve as on-air personalities alongside familiar on-air voices, like Clay “The Cooker” Collins who have brought area listeners the best in jazz over the years. Clay says “I want to see your face in the place!” (More details at: http://www.jazzcentraldayton.com/#05)

 

Jazz Calendar

 

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

 

Today Wednesday, September 25 – The Faux Frenchmen are at the La Poste Eatery in Cincinnati and Ricky Nye is at Chez Nora in Covington, KY.

 

Thursday September 26 – There is a Jam Session hosted by Chay Buddah & Hott2def at Bankshots Sports Bar & Grill in Trotwood, OH.  

 

Friday September 27 – The Scott Belck Quartet is at Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant in Cincinnati and the Brent Gallaher Trio is at Radisson’s 360 In Covington, KY.

 

Saturday September 28 – The WDPS-FM 3rd annual Listener Appreciation Concert will be held at David H. Ponitz Career Center 741 Washington Street in Dayton.

 

Sunday September 29 – The Swingtime Big Band is at Legends and Bluesbent is at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club both in Cincinnati.

 

September 30 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

 

Tuesday October 1 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at Jimmies Ladder 11 in Dayton and Derek DiCenzo Trio is at Local Roots in Powell, OH.

 

Wednesday October 2 – Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review at the Dayton Event Connection and Rich Lopez is at Rigsby’s in Columbus.

 

Thursday October 3 – The Jazz Central Big Band returns to Jazz Central with special guest Ken McCoy and there is a new Jam Session w/Eddie Brookshire at Gilly’s both in Dayton.

 

Friday October 4 – The Shaw Stanley Trio plays at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and JC & The Rowdy’s Blues Jam is at Jazz Central in Dayton.

 

Saturday October 5 – The NEW Ed Moss Trio w/special guests is at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club in Cincinnati and the Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration is at the Chatterbox Jazz Club in Indianapolis, IN.

 

Sunday October 6 – Jazz Central will feature special guest artist Bob “Big Cutty” Bass on the Hammond B3 Organ to take part in their regular Sunday Night Jam

 

Monday October 7 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.

 

Tuesday October 8 – Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café in Columbus and the Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam continues, both in Columbus.

 


More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: Curse of Cassandra, Evil Eye Gypsy, One Day Steady Rock McGuffys

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Saturday the 14th, the day captured in comedic horror parody in the early 80’s, brought the locals to the McGuffy’s stage and one extended Cincinnati local to play a unique variety show of inspirational/experimental tunes. Instead of the oft-accustomed loud thrash head-banging and mosh pits, the audience got some hot club swinging electronica, some southern rock n blues and some quirky-edged modern rock.

Curse of Cassandra (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Curse of Cassandra (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Opening the show was the new, new-wave dark ambient foursome Curse of Cassandra, electronic gothic rock with haunting vocals and enticing dance beats weaving songs from the synth, drums and keys about obsessive dominating relationships strung whip tight. Formed earlier this year, they’ve already gained considerable attention coming in second place garnering over 500 votes in the June’s featured band/artist of the month contest on Music Connection Dayton. C.O.C., not to be confused with Corrosion of Conformity, is a nostalgically fresh wave of dance floor domination and deviation harkening back to the downtown Goth/industrial era mecca of the 1470, Asylum, Foundry heyday. Their musical muse brings back black nailed, opaque memories of dancing in euphoric bliss till dawn then retiring to your sheeted coffin or rafter. In Greek mythology, the beautiful Cassandra was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo but after refusing his seduction, he cursed her so that no one would believe her predictions, a female Nostradamus of sorts.

They open the dance floor metaphor with the cold sweetened pain pricks of the Pins and Needles. Asher Black plays the first longing notes calling out to sweet, sweet Aurora, her soft daybreak eyes sparkle with twilight bringing the sun behind her. The classy burlesque clad tattooed Alexis Machine straddles the mic like a personal plaything, fondling its cold rail as she sings a low lunged serenade of Satiation. Electra’s Complex gives a hard boot-licking smash on keyboards so we can feel the deep, dirty throbbing moan of the bass. Alexis prances the stage playing nice on some tunes then getting right in the faces of her hordes of willing subservient followers. Their performance could be described as a husky voiced, musical striptease of sound encasing the cold fanged embrace of midnight and the warm slumber of dawn.  We’re immersed in the mysterious presence of the Unknown Woman as we watch her Stardance with a heavy bass groove down the rainy streets of London after midnight. You Complete Me’s robotic heaviness accompanies its techno, Goth, industrial brethren creating landscapes of all night bliss and lyrically obsessive romances.

Everytime I Feel Alone is a slow moving slice and dice of the heart with a wet butcher knife stained with some NIN self-loathing and disdained hope. Alexis pulls out some Maria Brink making it her moment under the smoky spotlight in her lounge singing salute. Dead of Night brings out the slinking serpent tongued Arabian delight reminiscent of The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove. Next we enter into a heavy breathing Binding relationship as Cassandra offers us an addicting taste of the whip and the accompanying pain, pleasure and ecstasy found within.  Miss Machine compliments her eurythmic presence with the vocal aura of Grace Slick, Jem, Christa Belle and Siouxsie spreading the curse for the rest of her banshees.

Evil Eye Gypsy (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Evil Eye Gypsy (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Next Dayton’s Evil Eye Gypsy protects us from the Maloik bringing its seven members onstage for its fifth trip to the house of rock. EEG resembles a family more than a band with three guitars, bass, drums, five guys, two women, four microphones, tambourines, morocco shakers and a good ole fashioned thunder-stick for effect. They play a unique version of psychedelic blues, alternative, hard rock and folk music. It’s Skynyrd meets Fleetwood Mac with some Credence in the Clearwater for this funky, southern prairie jamboree revival. They play the musical gospel that makes the body move.

Bitter Comedy plays like a surreal desert trip acid nightmare driving down the long dehydrated highways of discarded dreams hoping to meet the sun face to face as beautiful haunting voices remind you of your past life. All I Had to Say breaks out the lyrical attitude alongside some journeyman blues. Mojave’s introduction leaves us deserted, dry and stranded staggering in the sand under a scorching sun in a barren Pink Floyd landscape. Two minutes until the end we delve further and further in letting the desert plains tell us its deepest secrets and memories.

They played a nice lullaby to the tune of War Pigs possibly opening the first ever ‘dance pit’ for worshipping the Sabbath.  Playing three tunes off the Dirt Roads CD and a few new unreleased tracks they gave us something to look forward to hearing. Their music is available for free download on www.evileyegypsy.com.

One Day Steady (photo by Mike Ritchie)

One Day Steady (photo by Mike Ritchie)

From Cincinnati One Day Steady (we’re only the same for one day) starts Slurred and ready with an alternative, modern rock sound rocking the cradle with some punk tasting rockabilly and a 50’s greaser throwback style. The Dave Song’s a weird mixture of Dave Matthews and the Traveling Wilburys hanging out on the right side of the tracks waiting for the train to flatten pennies. They played a collection of new unreleased tunes and a heart breaking cover of Cold Hard Bitch. They Drove Through has a nice surprising Sabbath-like end breakdown and unique lyrical inspiration coming from rhythm guitarist/vocalist Ryan Peters bizarre dream of helping a stranger get revenge on their boss, then waking up and writing the song in three minutes.  Break Break’s a twangy, stringy breakup dance after an impassioned phone message. Just over a year old, the band’s earliest roots begin in 2008 with a band called Drop From the Top. In 2010 what would become ODS was formed, and they’ve already played with a list of accomplished musicians in the Cincinnati and Cleveland scenes and are ready to go anyplace, anywhere.

Local Music Adds Hip Flair to Outdoor Recreation Festival

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moximage2By now, you probably already know that the Midwest Outdoor Experience presented by Subaru is the best weekend event to experience all things outdoors, from the intense (like the slackline skills area, practicing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard or trying out the mountain biking challenge course) to the more laid-back (fly fishing, orienteering and hiking are all great ways to relax with Mother Nature). But did you know that in addition to presenting a plethora of premier park pursuits, visitors to the annual Midwest Outdoor Experience also have access to fantastic local music, co-presented by public radio station WYSO and Dayton Music Fest?

The Midwest Outdoor Experience, set for Friday, October 4, through Saturday, October 5, will feature some of the best musicians Dayton has to offer. Celebrating nine years in the local music scene, the annual Dayton Music Fest “seeks to shine a spotlight on Dayton’s indie music scene” with performances taking place October 4-6 at several venues, including Eastwood MetroPark, home to the Midwest Outdoor Experience.

WYSO also contributes to the fun, presenting the musical lineup for Friday night, Oct. 4, featuring:

6:45-8:15 p.m.                   Jah Sol: With their combination of not only reggae, but soul, funk and disco, Jah Sol supplies the good times with their music. The eight member band gets the party going.

8:30-10 p.m.                      William the Accountant: Formed in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio, William The Accountant composes a musical playground of late ’70s new wave, Brazilian samba and New Orleans second line that defiantly incites activity and impulse.

Check out the Dayton Music Fest lineup at the Midwest Outdoor Experience, taking the stage moximage1Saturday, Oct. 5, featuring:

11 a.m.                                 Josh Eagle: This Cincinnati coffee-house regular shares personal, soft, longing, winged Folk. Eagle’s gripping voice, touching finger picking and bleeding harmonicas snatch you up like the raw, intimate music of Ray Lamontagne. Soothing and originally raspy, songs hurt and heal, gliding into calmness.

12 p.m.                                 Good English: Good English is a three-sister rock band from Dayton whose musical style is reflective of the indie, roots, blues, and folk rock that has influenced its members. Running counter to the usual young girl-band stereotypes, the band’s authentic instrumentation and rich vocals proves their budding talent as musicians, while their original songwriting and irresistible grace and beauty makes them a powerfully appealing package. They know how to rock, and they carry themselves with a sense of poise and style that is well beyond their years.

1 p.m.                                   Meghna & the Majority: Singer/songwriter Meghna Mahambrey first stepped on stage for a solo performance in her elementary school musical. She went on to cover the hits of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Etta James in her middle and high school talent shows. In college, she recorded an R&B/pop album; in graduate school, she recorded an acoustic/folk album. In December 2012, alongside her career in education, she released a jazzy, singer-songwriter album and formed her new band, Meghna & the Majority. With her soulful, seasoned voice, she sings – not for the fame, not for the fortune. She sings because she has a song.

2 p.m.                                   Kris N: With his second release and first full-length, “Lo-Fi Movement,” Dayton-based Kris N. has made a great pop record. Marked by strong melodies and lyrics that explore the place he is in and his life as a husband and father.

3 p.m.                                   Jah Sol: This group brings back the bass and keys, returning to the stage to bring the funk to attendees at the Midwest Outdoor Experience for a second time.

4 p.m.                                   Starving in the Belly of the Whale: Starving in the Belly of the Whale is the music of Ricky Terrell. Terrell is accompanied by a changing cast of musicians on each album to capture a unique, desired sound.

5 p.m.                                   The Repeating Arms: Max Nunery plays banjo, guitar, lap steel and sings back-up. Harold Hensley plays acoustic guitar and sings. Chip Pritchard plays upright bass and sings back-up vocals. Brian Spirk plays mandolin and fiddle.

6 p.m.                                   New Vega: The Southern Ohio four piece New Vega brims with vibrant hooks and aching melodies. Their debut album Tempo has captured the attention of major festivals and media outlets.

7 p.m.                                   PUBLIC: Formerly known as “crown” – PUBLIC is comprised of three friends who wish to always be allowed to dance, yell, and have fun with their music as long as inhumanly possible.

Other awesome activities that pair nicely with a fun-filled afternoon of outdoor adventure include:

That’s just a small slice of everything there is to do at the annual Midwest Outdoor Experience. Stop by (perhaps for a little overnight in the Eddie Bauer Campground camping) and discover why Dayton has rightfully earned the title “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest”!

REVIEW: SITH, Horlet, King Stench, Zuel Bang Heads on Friday the 13th

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Horlet (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Horlet (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Friday the 13th has been associated with many bad things for a long time. Historically, theories suggest the combination of two superstitions claiming 13 as an unlucky number and Friday as an unlucky day are partially responsible for its original bad reputation. In numerology 12 stands for divine organized arrangements and completion (12 months, 12 hours of the clock). 13 is thought of as irregular, offsetting the pattern. There’s also a superstition possibly derived from the Last Supper that having 13 guests at the table meant the death of one, and Friday was the day of the crucifixion. Historical references are almost non-existent before the 1907 novel Friday, the Thirteenth where a shady broker takes advantage of the superstition creating a panic on Wall Street. There’s also a fear of Friday the 13th called friggatriskaidekaphobia, if you can pronounce it.

The most popular version of Friday the 13th aka ‘Jason Day’ began at the dawn of the early 80’s slasher era, introducing the world to one of the longest running film franchises in history, the creepy effect of two whispered one syllable sounds and the craziest mother since Norma Bates. According to some die hard horror fans, Friday the 13thshould be a national holiday worldwide and with a proven track record that nothing goes better with horror than heavy metal, a metal show on Friday the 13th is a machete to the head no-brainer.

SITH, Horlet, King Stench and Zuel fit the blood soaked bill delivering loud, killer performances providing the music for any screaming chase scene.

Shadows in the Hourglass take the stage at Blind Bobs opening with the eerie ambient trance of bass and drums. Zack Ryan plays bass like a lead guitar with effects pedals making it the center of attention and conversation, his fingers spelling out the intelligent intricacies of the strings.  Cliff Burton would be proud.  The Lovecraft-inspired Behind the Veil of Sleep is a high neck, frantic sounding interpretation of an MMA fighters walk to the cage.  Illusions of Serenity pour schizophrenic sweat down the face of a deep dark jagged cliff starring into the dark mirror of water below. Ryan turns his bass into a dark voiced reverberation of a tortured soul’s inner turmoil as drummer Travis Abling hits the skins providing the musical canvas for the two man tapestry of sound. They finish with namesake SITH, as Ryan plays the dark lord on bass.

Death metal lovers of Egypt, Horlet play next, promoting their new CD The Keys of Life and Death. Starting with the musical pile-driver Wings of Ariel, we walk through the hallowed Halls of Amenti. We’re Taken to a place where Iron Maiden and Amon Amarth coexist on the same stage at the same time. Next is the potential ‘CD single’ and hit Annabelle’s Curse, which might conjure up visions of evil but has nothing to do with raggedy dolls. We get a warning From the Clouds then they finish with their own special heretic anthem Children of the Light.  The band played as loud as Allen D. McCowan’s neon green bass strings.

Zuel (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Zuel (photo by Mike Ritchie)

The stench has arrived, worse than any bottom of the lake drowned body or stalking masked corpse. King Stench has come with their working class black/death metal legions. Hell Gates open with the hellacious blast beats of the hammering Eric Barnes with Slayer solos bringing the crowd up front and necks rapidly mobile. They deliver the electro shocks, shrieking notes of False Prophets and the down in the dirt on the knees riffs of Fight. They unleash the army of hungry, fanged mongrels on Hell Hounds. Visions of Death bring the violence of the battlefield to the stage. They finish with a Behemoth sized cover of Ov Fire in the Void.

Intelligent, instrumental thrash and pound masters Zuel headline starting with the neck power-bombing Facemelter giving out fast secondary beatings with the grunting, thudding concrete wallop of the S—thammer. Rapture’s heavy mechanic, destructive, industrial sound captures the human panic of a world without mobile technology, texting and computers for a few days. There’s a nice guttural mixture of Godflesh, Meshuggah and Morbid Angel without evil/violent vocal intentions. Though, lyrically silent Zuel showcased a healthy experimentation with the elements of the periodic metal table, finishing with the five minute chug juggernaut Johnny.

REVIEW: Slutfest 2013 at Screamin Willies

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Five Finger Donkey Punch (photo courtesy of Metal Splinter Promotions)

Five Finger Donkey Punch (photo courtesy of Metal Splinter Promotions)

Saturday August 24th marked the third annual local showcase of unsigned talent. Bands from around the state trekked to Columbus to play the coveted Slutfest stage. Though the morality of a musician can be called into question at any time, the local event is promiscuous only in title. Supporting Local Unsigned Talent is the brainchild of Oldschool Promotions’ Aaron Snyder. A current member of Five Finger Donkey Punch and former member of Severed, Snyder organized the all-evening, 12 band, nine and a half hour music fest bringing several genres together under one roof: hard rock, rap/hip-hop and various forms of metal. There was also a charity raffle, won by Oliver Chainsaw Gemmel, for an electric acoustic signed by the bands, a SLUT sign and other memorabilia held for O’Shecky’s staff member David Sheets to help cover medical bills for a kidney transplant.

Tonight was the last show in the venue’s history as Screamin Willies, ending its long 38 years of bringing the best local/regional acts and national artists in rock, metal, country and blues. The building will continue under a new name and management continuing to bring Columbus the best entertainment, including stand-up comedy, rap and hip-hop.

Main sponsors Lost or Forgotten Photography brought their unique art and images to help the show, including stylistic group shots for all performing talent. Bands from Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, Canton, North Lewisburg and Newark earned their spot after being voted onto the show by fans out of over 200 Ohio bands that entered. This year’s hot SLUTS included Five Finger Donkey Punch, Second Sight, The Factor Project, Destracore, Padded Room, FHSP, Killing Khaos, Infidel, The New Black Jesus, Impending Lies, Cross Solder and Error 504.

To make sure everyone got their money’s worth, as soon as doors opened FFDP started playing a set of cool acoustic covers of the catchiest, recognizable rock tunes and radio friendly hits of today.

Second Sight (photo courtesy of Metal Splinter Promotions)

Second Sight (photo courtesy of Metal Splinter Promotions)

Columbus’ Second Sight started the early evening noise at 5:45pm, dinner time for normal folk, early breakfast call for the all-night partying rockstar. Starting with some serial crunchy guitar riffs, guitarist/vocalist Ben Robinson delivers a sincere Scott Stapp sound without the annoying ‘wharling’ but with a little gnarly snarl. Come Whatever May opens Slutfest. Heaven can’t save them and hell won’t take them but with the gift of the second sight they already knew that. Second Sight play with the ingredients of grunge, employing the darkness of Alice in Chains with angry/aggravated breakdowns and that gritty sound and hunger that takes bands from the basement to the arena.

Newark’s The Factor Project handled the sophomore set with their own self-made brand of rock-poetry fusion blending elements of punk, rock, blues and countless other inspirations. They start Buried Alive in their sound going from the garage rock noise of what Nirvana might’ve sounded like in the beginning to the sunshine punk vibe of a tattooed surfer riding the waves in and coming out a half-eaten brain-dead zombie. The mid-tempo blues burner Ten Thousand Voices messes with the brain.  The Factor Project captures the angst of Cobain, the melancholy moodiness of Tool and the sun drenched water spray of a beach hazard.

Destracore represents for the Dayton scene, bringing their screeching thrash and heavy groove up north to the capitol. The fury of The Beast is unleashed in the Hatebreed yell of belter Mr. Potter. Next the thick stringed, heavy bass groove, melodic Armageddon tale of the Final Act, followed by their loud, fast Reprise. What humbly started in a New Carlisle kitchen has come to the Columbus stage tonight.

From Canton comes the Padded Room, a band with enough hard, heavy groove and energy for an all-night one person mosh pit, slam dancing into the lining of a private cell. Padd Room is made up of five dedicated musicians who found a formula that works for their brand of stage rage, like the Chili Peppers on ‘roids with Fred Durst at the helm. Performing cuts from the Time Tells disc, they play with the soft sentiment of being wrapped in barb wire on the tracks with the train speeding at your face on Cry, Cry, Cry. Steve Chaney creates a unique mixture of growled words and soft spoken sighing with searing inner turmoil. F’n Sick starts with a POD riff and an impressive vocal range between Serj Talkin and Mushroomhead. Then comes the hard crunching meaty guitar/vocal hook of Natural Disasters. The rap, hip hop groovy mosh-friendly Room 3 is a well-organized cathartic blend of rapid revolving influences hitting you hard like a stage-flung body into the pit. They’re new school enough to keep the hip kids coming back and play old school showing respect to their forefathers. Their sound is best described as an unclassifiable guitar chug keg party which may be the best label a band can have.

Killing Khaos (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Killing Khaos (photo by Mike Ritchie)

The tag team rapid fire rapping lyricists F.H.S.P. took over the space, hitting club goers with danceable beats and a different kind of hardcore style showcasing the diversity that Slutfest is known for. They delivered a high energy, sweaty, tattooed performance rivaling the surrounding metal adrenaline around them. Winners of multiple local talent showcases, they open up with H.Y.F.R. Kaine and Regal start the insane amount of rhymes they’re able to spit out before inhaling. They can flow as fast as any ferocious blast beat. The dark cape crusader comes out Eminen style on I’m the Batman. They slow down the vocal speed and make most words audible and get modified, ending with some fast guitar on Power up. They gave respect to the US armed forces welcoming guest mic master J-Rush returning from a tour in Korea adding some extra energy to the ultra-sped up words.

North Lewisburg’s, Killing Khaos bring out the War Inside Your Head. High pitched, high octane yelling connecting like a chilled ice pick to the head, Joe Everhart has some Schuldiner inspired death screeching vocals. Drummer Ben Holtsberry has listened to a few Skipknot records a few times. They get out all the nasty anger and stress the healthy way in the Fight Song. With music played this loud and heavy some emotions are best left unspoken, channeled through the music and released on stage.  A fan was quoted as saying “one small step for a band and one huge step for heavy metal.”

Battle for ROTR alumni Infidel took stage next bringing some of the tunes that got them there including Hanging By a Thread and the dyslexia murder anthem Redrum. They got the first pit of the night but since it was an all ages show, everyone had to play nice. Larry Coake’s pit fighter yell threw him into the crowd, rubbing elbows and banging heads (not literary) with the gang. Playing everywhere they can, their star’s on the rise.

 

The New Black Jesus (photo by Mike Ritchie)

The New Black Jesus (photo by Mike Ritchie)

The New Black Jesus, the sound of urban noise, brought the hard living spirit of the street to the stage. Lazaar Williams brought the sleazy, mean and dirty riffs bringing the spirit of Jimmy with him playing tunes from 2012’s Ghetto Democracy. Think Suicidal Tendencies with Burton C Bell/Chad Gray on vocals.  Over My Dead Body opened its military march pace with guitar battle siren riffs about living the life of access and paying the price. The hungry undead creatures of the night come out for a shotgun blast Dance of the Dead. They bring out the goddamn electric on God Damn Its frenzy filled riffs that make you want to run the other way. The Gangster Soups poured into the dirty bowl, seasoned with meaty guitar gristle and tasty rusty chord crackers. They’ve put in five years playing (H.A.M) Hard as A Mother…and the meat just gets tougher, harder and tastier.

Straight from Cleveland Impending Lies bring a hard rock, melodic sound balancing a sound reminiscent of Disturbed adding background hints and winks of atmospheric industrial Fear Factory noise. James Skrtich’s vocals are a stained mixture of Dramain and Lewis.  Earlier this year When the Lights Burn Out was released, and with a new lineup they’ve hit the road ready to go wherever the gig takes them.  Starting with the lead mic sung/background vocals yelled Scream to Whisper. They make beautiful noise out of the Chaos they bring. Their sound shares musical influence and echoes with Linkin Park and Godsmack. Bringing the only songs truly song, showing that pain, anger, grief, sorrow can be translated through soft spoken lungs as much as guttural growls and screams. The melodic hooks of In Time take you to an almost spiritual place of salvation. It’s no accident their sound is unforgettable. They also gave a big 80’s shout out to Journey performing Separate Ways; the loudest and heaviest it’s probably been performed in Columbus.

Cross Solider (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Cross Solider (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Lancaster Battle for ROTR alumni Cross Soldier played next with top gun looking Chadd Lunn ready to Light Up the Sky with some old school Megadeth meets Metallica vocals and guitar work. Lunn carries the youth and aggression of Mustaine and Hetfield with a hard rock energetic bluesy formula. Playing their own metallic symphony, they bring out new tune Devil’s Eyes then What I believe from their first EP. They played Shameless and the new accompanying video can be seen on Facebook/Reverbnation.

Battle for ROTR winners and ROTR openers Error 504 came on stage around 2am ready to kick ass and show why they earned the coveted Jager spot at Crew Stadium, playing mid-tempo thumper Give it Away, the deep growler Little Red and Devil’s Angel. Unfortunately this wasn’t an all-nighter and the word/long arm of the law came down with last call, making the band’s set unexpectedly short. Though everyone who’s seen them play knows what the 504 can deliver when the spotlights on, the show had to end at the scheduled time but Snyder announced that next year’s Slutfest would be 2 days of performing bands. Check the Slutfest 2014 message board for more info and updates.

Five Finger Donkey Punch and Second Sight photos courtesy of Metal Splinter Promotions. 

Midwest Premiere of ‘Bayou Maharajah’ at Neon Profiles New Orleans Piano Giant

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Director Lily Keber’s acclaimed new documentary film Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker, will be shown on Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Neon (130 E. Fifth St., Dayton). Keber will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a discussion about the movie following the screening. Admission is $10. Advance tickets are available at the Neon.

James Booker, “The Piano Prince of New Orleans” who died 30 years ago this fall, was a mercurial figure in New Orleans, a prodigy who was leaving his mark on legendary R&B records while still in his teens. A spectacularly gifted pianist and vocalist whose style melded blues, jazz, soul, gospel and classical influences with New Orleans rhythms, his sound defied categorization.

Booker taught players like Harry Connick, Jr., and Dr. John, who described Booker as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.” As a sideman during his career, Booker played with the likes of Fats Domino, King Curtis, T-Bone Walker, Ringo Starr, Maria and Geoff Muldaur, Labelle, Joe Tex (including on his big hit “I Gotcha”), The Coasters, and the Doobie Brothers. His outrageous solo career was characterized by virtuoso performance, his bigger-than-life personality, and onstage performances in his underwear, dishing out drug-fueled conspiracy theories.

The movie includes archival footage of Booker in performance plus reflections by fellow musicians, observers and collaborators from the Crescent City and beyond which include Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Charles Neville, Hugh Laurie, Douglas Brinkley and many others. The film was introduced at the 2013 South By Southwest festival, where its final screening sold out, and has subsequently sold out screenings at the Film Society at Lincoln Center, Outfest and the Melbourne International Film Festival.

“This winning doc features a can’t miss subject and plenty of performance footage,” said The Hollywood Reporter, calling it a “must see for aficionados of New Orleans music [that is] also accessible to viewers who don’t know a Professor Longhair from a Dr. John.”

For more information on the film, visit bayoumaharajah.com, and for more information on the Neon screening, visit neonmovies.com or call (937) 222-SHOW (7469).

 

Coming Up in Local Jazz – September 11 through September 24

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jazzSome Early Jazz History Coming To Dayton:

 

In the early history of jazz there was a young boy who learned to play his cornet while in  a New Orleans reform school and went on to become America’s Ambassador for Jazz throughout the world. This coming Thursday, September 12th Dean Simms will present his uncanny recreation of Louis Armstrong at the Dayton Art Institute from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Shaw Gothic Cloister:http://tinyurl.com/lhaacyh

 

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Dean Simms – Louis Armstrong Tribute

If for some reason you can’t make it to the Art Institute, you’ll have a second chance to catch Dean’s tribute to Louie performance as the finale act of a great free concert at the David H. Ponitz Career Center on Saturday, September 28. We will be celebrating the 45 years of Clay “The Cooker” Collins being on Dayton Radio, the WDPS-FM 3rd annual Listener Appreciation Concert and Jazz Advocate’s 8th annual Community Jazz Festival. Check it out at: http://www.jazzcentraldayton.com/#05

 

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ShinSings Orchestra at Dayton Metro Library

 

Speaking of early jazz history, I noted two birthdays this week covering the spectrum from the very beginning to current times: Buddy Bolden was born on Friday, September 6th, 1877. Only one dim photograph of him survived but in the annuals of jazz history Buddy Bolden, while almost a mythical character, stands out as being accredited by many as the originator of jazz. Today we have none of his music to listen to because unfortunately he was institutionalized as mentally ill in 1906 before the advent of any practical form of recorded music. Testimony by the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and many others who heard him play claimed him as the inspiration of those formative years of jazz in New Orleans. Jelly Roll was so inspired he wrote the tribute song Buddy Bolden’s Blues, which is performed regularly by Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers right here in Dayton, Ohio. Check out this cool Buddy Bolden Documentary:

http://tinyurl.com/mbr6ms4 and saxophone Colossus Sonny Rollins was born on Saturday, September 7th, 1930 has garnered many national awards for jazz including Kennedy Center Honors on his 81st birthday. Here is a recorded live in Sweden, 1959 video:http://www.jazzonthetube.com/page/11517.html

 

Two more quick items, both coming up in October: Jerry Gillotti tells they will be starting an open Jam Session every Thursday at Gilly’s. The house band will be Eddie Brookshire, Fenton Sparks & Kieago Hirakawa. In addition Charles Stone tells me JC and the Rowdy’s will be offering a Blues Jam every Friday at Jazz Central.

 

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

 

Today Wednesday, September 11 – The Faux Frenchmen are starting a weekly series of jazz entertainment at the La Poste Eatery in Cincinnati.

Thursday September 12 – The Dayton Art Institute is the place to be when Dean Simms brings his tribute to Louis Armstrong to life at the Vectren Jazz and Beyond Series!  

Friday September 13 – The Shawn Stanley Trio plays every Friday at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and they’re celebrating one year of Friday Night Jazz at the Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant in Cincinnati.

Saturday September 14 – Eddie Brookshire Quintet is at Gilly’s and Robert Sanae’s Indigo Blue CD Release Party is at Jazz Central, both in Dayton.

Sunday September 15 – Honk, Wail and Moan is at the Harrison Park Gazebo and Erik Augis, Woodson, Tsamous are at Third & Hollywood both in Columbus.

Monday September 16 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday September 17 – The Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam continues in Columbus and the Marc Fields Quartet is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Wednesday September 18 –  The Eleven piece Different Hats Band is at the Dayton Event Connection and Ricky Nye & Bekah Williams are at Chez Nora in Covington, KY.

Thursday September 19 – The Generations Big Band returns to Jazz Central in Dayton and the Pete Mills Quartet featuring Matt Wilson is at Nighttown in Cleveland Heights.

Friday September 20 – ShinSings Orchestra is at the Dayton Metro Library and the Eddie Brookshire Quintet is at Serendipity Bistro for Urban Nights in Dayton.

Saturday September 21 – The NEW Ed Moss Trio w/special guests is at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club in Cincinnati and the Bobby Floyd Trio is at Boudin’s Bistro & Jazz Club in Columbus.

Sunday September 22 – The Jazz Jam Session with Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Bluesbent is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Monday September 23 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.

Tuesday September 24 – Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café in Columbus and the Derek DiCenzo Trio is at Local Roots in Powell, OH.

 

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

 

 

 

 

 

CD Review: Citizen’s Brigade Pull Out 13 Shiny Guns

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Columbus’s hard rock, heavy blues playing five-some Citizens Brigade  have unleashed their debut album 13 Shiny Guns. The disc un-holsters 13 shiny new tracks filled with the working man’s ethic: hard earned, hard played blues and influences ranging from Black Sabbath to the Black Crowes. 13 Shiny Guns delivers the boozy blues and hard rock double fist fight of a backwoods brawl behind the woodshed. Troy Bennet’s vocals greet Elvis, Danzig and play Chris Isaak’s wicked game with a rockabilly twang.

The title track shoots off with a harmonica solo into a back-porch juke, jive and jam honky tonk’en on a XXX rated jug of shine. It’s a good ole cow tippin’ tune with an angry anthrax surprise. The Skynyrd-esque “Time Grow” is mid tempo enough to rock on the porch sipping some extra spicy strong ice tea then knocks the taste out of your mouth with a surprise ending sucker punch of thrash and speed. The tank’s a “Quarter Empty,” but there’s still plenty of diesel and gas to set the road on fire. “Noboy’s Cryin’” over you city fool so get back on the porch and mind yo’ damn business.

Memories of you are going 4 Feet Deep after drudging me through the emotional swamp muck and I’m burying the old powerful conjuring’s on a bed of liquid flowers flowing downstream to the currents deepest, darkest resting place.  “In My Mind” opens the page on some early Van Halen in a backwoods, barn rehearsal room mud stomper. “Rock in a Can” shakes with some clankin hard edged influence from Faster Pussy Cat, Black Crowes and Black Sabbath. Speaking of, Kyle Campbell starts “Yeah” with a riff straight out of Tony Iommi’s personal collection.  www.brigadenation.com