In Pursuit of an Out Of This World Girl, JeanLou Shines On SuperNova Girl
JeanLou is one of the city’s most active performers — he released three projects in just one year. He kicked things off in 2017 with, Since Your Listening… The five-song project was the official start of his musical journey. What came next is what really caught my attention.
In early 2018 came the arrival of Melodies & Remedies, Vol. 1. On that project is one of my favorite tracks by JeanLou, “Sade,” a warm-hearted ode to “the one” in his life. This was moment I became fully aware of his talents, but arriving late to the party I knew something new was in store for the future. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait too long for that, as project number 3, SuperNova Girl, would arrive a few months after Melodies & Remedies, Vol. 1
Strapped with 10 songs, SuperNova Girl sports features Z100Wave and Yoshe Mars, along with production from Gold, DreamNation, Mantra and Rrarebear. Throughout the album, JeanLou displays his versatility, stringing together songs with tempos and different sounds, from slow-paced and stripped-down R&B to the more upbeat and energetic dance sound.
Kicking the album off with a clip from the 1999 movie, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, JeanLou gets things going with “Zenon’s Interlude.” The track features a dose of the slow-paced, stripped-down R&B, which appears once again in the following track, “Lust.” “Zenon’s Interlude” serves as a slight nudge forward into the album’s content, depicting his experience with a girl who’s “out of this world.” Vulnerable as ever, he sits on the wing of his spaceship, top hat tipped down low, as he puts his feelings on wax for this girl. Moving to “Lust,” which features an amazing sample of XXXTENTACION’s “Jocelyn Flores,” the tempo stays the same as he displays a bit of fear and caution, questioning the validity of his feelings as he’s never felt a love like this.
While the tempo of the album picks up after “Lust,” JeanLou returns to this style of R&B for the album’s outro with “Planet Nebula.” The song serves as a peaceful landing that ends the space trip that is SuperNova Girl.
Things pick up throughout the midsection of the album, starting with “Pride” and “Reminisce.” The two tracks are infused with a bit of dance hall as JeanLou reaches a checkpoint on his out-of-this-world love trip. In terms of love, he’s no longer chasing to have it, rather, he’s chasing to keep it. “Pride” speaks on that exactly as JeanLou shows an overbearing desire to fight for this love, promising to never let it die. “Reminisce” focuses on the good times and high moments of their relationship, and the ones they’ll create together in the future.
There’s high tempo and energy on “Starship Troopers” with Yoshe Mars. With JeanLou leading the way once again, the production slowly builds, coming together and reaching its peak by the chorus’ arrival.
The journey through space that is SuperNova Girl must take listeners to their celebrated destination. “Pedestal,” my personal favorite off the album, serves a fitting song for said celebration. Its feel good bounce and boastful lyrics are the right ingredients to have it ring off in functions big or small.
SuperNova Girl is another step up the ladder of improvement for JeanLou. One of the biggest highlights on the album is his versatility as he takes on different sounds and creates cohesive and solid pieces of work.
The album’s narrative is an interesting element of this album. As he pursues this out-of-this-world girl, he experiences doubts and struggles, but his love and affection for her push him through it. This is an impressive output by JeanLou, and I’m very interested to see where the next step on the ladder of improvement takes him.
Too Many Stars: A Conversation with the Organizers
In advance of the Too Many Stars Mark Cutler Benefit at The Met in Pawtucket on January 19 & 20, I interviewed the organizers, Richard Ribb, Emerson Torrey, Rick Couto, Scott Doggett and Tommy Piche, via e-mail about the event. They responded as a group. Marilyn Keller of the BickerSins, who is also involved, added her thoughts as well.
John Fuzek: Why the event? The primary purpose of the event is to raise funds that can help support Mark and his family as he goes through treatment and recovery for cancer in his throat. Recovery from serious illness can take time. For Mark, that means he will be unable or limited in his ability to earn income for an undetermined amount of time.
An additional purpose of the event is to recognize Mark’s contribution to music and to people here in southern New England. He has inspired players and songwriters and personally helped people become better musicians. His work to help developmentally challenged people express themselves through songwriting shows his commitment to creating a better world. And he has collected donated food for community food banks at his shows for years. There are many music fans in Rhode Island and elsewhere that have been listening to Mark’s songs for many years. They have followed Mark through his various bands and have grown into a substantial fan base. These fans often can be seen singing along to every song at his performances. His songs have a timeless quality and express ideas about love, life and rock n’ roll that resonate with people. Many of his fans have said that Cutler songs have been an important part of the soundtrack to their lives as they were growing up.
This particular event presents Mark’s songs in a unique format: Over 60 of his original songs will be performed by more than 20 bands/acts drawn from across the area’s most accomplished musicians. Each act will perform three of Mark’s songs, putting their own stamp on some of Mark’s best-loved songs.
JF: What exactly is wrong with Mark?
Mark has been diagnosed with throat cancer (though it does not involve his vocal chords) JF: What is his prognosis?
He was told by his doctors that, after his treatment, his prognosis is very good.
JF: How long does he expect to be out from performing?
We don’t expect that Mark will be back to performing until late March or April. But that depends on his recovery progress.
JF: Who had the idea for the benefit?
The idea of a benefit was being tossed around by all of us, but the catalyst was when Tommy Piche asked Emerson Torrey if any fundraising effort was being planned. Emerson told Tommy that we should make it happen and told him that our production group called Positive Noise could help put things together. (Last spring and summer Positive Noise produced some concerts to support hurricane relief victims.)
JF: What is your relationship with Mark? How long have you known him?
Emerson Torrey: I starting working with Mark back in 1978 when we started the Schemers. I have worked with Mark on and off for 40 plus years. We also worked together in the Raindogs and some musical projects after that. I later joined the band the Dino Club which produced two CDs. And I have also worked with Mark recording some of his solo records including Red and Sweet Pain.
Rick Couto: I played on a number of Mark’s recordings and in 2010, I joined Mark’s current band, the Men of Great Courage. That led to me be asked to officially join the Schemers.
Scott Doggett/Richard Ribb: [We] have known Mark since the early 1980s and often shared stages with him when both our bands (Kid El Deen and the Shake) were regulars at local clubs (eg, Lupos, Last Call Saloon, the Living Room, etc.). Richard occasionally fills in on bass/vocals in the Men of Great Courage.
JF: How many acts are performing?
We will have a minimum of 22 acts performing over two days at The Met in Pawtucket. The event takes place on Saturday, January 19 from 7pm to closing, and on Sunday, January 20 from 4 to 9pm.
JF: How were the acts chosen for the benefit?
Positive Noise (Emerson Torrey, Richard Ribb, Scott Doggett, and Rick Couto) got together with Tom Piche and Marilyn Keller to brainstorm which bands had some kind of connection to Mark and who we thought might be available. Nearly all of the acts/musicians we contacted enthusiastically volunteered to play. We would have loved to accommodate all the acts that asked to join, but there just wasn’t enough space in the event schedule for all those folks to participate.
JF: What is the format of the show?
We decided that the show should be about honoring Mark’s songwriting talent and we thought the best way to do that would be to ask the bands involved to play Mark’s songs. In order to accommodate all the bands that will be involved we placed a limit on each act of three songs. JF: How much do you expect to raise?
The money raised is certainly going to help Mark meet his living and medical costs, but we think these concerts also represent a way for many musicians and the people who attend to honor the man and pay homage to his many years of creating the music of our lives.
JF: Is there an emcee?
At this time Bill Flanagan, long-time rock music writer and author, who is an old friend of us all, thinks he will be able to entertain us on one of the nights. We are working on securing an emcee for the second show.
JF: Is The Met contributing to the cost of the show?
The Met is providing the venue, assisting with ticket sales and security and helping in other ways to make sure we have well-run, successful shows on both days. Rich and Sarah Lupo have long supported all the bands that Mark has fronted and are a huge part of the local and national music scene. Regarding donations from businesses, to date we have received donations from Empire Guitar (donated a new guitar to raffle off), Noll Guitar, Village Drum Shop, and we anticipate more.
JF: Anything that you would like to add?
Just that we hope everyone who loves Mark and his music and who supports live music will turn out and help make this a fun and successful musical event.
Marilyn Keller of the BickerSins: I have known Mark Cutler since the late 1970s from playing at the same venues; presently I play in a band, The BickerSins. When I joined The Same Thing Project (with Mark Cutler) initially I thought it was just a songwriters project, then to my surprised realized that it was so much better.
The Same Thing Project is a free songwriting program for people from every walk of life, including anyone who may have developmental challenges or disabilities or just have a love of music. This program has been nothing short of an eye-opener. To be able to walk into a room of strangers and with a little bit of magic, the creative workings of ideas contributed, form into a wondrous piece of music. You can’t help walking out inspired with a sense of satisfaction and making new friendships.
When I found out that Mark was on the battlefield of cancer and still running this project, it occurred to me that this man gives and gives and gives, never asking for anything. Truly he is a man of great courage and has only inspired all of us to get together with fellow musicians to show this man how much he is appreciated. Hence, Too Many Stars Benefit featuring Mark Cutler’s tunes.
All of us who are involved in this event feel this is the best way for Mark to see how grateful we are to have him in our life and will do anything possible for him to continue writing, playing and fulfilling his dreams. Thanks to Mark we get the chance to pay it forward.
For more about the show, go to themetri.com Keep on Movin’: New Year, New You: Resolve to end your music dry spell this year
I’m already toward the end of my annual “go though an exercise routine for two weeks and pretty much give up” cycle. Enough with having a “dry January;” instead of giving up substances, food or a sedentary lifestyles, why not focus on ending your music dry spell and go experience some quality local tunes?
Fine. – F L E S H // V E S S E L
The year is off to a strong start with the first full-length from two-piece alternative rock band Fine. F L E S H // V E S S E L features an organic, paired-down sound and a lot of energy from this self-described “queercore” duo. With only guitar, drums and vocals, Fine. shows that you don’t need much more than a few distortion pedals and great songs to totally kill it.
Many of the songs thoughtfully examine themes of body image, mental health, self-doubt, self-care and the slog it can be to just get through the day. Fine. F L E S H // V E S S E L brings these issues right to the forefront, and doesn’t bury the message in metaphor.
“What to do” laments, “This cruel body is my home/cruel body is like a throne … the validation I thought it needed kept me dark, kept me defeated.” The whole album considers how strange the concept of a body is — this weird vessel in which we move through the world.
The best moment comes at the end of the record. “Salt Stain” is a slow, building tune with an epic climax. Following the track is a sparse, acoustic version of the same song, which is great for totally different reasons. I love when bands repurpose their songs, and sometimes the alt version ends up better than the original. I’m definitely hoping to hear more from Fine.
F L E S H // V E S S E L can be purchased at: wearefine.bandcamp.com/album/f-l-e-s-h-v-e-s-s-e-l
Ravi Shavi – Blackout Deluxe
Ravi Shavi has become well-known for their brand of garage rock, and specifically awesome, bombastic performances fueled by frontman Rafay Rashid’s rock ‘n’ roll swagger. On Blackout Deluxe, the band provides the type of music the Rhode Island rocking public has come to expect — quick garage rock injections that go straight for the jugular. Look to tracks like “Riding High,” “Radical” and “Dance Around.” Listen to these on your morning commute, and you’ll end up in the ACI for driving 90 miles an hour on Route 10.
Other highlights are “Permanent Damage,” which seamlessly alternates mid-tempo stomping with more rock, and “Midnight,” featuring a Talking Heads new wave style sound. The album doesn’t break a ton of new ground, but it’s straight-up, love-it-or-leave-it rock music that’s worth a listen if you’re looking to put some pep in your step. Check out Blackout Deluxe at: ravishavi.bandcamp.com
Also look for local legends Deer Tick’s new album of b-sides, Mayonnaise, out on February 1. So far, they have released a Pogues cover, “White City,” and a few pretty solid originals.
FMH — 10th Annual Freakfest
The 10th edition of FMH’s metal and punk mini festival will be emceed by Motif’s own Crimson Al- Khemia! Headlining is political punks Anti Flag, Scissorfight, Thy Will Be Done, Patient 0, On Your Deathbed, Sky Swamp Orange, Lusus and more.
Sat, Jan 19; Doors 12:45pm
Alejandro Escovedo — Narrows Center for the Arts Escovedo is a bit of a cult hero in the alt-country community, building a devoted following from decades on the road. He started in the seminal San Francisco punk group The Nuns before heading back to Texas to join up with Rank and File, who mixed rock and country, helping to define the “cowpunk” genre. After that, he formed True Believers with his brother Javier, which was around for much of the ’80s, and since then has had an acclaimed solo career.
Thu, Jan 24; 8pm
Ted Leo — Columbus Theater In a similar vein, Ted Leo is a true original who we’re lucky to count as a local (see “Lonsdale Avenue” from 2017’s The Hanged Man album). Ted’s a no bullshit class act, and his performances bring a ton of energy, even when it’s just him and a guitar. Supporting Ted is excellent local rock band 123 Astronaut, as well as The Maxims.
Fri, Jan 25; 8pm
Andy Shauf/Haley Heynderickx – Columbus Theater This is a characteristically awesome bill at The Columbus. Andy Shauf is an indie songwriter straight outta Saskatchewan whose chilled-out, orchestral music packs a punch. Shauf’s 2016 release, The Party, is an incredible concept album with sketches about party attendees and their small town lives from one wallflower’s point of view.
Portland songwriter Haley Heynderickx is gaining some traction after last year’s debut I Need to Start a Garden. Her music abounds with folk fingerpicking and introspective, surrealist lyrics.
Wed, Feb 13; 8pm
Also worth noting:
Max Creek at The Met on Jan 25
Night Surf, latewaves, Planet Mercury, Set The Record Straight, and Cavalier (US) at Alchemy on Jan 26
Wax On, Grizzlies, and Mail Culture at AS220 on Jan 26 Zoink Zulag and The Galactic Shag at The Narrows on Feb 7
J Mascis (New Date) at The Met on Feb 14
Los Duderinos, The Moonbees, Lovehandle at ASKEW on Feb 15
Martin Sexton with Chris Trapper at the Greenwich Odeum on Feb 17
The Roots Report: Beating a Deaf Horse: Protect those gorgeous lugholes, music lovers!
Okee dokee folks… Sometimes I feel like I am beating a dead horse, err, DEAF horse, when I talk about hearing protection, but it is something that I feel the need to constantly reiterate. A couple of years ago I wrote a column about hearing protection for our health issue (motifri.com/hearingprotection), and as we publish this year’s, a Facebook friend posted about his impending hearing loss from loud music. It bothers me to read these comments as hearing damage is preventable! For some reason folks seem to eschew advice to protect their hearing. They don’t want to listen and if they keep it up they won’t be able to listen. It is very simple to protect your hearing — just use ear plugs. They are easy to obtain and once you get into the habit of using them, it becomes second nature. I always have them with me and I always use them. My bandmate just spent $250 on custom, molded ear plugs. While you don’t need to spend that much, unless you are a performing musician, you should still grab a pair of the simple plugs that run about $20. Read and heed!
Since this is the health issue, I will talk about the health of one of our local musicians. My former bandmate, Mark Cutler, known for his other bands The Schemers, Raindogs and The Men of Great Courage, is currently dealing with a major health issue. It is a shame that we do not have national health courage in this country. Actually it is more of an embarrassment. Most advanced countries provide for their citizens, but in this country people are left to fend for themselves if they get sick, which can lead to them becoming financially ruined. To share his burden, Cutler’s friends and bandmates have put together a two-day fundraising concert called “Too Many Stars” — a reference to one of Mark’s songs. The show will be held at The Met on Saturday, January 19 at 7pm and on Sunday, January 20 from 4 to 9pm. The list of performers for the two day concert includes: Allysen Callery, Heather Rose, Dan Lilley and the Keepers with Amy Bedard, Adrienne West, Longshot VooDoo, Andy Stone Band, Bill Harley, members of Beaver Brown, Biscuit City, The Bickersins, Dave Tanury, Dopey Lopes, D’Vottes, John Larson and Silver Fields, Hope Anchor, Jonathan Gregg, Kelly Walsh Band, Kris Hansen, The Men of Great Courage, Neal and The Vipers, Neutral Nation, Rob Nelson, The Same Thing Project, The Schemers, Scott Doggett, Steve Smith and the Nakeds, Tanya McIntyre and The Professors, and more. To read an full interview with the organizers shoot over to: motifri.com/toomanystars. To purchase tickets, twinkle to: themetri.com/events/too-many-stars-mark- cutler-benefit
One of last year’s Motif music award winners, Brianna White, contacted me recently about a new single that she released. White, whose amazing solo live performances include vocals, guitar and looping effects, has recorded a fully produced, pop single worthy of radio play. The energetic song, “Closer,” is a bubbly ode to desire and is available on all streaming platforms. If you would like to know more about Brianna, then get nigh to: brianawhitemusic.com To catch her live, get yourself to The Guild in Pawtucket on Friday, January 18. Tap over to: theguildri.com for more.
The Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket will be presenting a slew of tribute shows that could satiate your desire for the real thing. These days, the sounds of great bands are being kept alive by tribute acts, and one tribute that sounds particularly interesting is Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute. Back in the 1970s the Carpenters, Karen and Richard, won a Grammy for Best New Artist. Their distinctive renditions of songs earned them a huge following and made them one of the best selling artists of all time. Unfortunately, Karen Carpenter died in 1983 at the age of 32 as a result of her battle with anorexia nervosa. Song’s like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Close To You” continue to garner new fans worldwide. In 1994, a Carpenters tribute album, If I Was a Carpenter, was released and featured such artists as Sheryl Crow, The Cranberries and Matthew Sweet covering the songs of the Carpenters. My fave from this disc was “Superstar,” recorded by Sonic Youth. I was too cool to admit that I liked the Carpenters back in their heyday and never had the chance to experience them live. If you’re anything like me, then this show is for you. Top of the World’s Debbie Taylor captures the warm tones and contralto range that made Karen’s voice so unique. It will feel like “Yesterday Once More” on Saturday, February 2 with the Top of the World Tribute at The Stadium Theatre. Other tributes coming to the Stadium Theatre include Another Tequila Sunrise: the Tribute to The Eagles on Jan 25, Terry Lee Goffee: the ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute on Feb 1, Elvis Tribute by Leo Days on Jan 26, Boston Experience: Don’t Look Back on Feb 9, A Toast to the Rat Pack & Marilyn on Feb 23, Bob Seger Experience: Hollywood Nights on March 1, Queen Tribute: One Night of Queen on April 13, Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute: Creedence Revived on April 27, Pink Floyd: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd with the Interstellar Light Show on May 18 and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute: Full Moon Fever on Sep 20. For more, hammer on over to stadiumtheatre.com
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. JohnFuzek.com
Hamad Thrills Fans at Dusk
I found myself in the Federal Hill section of Providence last month at Dusk Lounge for a sold-out performance from rapper Hamad. Labeling him as a rapper is, in all honesty, an understatement; he’s also a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. Last time I saw Hamad take the stage was at 2017’s PVD Fest. I was intrigued to see how he’s improved since that PVD Fest performance as a live performer but also wanted to see how he would present himself as an artist.
DJ Intimate opened the show with an impressive job of working with and building from the crowd’s energy before the show. He played a mix of present-day and the past’s most popular hip-hop and R&B music. When Hamad or opening act, rapper E, took the stage, Intimate made sure they received a proper dose of energy from the crowd before beginning their performance. I spoke to hi after the show, and he mentioned how he’s seen too many times an opening act or main act be poorly received by the audience before they’ve performed any music. This was something he didn’t want to allow for E and Hamad.
Taking the stage first, to the surprise of many, E hopped on to perform a quick song, an unreleased track titled “Focused,” and if I have to be honest, it’s one of the best tracks I’ve heard from him; I’m interested to hear what’s next from him. After he concluded his performance, it was time for Hamad to take the stage.
As soon as he hit the stage you could tell he was just bouncing off the walls with energy. It seemed like he bottled up as much energy as possible a week or so before the show, all to let it out over the next hour or so.
He started off with “‘Till Dawn,” and one of the more remarkable things about his set was how well everyone in the crowd knew his lyrics. As he went through each song, from “Blame on Me” to “Southside” to “‘Til It’s Over,” I was immersed in the heart of his fanbase. Fans danced and sang along, and this didn’t go unnoticed by Hamad; through facial expressions and words, he repeatedly expressed his gratitude for his fans.
Hamad wasn’t afraid to perform new tracks for the crowd, and has the remarkable ability to put his own spin on popular songs. His remix to “No Scrubs,” which he performed, is perfect example. Another example is another remix, this time to “Just Friends,” which he also performed. It was my first time hearing it and it sounded great. With that remix as well as one to T-Pain’s “Sprung,” Hamad, it’s time release both of those tracks, someway, somehow.
While he performed an unreleased track titled “Fill You Up,” Hamad’s show came to an unexpected end as the fire alarm went due to the fogging machine that was used for the show. Hamad has everything you want and need as an upcoming act; he has the fans, he has the energy, he is a good live performer, he has the talent, most of his songs are written and produced by himself, there are also people behind him who are willing to push his art. The only thing that’s left to do is to actually take advantage of these things and use them to his benefit.
2019 could prove to be a huge year for Hamad, but that’s if he wants it to be. We definitely need a project from him this year, and in the meantime, I highly recommend attending a future show of his. Jazz Insights: Frankie Carle
Big band pianist and songwriter Frankie Carle passed away at age 98 in 2001 in Mesa, Arizona, where he had retired. Frankie (Francesco Carlone) was born in Providence in 1903, and his unusual piano styling and orchestra concepts were perfect for dancing and jazz. Frankie began performing with the Mal Hallett Orchestra in 1934. He left the Hallett group and started his own orchestra in 1935. By 1939 he had joined the Horace Heidt & Musical Knights and their ongoing tours. In 1944 he once again started his own orchestra, this time featuring the singing voice of his daughter Marjorie Hughes. He disbanded his orchestra in 1955 and began performing as a soloist. In 1989 he was inducted into the International Big Band & Jazz, Hall of Fame, and posthumously into Rhode Island’s Musical Hall of Fame. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk-Of-Fame.
Is This Jazz?: Passion Reverence Transcendence — A Tribute to McCoy Tyner
On December 11, the legendary jazz pianist McCoy Tyner turned 80 years old. A few months earlier, I received an album by the trio of pianist Benito Gonzalez, drummer Gerry Gibbs and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet that was conceived and recorded as a tribute to Tyner’s musical genius and legacy, and released on Whaling City Sound this past April. Unfortunately, I never got around to sitting down with the album and giving it a proper listen, but Tyner’s 80th birthday made me think now would be as good time to dig into this album: Passion Reverence Transcendence.
If anyone was ever going to question how much passion this trio was bringing to this project, then any doubt would be furiously extinguished in the first seconds of the opening track “Fly With The Wind,” a McCoy Tyner classic. They come out slinging fire, playing this chart at full tilt. This explosiveness segues well into “Just Feelin’,” which imbues Tyner’s chart with a contemporary, slightly fusion sound with the use of the electric bass and the loose half-time groove, followed by the heavy swinging “Rotunda,” which is a brilliant showcase for the pocket of Gibbs and Okon Essiet. The arrangement and production on the intro to “Festival In Bahia” are a lovely reprieve before launching into another full on sonic boom, this time with some interesting Afro-Cuban rhythms and a range of percussion.
By the time I reached track 5, “Blues On The Corner,” I was itching for a new feel and the trio delivered with a wonderfully laid-back blues on which everyone hangs back without losing any of the momentum they’ve established over the first third of this album. We’re back to full scale on “The Greeting,” which brims with interesting percussion textures and band-wide explorations, then we settle into a beautiful ballad with “You Taught My Heart To Sing.” One of the highlights of this album for me was “Atlantis,” which has a lot of the same elements as many of the other tracks, but by this time on the album they seem to have refined all their choices and balance the big production with the bombastic nature of the original Tyner recording. The album rounds out with another hard swinging tune with “Inner Glimpse,” a giant but flowing version of Coltrane’s “Naima,” and three stellar originals by the trio: “Tyner/Trane Express,” “Between Friends” and “Brazilian Girls.”
Overall, this is an incredibly expansive album that adds a lot of interesting texture to McCoy Tyner’s original charts while not deviating too far from what makes the original material so dynamic. The trio performs excellently together, the solos are spirited and the interplay is fantastic to listen to — clearly a group who has honed in on a sound they love. I wish at times there were moments where the ensemble pulled back and gave the music a bit more breathing room, but the energy they bring is infectious enough to keep your ears engaged as long as you strap in for the wild, brilliant ride that is this album.
The album is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon, or head over to whalingcitysound.com for more information.
Happening Around Town:
The John Allmark Jazz Orchestra; first Monday monthly @ The Met (Pawtucket)
Is This Jazz?; (Providence) visit isthisjazz.tumblr.com for listings
Groove Merchants; Mondays @ Fifth Element (Newport)
Jazz Jam; Tuesdays @ Ten Rocks (Pawtucket)
Jazz At The Parlour; Sundays (jam held every third Sunday) @ The Parlour (Providence)
Modern Sound Series; last Sunday monthly @ Tea In Sahara (Providence)
Leland Baker Quartet; Wednesdays @ Acacia Club (Providence)
To add your listing email [email protected]. Ben Shaw is a local composer and performer. Find him at ahueofshaw.tumblr.com. Jazz Insights: Bonnie Mann
Three years ago we lost one of jazz’s popular cabaret singers. Eighty-five year old Bonnie Mann (Boncorsi Wotherspoon) was born in Pawtucket. Known for her big- band style singing she regularly could be found throughout Rhode Island with many of the great performing jazz and dance groups. Bonnie sang at the old King & Queens’ Restaurant on Mineral Spring Avenue with, at the time, the young Mike Renzi and others. Her beauty, style and professional voice continually captured local audiences. Her renditions of early American Song Book compositions became favorites among her loyal following. She was a constant worker for the Providence Musician’s Union and was known by musicians state-wide. Her friends numbered in the hundreds. In her later years she performed quite regularly with the late Mac Chrupcala and his several jazz groups. Bonnie kept singing with her heart to her very end; she died in January 2015. The jazz industry in Rhode Island will not forget the late Bonnie Mann.and her dynamic jazz singing voice. Ball Drop Beat Drop: More fun than should be allowed
Much like the extra dry champagne served on the holiday, New Year’s Eve traditions can be a bit stale. Interested in switching it up? Then head to Platforms Dance Club in Providence on December 31 to ring in the new year at Tight Crew (TC)’s Neon Masquerade Ball! You may want to buy your tickets now, because this limited-ticket event will feature 16 DJs from all over the US, fire performances, a heated outdoor tent and a game room! So pick out a cute outfit and get plenty of rest, because the event runs from 6pm to 3am.
Headliners include Ducky (LA, dubstep), Lady Faith (LA, hardstyle) and DJ Venom (RI), who will be spinning a special freestyle set. Since this is a TC party, event-goers can plan on stopping by the free kandi-making and fresh fruit areas. As for the midnight countdown, attendees will be treated to a larger-than-life neon orgy of colorful lights, sounds and confetti cannons.
“We have never done a masquerade ball before. This will take a classic, timeless New Year’s theme and put our blacklight immersive neon twist on it. It is a fun layout for a party; the main room will be amazing and the second room is going to be a 30-by-60 heated tent outside,” says Keith Woods, co- founder of TC. “There is also a game room and entire room for vendors,” he added.
This will be TC’s second event at Platforms (the first was Yoshi’s Island earlier this year), and it’s a great location for the celebration. “The outdoor area will have a full concert sound system and lighting rig as well as lots of neon artwork and fire performers outside the tent,” Woods explains. According to Woods, TC’s New Year’s resolution is, “to provide an all-inclusive, non-judgmental community space for anyone with an open mind and continue to give a stage for all forms of dance music popular and underground. We are excited to ring in the new year with the tight Crew family. Join us, we want to be your friend.”
Admission to Tight Crew’s Neon Masquerade Ball is 18+ (21+ to drink). Tickets are tiered, meaning the sooner you get them, the lower the price! Tickets are available at tightcrew.net
Keep on Moving: Time Keeps on Slipping: Check out these shows to close out the year, and feast your eyes on a few 2019 predictions
At the end of the year it is natural to look back on what transpired, but here at The Motif, we keep on moving forward. At first I was a little apprehensive about offering predictions for music in 2019 considering the differences in genres. To say music is going to be more political, electronic or whatever is difficult because people are always doing whatever one can dream of. But then, after some tequila, the hot takes just kept coming through my crystal ball and wouldn’t stop, like that thing in Jeepers Creepers. Here are a few of them.
I predict 2019 will be a huge year for the band Asia that did the ’80s hit “Heat of the Moment.” Everyone deserves a second moment, and it’s been 30-plus years for Asia — they are due! I believe the original and deceased members of the Ramones will agree to reunite as holograms to headline Coachella; however, due to internal bickering between the holograms, they will break up before they get through the count in to the opening of “Durango 95.” Burrillville will emerge as the center of hip- hop. Sean Spicer will move back to Rhode Island and start a black metal band with Allan Fung and Lincoln Chafee. Cat Country 98.1FM radio will become more tolerable by changing their programming to feature more cats and less country. I feel like both Tone Loc and William Hung are due for a comeback. I sense that 2019 will be a huge year for yacht rock DJs. It will be the year that John Fuzek does a column that doesn’t start with “Okee dokee.” Classical music will go grunge. The Kinks will once again talk about reuniting … next year. Keep On Moving columns will include more lists because they are quick reads and easy to understand. The Big Hair Sluts will be the next big band from Rhode Island. Steve Smith (from Steve Smith & The Nakeds) will find a better local beer to sponsor him. The point? In the words of Joe Strummer, “The future is unwritten,” so sharpen your pencils.
Top 5 Ways to ring in New Year’s Eve:
5) New Year’s Eve Reggae Bashment at Alchemy in Providence.
4) Empire Revue’s 6th Annual Dance Party featuring The Empire Revue and Superchief Trio at AS220 in Providence.
3) Nate Cozzolino & The Lost Arts, The Atlantic Thrills, Harvey Garbage, Green Sabbath, and The Benjis are at Dusk in Providence.
2) EARTHKRY, Chachi Carvalho & The International Players, and The Gnomes with DJ Paulie Danger spinning between sets at the Parlour in Providence.
1) The Silks and Eric And The Nothing bring the retro rock ‘n’ roll to The Met Cafe in Pawtucket.
I&R – Reconnecting with Josh Cournoyer
Native Rhode Islander Josh Cournoyer moved to Nashville a few years ago and given his destination, it is not surprising he is still making music. The former frontman of Northern Lands, among other bands, has a new project called I&R that is releasing their second single, “Addendum,” on online streaming services on December 28. I&R will be celebrating the single’s release with a show the next night at the Columbus Theatre. I&R’s full-length debut, Bankrupt City, is finished and will be coming out next year. Cournoyer shared the record with me and is it mean to say how surprised I was by how much I liked it? The flow of “Addendum” reminds me of Springsteen sans E Street Band spiked with a southern twang. The first single, “Venice,” wrestles with finding one’s place in the world and spirituality in a world littered with sidewalk messiahs and the unasked for plastic Virgin Mary that mysteriously shows up on your lawn. Lyrics like, “I fought a little battle to get a break from these wars” capture the disillusion with the modern illusion. I’ll talk more about the rest of the album when it’s coming out, but it’s like hitting a Vegas buffet where you got everything from rockers (title track and “Silhouette”) to the string- colored acoustic majesty of “Manifesto” where Cournoyer offers his support with “if you want to burn down the patriarchy tonight, the least I can do is pass you the light.”
As for what is I&R, Cournoyer tells me, “I&R was always meant to be a collaborative. The connective thread would be the songs and stories, but I wanted to bring in a variety of players for both the studio and live setting to help translate the music. The idea was that no project’s lineup, in my almost 20 years of being in bands, has ever persisted for more than a few years, but the benefit to that is being able to play with a diverse group of musicians and approaches to creativity. I&R as a name very much has a reason, and a specific one at that, but I love the idea that people can project their own ideas to the meaning onto those letters, much the way people project their own meaning onto the songs.”
In addition to working with some acclaimed producers and engineers, Cournoyer collaborated with friends from home including MorganEven Swain (The Huntress and Holder of Hands and Brown Bird). Cournoyer relays: “We were joined there by MorganEve Swain; she’s handling second vocal duties on ‘Addendum’ and also contributed the strings on ‘Venice.’ MorganEve has been a pretty consistent part of our live contingent as well; she added so much depth to the record, and working with her has been a blast.’’ I&R, John Faraone, and Mountainess will be playing the Columbus Theatre on December 29.
The other top 5 shows to catch before the calendar turns to 2019 are all bangers:
5) Fungus Amungus does a reunion show with Cosmic Factory at The Met Cafe on December 28.
4) Grinchfest 2.0, featuring sets by Karma Rocket, Foxx Doll, Jets Can’t Land, Sick Pills, and David Tessier All-Stars, are at Askew on December 21.
3) Doyle (of The Misfits) is at FMH on December 28.
2) Cactus Attack is at Nick-A-Nee’s on December 29.
1) Ravi Shavi celebrate the release of Blackout Deluxe (Almost Ready Records) with a release show with Nova One and Nice at AS220 on December 22.
Email music new to [email protected]