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Some of the best shows will always go unnoticed. This is life, and we all have commitments we must keep. The reality is, just because you weren't there didn't make the night less magical. Maybe if you were there, it could be unforgettable. We all have stories of seeing so-and-so when they were just starting out at Club A with a limited audience. Now they're are many Club A's in town playing more live music for little or no cover. You have no excuses, so WHERE WERE YOU? |
April 2000March 2000February 2000January 2000December 1999November 1999October 1999August 1999July 1999June 1999 |
House Concerts. What exactly is a house concert? It goes beyond a meeting of
friends with music. It is a concert with one of more musicians playing to a
small intimate group in someone’s house. Twice this month FEMMUSIC was able to
see two artists who are touring the US by doing house concerts.
Kimberli Ransom is the undisputed model of how to arrange house concerts.
Ransom, a solo acoustic artist, has crisscrossed the US more than once with her
Word of Mouth National House Tour. She has even written a book called House
Concerts: A Guide For Musicians and Hosts. This book is a guide on how to set up
house tours, the rules that apply, and how to make it affordable for the artist.
The night we saw Ransom it was in a housing complex with an audience of less
than ten. It turned out that the host was also a friend of Ransom’s from
college and related their meeting. Ransom’s first set included songs about
family, and relationships. These songs included “Fear Into Fire”, “She
Takes It”, and “Higher Ground.” These songs can be found on Ransom’s CD
Copperhead.
Ransom plays both keyboard and guitar with an honest, sincere approach. Between
every song Ransom told the story behind the song to an audience who could see
the expression in her eyes. Her stories change the songs into experiences shared
by artist and audience alike.
Ransom is not the only artist performing house concerts. Nyree is also doing a
national tour via house concerts. Nyree has many similarities to Ransom. Nyree
plays both guitar and keyboard. Nyree has also written a book, Booking,
Promoting and Marketing Your Music: A Complete Guide for Bands and Solo Artists.
Nyree has a different style from Ransom. Where Ransom’s song come back to
family and friends, Nyree’s songs speak of lost relationships, and
introspection. Upon first hearing Nyree a comparison can be made to Tori Amos.
It does not tell the whole story. Nyree sings her songs with dedication and
concentration. When playing she is unwavering whether a pick flies or a fire
alarm sounds.
Nyree’s songs can be both funny and thought provoking. “Wondering” is an
introspective song. “You Say” was written while dating another musician.
“It’s Not My Place To Say” focuses on the experience of being the other
woman. “Little Girl” is one of the most joyous and was the first song Nyree
wrote after returning to music after burn out.
100 Acre Woods Benefit – March 25, 2000
– Zu Denver
The 100 Acre Woods is a non-profit organization set up to help those people with gender issues. It was set up in memory of Pam Hackett, a person who suffered identity problems related to this and eventually committed suicide. This benefit was fun and people filled.
The night began with Tami. Tami is a solo singer-songwriter who is used to doing backup as opposed to lead. If she hadn’t said so, it would be hard to tell. She tells the stories of her songs elegantly and invites the audience in. Her songs are originals, but their originals are heard in Melissa Etheridge.
The night dived into high gear when Wendy & Raina of Dear Marsha took to the stage. Their set began with “Ice Cream” with improvised lyrics and Tami adding backup vocals. From there the set went wild featuring such Dear Marsha originals as “The Panty Song”, and “Looking Back at Me” as well as covers of “Me & Bobby McGee”, and “These Boots Were Made For Walking.” Raina has an incredibly powerful voice that always adds the right “umph.” Wendy is a skilled guitar player who continues to get better every year. The two together become fire on the stage burning away any shyness. Raina was in great form although admitting to tying one on too much the night before. Dear Marsha does have a full band that was not present that night. The newest addition to that band is Emila Shopova, perhaps one of the greatest local drummers around. For more information visit Dear Marsha’s new website at http://www.dearmarsha.com
The night ended with the Melanie Susuras Band. Melanie Susuras was last year’s winner for the Lilith Fair local artist (along with Wendy Woo) and is now playing out on a regular basis. She has assembled a great band including Correy Woessner on guitar, Scott Townsend on drums, and Yessit Arocho on bass. The band has a good chemistry and works very well together. That night the sound was so muffled on vocals and the instruments fluctuated so much it was nearly impossible to recognize great performances. Melanie performed many of her originals including “The Tree” , “Box” and “Ellis’ Song.” The night ended with a cover of “Tombstone Blues” with Wendy and Tami joining in.
The music was put through the paces trying to sound good at 7 South on February
19. The opening band was The Emmas, followed by The Pin-Downs.
The Emmas are trying to be a new concept band. They consist of two
members, one on guitar and one on drums. The style is decidedly punk. The
guitarist was dressed in a blue dress that seemed to have elements of saran wrap
about it. Both members sing but were easily drowned out by bad acoustics and bad
mixing. What was heard was less than overpowering.
The Emmas set was began with “Shit’s Running in Your Brain/Doublechain.”
This song is about drug addiction, and the lyrics are very interesting. The
guitar roared like a car engine through this song, and occasional feedback
didn’t help. The rest of the set consisted of songs like “Teen Magazine”,
“Beer”, “I Love You”, and “I’m Completely Crazy.” These songs were
screamed more than sung with the exception of “I Love You” which was nearly
in key.
The Emmas have a way to go before they can hold a full set. Right now it
is almost as painful to watch them, as it is “unintentionally” funny.
It was a week before Christmas and the party was in full swing at Herman's Hideaway. Zeut had their end of year show. Zeut is a rockabilly funk band made up of Kristi VanDeWalker on lead vocals, Amy Moe on vocals and violin, Rob Eldridge on guitar, Allan Burki on bass, Herb Green on Congas & percussion, and Mark Serratoni on drums. Zeut had a laser light show playing across the center aisle and few were not on the dance floor.
The
set included "Know Your Disguise", "Light of the Moon",
"No Excuses", and "If You Believe." The first set was slow
going and many of Zeut's most passionate fans were there sending shots to the
stage. The second set was high energy and began with the electrifying square
dance "Satellite Dish." Zeut is next to appear at The Gothic Theater
on January 15. In the meantime visit http://www.zeut.com
or their mp3 page.
Two days before Christmas and an event took place. Hell Camino played out at the Bluebird. Hell Camino is a riot grrl band of the highest caliber. Led by Al Pierson on vocals the band consumes a stage and audience. The show included smoke machines, strobe lights, lighting effects, and candy being tossed from the stage. Hell Camino's lyrics can be energizing with frequent references to sex, and a myriad of swears. The lyrics can also be highly disturbing especially when Pierson describes a rape, but pantomime's sex. Hell Camino is not a PG-13 band. No one under 21 should take this in. Anyone over 21 should take a look and be prepared to be shocked and amazed. For more information visit http://www.hellcamino.co
It was a cold and snowy night in Denver on November 21, but the music still played at the Bluebird. Our friends from http://www.denvermusicplus.com
put on a night of WOMEN OF ROCK.The night began with Esovae. This four piece band is led by the Marilyn Taylor on vocals. She is backed up by Brett Watson on guitar, Harlan Mager on bass, Dave Wruck on synthesizers, and Mike Rice on drums. Seeing the band for the first time that night one was struck by just how much equipment they brought on stage. The worst abusers were Wruck and Rice with synthesizers that provided effects and overdubs, and drums that as a kit seemed to grow more on stage. Taylor's voice falls in a mid range with strong endurance. Her lyrics are dark and dreamy, but were painfully drowned out in more than one instance by bass and drums. The songs included "Bring You Down", "Falling Away", and "Crawl" describing a living insanity.
As Esovae began extracting themselves from the stage, one began to notice that the chill was not just coming from the songs alone. The Bluebird was extremely cold that night, and one felt like the vents in the roof had been left open.
Next up was Boom Chick. Boom Chick is a pop rock group that walks on
stage, and rules it. In a time where effects and distort are regular parts of a
bands' bag of tricks, Boom Chick has the best age old secret: Attitude. Led by
Sharon Riggs this band has experienced players with impressive histories both
here, and in the Bay Area. Boom Chick's songs included "My Oh My",
"Blue Sky", and "Here We Go." They ended with a cover of
"Call Me" with both guitars (Greg Gibb and Mike Manthei) igniting the
stage in power chords.
Last up was Offering 74. Offering was in great form that night. They exploded with energy from the first song. Their happiness was written across their faces. FEMMUSIC has seen this three piece play many times before, but that night they brought the house down.
It was so close to Halloween when five bands descended upon Herman's Hideaway. Herman's is a place to see the up and coming local acts. It caters to primarily the college crowd with cheap ticket prices. On Wednesday October 27 it was draped with spider webs for The Horror Before Halloween.
The audience was dressed in all sorts of costumes from gothic with multiple piercings to the Venitian Pirates. Although a Wednesday, this was a party atmosphere.
The first band on stage was Infinity Waltz. Infinity Waltz is a four piece band consisting on Tanya on bass, and lead vocal. Julie on keyboard. Anna on drums, and Kevin on guitars. This band has tremendous vocal harmonies, and their lyrics are complex. Among the songs that stuck out were "13 Stains" about a violent society, "California" about a trip there. In addition Tanya also played a powerful song about an ex-boyfriend who died in a car crash. Infinity Waltz is dark, and more acoustic than electric. FEMMUSIC is looking forward to where they go.
Next on stage was Pure Drama. This duo consists of Ryan Policky and Becca
Gomez. Their name is a reflection of their style. Using a dancer, smoke machine,
and two staticy televisions Pure Drama created a show. Their music is multimedia
incorporating their vocals as well as keyboard effects. The songs included
"River", "Denial", and "Girl in a Corner." Becca's
vocals are strong and her background vocals were haunting in many of the songs.
Ryan's vocals are dominating and very deep.
DecanonizeD was next on stage. Having the full stage gave Talea and DecanonizeD room to expand and push. That night it felt like they could have more. Talea's vocals were strong early in the set, but did not progress well towards the end. DecanonizeD also played strong and hard focusing on power more than nuance that night. After their performance at the Cricket just a few weeks before, this show was lacking some of the impact they are capable of.
Next up was Anna Scoria. This is a hard punk band. Their songs stretch across the room to strangle you in their grasp. As they played, and the night progressed, FEMMUSIC slid into the darkness missing the last headliner, the F.E.W.W. For a pre-Halloweeen show the night felt and played as it should, and no one turned into a beast at the end.
Tish Hinojosa arrived at Swallow
Hill and took over the night. Swallow Hill is a non-profit music organization
that does everything from teaching music and instruments to bringing in some of
the best acoustic artists. Located at a converted church the main hall has a
high ceiling, balcony and acoustics that stop even a mouse from whispering.
Hinojosa, is a San Antonio musician who has
done everything from children’s music, to classical but is most known for her
Mexican and Texas folk. Many of her songs begin in Spanish with the first verse,
then the second explains it in English. Hinojosa’s style is honest and direct
and made an instant rapport with the nearly sold out audience. Hinojosa was
joined by Chip Dolan on keyboard and accordion, and Marvin Dykhuis on guitar.
Both musicians have been working with Hinojosa for years and are very
anticipative of what to expect next.
The night began with “Firelito” off the Border
record. This was followed by “Laughing River Running” the story of a
river’s progression. Next was “By the Rio Grande” a song filled with
abundant detail of the land that the Rio Grande river runs through from Colorado
to California. A few songs later came “There’s Something in the Rain”
about a little boy describing his homelife and family. The first set drew to a
close with Hinojosa singing “Barnyard Dance” a children’s song about the
vegetables; “Even the Dead Rise Up to Dance” about the Day of the Dead;
“Saying You Will” about giving in a relationship, and “Destiny’s Gate”
the title song from the CD of the same name.
The second set rivaled the first in energy and
enthusiasm. Hinojosa jumped in with
“Who Showed You the Way to My Heart” a beautiful love song from her CD Tulsa
to Tennessee. This was followed by “So Do I” a song questioning life. She
then went into “San Antonio Romeo” and proceeded with a group of cowboy
songs. As the second set began to close out Hinojosa told of her plans to
release another CD in the spring. She
played “Sign of Truth”, a song including religion in its chords. This was
followed by “I Have No Answers” a song focusing on the progress of life, and
“Roses Around My Feet” about falling back into love. The second set ended
with “Taos to Tennessee” a song about trying to move on.
Last, Hinojosa’s encore went on and on. It
included “Atlantico” a slow song about the ocean, “West Side of Town” an
autobiographical song, and ended with “’Til You Love Me Again” a
bittersweet love song. Hinojosa could have played on for hours more. She has the
material, and her band supports her. Keep an eye out for Hinojosa, and for more
shows at the Swallow Hill Music Association.
For more information on Tish Hinojosa visit http://www.mundotish.com
For more information on Swallow Hill visit http://www.swallowhill.com
Special thanks for helping making this review possible must go to Val Denn & Meredith Carson.
The Women From Mars returned to the Fox Theater last night to bring some new friends, and return to the place where the CD party happened nearly four months ago. After a cold and rainy summer day, the attendance was medium at best.
The night began when a nervous Rebecca Beacher took to the stage. Beacher, a Boulder singer-songwriter, began with an accapella piece called "So I Tell You Now." Her voice and timbre held the audience in awe. She then went onto "Test of Time" a song about growth and betrayal. Her set ended when Monica Augustine joined her on "And I Said" a fast paced happy song. Both Augustine and Beacher seemed to have a slight country twang in the song.
Next, Monica Augustine had her set. The set was filled with "Movin' Along" a railroad folk song about transformation, and "Mississippi" about a world outside the simple. Augustine's set ended with "Shine a Little Light" another accapella. She was joined by Linda Lewellyn on harmony.
Next Nicole Jamrose, a founding Women From Mars
member set the stage on fire with her performance. Jamrose, now living in
Indiana, flew in for the show. Her songs grabbed the audience and had the entire
Fox dancing in minutes. Songs like "No Angel Come Easy" and "Moon
and Sky Want to be Blind" held the house in their spell. Assisting Jamrose
was Dan Davis, a skilled backing guitar, Justin Hoggs on bass, and Chris Hisener
on drums. Hisener is also Wendy Woo's drummer. Jamrose finished her set with
"Warm Body" and a cover of Paul Simon's "Diamonds on the Souls of
Her Shoes."
Fourth, was the duo of Marca Cassity and Whitney Rehr. Marca Cassity is an outspoken singer-songwriter. Rehr is a hard rocking alternative artist. Their short set was as much an acclimation with each other as music. They began with Cassity's song about a
hurricane in Miami. Jude (Junis Ponds) added the rattle beat. Next was Rehr's "Blue that Cuts the Blue." The set ended with "Gladys" a passionate song about disco tragedy.
Next on the bill was Junis Ponds, and her own band. They began by dragging Jamrose, Cassity, Rehr and Beacher to the stage to sing "What I'm Talkin' About." The song was a great release and the chorus could have gone on all night. Jude followed it up with "Planet Daphny", "Little Blues Song", "Trust Yourself" and "Water Into Wine." Jude's set ended with a cover of John Pryne's "Hard Way To Go" which brought Cassity and Rehr to the stage to sing backup vocals again.
The night ended with Wendy Woo and Yo Flaco taking to the stage. Although not as magical as other Women From Mars nights, this one helps show that the Women are branching out from the mold of "typical" singer-songwriters. Expect to see more interaction with rock, blues, rapp, ska and other styles and different women as Women From Mars continues to take Colorado by storm.
Read about the history of the Women From Mars here.
The Soiled Dove had tears in its eyes as Zuba made what might be its last Denver appearance Friday night. Zuba, the Boulder based funk band, has decided to take a break. For the next year or more the band will be on sabbatical. Before reaching that road, they did a sendoff.
The night began with the Ryan Tracy Band taking to the stage. This Denver band has been making a name for themselves appearing at the Capitol Hill Peoples' Fair and numerous appearances at the Soiled Dove and Herman's Hideaway. Ryan Tracy and Anitra Carr are the vocal pair that make up the Ryan Tracy Band. JD Sawyer is on lead acoustic guitar.
Their set was as much a tribute as a performance. It began with a cover of Marc Cohn's "Perfect Love." The set included such Ryan Tracy favorites as "All The Same.", and "Burn It With The Rest" about an ugly breakup. All the songs, "were for Liza," Ryan said.
Ryan's set was acoustic, and played beautifully. FEMMUSIC will feature more on the Ryan Tracy Band at a later time. For now, go to www.Ryantracyband.com
When Zuba took to the stage, there were no
tears, just music. Liza Oxnard on electric and acoustic guitars, Mike on bass,
and Wallace on drums controlled the evening. The first set was over an hour, and
the levels on sound were not coming out right. No one noticed or cared.
Zuba played their favorites including "Imagine Freedom," "Disconnect Me," "Spinning", and "Home for My Heart." These songs were electric and had the audience dancing within seconds. They were a cross between funk and folk sung with energy and power that flowed through the audience in pulses of passion. No one had time to shed a tear. As the first set closed, the audience seemed dumbfounded. To them it was almost a closing. Zuba would not let that happen.
The second set began with "Planet Of Love," Zuba's high energy track off South of Eden. They then followed it up with "Running with the Devil," "Future People," and "Whatcha Doing." The sound rippled through the Soiled Dove with every solo, and every note. This show again shows why no show should be missed at the Soiled Dove.
The night could have gone on until morning, and to the next day, and the next. The encores were not enough. The music was more than a memory. It became internal that night, and every cell is still dancing to it. They will from now until Zuba returns.
On Wednesday, June 16, Jock Bartley of Firefall held a singer-songwriter night at the Soiled Dove. Who was there? Kris, Amy and Rob of the band Zeut, Matthew Moon, Brad Robinson, Anna Kim Aleris, and Jock. Zeut's newest CD is a local favorite. Matthew Moon has opened for Nina Storey, and two weeks before had played at the Capitol Hill Peoples' Fair. Brad Robinson and Anna Kim Aleris are an amazing acoustic duo, and skilled individual artists who've playing all of Colorado.
The purpose of these nights (Jock is doing one a month) is to bring in the best of local singer-songwriters and have them play off each other in an acoustic setting. Jock has modeled these nights after a similiar event he runs in Nashville.
What did you miss? Matthew Moon's "Barbecue You" with a violin in the background, a particulary detailed song about sex from Brad Robinson, and Jock's back-up guitar and vocals for everyone. You missed songs improvised, and a two hour set. Jock runs these shows every month at the Soiled Dove. So, where will you be next month?|
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