Author Archives: Strangeblood

No comments

The Endless Tour featuring Magma @ Slim’s 4/8/15

  By Strangeblood • April 13, 2015 ,
Magma Slim's SF

Magma Slim’s SF

Fans of the 70’s period of music referred to as Zeuhl, Progressive Rock and Rock in Opposition had a rare opportunity to see Magma in San Francisco, Ca last Wednesday. Fans hold the band at a ranking atop of their field and many might proclaim them the best rock band in the world if not the longest lasting one. At the moment the tour was announced posts started appearing on the internet and the band certainly lived up to, if not exceeded their reputation as the founders of Zeuhl.
Magma emerged as one of the strongest bands during what Chris Cutler refers to as Rock in Opposition in his book “File Under Popular” on November and Autonomedia books. Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to see some of the remaining contemporaries of this field including individual and session performances by Chris Cutler (Henry Cow, Art Bears, Cassiber), Fred Frith (Henry Cow, Art Bears, Skeleton Crew, Cosa Brava), Zeena Parkins (Skeleton Crew, News from Babel, Elliot Sharp’s Carbon, No Safety, Cosa Brava) and Dagmar Krause (Henry Cow, News from Babel Art Bears), Univers Zero, Plastic People of the Universe, Albert Marcoeur, Guigou Chenevier (Etron Fou Leloublan), Lars Holmer (Samlas Mammas Manna), Richard Teitelbaum (Musica Elettronica Viva) Pere Ubu, Bratko Bibič (Begnagrad/Nimal), Tom Cora (Nimal/Skeleton Crew) Heiner Goebbels (Cassiber) and other remarkable bands from this era.

Magma at Slim's 4/8/15

Magma at Slim’s 4/8/15

According to Cutler, Magma are highly influenced by Classical Composers such as Stravinsky and Orf. Other bands such as Cutler’s Henry Cow as well as Art Zoyd and Univers Zero were also heavily influenced 20th Century Classical composers. Perhaps in a much greater perspective, Magma are positioned alongside other progressive rock enigmas such as Can, Faust, Soft Machine, Captain Beefheart, Present, Heldon, Gong, Stormy Six, Keith Rowe/AMM, Henry Cow and  Quiet Sun/This Heat.

The Endless Tour featuring Magma performing at Slim's on 4/8/15

The Endless Tour featuring Magma performing at Slim’s on 4/8/15

Imagine my surprise to find they were to do a rare US tour that included the bay area! I bought tickets immediately because although I wasn’t sure if it would/could sell out or not, I knew I didn’t want to risk missing a show with this much promise and anticipation. During my formative years it wasn’t easy to find Magma recordings but Attahk will always remain atop my list of favorite recordings from my formative years. They always had such a deep catalog and every song title and description seemed to take us to an alternate universe filled with spacey and celestial themes. The term Zeuhl is from Vander’s visionary language he invented to express musical ideas. This language is called Kobaian.

Magma performed songs from Slag Tanz and songs from their catalog

Magma performed songs from Slag Tanz and songs from their catalog

Magma were formed in 1969 in Paris, France. Over the decades they’ve released over 30 recordings both studio and live and are touring to support their latest recording Šlaǧ Tanƶ (on 7th Records). Šlaǧ Tanƶ was released in January of 2015 and is an EP.

Magma aux Etats-Unis!

Magma aux Etats-Unis!

Christian Vander is a classically trained drummer who founded the band in 1969. There were many musicians who’ve been members of Magma over the years one of the higher profile profile alumni of the band is composer Yannik Top who started with the band in 1973 and played bass on a number of their recordings during the early to mid seventies. They’re recordings are influenced by Classical vocals featuring several several vocalists during their performances including Vander and his wife Stella Vander who first appeared with the band on the 1973 recording Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh.

Magma performent leur disque nouvelle Slag-Tanz

Magma performent la disque nouvelle Slag-Tanz

 

 

On Wednesday April 8th, 2015, when the Endless Tour featuring Magma earthed at Slim’s in San Francisco, Ca., the band was introduced by local Punk icon Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys. Jello recounted being on the east coast one day and learning they were going to be performing in Pennsylvania. He said ‘he took every back road he knew and broke every traffic violation in the book to get there. On the way when he noticed he was still running late he had told himself if he were able to arrive and see 1 minute of music by Magma it would be a success. He finished by saying when he finally did arrive an hour late he rushed in and witnessed what was the best hour and a half of music he’s ever seen… And now (he went on to add) they’re in our town!’

Magma performed a rare US tour in the Spring of 2015

Magma performed a rare US tour in the Spring of 2015

No comments

the residents perform shadowland at the rio theater 3-12-15

  By Strangeblood • March 15, 2015

I’ve long been what you might call a peripheral fan of the Residents. They’ve always fascinated me and I’ve certainly owned their recordings but I’ve yet to become as eager to see what their going to do next as now.

the residents @ the rio theater 3-12-2015

the residents @ the rio theater 3-12-2015

I guess instead ending up finally getting them, one feels as if they get you. They get our imagination at least.

the randy, chuck and bob trilogy

the randy, chuck and bob trilogy

The Residents have long been pioneers in the abstract music and theatrical realms taking us to some strange other world where we’re probably at least somewhat confused and not sure if were witnessing an alternate reality.

The Residents have called the SF bay home for 4 decades

The Residents have called the SF bay home for 4 decades

The Rio Theater is ideal for the Residents' performances

The Rio Theater is ideal for the Residents’ performances

A large ballon served as a screen for film clips to be viewd

A large ballon served as a screen for film clips to be viewd

The Residents embark on a European tour in May.

The Residents embark on a European tour in May.

The Residents @ The Rio Theater

The Residents @ The Rio Theater

 

Shadowland at the Rio Theater

Shadowland at the Rio Theater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3rRnmrztZE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR6u3TPTQbM

 

No comments

Top 10 recordings from 2014

  By Strangeblood • December 15, 2014

Georgia Anne Muldrow- Ms. One

1. Georgia Anne Muldrow – Ms. One (Some Otha Ship Connect)
2. Flying Lotus – You’re Dead (Warp Records)
3. Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 – A Long Way To The Beginning (Knitting Factory)
4. Cold Specks – Neuroplasticity (Mute-Arts and Crafts)
5. Mary J. Blige – The London Sessions (Capitol)
6. Louis Maholo Quartet– 4 Blokes (Ogun)
7. Wadada Leo Smith – The Great Lakes Suites (Tum)
8. Ambrose Akinsmusire –The Imagined Savior Is Far Easier To Paint (Blue Note)
9. Benjamin Booker– S/T (ATO)
10.Paolo Angeli Hamid DrakeĐëğhė (RER Megacorp)

No comments

Burger Boogaloo 2014 Mosswood Park. Oakland

  By Strangeblood • July 7, 2014
Off! Performing at The Burger Boogaloo, Mosswood Park, Oakland, Ca. 7/5/2014

Off! Performing at The Burger Boogaloo, Mosswood Park, Oakland, Ca. 7/5/2014

Keith Morris’ new band Off! Played a high energy set before SF locals Thee Oh Sees hit a reset button to what may more typify the Burger garage band profile. Off! played a set of music that featured some songs from the new ‘The Wasted Years’ release on Vice records. The supergroup played “Void you out”, “Legion of Evil”, and “Red, White and Black” from the newest release. The group is a collaboration of Morrris (Black Flag & Circle Jerks) as well as Steven Shane McDonald (Redd Kross), Dimitri Coates (Burning Brides, Chris Cornell & Mark Lanegan) and Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes & the Black Heart Procession). Morris joked that ‘Burger has a good little shindig’ and added ‘the world needs new heros’ in reference to Thee Oh Sees frontman John Dwyer.

At first glance, Thee Oh Sees sound like a prolific counterpart to bay cohorts Ty Segall, The Lumerians and Wax Idols. Yet, they manage to incorporate influences of Can and perhaps some other Kraut rock vibes into their sound.

No Bunny performing at The Burger Boogaloo 7/5/2014
Other bands performing on Saturday included The Bananas, the Phantom Surfers, No Bunny, Reigning Sound and others.

The Phantom Surfers @ Mosswood Park performing at the Burger Boogaloo

The Phantom Surfers @ Mosswood Park performing at the Burger Boogaloo

The gathering is held every year coinciding with July 4th and boasts a tent where you can get your own t-shirt pressed with a Burger logo for just $5.

Map of Boogaloo

A Map of The Boogaloo

No comments

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 hold remedy to Mercury Retrograde

  By Strangeblood • June 23, 2014

 

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 at the Catalyst

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 at the Catalyst

Seun Kuti, son of the late legendary Afrobeat founder Fela Anikulapo Kuti retuned to Santa Cruz last night with his father’s legendary Egypt 80 band. Seun’s star definitely continues to rise as his tour to support the newly released ‘A long way to a new beginning’ just released on Knitting Factory records

Seun Kuti playing saxophone at the Catalyst 6/2014

Seun Kuti playing saxophone at the Catalyst 6/2014


The tour stop supports the aforementioned 3rd full length release from the youngest son of Fela. His latest release follow the 2011 release ‘From Africa with fury:Rise also on Knitty Factory Works. To those unfamiliar with Seun’s afrobeat grooves, they prove as political and dancable as those of his father, the founder of Afrobeat music

Robert Glasper co-produced 'A long way to the beginning'

Robert Glasper co-produced ‘A long way to the beginning’


Noteworthy songs on the new recording include “Black woman”, “IMF”, the traditional ‘Ohun Aiye”, and ‘Kalakuta boy”, a reference to the the communal home his father established in Nigeria to practice and perform. The latest release was co-produced by grammy award winner Robert Glasper. Guests appearing on the imprssive new offering include M-1 of Dead Prez, Blitz the Ambassador and Nneka.
Seun Kuti with Egypt 80 at the Catalyst Santa Cruz, Ca. 6/2014

Seun Kuti with Egypt 80 at the Catalyst Santa Cruz, Ca. 6/2014


Members of Egypt 80 at the Catalyst

Members of Egypt 80 at the Catalyst


 

No comments

Atomic Bomb band plays the music of William Onyeabor

  By Strangeblood • May 12, 2014

The Lijadu Sisters and David Byrne performing the music of William Onyeabor with The Atomic Bomb Band.

The Lijadu Sisters and David Byrne performing the music of William Onyeabor with The Atomic Bomb Band.


After releasing anew the music of 70’s Nigerian icon William Onyeabor through the 3 record set Who is William Onyeabor? (Luaka Bop records) a band was arranged to perform this music for 4 nights in New York and California in May and it was quite special to get the chance to see them.
The band featured appearances from the Lijadu Sisters who have 4 recordings re-issued from Knitting Factory Records in 2012. Fans were given the chance to hear 2 songs from their 1976 recording Danger. The Lijadu Sisters songs included the title track as well as Life’s gone down low.
Other members of the band include David Byrne, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip),Kele Okereke (Bloc Party), Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem), Devonte Hynes (Blood Orange), Money Mark, Sikane, Joshua Redman, amd others. The show took place on Tuesdsy, May 6th at the Warfield in San Frncisco. The concert included modern interpretations of many of Onyeabor’s best known songs including Body and Soul, Fantastic man, Atomic bomb, Love me now, and others. A modern nostaligic phenom is gaining a new audience and gaining respect as a clever electronic funk pioneer from Enugu, Nigeria.

1 Comment

Blogography

  By Strangeblood • February 16, 2014
Leonard Bernstein conducts Music Of Our Time columbia ML6133 Stereo 360 sound 1965

Leonard Bernstein conducts Music Of Our Time Columbia ML6133 Stereo 360 sound 1965

 

Do any of you do these Listography books? I picked up the music one at Nepenthe’s last year. Some lists are pretty easy to fill out while others, like records I’d take with me on a spaceship seem more random and circumspect to the time they’re completed in. I really want to believe Bernstein’s classic Music of our time is a good choice for no. 20 but keep thinking on a different day I would’ve chosen Soliloquy by Paul Dunmall or something else different than this present list.

György Ligeti: Atmosphères • Morton Feldman: Out of "Last Pieces"• Four Improvisations by the Orchestra• Larry Austin: Improvisations for Orchestra and Jazz Solosists

György Ligeti: Atmosphères • Morton Feldman: Out of “Last Pieces”• Four Improvisations by the Orchestra• Larry Austin: Improvisations for Orchestra and Jazz Solosists

Now perhaps another way to look at it is there’s an infinite amount of recordings that have been released throughout the years and more possibilities would mean better eventualities but just like anyone I sort of wish my list to be the best one out there and it would prove difficult to put a list in people’s field of view with the sidenote “List subject to change based upon the author’s current mood”.
But, that’s about what one can expect here. In this case, this just means when I pulled out Leonard Bernstein conducts Music of our Time last week and it was penned in as number 20, it just so happened it was the week that flipping through the B section was less obstructed by other files and such so it was it’s time to again be recognized and played.

But, what’s not to like about this record? From the trippy album art (‘Current’ by Bridget Riley) to the amazing composer and featured artist lineup including bassist Barre Phillips and trumpet player Don Ellis. To mention the caliber of musicians its all to apparent that the objective was to demonstrate the work as ahead of its time. What’s timeless here seems to be the combo of Bernstein, the NY Philharmonic, Morton Feldman, Larry Austin and György Ligeti. There’s also an extended piece that captures an improvisation by the orchestra.

from 'Music Listography- your life in playlists'

from ‘Music Listography- your life in playlists’

Music Listography- Chronicle Books- San Francisco © 2009 by Lisa Nola

Music Listography- Chronicle Books- San Francisco © 2009 by Lisa Nola

No comments

Morning song

Link

  By Strangeblood • January 18, 2014
David_Murray

David Murray-Morning Song-Black Saint records 1984 (cover photo ‘Poem for Catherine’ by Ming Smith, 1979)

I’m feeling somewhat nostalgic this moring. In the early 90’s I was introduced to the music of David Murray by my manager at The Record Exchange on Avent Ferry Rd in Raleigh, North Carolina. At that time Mr. Murray seemed to represent a convergence of the jazz components I held and continue to hold an affinity towards.  These include improvisation, traditionalism, harmony, post bop modernism, and in a broader sense the nature that sound must be projected acoustically by masters bold enough to voice their art from small ensembles all the way to large orchestras. In a sense these were the markings of the jazz purist methodology that branched into what I began to refer to as ‘musique actuelle’.

My appetite for this type of music was quite insatiable and I saw Mr. Murray perform several times. There was the concert at the Artscenter in Carborro (there could’ve been a few others), then there was the concert in Charlottesville, Virginia where David Murray and Archie Shepp performed the Coltrane and Dolphy record ‘Live at the Village Vanguard’. Then, perhaps equally as memorable was the 4th of July Concert in Washington D.C. on the National Mall. I also saw Mr. Murray perform a few times with the World Saxophone Quartet and to witness a concert by them is second to none.

An eager collector, I treasured finding the recordings by a variety of artists on the Black Saint and it’s sister Soul Note record labels. Particularly the classic titles such as Morning song.

murray

BSR0075 Milano, Italy (back cover painting by Oolong Smith)

At that time I would often search for records like this one at all of the local used record stores and found quite a few of them by Mr. Murray and his contemporaries. When I was lucky enough to run across one, they were never more than $4.99 in the used bins. I would research the artists and learn which titles were the most recommended and sought after.

This title somehow eluded me, that is until now. I’ll admit even though I occasionally look for things online I rarely buy old records like this online. This is for a variety of reasons including the difficulty to verify condition, shipping costs and insurance. So when I found this title at Logos  last week in VG+ condition I just had to buy it. Over the years the prices have gone up a bit for an item such as this, but I was willing to pay $15 to hear what had been missing from my collection.

The lineup is top notch, including Ornette Coleman alum Ed Blackwell on drums, John Hicks on piano, and legendary bassist Reggie Workman who worked with Art Blakey and John Coltrane in their prime.

This album is simply amazing with some insightful versions of Fats Waller’s ‘Jitterbug Waltz’ and a version of ‘Light Blue Frolic’ by the late coronetist and founder of Conduction Lawrence “Butch” Morris. Murray and Morris were collaborators in some fashion until his untimely death nearly one year ago. Mr. Morris conducted David Murray’s Big Band on the DIW label.

Mr. Murray is a bay area native who was born in Oakland, Ca. He continues to perform with a number of groups and although his tours are perhaps less extensive than they once were, his compostions such as Morning Song represent a powerful component of the jazz archive.

No comments

Record care 101- making love to a phonograph

  By Strangeblood • January 13, 2014

Alright so I just bought a pretty decent stash of reocrds. Somebody just offed alot of titles ins my genre and I was listening to that first Defunk record for the first time in about 20 years. There’s a song on there that has the lyrics “making love to a photocopy” which I thought was apropos for the ritural of record cleaning and so that’s what’s going on there with that title.

100MEDIA_IMAG1570

The materials needed to make a record cleaning board are a strong piece of wood (approximately 12″X12″X1″), some velvety fabric, and small nails to hold the fabric to the board.  First, you must wrap the fabric around the board and cut it just like you would to wrap a Christmas gift.

100MEDIA_IMAG1572

(hint-decorative nails work best to hold the fabric down and have rounded heads so they will allow the board some movement on most surfaces)

After you’ve successfully tacked down the fabric you’re now ready to clean your wax. Slap the vinyl down and use any of the many types of cleaning kits available or make your own solution with one of the many suggestions out there. I’ve been using 4 parts water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol with 7 drops of dishwashing detergent without additives.  See http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/fluids.html for other solution recipes.

100MEDIA_IMAG1573

This is the basic idea of what you should be looking at before you start to clean your records

Add several drops of cleaning solution to the discwasher hand cleaner (or old t-shirts work just as well).

100MEDIA_IMAG1575100MEDIA_IMAG1576

Rotate your cleaning device around the record in a way that flows with the grooves of the record.  You’re now ready to place your record on your turntable and put the needle on the groove!