Last week I got to hit up a few shows, but I didn't really get a chance to belt out reviews. It's a busy time of year but I'd feel remiss if I didn't share a few thoughts because there was definitely some joy, and there was unfortunately some serious pain... I was deeply impressed by Zongo Junction's set last Tuesday at Nietzsche's. I am admittedly biased about the NYC afrobeat scene, which I find very compelling. I reconnected with afrobeat a few years back when the Antibalas Afrobeat Ochestra's horns contributed to TV on the Radio's Dear Science album, and I've come to be very keen on the multi-ethnic afrobeat bands coming out of downstate, and Brooklyn's Zongo Junction represented that scene exceptionally with their powerfully tight horns and mesmeric keyboards. Going into the show, I was intrigued by the Sun Ra influence mentioned on their Facebook page, and I was gratified to see and hear that for Zongo Junction, space is indeed the place. Some people danced to the solid afrobeat rhythms but most, including myself, seemed to experience the set as a result of the heavy psychedelia emanating from the stage, and frankly, it was very refreshing in an organic and non EDM context. For music fans keen to get down and experience something in a more real context, Zongo Junction is a band to check out the next time they visit our area.
The same however cannot be said for Friday's Walk Off The Earth show at the Town Ballroom. That, was bit rough. I did get there in time for I'm Happy When's set and that gave me hope for the night's proceedings as I really enjoyed how the acoustic and vocal harmonies played off of the potent, yet melodic, rhythm section. Plus, their songs and performance were definitely heartfelt and honest. Apparently, I'm Happy When is from Ithaca but have relocated to Buffalo, so I think it might be worth our while to make it worth their's by checking them out. Things started getting iffy however when Street Pharmacy kicked into their 90's ska infused set; I guess they were ok if you're down for that sort of thing, but I'm waiting for the oncoming 90's revival to get to bands like Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, and Pulp. Street Pharmacy's front man ended the set by proclaiming Walk Off The Earth to be the "future of the recording industry," and horribly might be right as the band's been signed to Columbia based on a series of Youtube videos and a live show that's sure to go over like gangbusters in the long term with the kids. For me however, it was alarming to say the least. I was admittedly put off by the on stage choreography. Now, I'm not against people getting down in unison like the Dap-Kings or Of Montreal's bizarro lucha libre dancers, but what was going on up there was different. It felt like I was watching a musical revue of a tv show about a "fun!" 90's inspired indie band featuring the stars of the show, and for me that was just wrong, especially considering there isn't even a tv show (yet). I guess I'm just not down with the whole YouTube as a vehicle to glory thing. Don't get me wrong, I love YouTube (just as my Facebook friends and Tweeps) especially for checking out music, but as an actual launching pad for stardom, I just don't think so. Oh it works, but that's the problem (ie Beiber, Jepsen, Gotye, Walk Off The Earth). But again, the kids will love it. The final straw though was their amped up rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" the day before the anniversary of John Lennon's death. For one thing they turned it into a muy cheesy 90's ska jam, which is a crime against Western Civilization, and another, because it's a bloody Paul song. While many in the crowd ate it up, I didn't dig any of in the least, and I instead enjoyed discussing that profound dissatisfaction with Buffalohulk, which redeemed the affair... somewhat. While there was some musicianship on display, I cannot endorse what the cast of Walk Off The Earth did Friday night, and if they are indeed the future of the recording industry... yikes.
Tonight it's all about liberation, solidarity, and coming together at Nietzsche's when Ottawa's Souljazz Orchestra and Brooklyn's Zongo Junction co-headline a special night of international afrobeat and soul. Souljazz Orchestra is in town in support of their fourth album Solidarity, while Zongo Junction will be representing for the third world music scene happening downstate around the imposing and potent legacy of Fela Kuti (Antibalas, Budos Band). Fans of afrobeat, jazz, soul, Caribbean and Latin sounds, juicy vibes, and big, busy bands will get their money's worth. $15 gets you in, doors open at 8 and the show kicks off at 9.
Tonight Brooklyn powerfunk all stars Turkuaz bring their hard hitting funk stylings to Nietzsche's to tear the roof off the heart of Allentown. Disciples of the almighty Sly and the Family Stone, Turkuaz blends earnest funk, a New Wave aesthetic, and a case of Red Bull to stage a riotous and irresistible live show guaranteed to have asses shaking. Did I mention that they're from Brooklyn? That they're Brooklyn Bowl regulars, and that you really ought to follow Brooklyn Bowl's deeply edifying Twitter feed? It looks like MNM and ECE Presents did it again. Tickets are $10 and the doors at Nietzsche's open at 9.
Marco Benevento returns to Buffalo tonight for another amazing night of music. It wasn't too long ago when Marco took the stage at Nietzsches and put on one of my favorite shows all year! His newest album, Tigerface, was released earlier this month and thankfully we get the opportunity to see him perform some of these songs on his tour. Tigerface featured an amazing cast of musicians to help him create his masterpiece, including Mike Gordon of Phish who he toured with for while as part of the Benevento Russo Duo and G.R.A.B. The album also featured vocals for the first time on a few tracks with the help of Kalmia Traver of Rubblebucket. I've been a fan of Marco Benevento for at least a decade and have faithfully followed his career (including an impromptu trip to NYC to see him perform on New Years Eve with Surprise Me Mr. Davis!).... yea so I'm excited. Except some fantastic originals, as well as some inventive covers and a great night of music! Door are at 7 pm, the Mike Dillon Band opens, $15 cover.
Legendary vibraphonist Mike Dillon brings his latest project The Mike Dillon Band to Nietzsche's tonight for what's sure to be a treat for local music lovers. The Houston native and former member of Critters Buggin has played with a staggering array of artists including Les Claypool, Ani DiFranco, and Galactic; and if you want to see what bandleaders used to do back in the day, tonight's show will be highly instructional. Combining punk's DIY ethos with the classic American music of the 20th century and tasty funk grooves, Mike Dillon is a bandleader on a mission to get the crowd jumping, and like the greats, he succeeds.
Check it all out for yourselves tonight at Nietzsche's. Doors open at 7, the show begins at 8, and tickets are $12 at the door.
Thanks to ECE Presents, Alan Evans returns to his home town tonight to play one of the funkiest shows you'll see all year at Nietzsche's!!! If you haven't heard of Alan Evans or his most popular band, Soulive, then you should not call yourself a Buffalonian. The Evans brothers and their guitarist Krasno complete the band Soulive and have had huge success in the jazz and jamband scene and are taking a short break while they all pursue different projects. Alan Evans is joined by guitarist Danny Mayer and organist Beau Sasser to perform the new songs Alan has recently written. As always, it will be funky and unbelievably fun. I have seen Evans perform more than any other drummer and I never get tired of how insanely funky and talented this man can play. Also performing tonight are local aritsts Eric Crittenden and Logocity, as well as Rochester's Audioinflux. The show starts at 8 pm with a higher admission price than Nietzsche's usually charges but a well deserved $15 cover. Part of the proceeds go to benefit The West Side and Black Rock/ Riverside Neighborhood Housing Services thanks to the Good Neighborhood.
ECE Presents just went crazy on our email inbox informing us about the super awesome shows they have booked for Nietzsche's in the next two months. The local promoter has brought four really great music acts into our city and one of the most intimate venues in town... so thanks ECE!
First off, Melvin Seals & the Jerry Garcia Band are performing at Nietzsche's both March 8th and 9th. Melvin Seals joined the JGB Band in 1980 and performed along side with Jerry Garcia until his death. This is one of the biggest shows I've heard of happening at Nietzsche's in a long time and the $26 ticket price proves it. Deadheads get ready, I'm sure this one will sell out (tickets available at Terrapin).
The following weekend is Texas percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader, vocalist and songwriter extraordinaire Mike Dillon. You might not have ever heard of him but you definitely have heard of the bands he often plays with, such as Galactic, Les Claypool and Buffalo's very own Ani DiFranco. He is touring with members of the New Orlean's funk band Yojimbo. This show takes place on March 17th, tickets are $12 (at Terrapin). Members of On the Sly and Slykumu are also performing.
March 24th ece brings Zach Deputy to Nietzsche's for a show you will not want to miss. I had the pleasure of seeing Zach perform at Mountain Jam last summer with an unscheduled and unforgettable show that took place in the campgrounds. This man is unbelievably talented and puts on one hell of a one-man show. He is touring in support of his newest release "Another Day" and I hope you can make it! Tickets are $12 and will be available at the door.
Lastly but definitely not least, extremely talented pianist Marco Benevento will be performing at Nietzsche's on April 12th. I cannot express to you my excitement for this show. I've traveled to Bonnaroo and NYC to see this man play... and now he is going to be playing at Nietzsches!? If you are unfamiliar, Marco is part of the experimental jazz group, Benevento Russo Duo, Surprise Me Mr. Davis and GRAB (featuring Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish). He has several solo albums that featuring some of my favorite jazz interpretations of songs like MMJ's "Golden" and The Knife's "Heartbeats". Tickets are $15 at the door, local band Steel, Keys and Brass are also performing.
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