{"id":21626,"date":"2016-10-15T10:19:06","date_gmt":"2016-10-15T14:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=21626"},"modified":"2016-10-15T10:19:14","modified_gmt":"2016-10-15T14:19:14","slug":"on-stage-extra-bobby-rush-isnt-slowing-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=21626","title":{"rendered":"On Stage (Extra): Bobby Rush isn’t slowing down"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"bobby-rush_porcupinemeat_cover_master\"<\/a>The singer who is headlining the show on October 16 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com<\/span><\/a>) released his first single in 1952. Now, 64 years have gone by and he\u2019s in no rush to make his final single. But, he\u2019s always in a rush \u2013 he\u2019s Bobby Rush.<\/span><\/p>\n

The veteran bluesman is now in his 80s and is showing no signs of slowing down. He just released his new album \u201cPorcupine Meat\u201d in September on Rounder Records.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without a doubt, Rush is not your typical octogenarian.<\/span><\/p>\n

At age 82, he exudes the energy of a 20-year-old and is performing on the road for more than 200 dates a year. His hectic tour schedule has earned him the affectionate title
\n\u201cKing of the Chitlin\u2019 Circuit.\u201d Rush has traveled the globe including Japan and Beirut. In 2007, he earned the distinction of being the first blues artist to play at the Great Wall of China. His renowned stage act features his famed shake dancers, who personify his funky blues and the ribald humor that he has cultivated during the course of his storied career.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been in it for more than 60 years and I\u2019ve made 377 records,\u201d said Rush, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from a tour stop in Warwick, Rhode Island.<\/span><\/p>\n

Born Emmet Ellis, Jr. in Homer, Louisiana, he adopted the stage name Bobby Rush out of respect for his father, a pastor. According to Rush, his parents never talked about the blues being the devil\u2019s music.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Rush, \u201cMy daddy never told me to sing the blues, but he also didn\u2019t tell me to\u00a0not\u00a0sing the blues. I took that as a green light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rush grew up in Louisiana and still lives in the Delta Blues area \u2013 Jackson, Mississippi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up with the blues,\u201d said Rush. \u201cI moved to Chicago in the early 1950s. I was making blues with musicians like B.B. King, Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters. My first 45 was \u2018Do The Do\u2019 \u2013 \u2018do what you did to me last night.\u2019 Making music in the 50s was really tough but I loved doing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI came from a place where we didn\u2019t have the freedom to go where we go now. It\u2019s bene a great thing that people have accepted me for who I am. I\u2019ve always said \u2013 let\u2019s deal with what we have in this life and try to make it better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was only making $12 a month on my first job. In 1953, I was making $7.50 a night as a band leader and, at times, I had to give some of that to a guitarist.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a joyous trip \u2013 good times and bad times. I didn\u2019t get in it for the money. The biggest thing has been my love of the music. I would do it for free. I\u2019ve just loved what I\u2019m doing. I didn\u2019t care if it was liked by black people or by white people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI played the music for myself. I just kept playing Bobby Rush. I played a lot of juke joints \u2013 including white clubs for white audiences. In the white clubs, I played behind a curtain. They wanted to hear me but they didn\u2019t want to see me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Rush is world famous for his music and has had a long career of performing for people of all shapes, sizes, colors and nationalities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been pretty blessed,\u201d said Rush. \u201cI\u2019ve been playing 200 shows a year for 50 years and I\u2019m still doing it. I\u2019d definitely say I\u2019ve been blessed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Bobby Rush — https:\/\/youtu.be\/q1qiJjef_Mw?t=13<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Sellersville Theater will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 and $45.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Roger<\/a>

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers<\/p><\/div>\n

Another artist who has been making music for a long time will be on stage in the area on October 16 when the World Caf\u00e9 Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com<\/span><\/a>) presents Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers. The following night, the venue will host singer\/songwriter John Paul White.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers (RCPM) are on tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of\u00a0The Refreshments\u2019 (predecessor to RCPM)\u00a0album \u201cFizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy\u201d\u00a0by performing the album front-to-back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Formed in 1992, The Refreshments released their major label debut\u00a0\u201cFizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy\u201d on Mercury Records in 1996. That album produced the hit \u201cBanditos\u201d\u00a0and generated a corps of loyal fans who have stuck with the band for more than two decades. The single also found a niche in pop culture history as the theme song to Fox\u2019s animated show\u00a0\u201cKing of the Hill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Refreshments disbanded in 1998 and re-emerged with several of the original members as Roger Clyne &\u00a0The Peacemakers — the only act to release seven consecutive studios albums to land on the top 10 of Billboard\u2019s Internet Sales Chart. They may also be the only rock band in\u00a0America with their own tequila brand — Mexican Moonshine.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year, Universal Records released \u201cFizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy\u201d on vinyl and a tribute record is forthcoming.\u00a0Miles Neilson and Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers premiered the first\u00a0cover of\u00a0\u201cBlue Collar Suicide<\/span><\/a>,\u201d on Diffuser.fm<\/span><\/a> in May and The Yawpers recently covered\u00a0\u201cEuropean Swallow\u201d.\u00a0Additional covers\/singles are coming from Alice Cooper, Lydia Loveless, and Richard Christy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dubbed the \u201cSpringsteen of the Southwest\u201d by the Asbury Park Press, Clyne and his guitar have toured around the world over his 20-year career, starting with The Refreshments and now with the Peacemakers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been touring this all year and finished on October 1,\u201d said Clyne, during a phone interview Monday morning from a tour stop in Kansas City, Missouri. \u201cWe started up again on October 7. I was home with just enough time to wash the laundry, hug the kids and get back on the bus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve dedicated this year \u2013 February to December — to this tour. When we come to a town for the first time, we play the album. The second time \u2013 we\u2019ll play more of our catalogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the first time for Philly on this tour. We\u2019ll begin the set with the 12 songs from the album. Then, we\u2019ll take a brief break \u2013 just a pause to let it echo into the distance \u2013and then go into other material.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we were rehearsing for the tour, we tried to capture the original feel of the record. \u2018Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy\u2019 was our first national release \u2013 on Mercury Records. It was the first to get us out of Arizona. It was the first to get us to the East Coast. It\u2019s a beloved record.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clyne reflected on the time when the album was made.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really exciting,\u201d said Clyne, whose home base is Tempe, Arizona.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my very first studio time with a good producer. We slowed our tempos down and got more atmospheric. In the end, it still stands the test of time. It doesn\u2019t sound like it\u2019s from the 90s. We wanted it to be timeless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a lineup shift in The Refreshments in 1998, front man\/guitarist\/songwriter Clyne and drummer Paul \u201cP.H.\u201d Naffah restructured the band and became Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEver since the Peacemakers formed, we\u2019ve kept a lot of songs from The Refreshments,\u201d said Clyne. \u201cI never want to abandon some of those songs that I wrote.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers — https:\/\/youtu.be\/c849UIHEOmk?t=2<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"john-paul-white\"<\/a>On October 17, fans at the World Caf\u00e9 Live will be treated to the pleasant \u201cSouthern Folk\u201d of John Paul White. Many music fans first became aware of White\u2019s talents from his work in the duo The Civil Wars.<\/span><\/p>\n

White released his debut solo album \u201cThe Long Goodbye\u201d in 2008. The following year White joined Joy Williams to form The Civil Wars. The duo won the 2012 Grammy Awards for \u201cBest Folk Album\u201d and \u201cCountry Performance by a Duo or Group.\u201d White, is a co-owner of Single Lock Records, released his new album \u201cBeulah\u201d on the label back in August.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith our label, we sign artists who really love what they do \u2013 and artists who we think people will like,\u201d said White, during a phone interview Tuesday morning from a tour stop in Manhattan. We do one-record deals. It\u2019s really about keeping the costs down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

White knows the music industry \u2013 especially from spending many years as a writer in Nashville.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was writing songs professionally for about 15 years \u2013 9-5 writing,\u201d said White. \u201cIt\u2019s a strange existence. It\u2019s like a muscle you learn to flex. I could turn it on and off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was writing songs for my first solo album, I was kind of miserable. I was writing what I thought other people would like to sing. Then, I decided to write for me. As soon as I started doing that, people started using my songs. I got attention and I signed a deal with Capitol Records.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a stint as part of The Civil Wars for a few years, White is back on his own as a solo artist. The first result of that decision is \u201cBeulah.\u201d \u201cBeulah\u201d\u00a0is a diverse collection of swampy southern rock, folk balladry and dark acoustic pop, songs that came unbidden to White.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really wasn\u2019t looking to do an album.,\u201d said White. \u201cI was happy being a husband, dad and label owner. But, these songs kept popping into my head. I couldn\u2019t get them to go away. I tried\u00a0to avoid them, but then I realized the only way I was going to get rid of them\u00a0was if I wrote them down. One day I told my wife — I\u00a0think I\u2019m going to go write a song.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And, that started the ball rolling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I wrote the songs, I started recording them,\u201d said White. \u201cAfter I recorded them, I wanted people to hear them. There was a need for interaction. I\u2019m extremely happy with the results.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for John Paul White — https:\/\/youtu.be\/GYBaUU34iy4?t=7<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live, which has The Kernal as the opening act, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be another concert in Philadelphia on October 16 featuring another band from Arizona band when Kongos headline a show at the Electric Factory (421 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kongos\"<\/a>

Kongos<\/p><\/div>\n

The band from Phoenix features four brothers — Johnny (accordion, keyboards, vocals), Jesse (drums, percussion, vocals), Daniel (guitar, vocals), and Dylan Kongos (bass guitar, lap slide guitar, vocals).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was 14 or 15 when the band started \u2013 and I\u2019m the youngest,\u201d said Danny Kongos. \u201cMy brother Johnny was the oldest and he was 20 or 21. In 2007, we did our fittest album. That\u2019s when we started taking it more seriously. Now, we\u2019ve been on the road since 2014.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers spent their childhoods in London, England and Johannesburg, South Africa. They ended up in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona State University. The four men are the sons of recording artist John Kongos.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was born in South Africa in 1988 and the other three were born in London,\u201d said Kongos. \u201cWe moved back to South Africa to be with my dad\u2019s mom. We were in Johannesburg for eight years and then moved back to the states. We\u2019re half Greek so we went to a Hellenic school in South Africa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a heritage that also includes a Mexican influence, the brothers have a lot of diversity in their make-up. But, there are no traces of South African, Mexican or Greek influence in the music they make. The brothers simply rock.<\/span><\/p>\n

The film \u201cHoly Motors\u201d and the video games \u201cBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel\u201d and \u201cPayday 2\u201d used their song \u201cCome with Me Now\u201d in their official trailers. WWE also used this song as the theme for their 2014 pay-per-view event \u201cExtreme Rules.\u201d It is also the theme song for the Australian version of reality television series \u201cI’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!\u201d since 2015. It was used in the soundtrack to the movie \u201cThe Expendables 3\u201d and for the trailer to the automotive show \u201cThe Grand Tour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose placements were huge,\u201d said Kongos. \u201cThey gave us a lot of exposure. And, \u2018Come With Me Now\u2019 became A RADIO HIT.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

The band\u2019s debut album \u201cKongos\u201d came out in 2007 and the brothers followed with \u201cLunatic\u201d in 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

Released in June via Epic Records, \u201cEgomaniac\u201d — the band\u2019s third full-length album and second major-label release — features the lead single \u201cTake It From Me,\u201d which reached Top 10 at Alternative radio this summer and was performed on NBC\u2019s Today show, and a new single \u201cThe World Would Run Better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest change in the band over the years is that we\u2019ve now got a sense of what works with the audience \u2013 and we\u2019ve all started writing a lot more,\u201d said Kongos.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWe cater to the live show. We try to keep a decent mix of what people want from \u2018Lunatic\u2019 but we\u2019re more excited about the new stuff. We don\u2019t play anything from the first album.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Kongos \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/QLN-a2w568M?t=7<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Electric Factory, which also features The Joy Formidable and Arkells, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Locos<\/a>

Locos Por Juana<\/p><\/div>\n

There will be a real international flavor at another Philly show on October 16 when Locos Por Juana play a concert Connie\u2019s Ric Rac (1132 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/conniesricrac.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Locos Por Juana released its new album \u201cCaribe\u201d earlier this month. On\u00a0\u201cCaribe,\u201d the talented musicians take their music back to the Caribbean, connecting their hometown of Miami with everything from soca to\u00a0champeta.\u00a0The\u00a0Miami\u00a0masters of Pan-Latin hybrid sounds\u00a0are\u00a0also heavily influenced by reggae and other island sounds. \u201cCaribe\u201d\u00a0features collaborations with\u00a0ChocQuibTown,\u00a0Talib\u00a0Kweli,\u00a0Collie Buddz, Jorge Villamizar, Rocky Dawuni, Akae Beka (formally\u00a0Midnite), and Notch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The band was formed in Miami, Florida in 2000. Locos Por Juana features vocalist Itawe Correa, bassist Dave Pransky, guitarist Mark Kondrat and drummer Javier Delgado as the nucleus of the group along with trombonist Lasim Richards and percussionist Carlos Palmet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe put the band together 15 years ago \u2013 right after high school,\u201d said Correa, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from his home in Miami. \u201cIt was just a dream of making music and doing something positive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJavier, our drummer, is a jazz musician from Barranquilla, Colombia \u2013 the cradle of cumbia. Our guitarist Mark is from Virginia and is of Colombian descent. His dad is from the Ukraine and his mom is from Colombia. I\u2019m from Medellin, Colombia. My dad was a musician who played in a lot of salsa bands. Dave is from Vermont. He\u2019s the American in the band.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Locos Por Juana was there at the start of this latest, party-friendly but wildly intelligent wave of Miami bands. With their hybrid tendencies, the fiery musicians prompted a change in the Latin scene. They broke new ground by putting lesser-known rhythms and styles — many from several of the band members\u2019 homeland of Colombia — into bright contrast with familiar Latin or mainstream sounds. Electronic elements and Afrobeat, the glittering guitar of soukous and the catchiness of soca, pop sheen and rock grit have all found their place in the mix. Yet the heart that beats behind it all is African.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Correa, \u201cThe music of Locos Por Juana will always have an African base, because of the heavy influences and the beauty. Our sound is always going to be based in Africa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The music has African roots but it is delivered in Pan-African and Pan-Caribbean style.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur music is a big gumbo that is so diverse,\u201d said Correa. \u201cOur music is for everybody. There are no language barriers. It\u2019s a feeling. People dance. Our new album is the first bi-lingual album we\u2019ve made. It has great energy \u2013 and something for everybody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Locos Por Juana — https:\/\/youtu.be\/PJLoaYyGuVM?t=77<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Connie\u2019s Ric Rac will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two weeks ago, 11-time Billboard chart-topping rap duo Twiztid embarked on its 2016 fall tour, the \u201cSpooktacular Horror Show.\u201d The massive tour will visit more than 30 cities and will include a local date on October 17 at the Trocadero (10th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, 215-922-6888, www.thetroc.com<\/span><\/a>). Joining Twiztid on stage will be live drummer Drayven of Davey Suicide\/Static X\/Genitorturers, who has previously performed behind the kit as drummer for The Wickedness, Twiztid\u2019s full live band.<\/span><\/p>\n

Formed in 1997, Twiztid is a duo featuring Jamie Madrox and Monoxide Child (a.k.a. Jamie Spaniolo and Paul Methric). The two former members of the group House of Krazees departed that group and formed Twiztid in 1997.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, almost 20 years later, Twiztid is still going strong with more than 20 albums in their catalogue. The two rappers\u2019 most recent album is \u201cThe Darkness,\u201d which was released on their own label Majik Ninja in January.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe Darkness\u201d\u00a0debuted at Number 29 on the Billboard Top 200 charts, making this album their 11th album to land on the Top 200 charts since the inception of the group in 1997. It hit Number 2 on Top Rap Album Chart, Number 4 on Top Independent Album Chart and Number 17 on Top Albums Chart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt debuted in the Top 30,\u201d said Monoxide. \u201cThat was insane.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is our passion. Every record has its time and some are ahead of their time,\u201d said Madrox, during a recent phone interview. \u201cWe\u2019ll never been content. We saw a lane open up and we took it. We finally have our own studio so we can work when we want. We recorded \u2018The Darkness\u2019 in three weeks. We\u2019re extremely efficient in the studio because we were used to doing albums quickly because to the high cost of renting a studio.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew the beats but nothing was written and we had no concept. We just went in and designed it. Once you get the concept, it\u2019s pretty much just putting it all together. We finished the songs and then went to the chalk board and picked the order for the songs to be on the album.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Darkness\u201d was Twiztid\u2019s first album on its own label Majik Ninja. Prior to that, the duo released its albums on Psychopathic Records, a label run by Insane Clown Posse. \u201cFreek Show,\u201d which was the duo\u2019s second record for Psychopathic, was released October 31, 2000.<\/span><\/p>\n

The album, which peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200, featured 18 intense tracks such as \u201cMutant X,\u201d \u201cWe Don\u2019t Die,\u201d \u201cLeace Me Alone,\u201d \u201cWut tha Ded Like,\u201d \u201cWhere itz Goin\u2019 Down,\u201d \u201cEmpty,\u201d \u201cManiac Killa,\u201d \u201cDifferent\u201d and \u201cI\u2019m Allright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Twiztid is getting ready to unleash a new batch of songs \u2013 the duo\u2019s 12<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> album \u201cThe Continuous Evilution Of Life\u2019s ?’s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe new album will drop on January 27,\u201d said Madrox. \u201cWhat I like about the new one \u2013 we didn\u2019t have any boundaries. We did songs we like to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t about doing what was expected of anyone. We catered to ourselves and we had a great time in the studio. I feel this time around there is a nice blend of everything. There is something for everyone \u2013 even if they didn\u2019t know they wanted it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was taking shape for a year out. The writing was different. Usually, it was one of three ways \u2013 one, Monoxide and I would hear a beat and write it on the spot; two, we\u2019d write separately; three, I\u2019d write a song \u2018ith no music and sing it to him. This time, we worked together more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Continuous Evilution Of Life’s?’s\u201d will feature 12 all new tracks, primarily produced by longtime Twiztid producer Seven. However, the new album features four tracks with a clear hard rock influence — a crossover genre the duo has successfully dabbled in for over a decade. These tracks were produced by famed goth rock frontman Davey Suicide and his keyboardist Needlz.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least three of the songs are hard rock,\u201d said Madrox. \u201cAnd, there is the darkness we bring. And, there were some tracks where we went with the idea of what Twiztid would be like if we weren\u2019t there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Twiztid — https:\/\/youtu.be\/oTb_F_pr2E4?t=3<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cSpooktacular Horror Show\u201d tour, which features special guests Mac Lethal, Zodiac Mprint (Blaze and The R.O.C.), Lex The Hex Master, Menage 2 Sobriety and Godz Of Kaos, will start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $28.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be a wide array of live music on tap on October 18 including the metalcore music of Memphis May Fire, the math-rock sounds of Cinemechanica and the avant-garde adventures of Thor and Friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thor & Friends make music unlike what you\u2019ve probably ever heard before.<\/span><\/p>\n

The band, which will perform on October 18 at Johnny Brenda\u2019s (1201 North Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com<\/span><\/a>), has a trio as its nucleus — Peggy Ghorbani on marimba, Sarah Gautier on mallet instruments, keyboards and voice, and Thor Harris on percussion, reeds and electric hammer dulcimer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Harris had been the long-time percussionist for Swans but departed Michael Gira\u2019s experimental band in search of a change.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cA couple promoters in San Antonia and Montreal wanted me to do solo shows,\u201d said Harris, during a phone interview Tuesday morning from his home in Austin, Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did one in Montreal and found it terrifying. I was playing marimba and vibraphone onstage by myself. For my san Antonio show, I taught my girlfriend Peggy to play marimba and then got a violin player to join.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had been touring with Michael Gira a long time. I started with Angels of Light in 1996 and then in the newly-reformed Swans in 2010. A little while ago, I opted out of the touring cycle. I wanted to hear something that wasn\u2019t bass, drums and distorted guitar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInstead, I went with huge melodic percussion instruments \u2013 vibraphone, xylophone and a 4.5-octave marimba. We might even bring tubular bells on this tour \u2013 if they\u2019ll fit. I also have violin and a guy playing Wurlitzer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The music made by Thor and friends is both complex and melodic and, at the same time, simple and minimalistic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s based in the mid-60s minimalists \u2013 Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Charlemagne Palestine and Philip Glass,\u201d said Harris. \u201cI like music that is repetitive and hypnotic. I like a lot of electronic music \u2013 new and old.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis band has a set line-up. But, when we play in Austin or in New York, there are about 10 of us on stage. The compositions are simple and repetitive so I can teach them to people easily.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The band\u2019s debut album \u201cThor & Friends\u201d was released on October 7.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeather (Trost) and Jeremy (Barnes) of A Hawk & A Hacksaw asked me to come to their studio in Albuquerque to make the record,\u201d said Harris. \u201cSo, me and Peggy and Sarah went to New Mexico. We recorded the album in February 2016 and it just came out. One of the reasons for threw long time gap was that we released it on vinyl and it takes so long to manufacture vinyl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn our live show, we\u2019re doing some tracks from the album \u2013 \u2018Crusades,\u2019 \u2018Whose Fingers\u2019 and \u2018White Sands.\u2019 And, we\u2019re doing some new pieces as well.\u00a0 We\u2019ve already started recording a new album.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Thor & Friends — https:\/\/youtu.be\/BYFOhfczjEU?t=4<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Johnny Brenda\u2019s, which also features Adam Torres and Lowercase Roses, will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12.<\/span><\/p>\n

On October 18, Cinemechanica will headline a show at Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com<\/span><\/a><\/span>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Cinemechanica, which is based in Athens, Georgia, is centered around the constant trio of guitarist Bryant Williamson, bassist Joel Hatstat, and drummer Mike Albanese. The fourth member now is <\/span>Bryan Aiken on guitar and vocals.<\/span><\/p>\n

The band has been anything but prolific with its recorded output. The group formed in 2002 and didn\u2019t release its debut album \u201cThe Martial Arts\u201d until 2006. There was an EP in 2008 and then nothing until the newly-released \u201cLP\/2.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe made the first album and then started touring,\u201d said Hatstat. \u201cThe band\u2019s next record was the EP called \u2018Rivals.\u2019 I had left the band by then and had taken over a friend\u2019s recording studio.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey had recorded the EP somewhere else and it didn\u2019t turn out that good. So, they came to me to mix it. That set the path for me to rejoin the band. Bryant and Mike had started up another band Bit Brigade that did a soundtrack for a Nintendo game and Mike had joined a band called Maserati. Cinemechanica ended up in the back. We never really stopped the band. Basically, life just got in the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got back together and began making the new album in January 2014 at a studio in Louisville. We made a good record. But then we listened to it and it didn\u2019t sound right. We weren\u2019t in good spirits as a band. So, we just sat on it for a while. Eventually, we just decided to finish it. After the album was done, our vocalist at the time Jordan Olivera texted us \u2018I\u2019m not in the band anymore.\u2019 So, we had to hold the recording process. We got Bryan Aiken as our new vocalist, changed the vocals and here we are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Cinemechanica \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/u5eWt79mLKA?t=4<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Boot and Saddle, which also features Cheap Dinosaurs and Tiny Vices, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.<\/span><\/p>\n

Memphis May Fire was formed in 2006 and has gone through a number of personnel changes. The band, which has had a stable line-up for the last four years, is currently on tour and will release its fourth full-length \u201cThis Light I Hold\u201d on October 28 on Rise Records. The tour brings them to Philly for a show Tuesday night at the Electric Factory (421 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The current line-up of Memphis May Fire includes Matty Mullins (Vocals), Kellen McGregor (Lead Guitar), Jake Garland (Drums), Anthony Sepe (Guitar) and Cory Elder (Bass).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe band originally formed in Dallas,\u201d said Mullins, during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon. \u201cMembers were added through the internet \u2013 through My Space. They held vocal auditions over the internet. They went through more than 180 auditions for a singer and were ready to call it quits. When they got my audition, they called me. I flew to Dallas, sang for 30 minutes and that was it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mullins has been with the band since 2008. The only member with a longer tenure is McGregor, the only member left from the original line-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThree of us live in Nashville now and the other two in Orlando,\u201d said Mullins. \u201cThis is the best line-up we\u2019ve ever had. You can really hear it on the new album.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were in the studio for about four months. We recorded it in Phoenix with Matt Good. It was the first time we worked with him. It was a good choice because he\u2019s so new and fresh. We wanted someone with a perspective that wasn\u2019t the same old thing. We cut the tracks at his studio Good Sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, I did the vocals at a different studio in Phoenix with Cameron Mizell. He\u2019s done my vocals on most of my previous albums.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The process obviously was a successful one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe went in with 13 tracks expecting to cut a few,\u201d said Mullins. \u201cBut, we kept all 13. The sound is more real \u2013 especially the way they did the guitars. They captured the tones and did some really cool stuff. It came out cleaner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still screaming but I\u2019m actually singing quite a lot more. We wanted a more mature sound that reflected the band\u2019s maturity. I love singing. If I could, I\u2019d never scream again \u2013 but, that\u2019s not what our fans want. I do have a solo project that is all clean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Memphis May Fire —<\/b> https:\/\/youtu.be\/01BzeeoBXuI?t=2<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/a>.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

More metal music will be on tap on October 19 when Attila brings its \u201cThe Noise Presents Attila: The Chaos Tour\u201d to the <\/b>Theatre of the Living Arts (334 South Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1011, http:\/\/www.lnphilly.com<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Attila — Chris \u201cFronz\u201d Fronzak (vocals), Chris Linck (guitar), Kalan Blehm (bass), Sean Heenan (drums) \u2013 had its start in Atlanta and released its debut album \u201cFallacy\u201d in 2007. The band has never gone more than two years without an album release and is now on its ninth LP \u201cChaos,\u201d which is due out later this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis tour starts on October 18 in Charlotte and will be out for about a month,\u201d said Fronzak, during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon from his home in Orlando, Florida. \u201cThe album actually gets released on November 4 on SharpTone Records.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the songs were written in a live environment and then there was some tweaking in the studio. None of the songs have been played in concert. This will be the first time people get to hear the songs. This is our first U.S. tour this year. We did Europe, Japan and the U.K.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe actually have already released three songs. There were \u2018Ignite\u2019 and \u2018Public Apology.\u2019 The latest was \u2018Bulletproof\u2019 and we have a video for that one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The veteran musicians took their time making \u201cChaos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were in L.A. all summer recording at Grey Area Studio with producer Erik Ron,\u201d said Fronzak. \u201cWe wanted a new producer that had a fresh outlook on the band \u2013 a producer that was very hands-on. He was very hands-on \u2013 and very vocal-oriented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the big differences is that there is a little bit of clean vocals sprinkled in the album. I just want to expand and push the limits. The whole reason I became a vocalist is to be diverse. With dirty vocals, I don\u2019t know how long a voice can last doing this. I don\u2019t feel like I\u2019m killing myself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the album was done, it was done. We were happy with it. We took a long time on it. We weren\u2019t rushed at all like we had been in the past. We did five albums in six years. I think this album is such high quality that we can tour on it for two years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Attila \u2013 <\/b>https:\/\/youtu.be\/awR-DQpibw8?t=29<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/a>.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The show at TLA, which also features Chelsea Grin, Emmure, Sylar, and Virals, will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another show in Philly on October 19 will have a totally different vibe. There will be a New Orleans flavor in the music when Dirty Bourbon River Show plays at the Barbary (Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, www.facebook.com\/thebarbary<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dirty Bourbon River Show features Noah Adams (vocals, piano, guitar, accordion,\u00a0trumpet), Matt Thomas (vocals, tenor and baritone saxophone, clarinet), Jimmy Williams (bass,\u00a0sousaphone), Dane \u201cBootsy\u201d Schindler (drums),\u00a0Sandra Love (back-up vocals, percussion, wind toys), and\u00a0Adam Lessnau\u00a0(back-up vocals, trombone).<\/span><\/p>\n

The band deftly melds sounds that range from hard-edged blues to Lisztian\u00a0piano-driven ballads to New Orleans brass — all into a blast of creative energy. Since forming in early\u00a02009, the Dirty Bourbon River Show has released nine\u00a0studio albums and played\u00a0over 750\u00a0live\u00a0shows — earning a stellar reputation along the way for its tight, multi-faceted sound and high-energy\u00a0performances.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOriginally in 2009, it was just a bunch of guys playing music together at Loyola University,\u201d said Thomas, during a phone interview Monday evening as the band traveled through New Jersey to a show in New York. \u201cWe threw a band together for a gig at Tipitina\u2019s \u2013 as part of the club\u2019s \u2018Homegrown Series.\u2019 Things went well from there. We recorded a couple albums and started touring in the spring of 2011.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe band grew in number and went through some personnel changes over the years. Now, we\u2019re back to five and leaning more heavily on the New Orleans brass band sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Our music still is kind of a big mix of things. Earlier, there was a bit more Americana and there always has been a jazz element and a rock and roll element. We had more of an operatic singer for a while but he left and Noah took over the vocals. We\u2019ve gone through some changes but we\u2019re a good, solid five-piece band now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dirty Bourbon River Show is currently touring\u00a0in support of its latest album \u201cImportant Things Humans Should Know\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is our ninth album in seven years and there\u2019s been no live album yet,\u201d said Thomas. \u201cWe have a lot of studio songs we\u2019re working through. There will be some brass band, some Latin, some dance, some funk. We always draw inspiration from what we\u2019re listening to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have the new album out in spring 2017. We recorded everything last August at Esplanade Studio here in New Orleans. We\u2019re starting to talk about release date and tour support for the album now. We\u2019ve spent a lot of time in the last few years touring and expanding our circle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Dirty Bourbon River Show \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/eDnO3US-JcY?t=4<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the Barbary, which also features The Late Saints, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times The singer who is headlining the show on October 16 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com) released his first single in 1952. Now, 64 years have gone by and he\u2019s in no rush to make his final single. But, he\u2019s always in a rush \u2013 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21628,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7529],"tags":[8070,6518,8074,8073,8072,8071],"class_list":["post-21626","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-bobby-rush","tag-featured","tag-john-paul-white","tag-kongos","tag-locos-por-juana","tag-roger-clyne"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21626"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21626\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21627,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21626\/revisions\/21627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}