Tonight at the Crocodile Cafe, Scott Colburn and Soul United are hosting the “Closing Ceremonies” a day early in honor of The Staxx Brothers‘ gold medal win in the Ice Cold All Around Super G. This event has been depicted as “an orgy of unconventional excellence” and I for one won’t be missing something so eloquently described.
Featuring one of the most eclectic line-ups assembled in recent history, the Croc will be filled with the noise, beats, grooves, funk, flair,psychedelia, and questionable antics of Ayo, Hypatia Lake, The Staxx Brothers, and Jabon.
Jabonis the solo project of self-described “Audio Wizard,” Scott Colburn (full-length feature & interview coming soon). Perhaps you are familiar with some of his work: recording engineer/producer for Animal Collective (Feels & Strawberry Jam), Arcade Fire (Neon Bible), Feral Children (Brand New Blood & Second to the Last Frontier), Mudhoney (Since We’ve Become Translucent), Sun City Girls (approx 30 records), and so much more. Jabon has been an outlet for Colburn’s personal music aspirations since 1985 and over the past twenty years, the music has taken on various forms with the basic element of experimentation at the core. An audio/visual experience meant to appeal to each listener on their own level and not necessarily the creator’s, Jabon can be dark, drone, melodic, danceable, unsettling, entrancing. The best description is provided by Colburn himself, Jabon is “Dark Ambient Avant Garde Disco Comedy.”
Easily one of the hottest and fastest rising groups in Seattle right now, The Staxx Brothers have been making noise and heating up dance floors for a few years now. Their latest album, We are The Blaxstonz, was recorded and produced by Colburn last year at his Gravelvoice Studios located in the heart of Ballard and landed on JamBase.com writer Dennis Cook’s Top 25 Albums list for 2009, sharing the company with bands like U2, Them Crooked Vultures, and Grizzly Bear. Dishing up their brand of HARD ASS SOUL and ensuring a good time for all, the Staxx crew never fail to bring it.
There is no homogeneous, genre-specific label to attach to this dynamic 8-piece. Front-man DP Staxx’s ability to seamlessly transition from a gritty blues/soul singer to a gospel preacher on Sunday seems oddly natural paired with the MC stylings of Ayo. Adding yet another layer of depth are the Staquelettes (Angie Rickard & Michelle O’Connor); do not call them back-up singers, these girls can strut with the best of ‘em. Guitarists Chris O’Connor and Tony Stevens fuel the riff-laden fires that drive Staxx’ tunes to a burning frenzy while bassist Shane Smith and drummer Denali Williams keep the beats funky and the grooves steady. – Jodi Kaufer, Seattle Show Gal
For those unacquainted with local group Hypatia Lake, let me explain; basically they have taken the idea of a “concept album” to a whole other realm. All of their music is based on the fictional town of Hypatia Lake (hence the band’s name) and each album depicts a story taking place in the town. Elaborate, varied, and intriguing, Hypatia Lake is a band I wish more people knew about. Instrumentals blended with a variety of rock styles, shoegaze, pop, they cover it all. If lyrics are important to you, then you will not be disappointed in the groups offerings and you’ll likely find yourself being swept away to Hypatia Lake.
There’s not a lot I can say that hasn’t already been said about Mudhoney–they’re a Seattle legend. They’ve been around since the late 80’s, and despite their lack of commercial success, they’ve have had a profound influenced on the Seattle grunge and alt-rock scene. They were one of the first bands signed to Sub Pop records, helping it bring grunge music to the rest of the world. Recently, the band has been touring following the 2008 release of The Lucky Ones.
Tonight at Neumos, Mudhoney will be playing a free show, yeah that’s right FREE, in conjunction with the release of New Belgian Brewery’s Ranger IPA. There’s going to be lots of high distortion rock and plenty of hops, two things Seattle loves, so get yourself down to Neumos. It’s tough to beat a night of tasty beer and free music, especially when the music is going to be provided by local legends.
For those of you looking for something mellow to do tonight, look no farther than The Triple Door.Local Beatles tribute band Crème Tangerine will be playing Abbey Road in its entirety plus a set of other classic Beatles songs. Crème Tangerine has been playing Beatles covers for several years now. It’s a tough job trying to recreate the experience of one of he greatest bands to ever exist, but these guys do the songs justice, while creating a rich experience for those viewing them. They recently recreated the famous Beatles rooftop concert at Pike’s Place Market. If you love the Beatles, then be sure to check them out.
Graham Nash has an artistic flair that extends beyond legendary musician fame with the band Crosby, Stills, Nash and Sometimes Young. Nash is also an established photographer and collector of digital and print images, and was recently selected to be a guest curator for an upcoming Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum (EMP|SFM) exhibit. Opening on February 6, 2010, Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock ‘n’ Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nashdocuments decades of moments in music history by featuring a slew of 98 music photographs taken by 40 photographers including Annie Leibovitz, Mick Rock, and Neal Preston. Each image selected by Nash embodies, in his opinion, the soul of rock ‘n’ roll. Some of Nash’s selections are iconic shots of music greats such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles, while others have never been published. A few of the photographs were even taken in Washington state, such as an image of Neko Case in Tacoma, and a rowdy crowd at 1991’s EndFest in Bremerton.
The below quote is from the event’s official press release:
“Taking Aim is an insider’s look at rock photography, seen from Graham’s perspective,” explains Jasen Emmons, EMP|SFM’s Director of Curatorial Affairs. “Graham has been on both sides of the camera, and this exhibition combines his two passions—music and photography—and provides a unique look at musicians and the photographers who captured the essence of rock ‘n’ roll and helped shaped its image.”
Here is the part where you can get involved:
Calling all music photographers! Seattle’s Experience Music Project (EMP) is looking for rock ‘n roll images to add to its upcoming book and exhibition, Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock ‘n Roll Photographs. This is your chance to get featured along with 98 images by 40 photographers! Whether you’re an amateur or professional, dig up that amazing rock star photo, and write up the story behind it (Where were you? What was the date? Why is it so memorable?). Then submit it HERE for consideration.
EndFest 1991 in Bremerton, during Mudhoney’s set. By Charles Peterson.
‘Taking Aim is an insider’s look at rock photography, seen from Graham’s perspective,” explains Emmons. “Graham has been on both sides of the camera, and this exhibition combines his two passions—music and photography—and provides a unique look at musicians and the photographers who captured the essence of rock ‘n’ roll and helped shaped its image.’”
Grunge is what defined the Seattle music scene in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and Sub Pop photographer Michael Lavine was there to capture the images of that historic era. In his new book “Grunge”, Lavine gives us an intimate look, through his black and white photography, of the bands and people that defined the music and fashion of that pivotal time period in American music. He captured such bands as the Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, and Nirvana at the beginning and through the height of the grunge movement. He doesn’t just focus on the bands however, he also gives abundant space to the fans who helped make grunge a way of life. Many of the photos have never been published before. “Grunge” also features the writing of Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore. His voice gives character to the photos as he talks about the bands, the punk kids, and the death of his longtime friend, Kurt Cobain.
One of the bands featured in the book “Grunge,” Mudhoney, will be playing at Neumos for the book release party. Mark Arm and Steve Turner formed Mudhoney in 1988 after the breakup of Green River. Although Mudhoney never had the commercial success of some of the other Seattle grunge bands, they were one of the leaders of the movement. Their high distortion mix of heavy blues and garage punk helped inspire many of the bands that came to represent the Seattle music scene.
Mudhoney will be playing with Brothers of the Sonic Cloth featuring members of Tad and Hardly Art’s Unnatural Helpers. Make sure you bring your flannel because it’s sure to be a rowdy time. Just like it was back in the day.
To enter to win a pair of free tickets click HERE, or e-mail nikki@seattleshowgal.com with the words “Mudhoney”” in the subject line! Please include the names of the people that you would like to have on the guest list. The winners will be notified by e-mail on the day of the show.
Seattle Show Gal is in hot pursuit of undiscovered talent! How many great bands are out there that are slipping through the cracks? Seattle is saturated with so much music, it would be nearly impossible to sift through it all to find the good stuff. The Seattle Show Gal staff is not so proud to think that we can bring you all of it, but we are actively pursuing all different types of acts to give you a pulse on what is going on--right here in Seattle! (See more in "About")
Self-portrait in New York, 1974 By Graham Nash.
