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Hailing
from Maryland,reggae/rock band, Ballyhoo, headlined the show as part of
their tour to promote their most current release, Daydreams. The multi
dimensional album translates well onto the stage with a welcomed sound
of the nearing summer. Influenced, though not limited to, by
alternative, ska, and punk staples such as Green Day, Incubus, Sublime, 311, and the Foo
Fighters, the guys successfully showed their ability to flow from one
sound to the next with an enthusiastic gulp of free booze. Their music
fills multiple niches, switching from party tracks to heartfelt calls to
face one's challenges.
Singer and guitarist, Howi
Spangler proved not only his versatile musical ability but also an
admirable humbleness, often thanking the crowd for making it out and
checking on our good vibes. Scott Vandrey AKA DJ Blaze brought what really makes this band stand out, masterfully djing,
playing the keyboard, percussion instruments and singing back up. The
bass line, crafted by J.R. Gregory and the powerful beat of drummer
Donald Spangler completed their laid back island sound. “We started in
the summer of 1995. Donald and I are brothers and we wanted to be in a
band since we were 7 or 8 years old. We all picked up some instruments.
We knew Jr and Scott from school. And then we went through puberty. We all just kinda hooked up and played some music. We started playing shows and then here we are today in Arizona,” Howie shares.
The
band has an impressive amount of tours already lined up for the rest of
the year, including Vans Warped Tour, the 311 Caribbean Cruise, and
Bamboozle. “Its pretty awesome. Were gonna play with the Foo Fighters. Foo fighters, that's why we started this band. That whole show, Foo
Fighters is what its all about.” These guys are working like the
energizer bunny, going and going even after all the lengthy touring,
with plans to write new material after Warped Tour. The polished efforts
of Daydreams clearly promotes what Ballyhoo wants from the world. “Stop
fucking around. Be fucking good to each other. Fucking smile and listen
to more Ballyhoo." Take their good advice, listen to their music, and
get yourself to one of their many upcoming performances.
The talent was not limited to the highly entertaining Ballyhoo that night. Veterns of Tucson, Funky Bonz, also brought their vision of funk and regae to the stage. Under the dimly glowing heat lamps, I chatted with creative vocalist, Brent Kort. Funky Bonz
has been playing since 1992 and has cultivated a strong following here
in Tucson. "Tucson's scene is good. If your with the whole Calexico crew you are set here. We all help each other out." Brent has been making music an impressive 20 plus years and still foundly reminises on the show that drove him to live performance. "Fishbone.
It was these guys, all in suits, playing with keyboards. My mouth
dropped." Brent's laid back mantra, "Don't take yourself too seriously,"
holds up in their punk laced grooves, that call on you to your bob your
head along with the saxaphone.
Local band, Heart Attack Shack, also took the stage with a short set of, what their facebook accuratly refers to as, "Finger Lickin' Funk Flavored Flame Broiled Blues, Baby.” The band has recently done a recording with local ,Xenocide
Records, and are beginning to write songs with an “old dirty blues,”
sound. Bassist Daniel, explains, “I've been playing in different bands
for 15 years. I was in a metal band then me and nick started jammin
and came up with the idea for this style of music. We just kept it
going. We kept on writing true life music, true life stuff that’s
happening in our life. That’s what our lyrics are all about.” Heavily
influenced by the hair rock of the past, citing his long hair, Daniel
also loves the “ funky funkiness.” Newest member of 6 months, drummer
Cody, also feels the funkiness powering him onward. “I get down with
everything too but the funk saved my soul. It makes me feel good.” Nick,
Daniel, Greg and Cody want to get more Tucsonans out to shows and dancing. “Dance. That’s what hypes us up.”
Don't fight the funk baby. From Ballyhoo's reggae rock, to the funk of local bands, The Jits, Funky Bonz, and Heart Attack Shack, I could not deny that driving need to dance.
Photos by: Sami Gardner
I’m no stranger to that phenomenon of music where the songs coming off
of the stage perfectly echo the feelings you are experiencing. A song, a
nod from an appreciative musician, or that glance over to the girl
across the room, grooving as hard as you are, all freezes that moment in
time. The energy from the talented bands that played Tuesday night at
The Hut was my companion long after the final song. A few beers deep,
with some of my Bscenelive partners in crime, I felt the funk's presence deep in my swaying hips.
Hailing
from Maryland,reggae/rock band, Ballyhoo, headlined the show as part of
their tour to promote their most current release, Daydreams. The multi
dimensional album translates well onto the stage with a welcomed sound
of the nearing summer. Influenced, though not limited to, by
alternative, ska, and punk staples such as Green Day, Incubus, Sublime, 311, and the Foo
Fighters, the guys successfully showed their ability to flow from one
sound to the next with an enthusiastic gulp of free booze. Their music
fills multiple niches, switching from party tracks to heartfelt calls to
face one's challenges.Singer and guitarist, Howi
Spangler proved not only his versatile musical ability but also an
admirable humbleness, often thanking the crowd for making it out and
checking on our good vibes. Scott Vandrey AKA DJ Blaze brought what really makes this band stand out, masterfully djing,
playing the keyboard, percussion instruments and singing back up. The
bass line, crafted by J.R. Gregory and the powerful beat of drummer
Donald Spangler completed their laid back island sound. “We started in
the summer of 1995. Donald and I are brothers and we wanted to be in a
band since we were 7 or 8 years old. We all picked up some instruments.
We knew Jr and Scott from school. And then we went through puberty. We all just kinda hooked up and played some music. We started playing shows and then here we are today in Arizona,” Howie shares. The
band has an impressive amount of tours already lined up for the rest of
the year, including Vans Warped Tour, the 311 Caribbean Cruise, and
Bamboozle. “Its pretty awesome. Were gonna play with the Foo Fighters. Foo fighters, that's why we started this band. That whole show, Foo
Fighters is what its all about.” These guys are working like the
energizer bunny, going and going even after all the lengthy touring,
with plans to write new material after Warped Tour. The polished efforts
of Daydreams clearly promotes what Ballyhoo wants from the world. “Stop
fucking around. Be fucking good to each other. Fucking smile and listen
to more Ballyhoo." Take their good advice, listen to their music, and
get yourself to one of their many upcoming performances.The talent was not limited to the highly entertaining Ballyhoo that night. Veterns of Tucson, Funky Bonz, also brought their vision of funk and regae to the stage. Under the dimly glowing heat lamps, I chatted with creative vocalist, Brent Kort. Funky Bonz
has been playing since 1992 and has cultivated a strong following here
in Tucson. "Tucson's scene is good. If your with the whole Calexico crew you are set here. We all help each other out." Brent has been making music an impressive 20 plus years and still foundly reminises on the show that drove him to live performance. "Fishbone.
It was these guys, all in suits, playing with keyboards. My mouth
dropped." Brent's laid back mantra, "Don't take yourself too seriously,"
holds up in their punk laced grooves, that call on you to your bob your
head along with the saxaphone.Local band, Heart Attack Shack, also took the stage with a short set of, what their facebook accuratly refers to as, "Finger Lickin' Funk Flavored Flame Broiled Blues, Baby.” The band has recently done a recording with local ,Xenocide
Records, and are beginning to write songs with an “old dirty blues,”
sound. Bassist Daniel, explains, “I've been playing in different bands
for 15 years. I was in a metal band then me and nick started jammin
and came up with the idea for this style of music. We just kept it
going. We kept on writing true life music, true life stuff that’s
happening in our life. That’s what our lyrics are all about.” Heavily
influenced by the hair rock of the past, citing his long hair, Daniel
also loves the “ funky funkiness.” Newest member of 6 months, drummer
Cody, also feels the funkiness powering him onward. “I get down with
everything too but the funk saved my soul. It makes me feel good.” Nick,
Daniel, Greg and Cody want to get more Tucsonans out to shows and dancing. “Dance. That’s what hypes us up.”Don't fight the funk baby. From Ballyhoo's reggae rock, to the funk of local bands, The Jits, Funky Bonz, and Heart Attack Shack, I could not deny that driving need to dance.
Photos by: Sami Gardner
0
The Tough Shits,seemed to epitomize their name 
right
from the get go. The four piece from Philadelphia looked like a bunch
of skaters and punks who, obviously, didn't take themselves too
seriously. Their songs, powered on reserve Austin festival energy,
ranged from silly to heartfelt, often simultaneously. The band creates
an emotion provoking pop punk with fun hooks that just don't quit! I
know they want you to think they are some real rebel tough shits but
they process a sweet sincerity in their lyrics and their presentation. I
see it, you sweethearts. I just wanted to give you all a hug. Their
debut, a split with Colonel Records, sold out of cassettes on the Burger
website. For good reason, everyone likes the aesthetic of a cassette and they made a great rock and roll album.
The second band, The Resonars, are long time Tucsonans who have made a recent return from a dormant period in the band's history. The 60's rock inspired psych band performed with Burger Records at the La Cocina showcase as well as South by Southwest, a first for singer and guitarist Matt Rendon and bassist, vocalist, Jeremy Schliewe . Though the pre show performance was an accurate glimpse into what the band does, the show at The District was on a far larger scope and I couldn't get enough of it. The Resonars also carried that warm spark from the Texas sun in their set. Jeremy had nothing but enthusiastic words about the not so long ago SxSw and when I asked Matt if they had all recuperated, he smiled and said , No.
It's exciting having all these great big festivals popping up around us. I probably can't afford them any time soon so I look forward to all the trickling in and out of talent right around the corner.
Photos by: Emily Sarten
I was just as excited about South by Southwest at it's end as I was
before it's start and I didn't leave Tucson city limits. I'm being
generous at that, I didn't leave the bustling downtown Tucson that
surrounds my apartment for the “urban minded.” Fullerton, Ca based
Burger Records, made a pre Austin stop at La Cocina
with a caravan of their talented musicians. I caught two of Burger's
bands on their return journey at The District on Wednesday, March 21.
The Tough Shits,seemed to epitomize their name right
from the get go. The four piece from Philadelphia looked like a bunch
of skaters and punks who, obviously, didn't take themselves too
seriously. Their songs, powered on reserve Austin festival energy,
ranged from silly to heartfelt, often simultaneously. The band creates
an emotion provoking pop punk with fun hooks that just don't quit! I
know they want you to think they are some real rebel tough shits but
they process a sweet sincerity in their lyrics and their presentation. I
see it, you sweethearts. I just wanted to give you all a hug. Their
debut, a split with Colonel Records, sold out of cassettes on the Burger
website. For good reason, everyone likes the aesthetic of a cassette and they made a great rock and roll album.The second band, The Resonars, are long time Tucsonans who have made a recent return from a dormant period in the band's history. The 60's rock inspired psych band performed with Burger Records at the La Cocina showcase as well as South by Southwest, a first for singer and guitarist Matt Rendon and bassist, vocalist, Jeremy Schliewe . Though the pre show performance was an accurate glimpse into what the band does, the show at The District was on a far larger scope and I couldn't get enough of it. The Resonars also carried that warm spark from the Texas sun in their set. Jeremy had nothing but enthusiastic words about the not so long ago SxSw and when I asked Matt if they had all recuperated, he smiled and said , No.
It's exciting having all these great big festivals popping up around us. I probably can't afford them any time soon so I look forward to all the trickling in and out of talent right around the corner.
Photos by: Emily Sarten
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The
local four piece has been steadily earning fans with their melody
driven rock and roll. Each of its charming and talented members comes
from a different schooling and experience with music, resulting in an
eclectic pool of styles to dip into. Whether its a well thought-out
cover or a catchy original track, the guys have an openness that you
draws you into them. They are accessible to the people they perform to.
In return, the audience is receptive and appreciative with their
offerings of free beers and sing alongs.
“Me and Eric met trying to date the same girl and then none of us ended up being successful. Eventually, we decided we wanted to start making music together. I had melodies, he had guitar. He had a history with bands so people started to hit us up around town. Tadj came around because he heard we wanted to start something. Then we convinced Romo to be a part of the band,” vocalist Raul Michel, says of the band's start. Drummer Steven Yanez Romo adds, “our first practice was love at first drunk. We all kinda came from other bands and all came together.”
The band employs what bassist Tadj Roi calls, “a big time unorthodox way of writing music,” to create their material. “We're actually just kinda writing music we want to listen to. Its kinda
cool that were playing music that we wish was out. That's our standard.
That’s what we set ourselves to.” The tunes start off in Raul's head.
“They [The songs] start from a little melody I come up with on the way
home from work or when I wake up. There's like 50 of um and out of those
50 will come like one and then I'll show Eric, I like that one. Lets do
something with that.” Guitarist Erick Bornmann
then takes that melody and makes it musically plausible, “I'd figure
out what key he was singing in. He was already in a key but he just
didn’t know it.” He doesn't have the musical training that the rest of
us do. So, he comes up with a melody in his head and he'll come to us
with it recorded on his phone or something then we'll go and record it
on a computer or we'll just sit with an acoustic guitar and figure it
out. We said we would write songs the way we like to and for someone
else to say I really like that, is so great."
The band's ability to build off of each other's talents and inputs
without ego jumping in and trying to claim the title of song maker pay
off for everyone involved. “There's not a main songwriter, its all of
us. It can be a little difficult but when we write songs were all happy
with it. That's the overall feel of the band,” says Raul. Depending on
music for his well being, Tadj
adds, “We're all just doing this cause we love it, whatever the outcome
is. Since we have gotten some feedback of people actually liking our
songs its not just us.
I could see the sense of accomplishment in Erick right away as he reminisced on the set. “Tonight at Ches, I saw people singing “Little Boots”. I saw people singing along with Raul. I’m there, playing, looking around, and there are 4 or 5 people singing along. Some of them I knew, but some of them I didn't even recognize! That's great. Its so reaffirming.” Romo also cherished the support of their well earned fan base. “Its flattering for people to come up to us and say I’ve had your song stuck in my head all day.
Erick told me they have just written two new songs and will be working on a six song EP over the summer which they are hoping to release around September. Along with that, the band is preparing for a short tour to California. For all their friends in Tucson, they will be performing at the Surly Wench with The Mission Creeps on 4/20.
The Electric Blankets really did look like they were having this rehearsed, somehow spontaneous, blast in the small bar where we all grooved around them. They have crafted diverse music that wraps you up like a snugly blanket all night and then as you open your eyes to the harsh sobriety of the morning after. I pushed aside the hair-of-the-dog technique for a light dosing of “Little Boots”- the band's most popular song. Throw back an Advil, drink a gallon of water, listen to that, and it will all be worth it. The Electric blankets have taken the best pieces of themselves and put them together to create one of the catchiest sounds of Tucson.
Typically, I use a certain amount of caution when it comes to devices
that account for 5,000 fires a year. After entering the ever-packed Che's
Lounge on Saturday night, overcome with a warm and fuzzy sensation, I
felt happily, worry free. The Electric Blankets light up the stage with
an inviting spark that ignites your boozey
energy into a dance that could very well set the place on fire. The
guys are just too damn nice to do that, raising their beers to the
crowd and extinguishing any hazards with a warm word and catchy hook.
The
local four piece has been steadily earning fans with their melody
driven rock and roll. Each of its charming and talented members comes
from a different schooling and experience with music, resulting in an
eclectic pool of styles to dip into. Whether its a well thought-out
cover or a catchy original track, the guys have an openness that you
draws you into them. They are accessible to the people they perform to.
In return, the audience is receptive and appreciative with their
offerings of free beers and sing alongs.“Me and Eric met trying to date the same girl and then none of us ended up being successful. Eventually, we decided we wanted to start making music together. I had melodies, he had guitar. He had a history with bands so people started to hit us up around town. Tadj came around because he heard we wanted to start something. Then we convinced Romo to be a part of the band,” vocalist Raul Michel, says of the band's start. Drummer Steven Yanez Romo adds, “our first practice was love at first drunk. We all kinda came from other bands and all came together.”
The band employs what bassist Tadj Roi calls, “a big time unorthodox way of writing music,” to create their material. “We're actually just kinda writing music we want to listen to. Its kinda
cool that were playing music that we wish was out. That's our standard.
That’s what we set ourselves to.” The tunes start off in Raul's head.
“They [The songs] start from a little melody I come up with on the way
home from work or when I wake up. There's like 50 of um and out of those
50 will come like one and then I'll show Eric, I like that one. Lets do
something with that.” Guitarist Erick Bornmann
then takes that melody and makes it musically plausible, “I'd figure
out what key he was singing in. He was already in a key but he just
didn’t know it.” He doesn't have the musical training that the rest of
us do. So, he comes up with a melody in his head and he'll come to us
with it recorded on his phone or something then we'll go and record it
on a computer or we'll just sit with an acoustic guitar and figure it
out. We said we would write songs the way we like to and for someone
else to say I really like that, is so great."I could see the sense of accomplishment in Erick right away as he reminisced on the set. “Tonight at Ches, I saw people singing “Little Boots”. I saw people singing along with Raul. I’m there, playing, looking around, and there are 4 or 5 people singing along. Some of them I knew, but some of them I didn't even recognize! That's great. Its so reaffirming.” Romo also cherished the support of their well earned fan base. “Its flattering for people to come up to us and say I’ve had your song stuck in my head all day.
Erick told me they have just written two new songs and will be working on a six song EP over the summer which they are hoping to release around September. Along with that, the band is preparing for a short tour to California. For all their friends in Tucson, they will be performing at the Surly Wench with The Mission Creeps on 4/20.
The Electric Blankets really did look like they were having this rehearsed, somehow spontaneous, blast in the small bar where we all grooved around them. They have crafted diverse music that wraps you up like a snugly blanket all night and then as you open your eyes to the harsh sobriety of the morning after. I pushed aside the hair-of-the-dog technique for a light dosing of “Little Boots”- the band's most popular song. Throw back an Advil, drink a gallon of water, listen to that, and it will all be worth it. The Electric blankets have taken the best pieces of themselves and put them together to create one of the catchiest sounds of Tucson.
0
Talent enjoys company. What better way to preserve this connection than music? Far more potent than the frayed friendship bracelets of our pasts, good music remains at our side for an eternity. Local band, Saint Maybe have extended their experienced hands out to us, inviting us to spend some quality time with their all-all star psychedelic rock. Once you hear, “Everything that Rises,” you will find yourself with a quality acquaintance.
Saint Maybe is a new band, currently in it's first year, though there is nothing amateur about their abilities and impressive resumes. The group's folk, blues guitar, infused rock, washed over the visitors of Plush Wednesday, April 4th like a dream. I think my dream was about sitting cross legged in the sand, listening to a Dylan-esque prophet speak before a giant band. The dream was not far off from reality. Saint Maybe is Tucson's own supergroup, featuring local talents,Chris Sauer, Craig Schumacher, Oliver Ray, Fen Ikner and Winston Watson. The group have all earned a place in music with their previous work.
Filling the stage after being joined by guitarist Naim Amor, the band played with a seemingly effortless joy, often turning to each other and smiling. They were obviously enjoying what they were doing. Chris Sauer and Naim Amor supplied the celestial riffs. Chris has performed acoustic folk sets, played a benefit show with Amy Rude and been a part of other bands, including Hollywood Knights and The Mod Squad. Naim has been a part of various projects, including Heartbeast, and released a solo album in 2007. Geoff Hidalgo, who plays with Brian Lopez and Gabriel Sullivan around town, played bass this evening while Fen Ikner is in New York.
Vocalist,armed with acoustic guitar, Oliver Ray, sang out with that Dylan-esque folk quality, which comes full circle when you realize the company he used to keep. The owner of Café Aqui, the popular coffee shop, spent a good deal of time playing guitar for iconic singer-songwriter Patti Smith-a friend to Dylan. The connection to Dylan does not stop there. Drummer Winston Watson toured with Dylan for five years and in 2009 the documentary, Bob Dylan Never Ending Tour Diaries: Drummer Winston Watson's Incredible Journey, was released. Beloved member of Tucson's music community, Craig Schumacher, plays keyboard in the band but is on a temporary leave while he recovers from his battle with cancer. Craig is the owner/operator of famed recording studio, Wavelab, where he has recorded a variety of artists that include, Neko Case, Animal Collective, Iron and Wine and Calexico.
We have to realize how lucky we are are to live in a city where powerhouses of talent come to our favorite bars and perform. They are really great hosts, giving us the special treatment with their offerings of dynamic music. Saint Maybe makes my list of the must watch bands in Tucson. Each one of the fine musicians brings their own wealth of experience and energy to the stage. Make sure to catch the guys on 4/20 at the Dry River Company for their next show. There is something mysterious about their take on the Tucson sound. Though the sun blazes its influence over their music, there is some surprise element woven in that I cant quite compare to any other Tucson bands. When you bring together some of a city's most diverse talents, there are no maybes about it, something wonderful is about to happen.
Saint Maybe is a new band, currently in it's first year, though there is nothing amateur about their abilities and impressive resumes. The group's folk, blues guitar, infused rock, washed over the visitors of Plush Wednesday, April 4th like a dream. I think my dream was about sitting cross legged in the sand, listening to a Dylan-esque prophet speak before a giant band. The dream was not far off from reality. Saint Maybe is Tucson's own supergroup, featuring local talents,Chris Sauer, Craig Schumacher, Oliver Ray, Fen Ikner and Winston Watson. The group have all earned a place in music with their previous work.
Filling the stage after being joined by guitarist Naim Amor, the band played with a seemingly effortless joy, often turning to each other and smiling. They were obviously enjoying what they were doing. Chris Sauer and Naim Amor supplied the celestial riffs. Chris has performed acoustic folk sets, played a benefit show with Amy Rude and been a part of other bands, including Hollywood Knights and The Mod Squad. Naim has been a part of various projects, including Heartbeast, and released a solo album in 2007. Geoff Hidalgo, who plays with Brian Lopez and Gabriel Sullivan around town, played bass this evening while Fen Ikner is in New York.
We have to realize how lucky we are are to live in a city where powerhouses of talent come to our favorite bars and perform. They are really great hosts, giving us the special treatment with their offerings of dynamic music. Saint Maybe makes my list of the must watch bands in Tucson. Each one of the fine musicians brings their own wealth of experience and energy to the stage. Make sure to catch the guys on 4/20 at the Dry River Company for their next show. There is something mysterious about their take on the Tucson sound. Though the sun blazes its influence over their music, there is some surprise element woven in that I cant quite compare to any other Tucson bands. When you bring together some of a city's most diverse talents, there are no maybes about it, something wonderful is about to happen.