Weekly Roundup Sep 8-14, 2013
Weekly Roundup had taken a little break, but it's back with some new tunes for you to dig. Check 'em out.
Oliver Lake: The Whole World
Oliver Lake (b. 1942) is an American jazz musician, composer and poet whose storied career you can read about here. Regardless, on May 21, 2013 he celebrated the release of his second big band album entitled Wheels. This eight track opus is a tour de force of style, compositional prowess, command performances, and outside the box thinking and hearing.
The responsible parties joining Oliver Lake in this endeavor are: Jason Marshall (baritone sax), Darius Jones (alto sax), Bruce Williams (alto sax), Mike Lee (tenor sax), James Stewart (tenor sax), Waldron Ricks (trumpet), Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Nabate Isles (trumpet), E.J. Allen (trumpet), Aaron Johson (trombone), Stafford Hunter (trombone), Alfred Patterson (trombone), Terry Greene (trombone), Yoichi Uzeki (piano), Marc Cary (piano solo track 6), Robert Sabin (bass), and Chris Beck (drums).
This album caught my attention because of Oliver Lake's deft arrangement of the Outkast song The Whole World. It seemed like such a natural choice for big band interpretation that it's amazing it took this long to happen. However, what I enjoy most about Lake's arrangement isn't just that it's a head melody and then virtuosic blowing across the changes, but rather that the artists go to great lengths to involve the original vocal cadences from the rapped verses. It's an impressive showing of due diligence and one you need to hear.
Check out the track below and then read on for the full album and prerequisit Oliver Lake social media links. You dig?
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NYC Show Picks This Week September 11 Edition
You may have noticed a lack of posts on my behalf lately. Sorry about that. Been taking a little break to figure some stuff out. I might be rethinking my approach to the blog, but I will still be sharing music and writing one way or another. Anyways, here are some shows to check out this week.
Birthdays, Concerts, Kickstarters, and the Weekend That Will Be
Good morning Dig Nation. There's a ton of interesting things going on this weekend but I'm going to highlight just a few of my favorites going down this weekend. Read on for news, music, and videos pertaining to the weekend that will be. You dig?
The Beards: Got Me A Beard
Here's a tasty little nugget I've been sitting on for awhile but would like to share with you all this morning. The Beards are an Australian band that writes music exclusively about the virtues of having a beard. Since 2005 they have released three albums entitled The Beards, Beards, Beards, Beards, and finally, Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard. The video below is the single from their latest album and is aptly titled Got Me a Beard. It is also hilarious and wonderfully well done by the whole team.
Read on for the complete video credits as well as more beard, and Beards related news.
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NYC Shows Picks This Week September 2 Edition
Slower week for shows in NYC, but here are a few you should check out this week.
Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners with Zeb Dewar Tonight at the LaurelThirst Public House
Happy Friday Portland. Tonight at the LaurelThirst Public House there will be some excellent live music happening which I would like to recommend so we can all meet up, dig the tunes, and enjoy a cold one together. If you are unfamiliar with this venue Ben Waterhouse from the WWeek bar guide has called them, "The leaders of the city's bluegrass, folk, old-time, gypsy jazz and Americana scenes, plus various combinations thereof…"
The show begins at 9:00 and features the understated alt-country expertise of Zeb Dewar and TWD's favorite old time revival band Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners. So shine your shoes, grab your best gal, and let's get down. Additionally, there is a Facebook invite for tonight's performance so don't hesitate to RSVP and spread the love.
Don't forget to read on to hear music from our two artists as well as read my complete thoughts.
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Parquet Courts – You've Got Me Wonderin Now
One act I've really enjoyed in 2013 is Parquet Courts. Their album Light Up Gold is great, and a new EP is on the way. Check out its first single, "You've Got Me Wonderin' Now."
Episode 6 I'm With the Band
It's time for another installment of my series on the music of Freaks and Geeks. Episode 6 is "I'm With the Band," and, with its focus on Nick and his dreams of being a drummer, it's the most music-intensive one yet.
Gregory Alan Isakov Live at the Doug Fir Lounge – Tonight!
Good morning Portland. Are you looking to dust the doldrums off your work week? Than come on out tonight and check out night two of a special two night showing of Gregory Alan Isakov at the Doug Fir Lounge. The doors open at 8:00, the show begins at 9:00, and the bill will be shared by The Seven Hats.
Gregory Alan Isakov was born in South Africa, raised in Philadelphia, currently resides in Colorado, and his travels are an important component of his song writing process. His song's are earnest portraits of landscapes both physical and emotional, and the sincerity of his voice coupled with his strong musical instincts make Gregory Alan Isakov a galvanizing force in the indie folk movement of this century. He is currently on tour in promotion of his newest album, The Weatherman, and Saint Valentine, which is featured at the top of this article is from this release.
Read on for my complete thoughts as well as music from The Seven Hats. You dig?
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