THE GETAWAY DRIVERS – The Truth is Where It’s Always Been

(2009   Self-Release)

First there was Bob Manor, then Bob Manor & the Getaway Drivers and then the Getaway Drivers.  The changes are indicative of the trajectory this group of musicians has taken.  Now consisting of seven members, the Getaway Drivers seem fully realized; a tight, complete unit that is reflected in the music. Their style is often labeled as alt-country or Americana but that doesn’t fully describe them.  Manor’s songwriting, acoustic guitar and vocals are still the band’s centerpiece but they have an uncanny knack for taking uncomplicated song structures and adorning them with just the right amount of embellishments. Their 2009 six-song EP, The Truth is Where It’s Always Been, was one of the best of the year and if I could sum it up in one word it would be “beautiful.”

All the elements that make them special are reflected in “Undone.” Here Sheila Shigley, who also sings with the excellent vocal group Navan, takes the lead vocal and her voice is clear as a bell. Steve Pingry’s cello and Shigley’s violin capture the plaintive demeanor of the song perfectly. Manor’s softly played acoustic guitar reinforces the delicacy. Dan Kennedy’s electric guitar harmonics are precise. Kennedy is one guitarist who always seems to play just the right part, never overpowering; always knowing his place.

The final tune, “Salt Blue and Bone” is similar, this one with a sea-shanty feel that, again, coincides with the lyrical content.  The violin and cello in the coda is simply gorgeous. Shigley again has the lead but the vocal harmonies are what elevate the song to another level entirely. They achieve this mesmerizing vocal harmony on “Beale St.” as well, only in reverse as Manor takes the lead. The addition of Barb Chusid on keyboards was another significant event in completing the Getaway Drivers’ sound and on “Beale St.” you can sense how important her addition is.

The leadoff track, “Honey” will stick in your head like glue. A radio-friendly pop/rock song, this one features a supremely tasty, double-tracked guitar solo by Kennedy. As a bonus track, “Honey” gets an extended mix, which adds about an extra minute of instrumental music to the track and brings the total length of the EP to thirty minutes. But you’ll wish there was more.

The Getaway Drivers are also true DIY-ers as they recorded and mixed this effort themselves, took all the photos and designed the sleeve. The production is excellent and they wisely brought in Tom Blain to do the mastering. “Hotel Flowers” may sum up the band’s ethos best. Here Manor delivers a fine vocal performance, underscoring the band’s sincerity: “I see fairy tales and lies in your hotel flowers / I’ll be happy in disguise, killing off the hours / What I need your money cannot buy / Keep your hotel flowers.” Madison is fortunate it gets to keep the Getaway Drivers.

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IDA JO – Providence

(2010   Self-Release)

Ida Jo has been performing and recording with Mike Droho and the Compass Rose for some time, providing violin and backup vocals. She’s appeared on albums by Scott Lamps, Tangled Up in Blue and fellow Compass Rose mate Anthony Lamarr’s upcoming release. She was also part of the stellar backup band Lamps put together to back Mark Harrod on his Quietly Marching CD.  Providence, her first recording, is very different and refreshingly so. Ida Jo combines soulful, rhythm and blues with a folk sensibility and jazz elements to create something uniquely her own. The trio that recorded this album is indicative of its diversity as the lineup is unusual: Ida Jo on vocals and violin, Scott Lamps (who also produced) on bass and Jordan Cohen on drums (Fred Ecenrode is currently playing drums with the group). Mike Zirkel, the engineer extraordinaire from the late Smart Studios, is also credited and there are keyboards on the album so perhaps Zirkel played these parts. Lamps also plays banjo on one of the tracks.

Perhaps most surprising is not Ida Jo’s violin playing, which is stellar, but her vocals. The twelve songs on Providence are basically vocal songs in the three-minute range. Her voice has a pleasing timbre, a rich alto with very little vibrato. Her pitch can lean a bit flat in spots but when she hits the notes just right, she soars. She’s not charted an easy course vocally as these songs have complex melodies that she liberally inflects upon. The violin is employed as a rhythm instrument more than a lead instrument and what solos she does play are brief and to the point. She uses what’s known as a “chopping” method, used by very few fiddle players in the world, to create this rhythmic sound.

The album leads off with what is perhaps the best track, “Colors.” Here the violin gets a bit of the spotlight as well as she uses the song’s central phrase to toss in a fast and fluid run. “Colors” takes 10/4 time and turns it into a cool and breezy pop song. She also introduces dark subject matter that runs throughout the rest of the album; themes of perseverance, self-sustenance, pain, alienation and reaffirmation. The album’s characters are bound together by fate. This approach gives Providence a distinctly American feel.

“Go Easy” is another standout, the moaning organ gives the song a gospel blues feel while Ida Jo delivers one her best vocal performances. This track and two others were written by Lamps. Ida Jo composed the rest of the album.  The title track sounds like a Sting song, a deceptively simple chord progression with a beautiful melody line. The violin has an excellent, natural quality throughout, and the perfectly concise solo on “Providence” is a case-in-point that this album is about songs, not soloing. “He’ll Never Know” is a haunting ballad featuring Lamps on banjo. It’s a very well-written (Lamps) track with excellent lyrics. It has a country/Americana feel and when Ida Jo hits the bridge you can feel the confidence in her voice affect her pitch and delivery. “Radio” is similarly haunting, an exercise in minimalism, with just keys and voice. The violin does get a chance to stretch a bit during the middle section on “When it Rains.”

There is little doubt that Ida Jo’s talents are in demand but Providence should give her the platform on which to build her own legacy of songs. It is Ida Jo’s personality that shines through on Providence, and that may be its biggest accomplishment. A personality that is rich in experience and introspection; one that people accept as authentic in artists they appreciate most and is capable of moving them in a genuine and sincere manner.

Who Was that Band?

One of the most-repeated questions I got after this year’s Madison Area Music Awards was, “Who was that band of kids?”  Usually followed by, “God, they were unbelievable!”

The band is Stereocolor, a group fronted by Sam Lyons (son of Phil Lyons) who is only foureteen. I saw them perform at the Launchpad Regional Competition this spring and I had to have them for the MAMAs. Though I knew I was over-booking the awards show I thought, “What if they are graduating and going seperate college ways?” Little did I know they have plenty of high school in front of them. Let me be the first to say that if I could put money down in Vegas that Sam will win a  Grammy  in his lifetime, I would do it in a heartbeat. Here is a link to a Local Sounds TV interview:

http://tv.localsounds.org/2010/07/13/lstv-stereo-color-at-the-2010-mamas/

Actually Sam has two bands, the other being Moon Jelly and his bands placed first and second at Launchpad.

This isn’t your typical high school garage band. Stereocolor play rhythm & blues; very soulful. Sam sings like friggin’ Al Green. He writes the music and plays a tasty lead guitar. The rest of the band is good, too. The music is sophisticated and used a lot of jazz voicings in the chord structures. I was floored by the progressions these young players were using. Plus, they put on an entertaing show, some of which was choreographed.

You can catch Stereocolor and Moon Jell at the Middleton Good Neighbor Fest this Saturday. Here’s a note from Phil Lyons:

Don’t miss this double dose of Sam n Dave  – Sam Lyons and David Van Den
Brandt of Stereocolor and Moon Jelly are playing at the Middleton Good
Neighbor Fest this Saturday, 8/28.

Both bands play original rock/reggae/soul/funk/jazz tunes written by these MAMA award winning(x2), Launchpad Finalist(x2), High School Jazz All Star dudes.
I think they play the stage that is right next to the Capital Beer Tent!

We hope to see you there.

Phil

THE PROJECTION PEOPLE – The Projection People

(2010   Analogy)

The Projection People take the enormous talents of The Cemetery Improvement Society and combine them with the Minus-the-Bear-like progressive pop/rock of Dafino. If you don’t know CIS then you don’t know what you’re missing. And if you don’t remember Dafino, you haven’t been in Madison very long, or been paying attention.  CIS guitarist Marc Claggett also played for progressive metal band Middleworld as did bassist Kevin McDonnell.  They bring this force to bear as well, giving the band a metal edge (McDonnell has since left the band but a replacement is sure to be forthcoming as new material has been recorded over the summer).  Guitarist/Keyboardist Scott Canaday played in Mahp (who were fronted by Mark Harrod) but also Revolving Doors, a group that also had future CIS drummer Brad Hawes in it. The bands expound on their commonalities by virtue of the Analogy record label. Suffice it to say, these Projection People chaps have chops, and a lot of them, with decades of combined experience in making music. They, along with CIS and Orphan Bloom , are making a strong case that Madison is currently a hotbed for modern progressive music.

TPP come out of the blocks like Rush on “Spacefest” with floaty, sustained keyboards hovering over syncopated rhythms and power chording. But that lasts about thirty seconds before the real Projection People sound comes forward, one that is complicated, fluid and defies easy categorization.  If progressive music means taking turns where others would reiterate, then there are very few repeat signs in the Projection People’s musical manuscript. The songs weave in and out of rhythmic patterns. Things can stop on a dime and turn introspective or even spacey before erupting into something vaguely resembling a chorus.  They do all this with panache and authority. I spent a long time with this album, gave it probably twenty or more  listens, and I’m still trying to nail it down; hearing new things with every revisit.

The guitar interplay is especially intricate and you can hear this best on “Repent,” an instrumental track that brings Djam Karet to mind. (I know that’s obscure but really – look it up – they’re great!) “The Spring” sports a cool guitar figure and is probably the most graspable song. It’s not overly angular or brainy; a nice four-minute piece of progressive pop with an engaging instrumental section.  Keyboards take the spotlight on “La Familia” and “Headlights,” The former brings out vocalist Tyler Commo’s talents while the latter sounds like the Beatles at their progressive pop best.  “Etienne” experiments with acoustic instruments while flirting with symphonic pop, courtesy of guest violinist Naomi Hasan. The slower tempo is a welcome respite and the song has a dramatic climax. The album ends on a high note with “Glass,” approaching the grandeur of Muse before descending into chaos and fragmentation.

The Projection People is a band for the twenty-first century. There are sophisticated elements of so many different styles and influences; as if they put the past forty years of popular rock into a blender and came out with something completely new and very, very tasty. 

Steely Dane: An all-star Steely Dan Tribute @ High Noon Saloon September 2nd

Thursday, September 2nd, Madison area rock and jazz veterans will join forces to present Steely Dane: An All-Star Tribute to Steely Dan, one of the more eclectic bands of the 1970’s and 80’s. The show starts at 8PM and cover is $10.

Steely Dane is the brainchild of two of the busiest keyboardists in the area, Dave Adler, keyboard player for Madison’s perennial rock band the Gomers, and Dave Stoler, keyboard player for Madison’s perennial jazz group the Tony Castenada Latin Jazz Sextet.
They chose the songs of Steely Dan, because they represent an ultimate confluence of rock and jazz. A mix of the classics and some unexpected Steely Dan songs will be performed, covering the range of Steely Dan’s eight-year studio career, appealing to casual and die-hard fans alike. There’s a reason you don’t hear Steely Dan tunes from many bands. They are complex compositions and are very difficult to play. With Steely Dane, you’ll get a whole evening of great Steely Dan tunes.

Outside of the core of Steely Dan (Donald Fagan and Walter Becker) there were no other consistent core members of the group. Fagan and Becker would hire the best rock and jazz players of the day. The alleged number is 42 guests over the span of their career. Steely Dane will incorporate a mere 25 performers.

The lineup will consist of Dave Adler and Dave Stoler playing keyboards throughout the night, with a rotating crew including: Joey Banks, Biff Blumfumgagnge, Patrick Breiner, Michael Brenneis, Steve Burke, Claude Calliet, Jim “Pie” Cowan, David Davenport, Kay Dixon, Jim Doherty, Al Falaschi, Megan Hamm, Vince Jessie, Clay Konnor, Courtney Larsen, Phil Lyons, Jay Moran, Gordon Ranney, Pete Ross, Pauli Ryan, Anders Svanoe, Jon Schipper and Andy Wallman. Recently, Madison resident and American music sensation Freedy Johnston was added to the lineup.

These musicians are members of the Gomers, Tony Castenada Latin Jazz Sextet, the Clyde Stubblefield Band, the Obros, Phat Phunktion, Gibralter Rockers, Chick Singer, Kyle Henderson, the New Breed Jazz Quintet, the Black N Blue All Stars, Honor Among Thieves, Jim Schwall Band, the Kenland Band, and Adam Isaac and the People.

Like the Madison Area Music Awards, the musicians are looking forward to this show so they can actually see each other perform. Since the lineup consists of a stream of continuously working players, this provides them with a great opportunity enjoy each other’s company, and talents.

Immediately after the concert, there will be an “after-party” where the performers will mingle, and a special Steely Dan mix of music will keep the party going.

Steely Dane – an all-star Steely Dan Tribute
Thursday, September 2nd at 8:00 PM
The High Noon Saloon
$10 cover

Missed the Great Taste of the Midwest? Check Out Quivey’s Grove Beer Fest

Did you miss the Great Taste of the Midwest? Did you go but you’re still thirsty?

Well, your problem may be solved as you can still make Quivey’s Grove Annual Beer Fest on Saturday, October 2nd from Noon to Five.

The main attraction is the beer with unlimited sampling of over eighty brews from 35 area breweries.

The other main attraction is the music provided by the Westside Andy / Mel Ford Band.

Advance tickets are $33.50 and will sell out. Get yours by going to www.quiveysgrove.com.

Event is rain or shine and, naturally, you must be 21. No pets or children.

Skool!

#1 Dr Laura: Lettin’ loose on her show dropping the “N” word that rhymes with “bigger”. I use the “I” word that rhymes with “scididiot” for her.

#2 Reality show star (ironic because it’s not real, not a show, and she’s definitely not a star) Tila Tequila: She got pelted with rocks and, yes feces, at an appearance at a concert in Illinois last weekend. First Tila, (if that really is your name) you’re famous cause you have no apparent talent, you’re in Illinois, what do you expect? Why are you so surprised someone flung shit on you?  Mr and Mrs Tequila must be real proud of you. That’s what happens in Illinois. I use the “d” word that rhymes with “bumb-ass” for her.

#3 Drama Queen Brett Favre: (speaking of shit-flingers) He should stop messin’ ’round with Minnysoteons hearts, ah, what the hell, keep it up actually. For him I use the “P” word that rhymes with “stain in the ass”.
 
All this women stuff happening on the anniversary of the Amendment that allows women to vote for the most viral and hateful candidate each party can present. Why is it politicians are immune to prosecution? I mean Blogojevich is found guilty on one count of bad hair, Cheney shoots someone in the face and they roam the earth free? Can’t we just put them all in one building where they can’t hurt the general public? Some big white domed place where everyone hates one another and nothing gets done? Would be a dream if they weren’t hurting the general public. I use the “L” word that rhymes with “boozers.” 

“You just don’t shoot people in the face, Dick” – Favorite bumper sticker of the decade.

Why do politics even enter some of this stuff? I mean, we ALL know gays and lesbians aren’t REAL people, right? Just because they’re human, follow the laws of the land, pay taxes, why should they be allowed marry and be happy (or not be happy)? Oh yeah, because YOUR church says so (I don’t mean you in particular)(You know who YOU are). Even though my church isn’t the same, and doesn’t follow the same ” I hate people not like me” rant, doesn’t mean it can rule the land with its ignorance. We can build mosques and religious houses of polygamy because that’s what the old farts in white wigs proclaimed way back a few years ago. Just grab a couple of beers, deploy the air-slide, and jump out the side of the plane to infamy(that was so cool but make sure the plane has come to a complete stop before deploying the beer – don’t wanna spill any). For these people I use the “J” word that rhymes with “Jerks”-oops- “Perks” Stop hating people.
 
I have the perfect antidote to bad stuff, it’s called “Live Music” and we got some real doozies this week. I hope ya’ll can make it to some or all the shows and talk about good things like beer and sunshine. There’s gonna be miles traveled and many friends we haven’t seen for awhile. For this I use the “F” word that rhymes with “bun.”

Upcoming Jimmy’s Shows:
 
The Jimmys will be closing out this year’s Monroe Concerts on the Square Music Series(in Monroe, on the Square) Thursday, August 19 starting at 6:30pm   ”L” word that rhymes with “feeterhosen” -Turner Hall in case of rain-

Friday, August 20 is our debut at Dane Dances on the Frank Lloyd Wright Convention Center Rooftop! Wow, gonna be a big one, we start at 6pm opening for Que Flavor! I use the “D” that rhymes with “prancing”  -Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center in case of rain-

Then on Saturday, August 21, we play The Big Bull Falls Blues Festival at 1pm. “Where is that?” you ask. Well, what a beautiful looking question, it’s on Fern Island in Wausau, Wi. One of the oldest running Blues Festivals and
one of the best. “B” word that rhymes with “rear”

Hope to see you out, “S” word that rhymes with “bummer” is almost gone, BUT, not yet- almost…

Love and Peace,
Jimmy

Chaos Revolution Theory CD Release is Monday at the High Noon

Chaos Revolution Theory will release their debut CD, Counter Culture Redux, on Monday, August 16th with a show at the High Noon Saloon. Also appearing are Venice Gas House Trolley, 4 Aspirin Morning and comedian Nick Hart. The show starts at 8PM and the cover is a mere $5.

Chaos Revoltion Theory is a grungy combination of folk and prog tones in a hard rock style. The band is also known for extensive live jams when the moon is right.

Swamp Thing Reunites for Three Shows

Rising from the ashes of the mid-eighties, Swamp Thing is returning for three shows. here is the tour itinerary:

Saturday, August 21
12 pm, O’Cayz Corral, 504 E. Wilson St. (short acoustic set)
1 pm, Club de Wash, 636 W. Washington Ave. (short acoustic set)

Sunday, August 22
8 pm, Revolution Cycles, 2330 Atwood Ave., full band
Free admission

Though original members Bob Appel and Mike Kashou were not available, the band is forging ahead with Jonathan Zarov,  Biff
Blumfumgagnge (Gomers, Reptile Palace Orchestra, Yammer, and more) and a number of other Madison guest musicians who will sit in.

According to the band’s press release, “Bear acknowledges that changes in the club scene could adversely affect the tour.  The Revolution Cycles show on Sunday will be a solid show no matter what. If you can only go to one, make that the one.  If the rumors are true… we still
won’t let a little thing like a club not existing stop us. We’re going to go out there and play our hearts out. But at O’Cayz and Club De Wash, we’ll go in with just an acoustic guitar and snare drum. Easier to run away if challenged by police or an unsympathetic gas station owner.”

Swampo Thing released two albums: Learning to Disintegrate (produced by Butch Vig) and A Cow Come True. Band members went on to play or work with notables such as Garbage, Willy Porter, Los Lobos, Peter Stampfel, Elvis Costello, The Jazz Passengers, and City Recycling Coordinator George Dreckman.