Rx Bandits

How in the hell have I not heard of this band before. Totally slipped under my radar until now. Well thanks to them opening up for Dredg here in Montreal on August 2nd I know them know. I was totally surprised. The Foufs was packed with people singing along and dancing to their songs. They put on such an energetic performance, at times with 3 of the band members playing some really crazy beats in unison on 3 separate drum setups. I was impressed with every facet of this band. Super solid drummer, smooth and liquid bass lines, vocalist/vocalist, and guitarist/keyboard player. All excellent players.
Meanwhile I'm standing there thinking who the hell are these guys, and why does everyone here but me know them? Regardless, I'm glad discovered them.

For some real detailed 411 on these guys go here


Enjoy

Dredg In Montreal

It was at times a crappy Sunday in Montreal and at other times really nice. One of my favorite bands was in town last night. Dredg. Relatively unknown in Montreal and by the general public, but that didn't stop the few hundred at the Foufounes Electriques from singing along and rocking out. What appeals to me about Dredg is that thier music sets a unique atmosphere, has a strong message, with intelligent lyrics. None of your run of the mill themes here. During the months leading up to the albums release, fans were treated to some very cool and clever video's, providing a glimpse of life in the studio. Demonstrating all the effort and creativity that went into making the Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion. "Inspired from a Salmon Rushdie essay entitled, A Letter to the 6 Billionth Citizen." according to bassist Drew Roulette.

The Foufs provides a very intimate setting, Gavin commented that he'd never been so close to a drum kit before. He was practically sitting on the kick drum. None the less, his vocal performance and stage presence were stellar. Always intriguing to watch him perform. The lap steel guitar now a Dredg staple, made it through the whole show until Gavin smashed it with a drum stick during a climatic ending rendering the string useless. Speaking of drums it's always inspiring seeing Dino beat that drum kit. Sometimes I wonder if the kit will make it to the end of the show. Mark on guitar is really just something to watch, this guy must have had 2 shoulder replacement surgeries. I've never seen such intensity, and energy. The sounds and tones he creates just captivate you. They hug you and make you feel nice and cozy. Something that must be seen & heard to be understood. Bassist Drew is always the solid backbone of the band, keeping it low and super melodic, and his keyboard technique includes literally playing with his face, while keeping the bass notes pumping.

Seriously if you're looking for something fresh and original you owe it to yourself to check out Dredg.

Christian Scott - Anthem

This was a funny happening. A simple moment, where you take a chance, and it works out pretty well. I used to do it often with my cd purchasing in the past. Go in a section at the record store, new or used, and take a chance on a cd after a preview listening at the listening post. It's been a long time since I've done that due to lack of time, and I hate most record stores well (HMV) but that's for another blog.

I took a chance with Christian Scott, never even heard of the guy. I previewed it, and thought it was cool. So i picked it up. Check out His Myspace for a taste.

A week or 2 later, I caught myself always wanting to play it in the background in I tunes at work,or on th subway on the way home. Then one day I decided to look him up on the net and was surprised to find quite a bit of info on him.

Touted as one of the brightest new stars in Jazz , being only 22 years old.
I don't like trumpet that much, either in classical, or jazz, even most pop. Don't get me wrong I love Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong and company, but I don't like wailing and annoying, harsh trumpets.

This is a nice soft trumpet, with great warm tone, wrapped around some nice soft jazz, with a great blend of hip hop, and a little fusion. Matt Stevens' guitar tone reminds me at times of Alan Holdsworth and some Metheny. Simple but poignant.

There are 2 versions of the track Anthem on instrumental and the other track with Brother J of X clan. whose lyrics are wicked, for lack of a better word. They will make you sit up and listen. very appropriate.

Any way I hope to see him in Montreal, for the Jazz fest on July 4th.

and I'm glad I took a chance on Christian Scott that day.


www.myspace.com/innerlightmusic
www.reverbnation.com/innerlightspectrum