Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Live Reviews Live review: Hectagons w/ Trioscapes
Posted by Jenny Lou Bement on Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 4:13 PM
Hectagons
The Milestone
Feb. 18, 2012
Incorporating Between the Buried and Me's Dan Briggs into an experimental, progressive three-piece which combines sax, bass and drums, the anticipation for Trioscapes swept the Milestone on Feb. 18. When a side-project that intriguing, one might expect the band to dominate a show. Little did concert attendees know that Hectagons was en route to rage and would cap the night off with a tight set leaving witnesses in awe.
Following headliner Trioscapes, Hectagons had huge shoes to fill, but there was no hesitation in living up to the challenge. Quizzical looks appeared while each person in the crowd attempted to take in the meticulousness of the Charlotte band's upbeat, melodic instrumentals. Hectagons inspires nodding heads and rocking hips as the crowd takes in the music's psychedelic overtones of instrumental progression and indefinite passion.
From their beginnings in 2008 as a three-piece progressive, psychedelic-metal group, Hectagons have entranced their audiences, leaving people amazed. Over the past couple of years, through their constantly progressing techniques and incorporation of Justin Aswell on his Mashine, they have allowed the group to expand experimentally and through the addition of live electronic beat production.
As guitarist Buck Boswell grits his teeth, smiling in a sinister manner of release, he slays his guitar using a handful of delay pedals, leading the melodies as his hair flies behind him and flops in front of his face like a rabid cowardly lion. Beside him, Aswell massacres his Mashine, keeping the beat catchy and complex in order to meld with Rick Culp's intricate drumming. Korey Dudley is a beast in his own right, holding down the funky bass lines on his stand-up, jamming like a heavy jazz band with a stature to match the overly dominant instrument's presence.
Although Hectagons shined the brightest in their hometown, that's not to say Trioscapes wasn't of equal talent and originality. They, too, were amazing — a three piece of progressive jazz metal that entertained a large and enthusiastic crowd with heavy-hitting drums, screeching, melodic saxophone and funk-infused electric bass. They played a set that ended far too soon, at the height of everyone rocking out to the saxophone-infused jazz metal. However, at the end of the night it was Hectagons' show and their well-rounded sound which is as complex and solid as ever.
News Natalie Royal hits Kickstarter goal in 24 hours
Posted by Jeff Hahne on Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Charlotte native and current Belmont University attendee Natalie Royal posted a Kickstarter campaign on Feb. 20 in an effort to help fund her first full-length album. In roughly 24 hours, supporters helped her surpass the goal. Now, roughly 48 hours later, she's raised even more.
With an initial goal of $3,500, Royal's current campaign is at $5,935... and she still has 38 days to go. Royal posted on her Facebook page, "I. am. floored. ... Thank you so so much. I am incredibly blessed."
Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects. Project creators offer "rewards" to supporters — in Royal's case, there are thank you notes, personalized songs, signed albums and even baked goods.
Perhaps it was her cute and crafty video that helped earn the support, but it's more likely her talent as a songwriter which has improved significantly in the last few years. Here's the campaign video that is included on her Kickstarter page:
Royal's next scheduled appearance in Charlotte is for part of my (full disclosure) Off the Record series at the Evening Muse during FemmeFest on May 16.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
New Releases New releases (2/21/2012)
Posted by Jeff Hahne on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Here's a quick rundown of what's new in stores this week:
Archers of Loaf Vee Vee — Settle down. It's just a reissue.
Buckethead Electric Sea — Because Buckethead has a better ring to it than Brian Carroll, and dude actually wears a bucket... wait for it... on his head.
Fun. Some Nights — It's that new Fun album. Have you heard that Fun song? Want to go to that Fun concert? The possibilities are endless...
Galactic Electric Carnivale — Latest effort is inspired by the sounds of Carnivale — appropriate for Fat Tuesday, no?
Sinead O'Connor How About I Be Me (and You Be You)? — I'm guessing there won't be songs about wedded bliss on here...
Sleigh Bells Reign of Terror — Fresh off their Saturday Night Live appearance.
News Fiddler Joe Thompson dies at age 93
Posted by Jeff Hahne on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 10:01 AM
Fiddler Joe Thompson died at the age of 93 on Monday night. Thompson, who lived in Mebane, N.C., was one of the few remaining traditional black fiddlers in the country. He received the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship in 2007.
A nationally known folk musician, Thompson was a strong inspiration and mentor for the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The group regularly met with Thompson to learn traditional songs and practice. They all recorded an album, Joe Thompson and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, which was released in 2009.
Chocolate Drops member Dom Flemmons posted on Facebook:
I just got the news that Joe Thompson passed away today! Its a sad day to see him go but fortunately he was able to see his music reach a larger audience as well as receive a National Heritage Fellowship. We'll miss him!
Here's a video of the Chocolate Drops and Thompson performing together in 2007:
Monday, February 20, 2012
Photos A look at A Night in Rio
Posted by Jeff Hahne on Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 10:18 AM
From the sounds of samba to bossa nova beats, the Latin American Coalition's A Night in Rio event celebrated Brazilian Carnival at the Neighborhood Theatre on Feb. 18, 2012. There was plenty of dancing and music at the sold out event which featured Reinaldo Brahn and Jim Brock, Carolina Latin Dance, capoeira, food and more. Check it out:
Slideshow
