Columbus love for DJ & Guitar electronic/rock/groove band BoomBox seems to be fading based on their show at The Newport Music Hall last Saturday, February 12. The lacking crowd and absence of buzz around the scene led this first-time BoomBox-goer to wonder, what’s the deal?
The Newport was low-key for the show with no more than a few hundred people spread out in the floor area. The plus side of the sparse crowd was that there was plenty of room on the dance floor, but the weak turn-out an obvious negative for the artists.
Openers Signal Path started at 9:45. They were a synth-heavy trio of multi-taskers, mixing live drums and electronics to bring some serious energy. They got the crowd going and we were glad we got there early to catch their set. At the end of their performance they announced that you can download their album for free at http://albums.signalpathmusic.com/ ; they are worth checking out.
BoomBox took the stage at 11:15 to a big round of applause. The duo stood on raised platforms, one for DJ/Producer Russ Randolph and his set up, and one with a feather boa-wrapped mic as well as a DJ set up for the fu-manchu’d Zion “Rock” Godchaux (yep, son of Grateful Dead members Keith and Donna Godchaux). The multi-colored LED light bars behind the stage were cool and a nice compliment to the spotlights but the stage was, at most times, too dark to see the artist’s faces.
They have a unique sound, mixing groovy soul guitar with electronic drums and synthesizer. Godchaux doesn’t do much “shredding” per se, but would rather strum to a mellow groove. Randolph is talented on the synthesizer and the samples, but the drum beats were very repetitive. A constant booming kick drum overshadowed nearly every song. Whether it was the sound in the venue or the excessive use of bass drum, Godchaux’s vocals were indecipherable most of the show.
The set went back and forth between happy guitar-led down-tempo grooves and untzy synthesized dub-step influenced songs with less vocals. Randolph’s (and Godchaux’s) synth lines are modern and creative, but not as unique as Godchaux’s guitar parts. Even some of the bass lines were ear catching, but not surprisingly, pre-programmed (the most boring part of going to an electronic show- hearing a melody but not watching anyone play it).
The influence of the Grateful Dead and his acoustic soul roots in Godchaux’s playing is evident. When mixed with Randolph’s DJing, the resulting style is enticing, but ultimately restricting.
Though the two musicians have been playing together since 2004, their catalog is very limited. They have only put out two albums (http://www.music.thisisboombox.com/) during their 7-year career, and this was very evident during their show. Many of their songs sound the same or similar and don’t carry as much energy for it.
After about an hour and a half they covered “Who Killed Davey Moore” (Bob Dylan), and on that note, I left. The energy levels at the show were not high enough to keep me and the show was ultimately disappointing. As far as the numbers go, it would be great to see these talented guys put out some new material, but until then, BoomBox is off the radar.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Umphrey's McGee Tears Up the LC Indoors
Back for their first time headlining Columbus in nearly a year, Chicago-based Umphrey’s McGee brought out die-hards and new fans last weekend and showed them what they’ve been missing for the last year. On Friday February 4th UM packed the LC Indoors for over two and a half hours of shredding guitars, funky synth and incredible improv.
Keyboard player Joel Cummins eased the anxious crowd into “Jazz Odyssey” which the band jammed out of, really picking it up during “Search 4”. The party started when they busted out “Partyin’ Peeps”. Joel and guitarists Jake Cinninger and Brendan Bayliss sounded great on vocals and the Cinninger/Bayliss guitar duel that shortly followed was on fire.
Umphrey’s had to have something up their sleeves after the intensity of “Partyin’ Peeps”, but when they pulled out fan favorite “Nothing Too Fancy” the crowd didn’t know what they were in for. Umphrey’s carried the jam from “Nothing Too Fancy” into a 16-minute “Uncle Wally”, into “2x2”, into “Jimmy Stewart” and then back into “2x2”.
After being bombarded with glow sticks, Bayliss requested “If you’re going to throw shit at us throw your bras or your weed.” Bras and joints hit the stage and the band went into the last song of set one.
“Interstate Love Song” was a little weak (how could they follow the last 45 minutes?), but the real treat, as far as UM covers go, was coming in the second set. The song choice kept with the 90’s theme of the Lexington show the night before, where they played Nirvana’s “In Bloom” as well as Snoop and Dre’s “Nothin’ But a G Thang”.
The band came back strong after the set break with “Wappy Sprayberry”, which lasted nearly 18 minutes before they quickly switched into “Spires”. The packed pit swayed to the rhythm of a dub style “Push The Pig” into “Believe The Lie” which lasted nearly 15 minutes, peaking hard about eleven minutes in.
Umphrey’s came back onstage after a few minutes of chants of “Umphrey’s!” and “We want the funk!” The band had 2 more songs in store, starting the encore with crowd sing-along favorite “Hangover” then dropping down and going into “Ocean Billy”.
The sound could have been better in the LC, and new soundboard engineer Chris Mitchell proved a great replacement for former soundboard Kevin Browning (who now works in UM headquarters). Their lights, run by Jeff Waful, were intense and to the music; UM undoubtedly puts on one of the best light shows in the jam scene. From the set list and the band, to the sound and lights guys, everything came together for an incredible night. Friday night’s show by far topped the last time they played at the LC (Outdoors) opening for Widespread Panic to a sparse crowd. After this show, they don’t need to worry about playing to another crowd of 200 people. UM tore the night up and Columbus fans will surely be coming back for more.
SETLIST
Set One: Jazz Odyssey>Search 4, Partyin’ Peeps, Nothing Too Fancy>Uncle Wally>2x2>”Jimmy Stewart”>2x2, Interstate Love Song
Set Two: Wappy Sprayberry>Spires, Push the Pig>Believe the Lie, Girlfriend is Better>Ocean Billy>Nothing too Fancy
Encore: Hangover>Ocean Billy
Opening Act: Orchard Lounge
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dark Star Orchestra Is Dead On at The Newport
To call Dark Star Orchestra a cover band almost seems rude after seeing them bring down the house at The Newport Music Hall last Friday night. Their talent, accuracy, and authenticity are unmatched not just when it comes to playing the Grateful Dead but as a tribute band. The show they chose to bring to life was from October 27, 1990 at The Zenith in Paris, France.
When the show started The Newport was shaking with the sound of Hell in a Bucket, and fortunately it could be heard outside by the dozens of people still waiting in line to get in. They transitioned into Sugaree so stylistically true to the way the Grateful Dead would’ve, it was the first confirmation for the crowd that DSO doesn’t mess around.
The Newport was packed with a mix of all ages; there were fans who were barely alive when Jerry died and there were heads who had followed the Dead for years. The band’s ability to bring such a varied crowd together into a groove just goes to show the timelessness of the Grateful Dead, and why DSO continues to find success “raising the Dead”.
Dark Star grooved through the first set, ending with Bird Song into The Promise Land. After an intermission, they came back for more, playing a jam heavy second set. Improvisation is one of the defining features of the Grateful Dead, who pioneered the jam scene making it what it is today. Though covering a jam band leaves a lot open to interpretation, Dark Star doesn’t disappoint. It’s in the improvised transitions and jams that DSO revives the spirit of the Grateful Dead.
Another aspect of the show that didn’t disappoint was new lead guitarist Jeff Mattson. Lead guitarist and founding member John Kadlecik left DSO in 2010 to join Further (Bob Weir and Phil Lesh’s new band, can you blame him?). That left some big shoes to fill, but Mattson is an impressive and experienced addition. The show also included both drummers, Dino English and Rob Koritz, who played together with ease, and rocked out “Drums>Space”. The band showcased their own styles during Space, combining modern electronic elements with the Grateful Dead’s more acoustic sound.
The band ended the show with “Not Fade Away,” walking off stage with the crowd clapping and singing, “love is love and not fade away...” until they returned for an encore. They rounded out the evening with One More Saturday Night, and then were joined on stage by singer Lisa Mackey for a cover of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London”.
Set One: Hell In A Bucket>Sugaree; New Minglewood Bloes; Jack-A-Roe; Black Throated Wind; Ramble on Rose; When I Paint My Masterpiece; Bird Song>The Promise Land
Set Two: China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider; Saint of Cirsumstance>Crazy Fingers>Playing In The Band>Drums>Space>Playing Reprise>Stella Blue>Throwing Stones>Not Fade Away
Encore: One More Saturday Night
Filler: Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon)
If there is anyone who can do the Grateful Dead justice, it’s Dark Star Orchestra. They are currently spreading the love of the Dead, in the midst of a massive nationwide tour. You can also catch the band at Wakarusa, where they will be play a special 3-hour set.
When the show started The Newport was shaking with the sound of Hell in a Bucket, and fortunately it could be heard outside by the dozens of people still waiting in line to get in. They transitioned into Sugaree so stylistically true to the way the Grateful Dead would’ve, it was the first confirmation for the crowd that DSO doesn’t mess around.
The Newport was packed with a mix of all ages; there were fans who were barely alive when Jerry died and there were heads who had followed the Dead for years. The band’s ability to bring such a varied crowd together into a groove just goes to show the timelessness of the Grateful Dead, and why DSO continues to find success “raising the Dead”.
Dark Star grooved through the first set, ending with Bird Song into The Promise Land. After an intermission, they came back for more, playing a jam heavy second set. Improvisation is one of the defining features of the Grateful Dead, who pioneered the jam scene making it what it is today. Though covering a jam band leaves a lot open to interpretation, Dark Star doesn’t disappoint. It’s in the improvised transitions and jams that DSO revives the spirit of the Grateful Dead.
Another aspect of the show that didn’t disappoint was new lead guitarist Jeff Mattson. Lead guitarist and founding member John Kadlecik left DSO in 2010 to join Further (Bob Weir and Phil Lesh’s new band, can you blame him?). That left some big shoes to fill, but Mattson is an impressive and experienced addition. The show also included both drummers, Dino English and Rob Koritz, who played together with ease, and rocked out “Drums>Space”. The band showcased their own styles during Space, combining modern electronic elements with the Grateful Dead’s more acoustic sound.
The band ended the show with “Not Fade Away,” walking off stage with the crowd clapping and singing, “love is love and not fade away...” until they returned for an encore. They rounded out the evening with One More Saturday Night, and then were joined on stage by singer Lisa Mackey for a cover of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London”.
Set One: Hell In A Bucket>Sugaree; New Minglewood Bloes; Jack-A-Roe; Black Throated Wind; Ramble on Rose; When I Paint My Masterpiece; Bird Song>The Promise Land
Set Two: China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider; Saint of Cirsumstance>Crazy Fingers>Playing In The Band>Drums>Space>Playing Reprise>Stella Blue>Throwing Stones>Not Fade Away
Encore: One More Saturday Night
Filler: Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon)
If there is anyone who can do the Grateful Dead justice, it’s Dark Star Orchestra. They are currently spreading the love of the Dead, in the midst of a massive nationwide tour. You can also catch the band at Wakarusa, where they will be play a special 3-hour set.
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