Sunday, February 29, 2004
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Great shows all around at Fitz tonight - the punk rockers dug Swirve (as they always do, I'm told) and the crowd went crazy for Arthur Yoria et. al.
Tomorrow, Drop heads into the studio for a top secret recording session. Happy leap day!
Tomorrow, Drop heads into the studio for a top secret recording session. Happy leap day!
Saturday, February 28, 2004
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Swirve had a great show last night at Brasil - thanks to everybody who came out. Tune in next week for Drop Trio's return to Funk Jazz Fridays.
Tonight, swing by Fitzgerald's for a double dose - you can catch Swirve again, playing downstairs, and upstairs you can see Ian playing keys in Arthur Yoria's band ("The Makeshifts"). Also on the bill are Tody and the Falcon, Matt Hammon, and Endochine.
Tonight, swing by Fitzgerald's for a double dose - you can catch Swirve again, playing downstairs, and upstairs you can see Ian playing keys in Arthur Yoria's band ("The Makeshifts"). Also on the bill are Tody and the Falcon, Matt Hammon, and Endochine.
Thursday, February 26, 2004
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Quick note for anybody out and about tonight (Thursday) - two bands who are friends of ours are playing at Rhythm Room tonight: Goddess and Underground Nation. Both great acts, in the rock genre (whatever that means), and super cool folks. Come on out and support 'em.
And don't forget Funk Jazz Fridays tomorrow - Swirve is up and they're coming in swinging!
And don't forget Funk Jazz Fridays tomorrow - Swirve is up and they're coming in swinging!
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We've been busy adding some new shows to our March & April lineup. The first one to announce is a performance at the esteemed South By Due East festival, a showcase of Houston Artists here in Houston at the same time SxSW is going on in Austin. We'll be performing on March 21st at one of our favorite spots, Super Happy Fun Land. Here's the poster:
More details to come soon!
More details to come soon!
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
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We heard lots of great feedback about the PBS segment last night. Thanks everybody for tuning in! If you missed it, you can catch it this coming Sunday at 5pm.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
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Tonight, our segment on the Houston PBS program The Connection will air for the first time. Check out the blurb on their site: this is not your parents' jazz band. If you're in the greater Houston area, tune in at 8:55 pm tonight, on Channel 8!
Sunday, February 22, 2004
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We had a super cool show (in more ways than one) last night in Bryan, TX.
When we pulled into town aroung 5pm, we were shuttled straight over to the local public radio station, KEOS, where we proceeded to play a short set live over the radio. The host, Anthony, has one of the coolest radio voices we have ever heard, and everybody was incredibly nice and receptive there.
After dinner at Mr. G's pizza (yum) we trucked back over to Revolution, the bar we were playing in. The Jim Owsley quartet, a local band, opened up with some highly tasty funk & jazz covers. We were originally supposed to play inside, so we set up all our gear indoors. But when the time came, the decision was made that since there were so many people there to see us, we should play outdoors instead - so we broke down the whole setup and moved it outside in record time. We played outside for over 2 hours in the chilly Feburary night air - definitely gave us some more sympathy for the OM Trio guys we watched do the same thing last weekend in Austin.
We taped both performances, so if they come out well, expect to see 'em in the music section before long. Ian's new Nomad Jukebox has been working like a charm and has dramatically improved our transfer-to-web time (you can hear our first tape with it on the recent Rhythm Room show, in the music section).
All around, it was a great trip. As usual, we managed to drive for 30 minutes in the wrong direction on the way out of town. We are raging geniuses when it comes to navigation. Anybody feel like donating a GPS? :)
When we pulled into town aroung 5pm, we were shuttled straight over to the local public radio station, KEOS, where we proceeded to play a short set live over the radio. The host, Anthony, has one of the coolest radio voices we have ever heard, and everybody was incredibly nice and receptive there.
After dinner at Mr. G's pizza (yum) we trucked back over to Revolution, the bar we were playing in. The Jim Owsley quartet, a local band, opened up with some highly tasty funk & jazz covers. We were originally supposed to play inside, so we set up all our gear indoors. But when the time came, the decision was made that since there were so many people there to see us, we should play outdoors instead - so we broke down the whole setup and moved it outside in record time. We played outside for over 2 hours in the chilly Feburary night air - definitely gave us some more sympathy for the OM Trio guys we watched do the same thing last weekend in Austin.
We taped both performances, so if they come out well, expect to see 'em in the music section before long. Ian's new Nomad Jukebox has been working like a charm and has dramatically improved our transfer-to-web time (you can hear our first tape with it on the recent Rhythm Room show, in the music section).
All around, it was a great trip. As usual, we managed to drive for 30 minutes in the wrong direction on the way out of town. We are raging geniuses when it comes to navigation. Anybody feel like donating a GPS? :)
Saturday, February 21, 2004
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Man oh man, Ellipsis was awesome! Those guys really tore it up at Funk Jazz Friday last night at Brasil. I only got to catch a couple tunes, but Nick was burnin' down the house with two saxophones in his mouth when I got there. Jordan was smokin' on the kit, and there was a new bass player I am not familiar with on upright and electric - really talented player. Hope to see those guys out at Brasil again soon!
We also got to see some of the Galactic show over at Numbers, and as usual, they are monsters of the funk. The highlight was Stanton Moore's "stick cam" solo, where he held a portable camera in his hand while playing a solo, projecting the "stick view" of the solo up on the screen behind him.
We also got to see some of the Galactic show over at Numbers, and as usual, they are monsters of the funk. The highlight was Stanton Moore's "stick cam" solo, where he held a portable camera in his hand while playing a solo, projecting the "stick view" of the solo up on the screen behind him.
Friday, February 20, 2004
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Pretty wild show tonight at Engine Room! Particle played 2 amazing sets, and you Houston folks really threw down! I've never seen that place so packed for a jam band show. Cameos by some of the LBP posse, the MG crew and the jam scene bunch were all around. And the sound was pretty good after all. Good show!
Thursday, February 19, 2004
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Our drummer, who was formerly known as Mike, has decided to be henceforth known as Nuje. FYI. In his own words:
Today at my son's school we released 5 baby butterflies that they had had since they were caterpillars. I am now being reborn as Nuje the lover of butterflies. Mike the butterfly annihilator is dead.Please refer to Mike as Nuje from now on.
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Tonight, two great shows you should see:
1 - Little Brother Project, live at Dean's Credit Clothing. It's the guys' last show for a few weeks, as they head into heavy writing mode, so go get your freak on tonight.
2 - Particle, at the Engine Room. Sound at the Engine Room is less than stellar, but regardless these guys put on a killer show. Come on out and you can also get some more information about TexHeads.com, a new group for live jam music fans in Texas.
Then, tomorrow night (Friday) catch Ellipsis at Brasil for Funk Jazz Fridays.
1 - Little Brother Project, live at Dean's Credit Clothing. It's the guys' last show for a few weeks, as they head into heavy writing mode, so go get your freak on tonight.
2 - Particle, at the Engine Room. Sound at the Engine Room is less than stellar, but regardless these guys put on a killer show. Come on out and you can also get some more information about TexHeads.com, a new group for live jam music fans in Texas.
Then, tomorrow night (Friday) catch Ellipsis at Brasil for Funk Jazz Fridays.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
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New photos in our Photos section, from our trip to Lubbock last month. Big thanks to Jay at Hubstuff for sending us these great shots. More to come soon, as soon as Ian can figure out how to use a scanner. (These computer programmers aren't too bright sometimes.)
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
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This week at Funk Jazz Fridays, you can catch Houston's own Ellipsis. Ellipsis is Farrell Gerbode on bass, Jordan Almes on drums, Nick Anaya on Soprano, Alto & Tenor Sax, and Josh Levy on Bari Sax. These guys are monster players, and lay down some of Houston's finest instrumental funk jazz.
You can give them a listen on this track: Creative Accounting (mp3)
Also recently added to the Funk Jazz Fridays schedule is Friends Of Gravity (aka FOG), for March 12th, with more to come soon!
You can give them a listen on this track: Creative Accounting (mp3)
Also recently added to the Funk Jazz Fridays schedule is Friends Of Gravity (aka FOG), for March 12th, with more to come soon!
Monday, February 16, 2004
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Ian and Mike hit the Vibe in Austin this weekend to catch our pals Om Trio in concert. Despite the fact that the temperature on the outdoor stage was below freezing, OM managed to play a great show, including a Smashing Pumpkins encore tune that blew our minds. We have come to a mutual decision that the show ruled. As they describe themselves: "Elevator music for headbangers"
Saturday, February 14, 2004
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Despite rain, sleet and even snow on their journey from Austin, the fellas from McLemore Avenue put on a great show last night at Brasil. They have mastered the Booker T vibe, and the audience was totally grooving on all their original tunes, not to mention their note-perfect Green Onions cover.
Tonight, Mike and Ian are heading over to Austin to catch up with OM Trio at the Vibe (they even won tickets from TexHeads.com!) Anybody in the Austin area, come on down to 6th street and hang out with us (if you can brave the snow, that is!)
Tonight, Mike and Ian are heading over to Austin to catch up with OM Trio at the Vibe (they even won tickets from TexHeads.com!) Anybody in the Austin area, come on down to 6th street and hang out with us (if you can brave the snow, that is!)
Friday, February 13, 2004
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Funk Jazz Fridays rolls on this week with a special guest from Austin: McLemore Avenue.
See you there!
McLemore AvenueFollowing in the tradition of instrumental groups like Booker T. and the MGs, The Meters and Jimmy Smith, Austin's McLemore Avenue combines elements of Southern soul, R & B, and jazz with an original sound. These guys get a really classic funk / soul sound, with original tunes worthy of the real Hammond organ they lug around with them.
Friday, 2/13/04
Brasil - 2604 Dunlavy @ Westheimer
10 pm - ALL AGES - FREE
See you there!
Thursday, February 12, 2004
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If you're out and about tonight, there are 2 shows you should check out. At Super Happy Fun Land, go see Houston locals The Last Soul Descendents at 9, opening for San Diego based Intergalactic Faerie Funk. Then head downtown for Little Brother Project's weekly stint at Dean's Credit Clothing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
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We've been getting great feedback about the Rhythm Room show we posted in our music section this week. If you haven't listened to it yet, go give it a spin. The recording is a straight board feed, mixed by Jason Priesman, sound engineer for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, OM Trio, and many others. He got an amazing sound, both in the room and on tape.
BTW - Jason's gonna be running sound for OM over at the Vibe in Austin on Saturday, and we're gonna head over and show our support. If you don't already have V-day plans, or if you're gonna be in Austin anyway, come join us!
BTW - Jason's gonna be running sound for OM over at the Vibe in Austin on Saturday, and we're gonna head over and show our support. If you don't already have V-day plans, or if you're gonna be in Austin anyway, come join us!
Sunday, February 08, 2004
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If you're an early bird, tune in to KPFT tonight at around 4am to hear Ian playing with the New Jack Hippies, led by Mr. Guy Schwartz. It's Guy's all-night birthday jam, and should feature the usual cast of luminaries. You can listen on the air at 90.1 FM, or online at KPFTx.org.
Saturday, February 07, 2004
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Once again, Funk Jazz Fridays was standing room only (if you could even get room to stand, that is). Thanks to everybody who came out - especially to our new musician friends, Jim Kam, Greg Lizee, and The Facts. And a huge thank you to Al Bear for a rockin set with us.
Friday, February 06, 2004
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Getting ready for our regular Funk Jazz Friday show tonight over at Brasil (2604 Dunlavy @ Westheimer). Tonight we've got the special privilege of having Plump guitarist Al Bear join us for a few tunes as well, which will be great. See you over there!
Thursday, February 05, 2004
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Hey, we just taped our first TV show! We went over to Houston PBS, on the UH campus, and taped a segment for The Connection, which will air on Feb. 24th at 8:55pm. More details to follow ...
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
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Big shout out to Armando over at Mars Electronic Repair for quickly fixing the problem with Ian's VK-7. David, a co-worker at Armando's shop, was at one of our funk jazz fridays shows in January, and when he overheard Ian talking about having trouble finding good instrument technicians in Houston, he gave us the hook-up. Thanks David, and thanks Armando!
Meanwhile, Mike has now joined the broadband revolution. That only makes him more dangerous. Be forewarned.
Meanwhile, Mike has now joined the broadband revolution. That only makes him more dangerous. Be forewarned.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
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Man, we've been working on a new tune (tentatively called "Amy Goes") it's it's just prog city. It took us an hour last night just to figure out the order of the 15 different sections, which alternate between 7/8 time, 4/4 time, and 6/8 time. Why do we keep letting the drummer write songs again? ;) We'll be premiering it at Brasil this Friday at funk jazz fridays, so come on out and laugh at us.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
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(Nino's first blog entry)
Greetings again from we three! A big thanks to all those we made it to Rhythm Room last night to partake in our ridiculous display of funky jazzy sounds. We had a killer night with our friends Plump, and not a moment too soon considering our previous show was disaster-ridden (see previous blog entry).
This show sounded extra sexy because we had an extra soundman on the job that evening. Our new friend Jason Priesman, who normally runs sound for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, among others, was there tending to every aural detail of our show. So after a rock star sound check, Mike and Nino (and Mike's wife, Deb) made their way to Star Pizza down the road. There, they paid homage to the long lost venue next to it, made tasteless jokes about - oh, everything - and enjoyed some very slowly made pizza and pasta.
Back to the Rhythm Room, where a newly enlightened Ian declared it was time to start, the trio tore into the opening track with impunity, with a special loaner keyboard from LBP's Conrad (thanks!). And "No", we are not sure about the immediate future of Ian's injured VK-7.
The show was loud, intense, funky, junky, and did we mention loud? The members of Plump pelted us with much love and praise after our set and then proceeded to show us up with a super tight, crazy, fun-filled, people dancing like fools, jivin', rockin', groovin', rappin', crowd-pleasing set of their own. Lovely! Our brothers-in-groove always aim to please.
Drive home yielded some scary moments for Mike, Nino, and Deb. Seems as if a white sedan was following them home. Changing lanes right with them, taking their exits, going their speed (at times 45 mph on I-45). Nino proceeded to call HPD and inquire as to what to do about their pursuer. But after being transferred to 50 different operators, Mike grew tired of the wait and took action, waving the mysterious sedan to come beside their van. Sure enough, the car sped up next to them - and then immediately fell back and dissolved into the cluttered north freeway traffic, not to be seen again. We still wonder if that poor lady ever actually caught up with the people she was supposed to be following. Alas, HPD was called off.
Peace/love to all.
Greetings again from we three! A big thanks to all those we made it to Rhythm Room last night to partake in our ridiculous display of funky jazzy sounds. We had a killer night with our friends Plump, and not a moment too soon considering our previous show was disaster-ridden (see previous blog entry).
This show sounded extra sexy because we had an extra soundman on the job that evening. Our new friend Jason Priesman, who normally runs sound for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, among others, was there tending to every aural detail of our show. So after a rock star sound check, Mike and Nino (and Mike's wife, Deb) made their way to Star Pizza down the road. There, they paid homage to the long lost venue next to it, made tasteless jokes about - oh, everything - and enjoyed some very slowly made pizza and pasta.
Back to the Rhythm Room, where a newly enlightened Ian declared it was time to start, the trio tore into the opening track with impunity, with a special loaner keyboard from LBP's Conrad (thanks!). And "No", we are not sure about the immediate future of Ian's injured VK-7.
The show was loud, intense, funky, junky, and did we mention loud? The members of Plump pelted us with much love and praise after our set and then proceeded to show us up with a super tight, crazy, fun-filled, people dancing like fools, jivin', rockin', groovin', rappin', crowd-pleasing set of their own. Lovely! Our brothers-in-groove always aim to please.
Drive home yielded some scary moments for Mike, Nino, and Deb. Seems as if a white sedan was following them home. Changing lanes right with them, taking their exits, going their speed (at times 45 mph on I-45). Nino proceeded to call HPD and inquire as to what to do about their pursuer. But after being transferred to 50 different operators, Mike grew tired of the wait and took action, waving the mysterious sedan to come beside their van. Sure enough, the car sped up next to them - and then immediately fell back and dissolved into the cluttered north freeway traffic, not to be seen again. We still wonder if that poor lady ever actually caught up with the people she was supposed to be following. Alas, HPD was called off.
Peace/love to all.
