THE ROB BILENKY SHOW
One of the great musical events of the season occurred at The Tower Theater in Philadelphia on 8 November, 2008 EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WILL HAPPEN TODAY .
nferno staff members were there! and for all attending what happened was a performance generous as it was hot that included Strange Overtones, I Zimbra, One fine Day, Help Me Somebody, Houses in Motion, My Big Nurse, My Big hands, Heaven, Never Thought, The River, Crosseyed & Painless, Life is Long, Once in Lifetime, Life During Wartime, I Feel my Stuff
With Encores: Take me to the River, The Great Curve, Air, Burning Down the House, Everything that Happens
David Byrne and Company performed music involving many of his well loved collaborations with Brian Eno but featured was the new album EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WILL HAPPEN TODAY. This project involves Eno’s brilliantly haunting musical ideas in search of lyrics and song. David Byrne answers the call and gives us the benefit of his astute lyricist reputation in creating along with Eno a sophisticated masterpiece of electronic folk pop with a strong nod to gospel music….witness all musicians and dancers (yes, dancers) wearing white. The group features two percussionists, bass, keyboards, and Byrne on guitar and vocals.
One of the great musical events of the season occurred at The Tower Theater in Philadelphia on 8 November, 2008 EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WILL HAPPEN TODAY .
nferno staff members were there! and for all attending what happened was a performance generous as it was hot that included Strange Overtones, I Zimbra, One fine Day, Help Me Somebody, Houses in Motion, My Big Nurse, My Big hands, Heaven, Never Thought, The River, Crosseyed & Painless, Life is Long, Once in Lifetime, Life During Wartime, I Feel my Stuff
With Encores: Take me to the River, The Great Curve, Air, Burning Down the House, Everything that Happens
David Byrne and Company performed music involving many of his well loved collaborations with Brian Eno but featured was the new album EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WILL HAPPEN TODAY. This project involves Eno’s brilliantly haunting musical ideas in search of lyrics and song. David Byrne answers the call and gives us the benefit of his astute lyricist reputation in creating along with Eno a sophisticated masterpiece of electronic folk pop with a strong nod to gospel music….witness all musicians and dancers (yes, dancers) wearing white. The group features two percussionists, bass, keyboards, and Byrne on guitar and vocals.
THE ROB BILENKY SHOW
Spring is in the air and now music releases are numerous. Some very special rare gems like a new Henry Kaiser studio session, Henry Cow 10 disk box set and an unexpected Fall release maybe import only at the time from 2000. So as you make the transition to a new season, you’ll most definitely need a sound track for the change.
HENRY KAISER, DARON SMITH, AND WEASEL WALTER “PLANE CRASH” (ugExplode) -Finally a fabulous new studio release from my favorite experimental guitarist, Henry Kaiser. This is a strong effort-somewhat of a power trio bass, guitar, and drums- but always transforming and other worldly. Hard-hitting cosmic arrangements are balanced with quieter semi-acoustic type pieces where the brilliance of Damon Smith and Weasel Walter can be savored. Take a walk on the wild side and tune in to these brilliant players. Henry Kaiser has an extensive catalogue and entering their musical realm is a trip you want to take.
Spring is in the air and now music releases are numerous. Some very special rare gems like a new Henry Kaiser studio session, Henry Cow 10 disk box set and an unexpected Fall release maybe import only at the time from 2000. So as you make the transition to a new season, you’ll most definitely need a sound track for the change.
HENRY KAISER, DARON SMITH, AND WEASEL WALTER “PLANE CRASH” (ugExplode) -Finally a fabulous new studio release from my favorite experimental guitarist, Henry Kaiser. This is a strong effort-somewhat of a power trio bass, guitar, and drums- but always transforming and other worldly. Hard-hitting cosmic arrangements are balanced with quieter semi-acoustic type pieces where the brilliance of Damon Smith and Weasel Walter can be savored. Take a walk on the wild side and tune in to these brilliant players. Henry Kaiser has an extensive catalogue and entering their musical realm is a trip you want to take.
I am very happy to be writing this article as the outlook for future Infernos was certainly looking bleak. Thanks to the savvy maneuvering of our paper’s founder, Carl B. Johnson, we are back in action. I must apologize for the lack of some details in my article as I am writing toward a crunch deadline and do not have all my materials. So if you are missing a title or label I am sure the internet will be your friend. Any hoo-ha –Here is what I have been listening to in brief--
GOD BLESS TINY TIM (RHINO) A 3 disk anthology of the reprise years. Yes, your heard it right. Tiny Tim is said to have been able to sing 10,000 songs on request and deliver them with the feeling and sentiment they were once intended. He also gave a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London with all the Beatles and the stones in attendance. Who knew? The collection is utterly fantastic-complete with incredible production. His first two full albums are included and the Beatle influence is duly noted or is the other way around? You definitely will be smiling and incredibly surprised by the work of this unsung genius. God bless Tiny Tim!!!
HUM CRUSH – (RUNEGRAMAPHONE) – This is the group’s name. Two players’ percussion and keyboard. Highly creative cerebral music equally focusing on beat and melody. The band seems to have a variety of influences and proceeds thru ambient, jazz, world, and rock/psychedelic/blues influences. A very compelling journey.
GOD BLESS TINY TIM (RHINO) A 3 disk anthology of the reprise years. Yes, your heard it right. Tiny Tim is said to have been able to sing 10,000 songs on request and deliver them with the feeling and sentiment they were once intended. He also gave a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London with all the Beatles and the stones in attendance. Who knew? The collection is utterly fantastic-complete with incredible production. His first two full albums are included and the Beatle influence is duly noted or is the other way around? You definitely will be smiling and incredibly surprised by the work of this unsung genius. God bless Tiny Tim!!!
HUM CRUSH – (RUNEGRAMAPHONE) – This is the group’s name. Two players’ percussion and keyboard. Highly creative cerebral music equally focusing on beat and melody. The band seems to have a variety of influences and proceeds thru ambient, jazz, world, and rock/psychedelic/blues influences. A very compelling journey.
06/11: THE ROB BILENKY SHOW
Sunny breezy days and cool nights bring in the fall by all means the best time of the year. Energy and ideas are flowing and a wave of wonderful new music has enveloped us. The season’s concert schedule is also a loaded deck kicking off with shows by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Residents, Buckethead, and David Byrne. Due to a huge initial blast of great music I will offer a list this issue with brief descriptions.
MEDESKI MARTIN AND WOOD “ZAEBOS” (DISCIPLINE GLOBAL MOBILE) John Zorn’s MASADA BOOK II – a wonderful surprise as Masada material again is reinterpreted by this highly potent and creative bass, drum, and keyboard unit.
TRAVIS AND FRIPP “THREAD” Flautist and sax player Theo Travis teams up with cerebral guitarist Robert Fripp to deliver a highly engaging ambient journey that gets better with each listen. Read, worked, do yoga, or dream!
MEDESKI MARTIN AND WOOD “ZAEBOS” (DISCIPLINE GLOBAL MOBILE) John Zorn’s MASADA BOOK II – a wonderful surprise as Masada material again is reinterpreted by this highly potent and creative bass, drum, and keyboard unit.
TRAVIS AND FRIPP “THREAD” Flautist and sax player Theo Travis teams up with cerebral guitarist Robert Fripp to deliver a highly engaging ambient journey that gets better with each listen. Read, worked, do yoga, or dream!
Hot languid summer afternoons-air is thick and cumbersome making clear thinking difficult-search for that cool breeze and your favorite chair –grab a cool drink and give some great new music a listen.
MARC RIBOT’S CERAMIC DOG “PARTY INTELLECTUALS” (PIRECORDING LABEL) Marc Ribot is one of the most edgy and creative guitarists of the decade. His early work with Tom Waits was brilliant and he has incarnated himself many times as a rock, jazz, soul, and experimental musician. His ability to play straight ahead riffs as well as deconstructing the classics is admirable. His work on the new John Zorn “DREAMERS” album is mindblowing.
MARC RIBOT’S CERAMIC DOG “PARTY INTELLECTUALS” (PIRECORDING LABEL) Marc Ribot is one of the most edgy and creative guitarists of the decade. His early work with Tom Waits was brilliant and he has incarnated himself many times as a rock, jazz, soul, and experimental musician. His ability to play straight ahead riffs as well as deconstructing the classics is admirable. His work on the new John Zorn “DREAMERS” album is mindblowing.
The huskies are in the driveway painting after my recent return from Canada’s FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE MUSIQUE ACTUELLE in Victoriaville. Five days of extraordinary, challenging and beautiful music. The new meaning of peace, love and understanding. Twenty concerts in all and a very powerful and moving experience including John Zorn, Fred Frith, Renee Lusier, Joe Morris, Elliot Sharp and many, many more incredible performances. Highly recommended annually for all extreme music lovers. Great tunes du jour!
WAS (NOT WAS)-“BOO” on Rykon Disc. Don and David Was are back after a long hiatus complete with killer soulful vocals of Sweet Pea Atkinson. My favorite album of the year thus far. This one is very hot. A type of Anecdotal political psychedelic soul not unlike Zappo’s best. May be even better songwise. Each tune is brilliant and gives you goose bumps both lyrically and musically. Definite wide smile from ear to ear-own it.
WAS (NOT WAS)-“BOO” on Rykon Disc. Don and David Was are back after a long hiatus complete with killer soulful vocals of Sweet Pea Atkinson. My favorite album of the year thus far. This one is very hot. A type of Anecdotal political psychedelic soul not unlike Zappo’s best. May be even better songwise. Each tune is brilliant and gives you goose bumps both lyrically and musically. Definite wide smile from ear to ear-own it.
A ton of great music floods the airwaves so why waste time on seasonal commentary. This time getting straight to the point-great sounds will transport you to wherever you choose. Lay down-hug the earth and listen close.
THE BLACK KEYS “ATTACK AND RELEASE” (NONESUCH) The Black Keys are Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Dan plays guitar and Pat plays drums and both play lots of other instruments. Surprise guest Marc Ribot also on four cuts. What’s it like. Thick creative, stirring soulful blues rock that will take you to another planet. This project is produced by Danger Mouse adding a wonderful production touch. The music has a classic quality and remains potent and never samey or boring. Great female back ups. This has it all for me. Turn on, tune in, and experience one of the best new acts on the scene. Oh did I forget to mention they rock huge?
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS “DIG!!! LAZARUS DIG!!!” (ANTI) All I can say is Wow-this one leaves me breathless. I am a big fan of Cave anyway but this one is a mind blower. The Seeds are in Fine form. Mick Harvey on guitar-Warren Ellis Violin Jim Scalvunous-drums, Martyn Casey-base, James Johnston-organ, Thomas Wideler- percussion and Conway Savage. Eight in all, including Cave whose poetic powerful storytelling is at the heart of this timely dynamic and wonderful rock monster. Very acidy with nods to the Doors and the Velvets. Totally engaging emotional and an absolute must- 100% essential. I rate this 11 out of 10.
THE BLACK KEYS “ATTACK AND RELEASE” (NONESUCH) The Black Keys are Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Dan plays guitar and Pat plays drums and both play lots of other instruments. Surprise guest Marc Ribot also on four cuts. What’s it like. Thick creative, stirring soulful blues rock that will take you to another planet. This project is produced by Danger Mouse adding a wonderful production touch. The music has a classic quality and remains potent and never samey or boring. Great female back ups. This has it all for me. Turn on, tune in, and experience one of the best new acts on the scene. Oh did I forget to mention they rock huge?
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS “DIG!!! LAZARUS DIG!!!” (ANTI) All I can say is Wow-this one leaves me breathless. I am a big fan of Cave anyway but this one is a mind blower. The Seeds are in Fine form. Mick Harvey on guitar-Warren Ellis Violin Jim Scalvunous-drums, Martyn Casey-base, James Johnston-organ, Thomas Wideler- percussion and Conway Savage. Eight in all, including Cave whose poetic powerful storytelling is at the heart of this timely dynamic and wonderful rock monster. Very acidy with nods to the Doors and the Velvets. Totally engaging emotional and an absolute must- 100% essential. I rate this 11 out of 10.
I’m listening to TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS by The Beatles on Little Steven’s Underground Garage on Sirius Radio, my new favorite station. A great blend of music old and new with many tasty surprises and the groove never stops as it does on many other so-called rock stations. Check it out. A sad note---the upcoming Vineland Three-day Rock Festival scheduled for August 2008 was cancelled for this year and supposedly pushed back until 2009. A sad statement about the politics of our area. The Festival, besides being the most incredible cultural boost to Cumberland County, would put South Jersey with Vineland on the international map. Many of us are distraught over these recent decisions which prove that not only does the people’s voice not count at the national level but the local level as well…..Guess they are just not ready for prime time yet! Let’s focus our spiritual energies on 2009 and maybe some people will come to their senses. Let’s move on to the sounds of the season. Some nice little gems have recently surfaced……
LEVON HELM
“DIRT FARMER” (VANGUARD) Yes, The Band is back…well…sorta…A superb new disc from The Band drummer and vocalist, Levon Helm. The album is tight throughout …gritty, spiritual, and rockin’. The voice-yes-the voice so pure, so real-so heart felt. Seems to follow closely in The Band’s footsteps. Some young new sidekicks round out the band, including a family member. When pickin's are slim for winter this is a stand out.
LEVON HELM
“DIRT FARMER” (VANGUARD) Yes, The Band is back…well…sorta…A superb new disc from The Band drummer and vocalist, Levon Helm. The album is tight throughout …gritty, spiritual, and rockin’. The voice-yes-the voice so pure, so real-so heart felt. Seems to follow closely in The Band’s footsteps. Some young new sidekicks round out the band, including a family member. When pickin's are slim for winter this is a stand out.
Freeze Frame-winter enters and a chilling new season begins. A season of excitement and holiday cheer is here. When good friends get together and reminisce. The big buzz this month is the upcoming Vineland Music Festival recently announcing 100 bands performing over a three day period during August 8, 9, and 10, 2008. British festival promoters responsible for Leeds and Glastonbury Lane teamed up with U.S. promoters to produce this fabulous event. All bands are to be announced in March 2008. Whispers of The Who, Dylan, and reunited Led Zep are all in the air—can’t wait! Now, here are our winter offerings:
ROBERT WYATT “COMICOPERA” (DOMINO) a BEAUTIFUL AND SPECIAL GIFT FOR THE SEASON. Wyatt is the ultimate philosophical and political British op musician. Ex Soft Machine drummer sings and plays with many special guests and produces on of the strongest albums of his career. His voice is distinctive and unique incorporating the best of pop, rock, and jazz. His lyrics are potent and thoughtful. A large chunk of the disk incorporates a variety of languages. It is all very trippy and intelligent and on of the best disks of the season. Let’s celebrate!
ROBERT WYATT “COMICOPERA” (DOMINO) a BEAUTIFUL AND SPECIAL GIFT FOR THE SEASON. Wyatt is the ultimate philosophical and political British op musician. Ex Soft Machine drummer sings and plays with many special guests and produces on of the strongest albums of his career. His voice is distinctive and unique incorporating the best of pop, rock, and jazz. His lyrics are potent and thoughtful. A large chunk of the disk incorporates a variety of languages. It is all very trippy and intelligent and on of the best disks of the season. Let’s celebrate!
Cool nights begin to surround our Indian summer. Autumn seems to be a more focused time of year. Ideas on summer vacation begin to take shape and move forward. There is a renewed sense of growth and productivity. The seasonal shift has power and invites us to participate in its miraculous changes. Accompanying this cosmic event is music, which adds to its simplicity and beauty.
TRIO ARRIGO CAPPELLETTI IN NEW YORK “TRIO ARRIGO CAPPELLETTI” (MUSIC CENTER LABEL) Light, airy and very focused acoustic jazz trio featuring Arrigo Cappelletti on piano, John Herbert on double bass, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. An intelligent and brisk performance as Cappelletti drives the melody down a variety of avenues nodding and winking at the likes of Bley, Monk, and beyond. Herbert is excellent on bass and greatly colors and provides depth to the overall sound. The drumming is focused and on point. A delightful experience throughout.
FRED FRITH AND EVELYN GLENNIE “THE SUGAR FACTORY” (TZADIK) How sweet it is. Frith, composer, guitarist, and multi instrumentalist teams up with master percussionist Glennie to produce an extraordinary soundtrack for any season. The music is tight, compelling and creative. Shows some similarities in quality to the “Rivers and Tides” soundtrack. A wonderful treat intricately woven drum, guitar, and electronics stamp this work indelibly on your mind.
BILL FRISELL AND MATT CHAMBERLAIN –“FLORATONE”- (EMI) – An excellent new offering from Frissel and percussionist Chamberlain with bass, violin and clarinet. A wonderfully cerebral outing. Layered and textured with immaculate production quality. The entire album resonates with power and beauty throughout. Frisell’s guitar stylings are absolutely fantastic as he builds and paints his pieces adding notes and phrases and runs along the way. A unique one of a kind player. Great sensitivity and brilliant playing by all. Bravo! For FLORATONE-a must!
CHARLIE HUNTER AND BOBBY PREVITE AS GROUNDTRUHTER WITH JOHN MEDESKI “ALTITUDE” (THIRSTY EAR-double CD) a Spectacular treat and a great surprise. A killer trio. Previte is a fabulous drummer with multiple impressive projects under his belt. Charlie hunter takes his guitar power to new heights on this one getting down, dirty, bluesy, and jazzy all at once. Lots of killer fuzz and distortion well controlled to produce a fabulous effect. Sprinkle in the brilliance of John Medeski who contributes equally and fully with some of the most creative keyboards we have heard in some time. One disc electric and on disc acoustic. I love this one. The electric disc is worth the whole admission price and this is a ride you don’t want to miss. It’s best recommendations for ALTITUDES.
MASKARADA “TARAF DE HAI DOUKS” (CRAW)-After seeing the inspiring concert film, GYPSY CARAVAN, I have been exploring Gypsy music and its origins. Tarot de Haidouks are one of the worlds leading Gypsy bands and they are simply brilliant. Here they reGypsyfy the music of classic composers who were inspired by Gypsy folklore and culture and borrowed from the Roma musicians to create exotic and highly imaginary Oriental themes. The Hadouks reclaims the authenticity and add their own newer pieces complete with passionate and distinct vocal performances that stop you in your tracks. Very, very cool. Also pick up the soundtrack to GYPSY CARAVAN, the documentary film in which Gypsy musicians from five countries tour the USA. This one is an eleven out of ten.
NOTABLE MENTIONS:
INVITE THE SPIRIT 1983, Kaiser, Noyes, Park on Tzadik.
GALAPAGOS MOMENTUM, Upsilow Acrux on Cuneiform
POLYTHEISTIC FRAGMENTS, Sir Richard Bishop on DC349CD
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART AND THE MAGIC BAND LIVE AT BICKERSHAM FESTIVAL, 1972 on Ozit
That’s it for now……keep listening and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
Ciao Amici,
Roberto
TRIO ARRIGO CAPPELLETTI IN NEW YORK “TRIO ARRIGO CAPPELLETTI” (MUSIC CENTER LABEL) Light, airy and very focused acoustic jazz trio featuring Arrigo Cappelletti on piano, John Herbert on double bass, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. An intelligent and brisk performance as Cappelletti drives the melody down a variety of avenues nodding and winking at the likes of Bley, Monk, and beyond. Herbert is excellent on bass and greatly colors and provides depth to the overall sound. The drumming is focused and on point. A delightful experience throughout.
FRED FRITH AND EVELYN GLENNIE “THE SUGAR FACTORY” (TZADIK) How sweet it is. Frith, composer, guitarist, and multi instrumentalist teams up with master percussionist Glennie to produce an extraordinary soundtrack for any season. The music is tight, compelling and creative. Shows some similarities in quality to the “Rivers and Tides” soundtrack. A wonderful treat intricately woven drum, guitar, and electronics stamp this work indelibly on your mind.
BILL FRISELL AND MATT CHAMBERLAIN –“FLORATONE”- (EMI) – An excellent new offering from Frissel and percussionist Chamberlain with bass, violin and clarinet. A wonderfully cerebral outing. Layered and textured with immaculate production quality. The entire album resonates with power and beauty throughout. Frisell’s guitar stylings are absolutely fantastic as he builds and paints his pieces adding notes and phrases and runs along the way. A unique one of a kind player. Great sensitivity and brilliant playing by all. Bravo! For FLORATONE-a must!
CHARLIE HUNTER AND BOBBY PREVITE AS GROUNDTRUHTER WITH JOHN MEDESKI “ALTITUDE” (THIRSTY EAR-double CD) a Spectacular treat and a great surprise. A killer trio. Previte is a fabulous drummer with multiple impressive projects under his belt. Charlie hunter takes his guitar power to new heights on this one getting down, dirty, bluesy, and jazzy all at once. Lots of killer fuzz and distortion well controlled to produce a fabulous effect. Sprinkle in the brilliance of John Medeski who contributes equally and fully with some of the most creative keyboards we have heard in some time. One disc electric and on disc acoustic. I love this one. The electric disc is worth the whole admission price and this is a ride you don’t want to miss. It’s best recommendations for ALTITUDES.
MASKARADA “TARAF DE HAI DOUKS” (CRAW)-After seeing the inspiring concert film, GYPSY CARAVAN, I have been exploring Gypsy music and its origins. Tarot de Haidouks are one of the worlds leading Gypsy bands and they are simply brilliant. Here they reGypsyfy the music of classic composers who were inspired by Gypsy folklore and culture and borrowed from the Roma musicians to create exotic and highly imaginary Oriental themes. The Hadouks reclaims the authenticity and add their own newer pieces complete with passionate and distinct vocal performances that stop you in your tracks. Very, very cool. Also pick up the soundtrack to GYPSY CARAVAN, the documentary film in which Gypsy musicians from five countries tour the USA. This one is an eleven out of ten.
NOTABLE MENTIONS:
INVITE THE SPIRIT 1983, Kaiser, Noyes, Park on Tzadik.
GALAPAGOS MOMENTUM, Upsilow Acrux on Cuneiform
POLYTHEISTIC FRAGMENTS, Sir Richard Bishop on DC349CD
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART AND THE MAGIC BAND LIVE AT BICKERSHAM FESTIVAL, 1972 on Ozit
That’s it for now……keep listening and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
Ciao Amici,
Roberto
