Author Archives: Martin

Roster McCabe

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Roster McCabe… mixing reggae, funk and guitar-rock… led by Steele’s searing vocals and Daum’s twisting guitar solos… [is one of] five up-and-coming jam bands that could draw audiences to the festivals of tomorrow. – BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

Roster McCabe sounds like no one and sounds like everyone. The second release of this three-year-old band, Through Space and Time demonstrates a deep, fresh, and inventive approach to modern music by twenty something musicians.

Recorded at the famed Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota and mastered by renowned Brian “BigBassBrian” Gardner, this Minneapolis based quintet has created a new hybrid sound fusing the best of the past 50 years of music into a cohesive, singable multi-genre album. Masterfully dipping into reggae, disco, funk, rock, metal, pop, soul and R&B, summing up this album with a single style would be disingenuous and impossible.

The rhythm section made up of 25 year old Jeff Peterson on drums and 23 year old Scott Muellenberg on bass sound like they’ve been grooving together for 30 years. The flair of Peterson’s drumming never interferes with the deep groove of each song- something sought after but rarely attained by flashy drummers. The metal-esque parallel guitar riffs throughout the album powerfully played by Drew Preiner and Michael David Daum offer a healthy juxtaposition to Alex Steele’s soulful vocals.

From the inspiring reggae based “Swords” admitting in these uncertain times that “love might be the only solid ground” to the club-raver instrumental “Soar” including a guitar solo by Daum that sounds like it was lifted from a Manhattan jazz club in the 1970s, the depth of diversity within this collection of songs secures a full-length listen without fatigue.

While Roster McCabe live shows embrace extended arrangements and improvisation, in Through Space & Time each song was crafted with the aid of co-producer Chris Kalgren to highlight the best of what fans have loved about this band for years. Nashville songwriters could take cues from these melodies, while jazz players would marvel at the solos.

With the intricacies of the arrangements, details such as tones, lyrics, vocal harmonies and performances could have been over looked, but every element was meticulously fashioned with Kalgren and co- producer Paul Marino to fit perfectly into this album. Grammy nominated Marino, arguably one of the best mixing engineers in the world, managed to warmly utilize the full sonic sphere while still offering incredible clarity of each recorded element.

The finishing sonic touches were added by mastering engineer Brian “BigBassBrian” Garnder, who has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Dr. Dre.

Through Space & Time reminds you why you love music. Listen with headphones for true ear candy. Funded by fan donations achieved through Kickstarter.com, Through Space & Time is truly an effort dedicated to Roster McCabe’s loyal fan base, who made this endeavor possible.

Playing over 150 shows in 2010, Roster McCabe plans to continue to tour heavily in 2011 promoting this release.

All Mighty Senators

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All Mighty Senators is a rhythm fused quintet from Baltimore, which has toured the United States and Canada extensively. AMS released their first recordings under Baltimore indie Merkin Records before releasing four albums under their own Dog Eat Dog Records to both critical and popular acclaim.

Their live shows, fronted by the charismatic Landis Expandis and guitar-god Warren Boes, have remained one of the most revered on the East Coast, and have established AMS with a diverse and rabid following, ranging from indie-philes to rave cadets to festival freaks. Although their genre defying sounds have drawn comparisons to such disparate acts as Sly and The Family Stone, Frank Zappa and Beck, AMS continue to be one of the few true originals. With their latest offerings, “Music Is Big Business” and All Mighty Senators – Checkered Past, New Tomorrow: Essential AMS (1988 – 2005), AMS have cooked up yet more postmodern musical stew that reveals why they are on the forefront of today’s rapidly evolving music scene.

God Johnson

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Creating epiphanies and preaching from the “gospel of rawk”, God Johnson has been lifting the spirits of its audience for what seems like a glorious eternity. Featuring former Big Wu guitarist, songwriter, and founding member, Jason Fladager, along with a “holy” line up of the Twin Cities’ funkiest players, God Johnson is creating heaven on Earth for the faithful.

Kinetix

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You are Kinetix. It’s 4:00 AM and yet the air hangs heavy at a stifling 92 degrees. The van is idle, slouched on the side of the road courtesy of a flat trailer tire with no spare. It’s been a few days since a proper night’s sleep and if you look to the west and blur your eyes you just might be able to make out the comfort of a bed and the safety of home. What faint moonlight remains, dims to black.

It’s bright now, and time to get in gear. Funny, how when the sun is shining everything else fades away. The van is in motion and carries five sly grins, and it’s easy enough to shake off the daze. The afternoon drifts by and you can feel it, 100 miles east is Bella de Fiore, building itself from the ground up. It’s bubbling, waiting on the final pieces to arrive and set the weekend free. You arrive and step onto the stage, but really you might as well be in the crowd. The lights go up, music rushes through everyone, and it all shines through rock and roll.

You could have turned around, but then, you might never find a love like this again.

O’Fosho

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This band first formed with simple jam sessions between Matt Johnson, Dan Olson and a few sit in bassists. After a couple months of playing shows with on and off again bassists, O’fosho! hooked up with former WBPN bassist, Brant Niemi. Niemi helped the group gain momentum with frequent jams and regular gigs in the Fargo/Moorhead area but was soon not able to fill the spot full-time. With the recent disbandment of another local group, Johnson and Olson confronted bassist Andrew Overby (Classical Chill) and have been able to make more strides since he has joined. O’fosho! recently recorded with Gypsyfoot front man, Nolyn Falcon, and are trying to expand the band within the Dakotas, Minnesota and across the Midwest. O’fosho incorporates a HAVE FUN first vibe at our sho’s and wants to make every sho special and different from the last!

Dead Larry

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A delightful blend of psychedelic rock, dance and funk offers a look into the new generation of musicians and fans. Based out of Iowa City, IA, Dead Larry spreads a positive message to bring out a renewed feeling of passion and hope for anyone who listens. A group of 4 guys in their early twenties, Dead Larry loves to party and encourages the crowd to get up and moving. With a vast range of influences it’s hard to pin down the sound, but comparisons have been made to Modest Mouse, The Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Dead Larry encourages a community of friends and family (known as “The Family of Funky Friends”) that continues to support and grow with Dead Larry throughout their adventures. Touring relentlessly across the country, Dead Larry is a force to be reckoned with.

New Reb

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We are a conscious, Roots Rock/ Hip-Hop band out of Minneapolis, Mn. Started by Drew Misik aka Negative One. Drew started his musical career in the Minneapolis underground Hip-Hop scene in 2003, doing shows over beats played on a CD player.
After being frustrated by the lack of energy created by a CD player, Drew knew that he needed a live band! Thus, Negative One and The New Rebelution was created and after a short while, Drew decided that he wanted to release the Negative One part and just be “The New Rebelution” Since then, The New Rebelution has expanded to a wider spectrum of fans including the Midwest festival scene, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Funk, & Pop music fans and has now become an integral part of the Minneapolis music scene.
The New Rebelution has played 10,000 Lakes Festival, Harvest Festival, Bella Madre Festival, Project Earth Festival and will be expanding more into the greater festival circuit in the summer of 2011. The New Rebelution has shared stages with or worked w/ Matisyahu, Xavier Rudd, Groundation, Culture, Blue King Brown, Trevor Hall, Wookiefoot, The Dirty Heads, Dessa, P.O.S., and many more.

ifdakar

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Ifdakar’s pursuit of musical growth and experimental improvisation create an experience not to be forgotten. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this five piece band has garnered recognition for their live performances, where the band channels elements of psychedelic rock, funk, jazz, and electronica. The result is a mind bending, dance infused, pedal to the metal sound that it is unmistakably their own.

From songs that are tragic, to songs that transcend, Ifdakar showcases an array of improvisational jamming and elaborately structured pieces that are steeped in influences such as Phish, Pink Floyd, Les Claypool, Lotus, STS9 and many others. This spectrum allows for dense musical freedom, to tension-and-release madness.

While working relentlessly to improve every aspect of the band, Ifdakar has been fortunate enough to open for such scene luminaries as EOTO, Xavier Rudd, Kim Manning of Parliament Funkadelic, Willie Waldman, Steve Molitz of Particle and more.

The band has also shared the stage with quality acts such as Family Groove Company, the Coop, the Heavy Pets, the Histronic, Steez, the Hue, Roster McCabe, HeatBox, Down Lo, Elf Lettuce, Bowser, Hyentyte, Moon Boot Posse, Baghdad SCUBA Review, Enchanted Ape, Clovis Mann and many, many others.

As Ifdakar continues to climb the ranks of the Midwest scene, their popularity has started to snowball. Reaching capacity at marquee club shows regularly, the band has begun to make the jump to theaters, picking up numerous new fans along the way. Festival promoters have taken notice, too, as Ifdakar’s festival appearances more than doubled from 2009 to 2010, including a second straight year playing in front of the aforementioned EOTO at the Bella Music Fest in Geneva, Minnesota. 2010 also saw Ifdakar return to headlining duty at the Grateful Garcia Gathering in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, sharing the bill with Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band. Other festival appearances include Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Campout Roots, Fall Roots, Feel Good Festival, Madison’s Harvest Fest, the Prairie Grass Music Fest, Jakefest, the Late Summer Diet Festival and many others.

2010 was undoubtedly a time of growth and success for Ifdakar, which culminated with an Album of the Year nomination for their debut studio effort, On the Edge, by Leeway’s Homegrown Music Network. They have also announced plans to host their own festival, IfdaKamp, in June of 2011.

Ifdakar has found the right formula; band members who refuse to give up, cutting edge original material that begs to be played live, and devoted, dance thirsty fans who are convinced that this band has what it takes. Ifdakar is ready for anything and looks poised to take things to the next level. Their reputation continues to grow positively after each performance. From the intimate audience connections that stir, to the dark and spacey jams that take hold, Ifdakar is about musical dialogue between each other, and their growing audience.

The Limns

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Minneapolis’ Feel Good Island Vibe Rock Band “The Limns” can be summed up in 1 word: Smiles! This applies to both the band and the people in the crowd… you will never see another show with more smiles. Their genre bending high energy shows please any crowd young and old with a mix of Reggae, ska, folk, and rock. The cast of characters that make up “The Limns” are an entertaining eclectic bunch to say the least, with multiple talents such as singing, playing a wide variety of instruments, juggling, unicycle riding, and a barrage of other circus skills. This group of strange but beautiful humans will entertain you at their show, leave their songs stuck in your head, and will still have you smiling the next day.

Useful Jenkins

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Useful Jenkins is a spirited group that mixes campfire mystique along with a driven acoustic rock show. Their music takes you back to the front porch with a jug of shine and a foot stompin good time. The bands original songs are well crafted and will stick in your head long after the show. Their nicely placed cover tunes span their influences which include Yonder Mountain, Grateful Dead, and some traditional bluegrass. This is a show that will make you wanna kick off your shoes and dance away your cares.

Weir, Robinson, & Greene Acoustic Trio

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Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, and Jackie Greene have decided to embark on a very special journey together, and will no doubt be a treat for anyone lucky enough to catch this once in a lifetime performance.

With a touring history that has made him one of the most traveled road musicians of all time and a restless music personality that has kept him occupied for over 50 years, Weir knows a thing or two about staying fresh and living in the moment.

Although best known as one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, adding Dead staples such as “Truckin’,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Cassidy” to the band’s catalog, Weir has sustained a long and affluent music career that is second to none, and has allowed him to do what he loves and share it with others for nearly his entire life.

Chris Robinson is a founding member and the singer of The Black Crowes since their multi-platinum debut “Shake Your MoneyMaker” in 1990. In 2010, the band celebrated their 20 year anniversary.

Robinson’s first solo act, “New Earth Mud,” released their self titled debut in 2002 garnering rave reviews from both critics and fans. Their second album, “This Magnificent Distance” was released in 2004.

The newly formed Chris Robinson Brotherhood was launched in 2011 and has earned a reputation for playing remarkably inspired sets across the country. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood will release their debut recording in 2012.

In a short span of time, Jackie Greene has accomplished what many have strived decades for.  Armed with a voice that turns heads and a near-mastery of several instruments, Greene has recorded seven albums of original work, an EP, DVD, and a recently released book of lyrics.

Constantly touring with his band,  Jackie Greene has built a reputation for eclectic and energetic live shows, earning the respect of critics and musicians across the country.  Dubbed “The Prince Of Americana” by The New York Times, Greene continues to enhance his reputation with his involvement in high profile side projects such as Phil Lesh and Friends and Trigger Hippy.

Robbie K and the Road House Rebels

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The Roadhouse Rebels feat. Robbie Krieger, Rich Robinson, Steve Molitz, John Avila, & Joe Magistro

After meeting on the Los Angeles music scene in the early 2000s, Robby Krieger (The Doors), Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil Lesh & Friends), and John Avila (Oingo Boingo, Mutaytor) have been playing together in various bands for over a decade now. With a mutual love of 60s and 70s soul, psychedelia, and rock’n'roll, the three formed the Roadhouse Rebels, and performed a raucous headlining set at Bella Vida in 2010. The Rebels are proud to announce their return to the Bella stage – this time, welcoming Joe Magistro and Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes) to the Roadhouse.

Legendary Doors guitarist, Robby Krieger, has sold nearly 100 million albums worldwide, and is listed as one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time. He recently released a Grammy nominated solo album entitled Singularity, and he continues to tour with long-time Doors bandmate Ray Manzarek. Robby is also one of the featured guitarists on the 2012 Experience Hendrix tour. For more information, visit: www.rayandrobby.com or www.experiencehendrixtour.com

Rich Robinson is a founding member of The Black Crowes. His songwriting and soulful guitar work have helped the Crowes sell over 30 million albums, and earn a spot on VH1′s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. Rich recently formed a new solo project, Rich Robinson & Crooked Sun, and has been touring extensively in both the U.S. and Europe in support of his new album, Through A Crooked Sun. For more details, visit: richrobinson.net or blackcrowes.com

Keyboardist Steve Molitz is a founding member of Particle, and has played thousands of concerts in the U.S., Asia and Europe with the group since their inception in 2000. Their studio album, Launchpad, was produced by Tom Rothrock (Beck, Moby), and was voted one of the 10 best albums of 2004 by the Associated Press. Molitz expanded his musical horizons in 2004 when he joined Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh’s group, Phil Lesh & Friends, and he handled the keyboard duties for the band’s 2007 and 2008 tours. He is currently composing the score for a video game to be released on X-Box Live’s Kinect platform, and is also currently on tour with Rich Robinson & Crooked Sun. For more info, visit: www.particlepeople.com or follow @stevemolitz or facebook: Steve Molitz

Bassist John Avila was a member of cult sensation Oingo Boingo for over a decade, and helped create the band’s biggest album, Dead Man’s Party. Avila is also a touring member of the high-energy, multi-media group, The Mutaytor, and he has been a vital member of the ground-breaking spectacle Cirque Berzerk since its creation. John has produced countless albums (Reel Big Fish, etc.), and has contributed to several film and television scores (To Die For, Battlestar Galactica, etc.). For more info, visit: facebook: John Avila

Joe Magistro first gained national notoriety as the drummer for 90s power trio Darlahood. After touring and recording with the group, Magistro eventually launched a solo career as Prophet Omega. After signing with Capitol Records, Prophet Omega released The Natural World, which featured Magistro playing nearly all the instruments. More recently, Magistro has been lending his talents to The Black Crowes, touring as the group’s percussionist. Joe has also toured and recorded extensively with Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, and he’s currently on tour with Rich Robinson & Crooked Sun. For more information, visit: facebook: Joe Magistro

Fans of the Roadhouse Rebels can expect to hear a fresh takes on all The Doors classics, some of the Rich Robinson & Crooked Sun favorites, as well as a handful of soul and rock covers from the 60s and 70s. Although the band’s roots are planted strongly in songwriting, they leave plenty of room for improvisation and sonic exploration. This appearance at Bella Fiore is the first appearance of this incarnation of the Roadhouse Rebels featuring Robinson on lead vocals, but fans can also expect to see the group in Colorado, California, and beyond later this year…

Big Gigantic

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Big Gigantic is the brainchild of Boulder, Colorado’s own saxophonist/producer, Dominic Lalli, and drummer, Jeremy Salken. Conceived in 2008, the duo found their niche and created a name for themselves in the electronic music scene. By combining vibrant jazz melodies over pulsating dance beats, Big Gigantic delivers an innovative, distinct sound that’s all their own.

As a testament to their timeliness and unique melody, Big Gigantic has made a profound impact on the jamtronica landscape. From playing modest gigs around Colorado, to instantaneously headlining shows throughout the country and hitting major festivals, Big Gigantic showcases an amplified array of compositions that combine elements of a DJ and live band that leaves fans from coast to coast anticipating more.

Between the band’s debut album, Fire It Up, and their EP, Wide Awake, Big Gigantic has had over 70,000 downloads to date. With their highly anticipated sophomore album, A Place Behind the Moon, debuting September 2010 on 1320 Records, the two-man sound machine continue to magnify their reach and reputation with a future that shows no signs of slowing down.

EOTO

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BIO: Throbbing bass and thudding beats are the signatures of this project from drummers Michael Travis and Jason Hann. Born out of their shared love of electronic dance music, EOTO’s M.O. is to take the free-wheeling party vibe of a DJ set to the next level by using organic instruments, innovative performance technology, and uncharted musical exploration. Live drums, guitars, and keys, and vocals are mixed, remixed, and sampled on the fly using cutting-edge programs. This is all done without a script, and without a net.