February 26, 2005
Jump Little Children - Chattanooga - Fathom
Jump Little Children
Eclectic, Variety of Musical Instruments, Happy Catchy
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Music is often just an expected output, a drummer, a bass player, a guitar or two... But for a few bands, this expected definition is not what is found. They may produce a sound which would seem not to distant from the main pack, but there production is much different. This is true of the group Jump, or Jump Little Children. With use of the accordion, stand up bass, cello; among many other instruments; it is obvious this isn't your average band.
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Jump, composed of five very talented unique individuals, always can be expected to put on an interesting show. Is this because their unique sound, or because of there unique members?
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That is a good question. But once you have seen them you will know that it is a combination of all of the above. Most all the members are rather low key, with the exception of Matt Bivens. He a very eccentric type is sure to entertain. It is apparent that he is becoming one with the music while on stage.
The only way to truly understand what we are stating is to see the band live. And this show was a perfect example of what to expect. While not at your normal Venue (Fathom is usually the home of Christian bands). The band made use of the Venue well. Cathedrals seemed quiet at home here, and Matt almost mocked the Venue which touted a church on Sundays with the slogan "Church that Doesn't Suck". The following are a couple of songs to help you get an idea of the excitement this band can create on stage. That may be an upright bass and accordion, but you can still rock out with them.
Jump Little Children - Vertigo
Also it should be noted that the singing is shared by both the main vocalist, Jay Clifford, and the eccentric Type Matt. Jay's vocals are straightforward, while Matt's are more a mixture of poetic rap... it is often hard to hear his southern roots through his accent.
And the show also reminds individuals that Jump Little Children has Irish roots too. While they are all from the South... Because of an early room mate in college, and there early tours in Ireland, they always have a hint of their Celtic Heritage.
Watch a clip of Matt playing the Irish Pipe
In the end it was a great set list, covering all albums, including a forth coming album Between the Glow and the Light, a continuation of the album Between the Dim and the Dark. The group is still out supporting these two last efforts catch these hard working fellows in your hometown.
Full Set list:
1: Overkill
2: Dim and Dark
3: Hold You Down
4: Broken Heart Education
5: Habit
6: Violent Dreams
7: Vertigo
8: Mexico
9: Singer
10:Stained like Statues (From Between the Glow and the Light)
11:Rains in Asia
12:Cathedrals
13:Pink Lemonade
14:All Those Days are Gone
15:Not Today
16:Body Parts
Encore:
17:Irish Jig
18:Dancing Virginia
Posted by itzjerm at 11:06 PM | Comments (3)
August 11, 2004
Polyphonic Spree - Nashville - Uptown Mix
The Polyphonic Spree
Unique, Joyful, Diverse, Talented, Dedicated
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There are few things which you will ever experience in life like a Polyphonic Spree Concert. The exception being if you are in a strange cult like happy religion... or if you were a flower child of the 60's with a lot of musically talented friends.
Polyphonic Spree headed to Nashville for a performance on a Rainy Wednesday this August. Fortunately the rain just limited the crowd, and letup right at the beginning of the concert. Maybe this was because it was known that they would end with the Classic, Here Comes the Sun... where the band sings in unison looking heavenward, as if the sun is there only hope (even though it is the middle of the night).
But there is no other live band that has a performance of the polyphonic spree. Over 25 people singing in unison, playing ever instrument you can imagine, (even the violin)creating true psychedelic excitement! There is no way you can stand at one of these concerts and not be happy (and also have the desire to just close your eyes and start spinning, dancing, jumping in unexplained jubilation... jubilation just to be alive!)
Playing songs mainly from Together We're Heavy, the band also hit other popular favorites such as Soldier Girl. The total performance lasted well over one and a half hours.
The most memorable moment of it all though, is not the jumping praising antics of the lead singer, the memorable flashy bright colored robes, not even the united swaying of the chorus section (9 people sang together in the chorus). No one thing will last in your mind. The harp player... that is....The head banging performance of the harp player. I have never ever ever seen someone rock out so hard on such a large stringed instrument. Kudos to you rocking harp man!
And beware... just when you think everyone is happy and joyful. Well, a close look to the drum section hiding in the back finds a strong beating anger that creates just enough tension to keep things going in the band.
If you get a chance to see these people definitely check them, you'll love the evening, and actually wish you were one of them. Because, well they just look like they are having fun!
Posted by itzjerm at 12:09 AM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2004
Mason Jennings - Nashville - Exit Inn
Mason Jennings
True Artist, Love of Music Displayed, Personable Show
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Well we had the opportunity to take in a Mason Jennings show. And a nice relaxing show it was. Mason Jennings is a modern Bob Dylan of sort, focusing on his song writing in a lyrical fashion... then creating music with a folk sound - tempo. However its not folk in the standard fashion as much of the music even goes to the point of having a punk sound sometimes.
The show was a solid performance with clear strait forward presentation. Mason covered songs from his 3 last albums, with focus on his latest. He is truly a hard working artist, having been in the business since 14, his love for music more than performance is seen at the show. Not flamboyant or explosive, the concert is about the music first foremost and really... only.
Not my usual first pick... but after experiencing it, I truly recommend the experience. Check out a couple of clips from the show:
We also sat down for an interview with Mason after the show. Since we have it recorded, simply enjoy his answers to the following questions, instead of me misconstruing what he said...
Mason Jennings a real nice down to earth guy, go see him in concert next time he's in your area.
Posted by itzjerm at 09:52 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2004
Snow Patrol - Washington DC - 9:30 Club
Snow Patrol
True Passion, Unexpected Total Energy, Tight Set
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So lets say you drive to Washington DC, as a wedding photographer... its late, but you hear Snow Patrol is playing at one of the coolest Venues in DC... What are you gonna do?
Well go to the Midnight show of course, then get 3 hours of sleep and drive home.
Snow Patrol played the 9:30 club in DC Saturday Night. It was amazing but we arrived only minutes before they got on stage, and found few there... We walked right up to the stage ... close as you could get (as you see in the shots!).
What we were in for, was musical greatness! If you've never heard of the snow patrol... well you need to check them out, they are a great Indie Pop/Rock band with an energetic floating ambient sound. Confusing? Indeed.
But when you see them(and As I must say you have to...) You'll be amazed. So much energy is poured out on the stage. You would think you were watching a really hard band, but actually they are quiet mello! Hard to believe when you watch how much they get into their music.
Also of note: I've never seen a band member cry on stage, but the base player teared up and started crying during one song. Now that's passion for your music.
But also sad, was he had taped down on the stage the lyrics for 3 songs... and we watched him read the lyrics for at least one of them. Guess its for when he goes blank (been there relate to that). But after the show, I got those lyrics, and a pic...
He told us he was enjoying his US tour, and how much better the DC crowd was than the Atlanta crowd. Hopefully they'll get some coverage in the states because these guys have a ton of talent!
Anyways, check them out while they grace the states, a unique opportunity that you must take! And if you missed them, they said they'd be back this fall, Mark your calendar!
Watch a Clip of the show (set to the song Wow...) (my camera had no audio
Posted by itzjerm at 03:46 AM | Comments (10)
April 15, 2004
Pedro the Lion - Birmingham - Workplay Theater
Pedro The Lion
Calming Excitement, Dedication, Personal
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The Misconstrued Team headed Down To Birmingham to enjoy a Pedro the Lion/Death Cab for Cutie Show. We sat down a bit with Pedro the Lion to learn more about the band.
The concert was superb. If you aren't familiar with Pedro the Lion they are a mellow indie rock band. Termed emo sometimes, it would be on the calm non temperamental scale of folk emo music.
Those songs played among others included: (Links to video clips have audio trouble (since I dropped the camera).)
When They Really Get to Know You they will Run
Penetration
New Song from Achilles' Heel
Just Talking about Birmingham/another tour name Paperback
New Song from Achilles' Heel
Foregone Con
Big Trucks
Rapture
Criticism
David Bazan the mastermind of Pedro the Lion, is just a down to earth nice guy, with a thinking head on his shoulders. His concern and sincerity is seen in his music and shows.
Bazan is the only central part to a group that has been made up of over 30 people over the last 4 albums of release. However, based on this it is obvious who is the cohesive force of the group.
We were able to get some time with David Bazan (Lead Singer/Band Leader), as well as Tim Walsh (Drums).
Listen to the Interview on the Interview Section.
Posted by itzjerm at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2003
Rasputina - Atlanta - Echo Lounge
Metroscene
Joyful Pop Rock, Good Symetry, Quickly Catchy
Rasputina
Gloom Joy, Unique, Laughably Serious
There is no group on the planet today playing music like Rasuptina. Saturday night Rasputina played the Echo Lounge with Metroscene. The Echo Lounge is basically a hole in the wall. What does that mean? A small venue, but expect them to pack the folks in this place. Yet despite the lack of an ideal setting, the show was stellar.
Metroscene is a local Atlanta band, which sounds anything except as if they are from Atlanta. There sound is very European Pop Rock in sound. Not what you would truly expect for a Rasputina opener… but then again what would you expect? Their songs were very tight, and listenable. A talented group which unfortunately have never gotten the recognition they deserve.
After a short pause, and setup, Rasputina hit the stage. There is no performance on the planet quiet like Rasputina. To grasp this you must see them live, but basically it is the environment they create. A surreal environment, one which the year is 1901, the world is rather dark and gloomy, and everyone is wearing dresses from the 16th to 17th century.
But what else would you expect from a group such as this? For in fact, they are playing good alternative rock on Cellos. That’s correct, two cellos and a drummer, that is all this band entails. The end result is a unique sound with almost a dancing vibe. Imagine a classical concert in 1901 with a sense of where techno would be 100 years later. Beyond this unique music, the lead singer, Melora Creager, tells stories and jokes in a very proper manner: adding to the strange mood created. The stories may be about people as pioneers trying to struggle to survive a winter, or about love found and lost. But they are stories. Not sung, just stories between each song.
If you have ever missed Rasputina, that is correct you are missing out. Make sure you see them on there next round of shows.
Posted by itzjerm at 08:29 AM | Comments (1)