Red Baraat at The Annex, July 13, 2010
Fusing staccato bhangra beats of the dhol with funky, soul-filled horns, New York City’s Red Baraat were in town a couple of weeks ago to treat us to some DnB of a different kind. The band claims to be the first and only dhol ‘n’ brass in the States and recreates (with a twist) the music, mood and excitement generated by a marching band that leads a Hindu wedding procession. Baraat is the Hindi word for a marriage procession… somewhat akin to a New Orleans second line. The hour and a half long, high energy set was perfect for a mid-week’s night of dancing with the band providing helpful tips to get some bhangra action going on the dance floor. It is a pity that folks did not show up in numbers that would be more along the lines of a shaadi (wedding). Well, we are hoping the band is back in town this Fall for some more of the percussion-horn-dholki combo, when the baraatis are back in town from summer break.
One eskimO, a four piece indie pop group out of London, England were in town for a well attended mid-week performance at the Majestic. The band’s music is melodic, dreamy pop, with rich sonic layers of electronic loops, samples and percussion overlaid on the acoustic base of the songs. The live show also featured a projection of silent animation videos structured around the group’s songs that feature One eskimO, an adventurous young man seeking his place in the universe and accompanied on his adventure by his bandmates, Giraffe, Monkey, and Penguin. Highlights of the evening for me included the songs “Chocolate” and “Kandi” (featuring an indelible chorus sampled from Candi Staton’s classic “He Called Me Baby”), both from the band’s self titled album 
(get it online here or from your local record store)… and some pictures from the evening.
One of my favorites and standing tall amidst the new crop of folk/country/Americana artists, Justin Townes Earle was on a whirlwind trip through town to play a short but sweet set at the Union Terrace this past Saturday. The large crowds that had gathered at the lakefront to view the July 4th fireworks display had diminished to a degree, but there were plenty of fans and curious hanger-on’s (he is the son of Steve Earle, literally Nashville royalty!) to see and hear the not yet turned 30 junior Earle perform. And perform he does! With an endearing stage presence, sharp wit and fashionable attire, Justin Townes Earle’s songbook covers old folk standards (‘John Henry’) and newer material (‘Mama’s Eyes’ from last year’s Midnight At The Movies) with equal measures of grace and zest. A magical voice coupled with a fine finger picking style of guitar play, JTE puts the heart and soul back in folk and country music. We’ll be seeing more of him soon as Harlem River Blues, Justin Townes Earle’s much-anticipated new record (supposedly with a more bluesy, grimier sound than the previous production), hits stores in September this year. We’ll keep you posted!
Milwaukee’s Kings Go Forth were in town just a couple of weeks ago with a show at the Union Terrace. This 10 piece funk and soul orchestra put on an explosive live show and had the packed crowd at the Terrace sweating it up on a sultry summer night on the lake. The band recently came out with their debut album The Outsiders Are Back on the acclaimed Luaka Bop label… good stuff! The band was co-founded by bassist Andy Noble (who till recently ran the record store Lotus Land in Milwaukee) and vocalist Black Wolf, and includes two other lead vocalists, a horn trio and congas, in addition to a full rhythm section. The band will be back in town for this year’s Orton Park Festival on August 29th for another outdoor concert, and it’s free! So no excuses for not showing up! Meanwhile some pictures from the show at the Union…
