Forward Music Festival Preview – High Places

FRIDAY SEPT 19, 2008 – 9pm Majestic Theatre

We are certainly among those looking forward to the upcoming Forward Music Festival and hoping that it gets a lot of support from Madison area music fans. It should be great fun to run around between venues and check out a lot of bands. One of the performances that I’m planning to catch is High Places.

High Places is a collaboration of Mary Pearson and Rob Barber. The two met while Mary was completing a music degree in bassoon performance and Rob was teaching lithography and etching at an art school. Both were performing as solo musicians at the time.

Since its inception, High Places has gravitated toward a love of layers, and it is this affinity for layering that has thus far defined the duo, both in ideas and instrumentation. They have created a signature sound out of using bass-heavy, yet crisp beats, lilting vocal melodies, syncopated rhythmic lines performed on folk percussion instruments, guitar duets turned into treated samples, and percussive lines created from the manipulation of household objects.

High Places’ self-titled debut album (Thrill Jockey Records) was recorded by Rob and Mary in their Brooklyn apartment between January and May of this year. The album emphasizes the themes of goodness manifested in nature, and hardship and wonder as necessities to human existence and growth. Additionally, High Places accent the idea of maturation and development through the recurring mention of trees and their extending, enveloping branches.

I like what I’ve heard from this band – and I’m looking forward to seeing them at the Majestic!
I hope to see you there, too – Mister Bill

Listen to a few tracks at: myspace.com/hellohighplaces