My best shows from 2010… part 2
An overdue wrap-up of a great 2010 for music… here’s part two of the “My Best of 2010” posts…
Beats and treats on the ‘lectronic music front were aplenty at Movement 2010 with some of my favorite DJ’s and artists performing at this year’s festival.
Robert Hood, Movement, Detroit – Minimal God. And what a sweaty mess I was at the end of his set… The party was underground for this one, and Rob Hood shaped his sound to manic effect in the dark, dungeony sounding Made in Detroit stage.
Moritz Van Oswald Trio and Carl Craig, Movement, Detroit – The quartet created a sonic wonderwall with layers upon layers of spectral sounds tweaked from banks of oscillators, keyboards and analog devices… it was wet and rainy outside, but super chill vibes under the tent canopy.
Derrick May, Movement, Detroit – Crazy, crazy Derrick on the decks… hidden away in a small tent, pouring rain outside, and raising steam by the tables… yes it was steamy, fogged lenses and all, and this is outside, with no walls! You can see Mr. May wipe the sweat and moisture off the wax…
Stacey Pullen – Cannot forget the killer set in the rain by Mr Pullen… while most people took a break from the rain and the action in the bowl, Stacey spun some sweet magic on the decks. Rain jackets on and camera safely stashed away, we danced to some of the most funky techno we had heard in a while.
There were plenty of other great techno acts at Detroit this year including Agoria, DJ Sneak, Kenny Larkin, Punisher, Chris Liebing, Claude VonStroke, Kraak and Smaak, DJ Cassy. Worth mentioning are Marco Carola’s fabulous set at the after party at Vain, and Kevin Saunderson and crew keeping the party going at the Center Street Social till it was time for breakfast the next day!
Coco Rosie @ The Barrymore – Sisters Bianca “Coco” and Sierra “Rosie” Casady brought their show to town in June last year and played to an almost sold out theater. Haunting vocals, lyrics that made you sing along, a beat-boxer extraordinaire, and candy colored projections made for a beautiful night of music.
Cowboy Junkies @ The Majestic – long time favorites and my first chance to see them live. Sit down show at the Majestic, sold out long before the day of show, and with a line forming hours before the doors were to open… it was all worth it to hear Margo Timmins beautiful voice with her brothers and Alan Anton playing out those hushed melodies.
Carolina Chocolate Drops @ The Orton Park Festival – An act that had Madisonians talking about it for months after, with over 7,000 people cramming in front of the stage to catch the Carolina’s put on a spectacular showcase of old tyme folk, country and blues. The band is going to be back in town in April this year for a show at The Barrymore. Don’t miss it!
I would be remiss not to mention some of the very talented and accomplished musicians from the Madison area who kept things cooking at home.
Flight @ The Crystal Corner – Lead singer Jentri Colello’s voice is like whiskey-soaked tobacco, seductive and bold, and the band is a perfect compliment creating music that gently hooks the listener, drawn in to lush sound-stage and cascading layers of rhythm. We are waiting to
Steez @ High Noon Saloon – Local creep funk outfit is probably the savviest of all local bands when it comes to marketing and promoting gigs… it shows with the packed dance floors at every single one of their gigs I have attended. The band have been perfecting their blend of jam-band aesthetics with a funk-rock sound for the past couple of years and their live shows have continued to thrill the dance music fan.
Elf Lettuce @ High Noon Saloon – The band might well be categorized in the jam band genre but there are no complaints from this corner of the dance floor. Whether it is a Grateful Dead cover or one of their original pieces, Elf Lettuce is sure to have you wanting more, perhaps even make a lettuce lover out of you!
