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Elder
Wu-Tang Statesman Goes Deep In the early '80s, the Japanese introduced a now classic anime series to the US entitled Fist of the Northstar. Self-described as a "post-apocalyptic splatter fest," it followed the martial arts battles that ensued between the hero, Kenshiro Kasumi, and his archenemy, Shin. Kenshiro had a friend named Rei who practiced the South Star Waterfowl Fist style of fighting where he could use his hands as blades and slice up his enemies. As quick as lightning, Ray would jump at his enemies, make slashing motions with his hands, and land on the ground unscathed. The villain would then turn around and face Rei, grinning cluelessly, then all of a sudden begin to fall apart.
If you're familiar with the GZA (aka Gary Grice), his history as a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan as well as his solo career, then you'll know how in a quick four bars the GZA can employ a number of heady lyrical devices to assert his dominance over any MC. Like Ray, the GZA leaves the competition absolutely unaware that they've just been beheaded. His words slice like knives through the air in blunt "WUs!" only to leave all adversaries with the "TANG!," the sound of the blade hitting their necks. I caught up with the GZA in Olympia, Wash., where we talked about everything from his new album Grandmasters (which was co-created with DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill) to the future of the Wu-Tang Clan. As calm as the most disciplined of Shaolin monks, the GZA explained how after a certain point, the record labels stop putting the same amount of promotion into his records that they used to. "Wu-Tang as a group, we haven't been on TV or radio for years. But we still attract multitudes of people. We still have a hardcore fanbase," the GZA says. "Major labels will tell you it's you. But you know it's not you 'cause you still got those fans out there. People are still die-hard Wu-Tang fans," he continues. When asked about the popularity of all the flossy rappers out there now, he replies, "Some things is just not important to me." Attributing some of that popularity in part to the changing face of the rap world, he explains that he was never willing to compromise his style to make money or please the jiggy masses. "Cars is not important. If I'm writing a rhyme that mentions a car, I say the car or the vehicle. I keep it simple. I don't name call. I can tell you how expensive the car was without actually telling you it was a Bentley. I can still describe it in a visual way." Grandmasters sounds like a truly classic Wu-Tang album, resurrecting that eerie Wu sound circa 1993. Muggs digs deep into the Clan's aesthetic, crafting repetitive beats that are as compelling and grimy as the creepiest of RZA tracks. Pulling from a bag of clever metaphors as deep as the Atlantic Ocean, the GZA weaves tales so thick and cinematic, a simple one-time listen will only graze the surface of the story. I don't care if you're into Sage Francis or 50 Cent … don't be an asshole and sleep on one of the most dominant MCs of all time. See the GZA.
The
Art of Noise
As anyone who's seen Stomp! can attest, anything can be a musical instrument. In 1993, the sons of the founder of a bankrupt Japanese vacuum tube manufacturer converted the factory into what they called an "art unit," and used whatever parts they could find to construct bizarre noise machines that looked like hybrids between drums, guitars or pianos and, uh, fish. Eventually, they used the factory — named Maywa Denki — to build toys, musical instruments, sculptures, fashion accessories and other hard to classify art objects, as well as producing videos, recordings and more. In the process, they've also constructed a unique amalgam of performance art, visual art, music, and humor. On Friday, Nov. 18, you can experience the phenomenon for yourself when Maywa Denki appears live at The Shedd. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is also hosting an exhibition of Maywa Denki objects through Nov. 29, and a free public lecture by the brothers on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The Shedd hosts some more conventional yet no less compelling music on Friday, Nov. 11 when the finest living traditional jazz clarinetist, Ken Peplowski, brings his radiant tone to town for the seventh time. Peplowski (who's also accomplished on tenor and alto sax) has recorded with everyone from Mel Torme to Hank Jones, and won plenty of awards. He'll be joined by the Emerald City Jazz Kings in a program that shows the evolution (or maybe we have to say intelligent design) of big band jazz. Eugene is lucky to get visits by so many terrific Celtic musicians. The latest is Chulrua, which plays traditional music of Ireland at Cozmic Pizza on Nov. 16. Fronted by two-button accordion master Paddy O'Brien, who has collected literally thousands of old Irish jigs, reels and other tunes and preserved them for future generations, the band also holds a couple other Pats: singer/guitarist Pat Egan and fiddler Patrick Ourceau. On Nov. 13, Cozmic again hosts Bat Makumba, which creates a rocking stew of ska, samba, forro and other Brazilian sounds. Mozart, Tchaikovsky ... isn't this the last Oregon Mozart Players program? Oops, no, it's the Eugene Symphony, which is bringing Ignat Solzhenitsyn to the Hult Center to conduct the orchestra in Tchaikovsky's first symphony and a Mozart opera overture. He'll also be the soloist in Mozart's cheery Piano Concerto #19, which was one of the composer's own favorites; he wrote the solo part to play himself and even took it on tour. The Hult also hosts a panoply of UO music ensembles on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 13, in a varied program that boasts a world premiere and other 20th and 21st century music, as well as the finale of Beethoven's Symphony #9. Flute professor Nancy Andrew will join a sextet of violinists in the premiere of UO prof Robert Kyr's "Pure Silver." UO electronic music professor Jeffrey Stolet composed the music for "Ghost String," which will feature UO student dancers. The university's Dance Africa company will perform "Koukou," choreographed by director Rita Honka. The Oregon Percussion Ensemble will play the West Coast premiere of Christopher Deane's "Vespertine Formations," while the Oregon Wind Ensemble will perform the Concerto for Wind Orchestra by Colin McPhee, who was influenced by music from Bali. The University Singers will join a double brass choir for Daniel Pinkham's "Sinfonia Sacra," and there'll be much more, including jazz in the lobby. The UO brings the most interesting and exploratory sounds to town, but it's often overlooked by non-university types. So this potpourri production provides a welcome and affordable (tickets are $5 and $10) way for the rest of the town to experience the rich variety of sounds and styles that emanate from the campus every term. Just look at what's happening on campus this month. • Nov. 15: Ghanaian pianist William Chapman Nyaho plays music of the African Diaspora, including Jamaica, Nigeria, the US and others. • Nov. 18: Collegium Musicum plays 17th and 18th-century music for free at 5 pm at Collier House. • Nov. 19: At noon, the New Frontiers Chamber Symphony (composed of top regional musicians) will premiere three brand new orchestral works at Beall Hall: "Mirages" by Paul Hembree, "Autumnal Spring" by Brian Johnson and "Viola Concerto" by Justin Armstrong. That evening, guest artist Scott Wyatt brings three electroacoustic works to room 198 of the music school, including one in memory of Chernobyl victims and another inspired by email from a reporter sent to Iraq that includes video. • Nov. 20: Cellist Steven Pologe (with colleagues on piano and violin) plays music by the UO's Victor Steinhardt and more 20th century music. That evening at 6:30, the choir Sospiro sings early (12th century through Renaissance) and late (new sounds by UO composers) music in another free show at Collier House. • Nov. 21: Wayne Bennett plays 20th century chamber music featuring clarinet, including Bartok's gorgeous "Contrasts." • Nov. 22: Collier House hosts yet another free show, featuring still more 20th century chamber music by Ravel, Ligeti, Schoenberg, Villa Lobos and more.
So Good It's a Crime It seems strange to call Spinning Hearts In Perpetual Orbit a debut CD, considering that The Crimes of Ambition have been on the scene since guitarist/songwriter Juan Camacho and drummer Maya Chernobyl mutually admired each other way back in 1999. But the band has finally immortalized itself into the digital age with a perfect antidote for all the spineless, strength-sapping wimp pop I'm trying so hard to avoid these days. I want a band that takes a stand both musically and philosophically. That makes me care what they have to say, but doesn't explain everything for me. That sounds raw and hungry without seeming like they're starving to death. That reminds me of the energy and attitude of early punk but doesn't mimic any band I can recognize. That can turn a chord into a surrealist painting … OK, enough! But you should know that this CD is damn good, and the CD release show will be too. Rounded out by bassist Terri Parrish and singer Lisa Blue, Crimes have morphed their gritty pasts (Camacho is ex-Detonators and Los Mex Pistols), political idealism (Lenin and Lennon), and search for truth (Chernobyl extensively studied philosophy) into a satisfyingly cerebral sonic barrage. The Crimes of Ambition play at 9:30 pm Friday, Nov. 11 at the Black Forest. No cover. —Vanessa Salvia
Hit the 'Jr.' Gong He's not the Marley who led the Melody Makers to multiple Grammys and was the voice of Ernie the Rastafarian jellyfish in Pixar's Shark Tale: That's Ziggy. He's not the Marley who has produced Billboard top tens: That's Stephen. He's not the Marley who sang the Jamaican National Anthem at the 1998 World Cup: That's Ky-Mani. He's not the Marley who cut his first demo tape at age five: That's Julian. He's not the Marley who played football at the University of Miami and is married to Lauryn Hill: That's Rohan.
But Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley is the Marley with an album that opened at number seven on the Billboard charts in September, the Marley who's been opening for U2 arena shows across North America, and the Marley who will be playing at the McDonald Theatre on Nov. 17. But he does have a Grammy, in case you were wondering. Damian is the youngest of Bob Marley's 11 children. He is the son of Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976. (And yes, that means, "He's striking. He's very handsome," says Reggae on the River founder Carol Bruno.) Damian was only two years old when Bob died, but by then the musical seeds had been sown. Damian's success is by no means nepotism. By winning a Grammy for Halfway Tree in 2001 and with the commercial success of this year's Welcome to Jamrock, he's shown his dancehall beats and socially-conscious lyrics resonate with critics and the masses. Jamrock sold 86,000 copies its first week, breaking the record for first-week reggae sales. It features Nas, Bobby "Humpin' Around" Brown, and Black Thought of the Roots. But it wasn't hip hop star power that made this album a hit. Damian's lyrics are unapologetically scathing; he talks about the myths depicting Jamaica as a tropical paradise, the ignorance of tourists who visit the island nation and the shocking levels of poverty in Kingston and beyond. There's no doubt he's more than just a surname. "We did a show with him in San Francisco, and it was powerful. [Damian] was up there with his brother Stephen, and it had the feel of Bob Marley," says Pharcyde founder Tre Hardson. "Then Damian took it to the next level." Damian Marley plays at 8 pm Thursday, Nov. 17 at the McDonald Theatre. $21 adv/$22 dos.— Tim O'Rourke
Moon Landing This one time, in 1966, my band and I were trying to get to Canada to avoid the draft after we got told to "piss off" at a gig in San Francisco and all we had to eat were onions that we stole from farms along the way to Portland where we scored a show and I met my future wife who worked at the venue. And then my head exploded.
None of this actually happened to me, but it is the true story of guitarist Fred Cole and his wife/bassist Troody who, along with drummer Andrew Loomis, would later form Dead Moon. The old-school rock 'n' roll band went on to independently record and release over 30 LPs and live albums and became a touring sensation in Europe. Currently, they own and operate the Tombstone Music Store in Portland. Saturday Dead Moon will grace Eugene's favorite small town neighbor, Cottage Grove, with a live performance at a new all-ages venue called The Crow's Nest. Owner Kim Johnson opened the venue in January with the idea of offering teenagers a healthy place to hang out. "I needed that when I was growing up and there's not much around," she says. "I have a daughter who's 13 who has a bunch of friends and no place to go. It's important to me that there's a place for them to be exposed to music." There aren't many venues in southern Oregon that attract bands touring the West Coast. There aren't many this big either. Johnson says the place can hold as many as 1,000 people in its three rooms, with a 300-500 person capacity in the stage room. The renovation is a continuing process but The Crow's Nest welcomes all bands coming through the area. "I'm interested in making the venue available to traveling bands, both underground and over ground," Johnson says. Dead Moon is the first big name band to play at The Crow's Nest, an important step in the venue's growth. The band has been a major influence in rock from Pearl Jam to Nirvana and has continued to release new material through 2004. Dead Moon plays at 8 pm Saturday, Nov. 12. The Crow's Nest is located at 519 Main St., Cottage Grove. $7-$22 sliding scale. — Danny Cross
THURSDAY NOV. 10 BADA BING'S Family Karaoke with Jared the Karaoke Guy—6 THE COOLER Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke COUNTRY SIDE The Zulu Alliance—8; Blues COZMIC PIZZA Marty Baggen Project—7:30 DIABLO'S La80s night—10; '80s and requests DISH The Leopold Quartet—7:30; Jazz DOWNTOWN LOUNGE Parks and Recreation, Snow Drift—10 DUCK INN Ben Coleman's Karaoke—9 EMERALD CITY COFFEE HOUSE Psy Joda—6; Acoustic folk JAXX Gaia Tribe—10; House, breaks JAZZ STATION Brook Adams & HIs Swingin' Marmalukes—7:30 JO FEDERIGO'S Jo Fed's All Star Jazz Jam Session—9 JOGGER'S DJ Tekneek—10; Hip hop, R&B JOHN HENRY'S '80s Night w/Chris, Jenn and John—10 LUCKEY'S The Dimes, Anaura—10; Rock LUNA Toby Koenigsberg Trio Jazz Jam—6:30 MAC'S AT THE VET'S Mac's & Mo's Jamm O'DONNELL'S DJs-B-Us: Tim—9 OVERTIME GRILL West Side Blues Jam—8 PERUGINO Old-time jam—7:30; Appalachian ROCK 'N' RODEO Ladies' Night w/ DJs Jon-Michael & Tony T—9; Country, rock, top 40 SAM BOND'S The Cottage Industry—8:30; Locksley—11 SAM'S PLACE Bingo Night TAP 'N' KEG DJ Rick—9:30; Hip hop TAYLOR'S Ladies' Night w/ DJ Tekneek & Friends TINY TAVERN Open mic w/ Adam, Evil Eve and Jesse—9 WORLD CAFÉ The Keystoners—7; Folk, rock WOW HALL Anthony B, Soul Majestic—9:30; Reggae
FRIDAY NOV. 11 BADA BING'S Mr. Wizard—9:30 BLUE LUNA Nathaniel—6; DJ Pristine & Article Infinity—10 CHARLIE MAC'S Steppin' Out—9 CLUB TSUNAMI DJ Tekneek & DJ Smuv—10; Old school vs. new school Hip hop COUNTRY SIDE Roughstock COUNTRYSIDE PIZZA The Zulu Alliance—9 COZMIC PIZZA Robert & Chris Dillon—6:30; Dahman Beck Band—8:30 DIABLO'S DJ Gen.Erik & Supa J—10; Hip hop DOWNTOWN LOUNGE Phamous Phaces, Kiki—10 EMBERS Michael Anderson Trio feat. Diana Harris—9; Country, rock EMERALD CITY COFFEE HOUSE Doc Justice & Friends—7; Folk, bluegrass, blues JAXX Under the Table DJs—10; Hip hop, turntablism JAZZ STATION Eva Bagno Quartet—7:30; Vocal jazz JO FEDERIGO'S Kristen Chandler Quartet w/ performance painter Mika Holtzinger—9 JOGGER'S Club Motion w/ DJ Ty—9:30; Hip hop, R&B, 80s & more JOHN HENRY'S The GZA, Swollen Members, I Self Devine, Money Shot—9; Hip hop LATITUDE 10 Ken Silverman—5; Piano
LUCKEY'S The Village Green, Man of the Year, The Fast Computers—10; Rock, indie LUNA Jon Fiori Quintet—9; Jazz MAC'S AT THE VET'S J.C. Rico & Zulu Dragon—9:30; Blues, soul MCSHANE'S Ginger Hustlers, Todd Tucholke—10; Psychedelic rock O'DONNELL'S DJs-B-Us: Tim—9 OREGON WINE WAREHOUSE Larry Pattis—6; Acoustic guitar OVERTIME The Cheeseburgers—8:30 PEABODY'S The Survivors—8:30; Classic rock ROCK 'N' RODEO DJs Jon-Michael & Tony T—9; Country, rock, top 40 SAM BOND'S Animalcule—9:30; Jam rock SAM'S PLACE Bluntpoint and guests SHER'S ELDORADO Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke TAP 'N' KEG DJ Isaac—9:30; Retro TINY TAVERN Tractor Operator, Dan Jones, Ed Cole—10 TRACKSTIRS Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke WORLD CAFÉ The Conjugal Visitors, Tribal Belly Dancin' Troupe—7; Appalachian twang WOW HALL Amos Lee, Mutlu—8; Singer-songwriters
SATURDAY NOV. 12 AX BILLY Group Therapy—8 BADA BING'S Mr. Wizard—9:30 BLUE LUNA Nathaniel—6; DJ Kal-El—10 CHARLIE MAC'S DJ Dance Night—9 CLUB TSUNAMI DJ Tekneek—10:30; Hip hop, R&B COUNTRY SIDE Fantasty Males—7; male revue; Roughstock—10 COUNTRYSIDE PIZZA The Survivors—9; Classic rock, variety COZMIC PIZZA Jose Cruz Salsa Dance—8:30 DOWNTOWN LOUNGE Changer, Run Run Run—10; Rock DIABLO'S The Vinyl Pimpz—10; House DUCK INN Ben Coleman's Karaoke—9 EMBERS Michael Anderson Trio feat. Diana Harris—9; Country, rock EMERALD CITY COFFEE HOUSE Stephan Mockli—7; Folk, jazz JAXX Default—10; Hip hop JAZZ STATION Unit 13—7:30; Guitar jazz JO FEDERIGO'S JC Rico—9 JOE'S Ladies' Night w/ VJ Trey—10; '70s, '80s & '90s JOGGER'S Club Motion w/ VJ Ty—9:30; All-video Hip hop, R&B, 80s & more JOHN HENRY'S Capgun Suicide, Speedshift, 84, alterEGO—10 LONE STAR Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke LUCKEY'S The Ovulators, Touch Force, The Ol' Howl and Smash—10; Rock, punk MAC'S AT THE VET'S Deb Cleveland Band—9:30 O'DONNELL'S DJs-B-Us: Tim—9 ROCK 'N' RODEO DJs Jon-Michael & Tony T—9; Country, rock, top 40 SAM BOND'S '80s Night w/ The New Romans, Jason the Angry Cook—9; Rock TAP 'N' KEG DJ Dana—9:30; Hip hop
SUNDAY NOV. 13 BLACK FOREST Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke—9:30 BLUE LUNA Stone Cold Jazz—6 COUNTRY SIDE Karaoke with Kim—8 COZMIC PIZZA Bat Makumba—8 DOWNTOWN LOUNGE Texas Hold 'em—3; Kung Fu Karaoke—10 JAZZ STATION Willamette Jazz Society Jam Session—5 JO FEDERIGO'S Mark Alan—8:30 JOHN HENRY'S John Henry's Broadway Revue—10; Burlesque, variety MULLIGAN'S Music jam/open mic w/ Keith Harrison O'DONNELL'S DJs-B-Us: Tim—9 SAM BOND'S Coyo, Maderas—8:30; Peaceworks benefit TAYLOR'S Texas hold 'em—5:30
WOW HALL Subtle, Diego Delorian—9; Hip hop
MONDAY NOV. 14 BLACK FOREST Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke—9:30 BLUE LUNA Open Mic—9 COUNTRY SIDE Karaoke with Kim—9 COZMIC PIZZA On Earth—7; Independent short film project DOWNTOWN LOUNGE DJ Turbo & DJ Diablo—10; Funk, rock, requests EMERALD CITY COFFEE HOUSE Eric Morton—6; Grateful Dead songs JO FEDERIGO'S Skip Jones—8:30; Hammond organ JOGGER'S Karaoke w/ DJ Bond—9:30 MCSHANE'S Bar Triathalon (after Monday Night Football) ROCK 'N' RODEO Kick'n Karaoke SAM BOND'S Terry Robb—9; Acoustic blues TAYLOR'S DJ Tekneek & Friends WOW HALL "Freedism: A Way to a New Government"—8; Spoken word
TUESDAY NOV. 15 BADA BING'S Paul Biondi, Blake Padilla, Scott Bossina & Friends—6:30 BLUE LUNA DJ Simi—9 CHARLIE MAC'S Acoustic Tuesdays w/ Niel Henderson COUNTRY SIDE Karaoke with Kim—9 COZMIC PIZZA Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices—6; Film; Open Mic—8 EMERALD CITY COFFEE HOUSE Old Time Bluegrass Jam—7 GOOD TIMES Rooster's Blues Jam—8 JAXX [A~N~D: James Kane & DJ Red Menace] XperiMent(i)al JO FEDERIGO'S Natural Progression—8:30 JOE'S Phat Tuesday w/ VJ Trey—10; Hip hop, R&B
JOHN HENRY'S The Hazard County Girls, Satin Fury, My Serpentine—10 JOGGER'S DJ Tekneek—10; Hip hop, R&B MCSHANE'S Tricycle Races—9 THE O BAR Caught-in-the-Act Karaoke O'DONNELL'S DJs-B-Us: Tim—9 PEABODY'S Patrick & Giri—7:30; Acoustic variety PERUGINO Tango night w/ Andrew McCullough—7:30 QUACKERS Karaoke with Jon-Michael—9 ROCK 'N' RODEO DJ Tony T—10; Hip hop SAM BOND'S Sam Bond's Bluegrass Jam—9 TAYLOR'S Karaoke TINY TAVERN CD Club—7; Listen, share, discuss WORLD CAFÉ Morgan & Friends
WEDNESDAY NOV. 16 BADA BING'S Paul Biondi, Blake Padilla, Scott Bossina & Friends—6:30 BLUE LUNA The Alliance Band—9 CHARLIE MAC'S Karaoke—9 COUNTRY SIDE DJ Jeff Richey—9; Hip hop & ladies' night
COZMIC PIZZA Chulrua—8; Celtic DOWNTOWN LOUNGE Texas hold 'em—7 EMU Dirt Clod Fight, The Thingz, Pirate Radio—8; Punk, rock FATHOMS Karaoke w/ Jared—9 JO FEDERIGO'S Jon Fiori & Friends—8:30 JOGGER'S Club Motion w/ DJ Ty—9:30; Hip hop, R&B & more JOHN HENRY'S DJ Kal El vs. DJ Tekneek—10; Reggae vs. hip hop LUCKEY'S Reeble Jar—10 LUNA Chris Cain, Jerry Zybach—9; Blues, FOOD for Lane County benefit MAC'S AT THE VET'S Christie & McCallum—8 MULLIGAN'S Music jam/open mic w/ Keith Harrison PERUGINO Irish jam—7:30; Celtic QUACKERS Blues Jam—8:30 SAM BOND'S Melefluent, Fishtank—9; Gypsy swing SHER'S ELDORADO Karaoke w/ Luke—9 STACY'S COVERED BRIDGE Open Mic Night w/Ron O'Keefe—8:30 TAP 'N' KEG Tricycle Races—9 TINY TAVERN DJ Secret Hippie's Punk Rock Jukebox—9
CORVALLIS BIG RIVER RESTAURANT 101 NW Jackson St. • 757-0694 FR Shlepingear Bros.—8:30 SA Shultie & Friends—8:30
BOMBS AWAY CAFE 2527 Monroe Ave. • 757-7221 TH Neil & Ray—7 FR Johnny D and His Badfish Band—10 WE Beth Willis—7:30
IOVINO'S RISTORANTE 126 SW 1st St. • 738-9015 FR DJ Schmooz—10:30 SA Nancy Ream Trio—8; Jazz WE Sam Holmes & Friends—9:30
PLATINUM NIGHT CLUB 126 SW 4th TH DJ Hes—9 FR Hell's Belles, Softcore—8:30 SA Amadan, My Life in Black and White—9:30 SU No Limit Texas Hold 'em Tournament—5:30 MO Karaoke night w/ Patches—9 TU Ion w/ DJ Marc—9 WE No Limit Texas Hold 'em Tournament—5:30; DJ Tai Peterson—9
SQUIRREL'S 100 SW. 2nd St. • 753-8057 SA Toy Run Benefit w/ Stairway Denied
Club Guide AX BILLY GRILL & SPORTS BAR 999 Willamette
• 484-4011
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