Welcome to the first installment of a new weekly (or biweekly?) feature I like to call Music Monday. The world of music is so diverse and so incredibly huge that it can often be intimidating, which often scares people into an aural straightjacket of overplayed 8-tracks and repetitive radio tunes. The idea behind Music Mondays is to educate, communicate, and liberate minds and ears to the resplendent sound waves of musical men and women from around the world - and even right here in the Triad. Between album reviews and new release listings, concert reviews and updates, suggested listening, and thoughts on music theory and its impact, there is sure to be something for everyone's taste.
Concert Review - B.A.S.I.C.
Last night I got the opportunity to go listen to B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers And Sisters In Christ) at a free show at First Baptist Church on W. Friendly Ave. Advertised as a Christian Funk/Rock band, the group consisted of 7 members - male lead vocal/guitar; female lead vocal; female keys/bgv; male saxophone/bgv, drums, bass, electric gtr - and an occasional guest musician on various brass instruments. The show was originally scheduled to be outside, but was moved indoors because of the weather. Personally, I think that was for the better because the sound was mixed very well, which would have been a challenge in the outdoor space they had. The Fellowship Hall was a great place for the show, complete with food and drink, and a lot of people there to support the music. The first few tunes had a great groove to them with excellent vocal jazz harmonies. Then they pulled out some CCM tunes (think Blessed Be Your Name, Mighty to Save, Open the Eyes of My Heart, etc.) and put their own reggae/jazz/funk twist to them. It wa
s nice to hear a fresh take on some old worship standards - which also gave the crowd a chance to sing and worship with them - but I was really hoping to hear some more originals. While the band was tight as a whole, the male lead could have been a lot stronger. In the end, the musicianship of the bassist, female lead, saxophonist, and drummer stood out above the rest. I give them some props for coupling CCM with this genre and putting their own unique spin on it. From their comments and general stage presence, they seem like great people and they love what they do. Unfortunately I could not find any website or info for them, but if you hear of another free show and have nothing else to do, you should definitely check it out.
The Grade: B-
Suggested Listening - The Secret Machines: "Now Here is Nowhere"
Since 2000, The Secret Machines have been rocking stages and stereos around the world.
Most often described as mixing psychedelic/experimental music (i.e. Pink Floyd) with more modern driving rock music, they have come to know themselves as "space rock." This is evident in their 2004 full length debut album, "Now Here is Nowhere." The epic 9 minute first track, "First Wave Intact," hits hard with a driving beat and haunting melody that will have your head nodding in no time. "The Leaves are Gone" comes in as Track 3 with ambient sounds and vocals loaded with reverb, making you feel as though you're about to orbit Saturn. "Nowhere Again" follows that, their biggest hit to date. After a few twists and turns, you arrive at the incredible Track 7, "You Are Chains," which has lyrics reminiscent to Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" that you are undoubtedly going to want to reflect on - "When you are chained with a chain with an iron ring bound to a rock on which you stand, so large you can't see from its surface......If you hadn't come when you did, I might still believe I was never in chains." They also just recently put out their 3rd full length which I have unfortunately not had the chance to check out yet. But do yourself a favor and check out this album.
Notable Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7
The Grade: A-
If you like this concept, checked out the music, know of any shows, or anything at all, please comment and let us know. Remember: local people make local artists possible. God bless.
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