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Rocket Shop 1/18/2012: Les Racquet

Words by Nick Kramer. Photo by James Lockridge.

Ken Murphy and Pat Carroll —two thirds of indie-prog-pop outfit Les Racquet — dropped in on the Radiator for the second half of Rocket Shop. The pair introduced tunes from their latest EP ‘Be Water My Friend,’ which just dropped on New Year’s Day. Les Racquet (pronounced less racket as in “less racket more music”) took the title for the new six-song set from a Bruce Lee interview quotation. The nod to the kung fu film legend seems a fittingly irreverent overlay to a collection filled with hook-laden harmonies, power-pop bounce, and proggy riffing. ‘Be Water My Friend’ took one weekend to record down at Drift Design Studios in Somerville, MA working with lead engineer Mike Conway. According to Pat, the recording was, “really super smooth since the guys at Drift Design are all close friends of ours.” While putting together the EP, the boys filmed the entire recording process and look forward to releasing some video of the sessions in the near future.

Among the tracks from ‘Be Water My Friend’ that Ken and Pat chose to play on air was lead single “Oh Yeah”, a tune that Ken assures, “is the pop hit,” while Pat boasts, “this is going to be stuck in your head for weeks to come.” The song begins with Pat’s croon and a simple up-strum that builds to a bold and brash sing-along chorus, criss-crossed with soaring ’70s guitar. Songs such as “Oh Yeah” exemplify how, as Pat maintains, “we span genre and age-group.” The tune is a pitch-perfect mixture of punk swagger, power-pop ear-candy, and ‘70s anthem prog that will appeal to anyone who likes rock and roll. As proof, Ken adds that, “My mom really likes one.”

Name-checking prog-rock standard-bearers such as King Crimson and Yes, Les Racquet are not afraid to admit their ‘70s-leaning influences. The band has a knack for catchy riffs and pop hooks, and seeks to bring, “big dynamics,” and, “songs with lots of movements,” to their art. Currently on tour in their purple Chrysler Town and Country (”we do not have the Disney package so there’s no DVD player,” laughs Ken) Les Racquet are living Pat’s assessment that, “with grass-roots bands, it’s just about sweat equity.”

Following their free show at Nectar’s on Wednesday the 18th, the band heads down to their current home base in Brooklyn for a big time showcase at the Knitting Factory. The following night they will be playing a launch party celebrating their spread in the first issue of Brooklyn culture mag Relapse Magazine, edited by friend of the band Ian Frisch. From there, Les Racquet will embark on, “one more loop of the northeast,” before heading down south for another run of shows. Despite the ordered appearance of their tour schedule, Pat notes that, “It’s all do it yourself. We’re going through other bands to get gigs.”

For tour dates, videos, and all things Les Racquet, check out www.lesracquet.com. ‘Be Water My Friend’ is available for download at http://lesracquet.bandcamp.com.

Rocket Shop Playlist:
Les Racquet, “I’m Not Trying”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “A Child’s Reliquary”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “Final Movement of the Ludwig Concerto”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “Con Moto (With Motion)”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “Masquerade”
Les Racquet, “Chimney Pete”
Les Racquet, “Oh Yeah!”
Les Racquet, “Bruce Li”

Rocket Shop 1/18/2012: Alan Jordan of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra

Words by Nick Kramer. Photo by James Lockridge.

Alan Jordan, Executive Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, joined Sam in the Radiator studios for Rocket Shop this week. On the show, Mr. Jordan previewed and described a selection of pieces taken from the orchestra’s most recent recorded album, ‘Triple Doubles.’ The title ‘Triple Doubles’ refers to the works that appear on the CD — a trio of double concertos composed especially for violinist and VSO Music Director Jaime Laredo and his wife, cellist Sharon Robinson.

Among the pieces Mr. Jordan chose to play on the air were selected movements from a concerto composed by David Ludwig, the VSO’s current New Music Advisor and, as Mr. Jordan notes, the grandson of pianist Rudolf Serkin. According to Mr. Jordan, the process of picking the music for ‘Triple Doubles’ began with Ludwig. When the VSO first set out to put together a new recording, Mr. Jordan explains, “the big problem for us was what repertoire to choose.” While the process of an orchestra choosing when to record and release music can be difficult, since, as Mr. Jordan points out, “you have got to be pretty confident in the quality of the musicians,” the larger choice for an ensemble with as much collected talent as the VSO was what exactly to record. Mr. Jordan explains that, “It started with David Ludwig. He’s got an ongoing relationship with us.” From there, the orchestra leadership realized that it was important to them to record music that had a special connection to the orchestra. It was then that the idea, “let’s do three concertos that were written for Jaime and Sharon,” emerged. The actual recording of ‘Triple Doubles’ was also an impressive effort. Mr. Jordan recounted that, “it’s a pretty grueling process. Each of the concertos took six hours of recording time.” Now, all the efforts have paid off, and ‘Triple Doubles’ has proved quite a worthwhile project.

In addition to releasing the album, the VSO’s performance schedule is in full swing. Among the upcoming chances to see the orchestra in concert that Mr. Jordan mentioned, “Next weekend [1/28] is our next masterworks concert at the Flynn.” The show will feature the whole VSO and the VSO chorus performing Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and Gabriel Fauré’s ‘Requiem.’ Earlier that same week, on the 25th, the orchestra will return to the Vermont State House for another addition of their free Farmer’s Night Concert Series.

Tickets for these and other VSO events are available online at www.vso.org, and ‘Triple Doubles’ is available for sale through the site as well.

Rocket Shop Playlist:
Les Racquet, “I’m Not Trying”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “A Child’s Reliquary”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “Final Movement of the Ludwig Concerto”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “Con Moto (With Motion)”
Vermont Symphony Orchestra, “Masquerade”
Les Racquet, “Chimney Pete”
Les Racquet, “Oh Yeah!”
Les Racquet, “Bruce Li”

Pics from The First Annual Vermont Musicians’ Summit at Higher Ground

Thank you to everyone who participated (as panelists and artists!) and everyone who came out to Higher Ground this weekend for the first annual Vermont Musicians’ Summit! By all accounts, we saw firsthand how warm, supportive, and powerful Vermont musicians are as a community. Stay tuned for more VT Music get-togethers this year and next!

Rocket Shop 1/11/12: Bangdust

Words by Nick Kramer Photo by Yeshua Hill.

This week on Rocket Shop, the boys from Bangdust dropped into the Radiator to share some folk-rocking tunes. A great time was had by all. In fact, Bangdust hit it off so well with Sam and the Big Heavy crew, that lead vocalist Johnny Azer raved, “we insist that we would play for free for you guys to help your cause any time.” Stronger endorsement of Big Heavy’s aims for the Vermont music community would be hard to come by.

Over the course of the hour Azer, guitarist Adam Wright, and bass player Sean Thompson played a wide selection of Bangdust tracks as well as some covers. All of their songs showcase their close connection, and the electricity at work between these three long-time friends. Explains Azer, “Adam and I were best friends since 2002 when we lived in Rutland,” while, “Sean Thompson who was my best friend in Rutland in the ‘80s taught me major and minor chords on the piano.” Clearly, the bonds between these three veteran musicians are strong, and it comes through in their playing.

According to Azer, that same closeness is most alive in their song-writing, which, he claims, “is totally democratic. We operate as a team, and all input is suggested.” For Bangdust, making music means teaching each other, and feeding off each member’s creative force. Not only are they able to write songs through true collaboration, but, as Azer points out, the band seems to somehow always end up on the same wavelength. Azer tells Big Heavy, “Believe it or not, when Sean picks a cover or Adam such as the Beatles’ “Rain”, or Traffic’s “Empty Pages” it turns out to be my favorite song by that band too.”

While Bangdust do not have a permanent home on the web as yet, Azer assures Big Heavy that a Facebook page is in the works, as well as a band page on Taxi.com. As far as gigs go, Bangdust have a whole slew of plans in motion. Although Azer pledges that he would first and foremost like to do a show benefiting Big Heavy World, he also submits that the band, “would like to play the fine clubs in Burlington,” and that, “We hope get at least one gig at UVM before the spring semester is out.” With soaring vocals, veteran song-craft, and a deep appreciation for music, Bangdust have a lot to recommend them, and fans can look to their local listings for shows soon to be scheduled.

The Rocket Shop playlist:
Spirit Animal, “ubercannonan”
Rough Francis, “Blind Pig”
Bangdust, “Disbanded” (Live)
Bangdust, “Heart Could Hear Me” (Live)
Bangdust, “Drifted” (Live)
Bangdust, “Could You Love Me” (Live)
Bangdust, “Go To Work” (Live)
Bangdust, “Six Inch Heels” (Live)
Bangdust, “Brother Sun” (Live)
Bangdust, “Ziggy Stardust” (Live)
Bangdust, “Sand Box” (Live)
Bangdust. “Strange Fascination” (Live)

UPDATED: Big Heavy World Announces Vermont Music Summit

Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band

Words by Nick Kramer.

On Saturday, January 14  “The 1st Annual Vermont Musicians Summit” comes to Higher Ground. The event will bring together musicians and professionals from all facets of the Vermont music industry to take part in an array of music-related activities. From 5:30-7pm artists and industry pros alike are invited to come network, share stories, take part in panels and in all ways bring the Vermont music community closer together.

The panels:

Booking 101, from 6pm-6:45
Moderated by Zack DuPont
Panelists:
Kris Gruen
Danny Coane
Meg Hammond
Nick Mavodones
Paddy Reagan
Rebecca Kopycinski
Ryan Krushenick
Face-One
Trevor Jewett
Scott Mangan

The Past, Present & Future of Vermont Music, from 6:45pm-7:30
Moderated by Jim Lockridge, Justin Hoy, & Joe Adler
Panelists:
Kevin Statesir
Jason Liggett a.k.a. Liggy
Dan Bolles
Nick Vaden
Danny Coane
Matt Bushlow
Kris Gruen
Meg Hammond
Harrison Shulman
Face-One
Zach Rhodes
Kyle Rose

Afterwards, doors open to the public at 8pm for a concert beginning at 8:30 and featuring performances from Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band, Something With Strings, The Human Canvas, The Wind Woods w/ Brett Hughes, and more to be announced, including an all-star jam session with some very special guests. Tickets for the concert are available now through the Higher Ground box office, highergroundmusic.com.

The Post-Summit Music:
8:30-9:05         The Smittens
9:10-9:25         Anna Pardenik
9:30-9:55         The Wee Folkestra
10:10-10:55     Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band
11:00-11:15          Second Agenda
11:20-11:45     The Wind Woods w/ Brett Hughes & Russ Lawton)
11:55-12:30     Something with Strings
12:35-12:50     The Human Canvas
12:55-1:40       Soule Monde (Ray & Russ)
1:40-2:00              All-Star Jam

In the eyes of the three men behind the summit, the evening has been a long time coming. Musician, song-writer and Radio Bean stalwart Joe Adler admits that he has seen for a while the “need to get everybody together.” According to Adler, there is a collaborative attitude already at work in the Vermont music scene, “[Adler’s band] Wee Folkestra came out of this attitude, this is how [Adler’s weekly parties at Half Lounge] Burgundy Thursdays developed… everybody needs to meet.” Despite this need for collaboration, Adler still sees a fair amount of disconnect amongst various Vermont music camps and looks to the summit to provide an open field for collaboration and education. He muses, “If we could bring everybody up to at least understanding the basics of everything…it would raise the bar.” To that end, he, “want[s] to make it big, make it memorable, and hopefully get the word out to some of the more national musicians who live in Vermont.” For Adler, “The summit is the meat and potatoes. The music after it is just the dessert.”

Justin Hoy, the President/CEO and founder of Halogen Media Works was the one who had the initial vision for the summit. It occurred to Justin that, “We’ve been doing music for the local community for a long time, and I thought we should do something to bring the whole industry together.” As the idea for the summit began to take shape Hoy reached out to Adler for help in attracting talent and putting together a program and to Jim Lockridge of Big Heavy World since, “I think Big Heavy is important as a building block for the Vermont music industry.”

With the pieces coming into place, Hoy next turned his attention to finding an appropriate venue and quickly settled upon Higher Ground. Says Hoy, “I thought about all that Higher Ground does for local music and realized that it would be the place to have it. Also at Higher Ground we can have it be an all ages event.” That the summit open to all ages is crucial to Hoy’s vision of an annual gathering, which he hopes will become a banner event for the entire Vermont music community. Hoy posits, “It’s important to have the summit as a yearly event to be able to have different headliners, showcase different headliners. The two things we’re going for here are having fans engage with the music and having industry people meet each other.” To that end, Hoy sees the summit as a way to, “expand a dialogue between musicians and industry folks.” This means that, “The summit will help musicians to see the back end behind when they book a gig. Lots of times when musicians book and play a gig they don’t necessarily see everything that goes on back behind the scenes.” By uniting musicians with industry professionals of every stripe, Hoy hopes to ensure that everyone in the rapidly growing Vermont music scene understands every part of the industry, and knows the people responsible for making the industry work.

Jim Lockridge, the man behind volunteer-run music advocacy organization Big Heavy World, sees the event as a natural extension of the work that the non-profit has been doing since its birth in 1996. According to Lockridge, “Big Heavy has always sought to bring the music in Vermont closer together and help individual musicians recognize the larger community… this summit is a social application of that.” He believes that, “Ultimately what happens at the summit will give a charge to the musicians that come, and help them to recognize that there are other friends out there that are experiencing the same challenges.” For Lockridge, the summit also provides a chance for “musicians that come to be introduced to the resources that Big Heavy World offers for free to the Vermont music community.” These resources include promotion, event production, airplay on radio station 105.9 the Radiator, and even use of the brightly-painted Big Heavy World van for touring.

Musicians and industry professionals of every kind are welcome to attend the free early evening summit and for those with ideas about activities or interest in putting together a panel, programming director Joe Adler is open to communication. Tickets for the concert are currently available to the public and are being sold for $8 in advance or $10 on the day of the show. With a talented and diverse line-up of musicians, and a wide cross-section of the Vermont music community already looking forward to the event, The 1st Annual Vermont Musician’s Summit should prove to be a unique gathering of every side of Vermont music, as well as a night filled with songs and fun for those young and old. Visit bigheavyworld.com or email info@bigheavyworld.com for more information.

Thank you Dan Bolles and Seven Days for helping get the word out! http://www.7dvt.com/2012summit