Friday, December 30, 2005
The first post: A Musical
I had the pleasure of seeing a local band, SciCoustic, in action on Wednesday. I also had the misfortune to see some band (who are obviously famous -- I just haven't heard of them) performing via the broadcast of the Nelson Mandela 46664 Arctic Concert held in Norway. They looked older than the guys from SciCoustic, so arguably, they did the funky electric guitar whining effects and bongo percussion long before SciCoustic had conceived it.
What struck me, is that SciCoustic consisted of better musicians, yet they weren't playing at 46664, they weren't famous enough. I may sound like some fanboy, but this particular band at 46664 Arctic had nothing on SciCoustic. I've seen SciCoustic perform a few time in various locations (ranging from grungy basement clubs to rasta restaurants) and they've consistently delivered brilliant performances (so the one I saw on Wednesday wasn't anomalous).
The percussionist/didge player is a monster! Not only does he play that didge constantly for 10-15 minutes at a time, he could often be found playing the bongos while playing the didge. The drummer is amazing, the lead guitarist capable of playing solos in the styles of Hendrix or Santana as well as simply supplementing the acoustic guitar with a few choice effects. Most people wouldn't notice the bassist until his solo... When you realise that he's as skilled and talented as the other musicians. The singer/rhythm guitarist (the acoustic guitar) can pick a mean riff while pitching complex melodies.
The most depressing thing: They make it look easy. These guys have so much fun on stage its contagious.
It's just not right that these guys haven't made it internationally yet. It's not right that some international band that can't hold a match, let alone a candle, to SciCoustic should get to play 46664 because they're a name. As my brother so articulately said: Albert doesn't even have to sing... One could just stand there and watch their musicianship all night.
What struck me, is that SciCoustic consisted of better musicians, yet they weren't playing at 46664, they weren't famous enough. I may sound like some fanboy, but this particular band at 46664 Arctic had nothing on SciCoustic. I've seen SciCoustic perform a few time in various locations (ranging from grungy basement clubs to rasta restaurants) and they've consistently delivered brilliant performances (so the one I saw on Wednesday wasn't anomalous).
The percussionist/didge player is a monster! Not only does he play that didge constantly for 10-15 minutes at a time, he could often be found playing the bongos while playing the didge. The drummer is amazing, the lead guitarist capable of playing solos in the styles of Hendrix or Santana as well as simply supplementing the acoustic guitar with a few choice effects. Most people wouldn't notice the bassist until his solo... When you realise that he's as skilled and talented as the other musicians. The singer/rhythm guitarist (the acoustic guitar) can pick a mean riff while pitching complex melodies.
The most depressing thing: They make it look easy. These guys have so much fun on stage its contagious.
It's just not right that these guys haven't made it internationally yet. It's not right that some international band that can't hold a match, let alone a candle, to SciCoustic should get to play 46664 because they're a name. As my brother so articulately said: Albert doesn't even have to sing... One could just stand there and watch their musicianship all night.
