The Pulse
CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE
february 5, 2015
A Personal History of Hip Hop Chattanooga radio icon Eric Foster takes us back—and forward arts
MUSIC
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MARCH 12, 2015
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Contents
The Pulse CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor Gary Poole Contributing Editor Janis Hashe
February 5, 2015 Volume 12, Issue 6
Contributors Rob Brezsny • John DeVore • Eric Foster Mary Headrick, M.D. • Matt Jones Marc T. Michael • Tony Mraz • Ernie Paik Rick Pimental-Habib • Alex Teach Cartoonists & Illustrators Rick Baldwin • Max Cannon Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow Editorial Interns Eugene Campbell • Gavin Gaither Kristina Kelly Cover Design FreeVector/Vecteezy.com
Features
Founded 2003 by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull
ADVERTISING
4 BEGINNINGS: Why Insure Tennessee benefits everyone.
Director of Sales Mike Baskin Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Julie Brown Angela Lanham • Rick Leavell Chester Sharp • Stacey Tyler
CONTACT
Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Fax 423.266.2335 Website chattanoogapulse.com Email info@chattanoogapulse.com BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture and local news. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publisher may take more than one copy per weekly issue. The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors. Contents Copyright © 2015 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.
Photo by Henry Chalfant
6
A Personal History of Hip Hop
Hip hop is now over 40 years old. The culture has fascinated me from the very beginning. I can remember being 9 years old and going into my oldest brother’s room to listen to his albums.
10
Paint Under Her Fingernails
When you see one of Lorri Kelly’s paintings up close, you can feel something that you won’t get from a photograph of the work. The fascinating compositions that inhabit the surfaces of her art have a story to tell with their colors and textures.
14
Folk That’s Beautiful And Varied
Megan Saunders’ talent as a singer/songwriter is formidable. No less formidable is her ability to partner up with other musicians of comparable talent. The latest album from The Driftless is proof positive.
8 shrink rap: How to make this the best Valentine’s Day ever. 12 ARTS CALENDAR 16 MUSIC CALENDAR 18 REVIEWS: Khun Narin hypnotizes, Askanasy and Prates energize. 19 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 19 JONESIN’ CROSSWORD 20 SCREEN: Powerful performance by J.K. Simmons ignites “Whiplash.” 22 on the beat: Officer Alex responds to those who don’t like the idea of a “cop church.”
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chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 3
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Op-Ed: Insure Tennessee Benefits Everyone Call your state representatives now and urge support for this plan
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Four [Tennessee] hospitals ‘went broke’ and closed in 2014. Fifty more are at risk of closing.”
Right now, we in Tennessee have the opportunity to close the health care coverage gap so that more of our fellow Tennesseans can receive the health care they need, while simultaneously saving our hospitals and creating new jobs. And we don’t have to spend any state tax dollars to do it. In fact, we get federal money back. Gov. Bill Haslam offers these opportunities with his “Insure Tennessee” (IT) proposal. On Monday, Feb. 2, the General Assembly began a special session to learn more about IT. If passed, Haslam’s proposal will return to us the $1 billion per year that
we Tennesseans have paid in federal tax dollars. Instead of remaining out of state, these funds will be returned to us, and will pay for health insurance for low-income adults who are currently left out of TennCare and the ACA. Initially, the federal fundDr. mary ing formula will pay 100 percent headrick, M.d. of the costs involved, with hospitals making up the difference as the formula gradually changes to 90 percent federal funding by 2020. It’s important to note that this is a plan without risk, since Tennessee can opt out at any time. Many Tennessee hospitals will be at financial risk if IT is not enacted. Four hospitals “went broke” and closed in 2014. Fifty more are at risk of closing. Tennessee’s 120 hospitals support IT as a way to help them provide care to low-income people, who currently have few resources outside of emergency room care. By adopting IT, we not only protect low-income Tennesseans, we protect all Tennesseans by making it possible for our local hospitals to remain open and provide health care to the entire community.Additionally, research from the University of Tennessee estimates 15,000 new jobs will be created over ten years by adopting IT, and this is on the top of those jobs saved by avoiding hospital closures. If the General Assembly votes yes, then 200,000 low-income Tennesseans will be eli-
Views
4 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
gible to enroll in one of IT’s two new health plans: the Volunteer Plan (VP) or the Healthy Incentive Plan (HIP). VP provides a voucher to low-income workers to offset the cost of workplace insurance to the employee, leaving an affordable $20-$32 per month that each worker pays. HIP provides insurance with a low prescription co-pay. This co-pay and other HIP co-pays for enrollees above the poverty line can be paid by health points earned by qualified healthy actions, such as participating in stop-tobacco classes. The working enrollee has the freedom to choose VP or HIP. Neither VP nor HIP is a TennCare or “Obamacare” exchange plan. The Tennessee Hospital Association, Chamber of Commerce and many others, support IT as I do, because it is a plan that is both morally and economically the right thing to do. Insure Tennessee will provide health care, prevent hospital closures, create jobs and return federal dollars to Tennessee, but only if it is enacted. It is important that we all contact our elected officials and urge a yes vote in the General Assembly.
Enjoy Valentine’s Day with our great selection of wine, spirits & high gravity beer.
EdiToon
by Rick Baldwin
Doe, A Deer, A (Rock City) Female Deer Naming your child or pets is always interesting— but how often can a person say they named a deer? After Rock City’s “Name Our Deer” contest, part of the completion of their Deer Park’s second phase, Brittney Cobb can, when her entry of “Aurora” was given to the park’s newest deer.
Rock City’s Deer Park is home to nine fallow deer from three different breeds, such as the white fallow deer, a rare strain of this species. The park has been open since 2011, but this new expansion linked to the original area will allow more space for the deer to wander and live happily amongst a wide variety
IN THIS ISSUE
Eric Foster Our cover story this week on local hip-hop is by Eric Foster. A familiar voice to Chattanooga radio listeners, Eric has been on the air at Power 94 for nearly 20 years. But radio is far from his only love; Eric has been a musician for even longer than he's been behind the
of vegetation provided for their eating pleasure. Aurora and her friends will live much longer in this environment. So, if you’re looking for a temporary escape from the tight grip of social media, visit Rock City and take in the Deer Park (after you’ve braved “Fat Man’s Squeeze”). For more information and ticket prices, check seekrockcity.com. And if you’d like to see a sneak preview of Aurora, check out Rock City’s Facebook page. — Gavin Gaither
Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib microphone, playing bass for numerous churches, gospel artist T-Ran Gilbert and Atlanta rap group Glamourlyke. “I have seen and heard a lot of talented people out there and I would love to see all of our dreams come true,” he says. “Remember, what one man/woman can do, another can do.” The Chattanooga native graduated from Brainerd High School and got his college degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
“Shrink Rap” columnist Dr. Richard L. PimentalHabib, Ph.D., C.C.H., better known as “Dr. Rick”, is an author, psychotherapist, educator and minister, and holds a doctorate in clinical hypnotherapy with an emphasis in mind/body wellness. He
developed practices in Los Angeles, the Florida Keys, and now in Chattanooga, with specializations in individual and relationship counseling. Upon settling here, Dr. Rick created Well Nest, his mind/ body/spirit wellness center offering alternative healing services—from meditation classes and yoga to wellness workshops and retreats. Visit DrRPH.com, WellNestChattanooga.com, or follow @DrRickWellNest
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chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 5
COVER STORY
A Personal History of Hip Hop Chattanooga radio icon Eric Foster takes us back—and forward By Eric Foster
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H
ip hop is now over 40 years old. The culture has fascinated me from the very beginning. I can remember being 9 years old and going into my oldest brother’s room to listen to his albums. He was a serious collector at the age of 19 and very meticulous when it came to his records.
My friends and I here in good ol’ Chattanooga, Tennessee were star struck. Everything about New York and hip hop turned us into hip hop zombies.”
The Sugar Hill Gang
I can remember riding with him to the store for my mom and picking up whatever was on the grocery list—and then circling around back to see if the milk truck had delivered. Why? Milk crates. He would collect and modify them to hold several records and stack them in his room. Everything was alphabetized and separated by genres. Pop music would be in the walk in closet, R&B and funk under the bunk beds and then there was a new category that was the talk of the house: rap. He knew I was enamored with music, which is why he wouldn’t kick me out when his friends came over to listen to his records. I asked questions about the artists and why he liked one group better than another. I also wanted to know the words and who wrote them and why. I could tell he was proud I took 6 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
initiative in learning all I could about music and helped me sign up for my first trumpet lesson. We would listen for hours on end and compare sounds and sometimes pretend to be radio disc jockeys. One record in particular was pretty cool looking. This was the record he’d talked about for what seemed like weeks. One of his good friends was employed at the Record Bar and another at a store called Cat’s Records and Tapes. He would call them regularly to see when it would be shipped and when that call came, we were off to discover the new sound from a label called Sugar Hill Records. “Rapper’s Delight” was the first single from the record performed by three guys: Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank and Master G, and was my first introduction
into what would be known today as hip hop. Steven Thomas Erlewine wrote a great review about the label. “Sugar Hill Records was the first rap and hiphop label, giving many listeners their first exposure to the urban rhyming and scratching that transformed pop music during the ’80s. Like most indie labels, they had troubles with finances and distribution; eventually, that situation resulted in their records remaining out of print during the rise of the hip-hop during the late ’80s and ’90s. The five-disc Sugar Hill Records Story remedies this situation by collecting all of the label’s classic A-sides, many in their full-length mixes, on one set. Tracks by the Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, and the Treacherous Three are commonplace and remain excellent, but the true revelation of the box set is how strong largely forgotten cuts by Spoonie Gee, the Funky 4 + 1, Trouble Funk, the Sequence, Super Wolf, and West Street Mob are—these are supremely funky, infectious and inventive cuts, which have been made familiar through samples and quotations on modern rap records. Another surprise is how integrated this music is—male and female rappers trade lines without hesitation, and there is none of the misogyny or violence that characterized gangsta rap. But that doesn’t mean the old-school rap on The Sugar Hill Records Story sounds dated—much of this bright, elastic electro-funk has provided the foundation for ’90s hits by the likes of the Beastie Boys and Dr. Dre. But the most surprising thing of all is how The Sugar Hill Records Story barely loses momentum over the course of five discs. There is the occasional dull spot or oddity (check out the bizarre B-52’s rip-off “At the Ice Arcade” by the Chilly Kids) that interrupts the flow, but the music is consistently strong, even on the fifth disc. It was inevitable that The Sugar Hill Records Story would be an important historical document, but what makes it truly essential is how rich, diverse, and timeless the music actually is.” Hip hop was born in the west Bronx when a Jamaican transplant, Clive Campbell, also known as DJ Kool Herc,
and his sister put on a back-to-school jam in the rec room of their apartment at 1520 Sedgwick Ave. That party would go on to birth “B-boying” and breakdancing and the rest of hip hop culture. My friends and I here in good ol’ Chattanooga, Tennessee were star struck. Everything about New York and hip hop turned us into hip hop zombies. What really intrigued me about hip hop is that it gave you a peek inside a world that fascinated me. New York was only a place that I experienced through the opening credits of TV shows like “The Jeffersons,” “Barney Miller,” and “Taxi.” Tall buildings, yellow taxis, gang wars, street-wise youth had me wanting to see this place. I would think to myself that I have to get there and experience the realness of New York— then I could understand the bravado of this new phenomena called hip hop. I got that chance in 1982 when I was informed by my parents that we actually had relatives living in Queens and would be making the 12-hour drive to attend the funeral of my Great-aunt Alice. This trip changed my life. It was everything that I thought it would be, larger than life, fast paced, extremely rude, but exciting. My cousin Warren and his family lived in a 23-story highrise in the middle of a gang-infested neighborhood and dressed exactly like the guys that I would see in hip hop magazines. Warren wore spike-studded gloves, Adidas warm ups and sneakers, Kangol caps and yes, he was in a gang. This guy was also one of the most captivating rappers I had ever heard that was not on a record. He told me that everyone on the block “spit,” which was cool New York vernacular for rapping. I couldn’t wait to get back to Chattanooga to let my friends know what I had experienced. Let’s fast forward. One of the things I’ve watched during my career in radio is the movement of hip hop. It was not exclusive to New York, but why? At its core, hip hop is about the youth. Across the country, youth everywhere wanted to contribute to the movement. From New York. it moved to LA, then to the Midwest, then followed up by the South. Hip hop had planted seeds and
even dropped a few of them in Chattanooga. In the early ’90s, I was a part of a collective called the Vibe Tribe, a group of guys that made conscious hip hop. Then you had Down South Affiliated, who made a huge name for themselves winning a rap show and production deal with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Records in Atlanta. A group that went by the name Mystic Clique was a rap quartet that was edgy and had a huge following and even had their tribute to the Tennessee Titans blasting through the speakers in the Tennessee Titan locker room. And now? The future of hip hop in Chattanooga is looking great. Isaiah Rashad has planted the Chattanooga flag on the West Coast after being signed to the Los Angeles juggernaut TDE imprint. Others are right behind him grinding their way to the top. I have kind of become the official uncle to a lot of them since they have listened to me on air for the majority of their life. Jeff Chang, author of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” said, “I’m not a purist or a nostalgist. But I believe in the values that have sustained hip hop from the beginning: inclusion, recognition, creativity, and transformation. In the end, hip hop is about teenagers, it’s about youth. And as long as they are taking those values forward, hip hop won’t die.” I recently read a great article on education.com and it had an excellent comparison of hip hop and rock and roll. It stated, “Hip-Hop, like Rock ‘n’ Roll before it, is not only a genre of music, but also a complex system of ideas, values and concepts that reflect newly emerging and ever-changing creative correlative expressive mechanisms including but not limited to song, poetry, film and fashion. In the early days, Hip-Hop was primarily related to the rhyming, rhythmic spoken word artform known as rapping. Rapping is, in fact, not a new method of creative expression. The ease with which young people can participate in this form of creativity seems to have helped the phenomenal growth of this genre of music and expression. It is good to see the youth take the torch and forge their own way. Hip hop is just not New York. It is wherever youth want to be.”
Isaiah Rashad
“
The future of hip hop in Chattanooga is looking great. Isaiah Rashad has planted the Chattanooga flag on the West Coast after being signed to the Los Angeles juggernaut TDE imprint.”
chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 7
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8 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
Vienna Boys Choir Friday, March 13 7:30 p.m, The Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St | Chattanooga Presented by The Chattanooga Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
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Valentine’s Tips for Good Livin’ and Good Lovin’ Dr. Rick explains how to make this the best Valentine’s Day ever
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I’ve known singles who have fun Valentine’s celebrations by teaming up with other nonpartnered friends and treating themselves to a decadent night on the town, celebrating their singleness.”
Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, author, minister, and educator in private practice in Chattanooga. Contact him at DrRPH.com, visit his wellness center at WellNestChattanooga.com and follow his daily inspirations on Twitter: @DrRickWellNest
Happy February, the matter our race. month that celebrates heart And of course, here it is the health, African American month of St. Valentine’s Day. history, love, and the 12th We’ve likely all experienced birthday of one of my wonbeing single and being couderpups, Betty Lou. OK, pled. We all have single and perhaps these are not all coupled friends. Sometimes necessarwe’re conily of equal tent with our importance. relationship (Although I status, and have a fours o m e t i m es DR. RICK legged creanot. Maybe PIMENTAL-HABIB ture staring we veto the at me right now who may holiday altogether, maybe have an opinion about that.) we really know how to use it, But hopefully they serve to partnered or not. heighten our awareness, letI’ve known singles who ting us focus on things we have fun Valentine’s celebramight not always fully appretions by teaming up with ciate, or might not tend to as other non-partnered friends needed. and treating themselves to a For instance, heart health decadent night on the town, may mean a physical checkcelebrating their singleness. up with your doctor that And I’ve known couples that you’ve been putting off. Or are absolutely content to perhaps it means getting stay at home and enjoy some back to an exercise program. champagne and chocolate— Or yoga and meditation. Let with only each other. February open the door for One friend of mine uses some healthy heart-work. Valentine’s to reflect on this And, this month is about very issue: How does he take African American Culture care of himself while single? and History. I have a dear And how is his life better or friend in Los Angeles, Owen, worse for being out of a rewho is African American. lationship? And when he’s in His take on February being one, he ponders if he is the Black History Month is, “Oh best partner he’s been so far, sure, give us the shortest or is he missing the lessons month!” Even though Owthat each previous relationen’s right, maybe this month ship offered. you’ll start checking out the Following his lead, let’s Bessie Smith Cultural Centake a moment to explore ter, which always has events what I believe to be a few of and exhibitions to educate the most powerful qualities and enlighten all of us, no found in healthy, intimate,
Shrink Rap
romantic relationships. • Do whatever you can to worry less. If you tend to be a worrier, and you can use that energy for creative ideas to navigate or prepare for the problem, great. But what mostly happens is that our energy becomes sapped, our brains won’t let it go, our blood pressure spikes, and we miss out on daily living by perseverating over something we can’t control anyway. This can bring a lot of stress—and emotional distance—to any relationship. • Do whatever you can to tend to the small moments. In past “Shrink Raps,” you’ve read about mindfulness, about being present to yourself and others. Being coupled can offer very fertile ground for this very quality. Are you treating the small relationship moments with attention and respect? When you’re reading the newspaper, and your partner has something to express, do you half-listen, mostly trying to give the message that you’re busy right now? Or do you make room for the brief, occasional interruption that is actually a chance to bond, to validate, to learn something more about each other? • Do not sacrifice your relationship for kids, eldercare or work. Each of these is vitally important. Each gives your life a sense of purpose, balance and the responsibility/opportunity/grace of tending to loved ones. And while putting your relationship first, even over the kids’ needs, may be a challenging concept to some, if you’re
not happy as a couple, and you don’t nurture that relationship, how can you be effective and loving child-rearers? Further, kids who grow up witnessing their parents’ love for each other, and seeing their parents honor and prioritize their union teaches them the importance of later choosing a partner who loves, honors and prioritizes them. • When all else fails, communicate! If you’re not a talker, you have to find a way to at least talk with this one person, your sig other. And I don’t mean just the facts. It’s important to learn to express feelings. If this makes you squirm, know this: Discussing feelings with your partner lets him or her know not just how you feel, but creates a safe environment for a healthy exchange of feelings about other topics as well. It deepens your bond and sends the message that you really want to know your partner, and you, too, are available to know. So there’s our February: heart, history, love. Now as for Betty Lou’s birthday… well, she’ll have to make do with her usual pamperings, lick-a-thons with her new best pal/adopted sister, and the delights to be found in a box of dark chocolate. Wait— dogs can’t have chocolate. Oh, what to do with that big, red, heart-shaped box? It’s already been opened, you say...? Until next time: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.” — Paul Coelho
chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 9
ARTS SCENE
Paint Under Her Fingernails New Gallery-For-A-Night at Barking Legs Theater features Lorri Kelly this week
How Many People Are on That Bike? Cirque D’Or will juggle your mind at the Tivoli Theatre Prepare to have your minds twisted, Chattanooga. This weekend, the Tivoli Theatre welcomes the awardwinning group of next generation cirque performers, the Cirque D’Or. A show described as “a thrill-aminute spectacle,” the Cirque D’Or features more than 30 performers, including contortionists, acrobats, and many other acts. Their presentation will cause you to be shocked, surprised, and stunned into silence as they execute a number of unbelievable feats. They build towers made up of women with their legs bent behind their heads, they have nine people squeeze onto a single bicycle, they juggle tables with their feet; the scope of talents the Cirque D’Or encompasses seems endless.
There will be two shows, one on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and the other Sunday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $26.50 to $56.50, along with convenience fees. This could be your only chance to see a show as spectacular as this for a long time, so make sure you don’t pass up this opportunity. Find more information about this show and purchase tickets at chattanoogaonstage.com/events/cirque-dor — Gavin Gaither Cirque D'Or Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5156 chattanoogaonstage.com
Thu2.5
fri2.6
sat2.7
it's a cabaret
Art & music
no (meat)balls
Choral Arts Cabaret
Open Studio Nights at Chattanooga Workspace
Wally’s Friends SpayGhetti No Meatballs Dinner & Silent Auction
One of Chattanooga's best art spaces celebrates art and music with a free night of events. 5:30 p.m. Chattanooga Workspace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com
Come help support the mission of Wally's Friends to help out our animals. 6 p.m. Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center 2 Carter Plaza (423) 877-9966 wallysfriends.com
Annual fundraising concert featuring The David Walters Jazz Trio and special performances by members of Choral Arts to benefit the musical institution. 7 p.m. Bessie Smith Hall 200 E. MLK Blvd. choralartsofchattanooga.org
10 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
W
hen you see one of Lorri Kelly’s paintings up close, you can feel something that you won’t get from a photograph of the work. The fascinating compositions that inhabit the surfaces of her art have a story to tell with their colors and textures. Kelly is the second artist to be featured in Barking Legs Theater’s new Gallery-For-A-Night series, happening Monday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Arts tony mraz
“
Sometimes I feel like I’m showing up at the canvas just to see what will flow out of my hands, from some deep nameless wordless place that holds messages and stories that must be told through paint.”
The Pulse: What are your earliest memories of making art? Lorri Kelly: I remember rubbing my hands in the wet paint of my artist fathers’ paintings. We were always tramping from art show to gallery to museum, with my little art kit of paints, colored pencils and oil pastels under my arm. My earliest body of work was in elementary school at St. Nicholas: stippled drawings based on Greek mythology. TP: How did your education affect your artwork? LK: I am mostly self-taught, aside from art classes at Girls Preparatory School, and some basic lessons from my dad. I drifted from art as an adult, spending years in the corporate world. I didn’t begin painting as a profession until after the death of my daughter Jessica, who died of cancer at age 5. My father suggested painting as a way to deal with my profound grief. My art has become an unspoken language that covers the spectrum of emotions. That’s why I named this current exhibition “Whispers and Shouts: The Emotional Abstractions of Lorri Kelly.” TP: What inspires your choices of color and composition? LK: Sometimes I awake with a certain color in my mind, and that color feels like a mysterious door that is leading me into an emotional place that needs exploration. So I open that color up on the canvas, and see where it takes me, adding other colors as I go. When it comes to composition, I see intimate spaces between the colors and lines as they move together or
Spend Valentine’s with the CSO!
LUKEN HOLDINGS POPS SERIES
BIG BAND FEVER! apart, and I try to let those little spaces have their moment, keeping my fingers crossed that all these little moments will work together! TP: What processes do you employ in your work? LK: I literally paint with my hands, because even the short length of a paintbrush keeps me too far away from the close contact that these intensely personal stories demand. I use acrylic paint, and as the abstract color-content begins to take shape, I then use various pencils, scraped lines, or hard chunks of pigment to define some of the emerging images that I see. Sometimes I am surprised to find that I’ve painted the whole thing upside-down, or that there are four different paintings, depending on which direction I hold the panel. In one direction, certain colors shout and others whisper; in another direction, the colors switch roles, or another emotion speaks up louder than the others. TP: What kind of music do you listen to when you’re working? LK: I simply must have music when I paint; it could be Pavarotti and opera one day, and the next be Led Zepplin, and the next Miles Davis. I believe the more passionate the music and the more complex the music, the greater my paintings turn out. I will be showing a series of white and black paintings called “The Jazz.” You can almost see the notes. TP: Do you see art as being mystical or scientific? LK: My art certainly seems more mysti-
cal, although there is probably strong science behind it that has yet to be explained. [My husband] Steve says that I am in a trance-like state when I’m painting, totally caught up in the process. Sometimes I feel like I’m showing up at the canvas just to see what will flow out of my hands, from some deep nameless wordless place that holds messages and stories that must be told through paint. I step back to look at what’s developing, and begin to see figures, faces, animals, and places. Some are familiar, but some content is for others to recognize. TP: Do you have any observations about our local art scene? LK: Chattanooga has swarms of artists, some of the most talented artists in the country; yet the most of them have to go outside of Chattanooga to make their living. I think the community loves boasting about all the artists here, who beautify the city with murals and sculptures, but they haven’t quite made the connection that “supporting the arts” means actually going to the art events, meeting the artists themselves, and taking home some of their work, so the artist can carry on. That’s why I’m so excited about Barking Legs having this monthly Gallery-for-aNight: it gives the artist a lovely venue for showing their work, and it’s a chance to establish a monthly creative hub where artsy folks can network. To see more of Lorri’s art, visit her website at lorrikelly.com. Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347, barkinglegs.org
February 13 & 14 • 7:30PM Tivoli Theatre
423.267.8583 www.chattanoogasymphony.org
chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 11
ARTS CALENDAR
Chattanooga ModelCon
thursday2.5
for more info call 706.820.2531
See RockCity.com
Sound & Image: Dill & Auerbach 6 p.m. Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Ambi Artists Meeting and Craft & Crop 6 p.m. Heritage House 1428 Jenkins Rd. (423) 855-9474 Heirloom Plant and Garden Club: “Winter Seed Sowing 101” 6:30 p.m. Crabtree Farms 1000 E. 30th St. (423) 493-9155 crabtreefarms.org Winter Workshop: “Make Your Own Outdoor Video: Getting the Shot” 6:30 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River St. (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com Choral Arts Cabaret 7 p.m. Bessie Smith Hall 200 E. MLK Blvd. choralartsofchattanooga.org Tone Bell 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
12 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
friday2.6 Chattanooga ModelCon 3 p.m. Chattanooga Convention Center 1100 Carter St. (423) 756-0001 chattanoogascalemodelers.com Reception: “Art to Hart” 5 p.m. In-Town Gallery 26A Frazier Ave. (423) 267-9214 intowngallery.com Valentine Dinner Train 5:30, 8 p.m. Tennessee Valley Railroad 4119 Cromwell Rd. (423) 894-8028 tvrail.com Open Studio Nights at Chattanooga Workspace
Pulse Pick: Tone Bell RJ the Bartender from NBC's "Whitney," Tone has made been a regular face on a variety of TV shows as well as peforming across the country. Tone Bell The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
5:30 p.m. Chattanooga Workspace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com Comedy Improv 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre 4501 Amnicola Highway (423) 697-4404 chattanoogastate.edu Tone Bell 7:30, 9:45 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Wide Open Floor 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org
Lantern Tours 8:30 p.m. Ruby Falls 1720 South Scenic Highway (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com
saturday2.7 Chattanooga ModelCon 8 a.m. Chattanooga Convention Center 1100 Carter St. (423) 756-0001 chattanoogascalemodelers.com Mushroom Workshop 10 a.m. Crabtree Farms 1000 E. 30th St. (423) 493-9155 crabtreefarms.org St. Alban’s Hixson Farmers’ Market 10 a.m. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 7514 Hixson Pike (423) 842-1342 Brainerd Farmers’ Market 11 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (423) 698-0330 Book Signing & Discussion with Author Eric A. Terry Sr. Noon Country Inn and Suites 5000 New Country Dr. (423) 381-0774 realtalkconsultants.com Ray Stevens Book Signing 1 p.m. Barnes & Noble
ARTS CALENDAR
Cirque D’Or 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. (423) 893-0186 Winter Vistas: Lookout Mountain 2 p.m. Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-9582 nps.gov/chch Valentine Dinner Train 5:30, 8 p.m. Tennessee Valley Railroad 4119 Cromwell Rd. (423) 894-8028 tvrail.com Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance 6 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. 423-702-8081 thecamphouse.com Wally’s Friends SpayGhetti No Meatballs Dinner & Silent Auction 6 p.m. Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center 2 Carter Plaza (423) 877-9966 wallysfriends.com “Big Bids” Auction Party 7 p.m. Stratton Hall 3146 BRd. St. (423) 892-4488 jachatt.org Mardi Gras Gala 7 p.m. Loose Cannon Gallery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 648-0992 chamblisscenter.org
Cirque D’Or 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (800) 514-3849 chattanoogaonstage.com Tone Bell 7:30, 9:45 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
sunday2.8 Cirque D’Or 3 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (800) 514-3849 chattanoogaonstage.com “Brown Dwarfs” 6 p.m. Jones Observatory 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. utc.edu/physics-geologyastronomy/observatory Tone Bell 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
monday2.9 Odyssey 2015 11:30 a.m. Chattanooga Convention Center 1100 Carter St. (423) 756-0001
cglaonline.com “Gallery-for-a-Night” presents Lorri Kelly 5 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org Bicycle Workshop: Learn to Ride 6 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River St. (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com
tuesday2.10 Sweetheart Open House 4 p.m. The Barn Nursery 1801 E. 24th St. Place (423) 698-2276 barnnursery.com
wednesday2.11 Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m. 325 E. Main St. mainstreetfarmersmarket.com “Introduction to Buddhism and Zen” 7 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga 3224 Navajo Dr. (423) 622-2862 Kristin Holritz Flute Recital 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre
4501 Amnicola Highway (423) 697-4404 Chattanoogastate.edu Open Mic Comedy 8 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
ongoing “Artist Favorites” Reflections Gallery 6922 Lee Hwy. (423) 892-3072 reflectionsgallerytn.com “Point of View” River Gallery 400 E. 2nd St. (800) 374-2923 river-gallery.com “Milk Fruit” The Cress Gallery of Art 736 Vine Street 423) 425-4371 cressgallery.org “Blood Rhythms, Strange Fruit” Bessie Smith Cultural Center 200 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-8658 bessiesmithcc.org “The Female Form: Raphael Soyer and Harold Cash” Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com
Named “One of the Ten Most Incredible Cave Waterfalls on Earth” World Reviewer
RubyFalls.com
423.821.2544
chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 13
MUSIC SCENE
Contemporary Folk That’s Beautiful And Varied
You Can’t Box This Band Opposite Box gets funkily belligerent at R&B Tired of old-fashioned, singlegenre bands? Then get ready for Opposite Box. They’re coming to Rhythm & Brews this Saturday, Feb. 7, playing alongside Danimal Planet and Monomath in an event that has been called “a serious night of music.” A group that calls Chattanooga its hometown, Opposite Box plays what they call “weird rock” and “belligerent funk” as they mix the genres of rock, prag, funk, punk and jazz together in their “genre-bending, experimental rock band.” During their shows, this band will jump off the stage and interact with their audience in the midst of their light shows. They also bring along
a group of fire-eaters, belly dancersand other acts. Their creativity is so phenomenal you’ll never know what to expect from them. Sound just your musical thing, this mind-twisting pleasure to the ears? Get yourself to R&B Saturday at 9 p.m. For more information about the show or to buy advance tickets, check out rhythm-brews.com—and be ready for the show of a lifetime. — Gavin Gaither Opposite Box Saturday, 9 p.m. Rhythm & Brews 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644 rhythm-brews.com
thu2.5
fri2.6
SAT2.7
preaching son
magoo music
newgrass fun
Yattie and Friends
Arlo Gilliam, Tim Starnes & Thom Cavin
John Cowan Band
Looking for something to do after the big Umphrey's McGee show? Head over to JJ's for an unofficial after-show party and jam. After all, who needs sleep when the music is hot? 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
Live music returns to East Ridge with the reopening of the legendary Magoo's, featuring a trio of talented musicians. 7 p.m. Magoo’s 3656 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge facebook.com/magoostn
John Cowan, also known as the Voice of Newgrass, has been singing his heart out for thirtyfive years now, and his soaring vocals have only improved with time. 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
14 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
The Driftless hits on all cylinders with new album Long for the Dory
M
egan Saunders’ talent as a singer/songwriter is formidable. No less formidable is her ability to partner up with other musicians of comparable talent. The latest album from The Driftless is proof positive. Long for the Dory is 11 tracks long and combines iconic folk instruments with an absolutely angelic voice, resulting in some of the sweetes-sounding music anywhere.
Music marc t. michael
“
These two ladies could tell me that my house burned down, my car was stolen and my cat eloped and as long as they sang it to me, I’d still have to smile.”
First things first: The Driftless are Megan Saunders (vocals, mando, banjo, tenor guitar), Blair Mclaughlin (vocals, violin, guitar), Jeff Kissell (double bass) and Rob Smith (vocals and guitar.) The artful arrangements and exemplary production on this album make the four-piece group sound like there might be one or two extra members in there somewhere (in fact, a couple of tracks do feature an extra hand or two from guest artists). The instruments are full, almost lush, but not so busy that they distract from the vocals, which are the main focus of this contemporary folk album. It’s hard to pin down the sound of this album except in the most general terms. One moment it is a sweet and loving lullaby(“Morning Glory”), then a sort of sassy, bluesy affair (“Trouble On My Mind”), then it’s damn near gypsy (“Irresistible Smile”), and wraps it all up in a big ol’ country western bow with a tune like “Worn Down Stone.” Bear in mind, this is the music we’re discussing here. The lyrics owe no allegiance to any genre but themselves (how many Western swing tunes reference “pretty little punk rock boys”?).
That “hard-to-pin-down” sound is a good thing—a great thing really. It means that you aren’t listening to 11 tracks of the same thing over and over again, yet the album as a whole retains more cohesion than anything I’ve heard in a long time. Basically, the kids in the band have exercised some judicious style, taste and restraint in assembling a collection of songs that demonstrates the range of the group without sounding like a sampler platter. In any group and on any album there is usually some singular thing
that stands out, something that catches your attention above and beyond the rest of the work. That isn’t the case here. Megan’s voice is just as sweet and pure and gentle as anything and one might be inclined to say, “There, that’s it!”—but then Blair joins in with her and it goes from lovely to sublime. These two ladies could tell me that my house burned down, my car was stolen and my cat eloped and as long as they sang it to me, I’d still have to smile. For all that, the vocals alone do not
“make” this band. The instrumentation is flawless; to single out any one instrument or voice feels like a slight towards every other part. This band has achieved a level of balance between all its elements in a way that is rare in the extreme. Any one of the featured players could be mentioned for their own unique skill and talent, and yet for The Driftless, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The album is Long for the Dory and it is hands-down one of the most beautiful works to come across my desk in a long time.
Turn the Tables on Robbery It’s hard enough being a musical performer. The pay is low, the costs are high. Passion for what you do and the love of an audience is what makes it worthwhile. It’s an uphill battle from the very start so it is particularly devastating (and frequently career ending) when thieves crawl out of the woodwork to rob you of your livelihood. Two local DJs, Sean Mason of Noted and Ben Park of Bataille were victims of a home invasion last week in which criminals ransacked their
homes, taking everything of value, including mixers, turntables and sound reinforcement equipment. Fortunately our local music community takes care of its own. A benefit is scheduled at JJ’s Bohemia this Friday, Feb. 6 at JJ’s Bohemia. The show starts at 9 p.m. and will feature the talents of Danimal Planet, The Sables, Gruv, Common Criminal, BridegBurnerClub, Churrin and Lord F3ydR. Organizers are asking for a suggested donation of — MTM $7. chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 15
LIVE MUSIC FEBRUARY
5 VELCRO PYGMIES FRI 10p 6 SAT OPPOSITE BOX 9p 7 CANEY VILLAGE WED 9P 11 CHANNING WILSON THU 9p 12 FRI THE WERKS 9p 13 SAT ERICK BAKER 9p 14 BACKUP PLANET
THU
UNOFFICIAL UMPHREYS AFTER PARTY 10p
CAM AND THE BOYS READY TO ROCK!
with DANIMAL PLANET & MONOMATH
SHADES OF EMMY LOU AND JOHN PRINE
ONE OF OUR BEST SONGWRITERS with HIGHER LEARNING
with MARIA and JOSH SABLE
2.18 AMERICAN AQUARIUM 2.19 JIMMY TAWATER 2.20 BREAKFAST CLUB 2.21 FLY BY RADIO
COMING SOON
RAELYN NELSON
WED
THINK CHEAP TRICK WITH LORETTA LYNN 9p
SMOOTH DIALECTS with MARBIN
THU 9p
25
26
ALL SHOWS 21+ UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED • NON-SMOKING VENUE
221 MARKET STREET
HOT MUSIC • FINE BEER • GREAT FOOD BUY TICKETS ONLINE • RHYTHM-BREWS.COM
MUSIC CALENDAR
CHATTANOOGA
thursday2.5 Open Studio Night 5:30 p.m. Chattanooga Workspace 302 W. 6th Street (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com Prime Country Band 6:30 p.m. Ringgold Nutrition Center 144 Circle Dr.. Ringgold (706) 935-2541 Songwriter Shootout 7 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd (423) 702-8081 Feel It Thursday Open Mic 7 p.m. Mocha Restaurant & Music Lounge 511 Broad St. mochajazz.net Bluegrass and Country Jam 7 p.m. Grace Nazarene Church 6310 Dayton Blvd. chattanoogagrace.com Jesse James & Tim Neal 7 p.m. Mexi Wings VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 296-1073 Umphrey’s McGee 7:30 p.m. Track 29 1400 Market Street track29.co Open Mic with Hap Henninger 9 p.m. The Office
16 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
Peter Bradley Adams 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Yattie and Friends 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
friday2.6 Jason Thomas and the Mean-Eyed Cats 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. choochoo.com Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Arlo Gilliam, Tim Starnes & Thom Cavin
Pulse Pick: Steve Benne The Southside Casual Classics guest is principal double bassist with the Knoxville Symphony and teaches double bass at Lee University, Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee. Steve Benne Monday, 7:30 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd thecamphouse.com
7 p.m. Magoo’s 3656 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge facebook.com/magoostn Chattanooga Acoustic Showcase 7 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Peter Bradley Adams 7:30 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd thecamphouse.com Wide Open Floor 7:30 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Paul Smith & The Sky High Band 8 p.m.
Chattanooga Billiards Club-East 110 Jordan Dr. cbcburns.com Roughwork 8:30 p.m. The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Danimal Planet, The Sables, Gruv, Common 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Ryan Clifford 9 p.m. World of Beer 412 Market St. worldofbeer.com Gabriel Newell 9 p.m. The Office 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Velcro Pygmies 10 p.m. Rhythm & Brews 221 Market St. rhythm-brews.com Mad Margritt 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
saturday2.7 Jason Thomas and the Mean-Eyed Cats 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St.
MUSIC CALENDAR
John Cowan Band choochoo.com Chuck Brodsky 5 p.m. Rivermont Presbyterian Church 3919 Hixson Pike rivermontpc.org Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Summer Shyvonne Hullender 7 p.m. Magoo’s 3656 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge facebook.com/magoostn Mardi Gras Gala 7 p.m. Loose Cannon Gallery 1800 Rossville Ave. chamblisscenter.org Zap 7 p.m. Mocha Restaurant and Music Lounge 511 Broad St. mochajazz.net John Cowan Band 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Rupert Wales 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Roughwork 8:30 p.m. The Foundry 1201 Broad St.
chattanooganhotel.com Kara-Ory-Oke 9 p.m. The Office 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Opposite Box, Danimal Planet, Monomath 9 p.m. Rhythm & Brews 221 Market St. rhythm-brews.com Scenic (CD Release Party), The Tammys, Tab Spencer 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Mad Margritt 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
sunday2.8 Roy Curry & Jim Pankey 11 a.m. The Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingdquirrelbar.com Mark Merriman 12:30 p.m. Magoo’s 3656 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge facebook.com/magoostn Danimal Pinson 1:30 p.m. The Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingdquirrelbar.com Kinge’s Quire 2 p.m.
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church 1505 N. Moore Rd. chattanoogamusicclub.org Simmons-O’Neal Memorial Concert 3 p.m. Patten Chapel 720 E. 4th St. chattanoogaboyschoir.org Sunday Night Irish Music Jam Session 5 p.m. Grocery Bar 1501 Long St. grocerybar.com Acoustic Gospel Jam 6 p.m. Brainerd United Methodist 4315 Brainerd Rd. brainerdumc.org Spirits, Must Be the Holy Ghost, Gorgeous 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
monday2.9 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Jamison Dean 7 p.m. First Centenary UMC 419 McCallie Ave. firstcentenary.com Southside Casual Classics 7:30 p.m. The Camp House
149 E. MLK Blvd thecamphouse.com
tuesday2.10 Rick’s Blues Jam 7 p.m. Folk School of Chattanooga 1200 Mountain Creek Rd. (423) 827-8906 Open Mic with Mike McDade 9 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike In The Making 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
wednesday2.11 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonrestaurant.com Caney Village 9 p.m. Rhythm & Brews 221 Market St. rhythm-brews.com Weird Bass Wednesday 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com
901 Carter St Inside City Cafe (423)634-9191 Thursday, February 5: 9pm Open Mic with Hap Henninger Friday, February 6: 9pm Gabriel Newell Saturday, February 7: 10pm Kara-Ory-Oke! Tuesday, February 10: 7pm
Server/Hotel Appreciation Night $5 Pitchers $2 Wells $1.50 Domestics ●
●
All shows are free with dinner or 2 drinks! Stop by & check out our daily specials! Happy Hour: Mon-Fri: 4-7pm $1 10oz drafts, $3 32oz drafts, $2 Wells, $1.50 Domestics, Free Appetizers
citycafemenu.com/the-office
daily lunch & drink specials!
WHERE CHATTANOOGA’S BEST ARTISTS PERFORM EVERY SINGLE NIGHT!
call & book a monday night private party!
410 market • (423) 757-wing
singitorwingit-chattanooga.com
Follow us on Facebook (we’re quite likeable) facebook.com/chattanoogapulse
chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 17
THE FINEST IN
WINE&SPIRITS We will meet or beat any advertised price and special order any wine available in the Chattanooga Market!
Record Reviews
ernie paik
Beat A Path To Thai Psychedelia, Samba Down To Old Brazil Khun Narin hypnotizes, Miecio Askanasy and José Prates energize economical with their time. The listeners’ attention is mostly drawn to the roving, nimble melodies of the phin player, who has clearly practiced his scales and is happy to lead the listener to beat a path.
B Khun Narin Khun Narin’s Electric Phin Band (Innovative Leisure)
“W
WE NOW HAVE LOW GRAVITY BEER!
216 MARKET STREET
423-266-8420
ONE BLOCK FROM THE TN AQUARUM
hat the hell am I watching?” Inevitably, that question comes to mind at some point for any person who has fallen under the spell of YouTube and its endless video labyrinth, and it came to this writer’s mind when watching a video shot in rural Thailand, with people dancing to a strange, instrumental version of the song “Zombie” by the Cranberries performed by what looks like a miniature marching band with red shirts and dark pants. The question had apparently occurred to L.A. music producer Josh Marcy, who was so taken by what he watched on YouTube that he tracked down the band and convinced the musicians that they could foster an international audience, eventually traveling to Thailand to record the group outside a Buddhist temple. The band, referred to as both Khun Narin’s Electric Phin Band and simply Khun Narin, often plays outdoor
18 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
Miecio Askanasy and José Prates Tam...Tam...Tam...! (Trunk)
house parties and even impromptu, homegrown parades on dirt roads, and it’s often called “psychedelic” primarily due to the electric phin— a 2- or 3-stringed lute—that is channeled through phaser and light distortion effects and the wandering nature of its songs, simultaneously bringing to mind both Indian ragas and Saharan guitar rock. Its percussion section has the division of labor of a marching band: one person with shoulder-mounted tomtoms, one person on a floor tom (in lieu of a bass drum), another with cymbals. The smooth, slithering bass lines seamlessly join the rhythms, steering the group through what feels like one mega 40-minute song, divided into seven tracks, with a methodic cohesion that is only interrupted by tempo changes. It’s hypnotic stuff, with the ability to make time melt away—an approach that may not appeal to those who are
efore Tropicália, before the ’60s bossa nova boom and before the 1959 film Black Orpheus, what was the general global viewpoint of the culture of the vast, diverse country of Brazil? One window into this world was the touring show Brasiliana, which was staged for international audiences throughout the ’50s and early ’60s, and revived in the late ’60s. Among the main creative forces behind Brasiliana was Miecio Askanasy, a Polish writer and journalist who fled Nazi Germany in 1939 to Brazil and opened a bookstore in Rio de Janeiro; Askanasy formed partnerships through this store, which also served as an art gallery and rehearsal space for a theater group. Composer and musician José Prates, as the story goes, met Askanasy as he entered the store with a ukulele, playing a song. This brings us to the release at hand, which is a re-issue of the extremely difficultto-find album Tam…Tam… Tam…! that features music from the Brasiliana stage production. It was originally released on Polydor in 1958 and issued digitally in mid-2014
and finally on physical formats (vinyl and CD) more recently, spurred by the DJ and Latin music collector Gilles Peterson, who became fixated on finding a copy. Mastered from not-so-pristine vinyl, audio nerds should be aware that this reissue leaves intact a good deal of surface noise and crackles to preserve the integrity of the recording. The album is rich and utterly spirited, with flavors of samba and maracatu, the Afro-Brazilian performance style; listeners might not know what to make of solo vocalist Ivan de Paula, who sings with a voice that has obviously gone through training, sounding at times like an opera singer or occasionally like a lounge crooner. Call-and-response exchanges are plentiful, with a mixed-gender chorus, and there’s a feeling of pleasant urgency. With origins from the stage, it features a polished delivery, exuding spontaneous energy but with a precision. Attentive listeners will recognize that “Nãnã Imborô” uses a melody that sounds like Jorge Ben’s “Mas, que Nada!” although “Nãnã Imborô” pre-dates that hit song, and the closing smorgasbord “Tem Brabo no Samba” features a cuíca player (a drum that makes a squeaky “whoop”-like sound) going nuts, closing an obscurity of an album that deserves attention not just from crate diggers and obsessed collectors.
Free Will Astrology AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1753, Benjamin Franklin published helpful instructions on how to avoid being struck by lightning during stormy weather. Wear a lightning rod in your hat, he said, and attach it to a long, thin metal ribbon that trails behind you as you walk. In response to his article, a fashion fad erupted. Taking his advice, fancy ladies in Europe actually wore such hats. From a metaphorical perspective, it would make sense for you Aquarians to don similar headwear in the coming weeks. Bolts of inspiration will be arriving on a regular basis. To ensure you are able to integrate and use them—not just be titillated and agitated—you will have to be well-grounded. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): According to the Bible, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Author David Foster Wallace added a caveat. “The truth will set you free,” he wrote, “but not until it is finished with you.” All this is apropos for the current phase of your journey, Pisces. By my estimation, you will soon discover an important truth that you have never before been ready to grasp. Once that magic transpires, however, you will have to wait a while until the truth is fully finished with you. Only then will it set you free. But it will set you free. And I suspect that you will ultimately be grateful that it took its sweet time. ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1979, Monty Python comedian John Cleese helped direct a fournight extravaganza, The Secret Policeman’s Ball. It was a benefit to raise money for the human rights organization Amnesty International. The musicians known as Sting, Bono, and Peter Gabriel later testified that the show was a key factor in igniting their social activism. I see the potential of a comparable stimulus in your near future, Aries. Imminent developments could amp up your passion for a good cause that transcends your immediate self-interests. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the film Kill Bill: Volume 1, Taurus actress Uma Thurman plays a martial artist who has exceptional skill at wielding a Samurai sword. At one point, her swordmaker evaluates her reflexes by hurling a baseball in her direction. With a masterful swoop, she slices the ball in half before it reaches her. I suggest you seek out similar tests in the coming days, Taurus. Check up on the current status of your top skills. Are any of them rusty? Should you update them? Are they still of maximum practical use to you? Do whatever’s necessary to ensure they are as strong and sharp as ever. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): French Impressionist painter Claude
rob brezsny
Monet loved to paint the rock formations near the beach at Étretrat, a village in Normandy. During the summer of 1886, he worked serially on six separate canvases, moving from one to another throughout his work day to capture the light and shadow as they changed with the weather and the position of the sun. He focused intently on one painting at a time. He didn’t have a brush in each hand and one in his mouth, simultaneously applying paint to various canvases. His specific approach to multitasking would generate good results for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. (P.S. The other kind of multitasking— where you do several different things at the same time—will yield mostly mediocre results.) CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 1849, author Edgar Allen Poe died in his hometown of Baltimore. A century later, a mysterious admirer began a new tradition. Every January 19, on the anniversary of Poe’s birth, this cloaked visitor appeared at his grave in the early morning hours, and left behind three roses and a bottle of cognac. I invite you, Cancerian, to initiate a comparable ritual. Can you imagine paying periodic tribute to an important influence in your own life—someone who has given you much and touched you deeply? Don’t do it for nostalgia’s sake, but rather as a way to affirm that the gifts you’ve received from this evocative influence will continue to evolve within you. Keep them ever-fresh.
Jonesin’ Crossword
matt jones
than for the approval of others. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hall-ofFame basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon had a signature set of fancy moves that were collectively known as the Dream Shake. It consisted of numerous spins and fakes and moves that could be combined in various ways to outfox his opponents and score points. The coming weeks would be an excellent time for you to work on your equivalent of the Dream Shake, Libra. You’re at the peak of your ability to figure out how to coordinate and synergize your several talents. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1837, Victoria became Queen of England following the death of her uncle, King William IV. She was 18 years old. Her first royal act was to move her bed out of the room she had long shared with her meddling, overbearing mother. I propose that you use this as one of your guiding metaphors in the immediate future. Even if your parents are saints, and even if you haven’t lived with them for years, I suspect you would benefit by upgrading your independence from their influence. Are you still a bit inhibited by the nagging of their voices in your head? Does your desire to avoid hurting them thwart you from rising to a higher level of authority and authenticity? Be a good-natured rebel.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “What happens to a dream deferred?” asked Langston Hughes in his poem “Harlem.” “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore—And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over—like a syrupy sweet?” As your soul’s cheerleader and coach, Leo, I hope you won’t explore the answer to Hughes’ questions. If you have a dream, don’t defer it. If you have been deferring your dream, take at least one dramatic step to stop deferring it.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The crookedest street in the world is a one-way, block-long span of San Francisco’s Lombard Street. It consists of eight hairpin turns down a very steep hill. The recommended top speed for a car is five miles per hour. So on the one hand, you’ve got to proceed with caution. On the other hand, the quaint, brickpaved road is lined with flower beds, and creeping along its wacky route is a whimsical amusement. I suspect you will soon encounter experiences that have metaphorical resemblances to Lombard Street, Sagittarius. In fact, I urge you to seek them out.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author John Creasey struggled in his early efforts at getting published. For a time he had to support himself with jobs as a salesman and clerk. Before his first book was published, he had gathered 743 rejection slips. Eventually, though, he broke through and achieved monumental success. He wrote more than 550 novels, several of which were made into movies. He won two prestigious awards and sold 80 million books. I’m not promising that your own frustrations will ultimately pave the way for a prodigious triumph like his. But in the coming months, I do expect significant progress toward a gritty accomplishment. For best results, work for your own satisfaction more
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the baseball film The Natural, the hero Roy Hobbs has a special bat he calls “Wonderboy.” Carved out of a tree that was split by a lightning bolt, it seems to give Hobbs an extraordinary skill at hitting a baseball. There’s a similar theme at work in the Australian musical instrument known as the didgeridoo. It’s created from a eucalyptus tree whose inner wood has been eaten away by termites. Both Wonderboy and the didgeridoo are the results of natural forces that could be seen as adverse but that are actually useful. Is there a comparable situation in your own life, Capricorn? I’m guessing there is. If you have not yet discovered what it is, now is a good time to do so.
ACROSS 1 “American Horror Story” actress Lily 5 Outdo by a little 10 Get droopy 13 Just slightly 14 Vice ___ 15 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral name 17 Quip, Part 1 19 2003/2005/2007 AL MVP, familiarly 20 Feller’s warning 21 Quip, Part 2 23 Do master 25 “Game of ___” 26 Get in 28 “___ Can Cook” 29 Dog’s foot 32 Floor space 34 Metamorphic stage 38 Quip, Part 3 42 Bat maker’s tool 43 “I’ll take ‘Cartoons’ for $200, ___”
44 Control 45 Elusive swimmer 47 3/17 honoree, for short 50 “Nuts!” 54 Actress Mira 58 Quip, Part 4 60 Of a pelvic bone 61 Affleck flick 62 Quip, Part 5 64 Bit of sarcasm 65 Cinema seater 66 “___ perpetua” (Idaho’s motto) 67 Beats by ___ (brand of audio equipment) 68 Add fuel to the fire 69 Explanations DOWN 1 Flat floaters 2 Took the hit, financially 3 Tropical 4 OK to ingest 5 Wear out your welcome
6 Leftorium proprietor on “The Simpsons” 7 Estrada of “CHiPs” 8 Half a fitness motto 9 Like some fog 10 Like berries and oysters 11 “Fanfare for the Common Man” composer Copland 12 “Grand Canyon Suite” composer Ferde ___ 16 Adobe creations? 18 Dusseldorf denial 22 Jazz pianistsinger Diana 24 ___ firma 27 Cassette parts 29 Good buddy 30 Abbr. on a rap sheet 31 Feature of Algonquin Round Table discussions 33 Acts as
accomplice 35 City in 2016 sports news 36 Solemn words 37 Mitt Romney’s wife 39 Words after “know” or “settle” 40 Pearly whites 41 Excuse given by those who hire artists and pay nothing 46 ___ test 48 Get ___ on the knuckles 49 Reporters and their entourage 50 Key using all the black keys, for short 51 Drew in 52 Deadly sin 53 Citrus peel in a mixed drink 55 Like Joyce 56 More than mean 57 Non-dairy spreads 59 Cuatro y cuatro 63 “A spider!!”
Copyright © 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 0713 chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 19
SCREEN SCENE
Driving Them Toward Their Dreams Powerful Oscar-nominated performance by J.K. Simmons energizes “Whiplash”
How To Make An Outdoor Movie Outdoor Chattanooga hosts free video workshops As part of their annual Winter Workshop series, Outdoor Chattanooga will offer three classes on how to make an outdoor video on Thursdays, Feb. 5, 12, and 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga’s facility in Coolidge Park. Professional videographers and teachers Louis Lee, Drew Renner, Philip Luckey, Chris Willis, and Corey Wentz will share their expertise on everything from how to find and build equipment on the cheap to setting up shots in outdoor environments. The first class on Feb. 5, “Getting
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the Shot,” will cover the basics of equipment, lighting, sound, perspective, and other things to think about before and during a video shoot. Subsequent classes will cover online and software editing programs and community resources for filmmakers who don’t have access to computers. You’ll also get a chance to have your short video critiqued by the panel of instructors. If you wish to submit a short (4 minutes or less) outdoor video to be critiqued, send a YouTube or Vimeo link to zach@outdoorchattanooga. com by Fri., Feb. 13.
NEW IN THEATERS
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Jupiter Ascending The SpongeBob Movie: In a bright and colorful future, a young Sponge Out of Water destitute caretaker gets targeted by a SpongeBob goes on a quest to disruthless son of a powerful family that cover a stolen recipe that takes him to lives on a planet in need of a new heir. our dimension, our world, where he Directors: Andy Wachowski & Lana tangles with a pirate. Wachowski Director: Paul Tibbitt Stars: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Stars: Antonio Banderas, Clancy Eddie Redmayne, James D'Arcy Brown, Tom Kenny, Thomas F. Wilson 20 • The Pulse • February 5-11, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com
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here is a line between teaching and inspiration. Even the best learners cannot be truly taught, but merely directed. Sometimes it is the teacher’s job to point in the direction of the lesson and watch as students stumble and struggle towards enlightenment. The best lessons are self-taught and more is gained from those discoveries than any standardized test can measure. The more I teach, the more convinced I am that learning is an exercise—it is practice and failure and practice and failure. The role of the teacher is to provide opportunities for that practice, offer correction, and measure successes.
Screen JOHN DEVORE
“ In rehearsals, he is a nightmare of masculine locker-room insults that he hurls as casually as the chairs he slings at terrified students.”
“Whiplash,” a film from last January that has been re-released now as it gains accolades for the Oscar-worthy performance of J.K. Simmons, is a variation of the self-driven learning described above, but taken to the point of absurdity. No teacher could behave like Terrance Fletcher and remain employed for very long. His narrow view of his role is laughable and cringe-inducing. But the film makes a strong point in other ways, namely that greatness is borne out of adversity. Even the most talented performers will not be remembered for natural ability and wishful thinking alone. Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a jazz drummer pursuing his dream at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory. I always find it strange that America’s one distinct musical style, the kind that was birthed out of smoke and booze and poverty along the Mississippi River by improvisational musicians just trying to make a living, is now studied with the same breathless pretension as Shostakovich and Bach. Jazz music is as far removed from its roots as it can be now, and the very act of studying it has changed the style and purpose so completely that any attempt at the preservation of its pu-
rity is unlikely to be successful. It is this attitude that seems to dominate the Shaffer Conservatory, which has several bands competing with other schools in jazz performance. The top band is led by Terrance Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), a man who is disarmingly personable—until he is in front of his orchestra. In rehearsals, he is a nightmare of masculine lockerroom insults that he hurls as casually as the chairs he slings at terrified students. He demands absolute perfection and will decimate any member of his ensemble who dares play out of tune or off tempo. He achieves his rule over the musicians by pitting them against each other—the smallest of mistakes and they are immediately removed from the group and demoted into the obscurity of lesser bands. The mental exhaustion of the members is evident, as is their fear. The film shows just how dangerous this approach can be. The most interesting aspect of the film is Fletcher’s justification for his tactics. He explains how Charlie Parker would not have become who he was had a bandleader not thrown a cymbal at his head for making a mistake. He claims that Parker took that moment and used it as inspiration to be better, to practice more, and ensure that no one would laugh at him onstage again. Fletcher is determined to find another Charlie Parker by
throwing as many cymbals as he can. Only by pushing his students beyond what they are capable of can he truly serve their needs. This is asinine, of course, because most people aren’t Charlie Parker. Even the best of the best at the Shaffer Conservatory are not going to become one of the greats. A teacher has a responsibility to encourage rather than berate. Living is more than enough to break someone down without having a trusted advisor intentionally inflict massive amounts of mental anguish. Still, I can understand Fletcher’s desire to drive his students. But success is always internally achieved rather than externally forced. “Whiplash” is a powerful character piece with a satisfying story arc and an excellent soundtrack. J.K. Simmons deserves his nomination; sinister and vengeful fit his onscreen persona well. The film itself is a bit too simple for its own nomination. Writer/director Damien Chazell based the film on his own experiences in a competitive jazz band, and as such the film is an exaggeration of the feelings of terror he associated with drawing the ire of a heated director. The performances in the film showcase this dread, making the conclusion more nail-biting than one might expect. “Whiplash” is an unsung gem from last year that is a dark horse candidate for Oscar’s Best Picture. chattanoogapulse.com • February 5-11 • The Pulse • 21
Whose Inquisition Is It? Alex responds to those who don’t like the idea of a “cop church”
“
Such animosity for a group of coworkers that at the end of the day are looking for a spiritual reckoning that accommodates 24/7 shifts and the horrors that make you question the existence of ‘God’ in the first place.” When officer Alexander D. Teach is not patrolling our fair city on the heels of the criminal element, he spends his spare time volunteering for the Boehm Birth Defects Center.
It’s Thursday, so you know what that means in southeast Tennessee: There’s a new church in town. (Much like Wednesday, Monday, and every other day of the week, come to think of it. Gotta love the South.) This in itself isn’t particularly interesting because a ALEX quick search of “churches” in a Chattanooga area directory revealed in excess of 880 results…but ol’ #881 here has garnered more negative consensus than any other in recent memory. “Two awful tastes that taste worse together.” – Angry Person #513 “Welcome [to the church]? Let me the hell out!” – Angry Person #1083 “Look, our new middle class has a place to go and learn how to beat hippies to death.” – Angry Person #783 “My worst nightmare.” – Angry Person #007 “The inquisition cannot be far behind. This is the last time the police mixed religion with jobs.” – Angry Person #916 Hey, I gave it away there at the end. Yes, there is a new
church service geared towards cops, called “Cop Church.” Catchy, yeah? The first sermon apparently needs to be on thick skin. I mean, such animosity for a group of co-workers that at the end of the day are looking for a spiritual reckoning that accomTEACH modates 24/7 shifts and the horrors that make you question the existence of “God” in the first place. The fact that such a thing can be vilified is in itself strange to me, and this from someone who is well aware of the bottomless capacity for people to be assholes in general. Me? I don’t expect anything out of anyone, ever, when it comes to gratitude. I have never worked a shift with the expectation of being appreciated so I don’t recall ever being let down. I learned long, long ago that if you want gratitude, become a fireman. “Boom.” I’m OK with that. (I even knew about the shitty pay.) How do I deal with this? I’m a columnist. Why not? I let people dictate their interactions with me; they’re
On The Beat
usually upset, I get it. I factor that in and I treat them with respect and if they don’t return it,, that’s fine...so long as I can do my job. And if they choose to interfere with that task, I’m prepared for that as well. I personally abhor violence, it’s part of the reason I do this. By that I mean I despise seeing violence done unto others as much as I detest having to use it to prevent such or to bring such to justice—but I will and I will always let you know that in advance so you can make a more informed decision. While I care for my customers, you need to know you are just that and I will have to tend to another one shortly, no matter how complicated you want to make the next few hours (or months) of your life. People like the commenters above keep trying to make this personal, but—it’s not. I’m not there to be liked or applauded, I’m there to do a job; one you pay me for, as most are quick to point out. And that job, for the record, does not include getting shot, getting spit on, or otherwise being assaulted no matter how many times I see people actually put it in print that those are parts of my job. (Who would sign up for that? Seriously?) I just ask that you let me do it and not to make it any more difficult,
because it really isn’t easy to begin with in most cases. Why am I saying all this? Just to let you know I treasure your freedom to say really vile things about people trying to do a very good thing, and to let you know in advance that I don’t have anything to be ashamed of no matter what kind of guilt trip you are pushing, and again that this is not personal no matter how much you want it to be. I respect the hardworking people that serve my food at a restaurant during a 12-hour shift, that sell me coil packs for my truck, or take my money for a delicious sloppy hot dog. And I hope I would respect those trying to help me out in an emergency. If you choose not to respect someone in all likelihood you yourself called for assistance (or caused to be called as a result of your actions)? Suit yourself, it’s OK. You’ve made your role apparent. I’m just doing the same. I’ll help you as much as you allow me to. If not? I still have plenty of work left to do and an open door for people slightly more open-minded. But vilifying people for asking for spiritual refuge from the horror their own neighbors commit? Wow. “Bullying” indeed never goes out of style, even when it comes to faith.
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