Detroit Live Online Edition Sept. 2014

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Contents // SEPT 2014

6 8 12 14 16 19 21

email: darian@detroitlivemagazine.com

Artist spotlight// it lies within shannon boone benny and the jets #flaboom

feature // jessica hernandez the reward of being green united sound systems recording studios concert reviews & previews// uproar die antwoord ziggy marley

29 30 32 34

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Contributors: Benny Jet, Eric Harabadian, Darian Counts, Julia Sikora, J. Rockington, Dan Munoz, Jason Forpier, Anne Schultz, GT, Scotti Moore, Aluna Michaels, Marc Nader, Korynne Hatcher Editor: Anne Schultz Photo Editor: Marc Nader Graphic Design: Darian Counts Additional photos: Anne Schultz, Joe Orlando Jenne Barnes Photography Publisher: Darian Counts // Detroit Live Media LLC Promotion/Administration: Amanda Blanchard Cover Photo by: Marc Nader Sales: Darrin Williams, Stephanie Kelly Readers: You

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IT LIES WITHIN

ez

join us Sept 6th for the return of

R A B D N OU

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MASON DIXON Sept 19thFRIDAY Dover FEBSoul 28 CHARITY BENEFIT Sept 20th Ramones Tribute the Whoremones

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT GETTING REAL WITH

IT LIES WITHIN

BY ANNE SCHULTZ

photo by Anne Schultz

As fans, we love nothing more than to watch bands blow up on the scene and cross state lines as they make the transition from being a “local” band to becoming a national one. Somehow, we manage to glaze over the time spent in between the phase where they work their asses off harder than they ever have before.

High energy. Passionate. Melodic.

These are the words that It Lies Within used to describe their music when asked to do so without using genre labels.

Maybe it’s not the combination you’d typically associate with a nu-metal/ hardcore band, but you’d be surprised what you can find when you can look past stereotypes.

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from. Flint Proud,” said Zach. “There are bands that are rising on the scene and have more negativity. I think we kind of got thrown into that mix and that’s not what we’re about. Our message is positive and we try to shine a different light on the metal scene. So many people think that it’s negative or satanic.

If people gave it a chance, they’d see that a lot of metal bands are Christian and positive and at the opposite end of the spectrum.”

Although It Lies Within was founded by Zach Scott and guitarist Matt Groshart back in 2008, the two have known each other since they were in high school. “We both always had bands in school. We just were never in the same one. Matt was always in the better band. I wanted to be in his band,” laughed Zach. “So I started one because they wouldn’t let me in theirs. “ The two would later form their previous band Forethought. The band had its run and eventually the members parted ways. A year later, they would reunite to form a new band, It Lies Within.

As a band that has toured for the last three years, It Lies Within feels blessed to be able to meet so many different great artists and new people in general.

“The road is long and bumpy. People think just because you’re touring that it’s such as lavish, rockstar lifestyle and [at this point] couldn’t be further from the truth. There are bands that are more successful than us that are still sleeping in their vans.” Aside from the number of fans, promoters, and people that reach out to the band to help, one of the more immediate ways for the band to gauge their “success” is what Zach refers to as the “Walmart scale.” This translates into how many nights are they sleeping in their van in a parking lot somewhere.

He added, “Only twice last year ; we’re making progress!”

Like Detroit, Flint also experiences tremendous negative exposure in the media. So what did the band have to say about that? “We’re proud of where we’re

There seems to be a misconception among people thinking if you just play shows and sit on social media that the break you’ve been waiting for is just going

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to happen. “You don’t wait for your break to happen. I’m working for my break,” said Zach. “There’s no waiting around.

There’s no hope or luck. When you make it to one level, it doesn’t mean that you made it. Things don’t get easier; they get harder. You have to be prepared.

This industry will eat you up and swallow you so quickly.” Learning how to work together as a team and the diehard fans have proven to play an important role in the band’s success. “We are very in tune with our fans. At the end of the day, it’s your fans that can make or break you.”

Since the release of Chrysalis in 2012, two new members have joined the band, Alex Maggard (guitar) and Erik McKay (bass/vocals). “What Erik brings to the table is definitely, to us, a step up,” says Zach. As for the music itself, the band is pushing the electronics in the music a lot more and trying to stay true to what they want to play rather than what the “machine” expects.

The band is currently on their True Vision Tour which takes them through to early October. The band’s Detroit show will be at Rocky’s on October 11 and their new album is slated to be out at the end of the year.

For more information about

It Lies Within

visit www.itlieswithin.com

LIVE BANDS WEEKENDS / EPIC PARTY ALL THE TIME

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9/13 infatuations

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

SHANNON BOONE

BY Korynne Hatch

er

“The rock world is getting to know him better each year as he enjoys more and more of the recognition that he deserves.

It is awesome when the good guys get success. Shannon is a badass talent!”

photo by Joe Orlando

–Adam Kury (Candlebox)

D

riving to Indianapolis for my fourth Fuel show in two months, my mind was on the band. The only original member is singer Brett Scallions. Brad Stewart stands out in his dreadlocked glory as the former bass player of Shinedown, and Andy Andersson is the incomparable guitar playing Swede. Then there is Detroit native Shannon Boone, the drummer who effortlessly transitioned from Puddle of Mudd. Shannon has over 23 years of experience playing in bands as a drummer and also plays guitar, writes, sings, and produces music. Known not only for his heavy hitting drum skills but also for his signature Fedora hats and snake- skin boots, Shannon certainly didn’t disappoint at the Indypendence Day Music Festival and when I complimented his style, he simply chuckled and said “Yeah I don’t play”. I then asked him if I could feature him. I reached out to his former band mates and friends and they all had great things to say about Shannon. So, America, let me re-introduce you to Shannon Boone.

Born in Ann Arbor in 1976, music seems to have always been a part of Shannon Boone Hurcomb’s life. Former South Normal bandmate JD Mackinder first met Shannon when their families moved to Chelsea at the same time.

Shannon and JD’s younger brother, Nate, often came to visit with JD when he was playing a band after graduating from high school. Nate soon decided to join the band and Shannon followed in 1993 at age 15. Mackinder recalls how the band had to push Shannon to do drum solos to showcase his talent and felt this helped Shannon grow as a musician. Howling Diablos songwriter/ front man, Tino Gross was quick to say

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that Shannon is a gentleman, a kind man, and an excellent musician. He added, “What’s not to love?” The two met when the band played on a tribute album with Kid Rock that included Bob Dylan, Page & Plant, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton.

The promoter of the release party told Tino they should get South Normal to open for them. They immediately noticed Shannon and Tino recalls thinking he was one of the greatest drummers around.

At “Pumpstock,” a show at Detroit’s Town Pump bar, the Diablos drummer showed up without drumsticks. Gross’s wife realized what happened, went up to Shannon and exclaimed, “You need to be in the Diablos!” Tino stated “Our record “Car Wash” was some of The bands best work, due in large part to Shannon.”

He recalled Boone’s as a “hard-hitting, energetic drummer. Shannon plays with a groove, which is rare for someone who hits as hard as he does.”

Former Kid Rock guitarist, Kenny Olson who referred to Shannon as his “Scorpio Soul Brother,” since they share the same November birthday. Kenny thinks of Shannon as his little brother. Kenny’s family owned what he called a “Hippie Bed & Breakfast” and said Shannon and his dad would come there during summer. There was never a shortage of people playing music. When Kenny returned to Detroit from LA, they began working together. They were able to feed off each other immediately and have been in five bands together including 7DayBinge, Pack of Wolves, The Flask, and Five Star Carnie. Kenny spoke about Shannon’s playing saying “Shannon is gifted and plays unlike any other drummer he has worked with. Shannon hears something played just once and is able to compliment it perfectly.” Shannon

continued to play in bands with Kenny and Detroit-based bass player, John “Wolf” Abel, Says Wolf “Shannon is a lot funkier than people give him credit for. He’s a heavy hitter and I have never seen anyone beat the living shit out of a drum kit the way he does.” Around 2008, Shannon was not where he wanted to be career wise. He thought about where he needed to go to make things happen. He watched idly as his peers including Kid Rock and Eminem, started to have burgeoning careers. Never a fan of the LA scene, Shannon headed south to Nashville. He shortly got a call from a friend who said Puddle of Mudd was looking for a drummer. He bought a ticket to LA to audition. “There was no way he was coming home and telling people that he didn’t get the gig“ says Shannon.

Shannon nailed the audition and got the gig.

After a few years lineup changes and personal issues were beginning to affect forward momentum so Shannon looked for other opportunities. After receiving a call from Brad Stewart, he was told that he may have a potential gig but could not divulge the name of band. The next day Brett Scallions called and Shannon knew it was Fuel looking for a drummer.

Restructured by Brett after an almost seven year hiatus, Shannon immediately gel’d with the band. From the moment he joined, it has been a whirlwind adventure.

Fuel has been touring to promote their 2013 release Puppet Strings. Shannon managed to not just find a home with this band, but he has also put his Boone signature mark on their sound.

Check out Fuel at www.fuelrocks.com

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Benny & The Jets The Column

Detroit - The Home of Rock and Roll.

We might wish for more LIVE music clubs. Live music venues like, Rocky’s, The All Around, Magic Bag, Magic Stick, Chatters, Token Lounge. Places that remind us of the days when big local bands like Zooster, Halloween, Salem Witchcraft, Bobbie Lewis and Cracker Jack band, Bitter Sweet Ally, Toby Redd.

Could play big clubs like, the Ritz, Red Carpet, Skylight, Coral Gables, West Side Six, Studio Lounge. Clubs with big dance floors, big crowds, and LIVE music five or six nights a week. Those days may be gone. Times change, tastes change but somehow rock and roll bands survive.

There is a list of local Detroit bands that would like to see their names on marquees, on play lists, on billboards, and in the column!

Neuro Sonic, band at Neurosonicmusic. com seem to be an old school, hard

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working, Stevie Ray rock and roll band. Max Maxwell plays in several bands including the X- Husbands and Rezination. Bandura Gypsies, Christina Chriss, Thornetta Davis, Mercy Brown, Howling Diablos, Misstaken, Killer Flamingo’s, Yankeeville, Floorplay, Shock Wave, Category 5, Cruzin Jupiter, Sweet Crystal, Orbitsuns, Ray Street Park, Bullet Proof Snow, The Angry Guitars, Rusty Lunch Box, BZ and the Riff Kids, D Counts and the Billionaires, all seem to be part of the working hard, playing hard, Detroit rock and roll family.

Local guitar legends/players like, Jason Bone, Jimmy McCarty, Carl Henry, Joe LiGreci, Robert Noll, Eddie Leighton, Gregg Gdaniec, Mitch Manns, Jesse Manns, are keeping the flame alive.

This summer we saw some huge shows by some of Michigan’s best bands!!

50 Amp Fuse, drew the biggest crowd ever at the downtown Plymouth Music in the Park. Ty Stone, played the Trenton Fest. Alexander Zonjic, played very successful concerts in the Dearborn Park. Elvis Matt King, and the Jamie Coe band on the steps of City Hall of Livonia.

Frijid Pink, at the Allen Park Street Fair, Brownsville Station, Thrillbilly’s, Bristol Street, Two Timin Band, Sponge, Pistol Day Parade, Kaledo, Mike Leslie Band, Social Bandits, all played the Woehlke Palooza Benefit concert, at the US-12.

The Nightmare - Detroit’s only Alice Cooper Tribute with Chrome Millie, Critical Bill, War Machine, Treynrek, The Banned from Detroit, and Porcelain Doll

Collection, played Uncle Sam Jam in Woodhaven.

Benny and the Jets Band, will join other Michigan Rock Legends like; Question Mark and the Mysterians (#1 song 96 Tears) The MC-5, Bob Seger, Amboy Dukes, Alice Cooper, Mitch Ryder, Brownsville Station, Grand Funk Railroad, Bill Haley of the Comets (Born in Highland Park) Berry Gordie Jr. (Motown), Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Four Tops, Fridjid Pink, Frost, Glenn Fry, Iggy and the Stooges, John Lee Hooker, Rare Earth, SRC, Susie Quatro, Romantic’s and many others in the online Hall of Fame www. michiganrockandrolllegends.com.

Charley Allen Marten, former drummer for Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, is a Michigan Rock and Roll Legend, a true Detroit rock treasure, and in his own way a Michigan rock historian. In part because he was there back in the day, he lived the life of a true rock star, has so many great memories and stories, there should be a book there somewhere?

New Bob Seger album due out October 14th on Capitol Records titled Bob Seger - Ride Out.

For more information:

contact or hire Benny Solo or Benny and the Jets Band find us on Facebook, call 313 730 1627 or e-mail benejets@aol.com

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# Flaboom

by GT

F

laboomydoom, and what is happening with you? (You can tweet me your answer). Well I’m hyped to share some of my musical experiences & discoveries in the last month. Time definitely flies when you’re giggin’, and I have been blessed to have witnessed a taste of its speed.

I truly enjoy sharing stages with all the musicians & bands that I perform with throughout Michigan, and as a bassist, I never get tired of someone steppin’ to me after a show, complementing me on my grooving or funky approach to the music. As a bass player, the groove is our number one responsibility, but if you can be funky while groovin’ within the parameters of the music, there’s an immediate gratification that comes from your audience and it’s called…dancing!

Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy soloing; however the other 98.2% plus of your show should be focused on making people move to the groove that you and the drummer are layin’. Now, your drummer should also be caring of the music’s intent as well as the audience’s need to feel rhythmically part of the action by offering them a “pocket” (a hard-driving, insistent & passionately powerful rhythm) that they can anticipate and a non-wavering tempo to keep them excited in prolonging their stay on the dance-floor.

Funk is a term that is being utilized a bit too loosely these days. If I choose to “pop & slap” (an electric bass technique that usually involves popping the higher strings with your fingers while slapping the lower strings with your thumb) similar to the likes of Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller or Victor Wooten, this doesn’t define a funk presentation.

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Funk isn’t a technique; it’s a feeling of connecting with a multitude of music lovers (your band members and its audience) simultaneously, so it has to be simple, consistent and neck-breakingly groovy…! Funk was created around the 1960’s (more than likely in New Orleans) when musicians felt it necessary to introduce a danceable genre that mixed R&B, Jazz & Soul music. I currently enjoy creating this spontaneous feeling with most of the bands that I perform with, including: Rootstand (Fused original dance band with essences of Rock, Reggae & Bluegrass), Zanye (Original R&B/Jazz vocalist), my Pink Floyd and my Tool tribute bands, Jon Connor (Original Hiphop), and the Joel Rydecki Band (Original Jazz Fusion/R&B).

Again, one must mind their rhythmic surroundings when attempting to interject funk within music that is attempting to be traditional to its genre’s origin. You won’t have to worry about that when you “kick” (perform) with Gabe…

Gabe Gonzalez is a New York-born, Detroit bred brother of mine that is all about funk. He is a versatile drummer, vocalist, producer, composer and leader of funk band, Enema Squad, a huge influence of my growth as a bassist in the mid 90’s. Gabe may be able to play most everything on the drums from fusion to jazz, rock, pop, reggae. He and I played with calypso & reggae band Tropical Connection with Emile Borde of Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band in the early 90’s.

However, you’d have a tough time finding a drummer with a better funk pocket!

Although I had a great time performing with his Enema Squad unit at the Concert of Colors in Detroit last July, I’ve been jamming with him on a pretty regular

basis at his Buddha Funk/Uncut Funk jam sessions on Thursdays from 8pm12am at the Phoenix Café Music Venue & Art Gallery and it has been extremely hot…!!! Oh yeah, I failed to mention that Gabe traveled the world with Funk’s Mount Rushmore member, George Clinton and his bands, Parliament-Funkadelic & the P-Funk All-Stars. Gabe Gonzales is a true professor of funk drumming and this is an amazing opportunity for young musicians to hone in their grooving skills, old cats tryin’ to shake off the rust and seasoned musicians like myself that just wanna create and improv while not being pressured to remember actual songs. Also, I have played with some jaw-dropping guitarists, keyboardists, and vocalists at his jam sessions. You’ve gotta check him out on Thursdays! It’s a funk fan’s feast… Flaboom!

Phoenix Café Music Venue & Art Gallery is an all-ages/volunteer-based spot with refreshments, a mature crowd, real cool owners & employees (that are musicians also), beautiful art, bass & guitar amps, Rhodes, PA, drums and a nice stage.

Phoenix Café is very easily located at 24918 John R., Hazel Park, MI 48030 (248) 439-0334. Its capacity is around 150+, they have music just about every day, they rent out the venue for concerts, benefits, parties, etc. Real nice joint…

Flaboom.

Always remember… Flaboom has universal potential, due to its versatile applications in life’s exciting moments. I truly encourage you to try Flaboom out for yourself. When you do “give it a spin”, hit me up on my twitter account @FlaboomGT and let me know about it.

www.GTtcp.com

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Jessica Handernande the delta

s

16

by Juli a Sikor a

z

I

f you’ve been keeping an eye on the local music scene, then you know that Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas are about to be the next great thing to break out of our great rock city.

And if you haven’t been paying attention, I encourage you to go listen to a track or two off her 2013 EP Demons. Or better yet, listen to a track off of Secret Evil, her recently released debut album.

So did you hear it? Did you hear those throaty, intoxicating blues vocals, jazzy bass lines and folky drum rhythms?

Could you tell that you were in the aural presence of some of the most intelligent and exciting music to come out of Detroit since Jack White’s Fell in Love With a Girl in 2001? Are you a believer now?

Because I am.

Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas came on the scene in late 2009, first appearing at Detroit’s Dally in the Alley, an annual street fair dedicated to showcasing local artists, musicians, craftsmen, etc.

Prior to this, Hernandez performed at

local venues as a solo acoustic act, backing herself on guitar. When offered the opportunity to play Dally, however, Hernandez decided that a backing band was going to be necessary. Enter The Deltas. Named for drummer Stephen Stetson’s green 87 Oldsmobile. With Stetson, Michael Krygier, guitar and vocals; Steve Lehane, bass and vocals; Taylor Pierson, keys, accordion and vocals; and John Raleeh on trombone complete the makeup of the professionally trained jazz entourage that Jessica met during her time in the Detroit music scene.

Since then, Hernandez and her Deltas have taken off at breakneck speed and show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. In 2012, they played several major festivals, including SXSW and Bonnaroo.

In 2013, they released their debut EP Demons, a five-track work of art that seamlessly transitions from soulful blues to punk-infused surf rock to old school New Orleans jazz. In the last six months, the band has released two music videos

for “Demons” and “Caught Up,” catchy rock tunes off of the aforementioned EP. During this time, they were also working on recording their new album and embarked on a joint US tour with The Growlers and He’s My Brother She’s My Sister.

As the main creative force of the band, Jessica writes each song herself, bringing tracks to the rest of the Deltas only when they’re ready to be polished and fine-tuned. Because of this, each track is a personal story for Jessica. So does that mean that Jessica considers herself plagued by demons or secretly evil?

Definitely not. In regards to the album’s somewhat ambiguous title, Jessica said, “I wrote a lot of these songs when I was twenty-one, twenty-two...doing a lot of stupid stuff. I felt like at the same time I was still a good person and there’s this secret evilness to that age I guess.” Now twenty-six, Jessica has learned a thing or two about coping with personal demons and the ups and downs that life brings.

photo by Marc Nader

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with personal demons and the ups and downs that life brings. Citing how much comfort and catharsis she has taken from songwriting, Jessica emphasized the importance of finding a healthy release for inner demons.

While she often finds herself wishing she could read sheet music, Jessica does not feel that being a self-taught musician has hindered her in any way.

If anything, being self-taught has been a blessing. “Because I don’t have any formal training,” Jessica said, “I feel like I don’t know what’s right or wrong so it’s all based on appeal and emotion and what I think sounds cool. And so I feel like there’s a little more originality and that’s...why our songs are all over the place and they’re influenced by so many different things.”

Hernandez draws inspiration from a wide range of genres including traditional Cuban and Mexican rhythms, blues, folk and jazz, the classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s, the punk and nu wave leanings of the 80’s and 90’s, and the more eclectic genre of gypsy music.

Artists that Hernandez has cited as key influences include musical legend Tom Waits, daring singer/songwriter Kate Bush, gothic rock artist Nick Cave, and the more theatrical and gypsy-influenced Gogol Bordello. Hernandez’s creative energy flows back and forth between other artistic outlets as well, including theatre, which has influenced her stage persona, and fashion, which she studied briefly at Columbia College in Chicago before – lucky for us – leaving school to pursue her music.

The release of Secret Evil, started here in Detroit at the Magic Stick back in late August which was her only Michigan show slated for now. In September she’ll be touring along the west coast and end up in Chicago at Riot Fest on September 13 before making her way east.

If you like what you hear, keep listening.

They’ll be back home in Detroit soon enough, and I guarantee you, they’re worth the wait.

five fast facts about

jessica hernandez

For more information, visit

Favorite song off Secret Evil: “Cry Cry Cry”

www.jessicahernandezandthedeltas.

Favorite artist she’s shared a stage with: Wanda Jackson Artist she hopes to one day share a stage with: Gogol Bordello Female musician she considers a role model: Gwen Stefani In her spare time at home, she likes to: read, write, sew, and do yoga.

com

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The Reward o

f

Being Green

by Dan Munoz

D

uring an average day, you may find me counseling a medical cannabis patient on the health of his or her garden, testifying at a Michigan State Senate subcommittee hearing on the status of important medical marijuana legislation, opening an new Advanced Nutrients Retail account or simply spending time with cancer patients and teaching them the ways to utilize medical marijuana to treat their illness. Regardless of my daily activity, I embrace my career!

It allows me the privilege of having an absolute passion and love for the work I do every day.

Since Michigan passed the medical marijuana law in 2008, I have seen both positive and negative aspects of the industry. One thing that became clear to me was that many people saw the Michigan Medical Marijuana program as a path to riches. Masses flocked to the local hydroponics stores in hopes of “Jack and the Beanstalk” type fortunes; however, what many failed to realize is that there is way more to cannabis cultivation than throwing a few magic seeds in some dirt. Between 2012 and 2013 the number of licensed caregivers in Michigan dropped from 50,000 to 27,000.

This is a testament on how hard cannabis cultivation is.

For those able to produce top quality medicine, the Lure of big money was strong. I was guilty of this as well after my first successful harvest. The work was hard but the rewards seemed bountiful.

Some caregivers would harvest multiple pounds per month, and at $3200 per pound, it was a way to make a good living. Indoor grow opportunities and eager entrepreneurial spirits sprouted up all over Michigan as a result.

The “Green Rush” as many like to call it, may be considered a much needed blessing on the heels of one of our states worst recessions. The medical marijuana

program brought with it a shot of energy to our local economy. Many people, Including myself were without work and manufacturing levels in Michigan were at historic lows. The “Green Rush” brought medical marijuana lawyers, doctors, new gardening shops, a caregiver network, and a number of ancillary businesses as well.

Perhaps one of the most interesting events I’ve recently attended was the fundraiser and presentation by Ret. Major Neil Franklin, Chairman of LEAP (Law enforcement against prohibition) July 3 at the Cannabis Council PLC, Major Franklin spent 30 years with the Maryland State Police Drug Task Force and now campaigns for the legalization .

Over-saturation in the industry could be seen everywhere but no more apparent than in the form of small roadside signs advertising discounted MMJ certifications. doctors are setting up in local hotels and doing mass medical marijuana certifications. At $150 per certification and at a rate of 4-6 patients per hour, these doctor mills are far from having the well-being of the patients in mind. In 2012 House bill 4851 passed defining the relationship between the doctor and patient as needing to be a “BONA FIDE ONE.” These and other Recent regulations have prompted doctors to tighten up the certification process.

It wasn’t until I started giving back that my life began to move in the direction I wanted. It was an accumulation of significant personal accomplishments that spanned the course of about 18 months. During this time I made positive life changes for my health, and now feel compelled to help others find healthy alternatives to medicine and food. Before I knew it, I felt obligated to “give back” to the community more and more, kind of a pay it forward kind of thing. Churchill said “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” For me, this saying holds true in the medical marijuana world as much as anywhere else.

As a caregiver, I make sure my operation pays for itself, supplements my income and most importantly, helps patients live a higher quality of life. I frequently helped patients get medicine but never helped them stand up for their rights, A good friend of mine, Jamie Lowell, owner of Third Coast Compassion in Ypsilanti and Chairman of the Americans for Safe Access-Michigan Chapter, helped me realize I wasn’t doing all that I could to help the patients.

I encourage caregivers and business professionals profiting from this industry, to do what they can to assist patients in any way they can. Whether it is donating medicine, voting for a favorable ordinance or law, writing lawmakers or running for public office, medical marijuana patients will appreciate it.

It was then that I decided to become more engaged in the medical marijuana and patient rights movement. As the Director of whatever [title] at Advanced Nutrients, I am able to speak at a grass roots level to patients, patient – self growers, and caregivers about their medicine. In July 2014, I was asked to testify at the Michigan State Senate subcommittee regarding proposed changes to the current law.

Americans for Safe Access (ASA): www.safeaccessnow.org

For more information visit:

Law enforcement against prohibition : www.leap.cc

Medical cannabis grow nutrients : www.advancednutrients.com DETROIT

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photos by Anne Schultz

United Sounds Systems Recording Studios What do Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Diana Ross, Bob Seger, George Clinton, Isaac Hayes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem, The Doobie Brothers, The Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin have in common? They are among the many top artists who have recorded at the historic United Sound Systems located right here in Detroit.

Located at 5840 Second Avenue, adjacent to the Wayne State University campus, the somewhat drab and unassuming blue and white trim storefront facing the street barely gives it a presence of being open. But step foot inside the vintage structure and its storied vibe will hit you like a cold slap in the face.

That’s because, since 1933, a plethora of commercial jingles, radio spots and classic artist albums and hit singles were created here.

United Sound Systems was originally built by James Siracuse in the early 30’s to be utilized as a production house for commercials and industrial films. In the late 40’s and early 50’s the studio began the transition from an emphasis on commercial production to recording jazz and popular music. The first song recorded at United Sound was “Boogie Chillen” by Blues great John Lee Hooker. At the same time, everyone from Charlie Parker to Max Roach was cutting state of the art bebop albums within the structure’s hallowed halls.

United Sound Systems was the first major independent recording studio that gave musicians and singers a place where

by Eric Harabadian

they could record their music and get it played on the radio without being signed to a major label. The pop music lid really flipped open in the late 50’s when a young Berry Gordy borrowed money from his parents to record artist Marv Johnson’s song “Come to Me.” In turn, that helped spawn Motown Records, as Gordy maintained a working relationship with the studio lasting many years.

In 1971 the baton was passed when Siracuse sold the studio to former Motown session musician and producer Don Davis. When Davis took over, things really exploded in the worlds of rock, R&B and modern pop. He was a shrewd and savvy business person and had a golden ear for funk and soul as well. When Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee was struggling he brought many of their writers and artists like Isaac Hayes and David Porter to United Sound to record the hits.

And the hits just kept on coming over the years from “Flashlight,” “One Nation Under a Groove” and countless others for Parliament Funkadelic, “ Disco Lady” for Johnnie Taylor, “ What You See (Is What You Get”) for The Dramatics, “ “When She Was My Girl” for the Four Tops, “ Rapture” for Anita Baker, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” for Aretha Franklin and the list goes on and on.

In recent years the state of affairs for United Sound Systems has mirrored the current financial condition of the city of Detroit itself - on life support and in a state of emergency. Then comes Danielle Scott, a life-long Detroiter, ex-military service

person and postal worker who purchased the building in May 2009. “It was an investment I made,” says Scott. “I didn’t even realize how much history was behind this place. It was a lot of work. But as I was working on it people started reaching out and telling me a lot of the history of this place. When I got here everything was in shambles. But it was a project I took on and had to finish in order for people to understand.”

What started out as a simple investment in a home turned into something far more than she ever could have imagined. “A lot of times you don’t realize how rich a place is until you see how important it is to other people,” continues Scott on her purchase and subsequent renovation of the studio.

“A lot of people come through here and they just cry. There’s a lot of memories and it’s very passion-filled for a lot of people.

That has been the drive for me.”

What Scott and her team have done with the place is nothing short of amazing!

A structural breakdown of the multi-story building begins with the basement where artists and guests can hang out in a casual and spacious lounge area; complete with a full competition-size pool table. As you begin to venture upstairs one enters Studio B. This is a mid-size recording room where folks like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones cut tracks. Moving on to Studio C reveals a room that used to be in serviceable operation but now serves as a theater/display area for all the advertising memorabilia and commercial acetates that were recorded here. Studio D is also on DETROIT

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an upper floor and is utilized as a prethat end. “Back in January United Sound And while Motown is, indeed, a proud production and vocal room. The piece de Systems partnered with the DSC to obtain Detroit and global legacy, its studios are resistance has to be the cavernous Studio historical designation,” USS tour longer located here operation.

DL:explains Mick, how does playingno drums in LavaMoth differand frominbeing the A. The adjacent control room boasts a guide Chynita Richards.

“There areman about Sound, on the other hand, is, once singer and front of yourUnited other band, Soldiers Of Scrape?

60 channel NEVE digital mixing console nine steps one has to go through to get again, in business and eager to launch a and also houses two active reel-to-reel that. We’re in our seventh stepalways so webeen are a drummer. new generation and hit makers.

MS: “ I’ve Drums are of myartists main instrument.

I love Studer machines for those that fancy the meeting with the designation board playing drums andsoon. when I got into singing, I didn’t play them as we much.

“I just wanna make sure that

By J Rockington City Stoner RockWe’re I was gigging lot it. and I didn’t have another band, so I just didn’t play perceived warmth Motor of analog technology. pretty optimistic that we’ll aget educate our children and pass this history much.

Andwell. man Once I really missed it so when we got the Moth going I started The main body of the studio itself stands The preliminary hearing went says “Formy some odd mentality, reason I started this interview withisDetroit stoner rock band LavaMoth after getting it heavily. Iton,” allows meScott. to express caveman several feet high and the size of an we get the designation the back stateinto can’t our history gets lost.

And when I ‘our’ seeing them live and being floored by their live act.

They are a 3 piece unit I suppose.

I get to beat on shit and get out that primal urge (laughs).say Singing average high school gymnasium. There come through with the freeway.” history I mean community and our that throws more power thanbuilt mostwithin 5 piecethe metal bands. Their music and being at the front of the stage is cool and our all but the drummer is the are threeout isolation booths gracious city. We wanna pass onain’t the there. legacy and is main a crossroom between and Sabbath!

They have trulyThe carved out an and somewhat leader of thedemure band. If the drummer ain’t there, the band for Hendrix the separation of drums, Ms. Scott waxes philosophically about greatness of our city and show people original familiar style. horns,yetstrings and soIt’s on.like you’ve been transported to a hall party taking over ownership ofMike, the studio and do we’ve a lot of good going on. I as a teenager and the band is pumping out the hot, sweaty soundtrack that DL: as the bassist, you findgot working within a 3things piece band more United Sound Systems opened all old thatworn goes responsibility.

“I’m than believe attaches to your DNA. Totally new yet asfor familiar as the outwith thatliberating or constraining a largerpeople band? wanna see Detroit blow up business again full-service recording not really fond of doing interviews and and be as grand as it once was; like the Zeppelin t-shirt fromasthea back of your closet. studio and, now, burgeoning educational the spotlight because, even black and whiteband, pictures before riots MS: “It’swithout really a me, little of both.

With a larger the bassist canthe noodle I was familiar the music of LavaMoth but wondered name.be amazing,” around a bitstates more and to beI think a littlethat looser a 3 piece is the facility and with historical museum in February thisabout placethewould theit allows andyou stuff. mybut generation When I checked out the definition, it all made sense. studio It’s the head. requires tightness a good of harmony since you are the 2014.

But it has notdictionary existed without humble “I wantathe focusas well asone thatsense can make it happen.” molten, fluidof rock that is produced animals with nocturnal habits! only other instrument in the band. Mick and I have developed a its share controversy.

The by Michigan to be on whatIt happened here.string If these made sense to meofthen.

I left for the LavaMoth a new have never experienced in a band before and it’s a blast Department Transportation has had aband house wallswith could talk—thetightness people that thatI have understanding of the band of andthe a few questions jamming with have him.” proposed expansion I-94 freewayfor them. been through here and lives that on the books for years and the fate of been changed just from working here. I LavaMoth consists of Kevin Edwards on guitar Mick just thinking KE: we were a 4 it. piece the studio—which happens to reside in and lead getvocals, chill bumps about Donfor a while and we had a few more harmonies and Stone on drums and Mike Seeger on bass. stuff but the 3 piece the freeway’s path—has been hanging Davis’s niece saw the place before he is way tighter and even more powerful. And I get to more guitar and heckling from the band). in the balance. However in recent times, passed and she just play cried.

She wassolos. very (laughter United Sound Systems is open Arriving at the band house, after stepping on the creaky wooden staircase the good Samaritans in this case have close to her uncle and remembers as a and feeling as if I was going to fall through, I entered with caution. The DL: Well dudes, we wish you luck and is there anything that you’d like to most days 10am-5pm. come in the way of the Detroit Sound littlewith girl busted running through the building while house was littered say to the folks who read this?

Conservancy. The DSC is a music andstrings, drumstick recordingsawdust sessions were going on.” guitar For tours, recording rates and cultural preservationist organization and pizza boxes. ItMany was just as I had KE: “Come on course, out and see the band or check us out online! Were a real “in people the world over, of all other business comprised of journalists, musicians, pictured it complete with drums face” hard rock band from Detroit and we give it all please up on the call stage. recognize the impactyour of Motown Records teachers, urban planners and concerned and amps in theand living room and 313-833-1833 or visit its timeless stable of classic hits and citizens whose sole purpose is toroach heighten laden ashtrays themany thrift of those MS:”same Thanksstars to alldid of our fans andhttp://unitedsoundssystems to the people who don’t know us, come stars.on But awareness of Detroit’s rich artistic store couch. The place to to the pageatand get out and go to a show.” a perfect lot of pre-production andFacebook final mixes recordingstudios.com heritage and effect positive change tothis music. After greeting the make United Sound.

LAVAMOTH

band and partaking in obligatory festivities, it was time to find out what the Moth was about:

Log onto Detroit Live magazine to read Detroit Live’s conversation with LAVAMOTH DL: We’ve been told that you guys are one of the best “stoner rock” bands in Detroit. What exactly is stoner rock and why are you so good at it ?

KE: “We don’t really like to label our band but we’ve heard the stoner rock one before. When we think of stoner rock, we think of Fu Manchu and Queens of the Stone Age. If people want to put us in the class of great bands like that, it’s fine with us! (laughs) MS: “Maybe it’s because we opened for them and can party them under the table (more laughs)…Just kidding. It’s just music that goes good with buds.

Deep stuff with a groove and a pulse.”

MS: “Pretty much all of the classic Detroit hard rock from the 70’s could be considered stoner rock.”

DL: What are you currently working on?

KE: We are heading into Magnetic Studios in Pontiac to cut a few new songs and make an EP out of it. After that we are going to play a few gigs in the Detroit area before heading out on tour in the fall. Knock on wood.

DL: Who does the songwriting in the band?

KE: I usually come up with a riff and record it on my phone. Then I take it to the LavaMoth cocoon and we jam it over and over again until it grows into a song. We all change them as they go and eventually we have a song.

It’s all very organic but it works because we all love to rock hard and we read each others minds.”

22

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www.facebook.com/lavamoth

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UPROAR FESTIVAL KICKS OFF AT DTE - by Julia Sikora / Photos by Marc Nader

Blackstream Records Stage, where upand-coming bands got the chance to strut their stuff. First up was The Oath Lies Here, a screamo/metal band out of Troy who won the right to perform via Ernie Ball’s Battle of the Bands. Sons of Revelry took the stage next. Previous Ernie Ball winners out of Ontario, Sons of Revelry blended present-day hard rock instrumentation with lead singer Toby Black’s old school rock vocals.

Next up was Fun Gone Wrong. Straight metal, no chaser, this band sported The day began in a back lot at the face masks that brought to mind carved j a c k - o godsmack lanterns and video game characters.

The final opener was 3 Years Hollow, who may someday be filed in CD collections with bands like Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, and Avenged Sevenfold. ine bands. Two stages. One UPROAR. The Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival ripped through Michigan’s own DTE Energy Music Theater mid-August to kick off a five week tour featuring some of the best bands hard rock has to offer.

Headlined by Godsmack and Seether, this year’s UPROAR Fest shook the foundation of DTE, and if you left with your voice and hearing still intact, I don’t think we were at the same show.

30 24 LIVE

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Headlining the Blackstream Records Stage was Escape the Fate, who achieved commercial success in 2010 and recently rocked the posthardcore scene again with 2013’s Ungrateful. They played a short but satisfying set with Craig Mabbitt belting out “Issues,” “Gorgeous Nightmare,” “One for the Money,” and “Fire It Up,” before throwing back to close the show with “This War Is Ours.”

Cut to Act II: The Main Stage.

Grand Rapids based Pop Evil and Christian rock band Skillet had the task of getting the crowd in gear again after an hour-long intermission. Both bands rose to the occasion and delivered in spades.

All in black and looking like a hard rock crusader, Pop Evil singer Leigh Kakaty had an unbeatable stage presence and vocals to match. For me, their set was over much too soon, ending with “Trenches,” the single that put them on the map in 2013. Enter Skillet, best known for their use of orchestral elements and haunting anthem-esque songs, such as “Hero,” and “Awake and Alive.”

Both tracks appeared on the night’s set list in addition to more driving rock bearing, grunge-tinted tracks, songs like “Monster” and “Sick of It.” such as “Fine Again,” and “Broken.” Not surprisingly, all four made the set list along with “Gasoline,” “Tonight,” Finally, it was time for the headliners. and “Country Song.” My By then, the pavilion and lawn were personal favorite song of the packed with fans of all ages, including set, though, was “Words as a large number of children, which is Weapons,” Seether’s most easily my favorite part of a festival recent single whose eerie like UPROAR. Parents, siblings, aunts, melody calls back to Gary and uncles have the opportunity to Jules’s cover of “Mad World,” introduce the younger generation and highlights an exciting not only to incredible music and maturity in Seether’s recent talented artists, but also to the livesound. wire atmosphere of a rock concert.

And there’s really no better way to Last but not least – never least – was introduce up-and-coming fans to hard Godsmack. I love to see a band that rock than with Seether and Godsmack. loves to be on stage, and between lead singer Sully Erna and drummer On the scene since Disclaimer came Shannon Larkin, the love and energy out in 2002, Seether has continued to never stopped. Bassist Robbie Merrill show a great deal of versatility in the started out a bit stiff, but broke loose hard rock genre, ranging from forceful, by the third or fourth song, quickly screw-the-world anthems like “Fake becoming the most exciting person on It,” and “Rise Above This,” to soul- stage. And Tony Rombola, bless his

pop evil

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skillet heart, barely moved the entire show.

I never mistook his stillness for lifelessness or boredom, though. His was the calm and intense focus of an artist who could play the entire set in his sleep, but would never settle for less than his best.

The set itself included the old and the new, from the tribal rhythms of “Voodoo” to the band’s upcoming single “Something Different.” There were lights and LEDs, there was fire, and there was an epic drum battle between Erna and Larkin that was easily the most impressive display of skill that night. But that’s what you get when you bring in a veteran hard rock band like Godsmack. At the end of the night, as I was walking back to my car, I couldn’t help but wonder who my generation’s Godsmack will be. And I hope that one day, when I take my own children to a festival like UPROAR, I’ll find one of this year’s openers headlining the main stage, and the legacy of hard rock will go on.

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DETROIT LIVE MAGAZINE lavamoth

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concert previews

Die Antwoord Curiosity to be Explored

by Jason Fortier Die What? Ant Who? (long pause…)

(Google search…) OH!!! Die Antwoord, the South African Rap, Rave, Zef Group.

Oh those guys… And girl. (start sarcasm here) They are HUGE in the burbs of my middle class city in Michigan let ME tell YOU how awesome they will be in concert.(end sarcasm) Now readers I will let you in on a clue if you haven’t figured it out already, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE! NONE! I know more about One Direction and I can’t name a song those guys sing or lip sync to. And I only know who they are because my kids’ babysitter told me who they were. That is how clueless (another word for old) I am. So internet research ensues.

A week later I surface from my hardcore research (watched a few videos) and I can honestly tell you these words come to mind. Crazy. Calculated.

I nteresting. Fun. Art. Shocking. Weird.

Underground. Horror. Cool. Zef. That last word is new to my vocabulary.

Apparently Zef is South Affrikan slang that translates to something like redneck here in the states. It is a cultural revolution, or something like that. So I read and watch a little more, and now I get it, kind of. They are representing a lower, middle-class group of people who celebrate the classy trashy world of subblue collar culture of South Africa. So how do they do this? With beats, fast rhyms and off-color references about sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. And Ninja’s… You had me at Ninja. Now I’m totally in the know. They also throw a bunch of rave and club kid looks from the late 90’s to give it some retro cred and WHAM you have Die Antwoord.

My honest take on this is that the members of this group; Ninja, Yo-Landi Vi$$ar and DJ Hi-Tek are gifted and talented students at heart who got sick of

trying to “make it” and did just that. Made it. They looked around and grabbed some of this. Incorporated some of that. Gave the finger to a major label and turned down opening for Lady Gaga in South Africa and “made it”! That I get.

That I can get on board with. That my friends, is rock-n-roll (and marketing 101).

NOW I GET IT! I recommend taking a look at Enter The Ninja, Cookie Thumper and I Fink U Freaky. Their latest single, Pitbull Terrier, off of the album Donker Mag isn’t bad either. My Senior English teacher just shuddered a little as I typed some of that .Die Antwoord will be at The Fillmore September 12th.

For more information visit www.dieantwoord.com

detroit live magazine find us on

@ /detroitlivemag /detroitlivemag detroitlivemagazine.com DETROIT

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Ziggy Marley: A Night with the Fly Rasta

by Julia Sikora

“Only if we give it away, can love be love?” A universal truth, simply phrased and beautifully expressed by Ziggy Marley in “Give It Away,” the closing track of his latest studio album, Fly Rasta.

Currently on a tour of the same name, Marley appeared at the Motor City Soundboard in Detroit in early August.

Marley was backed by several guitarists, keyboardists, and percussionists, each of whom was exceptionally gifted, perfectly capturing the rhythm and tone of the reggae genre. Marley was also joined by two female back up vocalists and dancers. Together, they presented a relaxed and professional front, giving the audience the impression that we were sitting in on a finely-tuned jam session.

The night’s set list drew mainly from Marley’s solo discography. Beginning the night with “Love Is My Religion,” the bright and breezy title track off his 2006 album. Marley followed with his pro-marijuana anthem, “Wild and Free.”

Newer songs from Fly Rasta included, “I Don’t Wanna Live on Mars,” “Moving Forward,” and “I Get Up,” which Marley introduced by addressing Detroit’s current economic hardships and his well-wishes for the city’s future. Past hits that made their way onto the set list included “True to Myself,” and a personal favorite of mine, “Rainbow in the Sky.” In addition to solo material, the audience was also treated to songs from Ziggy’s days as a Melody Maker, such as “Conscious Party,” “Tomorrow People,” and “Justice.” Finally, as was to be expected, the night was punctuated by tracks belonging to the one and only Bob Marley. Expertly covering his father’s

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work, Marley performed “Is This Love,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Iron Lion Zion,” and “No Woman, No Cry,” which he dedicated to women’s rights movements across the world.

On stage, Ziggy Marley is a performer unlike most. Should you see him live, I invite you to tune the music out for a moment and observe Marley himself. Though he exuded the poise and presence of a seasoned performer, there were moments when a joyful vitality and excitement seemed to consume him, and he would dance across the stage, knees jogging up and dreads flying. As the night went on, I began to feel that, as an audience, we were sharing in an experience that was intensely personal to Marley, especially in the moments when he covered his father’s work.

I had wondered, upon receiving this assignment, if seeing Ziggy Marley live would even be remotely comparable to

experiencing the phenomenon that was Bob Marley, and in my opinion, it was.

Ziggy Marley and his music embody the culture, beliefs, and vision of his father, as well as a wisdom that comes from sharing simple truths in a beautiful way.

lavamoth motor city stoner rock

by J Rockington

I started this interview with Detroit stoner rock band LavaMoth after seeing them live and being floored by their live act. They are a 3 piece unit that throws out more power than most 5 piece metal bands. Their music is a cross between Hendrix and Sabbath! They have truly carved out an original yet familiar style.

It’s like you’ve been transported to a hall party as a teenager and the band is pumping out the hot, sweaty soundtrack that attaches to your DNA. Totally new yet as familiar as the old worn out Zeppelin t-shirt from the back of your closet.

I was familiar with the music of LavaMoth but wondered about the name. When I checked out the dictionary definition, it all made sense. It’s the molten, fluid rock that is produced by animals with nocturnal habits! It made sense to me then. I left for the LavaMoth band house with a new understanding of the band and a few questions for them.

LavaMoth consists of Kevin Edwards on guitar and lead vocals, Mick Stone on drums and Mike Seeger on bass.

Arriving at the band house, after stepping on the creaky wooden staircase and feeling as if I was going to fall through, I entered with caution. The house was littered with busted guitar strings, drumstick sawdust and pizza boxes. It was just as I had pictured it complete with drums and amps in the living room and roach laden ashtrays on the thrift store couch. The perfect place to make this music. After greeting the band and partaking in obligatory festivities, it was time to find out what the Moth was about:

DL: We’ve been told that you guys are one of the best “stoner rock” bands in Detroit. What exactly is stoner rock and why are you so good at it ?

KE: “We don’t really like to label our band but we’ve heard the stoner rock one before. When we think of stoner rock, we think of Fu Manchu and Queens of the Stone Age. If people want to put us in the class of great bands like that, it’s fine with us! (laughs) MS: “Maybe it’s because we opened for them and can party them under the table (more laughs)…Just kidding. It’s just music that goes good with buds. Deep stuff with a groove and a pulse.”

MS: “Pretty much all of the classic Detroit hard rock from the 70’s could be considered stoner rock.”

DL: What are you currently working

on?

KE: We are heading into Magnetic Studios in Pontiac to cut a few new songs and make an EP out of it. After that we are going to play a few gigs in the Detroit area before heading out on tour in the fall.

Knock on wood.

DL: Who does the songwriting in the

band?

KE: I usually come up with a riff and record it on my phone. Then I take it to the LavaMoth cocoon and we jam it over and over again until it grows into a song. We all change them as they go and eventually we have a song. It’s all very organic but it works because we all love to rock hard and we read each others minds.”

DL: Mick, how does playing drums in LavaMoth differ from being the singer and front man of your other band, Soldiers Of Scrape?

MS: “ I’ve always been a drummer.

Drums are my main instrument. I love playing drums and when I got into singing, I didn’t play them as much. I was gigging a lot and I didn’t have another band, so I just didn’t play much. And man I really missed it so when we got the Moth going I started getting back into it heavily.

It allows me to express my caveman mentality, I suppose. I get to beat on shit and get out that primal urge (laughs).

Singing and being at the front of the stage is cool and all but the drummer

is the leader of the band. If the drummer ain’t there, the band ain’t there.

DL: Mike, as the bassist, do you find working within a 3 piece band more liberating or constraining than a larger band?

MS: “It’s really a little of both. With a larger band, the bassist can noodle around a bit more and it allows you to be a little looser but a 3 piece requires a tightness as well as a good sense of harmony since you are the only other string instrument in the band. Mick and I have developed a tightness that I have never experienced in a band before and it’s a blast jamming with him.”

KE: we were a 4 piece for a while and we had a few more harmonies and stuff but the 3 piece is way tighter and even more powerful. And I get to play more guitar solos. (laughter and heckling from the band).

DL: Well dudes, we wish you luck and is there anything that you’d like to say to the folks who read this?

KE: “Come on out and see the band or check us out online! Were a real “in your face” hard rock band from Detroit and we give it all up on the stage.

MS:” Thanks to all of our fans and to the people who don’t know us, come to the Facebook page and get out and go to a show.”

Log onto Detroit Live magazine to read Detroit Live’s conversation with LAVAMOTH LavaMoth DETROIT

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It’s Show

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CHOICE

CUTS

BY ERIC HARABADIAN Devo

The Men Who Make the Music plus Butch Devo and the Sundance Gig (DVD, MVD Visual MVD6055D) :

With this DVD you get two….. two…..two discs in one! There’s the classic Devo collection of live clips, short films and video segments from 1978-79. And then you also get a rare concert from 1996 featuring the band closing out the Sundance Film Festival. This is a trip for Devo “devotees” (get it?) to be sure! Among the classics you get everything from the anthemic “Jocko Homo” (Are We Not Men…?) to “Uncontrollable Urge” “Come 32

Back Jonee” and their one-of-akind versions of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Secret Agent Man.” The Sundance concert begins with Cheech Marin introducing the group while frisking them--as the band is attired in black and white striped ‘20s-era prison outfits.

They were still at the top of their post-punk/new wave game here; playing wild and quirky early hits like “Too Much Paranoia,” “Mongoloid” “Blockhead” and “Jerking Back and Forth.” They conclude the show with a cameo appearance by Boogy Boy that is (as the kids say) off the hook! Kooky, weird and essential!!!

hearty vocals and searing harmonica blasts. As one makes their way around the track list you’ll hear a nice smorgasbord of shuffles, soulstirring funk and a touch of traditional country. The title track “A Special Life” kind of sums up Mayall’s career, really. Here’s to celebrating another decade of classic blues from one of the icons that started it all

Rickity Greatest Hits Vol. I (Hyperspace Records HSR-1021)

John Mayall

A Special Life

(Forty Below Records FBR006):

John Mayall is in his early 80s folks and is rocking stronger than ever! The consummate blues-rock bandleader/front man emotes with passion right out of the gate on C.J. Chenier’s “Why Did You Go Last Night.” The legendary British troubadour matches plaintive vocal wails with Chenier, supported by the composer’s New Orleans-flavored accordion work. Sonny Landreth’s “Speak of the Devil” erupts as a follow up featuring Mayall’s signature keyboard swells and smokin’ guitar from Rocky Athas. “World Gone Crazy” takes a serious subject like global unrest and gives it a relaxed, yet, urgent feel via the leader’s

With the fury of crunchy metallic guitars and soulful wailing vocals comes NYC rockers Rickity. That may be an odd name for such a sturdy band as they are anything but. This mature six-piece powerhouse packs a thoroughly dynamic punch as lead vocalist Perrita unleashes killer chops on album opener “Out of Bounds.”

Tracks like “She’s the One” and “Maverick Lover” are provocative and sizzle with ample sass and sexual energy. Furthermore, cuts like “Brand New Man” and “Electric Kiss” sound like the harder side of Prince, early Mother’s Finest or Living Color. Some of the band’s personnel have had an association with heavyweights such as Desmond Child, Sir Lord Baltimore and Vanilla Fudge and that attention to classic hard rock craftsmanship and songwriting shines through. For those in search of something familiar yet innovative should have a good time with this release.

Zephyr Zephyr Purple Pyramid /Cleopatra Records CLP 1918):

quality that should have catapulted her to legendary status. Both Bolin and Givens left this earth way too soon but this reissue is here to honor their legacy and inspire; both those that remember what was and a new generation of fans.

Rite of Passage

Chris Thompson Toys & Dishes

(Esoteric Antenna/Cherry Red Records EANTCD1029):

The name Chris Thompson might not immediately ring a bell but you’ve heard his voice on countless sessions behind other artists throughout the

Angels & Demons (Wave Records WRS 0012CD) :

Many music aficionados may remember guitarist Tommy Bolin for his sheer innovation and virtuosity as an active member of some of the biggest bands of the ‘70s, with The James Gang, Deep Purple and as a solo artist. He also dabbled in jazzfusion for a time, with drummers Billy Cobham and Alphonse Mouzon.

But his first major foray into the recording world was as a member of this jam-oriented ensemble called Zephyr. Fronted by amazing vocalist Candy Givens, the group sort of picked up where Jefferson Airplane and Big Brother and the Holding Company left off. This 1969 Bolin debut is reissued here on CD and vinyl in all its re-mastered glory, with bonus tracks (CD only) from select live gigs and studio jams. Much of the material here is of the bluesrock variety, with some touches of swing and atmosphere added to spice up the mix. All of the musicians are first rate and their collective improvisational style also recalls early Allman Brothers Band. But the MVPs of this group have to be Bolin and Givens. Whether it’s a slow ballad or a mid tempo jazz rocker the dialogue between them was electrifying. In particular, Givens clearly belts out notes that are sharp and true. And she emotes with a raw, yet refined

ROP are a Detroit area progressive rock quintet that has a sound that seems very evocative of European and alternative technical metal. Lead vocalist and keyboardist Bill Quigley has a unique voice that is reedy and filled with emotion and character. He, guitarist Kurt Spranger and drummer Rob Barton are the core lyricists.

They take the listener on a journey which features groupings of songs divided into three phases; Separation, transition and reincorporation.

Although somewhat veiled in dense poetry and surreal imagery the album concept seems to deal with intense self-examination and navigation of one’s life amid peaks, valleys and pitfalls. Topics of religion, dreams, change and the classic balance of good and evil enter into the story line.

A heavy gothic style filters through a lot of the tunes and the arrangements are substantive and quite elaborate.

However, the overall mix seems a little heavy handed at times and the vocals get buried under the guitars occasionally as well. But the content is there and well worth seeking out for those that like their rock with more of a cerebral edge.

years. He’s probably most famous for being the front man of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band during the ‘70s and ‘80s when they were scoring hits like “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirits in the Night” among others. In his role as observational “everyman” singer-songwriter he leads a crack Belgian and Netherlands-based rock band through a series of highly personalized and mature original songs. Thompson addresses the creative process and the struggles of balancing music and family life on “Million $ Wonder Hit.” He also brilliantly tackles dealing with personal demons in the face of love on “Dark Side.” There are some light hearted moments too like the amusing “Eddie Wants to Rock” and the Americana-like sing-a-long “You’re the One I Love.” Essentially Chris Thompson is a great storyteller and his classic blend of straight ahead mid tempo rock and ballads display a veteran, with ample creative fuel left in the tank.

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HOrOSCOPE Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – This is a great month for financial blessings and work improvements! Difficult people will get off your case or leave your life. You can start exciting, challenging projects that bring bonuses or promotions.

Spiritually, focus on gratitude so you can acknowledge your present awesomeness, and also tap into strengths and talents that have been lying dormant. It’s your time to succeed in all areas!

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Happy birthday Virgo! It’s a great relationship month. Meditation reveals subconscious patterns that keep you from fulfillment in love. You’ll be inspired to change things so you’re in a positive flow! Old issues resolve in current partnerships. If single, a new person can come that resonates with your fresh attitude! Also, treat yourself to clothes, accessories, or a hair style as beautyloving Venus is in your sign!

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Meditation heals family (or past life!) issues that lower your self-esteem.

Write down your negative beliefs, then release then by ripping them up or burning them. In their place, write affirmations that support who you want to be. Read them aloud with conviction every day. Also, be aware of people who are drawn to you.

Your light shines even when you feel down on yourself!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Your intuition is primed to go to a whole new level! Take extra time to meditate, and also record your dreams.

You’ll be amazed at how your guidance increases in strength and clarity. Seek out friends or groups on a spiritual path.

You need people to support your quest to bond with your soul -- not question your choices. Also dare to share divine ideas you get about a sibling or close friend with that person. It could change their life!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Wow! You’ll have huge breakthroughs with money! You’ll also be able to achieve incredible goals either at work, or in other important areas of your life. The key is knowing you’ve done the work and are reaping the rewards – you don’t have to push harder. Instead, allow results to pour in as you move forward with grace, not stress. Also, if single, be open to dating through friends or even going on blind dates!

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Pluto is the planet of personal empowerment, and it moves direct in your sign! You’ll be filled with selfconfidence and the ability to overcome internal obstacles. Meditate on who you’ve been up to now and be able to release that identity. You are becoming completely

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BY ALUNA MICHAELS, M.A. new! Imagine yourself embracing this new self and your new life path. You deserve success in ALL areas!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Meditation gives insights into healing around sexuality, trust and even finances. They might not be your own issues, but can be about karma between you and your partner. You’ll see the root of negative patterns, and know what to do to heal those patterns. If single, you can spot problems in past relationships that free you to pick healthier people in the future.

Enjoy having stress lifted from those areas of your life!

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) This is a great relationship month! If single, you can meet someone with whom you can be completely honest and authentic. You’ll also feel established friendships move to this deeper level of “realness”. Current partnerships have a refreshing shift. You’ll feel more bonded and open-hearted with each other.

Intimacy will flow and any fears of rejection subside..

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Work improves incredibly! Projects in the works since April move forward with more success than you imagined. You can also forge a new bond with a colleague that brings both of you success, and also a deep friendship. But if tempted to start a work romance, wait until November, okay? Meditate on gratitude for your body and all it does for you.

Nurture health through good habits and kind thoughts.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Relationships will be fun and happy! It’s good for you to lighten up and be playful.

Take that innocent bliss into your spiritual life, too. Have an excited, expectant mindset when it comes to meditation, yoga and other disciplines.

Trusting that soul evolution is inevitable helps you relax, enjoy life, and have a flow of love with others around you!

Gemini ( May 21-June 20) It’s a great time to have openhearted conversations with your partner/ spouse about sexuality, and also about finances. Authentic

communication shows how much you are both in alignment, which will lift stress and tension. If single, you can attract someone open and healthy in those areas. It’s also a great to have a party or gathering in your home. Share your light with everyone!.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Pluto is the planet of power issues, yet also of empowerment. It moves direct, improving relationships. Meditate to release old power problems within your current partnership, and also power patterns with past people (even parents).

By forgiving those situations, you allow positive Pluto energy to connect you and others in a profound and lasting way.

You can also communicate needs easily without fear of rejection.

Aluna Michaels is a secondgeneration astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version. Ms. Michaels is available for appointments in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com

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