Monday, March 24
The Bradford 4/Yells at Eels (Beef haus): Exposition Park will provide multiple culturally significant options this Monday evening. One example is this jazz show at the Beef Haus gallery, which will probably be a bit more “free” than what you would hear at Amsterdam’s popular jazz night just a few doors down. The Bradford 4 features a variety of players from both Europe and stateside, including artists who have collaborated with such notables of the genre as Ornette Coleman, Ken Vandermark, and Derek Bailey. Local familial trio Yells at Eels will feature a guest this evening—Houston’s Jason Jackson on saxophone. Consider stopping here after hearing avant-garde hub UbuWeb’s Kenneth Goldsmith read from his work at Reading Room, just around the corner. If you’re not aware, UbuWeb has provided a wealth of valuable and seldom-seen material from all across the arts, but especially music.
Wednesday, March 26
Deltron 3030/Kid Koala/Booty Fade (Trees): If you’re one of those individuals who leaves “Whatever happened to real hip hop?” comments on new rap videos, this is the show for you. All kidding aside, Deltron 3030 does have an aesthetic that harkens back to what is considered a more “Golden Age” approach, and in case you’re wondering, yes, Del is willing to play that Gorillaz hit to which he contributed, as evidenced by this Fun Fun Fun Fest performance I witnessed last year.
Thursday, March 27
Traxx/Convextion/Bill Converse/R9 (Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios): It’s hard to believe that it was over two years ago, but FrontRow first discussed Chicago artist Traxx (otherwise known as Melvin Oliphant III) and his particular take on acid house and associated Midwestern dance styles when he was here to perform at a now-defunct weekly called “Denton is Burning.” In the time since, Traxx has become one of the most respected names in underground dance music, but of course still holds a significant amount of sway in Chicago specifically.
Friday, March 28
Egyptian Lover/Sober/Cygnus/Tape Mastah Steph (The Crown and Harp): Egyptian Lover is an LA artist who has been making music for over 30 years, and in that time has become an icon in the world of electro, hip hop, and beyond. For a solid example of just how long that influence has lasted, look no further than the 2009 record by Stones Throw recording artist, James Pants: James Pants Meets Egyptian Lover. The collaborative effort sounds like it could have been made in the early 80s or yesterday; it’s impossible to tell, which helps cement Egyptian Lover’s place as an innovator, decades ahead of his time. Not quite a DJ set and not quite a live set, his shows are also just a mindless blast. Highly recommended.
Saturday, March 29
The Internet (Trees): Though this is Odd Future-related, it’s definitely on the lighter and less hell-raising spectrum end of the multi-tiered group’s side projects. The sophisticated vocals are often soothing enough that this wouldn’t be out of place in a high-end salon or luxury car dealership. That’s not to say that members Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martin are exactly family friendly. Watch and listen carefully to to the video for “Cocaine” to toss out any doubts.
Martyn/Wanz Dover/Left/Right/Dragonlazer/J Who/Donny Young/Luis Reyes & Daniel Zapata (Sandaga 813): Finally, here is one more dance event this week that we don’t want to slip through the cracks. Martyn is a Dutch-born producer who doesn’t play in the US very often, and especially not Texas, as I was tipped off by event organizers earlier this week. The artist tends to exclude any one particular style in favor of a more progressive take on electronic music, and has worked with Four Tet and recently soundtracked a runway show for Rag & Bone Clothing. Martyn is on an extremely limited tour of only four dates this Spring, which include Brooklyn, Stockholm, Helsinki, and of course, Dallas. Let’s show some gratitude to be included in such world class company by turning out.
Image: Egyptian Lover performing at the now-shuttered nightclub, Minc, September 2007. Credit: Sally Glass.
