In opposition to most of you on the list who live in major cities and can hear
live AJ music, up here in New Hampsha- there aint much. Hanover is the kind of
town where the one music store puts the Acid-Jazz in the pop category and new
releases are often months behind the urban centers.
But all that changed saturday night for three hours when Belizbeha came through
and made musical magic!
I first heard about Belizbeha on the list and after hearing accolades and
checking out their web site, (www.together.net/~belizbeh) I ordered a CD. What
an awesome effort! Charlie's Dream has been in my 6CD changer since I bought
it and anyone I play it for loves their sound.
I'd been chatting with Mark Robohm, Belizbeha's drummer, for a few months
trying to work out a gig at Dartmouth College. Finally, one of the big
fraternities invited them for our big spring weekend. It was a rainy saturday
night but Mark introduced me to the band with grin and a handshake. Even in
the face of technical difficulties with lights and sound, they kept the crowd
dancing and grooving until late at night.
Belizbeha brought a seven piece band without a horn section: Shauna Antoniuc
and Kadiatou Sibi lent their voices to distinct beautiful melodies- they truly
complimented each other and the music. Also on vocals and rapping was
Fattiebumballattie, a rapper with mad rhymes and live cuts. Mark Robohm was an
unbelievably intense drummer setting up precise and creative beats. His close
communication with bassist Shawn Williams showed as they set up each song with
an awesome groove. Bob Dunham was mad on the guitar and Jeremy Skaller wove it
together tight with the keyboard and Rhodes.
These four musicians are impressive. Their strengths were showcased in the
instrumental tracks and improvisations. Bob's two guitar solos were crazy
emotional and powerful. Mark's years of experience were evident to anyone who
listened and watched. All the while laying down the fattest beats, he drums
with a huge grin on his face. Shawn kept the whole smooth groove going with
his incredible basslines. Jeremy's keyboard fantasies created delicious
arrangements creating an overall sound that is unforgettable. When given the
chance to solo or improvise, each musician showed their creative strengths and
talent. Most of all, they love to play and it shows in the music and their
attitude. The long days and late nights and miles on the road fade away as the
music starts.
Their strength in sound is their diversity. Some tunes are fronted by Fattie B
laying down mad raps, others are co-led by Kadi and Shauna with their righteous
vocals, and still others are only the instruments. They are hard to classify-
not quite Acid Jazz, not quite funk, not pop, not hip-hop- but have elements of
each. The resultant groove is infectious and unique.
This summer Belizbeha will be working hard in the Northeast, gigging and
recording, waiting for "the call." With such a diverse sound, solid grooves,
amazing vocals, and a nasty funk, dont miss a chance to hear Belizbeha live.
If you like "Charlie's Dream," the groove power of Belizbeha's live show will
blow you away!
I, for one, am hooked.
Gen Kanai
Dont forget to check out Belizbeha's site at www.together.net/~belizbeh, and
email Mark at belizbeh@together.net for more info.