Its been busy here lately with a few interesting events:
The Roots rocked out for the second time this year.
Bahamadia performed at The Left Bank to a jammed room. She did a good set
from her new release.
Complaints: paid in full for a 20 minute show
Mitigating factor: her show was supplemented by a showcase of wicked
local hip hop (theres been an amazing crop of
new talent here lately) and it was a free show.
JVC AJ Fest:
Galliano / One Step Beyond @ the Opera House
Complaints: 'hey... wheres Galliano and whos this prog-rock band
on stage?'
DJ Greyboy cold stood up the event and his appearance
for this show... whats up with that?
After getting a nice promo piece in a high
circulation publication he mentioned that for his
next project he wants to work with some hip hop
artists like Krush did, but someone like Wu-Tang who
don't produce 'weak-assed' stuff 'that acid-jazz
headz would be into'
Mitigating factor: Galliano performed their new material
excellently whether you like the new direction or
not. Valerie Etienne and Rob Gallagher have
swapped backup vs. spotlight positions for their live
shows emphasizing the vo-cal over rap-chat.
One Step Beyond never disappoints
Groove Collective
Complaints: none, considered to be the highlight show of
the fest
Mitigating factor: wicked after party
Roy Ayers w/ Blaxam, Dj Paul E. Lopes
Complaints: the show was a so-so run through of hits. I
think folks were expecting a transcendental
experience.
- the divine immutable laws of the universe
and beyond dictate a maximum of one
transcendental event per city per
evening and that was owned by Nusrat Fateh
Ali Khan across town on this evening.
Mitigating factors: Roy has'nt performed here in so long
a majority of the packed show dug it
anyway.
Paul E. rockin the decks
Up and coming: JTQ/One Step Beyond perform here tonight.
The reviews here were culled form a survey of friends and associates. All
the while I wuz up in the Jamaican mountains near Maroon Town diggin
nothin but headphone dub, family, and the garden of earthly delights.
For those who've posted me lately with no reply... I've been mad busy.
I've peeped my posts and will reply soon.
representin' all the while...
Carlos Mondesir
Hot Stepper Productions - Toronto
'567' every Thursday @ The Left Bank
"Bump N' Hustle" bi-monthly @ the Rivoli
Canadaz most blunted