From: mga (stevencatanzaro_at_sprintmail.com)
Date: 2003-09-06 09:34:56
before the modern groove assembly (MGA) goes into its brief hibernation
period, we'd like to leave u with some live trax from our recent monthlong
stint at the always sexy temple bar in santa monica. we've also got some
pictures of the gigs on the website to check out at
www.moderngrooveassembly.com
these trax were recorded directly from the board, so, we may not be getting
any engineering grammies anytime soon, but, it gives those interested a good
idea of what the band sounds like live (and it gives those who were there a
chance to remember those hot times!)
thanks to soundman nathan, booking agent cary, and the rest of the temple
bar staff.
due to various restrictions, we can't put up the whole of any one track, but
we give you some of the highlights...
as for the various roughnesses and sloppinesses... we make no apologies...
in fact, we like it that way, 'cuz that's how we do...
first up, "the name of fela will always stand for freedom"
this is a nasty afrobeat jam by uk pianist and composer jessica lauren... we
cut in just as maestro of woodwinds louis taylor gives a solo conveying
"much information," squeezing about as much life out of the F13 chord as
possible, and fade it out as f.r.o.g. 1 steps up to the mic to deliver a
righteous freestyle...
next, "soul mates"
this is the emmy nominated tune from the first lady of soul herself, sy
smith....brand new heavies fans take note!! sy, in addition to all her other
accomplishments, is also the featured vocalist on the heavies' latest japan
only release "we won't stop." here she graces the stage w. the mga... we
break in just as funky fred clark works it out on the guitar, take it
through the break down, with some nice impromp2 drops from dj theory and
some help from the enthusiastic crowd... get down y'all!!!
"bad on ya baby"
well fellas, if u got a good woman, better keep it fresh before she goes bad
on ya..... (of course, when you're dealin' with sy, she brings truckloads of
fresh badness with her!)... check ian martin's earth trembling bass
lines.... and lou t gets busy maceo style on the fade out
"autodrive"
this instrumental jam is just pure unapologetic slop funk... where we ask
the question, what if herbie hancock wrote one of his classic "future shock"
jams during the early '70's? does the question get answered? nope... but it
is fun to play!!! we cut in for ian martin's bass solo then it's off to the
races... lou t. lights it up on alto, and fred clark brings it all the way
into the mud for his solo.... lou t comes up with an impromptu horn line
which we quickly jump on, and dj theory does his funky thing on the side..
"that ring"
the masterpiece of the set! sy's well-crafted jam just sticks in your
head... the band breaks into a totally impromptu swing section with sy at
the helm!!!
enjoy the tracks, and we'll see you soon with something nu....
http://www.moderngrooveassembly.com/audio.html