screams, whispers and songs from planet earth

Tag: the Paradise Rock Club

Tinariwen (and Atlas Soul) at the Paradise Rock Club 10/13/2012

photo by Gerhard Eichler

photo by Gerhard Eichler

I’ve been completely remiss in covering this amazing show. Even at this late date, I must say a few words about the Malian Tuareg-Berber musicians, Tinariwen, who performed at the Paradise Rock Club a few weeks ago. I had first become interested in Tinariwen after hearing about the recent conflict in Mali. I read a little about their history and the strong musical heritage in that region of the world. Through the struggle and perseverance of a people trying to preserve their roots, it is a culture that has inspired musicians such as Ali Farka Touré and Amadou & Mariam. Tinariwen was formed in Libyan refugee camps after the members had fled their war-torn homeland of Mali. Their sound, while strongly influenced by the guitar-based rock of Western artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana, has deep roots in Malian traditional music.

photo by Gerhard Eichler

photo by Gerhard Eichler

At the Paradise, performing in their traditional dress of the Sahara Desert area of Mali and singing in the Tamashek language of the region, Tinariwen very quickly brought the audience under their spell. The instrumentation was simple—acoustic and electric guitars, bass, a single African drum and occasional flute. But the intricate weaving of music and vocals was deeply emotional and absolutely hypnotic. From the truly phenomenal guitar playing to the trance inducing drumming and audience clapping, and then the chant-like vocals, this was a religious experience of epic proportions. The singing is poignant in their native language, particularly if you’re aware of the heartfelt lyrics that are being sung. What struck me especially, knowing of their origins in refugee and military training camps in Libya and Algeria, is how incredibly soulful and, well, loving these guys were. They are so humble, so deeply appreciative of their audience, and put across such a feeling of peacefulness and warmth, that I was completely blown away. They had a deeply spiritual vibe and went off on such astonishing ‘space jams,’ it was like The Grateful Dead took a long trip through the Sahara Desert. Totally captivating. You do not miss these guys when they (hopefully) come around again.

photo by Gerhard Eichler

photo by Gerhard Eichler

The Boston-based Atlas Soul, with their North African funk/jazz/rock/hip-hop, singing in multiple languages, were the perfect support for Tinariwen. They were also wonderful.

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We Want The Airwaves: The Death and Resurrection of WFNX

We Want The Airwaves: A WFNX Tribute
featuring O Positive, Orbit, Garvy J, Parlour Bells and other special guests. WFNX DJ sets by Anngelle Wood & Angie C., Boy Troy, Duane Bruce, Bruce McDonald, Mike “X-Night” Gioscia. Also, a sneek peek of the film “We Want The Airwaves: The WFNX Story”


Proceeds to benefit The Progeria Research Foundation
Saturday, June 30
The Paradise Rock Club
7pm doors | 18+ | $20 + TM fees
facebook event | ::: buy tickets :::

This article was to be something of a eulogy, after hearing of the sale of WFNX 101.7 fm to the evil empire of Clear Channel Communications. Happily, Boston.com came to their rescue, and the station will be continuing on as an online entity at WFNX.com. But I’d still like say a few words as this radio station that has meant so much to so many begins its new phase of life. Like a phoenix risen from the ashes (pun intended).

At the Paradise tomorrow night, it’ll be a special evening of remembrances from DJs throughout WFNX’s history, with some fine Boston bands – old and new – performing, and a sneak preview of the new documentary “We Want The Airwaves: The WFNX Story.”

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Caveman Joins Indie Legends Built To Spill @ the Paradise tomorrow night!

Caveman (photo by Jim Wright)

Alas, I see this show is sold out, so if you don’t already have tickets, sorry. And if you do, have a great time. As I inadvertently never reviewed Caveman’s excellent debut album when it first came out last year on their own Magic Man! Records (it’s since been re-released on Fat Possum), I’ll let this serve as a little reminder to check them out…

Caveman’s percussion may sound tribal and primitive (in all the best ways), but when the guitar and synth kicks in on their debut album CoCo Beware, they can suddenly sound like a transmission from outer space. The four-part harmonies provide a heavenly counterpoint to the thickly applied rhythm and lush moodiness – sort of a ‘pop ritualism.’ “A Country’s King of Dreams and “Vampirer” are especially mystical. They’ll be bringing this curious and intriguing dichotomy to the Paradise in Boston Friday night, when they open up for one of our favorite indie rock bands from Boise, Built To Spill. And oh yes, one of their songs, “My Time,” was used for an “I Love NY” TV ad. How cool is that?

My Time by Caveman NYC

Upcoming Caveman Shows
6/22 — Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club (w/ Built To Spill) – SOLD OUT
6/23 — Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer (w/ Built To Spill)
8/10 — San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival
10/14 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Festival

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DeVotchKa (& Mariachi El Bronx) tomorrow night at the Paradise!

DeVotchKa performing at the House of Blues last April.

DeVotchKa performing at the House of Blues last April.

Really looking forward to this one – a musical smorgasbord encompassing the globe and defying genres… DeVotchKa! And they’re performing at the Paradise Rock Club as well, such a nice treat after their larger show at the House of Blues last time. Joining them will be mariachi (and sometimes hardcore punk) band Mariachi El Bronx. For a little background, check out my article on Ryan’s Smashing Life. I’ll see ya’all there.

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