Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival is happening from August 16-18 this year and we are happy to announce a new series on that will bring you previews and interviews with bands that will be playing the festival.
The All-Inclusive Preview is happy to take a look at The Heavy Pets to start this series off. The Heavy Pets are no strangers to the Upstate New York area. Having just been through this past spring with five shows in the area, they are a well-known jamband that loves to come up north from Florida and wow the scene. With their blend of rhythm and blues, jazz-funk, reggae and rock and roll, they are always interesting to watch and listen to, never knowing what direction the music will go into next.
First formed in Goshen, NY during their high school years, Jeff Lloyd, Mike Garulli, and Joe Dupell came together in the first incarnation of the band and stayed in touch through college at Syracuse University and various moves for jobs. This continued until 2005 when the band reformed in Florida. Since then they have been perfecting their sound with rich vocals and jams that take you to another plain. The band has been active, playing all over the United States and gaining fans along the way. They have played Langerado, Jam Cruise, Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes and many other festivals. Their set at Equifunk should be a fun throw down for everyone to dance to and let the funk fly. Tickets are available now here.
Check out our full preview of the Equifunk festival here. For those wanting to see The Heavy Pets in person, they will be at Putnam Den on June 27th. Here’s a clip that features the band jamming with Eric Krasno of Lettuce and Soulive:
This will be my fifth year attending Camp Bisco in Mariaville at the Indian Lookout Country Club. As a Camp Bisco veteran, I have a few tips and suggestions that I wish someone would’ve told me before my first Camp. Following these guidelines can only help make your festival experience run smoothly and make fora successful weekend.
1. Use a marker for your camp site. This is something I’ve always put number one on my list. As the festival has grown, the grounds have become a maze, making it difficult to find your friends and campsite. Use whatever is easiest to transport. In the past I have seen everything from flags to balloons and “rage sticks” to identify where you are in the labyrinth of easy ups and tents; whatever it takes to make sure you don’t end up sleeping in another person’s tent. If you choose to bring a balloon, make sure you bring ample string or rope and tie it tightly. I’ve seen all too many fallen balloon-soldiers to the weak ribbons of festival land.
2. DON’T bring glass. Just don’t do it. If you look at the Camp Bisco website you will see this clearly indicated under numerous times in the “What Not To Bring” portion of the site. Your car is going to get searched and there is nothing that holds up a line like a couple glass jars or bottle, whether full of beer, salsa or other things. You’ll end up having to throw out your stuff and you’ll probably make a lot of people mad. This is your warning.
3. Always buy warm beer. A rookie mistake at a festival is buying a 30 pack of ice cold beer thinking that it won’t become skunk after day one. At a festival, ice is a privilege, not a right, so if you have things you need to keep cold, you have to wake up early to get to the general store and pick up a bag or two. With the thousands of people attending Camp Bisco, there is no way that you can plan on keeping ice forever on site for your crew, especially in the warm July heat when you’re gonna need it. Don’t pack things that you know need to stay constantly iced, because chances are you’ll run into a time where you’re going to have to wait for the festival to restock their ice supply. It isn’t fun having a cooler of food that’s gone bad, that’s for sure.
4. Stay hydrated. Another rookie mistake I’ve seen year after year is the first year festival goers putting back beers in the 100 degree weather waiting in line to get in. Yeah, it’s nice to have a beer after a long commute but you have a long day and a long weekend ahead of you. The amount of people that collapse from not properly staying hydrated in the heat is outrageous. No matter where you go within the festival grounds, keep water on deck. You certainly don’t want your festival experience to be ruined by waking up in the EMT tent due to dehydration. Bring TOO MUCH water; it’s better to be safe than sorry. The pump water is completely kosher for a quick rinse down in the morning, but bring your own water to drink. Water is a huge necessity at a festival, don’t make the mistake of not bringing enough. Last year between two people, we went through a case and a half of water. Given, it was peaking 98 degrees during the day, but with all the dancing and sweating you’ll be doing, you’re going to need a ton of H20.
5. Map out what music you want to see prior to getting to the festival. Chances are there will be a million things going on at once that you want to experience and enjoy, so make sure you have a clear path cut out to ensure that you get the best of your festival experience. Also, do not lose your schedule. By day two everyone and their mother is going to try and borrow your schedule because they lost their own. Make sure you keep your schedule somewhere safe so that you’re not missing out on the awesome acts throughout the weekend. And make sure you see something new! Camp Bisco has introduced me to some of my favorite bands and DJs that I would not have heard otherwise. Venture out, follow the crowds and jump from stage to stage. You will not regret it.
6. Pack appropriate clothing; It seems like a given, but sometimes you need to be reminded. I’ve seen past Biscos that have rained the entire time and I was definitely happy to have a pair of rain boots, umbrella and rain coat on deck. You can never be sure what the weather will bring when you’re camping outside vulnerable to mother nature’s wrath. In the same breath, bring sunscreen! I have also seen a Bisco where it has been 100 degrees every day with nothing but beaming, hot sun (i.e., last year). I made this mistake my first year and have always made sure I bring ample sunscreen every year since. There is nothing worse than being brutally burned for an entire weekend of sun, dancing and music. Also, don’t bring an expensive pair of shoes that you value. Regardless of the weather, somewhere there will be mud. If there wasn’t, it wouldn’t be a festival. I’ve seen people go barefoot the entire weekend and it just isn’t a good idea. You never know what lies in the depths of a muddy field that you really don’t want in or around your bare feet.
7. Bring a solar powered charger. You’ll be happy when you’re not standing in line at a charging station or killing the battery on your car. There is little to no cellphone service at Indian Lookout so you’re phone will die almost immediately. Honestly, the best advice I could give you in regards to your expensive smart phone is lock it up. You won’t have service, it’ll constantly be dead and you’ll probably end up breaking, losing or dropping it in a port-o-potty; just lock it up and forget about it. Sounds unbelievable, but I promise you’ll survive.
8. Get some sleep. As tempting as it is to pull all nighters for an entire weekend, your body will hate you come Sunday morning when it’s time to make that commute back to wherever you live. Even if it’s only a couple hours a night, make sure you sleep. This could be difficult due the constant thumping bass from your neighbors and the mandatory Five a.m. drum circles, so bring ear plugs, maybe a sleep mask and catch some shut eye. I have never been happier at a Camp Bisco than when I am fully rested and ready to keep moving.
9. Wet wipes are God’s way of saying “You don’t need a shower to smell clean(ish)”. The shower lines at Camp can get pretty long. The best way to ensure a shower is to go at night, but then you’re risking missing an epic set on main stage. Wet wipes are cheap, easy and will keep you relatively clean. At least clean enough to not be that smelly guy in the crowd.
10. Lastly, have fun! A day at Camp Bisco can feel like a week in real-time. Take things slow, don’t get overwhelmed and enjoy your time at one of the fastest growing, greatest electronic music festivals in the world.
Legendary bassist, George Porter Jr will be getting down and funky this Friday June 21st at Red Square in Albany with his band, the Runnin’ Pardners, presented by Guthrie Bell Productions . The New Orleans band is admired for their fusion of funk, rock and R&B with the members consisting of Porter on bass, Brint Anderson on guitar, Michael Lemmler playing keyboards, Khris Royal on saxophone and Terrence Houston on drums. George Porter Jr. is best known for being a founding member of The Meters with Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste.
The Meters formed in 1965 only to break up in 1977 but reunited in 1989 and recently have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Meters music has been celebrated as one of the hardest grooving bands in the business, delivering a high energy performance with heart and funky soul. Their music has been covered by such bands as The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Grateful Dead, plus sampled by hip hop artists like The Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C. When the Meters are not touring together, George Porter Jr. and Art Neville tour with their side project band known as the Funky Meters. George Porter Jr.’s music career has spanned over four decades and has worked with renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Patti LaBelle, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, and Steve Kimock.
The McLovins, Connecticut’s top Jam Band, made famous from a YouTube cover of Phish’s “Youn Enjoy Myself”, are set to open the show. Their improvisational rock has led them all over the Northeast, making every concert goer a lifelong fan. Both the McLovins and George Porter Jr. are set to play this year’s Gathering of the Vibes as well as the Catskill Chill, making Red Square an ideal spot for a more intimate performance.
Doors open at 8 with tickets available online for an early purchase of only $17 but will be $20 day of the show.
With Camp Bisco almost a month away, it’s time to start mapping out your schedule and narrowing down what artists you want to see the most. I’ve compiled a list of my top ten need to see artists, which was no easy task with Bisco’s extensive lineup spanning everything from hip-hop, dub step, electronic, house, jam, indie and so much more.
1. The Disco Biscuits- I mean, seriously. These guys have made such a serious name for themselves in the music scene that they are now being compared to the likes of Phish and The Grateful Dead. This festival was their baby and watching it grow has been a crazy experience. They started off playing on one small main stage for a few thousand people and now step out onto dual stages with 20 thousand or more people cheering their names. That’s gotta count for something. Plus they’re all amazingly talented musicians. Whether you’re a “biscuits kid” or not you have to be able to see how unbelievably brilliant each member of the band is when they pick up their instruments. They play the most sets, so chances are you wont be able to miss them, but while you do see a few of their sets, appreciate how far they’ve come and how far they’ve brought this festival because without them it would never have existed.
2. Squarepusher. If you haven’t heard of this guy, I really wouldn’t be too surprised. I have been trying to catch Squarepusher, or Tom Jenkinson, for years but with his rare sitings in the U.S I have yet so see a live set. Squarepusher is an artist from the UK who focuses primarily around drum and bass, acid house and jazz. He uses live instrumental playing as well as digital processing to make some seriously mind blowing beats. He has releases such a vast array of music that it is difficult to pinpoint once particular style he likes to follow, but trust me you won’t want to miss this legend.
3. Sound Tribe Sector 9. Of course, a Camp Bisco favorite. I have been a huge fan of STS9 since 2002 when I was a pretty young kid. Their music stays consistently amazing and their live performances are nothing short of spectacular. STS9 is an instrumental band with a strong focus on electronic, hip hop, drum and bass and funk. Whether these guys end up as a late night set or an evening set it is bound to be an amazing time. If you’ve never seen them before, you’ll be in for a serious treat.
4.Toro Y Moi– I’m not even really sure how to describe this guy. I discovered him about a year ago and fell in love instantaneously. He is described as indie-pop, “chill-wave,” synth-pop and electronic. I really don’t even know how to describe him other than saying he is amazing and if you miss his set you are making a serious mistake. There are not many artists out there similar to Toro Y Moi so I suggest you give him a listen before Bisco rolls around just for your own aural pleasure.
5. Boombox. Although I’ve seen Boombox a pretty significant amount of times I think I have still yet to see them on stage at a festival. Their style is unlike most bands I’ve seen in that they pull inspiration from all facets of the music community. They are a steady mix of psychedelic, funk, rock and blues. At each show I’ve seen, they drive each set with the energy of the crowd so it will be interesting to see them in front of a crowd as huge as Bisco.
6.Paper Diamond. Paper Diamond has been around for a while, just not under that particular alias. Alex Botwin started as the bassist for Pnuma Trio, and if you’ve heard the Pnuma Trio you know that he’s a very talented musician. Paper Diamond is Botwin’s solo DJ career, as he also takes on electronic production. Paper Diamond is another feel good DJ that will make you move. Definitely don’t miss his set this Camp.
7.Animal Collective. Over the past five or so years Animal Collective has grown rapidly in popularity and become a household name in the music scene. They are considered “experimental-psychedelic” and encapsulate a slew of different styles and genres within each song. You will without a doubt dance from start to finish when Animal Collective takes stage.
8. Gigamesh. You’ve probably heard Gigamesh’s remix of Foster the People’s single “Pumped up Kicks,” or perhaps his work on Mike Posner’s “Cooler Than Me,” so you know what he’s capable of. His talent as a producer and a DJ is unparalleled. His music derives from a mix of influences, but will not fail to keep you dancing. Make sure you save your energy for this set, because you’ll need it.
9. Lotus. I know, I’m clearly showing biases towards the band I’ve seen a million times, but in the same breath they have yet to let me down. Lotus is another band who has gained serious popularity over the past few years and made their own mark on the music and festival scene. Similar to Sound Tribe, Lotus is an electronic jam band who incorporate many sounds and genres within each song. Their music can be fast and hard or slow and melodic. That spectrum is what makes bands like Lotus such an awesome live act to see.
10. Com Truise. Com truise started as a drum and bass DJ and slowly shifted into a more 80’s, chill-wave sound. His music is completely different than anything else in the music scene. I don’t even think there is an artist I could compare him to wholeheartedly, which is why he made the top ten list. An artist with that unique of a sound does not go unnoticed, even within a lineup as insane as Camp Bisco’s. It is artists like this that make Camp Bisco have such a wide variety of sounds and genres that grace their stages throughout the festival.
Also, In an effort to help rebuild the community that was impacted by the wake of the tornadoes MCP Presents is putting out a National call to all of its supporters and fans, who converge upon the region each July. A page to collect donations has been set up through rally.org, where people can show their support and make online donations. Fans are asked to visit www.rally.org/supportschenectadycounty – cb12 or through the festival site at www.campbisco.net.
“Turr-kwaz” is how you say Turkuaz, and you should remember that pronunciation, as this Brooklyn based band isn’t going anywhere. The word as defined is the Turkish translation of turquoise, but unlike the gemstone there is nothing blue about this band. Their style is pure funk, which is deliciously refreshing in the modern landscape of never-ending jambands with musical Attention Deficit Disorder. Don’t mistake this musical singularity for boredom though, as only moss-covered rocks and Nickelback fans could possibly not feel the urge to dance their posteriors off while Turkuaz rages their funktasticness, and Thursday, May 16th at Rochester’s Club at Water Street would be no exception. Blessed with a large crowd, at least partially in part due to the earlier Rusted Root show at the annual Lilac Festival, the band took full advantage of the packed house and played their asses off for two sets.
The first set from Turkuaz featured tons of original material showcasing the band’s deep influences from old school masters such as George Clinton and James Brown to 90’s funk machines like Galactic and Lettuce. Sexy people playing sexy music laden with delicious horn sections: this always works. Some highlights of the first set included exploratory jamming within original compositions with names like “Bubba Slide” and “Electric Habitat” as well as a nicely chosen array of covers including “Slippery People” by the Talking Heads and Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright”. Towards the end of the first set, Dopapod’s Rob Compa joined the band on guitar for the original tune “Physical Challenge” and a cover of The Band’s “The Shape I’m In”. Rob can often be found sitting in or attending Rochester shows when Dopapod is on break and he always brings the heat on his 6 string.
Despite being a weeknight, the venue only seemed to get busier during set-break and the second set featured perhaps the most energetic crowd this writer has EVER seen at Club-side Water Street during the week. The segues were heavy and it almost seemed as if the music never stopped; fine by me! The ladies ruled the roost for much of this set, with top notch vocals by Sammi Garret and Geneva Williams. Really, beyond the excellent music, this band has some of the finest vocals out there, with all four singers laying it down with heaping spoonfuls of soul goodness. Set highlights included all the segues, the twosome of original “Chatte Lunatique” into Hot Chocolate’s “Everyone’s a Winner” and a spot on funky-blast-off version of Led Zeppelin’s “Trampled Under Foot”.
Beyond the music, the crowd, the sit-in and everything else; it was inherently apparent that this band is a group of people who have deep kinship. Throughout the night they were endlessly smiling at each other, putting their arms around each others shoulders and cheering each other on. Any group of fine musicians can put together an excellent itinerary of rage, but when one can sense an internal warmth; a group that is truly acts as one soul; it brings the entire experience over the top.
Check out Turkuaz’s next stop in Upstate NY on June 29th at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse. You will not regret it.
Setlist
Set 1: Jb intro, 20 dollar bill, Smarter than the speaker>Coast to coast, Bubba slide, Future 86, Electric habitat, Slippery people, Nightswimming, It’s hard>Feelin’ alright, Back to normal, Physical challenge, The shape I’m in
Set 2: Lookin’ tough, Feelin’ good, Chatte lunatique>Everyone’s a winner, M’lady, XYZ, Trampled under foot, Bijou drains, The bird dog>Sledgehammer, Pickin’ up>Hold on, I’m coming
The Ninth Annual Mountain Jam festival kicks off June 6th and runs through June 9th at Hunter Mountain in Hunter, NY. Mountain Jam is a four-day, multi-stage festival hosted by Radio Woodstock 100.1 and guitarist, Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers, The Warren Haynes Band, The Dead). In one of the most pristine locations in the Northeast and natural amphitheater, more than 50 bands will perform on three stages.
Mountain Jam welcomes legendary bassist, Phil Lesh bringing his all star side project Phil Lesh & Friends for a two-set performance. Friends for this year’s Mountain Jam are Warren Haynes and John Scofield on guitar, Joe Russo (Furthur) on drums, and Jeff Chimenti (Furthur, RatDog, The Dead, Les Claypool) on keys. Widespread Panic will make 2013 it’s first (and only northeast) appearance at Mountain Jam. Festival resident Gov’t Mule will also headline a two-set performance. Primus will headline the expanded Thursday night program. Staple guest artist, Michael Franti will perform on Saturday, June 8th.
In addition to headlining bands, Mountain Jam continues it’s all-star line-up with many others including: Dispatch, a groove rock outfit of fun; Gary Clark Jr., Austin based artist fuzzing soul, rock and R & B; Jackie Greene, a versatile singer-songwriter armed with a catalogue of Americana and roots songs; Amy Helm whose vocals evoke a nostalgia of an old soul; and ALO, a pop-funk danceable groove band hailing from California. Mountain Jam also welcomes The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers, Soulive, Deer Tick, Rubblebucket, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Revivalists, David Wax Museum, SIMO, Swear and Shake and many more.
Jammers will have a variety of activities and attractions while on the mountain. Some attractions include: sky rides, a scenic view of the Catskill Mountains; yoga, offered on Saturday and Sunday; a beer (and wine) garden for exclusive craft brews; psychic readings, Hammock Groove, Frisbee golf tournament, and artist signings. Mountain Jam is offering a wide selection of cuisines to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters as well as an on-site Farmer’s Market.
Mountain Jam has always done its part to reduce its carbon footprint. The festival guide will not be available in paper form – saving over 2000 lbs. of paper ink. The iPhone and Android supported App includes all the bells and whistles. The app provides a festival map, alerts, user created schedule and more.
Tickets are still available, however VIP passes are sold out. For more information, rules and regulations please visit www.mountainjam.com
’s must see picks: Nicki Bluhm & The Gamblers, Amy Helm, Gary Clark Jr.
’s must do picks: Sky Ride, Rainbow’s B-Rushless Karma Wash, Awareness Village
Syracuse’s Westcott Theater and Albany’s Red Square open their doors to a modern experimental supergroup Friday May 31st and Saturday June 1st as Club D’Elf is accompanied by organist and composer Marco Benevento, of the critically acclaimed Benevento/Russo Duo. Club D’Elf defies convention and classification, as they draw on influences from electronica, jazz, dub, progressive rock and traditional and world music.
Led by bassist/composer Mike Rivard, the Club D’Elf “club” is designed to be a constantly evolving and revolving musical brotherhood, regularly rotating members, hosting superb artists and incorporating new sounds. Club guests have included legends John Medeski and Billy Martin of Medeski Martin and Wood, the hip hop/jazz crossover artist DJ Logic, Marc Ribot, Skerik and of course Marco Benevento. These uniquely gifted talents keep Club D’Elf fresh with new ideas and spontaneity. This isn’t Mike Rivard’s first rodeo either; Mike brings his experience laying down grooves for big names such as Morphine, Aimee Mann, G Love and Jonathan Brooke among others. Club D’Elf’s sound grows out of this rhythmic root, past tradition and custom, into the cosmos. Who knows where listeners may end up when Marco Benevento’s graceful piano melodies dance over Mike Rivard’s deep, thuddy Morroccan trance bass lines? No matter where you end up, this show is sure to keep your mind fed and your body grooving.
Tickets are $15.00 at the Westcott Theater and the show starts at 10pm. At the Red Square the show is $12 and $15 at the door, show starts at 8pm.
From Memphis, Tennessee, Skillet, a Grammy-nominated Christian rock/metal band with their never disappointing shows is ready to blow the crowd away this weekend at Rock on the Range for the second time since their performance in 2010.
Founded in 1996 by lead singer and bassist, John Cooper and former guitarist Ken Steorts, both musicians met through two different bands, Cooper from Seraph and Steorts from Urgent Cry. The bands toured together briefly before disbanding, then John and Ken were encouraged by their pastor to start their own side-project. Soon enough, Skillet was formed with another member, Trey McClurkin (former drummer) and they signed with the major Christian record label, ForeFront Records. Later that same year, their self-titled debut album was released into the world. In 1997, the band announced they were to drop another record, Hey You, I Love Your Soul, released April 1998. In their record, a noticeable change was made known as they went from post grunge to a lighter alternative rock style. Through this change, Cooper’s wife, Korey, joined as a touring member on keyboards. Through the years of 2000 till 2002, they released three albums, Invincible, Ardent Worship, and Alien Youth. During this time span, quite a few changes were made to the band; Steorts left in 2000 to be with his family and to launch a college in Memphis (Visible Music College) and Kevin Halaand replaced him as their new guitarist; Korey became a permanent member as keyboardist; and McClurkin left and was replaced by Lori Peters. Before the release in 2001, Halaand left the band and the position was taken over by Ben Kasica.
The 2003 release of Collide blessed the band with more incredible changes and some in the new future, like Lava Records, a division of Atlantic Records signing them. Then, in 2005, the album was nominated for a Grammy under the Best Rock Gospel Album. October 3, 2006, another incredible record was dropped, Comatose, which was nominated for another Grammy for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album. In early 2008, it was announced that Peters was retiring and had trained Skillet’s new drummer, Jen Ledger, during the Christmas season. Their eighth record, Awake, was successfully released in 2009 with the top singles, “Hero”, “Awake and Alive” and “Monster”. Grammy nominated producer, Howard Benson, produced the album and the band lost another member (Kasica) and gained a new one, Seth Morrison. In March of 2011, Skillet released an EP with remixed versions of their songs from the Awake record: Awake and Remixed EP. Their single, “Awake and Alive”, was featured on the recent Transformers franchise soundtrack. In early 2012, the band announced that they were in the studio ready to work on their next record, Rise, scheduled to be released June 25, 2013, and their current three singles are “Sick of It”, “American Noise”, and “Rise”.
Be sure to catch the Skillet’s mind-blowing performance this Sunday at Rock on the Range.
Woodstock native Jim Weider heads up the Thruway to present Project Percolator featuring Garth Hudson at The Egg on Saturday, May 18th. Jim Weider talked with about his project, growing up in Woodstock and fondly recalls his time spent as a member of The Band. His resume is long, his music is well crafted and he aptly presents something that is uniquely him.
Tabitha (TC): Let’s start off by talking about Project Percolator. Describe what people can expect from a live show.
Jim (JW): It’s all groove instrumental with my Telecaster Guitar. It’s rock style and blues over the top. We have several albums out and it is structured songs. I like to write instrumentals that are structured just like vocal tunes. There will be verses, bridges and everything. Then we have sections in the songs where we stretch it out. We play them differently each time. We might go into a Led Zeppelin line so it’s as exciting for the audience as it is for the band. All the musicians are so great behind me; depending who takes off, we follow the other. We try and jam out on certain songs. We’ll do “The Weight” by The Band, with a reggae feel and then in the middle we’ll jam it out then go into double time. If Garth Hudson (The Band) takes off on the keyboard, we’ll all follow him. So we do everything differently each night. It’s kind of exciting for both of us – the audience and us. I always have a blast playing with these guys. Rodney Holmes is just an amazing drummer to be seen. Avi Bortnick (John Scofield Band) is on guitar and he plays much different than me. Of course having Garth is a true dream. We’ve been together for many, many years. Garth comes up with amazing sounds. You’ll hear Garth Hudson like nobody’s ever heard him before because the way this band opens it up and lets us play. Everybody has a blast.
TC: How did you determine with whom you would work with for Project Percolator?
JW: It started about seven years ago with Percolator. I wanted to branch out from my blues – rock records into something different. I just felt like I was cornering myself. I wanted to get into groove music. I started writing and came up with drum loops. I was lucky enough to get Rodney Holmes. He played with Santana and Brecker Brothers. He freed up and joined me. Once I got Rodney, we toured Europe and United States. Rodney’s been with me the whole time. The bass player, Steve Lucas (Bruce Cockburn) joined up on the Pulse record. We’ve been together for quite a while now. We’re going to play some new tunes, and we’ll bring in some Dylan stuff and some Band tunes also, which we do our own versions.
TC: You have worked with Garth Hudson for a number of years, most notably with The Band. How is working with Garth similar or different in Project Percolator than prior commitments?
JW: Garth does some shows with us. He just fits in because Garth always made all the great atmospheric sounds for The Band. He was always into effects and sounds so putting him in the midst of Project Percolator works out perfect. He goes with the flow. He uses his ears and comes up with some great stuff and then we’ll break it down, then it’ll just be Garth by himself. He just fits right in with this kind of music because it’s wide open and flowing. It’s like a glove and very entertaining. I get a kick out of it and so does the band. I think the audience will too.
TC: What sparked the idea for Project Percolator?
JW: I had done a couple of blues-rock records. There were a million blues bands and I had done the roots rock thing with The Band. I just wanted to stretch out more. Get more down to the R & B feel where it’s about the groove. So I started with loops. I started recording by myself. On the first record the drums were over-dubbed. We’ll do some songs with some loops still. I just wanted to get out of that corner write something totally unique that’s not your standard blues shuffle. I really felt like I needed to come up with something fresh and I just stayed with it. Of course I still played with Levon up until his time of passing.
TC: We just past the one-year anniversary of Levon Helm’s passing. Having worked closely with him for many years, how has his passing impacted you both professionally and personally?
JW: Well, you can’t put a finger on when you lose someone you’ve been with that long of a time. We played a lot of shows. It’s deep rooted and it’s a huge loss – as a friend and a musician. About four years ago, Jimmy Vivino went back to Conan on the left coast. When he did, I joined up. I still kept Percolator going but it was great to be back playing with Levon. We did a lot of shows. I never saw him happier. He was on top of his game. He was just very happy and it was great to be with him. He really inspired me. He had my back and looked over my shoulder since we started to work together.
TC: Do you have a favorite pastime or memory of Levon?
JW: Laughing across the country in the back of the bus at three or four in the morning. That’s what keeps coming up.
TC: How has being born and raised in Woodstock contributed becoming a musician?
JW: Everybody was playing music. One after another a new group would come out. Then The Band, from our hometown, came out and that was a huge inspiration. It was just one thing at a time that led to the fire burning to be a musician. All these great players were playing around town. I never went too far. I went down and saw Paul Butterfield playing at the local café. All these great musicians playing live and then I saw Sound Outs (impromptu concerts) before there was the Woodstock Festival. It was a big inspiration living around this area. It was a fantastic time to be alive for music. All the sounds were inspirational.
TC: When did you first begin to play for an audience?
JW: Early on we would play high school dances. We practiced in my grandmother’s garage. We had cookies and coffee and just practiced for a high school dance or a hippy party in some older person’s backyard barn until I was old enough to play in bars.
TC: What was your first band?
JW: It’s hard to remember. I think I came up with a brilliant idea smoking something other than cigarettes looking up at a bunch of trees laying in the woods going, “hey, I got a great idea for the band, Leaves of Green!”
TC: Your resume of musical endeavors is jam packed with various projects. You’ve done everything from session work, to production, touring, and even large telecast concerts. Is there and event or a project that stands out for you?
JW: Well I guess playing at Dylan’s 60th Anniversary at Madison Square Garden. We were doing all Dylan tunes with The Band. Playing the Berlin Wall with Roger Waters when that went down. Just being able to play Carnegie Hall was fantastic.
TC: What was your most surprising, yet satisfying collaboration?
JW: Being able to produce tracks on a Mavis Staples disc and playing with her was fantastic. I also recorded with Scotty Moore, so that was full circle. I also got to lead The Band at South-by-Southwest in Austin.
TC: Is there a collaboration you have yet to do that you would like?
JW: I’m not quite sure. I have to think about that. People ask me that a lot. I am starting to write a new album and I have a new live CD that I’ll have at the show. I had Blues great, James Montgomery play with us.
TC: What do you believe was a defining moment in your career?
JW: I’d say when I joined The Band in 1985 changed everything. Levon getting me in the band was pretty amazing.
TC: Besides music, do you have another passion, hobby or activity that you enjoy?
JW: Yes! I like to be outside. I like to go fishing and talk a walk in the woods in stuff. There is a reservoir not far from me, which is where I like to relax.
TC: What is your secret to longevity in the music business?
JW: Keep listening, keep the glass half full and just stay at it, don’t give up. It’s harder now than it’s ever been, but you just have to keep an open mind. Play for the love of music because if you do it for any other reason, you should get out.
From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pop Evil returns to Rock on the Range to make their mark for the third time since their last performance in 2011.
Pop Evil wasn’t always known as Pop Evil. Before in 2001, the band was called TenFive when Leigh Kakaty started it and they were formed through different Michigan bands. In the years 2004 and 2006, the band released two EPs independently, War of the Roses and Ready or Not. By November 2007, the band signed with G&G Entertainment and that same year, they lost their bassist, Jaime Nummer, and Matt DiRito joined as the band’s current bassist. Pop Evil’s debut album, Lipstick on the Mirror, was released August 2008, featuring the singles, “Hero”, “Somebody Like You”, “100 in a 55”, and “Stepping Stone”. In 2010, Pop Evil announced their third record was in the works then at a concert in Columbus, Ohio, the band symbolically ripped their contract with Universal Republic to work with eOne, and there, they announced the release date of the new album, War of Angels, which dropped in July 2011. During that year, former drummer, Dylan Allison suffered a neck injury and was forced to quit the band. Josh “Chachi Riot” Marunde filled in as the current drummer. On April 6, 2012, Pop Evil announced the departure of their former guitarist, Tony Greve, who was quickly replaced with Nick Fuelling. As of May 14, 2013, the band released their fourth record, Onyx, with the two leading singles, “Trenches” and “Goodbye My Friend”.
Check out the band’s latest record and this is one band you will not want to miss this weekend.
Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival is happening from August 16-18 this year and we are happy to announce a new series on that will bring you previews and interviews with bands that will be playing the festival.
