Sound Session Finale: Block Party @ The Black Rep Back Lot

Saturday marked the end of a long, exciting week. This year's Providence Sound Session came to a close with multiple outdoor stages hosting over 50 acts, hundreds of people, and weather changes from the bible era. The Back Lot hosted two shows. During the day was the well-anticipated Local Hip Hop Showcase, featuring Rhode Island's finest rappers and DJs. The night show was comprised of a variety of bands, including funk, reggae, rock, Mediterranean, and R&B.
DJ Tek and DJ Gallis started the day off just after noon, to a small crowd and an eager crew, setting up tents, bars, and food stands. They began with energy, as if the lot was filled, trading spots, scratching vocal lines and drum fills. Jahpan hosted the event.
The first act of the day literally brought their own crowd. Reziztanze came about 10 people deep, three MC's with at least three others wearing their distinctive red tees with nicknames on the back, plus a small group of women. Once on stage, they were true hype men, physically active, bouncy, interactive with the crowd. Big Rush and Sneaky Pete came next, followed by the always interesting Phoenyx, whose vinyl-only DJ impressed the crowd as he improvised cuts behind the MC. Next, Providence natives and Hip Hop veterans The Blood Lions a.k.a. Jungle Movement boosted the energy of the show. As more and more people filled the lot, crowd favorites Who Dem took the stage, forcing the crowd into ecstasy with the shout chorus "Let's Go!", then pushing them back in amazement with a guest R&B singer. Dance crew Case Closed changed things up with a quick set, and Juan Deuce and show host Jahpan had the crowd bumping for the last set of the Hip Hop show.
North Carolina band The Beast started the night show in style. The keyboard player sported two synthesizers and a Mac running Live to cue loops and samples to play with. The band had a cool Jazz/Funk/Soul style, with an MC who was straight Hip Hop, a great changeover from the previous set. After The Beast, the Back Lot took a break. The next band, Africa Rainbow, had begun setting up when the skies opened up, pouring rain on the crowd that moments before had been basking in the sun. We were set to continue as the soaking wet sound guy began shouting at us as to why the equipment and cables can't sit in 4 inches of water. Needless to say, we turned off anything that used electricity, and hour later with the help of the port-a-potty sucking machine to clear the lot, we were able to continue.
Africa Rainbow brought the crowd back with power, a fair amount of reverb spawned by the band's traveling sound tech, lots of musicians, and a modern singer. They laid the groundwork for the slew of reggae and world musicians to come. Tevellus came next, with their own curious blend of Mediterranean music, rock, and funk. They had one song where an MC/spoken word artist named Infinite came to the stage armed with a mixed up Rubix Cube, and over the course of a verse about time, completed it for a grand finale. The next band, Funktronic, combined complicated guitar and bass rhythms with a solid drummer and funky hand percussionist.
Somerville/Boston based reggae band King I knew just where to hit the crowd. With solid 'riddim' sections, they kept the music moving in new directions all the time. Powerful vocals and flashy drum fills with a solid drop kept the crowd active. A brief set from rap/reggaeton artists Effigy kept the crowd active for the upcoming reggae and dub band. Soulshot, here labeled "Soulshot in Dub" is not new to the Rhode Island scene, but have made their name from Westerly to Providence as the state's premiere reggae band. They sported two fantastic horn players, an amazing rhythm section, a dedicated sound tech, and an auxiliary percussionist, and in all showed proved to be an amazing group of musicians, where most everyone had the ability to sing well in backup and lead spots.
This post cannot be completed without giving much respect to our DJ, part time Emcee, and full time crowd motivator DJ Negus. Spinning Jamaican reggae and appropriately speaking and shouting into the crowd in a style that resembled old school Dancehall but with values and ideas important in today's world between every act kept the show moving at times when it would have screeched to a halt. It's a tall order for a DJ, and he filled it with ease.
The last band that played, in a few words, blew everyone away. The slowly dwindling crowd at the Back Lot had no idea what was in store for them as the night crept past midnight. They couldn't have seen what would was going to happen as 9 people came on stage to play, calling themselves Black Alley. The innocent looking singer walked silently to the microphone before knocking everyone back with her first words. What came out was the tightest, funkiest R&B and soul I have ever heard from a live band. The streets literally began emptying into the lot. The 'dwindling' crowd turned into the largest of the night by the middle of their first song. They kept the party going, and people kept coming, through extended jams and solos, through incredibly badass vocals and amazing renditions of the most commonly heard pop songs. They kept going, in fact, until the police came, literally rushing the stage to shut them down. We had extended past the allowed time for the venue, and the hundreds of people that had collected had no idea they were witnessing the climax of the evening. A perfectly abrupt ending for a band that increased the energy of the city from the first note to their last.

Find pictures of this event and others, and follow 401Sounds.com news on facebook.com/401Sounds.

The Spot Underground and Black Rep Fashion Show: Sound Session Report

The Spot Underground

Upon entering The Spot on Elbow St. in Providence, I was met by Josh Willis, the Artistic Director of the new venue. Proud of his creation, he described to me just how new the place was, yesterday was their 12th day of being open. They have had live music every night. As he spoke, my mind wandered to a world where all bars had daily live entertainment. As Josh described Happy Hour at The Spot currently in planning: "We don't give people cheap booze, we give them free live music." What a wonderful world it could be.
The layout of the building is unique and well designed. The multiple levels and separate seating areas give all types of listeners a chance to feel at home at The Spot. There is a sizable dance floor, immediately surrounded by hightops. Take a few steps up from the stage area and you'll find traditional restaurant tables that snake around the bar and sound booth. In the back of the room there are some way too comfortable looking couches and chairs. I didn't go near them, for fear that I would be coaxed into staying there perpetually by the vocals of Heather Waxman, one of last night's performers.
The stage and sound are a perfect fit for the venue. Large enough for a big band, but cozy enough for a small group, the stage is an odd shape, relatively shallow from back to front but very wide, taking up a large section of the wall. The sound booth sits back near the bar, the crew perched up high like pharmacists.
For Sound Session, The Spot Underground is a perfect venue. Although last nights event was more of an local artist/open mic/invited guest style show, I could have imagined any big act drawing a crowd there. As the week's Sound Session events ramp up, be sure to check out The Spot and the awesome shows that will be there all week.

Reflection 20/10 @ The Black Rep

I was completely intrigued by last night's fashion show at the Xxodus Cafe at the Black Rep. I honestly had no idea what to expect. The bill listed a slew of musicians, mostly hip hop, with credits for clothing designers, jewelery designers, and a bit about "reflection of self and outward expression of self-esteem". Again, I had no idea what to expect.
I arrived about 10:30pm to a very warm crowd. The place was full, people leaning over the balcony, overflowing bunches at either end of the stage, and a small group so excited about what was coming they were literally dancing circles around the stage. I could tell immediately this would be a decidedly different show than the one I just watched.
After a short introduction, models began their routines, each with about a minute on stage for their speechless acts which highlighted the clothes and jewelery they were wearing. Musical acts were cleverly worked in, often entering the stage as a model. It wasn't until the rest of the stage cleared that you realized they were performers.
The short performances were entertaining, and a good break from the clothing on display. Hip hop solo acts and duos were accompanied by the DJ.
The night reached its climax the second Paul Lowe Jr. entered the stage. All the models left, the lights dimmed, and the music stopped. Standing alone with his soprano sax under a spotlight, the crowds attention came to a screeching halt as they witnessed the seriousness of the look on his face. He played a smooth instrumental version of Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" that had the crowd singing to the words that weren't there. Sadly, he had only the one song as all the other artists did.
To cap the night, Chachi Carvalho came on stage with the opposite demeanor of Paul Lowe Jr. He rushed the mic, beaming, greeted the crowd, and caused the expected ruckus that he brings to RI stages. He did an extra song, to end the night with the classic "Cape Verdean in America".
Check out videos and pics from the night coming soon to facebook.com/401Sounds

TONIGHT AT THE PVD SOUND SESSION

MONDAY, JULY 19

The back lot at the black rep (7 pm) $10.00 Cover
Trombone Shorty (New Orleans Brass/Second Line)
What Cheer Brigade (18 Piece Marching Band)
The Divine Second Line Brass Band

XXodus café at the black rep 7:00 PM $10.00 Cover
Poetry Slam featuring Christopher Johnson & Guests

YouTube Video of the Week - A Troop of Echoes - "Little Bird"

They joke on twitter about being called jazz. What they are is your average rock band flipped upside down and manipulated into genius. The vocal lines have been surgically removed and replaced with melodies. Damn good melodies, played by a sax player and backed by players with real musicianship who listen to each other.

I was able to catch A Troop of Echoes at their CD Release Party in May in their hometown of Providence. Their show was proof of the years of hard work they have put in, and the album released that night, Days In Automation, expands on the idea of rock music with every note.

This week's YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE WEEK is one of my favorites from Days in Automation, and an older video that captures their essence and helps convey the sound that defines A Troop of Echoes.

MySpace Page of the Week - MannyX401

MySpace has its share of non-users. You know the type. They made a page two years ago, with 'Thomas' MySpace Editor', put up their demo, and let it collect dust and a few plays a week. This week's Page of the Week is not one of those pages.

Manny X takes his music and his fans as seriously as an artist can. He wouldn't dare let his fans get bored. With a MySpace design from 2015, not 2005, and some killer space age pics, he draws the visitor in. Once there, they are treated like royalty with a perpetual stream of fresh music and exclusive content. His fans return the favor with hundreds of song plays a day and running one of his slick mini banner ads.

One word to describe his music? Personal. Not only lyrically, but in its production. A few clips from the bio on his page: "This project was written/produced/performed/recorded and mixed by Manny X himself, hence knighting it with the name "Just Me." It has slowly come to be recognized as a monumental release for the R&B scene of Rhode Island".

Show Manny X some love and visit his MySpace, he'll show it right back, I promise.

Manny X on MySpace

Providence Sound Session 2010 Welcomes The AfroSonic Collective

Born from a passion for spreading the music they love, the AfroSonic Collective formed in 2007 with Dj's Blackdove, MikeDelick, Nick DeParis and Dublin and later joined by Dj Dupe (Volume). While all coming from different DJ backgrounds, the Collective came together to cultivate a unique sound. They have built a community that embraces the idea that music can bring people together to celebrate life in our beautiful city of Providence. Pioneering a sound that nods to both the past and future, their deep-rooted afro-soul sound is the driving energy behind their sets. Think - Paradise Garage meets The Shrine - and you'll get an idea of what to expect at the AfroSonic parties. Currently held monthly at State Lounge and Forbidden City in Providence RI.

Here is a schedule of appearances by The AfroSonic Collective:

Friday July 23rd: Afrosonic @ Local 121

The AfroSonic Collective is proud to present Afrosonic @ Local 121 Friday July 23rd, featuring Djs Mikedelick, Nick de Paris and Dupe on the ones and twos for a night of deep afro bliss, courtesy of Providence Sound Session. This will be the first performance of the Collective in the Tap room of Local 121, one of the best venues of Providence nightlife, and we are sure to bring the heat on the dancefloor! The event is free of cover charge, so come join us for a night of soulful house, afrobeat and latin grooves to keep you dancing all night long. 21+

Friday July 23rd: Afrobeat Party @ Firehouse 13

Join DJs Blackdove and Dublin for a very special event at Firehouse Friday July 23rd! As part of an unplugged Haiti relief acoustic series of concerts featuring world renown artist Wunmi, the Afrosonic Collective will be closing the night with their own AfroBeat party dedicated to Fela Kuti, Tony Allen and other unique remixes!
Don't miss out on this unique event and join the family for the dancing party courtesy of Providence Sound Session.

Saturday July 24th: AfroSonic Collective @ Back lot of Black Rep

The AfroSonic Collective will be playing all together on the back stage of the Black Rep to close the festival in style! Following Reggae brass act "Soul Shot in Dub", the collective will deliver their signature deep afro soul sound and uplifting afro-infused beats. Don't miss this amazing outdoors party with Djs Dublin, Nick de Paris, Dupe, Mikedelick dropping the beats accompanied by the afrosonic drummers on
congas and snare drum as well as other special guests.

http://afrosonic-ri.blogspot.com/
http://afrosonic.podomatic.com/

For further information/Scheduling interviews please contact Annemarie Woolley
Email: Annemarie@kingcommunicationsgroup.com
Tel: 857-492-6789

YouTube Video of the Week - M.I.C. feat. Logik - "Bombs Away"

Providence is making a name for itself in the Hip Hop world. As more and more artists like Sage Francis and Chachi take their steps into the mainstream world, Rhode Islanders are eating up music from local acts eager to break out. It is a tight knit community, with weekly local Hip Hop open mic nights, daily shows from local radio stations, and a perpetual calendar of great music in venues all over the city. Providence MC's are not creating their own subgenre as some southern and western communities are, but blasting away the normal boundaries of Hip Hop, creating something truly unique within each group.

M.I.C. (Music is Culture) is better than most I have seen at setting their own trend, and pushing aside those who dislike it, to trek on with unmatched confidence and style. With two members strong, FrankFitted & Voz just dropped a new mixtape, called Hurry Up & Buy. It cannot be ignored. Download it here from DatPiff. A single off the mixtape, and one of my favorites, is this weeks YouTube Video of the Week. "Bombs Away" features Logik, another RI favorite, and captures the style, flow, and creativity of the three artists dedicated to their music, all in a great video directed by Trav.



Submit videos for consideration on twitter mention @401Sounds or email post@401Sounds.com with a link. Local artists only!

July Events at the Cuban Revolution

Friday July 2, 8PM Los Cinco Elementos: Probing the depths of both post-bop Jazz and Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican folkloric traditions, Los Cinco Elementos draws its repertoire from the compositions of John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, Miles Davis, and other Jazz giants, crafting arrangements based around various Afro-Cuban rhythms. http://timmayermusic.com/

Saturday July 3, 8PM Jesus Andujar and Grupo Sazon: As the founder and musical director of Grupo Sazon, Jesús leads a group of incredibly talented musicians who play throughout the New England area. Grupo Sazon performs authentic music from the Spanish Carribbean and has an expansive repertoire of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha cha chá, Calypso and Latin Jazz.

Friday July 9, 8PM Mike Rollins & Co is a project that is making a splash into the New England area playing a mix of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, hip hop, rock, reggae and african dance. http://www.myspace.com/mikerollins2

Saturday July 10, 8PM Jesus Andujar and Grupo Sazon: As the founder and musical director of Grupo Sazon, Jesús leads a group of incredibly talented musicians who play throughout the New England area. Grupo Sazon performs authentic music from the Spanish Carribbean and has an expansive repertoire of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha cha chá, Calypso and Latin Jazz.

Wednesday July 14, 6:00 PM SPECIAL EVENT Real Bizzness Social Networking Event: REAL Bizzness will provide you with an informal social setting where you will be able to engage with other local professionals. Meet the REAL Bizzness board members and share your thoughts, reconnect with your peers, socialize with friends and make new contacts. realbizzness@gmail.com

Providence Sound Session 2010 Event: Thursday July 15 Eric Bloom Trio: Since 2003 Eric has been in the Sultans of Swing, voted by Modern Bride magazine one of the top wedding bands in the country. Doing mostly high-end weddings and corporate and charity events, Eric has had the privilege to play before such luminaries as Sarah Jessica Parker, Woody Harrelson, Jim Belushi, Larry David, Justin Timberlake, Tim Wakefield, Bill Murray, The Rev. Al Sharpton, Tommy Lee Jones, former President George Bush Sr., Vice–President Joe Biden, former Vice-President Al and Tipper Gore, and former President Bill and Senator Hilary Clinton. http://ericbloommusic.com/

Providence Sound Session 2010 Event: Friday July 16, 8PM The Lance Martin Band: The LMB has been together in Boston since 1982. The combination of jazz, funk & gospel is called Physical Jazz, which is the title of lance's latest CD. The music and the flute performances will hopefully dispel any preconceived notion on how a jazz flute should sound. http://www.lanceamartin.com/

Providence Sound Session Event: Saturday July 17, 8pm The Lonnie Gasperini Trio: Lonnie Gasperini a soulful jazz organist from the state of Rhode Island has recently moved to New York City where he continues to take his passion for organ jazz to another level. Part of his history includes opening for or performing with Artists such as Lou Rawls Hal Crook, Joe Lovano, Joe Lee Wilson, and many others. http://members.cox.net/lonnie7/

Friday July 23, 8PM E Mike Rollins and Company: Mike Rollins & Co is a project that is making a splash into the New England area playing a mix of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, hip hop, rock, reggae and african dance. http://www.myspace.com/mikerollins2

Saturday July 24, 8PM The Lance Martin Band: The LMB has been together in Boston since 1982. The combination of jazz, funk & gospel is called Physical Jazz, which is the title of lance's latest CD. The music and the flute performances will hopefully dispel any preconceived notion on how a jazz flute should sound. http://www.lanceamartin.com/


Friday July 30, 9PM SPECIAL EVENT Chifferobe Presents the Tropicale: 1930/1940’s burlesque/cabaret show. $10 in Advance (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/109833)~$15 at The Door - $10 in Vintage e-mail Kristen Minsky at CHIFFEROBEcabaret@gmail.com

Saturday July 31, 8PM The Lonnie Gasperini Trio: Lonnie Gasperini a soulful jazz organist from the state of Rhode Island has recently moved to New York City where he continues to take his passion for organ jazz to another level. Part of his history includes opening for or performing with Artists such as Lou Rawls Hal Crook, Joe Lovano, Joe Lee Wilson, and many others. http://members.cox.net/lonnie7/

The Cuban revolution restaurant and bar
8pm no cover and plenty of free parking