Listen to This - Alex Ross

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Groove Book Report: Listen to This - By Alex Ross

Originally broadcast on 3 March 2011

Listen to This - By Alex Ross (Pub. Fourth Estate) RRP $39.99

In his first book The Rest is Noise Alex Ross took on the history of Music in 20th Century. This time the premise is that music, no matter what kind, is still just 'music'. So put away your clasifications, your little baskets and board up those pidgeon holes. Music in it's own context, in it's own space is just that - Music. It livens the senses, recalls the memory, enthralls us, creates critique and narative to our lives.

Opening with his own background, Ross talks about his early dalliances with the Classical Genre and pledges his allegiance to a label he, himself, struggles to identify with. As a critic with the New Yorker it seems Ross has been thrown up against the literary wall a few times over the years and challenged to defend the psuedo-snobbery and faux-haute that surrounds classical music. A term, Ross acknowledges, looks to the past and discounts all the recent composers of the genre such as Phillip Glass. It is from this position that Ross embarks on his sprawling journey with out a map and no intention of stopping to ask directions.

Essentially "Listen..." is a collection of essays covering the question "What is Music?" from a vast array of view points. The answers come from the most unlikely set of respondents: The late Mezzo-Soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson tears out her metaphorical heart over a Bach Cantata. Bob Dylan arrives gruff and abusive to a collective of inebriated Minosotans and loose hippies. Why can't they just accept artistic directions change and go electric like him? There's a predictably nerdy piece about a Vermont based band camp for Chamber Musicians - minus any flute jokes, thank goodness. It's almost twee in it's praise of the students plaid and polyester dedication to their cause, but he's forgiven on that! Then, just to prove his hipness, Ross stands in the rain at a Radiohead gig in Oxford to check out the origins and output of the new "brainy' pop the kids are listening to these days.

All this proves what a great party guests Ross could muster the next time there's a few cocktails at his Manhattan Loft. But, intellectual pursuits aside it seems Ross has, as an essentially Classical critic, missed the boat when it comes to measuring the cultural weight that modern music has impacted upon us all. Now more, than any time music, especially those elements that could loosely affiliate with the classical genre, have found ways into every crack of our lives. From advertising to movie soundtracks to mobile phone tones, there is some kind of music invading the silence, telling us what to think, how to behave and even when to wake up. Ross does briefly look at the impact of the recording industry on how we listen to music and how we consume it. And further hints come with his experiments with an ipod shuffle, allowing Steve Jobs to randomly DJ mix "The Rites of Spring" with Louis Armstrong. But what misses is a companion essay on how it 'consumes' us.

Ross is most comfortable talking about how artists and composers borrow, steal and beg from the genres, as if we hadn't noticed this before. Yet the diversication of musical consumption in the 21st century can not be dismissed, no matter how fervently one writes about Bjork's primal associations with Callas or the adoption of atonal music into pop by The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth. Where is the reviews of composition for computer games, ringtones, or other digital medium? Perhaps the windows in the offices of the New Yorker are a little foggy up there in those lofty ivory heights.

Still, down on the street I can't deny this is a great cerebral work out. Ross is a literary craftsman. His turn of phrase and depth of knowledge into all his subjects makes this a pleasure to read, even if you don't come from a classical background. Entertaining, witty and overflowing with insight you will listen more closely and more widely after reading this. And that has to be a good thing.

Mercury Crowe

‘Set Your Mind to Fly’ – the new album from Wellington’s Mercury Crowe was released in May 2009 to over 600 eagerly awaiting fans in both Auckland and Wellington. Recorded mainly live over three days, the self-produced album sinks comfortably into a range of styles – spanning filthy blues riffs, Beatles-esque harmonies, story telling ballads and foot stomping rock. It also marks a new rough-edged sound for the Crowe who wanted to convey the energy and space of their live shows on the new album. “This time we all set up to record in the same room”. Says drummer Nick George. “We made sure the guitars were bleeding into the drum mic’s etc – which allowed the whole sound to breathe the way it would live.”

The nine-track album credits song-writing from all four band members and features long time collaborator Ed Zuccollo (Harbour City Electric) on Hammond Organ, and the phenomenal Lisa Tomlins (Fat Freddies Drop, Hollie Smith) singing backing vocals. “We’ve always loved the gospel backing vocals of The Black Crowes and Ryan Adams”. Adds singer Allan Mansfield. “So it was good to get that side across on the record.” It’s a big step forward from their debut e.p ‘Mercury Crowe’ (2007) and, while both were similarly produced, mixed and designed by the band themselves; it’s clear the year-and-a-half between was spent honing their craft from the stage. The result is nine well delivered, road tested, sing-able rock n roll songs. “We all feel really good about this one”.

In 2008, the band invested in a 1986 Hi-Ace and set out to play as many gigs as they could book. “We would basically drive ten hours to Auckland after work on Thursday night, play two shows on Friday, one on Saturday night, then drive back for work on Monday”. says Mansfield. “There wasn’t a lot of sleeping going on.” Among the sixty-odd shows that year the band notched up a few South Island tours including orientation week (playing for The Datsuns after party), and even a rooftop gig in Dunedin. “It was touch and go because it was about five degrees and raining on-and-off but we were stoked to have our Beatles moment.” The Crowe also kept well busy performing live on Radio Active, VBC, Access Radio, Alt TV and Good Morning. The song ‘Carolina’ gained nation-wide radio play on The Rock and a second run of their debut e.p sold out completely.

Currently Mercury Crowe can be found between tours at Wellingtons Cavern Club playing acoustic arrangements of old songs, testing out new songs and covering anything from Hendrix to Ryan Adams. “The Cavern gigs are great for working out harmonies and new songs, but it also gives us the chance to stretch out on blues tunes and play a few covers, which is good for any band to do.” Says George. “It keeps us on our toes.”

http://www.mercurycrowe.com/

The CoffeeBar Kid is back

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Back and refreshed the CoffeeBar Kid is back and raring to go. This week we have blues/alt country artists Mercury Crow in the studio and with guitars in hand. Check out their new single "Kiss Me or Kill Me" sounding like early Stones or Black Crowes they are all swamp rock and down home blues.

See their website: http://www.mercurycrowe.com/

Tonight on "The Adventures of the Coffeebar Kid"

Tonite and exclusive with Author Josh Easby, former Manager of Radio Hauraki and Journalist, turned publisher abot his new book "Live: Gigs that Rocked New Zealand".

Whether they played a pub or a stadium, whether small and local or a big international action "Live... " documents some of the best moments and stories from concerts perfomed in NZ over the last 30 od years from Gene Vincent to the BDO extravaganza this book covers every one and every thing - almost. No WOMAD, we commiserate. But we'll get to the bottom of that too. Check out www.fishpond.co.nz for more info.

Also, the 'Kid talks to Country/Caberet Act Jesse James and the Outlaws about her upcoming show at the San Fransciscio bathouse and her new album - "The Price of Gum".

Check out their video 'Angila' on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAQdzFc5lVE

Band members include - Ryan Prebble (Bond St Bridge), Mara TK (Fly My Pretties), Justin Firefly, Tm Prebble, James Coyle and of Course Jesse Moss

St. Peters Hall - Paekakareki - 13 November

San Franscisco Bath House - Nov 14

www.myspace.com/jessejamesandtheoutlaws

Adventures of the Coffeebar Kid: Tonite

Hi, Groovers swing on in! Tonite we have :

The 2011 WOMAD line Up - Groove was at the official Launch last week and has all the news! (see the pic above - we made the society pages in the Dom Post!)


Also we have interviews with Emma Paki (an her new CD) and Ian Chapman - author of "Kiwi Rock Chicks, Pop Stars and Trail Blazers. "


And we also have an interview with Folk/Country Artist Eva Prowse. So tune in from 6PM tonite on Groove 107.7 FM






Links:
Eva Prowse - http://www.myspace.com/evaprowse
Download Music, Buy Album and Check gigs Dates



Emma Paki - You tube clip for 'Century Sky' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebNIvpiKWo&feature=related

WOMAD : Link to the Artist Line Up - http://www.womad.co.nz/artists.htm

8 July On The Show : A Tribute to Jackie Robinson

Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was the first black Major League Baseball (MLB) player of the modern era.[1] Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. As the first black man to play in the major leagues since the 1880s, he was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional baseball, which had relegated black players to the Negro leagues for six decades. The example of his character and unquestionable talent challenged the traditional basis of segregation, which then marked many other aspects of American life, and contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement.
Apart from his cultural impact, Robinson had an exceptional baseball career. Over ten seasons, he played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodgers' 1955 World Championship. He was selected for six consecutive All-Star Games from 1949 to 1954,[5] was the recipient of the inaugural MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949 – the first black player so honored. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. In 1997, Major League Baseball retired his uniform number, 42, across all major league teams.
Robinson was also known for his pursuits outside the baseball diamond. He was the first black television analyst in Major League Baseball, and the first black vice-president of a major American corporation. In the 1960s, he helped establish the Freedom National Bank, an African-American-owned/controlled financial institution based in Harlem, New York. In recognition of his achievements on and off the field, Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

About Jackie's Career (Highlights)

Second baseman
Born: January 31, 1919(1919-01-31)Cairo, Georgia
Died: October 24, 1972 (aged 53)Stamford, Connecticut
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut April 15, 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers
Last MLB appearance
October 10, 1956 for the Brooklyn Dodgers
Some Career Statistics
Batting average .311 / Hits 1,518 / Home runs 137 / Runs batted in 734 / Stolen bases 197
Teams : Negro leagues Kansas City Monarchs (1945) / International League Montreal Royals (1946) / Major League Baseball / Brooklyn Dodgers (1947–1956) / Career highlights and awards / 6× All-Star selection (1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954) / Negro League All-Star selection (1945) / World Series champion (1955) / 1947 MLB Rookie of the Year 1949 NL MVP / Jersey number 42 retired by all MLB teams

Major League Baseball All-Century Team
Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Website: http://baseballhall.org/
Induction 1962 / Vote 77.5% (first ballot)

For more Details go to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_robinson