Killer Bees
One of the finer, do-it-yourself local releases in recent memory comes from area duo The Bees, whose latest album Cosmonaut is a fantastic slab of classic, melodic Pop/Rock. The group is fronted by David Criddle and Jude Hayden, who concocted Cosmonaut and their debut, Lemonade Stand Still Life in Criddle's home studio.
Where Lemonade Stand was heavy on uptempo songs, the duo spreads out on Cosmonauts and filters their own keen songwriting instinct through a nice array of classic Pop influence (Beach Boys, Beatles). "Super Great" uses a quirky Moog synth line and pouncing guitar stabs, "Flabbergasted" has an enchanting Pet Sounds feel and the opus "Miniplanet," musically quotes the Fab Four's "A Day in the Life" in a playful way. There's a nice experimental quality to the production and some of the arrangements that never overshadows the songs' impact, instead leaving the listener eagerly anticipating what's coming up next. Great stuff.
You can catch the band live at Cody's on March 15 (at 7:30 p.m.) and March 24 (7:30 p.m.). The group maintains a Web page at members.aol.com/criddler/bees.html.
Rumors, Lies and General Misunderstandings
· On Thursday, newcomers The Gordon Freeman Trio will make their local club debut at The Overflow with Jackass. The band is the latest project from Hank McLendon, who played banjo with local faves Hogscraper and guitar in the Amoeba Men. McLendon is now playing keyboards, and he's joined by bassist Pete Brown and drummer Boog Heifer. The band's sound is a unique, all-instrumental style that's hard to categorize, but contains bursts of Jazz, Funk, Rock and Dance music for an eccentric, quirky mix. For more on the band (including some MP3 files) check out their excellent Web site at gordonfreemantrio.com.
· The Shams play this Saturday with White Stripes at the Southgate House. The band then ventures to the South By Southwest festival in Austin to play a showcase hosted by their label, Orange Recordings. The band's first release for the label is slated for May. For more on the band, check the-shams.com or shoot them an e-mail at theshams@inorbit.com.
· On Thursday and Saturday, the Cincinnati Public Library downtown will host a couple of panel discussion about the music biz (the event is woefully dubbed "Who Wants to Be A Music Millionaire?"). On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., lawyer Cindy Cleves, former Afghan Whigs bassist John Curley, Donté of the band Mood and producer Shad O'Shea will talk about the "behind the scenes" aspect of the industry. On Saturday at 2 p.m., musicians Adrian Belew and Shawn Murphy, along with producer/manager Stan Hertzman will be on hand for "The Musicians Speak: Advice From the Inside" panel. There is no cost to attend, but attendees must pre-register by calling 513-369-6955.
· Congratulations to local Jazz/R&B ensemble Lomax, who have been chosen as one of five finalists in the Ohio Silver Cup Jazz Competition. The group travels to Columbus on March 25 to compete, so check them out live at Havana Martini Club on March 24 to wish 'em luck.
· Local Rock crew DC Project have been added to the recently announced Slash's Snakepit show this Monday at Bogart's. The group recently completed its debut album for the Riverdisc label, The Fine Art Of Escapism. The album is due April 1
· Over the Rhine will perform acoustically at Everybody's Records on Tuesday at 5 p.m. to celebrate the release of their new album, Films For Radio.
Triple Threat
Local Jazz label J Curve Records has launched its new Roots & Blues imprint with the release of Triple Stop, the latest from guitarist Scotty Anderson. Anderson is an acclaimed guitarist who teaches the instrument in Cincinnati and has hosted various clinics around the country.
The most immediate thing one notices about Anderson's playing is the speed with which he travels up and down the fret board. But the lightning pace isn't just masturbatory, done with a distinct finesse and soul. Anderson shows his versatility over a wide range of styles and arrangements. Anderson's meshing of Jazz, Bluegrass and Country styles is impressive, proving he's a very crafty technician.
Anderson will have a CD release party this Friday at the Southgate House, backed by Steve Schmidt, Don Aren, Randy Winters, Steve Hoskins, Gary Winters and Scott Risner. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. The price of admission also gets you a free copy of the disc.
CONTACT MIKE BREEN: mbreen@citybeat.com
