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Although I am an avid fan of both writing and appreciating music, I am hardly a music writer. That is, I rarely write about music anymore. There are two reasons for this. The first is that I am not a technical person. I barely know the backgrounds of the bands or the technical, statistical information that is characteristic of reviews and critiques. The second reason is that I live in Santa Fe, NM; a town rich in landscape and culture but lacking in live music. However, we do have those nights, sporadically planted in the middle of a month, where there is something new and exciting happening at our one and only dance club.
I was fortunate to discover such a night a couple of weeks ago. There was this band scheduled to play at the Paramount. Something about this band stood out of the usual weekly music listings. Perhaps it was the exciting poster that I glimpsed under advertisements for yoga classes on the bulletin board at Hastings; the bright orange flier promised birthday cake in honor of someone named Jamie’s birthday. Maybe it was the write up in the Reporter that described an intriguing sounding band that would appeal to fans of indie-punk rock, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, and Phish alike. Perhaps it was the fact that the show started at 8:00 so I would be guaranteed a viewing of Sat. Night Live and a practical bedtime to be alert for work the next day. And maybe it was the simple fact that this band was named Drums and Tuba. How could I pass such a moniker up?
I am thankful and grateful that I followed these auspicious signs and went to the Drums and Tuba show. I was impressed and inspired beyond my expectations. I knew that I was in for something good that night but I what I discovered was almost unprecedented in the Santa Fe music scene. The band, Drums and Tuba, is comprised by three musicians; instruments of the bands namesake as well as a guitar. Together, these three guys sounded like a crowded stage. In a very Dr. Didj style, they would set curious, rhythmic loops over which they would jam funky, wavy, almost digital sounding, rifts reminiscent of early eighties detective theme songs. The tuba itself creates deep intense sounds that dare you to dive in and glide through its dark, warm waters. As a dancer, I found myself sinking into the heavy tuba excursions awakened only by the cosmic shots of the guitar and the consistent, intricate rhythms of the drums. In short, I was captivated and entranced for the three hours that they played, my body engrossed in its primal connection with the music.
Drums and Tuba mastered the stage for two incredible sets, in the middle of which, we did get cake (with a killer icing). All the listeners, intrepid Santa Fe music fans eager for something new and entertaining, were astounded and appreciative of the night of music that had graced out city different. Personally, I lined up with newborn fans to sign the mailing list and buy the most recent CD. I took some time talking to the band members trying to sell them on the High Sierra Fest. There is no doubt that they would captivate festival goers there. Who knows if they will make it to Quincy this summer or if they return westward any time soon? Nonetheless, my new CD will remain in top circulation in my disk changer and I will continue to share this discovery with anyone moved by music.
For those of you impulsive enough to try something just because someone else promises it will be worth it, look for Drums and Tuba CDs on Ani Difranco’s label Righteous Babe Records. We here in the Land of Enchantment were fortunate to be ourselves enchanted for an evening. I hope you, too, will have an opportunity to be turned on to the magic of Drums and Tuba.
Julie Beck
JamBase Santa Fe Correspondent
Go See Live Music!
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