|
Buddha's Belly |
The seemingly impossible task of classifying a style is something that no
musician likes doing. However, as styles crossbreed and bands continue to
sprout, it has become increasingly necessary to associate with a genre
to stand out. After more than two years of mixing and matching terms to define
their music, Chicago's Buddha's Belly
has finally found their niche (thanks to their recording engineer): crime
jazz.
Guitarist Dan Golden recounts, "Our music has elements
of so many different styles. Pasting those styles together for a genre
(such as the moniker jazz-funk-jam-rock) never had a good ring to it, nor did
it really do justice to what we were actually playing." While at first
take most fans don't know what to make of crime jazz,
the majority agrees with the term after hearing a couple songs. The Belly's
filthy grooves, freakish song forms, unabashed virtuosity, and brilliantly rearranged
covers don't seem to follow any laws.
Buddha's Belly |
2003 was a breakout year for Buddha's Belly as their loyal
fan base expanded with successful tours of both the east and west coasts. The
band headlined some of the country's finest venues and shared stages with
countless national acts. The Belly has also become known for mixing things up
with guests whenever they get a chance. Recently, members of ulu,
ALO,
AGP,
Liquid
Soul, Ray's
Music Exchange, and many others have taken part in some captivating BellyJams.
Buddha's Belly's second studio release The Governator
features five crowd favorites from their 2003 tours. From the rock 'n' roll
of "O.S.U.B." to the electronically infused "Dill Stew" and "Trance for Sir Fancy
Pants," Buddha's Belly delivers a diverse array of material on this snapshot
EP. Listeners are treated to more melodic songs with pointed vocals on "Octogetarian"
and beautifully sculpted horn lines on "Red Head." Two of the tracks feature Johnny
Showtime, the Grammy-nominated trombonist from Chicago's Liquid
Soul. Showtime adds brilliant harmonies on "Red Head" as well as a scorching
solo on the album's single "Trance for Sir Fancy Pants."
Listen to "Trance for Sir Fancy
Pants!"
In support of The Governator, the band will be
taking their crime jazz to the east coast for a 12-show tour
this April. During the tour and all of their subsequent 2004 shows, Buddha's
Belly is launching a VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE and has partnered with HeadCount.org.
While the band chose not to officially endorse any candidate, they hope to increase
voter participation and will have registration forms available at the merchandise
table for all of their upcoming shows. Updated tour information and free downloads
can be found at www.thebelly.net.
April 16 | Friday @ Excuses
| Pittsburgh, PA
April 17 | Saturday @ Sky
Bar | Somerville, MA
April 19 | Monday @ The
Main Pub | Manchester, CT
April 20 | Tuesday @ The
Rongovian Embassy | Trumansburg, NY
April 21 | Wednesday @ Jelly
Beans | Geneva, NY
April 22 | Thursday @ The
Lion's Den | New York, NY
April 23 | Friday @ Big
Nick's Saloon | Philadelphia, PA
April 24 | Saturday @ The
Royal | Baltimore, MD
April 25 | Sunday @ The
Velvet Lounge | Washington, DC
April 28 | Wednesday @ The
Joint | Clemson, SC
April 29 | Thursday @ The
Brandyhouse | Atlanta, GA
April 30 | Friday @ The
Beta Bar | Tallahassee, FL
|
