|
I have to tell you all about my favorite show of January 2001...
Garaj Mahal blew my mind, rocked my butt, and reached soaring musical
heights during their recent stop here in Portland at the Mt. Tabor Pub on Saturday, January 27th. To me, this was the best night of music since NYE hands down... and I'm nearly certain that Garaj Mahal will do it over and over and over again.
For those who haven't heard of Garaj Mahal yet, they are the newest super group on the horizon. Believe me, these guys are the real deal. This band features virtuoso guitarist Fareed Haque (Sting, Blue Note), drummer Alan Hertz (KVHW, Steve Kimock Band), and bassist Kai Eckhardt (John McLoughlin, Chick Corea). This trio seems to be the base of the band, but on this night we had some special guests. Their friend Roto joined in to provide some samples and effects, plus a nicely laid scratch here and there. Plus, special guest and Fareed's "soul brother" Eric Levy was flown in from Chicago to drive the band with his very percussive approach to the famous B3 organ. To our delight, more guests would grace the stage as the night wore on.
I entered the familiar Mt. Tabor Pub to a fairly packed house. I was nearly in shock. Obviously word had gotten out, and I barely even knew what these guys sounded like - but they managed to haul in quite a crowd. We got our beers (can you say $1.50 pints of PBR!?) and made our way to the stage. After locating a nice space up front and left we mingled with the crowd, made goody goody with Taper Jeff (no, the other Taper Jeff), ran into Smitty, and pulled up our boot straps for what was about to come.
The show started off semi-mellow, with a very Middle Eastern flavored
tune. It was immediately apparent that something special was happening on stage. Their communication was telepathic, and no one missed a change. Fareed was playing rippling solos, blurred fingers, and bursting with energy and tone. The way both Fareed and Kai looked up at the lights, I swear there was a Muse in the house that fed them both a feast of inspiration. My jaw dropped.... these guys were not just any ordinary band. The music was a great amalgamation of styles, almost undefinable but certainly rooted in rock, jazz, and eastern influences. Who cared, because it was damn good.
At a definite high point of the night, Fareed invited some guests on
stage. Mark Edwards was the only name I caught, but they were both
vocalists. The first note kicked off an epic end to the first set:
Poodle Factory > Superstition > Breathe
OHMIGOSH! The stage was on fire, and people in the crowd were really
starting to get down during the Stevie cover. Then a very trance-like and melodic Breathe. You hear lots of people cover Pink Floyd tunes, most bands can't seem to channel the spirit or energy of Robert & Co. but this was off the hook!! I have never heard such a Breathe, it touched me and inspired me - I caught myself humming and singing it all week long. Kai looked particularly happy during this and each member was feeding off the crowds spiritual energy. The crowd was rather silent and attentive, knowing that this was a special moment to stop and take it in.
The second set kicked off with a birthday tribute to Fareed himself. The very nice merch gal (thanks for the sticker!) came out with a cake and the crowd sang a rousing Happy Birthday to Mr. Haque. The second set was as amazing as the first. The musicianship of this group is uncharted, and even has room to grow together as a unit. I honestly foresee this group as becoming a big concert draw.
After hearing that they had already gone into the studio together, I am fired up to hear it. I wait in great anticipation of hearing what these heros can do in the studio.
All I have to say is... GO SEE GARAJ MAHAL! You will find yourself in a world of bliss.
-Marcus (now an official Garaj Mahalic)
|
