.Grassroots
Vibe
4-Word
comes forth.
BY
VANESSA SALVIA
The latest release by Portland's The Standard
is anything but. August, Standard's most recent CD, is a robust,
nine-song, 45-minute journey through the band's inventive sound.
The Standard formed in 1999, when drummer Rob Duncan
approached guitarist, bassist and vocalist Tim Putnam, assuring him
that he was perfect for the band Duncan wanted to form. Putnam needed
some convincing, as he had never been in a working band before, but
The Standard quickly solidified. Rob Oberdorfer joined on bass, Putnam's
neighbor Jay Clarke was recruited for keyboards and recent addition
Gail Buchanan added a second pair of hands on keyboards.
A dramatic self-titled debut CD was recorded at Jackpot
Studios in Portland. Seattle-based Barbaric Records signed them on,
but then called it quits, and the band had no distribution for August,
which had just been finished. Shortly after, the honchos at Chicago's
Touch and Go label, home to such legendary bands as Shellac, Bedhead
and Man ...or Astroman?, smartly snatched it up. Having the backing
of that heavyweight label will surely get The Standard the attention
it deserves.
August, released August 2002, is a forceful
blend of subtle, keyboard-influenced indie rock with explosive post-punky
guitar and unabashed vocals that fit the music perfectly. "Angelicate,"
is shy and quiet, which dampens the fire from the first half of the
CD. "Bells to the Boxer" rekindles the flame, soaring through an astounding
seven minutes. The CD's finisher, "The Quiet Bar" is a fragile, five-minute
mini-epic.
Though The Standard sways toward minimalist subtlety
more often than not, the more rocking sounds are fantastic and all
the more appreciable because of the anticipation the quieter moments
create. The Standard will appear Thursday at WOW Hall, along with
The Swords Project, a side project of two Portland bands,
The Icebreak and Slower Than. Local favorites Chevron will
also perform.
 |
Ras
Gabriel |
Local reggae band 4-word, led by vocalist and
songwriter Ras Gabriel, has been quietly amassing a following
in Eugene and beyond over the last 10 years. Ras Gabriel started 4-word
in Eugene in 1992, as a "grass-roots vibe," he says.
Ras Gabriel was mentored in the playing of traditional
rhythms on the nyabinghi drum by such elders as Ras Menelek, who played
with Bob Marley and Jah Levi. After learning more about reggae music
from other Jamaicans, Trinidadians and other islanders in the Eugene
area, Gabriel spent time in Colorado and returned to Hawaii, where
he grew up. He continued to perform music wherever he went, and ended
up playing keyboards with The Meditations. "That was a big experience
for me, to play with a top-ranking Jamaican band. Since then the music
of 4-word has really gotten to a new level," says Gabriel.
Though there have been different members over the
years, Ras Gabriel has never wavered in his commitment to the band
and to what he believes is the power and message of reggae. "Reggae
is universal music, it's not simply Jamaican. It's the same with the
faith of Rasta, it's a universal vibe. The words of Rasta are dealing
with the unity of all people," he says. "That's what this music is,
a manifestation of that vibe, the vibe of unity and one love concept.
4-word is not just a cover band from the west imitating Jamaican music.
We are manifesting this music from our spirit, from our hearts."
The band has a new CD, Trumpet in the West,
as well as a live CD recorded on its last tour available for fans
to buy at shows. 4-word will perform at the Wild Duck Friday, one
last Eugene gig before heading off on a three-week tour, which will
take them through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Back to Top
Stellar
Solo
Jason
Ringenberg's successful move from the scorchers.
BY
GLENN SHIRES
On Friday, Feb. 21, alt-country pioneer Jason Ringenberg
visits Sam Bond's Garage for an incendiary solo gig. After thrilling
audiences for more than 20 years with his band, The Scorchers, Ringenberg
moved on to a solo career in 2001. All Over Creation, his second
solo album, finds him co-writing and performing duets with the likes
of Steve Earle, Todd Snider, BR549, Tommy Womack, the English rock
band The Wildhearts, and a host of other music industry luminaries.
"Since I traveled and performed completely alone for
my [first] solo album, A Pocketful Of Soul, I reckon I became
much more social than is normal for me," Ringenberg says. "I found
myself jamming with other bands and musicians at every opportunity.
It seemed only natural to carry that convivial spirit into this new
recording."
Recorded in various locations across America and England,
All Over Creation's 12 songs embrace a medley of American roots
music traditions. For example, the swingin' backbeat and agile upright
bass lines of "Honky Tonk Maniac From Mars" blend seamlessly into
the melancholy fiddle-and-banjo interplay of "Bible And A Gun." Song
after song, we are treated to Ringenberg's earnest, twangy vocals
and animated, descriptive songwriting.
Ringenberg's solo concerts and recordings have drawn
praise from numerous high-profile reviewers. The Chicago Sun-Times
called his performances "the best solo shows of 2001," while the
London Times described All Over Creation as "a spectacular
return to form by one of the most overlooked country-rock pioneers
still in the business. Ringenberg has gained a reputation as one of
the most dynamic live performers of his generation."
Also on Friday, John Henry's welcomes the eclectic
sounds of Chevron, Mines, Lights and Morals.
Hailing from Seattle, Mines made its debut appearance in Eugene at
the Tiny Tavern a few months ago. Band member Ron Lewis described
the show as "phenomenal. We were kind of worried when we showed up
because the place is so small, but it turned out to be a blast. Lots
of cool people came out. I've noticed that people are a lot more enthusiastic
about music in small-to-mid-sized college towns like Eugene."
The band formed in Missoula, Mont., in 1995. Based
in Seattle for the past two years, Mines released its first full-length
CD, The Way The Wind Whips The Water, to much acclaim last
year.
The album's nine songs guide the listener through
an aural labyrinth of introspective, mid-tempo compositions. At times
ethereal and narcotic, the band's precise musicianship turns its intricate
concepts into solid pop tunes.
Many reviewers liken Mines to indie celebrities such
as Death Cab For Cutie and Pinback, but such comparisons fall short
of an accurate description. Mines' music defies easy categorization,
and the members' multi-instrumental talents add a satisfying dose
of stylistic variety from song to song.
All four members of Mines frequently trade instruments,
giving each song a unique flavor while maintaining a consistent groove.
Lewis (who sings and plays guitar, drums, bass and piano) describes
the band's work as "guitar and piano-driven prog-pop. Taking it a
step further, I'd call it fairly textured, precise pop music executed
by uptight control freaks."
Mines is currently working on a follow-up EP and expects
to release it to coincide with a full West coast tour this spring.
With any luck, we'll see Mines in Eugene again this year.
Popular local duo the Visible Men will play
an early show at John Henry's on Saturday, Feb. 22nd. Beginning at
5 pm, the Visible Men will, for the second and final time, perform
a clever and guitarless interpretation of the entire classic Who album
The Who Sell Out. For those unable to attend, the concert will
be broadcast live on KWVA, 88.1 FM.
Mardi Gras revelers can look to The Wetlands for a
Fat Tuesday party on March 4th. It's a good idea to show up early.
Last year's Mardi Gras festivities drew such a massive crowd that
the line stretched around the club. Wetlands booking agent Evin Marshall
says this year promises to be just as wild, with door prizes and music
provided by Portland's funk overlords The Freemartins.
THE ALAMO
12TH AND MILL ST.
FR: 2 Bucks Short, Regards for Chalk, (the concubot)--9
 |
| SON
MELA'O PLAYS THE EUGENE DACE FESTIVAL SATURDAY NIGHT, WOW HALL. |
ANNEX All
Ages
23 W. 6TH ST. 431-1111
TH: Techno Fantasy--9
FR: Cage Dance--9
SA: DJ Tekneek--9; Hip-hop
WE: Syntax--9; Dance
BRICK HOUSE
136 4TH ST., SPFD. 988-1612
FR: DJ Kamikaze—9; Hip-hop
SA: Eve's 2nd Sin, Nail Mary, Ailment--9
WE: DJ Kamikaze—10; Rock
THE BUZZ COFFEEHOUSE
EMU, UO 346-0408
SA: The U-Gene Band--9; Folk, rock
CAFE PARADISO
115 W. BROADWAY 484-9933
TH: Brian Webb, Michael Cochram--8:30; Singer/songwriters
FR: Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene--8:30
SA: Larry Pattis--8; Acoustic guitar
MO: John Shipe, Ehren Ebbage—8:30; Songwriters
TU: Acoustic open mic—8
WE: Tony Kaltenberg, Joe Craven—8:30; Acoustic guitar
CHANTERELLE'S
5TH & PEARL ST. 484-4065
FR: Lori Fletcher and Deco Moon Jazz final performance show--9:30
SA: Tao of Jazz--9:30
CHAPALA RESTAURANT
68 W. 29TH AVE. 683-5458
SA: Lo Nuestro—6; Latin
WE: Lo Nuestro—6; Latin
DIABLO'S
959 PEARL ST. 683-3855
TH: L'80s night—9; '80s and request w/DJs Jon Smith, DmoeFunk,
Turbo Ceez
FR: Tremorville—9; Hip-hop, request, old school, R&B
SA: House night w/DJs Howie, Anmar, DMoeFunk--9
SU: Chateau Discoteque—9; Sexy music requests
WE: Community Sound System—9; Reggae, dance hall, underground
hip-hop
 |
| THE
PAPERBOYS CRY CELTIC FRIDAY AT SAM BOND'S GARAGE. |
DOWNTOWN LOUNGE
959 PEARL ST. 343-2346
TH: L80s Night w/ DJs Jon Smith, Turbo CEEZ, DMoeFunk--9
FR: Lyckitty Split, Soulstice, John Barley and the Happy Hours--8;
Funk, groove
SA: D-moe vs. Dinari--10; Scratch, Hip-hop
MO: DJ Diablo, Scott Van Rocket--9
Analogue--11; Alt. rock
TU: Stone Cold Jazz, Kenny Reed--9
WE: Broad Funk--10; Funk rock
EMBERS SUPPER CLUB
1811 HWY. 99 N. 688-6564
TH: Billy McCoy—9; Country
FR: Michael Anderson Trio—9; Variety, country
SA: Michael Anderson Trio—9; Variety, country
WE: Billy McCoy—9; Country
EUGENE WINE CELLARS
255 MADISON ST. 342-2600
WE: Zulu Dragon, R.C. Rico--6; Funk
FOOL'S PARADISE
460 WILLAMETTE 338-9733
TH: Frogg's open mic—6:30
GOOD TIMES
375 E. 7TH AVE. 484-7181
TU: Rooster's Blues Jam--8
JO FEDERIGO'S
259 E. 5TH ST. 343-8488
TH: Jo Fed's All Star Jazz Jam-9
FR: Lin Burg, Gus Russell Trio--9:30; Jazz
SA: Jake the Cat--9:30; Jazz
SU: Mark Allan—9; Guitar, vocals
MO: Open Mic w/Skip Jones the Boogie Woogie Man—9:30
TU: Barbara Dzuro—8:30; Jazz
WE: Latin Flavor w/Paul Paydos Trio—9; Latin jazz
 |
| ANTHONY
B PLAYS ON THE UNIVERSAL MESSAGE TOUR THURSDAY, FEB. 20 AT JOHN
HENRY'S. |
JOHN HENRY'S
77 W. BROADWAY 342-3358
TH: Anthony B, Norris Man, Christini, Donovan Banzana--6; Reggae
FR: Chevron, Mines, Lights, Morals--10
SA: 2 Bucks Short, Darling Daizy, Blasphemous Abnormality,
Monkee Torture--10
SU: Capgun Suicide, Paint by #'s, Near Miss, Handgun Bravado--9
MO: Eric McFadden Trio--10; Funk
TU: Rock and Roll Records--10; Bring vinyl
JOHNNY OCEAN'S All
Ages
OAKWAY PLAZA 342-7994
FR: Lo Nuestro—6:30; Latin
LAVELLE'S TASTING ROOM
5TH ST. PUBLIC MARKET 338-9875
FR: Gus Russell--5:30; Jazz
SA: Gus Russell--5:30; Jazz
LUCKY'S CLUB CIGAR
933 OLIVE ST. 687-4643
FR: Normal Bean, Friends--9
SA: Solstice--9
MO: Psychedelic Monday—8:30
WE: Divers—9; '60s retro, blues
LUNA
30 E. BROADWAY 434-5862
TH: Laura Kemp, Roy Brewer--8:30; Folk, fiddle
FR: Erik Muiderman—6:30; Guitar
Sun Bossa--9:30; Brazilian jazz, samba, bossa nova
SA: Erik Muiderman—6:30; Guitar
Tim McLaughlin's 11 Eyes--9:30; Jazz fusion, funk
MAC'S AT THE VET'S
1626 WILLAMETTE ST. 344-8600
TH: Christie & McCallum—7; Oldies, country
FR: Skip Jones and the Spirit of New Orleans--9
SA: Two Headed Boogie Monster, Skip Jones--9
WE: Eagle Park Slim Band--9; Blues
MULLIGAN'S PUB
2841 WILLAMETTE NO PHONE
FR: The Crow Jam, Bobby Six Crows and de Riggin' Warriors—8;
Logger rock
OREGON ELECTRIC STATION
27 E. 5TH 485-4444
FR: Don Latarski Trio—8; Jazz
SA: Don Latarski Trio—8; Jazz
OVERTIME TAVERN
770 S. BERTELSEN 342-5028
TH: West Side Blues Jam—8:30
PICCOLO'S
999 WILLAMETTE ST. 484-4011
FR: Olem Alves Trio--8; Jazz
Q STREET BILLIARD
215 Q STREET, SPFD. 988-0294
TH: Q-Street Blues Jam--8
FR: Repeat Offender—9; Rock
SA: Repeat Offender—9; Rock
QUACKER'S
2105 W. 7TH 485-5925
SA: Vipers w/Deb Cleveland--9; Blues, R&B, Soul
WE: Quacker's Blues Bash—8:30; Blues jam
RAMADA INN
225 COBURG 342-5181
FR: Coupe deVille—9:15; Rock
SA: Coupe deVille—9:15; Rock
RUMBA ROOM
100 E. BROADWAY 484-1747
TH: Inter. Salsa w/Jose Cruz-8
FR: Strictly Salsa--10
SA: Fiesta Latina--10
TU: Beg. Salsa w/Jose Cruz—7
WE: Beg. Salsa w/Emilio, Shannon Menendez-7:30
SAM BOND'S GARAGE
407 BLAIR 431-6603
TH: Danny Barnes--9; Banjo, guitar
FR: The Paperboys--9:30; Celtic
SA: Jason Ringenberger, Dan Jones--9:30; Rock
SU: Birth, Flutter--9; Jazz
TU: Bluegrass Jam—9
WE: Inner--9; Alternative rock
SAMURAI DUCK
980 OAK ST. 345-6577
TH: Whore!, Circle of Pain--9; Metal
FR: Sawyer Family, The Danged--9; Rockabilly
SA: The Yellow Press, Station Wag--9
MO: Shag Night--9; '60s-'90s pop, punk, garage
WE: Avoid the Future Shadow, the Chase, WW4--9
SENOR FROG'S
444 E. 3RD 484-2927
TH: Family Karaoke--6:30
FR: DJs--10; Techno, rock
SA: Salsa, Merengue-10
SWEETWATER'S
VALLEY RIVER INN 687-0123
FR: The Valley Boys--8; Rock
SA: The Valley Boys--8; Rock
TINY TAVERN
394 BLAIR BLVD. 687-8383
TU: Los Pistoleros--10; Latin polka
 |
| LARRY
PATTIS SINGS SATURDAY AT CAFE PARADISO. |
WILD DUCK MUSIC HALL
169 W. 6TH 485-3825
FR: 4-Word, Ichele and the Circle of Light--9:30; Reggae
SA: Rubberneck--9:30; Funk
WETLANDS
922 GARFIELD ST. 345-3606
SA: (the concubot), No. 3 Breakdown, Glass Hearts, Avery Bell--10;
Indie, punk, rock
WOW HALL All
Ages
291 W. 8TH AVE. 687-2746
TH: Swords Project, The Standard, Visible Men--8:30; Rock
FR: Tart, Andrea Maxand, Alpha Charlie, more--8:30; UO Sports
Law benefit
SA: Eugene Dance Festival Workshops
EDF party w/Son Mela'O, Joint Forces Dance--8:30
SU: Eugene Dance Festival Workshops
TU: Reverend Horton Heat, Unknown Hinson--9; Psychobilly
CORVALLIS
BIG RIVER RESTAURANT
101 NW. JACKSON ST. 757-0694
FR: Noah Peterson Trio--8; Jazz
INTABA'S KITCHEN All
Ages
1115 S. THIRD ST. 754-6958
SA: Edson Oliveira, Sun Bossa--9; Brazilian bossa nova
NEW MORNING BAKERY All
Ages
2ND ST. 754-0181
FR: Rebecca Rae Helmer--7:30; Folk, pop
SA: Bluegrass Jam--7:30
Back to Top
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