SEPTEMBER
2000
Fri
1 TOE
(Truckstop) with KASPAR HAUSER (10pm;
$7)
Sat
2 GOOD
THINGS – Deeply heavy funk and soul spun by SUPREME COURT and DANTE CAFAGNA A
long standing Chicago tradition, Green and Cafagna’s funk and soul nights have
become a legendary part of smooth assed local lore.
The duo focuses on hard-to-find and out-of-reach deep and heavy soul and
funk tracks that you likely hear anywhere else.
For your dancing pleasure, a celebration of the black imagination. Get a groove on… (10pm;
$3)
Sun
3 RAY
ROD (Play) with DJ DUMB AMERICAN (SomeOddPilot),
PAL:NDROM (Outward Music Company/Play) and CARMELHEAD (/Bin) A
special beat-based showcase put together by the fine folks at SomeOddPilot
Records. RAY ROD will be on the
decks, spinning the best in progressive beats and rhythms.
DJ DUMB AMERICAN will by juxtaposing disparate tracks in a cut and paste
mix of early breaks, postmodern IDM, and brain-battering drum and bass.
PAL:NDROM will be working the laptop, thereby outputting an interesting
fusion of abstract sounds and broken beats, manufactured by a process of
experimental and surely secretive techniques.
CARMELHEAD is perhaps better know as the programmer extraordinaire
of the critically acclaimed “/Bin” concert promotion series.
Here, he’ll be presenting various electro phenomenal oddities and other
choice tracks. (10pm;
$5)
Tue
5 THE
BLACK HEART PROCESSION (Touch and Go) with ORSO (Perishable) and
BOSCO AND JORGE The otherworldly great
BLACK HEART PROCESSION finally return, in support of their latest Touch and Go
release 3. With the
record’s issue, THE BLACK HEART PROCESSION have solidified their place as one
of music’s more prominently compelling and consistently engaging acts.
On this occasion, they’ll be traveling as a four piece and the more the
merrier, we say. ORSO is a
banjo-laden exploration into the world of the urban hillbilly.
Featuring former members of REX and RED RED MEAT, ORSO write songs
reminiscent of a fish fry jug band blown out on psychedelics.
BOSCO AND JORGE are surefire up-and-comers; at a show here in place of
JOHN FAHEY last month, they showcased a similar aesthetic and an ability to put
forth beautiful yet challenging compositional declarations.
Please note the early start time. (8 pm; $8)
Wed
6 The
Empty Bottle Jazz Series Presents PIPELINE 2000 A project conceived and initiated by
saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and be-all culturalist John Corbett, and supported
in part by the Swedish Concert Agency, the PIPELINE 2000 projects seeks to
connect Stockholm and Chicago in an ambitious and rousing creative musical
exchange. Beginning in September,
the initial concept will bring eight Swedish improvisers to Chicago, thereby
pairing them with seven of our finest local talents (and one transplant via the
east coast). The sixteen piece
ensemble will then assemble to rehearse, perform and record two recently
commissioned works; one by reedist and Bottle favorite Ken Vandermark, the other
by outstanding Stockholm saxophonist Fredrik Lungkvist. This unprecedented musical event will first manifest itself
as a sixteen-piece ensemble in a public concert at The Chicago Cultural Center.
Subsequent performances, including this date, will break the large
ensemble down into various subgroups and intrasections, some of them first-time
connections and/or collaborative pairings.
The listing of scheduled performers are (in alphabetical order) Jim
Baker (piano, electronics), Johann Berthing (bass), Jeb Bishop (trombone), Hamid
Drake (drums, percussion), Mats Gustafsson (reeds), Kent Kessler (bass), Fred
Lonberg-Holm (cello), Per-Ake Homlander (tuba), Fredrik Ljungkyist (reeds), Joe
Morris (guitar), Kjell Nordeson (drums, vibes, glockenspiel), Sten Sandell
(piano, voice, electronics), David Stackenäs (guitar), Raymond Strid (drums,
percussion), Ken Vandermark (reeds), Michael Zerang (drums, percussion).
(10pm; $10)
Thu
7 ME
FIRST (Sympathy For the Record Industry) with LAND OF THE EL CAMINOS with
TEKULVI Melodic punk rock courses through
the veins of ME FIRST. Each band
member could probably recite lyrics to any Descendents song on cue, tell you
what album said song appeared on, and tell you when and where the song was
recorded. They band does well to
capture the vibrancy of mid-80s West Coast melodic punk on their just released
record Sorry Hangover on Sympathy for the Record Industry. LAND OF THE EL CAMINOS were the guys in your high
school who always listened to Sabbath and Zeppelin, who could air guitar every
solo on Ride The Lightning with
frightening accuracy, and who saved all of the monies received from cutting the
neighbors’ lawns to buy the used Silvertone Les Paul copy at the local music
store. Then, they went to college
and discovered the Pixies and, suddenly, their whole outlook changed.
Their guitar sound is the bombast of their youthful heroes crammed with
the clever melodicism of their college rock heroes…(10pm;
$7)
playing in celebration of a newly issued
Fri
8 CASH AUDIO (Touch and Go) with DEVIL IN A
WOODPILE (Bloodshot) and BLUEBIRD (Pacifico) Old
friends CASH AUDIO return here, and play host to a wonderfully enthralling
evening of music. They’ll be
headlining on this occasion, playing that slopped up bit of country-pönk blues
we’ve all come to know and love. As for DEVIL IN A WOODPILE, it’s been a good year thus far
them; from a high profile opening performance for MODEST MOUSE (by request!) at
this year’s Chicago Noise Pop, to the welcome embrace (fans and critics alike)
of the just released recording Division Street. Issued on local legend in the making Bloodshot Records, Division
Street is a fantastic ode to all ‘good’ musics past – a glimpse at
some of amerikana’s finest offerings. BLUEBIRD
are from Los Angeles, and are touring in support of their latest Pacifico issue The
Two. The band has garnered much
acclaim over the course of the several albums and singles put forth thus far,
and their ability to combine their sometimes rockish tendencies with extraneous
machinations (spatial electronic yammerings, demented trumpet blurts, among
others) have distanced them from many of their more pedestrian peers.
(10pm; $7)
Sat
9 SILKWORM
(Touch and Go) with PINEBENDER (Ohio Gold) and BLEEP SILKWORM
return to the Empty Bottle stage in support of their newest -and some say finest
- album to date, Lifestyle on Touch and Go Records.
Armed with an improbably expanding sound, the group continues to grow as
songwriters and have managed to actually cultivate creativity as an on-going
collective. PINEBENDER will play second, and will be jocking hits from
their fine debut release Things Are About to Get Weird.
After dusting of the cobwebs (it certainly has been awhile),
scatter-shooting bombasts BLEEP will open.
(10pm; $8)
Sun
10 CHICAGO
UNDERGROUND TRIO (Delmark) Record Release Party with THE CHICAGO
UNDERGOURND DUO (Thrill Jockey) and special guest 712 (8pm;
$8)
Mon
11 Book
Release Party for THAX DOUGLAS’ “TRAGIC FAGGOT SYNDROME” featuring B-MOVIE
FIENDS, SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE, TIM KINSELLA (Joan of Arc), ROB LOWE (90 Day Men),
IAN WILLIAMS (Don Caballero) and KEVIN DRUMM Thax
Douglas has long been a contributing factor in the Chicago music scene, whether
by gracing the stage as poet-in-residence or acting as promoter of his own
distinctive showcase events. On
this occasion, the scene says thanks, and a special event has been planned in
celebration of the publishing of Douglas’ book of poetry entitled “Tragic
Faggot Syndorme”. (9pm;
$8)
Tue
12 The
Empty Bottle Improvisers Series Presents THE VANDERMARK FIVE (Atavistic) Ken
Vandermark’s critical impact on the city of Chicago (and elsewhere for that
matter) is certainly now a point of obvious coincidence, lest you have gone
unawares of his many cultural endeavors and contributions.
Here, Vandermark and his primary crew, trombonist Jeb Bishop, bassist
Kent Kessler, drummer Tim Mulvane and saxophonist Dave Remiss (who all deserve
acknowledgement for their own enterprising outré’ undertakings), again
grace our stage -or in this case floor- for their regular Tuesday Improvisers
Series performance. (10pm;
$3)
Wed
13 The
Empty Bottle Jazz Series Presents CORPUS LUDENS featuring
EPONINE CUERVO-MOLL and ERICA BLUE CORPUS
LUDENS is a San Francisco-based performance art ensemble.
The group features Eponine Cuervo-Moll and Erica Blue (silence and
movement), Andrew Voight (woodwinds) and Moran Guberman (bass).
Hamid Drake will also be making a special guest appearance, contributing
his own percussive signatures to the evening’s performance.
(10pm; $8)
Thu
14 REBECCA
GATES with JAD FAIR and THE PALMS Velvety-voiced
REBECCA GATES is the one-woman powerhouse behind THE SPINANES.
On this occasion, she takes the stage on her own; stand aside pathetic
victim waifs, make way for a woman. As
both a member of HALF JAPANESE and an extremely prolific solo artist, JAD FAIR
has for the past several decades been a consummate provider of ‘outsider’
art. Never considered technically
capable, FAIR has nonetheless crafted a massive and acclaimed catalogue of
liberating and insightful rock tunes that has earned him kudos on all sides and
assuredly cemented his place in the annals of rock and roll.
Fronted by a former member of USA, and a current member of THE HOUR, the
PALMS play mid-to-down tempo musics that are at once both charming and warm.
(10pm; $7)
Fri
15 THE
CHAMBER STRINGS (Bobsled) with ADVENTURES IN STEREO (Bobsled),
WAXWINGS (Bobsled) and THE GLADS (Capricorn) THE
CHAMBER STINGS will be bringing their Brit-inflected sounds to the Bottle, in a
haze of post-recording bliss. Long
jammed up in the studio, (recording what is sure to be a fine-as-fuck follow-up
to last’s year’s tastemaking “Gospel Mornings”) the group is anxious to
unleash a season’s worth of pent-up energies and emotions on your (until now)
unsuspecting self. In what surely
might be considered a ‘triple-headliner’, the addictively pop-centric
ADVENTURES IN STEREO will also perform here.
Touring in support of the newly issued (and highly anticipated, it seems)
Bobsled release Monomania¸ ADVENTURES IN STEREO have perfected a
delightful mix of harmonious, candied pop bliss.
Also on the bill, labelmates WAXWINGS are also touring in support of a
recent Bobsled release, “Low to
the Ground”, which is “flat-out one of the greatest debut records ever. This is a band that everyone will know very soon.”
As if this weren’t enough, Athens-based phenoms THE GLADS will open.
Celebrating a newly issued release for Capricorn Records, THE GLADS’
retro stylings feature sweetly tuned guitars and diversely quirky vocal
offerings that seemingly celebrate the best conceptions of decades past. (10pm;
$8)
Sat
16 /BIN
Presents OVAL (Thrill Jockey) with JON SHEFFIELD AND MORA Occasionally
garnering more attention for technique rather than actual output, German
experimental outfit OVAL has nonetheless continued to explore the parameters of
divergent media treatments and their subsequent effects.
While earlier OVAL compositions were more often a byproduct of thematic
experimentation and the resulting theoretic manifestations, some of the more
recent works, particularly those found on the recently issued Szenariodisk,
have exhibited richer (and seemingly more organic) textures, occasional patterns
of melody bolstered by subtle beat-based patterns.
The trio will be playing here as a part of the Chicago Cultural
Center’s World Music Festival, and will also be bringing their conceptual
installation project “Skotodesk”to area museums.
Consult the Thrill Jockey website for further details regarding
installation specifics. Jon
Sheffield and MORA will open. (10pm; $TBA)
Sun
17 CIRCLE
(Tumult) with SUBARACHNOID SPACE (Relapse) with SALOME CIRCLE
are an experimental rock outfit from Finland, who’s occasionally prog-ish, but
always ‘out’ rock elements should satisfy the tastes of both post-rock
purists and the electro-curious alike. Needless
to say, this is a rare stateside appearance.
San Francisco’s neo-psychedelic improvisational unit SUBARACHNOID SPACE
are touring with CIRCLE and will
play second; SALOME will open (10pm; $7)
Mon
18 FRENCH
KICKS (My Pal God) with SHARK QUEST (Merge) and JEB BISHOP and
ONEIDA (Jagjaguwar)
“The FRENCH KICKS attempt to strip down
sound through angular motions ripe with rhythm and rooted in melody. Their songs
are set apart by the vocal interplay between 3/4 of the band, who split up the
lead vocal duties and at times share the center mice, thereby producing
nontraditional vocal blends. An exercise in frenetic glamour, there is a little
bit of glitter in the teeth for these four handsome devils.”
Featuring former members of EGG, FLAT DUO JETS and ZEN FRISBEE, among
others, SHARK QUEST’s varied yet magnanimous past has given the group a
diversely rich contextual viewpoint not contented with typically outfitted
instrumentations or commonplace compositional structures.
Which is a concept quite familiar to VANDERMARK FIVE member JEB BISHOP,
who will add his technical prowess to the bill in a format that at press time
has not-yet been decided. Opening
this quality-packed show, ONEIDA will be playing in support of the
just-today-released EP Steel Rod, on regarded imprint Jagjaguwar.
The band themselves claim to be ‘all rock’ and ‘all beat’ all of
the time, and consider themselves the ‘organic KRAFTWORK’ and the ‘bastard
prodigal sons of AFRIKA BAMBAATAA’. Er,
we’ll let you be the judge. (9pm;
$7)
Tue
19 The
Empty Bottle Improvisers Series Presents THE VANDERMARK FIVE (Atavistic) Ken
Vandermark’s critical impact on the city of Chicago (and elsewhere for that
matter) is certainly now a point of obvious coincidence, lest you have gone
unawares of his many cultural endeavors and contributions.
Here, Vandermark and his primary crew, trombonist Jeb Bishop, bassist
Kent Kessler, drummer Tim Mulvane and saxophonist Dave Remiss (who all deserve
acknowledgement for their own enterprising outré’ undertakings), again
grace our stage -or in this case floor- for their regular Tuesday Improvisers
Series performance. (10pm;
$3)
Thu
21 A
Record Release Party with THE DRAPES, STARBALL, THE MOTION Join
the DRAPES as they celebrate the release of their excellent new record Shine
On, Sweetheart. STARBALL is from the school of crunchy pop, where the
guitars are distorted, the beats are bouncy, and a good measure of
“whoa-whoa” and “ooh yeah” backing vocals are thrown in for effect.
THE MOTION are continually on the improve, and should be playing in
support of a newly issued record in their own right.
(9:30pm; $7)
EARLY!
Thu 21
Presents
DAT POLITICS (A-Musik) with
ray_rod A
special late breaking announcement !! The Empty Bottle is proud to announce a
very special early performance with French quartet DAT POLITICS.
They’ll be playing in support of their latest (and just released)
record Villiger, on the phenomenal German imprint A-muzik Records.
Musically, this quartet is quite capable and their laptop-derived beats,
clicks and squelches are nothing short of intoxicating.
While many of their peers insist on maintaining a minimalist perspective,
DAT POLITICS conversely pepper their compositions with a playful (and at times
pop-ish) sense of melody…all the while assuring that individual tracks remain
uncluttered (and dare we say fun?). Apparently,
and in some cases again unlike others within the community, DAT POLITICS have
put together an exciting live set of material that has been very well received
on the European festival circuit (the group sharing the stage with the likes of
FENNESZ, FX RANDOMIZ, MOUSE ON MARS, OVAL, KIT CLAYTON, POLE, among others).
Please don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness one of Europe’s
most exciting electro-based prospects. As
one reviewer put it, “I suggest investigating (Dat Politics) now to avoid
imminent embarrassment later”. We
second the recommendation…(7pm;
$7)
Fri
22 du3t
with THE HUMAN CONDITION (John McEntire), DESIGNER (Duophonic/Kultbox/Soul
Static Sound) and COD du3t is an
improvised audio/video deconstruction by Johnny deKam and Kurt Ralske.
“With their custom designed software and Powerbooks, deKam and Ralske
improvise obtuse rhythms, noise narratives and ultra non-linear video streams.
At the core of their real-time video systems is the acclaimed Nato.0+55
Modular objects for Max, written by the controversial artist and programmer
Netotchka Nesvanova. deKam and
Ralske will use their systems to create visual and sonic agreements,
conversations, duels and solos throughout the evening, (all of which will be)
projected on a large video screen.” Also
on the bill is TORTOISE drummer John McEntire’s solo project HUMAN CONDITION. Casey Rice’s DESIGNER project will be featured second, and
COD, an audio visual production by Chris O’Dowd, will be opening.
(10pm; $8)
Sat
23 OK-GO
Single Release Party ! with WE RAGAZZI and THE BALDWIN BROTHERS The
peoples in WE RAGAZZI get their swerve on with fire and brimstone gospel rock
that makes audiences jump up and say “BOO-YAH”. Their absence within the local community was sorely noted and
we welcome their return here with open arms.
THE BALDWIN BROTHERS are a musical blender that’s equal parts trip-hop,
acid jazz and Chicago post-rock that at times sounds something like MONEY MARK
fronting a B-Boyin’ funky bunch. (10pm;
$7)
EARLY! Sun
24 ZULU
AS KONO (Perverted Son) with HAR MAR SUPERSTAR (Kill Rock Stars)
and TBA Despite rumors to the contrary,
the HAR MAR SUPERSTAR is not a follow-up project from the star-studded hit
factory NEW EDITION. No, something
this ‘white’ hot could only come from regions unknown and of course must
feature only the freshest available talents working within the R&B community
today. Admirably, after rejecting
production offers from Quincy Jones and rebuffing contractual overtures from Sony Music, the HAR MAR crew
have instead decided to ‘keep it real’, remain ‘street’ and are
subsequently touring (by van no less) in support of a forthcoming release from
favored indie Kill Rock Stars.
ZULU AS KONO are a Texas-based outfit whose music features choppy,
start/stop dynamics lively enough to throw even the most seasoned rider from
their musical mechanical bull. Opener
will be announced when church gets out. (7pm;
$7)
LATE!
Sun 24
SYNTH-ETHICS with DJ TENOX AND DJ A/B S featuring
special guest DJ WES Welcome
to the Original B-Boy Electro Phunk Vibe in Chicago, SYNTH-ETHICS.
At this long overdue DJ set, Electro Specialists TENOX & DJ A/B S
(both of Norph Productions) and DJ WES, a South Side favorite, will provide a
unique atmosphere of music with three live DJ mix sets from their respective
vinyl collections. TENOX and DJ A/B S will provide an educated glimpse into the
world of Electro Phunk, as they engage in acquainting the ears of the present
urban music scene with the ultimate sounds and beats for Rocking and B-Boying.
A remembrance to the distant pasts of recorded material is emphasized,
while a projected foresight for futuristic DJ themes is examined to show the
mixing skills, ideas, purity, and the range of adventure necessary for a DJ who
spins and collects Electro. This DJ team from the production crew Norph intends
to provide a musical revelation for this particular style of music because of
its global and original B-boy sound. Compositions
created before and beyond this era of overly commercialized and trendy hiphop/rap
& dance music will be exhibited for your edification and enjoyment.
As TENOX noted on his Just Keep
Rocking mixtape, “Electro music is Primitive Futuristic”.
This duo of producer/DJs are always looking for the perfect beat to
connect the pasts with the future, the forgotten with the known and the unheard
with the heard. Electro is the past
that once represented the future sounds of urban music.
On the other side of the sonic galaxy we have our man from the south side
and a brother from another planet, DJ WES.
He will be spinning the sounds of Electro’s first born, Techno.
Allowing space and time to be interconnected and enjoyed through dancing and a
comfortable understanding between the relationship of a man, a machine and his
music. DJ WES has qualified ears and selections to mix the finest of
musics. Be prepared to glide
through the sounds, scapes, and years of Electro, Techno, Bass, Brooklyn Beat,
New Wave, Beats & Basslines, Freakbeat and Bonus Beats from Detroit,
Germany, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Den Hague, London, Paris, Rome and yours
truly Chicago. SYNTH-ETHICS - the science mixology
is now in effect.
(10pm; $7)
Mon
25 NAFTULE’S
DREAM with HEDNINGARNA “Weaving fiery improvisation into complex arrangements in a style
reminiscent of Mingus at his best, Boston-based NAFTULE’S DREAM has created an
instrumental music of passion and intensity.
Their album Search for the Golden Dreydl
has been released by John Zorn on his radical Jewish culture label,
Tzadik, and the band has created a stir with regular performances at the
Knitting Factory in New York and the international Ashkenaz Festival of New
Yiddish Culture in Toronto. From
adventurous originals to surprising re-interpretations of traditional Jewish
classics, Naftule's Dream draws on the exotic modalism of Eastern Europe, the
improvising aesthetic of new jazz, and hard edged rhythms of rock, Middle
Eastern music, and klezmer. With
its award-winning composers and virtuosic improvisers, Naftule's Dream walks the
line between free improvisation and tight composition.
Integral to the band's sound is the breadth and scope of the musician’s
experience.” HENINGARNA’s
experimentation with old world, folk-based aesthetics, coupled with an itinerant
infatuation with electro technologies has given the group a singular vision and
presents their audience with a recontextualized glimpse into the capabilities of
juxtaposing things previously considered only ancient or modern.
This event will be a part of the World Music Festival: Chicago 2000.
(9:30pm; $8)
Tue
26 SUGARMAN
3 with TBA SUGARMAN THREE found it’s
impetus in musical journeyman Neal Sugarman, who by way of New York and New
Orleans has garnered much acclaim as both bandleader and sideman (for the likes
of Eddie Henderson and Slim Slims, among others).
Upon discovery of organ wizard Adam Scone, and the availability of
Brother Jack McDuff drummer Rudy Albin, Sugarman constructed a live action trio
that has gone on to be known for their big sound and hard grooves.
Later adding noted New York guitarist Coleman Mellett, the group has
solidified its status as one of the leading and most lively proponents of funky
acid-jazz. (10pm; $6)
Wed
27 The
Empty Bottle Jazz Series Presents TIM McNAMARA (10pm;
$5)
Thu
28 TUMMLER
(Man’s Ruin) Record Release Party with THROTTLEROD and SIX SIGMA Tune
those bongs to ‘rawk’, as the mighty TUMMLER again graces our stage.
Just recently signed to ‘stoner’- centric Man’s Ruin, the band is
ablaze (ahem, wink) with hype and duly so.
As promised herein on a previous occasion, TUMMLER has finished recording
their debut album and this show will celebrate its forthcoming release. Friends and pushers THROTTLEROD and SIX SIGMA will open,
specifically selected by TUMMLER (cough!) for this special occasion.
(10pm; $7)
Fri
29 EL
VEZ with IGGY YOAKAM and HIS FAMOUS POGO PONIES Social
satirist, Latino commentarian and international wunderkind, EL VEZ relies on
humor and a trunkful of costume changes to effect the ‘post-everything’
disaffected. Armed with the ability
to co-opt (or best) songs in the hundreds, EL VEZ is a one-man jukebox and
ingenious hitmixer. And while his
records are enthused over and embraced the world-over, the one truly appropriate
context to bear witness is in the live setting, where his legendary renown as a
showman and lyricist is fully realized. IGGY YOAKAM opens, with his FAMOUS POGO PONIES in tow.
(10pm; $10)
Thu 30 TREVOR WATTS’ MOIRE MUSIC (Arc) Legendary
improviser and free jazz collaborator Trevor Watts will be performing here as a
part of the World Music Festival: Chicago 2000.
His (sometimes) ten-person MOIRE MUSIC project seeks to incorporate the
articulating and spirited elements of free and modern jazz with the hypnotic and
rhythm qualities more often found in world-based and ‘afro-beat’ musics.
As special opener will soon be announced... (10pm;
$10)
Ummmm...Convenience.
Don't get up; Don't even bother picking up the phone. Purchase tickets for all
those wonderful performances at the Bottle online. Check out Ticket
Web for info.
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these artists (and maybe pick up a cd or album or two) jump over to
