All of us at KCRW have Tom Schnabel to thank for introducing us to Ludovico Einaudi, the Italian pianist and composer. He played this morning with a sextet in one of the most beautiful performances I’ve witnessed here. He tells Jason how he wants to put the piano in a “different dimension” and how improvising allows you to “touch a part of yourself that is very pure.”
Already a megastar in Europe, Ludovico is just starting to get the attention he deserves in the United States for his masterful mix of classical influences and electronic experimentation. Ludovico has a show tomorrow, Saturday, March 13 at 6:30pm at The Broad Stage and Tom Schnabel will be doing a pre-concert lecture starting at 6:30pm.
KCRW DJ Marion Hodges writes a tribute to the Optimo club night hosted by DJ’s JD Twitch, and JG Wilkes, which will be ending next month:
Having recently returned from a trip to Glasgow, I was all set to write a glowing recommendation of the club night Optimo. I knew it by reputation before I visited. I asked the friends that we were staying with if they might want to attend. This question led to my being regaled with stories every day leading up to the event; stories of staying up until dawn week after week, how it was easy to spot other Optimo attendees on a Monday morning by the zombie-like manner in which they drove to work, and above all else how DJs JD Twitch, and JG Wilkes were so good that they left you no choice but to be a zombie on Monday morning cause there was no way anyone could leave that club before it closed at 3am.
Everything was true, of course, as we watched the evening progress from relatively dark minimal techno sounds when we arrived to everything from The xx to a produced on the spot dance mix of the Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks,” to an untouched “Pink Panther Theme” right as the dance floor was at it’s peak. The legendary end of the night request for “One more tune!,” “One more tune!” was granted by another live dance mix. This time, with an excellent re-imagining of the already excellent Roxy Music song “Virginia Plain.”
Optimo was the night that made the music finding portion of my trip to Glasgow more than complete. With a rather heavy haul of indiepop records to bring back to the States, it seemed acceptable for me to not spend a great amount of time seeking out a club night where such music was likely to be played. A club, quite frankly, like the one I take part in here in Los Angeles (Hungry Beat!).
Optimo was something else entirely. It was very clear that the two men involved with the club spend most of their waking moments consumed by music. The expansive selections, and well thought out combinations that I witnessed during my brief time at the club gave me the strong sense that it would make KCRW fans feel right at home.
Of course, I’m no authority on this subject. I’m sure that there are Glasgow residents who have been attending since day one in 1997. I can only imagine how some of those people would express their feelings since the announcement that the club will be ending.
Still, my time at Optimo will remain one of my fondest memories, and I’m happy to see that the end of this club appears to be leading to only bigger and better things for both DJs. The fact that they will still be promoting Sunday nights at their Sub Club home certainly means that you are still guaranteed a good time, not to mention the chance to see either one of them spin on any given week. Naturally, something is lost without the two of them as a pair, and without the Optimo name, but at least we have the comfort of knowing that all has not been packed away forever.
Read more about this somewhat abrupt development here in the words of the DJs themselves, and the commentary of a clear admirer. And if you happen to find yourself in Glasgow on April 25th or before, then for goodness sake… go!
I stumbled upon The Whigs at a day showcase during SXSW a few years ago. They’re a tight garage rock trio from Athens and all of them are incredible musicians, but I immediately focused in on their drummer Julian. He seemed to have super human strength and speed and I couldn’t take my eyes of him. I got their debut record and to be perfectly honest, it didn’t totally blow me away. Not after the live performance I had witnessed.
About 4 years later, they are now readying the release of their 3rd full length “ In the Dark”– their best record yet. I caught them opening for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Echoplex last night. It was a rock ‘n’ roll lovers dream line up. While old favorites like “Right Hand on My Heart,” “Violet Furs,” and “Like a Vibration” sounded better than ever, new tracks like “Black Lotus” and “Kill Me Carolyne” really take it to the next level. I think they’ve finally found the sound that really sets them apart. From their bio: “IN THE DARK is both atmospheric and ambitious, without losing the pedal-to-the-metal power that earned them universal praise as one of America’s finest young rock ‘n’ roll bands.”
The Whigs: In the Dark
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
That about says it! If you’re going to Austin, try to catch them at one of their shows during SXSW. Otherwise, look out for their album out on March 16 on ATO Records.
Upcoming Live Performances on MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC with host JASON BENTLEY
Thursday, March 18, The Middle East won our hearts with their gentle harmonies and intricate arrangements. The band hails from Australia and we’re proud to be part of their U.S. debut as they perform on Morning Becomes Eclectic from Austin, Texas, when we broadcast from the music conference, South-By-Southwest at 11:15am.
Friday, March 19, Buzz band The xx bring their cool and captivating songs for a live performance on Morning Becomes Eclectic when we broadcast from Austin, Texas, as part of the music conference, South-By-Southwest at 11:15am.
Monday, March 22, Tom Findlay and Andy Cato are the masterminds behind the electronic dance stylings of Groove Armada. We’ll hear a set of songs from their recent release “Black Light” and catch up with them upon their return to Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Wednesday, March 24, Actress Zooey Deschanel showcases her perfect pop sensibilities on a new set of songs produced with M. Ward. They team up as She & Him to perform their duets on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Thursday, March 25, The Low Anthem’s songs sound like short-stories culled from American folklore and the quartet perform on as many instruments as a full orchestra! We’ll be treated to a live session when they join Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Monday, March 29, The French duo Air return to KCRW studios after a highly anticipated evening at Walt Disney Concert Hall to perform songs from their latest release “Love 2″ on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Wednesday, March 31, Silverlake’s Local Natives have caught the ears of many KCRW deejays with their catchy harmonies and muscular arrangements. They’ll join Morning Becomes Eclectic in the 11 o’clock hour for a live session before heading out to Coachella.
Thursday, April 1, Field Music combine breezy melodies and post-rock aesthetics when they bring their songs to Morning Becomes Eclectic for a live session at 11:15am.
KCRW.COM PRESENTS
Wed, March 17, KCRW’s OFFICAL NIGHT SHOWCASE at SXSW, featuring OZOMATLI, MIIKE SNOW, FANFARLO, CHOIR OF YOUNG BELIEVERS, SOKO, FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS. Thurs, March 18, KCRW is the radio sponsor for FILTER Magazine’s Showdown at Cedar Street, featuring The Megaphone Thrift, Casiokids, Serena Maneesh, The Kissaway Trail, Fool’s Gold, Active Child, Minus the Bear, Uffie, Miike Snow. Fri, March 19, KCRW is the radio sponsor for FILTER Magazine’s Showdown at Cedar Street, featuring NNEKA, Band of Skulls, Delta Spirit, The Temper Trap, Local Natives, BRMC, Dr. Dog. Sat, March 20, KCRW’s OFFICIAL DAY SHOWCASE at SXSW, featuring ROGUE WAVE, THE MIDDLE EAST, LISSIE. Sat, March 20, KCRW is the radio sponsor for FILTER Magazine’s Showdown at Cedar Street, featuring Julia Marcell, L. Stag, Pustki, Children Collide, Codeine Velvet Club, Athlete, The Constellations, The Boxer Rebellion, Frightened Rabbit Thurs, April 13 and Wed, April 14, LITTLE DRAGON at THE INDEPENDENT in SAN FRANCISCO.
KCRW PRESENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Fri, March 12, BRANDI CARLILE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES, ANAHEIM. Fri, March 12, THE VEILS & THE HAPPY HOLLOWS AT THE TROUBADOUR. Sat, March 13, LUDOVICO EINAUDI AT THE BROAD STAGE. Sun, March 14, BROKEN BELLS AT THE TROUBADOUR. Thurs, March 18, TUNE YARDS AND XIU XIU AT THE ECHO. Sat, March 20, GILBERTO GIL AT UCLA’S ROYCE HALL. Sat, March 20, GOMEZ AT THE EL REY THEATRE. Sun, March 21, GROOVE ARMADA AT THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA. Sun, March 21, GOMEZ AT THE EL REY THEATRE. Thurs, March 25, THE LOW ANTHEM AT THE BOOTLEG THEATRE. Sat, March 27, FIELD MUSIC AT THE BOOTLEG THEATRE. Sun, March 28, NELLIE MCKAY AT THE ALEX THEATRE. Mon, April 5, THE CHURCH AT THE ROXY. Fri, April 2, FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, featuring BREAKESTRA, FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS Sat, April 10, PATTY GRIFFIN AT THE WILTERN THEATRE. Thurs, April 15, CAETANO VELOSO AT THE GREEK THEATRE. Wed, April 14, JOSE JAMES AND QUADRON (DJ SET) AT OM AT ZANZIBAR. Thurs, April 22, PRINCETON AT THE TROUBADOUR. Thurs, April 22, SHELBY LYNNE AT THE ROXY. Wed, May 5, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB AT THE TROUBADOUR Fri, May 7, KING SUNNY ADE AT THE ECHOPLEX. Tues, May 18, MASSIVE ATTACK AT THE WILTERN. Wed, May 19, MASSIVE ATTACK AT THE WILTERN. Thurs, May 20, SHOUT OUT LOUDS AT THE EL REY THEATRE. Tues, May 25, NADA SURF AT THE TROUBADOUR. Wed, May 26, NADA SURF AT THE TROUBADOUR. Fri, June 11, HENRY ROLLINS: FREQUENT FLYER TOUR AT LARGO AT THE CORONET. Sat, June 12, HENRY ROLLINS: FREQUENT FLYER TOUR AT LARGO AT THE CORONET. Thurs, June 24, FAT FREDDY’S DROP AT THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA.
Every 3rd Tuesday, I host a free music event in Fullerton at the Commonwealth Lounge. This month happens to fall on the birth date of SLY STONE, so I’ll be playing ALL SLY from 10-midnight… Family Stone, Little Sister, Baby Stone, Graham Central Station, solo Sly, plus rare live, studio & home recordings …and those who have covered and sampled Mr. Sylvester Stewart!!
The Stone family has given me Sly’s FIRST RECORDING when he was only 5 years old!
Orange County nativesVoxhaul Broadcasthave been getting steady airplay on Morning Becomes Eclecticin the last few weeks and we wanted to shed some light on this up and coming local band. First off, a sneak peak of the music — this is “Shoot the Breeze” off an unreleased demo:
Voxhaul Broadcast: Shoot the Breeze
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Their music is catchy guitar rock with a heavy soul influence (love those vocals!). Voxhaul Broadcast is preparing the release of a batch of new songs produced by Chris Thorn (from Blind Melon) at his Fireside Studio. The band will be playing at SXSW next week and, from what I hear about their live shows, I expect them to be one of the breakout bands from our fair city. Represent!
RR
Here are a list of Voxhaul Broadcast’s confirmed shows at SXSW:
March 17, 2010 01:20 AM – Music Tech Mash Up @ Rusty Spurs Saloon (technically Tuesday night)
405 E. 7th Street, Austin, Texas
March 17, 2010 10:00 PM – Stay Indie Party @ Shiner’s Saloon
5th and Congress, Austin, Texas
March 18, 2010 04:00 PM – Dirty Boots Show @ Wave Bar
408 E 6th st, Austin, Texas
March 20, 2010 12:45 PM – Manic Fest Destiny @ The Belmont
305 W 6th st, Austin, Texas
The Watson Twins switched up their sound on their most recent album “Talking To You, Talking To Me,” leaving behind their Southern roots in Americana and alt-country in favor of soul, R&B, and funk. Chandra and Leigh Watson say the songs kind of decided themselves and the change to a groovier style came very naturally. The identical twins, who were born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, have an interesting musical history. I first saw them in a blues bar in Hermosa Beach as part of the band Slydell. A few years later, they collaborated with Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley on her critically-acclaimed solo debut, “Rabbit Fur Coat,” before releasing their own material.
I think their second full length is their strongest solo material yet and it made for a great live performance (with Great Northerns’ Rachel Stolte also on vocals). They even covered “The Sweetest Taboo” by Sade!
KCRW Presents the Watson Twins at Largo at the Coronet tomorrow and they promised more guest spots from members of Everest and My Morning Jacket.
Denmark’s Choir of Young Believers will play KCRW’s night showcase on Wednesday, March 17 during theSXSW Music Conference in Austin, TX. We hosted the band on Morning Becomes Eclectic late last year and the session was so fantastic, we immediately asked if we could feature them at the event. The band is the brainchild of Jannis Noya Makrigiannis, who performs his grandiose pop with a rotating cast of supporting players. Their stunning music is marked by magisterial melodies and a healthy dose of cathedral-grade reverb.
Hear a sample online at RCRDLBL.com OR check out there KCRW session here.
Lee Daniels has had quite a life and music has played a significant role throughout — from his youth in the projects to a heart attack in his 30s to his recent success as the director of the highly regarded film “Precious.” He was nominated for an Academy Award for his work and shares the story behind a song used in a monumental scene in the movie, as well as personal favorites ranging from disco to gospel and even a children’s classic. Check out a really moving Guest DJ set from Lee Daniels – available streaming, for download, and as a podcast here.
RR
p.s.: “Precious” is now out on DVD if you haven’t seen it yet.
A lot of listeners have been asking me how you can attend KCRW events in Austin during the SXSW music conference if you can’t afford a badge or a wristband. The good news is, its easier than ever this year!
While our official night showcase on Wednesday, March 17 with Ozomatli, Miike Snow, Fanfarlo, Fitz & the Tantrums, Choir of Young Believers & Soko isonly open to badgeholders and wristbands, we have a special promotion for our Saturday, March 20 showcase at the Convention Center with Rogue Wave, The Middle East, and Lissie.
We will be offering a LIMITED amount of day passes to come see the Saturday show with the purchase of an exclusive poster designed and signed by artist Tara McPherson. The posters will be on sale for $10 at Tara McPherson’s Flatstock booth in the Convention Center on Thursday, March 11 from 1 to 4pm only! Come early, we expect them to go fast.
Also, KCRW is presenting FILTER Magazine’sShowdown at Cedar Street events Thursday through Saturday, which are open to the public! You can RSVP here, although I will warn you that badgeholders get first entry so my advice is to get there early. It tends to fill up fast.
KCRW DJs will be there introducing various bands at Cedar Street so keep an eye out.
Each artist that visits the Morning Becomes Eclectic Studio does something special for us! See the In Studio player below for excerpts of our more recent performances.
From Jeremy:
Lee Daniels has had quite a life and music has played a significant role throughout — from his youth in the projects to a heart attack in his 30s to his recent success as the director of the highly regarded film “Precious.” He was nominated for an Academy Award for his work and shares the story behind a song used in a monumental scene in the movie, as well as personal favorites ranging from disco to gospel and even a children’s classic. Check out a really moving Guest DJ set from Lee Daniels – 