FreioMusic

The Sunday Night Get Down

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The Sunday Night Get Down - The Motet

Photos by: Molly Buckiewicz (https://www.mojophotography.org/)

Listen to the Motet's Latest album:

Concert Review

Writing by: Greg Powell

Hailing from Colorado, The Motet has gathered a cult following over the last few years and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I remember seeing them for the first time at their annual, Halloween mountain show and having it be the highlight of my year. I felt like I was in a time warp back to the funk era. It was refreshing to hear such a passionate tribute to old school funk, performed with such energy and raw musicianship. It was obvious at the time that they were in a league of their own, demanding a larger stage and much-deserved recognition. Since then they have released several albums, built a devoted fan base and worked their way up to be Red Rocks headliners.

Sunday’s show at the Midtown Ballroom in Bend, OR was one for the books. The venue was packed early with excited fans ready for a night of shameless dancing. The opener, John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, got things warmed up quickly with their jazz-influenced jams. Medeski was a master on the keyboards and the use of a Sousaphone as their bass instrument really added another element to the performance.

By the time The Motet took the stage the whole crowd was ready to move. They eased into their set with the lights turned low and an instrumental jam. Lead singer Lyle Divinsky jumped on stage and the band dropped into a hard-hitting single from their new album. People of all ages and backgrounds crowded the front, ready to let loose. The band built more energy the longer they played and were able to streamline their set, with minimal downtime between songs. There are not many groups that can start a party with the opening song and keep the crowd dancing hard through their encore.

Their latest release, Death or Devotion, is a 10-track studio album, released via their own music label. It is a well-rounded compilation of catchy singles and badass funk tunes. Make sure to give it a listen and stay up to date on The Motet’s upcoming tour dates, most notably July 12th when they will be back at Red Rocks with Galactic for another rowdy night of music and good times.

For more check out our podcast episode with Dave Watts, the founder of the Motet.

FMP 012 – Eric John Kaiser

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The Freio Music Podcast

Episode 012 - Eric John Kaiser

Overview

Eric John Kaiser is originally from Paris, France and now lives in Oregon, USA. Eric has been recording albums for several decades now and he started out recording on Reel to Reel Tape. His latest music video is eye-opening and depicts a dystopian world where water is scarce and the only season is summer. The music and message behind his newest single is artfully alarming. Eric shares how he was able to make a stunning music video on a crowd-funded budget. Stay Tuned... or better yet, tune to an open chord!

Description

The featured artist in this episode of the Freio Music Podcast is Eric John Kaiser. Eric is originally from Paris, France and now lives in Oregon, USA. Eric has been recording albums for may decades now and he started out recording on Reel to Reel Tape. His latest music video is eye-opening and depicts a dystopian world where water is scarce. The music and message behind his newest single is artfully alarming. His dedication to his main instruments, his voice & guitar, shine through his songs. Eric shares how he was able to make a stunning music video on a crowd-funded budget. Eric shares some insights learned throughout his career and reveals some of the inspiration behind his songs. Stay Tuned!.. or better yet tune into an open chord...

Links

Eric John Kaiser's Links:

Official website (Site officiel): http://www.ericjohnkaiser.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericjohnkaiser/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericjohnkaisermusic

Youtube (video mentioned on the podcast):  https://youtu.be/EyLMxniW9uw

Listen Now

World’s Finest

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The Domino Room-February 17th, 2017


Last Friday at the Domino Room in downtown Bend, Oregon, we were able to catch Leftover Salmon’s opener, World’s Finest. Featuring an electric banjo, saxophone, and vintage guitar, they had a rustic and organic vibe. Blending elements of ska, bluegrass and reggae, they were able to touch on several familiar sounds while adding their own character and a bit of a twist.

Juggling genres and different styles, it was obvious the group drew inspiration from assorted backgrounds. There were many moments of feel-good-bluegrass easily associated with Portland and The Pacific Northwest. Both upbeat and rock influenced it reminded me of groups like Fruition. Other times they would tone things down and switch over to reggae and ska. Some highlights included “Rub-a-dub” reggae and well timed breakdowns to group acapellas. With flexible musicianship, they were able to showcase a few covers as well.  My favorite was their funky-bluegrass cover of “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band.  The nostalgia of the song, accompanied with their provocative saxophone, was a great way to close out the set.

Full of fun energy and a feel good vibe, World’s Finest had very personable crowd interaction and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on the stage.

Check out the links below for music and more on the World’s Finest!

Website

Facebook

 

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

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The Volcanic Pub Theater-February 12th, 2017

Wildly entertaining, eccentric and funk-nasty. The words that come to mind after last nights show at The Volcanic Theater in Bend, Oregon. I knew to expect some funk with an East Coast jam band influence. What I didn’t expect was a roller coaster of spacey interludes, mambo break-beats, and jazz waltz noodling. And yes, of course there was always a sneaky funk breakdown to tie it all together. On point transitions and tight coordination amongst the group allowed for fresh switch ups and genre blending. It’s hard to explain exactly how I would classify their style, but just take my word for it, you don’t want to miss them live. Its beautiful, musical madness at its finest. With a packed house on a Sunday night, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong definitely have a following and were a perfect fit for the wacky Bend crowd, looking to get the most out of their Sunday night.

It’s rare that you come across such an animated front-man as lead singer and guitarist Greg Ormont. Sporting pajama pants and a frizzy Afro, I’m pretty sure he never blinked. His wide array of facial expressions were both engrossing and humorous. My initial hesitation slowly grew into captivation and it became hard to look away. Incredibly skilled guitarist Jeremy Schon really took it to the next level. It was clear that this type of seasoned musicianship demanded a bigger stage. With a calm, natural presence on stage, Ben Carrey laid down filthy, funk bass lines to back the group. Drummer, Alex Petropulos playfully transitioned between different tempos, genres and moods with ease. All together, this group was a tight knit team. Their raw and playful energy on stage really reflected their confidence to push their music to new boundaries.

This group is big news and word is spreading fast. They had so much support that they were able to fund their new studio album “Pizazz” through contributions from their followers. It should be releasing sometime this Fall. Also, make sure and check out their new live album “The Great Outdoors Jam” coming out February 17th!! For those of you out in Colorado, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will be playing at Red Rocks, August 13th with Moe and Twiddle!

Written by Greg Powell

Photography by Molly Buckiewicz

For more info on upcoming tour schedule, music and the band check out the links below!!

Music, buy album
Website
Tour

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Sonic Bloom Artist Interviews

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I was lucky enough to be able to attend the beautiful and amazing festival that was Sonic Bloom this year. The whole event was a success even with a few hiccups along the way. Before I attended the event, I got to make a couple phone interviews with artists Govinda, Gaudi, David Starfire, and Michael Garfield.

 

Govinda specializes in electronic music incorporated with live viola:

Govinda Interview with FreioMusic ©2013

 

Gaudi has been making music for 33 years and never lets anything hold him back:

Gaudi Interview with FreioMusic ©2013

 

David Starfire hones in on his craft on making tribal beats:

David Starfire Interview with FreioMusic ©2013

 

Michael Garfield is an experimental musician and Sonic Bloom live art director:

Michael Garfield Interview with FreioMusic ©2013

I would like to personally thank each and every one of these artists for taking their time to have these discussions with me on behalf of FreioMusic. Thank you

He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister

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He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister

 

Freio Music Presents He's My Brother She's My Sister
(LEFT TO RIGHT) AARON ROBINSON, ROBERT KOLAR, LAUREN BROWN, RACHEL
KOLAR AND OLIVER NEWELL. *PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY ELLIS.

 

A rocking band traveling the West-coast & Mid-west USA.

He’s my Brother She’s my Sister, aka HMBSMS, is a band with flare, touch, tap, and style. A unique approach to music and crowd participation. In fact they invited some of the wildest and bravest crowd members to sing with them on stage. HMBSMS has a very heavy tour schedule, and is constantly on the move. After seeing He is my brother she is my sister in Eugene, Oregon, I had to talk with them. The band members were kind enough to agree to a phone interview (click here). The night was clear, the flow of beer, and the music was here at Sam Bond’s Garage.  The sibling vocal harmonies were noticeable in the incredibly cohesive sound despite the Rob having the flue, and sweating profusely during the entire show.  The percussionist Lauren, standing on a kick drum tap-dancing, danced with enthusiasm and a purpose.  Rachel’s beautiful vocals and occasional tambourine shakes kept the flare alive.   With walking bass lines and sliding lap-steal guitar, the sound was keyed in.  HMBSMS opened up the microphone up to other members of the audience, who gratefully grabbed the mic to scat and howl the night away.  With a taste of Eugene, this band wanted a little more, entertaining an encore to the fans delight.  To read more about the show & hear from three members of the band in an interview found only hear on FreioMusic

With an extremely heavy tour schedule, the band will likely be within a couple hours away (if you are in the USA) from your home town.  Check out their tour schedule here:


 

 

To read the full interview with HMBSMS click here

 

For more info & music please visit:

hesmybrothershesmysister.com

hesmybrothershesmysister.bandcamp.com

HMBSMS-Interview-with-FreioMusic.pdf 

Want to purchase some music?

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/hes-my-brother-shes-my-sister/

 

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Wanderlust Wednesday Presents – Cheyenne Lee

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Cheyenne Lee, a singer/songwriter hailing from Oregon, is about to make her mark on the city of Angels. With a voice like Colbie Calliat and lyrics that speak to everyday human emotion, this beautiful and talented eighteen-year-old is headed for radio stardom. Cheyenne says, “My music is about the good things in life.” Not only does she write her own contagious lyrics, play the guitar,  keyboard and piano, but she has a dedication and passion that comes alive within her songs. Commenting on her sound, Cheyenne remarks, “It gives people somewhere to escape to when things aren’t going so well, it not only tells my stories, but the stories of so many others, and in that I find my music very unique…I want people to be uplifted, and I will continue to create music that does so.” Keep your radios turned on for this rising star on the LA scene.

Wanderlust Wednesday – Ananda Yogiji & Jaya Lakshmi

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Jaya Lakshmi

Energized and enlivened by the beauty of Indian singing and instrumental uniqueness, Jaya began leading kirtan, call and response mantras accompanied by instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed mrdanga, or in Jaya’s case, the 12-string guitar. She began writing her own devotional songs in the 1990′s on the Hawaiian islands. Her name was bestowed upon receiving harinam initiation from a great Vaisnava saint from India. It translates to “victory to the goddess Lakshmi”, the Hindu goddess of fortune and spiritual wealth. Since then, Jaya has created 4 solo albums on Sequoia Records.

 

 

 

 

 

Ananda Yogiji

Gentle acoustics coupled with peaceful vocals, Ananda Yogiji is a talented musician and composer. Not only is his music fed by mantras and a deep devotional spirit, but also his practice of yoga and meditation (primarily Kundalini) for over five years. He is a singer, a guitarist, a teacher, harmonium and Bansuri flute player, and a open and kind soul. Since partnering with Jaya Lakshmi, he has performed with artists like Jai Uttal, Shimshai, David Newman and Dave Stringer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the two came together in November 2010, their collaboration has resulted in an incredible musical fusion, sacred and beautiful.  Their album, Live at the Altar of Love’ was a product of their Altar of Love Immersions which involve teaching yoga together, performing music and holding ceremony.


UPCOMING SHOWS!

  • 07/13
    to
    07/15 Oregon Country Fair
    Veneta, OR :: Oregon Country Fair Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be playing at the Front Porch all weekend. Click here for more details.
  • 07/18
    to
    07/23 Mystic Garden Gathering
    Cave Junction :: Lake Selmac Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing a Kirtan and Kirtronica as well as teach a Kundalini Yoga workshop at this years Mystic Garden Gathering. Please join us for this very special gathering. To receive $10 off, enter code 1008. See you there!!
  • 07/29
    to
    08/03 Jaya and Ananda @ Breitenbush Hot Springs w/ Jeffrey Williams
    Detroit :: Breitenbush Hot Springs Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be accompanying Jeffrey Williams’ EDGU teacher training at Breitenbush. In addition to the EDGU training, Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing a Sunday night Kirtan, Wednesday night Kirtronica ecstatic dance, as well as a Kundalini Yoga Workshop and Cacao Ceremony on Thursday Aug. 3rd. *Music nights will be open to the public.
  • 08/10
    to
    08/13 Beloved Festival
    Tidewater, OR :: Beloved Festival Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing Thursday night in the purple tent to start the maha blessing of the 2012 Beloved Festival!! They will aslo be teaching a Kundalini Yoga workshop as well as playing music for several artists and Yoga classes. Hope to see you there!!
  • 08/17
    to
    08/19 Altar of Love Weekend Shasta
    Mt. Shasta :: Shasta Yoga Center Join Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda at the Shasta Yoga Center for a very special Altar of Love Weekend. They will be offering Kirtan, ‘Kirtronica’ Ecstatic Dance, Yoga and a cacao ceremony.
  • 09/06
    to
    09/09 Bhakifest
    Joshua Tree, CA :: Bhakti Fest Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing a Kirtan and Kirtronica performance as well as be playing for yoga classes and workshops. Be sure to use the discount code “2012Jaya” to receive $25 off. Hari!!
  • 09/13
    to
    09/16 Harbin, Altar of Love Weekend
    Middletown :: Harbin Hot Springs Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be holding an Altar of Love weekend at Harbin. Thursday night Kirtronica ecstatic dance, Saturday night Kirtan, yoga workshops and cacao ceremony Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
  • 09/28
    to
    09/30  Pranafest
    Ashland, OR :: Jackson Wellsprings Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda will be performing Kirtan and Kirtronica as well as teaching yoga workshops at the first annual PranaFest.

Wanderlust Wednesday- Marv is the Man

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Deliberate poetics, smooth flowing kinetics, free of the synthetic. Let me introduce you to: Marv Ellis.

Hip-hop has deep roots connected to the human struggle. The young men and women backing this movement speak their peace as lyrically minded poets that represent the truth, the fight, the message of the common man. Marv Ellis is no different. He beautifully articulates a positive energy fed by his Northwest surround. I caught his last show on a rainy Saturday night at the magical Prindel Creek Farm near Newport, Oregon. The vibe that he embeds into the audience is something like an optimistic get-down, a funk-fed soul filler. Sharing his talent with artists including Michael Franti, Nas, Bone, KRS-One, Blackalicious, Living Legends, and Ozomatli, Marv has set the stage for greatness. If you’re looking for lyrics and beats that deliver something beautiful and real, Marv is the man.