Freio Music

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.

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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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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Human Nature – LineUp & Ekim

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Explore thy Environment

 

©FreioMusic

The Nature Stage –

See above photo

A mystery set in the woods at nature stage, by Ekim. With the backdrop of an incredible Oregonian rainforest scene (see above Picture).  Ekim could throw it down to amuse and confuse the crowd simultaneously.  Ekim also knew how to change it up, and he would do so at will, not according to the set list but by what people were getting down to.  With heavy wobbles and Super-Sound speakers taller than the average taller person.  The variety of sound was great and the noise selection was very thought-out and carefully placed in space.

His style was new to me but I almost instantly became a fan and had to dance.   Please contact us on facebook or twitter or e-mail us if you can help us find Ekim’s Music, e-mail, or profile Anywhere, can someone help us!?  Ekim from Human Nature, hello? Where are you on the internet, come find us!

Line Up:

Prindel Creek Stage (Live)

Line Up:

Reactor Stage (main)

Line Up:

We posted some recordings from the concert throughout the event.   Stay Tuned~ next (Tribal Spectrum)

Justin Levin's Creative Touch

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JL Creative: USA- Denver, Colorado

Lillis @ University of Oregon - Freio Featured Artist
Lillis @ University of Oregon

 

FreioMusic is proud to present an artist of his own accord, Justin Levin. He can be seen taking photos around campus for friends, bands, skaters or  snowboarders. Justin, a quackin duck at the U of O, provided this lush content below which consists of an interview with rising musician, a great song, with awesome slid transitions, and slick HTML coding. This work of art (see below) is a collaboration between Justin Levin & Ed Jacoubowsky.  Click the “Expand” button below and let us know what you think.  Enjoy!

Cant see it?: Click Here

Places to connect or see more of Justin’s work:

Facebook.com/JLCreative1
JL Creative- Photo, Video, Designe
Twitter
Flickr

Tribal Spectrum & Sara Z @ the Maize 4.21.12

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Tribal Spectrum  from Eugne, Oregon

With the headliner R/D, Tribal Sepctrum, and Sara Z rocked the stage, lit and hosted by Renaissance Raven  at the Maize Lounge

U heard it first HEAR @freioMusic

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture Preview (live cut)

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture *Preview Live Cut (AAC)

Sara Dawson Zagarino from Eugne, Oregon

She has a unique blend of vocal harmonies, DJ mixing, house bumpin beats.  A very clever all in one package, have a listen:

U heard it first HEAR @freioMusic

http://soundcloud.com/sara-z

 

To learn more about Sara Z:
To Learn More about Tribal Spectrum:
Visit:  Tribal Spectrum.com  or to download free music: music.tribalspectrum.com 
Or check out more music by Tribal Spectrum on FreioMusic

WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY! Free Festival!

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In Eugene, Oregon? Love free music?
This Friday, the 45th Willamette Valley Music Festival will hit University of Oregon campus yet again with 22 bands on three stages. Evolved from the Willamette Valley Folk Festival, this free music event is a long-standing tradition that reflects a wide variety music genres including, but definitely not limited to, jazz, bluegrass, indie, folk, and alternative. Did I mention there is also an entire block of vendors? Food, art, clothing, hot damn!

FOR MORE INFO

Check out the performing artists below!

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture

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♠ Tribal Spectrum’s much anticipated new album is finally here! ♠

With a flavor from all corners of the globe, their album truly represents the meeting, merging, and colorful blending of all cultures.  A must-listen-to breakout artist from the Freio Music Community!    If you are in the North West (in USA) don’t pass on an opportunity to watch Tribal Spectrum Play a Live show!

The entire album can be downloaded for free at:  Music.Tribalspectrum.com      (to download a song right here on freiomusic.com, Right click & save the file or link)

 

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 01 Mystic Nepal

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 02 Burhan Gypsy

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 03 Drunken Sailor

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 04 Can’t Keep A Good Man Down

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 05 Hardco’ Gangsta $hit

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 06 Lost Soul

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 07 Unconditional Love (Marv Ellis Remix)

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 08 Ambient Temple

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 09 Soon It Will Be Cold Enough My Friend (Emancipator Remix)

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture – 10 Chaahat (Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka Remix)

 

*To download the album check out music.tribalspectrum.com

 

 

Tall Tale Excursion

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Tall Tale Excursion: USA-Eugene, Oregon

“We like to call our style of music Oregon Greengrass!”

This joyful quartet includes band members: Aslan Sheffler (age 21), Gage Hawke (age 23), Andy Gullickson (age 24), Meg Keefe (age 20).   A young and dedicated band, who has been playing music from an young age. They have much more in store for them in the years to come.  There music and style is evolving with each song expanding their musical terrain.  It was great to meet these nice fellows on campus as they serenaded the passersby.  There is nothing quite like meeting street musicians who’s sound blows you off course and you must stop to enjoy!

[box_dark]-From left to right Aslan Sheffler, Andy Gullickson, Gage Hawke (this picture is missing a a key ingredient, Meg, the talented fiddle player, who has been playing since age 5!)[/box_dark]

“We are Tall Tale Excursion, we play folk/bluegrass/blues. We are currently a 4 piece band (banjo, guitar, fiddle/stand up bass, and mandolin) based out of Eugene! We recently picked up a fiddle and mandolin phenoms, videos with them are coming soon!”  It is clear that this band is on the rise as they are entertaining new audiences and while expanding and refining their sound.  Stay tuned, as there is much more to come from this quartet.

With a wide array of instruments these musicians pick & play it all.  They play: Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Drums, Keyboard, Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin, Dobro, Harmonica, Washboard, Trumpet, and Kazoo. Their influences include: Blackberry Bushes Stringband, Greensky Bluegrass ,Old Crow Medicine Show, Buckey Walters, Devil Makes Three, Metallica, the Doors, Queen, Rush, Led Zeplin, Jimi Hendrix, Earl Scruggs, Paul Gilbert, Marty Freedman

U heard them first HEAR @freioMusic

 

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More info can be found through the links below:

http://Youtube.com/talltaleexcursion
http://Facebook.com/talltaleexcursion
http://Myspace.com/talltaleexcursion
http://Reverbnation.com/talltaleexcursion

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