|
"...trust me when I tell you that they put on a fantastic live show."
- Matt Galloway, CBC Radio (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
"...the band's eco-conscious attitude, clever lyrics and danceable rhythms all add up to a show
that shouldn't be missed."
- Stacy Lee Kong, Toronto Life
Mr. Something Something represents six years of composing, performing, risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves [drums/percussion] and John MacLean [saxophone/voice]. 20 years of playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.
Western instruments and concepts of improvisation are explored and layered over what used to be called Afrobeat; but the term strains to contain the innovations happening in the rhythm section at every show. It also fails to express in fiery-enough terms the imaginative solo work of respected jazz guitarist Paul MacDougall. Liam Smith dependably delivers basslines designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. And there is always inspiration to be drawn from mesmerizing on-stage dancer/choreographer Jennifer Dallas. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist. Over the last five years, Mr. Something Something has toured relentessly in Canada, playing more than 500 shows, including appearances at numerous folk festivals and most major jazz festivals.
Aside from wildly energized and unpredictable live shows, the band is well-known for its green politics and environmental activism. In 2006, the group began to organize a series of "eco-dates", which included a wind-powered show and performances in such unconventional venues as organic farms and food co-ops to highlight communities that are trying to minimize their ecological footprints.
Recently, Mr. Something Something has taken audience participation to new levels by building the SoundCycle - Canada's first bicycle-powered sound system - and playing pedal-powered concerts. Up to ten people can pedal away at any given time to make sure that the music doesn't stop. Power to the people - by the people.
Mr. Something Something's first two albums received glowing reviews, and Deep Sleep, the follow-up to JUNO-nominated The Edge, was the most played world music album on Canadian college radio in 2007. fROOTS, the world's leading world music magazine, called the record "formidable". Deep Sleep was recently re-released in Japan and a track from the same album was included on the prestigious British compilation The Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival, released in more than fifty countries in March 2009. The band has also been receiving growing media attention abroad, most recently through features on Polish National Radio and in French music magazine Vibrations.
Mr. Something Something's Canadian summer tour included high profile appearances at Vancouver Folk Festival and Ottawa Folk Festival. The band's US dates in October include a stop at The Shrine in New York CIty. For complete tour dates please visit the band's website
|
