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Rough
Mix
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Weeeeeeeee:
Small Axe’s latest.
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WHERE
THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S Small Axe: Area heavy-rock legends
Small Axe released a new album this past spring, Ride
to the Bottom, and it’s just as smoking as would befit
the Round Lake power trio. From those who brought forth A
Shot to the Body and A Blow to the Head, expect
a slow burn of pain and fury. Yes, Small Axe will maim, but
you’ll be thankful for it. While their crunchy thrash annihilates
the senses, the music’s hypnotizing chug heals our long-lost
relationships with intuition and freedom. It’s a win-win situation.
And, really, who better to ride to the bottom with, when it
comes down to it? You’ve got to get there somehow.
Ride
to the Bottom, produced by Small Axe for HoeX Records,
features the band’s older lineup, with former bassist Jimbo
Burton providing the big bottom (he went in search of
a solo career, and found one: He now churns out quality releases
in a mad-scientist frenzy). Guitarist-vocalist D.J. Miller
and drummer Thom Hall carry on in their mission to
whoop ass, and have made a great choice with new bassist Orien
MacDonald, a glovelike fit who’s been with Small Axe since
late last winter. You can expect an upcoming review of the
album in these here pages, but until then, head over to www.smallaxerock.com,
their new Web site (which isn’t completely finished yet),
or contact HoeX Records at 421-8892, hoex@prodigy.net.
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Sensemaya,
I hardly even know her.
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JAZZIN’
IT UP AT JUSTIN’S: Just when you thought our area’s jazz
scene was about as good as it could get, Albany jazz diplomat
Adrian Cohen takes it up another notch. He’s schemed
up a residency at Justin’s that includes two talented Latin
music ensembles, Sensemaya and Mundo Nuevo,
who will perform on alternating Wednesday nights.
This Wednesday (Nov. 26), the dynamic Mundo Nuevo will
kick off the series with their infectious Latin dancehall
music. With traditional instruments, the quintet will perform
renditions of tunes from the Buena Vista Social Club, danceable
ditties from the Caribbean and Cuba and more. The following
Wednesday, Dec. 3, Latin jazz sextet Sensemaya will
take the Justin’s stage. New additions to the Capital Region
jazz scene, the band are led by 23-year-old pianist David
Gleason, a specialist in music from the Caribbean, Cuba,
Puerto Rico and various other South American countries.
The bands promise to put a little oomph in your humpday, so
head to Justin’s (301 Lark St., Albany) on Wednesdays for
a brief holiday away from the ice and snow that’s surely just
around the corner. For further information, contact Adrian
at acohen@nycap.rr.com or 426-8004.
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Clashin’
up the joint.
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HEY
ROB, THE PHONE’S FOR YOU; IT’S LONDON: Local song-spinner
Rob Skane is putting together a tribute to the Clash
and Joe Strummer, scheduled for Dec. 13 at Valentine’s, and
there’s still room on the roster for a couple more Clash-loving
bands. He knows you’re out there. So, don’t be shy, contact
Rob Skane, robskane@yahoo.com or Valentine’s proprietor Howard
Glassman, 432-6572, to get on board.
Something
special you’d like to see in Rough Mix? Contact ksipher@metroland.net
or call 463-2500 ext. 145.
—Kate
Sipher
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Columns
& Opinions
