I'm just a guy who has always liked music, especially live music. I'm a mid-fifties guy so I approach music a little differently than many music fans. I analyze the bands music with my senses. I listen to the bands vocals, all the instruments and sound system. I observe the band members individually and collectively, their energy, connection to audience and rapport. I'll also sense the crowd's energy and the venue's ambiance. I just don't go to see a band.
Making Movies, a band from Kansas City, Missouri, is on tour and performed at Momo's in Austin, Texas on Tuesday November 2 , 2010 for KUT 90.5fmWorld Music Night presented by Bemba Entertainment. Making Movies is a band which performs both in English and Spanish but the Latin influence is the dominant flavor. Their music is very Rock, Latin and Pop and really appeals to very broad audience. On Tuesday, aside from their exceptional play list, they played a White Stripes cover song, "Seven Army Nation." To put it mildly, I liked the hell out of their version of the cover version. The song started out with a Latin flair but then morphed into a Santana cover then back to "Seven Army Nation." I was a fantastic blend of two songs and artist. Making Movies is very creative and very original. Catch a performance or two if you can, check Tour Schedule.
Below is video of cover song, "Seven Army Nation," and another exceptional song performed by Making Movies from Tuesday night's performance at Momo's
Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night every Tuesday at Momo's. Check Bemba's Calendar or Momo's Calender for information. See you there.
I went to Trophy's Bar and Grill, one of my favorite Austin music venues because of it's comfortable neighborhood bar atmosphere, on September 18, 2010. I specifically went to see three bands on the line-up that night. The first was my favorite Austin Latin Fusion band, Este Vato. The second band was The Raspas, a Reggae band I first saw about a year ago at The Amsterdam. Lastly, Stars Collide, a rock band I hadn't seen but has been on my "must see list." Frank "FAAR" Ramirez, drummer for Este Vato is also the drummer for Stars Collide.
It was a great night for music. There was a festive crowd, it's always friendly and there's a feel or a bond among the crowd because they all know and follow the same bands. They feel comfortable yelling, screaming encouragement at the bands and definitely like dancing to their music.
Check out Trophy's, it' on South Congress Ave., Este Vato, The Raspas and Star Collide soon. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Este Vato introduced two new songs. The first "Levántate," which they have worked on for about a month. The second song, with no title as of yet, they wrote the night before. I really like both songs because they have a strong solid sound and beat. The two songs are definitely Este Vato trademark songs.
The Raspas "Poor Man Style" a great Reggae song that has become a favorite.
Stars Collide has a strong Rock sound and singer. They perform the song, "Better."
After looking at my social calender, I realized that it had been three months since I last sawEste Vato perform. It wasn't that I didn't want to see Este Vato. My schedule just didn't seem to coincide with their performance dates. It got to the point where I needed an Este Vato "fix."
It's no secret that Este Vato is my favorite band. I like their unique Latin Fusion sound created with a DJ and an Mecee. I first saw Este Vato back in October 2008 at Flamingo Cantina. We definitely have a history and I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform. We are friends and I support them as often as I can. On September 1, 2010 I finally got to see Este Vato perform at the Beauty Bar in Austin, Texas. Every time I see them perform, I swear they sound better than the previous time I saw them.
Austin Vida put together another fantastic Latin showcase recently at Ruta Maya. They brought in four "in demand" musical groups and artist that provided music to please all musical taste. The line-up included from Austin, Arthur Yoria, JEZ, La Guerrilla and from San Antonio,Bombasta. All these bands, I noticed, have a solid fan base which are dedicated and travel near and far to see them perform.
I do have to say that Austin Vida has the knack of recognizing exceptional Latin talent and bringing them together for consistently successful showcases of fun and dance. I've been to all of Austin Vida showcases and based on audience attendance, the amount of dancing, the amount of laughter and fun, I'd definitely give this one "Six Flags."
More future showcases are being planned which will be bigger and better, so stay connected to austinvida.com.
Here is a sample of the artist and their music that night:
Arthur Yoria
JEZ
La Guerrilla
Bombasta
To see more videos of this showcase and other musical groups and events, go to my YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.
Making Movies, a Latin alternative rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, was at Momo's last night. They're touring to promote their new CD, IN DEO SPERAMUS. I had read about Making Movies last year in Café magazine and in their web publication. They drew my attention at that time and when I heard they were coming to the two day Pachanga Latino Music Festival 2010 I was excited. Unfortunately part of the festival was canceled and Making Movies would not perform. I guess I would have to wait for another time. Well, I lucked out because Making Movies finally made it to Austin, Texas. Bemba Entertainment brought in Making Movies for the weekly "World Music Night" sponsored by KUT 90.5fm at Momo's.
Making Movies has definitely made a buzz in the music industry in a short time. Their music was featured on AOL Musica and NPR Weekend Edition, "La Marcha" video is available on iTunes and Making Movies has toured with Grammy winners, Aterciopelados.
I like Making Movies. They blend all of my favorite Latin alternative bands into one creative and very talented group. They perform both in English and Spanish. Their music has influences of Latin, Afrobeat and also combines new music with old Latin and Spanish influences. I also like that their music is edgy and bold but not in your face. The percussion in the band adds depth and also gives it a full Latin flavor. Check these guys out soon and buy their In Deo Speramus CD.
Every once in a while it seems I fall into a musical rut. I go see my favorite bands and listen to my favorite music over and over again. And sometimes to tell you the truth, it seems there are periods where there are no new up and coming bands or talent. I like to keep it fresh by discovering new bands, artist and music. I'll read tons of blogs, scour the The Austin Chronicle, do512.com, austin360 and social media to find those new artist. I will also ask musicians, people I meet at venues and people in the know, "Who do I need to go see?" I get various suggestions and many times I'll make it a point go see a recommended band. Occasionally, I'll come across a band or two that have that something extra special.
I went through a rut this past winter. It was a combination of the extremely cold weather and there just wasn't anybody new out there. Well, on a cold December night I decided to go to Momo's and thanks to Bemba Entertainment I came across Arthur Yoria. Arthur was the last set, the cold kept people at home and it was midnight. When Arthur started playing, I immediately knew Arthur was special. I literally said out loud, "damn this guy is good!" Arthur ingeniously used recorded loops, samples and beats to create music I've never heard before. I liked his stage presence and his demeanor. At that point I decided I had to know more about Arthur the singer/songwriter/musician, meet him and in my small way promote Arthur's music. I've seen Arthur perform several times since then plus I'm also on his e-mail list and Facebook friends. I've gotten to know Arthur on a personal level and he's a down to earth good guy.
Briefly, Arthur was born in Chicago, lived in Houston and circuitously is now in Austin. Arthur has a long list of accomplishment and credits that include songs in TV show, songs in movies and extensive touring. What I'm most impressed with is his variety and extensive catalog of music. When you listen to the lyrics, you get a glimpse of Arthur the person, his heart and his soul and his music delivers the message. Arthur is of Colombian heritage so his music will also include songs in Spanish. Arthur Yoria is that artist that got me out of my rut and brought a breath of fresh air to the Austin music scene. Put Arthur Yoria on your artist/band must see list and you to will say "damn this guy is good" too.
