Wed July 4th- Outformation w/ Underground Orchestra - With shared influences ranging from Charlie Daniels, Waylon Jennings and Drive-By Truckers all the way to Frank Zappa and the Grateful Dead, the trio began to build a reputation for quality songs and powerful performances. After gaining considerable recognition in the South, Outformation began to get offers outside their region and set out across the Rocky Mountains for the first time in 2004. The journey to Colorado not only marked the point Holt considers the true birth of the band, it would also lead them to keyboardist CR Gruver (originally of Colorado-based rock band Polytoxic), and percussionist Jeff "Birddog" Lane.
Just one year after gathering all the necessary pieces to the Outformation puzzle, 2005 would find the band breaking into the public eye. In May 2005, they released their remarkable debut record, Tennessee Before Daylight, and in June, tucked between four national tours, Outformation would play two days at arguably the most important festival in America - Bonnaroo.
Tues July 10th – Wylde Bunch w/ Gadfly-
To say the alternative hip-hop group Wylde Bunch blazes trails is an understatement. Comprised of family members and long-time friends, the South Central Los Angeles natives have pioneered a sound infusing elements of funk, soul, rock, and world music into an incredible hip-hop sound. "Nothing is what you expect and everything raises the hip hop standard" says 1340 Mag’s Mark Fisher. Strengthened by an amazing off-the-hook live show that rocks beyond description they have become known on the live circuit as the “alternative hip-hop band”.
Bonded by blood, friendship and a love for music, most of the members of Wylde Bunch started off as schoolmates. Raised in a city racked with social ills and the complexities of a relentless gang culture, the boys rarely went to weekend and evening outings or parties. Nighttime activity always revolved around the band. Nevertheless, the group, known for their practical jokes, party crashing, and enough charisma to fill the Staples Center, found sanctuary during jam sessions at the family home of emcee and producer, Dame. Consequently, the frequent private performances began to produce some mind-blowing results.
Wed July 11th and 18th- KD3 (Karl Denson Jazz Trio)- Begin Phase Four! Karl Denson has come full circle. In 1992 he began his recording career with Blackened Red Snapper, the first of four traditional jazz quintet albums. In 1994 he became an essential part in the formation of the now highly regarded acid-jazz pioneer Greyboy Allstars. In 1998 he constructed yet another successful recording and touring entity, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. Now, while The Tiny Universe is taking time off to record, Karl is returning to the vicinity of where it all started with KD3, the Karl Denson Trio.
Featuring Anthony Smith (Global Funk and Giant People) on keys and Brett Sanders (older brother of KDTU drummer John Staten) on drums; KD3 is a bold statement about jazz, past, present and future. Staying true to Karl's vision of jazz as dance music, he manages to find the funky side of things in some very unexpected places. "It's something I've been anxious to do for the last couple of years" says Denson. "I felt the need for a musical challenge and to kind of clear my head in the process of finishing the Tiny Universe record. Playing jazz is always a wake up call, but even more so in a small group setting. You have to be a lot more steady as a player and as an artist. There is also a lot of music I've written that I really want the chance to perform that's not really suited for KDTU."
Thurs July 12th- The New Master Sounds (UK) - Having been together since 1999, it was only recently, in May 2004, that this UK funk four-piece began to make waves on the American funk scene, thanks to the vision and commitment of Chicago enthusiast Dave Vandenburg (3 on the B Records).
Led by guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts, the NMS features Bob Birch on Hammond, Pete Shand on bass and Simon Allen on drums. There have been various guests in the line up over the years, but most recently the band have been joined by sax/flute player Rob Lavers, who appears on the new album - 102% - and is now a regular on the live gigs.
Thurs Jul 19th- On the One- Live music fans nationwide have long recognized San Diego’s musical pool as one of the closest held secrets in the land. The Greyboy All-Stars, Giant People, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Nickel Creek, Robert Walters 20th Congress, Global Funk Council and The Album Leaf all originate from one of America’s finest cities. The funky crew of On the One has joined the roster...they've been welcomed with open arms.
Drum King John Staten (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Giant People) has teamed with long time friend and sax aficionado Jesse Molloy (Giant People) to create On the One’s sound. Already proven road dogs after logging over 400 nationwide shows with Carlos Washington and the Giant People, On the One is a result of their road proven friendship. Along with guitarist Aaron Bleiweiss (Starshak), and Andy Irvine (Giant People, Beanstalk) this beyond funky soul jazz quartet has been blowing listeners away-coast to coast.
Friday July 20th- Cash’d Out – SD’s best Tribute band!
Tuesday July 24th- C Money and the Players Inc (featuring members of Slightly Stoopid and John Browns Body) – An all-star lineup featuring Chris Welter (C$, trumpet/Keys Slightly Stoopid and Trumpet for John Browns Body) leading a group of musicians to include members of Slightly Stoopid and special guests performing a horn driven, dub influenced mix of jazz, soul and hip hop.
Thurs July 26th- Sambada (SF) - SambaDá is soaring to new heights with the release of the album “Salve a Bahia”. After nearly a decade of mixing musical backgrounds and influences, a new sound has emerged that truly separates them from any other group. With one foot firmly rooted in California, and another in the deep cultural traditions of Brazil, SambaDá serves up non-stop percussion driven dance music that leaves people dripping wet and calling for more. While Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha da Hora bring their profound knowledge and respect for the roots of Afro-Brazilian song and dance, the entire band has developed a style of samba-reggae-funk with a universal appeal. SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion based styles of South and Central America, blending it with that good old funk and reggae/ska back beat so familiar to crowds of Mexico and the United States. During a live show, you can expect to see people of all cultures and ages jump and sing to the sounds of SambaDá. People flock to participate in the party when this group comes to town. The band has been successfully selling out venues up and down the California coast. 2007 is sure to be the best year for the band, as it will start the year off with a Carnival Tour, playing the 3 largest carnival parties in the state of Ca. SambaDá has shared stages with Ozomatli, Brett Dennen, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Olodum, Anjelique Kidjo, Airto Moreira, to name a few and their current album is a collaboration with 3-time Grammy nominated producer Greg Landau.
