GlobalFEST Live brings together music from several different locales for a special night that transcends musical boundary. Dubbed the “Creole Carnival,” this tour features Brazil’s Casuarina, Jamaican export Brushy One String, and the luscious voice of Emeline Michel (who was given her rightful title of the “Queen Of Haitian Song”). Those who’ve never experienced such a cross-pollination of styles will be in for a real treat. Ushers at Mondavi Center should be prepared for lots of dancing in the aisles once the infectious grooves kick in. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.globalfest.org.
Dallas occult metal outfit Absu started charting its course to hell over 25 years ago and have since set the bar for black and thrash metal. Once relegated to the underground, drummer-singer Proscriptor, a.k.a. Russley Randall Givens (the trio’s only original member) and a glorious cast of characters have become one of the most ferocious headlining acts on the scene. Its latest release, Abzu, is arguably the best yet, though it should only take one listen to “She Cries The Quiet Lake” from the group’s 2001 album Tara to realize there really is no faster act on land or sea. 1517 21st Street, http://absu.bandzoogle.com.
In October of 1977, Steve Hackett, the lead guitarist for the British progressive-rock act Genesis, announced that he would be leaving the band. But though Hackett was ending one chapter of his life — he’d been a part of the band since 1970 — he was embarking on a new path, as well. Over the last couple of decades, Hackett has been performing as a solo act and has since amassed over 22 albums that feature a mixture of progressive, pop, rock, classical, and experimental fare.
On Hackett’s upcoming tour, he will be playing a mixture of older material from his own catalog and Genesis’, as well as newer material from his 2015 album Wolflight and upcoming projects. “Sometimes, these new songs you write can catch fire with an audience,” he said in a recent interview from London. “It’s a real shot in the dark and is certainly a nice bonus when that happens live.”
Hackett’s wife, Jo Lehmann, helped contribute to the Wolfight and was given songwriting credit on six of the album’s songs. “Jo and I bounce ideas off each other,” he said. “Even if you think you’ve written the entire idea for a song, others can help in the process and I am very into sharing my own songwriting credits.”
In addition to his steady stream of new albums, the 66-year-old has made a living touring the world. “It’s been interesting,” he says. “I just started to play abroad in South America and love to play in Italy. Italy is rich in culture and art and the people who live there are so warm. Strangely enough, Italy and Belgium both also embraced Genesis in a big way, so those are great places to play when we can.”
And though touring, recording, and writing takes up much of his time, Hackett still enjoys his regular vacations. “We like to travel and it’s an absolute necessity for us,” he said. “This year, we’re going to Japan and I’m looking forward to it.”
People often ask Hackett if he’d ever do a show with his former Genesis bandmates, and although that possibility is slim, he hasn’t completely ruled the idea out. “It would be lovely if a reunion ever happened,” he said. “I just don’t know what I can do to make that happen.”
Steve Hackett plays at 8 p.m., Thursday, March 31, at The Warfield. More info here.
You are hereby summoned to step out of your traditional comfort zone and check out the sweet sounds of Tedrow and the Good Intentions. Currently, the collective includes Sheri Ingram (violin/vocals), Trevor Ingram (guitar/vocals), Marcus Leonardo (lead vocals/strings), Travis Williams (guitar/banjo), CG Wiley (bass), Mike Ziering (drums) and Melanie Ingram (mandolin/vocals). One listen to “Child’s Play” or “The Gorge” will be more than ample reason to leave the confines of your cozy couch for a night on the town. Said Marcus Leonardo in a recent conversation, “Besides from the first chance to pick up a physical copy of the record, we will have musicians that play on the recording playing with us live for the first time. We will also be playing songs we’ve never played live before and a friend of ours that’s a stand-up comedian will be our announcer for the night.” Fans of The Oh Hellos, Of Monsters and Men, Good Old War and lovely acoustic fare may even have a new favorite band before the night’s end. Opening the show is Westerly and Gillian Underwood and the Lonesome Doves. You can’t do much better around these parts on this particular Saturday night. Cover will be $7 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Shine is located at 1400 E Street, Sacramento. -EJ
Genre Peak, an experimental project spearheaded by electronic percussionist/composer Martin Birke along with a bevy of super talented players are hosting a CD release show for the collective’s new long player, Your Sleekest Engine. If the near eight-minute album opener, “Nightfalls,” doesn’t make your head turn and stop staring blankly into your phone, perhaps the lovely groove of “Metanoia” will do the trick.
“With coordination of record label, European artists, working out schedules and actual writing and recording, the record took about two years” said Martin Birke. “Fans can expect music they don’t hear too often in Sacramento. These are slick electronic-based songs that sound like the record and are more like Massive Attack or Recoil meets Jon Hassell. Call it electronica-organica I suppose with some very European pop sensibilities.”
Visit Genre Peak’s Bandcamp page to hear some truly mind-bending avant-garde ambient music at Genrepeak1.bandcamp.com.
Don’t miss their release show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at Shine Cafe, located at 1400 E Street. All ages are welcome and the cover is just $7.
This wonderful union of two of America’s great songsmiths is bound to make for an awe-inspiring Friday night. Both artists have been quite prolific, with Keen releasing a steady stream of original material and Lovett enjoying several different vocations, including acting, scoring and performing live theater. For those uninitiated, begin with Lovett’s Step Inside This House (1998) and Keen’s Gravitational Forces (2001). If those don’t pull you one step closer to God, perhaps your faith in music can’t be restored. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.lylelovett.com.
Wed., Mar. 30, 7:30 p.m., Harris Center for the Arts, $12-$55
Percussionists and drummers alike can rejoice knowing Zakir Hussain’s tour includes a special stop in Folsom. For those who’ve yet to see a live show, expect a diverse, trance-inducing performance. Hussain will be joined by renowned musicians Anantha Krishnan, Sabir Khan, Navin Sharma and Mannargudi Vasudevan. Hussain, well-known for his work with Ravi Shankar, the late George Harrison, Pharoah Sanders, Charles Lloyd and Mickey Hart (to name but a few), is a master of the tabla and recognized in all parts of the globe for kickstarting the world-music genre. 10 College Parkway in Folsom, www.zakirhussain.com.
Upon its 1982 release, Steven Spielberg’s E.T. seemed to be everywhere. Not only did Reese’s Pieces spike in sales, but nearly every kid in the known universe had a stuffed animal or plastic figurine of their favorite space friend. This event pairs the San Francisco Symphony with a screening of the film in what is sure to be one of Mondavi’s highlights of the year. It’ll leave you breathless with childlike wonder from the sheer awesomeness of experiencing the legendary John Williams score live alongside this classic film. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.sfsymphony.org.
This benefit for the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, a local nonprofit, will provide much needed funds for an organization with a focus on teaching the younger set how to become formidable choral performers. Now in its sixth year, the fundraiser will include savory food along with a generous selection of regional wines and beers. Not a bad way to spend a Friday night, really. $35; 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street; www.sacramentochildrenschorus.org.
Sat., March 12, 7 p.m., Sleep Train Arena, $29.50-$39.40
Local station Radio 94.7 is throwing this little soiree with some of the hottest indie acts along with the deejays’ personal favorites. Although most in attendance will be waiting for sets by headliners Cage the Elephant and Silversun Pickups, make no mistake: Sets by Foals and Brooklyn’s Bear Hands will be well worth your while. The latter band has a new record titled You’ll Pay for This hitting shelves on April 15 from boutique indie label Spensive Records. Their latest single, “2am,” is proof positive the band has something special brewing. Get there early to indulge. 1 Sports Parkway, http://bearhandsband.com. (SN&R)
Eddie
