Music Reviews

Cotton Mather – "KFJC Live Mic At SXSW – 1994" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   12/1/2019   A Library, CD

In 1994 KFJC recorded and engineered performances at the South by South West Music Fest in Austin Texas, and broadcast those recordings live on KFJC airwaves and on 50 other radio stations that picked up the feed. Following is a Best of: KFJC Special featuring sets pulled from that live broadcast. Recorded at @ Liberty Lunch in Austin Texas as part of the SXSW Fest. This edit was originally aired as a Mayhem special on 5/14/94 hosted by DJ  Earl Grey       

Track 1 – Cotton Mather

A KFJC live mic recorded on 3/19/1994 @ Liberty Lunch in Austin TX as part of the SXSW Fest

Length: 39 Mins

Genre: Roots Rock

DJ: Earl Grey

Starting with the song “The Words Of Shaman Roger” from their brand new album “Cotton Is King” American indie rock band Cotton Mather founded by Robert Harrison (guitar and vocals) headquartered in Austin TX  featuring Whit Williams (guitar and vocals), Matt Hovis (bass), Greg Thibeaux (drums), George Reiff (bass), Dana Myzer (drums) and Josh Gravelin (bass). Their first album was released in 1990 and as of 2019 the band is still cranking out albums.

Track 2 – A readout of the entire KFJC cast that helped record the SXSW Fest in 1994. (I am sure some of the name spelling is off. Check the audio version of this file for full list.)

Radio Devil Network: Mark Vandercook, Amacke Bullwinkle, Eric Weaver, Russ Kent, Jennifer Bailey, Mike Salvage, Mark Herbert, Greg Huitric, Mike Rosenberg

KFJC: Brian Potter, Leader Steve Tacklet  Doc Petzel, Katherine Ortiz, Grant Walden, Dave Richoux, Bill Gordon, Al Grantwaldren

Digitized on 9/2019 from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn.

Cactus Brothers – "KFJC Live Mic At SXSW – 1994" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   12/1/2019   A Library, CD

In 1994 KFJC recorded and engineered performances at the South by South West Music Fest in Austin Texas, and broadcast those recordings live on KFJC airwaves and on 50 other radio stations that picked up the feed. Following is a Best of: KFJC Special featuring sets pulled from that live broadcast. Recorded at @ Lazona Rosa in Austin Texas as part of the SXSW Fest. This edit was originally aired as a Mayhem special on 5/14/94 hosted by DJ  Earl Grey       

Track 1 The Cactus Brothers
KFJC Live Mic recorded on 3/19/1994 @ Lazona Rosa as part of SXSW Fest

Length: 45 mins 23 seconds

Genre: Country Rock  

DJ: Earl Grey

Originally begun as a side project for several members of Nashville’s popular Walk the West, the Cactus Brothers eventually overshadowed their alter ego to take on a life of their own. Vocalist/guitarist Paul Kirby and bass player John Golemon joined with multi-instrumentalist Tramp and Will Golemon (banjo/guitar), xxx played acoustic sets with more of a country sound than the country-rock displayed on the album. The band signed to Jimmy Bowen’s Liberty Records in 1992, recording a self-titled debut album in 1993. By the end of 1995, the Cactus Brothers were out of a job at Capitol EMI and, one by one, the members drifted off to other gigs.

Track 2 — This CD ends with a KFJC “Not Much is Really Sacred Promo” that suggests if you find Bob Dylan’s voice too grating KFJC has the music for you.

Digitized on 9/2019 from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn.

Alvin, Dave & Gaffney, Chris – "KFJC Live Mic At SXSW – 1994" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   12/1/2019   A Library, CD

In 1994 KFJC recorded and engineered performances at the South by South West Music Fest in Austin Texas, and broadcast those recordings live on KFJC airwaves and on 50 other radio stations that picked up the feed. Following is a Best of: KFJC Special featuring sets pulled from that live broadcast. Recorded at @ Lazona Rosa in Austin Texas as part of the SXSW Fest. It was originally aired as a Mayhem special on 5/14/94 hosted by DJ  Earl Grey       

KFJC Live mic recorded at @ Lazona Rosa Club in Austin TX on 3/19/1994

Length: 48 mins

Genre: Rock, Rhythm and Blues

Dave Alvin is an American singer and guitarists known primarily as one of the leaders of the rock and roll band The Blasters along with his brother Phil.  Chris Gaffney (accordion, harmonica) is brought in the second part of this act to spice things up.

KFJC recorded another CD on the same night featuring brothers Phil and Dave Alvin and their band the Blasters.

Digitized on 9/2019 from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn.

Omar and The Howlers – "KFJC Live Mic At SXSW – 1994" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   12/1/2019   A Library, CD

In 1994 KFJC recorded and engineered performances at the South by South West Music Fest in Austin TX and broadcast those recordings live on KFJC airwaves and on 50 other radio stations that picked up the feed. Following is a Best of: KFJC Special featuring sets pulled from that live broadcast.

KFJC live mic recorded on March 19, 1994 @ Lazona Rosa Club in Austin Texas. This version of the recording was originally aired as a Mayhem special on 5/14/94 hosted by DJ  Earl Grey       

Length: 38mins, 30 secs

DJ: Earl Grey

Genre: Blues and Rock

The band in this recording features founder Kent Dykes on guitar and lead vocals, Bruce Jones on bass, and Wes Starr on drums.

Omar and the Howlers was a Texas based electric blues and blues rock band The Howlers formed in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1973. Three years later they moved to Austin, Texas. Their debut album “Big Leg Beat” for Amazing Records came out in 1980. In 1987, the band signed a recording contract with Columbia and “Hard Times in the Land of Plenty”, which sold over 500,000 copies.  Band leader Kent Dykes stopped performing in 2018 after a flesh-eating disease decimated his arms.

Digitized from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 6/19

Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys – "KFJC Live Mic At SXSW – 1994" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

In 1994 KFJC recorded and engineered performances at the South by South West Music Fest in Austin Texas, and broadcast those recordings live on KFJC airwaves and on 50 other radio stations that picked up the feed. Following is a Best of: KFJC Special featuring sets pulled from that live broadcast.

Recorded by KFJC on March 17, 1994 at the Lazona Rosa Club in Austin Texas.

Length: 41 mins

DJ: Earl Grey

Genre: Western Swing

Started in 1988 and still going strong in 2019, Big Sandy and his His Fly-Rite Boys is a western swing/country boogie musical band from California. The band is composed of Robert Williams, (AKA Big Sandy), Wally Hersom (Bass), Dave Carol (Drums), Ashley Kingman, Ricky McCann and Kevin Stewart.

Digitized from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 9/2019.

Da Monz – "KFJC Live Mic – 1988" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

A KFJC Live Mic recorded on 11-19-1988     

Length:  24 mins 24 seconds 

Genre: Surf

Recording cuts off in middle of the last song.

Da Monz was a Surf Band from From Burlingame, CA.
Discogs lists one released recording in total and that album was released by KFJC. (i.e. Totally Tubular – KFJC 2002)

Tracks include:
Jellyfish
I Wish You Were a Surfboard

Digitized from archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 9/2019

Touch Me Hooker – "KFJC Live Mic – 1988" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

A KFJC Live Mic recorded on 11/13/2018 

Length: 52 mins 44 secs

Genre: Glam Punk

DJ: Lance Savage

This recording starts out as very drunk/stoned sounding set.
3 mins into recording they begin long dialog in which they suggest maybe listeners should look for a less inebriated music.
BUT!!
After the 13 min mark they find their groove and begin playing a pretty decent set.

Out take on the CD is moment when Touch me hooker says they are drunk on Jack

Digitized from archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 9/2019. I could not find pretty much anything about this band on-line. Anybody know anything about them?  I edited out many FCCs (bad words) from the dialog between the songs.

Youth In Asia – "KFJC Live Mic – 1988" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

A Live Mic recorded at KFJC on 10/23/1988

Length: (56 mins 19 secs)

Genre: Anarcho-Punk

DJ: Floyd Dyer

Youth in Asia was an early 1980s anarcho-punk band from London known for their prominent use of the synthesizer. The band sang political lyrics about war, sexism and state terrorism.  They released one cassette album entitled Sex Object on Millennium tapes in 1983. They also had their song “Power And The Glory” included on Volume II of the Crass Records Bullshit Detector compilation series. “When the Wind Blows”, pulled from the band’s final recording session, which was also included on the Overground compilation Anti-War, Anarcho-Punk Compilation Volume One.

Band members on this recording were introduced as Amen,( vocals, keyboard guitar), Thud Maddox (drums)  Mr. Elllll  (bass) and Cat (guitar). 

Digitized from archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 10/2019.-

Subdudes – "KFJC Live Mic – 1995" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

July 4th 1995   — Live KFJC Remote from San Jose America Festival

Total: 1:19:25

Genre: American Roots

DJs: Grawer-Earl Grey-Wimpy-Akim-Goat Boy.
(Silly back and forth “Rinky Dinkee Doo” at 1:17

Wikipedia “Subdudes is an Americana/American roots rock group from New Orleans. Their music blends folk, swamp pop, New Orleans rhythm and blues, Louisiana blues, country, cajun/zydeco, funk, soul and gospel with harmonic vocals.”

Track: “Serita”                                 at 10:55
Gospel Guitarist Willy Williams  added to the mix at 20 mins
Track: “Do Me A Favor”               at 35:00
Track: “Sugar Pie”                          at 46:30
Track: “Why Can I Forget About You” at 52:00
Band introduced at: 1:16  (actual time 7:30)
DJs introduced at 1:17   Grawer, Earl Grey, Goat Boy. Akim, Nuclear Bob, Wimpy  
At 1:17  Great announcing Rink Dinky doo

Digitized from VHS archival tape by Devlyn 9/2019.

Shark Bait – "KFJC Live Mic – 1988" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

Recorded: 11/06/1988

Length: 53 mins 42 seconds

DJ: Mike Destiny_

Genre: Industrial Rock with a touch of humor

Recording begins and ends? with DJ saying “We have recorded this to VHS for the highest quality”

This band sounds pretty shaky at the beginning of the recording, but gets much better as it goes on.  Shark Bait was an industrial rock band from San Francisco that released three albums on the Primitech label.  Formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1996.

Members: Charlie Beer (vocals, bass, tape), Mt T, Chris Taylor [aka Mr T & Chris Sea Tea ] (lead guitar), John 316 White [aka MC Whitey Ho] (percussion), Massive Simmons,(percussion, tape).

Track 1: This is the voice of Crime and Star Trek.
Track 3: I am a whale being hunted  I will not put up with this!
Track 4: Destroy the Nazi regime.
Track 5: We love big rallies.
Track 6: Our Song about Sex.

White_Wash – "KFJC Live Mic – 1977" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/30/2019   A Library, CD

Recorded on 2/25/1977 29 mins 50 seconds

Genre: Americana

This recording features strong acoustic guitar work, congas, harmonica and 2 voices.    

Featuring DJs Susan Fox and Sandy Sprague  

Partial list of tracks:
2nd song guitar cover of Donovan song  “There is a Mountain”
Cover of “Folsom Prison”
City

This was pulled from an old CD found in storage and edited to remove excessive guitar tuning between songs by Devlyn on 8/2019. This recording cuts off cold at 29:50 mid song. I faded it down at end.

File name: 77 – White Wash Live – Americana

Cinematic Orchestra, The – “To Believe” – [Ninja Tune]

Medusa of Troy   11/20/2019   A Library, CD

“To Believe” is Cinematic Orchestra’s 5th album and was released 12 years after its 4th one, “Ma Fleur”. The British electro-acoustic jazz ensemble sounds a bit different on this release than their early albums. It sounds less like traditional jazz rhythms, softer and mellower in a higher register of strings. Of the 7 tracks on the album, two are instrumentals, the rest sung by a range of guest performers. Layers of strings and piano and drum start light but build into sweet, cathartic crescendos. The concept for the album is ‘belief in the age of Brexit’ but the specifics of what or who to believe in are not enumerated – “To Believe” seems more about the act versus the object of believing. “Little” is a stand-out instrumental from the album, with an incessant, infectious drum beat from beginning to end. A return to form by masters of nu-jazz.

Heilung – “Futha” – [Season of Mist]

Medusa of Troy   11/20/2019   A Library, CD

Heilung (the German word for ‘healing’) is a 3-member Danish band. Its sound is metal and folk and electronic and noise; instruments include those made with bones, animal skins and swords, as well as relics and temple bells, nature sounds and other items. The lyrics of Futha, Heilung’s second album, are based on Icelandic poetry. Vocalist/lyricist Kae Uwe Faust growls, snarls and throat-singing are impressive, but more impressive are the high clear tones of Maria Franz’s vocals. Instrumentalist/producer Christopher Juul ties it all together sonically. Some tracks include pieces that sound like war chants – “Vapnatak” sounds like a battle re-enactment with a narration at the end. “Futha’s” overall sounds are pagan, tribal and occult, with an emphasis on percussive rhythms – the lyrics are Old Norse, German (modern and Old High) and maybe a bit in Icelandic. Heilung call their genre “Amplified History,” while others tie it to neo-folk. “Futha” was conceived as a feminine contrast to their first album, “Ofnir.” According to the label’s webpage for the album, there’s speculation that a variant of ‘futha’ means a four-letter word for female genitalia. Much of that ‘big yonic energy’ is carried through is mostly on the strength of Franz’s vocals, particularly on tracks 2-4. But the whole album avoids sounding like either just another folk album or just another metal album. There’s something to scare and/or beguile all sorts of listeners on “Futha”.

Barnson, Matthew – “Vanitas” – [Innova Recordings]

Cousin Mary   11/19/2019   A Library, CD

Three pieces composed by Matthew Barnson. The first one for orchestra is mysterious and based on grief – it reminds me a bit of George Crumb’s Black Angels. The other two compositions are for smaller ensembles and are provocative and at times whimsical. Fine examples of original takes on modern classical music.

Eldanka – “Rusty Treasures” – [Self Release]

Cousin Mary   11/13/2019   A Library, CD

Excellent instrumental work from this 4-piece ensemble from Toholampi, Finland (about 500 kilometers north of Helsinki). All original compositions by lead guitarist Mika Jamsa. Twang, surf, jazz influences with some extra instruments and electronics that add interesting touches to the guitars, bass and drums. Something a little different to play in your surf set.

Shea, David – “An Eastern Western Collected Works” – [Sub Rosa]

Cousin Mary   11/13/2019   A Library, CD

David Shea (student of Morton Feldman, collaborator with John Zorn) wrote or recomposed these tracks in 1997. Instruments and samplers show a great variety that includes piano, percussion, Tibetan singing, vibraphone, etc. Captivating, frequently lovely, original, magic!

Valera, Kiki – Vivencias En Clave Cubana – [Origin Records]

aarbor   11/13/2019   CD, International

This is Kiki Valera’s Debut solo album. He is a Cuban master of the Quatro a 4-stringed chordophone now living in Seattle. He is a member of the Familia Valera Miranda – a century-old music dynasty which is known for Son Cubano, the infectious Cuban call and response song form which blends Spanish (song style and meter) and African (rhythm) musical traditions. Valera was exposed to Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery and Chick Corea through cassette tapes while in school and those jazz inspirations influence his cuatro solos. Valera is joined here by childhood friend, reknowned Cuban vocalist Coco Freeman. Valera and his ensemble pair 12 original songs with lovely instrumental work – put on your dancing shoes. AArbor

Rautavaara, Einojuhani – "Cantus Arcticus" – [Catalyst]

Hemroid The Leader   11/11/2019   A Library, CD

Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara (pronounced AY-no-yu-hah-ni ROW-ta-vah-ra) was born in Helsinki on Oct. 9, 1928. Cantus Arcticus & Symphony No. 5 performed by the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra. String Quartet No. 4 performed by the Sirius String Quartet.

Canticus Arcticus (1972) is a Concerto for Birds and Orchestra. Foggy & textural gradients. 3 movements, 17 min.

String Quartet No. 4 (1975) cool postwar quartet, Schoenberg 12-tones. Indeterminate pitches. Meditative. Different from the usual Western stuff. 3 movements, 22 min.

Symphony No. 5 (1985) is big and ambitious, a little disjointed here and there, maybe from the large scale. Entertaining and likeable. Maybe listen to the first half. 31 min.

African Rhythm Messengers 1/2 – "KFJC Live Mic At SJ America Fest – 1995" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/10/2019   A Library, CD

African Rhythm Messengers 54:13

July 4th 1995  Live Remote from San Jose America Festival

Featuring KFJC DJs, Grawer and Earl Grey

“African Rhythm Messengers is a group of musicians headquartered in Nigeria. Their music mixes Caribbean, Reggae and African beats.” AllMusic.com They released a CD entitled Bottom Belle in 1998.”

Best Known songs written by Rex Lawson:

This recording was digitized from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 9//19/2019.

African Rhythm Messengers 2 – "KFJC Live Mic From SJ America Fest – 1995" – [KFJC Live Mic]

Devlyn   11/10/2019   A Library, CD

African Rhythm Messengers   Disk 2/2    57:33

July 4th, 1995 live KFJC Remote recording from the San Jose America Festival.

The recording features KFJC DJs, Grawer and Earl Grey.

“African Rhythm Messengers is a group of African musicians based in Nigeria. Their music mixes Caribbean, Reggae and African beats. They released a CD entitled Bottom Belle in 1998.”

Best Known songs were written by Rex Lawson:
Last song on this CD is the traditional song: Onye Ga Gba Egwu

Digitized from an archival VHS tape by Devlyn on 9/19/2019.