Pat Karch Band at Sundial Bridge Cafe photos

We went for a walk to the River Trail yesterday evening, down from Hilltop, a nice short cardio walk. We didn’t know there was a band playing. Approaching from the north side, we could hear Pat’s unmistakable keyboard licks from a mile away. I knew who it was after just the first few bars. Pat Karch is an awesome player.
Band at Redding's Sundial Bridge Cafe
Joe Catanio joins the trio to sing the standards. Pat is such an amazing player. Even though his singing and keyboard chops are so overwhelming, he is the kind of player who brings out the best in others around him. That’s why he plays in so many bands around here. Talent and class, the rarest combination in musicianship. Plus he’s really nice. A true Redding treasure. Upright bass player Bruce Calin, and percussionist Bobby Viramontes laid down the the groove nicely. They showed their skills and fit the bill.
Band at Redding's Sundial Bridge Cafe
Then a leisurely stroll back to the bridge brings the color.
Band at Redding's Sundial Bridge Cafe
What a great evening stroll. The river-cooled air carried waves of jazz aloft, and was perfume for all the senses. Does it get any better than this? Did I mention they are playing there again tonight?
Band at Redding's Sundial Bridge Cafe
It don’t mean a thing if it aint got that swing. The bridge was totally swingin’.

Live Music by DJ at the Red Lion

Talk about unclear on the concept. I had just been reading Jim Dyar’s recent article about the Hot Start to the Cascade’s season and thinking that Redding’s really developing quite a live music scene. Then this sign on Hilltop Drive took it all back. Via cell-phone camera:
LiveMusic
I like DJ’s as much as the next person, but if the only instrument you play is an MP3 file, you might not qualify as live music. Note to tourists driving by on Hilltop: This was probably a joke, see. We’re not like that, really. No, really.

If it isn’t live music, it’s dead music.

Tempest blows Anderson away

The Progressive Celtic band Tempest made a repeat appearance at the Mosquito Serenade, and put on a fine show indeed.
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At first only the youngest kids are dancing, since they are more in touch with the muse.
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But soon, the group of dancers grows larger, as the bigger kids join in.
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Like a chain reaction, the group of dancers builds.
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This band is hotter than than an Anderson July.
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Soon the whole crowd is one single pulsating organism, throbbing to the rhythym.
Tempest
Yes, you have them in the palm of your hand. Nice work.
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What a terrific venue. This is a longtime Anderson tradition, but since Ken Hartman has been running the show and improving the facility, it’s really become special. Thanks to all who contribute. And Tempest, well, you blew us away!

Transcendant music video, by David Helpling and Jon Jenkins

One of the best parts of working with the artist-run music label Spotted Peccary Records has been meeting the other recording artists on the label. Check out this impressive new music video:

The Knowing (LIVE) – David Helpling and Jon Jenkins

On August 25, 2008, David Helpling and Jon Jenkins were joined by long time friend and collaborator Matthew Stewart for a rare live performance at the University Of California San Diego. Some of the best moments of that memorable evening were released on the BEYOND WORDS – RARE LIVE TREASURES limited edition CD – available at deepexile.com. This video footage, shot by Joe Abreu, documents the very same performance of “The Knowing” that appears on the BEYOND WORDS – RARE LIVE TREASURES disc

Band debut at Bombay's Monday April 6 @ 8 pm (note new time)

My friend Craig Padilla has lately been playing keyboards with longtime Redding guitar rockers Innerworkings. They are doing their first live gig with this new lineup at Bombay’s, opening for a band called Highlight Bomb and 2 other bands. $5 cover. Check out some excerpts of their new music at the image:

Band logo

On another more immediate musical note, there is a podcast you should listen to if you like spacemusic. This one features Craig Padilla and me, along with Zero Ohms from our CD Beyond the Portal. You can listen from your browser if you don’t have an iPod. Are there people who don’t have iPods? Well anyway, its a very nice sampler of this genre put together by TC from the Netherlands, and is 47 minutes of cinematic atmospheres. Well worth a listen just to hear TC’s Dutch accent as he describes our music. Click on the image below for the podcast, and find more at http://spacemusic.nl
Spacemusic logo