To Each Their Own

At 8p.m. this Tuesday (12/15) at the venerable Bug Jar on Monroe Ave, two entirely different schools of musical thought will be performing on the same bill- with one directly following the other. 

The opener Alfred Brown embraces the idea of creating music electronically; through the use of synthesizers, loops, and modified electric instruments, their music is shaped by creativity with electronic mediums. It is ambient music, for lack of a better term- but hearing their work is most definitely not a passive experience.

The headliner, Cuddle Magic, is a massive 12 piece ensemble hailing from all over the tri-state area- don't be fooled by the name- they are serious musicians. No, really. They represent an opposing school of thought- the vast majority of the sounds they create originate from instruments with absolutely zero electronic components. Each member is a master of their own device (with most holding degrees in music) and together they craft a unique sound that is not to be missed. 

These are experts in their respective fields- but which school of thought is correct? Whose kung-fu is mightier? Come down to the Bug Jar this Tuesday at 8, say hi to Herman, and receive the answer.

Special Double-Feature

I also need to briefly mention Black Water Rising, playing Monty's Krown this Saturday (12/19) at 10p.m. This Brooklyn based metal set is highly praised and it is well deserved. They represent the opposite end of the spectrum from the bands I've featured above- they are not looking to expand the sonic possibilities of music- instead, they have chosen a sound and worked to perfect it. And that sound is down-and-dirty stoner-metal. High Times Magazine just nominated Black Water Rising as their band of the month. Need we say more? No.

Hunger Anthem

The Hunger Anthem is the band that beat out 3 other acts at one of Buffalo's most competitive live competitions, Artvoice's Best of Original Music, held just this past Friday.

They are a raw 3 piece ensemble with original material and a sound reminiscent of Guided By Voices; bright guitars loaded with distortion, intelligent lyrics, and an energy that translates into a great time at the bar.

I had the unexpected pleasure of drinking with their bass player, Jeremy Hewett, at his apartment at an impromptu after party following their victory. Settled in around the open door of a cast iron wood-burning stove they'd smuggled into their living room, we smoked cigarettes and rifled through his ipod. After settling on a song he shared his surprise on the night's achievement (the winner is decided by votes from the audience). He acknowledged that they were up against serious competition, and that speaks to their talent, as well as their off-stage presence. Come out and see why they got the votes.

Hunger Anthem plays at the Bugjar Tuesday 12/1, doors open at 8:00pm.

Special Feature

This Thursday, The Beale Street Café (693 South Ave.) will be host to the very last show centered around the music of Rochester legend, Son House. I have it on authority from one of their regular performers, Mr. Tim Brinduse, that it will be a tightly coordinated event with many local blues masters coming out to pay tribute and share their craft for this special event. And it is FREE. 7-10 p.m.