Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Boadrums 77 Revisited

A couple of months ago in the sweltering heat of july- july 7th to be more exact - the boredoms and about 73 of their closest percussionist friends set up and performed one of the biggest spectacles of the summer/ever. The day of 07.07.07 became a "were you there?" moment for hundreds (many of whom traveled incredible distances to witness it).

I, unfortunately (and unforgivably) had to work that saturday and was screwed out of a chance of a life time. I did however, prior to the event get to witness a rehearsal in a quaint practice space up in harlem with just the boredoms and the 15 drum leaders. While the enormity of 77 is unmatchable, this rehearsal was still incredibly intense and intimate. The creative energy in that room and the volume and energy of the drums was fantastic and beautiful. It had a very organic feel to it as the patterns of banging swirled around the room. I was also unaware of the emmense talent i was in the room with - drummers from lighting bolt, oneida, gang gang dance, and more. It truely was something not to be missed.

and thanks to viva radio (barf. i used to work at american apparel and most of what they play is borderline muzak.) we can all share the experience.

For your viewing pleasure:







PS: I work with this guy Mcswain who proves his awesomeness in this clip:




PPS: Dessert Storm really does kick ass.

2 comments:

123Matt said...

Do you really consider what you heard on Viva Radio to be Muzak? We champion all the bands within your listening cannon - Devendra, Animal Collective, The Black Lips (who just did an in studio session and interview) - and many far less exposed and unheard.

It's interesting to see how our intended audience either mass accepts or rejects our programming format. Certainly entitled to your own opinion, just curious.

Great blog, btw.

Matt / Viva

Harlan said...

matt,

thank you for your thoughts and kind words. i do admit i seemed a bit harsh on Viva, partially because i associate it with the drudgery of retail and the white florescent lights and the fat mirrors of the store. i do concede that i have heard some swell tunes on Viva, but many of the shows that my bosses played for the store were strange play lists of ambient euro techno-y stuff.

I do look forward to listening to the Lips interview/live sesh.

-Harlan