E.Normus Trio Releases “Love and Barbiturates” at The LAB on Aug 2nd

The E.Normus Trio Local Record Release Party
Thursday, August 2, 2012
with J.Ray Goes Beatnik!
Back Stage at the LAB (The Lexington Ave Brewery)
Asheville, NC

On Thursday, August 2nd, E.Normus Trio will celebrate the release of their first record “Love and Barbiturates” with a live concert and video taping at the LAB.  J.Ray Goes Beatnik opens the show.

Born of a weekly Sunday jam session at the now-closed Joli Rouge in Asheville, North Carolina, the E. Normus Trio has been a project of Jay Sanders and Steve Alford since they met playing “Rhapsody in Blue” in 2007. Contrary to speculation, the group is not named for its exotic instrumentation and the ranges they provide, but is instead the pedigreed namesake of Alford’s sizeable leonberger, Norman E. Normus. As a puppy, Norman was a regular listener at those Sunday sessions.

Originally taking an almost whimsical approach to the bare bones horn/bass/drums jazz trio concept, the sound of the group began a major transformation with Sanders’ switch from acoustic bass to the N/S Stick, an 8-string multi-mode instrument that covers the ranges of both a bass and a guitar. At the heart of the huge sound generated by the group is Sanders’ ability to take on two roles at once, covering what would normally be played separately by both a bassist and guitar player. This “one brain controlling two voices,” as Alford calls it, creates an eerie effect in the sound, and results in a symbiosis that is simply unachievable with bass and guitar played individually. This nucleus paired with Alford’s vocalized and primal lead voice, six octaves of sweeping clarinet range, creates a sonic palette unlike any other trio out there. To this mix, add Michael W. Davis, who brings incredible jazz sensitivity coupled with huge power generated not by volume, but with an utterly superhuman control of the time.

Compared to many studio projects these days, Love and Barbiturates was recorded with very little overdubbing. The contra-bass clarinet and alto clarinet on “The Long Boots of Age” are an obvious example of studio magic, but amazingly enough the album is recreated live by the group with very little variance in texture and layering. The debate is still ongoing as to whether this is a jazz, rock, or soul record, or something new altogether. As music genre labels are generally the product of hindsight, that debate will be discussed and determined by others.

E.Normus Trio. Photo By Josh Rhinehardt

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David Gans and Friends Tour the SouthEast this week!

David Gans and Friends tour the SouthEast this week with shows in in Asheville, HotSprings & Tucker GA!

Joining David for a few shows is Asheville’s Bobby Miller on Mandolin (Virginia Daredevils.) Bassist Jay Sanders (Acoustic Syndicate, The Invisible III, The E. Normus Trio) will join in on the fun on Thursday, May 3rd’s show in Asheville at the One Stop Deli and Bar along with The Galen Kipar Project!

David Gans is fully hip to the fact that all roads lead to the river.  He wanders those many roads, guitar in tow, a modern renaissance troubadour, a hippie minstrel — make that a honky-tonk hippie minstrel — carving out intimate spaces along the way to stop a while and play his music for all who will listen, music that beckons the attention, engages the mind, excites the senses, enchants the heart, all of it calling you to join him in his journey to the great flowing water.  David Gans’ music is that river itself: lyrics that hug the earth with currents and cross currents, melodies that flow insistently onward, eddying loop-jams that provide a recursive subtext to every ripple in the stream.  Set a spell and lend your ears to a captivating storyteller.

“I’m the hero of my  movie just like you must be in yours,” sings Gans in his moving portrait “An American Family,” signaling the universality of his themes, particularly that of the heroic outsider.  The Gans pantheon is populated by a wide variety of character types, all of whom share in common a longing for some kind of honest connection to other human beings.  Whether steadfastly mainstream or out on the freakazoid fringes, the people who speak these songs know that there’s something unbearably artificial and unsatisfying about the life they (and most other folks) seem to be living and so devote themselves to authenticity (or at least to dreaming of it).

In a voice that communicates at once the bliss and the heartache of being alive in the world, David Gans croons like the warmest invitation, like a soulful bear hug, but with a sardonic edge at times and the unmistakably wry gleam of the trickster.  Swift with allusions and wordplay yet always heartfelt and real, David doesn’t need to hide behind irony.  He’s not afraid to say “I love you” and mean it.  ”Looking for a melody to sing a simple song… I find my inspiration where it’s been all along,” he sings as a kind of invocation of the muse, a dedication to straightforward communication and the revelation of the familiar.

A Gans performance promises the listener a brilliant constellation of beautiful melodies and well-crafted, truthful lyrics sung by a sublimely earthy voice to the accompaniment of a one-man jamband capable of trippy grooves and exquisite precision.  In addition to his own compositions, David also pays homage to other great songwriters, from Townes Van Zandt to Bruce Springsteen to Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, graciously and gratefully acknowledging the tradition that chose him to be part of its lineage.  If you’re sniffing around for this kind of wisdom, I suggest you seek out the next David Gans show immediately.  He’s easy to find.  All ya gotta do is “get out on the highway and follow that sound… “

–Barry Smolin, host/producer “The Music Never Stops” on KPFK 90.7 FM–LA

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Krektones vs E.Normus Trio Tonight (7/7) at the One Stop Bar in Asheville!

Krektones vs. The E.Normus Trio

Local Surf/Garage Rock/Experimental
The One Stop Deli and Bar

$5, 10pm
55 College Street, Asheville, NC 28804
Get Directions

More info at: http://ashevillemusichall.​com/music-schedule/event/t​he-krektones-vs-e-normus-t​rio/

…THE KREKTONES

The Krektones blend the surf swagger of the Ventures with the scorching guitar of Link Wray and just a wee bit of Tav Falco psychobilly to make a beat that’s pretty much impossible to stand still to. The Krektones feature Jason Krekel at lead, Dave Gay on bass, and Lance Wille on drums. These instrumentalists bring a broad range of musical experience, swinging wide from stints with The Parting Gifts, Freakwater, and The Reigning Sound, as well as some seminal Asheville bands, including the Firecracker Jazz Band, Mad Tea Party, The Unholy Trio, and White Heat. Don’t let the sequined tuxedo jackets fool you.

…THE E.NORMUS TRIO

The E.Normus Trio is an adventurous avant-garde instrumental spirit comprised of Jay Sanders on 8-string N/S Stick, Steve Alford on Alto, Bass and Contrabass Clarinet, and Michael W. Davis on Drums. Drawing from the deep well of cataclysmic music, the trio shapes and build sonic landscapes that are equal parts thrilling and soothing. The essence of creativity is emphasized in collective improvisation that traverses the wide musical spectrum and the spirit of music. Individually the members of the E.Normus Trio have played with Acoustic Syndicate, Donna The Buffalo, Spork!, The Slithers and The Broadcast.

Video of the Krektones:

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HATCH Music Panel: ‘What’s Working From Who’s Working’ Workshop on Thursday, April 14th at 5pm

Exciting news! I will be speaking on a HATCH Music Panel, What’s Working from Who’s Working,  in Asheville this Thursday! More info is posted below.

The HATCH Experience takes place in Asheville from April 14th to 17th.  HATCH is a great opportunity for creative professionals on a local and National level to network.  Join in on the Music panels and workshops for discussions on how technology is changing how we interact with music.   Meet thought and creative leaders in music to discuss the cultural trends, the future and you. Find out more about the various HATCH Music events at: http://www.hatchasheville.org/music/. Other creative areas within HATCH are film, photo, fashion, architecture, design/ technology, and journalism. More information is on the website.

Music Conversation: What’s Working From Who’s Working Workshop
Echo Mountain’s API  Recording Studio
Don’t miss this conversation with musicians, publicists, agents, club and festivals at Echo Mountain’s API Recording Studio Thursday, April 14th at 5 pm – 7 pm. Join local musicians and industry pros for a discussion about making money making music.  Real advice for musicians who are making a living performing music.  Network with your peers and learn tips from musicians and industry folks on how to make it in the new music business.

Justin Ray ~ Professional Musician (Michale Buble, Spork, Boathouse All Stars)
www.facebook.com/#!/Sporkband and www.facebook.com/#!/BoathouseAllStars

Justin Ray has spent the last 8 years touring as a trumpet soloist, composer, and
arranger for Warner Bros recording artist Michael Buble. In addition to his duties with
Buble, he also fronts two other ensembles: Spork, a jazz quintet comprised of Asheville-
area musicians; and the Boathouse All-Stars, an internationally recognized group that
performs his original compositions for big band.

Jay Sanders ~ Musician (Acoustic Syndicate, The E.Normus Trio) and Application Developer (Creative Allies)
http://mindtonic.net and www.creativeallies.com

Jay Sanders has been a successful musician in the Western North Carolina music scene for almost 20 years.  He is best know for his work with Acoustic Syndicate, Donna The Buffalo and The E.Normus Trio.  When not shaping low frequency sound waves into genre bending styles, he is an active participant in the local technology sector through his work with Creative Allies and many other community minded projects.

Jessica Tomasin ~ Studio Manager at Echo Mountain Recording, Band Manager
www.echomountain.net

Jessica Tomasin has been the studio manager at Echo Mountain Recording since it’s start five years ago and has assisted it’s growth to become a world renown recording studio working with acts such as Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Avett Brothers, and Dierks Bentley amongst many other national and local acts. She was also the manager of the label, Echo Mountain Records. Jessica had been managing Aaron Wood for the past two years and launched the first successful Kickstarter campaign in the Asheville area to fund Wood’s self-titled album which was released this month.

Bowie van Ling ~ DJ / Producer / Percussionist, Graphic Designer, Event Producer
http://playlowmusic.com

Bowie van Ling of Playlow, the Asheville based DJ / Producer / Percussionist with complimentary expertise in multimedia design, event production and promotion. Has been observed in the wild wielding a multi-faceted multi-genre approach that empowers his career in the music industry. He’s seen great success with hundreds of shows at venues, spanning 3 continents from Amsterdam to the rainforests of Costa Rica. Locally he’s known as the four year consecutive hall of fame winner of best DJ/Turntablist in WNC.

Katherine “KP” Powell ~  founder / partner at Geniass Productions, partner at Tree Power & Sound, owner Asheville Music Hall / The One Stop Deli & Bar
www.geniassproductions.com and ww.treeleafmusic.com/treepower.html and

Katherine Powell has been working in the industry for the past 6 years with the intent of propelling music and musicians towards a place of business stability and financial security. She founded Geniass Productions in 2005 and shortly after teamed up with Laura Reed to form Deep Pocket which they quickly grew into a successful touring operation. Katherine also does solar-powered production, talent buying, publicity and is currently working on opening a music venue in Downtown Asheville.

Erin Scholze ~ owner of Dreamspider Publicity & Events
www.dreamspider.net

Erin Scholze has long been one of the greatest supporters of the Asheville music scene.  Her love of celebration has manifested itself through the work she has done for the community at large for such events and organizations as the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival, Music Video Asheville, the All Go West Festival, Community Choreography and more.  Her company, Dreamspider Publicity, raises international awareness of the amazing local, regional and national talent that she represents.  Her client list includes Donna the Buffalo, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Acoustic Syndicate, Galen Kipar Project, Dehlia Low, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra and Mad Tea Party.

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Extract 17 (Sanders-Cardine-Pond-Cunningham) play a *FREE* Tuesday Residency in March at MoDaddys in Asheville

Extract 17. Photo by Rob Gardner

Stop. Listen. Dynamic changes happen simultaneously with nuanced timbre shifts, while the notes, chords, and poly-rhythms travel past you. Extract 17 is not a jam band, or math rock or even a hybrid of anything. They are four musicians of remarkable talent, pushing each other and themselves to make something wonderful. Equal parts Mahavishnu Orchestra, Strength In Numbers and original innovation, Extract 17 plays a palate of original electric instrumental compositions focused on both the spirit of adventure and the beauty of arrangement. You can see them live for *FREE* every Tuesday in March at Modaddy’s Bar in Asheville.

In the past year, the four musicians that comprise Extract 17, Jay Sanders, Bill Cardine, Andy Pond and Ian Cunningham, have been composing, arranging, and experimenting with a variety of provocative new sounds. Their repertoire features tunes written by each member of the group and a select list of covers from some of their biggest influences including Bill Frisell, MMW, and Hank Williams.

As a bass player, what characterizes Jay Sanders‘ music is an overwhelming sense of space, time and genre. His compositions tend towards the melodic and sublime while improvisations can go from the most peaceful melody to full-scale free jazz and noise music. Attention to style and unique versatility are the hallmarks of his playing. Sanders is best known for his work with Acoustic Syndicate and Donna The Buffalo.

Bill Cardine brings his innate sense of musicianship, melody and texture with his muse instrument of choice, the slide guitar. Jerry Douglas has said of Cardine “I couldn’t have picked a better example for them of where the Dobro is now or what the possibilities are with the instrument.” His innovative work on the Dobro, Moog Slide Guitar, Chaturangui, Weissenborn and Electric Steel guitars has lead him as both a performer and educator around the world, as well as to some of our country’s most revered venues and major festivals. Internationally, Cardine is known for his work with the Biscuit Burners; he is also the newest member of Acoustic Syndicate.

Andy Pond is one of the most exciting progressive-acoustic banjoists on the scene today: melodic and tasteful with a raw edge of improvisation. His approach to the banjo is all encompassing and includes Middle eastern/Balkan flavours, newgrass and dixieland grooves as well as funky dance beats. For almost two decades, Pond has been the driving force behind the Snake Oil Medicine Show, is half of the Pond Brothers, and the lead of CX1.

Ian Cunningham‘s drumming boldly combines the best parts of rock, jazz, African and things completely different and unknown into a powerful beat that is the perfect landscape for Extract 17. Cunningham is a formidable drummer and presence in the Asheville music scene; and as the pulsating foundation for UNC Asheville’s African Dance and Drumming classes, he excels at bridging the worlds of music.

In September of 2010, Sanders, Cardine and Pond performed a series of shows with the legendary Jeff Sipe on drums including memorable performances at the LAAFF Festival, Pisgah Brewing’s beautiful outdoor stage, the Pour House in Charleston, and Asheville’s juke-joint MoDaddy’s. 2011 finds the quartet breaking ground in new directions with the addition of Ian Cunningham on drums. This new lineup will debut as part of MoDaddy’s monthly residency series, playing every Tuesday in March. The shows are all free and begin around 9:30. Enjoy being carried away into a vast soundscape of innovative instrumental music.

Show details at a Glance:

Extract 17
Sanders-Cardine-Pond-Cunningham
Tuesdays in March
MoDaddys

9:30pm
*FREE SHOWS*
828-258-1550
77-B Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
www.modaddysbar.com

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JiffyPop, PepperJack and the Magical Mr. McCrackles Featuring the Sonic Scientist at Modaddy’s on March 3rd

The Sonic Scientist was poking about his lab one day when, in a cloud of purple smoke appeared the Magical Mr. McCrackles. “Stand aside good sir!” he shouted as he waved his glitter coated wand over his head. As he continued to shake his wand in a circular motion over medium-high heat, a loud boom was heard and the undulating rhythms of JiffyPop began to spill over into the room. “And now for the Spice!” he continued and the temperature in the room began to get a little bit hotter. PepperJack appeared and everything began to get a little more spicy. The Sonic Scientist, now thoroughly amused, grabbed his guitar and began to sing…

Watching through the window, it was noticed that the music being created by this unlikely crew was at once soul-shaking and seemingly drenched in history. Upon seeing Asheville native Vic Stafford on Drums and Dave McCracken on keyboards, both currently from Donna The Buffalo, and former DTB and current Acoustic Syndicate bassist Jay Sanders spinning infectious rhythms in culinary fashion, legendary Chapel Hill area guitar slinger and chief Moog engineer Cyril Lance was compelled to join the unlikely ingredients… and a party ensued!

Thanks to Asheville’s Mountain Xpress for their posts here and here in support of the show!

Show Details at a Glance:

JiffyPop, PepperJack and the Magical Mr. McCrackles Featuring the Sonic Scientist
Thursday, March 3, 2011
MoDaddys Bar
$5, 10pm828-258-1550
77 Biltmore Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
http://modaddysbar.com

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The Best Of The Mindtonic Music Series: Sanders, Cardine, Pond & Guerguerian at the Grey Eagle Wed, Nov 3rd with The E.Normus Trio

 

Jay Sanders has long been a staple in the Asheville music scene. One of the “go to” bass players in the area, Jay has toured extensively with Acoustic Syndicate, Donna The Buffalo, Snake Oil Medicine Show, and countless others.

Throughout the spring of 2010, Sanders lead the Mindtonic Music Series on Tuesday evenings at the Rocket Club in West Asheville. He brought together a dynamic edge of collaborative players, each performance resulting in a completely different sound than the week before. Groups were assembled to bridge various music scenes and to showcase the co-creations that form when unlikely musical companions of contrasting styles are set free in an open environment.

On Wednesday, November 3rd, the Best of the Mindtonic Music Series will be making a special appearance at The Grey Eagle in Asheville. The new combination of Jay Sanders, Bill Cardine and Andy Pond will be joined by special guest percussionist, River Guerguerian. The improvisational spirit of The E.Normus Trio opens the show. The show starts at 9pm. $8 Advance, $10 Door.

Collectively, Sanders, Cardine and Pond are three of the most celebrated talents in Western North Carolina. Dobro master Bill Cardine has long been a signature sound of the Biscuit Burners and was recently featured on Jerry Douglas’ tribute to Tut Taylor. Andy Pond is one of the banjo world’s best kept secret, making his sound known through the Snake Oil Medicine Show. The Porous Borders of Music was an experience that brought together the musical talents of Andy Pond and Bill Cardine and could easily describe their continued odyssey as they expand upon infinite creative horizons.

For a sneak peak at what they have to offer, check out these videos from their first show at Pisgah Brewing with Jeff Sipe sitting in: http://wp.me/pxjHY-HR.

Some of their music is also available to download at http://mindtonic.net/media/SCPS. Just right click on the link from the index page and you can save it to i-tunes.

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Formed in 2007, The E.Normus Trio is an adventurous Jazz spirit comprised of Steve Alford on alto & bass clarinet, Billy Seawell on drums, and Jay Sanders on bass. Steve Alford is the director of the jazz program at Mars Hill College and a frequent participant in the Asheville Jazz Orchestra. One of the most expressive drummers you will ever see, Billy Seawell is best known for his work with the Snake Oil Medicine Show. The essence of creativity is emphasized in collective improvisations that traverse a wide musical spectrum. The E.Normus Trio has held residencies at the Jolie Rouge and The Rocket Club, making weekly performances the stuff of legendary exploration.

For more info visit: www./mindtonic.net

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New Videos: Jay Sanders, Billy Cardine, Andy Pond & Jeff Sipe at the Pisgah Brewery

Sanders, Pond, Caradine, and Sipe at LAAFF 2010. Photo by Bright Life Photography

Jay Sanders (Bass), Bill Cardine (Dobro), Andy Pond (Banjo) and Jeff Sipe (drums) are four of the most celebrated talents in Western North Carolina. To list all of the amazing projects these four musicians have been a part of would take away from the magic that occurs when they combine their spirited efforts. The Porous Borders of Music was an experience that brought together the musical talents of Andy Pond and Bill Cardine and could easily describe their continued odyssey as they expand upon infinite creative horizons.

These videos are from the quartets first show on Sept 2nd 2010 at the Pisgah Brewery outdoor venue in Swannanoa, NC.

Sanders, Cardine, Pond and Sipe — Flyswatter

Sanders, Cardine, Pond and Sipe — Tales From The Dark Side

Sanders, Cardine, Pond and Sipe — Storms of Mecklenberg

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Asheville Skyline’s “Playing It Forward” announces Ticket Special for July 1st and 2nd!

Week of Ticket Special:
$25 general Admission; $20 Student

This Thursday and Friday, July 1 & 2, Asheville Skyline presents Playing It Forward 2010, featuring headliners Acoustic Syndicate and Col. Bruce Hampton. Music starts at 8:00 pm each evening at the Diana Wortham Theatre.

July 1st is a “jam” packed evening of music with Big Daddy Love and Velvet Truckstop setting the stage for the man some would call the “Godfather” of the southern jam sound Col. Bruce Hampton and his “Quark Alliance. While he earned his throne amongst the rockin’ royalty by the jam, with Quark Alliance he shows that he refuses to rest on his musical laurels.Perfectly illustrating one of the ideals of “Playin’ It Forward” Hampton has redefined his style touring with his bandmates Duane Trucks, Kris Dale and Perry Osborne. Bringing on tour a fusion of blues and jazz, that is uniquely Quark. The Asheville Skyline Band will then take the stage in full force “Playin’ it Forward” style. The core group of Jeff Sipe, Ike Stubblefield, Jay Sanders,  and Shane Pruitt, alone bring serious expertise to any stage, together they give an almost utopian environment for a group of lesser known (for now) talents who are bending peoples ears. The latest update of players includes : Janell Funk, Dan Smith, Dorsey Parker, Jamie Dose, Bo Henry, Brandon Fox, Tony Kennedy, Craig Sorrells, and more!

Closing out Playing It Forward 2010 on Friday, July 2 is the solid sound of Acoustic Syndicate. Formed in 1992, Acoustic Syndicate has had a long and storied career having spent well over a dozen years on the road, playing at the original Bonnaroo, MerleFest, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Memphis in May and in many other clubs, festivals and events. Known for its high-energy, positive sound, the band delivers a genre-defying performance, masterfully blending its eclectic influences with trademark finesse that only 17 years of cohesive teamwork can bring.

Opening for Acoustic Syndicate July 2nd are the Asheville-based The Honeycutters, Ash Grass Revival (Jason Flournoy, John Stickley and Billy Gilmore), and singer/songwriter Chris O’Neill. Other special guests TBA!

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NC NORML Chapter is now underway // Meeting in Asheville on Sunday, June 27th

Yes, it’s true. A statewide NC NORML Chapter is now underway (but not yet nationally certified) and we are getting together, and getting down, this Sunday, June 27th. The time for action is now, as we enter the last weeks of the legislative session where the North Carolina Medical Marijuana Act, HB 1380, is pending. Come be a part and learn how to best convey your grassroots support! Part 1 is an organizational meeting; Part 2, an awesome musical celebration!

It all starts at 7pm at the French Broad Brewery with a private organizational meeting. This group will be limited to 50 people, and we will explore ideas, such as:

• public educational events
• legal education and action
• music and arts events, festivals
• adventures in public assemblage
• documentary and film making

French Broad Brewery is opening special for us and OFFERING $3 PINTS AND DONATING $1 back to help NC NORML get 501(c)(3) status. So come on out, drink awesome local brew (as your initial donation) and throw your ideas into the mix. RSVP to Jen Foster at jnfoster@mindspring.com if you want to get involved.
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THEN…..DRUM ROLL, PLEASE…….AN AMAZING SHOW RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
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Starting around 9:30pm, the Garage will host an amazing night of music to celebrate:

Aaron "Woody" Wood, Jay Sanders, Jason Flournoy

Whenever Aaron Woody Wood, Jay Sanders, Jason Flournoy and Mike Rhodes get together, it is always Trouble.  Long time friends and musical companions, these fearless adventurers have long been an exciting and pivotal part of the Asheville music scene.  Their collective resume spans such influential groups as Acoustic Syndicate, The Blue Rags, Donna The Buffalo, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Hollywood Red and Shanti Groove just to skim the surface.  But none of the individuals have ever been bound to a singular identity.  Rather, each player has forged a unique and celebrated voice in the musical community.  You can expect to be entertained by their virtuosic skills as the four travelers embark on another epic adventure.  Just be sure to have your seat belt fastened, we wouldn’t want to lose anyone during take-off!

Closing out the evening are  The Screaming Js!  Boogie woogie baby! The Screaming Js are: Jake Hollifield,  Jason Krekel, Abe Reid, Mike Gray,  Jonathan Paul Hess, Underwood, + Special guests as announced…

Minimum $10 door to help gain 501(c)(3) status, additional contributions always welcome!

Bring yourself and ALL of your friends and be part of this historic formation of NORML in North Carolina. Spread the word.

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