It seems to me the Everyone Orchestra must be seen live and in person to truly understand Matt Butler’s uniquely amazing concept. Hopefully this preview gives you a small peak into what they’re about, but a thorough analysis will involve you getting your butt down to one of our favorite spots—The Blockley—this Saturday evening.
Inspiration for a totally free-form, improvisational, jam-style concert, with Butler as the conductor, was found more than a decade ago when Matt spent time in India. He was thoroughly captured by a multi-cultural open-mic where musicians and artists from around the world (that might not even speak the same language) came together to create something beautiful and communicable through music. Though the India trip helped develop the idea of bringing completely different musicians together on stage, Matt Butler is no stranger to improvisational, heavy jamming. He was the percussionist through the 1990’s for the band Jambay.
Butler brought the idea back to the San Francisco bay area and has presented his Everyone Orchestra to venues all over the US since 2001. What separates the orchestra from just about any other act you’ll find on tour is their constantly revolving cast of musicians and participants. Though some pieces of the lineup aren’t household names, heavy-hitters from The Grateful Dead, Phish, moe., The String Cheese Incident, The Flecktones, ALO, and Tea Leaf Green have graced the stage with Butler.
I’m willing to go out on a limb and say the crew that Butler assembled for the Blockley show is going to rock our damn socks off. Lead guitar duties will be taken by Furthur’s, John Kadlecik. It’s safe to say John K has been the most authentic, creative and impressive Jerry Garcia since Garcia, himself. His almost 15 year stint doing Jerry’s part in Dark Star Orchestra, before hopping on with Furthur in 2009 certainly had a lot to do with that. If John K’s lead roll on guitar doesn’t entice you to the show, maybe Umphrey McGee’s Joel Cummins’ commandment of the keys will. Tim Carbone of the beloved Newgrass band Railroad Earth will keep everyone floating with his expert violin work. John Morgan Kimock of the Steve Kimock Band will serve as percussionist for the Everyone Orchestra. Rounding out this all-star group of veteran jammers is a sexy brass section made up of TAB (Trey Anastasio Band) members Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and Natalie Cressman on trombone. With this lineup, we’re in for another funk-fueled dance party at the Blockley.
Let’s expect the unexpected at this performance. Paul Simon jam anyone? I can’t seem to get enough Phish in my life, YEM at the Blockley? With the instrumental prowess of every member of this current incarnation, we will without a doubt here some uniquely creative covers as well some on the spot improvised jams!
Don’t forget to arrive at the Blockley in time to see Washington D.C. based opener Funk Ark. These guys bring a really interesting mix of funked up world music, drawing heavily from African and Latin dance and funk music from the 60’s and 70’s. I’m looking forward to seeing these guys for the first time and stretching out my limbs before Butler and his crew rock the house. Tickets are $25 at the door, show starts at 9:00pm, and the doors open at 8:00pm!
Preview by Drew Russin
Like The Music Vibes on Facebook
Follow The Music Vibes on Twitter
©2013 The Music Vibes All Rights
Recent Comments