www.treasureislandfestival.com
www.myspace.com/treasureislandfestival

Day 2 of the Treasure Island Music Festival offered a line-up of mostly folk and indie rock bands, contrasting the electronica-centric acts from Day 1. Here are more pics from my mobile phone. On the Festival overall, I just have four words:

It.

Was.

Awesome.

Lollipop.

(Update: My Performer Magazine review describes it in a few more words than four.)

Riding over for Day 2.

The smooth sounds of Or, the Whale.

Berkeley’s The Morning Benders prepare for their set.

Monster looking at human.

Monster gnawing at human.

Everyone loves Okkervil River.

Yarn feeling art… or something.

Art by David Best. Reflection by me.

The backsides of The Raconteurs as they watch Fleet Foxes.

Lawn art.

The Dodos playing at the Tunnel Stage

Dance, dance!

Dude in a wing sculpture.

I don’t remember who this is…

Festival grounds.

I don’t remember who this is either…

Ferris wheel.

The Bridge Stage near sunset.

Ferris wheel at night means happy sexy kissy time.

This is what The Raconteurs would look like if you were drunk and far away and a camera phone.

Now check out my full review as published in Performer Magazine!

www.treasureislandfestival.com
www.myspace.com/treasureislandfestival

Like most things handed down to me from my ex, the only digital camera I owned quickly crapped itself into a fan. Still, I succeeded in capturing a few images with my mobile phone. Hopefully, they convey the energy evident at the TIMF.

I’m also too lazy to write about things multiple times, so you’ll just have to read my TIMF review once it’s published in Performer Magazine… (And check out Day 2!)

Early shuttle to the Island.

The Bridge Stage before the prepubescent hipsters showed up.

Everyone prefers my glittery green “Press” band to the prismatic “Vendor” band. I’m so pretty…

The Frail puts on a fantastic opening set. They were supposed to gig with us at Minna in Feb, but cut out for a very understandable reason.

Wheeeeee!

Aesop Rock brings the best from the East to the West.

One of many flamboyantly dressed attendees.

Pirates on stilts!

Colorific crowd…

Fantastic SF DJ, Mike Relm, gears up for his set on the Tunnel Stage.

Ferris wheel at sunset.

That minuscule blur is TV on the Radio.

I love this picture. Hula girl against the SF skyline.

Oakland Bay Bridge on the way back home…

www.teaforjulie.net
www.myspace.com/teaforjulie

Tea for Julie – The Sense in Tying Knots
Produced by Ken Erlick
Engineered by Rob Bartleson
Recorded and mixed at Supernatural Sound and Haywire Recording

Portland’s Tea for Julie follows its 2005 debut, Division, with The Sense in Tying Knots. The band’s new release reflects an eclectic blend of influences, from alternative rock to dance pop, and features nicely distorted guitar twang over acoustic guitars, bass and, as termed by the band, “other noises.” It glows with warmth best described as a long series of sweet spots – the timbre of its individual parts pop and shine with a vibrant richness. Combined with introspective lyrics and clever production, The Sense in Tying Knots plays like an experience rather than simply a collection of songs.

“Tying Knots,” the first song on the record, showcases lead singer Michael Deresh’s multifaceted vocals. Nimble but smooth, they quickly jump from a warm verse to a more energetic chorus. There’s a shimmer to the track that’s evident throughout the album. “Get Home,” a more poignant song, utilizes this shimmer in a darker way. The brightness of the verse contrasts noticeably with a melodic descent at the end of the chorus where the music moves into more somber territory. The album closes with “Day & Age,” a piano and vocals number that falls slightly under a minute. Although short, the lyrics still surprisingly feature all the meaningful heft so prominent on the album: “People loved for their faces instead of their glories / Special effects instead of a story / As for time, we’ve been cheated by our day / We’d turn it back if there’s a way.”

Tea for Julie’s strength is in developing a profound musical adventure in the guise of upbeat rock songs. They’ll make you think without bringing you down, and you may even end up dancing along in the process. With The Sense in Tying Knots, the band successfully reveals a world where it’s just the songs and you, a sweet spot that makes Tea for Julie a tea for two. (Self-released)

www.teaforjulie.net

-Keane Li (more…)

www.russpettit.com

Russ Pettit – The Endless Journey
Recorded, mixed and produced by Russ Pettit and Haroun Serang
Mastered by Haroun Serang

After years of teaching and claiming critical reviews, Bay Area guitarist Russ Pettit finally shares his experiences on his debut album, The Endless Journey. Many listeners will find familiarity in the album’s overall sound, as it fits nicely in the guitar instrumental genre, and especially since Pettit once studied under the legendary Satriani. However, what Pettit adds to the scene is his unique vision of things — a wisdom clearly evident in his work.

Pettit quickly bounds over that which plagues guitar instrumentals most: repetition. Each of his tracks varies not only in emotive qualities, but also in genre. After opening with the multi-textured “Wayward Bound,” he quickly leads into an instrumental rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” Pettit adds his own frenetic flair atop Page’s signature riff with extraordinary fluency. He then quickly flips things around on the following track, “Aidan,” where he swaps his electric for a genteel acoustic. His use of arpeggios gives the piece a classical feel that’s a hypnotic blend of light and dark sounds. The track works well without supporting instruments as Pettit actively engages the listener with a moving bass line. On “Family,” he opens with a warm blues introduction before leading into a series of sweeps, rakes and pinch harmonics over an epic selection of chord changes. Much like an actual family, the piece runs the gamut of human emotion from lowly quiet moments to exhilarating highs, and exhibits Pettit’s remarkable capabilities as a musician.

Russ Pettit will no doubt grow as a recurring name in the guitar instrumental universe; endorsed by Hamer Guitars and Freda Cabs, his credibility is already set. But unlike many guitarists, Pettit brings a certain maturity with this release, a grand perspective that only his endless journey can offer. (Self-released)

www.russpettit.com

-Keane Li (more…)