Music News & Events

Upcoming on MBE and KCRW Presents

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:07:00 -0800

Upcoming Live Performances on MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC with host JASON BENTLEY

Tuesday, November 17, Forro In The Dark is based in New York, but they tap into their Brazilian roots to create hip-swiveling grooves. Their fans include KCRW favorites like David Byrne and Bebel Gilberto-- you’ll hear why on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Thursday, November 19, As a young woman, Rosanne Cash told her father Johnny she wanted to play country music. He put together a list of 100 essential songs for her to listen to and, years later, she’s put together an album highlighting her favorites. Hear it live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Tuesday, November 24, We first met Lissie at KCRW in 2007, when she came in to sing backup for Jesca Hoop. Now, she's opening for Ray LaMontagne and has just released a terrific debut EP. Hear her new songs live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Wednesday, November 25, Tune in for a special pre-Thanksgiving visit from UK production and remix team Simian Mobile Disco. They'll deliver fresh tracks from their sophomore release when they join Morning Becomes Eclectic live at 11:15am.

KCRW.COM PRESENTS

Tues, November 24, ROYKSOPP at WEBSTER HALL in NEW YORK.
Fri, December 11, FIERY FURNACES at THE MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG in NEW YORK CITY.

KCRW PRESENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Thursday, November 12, ORGONE AT ZANZIBAR.
Thursday, November 12, BURAKA SOM SISTEMA AT THE MAYAN.
Fri, November 13, BOMBA ESTEREO AT THE ECHO.
Sat, November 14, JENNY LEWIS & FRIENDS AT THE ACTOR’S GANG.
Wed, November 18, SWELL SEASON AT THE WILTERN.
Wed, November 18, ROYKSOPP AT CLUB NOKIA.
Wed, November 18, FORRO IN THE DARK at THE SOHO in Santa Barbara.
Thursday, November 19, FORRO IN THE DARK AT THE MINT.
Sat, November 21, FRIENDLY FIRES WITH THE XX AT THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA.
Fri, November 20, FAT FREDDY’S DROP AT THE ROXY. Jeremy Sole will host and deejay the evening.
Sat, November 21, BEN GIBBARD & FRIENDS AT THE ACTOR’S GANG.
Sat, November 21, PETER BJORN AND JOHN with FOOL'S GOLD AND EL PERRO DEL MAR AT CLUB NOKIA.
Mon, November 23, EL PERRO DEL MAR AT THE HOTEL CAFÉ.
Tues, November 24, LISSIE at THE BOOTLEG THEATRE.
Tues, November 24, CAFÉ TACUBA AT CLUB NOKIA.
Fri, November 27, JULIAN CASABLANCAS AT THE PALACE THEATRE.
Fri, December 4, FINK AT SPACELAND.
Sat, December 5, SARA WATKINS AND TOM BROSSEAU AT LARGO AT THE CORONET.
Fri, December 11, BAND OF SKULLS AT THE TROUBADOUR.
Sat, December 12, BRETT DENNEN AT THE WILTERN.
Sat, December 12, JOHN DOE with JILL SOBULE AT THE ACTOR’S GANG.
Wed, December 16, ZERO 7 AT THE ORPHEUM.
Fri, December 18 and Sat, December 19, OZOMATLI AT CLUB NOKIA.
Fri, January 8, SONIC YOUTH AT THE FOX THEATRE IN POMONA.
Sat, January 9, SONIC YOUTH AT THE WILTERN.
Fri, March 12, BRANDI CARLILE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES (ANAHEIM).

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Bomba Estereo on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:20:19 -0800

Bomba Estereo performing "Pa' Respirar"

Colombia’s Bomba Estereo gave us a live lesson in Cumbia this morning as part of an explosive set of dance
music. They gave us a taste of the genre in its simplest form during the interview with Jason, but the bulk of
their live performance was a mix of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with electro, dub, hip hop and more for a sound they
call "electro-tropical." Raul Campos came back from this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference raving
about the band and, around the same time, they played to huge crowds at Denmark’s prestigious Roskilde
Festival.

Check it out for yourself

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David Gray on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:42:21 -0800

David Gray performing "Fugitive"

David Gray has been a regular visitor to KCRW since before his album “White Ladder” launched him to stardom. In fact, the Welsh singer loves KCRW so much, he even dropped by for a performance on his wedding day many years ago. The multi-platinum selling artist was back today to perform songs from his latest hit record, “Draw the Line” – including the title track and other favorites like “Fugitive” and “Kathleen.” He also performed a special cover of Bob Dylan’s “Meet Me in the Morning.”

Jason asked him how he could be such an easy going guy to chat with but channel such heartbreak and cutting emotion in his songs. David replied that when playing music you get to access the “reaches of your tortured soul.” And aren’t we glad he does!

Check it out here

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Orgone on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:12:03 -0800

Orgone performing "Funky Nassau (Cover)"

Orgone brought some funky grooves to our Santa Monica studios -- a full throttle live performance despite the early morning hour, with a full horn section and Fanny Franklin on vocals. While a lot of soul/funk bands tend to sound entirely retro, Orgone seem to have created a vibe that is fresh, unique and very much influenced by Southern California. Their cover of “Funky Nassau” has been a favorite among our DJs and they managed to squeeze it in, along with a Meters’ cover, just before the end of their set.

Check it out

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Little Dragon on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:29:32 -0800

Little Dragon performing "My Step"

Last year, Little Dragon sold out their first-ever show in LA. It was at the Roxy on Sunset and packed with hardcore fans. They didn’t even have an album out at the time, but a few KCRW DJs – Mathieu Schreyer and Garth Trinidad in particular -- were giving them steady spins and word spread fast that this Gothenberg band was one to watch. Their new album is a bit more electro and fast-paced, but still maintains the experimental minimalist mix that made the first one stand out – as well as Yukimi Nagano’s vocals, which add warmth and passion to the array of sounds. I’ve heard word that the band is working with TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek on a collaboration so keep an ear out for that. Also, Jason confirmed this morning that Yukimi and fantastic Swedish musician Jose Gonzalez are in fact a romantic couple and she told us he is working on a new album. Some exciting music news!

Check out this live set from Little Dragon.

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Port O'Brien on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:58:23 -0800

Port O'Brien performing "My will is good"

Port O’Brien was one of six bands we chose to showcase at this year’s SXSW Music Conference for our official night event. They handed out pots and pans to the audience and created a warm vibe to go along with their loose folky pop, which was at times simple and other times experimental. The roots behind their music are incredibly interesting and unique. Signer Van Pierszalowski spent years working in Alaskan canneries for short stints that would allow him to earn a good chuck of money, get some inspiration, and then focus on his music for the rest of the year. He founded the band with Cambria Goodwin, from the city of the same name, and the started filling out the line up before touring with everyone from Bright Eyes to Modest Mouse. The band dropped in to play some songs from the new album and, despite a broken bass string, gave us an inspired set of music.

Watch/Listen to the full session!

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Upcoming on MBE and KCRW Presents

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:46:52 -0700

Upcoming Live Performances on MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC with host JASON BENTLEY

Monday, November 2, Pete Tong is one of the world's most recognized electronica DJs and a host on BBC Radio 1. We'll catch up on his favorite new tracks when he joins Jason Bentley to spin a song or two on Morning Becomes Eclectic in the 10 o'clock hour.

Monday, November 2, Port O'Brien earned their seafaring references the old fashioned way-- by spending summers in Alaskan canneries. The band played our SXSW showcase last year and we’re happy to welcome their on air debut on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Tuesday, November 3, Gothenberg's Little Dragon make their highly anticipated return to Los Angeles to perform at KCRW's first-ever Masquerade & Halloween Ball. They join us to play songs from their new album on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Friday, November 6, Fun and funky soul music from Fitz & The Tantrums makes breaking up sound good! The LA band will deliver a catchy set of songs for Morning Becomes Eclectic listeners at 11:15am.

Monday, November 9, If what we heard at KCRW’s free music series "Sounds Around Town" is any indication, Orgone will deliver a high energy, heavy hitting dance party to Morning Becomes Eclectic listeners at 11:15am.

Tuesday, November 10, Multi-platinum selling artist David Gray loves KCRW so much, he even dropped by for a performance on his wedding day years ago. We've had him back many times since and he joins Morning Becomes Eclectic for an intimate performance of songs from his latest release at 11:15am.

Friday, November 13, Columbian artists Bomba Estereo made a splash at this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference. They combine Afro-Caribbean rhythms with electro, dub, hip hop and more for a sound they call "electro-tropical." Hear it live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

KCRW.COM PRESENTS

Fri, October 30, ART BRUT with PRINCETON AT CAFÉ DU NORD IN SAN FRANCISCO.
Wed, November 4, LITTLE DRAGON at THE INDEPENDENT in SAN FRANCISCO.
Tues, November 24, ROYKSOPP at WEBSTER HALL in NEW YORK.
Fri, December 11, FIERY FURNACES at THE MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG in NEW YORK CITY.

KCRW PRESENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sat, October 31, KCRW's MASQUERADE: A HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL AND DANCE featuring Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Little Dragon, Sea Wolf, and KCRW DJ's spinning at LEGENDARY PARK PLAZA in DOWNTOWN, LA.
Thurs, November 5, MILTON NASCIMENTO AT THE CONGA ROOM.
Fri, November 6, FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS AT THE ECHO.
Tues, November 10, INARA GEORGE, ELENI MANDELL, FERRABY LIONHEART AT THE BOOTLEG THEATRE.
Thurs, November 12, ORGONE AT ZANZIBAR.
Thurs, November 12, BURAKA SOM SISTEMA AT THE MAYAN.
Sat, November 14, JENNY LEWIS & FRIENDS AT THE ACTOR’S GANG.
Wed, November 18, SWELL SEASON AT THE WILTERN.
Wed, November 18, ROYKSOPP AT CLUB NOKIA.
Wed, November 18, FORRO IN THE DARK at THE SOHO in Santa Barbara.
Thurs, November 19, FORRO IN THE DARK AT THE MINT.
Sat, November 21, FRIENDLY FIRES WITH THE XX AT THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA.
Fri, November 20, FAT FREDDY’S DROP AT THE ROXY.
Sat, November 21, BEN GIBBARD & FRIENDS AT THE ACTOR’S GANG.
Sat, November 21, PETER BJORN AND JOHN with FOOL'S GOLD AND EL PERRO DEL MAR AT CLUB NOKIA.
Mon, November 23, EL PERRO DEL MAR AT THE HOTEL CAFÉ.
Fri, November 27, JULIAN CASABLANCAS AT THE PALACE THEATRE.
Sat, December 5, SARA WATKINS AND TOM BROSSEAU AT LARGO AT THE CORONET.
Sat, December 12, BRETT DENNEN AT THE WILTERN.
Sat, December 12, JOHN DOE with JILL SOBULE AT THE ACTOR’S GANG.
Wed, December 16, ZERO 7 AT THE ORPHEUM.
Fri, January 8, SONIC YOUTH AT THE FOX THEATRE IN POMONA.
Sat, January 9, SONIC YOUTH AT THE WILTERN.

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Florence and the Machine on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:34:11 -0700

Florence and The Machine performing "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)"

KCRW started spinning South London crooner Florence & The Machine well before the release of her critically lauded full length album “Lungs.” I remember when Nic Harcourt first played “Dog Days Are Over” and I couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks. I must have listened to it dozens of times – a pop anthem that was strong and feisty, with a great beat. This morning, Jason Bentley called Florence’s voice a “force of nature” and we were all pretty much floored by her “instrument,” especially that early in the morning. She stood still for most of the set, breaking out some wild dance moves only for the last two songs – “You've Got The Love” and “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”. Florence hasn’t toured the U.S. much and is most definitely one to watch. Since her show tonight in LA is sold out, I highly recommend checking out this live set.

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Fool’s Gold on MBE

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:39:30 -0700

Fool's Gold performing "Surprise Hotel"

I first saw Fool’s Gold in 2006 at a Hanukah event at Three Clubs in Hollywood. Since it’s primarily a bar, not a venue, I didn’t have high expectations. But before I knew it, I was standing right up in front and staying way longer than I planned. This morning, they proved why they’ve been media darlings lately – not just here in LA where they are based, but in NYC where they conquered CMJ and elsewhere. The band’s music is best described at joyous and it certainly is danceable, combining African melodies and beats with lyrics sung in Hebrew. It’s a cultural mish mash that works on every level and they are about to launch their first major U.S. tour. Be on the lookout!

Check it out.

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Timber Timbre on MBE, Get Their CD for Free!

nobody@vox.com(KCRW Music News) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:04 -0700

Timber Timbre performing "Until The Night is Over"

Timber Timbre was the perfect live performance guest in the week leading up to Halloween. Though inspired by folk musician Neil Young and rock lords Led Zeppelin, their music is full of atmospheric eerie sounds with ghoulish lyrics. The band takes on the topic of love, but present it in a cloak of macabre beauty.

The performance was simple but powerful, with band leader/vocalist/guitarist/drummer Taylor Kirk, violist Mika Posen and lap steel player Simon Trottier. The album is just as good and you can get it for FREE right now. The band is offering it for free on their website until midnight on Octobr 31. This is a treat not a trick.

Check out the live set

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