Iowa debut | With their fourth
album, Shine Your Face, Toronto’s Mr. Something Something continue
to gain international recognition for their unique blend of Afrobeat, jazz
and pop. Their irresistible rhythms and interactive live shows have long
served as a vehicle for social justice and environmental activism, and in
2009, the band is taking audience participation to new levels with its
SoundCycle — Canada’s first bicycle-powered sound system. This is power to
the people, by the people.
Penguin Eggs Magazine raves about the band’s new release, “The opening
track serves immediate notice that this is something fresh and impossibly
involving, its complex rhythms giving way to a phenomenally stimulating
listen. From a first listen, it grabs you with its busy rhythmic pulse and
stop-on-a-dime horn section … This infectious five-piece grafts each
sensational track together with smart pop hooks held in place by a gifted
and extraordinary singer in Johan Hultqvist — adding accessibility to what
is otherwise a high-torque melding of funk, jazz and Afrobeat.”
Mr. Something Something represents six years of composing, performing and
ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves
(drums/percussion) and John MacLean (saxophone/voice). Twenty years of
playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends
settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and
Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would
ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.
Western instruments and concepts of improvisation are explored and layered
over what used to be called Afrobeat; but the term strains to contain the
innovations happening in the rhythm section at every show. It also fails
to express in fiery-enough terms the imaginative solo work of respected
jazz guitarist Paul MacDougall. Liam Smith dependably delivers basslines
designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. And there is
always inspiration to be drawn from mesmerizing on-stage
dancer/choreographer Jennifer Dallas. The horn section strikes with power
and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is
the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately
delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist.
Over the last four years the band has toured relentlessly in Canada,
playing more than 450 shows, including appearances at most major jazz
festivals and many folk festivals from coast to coast. Aside from wildly
energized and unpredictable live shows, the band is becoming increasingly
well-known for its green politics and environmental activism. The group
did a number of “eco-dates” in 2007, playing a wind-powered show and
performing in such unconventional venues as organic farms and food co-ops
to highlight communities that are trying to minimize their ecological
footprints. And in September 2008, Mr. Something Something made headlines
by organizing Canada’s first bicycle-powered concert. “It is our intent to
educate ourselves to a better and more sustainable lifestyle,” says
Hultqvist. “Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.
Sat Oct 10
| 8 pm CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids
$15 + fee in advance | $18 at the door
