Category Archives: Previews

Engine Performing in Albuquerque, Going Quieto, and Releasing ‘Fuego’ (updated 6/4 with new video links)

Engine/Quieto: Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez, Pierre Lauth-Karson, and Robin Gentien. Photo by Davide Carson.

As Gil Scott Heron told us, the revolution will not be televised, but if the Franco-Argentinian trio Engine has its way, it will be danced. This coming Thursday, May 5, and Saturday, May 7, the trio—Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez (vocals, acoustic guitar), Robin Gentien (vocals, electric guitar, percussion), and Pierre Lauth-Karson (vocals, harmonica, keyboard, percussion)—will make their final U.S. performances at Fusion’s 708 performance space and Tumbleroot Brewery, respectively, before heading to Paris. There, they will kick off the summer season with a CD release concert for their forthcoming album, Fuego, which they will release under the band’s new name, Quieto.

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En la lucha with Omar Sosa, Seckou Keita, and Gustavo Ovalles—at the Outpost

Suba Trio dancing in Paris (l2r): Omar Sosa, Seckou Keita, Gustavo Ovalles

The Suba Trio—Omar Sosa from Cuba (keyboards), Seckou Keita from Senegal (kora), and Gustavo Ovalles from Venezuela (percussion)—rolls into the Outpost for a two-night stand, riding on the wings of their second and profoundly beautiful album, Suba, the word for “dawn” in Keita’s native Mandinka language. They are on a mission.

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In Common III Delivers Uncommonly Good Jazz

In Common III crew: Kris Davis, Terri Lyne Carrington, Matthew Stevens, Walter Smith III, Dave Holland

With a rhythm section of Kris Davis (piano), Dave Holland (bass), and Terri Lyne Carrington (drums), chances are good that the music will be satisfying. Top that off with the playing and composition skills of the two leaders of the In Common quintet, saxophonist Walter Smith III and guitarist Matthew Stevens, and you’ve got something a lot more than good.

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Club d’Elf’s Stunning Video Single Previews New Album

The Club d’Elf core (l2r): Mister Rourke, Dean Johnston, Mike Rivard, Paul Schultheis, Brahim Fribgane.
Photo by Mark Wilson.

Club d’Elf, an ever-changing musical collective led by head elf Mike Rivard, has released an inspired video single, “Dervish Dance,” to preview its forthcoming album, You Never Know (available April 1). The video features sand artist Kseniya Simonova, whose spellbinding creation captures the essence of the tune and your imagination.

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‘On the Road with Aretha’ Raises Money for Kids with Live Music Performances and a Very Talented Canine

Aretha on the set in Albuquerque

Producer John Nichols is deeply passionate about (at least) three things: live music; raising money for New Day Youth and Family Services; and his dog, Aretha. Clever guy that he is, he’s found a way to combine all three. In February, the four-part series On the Road with Aretha, 10th Annual New Day Benefit will stream video of live performances featuring local artists in five cities—Albuquerque/Tucson, Austin, New Orleans, and Nashville. Music fans can enjoy terrific music and the sterling personality of canine hostess Aretha—voiced by vocalist Hillary Smith, a soulful force of nature—while helping young people in difficult straits.

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