There was a fine post that appeared here for a day but the author fell prey to self censorship lost his mind and deleted it... in the post a Man was driving a country road with a coffee listening to some great music feeling on top of the world and then later he was inching into Vancouver through a Snowstorm cursing his existence... all that was brought around to the relevance of the Supper Show.
Last night a magician went table to table doing tricks as 21 tandem repeats with drummer Sam Cartwright stomped a fine clinic. A beautiful young girl was going to play but she never showed.... and the best comment overheard was "It's all part of becoming an adult... getting your own drug dealer"
The week before the lovely Land Of Deborah sang Blue Skies and played a few of her original tunes, a fine treat indeed. the best overheard comment was from the ever quotable King Dinosaur "Yea the best thing that ever happened at Madison Square Gardens was when the 1st one burnt down".
The week before it was the night of Fire-Man, who's Super robertson Supper Show theme song finally came together with authority... i think there was beer aerobics and the best overheard comment was a man talking to Fire-Man " yea i know when i was younger and doing that sort of thing i always aspired to being an anomaly so keep up the good work"
On Saturday December 16 2006 Canada Lynx Records is celebrating the Release of 21 Tandem Repeats CD "Never Wanted to be Anyone" at the Western Front @ 303 east 8th avenue Vancouver B.C. The show starts @ 8PM and is all ages. Also playing is Interior Design and Dyad.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
November 15 re-cap
Well.. Not quite sure who reads this blog, but, if anybody does I'm sure our crew of writers are not to be accused of what WB once termed "smiley -faced PR". That said I would say that Fox Northman who opened the show was one of the best singer songwriter's that I have ever seen... It was a watch in awe moment.
Fox Northman is from a place called... Is it Hay town?... North of Calgary... And he came to Vancouver to get away from distractions and write. A Beardman who has been at the supper show for the past few months sitting quietly at the back. Being a beardman and a supper show regular he almost got called for bass duty one night and then a few weeks ago got assigned to do a set. He delivered. If you missed it then give yourself a punch in the nose now.
Ace bass player Alvaro Rojas was to miss the show because he was set to record with Microscopic... But fate had other ideas. A Storm blew in and power was knocked out so he came. So it was Shockk on drums with the regular 21TR lineup. The crew played a pretty good set although Robertson was a bit distracted by the 2 girls that decided to go top-less. Then there was the version of Hey Rocks's livingroom that had 2 bass solos and I drum solo.. The crowd was overjoyed.
After the show ace guitarist Willingdon Black began a mental chess game with S. Robertson over the upcoming 21 tandem repeats studio session mentioning that certain songs may need more thorough discussion before recording. Robertson recalled a scene from the end of Julius Ceasar's life where he played Brutus... But that's irrelevant ain't it.
Fox Northman is from a place called... Is it Hay town?... North of Calgary... And he came to Vancouver to get away from distractions and write. A Beardman who has been at the supper show for the past few months sitting quietly at the back. Being a beardman and a supper show regular he almost got called for bass duty one night and then a few weeks ago got assigned to do a set. He delivered. If you missed it then give yourself a punch in the nose now.
Ace bass player Alvaro Rojas was to miss the show because he was set to record with Microscopic... But fate had other ideas. A Storm blew in and power was knocked out so he came. So it was Shockk on drums with the regular 21TR lineup. The crew played a pretty good set although Robertson was a bit distracted by the 2 girls that decided to go top-less. Then there was the version of Hey Rocks's livingroom that had 2 bass solos and I drum solo.. The crowd was overjoyed.
After the show ace guitarist Willingdon Black began a mental chess game with S. Robertson over the upcoming 21 tandem repeats studio session mentioning that certain songs may need more thorough discussion before recording. Robertson recalled a scene from the end of Julius Ceasar's life where he played Brutus... But that's irrelevant ain't it.
Friday, November 10, 2006
November 8 re-cap
It was a strange day... S Robertson was running late and there was no parking and there was a rush set-up and the band was having trouble ordering pitchers of beer (good crowd).
21 tandem repeats, had a good night... everybody made the point of saying it was one of the best shows after the show, and since that doesn't happen every week, i'll believe it. A. Parker even noted that when its' just the regulars up there 21TR just plays the songs but when there is a table of young attractive girls at the front S. Robertson does handstands on the dance floor. He must have been referring to the cobra vs mongoose fight that Robertson (playing the mongoose and the cobra) reenacted during "Poem moment".
My favorite part was the version of On Frozen Pond where the audience did an 8 bar hand clapping solo. Yep that was it... sorry to suzan who got hit with S. Robertson's shoe when it flew off his foot when the mongoose dodged a strike from the cobra.
You should see him imitate a cat playing with a ball of yarn
21 tandem repeats, had a good night... everybody made the point of saying it was one of the best shows after the show, and since that doesn't happen every week, i'll believe it. A. Parker even noted that when its' just the regulars up there 21TR just plays the songs but when there is a table of young attractive girls at the front S. Robertson does handstands on the dance floor. He must have been referring to the cobra vs mongoose fight that Robertson (playing the mongoose and the cobra) reenacted during "Poem moment".
My favorite part was the version of On Frozen Pond where the audience did an 8 bar hand clapping solo. Yep that was it... sorry to suzan who got hit with S. Robertson's shoe when it flew off his foot when the mongoose dodged a strike from the cobra.
You should see him imitate a cat playing with a ball of yarn
Sunday, November 05, 2006
November 1 Recap
The Sugar Bush launch party was a great success, with a healthy crowd of (mostly) Supper Show newbies witnessing 21 TR at full pelt for half an hour, followed by Jenn Farrell's reading of two selections from The Book. Thanks to Super, WB, Shockk & Alvaro, the Railway, and everyone who came out.
SR crunches abs early in the set.
Kaufman! Brian from Anvil Press introduces his sensational new author.
Jenn reads. Set list: "Ditchpig" and "Only Game in Town."
As promised, cake! Served 50, and that mother was gone within minutes.
New Brunswick's The Divorcees rawked the joint afterwards.
SR crunches abs early in the set.
Kaufman! Brian from Anvil Press introduces his sensational new author.
Jenn reads. Set list: "Ditchpig" and "Only Game in Town."
As promised, cake! Served 50, and that mother was gone within minutes.
New Brunswick's The Divorcees rawked the joint afterwards.
October 18 Recap
This particular Supper Show featured a solid set from 21 TR, with Shockk on drums. S Bloggerson was in fine form, telling stories of his childhood as a street hockey-playin' Leafs fan, firing shots on net hoping that five in a row in the top corner would be the charm to enable his team to reign victorious that night. The band played "On Frozen Pond" and other hit songs.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Coming to the SR Supper Show November 1
The official launch party for Sugar Bush and Other Stories, the debut collection of short stories by Vancouver writer Jenn Farrell (aka fancylady aka Ms. Mule).
The skinny, via Anvil Press: "Sexy, funny, sad, and sweet—Sugar Bush and Other Stories is a frank debut collection of tales about sex, love, and longing. These girls and young women navigate their lives in questionable ways, making some ill-advised choices in their quests for individuality. Whether waiting tables in a factory town, skipping school to make out in the cemetery, or wandering alone on rural side roads, the girls of Sugar Bush share an appetite for destruction and an almost pathological need for acceptance and approval. Part breathless teenaged confessional, part wistful look back, Sugar Bush and Other Stories is a potent cocktail of desires thwarted and fulfilled."
Come by for readings, music and cake.
21 Tandem Repeats-related trivia: the book contains a story called "Dishpig."
Monday, October 09, 2006
October 4th re-cap
Sound-man was late, drummer had headache, Robertson was lackluster but D Trevlon saved the day.
D Trevlon, a sound-man and fine performer got things set up... Robertson ended up on a guitar and doing a version of "What's in the bag?" an old Knockin' Dog number... next thing you know we have no band as a result of the fact that we were going to play SUPERSIMIAN, and we had the weird start... Robertson and Rojas on guitar and drums respectively dogged another tune and then D Trevlon saved the night... at least somebody came to play... (it was a bizarre night with 21 tandem repeats playing the next night, so we altered our course).
So D Trevlon plays a mean guitar and his voice can really fill a room... not bad on the whistling either. he played a set and was encourage to play some more, great stuff.
Then SUPERSIMIAN took the stage and hammered their songs home, by then we were all warmed up and it was time to end the show, but this time we did the intro song at the end and it worked fine.
Remember no supper show on Wednesday October 11... we are good for the rest of the year after that.
D Trevlon, a sound-man and fine performer got things set up... Robertson ended up on a guitar and doing a version of "What's in the bag?" an old Knockin' Dog number... next thing you know we have no band as a result of the fact that we were going to play SUPERSIMIAN, and we had the weird start... Robertson and Rojas on guitar and drums respectively dogged another tune and then D Trevlon saved the night... at least somebody came to play... (it was a bizarre night with 21 tandem repeats playing the next night, so we altered our course).
So D Trevlon plays a mean guitar and his voice can really fill a room... not bad on the whistling either. he played a set and was encourage to play some more, great stuff.
Then SUPERSIMIAN took the stage and hammered their songs home, by then we were all warmed up and it was time to end the show, but this time we did the intro song at the end and it worked fine.
Remember no supper show on Wednesday October 11... we are good for the rest of the year after that.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
sept 27
The Super Robertson Supper Show is cancelled on Wednesday September 27 due to a private party at the club.
Also on October 11... while we are on the subject.
Also on October 11... while we are on the subject.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sept 20, No sour limes here
Baboon torture division put on one hell of a funny puppet show... There were aliens and an appearance from Ronald Reagan... And unfortunate visual.
21 tandem Repeats had their first promotional special... Buy the new CD "Never wanted to be anyone" get a slice of Key Lime pie. The deal was that any pie left over was going to be eaten by the Stalwart Willingdon Black, and in the end the ace guitarist went home hungry. This is good news of course, as the CD's were selling like cold pies... Or is it hot cakes!
The set saw some numbers that have been out of rotation for a while, and there was even some improvisation. A few songs were made up on the spot as the puppet booth was being constructed.
It was a good crowd, and good times were had by all.
21 tandem Repeats had their first promotional special... Buy the new CD "Never wanted to be anyone" get a slice of Key Lime pie. The deal was that any pie left over was going to be eaten by the Stalwart Willingdon Black, and in the end the ace guitarist went home hungry. This is good news of course, as the CD's were selling like cold pies... Or is it hot cakes!
The set saw some numbers that have been out of rotation for a while, and there was even some improvisation. A few songs were made up on the spot as the puppet booth was being constructed.
It was a good crowd, and good times were had by all.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Sept 13, A Smashing Night
Scene kingpin Smash came out and brought half of Vancouver with him. Most notably Carly Jepsen of Carly Ray Jepsen and Blue Morris... a beautiful young songbird who inspired Super Steve to say, "wow she is really good, and a lot easier to look at than king Dinosaur". She played one song solo and was then joined by Ali Siadat, Smash and Jeff Younger on drums, bass and guitar respectively. A proper clinic was had until somebody called it a Jam. Super Steve was showing signs of stress and said to the guy beside him "it's not a jam it's the Super Robertson Supper Show"... It was about that time Robertson shouted the same easing Steve's worries.
21TR had Shockk as a drummer and played a rocking set. During Bay City Kitty they were joined by a man named Alex on saxophone. Alex hosts a jam at the Anza Club on Thursday night and he is one king hell player.
The new 21 Tandem repeats CD made it's way around the club, and everybody was happy.
21TR had Shockk as a drummer and played a rocking set. During Bay City Kitty they were joined by a man named Alex on saxophone. Alex hosts a jam at the Anza Club on Thursday night and he is one king hell player.
The new 21 Tandem repeats CD made it's way around the club, and everybody was happy.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
September 6 Re-cap: Roadshred
There was a nearly full moon in the sky (called the moon), and I arrived late, almost halfway through the lunatically skewed orchestrations of Robertson and crew. It was Roadbed on stage playing “Bent,” making a fine sound to end what was apparently a five-song set. I thought Super was making up fresh words on the spot, but looking at the lyric sheet right now, I see that it was a verbatim reading of said number.
21 Tandem Repeats (Robertson/Rojas/Hobbs) played next, running through “Dishpig” and “Woodstock.” Rojas—ruling in a full jeansuit—filled in for the missing Mr. Black with a couple bass solos in the WB style.
Interior Design followed, but after one ambient-type selection, Shockk’s old pal/nemesis The Motorcycle Man showed up to put on a one-man thrash/death/grind metal clinic, minus his customary showboating, Vancouver dissing, vinyl tossing, and biker regalia. Such a stripped-down presentation was a bit like seeing KISS without makeup. Nevertheless, the Railway crowd “Licked It Up” with gusto.
21 Tandem Repeats (Robertson/Rojas/Hobbs) played next, running through “Dishpig” and “Woodstock.” Rojas—ruling in a full jeansuit—filled in for the missing Mr. Black with a couple bass solos in the WB style.
Interior Design followed, but after one ambient-type selection, Shockk’s old pal/nemesis The Motorcycle Man showed up to put on a one-man thrash/death/grind metal clinic, minus his customary showboating, Vancouver dissing, vinyl tossing, and biker regalia. Such a stripped-down presentation was a bit like seeing KISS without makeup. Nevertheless, the Railway crowd “Licked It Up” with gusto.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
aug 23 re-cap
I hear rumors but have nothing concrete on this show except for some spoken word with horn.
it is Aug 30th and the supper show was cancelled tonight for some festival it will also be cancelled Sept. 27th (Danny Michel) and Oct. 11 (film fest private bash).
just so we know what is going on.
SR
it is Aug 30th and the supper show was cancelled tonight for some festival it will also be cancelled Sept. 27th (Danny Michel) and Oct. 11 (film fest private bash).
just so we know what is going on.
SR
aug 16 re-cap
Yo Super
I think we did ya proud tonight, brother. Stump unplugged opened the night - me, cory curtis, kristian naso on trumpet and 2sticks. Loose and funny. Then Rowan Lipkovits played a set of accordian and vocals, with tunes by radiohead, styx (mr. roboto), and brittany spears. also very very good. then it was a bit of a jammaramma with Kristian, shockker on drums, cory on bass, and colin maskall on soprano sax. during their piece I got up and read, in random order, paragraphs from different blogs that I got off your bloggariffic blogsite thisafternoon. good, good times. next week should be equally fun.
saw the poster for the october 5th show. killer lineup. i have a timeslot request - this is 2 days after my birthday so I intend to make it my birthday party/show. can we go on after 21 tandem? i'm guessing there's the opening slot, #2 filled by 21TR, and then 3 + 4 up for grabs. I would like to allow people to drink before the stump takes the stage, but go on early enough for those with real jobs to come out and celebrate, therefore making slot #3 ideal. Possible?
Thanks for entrusting me with your wonderful show. I am honored and mildly aroused.
choke this.
JEff
I think we did ya proud tonight, brother. Stump unplugged opened the night - me, cory curtis, kristian naso on trumpet and 2sticks. Loose and funny. Then Rowan Lipkovits played a set of accordian and vocals, with tunes by radiohead, styx (mr. roboto), and brittany spears. also very very good. then it was a bit of a jammaramma with Kristian, shockker on drums, cory on bass, and colin maskall on soprano sax. during their piece I got up and read, in random order, paragraphs from different blogs that I got off your bloggariffic blogsite thisafternoon. good, good times. next week should be equally fun.
saw the poster for the october 5th show. killer lineup. i have a timeslot request - this is 2 days after my birthday so I intend to make it my birthday party/show. can we go on after 21 tandem? i'm guessing there's the opening slot, #2 filled by 21TR, and then 3 + 4 up for grabs. I would like to allow people to drink before the stump takes the stage, but go on early enough for those with real jobs to come out and celebrate, therefore making slot #3 ideal. Possible?
Thanks for entrusting me with your wonderful show. I am honored and mildly aroused.
choke this.
JEff
Friday, August 11, 2006
August 9th re-cap
Aaron Joyce could win a Supper Show gold medal at then next award ceremony for his performance this week. He was sick, but he came anyway and played all night improvising the whole way. That is the kind of spirit we need around here.
First up Sam Cartwright, Alvaro Rojas and Aaron Joyce played some jazz instrumentals and were then joined by S. Robertson the raconteaur. This was all fantastic stuff.
Then 21 tandem Repeats played with Aaron sitting in for Willingdon Black. As the old adage goes "you can never replace a talent like Willingdon Black, but if you have to you need that player to come up big"... I believe it was a certain HNIC commentator that said something like that replacing "Willingdon Black" with "Mats Sundin". Getting off topic. The band played the classic "Chawmin's head", an old Knockin' Dog number as well as some classic 21TR tunes with Alvaro calling out the changes on the fly.
It seemed like Robertson was eager to get on his vacation as he was more distracted than usual.
There was a ceremonial passing of the torch to Jeff Younger, who will host the next 2 supper shows, and as promised Robertson choked Younger in some bizarre ritual.
One day maybe Robertson will get his choking.
First up Sam Cartwright, Alvaro Rojas and Aaron Joyce played some jazz instrumentals and were then joined by S. Robertson the raconteaur. This was all fantastic stuff.
Then 21 tandem Repeats played with Aaron sitting in for Willingdon Black. As the old adage goes "you can never replace a talent like Willingdon Black, but if you have to you need that player to come up big"... I believe it was a certain HNIC commentator that said something like that replacing "Willingdon Black" with "Mats Sundin". Getting off topic. The band played the classic "Chawmin's head", an old Knockin' Dog number as well as some classic 21TR tunes with Alvaro calling out the changes on the fly.
It seemed like Robertson was eager to get on his vacation as he was more distracted than usual.
There was a ceremonial passing of the torch to Jeff Younger, who will host the next 2 supper shows, and as promised Robertson choked Younger in some bizarre ritual.
One day maybe Robertson will get his choking.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
August 2 Re-Cap
Kristian Naso, Aaron Joyce, Alvaro Rojas, two Sticks Hobbs, Willingdon Black and Super Robertson played a fine show running through the Super Robertson and friends songbook. There was also that Joni Mitchell song "Woodstock" which goes much better for them than that Gordon Lightfoot song about that shipwreck.
In the middle of wastelands, pockets told a story about how she hates this woman named "Janet" who she works with, and then Fire-Man got up and blew his horn. The show was almost over after that song and the band was able to play the last 2 numbers without Naso who escaped during the weirdness.
A stellar show.
In the middle of wastelands, pockets told a story about how she hates this woman named "Janet" who she works with, and then Fire-Man got up and blew his horn. The show was almost over after that song and the band was able to play the last 2 numbers without Naso who escaped during the weirdness.
A stellar show.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
July 26th re-cap
The marathon weekend of site updates continues with last weeks supper show review.
We started out with the Wreck of the Edmuns Fitzgerald led by King Dinosaur... a dog of a song that I will never play again.
King Dinosaur did a noble job but as some mentioned that song is fucked... I don't know what you can do... Kill some verses or speed it up. Kudos to the Rheostatics for their ability to make that song fly.
Next up Weave Cleveland, a master guitar player and a fine singer hit a few covers and an original song.
12 tandem Repeats still reeling from another slaughter at the hands of "the wreck of the E.F" started with much turbo power and perhaps took a few songs to find the groove. Apparently there was a fantastic version of "Saskatchewan" although I am still afraid to check out that tape. Simian Special came out to sing "Bent" as a duet with S. Robertson and then "Maiden" and 21TR had found their legs... Just in time to close the show with "last call".
Oh yea, there was a free emergency poncho giveaway that nobody won so S. Robertson stripped and danced and played with the sexy plastic while singing Mr. Greenie.
We started out with the Wreck of the Edmuns Fitzgerald led by King Dinosaur... a dog of a song that I will never play again.
King Dinosaur did a noble job but as some mentioned that song is fucked... I don't know what you can do... Kill some verses or speed it up. Kudos to the Rheostatics for their ability to make that song fly.
Next up Weave Cleveland, a master guitar player and a fine singer hit a few covers and an original song.
12 tandem Repeats still reeling from another slaughter at the hands of "the wreck of the E.F" started with much turbo power and perhaps took a few songs to find the groove. Apparently there was a fantastic version of "Saskatchewan" although I am still afraid to check out that tape. Simian Special came out to sing "Bent" as a duet with S. Robertson and then "Maiden" and 21TR had found their legs... Just in time to close the show with "last call".
Oh yea, there was a free emergency poncho giveaway that nobody won so S. Robertson stripped and danced and played with the sexy plastic while singing Mr. Greenie.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
July 19 re-cap
The stalwart Willingdon Black missed the show due to an "upper body injury", and Hobbs came late due to a long session in the studio.
That left Super Robertson, Alvaro Rojas and Aaron Joyce to work a bass, guitar, drums, Slide guitar and clarinet.
Fire-Man and Chris Hicks opened the show with the new Super Robertson Supper Show theme song, Rojas joining them on bass and Robertson wisely stayed off the drums. But then it was time to rip it up and rip it up they did with Fire-Man somehow staying on the stage to blow horn for the first number "Tasmania go find another sucker".
Then a Blues number with Robertson screeching his vocals in a drunken like drawl. The drums and the room fell silent and the crew performed a medley from 21 Tandem Repeats "the ocean is life" doing Ode to Hummingbirds, Ode to Sun and Visions of Milan with just bass, slide and vocals. Then they kicked her back up for the song "Mr Greenie" which was around the time the Hobbs came into the room... An overzealous Robertson exclaimed "Hobbs is in the house!" and the crowd cheered. Hobbs then strolled casually back to the bar and ordered a beer.
Well what to you know it was 8:05 time to set up for the sprint.
Out on Dunsmuir street we set up a finish line ribbon waited for a red light... about 15 people lined up and sprinted.
The gold Medal went to Dave Parchomchuk the Silver to S. Robertson and the bronze to Dustin Rilcof. Even a diving Pockets couldn't make up at the finish line. The race generated quite the interest from passers by and there was cheering for the victor.
So back to the club... Robertson sprints up and across the room and dives behind the curtain and almost knocks over Fire-Man who is helping out the jam with some horn. Then pockets and Robertson duel in stories with pockets winning that round pushing Robertson on to the clarinet to double Fire-Man's horn parts.
Then Robertson on bass, Rojas on Guitar, Joyce on slide, Hobbs on drums the band hit three ROADBED numbers Bent, Bengal Tiger (dedicated to the ailing WB) and a special request DEEP FRIED.
As far as an hour of chaos goes that was one of the good ones.
That left Super Robertson, Alvaro Rojas and Aaron Joyce to work a bass, guitar, drums, Slide guitar and clarinet.
Fire-Man and Chris Hicks opened the show with the new Super Robertson Supper Show theme song, Rojas joining them on bass and Robertson wisely stayed off the drums. But then it was time to rip it up and rip it up they did with Fire-Man somehow staying on the stage to blow horn for the first number "Tasmania go find another sucker".
Then a Blues number with Robertson screeching his vocals in a drunken like drawl. The drums and the room fell silent and the crew performed a medley from 21 Tandem Repeats "the ocean is life" doing Ode to Hummingbirds, Ode to Sun and Visions of Milan with just bass, slide and vocals. Then they kicked her back up for the song "Mr Greenie" which was around the time the Hobbs came into the room... An overzealous Robertson exclaimed "Hobbs is in the house!" and the crowd cheered. Hobbs then strolled casually back to the bar and ordered a beer.
Well what to you know it was 8:05 time to set up for the sprint.
Out on Dunsmuir street we set up a finish line ribbon waited for a red light... about 15 people lined up and sprinted.
The gold Medal went to Dave Parchomchuk the Silver to S. Robertson and the bronze to Dustin Rilcof. Even a diving Pockets couldn't make up at the finish line. The race generated quite the interest from passers by and there was cheering for the victor.
So back to the club... Robertson sprints up and across the room and dives behind the curtain and almost knocks over Fire-Man who is helping out the jam with some horn. Then pockets and Robertson duel in stories with pockets winning that round pushing Robertson on to the clarinet to double Fire-Man's horn parts.
Then Robertson on bass, Rojas on Guitar, Joyce on slide, Hobbs on drums the band hit three ROADBED numbers Bent, Bengal Tiger (dedicated to the ailing WB) and a special request DEEP FRIED.
As far as an hour of chaos goes that was one of the good ones.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Damn Skippy, If WB is having this much fun it must have been one king hell show.
We could even pretend that the show started with the number Bay City Kitty and carried on from there.
The truth is that there was a rather bad disaster at the start of the show... We can say that Super Robertson was to blame for an unfortunate incident on the drums. It is an arguable point but we can leave it at that, and a lesson has been learned.
Aaron Joyce joined 21TR with a slide guitar and it was a real treat.
Next week we sprint at 8:10 PM sharp
Peter Lolly seems to be challenging SNAPSHOT for Photo supremacy.
< http://lolley.ardist.com/photo/default.asp?ShowSub=People/Peter/Supper%20Show/>
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
July 5 re-cap
A good time was had by S. Robertson until the next morning when he was suffering from sleep deprivation.
Then you wonder why, has S Robertson just cracked a beer an begun writing in a blog at 10:40PM.
Is it because he feels some duty to the ritual of the show? Or is rather the ritual of the blog? Or is he just a confused simple son of a bitch?
Sim Special came out to sing and we attempted the Wreck of the Edmunds Fitzgerald and a few Supersimian songs.
A guy with curly hair and glasses noted that the last act was superb... Shockk on drums, W.B. on Guitar, SR on Bass, Fire-Man on horn (did i just write that!) all while Pockets and SR exchanged stories about their fathers.
I don't know what the hell I'm doing some days except for Wednesdays I go down to the Railway Club and try to continue the Super Robertson Supper Show for some strange reason or another.
Alvaro Rojas returns to the Supper Show Stage tomorrow night and I might even bring a clarinet
Then you wonder why, has S Robertson just cracked a beer an begun writing in a blog at 10:40PM.
Is it because he feels some duty to the ritual of the show? Or is rather the ritual of the blog? Or is he just a confused simple son of a bitch?
Sim Special came out to sing and we attempted the Wreck of the Edmunds Fitzgerald and a few Supersimian songs.
A guy with curly hair and glasses noted that the last act was superb... Shockk on drums, W.B. on Guitar, SR on Bass, Fire-Man on horn (did i just write that!) all while Pockets and SR exchanged stories about their fathers.
I don't know what the hell I'm doing some days except for Wednesdays I go down to the Railway Club and try to continue the Super Robertson Supper Show for some strange reason or another.
Alvaro Rojas returns to the Supper Show Stage tomorrow night and I might even bring a clarinet
Thursday, June 29, 2006
June 28 re-cap
After the show I talked to a woman named Christine, a friend of Alvaro Rojas, who said her favorite part was when Super Robertson ran laps around the room.
I asked her if we were to graph her favorite part on the y axis to the show time on the x axis, then how far would the second peak be from the top peak.
She didn't answer that question due to some reasons we can only speculate on.
Another member of the audience was intrigued by Mr. Willingdon Black and wanted to hear him sing more.
There seemed to be a lot of laughs last night so I guess all went well.
I asked her if we were to graph her favorite part on the y axis to the show time on the x axis, then how far would the second peak be from the top peak.
She didn't answer that question due to some reasons we can only speculate on.
Another member of the audience was intrigued by Mr. Willingdon Black and wanted to hear him sing more.
There seemed to be a lot of laughs last night so I guess all went well.
Monday, June 26, 2006
June-21 Re-cap
During the 21TR set 2 Fine performers "Rachel" and "Anne" came up and started dancing... then they started play fighting and ripped each others clothes off.
Other musical entertainment happened but for some reason I can't recall it.
Other musical entertainment happened but for some reason I can't recall it.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
June 14 re-cap
Well I had spent the day walking around the neighborhood with my daughter getting signatures for a petition to try to have some influence on the monstrosity of a building that is set to go in behind my building between my window and the mountains.
CT had taken some letters to city hall earlier in the day and was running late. The Oliers were also fighting for their playoff lives. I was running late and I ran into a joint getting the signatures from one of the more friendly hippie type neighbor's.
Willingdon Black was all set up and ready to go when I burst onto the scene with 10 minutes to go until show time. Now I usually ask WB "how's it going" to which he replies "adequate". I made mention a few days before about his answer to which he replied Perhaps a new question is in order. So I hit him with "So WB you been keeping with the doctrine?", a fancy new way of saying what's up... This confused Black. I had a drum kit to set up, and the game was on...Somebody asked What's happening tonight... Hell I don't know there is still 2 minutes till show time lets not rush into anything. Then Shockk showed up I made a slight joke about being glad he was there to help finish setting up the drums... He said "you are not glad to see me" ( a good leader spends time alienating his crew before a big show)
Turns out Alvaro Rojas brought a band of Mike Magnison on drums and Cory Curtis on bass and him on guitar. I told them to take the stage and went back to watch the last 8 minutes of the Oilers/ Hurricanes game. Then people came back and started harassing me for the show starting 5 minutes late and me being back at the bar not ready to do My regular intro where I speak on the mic... I have a regular intro???... Yes indeed hey there is some music I raced up to the stage asked Alvaro if they had a name or if it mattered... He said I didn't matter so I introduced them as some band from Germany that begins with the letter S and raced back to the game.
They were excellent and provided a great suspense soundtrack for the last 5 minutes of the game which ended in a tie set for overtime... I came back out and for the first time in the day had a moment to stop and enjoy life. The band was kicking it up so I decided it was time for a workout... Time for some aerobics but then the band stopped me like a bad check... Probably a good thing. Alvaro asked for the game score and they played some more.
There is a new character in the novel that is the Supper show... A long haired skinny postal worker who has nothing good to say about any band playing... He walked by and said "what the hell are you listening to this Surf shit for?". Classic!
The boys ended their set an we tried 2.5 minutes of extreme poetry... I had no disguise so I put a sweater over my head.
21 tandem repeats took the stage with Shockk on drums. We took some heckling from the folks at 1124 east 10th ave, which gives me an idea for another show.... We could have a mic in the audience and have heckle night.
Of the songs 21TR played I was Hey Rock's livingroom I didn't bother to sing the end line "never bring things to my attention I apologize" as my story about Bill and Greg took a different turn. After the show I was scolded by some audience members for missing that, which I guess means that people are listening and enjoying which is about the best news of the night.
I tried to explain how I became Super Robertson but the truth is a long and fragmented story that I could only touch upon while Black, Rojas and Shockk held it down.
Edmonton won in overtime while we were playing... I was offered an update during our set, and I tried to take the shockk approach "who cares hockey sucks we have music here"... Pockets said "but it is good news" and that little part of my heart felt some joy.
CT had taken some letters to city hall earlier in the day and was running late. The Oliers were also fighting for their playoff lives. I was running late and I ran into a joint getting the signatures from one of the more friendly hippie type neighbor's.
Willingdon Black was all set up and ready to go when I burst onto the scene with 10 minutes to go until show time. Now I usually ask WB "how's it going" to which he replies "adequate". I made mention a few days before about his answer to which he replied Perhaps a new question is in order. So I hit him with "So WB you been keeping with the doctrine?", a fancy new way of saying what's up... This confused Black. I had a drum kit to set up, and the game was on...Somebody asked What's happening tonight... Hell I don't know there is still 2 minutes till show time lets not rush into anything. Then Shockk showed up I made a slight joke about being glad he was there to help finish setting up the drums... He said "you are not glad to see me" ( a good leader spends time alienating his crew before a big show)
Turns out Alvaro Rojas brought a band of Mike Magnison on drums and Cory Curtis on bass and him on guitar. I told them to take the stage and went back to watch the last 8 minutes of the Oilers/ Hurricanes game. Then people came back and started harassing me for the show starting 5 minutes late and me being back at the bar not ready to do My regular intro where I speak on the mic... I have a regular intro???... Yes indeed hey there is some music I raced up to the stage asked Alvaro if they had a name or if it mattered... He said I didn't matter so I introduced them as some band from Germany that begins with the letter S and raced back to the game.
They were excellent and provided a great suspense soundtrack for the last 5 minutes of the game which ended in a tie set for overtime... I came back out and for the first time in the day had a moment to stop and enjoy life. The band was kicking it up so I decided it was time for a workout... Time for some aerobics but then the band stopped me like a bad check... Probably a good thing. Alvaro asked for the game score and they played some more.
There is a new character in the novel that is the Supper show... A long haired skinny postal worker who has nothing good to say about any band playing... He walked by and said "what the hell are you listening to this Surf shit for?". Classic!
The boys ended their set an we tried 2.5 minutes of extreme poetry... I had no disguise so I put a sweater over my head.
21 tandem repeats took the stage with Shockk on drums. We took some heckling from the folks at 1124 east 10th ave, which gives me an idea for another show.... We could have a mic in the audience and have heckle night.
Of the songs 21TR played I was Hey Rock's livingroom I didn't bother to sing the end line "never bring things to my attention I apologize" as my story about Bill and Greg took a different turn. After the show I was scolded by some audience members for missing that, which I guess means that people are listening and enjoying which is about the best news of the night.
I tried to explain how I became Super Robertson but the truth is a long and fragmented story that I could only touch upon while Black, Rojas and Shockk held it down.
Edmonton won in overtime while we were playing... I was offered an update during our set, and I tried to take the shockk approach "who cares hockey sucks we have music here"... Pockets said "but it is good news" and that little part of my heart felt some joy.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Shockk on drums
The may 31 2006 version of the Supper show saw Skockk on Drums.
It always shocks me when somebody says "I didn't know shockk could play drums". Listen to track 1 of last Dance @ the shockcenter, and you will hear that patented Shockk energy from those lightning fast appendages of his.
There was no special guest this week although Fire-Man did over-honk during the drum solo portion of the song "Wastelands".
21 Tandem Repeats brought out some new tunes this week and one of them saw Willingdon Black on lead vocals. I believe the song was called "Heidi Stopover", it was a groovy number with some fine black'n'blues vocal melodies.
The gracious crowd came to listen that night and at times overwhelmed the band with vigorous applause.
A fine show indeed
Earl Parrish
It always shocks me when somebody says "I didn't know shockk could play drums". Listen to track 1 of last Dance @ the shockcenter, and you will hear that patented Shockk energy from those lightning fast appendages of his.
There was no special guest this week although Fire-Man did over-honk during the drum solo portion of the song "Wastelands".
21 Tandem Repeats brought out some new tunes this week and one of them saw Willingdon Black on lead vocals. I believe the song was called "Heidi Stopover", it was a groovy number with some fine black'n'blues vocal melodies.
The gracious crowd came to listen that night and at times overwhelmed the band with vigorous applause.
A fine show indeed
Earl Parrish
Monday, May 29, 2006
Now that the show is good the blog of the show needs to be destroyed
Well Don Alder is a monster of a Guitar player for sure... That was the main lesson of the show a few weeks back.
It looks like this Bloody blog has gone to the dogs.
Last week City Wide Walkie Talkie slipped out of their rehearsal spot for a very rare appearance playing 3 songs. It was cool shit.
Roger Dean Young helped celebrate Bob Dylan's 65 Birthday by dong a Dylan number backed by the Supper Show All star band.
Black- Who almost missed the show probably wished he did when he saw 2 honking keyboards in his patented stage spot.
Roger Dean Young- Was hoping to remain low key and watch a basketball game and then sing a song but got unfortunately drawn into SR's antics.
Hobbs- Played a stalwart set on Drums.
Rojas- Continued in his quest to lengthen songs and was later met with a Knuckel sanwich.
Robertson- is slowly discovering how to keep the attention of the crowd to the great peril of 21 tandem repeats as a fine song machine.
Fire-Man- Honked the a flat horn and had a few good runs.
Jack freelance- Roasted S Robertson with some fine heckling
It looks like this Bloody blog has gone to the dogs.
Last week City Wide Walkie Talkie slipped out of their rehearsal spot for a very rare appearance playing 3 songs. It was cool shit.
Roger Dean Young helped celebrate Bob Dylan's 65 Birthday by dong a Dylan number backed by the Supper Show All star band.
Black- Who almost missed the show probably wished he did when he saw 2 honking keyboards in his patented stage spot.
Roger Dean Young- Was hoping to remain low key and watch a basketball game and then sing a song but got unfortunately drawn into SR's antics.
Hobbs- Played a stalwart set on Drums.
Rojas- Continued in his quest to lengthen songs and was later met with a Knuckel sanwich.
Robertson- is slowly discovering how to keep the attention of the crowd to the great peril of 21 tandem repeats as a fine song machine.
Fire-Man- Honked the a flat horn and had a few good runs.
Jack freelance- Roasted S Robertson with some fine heckling
Friday, May 12, 2006
May 10th Re-Cap
Cam Dilworth went over to a friends place and lost track of time and forgot to show up for his Supper show appearance. He is really sorry, he practiced and everything, he was all ready, it was going to be great.
A project called Wolf Mountain stomped down some fine noise but perhaps got thrown off a bit when S Robertson, encouraged by JLS the soundman, got on the Mic and delivered a rap about Wolf's howling for their ladies across a canyon. It was around that time that things got weird. The whole thing wound down to nothing and Robertson slipped off the stage and then Wolf Mountain left the stage.
Thank the lord Fire-Man was present with his elaborate Bugle horn. The anxious crowd was immediatly soothed with an A flat jam where Robertson issued and explanation laden apology.
In fact Robertson spent a lot of the evening running his jaw about all his yesterdays.
21 tandem Repeats just keep getting better and better with Alvaro Rojas adding a thicker, fatter and more versatile spine. Not to be outdone Willingdon Black cut into longer solo's fueling speculation that he's looking to push 21 tandem repeats to become "THE ULTIMATE JAM BAND". Robertson denies this saying "Black is no fool, He's a song man and you media jackasses are just showing your ignorance by speculating on issues like these".
A project called Wolf Mountain stomped down some fine noise but perhaps got thrown off a bit when S Robertson, encouraged by JLS the soundman, got on the Mic and delivered a rap about Wolf's howling for their ladies across a canyon. It was around that time that things got weird. The whole thing wound down to nothing and Robertson slipped off the stage and then Wolf Mountain left the stage.
Thank the lord Fire-Man was present with his elaborate Bugle horn. The anxious crowd was immediatly soothed with an A flat jam where Robertson issued and explanation laden apology.
In fact Robertson spent a lot of the evening running his jaw about all his yesterdays.
21 tandem Repeats just keep getting better and better with Alvaro Rojas adding a thicker, fatter and more versatile spine. Not to be outdone Willingdon Black cut into longer solo's fueling speculation that he's looking to push 21 tandem repeats to become "THE ULTIMATE JAM BAND". Robertson denies this saying "Black is no fool, He's a song man and you media jackasses are just showing your ignorance by speculating on issues like these".
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Coming May 10th
Cam Dilworth of the Neins circa is coming down to the Supper Show to play a show titled Artist Artisan.
The idea being that the audience will sketch him as he plays.
21 tandem repeats will stomp some tunes down as well.
So be ready to sketch
The idea being that the audience will sketch him as he plays.
21 tandem repeats will stomp some tunes down as well.
So be ready to sketch
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Last 2 weeks Supper show
You are probably wondering what happened to this here promising blog that has once again fallen to the wayside.
But no... possibly something so juicy happened that nobody had the balls to report on it.
It's true, our main man Willingdon black stole the show 2 weeks ago that would be Wednesday April 19th. opening the show alone on a unicycle Mr. Black read a hilarious story that could have been fiction but was so strange it must have been real... the crowd was in stitches. Then during the 21 tandem repeats set the band played the Classic WASTELANDS and Willingdon Black put down the guitar jumped behind the curtain and came out in a tree costume... it was then that some foxy lumberjack came up on stage and chopped him down in a scene reminiscent of X rated jello wrestling all the time Alvaro Rojas kept the bass line thumping.
On April 26 2006, Shockk sat in on drums and the Land of Deborah played a set. the big news was the arrival of the Supper show drum kit, which Super Robertson christened with a jam and a piece read by Kevin (smith).
Highlights of the set included the song "Saskatchewan"... look for it on a PODCAST coming soon.
But no... possibly something so juicy happened that nobody had the balls to report on it.
It's true, our main man Willingdon black stole the show 2 weeks ago that would be Wednesday April 19th. opening the show alone on a unicycle Mr. Black read a hilarious story that could have been fiction but was so strange it must have been real... the crowd was in stitches. Then during the 21 tandem repeats set the band played the Classic WASTELANDS and Willingdon Black put down the guitar jumped behind the curtain and came out in a tree costume... it was then that some foxy lumberjack came up on stage and chopped him down in a scene reminiscent of X rated jello wrestling all the time Alvaro Rojas kept the bass line thumping.
On April 26 2006, Shockk sat in on drums and the Land of Deborah played a set. the big news was the arrival of the Supper show drum kit, which Super Robertson christened with a jam and a piece read by Kevin (smith).
Highlights of the set included the song "Saskatchewan"... look for it on a PODCAST coming soon.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Last weeks Supper show recap
The supper show on April 12th was a fine 21 Tandem Repeats show with Chris from Baboon torture division doing an interesting take on "Sweet Home Alabama".
For the most part the show made a good live recording... ultimately it would make a fine podcast.... things to do!
The band played a varied set focusing on some new tunes and pulling out the classic "Mr. Greenie" from THE OCEAN IS LIFE.
Next week, or at least tomorrow, we will have a set from Baboon Torture Division. The guy is a true maniac who has in past supper show performances... been a flower who plucked himself to death doing "she loves me she loves me not", performed as a mime rock act and threw himself headfirst off the stage, and most recently worked the puppets for the fabulous supper show awards show.
look for another gold medal performance.
For the most part the show made a good live recording... ultimately it would make a fine podcast.... things to do!
The band played a varied set focusing on some new tunes and pulling out the classic "Mr. Greenie" from THE OCEAN IS LIFE.
Next week, or at least tomorrow, we will have a set from Baboon Torture Division. The guy is a true maniac who has in past supper show performances... been a flower who plucked himself to death doing "she loves me she loves me not", performed as a mime rock act and threw himself headfirst off the stage, and most recently worked the puppets for the fabulous supper show awards show.
look for another gold medal performance.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
The Supper Show likes you! It really likes you!
The Supper Show celebrated its first anniversary last Wednesday night with the inaugural Supper Show awards. Far from being an obsequious display of backslapping and self-puffery, the glittering spectacle honoured those whose presence, participation, and punctuality have made the Supper Show the weekly cultural phenomenon that it is every, er, week.
21 Tandem Repeats warmed up the crowd for about 20 minutes, soothing jittery nerves with numbers such as "Fuse Lit Bombs" and "Melanoma," a relatively new song that bears the unmistakable Velvet Touch of Willingdon Black.
Finally some puppets took the podium and announced the start of the award ceremony. The first award went to Mule Hughes for Best Impersonation of a Puppet. A convergence of cosmic importance occurred when The Mule finally met his puppet double and, being so moved and obviously stricken, warbled a verse of "Working Man" with the house band of Rojas/Hobbs/Black.
The awards continued in a similar vein, with appearances from the Penus Puppet, Baboon Torture Division, Shockk (who accepted awards both for himself and on behalf of Land of Deborah), CT, Andrew Parker (an upset winner for Best Horn Player), Eyes, Snapshot, King Dinosaur, Pockets, Fireman, the Railway waitrixes...basically the pantheon of the Supper Show universe.
Apologies to those who were passed over in this report. They certainly didn't lack for kudos last Wednesday. At the Super Robertson Supper Show, everyone's a winner!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
The supper show night before feeling
Somewhat afraid to disturb the flow of fine re-caps posted but disruption is what is needed on some nights.
think of a clear river flowing and then you take a stick and jab at the riverbed and watch the silt cloud up the water and flow downstream. Next thing you know a fish comes in to see what new thing might have been exposed in his world.
I'd say the jabbing was last Wednesday when the goal was to make it through the night without me playing the acoustic guitar meaning that we wouldn't play the stuff we rehearse... It was definitely a stick in the riverbed.
I didn't even have a drummer lined up yet Mule Hughes and Simian were in the house. I could have done a better job of using the talent but I think in some weird way it was some sort of a test for the 21tr crew. A chance to assess our skills and shine light on the strengths and weaknesses.
Wednesday march 22 we go back to the egg, where the biggest risk could be a few new songs that are perhaps under rehearsed... Sounds pretty comfortable.
S Robertson
think of a clear river flowing and then you take a stick and jab at the riverbed and watch the silt cloud up the water and flow downstream. Next thing you know a fish comes in to see what new thing might have been exposed in his world.
I'd say the jabbing was last Wednesday when the goal was to make it through the night without me playing the acoustic guitar meaning that we wouldn't play the stuff we rehearse... It was definitely a stick in the riverbed.
I didn't even have a drummer lined up yet Mule Hughes and Simian were in the house. I could have done a better job of using the talent but I think in some weird way it was some sort of a test for the 21tr crew. A chance to assess our skills and shine light on the strengths and weaknesses.
Wednesday march 22 we go back to the egg, where the biggest risk could be a few new songs that are perhaps under rehearsed... Sounds pretty comfortable.
S Robertson
Friday, March 17, 2006
March 15, 2006 Recap
Well...
Special Ides of March show, featuring the assassination of my ego; after playing almost weekly for a year in this venue with this group, the bar staff still have no idea that I'm in the frigging band.
Just jamming tonight. Not sure if any of it was any good.
Rob 'Mule' Hughes, just back from hanging out with Voivod in Montreal, took a welcome turn on the drums.
Then Super stripped to reveal that he was wearing a bra while the band played Iron Maiden's 'Running Free.'
ACM.
Special Ides of March show, featuring the assassination of my ego; after playing almost weekly for a year in this venue with this group, the bar staff still have no idea that I'm in the frigging band.
Just jamming tonight. Not sure if any of it was any good.
Rob 'Mule' Hughes, just back from hanging out with Voivod in Montreal, took a welcome turn on the drums.
Then Super stripped to reveal that he was wearing a bra while the band played Iron Maiden's 'Running Free.'
ACM.
Monday, March 13, 2006
March 8 Recap
Decent enough crowd. The Eric Eyes band started off, and did a creditable job.
21TR were solid. Horn jam was brief but wide ranging; even denizins of that elegant Railway backroom got a blast.
I had the rest of the week off, and was in a bouyant mood. The talk turned to puppet shows. I foolishly guaranteed Pockets that I would deliver a puppet show based on a radio play called 'Practical Alternatives,' penned by Mule Hughes and produced by the elusive JR McClelland.
I featured in it as the Mad Scientist.
Stay tuned.
ACM.
21TR were solid. Horn jam was brief but wide ranging; even denizins of that elegant Railway backroom got a blast.
I had the rest of the week off, and was in a bouyant mood. The talk turned to puppet shows. I foolishly guaranteed Pockets that I would deliver a puppet show based on a radio play called 'Practical Alternatives,' penned by Mule Hughes and produced by the elusive JR McClelland.
I featured in it as the Mad Scientist.
Stay tuned.
ACM.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
March 1, 2006 Recap
Only the hardcore Supperholics in the crowd tonight. Pity, as Super brought cream horns.
I think it was Pete Townshend who once said, after The Who had delivered a great show to a sparse crowd, "we were playing for the people who weren't there."
This is perhaps a tough but crucial step in the evolution of a band; the ability to legitimately make people feel that they may have missed something worthwhile if they don't show up.
This evening's show was a good one. I thought the band recorded some personal bests with some of the tunes, particularly the newish 'Melasoma.'
There was also a pretty good jam thrown in, featuring a smoking walking bass groove by Alvaro Rojas, with some nifty spoken word stuff by Pockets and a woman whose name I don't know. Hobbs was in top casually-killing mode, and WB had a good time for once in his life, though he was careful not to show it.
Then there was a brief but insane three-man horn jam, led by a dapper Fireman.
The evening ended with a kind of made-up-on-the-spot punk tune. Not sure what that was all about.
Anyway, I liked it.
ACM.
I think it was Pete Townshend who once said, after The Who had delivered a great show to a sparse crowd, "we were playing for the people who weren't there."
This is perhaps a tough but crucial step in the evolution of a band; the ability to legitimately make people feel that they may have missed something worthwhile if they don't show up.
This evening's show was a good one. I thought the band recorded some personal bests with some of the tunes, particularly the newish 'Melasoma.'
There was also a pretty good jam thrown in, featuring a smoking walking bass groove by Alvaro Rojas, with some nifty spoken word stuff by Pockets and a woman whose name I don't know. Hobbs was in top casually-killing mode, and WB had a good time for once in his life, though he was careful not to show it.
Then there was a brief but insane three-man horn jam, led by a dapper Fireman.
The evening ended with a kind of made-up-on-the-spot punk tune. Not sure what that was all about.
Anyway, I liked it.
ACM.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
FEB. 22nd Recap
Lots of gear on stage tonight. There were a lot of bands on the late bill, and the stage was like a Surrey pawnshop.
As for the show....where's the Mule when you need him? I'm sure he'd be able to give a pithy summary of the evening.
The thing with these kinds of blogs is that you want to be positive, but at some point it comes across as smileyfaced PR. Maybe it was just me, but there was a bit of a Team-Canada-playing-Switzerland-in-Turin vibe in the air.
21TR were drummerless, and though the formula has worked in the past, it seemed a bit laboured tonight. Shockk is pretty much indestructible in any guise, including Interior Design, which he offered up on this occasion. There was a jam at the end with A. Rojas on bass, Shockk on guitar, a Pronger-like WB on 2nd guitar, and Super on drums and vocals.
I've never been completely sold on drummers as vocalists. Ringo Starr would belt out the odd tune in the Beatlemania days, a gimmick that was reprised by Peter Criss and Kiss (although I think he generally stepped out from the kit for his balladeering). Then there was Don Henley, Triumph, and of course the guy from Night Ranger. I think Levon Helm pulled it off okay with the Band.
Of course the greatest vocal performance by a drummer took place a few years back at Cafe Du Soleil, when a black-fingernailed R. Hughes, playing in a trio called 'Restore' with Super and the Shockker, belted out his suburban anthem 'Fort' ("You couldn't find it, asshole, even if you tried!").
We could've used a bit of that tonight.
ACM.
As for the show....where's the Mule when you need him? I'm sure he'd be able to give a pithy summary of the evening.
The thing with these kinds of blogs is that you want to be positive, but at some point it comes across as smileyfaced PR. Maybe it was just me, but there was a bit of a Team-Canada-playing-Switzerland-in-Turin vibe in the air.
21TR were drummerless, and though the formula has worked in the past, it seemed a bit laboured tonight. Shockk is pretty much indestructible in any guise, including Interior Design, which he offered up on this occasion. There was a jam at the end with A. Rojas on bass, Shockk on guitar, a Pronger-like WB on 2nd guitar, and Super on drums and vocals.
I've never been completely sold on drummers as vocalists. Ringo Starr would belt out the odd tune in the Beatlemania days, a gimmick that was reprised by Peter Criss and Kiss (although I think he generally stepped out from the kit for his balladeering). Then there was Don Henley, Triumph, and of course the guy from Night Ranger. I think Levon Helm pulled it off okay with the Band.
Of course the greatest vocal performance by a drummer took place a few years back at Cafe Du Soleil, when a black-fingernailed R. Hughes, playing in a trio called 'Restore' with Super and the Shockker, belted out his suburban anthem 'Fort' ("You couldn't find it, asshole, even if you tried!").
We could've used a bit of that tonight.
ACM.
Earl Parrish recalls
It's always hard to play a show on the same day that Canada gets eliminated from the men's Olympic hockey tournament. It makes for strange feelings. The lone good thing is that we can no longer say that head coach Pat Quinn is the greatest coach in the world, which is something that has been painfully obvious for about 4 years.
Anyway this is a supper show blog... so let's get on with this dog.
Great crowd tonight
No drummer for 21tr this evening but onstage was enough gear to sink an ocean liner. A few touring bands were in town and so their gear was up on stage lined all around the perimeter. This made a more intimate environment, S Robertson brought the damn drum kit anyway... just in case.
21TR played a fine set that perhaps was a bit too quiet and somber for a large crowd of depressed hockey fans.
Next up was Interior design who also was a bit thrown off by the kayos of the day. Fortunately it is impossible for Interior design to play badly.
To finish off the night S Robertson jumped on the drums with Alvaro on bass and Willingdon Black and Shockk on Dual guitars. The moment was to expand on the concept of Dave P. you can't always be like Dave P. but every once in a while you have got to think like him. The music was fantastic... they were excellent!
One of Dave P.'s Goals is to become the I world record holder for indoor rowing. The concept being that thinking along those lines is possibly a little extreme. It's a noble cause for higher beings which is great, and it's not for everybody, but that doesn't mean you have to sit in front of the TV and eat a box of bugles.
The night ended and we all went home still a little unsure of what the hell happened that day.
Anyway this is a supper show blog... so let's get on with this dog.
Great crowd tonight
No drummer for 21tr this evening but onstage was enough gear to sink an ocean liner. A few touring bands were in town and so their gear was up on stage lined all around the perimeter. This made a more intimate environment, S Robertson brought the damn drum kit anyway... just in case.
21TR played a fine set that perhaps was a bit too quiet and somber for a large crowd of depressed hockey fans.
Next up was Interior design who also was a bit thrown off by the kayos of the day. Fortunately it is impossible for Interior design to play badly.
To finish off the night S Robertson jumped on the drums with Alvaro on bass and Willingdon Black and Shockk on Dual guitars. The moment was to expand on the concept of Dave P. you can't always be like Dave P. but every once in a while you have got to think like him. The music was fantastic... they were excellent!
One of Dave P.'s Goals is to become the I world record holder for indoor rowing. The concept being that thinking along those lines is possibly a little extreme. It's a noble cause for higher beings which is great, and it's not for everybody, but that doesn't mean you have to sit in front of the TV and eat a box of bugles.
The night ended and we all went home still a little unsure of what the hell happened that day.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Mule-Eye View
I arrived shortly after the Supper Show began last night, and the music I heard drifting down the stairwell of the Railway Club was hi-fi in the extreme. 21 Tandem Repeats' sound has really taken a leap forward now that Alvaro Rojas has joined on bass and eventually, I hope, Chapman Stick. The set featured a new song called “-----oma,” with a cool riff/refrain that definitely got under my skin, and a 21 TR version of Supersimian’s “On Frozen Pond,” a number well suited to the clear, cool weather we’ve been enjoying when we’re not inside following the Olympic exploits of our nation's hockey teams or wincing at the succession of awesome spills on the luge track.
Yes, everything seems to be falling into place for 21 TR, save for a Super-approved nickname for their new recruit. Super solicited suggestions from the audience, but come on—the guy’s name is Alvaro Rojas. How can you possibly spice up, augment, or otherwise improve on that handle, except by pronouncing it with rolled Rs in the manner of Ricardo Montalban? The name outshines even Aljoz Mulej, one of WB’s former alter-egos. Hey Super—leave that name alone!
After 21 TR’s set everyone had to scramble for the last scraps of stage time, resulting in a typical Supper Show grab bag to round off the evening. Speaking of grab bags, someone left a stack of free CDs on the bar, from which I scored a copy of A Certain Trigger by Maximo Park. You can bet I left a satisfied customer.
TRH
Yes, everything seems to be falling into place for 21 TR, save for a Super-approved nickname for their new recruit. Super solicited suggestions from the audience, but come on—the guy’s name is Alvaro Rojas. How can you possibly spice up, augment, or otherwise improve on that handle, except by pronouncing it with rolled Rs in the manner of Ricardo Montalban? The name outshines even Aljoz Mulej, one of WB’s former alter-egos. Hey Super—leave that name alone!
After 21 TR’s set everyone had to scramble for the last scraps of stage time, resulting in a typical Supper Show grab bag to round off the evening. Speaking of grab bags, someone left a stack of free CDs on the bar, from which I scored a copy of A Certain Trigger by Maximo Park. You can bet I left a satisfied customer.
TRH
Feb. 15/06 Recap
"You do look glum! What you need is a gramme of soma."
Aldous Huxley.
Soma was the imaginary drug in Aldous Huxley's 'Island.' I grew up on Huxley Avenue in Burnaby, except that it was named after the Victorian scientist Thomas Huxley, not the Bloomsbury writer Aldous Huxley. How do I know this? Because it was an English scientist neighbourhood; the next street over was Darwin, and the one after that was Halley.
And this ties into the Supper Show in that the band introduced a new tune tonight. The new song rhymes with 'soma,' but some (ie. one) band members are dissatisfied with the title, and are lobbying to have it changed.
Of course, this can be a tricky issue. I once played in a band (perhaps I still do ) for which I wrote a song called 'Reefer Girl.' The title came from an old pulp novel (one of my favorite sources for song titles), and was a tribute to a couple of people from my past. One of my musical compatriots took exception to the song's content. There was a heated discussion, but in the end I did change it, as I discovered a new pulp title ('Hotrod Sinner') that was more syllablistcally compatible with the riff.
Pause.
Super Robertson returned from California in an energetic mood, engaging the audience on various sundry matters. The set seemed decent from the stage. There was a brief interlude in which a guy named Dave delivered some stylish rapwork. Then another guy named David--better known as the Fire-Man--came up and played some horn. Then 50% of 21TR were summarily dismissed, and replaced with 33.3% of Roadbed, a.k.a. Shockk, who joined Roadbed Mk I for a version of 'Bent.'
Eric Eyes then got up on drums, and was met with an upbeat groove that caused him some angst. Deborah (landofdeborah.com), who appears on Devon Townshend's new album, as well as 21TR's new album, read the night's poem.
"..there is always soma, delicious soma, half a gramme for a half-holiday, a gramme for a week-end, two grammes for a trip to the gorgeous East, three for a dark eternity on the moon..."
And four for a bright eternity at the Supper Show.
ACM.
Aldous Huxley.
Soma was the imaginary drug in Aldous Huxley's 'Island.' I grew up on Huxley Avenue in Burnaby, except that it was named after the Victorian scientist Thomas Huxley, not the Bloomsbury writer Aldous Huxley. How do I know this? Because it was an English scientist neighbourhood; the next street over was Darwin, and the one after that was Halley.
And this ties into the Supper Show in that the band introduced a new tune tonight. The new song rhymes with 'soma,' but some (ie. one) band members are dissatisfied with the title, and are lobbying to have it changed.
Of course, this can be a tricky issue. I once played in a band (perhaps I still do ) for which I wrote a song called 'Reefer Girl.' The title came from an old pulp novel (one of my favorite sources for song titles), and was a tribute to a couple of people from my past. One of my musical compatriots took exception to the song's content. There was a heated discussion, but in the end I did change it, as I discovered a new pulp title ('Hotrod Sinner') that was more syllablistcally compatible with the riff.
Pause.
Super Robertson returned from California in an energetic mood, engaging the audience on various sundry matters. The set seemed decent from the stage. There was a brief interlude in which a guy named Dave delivered some stylish rapwork. Then another guy named David--better known as the Fire-Man--came up and played some horn. Then 50% of 21TR were summarily dismissed, and replaced with 33.3% of Roadbed, a.k.a. Shockk, who joined Roadbed Mk I for a version of 'Bent.'
Eric Eyes then got up on drums, and was met with an upbeat groove that caused him some angst. Deborah (landofdeborah.com), who appears on Devon Townshend's new album, as well as 21TR's new album, read the night's poem.
"..there is always soma, delicious soma, half a gramme for a half-holiday, a gramme for a week-end, two grammes for a trip to the gorgeous East, three for a dark eternity on the moon..."
And four for a bright eternity at the Supper Show.
ACM.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Feb. 8th Recap
No Super Robertson tonight, which meant no 21TR. Super was down in California, apparently negotiating the framework of an upcoming reality TV series.
This left the surly bastard known as Willingdon Black as host.
Things got off to an uneasy start when a young Rasputinesque man came into the Railway and asked one of the barmaids to set up the television beside the stage. Soundman JLS was drawn into the endeavor, which made the building of the pyramids look like a casual task.
With things already running late, Willingdon Black stepped in, asking that no television be watched while the Supper Show proceeded. This was received with polite tension by the bearded man, who indicated that he wanted to watch the Grammy award telecast.
Perhaps it was fortunate that Eric Eyes was not able to procure a drum kit (though he did bring a digeridoo), as it cut down on the amount of sound gear setup, and things finally got underway with a set from King Dinosaur. KD had tickets to a Canucks game, but blew off the first period so he could perform (I imagine he wished he'd skipped the game altogether; the Canucks lost to the lowly Blues). His well-received set concluded with a cartoon-illustrated version of Clapton's 'Railway Song.'
Then came Dustin Rilcoff. His voice was in good form, and he offered up some groovy tunes. Willingdon Black sat in on a couple of them.
Interior Design closed the night, establishing a blend of virtuosity and peacefulness. The perfect culmination of an evening that was not as comfortably low key as it might have been.
This left the surly bastard known as Willingdon Black as host.
Things got off to an uneasy start when a young Rasputinesque man came into the Railway and asked one of the barmaids to set up the television beside the stage. Soundman JLS was drawn into the endeavor, which made the building of the pyramids look like a casual task.
With things already running late, Willingdon Black stepped in, asking that no television be watched while the Supper Show proceeded. This was received with polite tension by the bearded man, who indicated that he wanted to watch the Grammy award telecast.
Perhaps it was fortunate that Eric Eyes was not able to procure a drum kit (though he did bring a digeridoo), as it cut down on the amount of sound gear setup, and things finally got underway with a set from King Dinosaur. KD had tickets to a Canucks game, but blew off the first period so he could perform (I imagine he wished he'd skipped the game altogether; the Canucks lost to the lowly Blues). His well-received set concluded with a cartoon-illustrated version of Clapton's 'Railway Song.'
Then came Dustin Rilcoff. His voice was in good form, and he offered up some groovy tunes. Willingdon Black sat in on a couple of them.
Interior Design closed the night, establishing a blend of virtuosity and peacefulness. The perfect culmination of an evening that was not as comfortably low key as it might have been.
Feb. 1st Recap
How about that! It looks like the title of the Jackass Has Haybreath/21TR tune 'Bay City Kitty' has similar origins to the name of Scottish pop outfit the Bay City Rollers. (I think Super suggested as much one time, but I scoffed dubiously).
According to a website called classicbands.com...
"The Bay City Rollers were a Scottish pop/rock band who began to take shape when they were known as The Saxons....
Wanting to change their name to something that sounded more 'American', they decided to stick a pin in a map of the United States to help them choose a new handle. The first attempt landed in Arkansas, but wanting something sexier, the next nearest place that appealed to them was Bay City, Michigan. The suffix 'Rollers' was added and the new name was complete."
Of course, Super Robertson penned the words to Bay City Kitty in honour of a family cat that 'bolted from the car' while the Robertson family was travelling through Michigan.
Anyway, the Jackass version contained a rather nifty bass line from Smash. I noticed that Alvaro Rojas, who once again stopped by for the first half of Supper Show, seems to have picked up on the same groove. Another one for the great minds think alike file.
Pretty decent 21TR set all around.
I seem to recall a poem moment, but I may have been daydreaming. Then Hobbs/Black/Robertson went back up.
Sim joined them for a version of 'Bill Von Bacon Tell' that was Withnailian in its utter dishevelment.
Dustin came up for a much better 'Curtain Draws.'
Then 'Last Call,' and that was it.
Dare I use the word 'consistency?'
According to a website called classicbands.com...
"The Bay City Rollers were a Scottish pop/rock band who began to take shape when they were known as The Saxons....
Wanting to change their name to something that sounded more 'American', they decided to stick a pin in a map of the United States to help them choose a new handle. The first attempt landed in Arkansas, but wanting something sexier, the next nearest place that appealed to them was Bay City, Michigan. The suffix 'Rollers' was added and the new name was complete."
Of course, Super Robertson penned the words to Bay City Kitty in honour of a family cat that 'bolted from the car' while the Robertson family was travelling through Michigan.
Anyway, the Jackass version contained a rather nifty bass line from Smash. I noticed that Alvaro Rojas, who once again stopped by for the first half of Supper Show, seems to have picked up on the same groove. Another one for the great minds think alike file.
Pretty decent 21TR set all around.
I seem to recall a poem moment, but I may have been daydreaming. Then Hobbs/Black/Robertson went back up.
Sim joined them for a version of 'Bill Von Bacon Tell' that was Withnailian in its utter dishevelment.
Dustin came up for a much better 'Curtain Draws.'
Then 'Last Call,' and that was it.
Dare I use the word 'consistency?'
Friday, January 27, 2006
Jan.25/06 Recap
"Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victorie!"
They call it the Supper Robertson Supper Show, yet there was no Haggis at the Railway diner car. One had to settle for ham and salami pizza.
Or, as Burns himself would say:
"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief and' pain,
For promis'd joy!"
For the second week in a row, 21TR kick off the proceedings. Again a good set, raised a notch when Alvaro Rojas joined the band on stage in the capacity of bass whisperer.
Then a solo accoustic set by Kingsway. Some nice tunes with a cool gritty edge to them. Neat voice...bit of a rasp to it which I liked.
Then came Pockets, ranting against a backdrop of Super on bass, ACM on guitar and Hobbs on drums playing 'Mr. Greenie.' She was joined partway through by her always inventive other half Chris, and the two of them launched into an explosive version of a tune that I believe was called 'Poop.'
And finally, a bit more 21TR (although Alvaro had left, racing crosstown to jam with one of the legendary Naso brothers). They closed with 'Last Call.'
For alchohol.
At the Railway Club.
In our city.
In Canada.
"O Whiskey! soul o' plays an' pranks!
Accept a Bardie's gratefu' thanks!"
ACM.
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victorie!"
They call it the Supper Robertson Supper Show, yet there was no Haggis at the Railway diner car. One had to settle for ham and salami pizza.
Or, as Burns himself would say:
"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief and' pain,
For promis'd joy!"
For the second week in a row, 21TR kick off the proceedings. Again a good set, raised a notch when Alvaro Rojas joined the band on stage in the capacity of bass whisperer.
Then a solo accoustic set by Kingsway. Some nice tunes with a cool gritty edge to them. Neat voice...bit of a rasp to it which I liked.
Then came Pockets, ranting against a backdrop of Super on bass, ACM on guitar and Hobbs on drums playing 'Mr. Greenie.' She was joined partway through by her always inventive other half Chris, and the two of them launched into an explosive version of a tune that I believe was called 'Poop.'
And finally, a bit more 21TR (although Alvaro had left, racing crosstown to jam with one of the legendary Naso brothers). They closed with 'Last Call.'
For alchohol.
At the Railway Club.
In our city.
In Canada.
"O Whiskey! soul o' plays an' pranks!
Accept a Bardie's gratefu' thanks!"
ACM.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
January 18/06 Recap
Getting a little behind on these things. Luckily each Suppershow is burned indelibly in my mind.
In the beginning, there was 21TR. (That reminds me of a song by the Australian hard rock band Heaven, who had a tune that featured the line "In the beginning, there was volume, and the Lord He said 'Go Bang Thy Head!")
Anway, we started the evening with 21TR, who played a decent set. Nicely-paced with some good stuff. Are we wearing out 'Hey Rock's Living Room?' Say something mathematical...say something metaphysical...each week a different 'say something.' It was the Mule who started this whole thing way back in the beginning, was it not? I'll have to start perusing the dictionary.
Then what? Oh yeah, a jam with Hobbs on drums, ACM on bass and Shockk on guitar. A lot of curtain action in this segment, with cameos by Robertson himself, as well as Pockets and Fireman. Needless to say, the jam was in F#.
Then Roadbed. It was the original lineup, featuring Hobbs on drums. Kind of like when Phil Rudd finally got back with AC/DC. 'Gibbering Fool,' 'Bent' and 'Scarbjacket.' I must say, Shockk was in serious tour-de-force mode on this occasion. I think this was the 'burned indelibly in my mind' part of the evening.
ACM.
In the beginning, there was 21TR. (That reminds me of a song by the Australian hard rock band Heaven, who had a tune that featured the line "In the beginning, there was volume, and the Lord He said 'Go Bang Thy Head!")
Anway, we started the evening with 21TR, who played a decent set. Nicely-paced with some good stuff. Are we wearing out 'Hey Rock's Living Room?' Say something mathematical...say something metaphysical...each week a different 'say something.' It was the Mule who started this whole thing way back in the beginning, was it not? I'll have to start perusing the dictionary.
Then what? Oh yeah, a jam with Hobbs on drums, ACM on bass and Shockk on guitar. A lot of curtain action in this segment, with cameos by Robertson himself, as well as Pockets and Fireman. Needless to say, the jam was in F#.
Then Roadbed. It was the original lineup, featuring Hobbs on drums. Kind of like when Phil Rudd finally got back with AC/DC. 'Gibbering Fool,' 'Bent' and 'Scarbjacket.' I must say, Shockk was in serious tour-de-force mode on this occasion. I think this was the 'burned indelibly in my mind' part of the evening.
ACM.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Jan 11th Re-cap
A good crowd this week, seemingly in a 'let's get on with 2006' kind of mood.
First up, Dustin Rilkoff, aka Jack Freelance, with a two-song set. A solid one-two accoustic punch; JF can hold his own with just a guitar on a stage better than most.
Then 21TR, stretching out a bit for a longer set than usual. Brock Pytel joined in on drums this week, and did a great job. The band pulled out some less-travelled material, like 'Last Call' and one of my own favorites, 'Bay City Kitty.' It felt pretty good...I liked the set.
Then a special treat, as my dad once said, before serving me herring for breakfast. But no, this was a real treat, a puppet show from the Baboon Torture Division. If it was breakfast it would be French Toast with your choice of syrup, jam or honey.
And then what? Oh yeah, a poem moment, featuring musical backing from Eric Eyes, Brock, ACM, and a Fireman with a plan (and a new horn, which earned kudos from R. 'Mule' Hughes, who spoke of 'genuinely horn-like sounds,' and made reference to Miles Davis).
On with the year, folks.
W. Black.
First up, Dustin Rilkoff, aka Jack Freelance, with a two-song set. A solid one-two accoustic punch; JF can hold his own with just a guitar on a stage better than most.
Then 21TR, stretching out a bit for a longer set than usual. Brock Pytel joined in on drums this week, and did a great job. The band pulled out some less-travelled material, like 'Last Call' and one of my own favorites, 'Bay City Kitty.' It felt pretty good...I liked the set.
Then a special treat, as my dad once said, before serving me herring for breakfast. But no, this was a real treat, a puppet show from the Baboon Torture Division. If it was breakfast it would be French Toast with your choice of syrup, jam or honey.
And then what? Oh yeah, a poem moment, featuring musical backing from Eric Eyes, Brock, ACM, and a Fireman with a plan (and a new horn, which earned kudos from R. 'Mule' Hughes, who spoke of 'genuinely horn-like sounds,' and made reference to Miles Davis).
On with the year, folks.
W. Black.
January 4th Re-cap
Let's see, things got rolling with 21TR. A mellow set, maybe a bit too laid back, although it picked up a bit as it went. Sim came up for some impromptu SuperSimian, which is always nice. I thought Deborah was going to come up to join us for 'Blue Skies,' but for some reason that didn't happen.
Anyway, Deborah (TheLandofDeborah.com) was up next for a great little set of her own tunes. I like Deborah's voice very much, and she is also able to craft some top notch songs; involved without being esoteric, catchy without being banal.
The next act was a jam consisting of Sim on bass, Shockk and Jeff Younger on duelling guitars (electric vs. accoustic), and Stoke ACM on bass. It seemed to be a little off the rails, until S. Robertson, evidently inspired by New Years Eve at Babalong, got up and performed one of his burlesque routines.
Thanks to all who came out, and try to catch Deborah at one of her shows around town.
W. Black.
Anyway, Deborah (TheLandofDeborah.com) was up next for a great little set of her own tunes. I like Deborah's voice very much, and she is also able to craft some top notch songs; involved without being esoteric, catchy without being banal.
The next act was a jam consisting of Sim on bass, Shockk and Jeff Younger on duelling guitars (electric vs. accoustic), and Stoke ACM on bass. It seemed to be a little off the rails, until S. Robertson, evidently inspired by New Years Eve at Babalong, got up and performed one of his burlesque routines.
Thanks to all who came out, and try to catch Deborah at one of her shows around town.
W. Black.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Resolutions
I resolve to maintain a balance between something that matters and something that does not.
I resolve to be more aggressive in keeping wooden hand made horns played by insane maniacs away from music exploring a more diverse set of note options.
I resolve to cut free from a drum kit for a while... Or at least have nights that don't always require a drum kit.
I resolve to try to make it fun for all involved.
SR
I resolve to be more aggressive in keeping wooden hand made horns played by insane maniacs away from music exploring a more diverse set of note options.
I resolve to cut free from a drum kit for a while... Or at least have nights that don't always require a drum kit.
I resolve to try to make it fun for all involved.
SR
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