My Local Top 3: 7/25/10-7/31/10

Last week was filled with head-spinning electronica and "Un-Tiss" drum-n-bass madness. Hope you kiddies didn't have too much fun, we still got a hot n' heavy August to fit in our tummies! This week we're gettin real local, so if you've been lurking in the shade for the past couple months, stick you head out and come say hi to some Boston love. Soak in the red, white, and blue for one more week friends, 'cause the sun has almost set on July!

Wednesday 7/28
Calderwood Courtyard at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Drug Rug
Tune-Yards

I've had a personal obsession with Drug Rug since their break onto the scene a couple of years ago. The Commonwealth's loveliest dose of psychedelia will be playing their last show for a while this Wednesday at the MFA. They will be playing with their full lineup which is always a plus and openers Tune-Yards are sure to please with their zany freak-folk as well.

Thursday 7/29
House of Blues Front Room, Boston, MA
Mondo Gecko

Perhaps my favorite local jamband will be playing two sets for free this Thursday at the House of Blues front room. The Gecko is making big strides lately picking up a new Gordo-esque bass player and regulating the New England festival scene. Hop aboard the Gecko-train this week and I'm sure you will have a hard time getting off. Also please note I think it's wonderful what the HoB is doing with these free local shows on week nights. I don't always agree with the way they handle some things, but this was definitely a good move and a big help for local bands!

Saturday 7/31
Royale, Boston, MA
Seu Jorge and Almaz

You remember that cool movie called The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou? You remember that Brazilian dude that sang all the Bowie covers in Portuguese? Yeah, that dude's name is Seu Jorge and he does more than just Bowie covers! He'll be at Royale on Saturday night playing songs in a different language, so come on out and get cultured! TICKET GIVEAWAY! Be the first to comment on this post with your email and your favorite thing about The Concert Buzz and win 2 free tickets to this show!




Go see some local music this week,

Perry

Perry's Pick: Mondo Gecko

Massachusetts' latest contribution to the jam scene is a five-piece funk rock outfit called Mondo Gecko. With a strong emphasis on live improvisation, the group features driving lead guitar similar to Umphrey's McGee contrasted with the funkier clavinet and keyboard lines reminiscent of Phish's Page McConnell. Also similar to Phish is Mondo Gecko's grassroots approach of playing local venues, building upon a dedicated fanbase, and involving friends and family with street team, merchandise, and touring assistance. The group has played all over the northeast and it would not be surprising if they started to tour nationally within a short period of time. Musically, Mondo Gecko is not restricted by a single genre, but rather fuses elements of rock, jazz, funk, and reggae among other musical styles to make for a live experience that covers all cylinders. Each member is well-seasoned, having played in other local groups previous to Mondo Gecko, so they all bring a unique personal style to solos as well as to the band's sound as a whole. Their story-like songwriting nicely compliments the full instrumental groove that backs them. The glue of the group is the interlocking groove of bassist Andrew Walley and drummer Aaron Morey, who together provide a catapult for guitarists Brad Garone and Luke Stratton to contribute explosive solos or share in the groove with funky rhythm licks. Weaving in and out of the guitar is keyboardist Eric McEwen who lends a whole different perspective, taking many different tones and lending a unique attitude to every song. Mondo Gecko are still getting on their feet, but thanks to a constantly loaded gigging schedule, their name is spreading like wildfire throughout the jam community. Their open taping policy has created plenty of opportunity for new listeners to hop aboard, but to get the full experience, you must get out and see these guys live.

Here's a taste of some live Mondo Gecko with the 2-part tale of "Poncho."





mondogecko.com

myspace.com/mondogeckomusic