- Photo courtesy of the artist
- Steve Kimock plays the Mateel Community Center on Saturday, March 6 at 8 p.m.
Steve Kimock, no stranger to Humboldt County, returns this week to share new songs from his upcoming release, Last Danger of Frost. Frost is not yet firmly behind us here, and the tone of Kimock's guitar sounds at times crystalline and icy, but never cold. Some of the acoustic tracks off of the instrumental album recall the warmth of the have-been and the soon-to-be spring and summer months. Known as a master of the jam band scene, Kimock never feels like he's straying too far out beyond the point of no return on the album. There are plenty of moments of wandering throughout, but rarely do the songs invoke a sense of being lost; rather, they let the unknown path gently unfold before us.
Kimock, a veteran of the California psychedelic scene, has had the honor of playing with much of the extended Dead family, including Bobby and Phil, Bruce Hornsby and the Godchauxs. His offering to Humboldt (more below) will be "more acoustic, contemplative, ambient and electronic" than some of his previous work, but that easily fits into the local sonic landscape. With joyful meanderings that align with the introspection and wonder that come with the winter months, there is also plenty of light-hearted humor that weaves its way into many of these songs. In "The Artist Dies and Goes to Hell," a short guitar tune is eventually overtaken and drowned out by the sound of chatter we're all too familiar with from live concerts. The guitar persists, but eventually yields to the sounds of the crowd, something you'll hopefully be spared from when Kimock performs in Redway. Soon to be released, Last Danger of Frost comes to us right before the Vernal Equinox, a reminder that although the season's change is upon us, the frost is never far behind.
Thursday
You can ease into the weekend at the Clam Beach Tavern with BLAZZ, which I'm told is comprised of Frank Anderson and Mark Jenny playing "blues, jazz and originals." Show starts around 8 p.m. and it's free.
Been worried about "the Bern?" Maybe it's time to forget that revolt: Rebelution brings its Isla Vista reggae sounds to HSU's West Gym at 8 p.m. as well. HSU students need only $25 to get in, everyone else $30.
Friday
Local gypsy jazz band La Musique Diabolique is releasing a new album at Arcata venue The Sanctuary at 8 p.m. Comprised of guitarists Dan Fair and Kris Lang, violinist Michael Donovan, accordionist Issa Stemler and bassist Brian Hennesy, the group will delight you with their modern take on old-world sounds. I had a chance to listen to some of their new recordings — including a Britney Spears cover, which I can only imagine I prefer to the original — and it is clear you're in for a treat. Support local musicians daring enough to still release albums in this oft-bleak digital age. Sliding scale starts at $5, but they'll take up to $20 of your generosity.
Releasing an album of their own less than a year ago, The Cave Singers will deliver their brand of Seattle indie-folk at Humboldt Brews. Current Swell joins the Singers tonight at 9 p.m. doing its Canadian folk-rock thing. $15 ticket price for these two out-of-towners.
A couple blocks away, at the Arcata Theatre Lounge, you'll find live electronic music from Worthy of S.F. and locals (and Deep Groove alum) Marjo Lak, JSun, The Middle Agent and Joe-E. 9 p.m. show time, $20.
Saturday
It's Arts Alive!, which means you'll find plenty of free music on the streets of Eureka. If you head (or stay) farther south, you'll catch above-mentioned psychedelic guitarist Steve Kimock with his self-surnamed group at The Mateel in Redway. Rounding out his band for this effort is his son, drummer and multi-instrumentalist John Morgan Kimock (who also plays with Phish), Steve's longtime bass player Bobby Vega and special guest Leslie Mendelson. Bring $30 to noodle and sway starting at 8 p.m.
For a different sound, stay (or head) north from some "progressive punk" from Ponykiller and some "punk rock 'n' roll" from locals Dead Drift who'll be rockin' it at The Alibi. You know the Alibi drill, showtime at 11 p.m. and only $5 to enter.
Sunday
Another Canuck is in our fair land, this time from Toronto. With more than 30 years since her first release, Jane Siberry is "one of contemporary music's most creative and innovative artists," says a press release. Her list of collaborators includes Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris, Joe Jackson and The Indigo Girls. Not bad, says I. Her latest release, Ulysses's Purse, just came out, so expect new songs during her stop in our neck of the woods. 8 p.m., $20.
Wednesday
A trio of out-of-town bands visits The Sanctuary. In support of 2015's Ivy Tripp, Waxahatchee (Katie Crutchfield) brings an introspective and confessional touch to pop songwriting. Briana Marela adds her siren's call to the show with "celestial layers of shifty synths" and harmonies. For bonus points, the Washington native traveled to Iceland to record with Alex Somers of Sigur Ros fame, so that's something. Rounding out the bill is dreamy psych-folk from Olympia's Globelamp. 7 p.m. start time and $15 for this all ages show.
At the Van Duzer Theater is a fellow who I've heard great things about, but whose music I've yet to become familiar with. Jose Gonzalez comes to our fair land with New York City-based classical chamber sextet yMusic. Having performed together once before at the Lincoln Center, the combo joins forces again for a special set at 8 p.m. Again, HSU students get the deal at $22, with the rest of us paying $46.
Full show listings in the Journal's Music and More grid, the Calendar and online. Bands and promoters, send your gig info, preferably with a high-res photo or two, to music@northcoastjournal.com.
Andy Powell is a congenital music lover and hosts The Night Show on KWPT 100.3 FM weeknights at 6 p.m. Stay frosty.
About The Author
Andy Powell
Andy Powell is a congenital music lover and hosts The Album of the Week Show on KWPT 100.3 FM Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
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