The Radar Screen
December 15, 2003
by Alexander Washburn

Blatant False Advertising

Karl Denson has the funk saxophone thing down. After solid records like Dance Lesson Number 2 and the D Stands for Diesel behind him as well as groundbreaking collaborations with DJ Greyboy, Denson is one of the more forward-thinking and influential sax players around today. The only thing Denson needs is a new publicist – one with a more careful eye toward the advertisements released promoting Denson’s two shows at New York City’s Irving Plaza.

Readers of the Village Voice and New York Press were pleased to read that Denson was not only playing a rare (for New York City these days) midnight set but he was going to be joined onstage by Mike D and fellow sax player, the kooked out Sherik. Perhaps Austin, Texas residents and die hard Critters Buggin’ fans know that Mike D really means vibe player Mike Dillon. But the rest of the free world and Tibet was thinking "Beastie Boys" and nowhere on the advertisement led us to believe otherwise.

Now, Mike Dillon is far from a slouch. He is one of the most energetic musicians Radar Screen has ever seen. Dillon’s adventurous musical spirit takes his shows into countless places and genres. He even did his best Mike D impression on a few hip-hop inspired jams.

The second typo on the Denson show ad was the mentioning of Sherik, who if you’ve seen him play, can never be confused with anybody else. Grooving through a long, solid set by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Radar Screen could only wonder when Sherik would grace the stage. Problem is, he never did. Hell, there wasn’t even a mention that Sherik was supposed to be in the house. Luckily for Denson, he’s well, Karl Denson – and after seeing him play live, you really can’t complain about much. However, for Christmas Karl – you might ask Santa to place a new publicist under your tree.

This Month the Radar Screen Picks Up

Townhall – The New Song. It’s only appropriate that this Philly-area band captures some of that blues and soul that made music out of the City of Brotherly Love so memorable on its impressive debut. The members of Townhall all passed up on their prestigious jazz university education to creatively make music with a passion and execution that is often not found in the indie music scene. This impressive debut has a groove and a flow like very few Radar Screen has heard all year. The five-piece band shows off its versatility on all 12 tracks. Thick funk licks can be heard on "Confusion," "Working for a New Song," and "Miss Saturday Night" where they invoke comparisons to G. Love and Special Sauce. On "The New Song" and "Tomorrow’s Lullaby" the group shows off its jazz background peppering it with Steely Dan and Latin influences.

Professor & Maryann – Runaway Favorite. Vocalist Danielle Brancaccio and guitarist Ken Rockwood are the cool seniors of Indie Music High. Sure, some younger cats are impressively doing their thing and getting all the glory. But 10 years after their debut record Fairy Tale, Professor and Maryann are still producing meaningful and moving music, still have a loyal fan base and remain in complete creative control of their music careers. For this we should all be grateful. Since the formula has been successful for 10 years there is no need for major change. Danielle still has that bluesy beautiful voice as heard on the excellent track "Every Other Minute." Runaway Favorite consistently features deeply sentimental and personal lyrics written by Ken Rockwood. This is urban folk for music lovers lucky enough to sense the depth of Professor & Maryann’s talent.

The Radar Screen Savers for 2003

Unlike the rest of the world, Radar Screen hates the annual ritual of year-end ‘Best of’ lists. They’re pointless, worthless and good only for drunken conversations in the wee-hours at your favorite watering hole. But, you notice you don’t see Radar Screen’s name in the top-slot of the 2Walls Webzine masthead, so when the missive comes from above, the missive must be followed. So, here I bring you Radar Screen’s favorite musical things for 2003. Let me just cap the ground rules for you. One, any music winners had to be a record sent directly to the 2Walls Webzine newsroom. Two, the music highlighted in those categories had to be unlike the latest Liz Phair record or Phrenology by The Roots – meaning they couldn’t suck. With that being said, here are the Radar Screen Savers for 2003.

Radar Screen Record of the Year: Lauren Fine – For the Breaking

Without a doubt, Lo Fine produced the best record Radar Screen received all year. This tender, heartfelt EP shows off Ms. Fine’s talents as a musician and lyricist. Fine crafts her songs so perfectly that she can’t be called merely a folk artist. Word on the street has Fine looking to go to Medical School. Let’s make her a star before that happens. Runners-up: Julian Velard – Nitetime and Townhall – The New Song.

Radar Screen Song of the Year: Upstairs – "Can You Find Me Someone?"

Upstairs makes a strong statement that rock and roll is still alive in case you can’t take Huey Lewis and the News’ word for it. Elements of Concrete Blond adorn this single. All the pieces fall into place and the powerful lead vocals make this track stand far out. Runners-Up: Townhall – "Confusion" and Sarah Popejoy – "Jimmy."

Radar Screen Instrumental Song of the Year: Pat Johnson – "Cottage Slide"

This guitar-based instrumental track is a joy to listen to. The relaxing melodies and its bluesy feel fit perfectly when you’re watching the snow fall on a crisp winter day. Johnson plays the slide guitar like the lost art that it is. Ever so carefully, yet forceful at times. This track is among the highlights of his record Songs from the Town Boredom Built.

Radar Screen Small Venue Show of the Year: Hot Pants Funk Sextet at Smoke

Guitarist Al Street thinks he’s playing Madison Square Garden, the way he runs around this tiny Upper West Side room playing his axe behind his back. Room size notwithstanding, it works and so does Wednesday nights at Smoke with the Hot Pants Funk Sextet. Forget for a second that there is no cover charge or shortage of hottie Columbia students. HPFS brings it to the stage every night – playing funky originals and classic covers that they pull off with ease.

Radar Screen Large Venue Show of the Year: De La Soul at the Central Park Summerstage.

De La Soul played New York City on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and gave the loyal crowd an amazing show that touched down on all that’s good with the De La hip-hop catalog. A Rolling Skating Jam Called Saturday’s held a special prominence in Central Park that afternoon. The addition of Breakastra, the LA funk, hip-hop group, as an opening act was not only a great move but also put the crowd in right frame of mind. Runners-Up: Garage a Trios at The House of Blues (LA) and Papa Grows Funk at The Bowery Ballroom (NYC).

Radar Screen Hottest Female Artist: Kaila Yu

Yeah, let’s blame this one on the editor as well for everyone knows that judging a person’s looks is so below the Radar Screen. That being said, Radar Screen did see some lookers this year. Who can forget Daniela Cotton, her fishnets and her killer cover of Black Dog? Australia’s Amy Vee is also damn easy to look at. And Lauren Fine, well, Radar Screen is so in love with her music that it makes her the prettiest girl in the world. But for pure sexuality and that ability to make you ‘stop and stare’ the conversation begins and ends with the lovely Kaila Yu. Someone this beautiful shouldn’t be this down to Earth, but Ms. Yu sure is. Kaila’s got it in other departments as well. Musically, you can see brighter days ahead of her – fore underneath it all she is a mega-talent who can sing, dance and play piano, plus she has a good heart to boot. She’s so good looking that when you’re with her other people wish they were you. For Radar Screen that never happens.

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Liner notes: Next month, Radar Screen finds out what New Year's Resolutions your favorite indie stats will break and goes on the hunt for smaller shows at smaller venues. Got a resolution to break, email Radar Screen at: radarscreen@2walls.com