Notes

by Jamie Manser

Long time fans of this music scene have said for years that Tucson has the potential to become another Austin.

The wealth of talent in a small community is mind-blowing at times, but has the cyclical nature of life and isn’t always consistent. In recent years, however, I can’t remember the last time I was in want of seeing a top-notch act – or at least a fun party band. The tight nit community has been solidifying and expanding Tucson’s national and worldwide music presence with its support of one another and people are taking notice.

Director Michael Toubassi, LA-based UA alumnus, has spent the last two years filming the music scene for his documentary “High and Dry: Where The Desert Meets Rock and Roll.” Being released by Toubassi’s non-profit Upstairs Film, they hope to premier it next March or September, “depending on the festival circuit,” he said.

The company submitted the film to Austin’s annual South By Southwest Interactive, Film and Music Festival and as of press time, the trailer will be available online by December 3 at www.HighandDryMovie.com.

Another “We’re big in Europe, or at least Germany,” Tucson band Greyhound Soul shot a video in November to their song “Rain” off of their 2002 release “Down.”

KVOA cameraman Kean Bauman filmed it at the old Arizona Ice and Cold Storage building (17th and Mill Street) and plans to have it done by Christmas.

Bassist Duane Hollis said the footage is for “promo material and for a future release as bonus material for a European DVD live concert T.V. show we did in Bonn, Germany. I’m not sure when this is going to happen, maybe 2004?” German label Line Music is releasing the DVD.

They are a good band and it’s cool to see their increasing success over the years, as well as witness the part they’ve played in shaping Tucson’s great scene. They have a knack for getting opening acts that you go early to see and have helped launched bands like Truck and Fourkiller Flats.

In keeping with their style, GHS has Tempe-based Dead Hot Workshop opening the Saturday, December 19 Plush show. DHW is another group that forces you to push everything back an hour so as to make it by 9:30pm and not miss one note. I saw these guys in Jerome in July and was blown away. They have that Tempe desert-pop-rock sound in all its hooky and melodic glory with poignant lyrics that drive the vivid imagery of the songs. Read Bob Mehr’s story “Not Dead, Just Hot” at www.hotbands.com/reviews/2000/03-08-2000.htm and be sure to hit Plush and give them a big Tucson welcome back hug, as they haven’t played the Old Pueblo in over four years.

World-renowned composer/saxophonist /poet and Guggenheim Fellow Oliver Lake and his Steel Quartet return to the Old Pueblo and are playing three indoor shows at Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant on December 5 and 6. Call 622-7984 for ticket information. Prior to these performances, Mr. Lake will be conducting ten workshops in seven Tucson schools from December 1-4. These workshops and school concerts are part of The Transcendence Initiative: Dedicated to the Artistry & Spirit of John Coltrane, a project of Outward Visions, Inc.

Venue Updates

Elegant establishment Samaniego Place, 220 S. Church Ave., has opened the restaurant for dinner upon receiving their liquor license and hosts veteran jazz pianist Larry Redhouse on Friday evenings. On Friday, December 5, Redhouse’s CD release party starts at 7:00pm. Ticket price includes the CD and is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 623-0313 for more information.

This month, Heart Five re-opened its kitchen and will be serving Chef Joseph Sotomayor’s gourmet hors d’oeuvres during happy hour. The $5 cost will cover such appetizers as smoked scallops wrapped in prosciutto and mussels steamed in white wine tomato broth.