Michael Gregory Jackson Trio 9/26/14 Firehouse 12

Hamden native transplanted to coastal Maine Jackson on guitar/electronics, Keith Whitty bass electronics, and Kenwood Danard on drums played mostly original angular jazz compositions. Leader Jackson had some trouble with his "electronics" that detracted from the momentum of the set. Whitty's effects on standup bass lent a funky bottom to many songs. Danard, dressed in a Sun Ra-style poncho kept perfect time. Jackson seemed like a demanding bandleader judging from his glances towards bandmates during improv. Closed his lengthy set with a nice rendition of A Change Is Gonna Come.

Charlie Hunter/Scott Amendola 9/25/14 Cafe 9

Hunter's custom 8-string guitar with fan-like frets allows him to comfortably play bass and lead on the same instrument. While difficult to discern on record, this unique dexterity is fantastic to watch. Hunter is a music scholar and played groove-alicious takes on many genres. His screwed down or up tempo versions of popular hits and old timey ballads made for great listening. Amendola on drums was the perfect companion. Long time pals, the tightness of interplay was awesome. Two full sets and light-hearted crowd banter showed a more comfortable Hunter than my last viewing. The first set was dominated by a Cars medley, while the second set boasted I Want You Back, Come On In My Kitchen, and closed with I Ain't Got Nobody. I'm convinced Hunter could play the Oscar Mayer Weiner song and make it groove-ly palatable.

Califone w/ S. Carey Spaceland 9/5/12

Couldn't pass up this excellent double bill. S. Carey is percussion/keys for Bon Iver. BI is on top of the moody woodshed indie foodchain, it was interesting to see S. Carey perform for a small crowd. Kind of like Tortoise with Bon Iver-y vocals, the band was tight. It would have been nice to discern the vocals. They had a great song where Carey and another drummer/keys had a duel.
I love Califone. Tim Rutilli, bandleader and guitar/keys is one of the most uncompromising artists I know. Rutilli and dueling guy/girl drummers were the only members from last viewing. Lead guitar and bass were newcomers. Washes of sound with Wilco-like vocals, Califone ebbs and flows. Rutilli smiling as guitar leads and drum licks filled the room, said he moved from Chicago (too mean) to Hollywood where he "lives around the corner from Ernest Borgnine" which was odd cuz he's Hamdens own and has been dead for years. Seems their van ran over a raccoon on the ride and Tim seemed convinced that the raccoon soul invaded his amp and had to cut one song short. True artist.