St. Louis music news
Rough Shop will release their official debut, Far Past the Outskirts, at the Focal Point on Dec. 17. Canny attendees will have a chance to obtain that much-anticipated disc before it streets in January. “All members of Rough Shop will be at the Rough Shop CD release party,” the band’s John Wendland observes with characteristically understated humor. “What a concept!”
“I have the honor of beginning the morning with what we fondly call ‘Cosmic Percussion,’” beatmeister Robert Fishbone relates of World Peace Day, scheduled to start at Central Reform Congregation on Dec. 31 at (gulp!) 6 a.m. The five- to ten-minute piece involves gongs, Bundt pans, a turtle shell, and other uncommon percussive instruments. “No time signature, just an ever-evolving series of waves whose purpose is to wash over those assembled and provide an opening to what follows,” Fishbone tells us, “which is spoken word, songs, and prayers from some very talented folks. A nice way to begin the end of the year.”
A new bassist is playing with rockers Essence of Logic: Drew Franklin. “Drew hails from U. City,” frontman Jeff Nations notes, “and has seen local success with Core Project, the Collective, and several local cover bands.” Also according to Nations, upcoming for Franklin and his new bandmates are a Dec. 22 gig at the Phoenix and a January slot in the Ticketmaster New Music Spotlight at the Pageant.
Ken McCray (ex–Riddle of Steel) has officially joined Shame Club. The band will be on tour again and recording new material for a third CD starting in 2006.
Minutes to Midnight will be releasing a new CD shortly, as will Miles of Wire.
The Gentleman Callers have parted ways with organ player Mike Young; however, they have been writing and rehearsing with organ/electric piano player Seth Porter. Their debut CD, Don’t Say What It Is, is out now.
Bitch Slap Barbie tracks “Change of Power” and “Wishful Thinking”—from the upcoming EP Latex Sex Monkeys—are available at www.myspace.com/bitchslapbarbie.
Former Stir, Gravity Kills, and Apartment 26 drummer-turned-record producer Brad Booker has landed several of his self-produced songs on MTV’s new series, Score, hosted by Ryan Cabrera. Meanwhile Booker’s St. Louis–based production company, Bookermusic Inc., continues to produce local acts. www.bookermusic.com
St. Louis–based Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Blues Band have advanced to the semifinals of the International Blues Competition to be held in Memphis Jan. 26–28.
Andy Conrad & the Bellheads will be donating all the money received from the sales of the disc Everyday Peepholes to the local St. Louis chapter of Dream Factory, a nonprofit organization granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses To learn more, visit www.stldreamfactory.org.
After nearly five years of steady writing, recording, and performing, EKe has decided to call it quits.
Former SevenStar bassist Jaclyn Mayer has been invited to complete the new lineup for Movie Star Kiss out in L.A. Wish her well as she ventures out to Cali at the end of December. MSK’s new CD, Starting Over, is now available on iTunes. www.moviestarkiss.com
St. Louis/Greenville, Ill.–based David Wise of The Wisemanagement Company recently negotiated singer/songwriter Caleb Engstrom’s signing to Texas label Right Place Records (www.rightplace.tv). Another band Wise represents, Berry, has also recently been signed by the label.
Spaide’s lead single “Always” has been picking up quality spins at KATZ’s 100. 3 The Beat in recent weeks. An accompanying video for the single will be released before the year is out, as will Spaide’s new album, This Herre City.
Die Symphony has uncovered an assortment of unreleased songs and home-brewed demo versions. This collection of rare tracks will only be available online as a digital-download on Apple’s iTunes, Napster, MSN Music, or your favorite download store.
Lapush taped a performance for Last Call With Carson Daly Nov 23. The show will air Friday, Dec. 2 on NBC. The band’s next St. Louis show is Dec. 16 at the Creepy Crawl. www.lapush.net
Glow’s CD release party for their new disc, The Years, will be at the Hi-Pointe Dec. 14.
Spring Clock Wonder will soon be releasing a collection of demos in album form. Check out four of the cuts at www.myspace.com/springclockwonder. SCW also has music in Demonica, Soul Huntress, a film being released early December.
Family Jewels, the new Lord Baltimore disc, is finally here. www.lordbaltimoresucks.com
The Sheldon Art Galleries presents “Wallace Herndon Smith,” a selection of over 30 paintings and watercolor drawings by the St. Louis artist. An opening reception will be held Friday, Dec. 9 from 5–7 p.m. and the show will run through Jan. 28 in the Bellwether Gallery of St. Louis Artists.
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