 Return to Lonely Goat Features Archives GETTING WINSTON SALEM IN T.H.H.E. MOOD On Friday, Jan. 5th and Saturday, Jan. 13th, I had the unadulterated experience of attending the 100% organic jams of T.H.H.E. Mood Cultivation Project at Ziggy's and Brew-Ha-Ha's respectively. Folks, you've got to see these guys! When they open their shows, they all jump on the plow and rip the soil beneath you in a way that makes dancing impossible to avoid. Usually a 15-20 minute jam to open is enough to prep the field of unsuspecting harvesters in the audience, and leave them with their mouths hanging open wondering what could possibly follow. There's no disappointment. The seeds are sown and start to take root with a refreshing drenching of home grown originals, like 'Flower Power,' 'Jerry Clouds,' 'Sycamore Groove' (the band owes me a story about this song, I've heard there's one behind it!), and my favorite 'Mood Swings,' and a stimulating sprinkle of cover tunes, 'Funky Bitch' (Phish), 'Ghost Riders in the Sky' (trad.), and 'Long Train Runnin'' (Doobie Bros.) to name a few. Well now that you know a little bit about the songs, "How about the band?" Who are these 'Farmers of Feelings?' Brothers and sisters, meet guitarist/mandolin player George Smith, ordinary name, extraordinary musician. George's sound spreads like a vine weaving itself throughout the band and crowd. He's always smiling, and provides bright warm sunshine to the crop. He's complimented by an incredible jam guitarist Josh Casstevens. Josh primes all the right notes. He's watching all the members of the band, looking for where to take it next or where he'd like it to go. He feeds and nourishes the band, which promotes growth and strength of sound. Bassist Joel Woodson thunders on the stage. Joel is extremely energetic and is not afraid to let you know he's having a good time. His thunder brings the rain that fortifies the root structure of the music. Drummer 'Roo' Gates slams the skins in nice long, straight rows that deliver principle and order to the rhythm, unless he doesn't want it to. Then, it can best be described as controlled chaos. Roo is accentuated by percussionist Kelly Sanders, who hides behind his chimes and other assorted instruments, in his 'Jerry' shirt, and nurtures the rhythm, which gives the sound that extra care that can sometimes be the difference between a poor or bountiful yield. Newest member, singer/harmonica player Joe Johnson concealed the fact that he'd only performed 2-3 shows with Mood, by the way his powerful voice and timely harp accompaniments flowed with the band. Joe gives the band the opportunity to branch out into wider fields of music. I also had the pleasure of meeting a very key player for Mood, the band's manager Rob Nester who kindly provided me with technical information necessary to write this review. And let's face it, it's nice to see the band's manager at the shows showing a sincere interest and support in the band he manages. There is one more very important member of this amazing band, and that is you readers! I cannot stress this enough. GO SEE T.H.H.E. MOOD CULTIVATION PROJECT! You won't be sorry. Local bands need your support. MPC is a band that truly has a good time playing excellent music for us, but they can't play it for us if we're not there. For more information about T.H.H.E. Mood Cultivation Project, or to get on their mailing list, contact them on their website www.moodcultivation.com. Come see Mood at The Klick in Greensboro for the Chinese New Year celebration Friday Feb. 16th. Reap the harvest Mood cultivates, because The Happiest Hippies Ever have made this hippie very happy! Peace. |