November 2nd, 2009
Tonight In Shows
Illinois
7:30pm, $13-$20. World Cafe Live.
“Look at that girl/ Now look at me/ She’s so blonde/ And I’m so ugly,” Chris Archibald comically bemoans on the pounding “She’s So Blonde,” a song from Illinois’ latest, The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe. The inventively rockin’ Bucks County quartet runs the gamut of moods from dejected to jovial and instrumentation from banjo melodies to electronic dance beats. On the 20-track album, it is near impossible to notice much continuity from song to song. Warmly received at this year’s EXPoNential Music Festival, Illinois’ live show is fun for that reason and the band keeps crowds on their toes. In between the toe-tapping, at least. (Kevin Brosky)
Taylor Ho Bynum + John Hebert + Gerald Cleaver
8pm, Free. The Rotunda.
These three are pacesetters in modern improvisation, so the very idea of their convergence as a trio is rich with promise. Cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum has worked alongside Cecil Taylor, Anthony Braxton and other giants; his own bands include SpiderMonkey Strings and Positive Catastrophe. Bassist John Hebert played with the great Andrew Hill until the pianist’s death in 2007; he’s currently with Fred Hersch and leading his own Byzantine Monkey. Drummer Gerald Cleaver can wail with free-jazz icons like Roscoe Mitchell and Matthew Shipp, then turn around and offer swinging, melodic treasures with his own group Violet Hour. Together, they’ve got six wide-open ears and infinite musical options. (David R. Adler)
Also, Tesla plays the TLA along with Fosterchild [8pm/$30]; and Keb’ Mo’ headlines the McCarter Theatre in Princeton [8pm/$40-$48].
