KSLU, KWUR (90.3 FM) and the Billiken Club present Tim Hecker w/ Travis Bursik Friday, March 27 Kranzberg Arts Center 7 p.m. | $15 Montreal, Canada, native Tim Hecker keeps good company. In addition to touring with Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sigur Rós, he has collaborated with Oneohtrix Point Never, Nadja and Isis. His work spans the spectrum of electronic music, ranging from subtle, minimalist beats to a lumbering, expansive stretch of ambient noise. In addition to being lauded on hype sites (think Pitchfork and NOISEY), Hecker still remains an unsung hero of experimental sound in America. And when two college radio stations (known for their friendly rivalry) team up to bring an artist to town, music fans should take notice.
KDHX 88.1 FM and New Music Circle present Matthew Shipp w/ Michael Bisio Saturday, March 28 The Stage at KDHX 7:30 p.m. | $10-$20 "Legendary" is a loaded word, especially when describing musicians. Whether it's from his own solo records, countless collaborations with world-renowned players or his most recent (and very publicized work) album Root of Things, most fans of free jazz will know Matthew Shipp from his name alone. The video above gives a fairly accurate preview of what this show has in store (sans the drummer). Shipp's style tends to be more busy than not, but he pays careful attention to texture, laying low only so he can work through exhaustive runs. Dense, melodic layers of piano drift over rhythms with a steady flow. As part of the Matthew Shipp Trio, bassist Michael Bisio provides a rich low end with a subtle but swarming style of fretting. Expect melodic bass to crash in tandem with chaotic keys.
Think I left something out? Piss off! No, actually, you're probably right. I usually cap this column at three or four shows. Share what you know in the comments below. For the future, drop me a line any time at joseph.hess@riverfronttimes.com
Joseph Hess is the clubs editor for the Riverfront Times. When he's not writing for RFT, he's hosting the experimental rock show Wrong Division over at KDHX (88.1 FM). Visit his personal blog here for more on this city's DIY and experimental music. Or stalk him on Twitter.
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