A positive Change

The Masons jar the Providence scene

by Bob Gulla

Something's gotta give. In the time it's taken me to get a few months' worth of columns in the paper, I've discovered a few things scene's ebbing a bit. Not many bands are making much of a ruckus nationally and the clubs aren't breaking any attendance records for local bills. But wait. Another thing I didn't know 'til now is that there are lots of people out there making good, sometimes great music, who deserve an audience but aren't finding one. To me, that's something of a relief. If there was no good music to feed an audience, well then they're right to stay away. No one wants to hear crap on a precious night out. Now that I know there's good music out there, well, we can simply blame the folks who aren't showing up to hear it. Or let's blame the music industry. Or let's blame . . .

Looking out over Providence, many see a big black hole where a vibrant club scene should be. But after receiving lots of good local discs and meeting lots of interesting local music makers, I'm realizing there are a bunch of colorfully talented people hanging around the rim of that hole peering into it, ready to fill it up when someone yells, "OK, jump!" These are people who know music and who know how to make good records, people who know what it takes to make a scene and people who, together, could make Providence hum again. If you haven't heard many local recordings lately, trust me: the creative element is certainly here. The popular element is not.

One of the artists ready to turn Providence around is Kraig Jordan, whose band the Masons have a CD release party tonight (10/28) in Newport. The album, Change Me Back, possesses the understated melodies, crisp simplicity, and droll humor a good record needs to be successful. Written and recorded over a two-year period, Change Me Back surges and recedes with good-pacing, hip-but-not-holy attitude, and enchanting performances. The acoustic "Ghost In the Attic" feels like Buffalo Springfield-era Neil Young; the Ween-style "Whiz Kid" could be the only -- and wry-est -- song you'll hear about giving a urine sample at a doctor's office and "I Stole This From You" features some "Pet Sounds"-ish background "aaahhs" over a subtle but pulsing Zeppelin guitar riff.

"I listen to lots of music," says Jordan, "but probably my favorite time was the late '60s, with the Beach Boys, Hendrix and the Beatles. I also like bands like Can, who explore more sounds, of course, than songs."

To Jordan, Beach Boy Brian Wilson tapped into emotion better than any performer he's known. "He poured himself into the music," he says. "Pet Sounds is an obvious example of that, but even on Smiley Smile and Wild Honey his heart is there for everyone to see. I try to shoot for that in my writing."

Jordan demo-ed the dozen songs that make up Change Me Back at home, on the four-track he's had since he was 14. When he finished, he recruited some friends with which to enter the studio, including the Medicine Ball blokes, who play a very tasty, not to mention scorching, supporting role. "I had a vision of what I wanted," he says, "but the other guys helped me explore it a little. We'd talk about it, jam a little, discuss some ideas. Once in a while someone would hear something I didn't hear and it would help me find elements to focus on."

The collaboration brings Jordan's project out of a one-man isolation booth and into more public accessibility, with clean, concise performances and sharp focus. "I didn't want to change the essence of the song in the studio," says Jordan, "just because we had more tools to work with. I wanted to keep everything as simple and straightforward as I could."

If the record is simple and straightforward, the concept for Jordan's CD release party isn't. He's planning a multimedia spectacle that'll feature a lot of things you wouldn't expect to see at a show like this. The one thing you do expect to see -- a live music performance -- isn't slated at all.

"I really wanted to do something different," Jordan admits. "Rather than go to a bar, stand in front of a band for an hour then leave, I wanted to make it fun with this multimedia stuff." Because Jordan works as a commercial video director during the day, he's capable of making his own films, many of which will be seen on one of a dozen or so televisions.

"It's really gonna be a multi-media show," he says. "I'll have a dimly lit room dedicated to the album, with speakers and headphones -- a Greg Brady kind of pad." In the other room, Sue McNally, a local artist who painted the album's evocative cover, will have her work exhibited. And in still another room, Jordan will stream in various videos he's made over the years, some in conjunction with the album's music, some not. "They're mostly little bits of life I've filmed over the years that are funny or interesting; things I hope people will enjoy watching. I really just want it to be a party with really good entertainment."

Some day, Jordan hopes to combine his love for both music and video in one magnificent employment gestalt. "I love both of them, and both are forms of things I do all the time. I can't imagine not doing one or the other. If I had some success musically, I'd love to make my own videos, too. Trouble is, I can't stop doing either one."

The Masons' CD Release and Multimedia Extravaganza is tonight (10/28) at Island Arts on Pelham Street in Newport. Admission is free and the party runs from 6 to 9 p.m. The Masons' new disc and Sue McNally's artwork will both be available.

WANDERING EYE. After you get done with your eyeful of the Masons tonight, head over to the Met where you can catch another one: 14-year-old Shannon Curfman, a minor on a major label who'll impress you with her killer guitar blues. Of course, as with any teen-blues act it's hard to know where she gets her actual "blues" -- though junior high would be a pretty good guess . . . On Saturday, the fine Illustrious Day will hit the stage at the Century Lounge sometime after 10, most likely working tunes that'll be on their new disc, which singer Jackie Fiske says will be out before Christmas . . . The show of the week is another from the folks at P Squared, featuring Flydaddy's own Olivia Tremor Control at the Met on Tuesday. There's a lot to say about this band, but I'll leave the music to speak for itself. They don't tour a whole helluva lot, so don't dare miss 'em . . . Wednesday at the Met presents a tasty New Orleans treat in the form of acid funketeers Galactic. I saw them last year in Newport and they steam the place up like a huge plate o' crawdads. If you're lookin' to get a groove on, this would indeed be the place.

Got some points of interest? Contact b_gulla@yahoo.com