So does Morreale--and he believes this sense was sharpened during his time with Fey/ Universal. "I gained a wider knowledge from being there of some things that maybe I wouldn't have learned on my own, like how to deal with large facilities like Fiddler's Green. But those kinds of things aren't going to be my focus. I won't be trying to book Michael Bolton and Tina Turner. I'm just going back to the streets. That's what I'm most interested in doing."
Synergy, a local jazz label formed in January, has been growing rapidly: It's already released several fine recordings, including Speak Low, by the Paul Warburton Quartet, and When Kentucky Was Indiana, by the Russian Dragon Band, featuring Art Lande. This week the label steps forward with more intriguing items--fresh discs by the Primal Mates Trio and the duo of Lande and Mark Miller, plus an enhanced reissue of an offering by Aubrey Carton. These artists and others appear on Friday, October 18, in Denver, and Saturday, October 19, in Boulder (see the Hit Pick on page 102 for complete venue information); Synergy chieftan Mike Fitts thinks jazz fans will like what they hear. "I see what we're doing as being very eclectic--a cross between ECM and the Knitting Factory Works," he says, adding, "We want to let people know that there's new music being made by people in Colorado who are world-class talents and that this is music that they can take home."
You might be able to take home some of the following musicians, too--but be sure to ask first. On Friday, October 17, Everclear makes an in-store appearance at Tower Records; Atlanta's own Shawn Mullins stops by Acoustic Coffee in Nederland; Cliff Eberhardt warbles at the Swallow Hill Music Hall; Dirty Pool is skimmed at Soapy Smith's; the Mr. T Experience and the Groovie Ghoulies share their favorite television moments at the Fox Theatre; J. Frede gets industrial at the 26 Broadway warehouse space (call 744-9659 to learn more); and Martha's Wake swells at the Market Street Lounge. On Saturday, October 18, Clay Kirkland blows harp at the Swallow Hill Music Hall, and Lonesome Dan Kase appears for his regular Saturday night showcase at the Taj Mahal, 777 17th Street. On Monday, October 20, the Cramps suffer at the Ogden Theatre. On Tuesday, October 21, the Slackers take it easy at the Bluebird Theater; Thee Lovely Lads look their best at Cricket on the Hill, with Jetland; Carolyn's Mother and Turnsol remove their plugs at Herman's Hideaway; and John March and the Circuitbreakers play the first of two free shows at the Fox. And on Wednesday, October 22, Huffamoose ambles into the Ogden alongside Toad the Wet Sprocket. Sounds like an episode of Wild Kingdom to me.
--Michael Roberts
Backbeat's e-mail address is: Michael_Roberts@westword.com. While you're online, visit Michael Roberts's Jukebox at www.westword.com
