What's Up! Magazine

Austin from Buildstrong is up to his same old tricks, promoting great shows. Inside the Buffalo, DJ Booger was set up on the floor to the right of the stage, spinning a hip-hop set. He’s no stranger to the genre, having spun for Wilson Project and currently for Somebody Cares.

When watching him, you’re not surprised that he’s in such high demand. Don’t let his laptop fool you; Booger’s old school, all about the mix. His crossfader rarely stays to one side, his taste is broad and eclectic. In the middle of his hip-hop/break beat set, he seamlessly transitioned into George Harrison’s late 80’s hit, “Got My Mind Set On You.” Booger knew his role and executed it perfectly: getting the crowd ready for the night and holding it down between bands.

Up next, Seattle’s seven piece feel good, funky jam band Luc and the Lovingtons promoted their latest effort Feel The Warmth. Personally, the overall sound was a bit too happy for me, it sounded like the members of Sublime took ecstasy, jammed with four pacifists and found their inner hippie. But the sheer musicianship of everything-man, Phillepe Conete, kept me interested. He switched from instrument to instrument harmonica, guitar, shakers, a guiro, while singing back up vocals on every song. He even had a Michael Jackson style dance battle, a sure fire crowd pleaser, with frontman Luc Reynaud right in the middle of their set.

But it was their last song “Freedom” that made me realize their sincerity and passion for peace and love. Inspired to help others, Luc went down to New Orleans two weeks after Katrina. While volunteering at a homeless shelter, he co-wrote with some children from the shelter the song “Freedom.” I’m not ashamed to say that their powerful performance helped me ‘let the love in.’

Even though they’re called The JB Quartet, there were five men on stage. Three seasoned veterans and two youngsters, these five men equaled musical brilliance. JB, played a vintage Fender Rhodes. He had a quick vocal draw for the verses of most of their songs. For his two part power harmonies in the choruses, he used sampler. Sustained periods of instrumentation followed by tight taught tenor vocals, gave them a sound similar to Jamiroquai.

The highlight of the evening was the percussion of Kevin Kreestoe. I don’t know how many bands he’s playing in, but the man is a master of his craft. Super tight and technical, watching him play was mind numbing, like watching Rodney Mullen skate – awesome.

Furthermore the addition of a saxophone gave them great versatility. Ranging from fast jazz or stab filled blues to even mellow rock, this quintet is a pleasure to watch, listen and dance to.