For more than 20 years, members of Free Planet Radio have treated local fans to a variety of international sounds and innovative jazz.
Last year, though, the group lost one of its most important members, when two-time Grammy-winning bassist Eliot Wadopian died Sept. 13.
The two remaining members, River Guerguerian and Chris Rosser continued to play together and perform. In fact, the duo, along with bassist Jake Wolf, will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Aug.13 at The Gray Eagle there is a double bill with Life Like Water.
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“Ever since Eliot passed away suddenly last September, it’s been hard to mourn, not only the loss of family and friends, but the loss of the sound that the three of us created,” said Rosser, a versatile musician. of instruments include the 17-string Indian dotar and the guitar. “As a result, we haven’t done as much as Free Planet Radio, but we’ve focused more on finishing the EP recording we started with Eliot.”
This next show will be the first without Wadopian on bass.
Guerguerian added that losing Wadopian was “terrible.”
“I’ve lost not only friends but the soul of the music, the special bond that drummers and bassists have,” he said. “A few years before he passed away, he talked to us about retiring, and that he would continue to want the band to live. Instead of replacing him, Chris and I would stay as the core and keep a rotating cast of musicians that we would work with depending on the project. In honor of Eliot we still get together every Friday to make new music and record. It feels like a healthy way to mourn and keep her energy alive.”
Free Planet Radio started in 2001 and has toured the world, including a 20-city tour of China in 2016. The group has released five albums, including 2019’s “Pursuit”.
Music continues to evolve, Rosser said. Take for example the albums they made. According to Rosser, the group leaned into its meditative and meditative side on 2018’s “Silence,” joined a string quartet on 2015’s “Global Symphony Project,” and explored more jazz on “Pursuit.”
“I think our music has evolved quite a bit in the last 20 years and it seems to be the best way to keep things going for us and the audience,” said Rosser. “The process of putting an album together always pushes us to think a little bit about ourselves. … Lately, River and I have been writing new songs starting from drum solos that River wrote for her dance classes, and building songs around that foundation.
The show with Life Like Water will give Rosser and Guerguerian the opportunity to perform with another group, as there will be different musicians who will take the stage to join them.
Night of Americana at Isis
Two Americana singers, Jay Byrd and Danielle Howle, toured this summer together and will perform at 7 pm. Read also : US women defeat Mexico after Kristie Mewis scored late. on Aug. 13, at Isis Music Hall.
Byrd, whose roots music is influenced by artists such as Kat Stevens, Jackson Browne, and Paul Simon, released a new album, “Home Again,” earlier this month.
Howle, who was born in Columbia, South Carolina, has been a major figure in the touring industry for over 20 years. Over the years he has opened for big name acts like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Sam Bush, and The Avett Brothers.
Getting funky at The Meadow
Two nights of funk music will set the scene at Highland Brewing’s The Meadow, an outdoor venue.
Asheville’s Funk’n Around will perform at 7 p. This may interest you : South Korean giant SK Group is pouring $22 billion into the United States.m. August 12, while Atlanta’s Adam and the Testifiers will play at 6 p.m. Aug. 13.
Funk’n Around is inspired by New Orleans funk and features King Garfield on Trombone. With Lenny Pettinelli on keys, McKinney on bass, Nik Tariro on drums, Datrian Johnson on vocals.
Year’s last Shindig to take place
Pack Square, too, will be filled with southern Appalachian music and dancing as the final Shindig on the Green event of the season takes place at 7 p. To see also : YouTube ends Lofi Girl two-year-old music stream over fake DMCA warning.m. Aug. 13.
The event, which features a stage show and informal jam sessions around the park, is produced by the Folk Heritage Committee.
