[atlantaprog] Percy Jones/Tunnels Show @ Eyedrum 9/30/06

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Tunnels with Percy Jones this past 
Saturday at Atlanta's http://www.eyedrum.org Eyedrum, a great little venue 
that's both performance space and art gallery. 

Outpost 9, featuring our own SuperSonicScientist, did a great opening set of 
ambient/electronica/world-beat stuff with very unique twists. Very impressive 
and I especially liked those last 2 pieces!

When I heard that Percy and the crew were coming, I was thinking at first, "OK, 
I'd love to see Percy play but I wasn't exactly thrilled with what I saw at 
NEARFest that one time(where John Goodsall's painfully out-of-tune and 
out-of-context guest appearance didn't help). Well, all doubts were cast aside 
as the vastly improved Tunnels took the stage. No guest appearances or 
anything, just one good, solid and energetic set of inspired madness. 

They've been doing a 2 week mini-tour of the eastern US in support of their 
newest CD, "Natural Selection". See Percy's website for remaining tour dates 
www.percyjones.net 

This time it was the core 3-piece, Percy, Marc Wagnon (midi-vibes) and a brand 
new drummer who'd only been with them about a week (their drummer bailed on 
them just before they were to hit the road, a quick ad on Craig's List enabled 
them to find a very capable replacement in short order). 

They played the entire CD in sequence. I was floored by how well all 3 listened 
to each other, Marc Wagnon's masterful and creative use of synth textures and 
samples with the midi-vibes and of course, our man Percy as brilliant as ever. 

The music itself was spellbinding, the grooves relentless and for me, VERY 
inspiring, whether it was the ominous "Devil's Staircase" or an edgy jazz 
ballad or anywhere in between, Tunnels kept my attention the whole time.. 

Best yet, Tunnels are 3 of the most approachable and friendly folks you'll 
encounter. Marc Wagnon may look real serious ionstage but he is one of the 
funniest people I've ever met. The new drummer (must be in his early 20's at 
most) was just so energetic and very happy to be doing the tour. Percy himself 
was very cool, soft-spoken and still has his Welsh accent. To thank him for 
making the trip through ATL and for his inspiring playing, I gave him a copy of 
one of my CD's which he said he'd play in the van the next day. They all signed 
me newly purchased Tunnels CD . All in all, a great night and a great lesson in 
how to play fretless. If you get the chance, definitely see them, especially as 
a 3-piece. 

Hard to believe they were able to fit themselves AND their gear in a mini-van! 


Hoo Hoooo  Hoo Hoooooo

Phil

http://www.geocities.com/theowlwatches

 

 



                
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