MUSIC PICKS JAN 2 - JAN 8
Louder Than Hell @ Metro Music Hall 1/2, Frontiers of Jazz @ Fountain Records 1/2, Nora en Pure @ The Marquis 1/3, and more.
Louder Than Hell @ Metro Music Hall 1/2
Remember the '80s? Louder Than Hell certainly does. Drawing from a variety of popular styles—hair metal, power balladry, mainstream rock, hard rock and more—Louder than Hell takes concertgoers on a trip back to the days of teased hair, spandex and other sartorial affectations. More importantly, the group immerses listeners in a wash of sound that evokes warm memories of when FM radio and MTV ruled supreme, when men (and women) with loud guitars, chorus pedals and big voices roamed the Earth. Louder Than Hell describes its performances as "night[s] of decadence and debauchery," but the band's sound suggests something with a wider and more timeless appeal. Also on the bill are Lilly E. Gray (a provocatively-named band playing gothic/industrial rock that may well provide the aforementioned decadence) and the mischievously-named MILF & Cookies, led by guitarist Bad Kenny G ("Bad" presumably so as to differentiate from the lite-jazz icon). Louder Than Hell headlines a night of '80s nostalgia and just plain hard rock at Metro Music Hall on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this all ages show are $10 at 24tix.com. (Bill Kopp)
Frontiers of Jazz @ Fountain Records 1/2
Improvised music matters because it is unique to a moment—and in Salt Lake City, Adam Michael Terry's Frontiers Of Jazz at Fountain Records is a highlight. The key is an ability for the music-makers to listen to the others playing, understanding and mastering the chord structure and where it is going. It will take your mind to places you didn't know existed. "I think jazz is really the experimental art form for America," Terry, a.k.a Mr. Fountain, told Slug Magazine. "Yes, it's rooted in blues, it's rooted in all these things, but it's grown and created so many other little side genres." Free improvising is a choice, not a way of covering up ineptitude, and is a feature of most music in the world—Western classical music that as precisely as possible renders a written score, or pop concerts that seek to precisely imitate a commercially available recording, are the odd ones out in global terms. It's a messy lived experience—non-linear, inherently responsible yet necessarily transgressive, surprising, unlovely or transcendent ... the most stimulating mode of expression for performer and listener. Every musician should at least try it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't; like any form of music, it depends on the people and the relationships between them. And most importantly, how well they listen to each other. Arrive early to get a seat. Drew Holland Quartet opens. Catch Frontiers Of Jazz at Fountain Records on Thursday, Jan 2. Music at 7 p.m. Open sit-in for jazz musicians at 8 p.m. Admission for the all-ages show is $5, and more info can be found at instagram.com/fountainrecordsslc. (Mark Dago)
Nora en Pure @ The Marquis 1/3
Want to catch a night out in Park City before all the craziness of Sundance? Look no further than the Queen of Deep House, Nora en Pure (Daniela Di Lillo), at The Marquis on Friday! The Swiss-South African DJ and producer's blend of house with indie dance and melodic techno is a great way to start the year. Her music will transport you to a calming atmosphere with her soothing melodies and catchy rhythms guaranteed to sustain the uplifting feelings of new beginnings that the new year brings. She began gaining global popularity in 2010 with her remix of Daniel Portman's "KHAWERI," while her own raw but detailed style is showcased in the singles "Come With Me," "Morning Dew," "Lake Arrowhead" and "Tears In Your Eye." She's the real deal, proven by her ethereal sets at Coachella, Burning Man and Tomorrowland. There is a very specific scenery painted with the music that combines South African tribal percussion with traditional Western instruments, such as piano, strings, wind instruments and synthesizers. Her ability to connect disparate sounds and styles is like entering a cinematic landscape such as a vibrant jungle during golden hour, guaranteed to evoke calming emotions and release negativity. Come see Nora en Pure on Friday, Jan. 3 at The Marquis. Doors open at 9 p.m. for this 21+ show. General Admission costs $40; the Sky Deck option costs $75. Go to tixr.com for tickets and event information. (Arica Roberts)
EJ Michels/BRYSN, Forest Slater @ Kilby Court 1/3
Last year, EJ Michels blew away the judges on The Voice with his rendition of Adele's "Easy On Me," and his journey through the competition was a treat for viewers to watch—especially being able to cheer on a Utah native. Even though Michels didn't win, he gained a lot of rightly-deserved attention. "Your voice is so raw and honest. Sometimes people come out here and there's imperfections in their performance that just make you feel, as a listener, more of a connection," judge Blake Shelton told Michels at his audition. "And there were times your voice was starting to break up a little bit. And all that did was create an angst in the performance and emotionally kind of had me on the edge." Since his time on the show, Michels has released two albums, Michigan Avenue and the most recent, Evergreen. Michels' sound is timeless and falling into his albums is as easy as falling asleep. He has an incredible voice and sings with a vulnerability that makes his music truly endearing. On the bill with Michels is BRYSN, who is on the road celebrating his newest album Next. Come enjoy this incredible duo with Forest Slater opening on Friday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $12 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)
Fleetwood Visions @ Mid Valley Performing Arts Center 1/4
Those who negate the role played by so-called tribute bands often forget that they serve an important function—that is, to help maintain a legacy of classic artists and bands that are no longer around to perform for themselves. In that regard, they ensure the fact that the music remains present and alive, even after an iconic outfit has passed. With that in mind, credit Fleetwood Visions with sharing the sound of Fleetwood Mac, one of the most beloved bands of all time. Based here in Salt Lake City, the group is structured like their predecessor, with two female singers at the helm and a dynamic blend of guitar, bass, drums and keyboards providing the same dynamic delivery. As a result, Fleetwood Visions is adept at replicating the hits that made the Mac one of the best-selling bands of all time, whether it's the classics like "Go Your Own Way" and "Dreams" or more obscure entries from the group's five-decades-plus catalog. Their attention to both spirit and sound—from the intricate harmonies to the instrumental agility—serves as a reminder that great music is indeed timeless, as long as there are those willing to preserve it for posterity. Given the passing of singer/keyboardist Christine McVie in 2022, it appears Fleetwood Mac is no more, giving Fleetwood Visions the vision of how to keep the Mac's musical memories alive. Fleetwood Visions visits the Main Stage Theater, Mid Valley Performing Arts Center, Taylorsville, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tickets cost $25 - $39 at saltlakecountyarts.org. (Lee Zimmerman)
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