PROGDAY 2015

progrockdeepcuts wrote: Billy's health is in better shape now, but he's on antibiotics for a year (hence his early bed every night). He missed out on a lot this year, unfortunately, but I'm just glad he made it.

good to hear

Ian, I had no idea of Billy's health issues. I am happy he was able to make it to ProgDay, and hope that everything is in the rear view mirror now. It was great to see you again, and hope there will be other opportunities before next year!

I love this thread.

This was my third ProgDay and by far, the best one yet. I'd just come off of two weeks of the new school semester and was feeling kind of weird - I don't like big changes in life. It takes me awhile to adjust. Not to mention, the previous summer had been kind of wonky, particularly since my buddy, Billy spent most of the time in the hospital and his condition was potentially life threatening. We were fearful he might not even recover in time for ProgDay. So, I had been saying for awhile that I *needed* a break, most specifically - ProgDay.

So, this time it fell on my birthday weekend, and how appropriate is that? I can't imagine any better way to spend my birthday and quite frankly, it was the best time I've had on my birthday in awhile. I actually had been having ProgDay dreams - mostly involving people on stage playing bassoons, because the two bands I was most excited for had them.

I heard Ut Gret thanks to Raff's suggestion last year and fell in love with them instantly. A shoe-in. Jack o' the Clock was new to me, but I knew the name, so I used the ProgDay connection as an excuse to finally get off my butt and actually explore. Let me tell you, I've heard a lot of amazing things for the first time this year, usually a new thing a day, or a week at least - including people like XTC, Kate Bush, Beach Boys' Pet Sounds and SMiLE ... so it should tell you I mean business when I say Jack o' the Clock (and another incredible modern US band called Bent Knee) are two of the best things I've heard all year. All the other bands were new to me.

Eccentric Orbit opened and I have to say, didn't connect well with me. I don't know if it's because I didn't sleep well the night before or if their style is better suited to indoors, but they felt a tad predictable to me. This could very well be a case that, as Raff and others have said, they played two Genesis covers which I may or may not have heard at some point. They could be lurking in the subconscious! I'm not a huge Genesis guy these days, so it slipped by me. Anyway, I want to see them again with the B movie deal. I love B movies.

Ut Gret slayed. Absolutely, positively freakin' slayed. No question about it. They played just about every song on the album and even took my (and Micky's) request. Cheyenne Mize rules on vox and violin, and so do the woodwinds - Jackie Belcher and Steve Good on bassoon and clarinet respectively. Jackie is taking the bassoon to places it's never been and certainly wasn't intended to go. She's an innovator. These guys rocked really hard and put on a show that was better than the record.

I really liked the Mercury Tree. At first, they drew me in, but lost me with the screaming vox. I learned to live with it. Most of my friends and I were divided on this and I took some ribbing for it, but I enjoyed their set enough to buy a disc. I thought they were doing some interesting things and exploring interesting styles and it was enough to want to explore further.

TRYO started at the time of the day when I was rather burned out. They played really well, but their style of fusion music isn't really my thing. However, I enjoyed it more as it went on.

Pascal Gutman were a fun and Crimsony way to open the next day. I liked them a lot better than TRYO, I have to say - but found myself wishing Ramses would put down the E-Wi and play the real deal. As a fan of electronic music and someone who's seriously considered buying an E-Wi, I was burned out on them by that point. I really appreciated his artistry with it, but found myself burned out on it quickly. Loved the set when the soprano was in hand.

Jack o' the Clock were my most highly anticipated band of the weekend. I really loved the way the dulcimer mixed with the bassoon and violin and to me, it recalled an almost gamelan sound. To be honest, I'd never seen a dulcimer or heard one knowingly, so it was a cool addition. The bassoon almost filled in an electric guitar role in the band which I really enjoyed and the mixture of timbres worked in a truly unique way. It was cool also to spend some time chatting with the main guy, Damon Waitkus; I truly believe he is one of modern prog's few geniuses. Genuine, deep, down to earth guy with a talent for writing that prog has always mostly lacked.

Marbin were killer - plus, they were a fun way to shake off the deep concentration required for Jack o the Clock. The two main cats play like they are of one mind and the writing is super hip. Unfortunately, a little bit of this kind of stuff goes a long way and I was pulled from my seat by Damon, whom I'd asked for a picture with. I had no problem with that. I ended up spending the time with Damon and his compatriots in Jack-o', but could still hear Marbin tearing it up in the background. Best of both worlds. I also had the chance to have a wonderful chat with Micheal "Mr. ProgDay" Bennett himself, which is awesome considering we've unsuccessfully attempted to connect in years past. Also amazing - being approached by a girl only a few years older than me who listens to my show. Always makes my day when the 'no females in prog' cliche is proven outdated!

Last was Quantum Fantay who were an absolute blast. They went on a bit, but I enjoyed their variety and exploration of different cultures through music. Very Gong / Ozrics, very good. I bought a bunch of their stuff.

The social aspect was the best part. I actually spent more time socializing than I have in previous years and it was great to talk with like minded people who share my passion for progressive music. I had dinner with the Carrs' every night which was a fun journey through Japanese, Mexican, and ... well, burgers, plus breakfast Saturday with the Grets. The Grets!! Also was great to see my good friend and cohost, Mike Lieto (prog runs in his family thanks to Frogg Cafe) who lives too far away to see as often as I like. Mike and I went down to the pool party and had a blast Monday morning, talking to Paul Sears who is an absolute treat. We also had a terrific conversation with Trev Wignall, who performed violin on the preshow and guested with Quantum Fantay. The discussion mostly centered around electronic music, which was okay with me! Also, great to talk with Debi Byrd whom I've developed a friendship with over the past few years. She's a total sweetheart.

So, basically, long story short - ProgDay was the best thing that could've happened to me right now and I absolutely can't wait to go back next year! Also should mention that I spent way too much money at the merch table, but that's another story.


Edited by progrockdeepcuts - September 10 2015 at 17:53

Nogbad_The_Bad wrote: I thought Adele had said previously that there was no way she was doing a Krautrock one as the subject had already been very well covered.

maybe so...  it was just a rumor I heard. I would have thought it came from the post screening discussion. We couldn't stay up for that.

As far as being covered well..  IMO hardly.. I can't think of a comprehensive English language documentary on the scene.  I thought those films hit hardest when they educate. Like the Rio-Avant one did, which (next to Raff) was reason #2 why I got so heavy into the scene. 

 I'm sure there are a great many things and aspects to that scene that a film could uncover and spotlight for anyone but the most expert on the scene. Same as any other volume in the series.


Edited by micky - September 10 2015 at 15:55

It also seems it came out, perhaps at the screening of the Romantic Warriors film which we could not stay up for starting as late as it did, what the subject of the next Romantic Warrior movie will be...

Krautrock.. by god I salivate at the interviews and old video clips Jose and Adele will dig up of ADII and Can.

Hopefully the next will be RPI and Raff and I will get prominent spots hahahha.  Hint hint...

great review darling.. though I did enjoy Mercury Tree more than you did

Raff wrote: Great job, Ian! And here's mine: http://progmistress.com/2015/09/10/live-review-progday-2015-more-bassoon/

heading that way!!

Great job, Ian! And here's mine: http://progmistress.com/2015/09/10/live-review-progday-2015-more-bassoon/

Wonderful weekend, with great music, great weather and great company (not to mention great food). After a very trying year, it was a "rebirth" of sorts for me. I will be counting the days until the next edition - and write a nice review of the 2015 edition in the meantime.