{"id":42926,"date":"2019-05-18T09:05:36","date_gmt":"2019-05-18T13:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=42926"},"modified":"2019-05-18T09:05:47","modified_gmt":"2019-05-18T13:05:47","slug":"on-stage-brand-x-returns-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=42926","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Brand X returns, again"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff,<\/strong> <\/span>Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Brand X<\/p><\/div>\n

Brand X, which is headlining shows at the Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org<\/a>) on May 18 and 19 has a similarity to horror film characters like Freddie Kreuger and Chucky \u2013 just when you think they\u2019re dead and gone for good, they reappear.<\/span><\/p>\n

The London-based band started in 1975 and its first incarnation lasted until 1980. Its second incarnation began in 1992 and concluded in 1999.<\/span><\/p>\n

The third incarnation began in 2016 and is still going strong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through it all, Brand X has continued to remain relevant. It received a number of awards in 2018 including # 2 Radio in New Ears Radio Boston; #11 Progressive Charts in Prog Magazine; #13 International Sales \u2013 Burning Shed; and #20 Album in All About Jazz magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The current lineup features Percy Jones, bass (1975\u20131980, 1992\u20131999, 2016\u2013present); John Goodsall, guitars, synthesizers (1975\u20131980, 1992\u20131999, 2016\u2013present); Chris Clark, keyboards (2016\u2013present); Kenny Grohowski, drums, percussion (2016\u2013present); and Scott Weinberger, percussion (2016\u2013present). Drummer Kenwood Dennard was also part of that lineup but has since departed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand X has an alumni roster that includes many of the most influential musicians in Britain — including Phil Collins, John Giblin, Robin Lumley, Morris Pert, and Peter Robinson. Goodsall and Jones have always been the core of the band. They wrote most of the band\u2019s material and are the only members who have been with the band since its formation more than four decades ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got started again in the middle of 2016,\u201d said Goodsall, during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon. \u201cThen, we played our first gig in October.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Scott Weinberger\u2019s idea. He was a friend of Kenwood Dennard and Percy Jones. They had discussed a return of Brand X with Norman Bedford, our manager. Norman and Scott were in a band called Security Project. Percy and I had worked together on a session project called \u2018Tunnels.\u201d We put together the Brand X lineup that we still have \u2013 except for Kenwood. He had to go back to teach at Berklee School of Music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Goodsall, who is a Brit 100 per cent, actually was born in Pennsylvania \u2013 in nearby Broomall. His family moved back to the U.K. and he grew up in Molesey. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1980.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI used to watch the Beatles on TV when I was young and wanted to play guitar,\u201d said Goodsall. \u201cI got a guitar for my seventh birthday \u2013 a Rosetti Lucky 7. My first real guitar was a Gibson SG Standard. I kept learning guitar through my teens and joined Atomic Rooster when I was 19.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand X played their first gigs with a series of low-key warm-up shows in November and December 1975. These were followed by a full-scale tour across the UK from February 1976, mainly on the college circuit. The group released its debut album \u2013 \u201cUnorthodox Behaviour\u201d \u2013 in 1976.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Since the band\u2019s reformation in 2016, it has released two live albums \u2013 both of which were recorded in Pennsylvania. \u201cBut Wait… There\u2019s More! – LIVE 2017\u201d was recorded on January 6, 2017 at the Sellersville Theatre. \u201cLocked & Loaded\u201d was recorded in June 2017 at Longs Park Amphitheater in Lancaster. Brand X\u2019s last studio album was \u201cManifest Destiny\u201d in 1977.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great that Brand X are still going,\u201d said Goodsall. \u201cAll the other fusion and progressive bands are biting the dust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the beginning, all the prog rock bands took it so serious. Brand X was a band that people could relate to. We were more like fusion comedy. And, there are still some comedic elements in our music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Brand X — https:\/\/youtu.be\/oSGhi34qHXk<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The shows at Kennett Flash, which have Andre Chomeldely from Project\/Object Band is opening act, will start at<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $53 and a two-show pass is $94.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>If you\u2019re in the mood to spend an evening laughing, head to Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/undergroundarts.org<\/a>) for a performance called \u201cBobcat Goldthwait & Dana Gould: The Show With Two Heads.\u201d It will be the final show of the duo\u2019s East Coast run.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve known Bob since I started in comedy,\u201d said Gould, during a recent phone interview from his home in Los Angeles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe both came out the same Boston comedy scene. I moved to Boston as he was moving out and inherited his circle of friends. Last year, we both had horror comedy shows on TV.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gould\u2019s show was \u201cStan Against Evil\u201d on IFC, and Goldthwait\u2019s show was \u201cMisfits & Monsters\u201d on Tru.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not just show biz friends, we\u2019re actual friends,\u201d said Gould. \u201cWe have the same taste in comedy. We have the same taste in music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe casually mentioned that we should do a show together. We figured we would do a date in Los Angeles, and maybe a gig in New York. People liked it so we booked tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe each go out and do our own set and then we\u2019re back on stage together. Bob and I are in the same sensibility. We share the same audience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Figuring out who opens the show and who comes on last hasn\u2019t been a problem for the two comedy vets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTop billing and who comes on first \u2013 neither of us cares,\u201d said Gould.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComedy is something we do because we want to do it. We have other careers too. Because of that, we can do comedy because we enjoy it. And, it\u2019s an interesting time to be on the road and go to people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Bobcat Goldthwait — https:\/\/youtu.be\/cHQarfETmrg?list=PLCs4qpIOzO-hr1rmi86-AZPU84qRUkNAx<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Dana Gould \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/5FtuUcOostk?list=PLCs4qpIOzO-hr1rmi86-AZPU84qRUkNAx<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Underground Arts will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in a more serious mood, attend of performance of the Azuka Theatre production of \u201cBoycott Esther,\u201d which is running through May 19 at the Proscenium Theatre at The Drake (302 South Hicks Street, Philadelphia, azukatheatre.org<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Azuka<\/span> Theatre presents the world premiere of \u201cBoycott Esther\u201d by Philadelphia playwright Emily Acker. In an urgent response to the #metoo movement, Acker\u2019s new work chronicles the aftermath of a young woman\u2019s career once her boss, a Hollywood mogul, becomes enmeshed in a workplace sexual misconduct scandal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wrote the play in early 2018,\u201d said Acker, during a recent phone interview from her home in San Francisco.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI finished the first draft a little over a year ago. It\u2019s been in development ever since. We did a reading in April 2018 at Theatre Exile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was employed by the Weinstein Company as a writer for a TV show. We were working on a pilot for a remake of a British sitcom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the national scandal for sexual misconduct ripped through the company, her project was shelved and never saw the light of day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur project was still in development stage,\u201d said Acker. \u201cWhen the scandal broke, the everyday business of the company was halted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the wake of the national discussion that erupted, she was compelled to write the play.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Acker, \u201cOnce the news hit, it spiraled quickly across the internet and media. That was right when we were on the cusp of selling our show. The larger controversy at Weinstein made it clear though the project wouldn\u2019t move forward. After my first big break in TV, I had to take time to process all the hard work we did and how it wasn\u2019t going to hit the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was balancing my personal disappointment with my feelings of solidarity with the movement and empathy toward the women speaking out. In order to process those feelings, I started writing – it was a cathartic way to work through this – and lend a voice to the important issues arising.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Acker\u2019s play is not a factual expose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe play is entirely fictional,\u201d said Acker, who is an alumna of The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr. \u201cIt\u2019s not super-close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the main investigations of the play is how the internet permeates our lives \u2013 exacerbates a situation and heightens it in a negative way. The internet is not the best forum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Azuka<\/span> continues its commitment to the community by extending the innovative pay-what-you-decide box office initiative for the 2018-2019 season.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

No money is exchanged before the show. Audience members reserve tickets in advance, see the production, then decide on a price which they think is suitable based on their experience and pay as they leave the theater. Ticket payment can be made after the performance by cash, check or credit card. All money collected helps to pay Azuka artists and further support future productions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Azuka Theatre\u2014 \u201cBoycott Esther\u201d is running now through May 19. Admission is a donation.<\/span><\/p>\n

And, if you just want to rock out \u2013 or space out — on Sunday night, your destination could be Fillmore Philadelphia (1100 Canal Street, Philadelphia, 215-309-0150,www.thefillmorephilly.com<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Amo Amo<\/p><\/div>\n

On May 19, the Fillmore is hosting Amo Amo, <\/span>a psychedelic dream pop band from Los Angeles, California. The band\u2019s lineup features Omar Velasco, Shane McKillop, Justin Flint, Love Femme, and Alex Siegel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the band was already formed around older music I had written,\u201d said Vasquez, during a recent phone interview from a tour stop in Dallas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy band was called Mother Tongues,\u201d but somebody had the trademark. We wanted a clean slate. So, we had to find a new name. It was Amo Amo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were getting ready to make a record with Jim James. Love Femme came to a session and jumped in. She\u2019s been in the band ever since.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were writing songs at this beautiful old house in wine country. We had a friend whose family owned the house for generations \u2013 ever since California became a state. One room was still adobe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis family opened up the house for us and let us stay there. The house was definitely haunted by friendly spirits \u2013 music-loving spirits. It dawned on us that his place would work as a makeshift studio. Jim was cool with it and he brought his gear there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe place was pretty removed from everything. There wasn\u2019t even Wi-Fi. We did have a land line. The isolation helped a lot. Just having everyone there in the studio \u2013 being present without Instagram. It was like our brains went back to their original wiring pretty quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were out there for about three weeks tracking. Then, we took 12 days to mix it in Louisville, Kentucky. It was fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After the multi-week recording retreat nestled amongst California\u2019s vineyards and out of range of cell phone service, Amo Amo emerged with a collection of soulful, magic songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe album has a combination of songs I had written prior to the session,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cOthers came together quickly. And, Love had some lyrics that fit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The album was<\/span> produced by Jim James, mixed by Kevin Ratterman and mastered by Bob Ludwig.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe album came out April 26,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cNow, we\u2019re on the road. This is the first extended tour we\u2019ve done \u2013 and the first time we played outside California.\u201d<\/span>Video link for Amo Amo \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/iKl00rpSqDk<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Fillmore Philadelphia, which has Jim James as the headliner, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Brand X, which is headlining shows at the Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org) on May 18 and 19 has a similarity to horror film characters like Freddie Kreuger and Chucky \u2013 just when you think they\u2019re dead and gone for good, they reappear. The London-based […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42928,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8457],"tags":[12170,12168,12169,12167,7426],"class_list":["post-42926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-amo-amo","tag-bobcat-goldthwait-dana-gould","tag-boycott-esther","tag-brand-x","tag-featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=42926"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42927,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42926\/revisions\/42927"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/42928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=42926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=42926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=42926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}