Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2012
Start Time: 9:00 PM
Event Type: Concerts, Special Events
Last Updated: June 17, 2012
Views: 9
Frank Solivan And Dirty Kitchenwith The Gloria DarlingsFrank SolivanAt the highest levels of acoustic musicianship exists a mystery the mystery of tone, taste and timing It can best be illustrated by giving a good musician a good instrument and asking him to briefly strum, pick, bow, whatever is required to produce the best sound. Then, by way of comparison, hand that very same instrument to a GREAT musician and ask for the same. It is a phenomenon that manifests itself every time that Frank Solivan picks up a mandolin, guitar or violin. What you see may be the same pick or bow, on the same strings, on the same fretboard that the good player demonstrated, but the sound Ah theres the difference!In Franks hands, these instruments take on a life of their own. You hear power. You hear volume. You hear crispness, clarity, timing and taste. All combined with passion and drive. A physicist might slow it down to analyze the strum against string but he wouldnt find the answer. For that, you have to know Frank Solivan, a man who has a powerful life force thats as raw, natural and pure as the place he spend much of his youth, Alaska. Frank is a hunter, a fisherman, a gourmet chef, a beautiful singer, a poet and songwriter of tasteful ballads and of blazing instrumentals. A man of sturdy build who is known to holler out out a powerful, Son! whether it be in response to a hot solo, or some hot sauce he concocted in kitchen. Its as if all these things for him are an affirmation of life. An awareness that all five senses are humming along on overdrive. That life is short and all these gifts are not to be wasted.Those who are privileged enough to be around it, are richer for it. Musicians, especially, in his presence step up their game, but I suppose you could say the same about gourmands, or fishermen. People sense that life force around Frank and they want a piece of it. The physicist curious about the mysteries of tone, timing and taste would do well to spend some time around Frank. He would find no definition, no explanation of how it happens but he would see it right there. And you should, too.Mike MunfordMike is one of the hidden treasures of the five string banjo world. Mike grew up in the sixties and seventies in the bluegrass hotbed of Baltimore and D.C. and assimilated just about everything that all the great players in that area could offer. Then he took off on his own. How best to describe him? Imagine this conversation among banjo players huddled around a fire at some pickin party or festival.Now well past forty years old the age at which, they say, life begins, Mike Munford retains a child like enthusiasm and curiosity for all things banjo. He has no qualms about driving hours through rush hour traffic to go see J.D. Crowe play at some obscure club then rave about the performance even though he might have seen it or heard it dozens, maybe hundreds or times. He has imbibed everything that J.D., or Earl, or Bela, has thrown his way and can mimic those players with uncanny accuracy, but has found his own style, too.It can best be described as hard-driving melodic but such a description diminishes whats actually going on. When Mike Munford plays you hear all things that great banjo player strive to achieve. Power, drive, impeccable timing, exquisite tone and jaw-dropping technique. Mike is also, indeed, about the finest set-up or fret job guy around, and is a walking encyclopedia of banjo trivia. He is an inspiration to countless players in the mid Atlantic region. Most of the country hasnt really seen all that much of Mikes playing. He, throughout most of his career, has preferred the comforts of home to the road. It is testament to Frank Solivans powers of persuasion ( i.e. talent) that Mike is hitting the road as a part of this fine ensemble.Danny BoothHailing from the Chugach mountains near Anchorage, Alaska, Danny Booth grew up in a thriving bluegrass and country music family and community. His first gig was at age 12 with Doug Dillard and Ginger Boatwright at a bluegrass camp concert. Heavily influenced by his father Greg, a master of pedal steel, dobro and banjo, Danny soon graduated to join his dad in the seminal Alaskan bluegrass band, Rank Strangers. There he met an 18 year old fiddler/mandolinist named Frank Solivan. To most people, growing up in Alaska doesnt suggest a strong musical background, but they havent heard Dan or Frank!Dannys own style and sound has been influenced by some of the greatest bassists of acoustic music: Todd Phillips, Mike Bub, Mark Shatz, Barry Bales, Byron House and Edgar Meyer. His supportive bass lines are laden with excellent timing, feel, powerful tone and fluid technique. Danny recalls, My dad was never shy about telling me when something didnt work that gave me the perfectionist attitude I have today. In addition to Dannys impeccable bass playing, he is a remarkable singer. Hes known for his powerful lead and seamlessly blended harmony vocals. Working with Kathy Kallick taught me a lot about blending harmonies. Combining voices is like rubbing two sticks together when done correctly it can catch on fire! Danny has toured with the Kathy Kallick Band, Spring Creek, Bearfoot, and even performed with one and only Dr. Ralph Stanley. He is the newest member of Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen and brings his own musical voice and vision to this rising band. Stand by to be blown away when Danny Booth gets up to the mic.Chris LuquetteChris is one of the hardest working musicians in the Seattle music scene today. Youd be hard pressed to find another 21 year old seamlessly switching from International Music to Jazz and from Rock to Bluegrass so comfortably. He has even studied Brazilian Jazz with Seattle based Brazil music legend, Jovino Santos Neto. Chris musicianship reflects the multitude of musical influences he turns to for inspiration. His acoustic guitar playing really stands out, but this virtuosic, multi-instrumentalist is equally at home playing mandolin, drums, bass, electric guitar, banjo, and Greek bouzouki! In addition to his own Seattle based band, Northern Departure, Chris plays with Folk Voice band, Michael ONeill and is a first call freelance musician. Dont miss an opportunity to hear him shred his Martin guitar in half!