1939 Ensemble
I showed up a little late for the show and missed Battleme but I was just in time to see 1939 Ensemble set up their equipment. On the right side of the stage Jose Medeles finishes arranging a very fine looking drum set and on the left side Davide Coniglio sets up a full on Vibraphone as well as what I’m told is a Moog Distortion delay and a couple of other un-named pedals. Then the band leaves the stage for what seems like ten to a gazillion minutes. As the audience curiously and impatiently waits the lights dim and an eerie version of the song played by ice cream trucks rings through the room. Medeles and Coniglio break from the back stage full of energy and stretching of fingers putting on their game faces as they take the stage. With a couple of nods to each other Medeles on drums starts off with a nice steady beat to get things going. Coniglio on Vibraphone starts to rattle off a couple of rhythmic slaps from his mallets keeping close to Medeles’s beats. Then with a couple of certain slaps on either an eclectic pad or specifically miked parts of his vibraphone he goes to work on twisting nobs on his Moog giving crazy loops of sound that carry on over the crowd through the entire song. Coniglio continues twisting nobs distorting the sound while Medeles lays down solid mathy drum beats while also keeping his glasses on his nose on off beats. I couldn’t tell which was more incredible the drum lines that Medeles was laying down or the fact that he had the ability to adjust his glasses without missing a beat. Half way through the show Medels and Coniglio switch instrument giving their own style to each instrument in a style that can only be called 1939 Ensemble. Even the person running the lights got involved around song 7 flickering the lights on beat and directing spot lights to give each musician focus. It gave a really sweet effect causing me to wish they had paid the guy to take part the entire show. Truly I started off feeling that the band was coming off a little snooty but as the show developed I saw the reason for such raised noses. They are both brilliant musicians and very skilled in rhythm and tone. They’ve created together a very interesting sound and have given themselves an outlet to showcase their skills. The show was very amazing and the music they played very mathy and cool. I just ask that they play down the pretension a bit and find some modesty. In saying that let me also say that their show is very much worth seeing for those who enjoy musicians of great skill and mathiness, if that makes any sense. Just try not to be put off by their over confidence.
Viva Voce
Mississippi Studios’ sound system can make bands sound great and there are some bands that their sound system will make sound incredible. Viva Voce was made for Mississippi Studios or vice versa there’s no way to tell. Taking the stage as a four piece to a very readily anticipating audience, Viva Voce looked as relaxed as kittens in a woollen matted basket. Performing since their start in 1998 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama you’d expect nothing more but it has been a while since they last performed. They, Kevin Robinson and Anita Robinson, were joined by two local performing musicians of which I am unable to retrieve their names but recognizable none the less. Being that this was the first time to see them live I didn’t know what to expect from their live performance. The band started easy settling into some favourable classics then started blowing down the door. Anita Robinson being not only easy on the eyes but also an amazing lead guitar player had a lot of my attention. Watching her play set me to wondering why there aren’t more women that take the form of lead guitarist in bands. It was awesome to see her so easily lay into some grungy rock leads with full confidence. Not only that but her vocals were sweet and blended well with that of her counterpart Kevin Robinson. I very beautiful married duo of musicians. Viva Voce has carried a large following for some time in Portland for such a reason. Speaking of a following to name some celebrates in the crowd one Dany Seim of Menomena, Larry Crane editor of Tape Op magazine, and also Al James of Dolorean were in attendance. There is much love for Viva Voce in Portland and for good reason. Their music and performances are very enjoyable and they came off as very lovable people. Even as an audience member I felt honored and loved standing among such a large crowd. If your able to, that is if Viva Voce decides to play another show in the near future, I truly suggest taking such an opportunity. For all we know it could be our last chance but let’s hope not. Kevin Robinson and Anita Robinson will be performing as an alter ego named The Robinsons at Lewis and Clark College on Friday April 13th. You have to RSVP to see this show so you better get on it if your planning on it. Here’s the link good luck my friend and God’s speed.
http://www.bandsintown.com/event/5110777/facebook_rsvp?artist=Viva+Voce&came_from=67
Twistedwire PDX 
The other musicians that played with the Robinsons are their cousins (at least one of them).