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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Audio Kickstand
Here's the scene: the outdoor Fall Foliage Festival at Black Mountain in Jackson, NH last Saturday; pouring rain; large receptive crowd; you're a member of a hot funk band in the middle of a set under a huge tent - and with a sudden pop — no electricity.
A situation like this gives you no time to think or plan — no time to second guess. Whatever inner resources you bring to the bandstand — that's what you have to work with. In front of a crowd of hundreds, what you choose to do with this opportunity is very telling and sometimes compelling.
Take for example the brave and nimble Daniel Spofford, drummer for the band Audio Kickstand. This guy is the epitome of cool under pressure, with a healthy dose of lucky thrown in. In fact, the whole band appears to be made of the same stuff.Last Saturday, Black Mountain had an outdoor festival — nine bands, pony rides, season ticket give-aways. It's a fabulous venue (you should go next year). Hundreds of people came out for a good time, even in the pouring rain. Live electricity and pouring rain is always a tricky combo and all praise to the event folks at Black — they really pulled off a major win.
Audio Kickstand was part way through their very funky set when, as may be expected in a live situation there was a glitch. I was privileged enough to be under the festival tent listening to the band when the electricity went out and everything went semi-dark. The sound of the guitars and bass went blank and you could hear only a faint strumming in the background as the drummer rolled through his now solo phrases.It could have petered out right there, but Daniel continued through into the darkness. I could sense what I thought was a moment of trepidation and then with confidence rising, he expanded and added filigree and went on to create a fantastic drum solo out of nothing but a back beat and opportunity. The crowd sensed what was happening, loved it and rose with him. I wondered, how long could this solo continue if the electricity didn't come back. What's going to happen next?
The solo powered on like a freight train through about 30 bars (maybe 90 seconds) when the electricity sputtered back into play. It's as though the rest of the band anticipated this, and smack at bar 32, right where the drum solo needed a breath, and was ready to pass the baton, the whole band jumped up, jumped right in and moved forward as one right back into the song with the energy that comes from good fortune, grace and deep musicianship under pressure. It was a rare opportunity well met.
Those of you who were there should count yourselves lucky. Not many of us are presented with challenging and public opportunities like this one. Not all of them are as deftly handled as this was. But every day there are small opportunities within your grasp to take adversity and make something meaningful from it.
I guess I'm now a forever fan of Audio Kickstand. I want to be present when a group of talented individuals make wise choices and rise together as a community. Whether I'm on stage, in the audience or at a town meeting, the opportunities are waiting and I'm keeping my ears open.
- North Conway music Blog
Discography
Presently working a their first full length CD they have released a 3 song EP that has been getting radio play on some local radio stations.
Photos
Bio
Audio KickStand is a collaboration of a few local bands from the northern New Hampshire music scene including Five Day 40, PREFACE, Sounds Clever and more. After sharing the stage together many times and with a desire to keep music inspirational, fresh and exciting, these musicians began to conspire. They started a band to bring positive vibes and good times to all at a time when it is much needed.
Bringing many styles, ideas and song lists to the table these boys have developed an extensive set list. The dancing funk of The Meters, Stevie Wonder and James Brown to Reggae and Ska jams including Operation Ivy, Toots and the Maytalls, Slightly Stoopid and Sublime just touches upon the extensive list (see included cover set list).
Now with the recording of their first EP CD the ideas and talents of the members have become the perfect fuel for exciting original material. With influences ranging from reggae, funk, hip hop, rock, groove, and/ or bluegrass, their tasty originals are forcing people on their feet and singing right along.
Recent highlights include radio play of their 3 song ep on local radio, an opening slot for The Rustic Overtones, sold out shows in the northern NH area and organizing a winter tour of the New England ski areas.
Their mission is to bring good times, great music and positive vibes to every show.
So put down the kickstand and take a moment to enjoy the grooves.
Audio Kickstand, music to keep you up - to get down.
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