Magic Box
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Magic Box

Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF

Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF
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"What's in the Magic Box?"

The Needle
What's in the Magic Box?

Luther Robinson
Feb 26 2012 - 13:18

Magic Box celebrated the release of their debut self-titled EP at Martyrs' last friday.
By Luther Robinson

Editor-in-Chief

Even if you took Kingston Mines, B.L.U.E.S., Buddy Guy’s Legends and Rosa’s and were magically able to pick them up, turn them over and start rattling them, you still wouldn’t be able to shake out as much soul as Martyrs' had going on last Friday, with the Magic Box EP Release Party.

While the night was intended to celebrate the self-titled debut release from this Ed Anderson/Scott Tipping project, the spotlight was shared with friends, The Steepwater Band and Chicago Farmer. Steepwater was even given the normal headline slot with the Farmer taking the opening slot, allowing Magic Box to fill that warm center. By last call though, it was a Delta-like free-for-all which was prompted by the late night appearance of Los Lobos saxophonist and Grammy-winning producer, Steve Berlin.

The appearance of Berlin was not so random, considering he contributed a baritone sax part to “Anything to Pass the Time” on the Magic Box EP. Berlin’s connection also dates back to Anderson and Tipping’s other band, Backyard Tire Fire, for whom he produced their last album Good to Be. However, it was Tipping who wore the producer hat on the new EP, which opens with his composition, “Lolo,” boasting hard-driving guitar work crossed with lofty vocals that are signature to both Tipping tunes, which serve as the book ends of the EP, with “See Me in Sky” as the closer. Anderson also brings that sharp edge to the album through his track “Cover It Up,” but it is his melodies in the aforementioned “Anything to Pass the Time” and the darker, paranormal-themed “Lights Flicker” that balance the album out.

All five tracks were featured in the Magic Box set, which also included the Ronnie Wood composition, “Am I Groovin’ You,” which seemed to set the tone for the guitar melee which ensued for the rest of the evening. The song also clearly showcased the highly-skilled Magic Box rhythm section of drummer, Steve Gillis (formerly of Filter), and bassist, Matt Thompson. And surely not to be forgotten is keyboardist Scott Stevenson, who is charged with fusing the band’s unique sound all through his small red keyboard. While Stevenson’s instrument might look like a shiny toy, there is nothing funny about the way he plays it – often competing with the guitar work of Anderson and Tipping for the center of attention. But in the end, it was the entire band that was the center of attention at Martyrs', where copies of their new vinyl release, complete with MP3 download code, magically began to vanish from the merch booth located at stage right.

And it was clear they weren’t the only ones to bring their bag of tricks to the North Side last Friday. From the time Chicago Farmer hit the stage with his unique brand of interactive country/folk, to the Magic Box set, through the blues drench of The Steepwater Band; momentum in Martyrs' steadily built – culminating with the orgy-like jam session with Berlin to cap the evening. What is inside the Magic Box was revealed and those in the building were left only with the hopes that there are more tricks somewhere in there.

lutherrobinson@therockist.com

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Discography

Magic Box - Self-Titled EP 2/24/12 Release

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Bio

I remember the first time Backyard Tire Fire opened a show for Cracker. I was hanging out backstage, but not for long. By the end of their set I was hooked and buying their CDs. Now Ed and Scott have put together another great band with Magic Box.

It's apparent on every track of the self titled debut that these guys understand the power of a simple but unforgettable guitar riff or blazing solo woven seamlessly into the subtleties of a great pop song. Their sound echoes 70s era glory like Neil Young and Crazyhorse or The James Gang, yet simultaneously sparkles with elements that are modern and immediately catchy. I can't wait to see them bust it out live!

Johnny Hickman, Cracker

Ed Anderson and Scott Tipping have been making music and mayhem together since the late ’90s, when they hosted an open mic featuring drunken jazz artists, angry poets and puppeteers.

Ed moved on to found roots rock trio Backyard Tire Fire in 2001. Through the 2000s, the band toured relentlessly, recording 5 albums and 2 EPs.

Scott went on to become a mainstay of the Chicago music scene, playing and touring with bands like Mighty Blue Kings, Peter Himmelman, The Steak House Mints and Dayna Malow.

Their paths crossed again in 2008 when Ed asked Scott to join Backyard Tire Fire on tour to round out the band’s sound. BTF’s album Good To Be, produced by Steve Berlin, saw them touring the country, headlining shows and opening for the likes of Los Lobos, Buddy Guy, ZZ Top and Cracker.

In back alleys, dank hotel rooms and a van that at least once tried to kill its masters, a new music partnership was formed, and when Backyard Tire Fire decided to take a break from touring, Scott and Ed chose to bring together some of their favorite Chicago musicians to work on new songs: Steve Gillis (drums), Scott Stevenson (keys and vocals) and Matt Thompson (bass).

The new project features songs by both Ed and Scott, staying true to the rock-and-roll tradition of BTF while transitioning into a more dynamic, harmony-oriented sound.