News & Updates — avant-garde

The great reedsman and composer Julius Hemphill was a member of the collective Black Artists Group (B.A.G.) of St. Louis, and a founder of the World Saxophone Quartet, an all-sax ensemble that played and recontextualized many originals, standards and pop songs for wind only. Hemphill also played with Ike Turner, Anthony Braxton, Lester Bowie, Human Arts Ensemble and Bjork, as well as starting both a sax quintet and sextet. He had a harsh tone, with influence from African music to pop to avant-garde and theater. He can be heard often in the duo format. And like Braxton, his line-ups could...

"Peace & Rhythm Presents" is a weekly eclectic music series every Wednesday night at The Root Cellar, downtown Greenfield's newest music venue. This premier season features bands and performers of various genres and styles, including funk, world music, jazz, reggae, rock, folk, DJs and more. Every Wednesday is FREE ADMISSION, 21+. Doors open at 8, music starts pumping at 9 and goes until 1230. ---Wed, July 27...The Boogalistics (soul-jazz/funk) and Doctor Thing (freak-out psychedelic jazz-funk) - The Boogalistics bring fresh energy to the classic sound of soul jazz. Boogaloo, soul-jazz, funk, this brand new group out of Northampton will satisfy...

Among the many beautiful things about sound & music is that it can supplement your life's routine in so many different ways. Whether you look at (or hear or make) music as artistic expression, ritual, relaxation, protest, celebration, dance release, mathematical composition, entertainment, fashion, comedy or even as background sound, there is no wrong way to appreciate music. It fills our lives with joy or aggression, songs about love and hate, constructions of rhythm and noise, harmony or disruption. Only a high-minded snob will pooh-pooh somebody's artistic creation. (Although they are certainly out there, usually in the form of talentless...

DJ and record collector alert! Announcing the long-awaited release of Peace & Rhythm’s brand new 45: Super Hi-Fi “Q Street”/ Big Mean Sound Machine “Wolfpack” – coming to record stores near you, and online at quality vinyl purveyors. A “split 45” with two awesome bands, two different vibes, great for dancing or just chilling. Featuring super thick red vinyl, color picture sleeve, liner note insert. This video is a special “megamix” preview of what’s on the 45, with visuals courtesy of Andrew Greto – one half of video art duo Bell & Howl. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjb0swesOBphfr9KDtvI0VQ Item...

Peace & Rhythm has got some hot new wax coming your way this spring & summer! We just sent off the next one to the pressing plant. We're happy to announce a forthcoming split 7" featuring a song each by Brooklyn dub band Super Hi-Fi and Ithaca-based afrofunk juggernaut Big Mean Sound Machine. Two earth-rumbling cuts by two heavy groove bands on one DJ-friendly platter, complete with a picture sleeve and two-sided insert. 800 press. The two bands will be playing some shows together this summer, so get in touch if you'd like to book them. And don't hesitate to...