There is no Denver sound. We are not recognized as a music center, such as Seattle or Detroit or San Francisco have been. I think this is a great thing. The variety of bands here is something to be proud of. Denver musicians are encouraged and supported in their efforts to create their own band, sound, and performance style. A music fan should never be bored in Denver.

But at the same time, finding new and fresh places to view this music can be a challenge. There are the strong supporters who consistently bring in local favorites while offering warm welcomes to the newcomers, like Herman's Hideaway, The Soiled Dove, 15th Street Tavern ... the places that are familiar and valuable to our live music culture.

More and more, especially in the past two years or so, different kinds of business establishments have added live music to their dining or drinking atmosphere. More and more, as people get sick of LoDo or the parking lot madness or the idiot drunks, Denver folk are spreading out to other areas to hear their favorite band or to check out something completely new.

There seems to be motivation from all sides here ... the patron, the bar/ restaurant owner, and most importantly, the musician. Anyone looking to try a new band or a new venue should feel confident that the support and talent are out there. Out of the dozens of places that have added live music on the weekends or one night during the week, here are four that represent a wide selection of alternatives.

THE HORNET
82 N. Broadway
303-777-7676

The Hornet features live music on Saturday nights. This neighborhood restaurant offers a relaxing alternative to the downtown weekend frenzy. The bar caters to its group of "regulars," as well as people who stop in before or after seeing a movie at the Mayan. However, the philosophy behind manager Megan Kennaugh's decision to keep live music for the fall comes down to atmosphere and money.

"We like to keep things fresh and interesting," said Kennaugh. "We definitely like idea of bringing new people into our business. Agreat band with their own following is perfect for us and changes things up every week for our customers."

The Hornet's success stems from finding the right balance between the band's sound and the agenda of the customer. Kennaugh has booked all kinds of acts including blues, reggae, and light rock. The band sets up at the right end of the bar area, so people can still shoot pool, hang at the bar, and not be overrun by the band. The acoustics are good, and the feedback has been good.

The problems facing businesses like the Hornet come either from the band being too loud for the room or starting too early for the late dinner crowd. Fortunately, these are relatively easy to control. To succeed here, a band needs to have a great sound that will attract and keep patrons happy and spending their money. The Hornet will continute to bring in local talent on Saturdays, and maybe add a local DJ night in the fall.

Joe Gendill is a local music supporter. He likes having entertainment for his customers, and finds that most local bands bring new people in and improve business. With a capacity of about 200 people, there is a great stage and enough room for the brave to get up and dance to their favorite tunes. Every Thursday, Joe's house band features local bluesman Steve Crenshaw, but the weekend nights open up for rock and alternative styles.

Gendill is happy with his decision to add music four years ago. "I like to give musicians a chance to play, and help improve the music scene. We get people from all over who hear we have live bands. It's an easy way to help us and help the musician."

Gendill has had a lot of response and solicitation from local artists wanting to play at Jammin' Joe's. He picks bands that have a good sound, a variety of songs, and play familiar covers or catchy originals for the crowd to enjoy. If he's never heard a band before, he'll ask them to come down to the open stage on Tuesday nights.

For the lighter crowd, Stella's has built a reputation for supporting acoustic and folk artists around town. Artists can sell their product and build a local fanbase by entertaining the crowd of 40 or so coffee nuzzlers on a weekend night in Washington Park. The live music tradition began long ago, and current manager Jill Katchen keeps it rolling.

Stella's attracts people from all over who may dine at nearby Sushi Den or Hugh's. The opportunity for a local artist to generate money from tips and or a door charge is perfect for those musicians who play solo or in small combos. The customers at Stella's seem to like and welcome the chance to hear musicians in such an intimate setting.

Katchen says she gets as many as five calls a day from people wanting to play Stella's. The best advice she can offer musicians is to prepare a well-made demo and bio that closely represents the style of the artist. Like the Hornet, Stella's has a particular atmosphere that doesn't suit all performers. But for the java lovers, it seems perfect.

Sports Field is turning up the sound and the stakes for Denver's live music fans. Manager Chris Galanis is preparing to turn Sports Field into the hard rock venue of the city. Beginning August 25, two bands will share the bill. Already, the schedule reads like a who's who among the hard rock scene, including Sick and Blister 66.

Galanis sees this as an opportunity to increase the nighttime action at the bar. The restaurant crowd usually finishes around 9: 30 p. m., and at 10, the bands will take the stage. For fans of the music, Galanis knows he is providing a great alternative to the downtown scene and uniting the hard rock bands under one roof.

The payment system encourages bands to treat their music as their business. They will get paid according to how many they bring in, much like other successful places around town. Because Sports Field is committed to making this work, Galanis wants each band to find their audience and build on their individual style.

While by no means exhaustive, this small list quickly details the wide variety of support and choices out there for both musicians and music fans. The community can only get stronger as more and more people choose to turn off the DMX, and turn on the microphone.

Blister is in the house! Everybody get down!" proclaims the song "Booty Shake" off the White Trash summer album by Denver's own bad boys, Blister66. Anyone who has ever seen this band knows people do get down when Blister66 is kicking out the sounds. If you haven't heard of these guys, check your pulse, you might be dead.

The reigning kings of Colorado hip hop heavy music have an enormous following. Their shows are always packed, and unlike most Denver bands, their following is predominately underage.

"The kids love us and we love the energy they give back to us," said vocalist Chris Dellinger. "The national shows we have gotten have really helped us to build a base with the younger crowd. We have opened for national acts where the kids have literally harassed the headliner after we had played. We don't necessarily condone that, but it is a good feeling to know that our fans believe in us so much."

Chris Dellinger himself would make a great story. Without a doubt one of the most visible, well-liked and cool people in the Denver music scene. While Chris does live in the clubs, he is one of the hardest working people in the music business that I know. The success that Blister66 has enjoyed is a direct result of that hard work. Another reason for their succes--other than their kick-ass sound--is that people identify with these guys. The entire band, despite their sometimes outlandish appearance, are all very cool people. With Chris doing the vocals the rest of the band consists of Philo on guitar, Andy Pfeiffer on bass, Dave Foonberg on drums, Joe Sego on the keys and samples, and DJ Kage doing the spinning and scratching.

"Now that we've got Andy and Joe back in the band it's like a perfect situation," said Philo. "They both were in the band before, and it's like a good part of the past is back. Dave has fit really nice into the band, and he's been very helpful with the business stuff. Things have been going great and we are real excited about what lies ahead for us."

"Whether our next album is with a label or an independent release it will be all new material," Chris continued. "We want to release songs people have never had a chance to vibe on before. The longevity of a product is much greater if the material is unsaturated and new."

The portal swung open to reveal a long, narrow duskily lit room containing a recording stufio, and lined electronica records for purchase and a large leopard print couch and loveseat, along with a fluffy brown bean bag. Jasun Lovejoy stood at the counter laughing at his friend.

Tall, lanky and glowing with a mellow happiness, Lovejoy is not what one would expect from a DJ. He looks more like he'd be at home strumming a guitar, singing lyrics he wrote himself. His curly mop of brown hair flops boyishly as he laughs, which he does frequently.

But, as they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Lovejoy is a native Coloradan from the town of Kremlin (just west of Steamboat) who started spinning about six years ago, but music has always flowed through his blood. He first started with the guitar, went to a school in Hollywood to study and attended the Colorado Institute of Art for a brief period of time.

But the genre that truly became a part of him was electronica, Lovejoy said. Every weekend he would venture to parties and the music that vibrated out of the speakers infected his soul in a way that the passion he felt for the guitar never could. So with the help of his roommate and his zeal for funk, Lovejoy took the step up to the turn tables and into his career.

"I would go to San Francisco and hear bomb music and I'd come back to Denver and be like 'Man, what's up with Denver? '" Lovejoy said about his motivation for becoming a DJ.

His music is a combination of house with acid jazz, or what he affectionately calls "down tempo." Which is just like hip hop without the rap, he said.

Yet, Lovejoy is not your ordinary, every-day, run-of-the-mill DJ. He owns the record store Lovejoy Rhythms in the back of Soul Flower. The two stores are separate entities, Lovejoy said. He obtained his portion of the building from a friend who owned the previous Cat Flap Records, when his pal moved to Hawaii.

Lovejoy started out playing at MoonTribe parties and local clubs. Some of the clubs he has spun at are the Amsterdam, the Roxy, and the Snake Pit, at which he still hits once a month on Monday's Skunk Motel.

He currently spins every Friday at Seven South, on Broadway and Ellsworth, for Strawberry Fields, and he just returned from spinning at a week long party in Cancun with Dub Tribe. Kids can also catch him in the wee hours of the morning at Moondance on August 18, Denver's last outdoor party.

Congratulations to local performers Rocket Ajax and Mike V.for being chosen to perform for the "Diamond in the Rough" contest sponsored by Fred Durst's label Flawless Records. The contest--which is taking place in every city that Limp Bizkit is performing for free--gives unsigned bands a chance at a record deal. While no one is really quite sure what the results were since Fred Durst didn't even show up, an Interscope representative was there and it appeared that both Rocket Ajax and Mike V. did very well. Inside information tells me that the products submitted by these performers impressed who it was suppose to, and things look very good for all parties concerned. I have heard the Rocket Ajax CD and the Mike V. CD, and they are both terrific. Everybody pool together your karma and make this happen for these guys. All we need is Denver on the music industry map, and this could do it. Good luck my friends.

Blues-based rockers Dynamo Humm are working in a new drummer and should be back out playing real soon. Those who know these guys know this is their fifth drummer. Chemistry is everything in a band, and Dynamo Humm feels they have finally found it. The band features a super talented guitar player who I guaranatee will impress the hell out of you. Go check them out whenever they come back to the set ... you won't regret it.

I attended the most recent COMA (Colorado Music Association) meeting and I was very impressed by a lot that I heard. I was also impressed by the amount of people there are out there who just want to help musicians. I urge all of you to become a COMA member. I believe the organization's heart is in the right place, and the networking possibilities are endless. Big time hats off to the people at Twist & Shout Records for all the help they are giving to local artists, you guys rule.

Hip-hop artists looking for direction and leadership look no further than the Colorado Hip-Hop Coalition which is a sub-committee of COMA. The chairman of the coalition is Jeff Campbell (Apostle), and I must say this guy got my attention. I found him to be very intelligent, very genuine, and he knows what he wants and what it will take to get there. I see big things ahead for the hip-hop scene with this guy at the helm. Any organization wanting success must have good leadership and Jeff Campbell is a leader. So if you are a hip-hop artist get it in gear and jump on a ship that will sail.

The Sports Field located on East Colfax is preparing to become a full-scale performance club beginning August 25. While rumors say it will be all heavy music, I am here to tell you any good artist in any genre will be allowed to play there. I have gotten to know the owner Chris, and he is a great guy. A new sound system, a new light system, and Denver's elite soundman Jeff Johnson are just a few things that the club will feature. The place also has killer food and the bands will make 100% of the door. Those interested in booking should call 303-377-0200 and ask for Chris or Dave.

Last but not least, I recently heard the new CDs by Denver metal bands Depth Charge and InsaneCore Productions, and they both kick ass. Everyday I find myself in awe by the amount of talent that is in this city. New doorways are opening in Denver almost by the minute for musicians. If we all stick together this town will blow up I guarantee it. I'm leaving for tour this week and will be gone for three weeks, so don't think I've vanished. I'm just being what I am. Look for more Music Notes next issue. Until then, keep working hard, keep supporting one another, and take care fo the family. Peace out.

CLASSIFIEDS

Extreme metal band Lecherous Nocturne is currently searching for a drummer. Must have excellent double-bass skills and blast beats. Serious responses only. 303-642-3239/ Jason.

There are some guests on this CD as well. Dudes from Slipknot, Sean Lennon and more ... Max Cavalera is the guy that wrote all of these songs as well as laid down vocals and strings. He seems to be very hooked up in the music biz with all of the cameos going on here.

What I liked about this is that the guy comes out with some very hardcore, break-your-neck kind of stuff and then gives you this sense that he is a peaceful shaman kind of spirit. Very punchy yet soulful. This disc will be in heavy rotation soon, so before every kid on the block has it and says they had it first, let them know that Go-Go had you on the cutting edge loooong ago to the tune of Soulfly. A

The second track is like a full-on guitar solo that has the blues and country making sweet sweet love together. I am impressed with the musicianship on this dang ol' thang. I mean it sounds like some serious players are on this and it sounds like they are having a fun time doing it. The vocals on this CD are really cool here. One can only picture this guy giving vocal lessons by telling his students to drink a fifth of Jim Beam and smoke a pack of Lucky Strikes before even coming to class.

All in all, this really covers the bases of blues, jazz and swing with a little grinding gospel peppered in. From what I can get, these guys are based out of Laramie, Wyoming. I don't know how much they get out, but they need to load up that van and get up to Little Bear ... they would fit right in.

There seems to be a lot of music funneling through a little label out of Fort Collins. Put together by a guy named Morris Beegle, the company wants to develop independent artists and give them a bit of exposure du jour.

Well here it is, a disc called Skratch Trax 2000, Vol 1. It has quite a list of local players on it with up to 17 hot tracks for your driving pleasure! The artists showcased here are of what I call an easy listening category. A bus-load of acoustic flavored Rocky Mountain high tunes. Hell, even a guy named Dave Beegle is on it! He just so happens to be a hell of a good guitar player too.

Although I am a fan of compilation CDs, I tend to go more for the ones with a little more of a variety and cross section of sounds and musicians. That is why movie soundtracks are some of the best discs to buy--you get a ton of different stuff. I reviewed a comp disc in the last issue in which I dug the differences between all of the songs. This has a pretty common theme between all of the artists here: mellow, jammy, "hey we are at the Mish tonight" kind of stuff and most commonly, "we are all on Hapi Skratch Records." C-

What can I say here. I do love to check out sounds from the edge of reality. This offering from what I can only guess is an electronic twosome that happened to smash their naked bodies together might just grab at you.

Sample-driven sounds with dark undertones (and a taste of goth) give reference to sex in dark places. Yet, given only three tracks from this disc I can still get a feeling of what is trying to be done here. Techno dance with a spice of really being able to picture someone singing along with the beat.

The cover on this CD got to me. Just because the nipples on this girl are just about as perfect as they get. Shit, I want her to go full on Bow-Wow-Wow on the next cover. The stockings on the dude-- well some of you might like it although big Ten here just cannot swing like a pendulum on that one.

In the end I will say this about the music here. This seems to be a decent attempt to put together a club sound and feel, yet needs more than just three beats, a sampler and some loose narrative over the top of it all. I think they might be on to something ... but then again maybe not. Run out and get it for three songs? Nah. Pick it up so the sun doesn't melt it? Sure, why not. D

Very short and to the point here. If you put a band together and want to sound like Hootie and the Blowfish, fine. If the guy that volunteers to sing for such a band can't sing a lick, fuckin' be kind and just let him go. He might be a hell of a brick layer or meat packer some day.

Musically maybe ... but stay away from this disc if you think vocals count at all. F