"Snazzy is as Snazzy Does!"
Gwen Joy is an artist who specializes in colorful folk art paintings.
Life experience is her subject matter which is translated in a lyrical/mythical fashion.
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I missed the opening set but caught most of Hundred Waters' set and was quite taken with it. I particularly enjoyed Thistle which has a wonderful and whimsical video and Boreal which was near the end of the set. Hundred Waters are on a label with hip hop and dub records, most notably Danny Brown. So their record definitely stands out. Their folky tender lyrics and electronic sound aided by electronic system called logic created a full and atmospheric sound. I enjoyed in particular Nicole Miglis' cunning stage presence and singing and Zach Tetreault's proficient percussion. The label is called biz 3 publicity visit their page at http://biz3publicity.tumblr.com/page/2. They have only been playing for six months but things are really going good for their career.
The last act Julia Holter was a sophisticated blend of minimalist, avant garde, jazz, eastern classical music, noise and some hints of new wave. The band consisted of Julia who sang in an operatic airy style and a cellist and a drummer. The masterful and complexity of the playing of the instruments and singing produced a buoyant and layered effect. Julia's voice took on a deeper tone for the couple of free form jazzier songs. The jazzier songs were heightened by a funky and full bodied groove. In the third song which had an ample new wave sound she sounded a bit like Kate Bush. Their sixth song was larger than life. It held all of their influences and had a most unusual and satisfying rhythm.
This was an enjoyable evening with two dynamic and unusual groups.
For more info on Julia Holter check out http://juliashammasholter.com/.