Recording: Mas Aya + Khôra

Artist: Mas Aya + Khôra

Song: [excerpt]

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Wolf's Nacho Wednesdays), July 20, 2016.

Mas Aya + Khôra - [excerpt]

An interesting combination here from Brandon Valdivia and Matthew Ramolo, as their normal solo projects usually have rather different vibes. Valdivia's avant-cumbia Mas Aya hews more towards conscious party jams while Ramolo's Khôra dissolves sounds into floating clouds while peering deep Within. The meeting point here was a space of electronic abstraction — Valdivia had a table full of gear that he spent most of the set deploying, only turning to the drum kit as things reached their peak. The upshot was a noise-field that gave Ramolo more forward thrust than usual and gave Valdivia more of a glimpse into the void.

Recording: Kyle Brenders + Andrew Zukerman

Artist: Kyle Brenders + Andrew Zukerman

Song: [excerpt from first piece]

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Wolf's Nacho Wednesdays), July 20, 2016.

Kyle Brenders + Andrew Zukerman - [excerpt from first piece]

Though cut from similar cloth as his partnership with Brodie West, this duo set with saxophonist Kyle Brenders pushed Andrew Zukerman into something of a different sonic zone. Paired with Brenders' full-bodied playing, this was one of the more musical and least provocateurish sets I've seen from Zukerman in a while — by the pair's second piece, he was barely even kicking back against the beauty of the music he was participating in.

Recording: Allison Cameron & Germaine Liu

Artist: Allison Cameron & Germaine Liu

Songs: [two improvisations]

Recorded at The Tranzac's Southern Cross Lounge (Wolf's Nacho Wednesdays), July 20, 2016.

Allison Cameron & Germaine Liu - [set 1, first piece]

Allison Cameron & Germaine Liu - [set 2, first piece] [excerpt]

Originally slated as a c_RL set, a summer cold meant this ended up as a duo between percussionist Germaine Liu and multi-instrumentalist Allison Cameron. Adding to the sense of something different than usual taking place, Cameron eschewed her usual variety of keyboards, mini-amps and other noisemakers and instead used the Southern Cross' venerable house acoustic guitar and piano. "The problem with the piano is that it just does notes," Cameron muttered after the first piece, but she did her best to subvert that. Perhaps the most intriguing moments came in a couple pieces where she doubled herself on guitar while Liu played recorder.

Recording: The Noah Sherman Quartet

Artist: The Noah Sherman Quartet

Song: Shadow Puppet Patrol [edit]

Recorded at The Emmet Ray (Somewhere There Presents), July 17, 2016.

The Noah Sherman Quartet - Shadow Puppet Patrol [edit]

This was the first chance I had to make it out for Somewhere There's casual monthly at The Emmet Ray. SWT collective member Noah Sherman brought out this grouping, with his percussion work enhanced by Emily Steinwall (sax), Luan Phung (guitar) and Peter Bull (5-string bass). Over two sets they tackled pieces from Sherman's songbook, a couple (including this one) from Bull plus pieces by John Zorn and The Thing.

Recording: Denison-Ballyk-O'Reilly-Clutton

Artist: Emily Denison/Mark Ballyk/Patrick O'Reilly/Rob Clutton

Songs: [set 1, first piece, in two parts]

Recorded at The Emmet Ray, July 17, 2016.

Denison-Ballyk-O'Reilly-Clutton - [set 1, first piece, part 1]

Denison-Ballyk-O'Reilly-Clutton - [set 1, first piece, part 2]

This Sunday evening set mixed three local emerging players (Emily Denison, trumpet; Mark Ballyk, drums; Patrick O'Reilly, guitar) with veteran bassist Rob Clutton. With the magic hour's glow filtering in from the skylight above, this was tasty stuff, perhaps nowhere more than right at the set's beginning with the quartet exploring textures more than rhythms.

Recording: Baby Cages

Artist: Baby Cages

Song: In Time^*

Recorded at Double Double Land (NASA – Noise Against Sexual Assault), July 10, 2016.

Baby Cages - In Time

Envisioned as "a night of noise, dark electronic, and doom rock in support of sexual assault survivors and in solidarity with Larkin Grimm", this event was programmed as a counter-gig to Swans' local appearance. It was also an attempt for DIY spaces to face up to the problems of taking responsibility for what happens within their walls and to begin a discussion of some "best practices" to create safer spaces.

A promised improv jam from Baby Cages didn't come together as the band closed out the night, but they still managed to satisfy with their slightly-narcoleptic insecurity anthems, perpetually sounding as if their music had been dialed down about four semitones to create a vague sense of lurching unease.

[Baby Cages (along with Special Costello) will be performing in "an immersive environment inspired by early computer generated animations" as part of the boundary-pushing multimedia event Sound Circuitz at the SummerWorks Festival. (Friday August 12th at the Pia Bouman School for Ballet.)]

^* Thanks to Halloway for passing along the title to this one.

Recording: Eyeballs

Artist: Eyeballs

Song: Eyeballs [Thee Cryptomaniacs cover]

Recorded at Double Double Land (NASA – Noise Against Sexual Assault), July 10, 2016.

Eyeballs - Eyeballs

Envisioned as "a night of noise, dark electronic, and doom rock in support of sexual assault survivors and in solidarity with Larkin Grimm", this event was programmed as a counter-gig to Swans' local appearance. It was also an attempt for DIY spaces to face up to the problems of taking responsibility for what happens within their walls and to begin a discussion of some "best practices" to create safer spaces.

This self-proclaimed noise/dance duo comes across as a sort of amiably-shaggy Lightning Bolt, a synth-punk attack that sometimes gets ridiculous (in the best way possible).

Recording: Brigitte Bardon't + SlowPitchSound

Artist: Brigitte Bardon't + SlowPitchSound

Song: Sylvia Anne Virginia [forest noise scene redux] [excerpt]

Recorded at Double Double Land (NASA – Noise Against Sexual Assault), July 10, 2016.

Brigitte Bardon't + SlowPitchSound - Sylvia Anne Virginia [forest noise scene redux] [excerpt]

Envisioned as "a night of noise, dark electronic, and doom rock in support of sexual assault survivors and in solidarity with Larkin Grimm", this event was programmed as a counter-gig to Swans' local appearance. It was also an attempt for DIY spaces to face up to the problems of taking responsibility for what happens within their walls and to begin a discussion of some "best practices" to create safer spaces.

Kristel Jax enlisted the assistance of turntablist Cheldon Paterson (a.k.a. SlowPitchSound) to add some extra noise to this piece. After building up their layers of sound-loops, both journeyed into the crowd — Jax providing some harrowing vocals while Paterson held a tape deck up to audience members' ears, adding a hyperspacialized sonic sheen.

Recording: APA + Jason Doell

Artist: APA + Jason Doell

Song: History [Duck Fight Goose cover]^*

Recorded at Double Double Land (NASA – Noise Against Sexual Assault), July 10, 2016.

APA + Jason Doell - History

Envisioned as "a night of noise, dark electronic, and doom rock in support of sexual assault survivors and in solidarity with Larkin Grimm", this event was programmed as a counter-gig to Swans' local appearance. It was also an attempt for DIY spaces to face up to the problems of taking responsibility for what happens within their walls and to begin a discussion of some "best practices" to create safer spaces.

Xuan Ye (a.k.a APA) has brought a different sort of noise — from howling piano to erhu skronking — every time I've seen her perform, but I was surprised once again when for this set she pivoted to full-on "rock star", channelling her inner PJ Harvey on a cover of "To Bring You My Love". She was backed for this mini-set by Jason Doell — recently seen as a composer or noise-maker — making a rare atavistic throwback appearance to his rock'n'roll days.

^* Thanks to APA for passing along the title to this one.

Recording: Hexzuul

Artist: Hexzuul

Song: [excerpt from first part]

Recorded at Double Double Land (NASA – Noise Against Sexual Assault), July 10, 2016.

Hexzuul - [excerpt from first part]

Envisioned as "a night of noise, dark electronic, and doom rock in support of sexual assault survivors and in solidarity with Larkin Grimm", this event was programmed as a counter-gig to Swans' local appearance. It was also an attempt for DIY spaces to face up to the problems of taking responsibility for what happens within their walls and to begin a discussion of some "best practices" to create safer spaces.

David Jones led off the night, mixing some harsh backgrounds with serenely-floating foregrounds — creating a sonic bed for some howling and other sounds.

[Hexzuul will be playing at The Monarch Tavern on Sunday, August 28th, with a rather compelling lineup that also includes Psychic Pollution, Mystic Triangle, and Cell Memory & Castle If.]

Concert Listings Roundup #159

You can read more about why I'm doing listings here. Long story short: This curated and decidedly non-comprehensive list contains nothin' but shows that I am going to/would go to if I had more time.

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Gig of the week:

LUKA [Summon Up a Monkey King release show!] (Eucalyptus [early show] / Stephen Prickett [late show]) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-26 (Tuesday – early + late shows!) [FB event]

Luke Kuplowsky's solo project-turned-band is so heart-on-sleeve direct that it's possible to mistake the musings on love's many avenues for some sort of single-minded formulaic determination — but like fellow love-strummer Jonathan Richman, think of it more as a prism through which one can view the world's (and, yes, the heart's) myriad variations. This release celebration offers up early and late shows, each with a different-flavoured opener.

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This week's noteworthy shows:

Woodpigeon (Sandro Perri / Weatherman) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-25 (Monday) [FB event]

Nick Fraser Presents (feat. Fraser/Foisy-Couture/Qu / Bryan Qu Improvisors Ensemble) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-26 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Talking Songs: New Age Music And Consciousness Hacking (feat. Erik Davis) / Double Double Land 2016-07-27 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Wolf's Nacho Wednesdays (feat. Allison Cameron & Jonathan Adjemian) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-27 (Wednesday – early!) [FB event]

Wolf's Nacho Wednesdays (feat. Josh Cole Quartet) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-27 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Glitterclit (nightbummerz / Pins & Needles) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-27 (Wednesday) [FB event]

VATS (HSY / Retired / Rambo Tonka / The Ghoul) / Faith/Void 2016-07-28 (Thursday) [FB event]

Somewhere There presents (feat. Michael Malis Trio / Baroque and Bass) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-28 (Thursday) [FB event]

Toronto Does Toronto (feat. Misha Bower / Brenna MacCrimmon / Felicity Williams & Daniel Pencer) / Art Gallery of Ontario 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Scattered Clouds (ZONES / Technical Kidman) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Versa / Sherbourne Common 2016-07-29 (Friday – free! outside!) [FB event]

DoVira [album release show!] (Waleed Abdulhamid) / Small World Music Centre 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Sunshine & the Blue Moon (Ducks Unlimited / Slight / James Irwin) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

The Ryan Driver Sextet / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-29 (Friday)

Ken Aldcroft's Convergence Ensemble w/ Peter Van Huffel / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-30 (Saturday)

Heaven For Real [album release show!] (Germaphobes / Body Swap Ritual / Carl Didur) / The Silver Dollar Room 2016-07-30 (Saturday) [FB event]

Mother Tongues (Poster Boy / Dead Neighbourhoods / Thick Cobra) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-31 (Sunday) [FB event]

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Add these to your calendar:

Reminder: This post only contains this week's updates — the full listings can always be found over on the right-hand sidebar!

Trios: August Residency (feat. Phil Dwyer/Andrew Downing/Nick Fraser) / The Emmet Ray 2016-08-01 (Monday) [FB event]

Ali Berkok/Peter Van Huffel/Matthew Miller/Nick Fraser / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-08-02 (Tuesday – early!) [FB event]

Ryan Driver & Tamara Lindeman / Holy Oak Café 2016-08-02 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Ghostlight [world premiere release of Buse 1] / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-08-03 (Wednesday – early!) [FB event]

SummerWorks: Summer Drift [long-form tapestry of meditative sounds and drones] (feat. Victoria Cheong/Craig Dunsmuir/Jonathan Adjemian/Matthew Shaw/Randy Gagne/Kevin Hainey/Andrew Zukerman/Jaclyn Blumas/Trevor Blumas/Brandon Hocura) / Pia Bouman School for Ballet 2016-08-06 (Saturday – 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.!) [FB event]

Nite Comfort 36 (feat. Hidden Dances / Mikrosleep) / Handlebar 2016-08-07 (Sunday) [FB event]

Audiopollination #45.1 (feat. Sandy Ewen/Andrew Furlong/Olya Glotka / Sandy Ewen/William Davidson/Alan Bloor/Michael Lynn / Sandy Ewen [solo guitar]) / Array Space 2016-08-07 (Sunday) [FB event]

Somewhere There presents (feat. Powerdove / Blessings / Charles Spearin / Allison Cameron) / Ratio 2016-08-08 2016-08-09 (Monday Tuesday – note change of date!) [FB event]

Audiopollination #45.2 (feat. Holger Schoorl & Tomasz Krakowiak / Brian Abbott/Lorne Shapiro/Sarah Peebles / SlowPitchSound/Germaine Liu/Nilan Perera) / Array Space 2016-08-13 (Saturday) [FB event]

Burn Down The Capital presents (feat. Crabe / Creep Highway / La Fete / Zwarun) / handlebar 2016-08-13 (Saturday) [FB event]

The Draperies / Quixotic Sounds 2016-08-14 (Sunday) [FB event]

Trios: August Residency (feat. Phil Dwyer/Dan Fortin/Ethan Ardelli) / The Emmet Ray 2016-08-15 (Monday) [FB event]

Burn Down The Capital presents (feat. Eucalyptus / Loose Scrunchie) / The Tranzac (Main Hall) 2016-08-19 (Friday) [FB event]

Switches (Planet Creature / Gold Pony / Camp Girls) / The Silver Dollar Room 2016-08-20 (Saturday) [FB event]

An Evening of Otherworldly Chamber Music (feat. The Cluttertones / Sweet Session) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-08-20 (Saturday) [FB event]

Blood Ceremony [Lord of Misrule album release party!] (Comet Control / Hollow Earth) / Lee's Palace 2016-09-02 (Friday) [FB event]

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Bandcamp corner:

• Get ready from a workout from this duo. Mike Gennaro's percussion style often provides his sparring partners with some forward momentum, which drives Ken Aldcroft's knotty guitar work on this new selection from their improvised sets.

• Meanwhile, a very-pleasing surprise in the form of this new digital release from MIMICO's Ben Oginz, who Mystic Triangle side-project has been percolating some excellent synth-groovers for a little while now. As the title suggests, this one exchanges the direct-to-video 80's action movie soundtrack of past releases for a more meditative deep underwater voyage — relax as your mini-sub sinks to the lower depths of your mind.

Recording: Hoover Party

Artist: Hoover Party

Song: [first section]^*

Recorded at Tibet Kitchen's back patio, July 10, 2016.

Hoover Party - [first section]

A delightful summer tradition, Jonathan Adjemian once again hosted this afternoon of music in the beautiful back patio of Parkdale's Tibet Kitchen. When last-minute scheduling issues meant a replacement act was needed to complete the bill, Adjemian stepped in to close out the afternoon with a short set from his Hoover Party project. More than just the dronescapes he sometimes traffics in, this current work mixed a subtle laptop-based ambiance (with ghostly guitar licks and birdsongs joining the keyboards) with his doo-wop cantor-styled vocals. A moment of calm before the streets outside would fill with horn-honking cars celebrating the conclusion of a football tournament.

^* Does anyone know the title to this one? Please leave a comment!

Recording: Blunt Chunks

Artist: Blunt Chunks

Song: unknown^*

Recorded at Tibet Kitchen's back patio, July 10, 2016.

Blunt Chunks - unknown

A delightful summer tradition, Jonathan Adjemian once again hosted this afternoon of music in the beautiful back patio of Parkdale's Tibet Kitchen. Caitlin Woelfle O'Brien was originally planning to showcase more of her abstract/ambient side, but the bright afternoon sun — ancient enemy of electronic musicians playing outdoor sets — made that somewhat difficult to pull off. To absolutely no one's disappointment, she quickly switched over to "song" mode — the lyrical lead-off here of "when I go outside, I want to be in love" felt just right for a hot and sunny summer day.

^* Does anyone know the title to this one? Please leave a comment!

Recording: Karen Ng

Artist: Karen Ng

Song: [excerpt from solo improvisation]

Recorded at Tibet Kitchen's back patio, July 10, 2016.

Karen Ng - [excerpt from solo improvisation]

A delightful summer tradition, Jonathan Adjemian once again hosted this afternoon of music in the beautiful back patio of Parkdale's Tibet Kitchen. Consummate collaborator Karen Ng played a rare solo set, offering musical meditations on being alone versus loneliness and starting off in a rather meditative zone, reminiscent of some Paul Newman's work — as refreshing as the cool breeze making its way over from the lake. She'd also tackle a Steve Lacy piece to close out the set.

Recording: Simone Schmidt

Artist: Simone Schmidt

Song: Worship The Sun (Not The Golden Boy)

Recorded at Tibet Kitchen's back patio, July 10, 2016.

Simone Schmidt - Worship The Sun (Not The Golden Boy)

A delightful summer tradition, Jonathan Adjemian once again hosted this afternoon of music in the beautiful back patio of Parkdale's Tibet Kitchen. Recently returned from a west coast jaunt with The Highest Order, Simone Schmidt lead things off with some of the songs from her forthcoming Fiver album based on case files of inmates in the Rockwood asylum. There's some local flavour in this tale of a member of the notorious Brooks' Bush Gang, who occupied the untamed lands of the Don Valley in the 1850's — the song's cast of characters includes Jane Lewis and James Brown, victim of the last public hanging in Toronto.

Recording: Doomsquad and Not The Wind, Not The Flag

Artist: Doomsquad and Not The Wind, Not The Flag

Songs: [two excerpts]

Recorded at Prairie Drive Park (Feast in the East 58), July 9, 2016.

Doomsquad and Not The Wind, Not The Flag - [excerpt 1]

Doomsquad and Not The Wind, Not The Flag - [excerpt 2]

A beautiful day out in Scarborough. Thanks to Toronto Arts Foundation's Arts in The Parks, Feast In The East received the resources to host this free event which brought art, food and music to the rolling hills of Prairie Drive Park. By offering a free meal and inviting park patrons of all ages to explore and interact with the installations, this felt like a most gracious imposition on the normal order of the park, which is obviously well-loved and well-used by inhabitants of the neighbouring highrises — a sharing of the space instead of a culture blitz from outside. An excellent day out, this had a mellow and friendly vibe. Toronto needs so much more of this: having "culture" dispersed more widely throughout this sprawling city, giving locals a chance to see something that might not normally happen in their neighbourhood while giving seekers a chance to hang out in hitherto-unexplored pockets. It makes the city feel bigger and more cozy all at once.

As night fell, some of the kids and families drifted away, and the park shifted into a zone of amiable nocturnal prowling, energized by the dance-groove from this joint set. When I previously saw Brandon Valdivia and Colin Fisher playing with Doomsquad they were a bit more in the mode of supporting players — here it felt like a more even-handed collaboration. It also had a different vibe, exchanging gallery goth-darkness for outdoor get-free optimism. Joy vibes aplenty, and by the time Lido Pimienta joined in at the end, the sky couldn't hold off any longer, letting loose a spiritual sprinkling that turned into a torrent as the band finished off.

Recording: Isla Craig

Artist: Isla Craig

Song: Gregory

Recorded at Prairie Drive Park (Feast in the East 58), July 9, 2016.

Isla Craig - Gregory

A beautiful day out in Scarborough. Thanks to Toronto Arts Foundation's Arts in The Parks, Feast In The East received the resources to host this free event which brought art, food and music to the rolling hills of Prairie Drive Park. By offering a free meal and inviting park patrons of all ages to explore and interact with the installations, this felt like a most gracious imposition on the normal order of the park, which is obviously well-loved and well-used by inhabitants of the neighbouring highrises — a sharing of the space instead of a culture blitz from outside. An excellent day out, this had a mellow and friendly vibe. Toronto needs so much more of this: having "culture" dispersed more widely throughout this sprawling city, giving locals a chance to see something that might not normally happen in their neighbourhood while giving seekers a chance to hang out in hitherto-unexplored pockets. It makes the city feel bigger and more cozy all at once.

After a recent Continental Drift-style excursion, Isla Craig was back with her cosmic voyaging crew (Bram Gielen, bass; Johnny Spence, synth; Evan Cartwright, percussion), offering some soulful sounds as day turned to evening and a crescent moon started to rise over Crescent Town. Ivy Mairi came up to sing backing vox on this and a few other tunes, while Martha Farquhar-McDonnell joined in on "Bold Poachers", which was recently featured on FitE's cookbook/compilation.

Recording: Pantayo

Artist: Pantayo

Song: Sinulog A Kamamatuan^*

Recorded at Prairie Drive Park (Feast in the East 58), July 9, 2016.

Pantayo - Sinulog A Kamamatuan

A beautiful day out in Scarborough. Thanks to Toronto Arts Foundation's Arts in The Parks, Feast In The East received the resources to host this free event which brought art, food and music to the rolling hills of Prairie Drive Park. By offering a free meal and inviting park patrons of all ages to explore and interact with the installations, this felt like a most gracious imposition on the normal order of the park, which is obviously well-loved and well-used by inhabitants of the neighbouring highrises — a sharing of the space instead of a culture blitz from outside. An excellent day out, this had a mellow and friendly vibe. Toronto needs so much more of this: having "culture" dispersed more widely throughout this sprawling city, giving locals a chance to see something that might not normally happen in their neighbourhood while giving seekers a chance to hang out in hitherto-unexplored pockets. It makes the city feel bigger and more cozy all at once.

Pantayo contributed to the feeling of the Feast being both host and guest in the park, their kulintang rhythms drifting from stage to wading pool, entrancing both kids and head-nodding musical tourists alike, soundtracked to the rumble of the passing subway in the background.

^* Thanks to the group for passing along the title to this one.

Recording: Dirty Inputs

Artist: Dirty Inputs

Song: Dead Malls

Recorded at Array Space (Invocation Presents), July 7, 2016.

Dirty Inputs - Dead Malls

Once again showing off his visual penchant for elevating a show beyond the mundane, Aaron Dawson released his new album with some special effects. Performing behind an infinity mirror, he was clad in a cowl of black, sparkly veils (which one reliable source praised as a "Dr. Who villain-worthy" ensemble). Dawson played a suite-like continuous set focusing on the new album, with songs rising from ambient swells to thunderous post-apocalyptic landscapes, bouncing back and forth between the reflective layers.

Recording: Memorex

Artist: Memorex

Song: Glass Eyes

Recorded at Array Space (Invocation Presents), July 7, 2016.

Memorex - Glass Eyes

This group, which has been around for nearly a couple years now, has been on my radar ever since I realized it was fronted by David Lush, formerly of beloved local jangle-popsters The Airfields. This project takes a sharp turn into retrosynthtopia — it made perfect sense to see that the current live incarnation includes Ben Oginz and his Jupiter-6, as this occupies similar musical terrain to his Mystic Triangle project. (The live unit was rounded out by Nyles Miszczyk, playing guit and bass, though he too knows a thing or two about synthesizer operation.) Tasty stuff (and a stylish soundtrack to some 70's dystopian auto-eroticism) as the band played some tunes from their recent tape two, plus some dips back to their first release and a cover of an early Ministry obscurity that fit right into their sound-world.

Concert Listings Roundup #158

You can read more about why I'm doing listings here. Long story short: This curated and decidedly non-comprehensive list contains nothin' but shows that I am going to/would go to if I had more time.

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Gig of the week:

BIG on Bloor Festival (feat. Brenna MacCrimmon & Demetri Petsalakis / Eucalyptus / LAL / Prince Nifty / OG Melody / Mamalia) / St. Clarens Stage 2016-07-23 (Saturday – free! outdoors! all ages! street vibes!) [more info]

There's a reasonable amount of tastiness at the festival's other stages (see below) but you're not gonna do much better than the run of Eucalyptus/LAL/Prince Nifty/OG Melody in the middle of the schedule at this stage programmed by the ever-wonderful folks at Holy Oak Café. Essential street action!

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This week's noteworthy shows:

Così e Così (Bears & Children / The Databats / L-Spex) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-18 (Monday) [FB event]

Weird Lines (Adrian Teacher and the Subs / Jon Mckiel) / Monarch Tavern 2016-07-19 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Cloud Becomes Your Hand (Bile Sister / Fake Humans / Mr. Joy) / Double Double Land 2016-07-19 (Tuesday – all ages!) [FB event]

Super Furry Animals (Blonde Elvis) / The Opera House 2016-07-19 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Mar On Music presents (feat. BART / Jay Arner / Supermoon) / The Piston 2016-07-20 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Così e Così (Witch Prophet / Whimmanticore) / Double Double Land 2016-07-20 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Wolf's Nacho Wednesday (feat. c_RL) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-20 (Wednesday – early!) [FB event]

Wolf's Nacho Wednesdays (feat. Mas Aya/Khôra / Kyle Brenders/Andrew Zukerman) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-20 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Naghmeh Farahmand & Pejman Zahedian ["ancient Persian music for a new age"] / Toronto Music Garden 2016-07-21 (Thursday – free! all ages! outside!) [more info]

Surinam [album release] (Soupcans / Frustrations / Retired) / Owl's Club 2016-07-21 (Thursday) [FB event]

Polka Dogs / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-21 (Thursday) [FB event]

Dorothea Paas (Laps / Omhouse) / Smiling Buddha – basement 2016-07-21 (Thursday) [FB event]

The Elwins / Harbourfront Centre – Concert Stage 2016-07-22 (Friday – free!) [more info]

Nhapitapi / Island Café 2016-07-22 (Friday – PWYC!) [FB event]

Toronto Does Toronto (feat. Sandro Perri / Steven Foster / Drew Smith) / Art Gallery of Ontario 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

Evening Hymns / Adelaide Hall 2016-07-22 (Friday) [more info]

The Radiation Flowers (B-17 / Vypers / Denim Skeletons) / The Silver Dollar Room 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

Wavelength 708: Pop Off Tour & Camp Wavelength Warm Up (feat. She-Devils / Un Blonde / Secret Sign) / Monarch Tavern 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

Burn Down The Capital presents (feat. Psychedelic Dirt [mem. Shearing Pinx] / Astral Gunk / Plasmalab) / Double Double Land 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

Communism (Paul Linklater) / The Cameron House – Front Room 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

eVoid Collective: Sonic Muse [Andrea Koziol/Rick Sacks/Ian De Souza/Mike Clark/Pierre Mongeon/Rus Nerwich] / Array Space 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

NOISExNE fest (feat. Knurl / Flesh Trade / Crrotting / WLMRT / JC/DC / Anti Freeze / Magoogly / Hexzuul / Unheimlich Manouevre / Perkolator / Goth Girl x Witchhunt x Beggin For Oxys / Cares / Ero Guro) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

UNITY Concert (feat. Dam Funk / Zaki Ibrahim / The Soul Motivators / Above Top Secret / Sacha Williamson / Dynesti Williams / Rise Ashen / Lex Leosis / Testment & Nilla w/ Ghettosocks) / Yonge-Dundas Square 2016-07-23 (Saturday – free! outside! all ages! all day long!) [FB event]

BIG on Bloor Festival (feat. Sonshine and Broccoli / DRUMHAND / Urban Highlanders / Gaura-Shakti / Zuze / Bloordale Blues Express [Arnd Jurgensen/Bob Vespaziani] / Dévah Quartet) / Main Stage 2016-07-23 (Saturday – free! outdoors! all ages! street vibes!) [more info]

BIG on Bloor Festival (feat. The Cool Hands / Hurricane and Able / Wolves in the Timber / ZONES) / Dufferin Stage 2016-07-23 (Saturday – free! outdoors! all ages! street vibes!) [more info]

Great Lake Swimmers / Harbourfront Centre – Concert Stage 2016-07-23 (Saturday – free!) [more info]

Nhapitapi / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-23 (Saturday) [FB event]

Steve Adamyk Band (Needles//Pins / Sonic Avenues / First Base) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-23 (Saturday) [FB event]

CoexisDance 81 (feat. Rob Piilonen / Mitch Yolevsky / James Bailey / Adriana Monti / Brenda Joy Lem / Mitch Yolevsky) / Majlis Art Garden 2016-07-23 (Saturday) [FB event]

BIG on Bloor Festival (feat. Kingdom of Birds / Communism / Noah Zacharin / The Databats) / Main Stage 2016-07-24 (Sunday – free! outdoors! all ages! street vibes!) [more info]

Subhadra Vijaykumar/Vasudevan Govindarajan/Ramana Indrakumar ["Carnatic classical music from South India"] / Toronto Music Garden 2016-07-24 (Sunday – free! all ages! outside! afternoon show @ 4 p.m.!) [more info]

Audiopollination 44.2 (feat. Sound of The Mountain [Craig Pederson/Elizabeth Millar] with guests Heidi Chan / Matt Miller / Tania Gill / John Oswald) / Array Space 2016-07-24 (Sunday) [FB event]

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Add these to your calendar:

Reminder: This post only contains this week's updates — the full listings can always be found over on the right-hand sidebar!

Woodpigeon (Sandro Perri / Weatherman) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-25 (Monday) [FB event]

Somewhere There presents (feat. Michael Malis Trio / Baroque and Bass) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-28 (Thursday) [FB event]

DoVira [album release show!] (Waleed Abdulhamid) / Small World Music Centre 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Sunshine & the Blue Moon (Ducks Unlimited / Slight / James Irwin) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Mother Tongues (Poster Boy / Dead Neighbourhoods / Thick Cobra) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-31 (Sunday) [FB event]

Track Could Bend #17 (feat. Kapali Carsi / ZOË / Professor Andy Dolgin and the Cereal Killers) / Dundas Video 2016-08-02 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Night Owl Festival Presents (feat. Heaters / Disraelis) / The 300 Club 2016-08-02 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Fórn (Demonic Possessor / Yellow Eyes) / Double Double Land 2016-08-05 (Friday) [FB event]

Burn Down The Capital presents (feat. Psalm Zero / Ayahuasca / Gates / Manticore) / Array Space 2016-08-08 (Monday) [FB event]

La Luna (Foxmoulder / Eyeballs) / D-Beatstro 2016-08-12 (Friday) [FB event]

Clamaglamza [debut show!] (BonerJamz93 / Jonny / Chalky Leeroy) / Holy Oak Café 2016-08-14 (Sunday) [FB event]

The AMBiENT PiNG: 17th Anniversary Ping (feat. Repair / Jacob Watters / Scott Stanley) / Burduck Music Hall 2016-08-18 (Thursday) [FB event]

Omni (Fresh Snow / Tough Age) / Smiling Buddha 2016-08-18 (Thursday) [FB event]

Vomitface [record release!] (Alpha Strategy / Not Of / Luge) / Smiling Buddha 2016-08-19 (Friday) [FB event]

Destroying Angel (Clara Engel / Moon Sunn Moon / Cetacea) / Coalition 2016-08-22 (Monday) [FB event]

Will Kidman (EONS / Misha Bower) / Church of St. Andrew by-the-lake 2016-08-28 (Sunday – afternoon show, doors @ 4:00 p.m.!) [FB event]

The Mekons (Skinny Lister) / The Horseshoe Tavern 2016-09-17 (Saturday) [more info]

The New Pornographers (Marlon Williams) / Lee's Palace 2016-09-18 (Sunday) [more info]

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Bandcamp corner:

• It was back a year ago December that I saw the Gordon Brothers preview the songs from their completed follow up to the excellent Ragged Gold, which has now finally seen the light of day. Night always falls, and then the dancing begins.

• Fans of Kappa Chow's primordial basement scuzz-punk should check out this new effort from the (now Toronto-based) Protruders.

Recording: Brodie West + Rob Clutton

Artist: Brodie West + Rob Clutton

Song: Meditations on 'Round Midnight [excerpt]

Recorded at Scott Library Collaboratory (Celebrating Jazz at York University Libraries), July 7, 2016.

Brodie West + Rob Clutton - Meditations on 'Round Midnight [excerpt]

This special event, hosted by York University's Sound and Moving Image Library and the Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections was celebrating and acknowledging several recent gifts (from Curtis Bailey, the estate of Jim Galloway, Stuart Broomer, David Stimpson, and the Toronto Jazz Festival) enriching their archives on Toronto's jazz legacy — material that will be preserved and made available to scholars.

To add some realtime jazz to the proceedings, music librarian Rob van der Bliek asked saxophonist Brodie West and bassist Rob Clutton to play a short set inspired by Monk's "'Round Midnight", one of the most-recorded standards of all time. The pair took to the task with meditative gusto, examining the theme from various refracted angles.

Recording: Germaine Liu/Jonathan Adjemian/Matt Smith

Artist: Germaine Liu/Jonathan Adjemian/Matt Smith

Songs: [two excerpts]

Recorded at Dundas Video (Track Could Bend #16: unc_RLed), July 5, 2016.

Germaine Liu/Jonathan Adjemian/Matt Smith - [excerpt 1]

Germaine Liu/Jonathan Adjemian/Matt Smith - [excerpt 2]

In its continuing mission to find new ways to deconstruct and recombine various musical strands, this instalment of TCB saw the friends of local improvising aces c_RL split into its component parts, with each of the members invited to invite their choice of collaborators. This trio, convened by percussionist Germaine Liu, could have sounded like a lot of things, and in fact, though it quickly took shape, it didn't necessarily sound like what the participants themselves were expecting. Matt Smith brought his laptop and MIDI contollers, but actually spent more of the set playing guitar, grabbing a beer can to use as an impromptu slide. Both he and Jonathan Adjemian (on analog synth) also were moved to add some abstract vocals as well, giving a celebratory raga-ish edge to what turned into a junkshop groove like U.S. Maple gone prog.

[Track Could Bend #17 will be at Dundas Video on August 2nd, with Kapali Carsi, ZOË, and Professor Andy Dolgin and the Cereal Killers.]

Recording: Nicole Rampersaud + Colin Fisher

Artist: Nicole Rampersaud + Colin Fisher

Song: [first piece]

Recorded at Dundas Video (Track Could Bend #16: unc_RLed), July 5, 2016.

Nicole Rampersaud + Colin Fisher - [first piece]

In its continuing mission to find new ways to deconstruct and recombine various musical strands, this instalment of TCB saw the friends of local improvising aces c_RL split into its component parts, with each of the members invited to invite their choice of collaborators. Trumpeter Nicole Rampersaud opted to share the stage with Colin Fisher, who came armed with saxophones instead of guitars, leading to some powerful wind blowing from the stage. This was a case of two players competitively egging each other on — more of a friendly tussle than a cut-throat cutting contest, but fiercely-spirited stuff regardless. [Apologies are given for the technical imperfections in this recording — there's a bit of a percussive scuffing underneath the music throughout, the result of a member of the TCB technical crew forgetting to turn off a fan at the back of the stage.]

[Track Could Bend #17 will be at Dundas Video on August 2nd, with Kapali Carsi, ZOË, and Professor Andy Dolgin and the Cereal Killers.]

Recording: Allison Cameron/Jason Doell/Stephen Parkinson

Artist: Allison Cameron/Jason Doell/Stephen Parkinson

Songs: [excerpt, in two parts]

Recorded at Dundas Video (Track Could Bend #16: unc_RLed), July 5, 2016.

Allison Cameron/Jason Doell/Stephen Parkinson - [excerpt, part 1]

Allison Cameron/Jason Doell/Stephen Parkinson - [excerpt, part 2]

In its continuing mission to find new ways to deconstruct and recombine various musical strands, this instalment of TCB saw the friends of local improvising aces c_RL split into its component parts, with each of the members invited to invite their choice of collaborators. Allison Cameron's ukulele plucks and keyboard skritches split the sonic difference between fellow non-dancing Angel Stephen Parkinson (who brought his wah-wah melodica) and composer/plunderphonicist Jason Doell as this set settled into a zone that sounded like a steampunk version of a spaghetti western theme.

[Track Could Bend #17 will be at Dundas Video on August 2nd, with Kapali Carsi, ZOË, and Professor Andy Dolgin and the Cereal Killers.]

Concert Listings Roundup #157

You can read more about why I'm doing listings here. Long story short: This curated and decidedly non-comprehensive list contains nothin' but shows that I am going to/would go to if I had more time.

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Gig of the week:

Live on the Patio (feat. Daniel Nebiat) / Roy Thomson Hall Patio 2016-07-14 (Thursday – free! outside! early show, sets @ 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.!) [more info]

Live on the Patio (feat. Hampaté & Sahel Blues) / Roy Thomson Hall Patio 2016-07-15 (Friday – free! outside! early show, sets @ 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.!) [more info]

The free summer concert series on the patio beside Roy Thomspon Hall not only enlivens a concrete pond that's an often-overlooked space right in the heart of the city, but also offers a casual zone to encounter some new sounds. There's a couple different flavours of African music on hand this week, with local krar master (and damn fine groove-pop creator) Daniel Nebiat on Thursday and Senegalese/Sahel rhythms on Friday.

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This week's noteworthy shows:

Not Dead Yet presents (feat. Rakta / The Noids / Triage / The Brain / Inactivist) / Faith/Void 2016-07-11 (Monday) [FB event]

The Gotobeds (Several Futures) / The Drake Underground 2016-07-11 (Monday) [FB event]

Aurochs / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-12 (Tuesday – early!) [FB event]

The AMBiENT PiNG (feat. NOiNO / North Atlantic Drift) / Ratio 2016-07-12 (Tuesday) [FB event]

Strawberry Moon: An All-ages Party (feat. Tay Jireh + Co / Veins / New Fries) / Art Gallery of Ontario – Walker Court 2016-07-13 (Wednesday – (free! all ages!) [FB event]

Yonatan Gat (The Holy Gasp / The Sulks) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-13 (Wednesday) [FB event]

High Waisted (Blonde Elvis / Explorer) / The Silver Dollar Room 2016-07-13 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Nap Eyes (Calvin Love) / Double Double Land 2016-07-13 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Aldcroft/Davison/Denison/Lynn / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-13 (Wednesday)

Kiwi Jr. (Bunny [f/k/a Dr. Ew]) / Monarch Tavern 2016-07-13 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Prince Ness [cassette release!] (The Holiday Crowd / Persian Rugs) / Burdock Music Hall 2016-07-14 (Thursday) [FB event]

SummerWorks Launch Party (feat. Baby Cages / DATU / Zoo Owl) / The Drake Lounge 2016-07-14 (Thursday – free!) [FB event]

The Courtneys (Tough Age) / The Garrison 2016-07-14 (Thursday) [FB event]

Live on the Patio (feat. Hampaté & Sahel Blues) / Roy Thomson Hall Patio 2016-07-15 (Friday – free! outside! early show, sets @ 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.!) [more info]

Somewhere There presents (feat. Letter Castle with Daniel Pencer) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-15 (Friday – early!) [FB event]

Toronto Does Toronto (feat. Marker Starling / Ryan Driver / Thom Gill) / Art Gallery of Ontario 2016-07-15 (Friday) [FB event]

Bernice (Tenderness / Julia Male [solo dance]) / Monarch Tavern 2016-07-15 (Friday) [FB event]

Palberta (Eyeballs / Remedy Malahyde) / Double Double Land 2016-07-15 (Friday) [FB event]

Demons IV (feat. Nailbiter / Pissbowelking / Greasy Boys / mgSmoov3) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-15 (Friday) [FB event]

7th Annual 159 Manning BBQ (feat. ASUMAYA / Les Nananas / Several Futures / Zorton and The Cannibals / Wave of Terror / Germaphobes / KINK / Noah Mintz / Doritoh) / 159 Manning 2016-07-16 (Saturday – noon 'til 11 p.m.!) [FB event]

Different Strings (feat. Undulation / Clara Engel / M. Mucci) / Holy Oak Café 2016-07-16 (Saturday – early!) [FB event]

Sounds Lost and Found - World Listening Day Concert [multichannel soundscape pieces] (feat. Victoria Fenner / David Jensenius / Fleshtone Aura) / Canadian Music Centre 2016-07-16 (Saturday) [FB event]

The Coathangers (L.A. WITCH / PONY) / The Silver Dollar Room 2016-07-16 (Saturday) [FB event]

Colin Fisher's monthly (feat. Hundevad/Hay/Genarro/Fisher / Germaine Liu [solo]) / The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) 2016-07-16 (Saturday) [FB event]

Denison/Ballyk/O'Reilly/Clutton / The Emmet Ray 2016-07-17 (Sunday – early show @ 6 p.m.!) [FB event]

Somewhere There presents (feat. Noah Sherman Quartet / The Emmet Ray 2016-07-17 (Sunday) [FB event]

Melkbelly (Planet Creature / Trim Hogs) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-17 (Sunday) [FB event]

Vector Festival Wrap Party (feat. Castle If) / Reposado 2016-07-17 (Sunday – free!) [FB event]

Eyeballs (blåsøvnstøj [Ami Spears/Julius Pederson] / Jons) / 8-Eleven 2016-07-17 (Sunday) [FB event]

Michael Wojewoda's Faceless Forces of Bigness / Holy Oak Café 2016-07-17 (Sunday) [more info]

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Add these to your calendar:

Reminder: This post only contains this week's updates — the full listings can always be found over on the right-hand sidebar!

Così e Così (Witch Prophet / Whimmanticore) / Double Double Land 2016-07-20 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Toronto Does Toronto (feat. Sandro Perri / Steven Foster / Drew Smith) / Art Gallery of Ontario 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

Burn Down The Capital presents (feat. Psychedelic Dirt [mem. Shearing Pinx] / Astral Gunk / Plasmalab) / Double Double Land 2016-07-22 (Friday) [FB event]

CoexisDance 81 (feat. Rob Piilonen / Mitch Yolevsky / James Bailey / Adriana Monti / Brenda Joy Lem / Mitch Yolevsky) / Majlis Art Garden 2016-07-23 (Saturday) [FB event]

Glitterclit (nightbummerz / Pins & Needles) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-27 (Wednesday) [FB event]

Toronto Does Toronto (feat. Misha Bower / Brenna MacCrimmon / Felicity Williams & Daniel Pencer) / Art Gallery of Ontario 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Scattered Clouds (ZONES / Technical Kidman) / Smiling Buddha 2016-07-29 (Friday) [FB event]

Versa / Sherbourne Common 2016-07-29 (Friday – free! outside!) [FB event]

SummerWorks: Inamorata (feat. Maylee Todd and La-Nai Gabriel) / Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement 2016-08-05 (Friday – early and late shows!) [more info]

Arachnids at the Tiger Bar (feat. CHOBO / Heraclitus Akimbo / Beard Closet / BABEL) / Tiger Bar 2016-08-06 (Saturday – PWYC!) [FB event]

SummerWorks (feat. D'Bi. & The 333) / Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement 2016-08-09 (Tuesday) [more info]

SummerWorks: Goggles Must Be Worn at All Times/Glitter Jesus (feat. Zoo Owl / Kurt Marble) / Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement 2016-08-11 (Thursday) [FB event]

SummerWorks: Sound Circuitz (feat. Baby Cages / Special Costello) / Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement 2016-08-12 (Friday) [FB event]

Bloodshot Bill (catl / Blue Sky Miners) / The Silver Dollar Room 2016-08-12 (Friday) [FB event]

SummerWorks: High Blood (feat. DATU & HATAW) / Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement 2016-08-13 (Saturday – early + late shows!) [more info]

Perpetual Stress presents (feat. Surinam / Albatros / Humanities / 1971) / Handlebar 2016-08-20 (Saturday) [FB event]

Cell Memory & Castle If (Hexzuul / Psychic Pollution / Mystic Triangle) / Monarch Tavern 2016-08-28 (Sunday) [FB event]

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Community corner:

• It might not be the most comfortable thing to ask ourselves who isn't at the shows we put on or attend, but it's something we have to confront if we're serious about equity. This week's essential reading is from Michael Rancic and examines some of the issues around physical access to venues. Especially in the low-recource DIY side of things, accessibility is most often an afterthought, so we should start asking what can be done at a structural level to change this.