Mr. Something Something
Mr. Something Something
© 2004 World Records (775020577121)
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"Afrobeat fans, it's all here: punchy horn riffs, jazzy drums, percolating guitars and percussion galore. ...these guys rank with any Afrobeat in the world today." - Exclaim Magazine
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A little something for the body. A little something for the mind.
Mr. Something Something represents two years of composing, performing, risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves [drums/percussion] and John MacLean [saxophone/voice]. 20 years of playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.
Western instruments and concepts of improvisation are explored and layered over what used to be called afrobeat; but the term strains to contain the innovations happening in the rhythm section at every show. It also fails to express in fiery-enough terms the contributions of notable and electrifying vocalist/performance artist Johan Hultqvist. Breaks and basslines are designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod for the combined energies of a Mr. Something Something event, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness. And dance.
Mr. Something Something's self-titled debut album was released in July 2004 to critical acclaim. VIEW Magazine called it a "great debut from a solid band" and in EXCLAIM David Dacks wrote "these guys rank with any Afrobeat in the world today." This self-promoted album was also very well received by CBC Radio as well as college radio across Canada, a fact which was confirmed by the National Campus and Community Radio Report in November 2004 when the album climbed high on two of the !Earshot Specialty Charts, reaching number four on the jazz chart and number six on the 'International' ditto. Not bad, considering that the majority of tracks on the album exceeds nine minutes!
At this point the band has toured as far east as Charlottetown no less than 4 times and westward as far as Victoria/Vancouver twice for a total of over 200 shows. Along the way they shared the stage with top Canadian artists including Sarah Harmer, The Trews, Joel Plaskett, The Creaking Tree String Quartet, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Eliana Cuevas, Cuff The Duke, and The High Dials.
Wildly energized and unpredictable live shows have brought Mr. Something Something a hard-earned, solid reputation as an act that really gets through to people. The fresh sound and powerful message of The Edge, the band's second album, promises an action-packed 2006.
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A Taste of Nigeria
author: applewoodMr Something Something is an all white dance band from Toronto sounding like a seasoned group of Nigerian descendents of Fela Kuti.... but as Canadians they come across as a kinder-gentler Fela, playing with verve and singing about injustice, peace and unity but emphasizing the groove and the joy of playing. I had the pleasure of seeing them on their current zigzag tour of Canada, enjoying watching how they work as a team laying down the simple parts of a complex polyrhythmic whole, accompanied by their lovely, talented dancer (doing a nonstop undulation of traditional Nigerian moves with modern dance sensibility - first time I've seen a band have a member playing a visual lead with her body). The rest of the band is hot too; charismatic front man/lead singer Johan Hultqvist, sax player John MacLean, guitarist Paul MacDougal, bassist Liam Smith and drummer Larry Graves. This is the current band; the lineup on this CD is a little different, but the sound is the same. In fact, as a first CD it has that rough edge that gives it a live quality, and live is definitly a good thing with this band. This is a fun, jazzy, groovin' Afropop recording, a great debut!
A Taste of Nigeria
author: applewoodMr Something Something is an all white dance band from Toronto sounding like a seasoned group of Nigerian descendents of Fela Kuti.... but as Canadians they come across as a kinder-gentler Fela, playing with verve and singing about injustice, peace and unity but emphasizing the groove and the joy of playing. I had the pleasure of seeing them on their current zigzag tour of Canada, enjoying watching how they work as a team laying down the simple parts of a complex polyrhythmic whole, accompanied by their lovely, talented dancer (doing a nonstop undulation of traditional Nigerian moves with modern dance sensibility - first time I've seen a band have a member playing a visual lead with her body). The rest of the band is hot too; charismatic front man/lead singer Johan Hultqvist, sax player John MacLean, guitarist Paul MacDougal, bassist Liam Smith and drummer Larry Graves. This is the current band; the lineup on this CD is a little different, but the sound is the same. In fact, as a first CD it has that rough edge that gives it a live quality, and live is definitly a good thing with this band. This is a fun, jazzy, groovin' Afropop recording, a great debut!
impossible to stand still to
author: HeatherIf you like to move your body to music, you need to pick up this album, period. The beats are absolutely impossible to stand still to, especially on 'Power Narcotic'. I keep this album permanently in my kitchen, so I can dance and cook at the same time. Although the album is great, this a band you MUST see live to truly appreciate.
- author: LasseM
Monotoni at it's best; groovie, african influenced, brassorientated,storytelling,colourfull music - digital music go F. yourself
"...a welcome new flavour..."
author: The Coast"Mr. Something Something aims to light up every floor with shaking hips and feet of fire, once the brains have been jabbed with a minute or two of exotic stew. Such fluid Afrobeat enters the body stealthily, well before one can note that these are five white guys from Ontario. The horns that propel “Invitation” have the playful authority of James Brown’s band or Tower of Power. The tracks run a bit long—eight minutes on average—and jazz is merely a temptation, as a few skillful solos get abruptly hauled back inside the groove. Less astoundingly Fela-esque than New York’s Antibalas, Mr. Something Something still shows a mastery beyond appropriation to spark a welcome new flavour in the Canadian musical landscape."
"This is a great debut from a solid band..."
author: VIEW Magazine"Mr. Something Something have the West African-style groove-thing down pat. The beats are infectious and the horns are big, bold and beautiful. [...] This is a great debut from a solid band and totally worth a spin."
"...loaded with spirit, welcomed exuberance, and rhythmic muscle."
author: Jazzreview.comHeavily influenced by Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti, Osibisa and Hugh Masakela, Toronto based Mr. Something Something incorporates their own rhythmic stylings into an impressive and danceable self-titled debut. One listen and you're hooked. Mr. Something Something features catchy melodies, whimsical lyrics, and effective instrumental embellishments adding to a most satisfying mix. "The Prize" is a groovin' piece from start to finish. With a relentless beat and straight ahead vocals, the band cuts loose with a generous dose of improvisation. MacLean's sax is rich and full bodied. Hultqvist offers up clean, pulsating vocals with an effective call and response that segues nicely into MacLean's return on sax. A tricky drum pattern ushers in O'Kane's hot trumpet on "The Power Narcotic." It doesn't take long for the band to start cooking. Nice ensemble work throughout, all the while maintaining a hypnotic afro-beat. "The Contender" continues to satisfy, with punchy melodies and skilled performances from the band. Dyte takes a few choruses, improvising along the way with feeling and power. Mr. Something Something is a recording loaded with spirit, welcomed exuberance, and rhythmic muscle. Everyone is having a great time playing music that lifts the spirit and gets the body moving. A careful blend of inspired vocals and instrumental punch make each piece a gem in and of itself. A solid first effort.
good vibes
author: kaletagood vibes...what else can i say?
you made him proud
author: akini have just got this cd and boy am i IMPRESSED!! fela would be very happy with your take on afrobeat.as a nigerian and fela fan I doff my hat !! when is the 2nd cd out?