A little something for the body, a little something for the mind:
your soundtrack to a joyful revolution.
Mr. Something Something represents four 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 imaginative solo work of respected jazz guitarist Paul MacDougall. Liam Smith dependably delivers basslines designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. And there is always inspiration to be drawn from mesmerizing on-stage dancer/choreographer Jennifer Dallas. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist.
Aside from wildly energized and unpredictable live shows, the band is becoming increasingly well-known for its green politics and environmental activism. The group did a number of "eco-dates" in 2007, playing a wind-powered show and performing in such unconventional venues as organic farms and food co-ops to highlight communities that are trying to minimize their ecological footprints. "It is our intent to educate ourselves to a better and more sustainable lifestyle", says lead singer Johan Hultqvist. "Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same."
The fresh sound and powerful message of the band’s second album ‘The Edge’ led to a nomination for a 2007 JUNO Award for World Music Album of the Year. EYE Weekly's Ryan Watson calls The Edge "an infectious blend of percolating polyrhythms, layered horn punches and hot-stepping basslines." EXCLAIM!’s David Dacks states that the album has "broadened the scope of Afro-grooves" while Shain Shapiro of the same publication writes that Mr. Something Something's high-energy shows have "proved that they rank with any Afrobeat in the world today”. CBC Radio host Matt Galloway chose The Edge as his pick for the most underrated recording of 2006, adding that the charismatic crew is "even better live than on disc". Over the last three years the band has toured relentlessly in Canada, playing more than 300 shows, including appearances at many jazz and folk festivals from coast to coast.
Video portrait of Mr. Something Something
This little film was made by Chad Nunn of CON Artist Productions.
Check it out; you might be in it.
