by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
My trip to 9th & Main to check out Shangrala turned out to be a hip happening at this popular bistro and concert venue. The theater is equipped with sound and lights which makes it a showcase venue. The band came highly recommended by a respected colleague, so my expectations were high. Hallelujah–I wasn’t disappointed.
Shangrala is a modern pop-rock group which includes Jude Kale as lead singer and guitarist, Brian Jerin on guitar and backup vocals, Walt Hill on the marvelously dirty sounding Fender Rhodes, vocals, drums, and digital devices, and Mike Von Balson on drums, Will Hill on bass, and Jared Bowser, formerly of Bernard on auxillary percussion.
As a tribute to the band’s distinctive originality, I couldn’t pinpoint its major influences. They have distilled these influences into an appealing sound that kicks butt, but retains melodic structure. The ensemble arranges its music in multi-dimensional layers with interesting changes and hooks, which hold the listeners attention.
Thematically, Shangrala’s music is built on simple structures which develop into complex figures, flowing like a stream over a waterfall. The group’s vocals are mixed into the instrumental spectrum and become part of the total musical presentation, that is: the vocals are not out front but mixed within the instrumentation, giving the music an orchestral sound, but with a strong rhythm. One could say the music is haunting as in ‘Golden Street’ which is built on a simple repeating motif, that develops into a shuffling beat, which conjures images of Philip Glass’ minimal compositions.
Shangrala’s music could be defined as mini-symphonic suites retaining rock rhythms that shift it into a popular setting. Yeah, it’s hard to explain the band’s unique sound. One has to hear it and draw one’s own conclusions. I especially liked the group’s wall of sound concept that conjures up different moods and images. As I listened to Shangrala’s music, I saw unspoiled nature in places that haven’t been ruined by developers, somewhere in the Northwest Territory.
In the modern rock genre, which is crowded with posers and fools, Shangrala stands out as a jewel in a legion of bands that sound the same, or imitate their idols. Given the fifty year history of rock’n’roll, it’s almost impossible to be original. However, the lads of Shangrala have done it with style and grace.
Above all, Shangrala’s music is accessible to all age groups, which gives it a much broader marketing milieu. Now, it’s time for the band to shed its “best kept local secret” cult following, produce an album, and start touring, bringing its new music to the masses–far and wide.
Frankly, I was impressed with both Shangrala and the 9th & Main concert venue. I hadn’t been out there in over a year, and the owners have done a great job remodeling the place. It’s a great venue to showcase bands. It’s small but the music can be heard inside the outer club where the bar is located and on the outside patio. And yeah, they serve food and have a full service bar with Bass and other foreign brands on draft.
Singer/songwriter, Chris Estes opened the show with his catchy original songs that demand attention. His distinctive voice and guitar blend well together and he received a rousing response from the audience.
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