I went to see these cats not long ago at the Shattuck Downlow.

x-group.net/hertzandfriends.htm

I'd never been there before but it's a pretty hoppin little joint. Brown Baggin It opened up for them, and they were pretty decent. Nothing mind blowing, but fun and the guys all have skills. Give them a couple more years and they'll be rockin.

Alan Hertz on the other hand was phenominal. His bandmates were killer, especially his bassist. The bassist used a lot of processing, alternative techniques, and even a bunch of looping and drum machine stuff. They're obviously pushing for change. There was musical reference to a bit of "hippy jam band" flavor, but they didn't overdo it. Actually, come to think of it, they all were doing some looping stuff at one point throughout the set.

It was refreshing to see phenominal technique in use but not squandered, just naturally articulating the ideas presented. I'm hoping other musicians take the hint, and keep trying to move the bar up, but not at the cost of feeling and musicality.

Anyhow, these guys are well worth your time to go see.

O