report filed 2/29/00 10:17 am - A couple of late nights in a row has the Anytime/Anywhere studios in a late morning production frenzy. Lots of words and images bouncin' 'round the room...

Last week we posted an artist profile on Sector 9, a very talented post-techno groove generator out of Athens, Georgia. On Sunday night, the 9s rolled into Ocean Beach. This was their second time playing Winstons and there was a good crowd on hand. People were focused on the band and the energy loop between the stage and dance floor became increasingly intense as the evening progressed.

Jamming tunes from Interplanetary Escape Vehicle, as well as newer material, the 9s dynamics were stunning. These guys know how to mix it up. Nimbly navigating peaks and valleys with rhythm, tempo and tone, the 9s took the travelers of time and space gathered at Winstons on this particular night on an exhilarating musical journey.

By the time they came back for a scorching encore at 1:15 am, the vibe was tribal. Even after the music was over, the place was buzzin'...

Last night The Motet were in town. Not yet as well as established as Sector 9, there was a much smaller crowd for their Monday night performance. Didn't stop the Mo's from rockin' though. Making their first tour West of the Rockies, the percussion heavy quintet from Colorado put on a soulful and engaging performance.

Each of the Mo's are skilled players. As a unit, they specialize in passionate, ongoing musical conversations. Speaking in boppin' post fusion, with a deep, Afro/world beat accent, The Motet have an exotic sound. Not to mention a certain hepcat cool.

Check out our CD review of The Motet's debut album, Breathe, and the band's website for current tour information. The Motet are currently on the road and if you have a chance to see 'em, do it.

Other than the back to back rhythm attack at Winstons, the big news around here is a couple of new articles that have just been posted. False Profit? Is Surfing the Cyber Tidal Wave to Fame and Fortune Really Possible, or Are Websites Like Mps.com Cashing in on a Digital Mirage?, as well a new artist profile of Psydecar are both up for your reading pleasure. Same with the latest news from Wise Monkey's ongoing USA Winter Tour 2000.

Had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Diomede of Juggling Suns for the Relix Book. Diomede goes way back with Relix. As a member of Solar Circus in the '80s and later the Suns, he has not only been a featured artist in the pages of Relix, he has recorded several albums for Relix records. It was great to get his insight into what it means to up and coming bands to be covered in Relix, as well as the magazine's role in the post-Garcia era. He had some wonderful stories to tell about when he helped Relix handle the flood of calls from the mass media when Garcia died, acting as the magazine's defacto spokesman while the already overwhelmed staff tried to put out a magazine.

Also spoke with Warren Haynes. Wow! For a guy who plays such a mean guitar, Haynes is one heckuva nice guy. And a wonderful conversationalist. Haynes shared his insight into the Allman Brothers relationship with the Grateful Dead's fan base, and of course Relix. He also talked about the role of improvisation in his music, the dual edged sword of dealing with the media, and Relix' role in raising awareness of environmental and social issues.

It was a busy week on the phone. In addition to the Relix interviews, we spoke with Joe and Kristin of the Recipe and Jason of Big Wu for upcoming articles. They all had lots of interesting stuff to say about their bands, touring, and making music. Look for those articles in the next couple of weeks, as well as photos from The Slip and Government Grown's shows this week at Winstons...

Thanks to Alex 2000, poster artist for the image below - check back next week for yet another adventure in music journalism...