Getting birdsong in your ear

Spring is in full swing here in Austin, not yet hinting of summer heat that will no doubt arrive and temper outdoor activities (and keep more people from coming here, as Sara’s cousin likes to say). There seems to be an uptick in birdsong this cycle: prolonged owl conversations at dusk, cardinals announcing their having survived the night, hummingbirds working things out. Taking a moment to listen to the birds, the near and the far, and songs and the silences—really getting it in my ear—has been expanding my days. Sometimes I laugh: they must be telling jokes. What’s the birdsong like where you are?

This month I introduce a new occasional feature for the Music Monthly: Id in tuem articulum pone, which roughly translated from Latin is “Stick it in your ear.” I say roughly translated—I recall it as a phrase my brother, Chuck, employed regularly as he was studying Latin in high school. While at the time it was a rather common insult, even being slung at people on prime-time TV, I mean it here as a more gentle suggestion to give a listen to some music (or sound) I think you might like if you had the chance to hear it. This round I feature the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.

The calendar of shows continues to develop, with entries for Mala Nota, Red and The Rebels, Juston Hargrove, and, postponed, Channels.

The Mala Nota album is inching closer to the finish line. The latest mixes are sounding very good. I wish I could share them at this stage, but be patient a bit longer. Meanwhile, Mala Nota’s entry for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Contest is here. (← click!)

“Tour” means many things these days, but there is recent talk of a Mala Nota summer tour, locations in Texas TBA.

Shows on the calendar:

April 20
Latin Night @ Geraldine’s
605 Davis Street
Austin TX 78701
8:00 PM

April 28 (this, a correction)
Latin Night @ Sahara Lounge
413 Webberville Road
Austin TX 78721
Downbeat at midnight, so technically we
will conjure April 29 into existence.

May 5
Cinco de Mayo
The Far Out Lounge and Stage
8504 S Congress Ave
Austin TX 78745
8:00 PM

Red and The Rebels has two shows on the calendar, and a string of shows in the works for July. We’re tracking the next in the parade of singles that will comprise the second album. It’s called “The Wheel,” and it will indeed be a smooth, yet wild, ride.

Shows on the calendar:

May 6
The Purple Barn (a backyard venue with a real nice stage)
140 Dobie Dr
Wimberley TX 78676
8:00 PM, two sets

June 10
Savage’s Hill Country Bar
9595 Ranch Rd 12
Wimberley TX 78676
7:00 PM, three sets, and followed by… Saturday Night Karaoke (surprise guests?)

On April 22 I get to play the low notes with Juston Hargrove at Sportsfest.

Prior to the Great Pause of Corona, the Juston Hargrove Band played regularly at many venues around town. One moment that stands out took place during an early-in-the-week show at Hole In The Wall. Towards the end of the set, and night, we played “Little Wing.” As Juston played the intro, a, couple dragged their chairs from where they were sitting at the back of the room, and placed themselves front and center at the edge of the stage. From this vantage point, they were looking up at Juston—local elders soaking in a Hendrix experience. It was beautiful.

Yes, you read that last month. I’m letting it stand, sink in. And will add here that on drums will be Mr. Dustin Popp, of Elusive Moose Studios and 5 Star Motel.

April 22
Sportsfest at the Krieg Complex
515 S Pleasant Valley Rd Austin TX
2:45 PM, one set

Channels’ return to Central Presbyterian Church has been postponed to August.

Id in tuem articulum pone (roughly, Stick it in your ear)

Have you already heard of the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra? Forming a trio with E'Lon JD (bass), and Maison Guidry (drums), Scales weaves a beautiful as well as evocative and compelling soundscape, which I think is a good word for what he coaxes from his instrument, the steel pans. What a sound. I’ve been fortunate to see one show, and hope to see more. In addition to the music being excellent, the live performance takes some surprising and mindbending twists and turns—things said and done that will keep you thinking, and more importantly feeling, for a very long time.

In addition to exploring Jonathan Scales’ website, you can check out the Tiny Desk Concert. His Instagram, which includes thoughtful walking-and-talking videos, gives a further glimpse into what makes him tick. Also on Instagram is Scales & Friend (which is also among his YouTube playlists), is a wonderful and wide-ranging series of duets that has a bit of a Play Music On The Porch Day vibe.

Yes, bonus: Play Music On The Porch is a great source of surprise for your ear—mark your calendar for Saturday, August 26, this year’s worldwide celebration.

Thanks again for reading (the anatomical drawing caption above: it’s not a mistake). Do say hello. Tell me about your bird neighbors. Feel free to send questions or topics you might like to hear about from me.

Peace, Love, and Art,
Ralph
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Ralph Manak
Raking Light Studio
Austin TX
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