Outlaw D served it up special this year at Harmony Fest, making a smooth transit from the previous two years playing at the Goddess Grove to this year's Friday night appearance at the Ambiotica Lounge. The space was remarkably decorated with a gigantic winding one-eyed pollup-serpent and dreamy reliefs hung on the walls with scenes of the Egyptian desert and gorgeous sun-scapes.
We threw down just after Midnight and rumor had it that Alex Patterson from the Orb had floated through during DJ Feral's set. The room was lively and full and the band's set included a kick off sporting a new dub track we have been playing over the past 6 months, called "the Right Kind of Trouble". From there we launched into a host of grooves , "Loopophonic" with its' psychonautical swells and into our soon to be signature Sintir Jam - as yet untitled, and on through to a scorching new Drum and Bass flavored tune also featuiring Sintir. We had a great night and provided proper atmosphere for a flesh-trembling first night at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds.
The weekend roasted on with the highly anticipated Saturday night activities, on the OD agenda was the Techno Tribal mash-down with headliners the Orb. The altar at the back was beautifully constructed and found T-Dawg and Miss Storm hanging there, connecting with old friends, until Alex P came on and drew out the Ultraworld Advents, manning a Time Machine which spun us out in fabulous circles during what I can only call a roots electronica feast.
Next day, wandering and more dancing to Shabaz at the main stage and in the evening a brief and fortunate visit with Alex P himself, during which wewere able to give the man props for an amazing and highly fulfilled set the night before, and during which stories were shared relating to the Muppet Show theme song, and various tid-bits of Orbery from over the years. Alex was in a mood to offer such treats and so we kicked back and listened to tales of various recording and sound journeys which have found their way into the mix over time. One such story recounted how Jaz Coleman, the front man for another of my musical favorites from a ways back ,"Killing Joke" , snuck into the pyramids in Egypt early in the morning to catch the vibe and do a bit of renegade recording there at the break of dawn one day, some years ago. I couldn't have hoped for a more pleasurable and satisfying chat with one of my primary musical heroes and influences and I continue to be extremely delighted by what I can only call a fated engagement. As we parted , Alex offered what I would call his Blessing, in the form of a bit of advice about where to place ones perspective in life and in the music biz, in general.
All in all, the report from OD HQ is that this was, for several reasons the best year yet at Harmony. The band sounded great, with guest trap-man Travis Porter De Leon and Carlos Mario Agurie on Congas. At the time of this writing, we are reconnoitering for our next incarnation and headed well in to the Summer, getting behind the Mule and working at creating our next show. Feels great to have the inspiration of a remarkable start to the Season!
Many Thanks to AnonEvents, the Orb, and Harmony Fest as well as the Beautiful People who came out to play with Us! All Blessings!!!
Travis W and the OD Crew
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