By Kirsten Sylvain, Contributor
This Friday, two of New England’s most impressive genre-fusion acts will take the stage, as Portland’s own psychedelic soul band, Jaw Gems, will be joined by the experimental jazz quartet, Ro Sham Beaux, at SPACE starting at 9 p.m.
“We like weird sounds with a soulful element,” said Jaw Gems’ pianist, Ahmad Hassan Muhammad, summing up Jaw Gems’ driving philosophy. The band, which Muhammad categorized the best he could as “psychedelic soul,” will mark a new era with Friday night’s show with new sounds and a change of identity. The group, which has previously been known for its popular cover performances at their Tuesday night residency at Local 188, will be playing largely original material. “It’ll be a side of us people wouldn’t know from Local 188.”
Inspired by Deerhunter, Atlas Sound and J Dilla, most would have a hard time describing this experimental group with its covers of a wide range of genres, which includes hip-hop and pop. “This is definitely our biggest show yet,” Muhammad said.
Also playing that night will be Boston-natives and conservatory-trained musicians, Ro Sham Beaux. The indie-inspired jazz group draws from a wide range of genres, including rock and pop in an attempt to stretch the boundaries of jazz music.
Like most shows at SPACE, admission is 18+, tickets are $8 and will be available at the door or online at SPACE’s website. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. with Ro Sham Beaux taking the stage at 9 p.m..
“We both bring new light to improvised music,” said Ro Sham Beaux’s Oliver Watkinson. “We both want to expand people’s view of what improv is and how to make if your own.” So if you’re ready for a night of unique sounds, serious talent, improv reborn and you feel like dancing, this show is not to be missed.
can’t wait to hear you all!