Akasha: The first of five material elements of which the physical universe is composed (earth, air, fire, water, and akasha). the element of omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is related to outer space, inner space, the unmanifest, and the life force.
Akasha is a fusion of deep groove reggae, blistery blues rock, and hip hop flavors with pure melodies and rich vocal harmonies. Stylistically, Akasha's base elements are never forced but always flow seamlessly from one song to the next. Akasha's diverse approach gives birth to an unmistakable variety of heavy, raw grooves reminiscent of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and the Roots.
Akasha unifies their diversity of styles through the lush vocal work of Cosmos Ray. His performances are riveting and personal, as though he is speaking directly to you. The quartet is anchored by Doug Bistrow's thumping upright bass and Mikey August's solid drum work. Scott Moss' dynamic electric guitar combines with them to create a thick and colorful tapesty of rhythm and sound.
Phosphorescence Magazine Review
Akasha is a reggae/rock/blues band from Chicago who released their self-titled debut album this year on All Connected Records, a new independent music label. The name Akasha is Sanskrit for "the element of omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe," and their music will indeed permeate your being. There is a common thread woven throughout this CD of the interconnectedness of all things.
"Sideways," a political commentary on the current state of our world, is done in rap style and features a prominent bass combined with an energetic rock sound. Human nature and the ways of society are explored in "In Defining," which includes the make-you-think tag line, "we create a revelation consciously." Akasha has a polished, harmonious sound, seamlessly blending recognizable reggae tones with bluesy and more traditional rock. They communicate their will to endure and transcend earthly troubles perfectly on the track, "Follow The Sun," a slower paced, blues gem starring an inspiring guitar. This is one that a listener can sit back and fully enjoy as it touches the heart and soothes the spirit.
FGC's got a great weekend coming up! On Saturday, we open up for Umphrey's McGee at Exposition Gardens in Peoria (FGC @ 7pm), and Sunday, we head over to the Riverview Music and Arts Festival in South Elgin (FGC @ 6pm). The Riverview Fest goes on all weekend, and Sunday's lineup features FGC, as well as The Everyone Orchestra (with Michael Kang from SCI, Brendan and Andy from Umphrey's, Jordan and Janis from FGC, Allie from Cornmeal, and many more!). Visit www.riverviewmusicfest.com for full lineup and tickets!
Looking beyond, FGC's fall schedule thus far hits tons of our favorite Midwest spots, kicking off with the annual Halloween Masquerade Ball at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, where FGC will be sporting the musical costume of Green Day!
10/17 - Halloween Masquerade Ball, Chillicothe, IL (All Ages) 10/23 - Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, IA (Ages 21+) 10/29 - Miramar Theater, Milwaukee, WI (All Ages) 10/31 - City Nights Theater, Springfield, IL (Ages 21+) 11/6 - The House Cafe, Dekalb, IL (All Ages) 11/7 - The Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL (Ages 18+) 11/9 - WIU, Macomb, IL (All Ages) 11/13 - Canopy Club, Urbana, IL (Ages 18+) 11/14 - Yacht Club, Iowa City, IA (Ages 19+)
Here in Wisconsin we have a small window of opportunity to reclaim the public's right to use whatever medications,either natural or prerscribed in the maintenance of their health. I'm talking about the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. Cannibas hemp has been used as a medicine for centuries. Eli Lilly had many preparations made from hemp that's recorded in their pharmacopeia in the 1920's. The DEA's Law Judge issued a statement that 'In it's natural state, marijuana is the most therapeutically active substance known to man.". Many who are like myself and have neuromuscular ailments are prescribed drugs that are far more harmful to us than the symptoms we are trying to get rid of. For myself it's about not having my kidney's shut down from trying to stop muscle spasms and ending the nerve pains that run down my legs that no drug prescribed by any doctor can ease. Ideally,as a Constitutional Right,we should be able to use any product that has a positive effect on our individual health. Cannibas hemp whether smoked,eaten or vaporized can do that for millions of patients and that right of choice should be ours,not lawmakers. But we find ourselves needing the aide of Lawmakers to get that right returned to us. If you support a person's right to use cannibas hemp or use it yourself, PLEASE contact you local Senator and State Representitive at; http://www.legis.state.wi.us and tell them to make the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act a law. Thank-you
Gents, you were on fire last night! In Defining was absolutely gorgeous. Scotty, you reminded me of John Frusciante. Doug, your bow made the bass shine out beautifully. Cosmos, your "hick" vocal persona for One Man Rises was charming and hilarious. Congrats on another fantastic performance.
Come get rocked out of the world with us this FRIDAY! Apr 24 09 9:00P Double Door - 56 Hope Road w/ Kinetix & Woman’s Downhill - Jordan and Mattais from Family Groove Company
Just stopping by to invite you to our annual post-Thanksgiving show, next Friday 11/28 at the Clearwater Theater in West Dundee IL (NW Chicago suburbs). Come on out and groove off some of that turkey!
In other news, we’re pleased to announce a NEW YEAR’S SHOW at the REDSTONE ROOM in DAVENPORT, IA, where our extended sets will feature “Rock Star Celebrity Death Match” with chances to win tickets to Summer Camp Festival! More info at www. familygrooveco. com.
Stay warm and have a great start to your holiday season!
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