CD release party review by Burn Sand Burn's Barrie Bodden

US Pipe CD Release
Bluebird Theatre; Denver CO
Thursday, Feb. 19th, 2009

PARTY WITH THE PIPE

By Barrie Bodden of Burn Sand Burn

The Bird had a healthy dose of energy on Thursday night. As I walked towards the box office holding four cans of various foods, I was unsure of what to expect. Sometimes local shows at a large venue can be attractive and well-attended, but often they spoil before they deliver. However, US Pipe has an aggressive marketing scheme and they back it up 100% on stage. I’ve seen them several times…everywhere from small venues like the late Cricket on the Hill—to national staples like Red Rocks. They never fail to deliver a killer performance.

I dropped my food in the donation bin and was given a voucher for a free drink—a Flying Dog ale. Wow…the night is off to a great start. I found some friends as I jammed out to the opening acts: Future Jazz Project and Foma. Both groups performed well. I chatted with Pipe drummer, Chris Murphy, who always seems to be in a great mood—a very uplifting human—he was anxious and busy mingling…waiting for his time to shine. It was getting close.

In-between sets, I stepped outside and found Ryan Chris, a phenomenal guitarist in his own right, who was playing backing guitar for the show, something he often does at local Pipe shows. “God I’m nervous,” he told me as hoards of people began packing in the place. “This is gonna be fun.” I wasn’t surprised to hear he was nervous…but rather felt lucky I could feel his humility. Musicians truly are delicate people, no matter how much they jump around on stage!

Finally…the show is ready to begin. The place was comfortably full of eager fans—400 in my estimation. I gathered myself down to the floor, near stage-right. It was strangely silent in anticipation for the funk. Ambient sounds radiated from the dark walls of the old theatre. Then, with a sonic force it came—Boom! The horns blared, Citrus wailed on his guitar and the funkiest CD release party I’ve ever witnessed was underway.

When you’re at a US Pipe show, you can’t help but shake your ass. From the second the drums kicked in, people were on the floor, at the bar, up in the balcony shaking what they got. I usually feel strange trying dance at shows without the intervention of massive amounts of liquor, but tonight was different. I felt like I was a part of something special.

Azma’s microphone chord came unplugged during the first song, but I bet less than 10% of people noticed. He’s that good! He remedied the situation without missing a beat vocally. He is one of the strongest lyricists I’ve seen and he has a commanding stage presence. He raps with the quickness, spitting out impressive and meaningful lyrics, and has a strong singing voice as well. The band used to have a perpetually changing lineup, but with Azma Holiday and the core cats, I think they are now solid.

Key player and extreme vocalist, Missy “Bubbles” Johnson, belted better than ever. She’s got the lungs and smile to make you fall in love when she sings. Damn. Something special about a girl who can scream out, “I told that man I need a hooker,” on the Colfax anthem, Hooker. As one of the two main vocalists, Missy really seems to understand her role. The two are polar opposites in every way—physically and musically, but they’ve seemed to mesh very well together. The vocal harmonies, including those from lead guitarist, Citrus, were righteous this evening…spot on. It’s rare to see a band from any genre be able to adapt to each other and mix so many musical styles together, while staying on target. United Sound Pipe can do it.

The tightness…well it comes from practice, desire, experience—and one more thing: Chris Murphy. The kid keeps the groove better than most drummers anywhere. His pocket is tight and he kills it with million dollar beats. He’s been able to transcend musical genres—blending hip-hop with rock and funk with pop. Murphy really seemed to take his game to the next level at the Bluebird. He was very charismatic and had an amazing presence, something that is not easy for a drummer to do. Towards the end of the set, he was doing tricks off the snare, using one hand to rub his top hat in a circular motion, while brushing the drums with his other hand. He’s also got some of the best feet in the business. He never misses a beat and he keeps the band, which can seem like an animal house sometimes, on target. He’s the backbone of the rhythm and he’s lucky to have such amazing support.

About two-thirds of the way through their performance, Kurt Rosenbecker, the bass player, took control. He jammed out one of the coolest bass solos I’ve heard in a while. He truly is one of the most modest bassists in the Denver area. His tone is killer. His low end booms without ringing and his fills are crunchy without being too pingy. He keeps the notes like a heartbeat, much like a drummer, and he busts out of his shell every now and again to show you his chops. He and scruffy Murph are the best one-two rhythm punch in Denver.

Speaking of Denver—you can’t talk about local guitarists without mentioning Chris “Citrus” Sauthoff. Again, he destroyed his Parker all night, producing sounds that take listeners on funky, cosmic rides. He makes notes shine…it’s rock…it’s funk, it’s all combined. He looks like he just got off George Clinton’s tour bus…oh yeah, that’s because he just did! US Pipe is his brainchild…he’s the ring leader of this ultra-funk circus ride. Citrus is a positive vibe technician as well. You can’t help but feel good when he speaks into the microphone. He’s rock-star enough to intimidate you, but humble enough to make you want to shake his hand after the show. And he’ll always shake your hand.

One of Citrus’ best qualities is his ability to blend different styles of music…even throughout songs. He nails the power chords with much crunch and takes sweet melodies to his leads. His solos were off the charts at the release and they humble even the most experienced six-stringers. And then, about halfway through the set, he sat down on the stage and whipped out a sitar! He rocked the thing as the vocalists took a break. He pulled off amazing sounds, using his foot pedals to make the notes soar through the place. In addition to the zoo of musicians, the Pipe had a traditional African dancer on stage throughout the whole show and during the sitar performance, she made beautiful movements, making the audience feel like they were on a different continent.

“I bet you didn’t think a sitar could be that funky,” Azma said after the song. The audience cheered in amazement.

Ryan Chris not only provided an extra boost to the guitar sounds, but he brought some much needed liveliness to the stage. Thank god he has a wireless system! That cat jumps around all over the place…he’s really fun to watch, especially when that hair starts a-rockin!

I noticed, however, when I walked to different areas of the venue, I had trouble hearing the lead guitars. I felt the same way at Red Rocks. I know it’s hard to mix a group that has 10 members on stage, but those guitars should shine through the mix…especially on solos and leads.

The horn section always brings the funk to a Pipe party and this night was no exception. They take turns with solos and jam as a unit wonderfully. It often sounds like one set of lungs producing three voices because of the tightness. They seemed a bit loud near the stage, but as you moved back in the room…they blended in with the mix beautifully.

United Sound Pipe took their show to a new level on Thursday night. They certainly brought the funk and the party was rocking for almost two hours of non-stop party music. They even played a delicate song from their latest release, which I’m sure they don’t plan on playing live too much. It truly was a touching song, complete with open chords and sincere harmonies. I wish they slowed it down a bit more on stage—it seemed a bit rushed. Not to be mistaken though, the show was a complete success. Everyone left satisfied and gleeful, and if they had to work the next day…they woke up smiling and hung-over! Don’t miss US Pipe next time they come around.