Jim's unofficial NEARfest first day update

[progdirjim(Admin)]

Great first day of music here at NEARfest! Opening act, Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, were great. Unique instrumentation - 2 keyboardists, one primarily piano, the other synths and electronic percussion; a guitarist, and woodwind/percussionist. Very complex music, the band used sheet music for most of their pieces. Nice guys too.

Next was Under The Sun - my least favorite of the day because of their "heaviness", but tight, strong vocals, and quite good. White Willow was my pleasant surprise of the day - we're planning on hunting down some CDs tomorrow for the station. Deus ex Machina rocked! Great stuff, and a fabulous vocalist. I actually liked the instrumental passages best, as the compositions seemed more coherent and interesting when the singer sat out - but this is just personal preference and not a knock on the singer - very talented and dynamic. Last band was Porcupine Tree. Look for Davin's comments on these guys. I will say they had some killer riffs, particularly on guitar and sometimes bass; great songwriting, and good stage presence; but Davin likes them more than me so he can do them more justice.

All the bands and vendors, and Roger Dean, are very accessible. Make sure to bug Davin for that great photo of Roger!

Looking forward to tomorrow - especially Djam Karet for me - talked with them today (also nice guys), and really looking forward to their show.

More tomorrow (also ask Davin about "Captain Prog"...