Charlottesville - When Josh Slack, a New York native, performed at the Box on May 16, 2010, I was surprised when I observed unexpected originality; a new sound, a new style, and an element of musical sharing within his performance that was stimulating and refreshing.  The venue where they performed was a smaller place - a hip little sushi joint operated and managed by Chaz Webster.  When I first walked through the doors, there stood an exceptionally grand picture of Miyagi from The Karate Kid that grabbed my attention immediately.  Apparently, they also possess the theme “Where the Wild Things Are”, which is embedded on the t-shirts they sell to admiring customers, and which I actually ended up purchasing myself.  The servers and bartenders are engaging and friendly to anyone who chooses to take a seat that adds to the Box’s personable and energetic atmosphere.  Despite its smaller size, it makes absolutely no difference; it packs a range of people, performers, and surprises that provided an eclectic melting pot, especially for everything that took place on that warm, sultry night.

The evening began with Josh Slack (guitarist and vocalist) and Michael McCue (drummer) playing together for the first time!  For two people that had never played together, they seemed to connect and produce something original and cohesive.  Their sound was a mixture of multi-dimensional elements that swirled around the room like flying butterflies, fluttering in each corner as I desperately tried to focus on how I could describe what was taking place.  However, the band Slack does not have any particular label or genre.  Just when you feel as if you recognize influences such as Radiohead or Smashing Pumpkins, within an instant chord change the feeling transitions to influences and similar sounds found among artists such as Lenny Kravitz and Jack Johnson, as well as psychedelic rock beats comparable to the Doors.  Slack’s songs intertwine smooth harmonies, melodies, and insightful lyrics that work well together and are extremely in sync with the drums' rhythmic elevations and perfect timing.  Once you listen to his tracks that include "Prisoner," "Saturday Night," "57," and "The Air in Between," you understand!  The two-piece band filled the space with just as much resonance as a trio or four-piece band.  Their electric rock ‘n’ roll energy mak e up for what they lacked in amount of band members and additional instruments.  They are complex and raw, yet simple and smooth.  Josh and Michael have a collection of talents and abilities that surprise you and leave you wanting more.  Josh plays his guitar with strong will and purpose, and Michael’s decisive drumming movements really started the night off beautifully.  It is interesting to note that Josh, in fact, first started out as a drummer, which he gave a taste to the audience as well.

This story takes a turn because there were three unexpected occurrences during the performance.  The first was during the second set.  Two sax players, James Massenburg and Kennan Stanley-Bey, with their saxes in hand, were walking by the Box at the same time when Josh and Michael where playing.  After this, by some streak of luck, they ended up joining in with Slack, which gave the entire night a different swing and changed the course of sound and style structure.  I started noticing blues, funk, and reggae beats that had not emerged before, not only due to the two new additions, but also due to Josh and Michael adjusting their capacities and changing their musical pathways.  You could really see the creative process take flight and see the music’s evolution.  Another unexpected event was how they jammed together; changing, alternating, and molding into the music that started evolving.  One note would fuel another note, and another, and then another and it was entirely impromptu.  This is, along with the spontaneity of Massenburg and Stanley’s guest appearance was something truly special to witness, and what is special about the Charlottesville music scene in particular.  I was impressed unexpectedly.  When bands push the limits of what they have produced thus far and allow others to add their own input, it enriches musical expertise and creates an expansion of musical insight.  This is also pertains to Josh’s wife, Diane, who inserted her music knowledge with the percussion, adding a much-needed “sting” to McCue’s deep, penetrating rhythms, Josh’s quick and heated guitar chops, and those sexy saxes.

The last surprise of the night was when Travis Elliott performed a rendition upon the guitar as the concluding act.  He was one of the performing acts at the Magazine33 Launch Party, and I had seen him play one other time at Ventana, another local restaurant in town.  That was also out-of-the-blue and further reinforced the feeling of “musical sharing” that I love to see at moments when you least expect it.  It was nice to see him bring his unique flavor and energy to the already eventful evening!  Along with the performers of the evening, I would like to give credit to the fans as well.  I love to see the audience, not only enjoy the music, but also truly appreciate what they are hearing, which was definitely the case!  Reviewing the show at the Box, there were so many different complexities that graced my experience of witnessing the outstanding renditions of Josh Slack, Michael McCue, James Massenburg, Kennan Stanley-Bey, and Travis Elliott.  Be sure to look for them in the surrounding areas for future spectacular performances.  For further show and restaurant information at the Box, you can call 434-970-2699, or be sure to explore their location at 109 2nd Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902.  Thank you so much to everyone for such a good time…the music was sweet, the place was sweet, and I will definitely be revisiting the performers and the Box in the future.  See you around town…

33:  What artist/artists have inspired you and why?
Josh Slack:   Nirvana, Andy Warhol, Radiohead, James Dean...artists willing to be completely honest in their craft.

33:  What are some artists that have influenced your individual style as a musician?
JS:  Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots, David Bowie, Jack White, Johnny Cash, the Flaming Lips to name a few.

33:  You said you first started out as a drummer and then became a guitarist...What changes as a musician did you go through making that transition?  How does the guitar suit you as opposed to the drums?  Does one instrument suit you better - if so, why?
 JS:  I have always thought as a drummer.  I approach everything rhythmically.  Drumming just makes sense to me.  The mechanics of the guitar have always fascinated me, and when I was 18, I really dove headlong into it.  It facilitated me as a songwriter and gave me the mobility I wanted on stage as a performer.  Neither one suit me better as a musician, they both serve as a release equally.  It is like asking a parent who their favorite child is.  If I could play them both at the same time, I would.

33:  What have you taken away from being a guitarist?  What have you taken away from being a drummer?
JS:  As a drummer, it allows me to control the flow of the song, the dynamics of the song.  It is one of the only things I know that allows me to hit something as hard as I can without being beaten up or taken to jail.  As a guitarist, there is finesse; there is style and grace. You can be standing completely still, moving nothing but your fingers and generate huge sounds.

33:  How would you describe your creative process when constructing song?
JS:  Most often, it starts with a guitar idea, and then comes a melody line.  With some development and an anticipation of where the song should go, I bring out the emotion of the song the structure generates.  By this point, I can usually hear the full production of what I want the finished product to sound like in my head.

33:  Did you always know that you wanted to be a musician?
JS:  No, growing up I thought I would be a pro baseball player.  I played through college.  I minored in music in school and ultimately decided that the musician lifestyle was more suitable for me.  I was more comfortable with the difficulties of the music industry than the variable of an injury ruining my baseball career.  I just like to rock out, which is a lot harder as a pitcher.

 33:  Why is it difficult to arrange a song that has both good lyrics and rhythms?
JS:  As a writer, it is challenging at times to match the emotions of the lyrics with the emotions of the music.  However, sometimes the contrast of sad or depressing lyrics to music that sounds happy can be interesting.

33:  When are you playing next, what time, and where?
JS:  I perform at the Box in the downtown mall every Sunday at 10 PM; I am also playing a show at the Crozet Mudhouse on June 26th at 7 PM.  Check our MySpace for future shows.

33:  What is you favorite music video, clip or movie about a particular artist/artists?
JS:  I just watched a documentary reviewing the OK Computer record by Radiohead.  It was a window into their genius.

33:  What is the most memorable human experience you had that incorporated a memorable music experience as well?
JS:  At age 5, I was watching a parade with my mom.  When the drum line went past me it shook my entire body.  Something went off inside of me, and I knew I wanted to play drums and be a part of music.  I wanted to be on the giving end of the emotional exchange.

By Director and Correspondent: Helen Brown

Although originally from Marion Junction, Alabama, Helen has been living in Virginia for the last three years because she absolutely loves the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She attended Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia, gaining a degree in Philosophy and Psychology.  Helen moved to Charlottesville on a whim because of the unique music scene, interest in the food and wine Industry, and the desire to incorporate music into her professional aspirations.  She is looking forward to listening to an array of eclectic music, observing the local talent, and meeting some interesting people while working with the Magazine33 team!  See you around town ...