Rock Candy

C'mon people, where are the comments about last night? Well, I'll start the ball to rolling. Despite the few flakes of snow that fell, the dedicated artist, some with their own fan clubs proved what we'll go through to be heard. Beau started the show, a few past nine with an impressive guitar sound! The guy is a true family man who dedicated his performance to his brother and to the females in the audience, nicely said! By that time, the judges were in full swing and ready for action. The entergy that 4 X 4 crew bought was exciting! Especially when they did a Arkansas cut, which by the way would make a good compilation song along with my Arkansas Indie Mix! Request a copy from Jim and I'll autograph it for you Arkansans(never know when my time will come). They showcased everything from performing, to deejaying, to dancing and even shared the true art of rap by lyrically reaching out to the crowd. Matter of fact, Trapper the rapper-where were you? I thought the only other good rapper from the showcase would be there. That's okay, myself and Jim have been in talks about the 1st R&B/Rap showcase. Any other function is phoney. Let this outlet be the first to announce the details. Back to the show, Cooper's Orbit sounded like my workout music on my Ipod, something to keep a steady pace to and industry oriented. We were having a blast by this time, thanks to Loryn who kept our spirits well. But the last band to perform was what I would call the perfect river music. Maybe the band practices by the Arkansas River or some place where the water runs. It was a real refreshing sound, but too bad they didn't win. With that said, all the turn-outs did a wonderful job and lets you know that the talent is alive. That will be my next blog, "The talent here is alive"- Stay tuned!

Don't miss round 3 tonight. Last two have been the most blazing showcases ever! Can't wait for the finals at Rumba.

It was an honor to judge this round of the showcase. I opely admit that I am biased toward The Reverburritos...since I have agreed to become their manager. Ya see...these are all classmates of mine from Hendrix College. BUT, with that said, I am also a huge fan of surf rock...you know, Dick Dale, The Ventures, The Trashmen, The Dynatones, Satan's Pilgrims, Deke Dickerson...the California sound...that kind of stuff.

Cooper's Orbit is a very deserving band (congrats guys), but as I made sure I was fair and equitable to all bands, I was also silently pulling for the Reverburritos. I know that my grading of all four acts was pretty close. But, I think the element that seperated Cooper's Orbit as eventual winner was having lyrics to their songs.

As I sat and visited with my fellow judges throughout this competition, I don't think any of us would have consciously graded a performance based upon whether a band crafts songs with lyrics -- or not.

C'mon, no one on this judges panel would ever step up to a stage and tell Dick Dale, Bela Fleck, Joe Satriani, Mile Davis, Leonard Bernstein, Bach, Beethoven or Chopin...

"well, your good, but write some lyrics to that melody then come back and see us in two weeks."

Hell no! BUT, as we all sat and judged these bands on several different categorites, we were paying close attention to creativity and originality. So, I think it was a natural inclination, but the judges panel, to give a few style points for comprising original lyrics.

Oh well...that is the way it goes. The Reverburritos will continue to capture the ears and the attention of the surf rock community locally, nationally and globally (after having been named surf band of the year by one surfing publication) and Cooper's Orbit will continue rocking through the competition.

In fact, I honestly think that all four acts from last Thursday night can continue pounding the pavement to their own successes...the talent is just that good!

Now if we can just get more of Arkansas to get out and listen to live music...it will give these acts more opportunities to expand their craft!

Mark the Hooper