Mercurial Music

Ruff Family Haus

"Let's get through 'Paranoid' before I finish my cigareete," said Zombia, grinning through the smoke. I knew I was in for it.

Choco and Zombie were both paying through a single amp. The Sunn Concert Lead was equal to the job, though; and Ruffhaus was more than filling the small, mostly concrete-walled basement room. Pat was rearranging the dust with his monstrous drums (including a 26" kick drum and 22" floor tom), and I was cowering the corner trying to keep my ears covered while feasting on Pepperidge Farm Goldfish and Anchor Porter.

I was enjoying the rock-steady grooves and having a pretty fine tie when the women-folk blew in: Pat's mom Ruth, sisters Sarah and Jessie, niece Sophia, and womanfriend Margot. Our Saturday afternoon basement rockout had been transformed into a family affair, and it was a blast! I got to find out things about Pat and Amy Craven that I er... nevermind. Really nice family, though, Ruth's great.

Ruffhaus is a family affair in itself, as these guys have known each other since they biked together in the early 80s. Pat and Chuco still work in the biz.

On top of the amp, the Tennelec Memory Scan MS-2 barked out an urgent dispatch for City Cab, reminding me that it was time to go home. ­ Fur

After hearing that I had been to see Woody Harrelson's band play at Justin Herman Plaza, he (Markus) asked me if I'd write something about the show. I said I would. Then I remembered something my mother told me a long time ago. If you can't say something nice (look up "nice" in the dictionary) about someone, don't say anything...

Cheers, Strange Rider

Cool Brown Fellinis

"Acid Jazz is just another catch-phrase, but if people want a name for the music, that's O.K.," commented David Boyce, the screaming soprano saxman of the Brown Fellinis. They play most Thursdays at brace New World, pumping out three sets interspersed with lively DJ dance music.

Two Thursdays ago they took the stage one at a time, playing to the Afro-house jam the DJ had everyone slamming to. First the percussionist then the drummer, then Ayman of the huge hands with his five-strong bass, then Boyce. Suddenly the turntables stopped and the four were on their own, exploring territory from hip-hop (with a guest rapper) to, well... acid jazz. A wide range of beats and melodies and all real fresh. ­ Fur