The Natives monthly event at Wicker Park’s Crocodile Lounge plays host to Total Science, the Oxford drum ‘n’ bass duo of Spinback and Q Project. The two exemplary DJs are in town supporting a few new projects, particularly their recent mix for the Fabric Live label. In the early 1990s, Total Science quickly rose to fame through a plethora of well-received drum ‘n’ bass productions for the venerable Metalheadz and Hospital Recordings labels, as well as their own CIA Records outlet. Even on their own, Spinback and Q Project were prolific, and are seeking a return to form in 2011 with the launch of this tour. The Fabric Live mix coincides with a scorching podcast mix for Hospital, using both to spotlight collaborations with Brazil’s S.P.Y. and talented vocalist Riya.
Total Science is also collaborating with Hospital and Loopmasters to release a sample library for producers.
Two prolific Chicago artists join Total Science, each with the capacity to heat up a room using original drum ‘n’ bass productions and powerful chart-toppers. Back from touring, Stunna boasts loads of releases on reputable drum ‘n’ bass labels and pushes the sound regularly with his Greenroom radio show. Submorphics is currently promoting the release of his widely praised “Post Modern” EP. Also planning a busy 2011, he has scheduled projects with Christina Tamayo as Belmont Affair, a neo-soul and hip-hop effort for Armanni Reign’s upcoming album, and releases for Westbay and Influence Records.
Midway and Groo are the Natives, two veteran Chicago DJs and promoters with trained ears for beats and shoes always laced for dancing. (John Alex Colón)
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
For “Want” of a Change: A Preview of Rufus Wainwright at Ravinia Park Rufus Wainwright isn’t the first singer-songwriter to reinterpret earlier work through an orchestral lens. And much of Wainwright’s third and fourth albums, “Want One” and “Want Two”—whose twentieth anniversaries are the prompt for this new tour—is fully scored. But when Wainwright hits the Pavilion stage at Ravinia tonight, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be behind him.
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