Matt Lajoie at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 6, 2023

Guitarist Matt Lajoie had an early stage slot on May 6 at the Milwaukee Psych Festival, but despite the sunlight pouring down on him, came prepared to play with plenty of fiery psychedelic sounds. 

   

He hails from Maine and is quite prolific -- his bandcamp page is filled with solo releases as well as various projects including Herbcraft and Ash and Herb (who performed outdoors at the 2018 Psych Fest).

   

His set was one continuous cloud-like piece which allowed Matt to explore various textures. He was most impressive when alternating sections of pure sonic bliss with some fierce shredding.

His most recent album can be purchased here.

Tracklist:
01 Untitled (33:39)

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in NOS on stand in balcony next to mixing desk
Additional source: mono SBD feed from Behringer X32
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (184 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (99 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Chris Forsyth at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee on November 2, 2022

Guitarist Chris Forsyth was born in 1973 and grew up in New Jersey. His musical journey has been marked by a fusion of genres, blending elements of rock, psychedelia, and experimental music to create a sound that is both unique and highly satisfying.

Here is a fiery recording from Chris and band from November 2022 at the legendary Cactus Club in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee

One of Forsyth's most interesting characteristics is his ability to navigate between structured compositions and improvisational passages. His guitar work is infused with intricate fingerpicking, dynamic shifts, and a strong sense of melody.

In addition to his solo work, Forsyth has collaborated with a diverse array of musicians such as William Tyler, Ryley Walker, and Meg Baird.

Forsyth's discography is exceptionally strong. Beyond his studio recordings, Forsyth is renowned for his live performances, many of which you can find on his bandcamp page. 

For this tour, he co-headlined with Meg Baird, each artist using the same core backing band of Doug McCombs on bass and Ryan Jewell on drums.

Thanks so much to Chris for going out of his way to help tapers and to request FOH sound engineer Alex to provide me with a board feed.

Buy his latest album here.

Recording information:

CHRIS FORSYTH

2022-11-02 

Milwaukee, WI 

Cactus Club

Chris Forsyth: guitar and vocal

Doug McCombs: bass

Ryan Jewell: drums 

Charlie Saufley: guitar (on track 7)

Source: SBD (stereo) + mics on 8 foot stand at mixing board

Microphones: Line CM3 (ORTF)

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre 6ii at 32bit float, 96kHz

Software: Audacity, xAct, Fission

Set list:

01 Tomorrow Might As Well Be Today (3:45)

02 You’re Going To Need Somebody [Richard Thompson] (4:14)

03 Bad Moon Risen (5:08)

04 Experimental & Professional (9:02)

05 Heaven For A Few (8:18)

06 Long Beach Idyll (8:03)

07 Robot Energy Machine (15:38)

Total time = 54:08

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (340 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (127 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Acid Mothers Temple at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on April 13, 2019

After sharing my recording of Acid Mothers Temple at last year's Psych Fest, I realized that I still had not yet shared my recording of these Japanese psych rock veterans at the 2019 Psych Fest.

This performance was the culmination of another brilliant festival programmed by Andrew Shelp. Although small in square feet, this festival has the right to be considered one of the highest quality music festivals in the country. The number of bands I have discovered at this festival is almost unbelievable to me.

Buy one of their recent albums here.

Recording information:

ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE
2019-04-13
Milwaukee, WI at the Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest VII

Kawabata Makoto: guitar
Higashi Hiroshi: synthesizer
Jyonson Tsu: vocal, bouzouki, guitar
Wolf: bass
Atoshima Nani: drums


Tracklist:
01 Blue Velvet Blues -> Dark Star Blues (19:59)
02 Disco Pink Lady Lemonade -> OM Riff -> Pink Lady Lemonade coda (25:03)
03 Cometary Orbital Drive (14:06)

Total time = 59:08

Microphone: Superluxe S502 (fixed ORTF)
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6 at 24/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (368 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (135 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Bitchin' Bajas at Colectivo Back Room in Milwaukee on December 15, 2023

One of the most interesting bands in Chicago over the past decade has been the Bitchin' Bajas. Despite their somewhat goofy name, the trio (Cooper Crain, Dan Quinlivan, and Rob Frye) are dead serious in their approach to musical explorations.

 

Drawing inspiration from the so-called Berlin school of electronics (1970s synth pioneers such as Klaus Schulze) as well as jazz artists such as Sun Ra, the Bajas spun a mesmerizing web of melodies over an hour or so of the concert.

 

This was the last concert ever at this venue and I will not be missing seeing shows here. From super talkative crowds to security staff who seem to approach recording gear as something akin to high-level explosives (and permission to tape as something impossibly difficult to comprehend), my history at the venue has been somewhat unfortunate.

Despite all this, the show was amazing.

Buy their latest album here.

Recording information:

BITCHIN’ BAJAS
2023-12-15
Milwaukee, WI at Colectivo Back Room

Cooper Crain: synthesizers
Dan Quinlivan: synthesizers
Rob Frye: synthesizers, sax

Setlist:

01 Unknown Title (14:30)
02 Unknown Title (5:34)
03 Unknown Title (7:24)
04 Unknown Title (7:18)
05 Unknown Title (11:20)
06 Unknown Title (11:58)
07 Unknown Title (9:46)

Total time = 67:50

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC 930 in ORTF on stand
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (325 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (107 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Marisa Anderson and William Tyler at Acme Records and Music Emporium in Milwaukee on October 22, 2021

Guitarists Marisa Anderson and William Tyler have both performed at Acme numerous times as solo artists, and so it was not an enormous surprise when they brought their duo to the record shop in October of 2021. 

Their album together was on many "years' best" lists for 2021 and that's not much of a surprise either -- it is filled with glorious performances on wonderful tunes. I can only hope they will someday give us another collaboration.

Recording information:

MARISA ANDERSON and WILLIAM TYLER
2021-10-22
Milwaukee at Acme Records

Marisa Anderson: guitar
William Tyler: guitar

Setlist:
01 Lost Futures
02 Cloud Corner - News About Heaven
03 Haunted by Water
04 Life and Casualty
05 Medley of Dvorak and Foster
06 Edge of the World
07 Hurricane Light
08 Pray for Rain

Source: mono SBD + Beyerdynamic MC930 in ORTF
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6 at 24/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Recorded with explicit artist permission by Richard Hayes for the blog www.milwaukeetaper.com

Buy their album here

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (215 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (108 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

The Handsome Family at Shank Hall in Milwaukee on July 17, 2018

It's hard to believe that the last time that the Handsome Family performed in Milwaukee was at this show from the summer of 2018.

I'm a very big fan of the work of Brett and Rennie Sparks. I think they have written a half dozen songs which will still be on people's minds in a hundred years. Rennie is certainly one of (if not the) best lyricist working today. Her work is rich with unexpected images and rich symbolism. 

The Sparks specialize in a sort of American Gothic version Americana (or alt-country). Like Grant Woods' painting, their songs can at first seem ordinary. But there is often a sinister or absurdly frightening aspect underneath. "Oh, there's a hole in my backyard" is a somewhat normal sort of thing to think. But in the Sparks' hands, the narrator of the song "Bottomless Hole" soon finds himself hurtling down a bottomless hole, forever.

In the years 1993-96 I lived in Chicago and used to see the Handsome Family at venues like the legendary and much-missed Lounge Ax. Shank Hall is not quite as legendary, but their sound system is excellent and no one at the venue bothered me about bringing my recording gear in.

On this set of songs, the Sparks are accompanied by Alex MacMahon and Jason Toth.

Recording information:

HANDSOME FAMILY
2018-07-17
Milwaukee, WI at Shank Hall

Brett Sparks: guitar, vocals
Rennie Sparks: banjo, bass, vocals
Alex MacMahon: guitar, baritone guitar, pedal steel
Jason Toth: drums

Setlist:
01 My Sister’s Tiny Hands
02 So Much Wine
03 Stalled
04 Weightless Again
05 Banter - Something Big and Something Little
06 Cathedrals
07 Up Falling Rock Hill
08 The Giant of Illinois
09 The Woman Downstairs
10 Far From Any Road
11 Banter - Roving Bands of Hobos in Albuquerque 
12 Owls
13 Bottomless Hole
14 The Loneliness of Magnets
15 Banter - Who Here Is Afraid of Tunnels
16 In the Air
17 24-hour Store

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC930 (cardioid) ORTF
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre 6 at 24/48
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Buy their latest album here

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (395 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (173 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Sunwatchers outside at the Cooperage for the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 5, 2023.

The Sunwatchers were an unexpected highlight for me at the 2019 Psych Fest, and this year they returned with a short but powerful set in the back yard of the Cooperage. 

Sunwatchers is an avant-garde powerhouse which emerged from the music scene of Brooklyn in 2012. The band is comprised of Jim McHugh on guitar, Peter Kerlin on bass, Jason Robira on drums, and Jeff Tobias on saxophone. Sunwatchers produces a really exhilarating blend of free jazz, psychedelia, punk, and experimental rock.

Their debut self-titled album, released in 2016, served as a manifesto for their musical ethos. The band's second album, "II," demonstrated a maturation of their sound, with tighter compositions and a more refined approach to improvisation.

Sunwatchers' live performances are known for their intensity and unpredictability. This years’ Milwaukee Psych Fest was no exception. We’re so lucky to share the Earth with these musicians.

recording information:

SUNWATCHERS
2023-05-05
Milwaukee, WI at the Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest VIII

Peter Kerlin - bass
Jim McHugh - guitar
Jeff Tobias - saxophone and keyboards 
Jason Robira - drums
Meredith McHugh: guest vocals on 2

Tracklist:
1. World People (6:12)
2. Too Gary (3:47)
3. T.A.S.C. ~ Foams (11:50)
4. Beautiful Crystals (7:21)
5. Sunwatchers Versus Tooth Decay (7:26)

Total time = 36:36

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in NOS on stand
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/48
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Buy their latest album here

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (201 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (145 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Acid Mothers Temple at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 5, 2023

Acid Mothers Temple returned to the Milwaukee Psych Festival this past May and shook the earth with their energetic sound. 

This Japanese psychedelic rock band that has been extremely active since its formation in 1995. Uncountable releases and near-constant touring are their hallmarks. Led by guitarist and visionary Kawabata Makoto, Acid Mothers Temple has become synonymous with experimental, improvisational, and avant-garde music.

At the heart of Acid Mothers Temple's sound is a fusion of various genres, including psychedelic rock, space rock, noise, and free jazz. The band's compositions eschew traditional song formats in favor of a more free-flowing and spontaneous approach. Over the years, Kawabata Makoto has collaborated with a large cast of musicians, bringing in fresh perspectives.

recording information:

ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE

2023-05-05

Milwaukee, WI at the Cooperage

Milwaukee Psych Fest VII

Kawabata Makoto: guitar

Higashi Hiroshi: synthesizer

Jyonson Tsu: voice, guitar, bouzouki 

Ron Anderson: bass 

Satoshima Nani: drums

Setlist:

01 Blue Velvet Blues (26:49)


02 Dark Star Blues (15:56)


03 From Planet Orb With Love -> Good-Bye Mrs. Uranus (16:53)


04 Flying Teapot (Gong) -> Cometary Orbital Drive (17:42)

Total time = 77:20

Source: mono SBD + Line Audio CM3 in X-Y

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (435 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (177 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Sunburned Hand of the Man at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 6, 2023

The origins of Sunburned Hand of the Man can be traced back to the vibrant underground music scene of Boston. The original core members, including John Moloney, Robert Thomas, and Paul LaBrecque, shared a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional musical genres and in 2002 they officially came together to form a band.

The group operates as a loosely organized collective, with members coming and going based on availability and artistic inspiration. This fluidity has allowed the group to constantly evolve, keeping their music fresh and unpredictable.

Musically, Sunburned Hand of the Man defies easy categorization. Their sound is a melting pot of influences, blending elements of free jazz, psychedelia, folk, and noise into a unpredictable sonic tapestry. Improvisation plays a crucial role in their creative process, with each performance taking on a life of its own.

From the early days of self-released albums to collaborations with independent labels, Sunburned Hand of the Man has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is considered conventional music. Albums like Headdress and Fire Escape showcase their ability to create immersive sonic landscapes, while live recordings capture the raw energy and spontaneity of their performances.

The recording information is as follows:

SUNBURNED HAND OF THE MAN
2023-05-06
Milwaukee, WI at the Cooperage
Milwaukee Psych Fest VIII

Shannon Ketch: vocals, synth 
Wednesday Knudsen: sax, synth, flute, vocals
John Moloney: percussion, recorder, loops 
Ron Schneiderman: guitar, percussion, flute
Gary War: synth, octatrack 
Matthew J Rolin: guitar

Jen Powers - keys

Ian St. George - guitar

Tracklist:
01 Untitled (33:55)

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in NOS on stand in balcony next to mixing desk
Additional source: mono SBD feed from Behringer X32
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (184 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (78 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Mars Williams' Ayler Xmas at the Sugar Maple in Milwaukee on December 12, 2021

Still not quite recovered from hearing the terrible news yesterday of Mars Williams' death at the age of 68 of a rare form of cancer. 

He had been diagnosed last year with ampullary cancer. The Ampulla of Vater is a small opening in the first part of the small intestine where bile acid from the liver (stored in the gallbladder) and pancreatic secretions are released. I knew he was being treated with surgery and chemotherapy, but still the news of his passing was a shock.

Here is a recording I made of his group Ayler Xmas in December 2021 at a show at the Sugar Maple in Milwaukee. This project is a very clever blending of tunes by Albert Ayler along with traditional Christmas carols.

When my wife and I lived in Chicago during the years 1993-96, I spent many hours seeing live jazz shows at places such as the Lunar Cabaret, the Bop Shop, the Empty Bottle, Hot House, and the Green Mill. Mars was often on the bill. It seemed that for those years I was seeing him perform almost weekly. Mars was above all kind to everyone around us every time I saw him. 

He was scheduled to perform on December 3, 2023 at the Sugar Maple with this same group. 

The recording data is as follows:

MARS WILLIAMS’ AYLER XMAS
2021-12-12
Milwaukee, WI at the Sugar Maple

Mars Williams: sax, suona, toy instruments
Josh Berman: Cornet
Jim Baker: piano, viola, ARP synth
Peter Maunu: guitar, violin
Kent Kessler: bass
Brian Sandstrom: bass, guitar, trumpet
Steve Hunt: drums

Tracklist:
01 First Medley (24:23)
02 Second Medley (32:45)
03 Third Medley (17:17)

Total time = 74:25

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC930 pair on 7-foot stand in front row in NOS + Shure SM58 on 1-foot stand
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

Downloads:

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (439 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (185 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible