Mr. Something Something
represents three years of composing, performing,
risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the
original vision of founding members Larry Graves
[drums/percussion] and John MacLean
[saxophone/voice]. 20 years of playing, studying and
traveling passed before these two childhood friends
settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria,
Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural
gathering place for the elements that would
ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something
sound.
Western
instruments and concepts of improvisation are
explored and layered over what used to be called
afrobeat; but the term strains to contain the
innovations happening in the rhythm section at every
show. It also fails to express in fiery-enough terms
the contributions of notable and electrifying
vocalist/performance artist Johan Hultqvist. Breaks
and basslines are designed to induce and sustain a
state of ecstatic dancing. The horn section strikes
with power and uplifts with melody. And above it
all, acting as a lightning rod for the combined
energies of a Mr. Something Something event, is the
lyric statement of the case for change and
consciousness. And dance.
