Ani DiFranco, moe. to take Mountain Stage
By Lindsay Rice, Staff Writer
March 3, 2008 | 10 a.m.
Mountain Stage delivers a combination of distinctive and innovative artists this Monday night in Mem Aud. The show begins at 7 p.m. and will feature sets of music performed by moe., Ani DiFranco, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, George Stanford and Paul Kelly.
Mountain Stage, a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, features artists of nearly every imaginable genre. Established in 1983, its efforts to offer unique line ups that promote growth and expand outlooks through the influence of the public media appear to have been succeeding. Their eclectic blend of acts allows them to maintain a positive reputation.
One of the featured acts in the show is moe., an indefinable mix of mellow attitude and rock'n'roll sound. When asked about their signature lack of genre, guitarist Chuck Garvey’s first response was “a progressive rock band” but with much indecision. Garvey finds genre titles “limiting” and speculates their “signature uniqueness means we’re original.”
Originality is brought to the table by each member in different ways. Each member of the band has different influences, allowing their individual tastes to be concurrently reflected in their tracks. Garvey and Al Schnier’s renowned compatibility on guitar captures listeners' attention immediately. Vinnie Amico shows his skills on drums while Rob Derhak’s funky bass lines and Jim Loughlin’s amazing percussion work lay down beats that leave audiences dancing without a choice.
The band has been together since the '80s and has produced 17 albums. The band’s latest CD Sticks and Stones is simultaneously the reason for their tour and their intense journey from California to Massachusetts in the span of two and a half weeks.
The band took the production of this newest album out of the studio and into the mountains. Moe. traveled to the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts to produce Sticks and Stones. In a renovated church in the middle of nowhere, the band would “wake up every day, make coffee and start writing music.”
Garvey commented on the literal influence of the environment as well. “Because we’re in a church there’s kind of like that reverb or the ambience to the sound and it really influences how we play together as a band,” he said.
The guys in the group have worked together over three decades, which is impressive in today’s day and age. Garvey’s response to the success of the group dynamic was simply, “Umm, we’re friends.” Fortunately for audiences it doesn’t seem likely that that will ever change.
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