THURSDAY,AUGUST 29,2002
REVIEW
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5
Band'saves' audience with sound that transcends music boundaries
By Bill Heinen Jayplay writer
Keeping up with the Band That Saved the World proves to be a task as difficult as well, saving the world.
The Band That Saved the World, who will perform tomorrow night at the Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Massachusetts St., wants to do no less than "heal and transform the world," said Shannon Savoie, lead vocalist.
They've started by transforming themselves. The group boasted a tap dancer when they formed in 1995. Now a funkrock ensemble with elements of soul, jazz and party-rock spliced in between the catchy, rhythmic beats and honey-glazed vocals, the band crosses the restrictive boundaries of style.
Trumpet player and vocalist Aaron Morris, known as "the Rev," said transcending such boundaries made finding commercial success more difficult.
"It's tough to break out and get big when you play outside the set genres," Morris
"If it moves people, great, but they can also just shake their butts and have a great time."
Aaron Morris trumpet and vocals
said. "We see ourselves making it, but it makes everything a lot harder."
He said the band, which is not a Christian group as its name might suggest, performed its "saving" by facilitating a fun atmosphere.
"If it moves people, great, but they can also just shake their butts and have a good time."
Shannon said Lawrence audiences usually had just that, though the band's experience playing from Denver to Austin to Madison revealed a Midwestern audience that moved in waves.
"The local Lawrence scene is high-tide and low-tide," she said. "All over the Midwest especially, and here in Lawrence, there's times when a crowd is supportive
and then times when all local music seems overkill to them."
The band, which does its own booking promotions and record production, also includes bass player Will Dinkle, drummer and back-up vocalist Tom Wenner ("Toad") and rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Mike MacFarland.
Why might the band save the world, or save anything, for that matter?
"Because," Wennersaid, "ifyou canfind some one better qualified to save the world, let me know."
Much has changed for the band since 1995. But if fans want to tap dance, they are certainly more than welcome to do so.
Have you been saved?
Trump Dawgs CONTINED FROM PAGE 4
The band's most recent album, "Changes," is available at area music stores.
They will perform tomorrow night at the Jazzhaus, and Saturday at The Hurricane in Kansas City, Mo.
Kenny hopes The Movement will become a weekly stint, eventually moving into its own venue. They plan to make their way to Lawrence for shows at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., and the Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Massachusetts St.
KLT, Kenny's other project; and a few other local groups. Combined, these guys will head up nights of creative music and themes.
Theme nights will include a full-out rock KISS night with complete face makeup, as well as a hip hop night. Guest rappers and DJs will be showcased with the band.
The Trump Dawgs will perform Sept. 13 at The Hurricane, 4048 Broadway, in Westport. Watch for updates on the band and The Movement here in Jayplay.
Contact Yost at jyost@kansan.com. This story was edited by Christina Neff.
Will I like this band?
Trump Dawgs are recommended if you like: The Urge; The Roots; 311; Pomeroy; The Band That Saved the World; James Brown; Lenny Kravitz
Visit their Web site at www.trumpdawgs.com.
1.
Set your hand on a smooth flat surface.
2.
Lift index finger as far as it will allow. Wait 5 seconds.
3.
Take the other hand and stretch the finger.
4.
Pull back until there is a slight strain.Repeat all four steps Do 5 reps or until the finger is comfortable enough to handle extraneous activities on the computer mouse.
**Warning: When preforming any strenuous activities it is important that you consult a doctor especially if you have a heart condition or if you are pregnant. If you feel tired, dizzy,faint,or otherwise,contact your physician immediately.
kansan.com The student newspaper of the University of Kansas