Your soundtrack to a joyful revolution, Mr. Something Something are an Afro-beat groove band that moves you before you realize you're moving. Positive vibes, awesome music and SoundCycle (Canada's first bicycle powered sound system) will send Eaglewood through the roof. In 2009, Mr. Something Something appeared in With their fourth album, Toronto’s Mr. Something Something continue to gain international recognition for their unique blend of Afro-beat, jazz and pop. Their irresistible rhythms and interactive live shows have long served as a vehicle for social justice & environmental activism, and in 2009, the band is taking audience participation to new levels with its SoundCycle - Canada’s first bicycle powered sound system. Power to the people, by the people!
Listen to music by Mr. Something Something Open player in new window and listen while you browseMr. Something Something
Rhythm in the Pocket Saturday at 3:00pm
Concert Saturday at 8:00pm
Bicycle Powered Dance Party Sunday at 3:00pm
Kids Parade Sunday at 4:00pm
Mr. Something Something represents six 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 imaginative solo work of respected jazz guitarist Paul MacDougall. Liam Smith dependably delivers basslines designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. And there is always inspiration to be drawn from mesmerizing on-stage dancer/choreographer Jennifer Dallas. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist.
Photo: Chris Guy / Picture Listen
Aside from wildly energized and unpredictable live shows, the band is becoming increasingly well-known for its green politics and environmental activism. The group did a number of “eco-dates” in 2007, playing a wind-powered show and performing in such unconventional venues as organic farms and food co-ops to highlight communities that are trying to minimize their ecological footprints. And in September 2008, Mr. Something Something made headlines by organizing Canada’s first bicycle-powered concert. “It is our intent to educate ourselves to a better and more sustainable lifestyle”, says lead singer Johan Hultqvist. “Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.”
The fresh sound and powerful message of the band’s second album ‘The Edge’ led to a nomination for a 2007 JUNO Award for World Music Album of the Year. EYE Weekly’s Ryan Watson calls The Edge “an infectious blend of percolating polyrhythms, layered horn punches and hot-stepping basslines.” EXCLAIM!’s David Dacks states that the album has “broadened the scope of Afro-grooves” while Shain Shapiro of the same publication writes that Mr. Something Something’s high-energy shows have “proved that they rank with any Afrobeat in the world today”. CBC Radio host Matt Galloway chose The Edge as his pick for the most underrated recording of 2006, adding that the charismatic crew is “even better live than on disc”. Over the last three years the band has toured relentlessly in Canada, playing more than 300 shows, including appearances at most major jazz festivals and many folk festivals from coast to coast.
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