Friday, June 25, 2010
Keb Daaaarrrrrge!!!
Keb Darge did a series of sets two weeks ago, and a post may be quite late in coming. It is such a waste, however, not to write about Keb, and his great set, and the fantastic night that I had over at Ten02 last June 11.
My first encounter with Keb took place last year, at The Coffee Bean And Tea Leaf coffee shop, of all places. I remember quite well the conversation he had with Je (Or was it Je who related excerpts of their conversation with me? I cannot remember anymore.). Keb's style of playing is straightforward and he does not indulge much in sound manipulation and loops and such. It is all about in-your-face music.
Two weeks ago, Keb did a couple of sets: I was at the Ten02 leg of his series of gigs. His repertoire was a rousing mix of northern soul, garage, and rockabilly, with some classics (Tutti Frutti, Johnny B. Goode) and recent tunes (Little Lil). Most of the audience responded with equally rousing dance moves (hahah!) At one point, Keb, the dancing master that he is, went down the DJ platform and danced to his heart's content. Guess who took over the turntable that time?
Keb's set was preceded by sets courtesy of Neighbors, Juan Pablo Dream, and Steady Movin' Beat, and the event was hosted by Bisikleta Productions' Hilboy and Neighbors' and Soundblasters' Jon Capistrano. By sunrise, the event was over. Or was it? Rumor has it that Keb will be back once again before the end of the year. An event with Keb is always enjoyable, never mind that he twirled the head off my neck as he attempted to make a dancing queen out of me. (Uh-oh, apparently I am not a very deft dancer like him and Bing.) Thank you Keb for the great moves, great music, and great time. As the great modern philosopher named Gonzales once said: I haven't stopped dancing yet. (Heehee!) Laters y'all!
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Labels: Juan Pablo Dream, Keb Darge, Neighbors, Soundblasters, Steady Movin' Beat, Ten-02 Bar
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Holiday Gig #2: Keb Darge Live at Cubao X, December 22, 2008

It was 4 in the morning of December 23. The Marika half of TRM was already whisked home and the friend half stayed on at Cubao X. Nearly everyone in the crowd were dropping like flies, out of exhaustion. The turntable was continuously churning northern soul and rockabilly tunes relentlessly, like there's no tomorrow. And Keb Darge, London's renowned funk, soul, and rockabilly DJ, was just as relentless, dancing along like he was the youngest person in the crowd.
"Oi bastards," Keb bellowed, "Get up! You, you lazy bald punk, why do you keep on nodding?" Or something to that effect. In fairness to the said punk, he was, alongside Keb, one of the few last men standing that night.
In reality, Keb Darge is a very nice gentleman. What impressed me more, however, is his passion for his craft. One just have to see him "at work" to understand what I mean: the way he thoughtfully goes over his records, makes his choices, pulls out a few discs, plays them, and dances in between spins. Mesmerizing.
Providing local support were Juan Pablo Dream, Bembol Rockers, Minister Zero and Caliph8. The crowd was a diverse mix of people coming from various scenes (punk, ska, hiphop, electronica, name it), all together dancing and having a good time for a seemingly unifying cause: good music. And for me, good music, regardless of imagined borders and outdated convictions, is all that ever matters.
To Keb, thank you very much for the music, and hope to see you in your favorite coffee place soon.
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Labels: Bembol Rockers, Caliph8, Cubao X, Juan Pablo Dream, Keb Darge, Minister Zero




















