Even as Mother Nature continues to play a brusque game of hot and cold, Taipei’s club scene begins to shake off the damp doldrums of the winter low season and kicks into high gear this weekend with the disco-and-funk-infused rhythms of French Kiwi Juice, who performs live at The Wall (這牆) tomorrow.
Much more than just a dreadlocked DJ or producer, French Kiwi Juice (real name Vincent Fenton) is a one-man band armed with a guitar, keyboard, laptop and a few samplers. He jams out on top of his own songs. He grooves with the music he has made so it varies each time he plays it live. He melts vocal samples into hip-hop tempos, bringing the crowd along for the ride. Whether remixing classic artists like The Temptations (Cloud Nine) or brand new cutting edge artists like Zhu (Paradise Awaits), he has his own ethereal sound which has taken him a long way in a short amount of time.
“When I listen to funk, I’m more enjoying a feeling than a style. I’m enjoying a groove. That feeling is rhythmical and touches many genders,” he told the Taipei Times by e-mail.
Photo courtesy of Ultra Dance Society:
French Kiwi Juice’s music was so popular when he played here last year, the punters demanded an encore performance. This time, he has some surprises up his sleeve.
“I love to give more place to improvisation, create some tracks live, not plan everything,” he said. “That’s what will be different from the previous show, I guess, and playing new music of course.”
■ Ultra Dance Society Third Anniversary, with French Kiwi Juice, Diskokidz, Visa, Amadei, Thomas Bartz, Ben and Bunjibeat, tomorrow night from 11.30pm to 5am at The Wall (這牆), 200, Roosevelt Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路四段200號B1). Admission is NT$900 at the door and includes one drink.
REGGAE AND DANCEHALL
Two other shows of note are helping the music scene get its groove back. First up is a dancehall show tonight with a Jamaican dancing showcase by Latonya Style at 1001 Nights. The O-Brothaz Sound System will be providing the tunes, so expect the latest reggae and dancehall to burn up the dance floor.
■ Dancehall Delight from 10pm to 2am at 1001 Nights Hookah Lounge Bar, 8, Nanjing East Rd Sec 5, Taipei City (台北市南京東路五段8號). Admission is NT$300 and includes three drinks. Student admission is NT$200 and includes two drinks.
DRUM AND BASS
The final recommended event to warm up one’s soul is promoter/drummer Greggo Russell’s drum and bass birthday celebration at Triangle tomorrow night.
To celebrate, Russell picked his three favorite DJs and asked them to play whatever they hell they wanted to.
The drum and bass massive usually runs until late, so be prepared to see the sun come up if you attend.
■ Tranquility Bass presents Syncopation 8 with DJs Lai, Legacy and DTR at Triangle, 1, Yuman St, Taipei City (台北市玉門街1號). Admission is NT$300 and comes with a drink.
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