From the stretch of Silicon Valley highway the band’s named after, 880 South delivers their version of feel-good Reggae. Their 13 song album “Beware” is not the smoked-out Jah Mon variety we’ve heard so many times before (not that there’s anything wrong with that type), but a refreshingly energized style. I use the term “Reggae” loosely, as this Nor Cal quartet synthesizes styles ranging from funk/rock to soul and ska. Their songwriting skill and melodic sense keep these diverse elements accessible to the average listener, while their musicianship lends them credibility with hardcore fans of the genre. Continue Reading »
The purpose of art is to achieve catharsis of thought and emotion. Art is not static but needs to look and feel as if it has a life of its own. Creative and expressive use of the medium can help to achieve this. It is important to have fundamental understanding of the visual language and then allow for spontaneity to create the moment between artist and the work that resonates with our individual creative truth. Visual art is similar to a spoken language in that the larger an artist’s skill, the greater visual vocabulary to communicate thoughts, ideas or emotions. My figurative work tends to be looser in technique, which conveys a unique presence. Continue Reading »
