Zoe Jakes and Beats Antiques will change you at Track 29
On Sept. 26, Track 29 welcomes the incomparable Zoe Jakes and Beats Antique back to Chattanooga. It has been two years since the group once described as “not so much world music as music of the world” returns to the Scenic City.
Already well known for their audience-inclusive approach to music and art, the performers have raised it to a new level with their “Creature Carnival” tour.
“We want to take our fans on a journey,” says band member David Satori. “Now, with the Creature Carnival tour, we plan to get the audience in a more dynamic, psychedelic, and participatory role than ever before. Come along for the ride!”
Satori is a man with a mission. A collector of musical styles, he has traveled the world studying ancient musical traditions, ultimately with the goal of bridging cultures.
By comparing and contrasting diverse elements (West African drum techniques with classic psychedelia, for instance) Satori and company are able to highlight the common threads that connect all humanity while exposing listeners to styles of music they otherwise might not have an opportunity to hear.
One of the key elements that set a Beats Antiques performance apart from a mere reproduction of tribal music is the interpretive skills of Zoe Jakes. Jakes, a genuine superstar in the belly dance community, utilizes her formidable talent to combine the various musical elements of the band into a cohesive piece through interpretive storytelling. In this sense, one gets the distinct impression that while the band is creating something new from something old.
What they really manage to do is recapture something that has been lost altogether. Music and dance are languages that predate any other language and transcend any border and this is nowhere so apparent as a Beats Antique performance.
Renowned percussionist and Berklee graduate Tommy Cappel rounds out the trio. The beatmaker, drummer and producer brings 27 years of experience and an unrivaled reputation to the mix to help create the fusion of ancient and modern, utilizing primitive instruments and state-of-the-art production tools.
“Sidecar” Tommy’s world-class skill completes the trifecta of talent that makes Beats Antique one of the most original, refreshing and thought-provoking groups touring today. One almost hesitates to call them a band; their use of all artistic media to create a unique sensory experience puts them somewhere between performance artists and alchemists.
The show is happening on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available now through Track 29’s website, $20 now, $23 the day of the show.
Although the order page describes the performance as “dubstep,” I can’t help think that this is a misnomer. At least it is akin to describing the work of Beethoven as “piano music.”
Beats Antique is so much more than that. An audio/visual trip through the history of humanity might be a better designation, but I don’t suppose that fits as easily on a clickable link. Whatever you choose to call them, Zoe and company must be experienced to be understood.
Their performance will change you.