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Hookah returns to Denver
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Ekoostik Hookah jams Cervante's
posted by Trip Meadows on 11/30/2007
I must start by stating that Ekoostik Hookah is one of my favorite jam bands around. I recently had a chance to speak with Hookah’s vocalist and keyboardist Dave Katz. It was a fun interview. So I put on one of my old EH bootlegs on the stereo and started typing.
My first experience with Ekoostik Hookah dates back to 7/7/98 at the old Quixote’s on East Colfax. I paid 10 bucks and got blown away. I remember standing in front of Steve Sweeney and becoming completely mesmerized by this skinny guy totally wailing on the guitar. “Totally sick band” I thought to myself…worth the scary trip down east Colfax. It was an incredible experience, and one that looms large in my library of music memories. Since that time I’ve seen the band a few more times over the years. At venues like The Bluebird, the old Quixote’s on Broadway, and Cervante's, I’ve had many great times. Apparently the band has too.
“Cervante’s has a nice vibe and I always thought the Bluebird was a cool place. We always have fun playing there.” states Katz.
Gigging at these venues speaks volumes for the popularity of EH in the city. They are one of the few out of state bands that have been able build a solid following by touring the Front Range.
“We’ve been coming out to Colorado for at least 12 years” says Katz
With persistence like that and great music, it’s no wonder EH has gained in popularity. The fact that Colorado continues to be a choice destination for transplants from Ohio (and everywhere else) can help explain their popularity.
“We’re lucky to have good fans in Colorado. We don’t travel to as many places as we used to and we target Denver” explains Katz who adds “We’ve got a strong base of fans, some of whom have moved out from the Midwest and pass to word to their new friends out here”
Indeed, no matter where you’re from you’ll be inclined to as well. Catch their tight jamming and well written tunes for your self. The energy at EH shows is quite enjoyable.
This past May EH released Under Full Sail: It All Comes Together a unique 2 disc set. This was their first release in quite some time.
“It was an interesting venture” states Katz who adds “We were going back to grass roots with this project”
The new release is special because it includes a re-make of the band’s 1991 debut release titled Under Full Sail. It gave the band the opportunity to re-work some classic songs using top notch equipment.
“It was much different than the first time around for sure” jokes Katz.
The second disc of the set features a “live in studio” recording of the band at Tree Sound Studios down in Georgia. Part of the nature of jam bands is the improvisation that takes place in the live setting. Performing live in studio gives the band the opportunity to produce what some fans long for….the live experience.
“The live part is really live…we had over 100 people in a live room during the recording” explains Katz.
EH is also known for their pioneering spirit of hosting music fests. The band has hosted its own bi-annual festival since 1994. Hookahville provides an awesome line-up of bands in an outdoor festival setting.
“When we first started it was unique because not many bands were throwing their own fests. It’s had its ups and downs but it’s been a success….it’s had its heyday…..but we still have a real good time” states Katz who adds “We’ve had some great acts play along. We pride ourselves on booking acts that don’t normally play the fests…we’ve hosted Willie Nelson, Dr John, Bruce Hornsby, but we’ve also had acts like Keller Williams and Umphrey’s McGee”
In the era of the super fests like 10,000 Lakes, Wakarusa and Bonaroo it’s pretty sweet that they are able to pull it off. Hosting a festival can be a daunting task. Looks like EH has to goods to make it happen for over a decade.
So I fully expect I’ll be in attendance once again when the band returns on December 14th and 15th for a two night run at Cervante’s in Denver. I even expect to hear some of the covers the band is known for
“We still do Sanford and Son” exclaims Katz. “We’ve always liked to pick out covers that people know and recognize. We also have covers that people think are Hookah originals” adds Katz.
So make sure to get out to Cervante’s on 12/14 and 12/15. Ride the light rail for a change too.
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 | | THU SEP 9, 2010 | No Events
| | FRI SEP 10, 2010 | No Events
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