I had the huge pleasure of seeing HoBoLeMa (that’s Allan Holdsworth, Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin, and Pat Mastelotto) at The Aladdin Theater in Portland a few days ago.
Spelling is not the Aladdin’s strong suit!
The show featured totally improvised music. It was as wonderful as one might hope for, with such an all star cast. The theater was totally sold out with a long line wrapping around the block when I showed up.
The sight of Terry Bozzio’s modest drum kit was rather overwhelming when I walked in.
It spawned much phonography.
Which spawned some photography.
Ho! [Sorry Allan!]
Bo!
Le!
Ma!
All together now: HoBoLeMa!
After the show I asked Alan what it was like to go out there and improvise every night. “Terrifying!” he said.
Wonder what they’re saying?
Thanks so much to my favorite drummer and Terry’s too (he said so)- p@ Mastelotto!
All images ©2010 Mark Colman. All rights reserved.
Oh, and feel free to leave comments!
Awesome pics. Great musicians. And btw, how many arms and feet does Terry have?
Wow! What an amazing set up. Tell me, with Terry’s HUGE drum kit, did it result in his overwhelming pat’s druming? Did they play anything recognizable or was it all improvization?
Thanks for posting the pictures.
Rex in Chicagoland
Rex, all totally improvised music, although p@ sound-checked with some TU tunes. p@’s playing fit hand-in-glove with Terry’s. This band has a lot of space or “air” in their music. I’m always amazed at what p@ does with electronics, odd squeeky toys, found objects, triggered oddness and his brilliant sense of imagination and timing. I’m curious to see what kind of music they create after touring. This was only their second or third gig- ever!
Lutz, I think Terry must have a few spare sets of arms and legs behind that kit. He plays like he has eight or nine!
Hi Mark:
What a fabulous line up – I hope that they intend to release a CD of the tour.
Does anyone know if they planned a studio session??
Thanks for sharing!!
Steve
BLMH (Best Looking Musicians Here??)
Hi Mark,
Do you know if they are going to record/release something?
Thanks
Mark – Thanks for the awesome pictures. Some really nice shots. I was at the show, too. I am a big fan of Tony’s work but had no idea what to expect from this, and I was completely floored. The connection between the bandmates was remarkable. I particularly enjoyed the give and take between the two drummers, who in no way overpowered each other. I did notice Tony reach into his pocket for ear plugs about 3 minutes.
The energy of the show was unlike anything I’ve ever seen up close. Remarkable when you consider that the average age of the group is………..easy enough for anyone to google and figure out.
These pix are so good that I am seriously depressed now. Why can’t they play a few more shows in Los Angeles? Whittier is just too far south for me to make it after work on a weekday (curses to the LA freeway traffic).
Thanks for the pictures – now I must hear this somehow.
Living in flyover country really sucks sometimes. Would have loved to see one of these shows.
Wonderful pictures Mark.
Wish I was there to see it. I remember back in 1994 when I helped set up the POLYTOWN show in Chicago for David Torn, Mick Mark and Terry Bozzio. Back then his kit was massive and he used everything. I remember his equipment took up most of the room in the truck. Time to downsize Terry.
Please check out our review of the show at http://www.oregonmusicnews.com.
Those are remarkable pictures Mark! What a great event it was.
When I was a kid I had a friend named Mark Harinen. He was fun to play basketball with – a good player! We called him Kram Nenirah. – S.
Thanks everyone for your kind commenta on my photographs.
Scott, superb review! I’m happy to discover your excellent Portland music web site too.
BTW, I Kram Namloc, am quite a baller too.
For those who asked if they were going to release anything, as far as I can tell, it’s still being discussed. They have recorded some of the gigs. I think they are still finding themselves. If we’re lucky something will happen.
I echo Scott’s recommendation of p@ and Terry’s superb CD Bozzio/Mastelotto from 2000.
Paul, haha! I think he actually needs everything in that kit! I noticed that David Torn will be playing with them for a one-off gig:
Special One Off Show!
January 15 – Sabian Live Party @ NAMM Anaheim, CA
DAVID TORN, Bozzio, Levin & Mastelotto
(Allan Holdsworth will not be appearing)
From tour dates.
http://terrybozzio.com/tour-dates/
Thanks for these picutres and descriptions.
Groups like this might never come to Indianapolis, and I can’t get to the Baked Potato but every couple years at best, so this is the next best thing.
Thanks again.
ddd
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Triple D: Indianapolis is Wes Montgomery Land! You got it made!
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the problem is that i have tried to book this band at 15 venues in LA area, and NO ONE was interested, and Whittier was the only option in between Oakland and San Diego…..it’s easier to book any cover band than this band that doesn’t cover nothing, neither themselves….
Leonardo, booking manager of Allan Holdsworth and of HO BO LE MA (Holdsworth Bozzio Levin Mastelotto)
MoonJune Records & Management
http://www.moonjune.com
great, great pictures-thanks!
Hey Leonardo, glad you received these photos. Thanks for your input. Lee in Portland
Brilliant photos Mark – i wish this band had played the UK