Metropolitan Music

Jeffrey Roden goes live again

Food and good music make for a perfect match - this much is clear. Why then, are we inclined to ask, does this wisdom so seldomly result in new and exciting combinations that leave the palate stimulated, the ear humming and the heart glowing?

It's a question of sheer necessity, therefore, that one restaurant has finally got it right: The "Cafe Metropole" is situated in Downtown Los Angeles, easily one of the USA's most vibrant and upbeat artist districts and takes a unique position by offering a "European" ambiance. Fresh organic salads, intricately filled ravioli and a delicious "tarte flambee" make for a mouthwatering menu and the concert roster mixes modern Jazz, exotic instruments and experimental vibes. If this still doesn't fully convince you, why not go over there on October 8th, when Jeffrey Roden is to play a two-hour set? It's a safe bet: The man behind one of this year's most precious albums, "Seeds of Happiness Part 1" and one of music's most zen-like approaches (he only plays a bass guitar on that album) will perform a variety of pieces from his back catalogue, as well as some new tracks. The latter are a preview to "Seeds of Happiness Part 2", an album Jeffrey is working on right now and which should be out pretty soon. With some luck, this CD could well be officialy out in Europe as well, as Roden is currently talking to some labels on the old continent. The entrance fee is only $5 and from what we have seen, the food is still reasonably priced - and a far better alternative than listening to some boring Rock n Roll music in a smoke-filled bar.

Finally, Roden is in close contact with Nick Grey, exchanging ideas on a possible release in Nick's Unclear Perspectives series. Still, it remains as yet - ahem - unclear, whether an album or EP will indeed result from this, so you might as well sit down for a nice dinner and listen to their individual albums while waiting.

Homepage: Jeffrey Roden
Homepage: Cafe Metropole
Homepage: Nick Grey