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By Gwendellin Bradshaw
Northern Light
Arriving to an ambiance of mellow riffs and bone-tingling
bass, I had to ask myself: Where am I? The Anchorage Press
Live and Local show at Koot’s usually involves hard-hitting
screaming and squealing that requires ear protection and
a few dollar beers.
Local band Different Culture entranced the crowded room
Oct. 1 with their reggae-inspired covers and originals.
Covers from AC/DC to Bob Dylan were given a musical facelift
with the Rasta rhythm guitar and bass. The band’s
original tunes are as fluid as the sea of the Caribbean.
“Reggae, funky, spacey jam-music with a little bit
of just about everything fused within, but still very reggae.
The ultimate direction is forward, wherever that may be,
only Jah knows,” bassist Ray Schmidt said.
Different Culture is made up of five very talented musicians
ranging from 20 to 55 years old. The instruments include
vintage and modern keyboards, rhythm and lead guitars, drum
kit and bass.
Last March the band opened for Marty Dread, Reggae icon
from Hawaii. At that point, they had only been together
for two months. Playing venues like the Sitzmark, Club Soraya,
Max’s Bar and Grill and summer music festivals marked
their list of achievements in this short time.
“As we say in Jamacia, ‘A beautiful heart
is the key to a person,” drummer Tom Miles said.
Miles lived in Jamacia until he was nine-years old and
then moved to the United States with his family. Now, married
for 28 years with three children, he still finds time to
jam.
“Fate brought us together, and fate will bring us
to our destiny,” lead guitarist Galen Nolan said.
Different Culture will be performing Nov. 28 at Max’s
in Girdwood.
For more information about the band and upcoming show
dates, e-mail schmidtraymond@asdk12.org.
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