Particle to Play at Global Groove Fest
The Global Groove Fest is coming to Ojai next weekend and will feature nine bands over two days in Libbey Park, May 20-21. In the line-up is the Los Angeles based fivesome, Particle. Particle is a touring phenomenon, having played some 700 shows worldwide since 2000. The band has been featured in Rolling Stone, CNN, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and now The Ojai Post.
Eric Gould, bassist and founding member, told me in a recent interview that he and the band are looking forward to coming to Ojai, a place he visited once just a couple of years ago but has never played. “We love playing places for the first time.” Having been on the road so much, being able to play just an hour and a half from Los Angeles feels like they are at home, particularly since they can just hop in a car and not have to drag out the tour bus.
Photo by Casey Flanigan. Pictured (left to right): Scott Metzger, Steve Molitz, Eric Gould, Darren Pujalet, Ben Combe
Just back from a 37-city, 6-week national tour which ended with Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Eric sang the praises of a city returning from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. “It was fantastic, the energy was awesome, the city has such a spirit for music.”
Particle is known for sounds that combine elements of electronica, funk, and good old rock and roll. After listening to the free downloadable track from their website, The Elevator, I can tell you this is a band that has stamina. During the song, I was able to do a load of laundry, bake a cake and paint my toenails. And their shows deliver, big time. They typically play 3 to 4 hour shows with a single break, and have been known to play 5 or 6 hours at a time. Eric sums it up thusly, “It really becomes a spiritual journey for us, a cerebral experience.” And this is a band that loves to tour. “It’s all about the live show for us.”
A self-professed “late bloomer” musically, Eric didn’t take up the bass until college, about 12 years ago. The challenges of being on the road and not being home much to be with family and friends, have TV couch time or get the grocery shopping done pale in comparison to the rewards of the road and the thrill of the stage. Their drive and passion will leave little doubt when their DVD and a double-live CD come out July 18. The DVD, Transformations Live, and the 2-CD companion, Transformations Live: For The People feature very special guests including Joe Satriani, Robby Krieger, Blackalicious, and DJ Logic.
Look for Particle on Sunday, May 21 at Libbey Park. They the closing act and plan to do two sets. I will be there to cover the show and talk further with the band. According to Eric, those in attendance should, “Get ready to dance, get ready to smile, get ready to be on a musical journey!”
For more information, check-out Tyler’s post on Ojai Blog.
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Comments (2)
I've been listening to a full show I downloaded from Particle's website in iTunes. They're a really great band that has fun and can bring the thunder. Great article, Lisa.
Comment #1 Posted by: Tyler | May 13, 2006 11:35 PM
Great article! Particle will be CLOSING the show with 2 full sets. First up will be a hot band called the Nikhil Korula Band. Saturday's line-up is excellent too! Aphrodesia will knock your socks off with an awesome dance show in front of an amazing group of musicians. EYE AND EAR CANDY!
Comment #2 Posted by: Howard | May 14, 2006 12:05 AM