Big Sky Underground: Colorado's Free Music Scene

Maybe it’s the altitude. Probably it’s a few other things too. Episode 28 of the Right Brain Music Podcast explores two groups that are thoroughly embedded in the Denver-Boulder Colorado free music scene, which continues to surprise and delight after decades as an under-publicized hub of American creativity.

You’ll meet Electro Manifesto (Michael O’Neil and Gordon Kennedy) and The Low Mids (Farrell Lowe, Scot Ray, Mark Raynes and Dave Willey). All are established improvising musicians with diverse pedigrees in their own right. When they get together, remarkable things happen. Hear their sounds and assessments of what makes the scene tick. Listen here:

Both Electro Manifesto and the Low Mids made prominent contributions to the recent Right Brain Records compilation album, Guitar Improv Summit Vol. 2.

Here’s a playlist or tracks featured in the podcast, with artist and album links.

Electro Manifesto (Michael on guitar and effects, Gordon on percussion and effects):

1. “Aotearoa,” from Invisible Logic

2. “For the Love of Pete,” from Invisible Logic

3. “The Distant Present,” from Invisible Logic

4. “Memory Train,” from Guitar Improv Summit Vol. 2.

The Low Mids (Farrell on guitar and effects, Scot on lap steel guitar, Mark on drums, and Dave on bass and keyboards):

1. “The Conjurists,” from The Low Mids

2. “Tesla,” from The Low Mids

3. “Secret Decoder Ring,” from Noctambulism

4. “National Park Tragedy,” from Reclamation Hotel

5. “The Ballroom,” from Reclamation Hotel.

Enjoy! Subscribe to the podcast through your favorite iOS or Android app so you don’t miss an episode.