MathGames & Genetics 3.30.13

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Quixote's True Blue
Denver, CO

Words, Photos & Video By J-man
Audio By Corey Sandoval (Kind Recordings)

Genetics Live at Quixote's True Blue on March 30, 2013.



It was a packed evening of sold out (or close to sold out) shows in Denver, as is often the case on any given weekend. A lot of thought went into which show(s) to attend for a lot of people, but for me the decision was clear. Guitarist, Fareed Haque, would cover Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Deja Vu with his band MathGames. Leading up to the event Fareed reached out to me about needing keys for the project. There was only one person who could properly field the material and keep up with Fareed, and that person was Patrick Lee (Garrett Sayers Trio). I was also asked by MusicMarauders' client, Genetics, if they could get onto the bill as Fareed was one of their all time favorites as well. Calls were made and the gig was set.



Just prior to their opening slot, I headed backstage to let Genetics know that we were set up and ready to go. I also informed them that I would be living vicariously through them on that evening and to not fuck it up. I like to add a little pressure to an already tense situation, as it was confirmed, Fareed would sit in with Genetics. Genetics took the stage at the nearly empty Quixote's and as they began folks made their way into the main room to experience the young Fort Collins band. Genetics eased their way into the set with the energy building in a slow yet calculated manner. Solid guitar riffs soared over heavy bass and consistent drums as the music went through all sorts of flowing progressions. Adventurous musical concepts whirled around the stage in a collective and cohesive manner as the band launched into Oyterhead's "Mr. Oysterhead!" The song was well-executed and one of the highlights of the set, foreshadowing May 11th's "Genetics Performs The Music of Oysterhead" show at Quixote's! Then it happened. The true highlight of the extended opening set came with Fareed Haque's entrance to the stage. The excitement was clear on the faces of the young band, who once again worked its way into a composition, as Fareed mocked the melodies then took them to another level. Fareed glanced at the young guitarists, encouraging them to "have at it," though it was clear that no one wanted to step up. With that, Fareed tapped his pedal, leaned back and took off into ripping guitar work. The music built, the band thanked Fareed and jumped back into heavy progressive jam before concluding their set.

Math Games Live at Quixote's True Blue on March 30, 2013.



Up next was Fareed Haque's MathGames, who instead of playing numeric jazz, took a different approach to their sets with their take on Deja Vu! Fareed's acoustic guitar sounded crisp as he nailed every single note with larger than life tone and accuracy. Alex Austin's bass, combined with Greg Fundis' drums reflected great chemistry and the perfect platform to feature Fareed. That night MathGames welcomed special guest Patrick Lee to the mix. Patrick fit in perfectly, outputting the material like a true pro and reading Fareed like a book, keeping up with every chop. It was cool to see Fareed's excitement with Patrick's approach to the music. Songs like "Teach your Children," "Carry On," "Almost Cut My Hair," "Woodstock" and more, featured a new perspective on the material and a specific mastery that only Fareed could bring to the table. Through two set of covers and original material, MathGames blew minds, encoring with crowd favorite, "Carry On."

Though the turn out was low, the vibe and the music was fantastic. Fareed and MathGames' approach to the material of CSNY was incredible and overwhelmingly interesting. In addition, Genetics put on a solid opening performance that reflected focus, immense practice and progress from their previous performances. What more can you ask for from a young band beside constant improvement and progress? I see great things for Genetics and look forward to the next time I am able to catch them and/or my favorite guitarist, Fareed Haque!

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www.fareed.com

www.geneticsmusic.com

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