Gourmet grooves

>> The MEG returns for a second course

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

 Last year, the Montreal Electronic Groove made an auspicious debut over the course of a weekend at Cabaret. It was there that I finally got a chance to see Parisian retrofuturists Ekova live, and it was there that I discovered the amazing <> from Montpellier, France. Plus they had Ram! The MEG, you see, is a transatlantic tradeoff wherein we get a crack at some of the most interesting stuff going on in house, trip hop, drum & bass and experimental electronic pop going on in France and elsewhere in Europe. Stuff we'd likely not see otherwise, and would miss entirely if we weren't here in Montreal. At the same time, it's a chance for locals to ease into the market across the pond.
 This year, the MEG menu offers an even wider selection--the main courses at Club Soda and the yummy desserts at Jingxi.
 
 Tuesday, May 30
 This is the early bird special: the avant-première at Jingxi spotlights Toulousian junglist le Lutin. Credited with getting drum & bass rolling in Toulouse, le Lutin has gone on to top the ranking on the French scene with his hard-as-nails sound--this is where "le French Touch" becomes a merciless pummelling. Tickets, as for all the Jingxi nights, are $8. Showtime's 10 p.m.
 
 Wednesday, May 31
 Nothing doing at Jingxi tonight, but the spread at Club Soda's sweet enough to keep you occupied. Our own DJ Maues cuts the ribbon with her well-thunk drum & bass sounds, prepping the crowd for Kid Loco (see article), who follows her. Things take a turn for the weird when Bosco (see that article, as well) get into their live set, after which le Lutin makes a second appearance. At $15, this 9 p.m. is worth every cent.
 
 Thursday, June 1
 Hope you're not broke after rent day. Locals Dr. Noh, with their strictly live approach to drum & bass, start the night. Actually, they term the sound "drum-drum & bass," due to the double drumkit action goin' on. Next up is Cosmik Connection, from Lyons, a six-piece with solid jazz backgrounds filtered through the possibilities of jungle, dub and electro-funk. Trading urban space for inner space is Montreal-based Arkin Allen, whose gorgeous, tribal trance should be familiar to anyone of the psychedelic side of the club scene. There's a dose of spirituality to be found in the music of closer U-Cef, a London-based Moroccan whose studied approach to Arab tradition is coupled with a gritty d & b sound.
 Meanwhile, Jingxi hosts a visit from DJ Paul. If you thought Marseilles was all about tough hip hop and drunk sailors, Paul's here to show you the lush, easy house side of things. Oh, and he's joined by none other than our own Fred Everything.
 
 Friday, June 2
 Everything is everywhere, isn't he? Following the previous night's set, he reappears at Club Soda to open the third night of MEG, followed by Holland's Zuco 103. Anyone digging the nova Braziliana movement sweeping the globe will have already scribbled a little star next to this act's name. Next up are the satisfying sounds of les Couch Potatoes, sunshine house via a live band. These local folks haven't been lazy--they're celebrating the release of their debut album Cool Ride. The last stop on this night's cool ride is a double whammy of Versatile labelmates I: Cube and Gilb'r, mixing up deep house, jazz, d & b and world beats inna Parisian style.
 At the same time, the duo of DJs BNX and Walters (together they're Zimpala) prove there's more to Bordeaux than just good wine. Their eclectic, mondo-musical approach incorporates smooth house and bossa beats, psychedelic soundtrack funk and weird odds 'n' ends from all over. They're joined by locals Alain Vinet and Jester.
 
 Saturday, June 3
 This is the last evening of the MEG, and they're hauling out the big guns, so don't balk at the $20 ticket. The night at Soda starts with more from Zimpala, joined this time by a wild light show care of BUG. This should be wicked good. Next up are gypsy-rock chansonniers les Négresses Vertes--not such an odd inclusion, given that their last album was produced by Howie B. Alain Vinet returns to follow les Négresses, this time with a posse of percussionists in tow. Wrapping things up are les Clones. They're from Montpellier, just like <>, but despite the name, they have their own distinct house sound. They're also at Jingxi this night, joined by Nic B. Go on, you've got all of Sunday to catch up on sleep. :
 
 

For more MEG info call 286-1010, or go to www.musique-pro.com/meg