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Glowb Press |
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The Flint Journal - March 20-26Power in Numbers - PDF Format of this article The Uncommon Sense - Dec 2004Flint's Voice
of Reason To view the article in PDF format, click here The Call: A Conversation with Glowb Walking into the practice space of Flint music-makers Glowb, a few distinct clichés come to mind. But dont let the three tie-dyed tapestries hanging on the walls fool you. Like this setting for their creativity, the band itself may appear, at first glance, to be just another hippie jam band. The majority of the six men that comprise Glowb’s most recent lineup sport long hair and/or a scruffy beard. But like their practice space, there’s more than meets the eye. Across from the tie-dyed fabric is a giant American flag. Like the decorative paradox, the guys of Glowb have more on their mind than getting high (peace & love). They are conscientious citizens who work hard to give back to their community. Glowb, previously recognizable by their female saxophonist Cori Bago, has recently undergone some line-up changes. Bago and bassist Mathew Douglas recently left the band because of growing work commitments that left little time for the band. At the time of Bago and Douglas’ departures this fall, Glowb refused to skip a beat. The band did not cancel a single date during the transition period. With the old line-up, the band had just won a competition for best local talent in Flint on the July 4th weekend. The departure of two valuable band members was a frustration for all, but Glowb manager Christopher Kotarski says the band was determined to continue despite setbacks. Auditions and referrals lead to a more complete sound with Dave Dube on bass and Woody Rose on keys. Kotarski takes pride in the band’s determination: “When [Bago and Douglas] ended up having to leave, I was worried, but I think the new band sounds even better. I think our persistence has really gotten us through some tough shit, and putting up with all of it has helped us find the blessing that is Dave Dube.” Dube is a talent and an enigma. Though he is notorious within the band for comments such as, “I only eat cabbage in salad,” his credentials speak for themselves. At one point in the past, he was in five bands of varied genres at the same time. Rose, a jam band enthusiast and skilled pianist, formerly of Electric Magi, is an effective replacement for the departed saxophone. Kotarski feels that Rose brings a more “mature sound” to the band. Luckily, the shifting lineup won’t inhibit Glowb’s steadfast dedication to affecting change. Throughout the years, Glowb has been participating in events that raise money and recognition for varied causes ranging from after school music programs and Ann Arbor’s Hash Bash to prominent nationally known organizations like Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union. On the fourth of this month, Glowb participated in the Whaley Children’s Jam, a show to benefit the Whaley Children’s Center, which strives to serve local children in need. Band members agree with the importance of this cause. Percussionist Dan Wolock articulated his views about playing benefit shows like the Whaley Children’s Jam, “I’m all about the kids. If I can impress the things I’ve viewed in my 27 years into children and then they can go out and make a difference, that’s great. Anything for the kids is great. They’re the ones with a future.” The members of Glowb care deeply about the local community as well as national and global issues. Drummer Christopher Teeple is concerned about the Iraq war and Rose goes further to express concern about all of the “Wars On ____.” Original member, guitarist Corey Planck, is concerned about “all sorts of things,” including civil liberties and the freedom to love. Not all of the band members are political in the obvious sense. The band contains at least one non-voter, but they all have strong views when it comes to their vision of change through music. Planck explains that the name “Glowb” is meant to represent “the light of the earth as an entity, or, the spirit of that. Music can heal and bring people together.” Guitarist L.B. Deverell, dubbed “the political one” by some members of the band, wrote one song that is political without talking specifically about politics. Entitled “The Call,” Deverell describes the song as “a wake up call.” Deverell says, “I want them to see that ‘Yes, there are things going on for which I’m paying a consequence; and I can do something.’ The song is to say, ‘You know you can do this. Stand up and do something to show how many of us there really are!’” The band agrees that a musical community adds to a sense of awareness and educated decision-making. Kotarski said, “We’re not out to change people. We are out to get people to look at things differently.” By affecting change through personal interaction with their fans at concerts and benefits, Glowb has made an impact in Flint and beyond. If you’re interested in getting involved in a musicians cooperative to help unify the proliferate a local music scene, come meet other like-minded folks to learn what you can do. |
Shows:Sat. 7/12 |
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