Band Camp Part 2 - Wicked Wisdom (August 2006)


Date of Performance: August 6, 2006
Venue: Band Camp, Willow Island, Madison, WI

Joshua Turner files this two part report on Band Camp, held at Willow Island on August 6, 2006. In the first part, the band A New Revolution, and here in the second, Wicked Wisdom.

Letters From Camp, Page 2: Wicked Wisdom
Band Camp @ Willow Island 8/6/2006

Okay, I lied, I have a few more comments to share about Band Camp (see my review on ANew Revolution to understand this initial avowal).

With a set in between, Wicked Wisdom followed ANew Revolution on the 5Meg stage and did so by electrifying a restless and bleary-eyed audience. From what I could tell, the second stage had more enjoyable talent than the main one this year. It's an odd interpretation to make, but to my best estimation, it's true.

My biggest complaint was that most bands were seriously lacking in the songwriting department. All of them sounded alike and could have used the aid of Neal Morse or Quincy Jones. I would have trouble even pointing out the specifics, because to my ears it seemed less like music and more like noise. As I've mentioned, it was a bit too much of the same.

However, I have to admit, that Wicked Wisdom was unique in a few areas, making it worth the effort to attend this muddy venue a little longer. By the way, if you haven't already heard, it rained all morning and the grounds were an utter mess. Since the event was held outside the local Expo Center in a spot called Willow Island, you can imagine Wham-O's Slip-N-Slide conditions. As a result, there was dirt and grime everywhere. Someone said they actually had a water slide and mud wrestling off to the side. Looking at the clientele and the stuff caked onto their shirts and jeans, I wouldn't doubt it. There were several people literally covered in sludge from head-to-toe.

In any case, when this band came on, there were several reasons to forget your surroundings. They opened with a narration not too much different from something you'd find on a Notorious B.I.G. recording. Something about engaging in a lewd and lascivious act with the police (and to set it straight, I'm not talking about Sting). Then they swarmed onto the stage like a bunch of angry hornets and bees. They are touted as an All-Black band, which is highly unusual in this style of music. For the record, none of this should be taken as a racial slur. I'd make the very same comments if they were comprised of a different ethnicity or mix.

Wicked Wisdom at Band Camp 2006 (© WJJO)At one point, I asked my friend about their lead singer, as she looked awfully familiar. He said something to the effect that she was in The Matrix. Several songs later I made the connection and inquired with him if that was Jada Pinkett-Smith (the famous actress and wife of Will Smith). My compatriot confirmed my suspicions.

To my surprise, she had a clean voice and sang very well at times. She also had her moments where she produced the most demonic-sounding voice. It seemed implausible that she could generate such raspy intonations. She most likely yelled and then triggered electronic filters. I can't imagine her throat and lungs being able produce such venom on her own. In either case, this gal had range and a stage-presence. While it by no means dominated her delivery, many lines were delivered with a hip-hop hand gestures and a rapper's staccato.

A second guitarist played some chords on a keyboard while the lead struck solely to power strumming. In contrast, the aggressive onslaught from the bassist was totally wicked. While many drummers lay down a beat, I could honestly say that this one did nothing to get in the way. He clobbered the skins with unrestrained enthusiasm and almost sadistic vigor.

Overall, this band was a little too heavy for either my discernment or approval. Additionally, they were totally unwieldy, but I was impressed nonetheless with Pinkett. For this reason, it was a far cry from ANew Revolution, but still it was the second best act at Band Camp.

I was slightly late and didn't stay for Flyleaf or Staind, which means I'm operating with incomplete reconnaissance and missing information. After staking out at these campgrounds for five hours, I frankly had more than my fair share. By the end of their routine, I was ready to pack it in and call it a day.

(Photo credit: Wicked Wisdom at Band Camp 2006 (© WJJO))


Added: August 18th 2006
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner

Artist website: www.wickedwisdom.net
Hits: 2499
Language: english
  

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