Arts & Entertainment

SCC Design Student Wins Regional Book Design Contest

New book to entice international businesses to region

Ericka Berg
A & E Editor

Craig Overbey, an art of visual communications student, will soon be planted forever on the coffee tables and memories of visiting entrepreneurs and tourists. Overbey recently came out on top in a book-cover design contest sponsored by the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County. He was awarded $500 in prize money for his effort, and his winning design will cover a limited edition book, entitled “Seattle & King County: Gateway to the Pacific Northwest.” The book will be used to entice businesses to the region. While educating the regionally impaired, the publication will also serve a vital function as drink coaster in hotels and businesses across King County. How many students can actually say that their scholastic work has contributed to the prevention of stains while enhancing people’s homes and businesses? The competition was part of a “real life” class project that took place under the guidance of SCC design instructor Nan Cauthorn.

Overbey, overwhelmed by school work, hasn’t had a chance to absorb the magnitude of his success (although he has somehow managed to find the time to spend his prize money). The hardworking VCT student is striving to obtain his A.A. degree in graphic design by next spring.

For relaxation, Overbey plays drums in a band named “War Against Terror.” His VCT skills are serving him well in the layout and design of the band’s first CD which may be distributed sometime in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled. You could see “War” live at various venues this summer.

In the future, Craig Overbey intends to stay focused on music, and hopes to start his own company designing weird toys with a dark and creepy slant. When not jamming with his band or dreaming up twisted toys, the bespectacled designer can often be found in the VCT department hunched over a Mac computer in a dimly lit classroom.

The French Connection:

‘Air’ returns with seductive new release

Ericka Berg
A & E Editor

Hypnotic, Sexy and Inventive, all aptly describe the alternative pop music of French band “Air.” Air will be playing at the Paramount on April 29 to promote their latest release, “Talkie Walkie”- a sensuous blend of acoustic and electronic experimentation. This is the music that Air fans have patiently waited for since the critically acclaimed “Moon Safari” (1998).

The evocative sounds of Air are the creation of Gallic duo, Nicolas Godin and Jean Benoit Dunckel. The pair has been collaborating since the mid-90s. Despite the fact that their music is rarely (if ever) played on mainstream radio, they have somehow gained a steady following of American listeners. Frequently categorized as trip-hop or electronica, the group has forged a distinct sound reflecting influences from early electronic and psychedelic music (think Jean Michael Jarre or Tangerine Dream). For Godin and Dunckel, Air is a French vision of American and English pop music; however, they strive to achieve originality within the confines of this genre.

Air’s new album arrives two and a half years after their last major release “10,000 Hz Legend.” For many fans, “Legend” was a disappointment as it was a darker departure from their previous music. In “Talkie Walkie,” Air revisits their original sound without repeating it, mixing original electronic arrangements with the acoustic sounds of flute, piano and guitar. One major difference is that that they sing on the majority of the tracks. In the past, they have relied on the talents of guest singers to perform vocals. As in previous recordings, the lyrics are sung in English (though it would be nice to hear them in French sometime).

When listening to “Walkie Talkie,” you’ll have the impression of being taken on an interstellar journey. The first track, “Venus,” is a sensual and uncynical reflection about love that quickly hooks you with its melodic combination of vocals and piano. One of my favorites, “Biological” is an electronic-blue-grass fusion that speaks of the chemical phenomena of attraction. The cosmic “Surfing on a Rocket” combines Bowie-esque lyrics with an uncomplicated beat which gives this song a more experimental sound than the other tracks. The album finishes with, “Alone in Kyoto,” a moody instrumental piece that was originally written for the soundtrack of “Lost in Translation.”

The seductive ambient sounds of Air’s latest release make it the optimum album to chill to. The catchy instrumental and vocal tracks become more and more addictive with each listening. Like “Moon Safari,” “Walkie Talkie” is destined to become another pop classic that will be appreciated in the years to come. Whether you’re new to Air, or a dedicated fan, sit back, close your eyes and let Air transport you to uncharted pop territory. Bon Voyage!

To hear tracks from Talkie Walkie, visit their website at www.intairnet.org/. Purchase tickets for the Paramount show at www.ticketmaster.com.

Spring Jazz Performance Heats up Music Building

Ericka Berg
A & E Editor

On Friday, April 9, the SCC Jazz Ensemble and the Washington State University Jazz Ensemble teamed up to give an informal concert in room 818 in the music building. The musicians performed a both jazz standards and contemporary arrangements.

The award winning SCC Jazz Ensemble provides an opportunity for both music and non-music majors to record a CD and play at festivals and concerts around the country. Consisting of 17 talented musicians, the ensemble performs a variety of classic big band arrangements as well as contemporary works and original student compositions. When not touring, the ensemble performs on campus and at Tula’s restaurant and night club in Seattle.

Dinner and Jazz
If you can spare a few extra dollars, why not treat yourself to dinner and a show? The Jazz Ensemble will be playing with guitarist Lonnie Mardis at Tula’s on Wednesday, April 28, at 8 p.m.; the cover charge is only $5. Tula’s provides live jazz, food and cocktails in an informal setting, and offers an inexpensive menu to boot! For reservations, call 206-443-4221. Check out Tula’s menu and jazz calendar at www.seattlejazz.com.