Moksha attracts all walks of fans fanstogether
They're one of Vegas' best live bands, equally fiery, funky and spontaneous. Really, you never know what direction a Moksha gig can take, and as the band members themselves note, oftentimes, neither do they.
What does Moksha sound like?
"Like the '60s had sex with the '70s and had a baby. That baby then somehow met a time traveler from the future and they had sex and had a baby. We sound like that baby riding a freight train."
You recorded your debut, "Mammal or Machine," with noted New Orleans guitarist Brian Stoltz, who's played with the likes of The Neville Brothers and The Meters. What did he bring to the table?
"Jambalaya, chicory coffee and a side of swamp funk. Oh yeah, he also helped us tighten our groove and 'trim the fat' off the album."
Your name, "Moksha," has spiritual connotations. What made you choose that handle?
"The literal translation is 'liberate,' and that's why we chose it. Besides, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' was already taken."
You've built your reputation as a live band. How much of a role does improvisation play when you take the stage?
"It's an extremely important part of the show for us. It's why we're up there and it allows us to keep things fresh. A Moksha show without improv is like Amy Winehouse without crack."
OK, so the "jam band" tag is a polarizing one, suggestive of nonstop noodling and Hacky Sacks for some. Do you consider Moksha part of that community?
"We feel lucky to be embraced by the jam band scene and definitely consider ourselves to be a part of that community. Don't be fooled, though: They enjoy all styles of music and are real aficionados. 'Jam band' is a loose term for a scene rather than a musical genre. If you go to a jam band festival you're just as likely to see Primus as The Roots or a bluegrass band as an electronica band. Musically and socially, it's a very open-minded and diverse scene. If you come to a Moksha show you'll see all types of people, different age groups, ethnicities and styles. You're just as likely to see a doctor or a lawyer as a Hacky Sack-playing hippie. Dude, can you pass the granola this way?"
Hear Moksha at myspace.com/mokshatime.
Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@review journal.com or 702-383-0476.
