Good Things Come in Threes
Seattle often gets hung up on genre conventions. Whether digital ("I spin deep, east coast, jazzy disco tech-house.") or analog ("My band plays indie, emo, post-rock, instrumental math-core."), pigeon-holing seems be forever be the name of the day. Rather than realizing that such labeling is all but useless to most people, artists and writers only help to further marginalize a public left overwhelmed by the dearth of less-than-useful tags. While that might be the M.O. for many out here, it's good to see that others are willing to be a lot more encompassing, and to just play music, genre be damned.
Three Chairs is a Detroit-based collective comprised of four producer/DJs, Theo Parrish, Kenny Dixon Jr., Rick Wilhite, and Malik Pittman. They're known collectively for their organic soulful house creations, but to limit them to house is to do them a bit of a disservice. Some productions can find themselves at home in a techno set without issue, while others ride a more retro, disco-inflected groove. That said, the group is constantly referencing the roots of house and techno, while still moving forward musically. Three Chairs plays music that fits the set and the crowd, not music to fit into a tidy genre-labeled box.
Saturday at the Baltic Room, Three Chairs will be represented by Theo Parrish and Rick Wilhite. Individually, Parrish and Wilhite have released records on various respected labels (Moods and Grooves, Ubiquity, KDJ Records), and bring a wealth of experience to the table (Parrish has been DJing just under two decades, since he was 13!). Either could hold down the evening on their own, but we get double our pleasure, double our fun. The Baltic Room provides the perfect space for their eclectic, sultry mix, so whether you're there to shake it or drink a few cocktails, this is how you'll want to spend your Saturday night.
As a preview, here's a Theo Parrish Mix from 2003.
Three Chairs: Theo Parrish, Rick Wilhite
Saturday, December 3, 9pm-2am
Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St.
$10 @ door, 21+
