In the past few years, 61 North has frequently crossed paths with one of Delawares finest jambands, The Mad Sweet Pangs.  The Pangs specialize in interesting arrangements, flavorful grooves, and memorable lyrics that bind together to take their fans on a musical journey through time and space.  Recently, The Pangs embarked on a summer tour behind their new album, “Witness & Wait”.  The Mid-West tour included a stop at the famed Summerfest in Wisconsin where they shared the stage with artists like, Phil Lesh, Tom Petty, and Derek Trucks.  I spoke with guitarist Gordon Lippincott, or as I like to call him, Commissioner Gordon (Batman), to get some insight on the tour, the band, and the man that commands attention with his articulate phrasing and majestic tone.

So, I’ve been watching the election coverage like a hawk lately and by now my head’s ready to explode. Everyone’s message is about how our country is in dire need of change. As a suppoter of Obama, I can see the connection that people make between him and JFK. They both are extremely charismatic, transformational speakers, dedicated to equal rights for all. Obama wisely said, ” I don’t want to try and make a connection between JFK and myself, but rather that our country is at a crossroads just like America was at that time in the 60’s.” This brings me to my point. Does anyone else feel like we are at a crossroads? I know I feel it. What made the 60’s so great was that artists like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix reinvented the blues, thus creating a soulful music that sparked a movement and touched many hearts. Don’t tell me music has no place in society because it moves, mobilizes, and motivates people to break out of the mold. One of my biggest complaints about the music industry today is that it resembles a fast food restaraunt…Over processed, prepackaged music to force feed the masses. Brian and I both have felt that the industry, like our country, needs to be shaken up. Our music provides the feeling and emotion that has been void of music since Brittany Spears hit the scene. I still vividly remember the days when you could tune in to MTV to find an Alice in Chains video, a Pearl Jam rock block, or maybe a Guns and Roses throw back video. Today, it’s the newest bubble gum pop rock bullshit that turns droves of High School kids into ipod junkies. Doesn’t anyone long for the next Led Zeppelin, Allman Bros. Band, Pearl Jam, ACDC, Cream, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Soundgarden, or the many other bands that have come along and helped shape our lives. They have produced the soundtracks of generations past. It’s sad that more people don’t know who Gov’t Mule and the Derek Trucks Band are. They are two of the most talented bands I’ve ever see, but they get little recognition. 61 North hopes to lead our fans in a new direction with our music. We trancsend many genres and generations while fully delivering an inspiring message of love, hope, faith, and excitement. As long as there are people like me who are fed up with 80% of the music produced today, 61 North will be forging a new movement known as the 61 North Army.