Graham Wiggins, Ph.D., held in his hand a cylindrical object closely resembling a metallic wrapping-paper tube. Wiggins, also known as Dr. Didg, let out a powerfully low and resonant note on his instrument, as he sat barefoot on stage. The indescribable sounds had audience members murmuring to each other, as Wiggins sunk into one of his signature grooves.
Wiggins and his band wove a wild tapestry of funk, jazz, reggae and electronica, combined with the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo, at Nietzsche's Saturday night. Wiggins on the keyboard, sampler and didgeridoo was accompanied by bassist Mike Weafer, drummer Mark Greenberg and a guest guitarist.
The didgeridoo, or didg as it is often called, is a long piece of wood, usually eucalyptus, which has been hollowed out by white ants or termites. Its unique sound, a low deep tone, is produced by a combination of the traditional buzzing usually associated with brass instruments and vocal sounds. Wiggins described the instrument as an extension of the human throat.
Wiggins characterizes his music as a funky swing "that has very much to do with groove."
Wiggins, who earned his doctorate in physics from Oxford University, got his start on the didgeridoo during his days at Boston University after seeing a performance demonstrating the fundamentals of the didg. Finding information on the instrument was difficult, Wiggins said, but he did not get discouraged.
"[It] became like a quest," said Wiggins.
At Nietzsche's he recorded riffs on the didgeridoo and altered them as they repeated in loop. He then added to the groove with more sounds of the didg and keyboards, creating unique melodies with deep stylized layers.
"I started doing [sampling] because it made the music richer," Wiggins said.
Wiggins' innovative approach captured the souls of his audience Saturday night, as he played to a sea of bobbing heads and twisting bodies. The beats he laid down were infectious and soon after the beginning of his set, the crowd was grooving to the music.
Songs like "Son of Tut" had a Middle Eastern feel, yet were coupled with amazing guitar solos and driving drum beats. Still other songs had the rhythm and style of traditional tribal rhythms.
"Say What You Like" was a fast paced punchy tune, driven by the undercurrent of the bass lines. The audience rode a wave of energy and excitement as the tempo of this tune increased. There was more than just a hint of rock-n-roll in the furious movement of the guitarist's fingers, and by the time Greenberg chimed in with his drumming solo, not a person in the house was standing still.
The enthusiasm of the show can, in part, be attributed to the new members of the band. Wiggins and his former band members separated recently, due to creative differences and conflicting priorities. The new artists performing with Wiggins, however, are obviously stepping up to the plate.
"The jams are starting to go really well, and it's making me feel a lot happier about things," Wiggins said.
There was an unbelievable synchronicity between the band members and Wiggins. The members of the band have to work not only to gel with each performer on stage, but they must also have an ear for each of the tracks in the live sampling as well, Wiggins said.
Though the band is relatively young, and has had only a few actual rehearsal sessions with its new members, Saturday's performance showcased their style and flexibility along with their ability to move the crowd with their energy and excitement.
