Category Busters Milkseed's Talented Musicians Are At Home With Electric And Acoustic. By Molly Who PURE POTENTIAL ENERGY describes Milkseed, the group of four Tucson locals gaining a lot of attention of late. Formed in February of 1995, Milkseed can currently be seen--and heard--at The Rock and Cuppuccinos coffee house on Speedway. Two contrary places, you say? Milkseed pours out both an electric and an acoustic version of original, smooth sounds for whichever environment you prefer. Milkseed really defies style categorization, as any good group having to use ridiculous, long-winded descriptions like "acoustic-based contemporary pop/rock" should. Sure, the band's got a pop/rock base, but the body of this soup has a dash of jazz, a smidgen of classical, and even a drop of Caribbean rhythms. It's as unique as its individual members. Frontwoman Sapphire Kieft represents the fourth generation in her family to take on music as a profession. Combine this legacy with performing music internationally from a very young age, and what you end up with is uncommon talent and a rare and graceful stage presence. "I think there's an element of showing off, of exposing yourself. Doesn't it go back centuries," Sapphire says, "an instinct to perform?" A petite woman with a warm demeanor, Sapphire's strong voice can astonish with its depth and sensuality. Her singing brings to mind what Sade might sound like if she hadn't been doomed to a career of four-in-the-morning somnolent ballads. Sapphire also plays a solid rhythm guitar, writes many of the band's songs, and adds to the mix the distinct zest of her electric violin. Amy Allen plays bass guitar with a two-feet-on-the-ground, rooted style that is a sure anchor for the other musicians. "I know what I want," she says. Allen's vocal harmonies add significant texture to the overall sound, and she makes singing along with a unique stylist such as Sapphire seem a tropical breeze. Amy has a background in classical piano and a degree in music theory and composition. She was thinking about becoming a doctor until she met bandmates Sal and Joel Mendoza. And just what is it with these Mendoza brothers? Their biographies make the typical workaholic look like an anesthetized beach bum. Sal, the guitar guy, has an undergraduate degree in molecular and cellular biology, and a post-graduate degree in medical technology. Joel, Milkseed's rhythm master, has a degree in the micro variety of brother Sal's field. But put the books and glasses aside for a moment and what you get are two extraordinarily talented young musicians with a passion that cannot go unnoticed. Born in Guam, their combined influences include everything from Jimi Hendrix to the Sugarcubes. But as close as they might be in academic interest and musical talent, they bring very different energy levels to Milkseed. Sal is the outspoken trickster of the band. I'm told he does a lounge-act impression that'll have you running for a pair of Depends. Nevertheless, this is a player sure to impress with his always right-on guitar licks. Whether it's a harder, rock-influenced electric riff or a complex acoustic melody, it's a pleasure to watch a guitarist with such a solid-yet-gentle touch on the instrument. He's studied jazz bass, saxophone, and classical guitar, and it shows. It's Sal's artistry that guides Milkseed's instrumentals. "Rhona," a lullaby written for his goddaughter, is a breath-taking piece that I highly recommend audiences request. It's hard to believe pounding rhythms could come from such a soft-spoken fellow as Joel Mendoza. He doesn't say too much, but when he does, it's usually got some serious punch. Joel also has formally studied in his musical areas, specifically drums and percussion. He seems at ease not only in Milkseed, but banging it out with rhythm maniacs like Todd Hammes during Joe Rush gigs. Even more unique than Milkseed's individual talents is the outright optimism of the band, their obvious love for each other, and the music they make together. Says Joel Mendoza: "Just playing, creating, helping--it feels great and I have a part in it. I also use music to escape from life. I'm always studying, memorizing things. Music exercises the other side of my brain. I need that, I need to have fun." Allen's take is also personal: "I have my individual side, and Milkseed is my group effort side. These are my favorite people and I get to do something really intimate with them. I'm kind of selfish, I'm up there for me, to be with these guys." Sapphire adds: "Music is kind of like making love. You never know if it's going to be a good night. I think some people play music to get the aggression off of their chests." "Some people make love to do that," quips Amy. "You can't ever plan it," Sapphire says. "Yeah," says Sal, his glasses catching the light. Or is that mischief in his eye? "You could break a g-string." And what of broken strings? Snags along the way? Milkseed is quite certain their experience as a band has been one of the easiest-going, least problematic around. The one "most awful" thing apparently is their name. People seem to love it, or hate it. Poetically, the band feels the name "Milkseed" expresses two important ideas. One is purity, as represented by "milk." The other is growth as expressed by the "seed." Makes sense, right? Well it seems another image comes to mind (no pun intended) for some people--they think it's a euphemism for semen. Purity, growth, sex--they're all good things, valuable and joyful, as is the band. Milkseed has recently recorded an eight-song cassette, The Right Time. It's available at any of their upcoming gigs, or you can get in touch with the band in your choice of the following ways: e-mail soza@u.arizona.edu; visit the web at http://www.u.arizona.edu/~soza/MILKSEED.html ; phone 520-792-4283; or write MILKSEED, 2525 N. Tucson Blvd. No. 14, Tucson, Arizona 85716.

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