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8 years ago
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It never ceases to amaze me. The abundance of extraordinary talent in the NYC music scene is obvious to anyone who seeks to experience it. Yet, so many people talk as if the scene is terrible and how difficult it is to find quality music at the venues in NYC. I will admit, the Bleeker Street music clubs do leave much to be desired, but one venue, le possion rouge, is certainly doing it the right way. LPR has made a name by bringing in experimental, eclectic and alternative artists over the past 10 years, and this past Saturday night was no exception.
Yonatan Gat performed in support of his new album, "Universalists" which was recently released on Joyful Noise Recordings. He played three different sets, and we were fortunate to catch the last two which were truly epic. The long transplanted New Yorker showed off his masterful guitar skills, (The Village Voice named him "Best Guitarist in New York, 2013.") shredding through an eclectic mix of ethnic sounds with merely a vocal, but it didn't discourage fans in attendance as they marveled at his guitar playing skills. I was also impressed with his band as they were on point throughout the set, and as the sound changed, their energy was consistent and at a high level throughout. Gat's sound is clearly focused on guitar, but I couldn't help but watch his drummer relentlessly pounding on the skins and his evident passion for the music. This brings to mind the most anticipated part of the evening for me and apparently man[...]
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8 years ago
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Toronto's Broken Social Scene closed out the band's first tour in many years last night at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey. The show which lasted around 2 hours and spanned their vast music catalogue, highlighted the strengths of a band that clearly loves playing together. The beauty in what they do comes through in how they seamlessly work through songs that range from indie rock, ska, experimental jazzy numbers and even punk, but there are no limitations. They can also do the heavier, guitar driven classic jam as well. Although the band's studio productions are at a high level, they are one of those bands that you have to see live. With as many as 9 or 10 players on stage (including a horn section), it could be quite challenging to replicate some of their intricate productions, but they were 100% in sync throughout the show with a consistent energy and enthusiasm that shined throughout their performance.
One of the highlights of the evening was the first live performance of "Mouth Guards of the Apocalypse" from their latest album "Hug of Thunder" which was released with very positive reviews in July, 2017. This pretty much set the tone for an upbeat, joyous crowd that appreciated getting to see a band of this caliber at the Wellmont Theatre. The band admitted that they didn't know what to expect, but were very pleased with the venue and crowd. I have to say it was a pleasure to see how much the band was enjoying the moment.
Personal highlight[...]
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8 years ago
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It's funny when you mention bands from the past (around for over 15 years) to people, and how they typically react. You'll hear things like, are they still around. I haven't heard that name in 20 years. And then when you tell them that you're actually going to see the band, they give you a weird look like, why would you do that.
So, let me explain quite simply. Just like in any profession, with experience comes expertise and the mastering of ones craft. G Love & Special Sauce have been playing together for nearly 25 years and their experience shines through in their live performances.
With their own style of funky, blues hip hop, the band always delivers a good time, and on this night it was no different. The trio delivered a non stop soundtrack of hits that kept bodies moving throughout the night- I-76, Milk and Cereal, Baby's Got Sauce, Blues Music and Who's Got the Weed.
Let's be clear, G Love's no slouch on guitar, Jimi Jazz tears up the string bass and houseman always delivers the goods. The band is tight, tight, tight.
For the $30 ticket price, you really can't ask for more.
Here's some upcoming dates:
February 2nd - House of Blues, Boston
February 3rd - The Fillmore, Philadelphia
February 8th - Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale
More dates...
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9 years ago
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With each year the staggering list of shows grows larger, but we're here to help with this not so shiny, quite diverse list of recommendations to help you sort it all out.
Monday, March 13th
Idgy Dean - The Parlor Room, 88 Rainey St – 7pm
Sylvan Esso - AV Club Presents Just Another Manic Monday @ The Mohawk - 10:45 pm
Girl Pool - Do512 Party @ Hotel Vegas - 1 am
Tuesday, March 14th
Wu Tang Clan w/ Thievery Corporation - ACL Live at the Moody Theater - 11:00pm
The Districts - Buffalo Billiards - 1:10am
Spoon - The Main - 1:00am
Sleigh Bells - Stereogum Party @ Empire Garage - 1:00am
Plastic Pinks - Fine Southern Gentlemen - 2:00am
Wednesday, March 15th
Maybird - Taco Bell Feed the Beat - 1:00 pm
The Avett Brothers - ACL Live at the Moody Theater - 11:00pm
Tokyo Police Club - Bungalow - 12:00am
Grandmaster Flash - Clive Bar - 11:00pm
The New Pornographers - Stubb's - 12:20am
Field Trip - The Market - 1:00am
Thursday, March 16th
Julie Byrne - Pitchfork Day Party @ French Legation Museum - 12:30 pm
Lo Moon - YouTube @ The Coppertank - 3:00 pm
The Big Moon - South by San Jose @ San Jose Hotel - 4:00 pm
BBC 6 Music Presents @ Latitude 30 - 12:00 am
Beach Slang - BrooklynVegan @ Cheer Up Charlie's - 5:00 pm
Pell - Stub Hub party @ Bangers - 6:00pm
Ecstatic Vision - Grizzly Hall - South By South Death - 9:00pm
Girl Pool - Anti- Records Party @ Elysium - 11:00pm
Friday, March 17th
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9 years ago
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In some recent discussions with musicians, bands, DJ's and musical creatives, I made the point that for me, a flat performance is pretty much a worthless one. If you can't take people on a musical journey than it's just plain boring. It's the bands and DJ's that can cross genres that get my attention. Case and point, Tell All Your Friends PR turned us on to the new album from rock trio, Slothrust. After listening to the album, I decided to do a review for the blog. I have to admit, sometimes I don't get past the first track, but "Surf Goth" got my attention. The idea that they would start the album with an instrumental track was enough for me, and when the show began on Saturday evening at Mercury Lounge it was the first track they played.
Let me start by saying, their sound is on-point and very powerful. Particularly for a trio. They have great chemistry on stage, and their fans (including me) are really into them. Musically, the band members are equally impressive as they effortlessly worked through songs that range from blues to grunge with elements of jazz.
While Kyle Bann (bassist) had a continuous grin on his face, Leah Wellbaum maintained a certain attitude as drummer Will Gorin fiercely hit the skins as if it was possibly his last opportunity to play this year. Highlights from the new album- "Like a Child Hiding Behind Your Tombstone," "Mud," "Sleep Eater," and "Trial & Error," which Wellbaum explained she wrote in high school. From the older mat[...]
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11 years ago
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https://vimeo.com/124416402
As we arrive at the conclusion of another school year, Art for Progress arts ed programs are developing and evolving in new ways. The music program at Humanities Prep has been flourishing, and we recently held a student and faculty talent show, showcasing the wealth of talent that has been incubating within the school. Performances spanned a wide range of instrumentation and repertoire, and even included some original pieces and songs written by the performers. AFP's Young Adult Enrichment Program has now spawned three bands, which are now gigging around NYC. Statik Vosion, the core project of the program, also recently played alongside my own band, Bad Faces at the AFP live music series “We Deliver” at The Bowery Electric on Manhattan's storied Lower East Side. Other projects are in the works for the summer, including a recording project to produce an EP release for Statik Vision and a music enrichment program in partnership with the Upper West Side JCC which will provide music instruction for under-served elementary school students. I taught the classes last year and if was a blast!
At Humanities Prep, in Chelsea, I have been teaching music to high school students for the past three years. Some of the talent that has been emerging from the program is truly unbelievable. I have seen a number of students who had never played an instrument before become capable, and even inspired players, while others have come to me with some experience and s[...]
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11 years ago
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NYC non-profit Art for Progress hosts this special event Wednesday, April 22nd at The Bowery Electric to celebrate Earth Day and to raise awareness. The night will feature an outstanding line up of artists with local pop rockers Wyland headlining the night. The amazing Blythe Gruda will open the show and feature some very special guests followed by a one woman psychedelic rock performance from Brooklyn's Idgy Dean. Indie rockers Polyvox will close out the night with a set of synth driven beats. Tickets are $10 and include the chance to win amazing door prizes from Gibson Guitars and tickets to The Museum of Natural History.
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