On January 25th, 2016 I found myself at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3. This stage is located downstairs in an intimate setting with enough space for about 20 or so two tops. Kiyo Cato is a wonderfully talented musician who performed by himself, this time acoustically. This set had a rock/indie/folk sound to it. The entire room was under his spell and he kept quite composed even through one of the worst timed cell phone interruptions. He just took a deep breath and took us all in a different direction. He was joined later for the last few songs by his wife, Lily Nussbaum, who contributed vocals and Matthew Sucich who added vocals as well as a hollowed bodied bluesy sound on an Epiphone Sheraton II guitar with a custom bigsby installed.
Kioy's full name is Kiyoshi Matsuyama. The first time I saw him perform was with his previous band called Rocket and the Ghost. His current band is pretty similar with the exception of one band member. This man writes and co-writes beautiful lyrics with a fun up beat rock sound to accompany them. He croons to the audience with his high tenor voice. This band will have you dancing and singing along even before you know the words. They have this amazing capacity to play very quiet and soft and then burst into something hard and rumpus the very next moment. It's a new experience every time I see him and his band perform. They just keep me coming back for more!
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Medeski Martin & Wood
On Wednesday, January 18th, I went to experience an amazing trio by the names of Medeski, Martin and Wood at Le Poisson Rouge in lower Manhattan.
John Medeski is the keyboardist. He plays an array of keys including a Hammond organ, Clavinet and a mellotron along with distortion pedals and other effects. Chris Wood alternates between stand up bass and bass guitar. On drums is Billy Martin. He bangs out wild funk, hip hop, brazilian and african beats on an assortment of percussion instruments. Each member's passion for music is made obvious through the display of their incredible skill set.
These three create such a unique sound. It's an experimental/improv music show. Their genre is hard to classify. It's a little bit of jazz, funk, dance, rock, and many other styles all at once. They played two blissful sets with a short break in between in a space that boasts a capacity for 700, but felt far more intimate. The whole room could not help but move to the groovy tones vibrating throughout the space. You could feel everyone's excitement and anticipation as to what the band would bust into next. It's great to watch them perform live because you can see that they are completely playing off one another and are not entirely sure where each song will take them. After thirty years of playing with each other, these three men know how to take your idea of music, turn it upside down and melt your brain a little in the sweetest way possible. Be prepared to jam out in a beautiful and unexpected way.
John Medeski is the keyboardist. He plays an array of keys including a Hammond organ, Clavinet and a mellotron along with distortion pedals and other effects. Chris Wood alternates between stand up bass and bass guitar. On drums is Billy Martin. He bangs out wild funk, hip hop, brazilian and african beats on an assortment of percussion instruments. Each member's passion for music is made obvious through the display of their incredible skill set.
These three create such a unique sound. It's an experimental/improv music show. Their genre is hard to classify. It's a little bit of jazz, funk, dance, rock, and many other styles all at once. They played two blissful sets with a short break in between in a space that boasts a capacity for 700, but felt far more intimate. The whole room could not help but move to the groovy tones vibrating throughout the space. You could feel everyone's excitement and anticipation as to what the band would bust into next. It's great to watch them perform live because you can see that they are completely playing off one another and are not entirely sure where each song will take them. After thirty years of playing with each other, these three men know how to take your idea of music, turn it upside down and melt your brain a little in the sweetest way possible. Be prepared to jam out in a beautiful and unexpected way.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Phish
I spent December 28th through December 31st at Madison Square Garden.
Who is this "hippie jam band"? Only the most talented group of musicians you'll ever come across. They have this magical way of speaking straight to your soul with their music. It seems to flow from their soul, through their finger tips, into their instruments, out into the air which immediately infects everyone around. Even more so, Phish isn't just music. It's a community. It seems to exist in its own atmosphere (a.k.a. The Phish Bowl). Everyone treats each other with kindness as if all we are old friends. There seems to be no judgement, but tons of laughter, dancing and fun.
This lovely band that initially handed my ass to me earlier in June did it four more times all while groovily guiding me into the year of 2017.
A little bit about the members...
Jon Fishman is the percussionist. He plays quick, complicated but soft rhythms keeping the band in time. You would never know if you only listened to his solos which are humorously short and simplistic. He is known for performing almost always in his "Fishman Frock" (dress) which is Blue and adorned with orange/red donut rings. This vacuum playing man is responsible for creating one of the most phantastic songs ever, "Ass Handed". Go have a listen. (Now, you understand where my blog title comes from)
Mike Gordon is the head bobbing melodic bass player. He hardly ever plays rhythm alone. He makes it sound as if there is another guitar on stage (aside from Trey). That man fills out all the empty spaces with some delicious funk. He wrote and co-wrote many Phish songs and is also probably the most fashion forward band member.
Page McConnell a.k.a. "Professor" - The Chairman of the boards - is the band's keyboardist. His fingers fly over the keys and pound out notes in ways that really get your blood pumping. He transitions between eight different pianos and keyboards to create many different sounds. Sometimes he's the horn section, back up percussionist, second guitar and pianist all at once.
Trey Anastasio plays lead guitar. He is also the main song writer with co-author and long time friend, Tom Marshall. There are many things that make up this terrifically nerdy guitar boss. His unique sound is created by using all kinds of fancy effects processors and custom hollow bodied electric guitars made by Languedoc (Phish's soundman, luthier and audio-technician between '86-'04).
Who is this "hippie jam band"? Only the most talented group of musicians you'll ever come across. They have this magical way of speaking straight to your soul with their music. It seems to flow from their soul, through their finger tips, into their instruments, out into the air which immediately infects everyone around. Even more so, Phish isn't just music. It's a community. It seems to exist in its own atmosphere (a.k.a. The Phish Bowl). Everyone treats each other with kindness as if all we are old friends. There seems to be no judgement, but tons of laughter, dancing and fun.
The show is known to last at least three hours with no opening act and one set break. During this time you are taken on an inconceivable journey. It amazes me how incredibly loud this band can get and conversely how unimaginably soft and quiet they can play without losing momentum. All I can say is this professional jazz/improv band takes you on a musical adventure. If you get an opportunity to see this band live, take it!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
The Wolfmanhattan Project
On November 26th, 2016 I again found myself at The Bowery Ballroom.
On this night a cheeky New York band called PMS and The Mood Swings opened up the show. They have a fun 50's/surf rock style with a bit of punk mixed in topped off with a sweet wailing saxophone. The band members include Lenny Lynch (lead vocals, guitar), Karen Isabel (Drums), Danny Goldshtein (Bass), Leah Fishman (lead guitar), and Micah Saccomanno (Saxophone). I like to imagine the three rockin' ladies as P, M, and S and the two men on opposite sides of the stage, one dressed as a punk (Danny) and the other a police officer (Micah), as "the mood swings".
Olivia Neutron-John followed with an electronic performance. Anna Nasty takes to the stage in a huge black coat/jumpsuit that covers her entire body and her short black hair teased up straight on top of her head. She then removes the coat to reveal a tight black body suit and the performance takes off! Synthetic beats accompany her modulated voice, stylized dancing and posing. It's dark, but poppy at the same time.
Shortly after that, The Wolfmanhattan Project starts to get their groove on. This band is a little super group composed of three musicians that have been a part of many amazing bands before coming together to form this one! Mick Collins (best known from The Dirtbombs and The Gories) rips the guitar, Kid Congo (best known from The Cramps and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) shreds the bass and contributes electronic sounds and loops, and Bob Bert (best known from Sonic Youth) pounds away on the drums. They have that raw, grungy rock feel to them. This sound invokes the need within one to dance out the aggression and bop in time to the beat. So much talent was shown in the dirtiest punk rock way.
On this night a cheeky New York band called PMS and The Mood Swings opened up the show. They have a fun 50's/surf rock style with a bit of punk mixed in topped off with a sweet wailing saxophone. The band members include Lenny Lynch (lead vocals, guitar), Karen Isabel (Drums), Danny Goldshtein (Bass), Leah Fishman (lead guitar), and Micah Saccomanno (Saxophone). I like to imagine the three rockin' ladies as P, M, and S and the two men on opposite sides of the stage, one dressed as a punk (Danny) and the other a police officer (Micah), as "the mood swings".
Olivia Neutron-John followed with an electronic performance. Anna Nasty takes to the stage in a huge black coat/jumpsuit that covers her entire body and her short black hair teased up straight on top of her head. She then removes the coat to reveal a tight black body suit and the performance takes off! Synthetic beats accompany her modulated voice, stylized dancing and posing. It's dark, but poppy at the same time.
Shortly after that, The Wolfmanhattan Project starts to get their groove on. This band is a little super group composed of three musicians that have been a part of many amazing bands before coming together to form this one! Mick Collins (best known from The Dirtbombs and The Gories) rips the guitar, Kid Congo (best known from The Cramps and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) shreds the bass and contributes electronic sounds and loops, and Bob Bert (best known from Sonic Youth) pounds away on the drums. They have that raw, grungy rock feel to them. This sound invokes the need within one to dance out the aggression and bop in time to the beat. So much talent was shown in the dirtiest punk rock way.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
The King Khan & BBQ Show
A little over a week late in posting this but.....
On November 22nd, 2016 I went to the Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan to see The King Khan & BBQ Show performance. I arrived before the opening performance, checked my coat, grabbed a couple drinks and headed upstairs to the sweet sounds of The Sonics being covered by The Stompin' Riffraffs.
The Stompin' Riffraffs is the most energetic Japanese 50's style rock'n'roll band with a psychobilly twist. Inducing excitement throughout the crowd with amazing covers and sweet jams featuring solos on a Theremin by Miku, one could not help but bounce around to their fast paced sound! The eye masked members include Nao, (vocals, guitar) Rie, (bass), Miku (piano, theremin) and Saori (drums).
Every single member seemed to be having the time of their lives up on that stage and were extending an invitation to partake in all the fun throughout their entire performance.
The Gartrells followed them with a mixture of garage, rock, soul and R&B styles. This band is originally from Atlanta, GA and features Jared Swilley with the killer mustache (also in Black Lips), Jonah Swilley, Rod Hamdallah and John Kang. This dynamic group of musicians liked to spice it up and switch instruments throughout the set for different songs.
Between these two opening bands the crowd was adequately warmed up for the headliner.
Adorned in leathers, masks, wigs, and plenty of exposed skin, the two members of The King Khan & BBQ Show took the stage. This Canadian garage rock duo comes from Montreal, Quebec. You may recognize them from their former band The Spaceshits. Mark Sultan provides the drums (snare, bass & tambourine), guitar and vocals and King (Arish Ahmad) Khan offers lead vocals and guitar. Between the two of them some sort of punkish doo-wop emerges and forces one to dance their pants off completely. The entire crowd was vibrating with the groovy mood this band creates.
Well done, the to the three of yous!!
On November 22nd, 2016 I went to the Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan to see The King Khan & BBQ Show performance. I arrived before the opening performance, checked my coat, grabbed a couple drinks and headed upstairs to the sweet sounds of The Sonics being covered by The Stompin' Riffraffs.
The Stompin' Riffraffs is the most energetic Japanese 50's style rock'n'roll band with a psychobilly twist. Inducing excitement throughout the crowd with amazing covers and sweet jams featuring solos on a Theremin by Miku, one could not help but bounce around to their fast paced sound! The eye masked members include Nao, (vocals, guitar) Rie, (bass), Miku (piano, theremin) and Saori (drums).
Every single member seemed to be having the time of their lives up on that stage and were extending an invitation to partake in all the fun throughout their entire performance.
The Gartrells followed them with a mixture of garage, rock, soul and R&B styles. This band is originally from Atlanta, GA and features Jared Swilley with the killer mustache (also in Black Lips), Jonah Swilley, Rod Hamdallah and John Kang. This dynamic group of musicians liked to spice it up and switch instruments throughout the set for different songs.
Between these two opening bands the crowd was adequately warmed up for the headliner.
Adorned in leathers, masks, wigs, and plenty of exposed skin, the two members of The King Khan & BBQ Show took the stage. This Canadian garage rock duo comes from Montreal, Quebec. You may recognize them from their former band The Spaceshits. Mark Sultan provides the drums (snare, bass & tambourine), guitar and vocals and King (Arish Ahmad) Khan offers lead vocals and guitar. Between the two of them some sort of punkish doo-wop emerges and forces one to dance their pants off completely. The entire crowd was vibrating with the groovy mood this band creates.
Well done, the to the three of yous!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Thee Oh Sees
Let's get our asses handed to us by music!
First up!!
Thee Oh Sees
My first exposure to this band was through a very close friend of mine. He insisted that if I enjoy music at all, I would especially enjoy this group. He claims that this is one of the only current music groups worth listening to.
How many sick fucks out there can say that they have felt utter excitement after witnessing their beloved singer/songwriter hurl a giant wad of spit across the stage in preparation of their upcoming set? Well, I've learned that I am one of those "sick fucks" when the hurler in the situation is John Dwyer with his guitar adjusted high and tight.
This band comes from San Francisco and plays some killer garage/punk/psychedelic rock. I saw them play at the Warsaw in Brooklyn, NY on November 13th, 2016. That night the band consisted of John Dwyer (guitar and vocals), Tim Hellman (bass), and a double percussion of Ryan Moutinho and Dan Rincon.
Two bands opened for them. Acid Dad (a psyche punk band from NYC) started off the night. Straight Arrows (from Sydney, Australia) followed.
The show was fantastic. John Dwyer's sweet little high pitched yips and howls encouraged all of us to rock on harder and harder. If you value your hearing, I would encourage the use of earplugs. (I didn't use any and blissfully couldn't hear anything the next day besides the music that was still playing in my mind from the night before) Dancing your pants off is a must. Stretching is encouraged so one can function somewhat normally the day after. All in all, extreme fun was had by all.
First up!!
Thee Oh Sees
My first exposure to this band was through a very close friend of mine. He insisted that if I enjoy music at all, I would especially enjoy this group. He claims that this is one of the only current music groups worth listening to.
How many sick fucks out there can say that they have felt utter excitement after witnessing their beloved singer/songwriter hurl a giant wad of spit across the stage in preparation of their upcoming set? Well, I've learned that I am one of those "sick fucks" when the hurler in the situation is John Dwyer with his guitar adjusted high and tight.
This band comes from San Francisco and plays some killer garage/punk/psychedelic rock. I saw them play at the Warsaw in Brooklyn, NY on November 13th, 2016. That night the band consisted of John Dwyer (guitar and vocals), Tim Hellman (bass), and a double percussion of Ryan Moutinho and Dan Rincon.
Two bands opened for them. Acid Dad (a psyche punk band from NYC) started off the night. Straight Arrows (from Sydney, Australia) followed.
The show was fantastic. John Dwyer's sweet little high pitched yips and howls encouraged all of us to rock on harder and harder. If you value your hearing, I would encourage the use of earplugs. (I didn't use any and blissfully couldn't hear anything the next day besides the music that was still playing in my mind from the night before) Dancing your pants off is a must. Stretching is encouraged so one can function somewhat normally the day after. All in all, extreme fun was had by all.
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