We’ve been working with Jambase for ages, but hadn’t gotten to meet their San Francisco-based staff until recently, when CEO Dave Rosenheim and editor-in-chief Aaron Kayce stopped by to tell us why “Go see live music” is more than a motto for them – it’s a way of life. Because it was first thing in the morning, we brought in coffee and doughnuts – yum!
From left, Dave, Aaron, Chris Taillie and Andy Silva.
A few of has had the pleasure of seeing our client Hawksley Workman play last night as part of a brief tour around the US celebrating the imminent release here of ‘For Him and the Girls.’ That album was the Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter’s debut 10 years ago, and it’s well worth hearing, as are the rest of his dramatic, passionate songs, like “Maniacs,” and his intense performances.
The capacity crowd of Hawksley adorers at City Winery knew every word, and made numerous requests, which he was happy to indulge. And we were happy to spend a little time with him backstage, as captured in the photo below. (We’ll attribute the slight blurring to one too many glasses from the wine list.)
I’ve worked for Barbie. And for Joan Jett.
Now one brilliant item combines both: Mattel’s Joan Jett Ladies of the ’80s Doll.
There are also Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Harry dolls, but I didn’t just buy either one of those on Amazon. A tiny, perfect Joan, however, complete with red Chucks and white Gibson, will take a place of pride in my office soon.
I love rock ‘n’ roll!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBLSHyKNdEI]
Photos by Karp
The CMJ music festival can be a taxing time. While filled with quality music and new relationships, the arrival of CMJ often means little sleep, meals on the run, and did I mention little sleep? Well, when you spend the week with the gang from Florida’s Awesome New Republic – it makes it all worthwhile. It seemed we were all over NYC last week, and with 4 shows the band, label and management took it all in stride.
But of course, it’s about the music. What I saw from these three musicians was a fully formed band taking a honed and focused approach to their live show and winning droves of fans in the process. The week culminated in a packed show at R Bar on the Bowery Saturday night. From the opening vocal notes of “Digital World” through the closing snare cracks of “Last Drop,” Awesome New Republic were in full stride – captivating the audience with an energy and passion rarely seen from CMJ acts. During “Alleycat” and “Birthday” the entire room was moving.
When the set was over, the week felt all too short. Even after all those shows, I somehow wanted more. Despite the tired legs and sore feet, I could’ve easily listened to them play for the rest of the night. Thanks for a great week ANR.
Cupcakes this time, a selection from Sugar Sweet Sunshine, for Director of Operations and Shore Fire stalwart Chris Brudzinski (known around here as CKB). I can’t say anyone complained ’cause within five minutes all the treats were gone! Happy Birthday Chris!
Caught a set last Thursday by Big Bill Morganfield, one of Muddy Waters’ many sons. Was a great set, miles beyond what I saw him play a decade ago. Back then, he had a limited stylistic range but he’s broadened it and his singing, in particular, was a real joy. There were moments where one heard Muddy’s voice. And Big Bill certainly fit the, uh, bill; he’s a big dude! Particularly enjoyed his Little Walter cover “Too Late Brother” and his original “Dead Ass Broke.”
Here’s a classic Muddy performance from Newport:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhTCYqJsfqs]
Nirvana’s ‘Bleach‘ came out in 1989. I sadly didn’t spend much time with the album until recently and now I’m obsessed. Lucky for me this lo-fi sludge-fest will see a 20th anniversary release in November with an unreleased 1990 live show, on vinyl!!
For the most part, when Kurt Cobain’s name is mentioned in the news, it’s related to controversy. This 20th anniversary release is bringing the focus back to the music.
Some argue that many bands involved in the underground Seattle scene (and beyond) could have blown up like Nirvana did. But listen to a song like “School” or “About A Girl” from ‘Bleach’ and it’s evident that this band would exist on a different level.
Check out previously unreleased footage of “School,” performed by the band at the Reading Festival in 92.
Rolling Stone has a link to a previously unreleased live version of “Scoff” from the reissue.
‘Bleach’ album cover featuring Charles Peterson’s photograph:
As if last week’s news of former NRBQ manager/muse Capt. Lou Albano’s passing weren’t troubling enough, now comes news (to me) that original Q guitarist Steve Ferguson also went over yonder earlier this month. Steve was only an official member of NRBQ for the first couple or three years, but his influence on the group was lasting. Read the Times obit here.
Here’s a weird, wild clip of Steve doing his thing on what appears to be a Hudson Valley public access show, back in the day:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlTLr5aZ_jg]
And here’s one for the Captain:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJNrsNe54AE]
We had nine scrumptious entries to our first Shore Fire Annual Bake-Off earlier this week, not to mention two celebrity judges, freelance writer and cheese expert Martin Johnson and our neighbor, Dave Park of Prefix Magazine. Thanks again to our judges for taking time out of their busy days to help us have a bit of fun at the office.
(l-r, some of the baked goods, me, Dave Park, Martin Johnson)
Entries were judged on taste and presentation and while the spread was pretty close, the winners were clear:
Nancie Martin’s Fallen Chocolate Souffle Cake
On left, Andy Silva’s Hummingbird Cake
On left, Matt Hank’s third place savory Fig Tart.
Congrats to all the entrants and thanks to all the judges!!
One great thing about Seattle is the people are as nice as the city is beautiful. I had a great time in Seattle recently meeting with Nicole Vandenberg of Vandenberg Communications, Trey Many and Ali Hedrick of the Billions Agency and Kate Jackson and her colleagues at Sub Pop.
Vandenberg Communications prez Nicole Vandenberg with me in Pike’s Place Market after our lovely lunch at Matt’s in the Market.
I enjoyed a latte with Ali Hedrick and Trey Many at The Billions Agency near their offices on 1st Ave.
I was also given a tour of the Sub Pop offices by their PR head Kate Jackson. Here I am with Kate in front of Sub Pop’s historic photo collage.
Thanks to Virginia Piper at Vandenberg Communications who rushed to help me retrieve my Blackberry and saved the day. I hope to return to visit again soon.
Mary Pat Thornton and Cormac McEnery hosted a wonderful evening of music and literature at their Pierrepont Street home in support of the Issue Project Room, an exquisite performance center at 110 Livingston Street (Brooklyn) that is becoming … continued
