Sheik In The City, pt. 2

Geoff Muldaur beat me to WQXR where I found him tuning a gorgeous, signature model Martin and chatting with NY Times Popcast host Ben Sisario about the death of radio, and the rising popularity of live performances online. He taped “Cairo” in one take (“I messed it up real good for ya” – Geoff) and spoke with Ben about the custom Ed Ruscha cover art on his latest record ‘Texas Sheiks,’ and recording with the various Sheiks, including late Texas songwriter Stephen Bruton, to whom the album is a tribute.

We stopped briefly at Geoff’s daughter’s polished West Village studio, where Jenni Muldaur solicited her father’s advice on artwork she might invest in and answers to a crossword puzzle (a passion they share). An accomplished musician in her own right, Jenni has backed Lou Reed and David Byrne, and has a record out titled, ‘Dearest Darlin‘.’

SIRIUS Radio was my last stop with Geoff. We joked about Michael Moore’s crazed personal assistant (he was undoubtedly there in support of Capitalism: A Love Story), then quieted as Geoff warmed up for the interview. As he strummed through a couple chords he muttered, “What was that?” – and turning to me said, “That was a pretty new chord.” Imagine that, Geoff Muldaur discovering a new chord.

Here’s a photo of me and Geoff with the hosts of FreeWheelin’ (Sirius Road Dog Trucking Channel), Meredith Ochs and Chris T:

Left to right: Miya Hannan, Chris T., Geoff Muldaur, Meredith Ochs

Sheik In The City, pt. 1

Geoff Muldaur came to New York to celebrate release date of his wonderful new album Geoff Muldaur & The Texas Sheiks. I found him to be full of gracious warmth. He’s also a hell of a singer and guitar player. First, he appeared on WNYC’s Leonard Lopate Show. Here he is (at center) with Lopate producer Melissa Eagan and WNYC engineer and folk expert Ed Haber, in front of one of the station’s original doors:

We then wandered up the block to the newly remodeled Newsweek, where Geoff taped an interview and a song performance of “Cairo” for Newsweek.com’s Malcolm Jones and Jonathan Groat.

I can’t wait to see a full Muldaur concert! – Nick L-E