Fresh Bread

Jamie Cullum and Brandi Carlile - Town Hall 03.29.06

 

Self-proclaimed shoe head Jamie Cullum and band totally impressed me this past week.  Finishing out their US Tour at Time Square's Town Hall, Cullum was clearly of the mindset to enjoy every second he had on stage in such a storied venue (he mentioned being influenced by recordings of Charles Mingus's "Town Hall" concert as well as others).  Despite not being as familiar with his work as I now wish I was, I instantly took notice of Cullum for the simple fact he was wearing a sweet set of Nike's (as pictured above).  The shoes were great, the show was incredible.

Cullum has a timeless quality to his voice and a seemingly endless supply of pep and showmanship.  His sound is based around jazz and influenced by many genres.  Peep this paragraph from his bio: 

Jamie Cullum continues to redefine where the parameters of pop, and jazz – indeed, all musical genres – are drawn. "At first I didn't think certain songs had a place in what I was doing with jazz, but I've realized that everything does, and that reaffirms my belief that jazz is the greatest platform to do whatever you want. People ask why I play jazz. It's because you can take it to so many different places. You can embrace dance music, rock, pop music, classical, funk, everything…  And I touch on all those things in this record."

Among the songs I enjoyed were a spirited version of Jimi Hendrix's "the Wind Cries Mary" (from his first album), Radiohead's "High and Dry" (first album), and his latest single, "London Skies" (dedicated to his Brasilian girlfriend....mmmm....brasilian....oh, wait my inner monologue....).

Young singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile opened the show with her beautiful voice (kind of Melissa Ethridge but not as raspy); unfortunately I was only able to catch the end of her set.  Jamie and Brandi duet-ed on a wonderful version of Elton John's "Rocket Man".

Editors and Stellarstarr* - the Warsaw 03.28.2006

Thanks to Village Indian, I saw Editors and Stellarstarr* at the Warsaw.  This was the second time I have seen the boys from Birmingham, England.  I would wholeheartedly say the show at the Mercury Lounge back in January was much better...but that's not saying this one was bad. 

Editors are young and openly admit to tailoring their sound after other bands.  Their strength lies in the power and energy of their live show.  Their album the Back Room is worth a listen...I particularly like "Munich" and "You Are Fading".

the rest of my photos here

Stale Bread - Editors @ Mercury Lounge 01.20.2006 (pics and "You Are Fading" video)

Arctic Monkeys and Spinto Band - Webster Hall 03.25.06

If you looked up the most current definition of the word 'hype', it would probably list Arctic Monkeys as a reference.  the U.K.s hottest band played for NYC at Webster Hall Saturday.  They sold more albums in their first week in the U.K. (360,000) than any other band...the Beatles et al included.

With all the instant praise quickly thrust on the young band from Sheffield, a haterade shower was bound to happen.  Peep this quote from Morrissey:

"It's happening all too quickly for them. They haven't proved a thing and they haven't had to work very hard - that must make them insecure. It's all a bit unnatural. OK they've sold about 700,000 albums, but it can't be gratifying. They haven't been driving up and down the M1 for fifteen years."

Bitter much? 

It's not as if the Monk-monks asked to be taken on an exponential ride to stardom...they are just doing their thing.  For gosh sakes look at the title of their album:  "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not".  Noel Gallagher of Oasis agrees: 

"But I'm sure that the Arctic Monkeys couldn't really give a monkey's - whether it translates to people in China or not. They're just doing their thing. And when this kind of thing happens in the first two years, people will dislike the Arctic Monkeys purely for all the hype that surrounds them but that's got nothing' to do with them."

I am a fan of the band.  I really like "A Certain Romance", "Mardy Bum", and "Bigger Boys and Stolen Sweethearts" the best of all the songs on the album.  Okay so back to the show....

The music sounded great...but the AM's lacked a certain level of stage presence.  The audience was doing their part to will the band to overdrive but the band didn't match the intensity.  I think if you combined the Arctic Monkeys music with the live show of another current UK act, Editors ,you would have a sick ass band.  One can dream....

The show was almost the entire album as well as one new song (I didn't catch the name).  They were definitely video recording the show for something.

Village Indian has a roundup of the other bloggers reviewing the shows.

the Spinto Band opened...I don't know much about them except for their catchy pop tune "Oh Mandy".  They were fun, some songs were better than others.  I have been intrigued to check them out and see what's what with the band.  Head over to I Rock I Roll if you want to download a couple of mp3s. 

the Books and Jose Gonzalez - Bowery Ballroom 03.24.06

I saw Jose Gonzalez again last Friday.  Opening for the Books at the Bowery Ballroom, Jose's mad skills on guitar were a welcomed showcase as an opening act.  Despite the annoyingly chatty crowd - [rant]seriously people, the Bowery has a lower level; you can still hear the music; you can definitely talk to your heart's desire; you won't annoy anyone...especially the ones next to you standing two feet from the stage[/end rant] - I really enjoyed it. 

Beginning with "Deadweight on Velveteen", Jose played a set similar to the one I saw on Wednesday.  His voice, like the first ray of morning sunshine, gently bringing you into it.  His music and lyrics will stir you like that big cup of coffee I know you have each morning.  "Heartbeats" was a crowd pleaser, I really dug "Suggestions" and "All You Deliver" - the latter reminds me sooo much of the guitar stylings of a FB fav Keller Williams (who I'm sure will get a post soon).  Of note, Jose took an encore.

Stale Bread - Jose Gonzalez @ Joe's Pub 03.22.06 pics and video

Stale Bread - Jose Gonzalez - KEXP mp3s

I've only listened to a few songs by the Books before.  Fortunately, they played "Smells Like Content" for me on Friday.  the Books combine recorded music with live instrumentation.  Nick Zammuto plays remote control as well as acoustic guitar.  Paul de Jong plays both cello and bass guitar. 

I dig their sound...Nick has a inviting voice...but for me the live show didn't have the same allure as the recordings.  Decide for yourself as the Books have posted their music on their website.  Buy a T-shirt or something....

T.J.I.F. - 03.24.06

THANK JAH!!!!  It's a beautiful thing.

Yesterday I read on Pitchfork Media's stie an announcement of RadioDREAD  - an all reggae cover version of Radiohead's OK Computer Album - produced by Brooklyn-based Easy Star Records.  Currently in production, the album features one of my alltime favs Toots Hibbert covering "Let Down".  Read more about the upcoming album on Easy Star's website here

Easy Star has experience doing cover albums, having already released the excellent Dub Side of the Moon in 2003.  Here are two samples from that album. 

Money -Dub Side of the Moon.m4a

Us And Them - Dub Side of the Moon.m4a

Ben Harper Playing Two Nights At Summerstage

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals have announced two nights in NYC on their upcoming tour.  On September 5th and 6th, the BHIC will play Central Park's Rumsey Playfield (Summerstage).

Sep 5	New York City, NY	Central Park - Rumsey Playfield	PRE-SALE 3/25 10am EST @ BH Ticketing. ON SALE 4/1 10am EST @ Ticketmaster. $40
Sep 6	New York City, NY	Central Park - Rumsey Playfield	PRE-SALE 3/25 10am EST @ BH Ticketing. ON SALE 4/1 10am EST @ Ticketmaster. $40

Damian Marley will provide opening sets both nights.  sweet.

The rest of Ben Harper's tour dates here

BHIC new double album, Both Sides of the Gun, is in stores (both physically and digitally of course) now.  its fantastic.

Stale Bread - BSOTG Tracklisting

Stale Bread - Damian Marley and Bros TJIF

Jose Gonzalez - Joe's Pub 03.22.06 (7:30 set)

 

Jose Gonzelez' 7:30 set at Joe's Pub was everything I thought it would be.  He is an amazing guitarist - thumping bass notes with his thumb while his spider-like fingers play a melody line with ease.  His subtle vocals cry out words of love.  Joe's Pub was the perfect venue for him and his Nick Drake-ish like sound. 

the setlist:

Deadweight on Velveteen

?

Slow Moves

All You Deliver

Lovestain

Broken Arrow

Suggestions

Heartbeats

Hints

Crosses

Love Will Tear Us Apart

?

E1:  Hand On Your Heart

E2:  ?

? - help would be appreciated if you know

I really liked "Hand On Your Heart".  Hopefully he'll play "Sensing Owls" at the Bowery on Friday.

Heartbeats Movie (right click to save-as)

Stale Bread - Jose Gonzalez - KEXP @ SXSW mp3s

Jose Gonzaelez @ SXSW KEXP Broadcast 03.17.2006

Thank you, Brooklyn Vegan, for introducing me to Jose Gonzalez. 

I will be seeing Swedish Songwriter extraordinaire Jose Gonzalez twice this week.  Tomorrow (early show) and Friday opening for the Books at the Bowery Ballroom. 

As music industry folk and fans recover from what appears to have been a great South By Southwest, those of us that weren't there only have stories and the amazing KEXP broadcasts from Austin. 

Here is the Jose Gonzalez set - held at the ACL Studios on the 17th.  If you dig this and you don't have it, please pick up Veneer.

ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

t01 - Intro.mp3

t02 - Deadweight on Velveteen.mp3

t03 - Hints.mp3

t04 - Sensing Owls.mp3

t05 - Interview.mp3

t06 - Suggestions.mp3

t07 - Heartbeats.mp3

t08 - Crosses.mp3

t09 - Outtro.mp3

Stale Bread - Tapes 'n Tapes KEXP SXSW

Stale Bread - Jose Gonzalez @ Joe's Pub (early show) 3.22.06 pics and video

Jose's myspace page

Blues Traveler @ Rothko on Sale

Blues Traveler will be playing a late show after the Jammys on 4:20.    The Rothko is Small (like 250-300 capacity).  Blues Traveler have won awards and stuff.  This is part of the Green Apple Music Festival.

buy tickets here.

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Irving Plaza 03.18.06

I am officially blown away by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins.  Playing the first of two NYC shows at the Irving Plaza Saturday night, Jenny Lewis and Band were visibly stoked to be performing in this city on the prime weekend night.  The excitement was mutual for the crowd as they bantered back and forth with the stage throughout the evening. 

I admit not being as familiar with Jenny's other band, Rilo Kiley, as I am with her work on the massive Give Up album by the Postal Service.  That said, I intend to change that effective immediately.

Lewis put forth an amazing performance Saturday.  Her timeless voice and songwriting has just the right mix of throwback and uniqueness to captivate you enthrallingly.  I was impressed by the richness of sound her band produced.  They were all excellent.  The set consisted of mainly Rabbit Fur Coat songs; two new songs were also played (one "untitled" another I couldn't make out what she said the name was "Jack Killed Mom").  the three-song encore included the Shirelles’ “I Met Him on a Sunday” and the traditional “Cold Jordan.”

My personal favorites were "Rise Up With Fists" (which I feel is a crossover hit in waiting), the untitled new song, and the set closing "Born Secular" (the band left the stage one by one -starting with Jenny then the twins - as the music continued, ending with a good drum solo).

Download eleven of the twelve songs on Rabbit Fur Coat for free legally here

JLWT will be performing on the Late Show with David Letterman on March 21st.

Listen to Jenny and band's Morning Becomes Eclectic Set here

JLWT myspace page