Fresh Bread

Phish '12.31.1995' CD Release Party

'Retired' band, Phish, held a party last night at BB King's in Times Square.  No, not to announce their reunion (which will happen in 2006) but to celebrate the release of a brand new box set.

Considered one of the best shows of the nineties (as voted by Rolling Stone), the phamous 12.31.1995 Madison Square Garden show is legendary amongst Phans (my choice).  This was evident as soon as I entered the downstairs lounge.  The house was packed, the music was loud ('Sand' from Big Cypress), and it kinda felt like the boys may actually walk out and play a song or two - there was so much excitement and anticipation.

Kevin Shapio, Phish's archivest and emcee for the night, introduced the the show shortly after 9pm.  The 'show' was actually 3 large screens with the band's show footage sync'd to the music.

Highlight:  Exchanging pleasantries with Mike 'Cactus' Gordon, the bassist. 

*sigh* I'll save my explanation of why Phish breaking up was the best thing for me (which it was) for another post....but I do miss gearing up for and attending a run of shows.  I hope Ernesto gets his shit straight.

until then:  Some Trey > No Trey

The Changes - Mercury Lounge 12.17.05

Saturday night I finally was able to see I Rock I Roll recommended the Changes (via Chicago).  I arrived at the Mercury Lounge just before 10pm as the boys were finishing setting up their gear. 

This band has a couple hands in the Eighties...but that's cool and so is their sound.  This was showcased on one particular song for me, 'The Machine', a pulsing up tempo dance groove.  Many times throughout the night it seemed as if the lead singer attended Tom Jones' school of vocal delivery. 

Standout:  the drummer.  This guy can play and it appeared as if he was the only one actually into the gig.  He earned the lunch pail for sure. 

It's a shame that it took until the final song for the house to really begin to move.  I guess that's what a few shows in a row in the city will do to a band.  I look forward to seeing them again though!

Check out their myspace page for song samples...

The rest of my pics are here

Rewind!

Updates to Rewind! - songs I can't stop listening to

Us - Haley Bonar.mp3

Gomni - Ali Farka Toure w/Ry Cooder.mp3

A Certain Romance - Arctic Monkeys.mp3

The Good Red Road - Devendra Banhart.mp3

Pick up Ali Farka Toure and Devendra Banhart at Emusic.com

Info on Arctic Monkeys Here

Haley Bonar

There's Only One Thierry Henry

This upcoming weekend my favorite football (Eur) squad, Arsenal FC of London, have a huge game against Chel$ea of London.  Chel$ea bought their way to the title last year - they are a Russian billionaire's toy...I defer to Louis for a history of the club as he is #1 fan *rolls eyes* This game could very well save the Arsenal this season in the English Premier League.  If Arsenal lose, they will be 20 points behind with no more title hopes. 

Peep this Thierry Henry Video.mpg , captain of Arsenal and arguably the best striker in the world, playing a classic Fresh Bread trick on a opposing team's mascot in a recent match.  This Henry Song.mp3 is a re-write of a 50 Cent song...not sure which one as I don't listen to him. 

EMI MP Holiday Party 12.12.2005

As promised, some pics from last night's work party.

View Pics Here

My first day with EMI was the Holiday Party last year (held at Vento in the Meatpacking District).  It was hard to really get into the party mode as I didn't want to be 'that guy' in front of my new coworkers.  Low key was the gameplan and I executed it to a 'T'.  This year I decided to let loose and really enjoy the festivities held at one of NYC's most notable locations, Rockefeller Center. 

I had such a good time...Jay-Z was in the hizzle, tasty food, and drinks aplenty.  Before getting my drink on, I had to see what's what with ice skating underneath the Rockefeller X-mas tree.  The rink was packed, as to be expected, but fun nonetheless.  I was told that three hours after skating I was with the group heading for the after party. YADA-YADA I woke up at 7:45am at home.  Today was the longest day ever.  I am just glad that I didn't do or say anything stupid *shakes head* Last night I was the drunkest I have been since last year's San Fran trip and the infamous 'Vanilla Girl' night. 

I decided to add a couple Fresh Bread selections that always remind me of the holidays.  These two songs are from Dave Matthews Band, 12.30.1995 Hampton Coliseum.

All Along The Watchtower1995-12-30sbd.mp3 - featuring VA's own Bruuuuuuuuuuuce Hornsby on keys

Christmas Song1995-12-30sbd.mp3 - Dave solo

Thanks to our outgoing CEO for putting on an amazingly unforgettable time. Happy Holidays y'all!

Company Holiday Party: W-O-W

Last night was EMI MP's holiday party at Rockefeller Center.  I'll be posting pics later tonight; right now all I can say is:

WOW.

Holiday Spirit Saves Fresh Bread

Last night a range of emotions filled FB....from stoked to astounding anxiety and finally thankfullness.

I have been under the weather for a week now (there really should be belt holsters for tissues); all week at work things just haven't felt right...Friday couldn't have come fast enough.  As I cracked my first Heineken and began to sink into the couch, I realized I needed to go to the grocery for a few items.  Back up and out the door I went...can't I just relax damn! 

I had my cell phone in my hand, not secured in a pocket. 

The heat and sweat that hit my back and neck the minute I realized my phone was missing was intense.  One would think I would have learned to secure my phone the last time I lost it (this past summer in a NYC taxi).  Trying to stay calm, I walked through in my head each step from my door to the local Gristede's...I ran back out the door.  I frantically raced around the grocery store - no phone.  Asking employees of the Gristede's if they knew anything - no phone. 

I had reached the point where I began to inquire just how good my phone insurance was.  FYI:  if you have Verizon, insurance replaces your phone (for a fee of $50) but it takes a week to get you a phone!!  My options:

a.  Go through insurance channels, pay $50, one week w/o a cell phone

b.  Go to Verizon store, pay $200 for new phone (ensuring FB doesn't get his new digital camera)

c.  One more attempt at the grocery store to find my cell (swearing to myself if I found it I would 'Dance a Jig')

I gave the Gristede's one last attempt...and thank g-d!!!  Walking back up to Gristede's, a spanish man races up to me.  I can't understand what he's saying but when he pulls his hand from his pocket, I see my cell phone in all it's plastic glory!!  * insert choir singing 'Hallelujah' *

All I could say was gracias and I slipped the man a tener...and danced a jig back to my apartment!

Unbelievable Are the Stooges Music Group

Fresh Bread has something special instore for this post.  I am going to go on a limb and say this is the first feature on this INCREDIBLE band, the Stooges Music Group (aka Stooges Brass Band), in the crazy music blogosphere.  Displaced by Hurricane Katrina, now residing in the Krunkest of cities - Atlanta - the Stooges are a band you should most certainly take note of.

The Stooges music is a blend of Nawlins Brass, R&B, Hip-hop, and jazz.  The group ranges from seven to nine members, depending on the show.All are talented at their instraments.  I have been fortunate to see a few shows by the Stooges; not one of them similar.  One was brass-centric, another featured Jazz-O on vocals during an impromptu 'Jigga What, Jigga Who' jam, another opening for seasoned jam band, Galactic.  They will be playing a private benefit for Make-A-Wish Foundation on the 23rd in Norfolk, VA.  I'm really looking forward to this show (expect a review)!

Until then, check these two songs by the Stooges...

Can't Be Faded.mp3

Why Dey Had To Kill Him.mp3

Kentucky Woman...

One December 7th in the late 19-40's/early 50's, the most important woman in my life was born...my Mom.   

Here are a couple fresh bread selections for you! Two of your favorite artists, the Eagles and Rod Stewart.  Happy Birthday, Mom! 

The Eagles - Take It Easy 1973.4.03 BBC Sessions.mp3

and

Rod Stewart - Forever Young 1989-02-28 Uruguay.mp3

Ras Drew x Zoo York

BIG MAZEL To the newest member of the Zoo York family, Andy Lawrence Barkan aka Ras Drew.  Adding to his current position as Co-Owner of Solebrother Shoe and Skate, Drew becomes Zoo York Sales Representative for MD, WV, V-to the izz-A, NC, SC, and GA; they are based out of NYC ta boot, ta boot!  excellent ;)  It's good to see he didn't settle, followed Joe Dirt's advice (''Can't Have 'No' In Your Heart''), and landed a job with one of his favorite companies in his dream field.

Zoo York began as 'Soul Artists of Zoo York', a team of graffiti artists and skateboarders, in the late 70's.  Out of this crew, Rodney Smith took the ideas another step in early 90's.  Smith, along with a designer and, later, another partner, nurtured Zoo York from small time to world wide company.  Focusing on urban trends and core skate, Zoo York is one of if not the biggest names in skateboarding.  Kevin James - King Of Queens has been known to wear the gear on his show.