Blog: Fresh Bread

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Last month, I took Albert Hammond Jr to an undisclosed NYC office for a solo performance. It was only his second ever solo gig. Albert played five songs including "Blue Skies" and "GFC".

Helllllllooooooo 2009! I've been reminded that I once had a fairly regularly updated blog. What was its name again??? Oh yes, Fresh Bread. Not many posts since November though it is not like I didn't have anything to write about. In fact, there was plenty to write though I decided to take some time "off". I do that from time to time. Well, now I'm back and can promise that I will make posts in 2009. Not sure how many but this is a start. I have seen a few shows since [...]

A few weeks back I shot the Derek Trucks Band show at the Blender Theater. The show was sold out and very good. Look for a new album in early 2009. That should be good, too. Peep the rest of my pics here .

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My day job had a great night of music this past Monday at the Blender Theater. Four of our new bands played 30 minute sets for a solid Monday night crowd. Albert Hammond Jr. played his first ever solo acoustic gig. Reggie Watts made a great first impression to many in the audience. Both Easy Anthems and South Carolina's Slow Runner were very enjoyable (my first time seeing both live). See the rest of my pics here . Albert Hammond Jr. [...]

Brighton, UK singer Alice Russell played the Hiro Ballroom Friday evening. This was her and her band's third ever NYC show and there seemed to be repeat show goers amongst the couple hundred in the crowd. Alice is part of the recent wave of female singers in the R&B/Soul revival emanating out of the UK. No doubt she's talented and has a great voice that mixes a bit of classic with modern and a side of unique. Her stage presence was good too. Overall, I didn't feel blown away, but would say she is worth [...]

Speaking of Sammies , today is my nephew Sam's fifth birthday. Big ups lil homey!! You are my favorite Wii pro bowler!! Hope you have a great birthday and I'll see you soon.

A friend recently turned me on to a band called the Sammies from Charlotte, North Carolina. Gotta say, it was love at first...bite? Yes, bite. I took a big, blind bite into their recent album, Sandwich and have not stopped devouring the album in its entirety over and over and over again. From the fantastic groove of "Glisten" to the fun "Ain't [...]

• "Glisten" - The Sammies.mp3 » 08_glisten.mp3

Haley Bonar recently played a new song, "Bad For You," when I saw her open for Andrew Bird at the Hiro Ballroom . Haley performed the song again, this time acoustic solo, for Current TV . "Bad For You" (Live Acoustic)

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My father-in-law passed away today. Big ups, Big D...RIP. May your birdie putts always drop in where ever you are. One of his favorites was Willie Nelson. Peep the below video from Willie's 70th birthday party at the Beacon Theater here in NYC; Dave was there. You can see him in the lower orchestra: "A Song For You" w/ Leon Russell and Ray Charles

CMJ 2008 kicked off on Tuesday. Lots of parties with lots of bands trying to become the next big thing all over New York City's great venues from smally-small to large. This year is going to be light for me unfortunately, dammit stupid life. Won't even be in town for Friday and Saturday (my birthday). Gonna try to fit as much great music in the time I have though. Night one I took in the Brooklyn Vegan showcase at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg. Only caught the first three bands which was a disappointment but the quality [...]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

As I mentioned the other day , Andrew Bird and Haley Bonar were due to play the Hiro Ballroom on Tuesday. They did. You can see my pics over at Brooklyn Vegan .

secret NYC showcase for Okkervil River, midtown Manhattan, last Tuesday. Peep the rest of my pics here .

Tha nk JA H!!! It's Friday. Peter Tosh - "Rastafari Is" Live

Haley Bonar @ The Living Room 4.6.07 "Arms Of Harm" - Haley Bonar.mp3 Three years ago this December will be the third anniversary of my first Haley Bonar show. Since then, she's released two albums...both I really dig. The latest, Big Star , was released this past June. I missed her when she was here around the album release...no worries because I can make up for it tonight when I head to Hiro Ballroom to check out [...]

• Haley Bonar - Arms of Harm

Just back from Radio City where I saw Death Cab For Cutie perform. Surprisingly, it was the first time I have seen the band from Seattle in concert. Not that I avoided....yada yada....it was the first live Ben Gibbard set. The sold out crowd seemed into the show; I however was unimpressed by the band in the live setting. I think the songwriting and music is overall, really great. Not sure it translates live for the most part. Glad I can check them off the to-see list....now if only BG would bring back Postal Service.