FEEL THAT RAGE! SEE THAT RAGE! ~ Pic by Josh Raskin
Blast Off: Lettuce’s new material leaves Rage in the dust…
Eric Krasno – Guitar
Adam Deitch – Drums
Neal Evans – Organ/keys
E.D. Coomes – Bass
Adam “Shmeens” Smirnoff – Guitar
James Casey – Alto Sax
Ryan Zoidis – Tenor Sax
Eric Bloom – Trumpet
Rashawn Ross – Trumpet
Nigel Hall – vocals/keys
Mel Flannery – Vocals
Alicia Chakour – Vocals
Happy Holiday Rage! Pic by Josh Raskin
As the funk super group Lettuce began the familiar strains of Curtis Mayfield‘s “We’re a Winner,” which morphed, as it usually does, into Mayfield’s “Move on Up” to close out Wednesday Night’s Royal Family Holiday Party at the Brooklyn Bowl, I couldn’t help but laugh because it was a perfect bookend to a new chapter in the life of this fantastic band. This dynamic tune, with Nigel Hall jumping up to deliver some soul shaking melodies on vocals, has been one of the band’s most consistent the last couple years, and it made me think about how far this band has come.
THE MAN! Pic by Josh Raskin
Rewind three and a half years! I’ve returned home from my first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and was itching for great live music to stem the withdrawal tide. I headed to the Bowery Ballroom to see this band I had skipped at Fest because I knew they were playing at home later…and I dug it. Great band, busy, Rube Goldberg type funk (you know, lots of moving parts coming together to make awesome, think of the Charles Mingus track “Moanin'” and you’ll see what I mean), high energy, great musicians, even had this awesome dude come up and sing a few classics, including a great Curtis Mayfield cover. Nice stuff, liked it a lot. Snagged the new (at the time) album, Rage and really liked most of the tracks. It actually spent a lot of time in rotation in the car and the Ipod.
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Get Some Jesus ~ Pic by Josh Raskin
But here is the thing, if you don’t know the Lettuce story, then you don’t get the power of the whole picture. Unlike bands who stay together and tour often like Galactic, the members of Lettuce only gather for small periods of time throughout the year. When you are Lettuce, you record a quick album, maybe you see each other a couple times a year for a few gigs, but that’s largely it, you’re not necessary wood-shedding together a whole lot.
Case in point: On archive.org, Lettuce has eight recorded sets in 2002, one recorded set in 2003, no recorded sets from 2004-2007. None! Then, moved by the passing of James Brown and J-Dilla, the fellas recorded Rage and started out on the road again in 2008. This is not to say these guys aren’t monster players on their own, because they are. But there’s a difference between rocking out with old friends and playing sets with increased regularity, rehearsing and getting into the groove, finding and exploring new places. You gotta know who else is there to really get there! That’s why I like seeing shows at the end of the long run instead of beginning, because players will have gotten a little more comfortable, a little more familiar, and will be able to stretch out. That’s the band we saw on Wednesday night.
James Casey and Ryan Zoidois kilin it! ~ Pic by Josh Raskin
A couple Royal Family Ball throwdowns in New York and New Orleans, a Royal Family Ball tour, two Bowlive runs, the first ever Royal Family Affair (which I sadly missed), two Royal Family holiday concerts, Bear Creek Arts and Music Festival, Jam Cruise, prep for the CRAZY set with Dr. John and Maceo that kicked off this year… it’s been a big couple years for Lettuce. Each performance felt a little stronger, a little tighter, a little more impressive.
With Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour in the mix, Lettuce can grow to as many as twelve or thirteen folks on stage at a time, and making that sound tight ain’t easy. Some of the fellas putting down roots in Brooklyn really allowed for a base of operations for the group, particularly at the Brooklyn Bowl, and it shows. Lettuce has done more gigging, rehearsal, and playing together than they have done in a while. As 2011 winds down, they’ve started dropping new tunes in shows, tunes that feel deeper and stronger than any of their previous material. Again, I dig Rage, a lot. However, this is no longer old friends putting together some real solid grooves and giving props to the giants who’s shoulders they stand on. Lettuce is now a fearsome unit ready to flex their own muscles.
Mel Flannery and Alicia Chakour ~ Pic by Josh Raskin
The band is tight as hell. Everybody sounds awesome. I was loving Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff leading a couple tunes and laying out a great solo. Adam Deitch is locked in on the drum kit and he and E.D “Jesus” Coomes combine to make one killer rhythm section! The Shmeeans/Deitch beatboxing was HOT as well! Eric Krasno keeps growing, which seems preposterous for someone as good as he is. Neal Evans always brings that extra something to kick the songs up (though as much as I love Neal, the clavinet was a little up in the mix, and I had to abandon my normal front right spot to make sure I could hear the horns). And while Sam Kinninger was missed, the horns did sound awesome, with Ryan Zoidis leading the pack, Rashawn Ross and Eric Bloom on trumpet, and sentimental favorite James Casey (see: ridiculous solo on “Get Back” from Bowlive 1) on tenor. In fact, due to Kinninger’s absence, Casey could be seen upstairs with headphones on learning Kinninger’s parts right up until the show began. True dedication! I would have loved for the band to give the horns some more spotlight. Either way, they were solid as always. Vocalists Nigel Hall impressed the most this night having grown so much as an artist and a dude in the last two years. Alecia Chakour and Mel Flannery are also great additions to the krewe.
I’ve seen these musicians before, but not like this. I kept turning to people and saying, “What?!” The new grooves are chest-thumping, gut-busting, smack the person next to you and say “Damn, that shit is dope!” kind of tracks. “If I Was Jack Spade That Would Be My Theme Music” kind of tracks. KILLIN!! I can’t say it any plainer than this: the new material Lettuce is playing is FIRE! Nasty, literally jaw-dropping funk not to be messed with. Of the five or six songs I heard Wednesday night, four of them would be my favorite track on Rage! right now, and that’s an album I really like!
My advice to other amazing funk/soul/jam bands I know and love, especially when playing anywhere near Lettuce, STEP YA GAME UP! 2012 is a year of a lot of eagerly awaited album releases: Galactic, Antibalas, Soulive + Karl Denson EP, even hip hop legends Black Star are getting into it. But if Eric Coomes’ warning to me on my walk out of the Brooklyn Bowl holds true: “Dude. Wait till you hear the other shit, you don’t even know.” The best one of all could be coming from the Royal Family straight out of Brooklyn.
At last, that blessed day has come.
Set-List: Madison Square, Fast Kraz, Play, By Any Shmeeans Necessary, Last Suppit, Slow Zap, Mean Funk, Slippin’, Dilla, Let it Ride, Kings of the Bergs, GoGo and Makin’ My Way Back Home (w/ Nigel Hall), Blast Off
Words by Russ Agdern Pictures by Josh Raskin Video by Bill Giordano
(Free) American Babies @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
(Free) John Hammond @ Madison Square Park (Madison Square Music: Studio Series)
($10) Asobi Seksu @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) Free Form Funky Freqs: Vernon Reid (guitars) Jamaaladeen Tacuma (bass) G. Calvin Weston (drums) @ The Stone
($20-$25) Imelda May @ Bowery Ballroom
($80-$140) Elvis Costello @ United Palace Theatre
Sunday, October 2, 2011
($15) Conspirator Featuring Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner from The Disco Biscuits, Beem and Deem, Horizon Wireless, Alpha Data (DJ Set) @ Brooklyn Bowl
($22-$28) Sean McCann of Great Big Sea @ City Winery
Monday, October 3, 2011
($5-$8) A Residency With: The London Souls @ Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($30-$41) The Psychedelic Furs featuring Tom Tom Club @ Irving Plaza
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
($5-$8) Kung Fu @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) Mark Guiliana @ 55 Bar
($35-$45) David Sanborn @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($55-$120) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
($60-$90) Portishead @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
($5) Tall Tall Trees @ Brooklyn Bowl
($14) Toubab Krewe and Zongo Junction @ Le Poisson Rouge
($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
($15) Austra @ Bowery Ballroom
($35-$45) David Sanborn @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($40-$55) Guerilla Union & House of Blues Presents Black Star with Mos Def and Talib Kweli @ Irving Plaza
($50-$65) Bebel Gilberto – Make-up Show @ City Winery
($55-$120) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
($65-$90) Portishead @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
($100) Up From The Bayou: A Benefit for New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation @ Dave Malone and Camile Baudoin (of the Radiators), Ivan Neville and Tony Hall (of Dumpstaphunk), and Adam Dietch (of Lettuce)
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Thursday, October 6, 2011
($10) Mark Guiliana @ 55 Bar
($25-$30) James Blake & Austra @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($35-$45) David Sanborn @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($55-$120) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
($75-$90) Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, and Maceo Parker @ Town Hall
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Friday, October 7, 2011
(Free) Tall Tall Trees ACOUSTIC SHOW @ Postcrypt Coffeehouse
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
($10) FiKus @ Sullivan Hall
($12) Melvin Seals and JGB @ Brooklyn Bowl
($20) Ollabelle @ The Bowery Ballroom
($26-$38) NOFX & Anti-Flag with Old Man Markley @ Irving Plaza
($35-$45) David Sanborn @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($50-$55) An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Natalie Merchant @ Highline Ballroom
($50-$125) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Saturday, October 8, 2011
($10) O’Death @ The Bell House
($10) Reckoning: Performing The Music of the Dead, Phish, and more @ Sullivan Hall
($12) Roots of Creation @ Highline Ballroom
($26-$38) NOFX @ Irving Plaza
($50-$125) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Sunday, October 9, 2011
($18-$28) Beats Antique @ Irving Plaza
($22-$27) The Lemonheads performing “It’s A Shame About Ray” @ Bowery Ballroom
($50-$125) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
Monday, October 10, 2011
($5-$8) A Residency With: The London Souls @ Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($22-$27) The Lemonheads performing “It’s A Shame About Ray” @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
(Free) Fundimensionals @ The Bitter End
($7) Bernie Worrell Orchestra (of original Parliament-Funkadelic / Talking Heads) with Wolf!, The Statesmen & The Erik Deutch Band @ The Bowery Electric
($15) RJD2 @ Brooklyn Bowl
($15-$25) Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes @ City Winery (2 sets, seperastely priced)
($25) Jason Crosby & Dark Loft CD Release Concert (w/ special guests!) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($45-$65) An Evening with Pat Metheny ft. Larry Grenadier @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($60-$107) Steve Miller Band @ Beacon Theater
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
(Free) Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” + The Wizard of Oz = Dark Side of the Rainbow @ The Brooklyn Bowl
“WE DON’T HAVE A SHOW SO WE’RE PLAYING DARK SIDE OF THE MOON TO THE WIZARD OF OZ AND BOWLING IS FREE” BOWL ~ plus free shoe rental & Pink Floyd video mixed by Brooklyn Bowl’s own VJ Emmtea
($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
($25-$30) Jars of Clay w/ special guest Dave Barnes @ B.B. Kings
($35-$42) Iron & Wine @ Terminal 5
($45-$65) An Evening with Pat Metheny ft. Larry Grenadier @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Thursday, October 13, 2011
($5-$8) Biz Markie (DJ Set) @ Brooklyn Bowl
($20) Spin Doctors performing “Pocket Full Of Kryptonite” @ The Bowery Ballroom
($30-$64) Indigo Girls @ Beacon Theater
($35-$42) Iron & Wine @ Terminal 5
($45-$65) An Evening with Pat Metheny ft. Larry Grenadier @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Friday, October 14, 2011
($12-$15) EOTO Featuring Michael Travis and Jason Hann of String Cheese Incident, Billi Shakes @ Brooklyn Bowl
($13) These Darlins @ The Bell House
($16-$18) Jackie Greene @ The Bowery Ballroom
($20-$25) Jay Farrar (of Son Volt) & Anna Ternheim @ City Winery
($45-$65) An Evening with Pat Metheny ft. Larry Grenadier @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Saturday, October 15, 2011
($5) New York Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
($10) Bonerama @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10-$12) Leroy Justice @ Sullivan Hall
($16-$18) Jackie Greene @ The Bowery Ballroom
($20-$25) Jay Farrar (of Son Volt) & Anna Ternheim @ City Winery
($25-$30) The Royal Family Ball feat. Soulive @ Terminal 5
($45-$65) An Evening with Pat Metheny ft. Larry Grenadier @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($45-$400) Paul Kantner 70th Birthday All-Star Gala w/ Jefferson Starship, Hot Buttered Rum, Moon Alice, Nona Hendryx & Sp. Guests: Pete Sears, John Molo, Prarie Prince, Barry Sless + a Special Tribute to Papa Jonh Creach @ B.B. Kings
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Sunday, October 16, 2011
(Free) Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Upper West Side Apple Store (7pm)
Live at the Apple Store: Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey On their 21st album, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey reaches into the depths of their hometown’s history and emerges with a masterwork. Stop by to hear tracks from the band’s new album, “Race Riot Suite.”
($20-$25) Damn Right! ft. Marco Benevento! w. Billy Martin, DVS*, Mun, more @ The House of Yes, Bklyn
($20-$25) Jay Farrar (of Son Volt) & Anna Ternheim @ City Winery
($45-$65) An Evening with Pat Metheny ft. Larry Grenadier @ Blue Note (2 sets)
Monday, October 17, 2011
($5-$8) A Residency With: The London Souls @ Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($16-$18) Jackie Greene @ The Bowery Ballroom
($20-$35) Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars ft Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath & More! @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($20) Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey Plays “The Race Riot Suite” with special guests Peter Apfelbaum, Steven Bernstein, Mark Southerland @ The Jazz Standard (2 sets)
($25-$30) Minus the Bear @ Webster Hall
($35-$40) Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra @ Hiro Ballroom
($35-$116) Open Door: India Arie & Idan Raichel @ Beacon Theater
($55-$65) Smashing Pumpkins @ Terminal 5
($40-$53) Jane’s Addiction @ Irving Plaza
($20-$35) Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars ft Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath & More! @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
($10) Charlie Hunter Solo Residency @ Sycamore
($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
($20) Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey Plays “The Race Riot Suite” with special guests Peter Apfelbaum, Steven Bernstein, Mark Southerland @ The Jazz Standard (2 sets)
($20-$35) Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars ft Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath & More! @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($30) Stanley Jordan feat. Bucky Pizzarelli / Sharon Ibsen / Special Guests – CD Release Party @ Iridium Jazz Club
($37-$45) Arctic Monkeys @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Thursday, October 20, 2011
(Free) Tall Tall Trees @ Rockwood Music Hall
($20-$35) Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars ft Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath & More! @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($30) Stanley Jordan feat. Bucky Pizzarelli / Sharon Ibsen / Special Guests – CD Release Party @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40-$52) Dierks Bentley @ Irving Plaza powered by Klipsch
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Friday, October 21, 2011
(Free) Coldplay @ The Today Show
(Free) Cabinet @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) Eric McFadden @ The National Underground
($15) Lisa Hannigan @ Highline Ballroom
($20-$35) Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars ft Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath & More! @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($25) The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe @ Birdland
($25-$30) Rusted Root @ Le Poisson Rouge
($25-$30) Tales from the Sahel: An Evening with Baaba Maal @ The Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts (Pace University)
($30) Ziggy Marley @ Best Buy Theater
($30) Stanley Jordan Band ft. Bucky Pizzarelli / Kenny Garrett / Special Guests – CD Release Party @ Iridium Jazz Club
($35) En Vouge @ B.B. Kings
($35-$65) The Jayhawks & Rosanne Cash @ Beacon Theatre
($40-$52) Dierks Bentley @ Irving Plaza
($75-$85) The Blue Note Presents Guitar Man George Benson @ Town Hall
($70-$90-$250) Clearwater, founded by Pete Seeger, presents a benefit concert for their Environmental Education Programs.
Performers include Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Suzanne Vega, Loudon Wainwright III, Guy Davis, David Amram, Toshi Reagon, Lucy Kaplansky, Tom Paxton and others to be announced soon. @ Symphony Space
($70-$110) Betty Buckley: Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
($75-$100) The Blue Note Presents Guitar Man George Benson @ Town Hall
Saturday, October 22, 2011
($15) Yarn with special guests The Hollows and The Tension @ Hiro Ballroom
($20-$35) Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars ft Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath & More! @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($25-$30) Duck Down VS Blacksmith CMJ Showcase: Talib Kweli / Pharoahe Monch @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($27.50) STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9) @ Best Buy Theater
($30) Stanley Jordan Band featuring Bucky Pizzarelli / Kenny Garrett / Special Guests – CD Release Party @ Iridium Jazz Club
($35-$65) An Evening With Gillian Welch @ Beacon Theater
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Sunday, October 23, 2011
($10-$15) Spin Doctor’s performing “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30) Stanley Jordan Band featuring Bucky Pizzarelli / Kenny Garrett / Special Guests – CD Release Party @ Iridium Jazz Club
($35-$45) Ed Roland (collective soul) & Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) @ City Winery
($45, $55, $65, & $75) Ledisi @ Apollo Theater
($44-$107) Weird Al Yankovic @ Beacon Theater
Monday, October 24, 2011
($5-$8) A Residency With: The London Souls @ Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($15) The Secret Sisters @ The Bell House
($22-$25) Goapele ~ Break of Dawn Album Release Concert @ B.B. Kings
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
($25-$35) Jimmy Heath 85th Birthday Celebration with special guest Bill Cosby @ Blue Note (2 sets)
($27.50-$35) AMON TOBIN, ISAM Live Audio/Visual Show @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple Brooklyn, NY
($30, $53.50, $78.50, $93.50) Absolute Funk: Honoring George Clinton @ The Apollo Theater
($35-$50) Moby Live Acoustic & Ambient @ Angel Orensanz Foundation
($40-$50) Insane Clown Posse @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
($40-$90) Duran Duran @ Madison Square Garden
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
($7) Reggie Watts @ Littlefield, BK
($10) Charlie Hunter Solo Residency @ Sycamore
($15) North Mississippi Allstars @ Brooklyn Bowl
($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
($25-$35) Jimmy Heath 85th Birthday Celebration with special guest Bill Cosby @ Blue Note
($27.50-$35) AMON TOBIN, ISAM Live Audio/Visual Show @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple Brooklyn, NY
($34.50) Hubert Sumlin and the Nighthawks @ Iridium Jazz Club
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Thursday, October 27, 2011
($20-$30) Boris w/ Asobi Seksu @ Irving Plaza powered by Klipsch
($25) Steve Kuhn Trio @ Jazz Standard
($25) Bernie Worrell @ The Bitter End
($25-$30) Average White Band @ B.B. Kings
($25-$35) Jimmy Heath 85th Birthday Celebration @ Blue Note
($27.50-$35) AMON TOBIN, ISAM Live Audio/Visual Show @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple Brooklyn, NY
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Lowes Regency
Friday, October 28, 2011
(Free) Juan Maclean (DJ Set) & Rok One @ Le Baine
($5-$8) The Stooges Brass Band @ The Brooklyn Bowl (late night set)
($10) Universal Funk Order @ Sullivan Hall
($15) North Mississippi Allstars @ Brooklyn Bowl
($22-$35) John Wesley Harding’s Cabinet of Wonders
Feat. John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats), Craig Finn (The Hold Steady), Paul Harding, John Hodgman, Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen), Eugene Mirman, Emma Straub @ City Winery
($22.50) New Found Glory @ Best Buy Theater
($25-$35) Jimmy Heath 85th Birthday Celebration @ Blue Note
($30) Steve Kuhn Trio @ The Jazz Standard
($48-$55) David Cassidy @ B.B. Kings
($50-$60) Shpongle LIVE @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Saturday, October 29, 2011
($10) Jesse Dee @ The Blue Note
($10) Arooj Aftab and Grey play Songs on Earth w/ Meshell Ndegeocello @ Le Poisson Rouge
($10-$15) John Brown’s Body @ Brooklyn Bowl
($20) A Haunted Hot Tub Halloween: Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler, John Darnielle (of The Mountain Goats), Wyatt Cenac, Andres du Bouchet, Found Footage Festival, + more! @ Littlefield, BKLYN
($25) Yonder Mountain String Band & The Infamous String Dusters @ Best Buy Theater
($25-$35) Jimmy Heath 85th Birthday Celebration @ Blue Note
($25-$35) Medeski, Martin & Wood @ Terminal 5
($25-$35) The Grand Slambovian Halloween Ball Hosted By Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams @ Gramercy Theater
($30) Steve Kuhn Trio @ The Jazz Standard
($30) The Music of Frank Zappa: Project Object w/ Ike Willis + Ray White @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
($50-$145) The Fab Faux performing Magical Mystery Tour in its entirety @ Beacon Theater
($63-$112) Danzig – The Legacy Tour @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
($110) Betty Buckley : Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway @ Feinstein’s at Loews Regency
Sunday, October 30, 2011
($25-$35) Jimmy Heath 85th Birthday Celebration @ Blue Note
($30) Steve Kuhn Trio @ The Jazz Standard
($35) The Little Willies feat. Lee Alexander, Jim Campilongo, Norah Jones, Richard Julian and Dan Rieser @ The Bell House
Monday, October 31, 2011
($5-$8) A Residency With: The London Souls @ Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($35-$42) Matthew Sweet/”Girlfriend” anniversary shows w/ The Shadowboxers @ City Winery
($63-$78) Ween @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
With the release of the Jam Cruise line up yesterday, I can’t stop thinking of the artist and how they impact our time on the boat. Running into them in the elevators, having them knock on your cabin door when they hear the pop of a champagne bottle or laying down their food tray to have a leisurely meal with a fan in the dining hall.
As I looked at the line up, I noticed the familiar names. There is always a George Porter project, an Eric Krasno project, a Karl Denson project. The latter is the artist I have been thinking the most about. I just missed two nights of a 3-set GreyBoy Allstars show at the Brooklyn Bowl due to being in the hospital taking care of my boy toy, Josh!
I met Josh at the Karl Denson Tiny Universe shows just about a year or so ago. During Bowlive 2010, Josh and I actually got a chance to speak to him and thank him for helping us meet. His response to us: “Just make sure you show me pictures of the children.” Classic Karl. Needless to say, he holds a special place in our hearts.
Karl’s name is yet again plastered as a Jam Cruise headliner, leading his project Karl Denson Tiny Universe. It was on my first Jam Cruise, Jam Cruise 8, that I truly got to experience Karl Denson in all his glory. But not as a member of The GreyBoy Allstars, not as a member of The Tiny Universe. No, this project was called Sexual Chocolate.
Karl Denson rockin his wig!
With outstanding talent, worth ethic and enthusiasm, Karl Denson is one of the most respected men in the Funk music community. Amazing us with his saxophone and flute skills, among other instruments, Karl Denson fronts bands such as Karl Denson Tiny Universe and GreyBoy Allstars! But have you ever heard of his involvement with Sexual Chocolate?
If you haven’t already watched it, go rent Coming to America! Eddie Murphy plays many rolls throughout the movie but the best role was as the band leader of Sexual Chocolate. And who’s playing saxophone for this gnarly band? None other than our beloved Karl Denson.
Jeff Coffin and others
For many years Sexual Chocolate was out of commission but lucky for us, Karl Denson decided to breathe life into this fictional band by performing a funky Sexual Chocolate set on Jam Cruise 8 in January of this year.
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
Monday, May 2, 2011
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($20) The Airborne Toxic Event @ Pianos
($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($24) The Airbourne Toxic Event @ The Mercury Lounge
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
(Free) Brooklyn Shakedown with Nutritious @ Bembe
($24) The Airbourne Toxic Event @ The Bowery Ballroom
($40-$133) Batiashvili, Bartók, and Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
Thursday, May 5, 2011
New Orleans Jazz Festival, New Orleans, LA
(Free) Gent Treadly @ 11th Street Bar
(Free) Nir Felder Group (Mark Guiliana) @ 55 Bar
($5) Sophistafunk @ Rockwood Music Hall
($15) Jackie Greene @ Brooklyn Bowl
($20-$25) The Airborne Toxic Event @ Webster Hall
($40-$46) Bad Religion @ Terminal 5
($65-$144) Gladys Knight @ Beacon Theater
($1,500 – $5,000) Alan Gilbert Conducts 120th Anniversary Concert @ Carnegie Hall
Gala tickets include a seat at the concert and admission to a post-concert dinner-dance at The Plaza
Friday, May 6, 2011
New Orleans Jazz Festival, New Orleans, LA
(Free) Taurus (Mark Guiliana) @ Bowery Electric
($10) The Mother Hips @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($15 – $20) The Infamous String Dusters @ Bowery Ballroom
($22) Reverend Horton Heat plus Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band @ The Bell House
($24-$45) The Airborne Toxic Event @ Town Hall
($25-$30) Minus The Bear @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($40-$46) Bad Religion @ Terminal 5
($40-$127) Batiashvili, Bartók, and Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
Saturday, May 7, 2011
New Orleans Jazz Festival, New Orleans, LA
($22-$27) The NEW DEAL with special guests OTT & Sub Swara @ Terminal 5
($43-$138) Batiashvili, Bartók, and Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
Sunday, May 8, 2011
New Orleans Jazz Festival, New Orleans, LA
($22) Reverend Horton Heat plus Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band @ Highline Ballroom
($41-$46) Interpol / Blonde Redhead @Terminal 5
Monday, May 9, 2011
(Free) Now vs. Now (Mark Guiliana) @ Rockwood Music Hall
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
($1,500 – $5,000) James Taylor @ Carnegie Hall
Package A: Tickets are either $2,500 or $5,000 and include the exclusive After-Party and a seat in the Prime Parquet at the concert.
Package B: Tickets are $1,000 and include the pre-concert Cocktail Reception and a seat in the Parquet or Second Tier at the concert.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
(Free) Chris Morrissey Quintet @ Rockwood Music Hall
($30-$40) Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Birdland New York
($32-$38) Raphael Saadiq @ Webster Hall
($45-$65) Al Jarreau and the George Duke Trio @ The Blue Note
($60-$159) Paul Simon @ The Beacon Theater
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
(Free) Brooklyn Shakedown with Nutritious @ Bembe
($15) The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
($45-$65) Al Jarreau and the George Duke Trio @ The Blue Note
($55-$159) Paul Simon @ The Beacon Theater
($50-$65) Blind Boys of Alabama @ City Winery
Thursday, May 12, 2011
(Free) Maceo Parker @Pier One ~ Brooklyn Bridge Park
($15) Break Science @ Highline Ballroom
($30-$40) Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Birdland NYC
($35-$40) Brenda Russell and the George Duke Trio @ The Blue Note
($40-$64) Warren Haynes Band @ Beacon Theater
($40-$87) A Celebration of Kate McGarrigle w/ Rufus Wainwright, Emmylou Harris & Martha Wainwright Town Hall
Friday, May 13, 2011
(Free) Meshell Ndegeocello @ Gatehouse Restaurant and Bar, Brooklyn
($12) Wyllys @ Sullivan Hall
($30) Deftones @ Best Buy Theater
($30) The Mahavishnu Project plays the music of Jeff Beck @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30-$40) Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Birdland NYC
($35-$40) Brenda Russell and the George Duke Trio @ The Blue Note
($40-$55) Allen Toussaint @ City Winery
($40-$87) A Celebration of Kate McGarrigle w/ Rufus Wainwright, Emmylou Harris & Martha Wainwright Town Hall
Saturday, May 14, 2011
(Free) The Prigs @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) Meshell Ndegeocello @ Gatehouse Restaurant and Bar, Brooklyn
(Free) Red Baraat for the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series @ The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
($24-$29) Crash Test Dummies with Rob Morsberger @ City Winery
($30) Deftones @ Best Buy Theater
($30-$40) Pharoah Sanders Quartet @ Birdland NYC
($45-$65) Al Jarreau and the George Duke Trio @ The Blue Note
($80-$130) David Crosby & Graham Nash @ Town Hall
Sunday, May 15, 2011
(Free) Red Barraat for Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brooklyn Bridge Park @ Celebrate Brooklyn Dance Party
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($35-$55) Taylor Hicks @ City Winery
($45-$65) Al Jarreau and the George Duke Trio @ The Blue Note
($45-$75) Marcus Miller Presents: A Concert for Japanese Tsunami Relief @ Highline Ballroom
Featuring Raheem Devaughn, Robert Glasper, Sean Jones, Angelique Kidjo, Gregoire Maret, Raul Midon,Q-Tip, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Kaoru Watanabe, Louis Cato, Alex Han, Federico Gonzalez Pena, Vince Wilburn, Wallace Roney and more TBA!
Monday, May 16, 2011
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($24-30) Rusted Root @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
($20) Rusted Root’s Adam Ezra Group @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$35) Lykke Li @ Webster Hall
($35-$60) Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers w/ Henry Butler @ Highline Ballroom
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
(Free) Brooklyn Shakedown with Nutritious @ Bembe
($20) Felice Brothers @ The Bell House
($25) Maceo Parker @ S.O.B.’s
($30-$35) Lykke Li @ Webster Hall
($35-$40) En Vouge @ B.B. Kings
($35-$60) Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers w/ Eric Lindell (Album Release) @ Highline Ballroom
Thursday, May 19, 2011
($15-$20) Lo, Aaron, Dan and Jon of God Street Wine @ Joe’s Pub
(Free) Nir Felder Group (Mark Guiliana) @ 55 Bar
($10) Fundimensionals @ Sullivan Hall
($18-22) New Riders of the Purple Sage @ B.B. Kings
($20) The Felice Brothers @ The Bell House
($20) Reflection @ Rocks Off Cruise (The Halfmoon)
($25-$31) Brett Dennen @ Webster Hall
($35-$80) Adele @ Beacon Theater
Friday, May 20, 2011
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($25) John Mayall @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
($25) Murder By Death @ Rocks Off River Cruise
Saturday, May 21, 2011
($12) Garage A Trois @ Brooklyn Bowl
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($50-$77) Adele @ United Palace Theater
($55-$75) Johnny Mathis @ Lehman Arts Center, Bronx
($55-$65) Esperanza Spalding @ Town Hall
Sunday, May 22, 2011
(???) Mark Guiliana @ 55 Bar
($10-$15) A Soulful N’awlins Sunday Brunch w/ Brother Joscephus & The Love Revival Revolution Orchestra @ Le Poisson Rouge
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($50-$107) Elvis Costello and The Imposters – The Revolver Tour @ Beacon Theater
Monday, May 23, 2011
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
($50-$107) Elvis Costello and The Imposters – The Revolver Tour @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($7) Richie Goods and Nuclear Fusion @ Local 269
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($20-$100) Club d’Elf & John Medeski @ Brooklyn Bowl
($25-$30) Panic At The Disco @ Terminal 5
($30-$40) Kenny Barron Quartet with Terrance Blanchard @ Birdland NYC
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($35-$41) Artic Monkeys @ Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
($40-$115) Bettye LaVette @ Cafe Carlyle
($50-$107) Elvis Costello and The Imposters – The Revolver Tour @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
(Free) Brooklyn Shakedown with Nutritious @ Bembe
($10) Gent Treadly, Willie Waldman Project, DJ Logic @ Sullivan Hall
($15) Kenny Barron Quartet with The Louis Armstrong Centennial Band @ Birdland NYC
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($40-$115) Bettye LaVette @ Cafe Carlyle
($52-$65) The Cars @ Roseland Ballroom
Thursday, May 26, 2011
(Free) Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brooklyn Bridge Park @ Celebrate Brooklyn Dance Party @ Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY
Red Baraat and many more…
(Free) Tall, Tall Trees @ Rockwood Music Hall
($30-$40) Kenny Barron Quartet with Terrance Blanchard @ Birdland NYC
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($40-$115) Bettye LaVette @ Cafe Carlyle
Friday, May 27, 2011
($15) Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter “Wolfman” Washington & Russell Batiste followed by MiloZ @ Sullivan Hall
($20-$25) Steve Kuhn (solo piano) & The Daniel Bennett Group @ The Triad Theater
($25) The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe @ Birdland NYC
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($40-$115) Bettye LaVette @ Cafe Carlyle
($50-$200) Wavy Gravy’s 75th Birthday!
Jackson Browne, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, Dr. John, Bruce Hornsby, Jorma Kaukonen, Steve Kimock, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Wavy Gravy
Saturday, May 28, 2011
($20) Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars @ The Bell House
($25-$28) David Johansen (Of the New York Dolls) @ City Winery
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
Sunday, May 29, 2011
($18) Slick Rick @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
($23-$28) Bob Schneider @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) The Birdland Jazz Quartet @ Birdland NYC
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($40-$115) Bettye LaVette @ Cafe Carlyle
Monday, May 30, 2011
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($20-$25) Bill Frisell Quartet featuring Ron Miles, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wolleson @ Village Vanguard
($25) Mingus Big Band @ The Jazz Standard
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($40-$115) Bettye LaVette @ Cafe Carlyle
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
(Free) Ray LaMontagne, Brandi Carlile, The Secret Sisters @ Central Park’s Summer Stage
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($15) 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann of Grateful Dead, Kirk Joseph of Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Papa Mali and Matt Hubbard, Jason Crosby and Dark Loft @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$45) Stanley Clarke @ The Blue Note
($37.50) George Clinton & The Parliament-Funkadelic All-Stars @ B.B. Kings
($10) Benefit for Japan: Jamie Mclean Band (8:30pm)
SPHINX (7:00pm)
Things They Carried With Them (7:45pm)
Jamie Mclean Band (8:30pm)
The New Gallery Band of New York (9:15pm)
Alan Merrill of The Arrows (10:00pm)
($12) Club d’Elf w/ John Medeski @ Le Poisson Rouge
($25) The Taj Mahal Trio w/ Fredericks Brown @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30) Chico O’Farrill and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Band @ Birdland NY
($50-$200) Rush @ Madison Square Garden
Monday, April 11th, 2011
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($20-$25) Very Young People’s Concerts – Treble and Bass@ Merkin Concert Hall (10:30am)
($27-$32) KT Tunstall @ Webster Hall
($35-$195) Itzhak Perlman and the Philharmonic@ Avery Fisher Hall (7:30pm)
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($20) Ben Allison Band feat Jason Linder Trio @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Dave Mason @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
($200-$5,000) James Taylor at Carnegie Hall: A Gala Celebrating 120 Years of Carnegie Hall
Special Guest Artists: Barbara Cook, Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Sting, Dianne Reeves, Members of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus
Honorary Artist Committee : Emanuel Ax, Calista Flockhart, Harrison Ford, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald, Kelly Preston, Tavis Smiley, Regina Spektor, John Travolta, Jay Z
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
($7) Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
($20) Ben Allison Band feat Jason Linder Trio @ The Jazz Standard
($32-$37) John Oates band feat. Sam Bush @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
($32-$117) Masur Conducts Liszt, Gubaidulina, and Brahms @ Avery Fisher Hall (7:30pm)
($50) Tedeschi & Trucks Band @ Highline Ballroom
Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Wanee Music Festival, Live Oaks, FL
(Free) Gent Treadly @ East Side Billiards
(Suggested Donation) Tall Tall Trees @ Pete’s Candy Store (9:00pm)
($5) Papadosio @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) Apollo Run @ Union Hall
($32-$117) Masur Conducts Liszt, Gubaidulina, and Brahms @ Avery Fisher Hall (7:30pm)
($42.50) The Disco Biscuts @ Best Buy Theater
Friday, April 15th, 2011
Wanee Music Festival, Live Oaks, FL
(Free) Tall Tall Trees @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Southpaw
($5) Ryan Monteblu Band @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) Japan Benefit with Eric Krasno DJing @ Thompson Hotel (9pm) – scattered amongst other DJ slots
($10) Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds @ Sullivan Hall
($10-$12) O’Death @ The Knitting Factory
($15-$18) Future Rock @ Bowery Ballroom
($42.50) The Disco Biscuts @ Best Buy Theater
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
SUSHIOKE!!!! Two Year Anniversary – Who’s Ragin???
Wanee Music Festival, Live Oaks, FL
(Free) Ryan Monteblue Band @ Rockwood Music Hall 2
($5) Yo Mamma’s Big Fat Booty Band and Brother Josephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10-$12) Spiritual Rez @ Sullivan Hall
($28-$32) Punch Brothers @ Bowery Ballroom
($32-$117) Masur Conducts Liszt, Gubaidulina, and Brahms @ Avery Fisher Hall (8:00pm)
($62-$74) A Prairie Home Companion w/ Garrison Keillor @ Town Hall
($20-$25) Very Young People’s Concerts – Treble and Bass@ Merkin Concert Hall (12:30pm and 3:00pm)
($30) Chico O’Farrill and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
Monday, April 18th, 2011
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($10 suggested donation) Mark Guiliana @ Kush NYC
($5) Jam Stampede & Friends @ Brooklyn Bowl
Featuring members of the Zen Tricksters: Klyph Black, Tom Circosta, Dave Diamond plus Mike Mizwinski and Freeman White, Special Guests: Mark Karan (Jemimah Puddleduck, Ratdog) and Kenny Brooks (Alphabet Soup, Ratdog)
($20-$25) Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreamers featuring Eyvind Kang & Rudy Royston @ Village Vanguard
($40-$45) An Evening with Cake @Music Hall of Williamsburg
($45) Blue Note Jazz Benefit for Japan featuring Ron Carter, John Scofield, Michel Camilo, Kenny Barron
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
($12) Rubblebucket @ Le Poisson Rouge
($20-$25) Easy Star Allstars & John Brown’s Body @ Highline Ballroom
($20-$25) Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreamers featuring Eyvind Kang & Rudy Royston @ Village Vanguard
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 