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2.04.2009
1.10.2009
From a shameless music snob, please watch this: http://www.imeem.com/people/jsF3kLl/video/MvBE279R/beyonce_if_i_were_a_boy_live_at_snl_music_video/
I'm going to give you a little musical background on myself- and I want to make clear that it is not to brag, but to state some facts that will support some surprising opinions that I've developed. The first years of my life were spent in relative rural isolation, in a tiny town in Connecticut that few have ever heard of (believe me, I've asked). As an answer to concerns that this isolation was impairing me socially and mentally- my mother enrolled me in some local violin classes. She chose violin rather than something more typical, like ballet, because ballet classes were over 20 miles away. My first violin teacher had dangerous wild geese in her driveway. And, basically by mishap, I was raised as a violinist. I played the violin pretty much non-stop from the time I was three years old until college. I really took to music and the instrument, to an extent that when my family moved from rural Connecticut to the relative civilization of Cleveland, Ohio, I continued to study. Rather than playing with other children or with dolls, I sang in childrens' choruses, and with operas, on famous stages during the summers, and I spent many an hour in practice studios. My weekends as a child and adolescent were not spent watching TV or developing useful social skills, rather they were spent in musical theory classes, orchestras, group classes and private lessons. I do not begrudge my parents for this, albeit my continual slight social retardation and dorky-ness even at 27 years of age; I am glad that over these year I have learned what it is to work really hard, at a young age, and also what it takes to have an impact or success in the arts. I realize that most of the population view artists as a lackadaisical and lazy lot but I, from my alternative childhood, know that the life of the artist is quite the opposite of that. I realize that to be a successful artist it takes absolute life dedication. Even if your clothes look ripped and disorganized, I know that, if you are an artist, this has probably been planned. Anyways I digress...the basic point is that I have been trained in music and performance from the before I can remember; I've played entire concertos, I've worked with some very famous musical figures. Basically I am a musical snob and in general have very little appreciation for pop or anything that is poplar. HOWEVER and I just want to say, despite that this is a GREAT performance, both musically and stage presence wise, and I think all should witness it. Please sit back and watch this all female band rock your world, live, and with great camera contact (click on play button if it doesn't go): http://www.imeem.com/people/jsF3kLl/video/MvBE279R/beyonce_if_i_were_a_boy_live_at_snl_music_video/. What it lack in technique, it makes up for in soul, musicality and shear sex appeal. She is going places.
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1.01.2009
I reigned in the New Year last night with two of my favorite gals in the world- old college buddy Kristin and a newer NYC buddy, Mary. The night was just as New Years should be in my book: cheap and with live music. We saw a great Brazilian group at a small Park Slope watering hole that was packed to the gills. Unfortunately it was dangerously cold outside- near or below zero and we actually braved the trip back into the Village to go to a more upscale scene where everyone was at least six feet tall. I felt like a dwarf.
Anyways- I am looking forward to see what 2009 holds. There is so much opportunity for change and we are all waiting with bated breath in my circles in the hope that this change will begin to come about. It will take work and gumption and I hope we, as a country, are truly up for the task. Tweet
Anyways- I am looking forward to see what 2009 holds. There is so much opportunity for change and we are all waiting with bated breath in my circles in the hope that this change will begin to come about. It will take work and gumption and I hope we, as a country, are truly up for the task. Tweet
10.11.2008
The Lowdowners
October 10, 2008
Spike Hill
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The Lowdowners played a commendable show this Saturday night at Williamsburg's ambiance driven Spike Hill. Spike Hill is a rare venue that fosters and showcases live musical talent every night of the week at no cover. The Lowdowners were, in this post punk, emo driven indie rock world, a refreshing throw back to Allman Brothers, or even Tom Petty, with a country meets new age Brooklyn rockabilly sound. Their lyrics followed faithfully in the blues tradition with simple and classic songs about broken hearts , love and story telling.
The four members, all hailing from Brooklyn, were each accomplished and strong instrumentalists in their own right. One half of a lead vocal duo, Peter Cole (vocals, guitars and dobro) brought a Bruce Springstein, Bod Dylan-esque vibe to the performance- in visual appearance as well as lyrics and voice. A master of his guitar and a keen ability to switch from soft handed ballads to a more rocked out and gritty sound, he had a solid presence that stole the show. An interesting contrast in style and dress, Byron Isaacs ( vocals, bass, dobro) offered an urban cowboy aura aesthetic and lyrical blues overtones. He often sang the more sensitive side to the lyrics and, while at times a bit saccharine and his voice proving best on recording, one had the feeling that just a bit of true vocal training the kid could truly rock the house live. He was one of those rare, true tenors with the style and musicality that can't be taught but who just needed the technical ability to reign it in. The gist of what he attempted to do with his voice was brilliant and much more discernible in his recordings but he lacked the strength to deliver a true live follow through. At least live, Byron was at his best with songs that took themselves, and in turn himself, less seriously.
The greater part of the show's first half was comprised of a plethora of love song ballads with Peter and Byron taking turns leading them. This started to drag on a bit but, by the end, when the group brought out songs that were less lyrics driven and more team oriented, they just truly rocked out and showcased their instrumentals and vocals in unison. It was then that the Lowdowners really. got. down. The group shines most using this formula and should continue in this direction. Byron and Peter had a great stage chemistry and the timbre of their voices worked well together. Byron's bass playing was solid and confident. Adam Goldfried on pedal steel, guitar and harmonica was masterfully versatile at all of his instruments, switching between them often and flawlessly. It is also worth mentioning that he was of the sort of dark and quietly stunning good looks and demure stage presence that added a balance and polish to the group as a whole. Tony Leone (drums, mandolin) was masterfully solid and a humble player, very much staying in background but silently holding his own and, in turn, holding the group together in a way that only a really talented drummer can execute. Tweet
Spike Hill
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The Lowdowners played a commendable show this Saturday night at Williamsburg's ambiance driven Spike Hill. Spike Hill is a rare venue that fosters and showcases live musical talent every night of the week at no cover. The Lowdowners were, in this post punk, emo driven indie rock world, a refreshing throw back to Allman Brothers, or even Tom Petty, with a country meets new age Brooklyn rockabilly sound. Their lyrics followed faithfully in the blues tradition with simple and classic songs about broken hearts , love and story telling.
The four members, all hailing from Brooklyn, were each accomplished and strong instrumentalists in their own right. One half of a lead vocal duo, Peter Cole (vocals, guitars and dobro) brought a Bruce Springstein, Bod Dylan-esque vibe to the performance- in visual appearance as well as lyrics and voice. A master of his guitar and a keen ability to switch from soft handed ballads to a more rocked out and gritty sound, he had a solid presence that stole the show. An interesting contrast in style and dress, Byron Isaacs ( vocals, bass, dobro) offered an urban cowboy aura aesthetic and lyrical blues overtones. He often sang the more sensitive side to the lyrics and, while at times a bit saccharine and his voice proving best on recording, one had the feeling that just a bit of true vocal training the kid could truly rock the house live. He was one of those rare, true tenors with the style and musicality that can't be taught but who just needed the technical ability to reign it in. The gist of what he attempted to do with his voice was brilliant and much more discernible in his recordings but he lacked the strength to deliver a true live follow through. At least live, Byron was at his best with songs that took themselves, and in turn himself, less seriously.
The greater part of the show's first half was comprised of a plethora of love song ballads with Peter and Byron taking turns leading them. This started to drag on a bit but, by the end, when the group brought out songs that were less lyrics driven and more team oriented, they just truly rocked out and showcased their instrumentals and vocals in unison. It was then that the Lowdowners really. got. down. The group shines most using this formula and should continue in this direction. Byron and Peter had a great stage chemistry and the timbre of their voices worked well together. Byron's bass playing was solid and confident. Adam Goldfried on pedal steel, guitar and harmonica was masterfully versatile at all of his instruments, switching between them often and flawlessly. It is also worth mentioning that he was of the sort of dark and quietly stunning good looks and demure stage presence that added a balance and polish to the group as a whole. Tony Leone (drums, mandolin) was masterfully solid and a humble player, very much staying in background but silently holding his own and, in turn, holding the group together in a way that only a really talented drummer can execute. Tweet
7.15.2008
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