Video: Adam Taylor - The Box & Whale Song

A couple more from Adam Taylor's show at Arlene's Grocery. New York, you still have a chance to catch a show. Head over to The Living Room on April 2. I'm tellin' ya, you'll have a good time if you go.

Whale Song ("avant-garde" version)

The Box I - III


www.adamtaylormusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic

Bob Schneider To Play City Winery, April 3

If you haven't seen him live ... now's your chance New York!

www.bobschneidermusic.com
www.myspace.com/bobschneider
www.citywinery.com

Adam Taylor Plays To An Intimate Gathering

Adam Taylor & Kate Young: March 26 @ Arlene's Grocery, New York, NY

This past Thursday, I took another trip to the Lower East Side. For this outing, I made my way to Arlene's Grocery to see Adam Taylor and Kate Young. I first saw them perform back in December and they hooked me. Not long after that, I purchased Taylor's record Play The Piano Drunk. I've already written about that great piece of work though. Needless to say, I'm a fan now so I was looking forward to the show.

It was an intimate gig. The best way to describe the vibe would be to imagine hanging around with some folks in a friends basement and having two other extremely talented friends singing for you. Both Adam and Kate are blessed with soulful down home voices. They have an easy going style that's so infectious that you can't help but love them. They're great on record but to fully capture the true essence of their talent you have to see them live where they really shine.

They kicked off their ten song, thirty-five minute set with "Jazzonia." You discover right off where their hearts are ... in their music. These two would play Madison Square Garden with just as much passion and conviction as they showed those of us at Arlene's Grocery.

Taylor's songs are filled with wonderfully catchy melodies and well written lyrics that translate well live. Both Taylor and Young have been gifted with a great sense of timing which makes watching the delivery of each song a treat.

Taylor showed off his sense of humor when he forgot the words to "Whale Song" dubbing it avant-garde. Hey, it works for me! When they got to "Elvis," a funky little number and a favorite of mine, Young really showed off her chops. Where that tiny woman got such a big voice I don't know, but she's got it! I could easily hear her doing some good old fashioned Muscle Shoals or Stax soul or even blues songs. "Coffee," is one of my favorites lyrically and should be a giant hit. I can only hope they didn't hear me singing along badly during the song! The night ended all too soon. They closed with "The Box" ... by request, thank you!

If you haven't seen these two perform and they're doing a gig near you, GO! You won't regret it. Don't wait until they're massively huge and whine because you didn't get a chance to see them while they were playing intimate venues. Go see them now. You'll get a great show.

New Yorkers, you still have a chance to catch a show. Head over to The Living Room on April 2!

Many thanks for making a rainy night on the lower east side so much fun. I had a great time and look forward to another show. Y'all made an old gal feel special.

Set List

• Jazzonia
• 12:51
• Painting Leprosy
• Whale Song ("avant-garde" version)
• Elvis
• Coffee
• Bobbing For Apples
• Love Lives At The Bank
• Lucy
• The Box I - III

The videos ...



www.adamtaylormusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic

Around New York ... March 30 - April 5, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

March 30 -- James Moody Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert (pictured) at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
www.bbkingblues.com
March 30 -- The War On Drugs / The Drones at Union Hall
www.unionhallny.com
March 30 -- Sharon Van Etten / Virgin Passages / Regia at Cake Shop
www.cake-shop.com
March 31 -- Ray LaMontagne / Low Anthem at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com

April 1 -- Omar / Teedra Moses at SOB's
www.sobs.com
April 1 -- Brian Jonestown Massacre / The Asteroid #4 at Terminal 5
www.terminal5nyc.com
April 2 -- George Wein and Friends: To Joyce With Love at Carnegie Hall
www.carnegiehall.org
April 2 -- Black Taxi / Gildron Works at The Annex
www.theannexnyc.com
April 2 -- Ariel Pink / Vivian Girls / Duchess Says at Music Hall of Williamsburg
www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
April 2 -- Ray LaMontagne / Low Anthem at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com
April 2 -- Bad Veins / Eulogies / Josh Wise at Union Hall
www.unionhallny.com
April 2 -- Adam Taylor (pictured) at The Living Room
www.livingroomny.com
April 3 -- Bob Schneider at City Winery
www.citywinery.com
April 3 -- Wayna at Blue Note
www.bluenote.net
April 4 -- Paul McCartney and Friends at Radio City Music Hall
www.radiocity.com


April 4 -- Soft / Soren Well / Telltale / Astrid Pierce at Public Assembly
www.publicassemblynyc.com
April 4 -- Josh Ritter / Sondre Lerche at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com

Astronauts of Antiquity Lets Their Trippy Neo-Soul Show

Every time I sat and listened to Astronauts of Antiquity, I kept trying to come up with a way to describe what I was hearing. I discovered that was a hard task! Each time I come up with a description, I listen again, and come up with something else. So, this is the description? conclusion? I came too ... funky-soulful-electro- jazzy-trippy-trance-lounge-club-pop music. Yeah, I know, that's quite a label! But their sound encompasses all of that.

If you're in the New York area, they'll be at World Music venue Shrine in Manhattan on April 10.

Check them out for yourselves. Listen to a few songs from their album Rocket Science For Dummies which came out November of last year.

"Breakthrough"


"Strangest Places"


"Rocket Science"


www.astronautsofantiquity.com
www.myspace.com/astronautsofantiquity

Enter The Haggis - Gutter Anthems

A couple of weeks ago, I saw Enter The Haggis perform. I have since become a fan. Earlier this week, they released their latest album Gutter Anthems. The album is filled with great, often rousing songs. These guys, simply put, are excellent musicians. The highlights of the record for me are "The Ghosts of Calico" and "The Death of Johnny Mooring."

Download "DNA" from Gutter Anthems.www.enterthehaggis.com
www.myspace.com/enterthehaggis

Eulogies To Play 2 Shows In NY

The Eulogies are taking the stage at Pianos on March 31 in Manhattan and at Union Hall in Brooklyn on April 2.

Download The Fight (I've Come To Like)www.myspace.com/eulogiesmusic
www.dangerbirdrecords.com/artists/eulogies

Deastro To Play 2 Shows In NY

Deastro is taking the stage at Bruar Falls on March 27 in Brooklyn and at Cake Shop in Manhattan on March 28.

Click the image to download "Parallelogram" from their upcoming record Moondagger which is due out on June 23. (right click, save as)

www.myspace.com/deastro
www.ghostly.com/artists/deastro
www.deastroband.blogspot.com

Jump Back Jake

Jump Back Jake has a new album out, their debut, Brooklyn Hustle/Memphis Muscle. Curious to hear what these guys were about, I gave it a couple of spins. It's a record filled with blue-eyed Southern style soul. At times, Jump Back Jake recalls Gregg Allman's more pop leaning forays, Arc Angels, Cowboy (remember them?) and even a bit of Johnny Rivers. Many of the songs are infused with dripping horns.

This is the song that caught my ear the most.

Other songs that caught my ear were "Pay Out On The Front End," "Easy Answers" and "Don't Wanna Go."

Click on the image to stream the entire album. You can purchase the digital record there as well.

www.jumpbackjake.com

Lisa Bianco To Play Ace Of Clubs, April 4

Singer/songwriter Lisa Bianco is taking the stage at Ace Of Clubs on April 4.

Listen to a stream of "Sideways" from her album Post Data.


For more info about Lisa Bianco, click the image.


www.myspace.com/lisabianco

On Sale Dates For The Week of March 22

Tickets go on sale this week for upcoming shows in the New York area.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

August 14 -- Animal Collective at Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park Bandshell
www.briconline.org/celebrate; www.bowerypresents.com/event/2880

Thursday, March 26, 2009

June 9 -- Santigold at Terminal 5
www.Terminal5NYC.com

Friday, March 27, 2009








May 5 -- Ben Harper and Relentless7 (pictured) at Webster Hall
www.websterhall.com; www.bowerypresents.com/event/2874
May 8 -- Ben Harper and Relentless7 at Music Hall of Williamsburg
www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
May 17 -- The Shins at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com
May 18 -- The Shins at Terminal 5
www.Terminal5NYC.com
June 1 - 5 -- Art Brut at Mercury Lounge
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
June 11 - 12 -- Meat Puppets at Mercury Lounge
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
June 16 - 17 -- Johathan Richman at Bowery Ballroom
www.boweryballroom.com
June 17 -- Metric at Terminal 5
www.Terminal5NYC.com

Chester French's Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance

Chester French and Clinton Sparks, are releasing a mixtape titled Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance. It features collaborations with some of their favorite artists including Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell, Janelle Monae, Bun B, Talib Kweli, Solange, Cassie, and more. The best part is, it's free and we all like free! The only thing you have to do is head on over to their website and become a member of their VIP Concierge Service and they'll hook you up with the free goodies before anyone else gets their little hands on it as well as keep you informed of what they're up to.

If that's not enough DA & Max for you and I'm sure it's not (I know it's not for me), their full-length debut album, Love the Future, will be released April 21. www.myspace.com/chesterfrench

Introducing: George Wein's FOLK FESTIVAL 50 and George Wein's JAZZ FESTIVAL 55

Music fans will be happy to know that dates for folk and jazz festivals in Newport have been announced!

* * *

Music impresario George Wein announced today that he will produce and present George Wein’s FOLK FESTIVAL 50, July 31 – August 2, and George Wein’s JAZZ FESTIVAL 55 August 7 – 9 in historic Newport, RI. Both festivals will include two full days of music at Fort Adams State Park and a Friday evening concert.

* * *

Artists for both festivals will be announced in early April. The tradition of excellent music festivals in Newport is sure to be upheld with legendary producer Wein at the helm. Both he and Newport are well known for presenting a bevy of excellent performers. So, I'm sure we're in for a stellar line-up at both festivals.

www.jazzfestival55.com
www.folkfestival50.com

Kaiser Cartel's Oh No

This song by Brooklyn's Kaiser Cartel recently caught my ear. It's from their album March Forth. Yeah, I know, it's taken me nearly a year to discover it. Better late than never I say!

Listen to a stream of "Oh No"

www.myspace.com/kaisercartel
www.kaisercartel.com

Neil Young To Release New Album & DVD Box Set

Neil Young will release his new album Fork in the Road on April 7. The songs on the album are Young's response to the social and ecological questions facing the world's population.

Ever the busy man, Young will also release the long awaited 10 DVD box set Archives Vol. 1 on June 2 which he produced himself. The project covers the period from his earliest recordings with The Squires in Winnipeg, 1963, through the classic 1972 Harvest record and more.

You can pre-order the box set and find out more info by clicking the image.

Young has also released a series of videos to support his upcoming Fork in the Road record. Check them out below.

Neil Young - Light A Candle

Neil Young - Cough Up The Bucks

Johnny Magic - Version 2


www.neilyoung.com
www.myspace.com/neilyoung

Around New York ... March 23 - March 29, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

March 23 -- Sneaky Sound System (pictured) at Mercury Lounge
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
March 23 -- Peggy Sue / Jay Jay Pistolet / Sam Isaac / The Boat People / Longview at Pianos
www.pianosnyc.com
March 24 - 29 -- James Moody Quartet w/ special guest Jon Faddis at Blue Note
www.bluenote.net
March 25 -- Tyburn Saints / Dead Sextons / Red Riders at The Annex
www.theannexnyc.com
March 25 -- Leela James at SOB's
www.sobs.com
March 25 -- Derek Trucks Band at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com
March 26 -- Adam Taylor at Arlene's Grocery
www.arlenesgrocery.net
March 26 -- Ben Folds at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com
March 26 -- Kiss Kiss at The Annex
www.theannexnyc.com
March 26 -- PJ Harvey / John Parish at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
www.irvingplaza.com
March 26 -- The Proclaimers (pictured) acoustic show at Joe's Pub
www.joespub.com
March 27 -- Devon Allman's Honeytribe at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
www.bbkingblues.com
March 27 -- Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk & Guests at Highline Ballroom
www.highlineballroom.com


March 27 -- Semi Precious Weapons at Blender Theater
www.blendertheater.com
March 28 -- Primal Scream at Webster Hall
www.websterhall.com
March 28 -- Les Claypool at Terminal 5
www.terminal5nyc.com
March 28 -- Crooked Disco / Project Jenny Project Jan at Public Assembly
www.publicassemblynyc.com
March 29 -- Primal Scream at Music Hall of Williamsburg
www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
March 29 -- Nomo / Day In Pictures at Union Hall
www.unionhallny.com

Medeski Martin & Wood Set To Release Radiolarians II

Medeski Martin & Wood are set to release the second installment of The Radiolarian Series, Radiolarians II , on April 14th.

Click the image to download "Amber Gris" (right click, save as)


www.medeskimartinandwood.com
www.myspace.com/medeskimartinandwood

2009 Craic Fest: Stand

Stand: March 12 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

A week ago I went 'round to Mercury Lounge to witness opening night of the 11th Annual Craic Festival. The third act on the bill that night was Irish band Stand.

The photos ...

Set List

www.standland.com
www.myspace.com/standland

Adam Taylor To Play 2 Shows In New York

New York area fans of Adam Taylor will be happy to know that he has two upcoming gigs in the area next week. He'll be at Arlene's Grocery in Manhattan on March 26. The following night, March 27, he'll be at Roots Cafe in Brooklyn. I saw him perform back in December and he was great. Check him out if you have the chance.If you haven't yet, you should check out his record Play The Piano Drunk.

www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic
www.arlenesgrocery.net
www.myspace.com/rootscafebrooklyn

Judas Priest To Play British Steel In Its Entirety On US Summer Tour

Heavy metal legends, Judas Priest have announced that they will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their classic album British Steel by playing it in its entirety during their US tour this summer. And, fear not, they've said they will also play some of their other classics too.

The British Steel track list ...

• Breaking The Law
• Rapid Fire
• Metal Gods
• Grinder
• United
• Living After Midnight
• You Don't Have To Be Old
• To Be Wise
• The Rage
• Steeler

For those in the New York area, they've confirmed dates at PNC Bank Arts Center on July 11 and Jones Beach on July 12. For most of the US summer tour, their tour mates will be Whitesnake.

www.judaspriest.com
www.myspace.com/judaspriest

On Sale Dates For The Week of March 15

Tickets go on sale this week for upcoming shows in the New York area.

Friday, March 20, 2009

May 26 -- Keane at Wellmont Theatre (pre-sale begins March 18 @ 10AM; pass: SYMMETRY)
www.wellmonttheatre.com
June 6 -- Nine Inch Nails / Jane's Addiction at PNC Bank Arts Center
www.artscenter.com
June 6 -- Citizen Cope at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com
June 7 -- Nine Inch Nails / Jane's Addiction at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
www.jonesbeach.com
June 19 -- The Fray (pictured) with Jack's Mannequin at PNC Bank Arts Center
www.artscenter.com

June 25 -- The Fray with Jack's Mannequin at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
www.jonesbeach.com
June 13 -- Patty Smyth & Scandal at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
www.bbkingblues.com
September 17 -- Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall
www.radiocity.com

On Sale, Saturday March 21, 2009

July 25 -- Buddy Guy at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com

Middle Distance Runner's The Unbeliever

"The Unbeliever" 7" by Middle Distance Runner is available today, March 17, digitally. It'll be in stores on March 24. You can watch the video below.

Middle Distance Runner "The Unbeliever" from maxwell sorensen on Vimeo.

If you're in the New York area, they'll be playing April 16 at Club NME @ The Annex.

www.middledistancerunner.com
www.myspace.com/middledistancerunner.com

Video: Enter The Haggis - Down With The Ship (live)

Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd celebrate. For the musical enjoyment of all, another video of Celtic rock band Enter The Haggis. This is from their set on March 12, at this year's Craic Fest. They're way better than green beer and tremendously more entertaining and talented than the guy who dresses up as a leprechaun and says everything with a fake Irish accent.

Enter The Haggis - Down With The Ship (live)

They also have an album, Gutter Anthems, coming out on March 24.

Track Listing

• Intro
• The Litter And The Leaves
• Cameos
• DNA
• Did You Call Me Albatross?
• Noseworthy And Piercy
• The Death of Johnny Mooring
• Suburban Plains
• Real Life/Alibis
• Murphy's Ashes
• Sea of Crutches
• Bury My Demons
• The Ghosts of Calico
• Lights And Cars
• Broken Line

www.enterthehaggis.com
www.myspace.com/enterthehaggis

Eulogies Set To Hit The Road & Release New Record

Los Angeles band Eulogies are set to release their new album Here Anonymous on April 7. Throughout March, they're on the road with Middle Distance Runner.

Click the images to listen to a couple of songs from their Homespun session or "save as" to download.

If you're in the New York area, Eulogies will be playing at Pianos on March 31, at The Bell House on May 1 and at Bowery Ballroom on May 4. The latter two shows they'll share the bill with The Dears and Great Northern.

www.myspace.com/eulogiesmusic
www.dangerbirdrecords.com/artists/eulogies

2009 Craic Fest: Enter The Haggis

Enter The Haggis: March 12 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Canadian Celtic rock band Enter The Haggis was the final band to take the stage Thursday; bringing opening night of this year's Craic Fest to a spirited end. The band, Trevor Lewington (guitar/vocals), Brian Buchanan (vocals/fiddle/keyboards/guitar), Craig Downie (bagpipes/harmonica/whistle/vocals), Mark Abraham (bass/vocals) and James Campbell (drums) showed that you can indeed rock out with a fiddle and bagpipes and they did it effortlessly. I would think you were made of stone if you didn't in some way move your body to the music while they were playing. They're definitely a band to see live.

The photos ...

Set List

The videos ...
Enter The Haggis - Minstral Boy (live)


Enter The Haggis - Congress (live)


www.enterthehaggis.com
www.myspace.com/enterthehaggis

Around New York ... March 16 - March 22, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

March 16 -- Mötley Crüe (pictured) at Madison Square Garden
www.thegarden.com
March 16 -- Atarah Valentine at Joe's Pub
www.joespub.com
March 16 -- Gregory Stovetop / The Wading Girl / Tenderhooks at Cake Shop
www.cake-shop.com
March 16 - 17, 19 - 21 -- The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon Theatre
www.beacontheatre.com
March 17 -- Black 47 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
www.bbkingblues.com
March 17 -- Ryan Star at Bowery Ballroom
www.boweryballroom.com
March 17 - 18 -- Stanley Clark at Blue Note
www.bluenote.net
March 18 -- Mark Steiner Band / Ingrid Olava / Randi Russo at Cake Shop
www.cake-shop.com
March 19 -- Fleetwood Mac at Madison Square Garden
www.thegarden.com
March 19 -- Maceo Parker at SOB's
www.sobs.com
March 20 -- Crooked Still (pictured) / The Sweetback Sisters at The Bell House
www.thebellhouseny.com
March 20 -- Heloise and the Savoir Faire at Highline Ballroom
www.highlineballroom.com
March 20 -- George Thorogood and The Destroyers at Wellmont Theatre
www.wellmonttheatre.com
March 20 -- Lila Downs at Zankel Hall
www.carnegiehall.org

Video: Hot Seconds - Pink Ceasar (live)

Hot Seconds have put together a video for their song "Pink Ceasar." This was the debut of the song from their show at The Annex on 2/12/09. I have a soft spot for this video ... there's something quirky about it. ;-)

www.hotseconds.net
www.myspace.com/hotseconds

2009 Craic Fest: Audio Fiction

Audio Fiction: March 12 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Kicking things off Thursday night at this year's Craic Fest was Audio Fiction. The group consists of Kristin (vocals), Charles (guitar), Darren (bass) and Mark (drums). I'd never seen the band before and had only heard a couple of songs online so, I wasn't really sure what to expect. They were a lot more guitar rock than I thought they'd be ... not a bad thing.

The photos ...
Set List

• Race The Hourglass
• Suffocate
• All I Have Of You
• Wishful Thinking
• Dreams
• I'm Alive
• Johnny Go
• New Song (yes, that's what the set list says)
• Way Out
• Ever Wonder

www.audiofictionband.com
www.myspace.com/audiofictionband