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Muchos gracias!
P.S. Click here for Cool Mass Market Music Sites
Film Corner as published by Steve DeLuca-In his spare time Steve writes reviews for several newspapers in the area. He is an avid movie goer and remembers most films he sees....why not test his memory by sending in an email with the line of some obscure film, if he doesn't get it we'll send you a free gift! This installment features Steve's take on the movie entitled "The Matrix".
Steve Watson Jazz Lovers, here is a really hot tip!!!!Steve Watson is back having spent several years on the high seas honing his craft on the upright. To say that Steve is an accomplished player is a gross understatement, he is an incredible talent. Not only is his sense of feel and time impeccable, but his approach is truly original, dare I say innovative? This gentleman from Canada makes it look so easy and his music (yes he writes all of the charts) combines jazz with world beat/rythms....it sort of sweeps you away. Craig and I had the great pleasure of seeing his quintet perform at the Groove a couple of doors down from the Blue Note (ironic, I'd say) and he literally blew us away....He's there every Sunday and Monday. Steve is also involved with a whole array of projects in the city so visit his site (still under development, but it lists his shows) to find out the when/where of his next concert. Believe us when we tell you you won't be dissapointed.
The Thousand Pities ~ WORLD'S FAIR-Where to start with Matt. He is funny, smart, fair-minded, loyal and very talented when it comes to taking you where he want you to go. At this world's fair Matt Davis leads the user to "The Player": his multi-track Shockwave Player (which he built himself) and plays for you tracks from his online album. Then jump to "The Thousand Pities, The World's Fair" to hear them live in New York.
Oregano I'm from Reading, PA. People in the big city like to call places like Reading facetious little nicknames like "The Sticks", "The Boonies", or "God's Country". Well, I'm here to tell you- there's culture in them there hills!!! The Lancaster/York area of PA, just a spit from where I grew up, has a burgeoning music scene that is exemplified by a group known as Oregano. They began as Nothing But Oregano and plan on returning to this name. We only played once with these guys so far and greatly enjoyed their spirited music and their obvious musical exuberance. By the time you read this, more Wooster/Oregano shows should have happened and will be happening...quite a hot night. So, when you are in PA, keep your taste buds open for Oregano.
HUMAN NOISEThe name alone gets you, the sample of their new song "Crutch" teases you and their live show will, if not already, convince you that Human Noise is making it happen in St.Louis. Now those of you who live in the area, must, I repeat must, go and see their live show. We want you to report back!!!!Those of you living in the Tri-State area (NYC, NJ, CT) do not fret, we will get them out here this year. HUMAN NOISE-rocks, period!
Valerie Ghent-is Unstoppable. And that is the name of her first LP. Loaded with slammin' songs that go from a groovy funk thang to silky soul, this disk is in regular rotation with me and should be with you. These songs make your body move and your heart race. There is even a touch of strange in the compelling Truth with the opening Russian melodies played on the accordion and Val's mom making a special appearance.
Bangalore-Aka: The Aaron Roston Bass Experience is a cool project. Aaron I met at bn.com where he was writing book reviews. Mild mannered most times, you would never take him for a total rocker at heart. I was blown away at the show I saw at the Spiral in NY by the solid rock coming from the stage. These are the influences I hear in the music: Who, Green Day, Animals, early REM, BTO (believe it or not one of my favorite bands from the 70s), Zeppelin, Kravitz, Ozzi and Rush without Getty (yea!). These guys are just starting out and have a firm grasp of how to rock 'um!
Rama-Any band that's into fractals has gotta be cool, right? Well, in addition to the visual symmetry of their website, there is aural pleasure in their music. These guys mix hard hitting grooves, dynamic contrast, Eastern sonorities, catchy melodies, and profound lyricism into a sound that is thought provoking and foot stomping. Not only that, but Joe and Duane, the Lennon and McCartney of Rama, are cool dudes. Check 'em out and reminisce about your invisible friend.
7 minds-If you're at all familiar with Wooster Sang, than this entry will come as no surprise. Given our eclectic nature and love, collectively and individually, of different music, 7 Minds, formerly known as AWOL, fits like the proverbial glove. Sure, you could call them ska/funk/punk/jazz/rock/fusion band, but you would better off just calling them good. A traditional rock band with a horn section (yes,there are 7 members), the group is adept at these myriad styles while still creating a sound of their own...a feast for those who have diversity inherent in their ears.
HEAVE-"Dirty Straw"This album will make you move, it'll remind you of the Police but with a ton more balls.....edge, pocket and great sounding vocals with lyrics that make you think of all sorts of things. Tim Morrison, sits in with Wooster Sang from time to time and combined, the band plays selections from both the Heave and Wooster Sang albums. Email us if you'd like to buy a copy of the Dirty Straw CD.
WTRR 1400This station based in Sanford, Florida provides programming for both on-line and "on-air" listeners. What's great about this station, is that one of the on-line DJ's, Okey Barker, has a segment that features lesser known artists from all over the world. His show is called "Spotlight on Musicians" and is transmitted live, as well as, archived for later listening. Check out Okey's show here on Saturdays at 2PM www.muchoamor.com/spotlight.ram If you are interested in having your music considered for play, contact Okey via his personal website.www.theband200.com.
Ryuichi Sakamoto-He has been a driving force in my brain for the last two years ever since I built his house in the West Village. At the time I hadn't heard his music but now if I see something of his I don't have, I buy it on the spot. Where to start. Jazz pervades his compositions as does orchestral movements. Smoochy (the latest of my collection) has a central song that, like Motzart, Ryuichi runs through variations. You must hear the melody five or six times but a different way every time, ending with a Spanish version which my wife Maria has occasionally translated bits of to me. Anyway...he writes for every mood. If you haven't heard him, I am honored to turn you on. If you have, revisit these discs again: The Last Emperor, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Little Buddha, High Heels, Sweet Revenge, Beauty (my favorite) and many more...
Confessions of a Record Producer by Moses Avalon "How to survive the scams and shams of the music business"-The title says it all! This book is singulalry the best, most important read in the market for aspiring musicians, or others interested in getting into the music business. It is written by an industry veteran and wastes no time getting down to business. The author shares over 15 years of true life stories he has either directly experienced or has had knowledge of through interviews. This book covers the real deal with a close look at the ins and outs of the business, not the typical business view, but one you never seem to actually find in stores, the one that's rarely spoken about. Moses shows you the ways artists get the short end of the stick by taking you through an actual recording contract from the viewpoint of the artist/the label/the producer and by highlighting the different stages a record goes through and how at each juncture trouble can arise to the unwitting artist. There is no question in my mind, that the material covered will change your view of the business and will make the reader far more knowledgeable in the process. Hey knowledge is power in this case because the author shows you the other side's cards. Moses explains how a record advance is kind of like having a credit card with 66% interest....scary?This doesn't even scratch the surface!!!!This musician for one highly recommends this book. It's available at www.barnesandnoble.com. For an actual snippet of an interview, visit www.getsigned.com.
The Blue Terrapin When Wooster Sang is in Elizabethtown PA, we like to swing by the Blue Terrapin and do a alittle jammin', check it out! These guys have a great bar, great food and when we were there we played with a great band. Some new friends...Oregano. So when you are down that way, right around Harrisburg, check out the Blue Terrapin. It's cool!Internet Lost and FoundWhat an obvious, amazingingly simple concept!!!!It is what it says folks, a place to go to try find lost stuff or post an item you have found. Take this url and pass it around to as many people as you can, this is an important site that I'm sure we may all need one day. Lost a bracelet in Bankok? or you're favorite waterman pen in Waterloo? Visit the internetlostandfound site.