Moving on to the CMJ shows I attended on Thursday, October 21, 2010
First stop was Pianos on Ludlow Street in the heart of New York City's Lower East Side.
Super manager and show promoter Steven Matrick was keeping everything humming there at a furious pace.
I caught a band from Los Angeles called Pepper Rabbit, who went on at the tail end of the daytime events.
I found their Paul McCartney-esque sound to be pleasant and appealing.
I couldn't dawdle at Pianos for long, though as I had to get over to The Living Room (fortunately, only 2 doors down) to catch the opening featured acts for The Deli Magazine's Thursday night showcase.
Living Room owner Jennifer Gilson chats preshow with Deli Publisher Paolo DeGregorio
First up was an act I was quite curious about - Octant
The "band" (really a solo artist and his incredibly unique, hand-crafted machines) delivered a wistful sound via sad, yearning vocals and sparse arrangements. Of particular note was the robot percussion. Can hammers be programmed to emote? It almost seems possible. As you find yourself (via his lyrics) with a "shipwrecked feeling on garbage island" with "hummingbird hands." As weird as it is wonderful.
Next up was breakout artists Buke & Gass
Two amazing musicians, with the female having an equally brilliant voice. They are prog, art, jazz, rock, rhythmically twisted and everything needed in music today.
Have a listen:
Following that was a singer I had seen previously (January of this year at Glasslands), Kendra Morris. Her set at that show leaned heavier on slower, soulful burners. And despite a somewhat flashy appearance, the dancing was kept to a minimum.
Not so for this go round.
On this night Kendra did the bump and grind through her set with an energy level one might expect from a Las Vegas showgirl. With all that going on, it was still her voice that was most impressive.
________
This being CMJ marathon, however, I had to dash out of The Living Room and head down the street (down below Delancey) to catch the Fleck PR Showcase at Fontana's
I arrived just in time to witness the short burst blasts of bluesy punk band Two Tears
Singer Kerry Davis told me after her set that she keeps everything short, rather than "playing the same thing over and over" - makes sense to me.
Inbetween sets I managed to touch base with Fleck PR's Jo Murray
Cromwell and Jo - taking a moment at the DJ table
Up next was the much anticipated set from punk-injected southern garage rockers Gringo Star
The band had an absolutely brilliant light show (especially for a relatively small venue like this).
They had different tones and textures for nearly every one of their songs.
The green lighting was particularly stunning.
They also sounded great.
Have a listen:
************
Saturday - October 23
With shows scheduled to begin at the un-rock'n'roll hour of 12 Noon, one had to get up early to hear some of the better bands performing.
Heading over to Spike Hill in Brooklyn for the Saturday portion of The Deli Magazine's all day presentation, I made it just in time to catch one of my favorite bands - Dead Leaf Echo
Despite the early hour, the band was in fine form.
Mysterious dreamscapes are established via their creative projections
Ana B is a multi-talented musician, accomplished on keyboards, guitar and vocals.
Their voices blended perfectly with LG's atmospheric 12 string guitar.
Shadows and Light
LG in his element
and a moment of extasy
Following Dead Leaf Echo was the chamber pop textures of Teletextile
Frontperson Pamela Martinez brings the unique texture of a Harp to their sound.
Performing as a 3 piece, live drums and backing vocals combined with bassist/guitarist and backing vocalist Caitlin, as they complemented Pamela's moving vocals.
With a delicate, emotive sound and visually attractive presentation, there is much to like about this band.
See for yourself:
"You can't escape"
Another song:
OK - but this was CMJ you know - I couldn't stay in one place for too long! There was too much to see - too much to do. Feverishly, I contemplated what was next.
Jumping into my vehicle (lovingly known as the "Crom-wagon") I raged out of Brooklyn for the horror that is trying to find a legal cost-free street parking spot in Manhattan.
Somewhere between one and two hours later I finally found one. I usually go out in NYC at night, so I wasn't aware that Saturday is pretty much the same as Monday-Friday as far as street parking goes. Now we know. Needless to say I missed the first band I was attempting to see (no need to mention them now).
One of the cool things about New York city, though (and having to park far away from you intended venue) is all the great street art you get to see.
I am continually fascinated by it all.
Excellence
I never expect to see what I do.
Finally arriving at Arlene's Grocery in the heart of NYC's Lower East Side mecca,
I caught Canadian groove-enthusiasts Young Empires
I caught Canadian groove-enthusiasts Young Empires
The band plays an interesting hybrid of dancefloor grooves but with rock guitar embellishments.
Guitarist Robert Ellinson placed some tasty licks and textures throughout their set.
Vocalist Matthew Vlahovich and bassist Jake Palahnuk executed well-rehearsed, professionally delivered songs.
Have a listen:
Chatting with the band after their show, its always a pleasure to meet a bunch of great guys who can joke around, engage is chatter and in general not have the dreaded head-up-your-ass disease. Young Empires qualify as all around good guys.
Following them was the moderately hyped UK band Everything Everything
Having one of theirs songs on my iPod already (Lord knows which PR press release or blog I got it from) I was curious to hear them.
A fully live 4 piece band, they put on a spirited presentation and the sound was quite good. Predominantly a vocal group (and their harmonies were well executed) with emphasis on the emotive qualities of their lead singer, it was the bassist who seemed to be the "glue" in their band concept operation.
Finally it was time for the daytime portion of the ForceFieldPR / Windish Agency headliners
Shipla Ray & Her Happy Hookers
Shipla Ray & Her Happy Hookers
Shipla puts on an amazing show. Her band is smokin' hot and she is borderline psycho (and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible).
Give this a listen and you'll know exactly what I mean:
"I know all about the woe is me" Indeed.
These two guys are amazingly great players.
I don't know how Shipla does it. Keeps her voice and screams like that.
Talent. That's all you can say.
Whew? Is CMJ really over?
I need to lie down for a while.
