Good news, those CT lads known as Talking To Walls are going on the road again! They've even got a tour name and everything. The Half & Half Tour, snazzy. There's a reason for that particular title though. This tour isn't going to be the full on Talking To Walls assault. These shows will feature half of the band, singer/guitarist Brian Kelly and guitarist Nat Webb, the bands two primary songwriters. The duo are going it alone this time to give fans a stripped down acoustic show. I like acoustic stuff! Does this mean I'll be hearing a rousing acoustic version of "Song For Megan" when I see them? Y'all know I like that song ... a lot! And as luck would have it, or as booking would have it, they're going to swing through NY again! They'll be at Desmond's Tavern on August 15. Here's a list of their dates. Go check them out if they're playing near you. I have it on good authority you'll enjoy yourselves.
Talking to Walls "Half & Half Tour: 2009"
Thursday, July 23
SoNo Caffeine
133 Washington Avenue, Norwalk, CT
203-857-4224
Free, All ages
8pm
Saturday, July 25
33 A Chester Center
Chester, CT
All Ages
9pm
Thursday, July 30
Cafe Nine
250 State Street, New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
9pm
21+
Friday, July 31
Midway Cafe
3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
617-524-9038
9pm
21+
Saturday, August 1
TBA
Thursday, August 13
Seaside Tavern
891 Cove Road, Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 964-9225
21+
9:30
Saturday, August 15
Desmond's Tavern
433 Park Avenue South, Manhattan, NY
212-725-9864
21+
9pm
Sunday, August 16
TBA
Monday, August 17
Fire
Philadelphia, PA
267-671-9298
Tuesday, August 18
Asylum
2471 18th Street NW, Washington, DC
202.319.9353
9:30
Wednesday, August 19
Cafe Arabica
164 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07960
201-880-1080
Thursday, August 20
TBA
www.talkingtowalls.com
www.facebook.com/talkingtowalls
twitter.com/talkingtowalls
www.desmondstavern.com
So, I was catching up on my email today and came across one recommending a band to me. That's not an unusual thing. Well, I opened up one sent to me by a street team member about a New York based band called The Ropes. See folks, street teams really do spread the word.
www.theropesonline.com
www.myspace.com/theropes
Hot Seconds: July 14 @ Southpaw, Brooklyn, NY
I decided it was time to relax a little. What better way to go about it then by taking in the fine m
usical stylings of the deliciously fun Hot Seconds? So, I hopped on the train and headed over to Park Slope (that's in Brooklyn for the non-New Yorker's and neighborhood challenged New Yorker's) to visit the rather spacious Southpaw.The band James Love (vocals/guitar/tambourine), Eran Westwood (guitar/vocals), Marcel Simoneau (keyboards/guitar/megaphone), Bob Toria (bass), Ian Hudgins (drums/vocals) were once again in the zone. They did an eleven song, fifty minute set kicking it off with "Can't Stop" and took it home with "When I Go." In between these two songs, the favorites were played as well as some filming for a Brazilian television program. Brush up on your Portuguese boys, y'all are truly international now!As you know, or you would if you've been reading previous postings or were at the shows, they've been rolling out new songs here and there. Last month they rolled out "Push To Pound," which they played again at this show. If I'm not mistaken, and I could be, it's been known to happen; it seems Simoneau has added more keyboards into the mix. I do believe I like that. Actually, I seemed to hear a lo
t more of Simoneau in general at this show than I have at previous shows. Either the sound system was showing mad love for him or he was making his mark, perhaps both. At any rate, the boys over on stage left have stepped up their already on point game.I've mentioned in other posts about this mystical thing taking place over there on stage right in Westwood World. Not only has he unapologetically channeled his inner guitar god, he has now, it seems, completely embraced it. He's over there smiling and moving around in ways that previously weren't seen. All of this relaxing, channeling, embracing, smiling and moving has made me notice something. While his playing has always been solid, I've noticed over these last few shows, that it seems to be tighter, a bit more daring, dirtier and a little heavier. Whatever comfort zone he has fallen into translates well in his playing.Meanwhile, over on stage left and back some, henceforth known as Toria Territory, there was an emergence. Birthday boy Toria broke out of his 
traditional quite guy in the background mold. We got ourselves a rather carefree bassist this show. Sure, he's still the unwavering and flawlessly consistent bottom line we all know and dig but, he too did a little more moving than I've previously seen. Perhaps this is a once a year event or maybe just the excitement of finally being of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on. At any rate, I like this carefree thing he's doing. Hear the drummer get wicked! Did I just quote Public Enemy? Wow, that's so unlike me. Anyway, it seemed like a good lead in to say I'm still feeling mad love for Hudgins' drumming. Yep, it's officially official; I'm just a Hudgins fan. The mad love doesn't seem to carry over to other drummers and it seems it's not just a phase. Speaking of said drummer, he was a lot less vocal this show.Rock Star, 
or for this show, almost birthday boy; that would be Love in case you're wondering, was glowing. I can't really explain it. He just had this happy glow about him. Then again, perhaps he was feeling the excitement of being within hours of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on, again. I digressed. Love is still letting his rock star wings flutter proudly. They grow a little bigger with each show. It won't be long before they're completely developed and he takes full flight. I can't wait to see him fly. I have been pondering this since it happened. They did a song, "I'm Good, I'm Gone." It involves clapping together. Or, at least I think they were supposed to be clapping together. What I want to know is, how a group of men, who play so well together, manage to clap so brilliantly out of sync? Oh they started out together but somewhere along the line it all went awry. Let's for the heck of it say, they were only supposed to clap in sync at the beginning and at the end 
it was freestyle! Yeah, let's go with that. Judging by the smiles they themselves gave, they too may have been pondering The Great Clapping Incident of '09.They really have found themselves. Of course, they weren't lost. They've just found what makes them shine best and have become more comfortable putting it on display. Hot Seconds have come into their own and with each show it gets better. I'm misting up with pride as only a sister can. Oh yeah ... I've adopted them whether they know it, like it or want it. They just may not wanna stop by for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, Easter or any other holiday that involves me cooking ... pickin's are slim in these parts boys. But seriously, I am proud. I'm proud to witness a group of nice guys start to take flight and shine.
Set List
- Can't Stop
- Pieces Of You
- We Met Before
- Holy Moly
- Clam Man
- Push To Pound
- Pink Caesar
- Gone To Ground
- I'm Good, I'm Gone
- Went To India
- When I Go
Be social ...
www.hotseconds.net
www.twitter.com/hotseconds
www.myspace.com/hotseconds
www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Seconds/6225253266
Chaka Khan with the George Duke Trio will kick off George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival 55 on Friday, August 7 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. Etta James had been scheduled for the date but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. Get well soon Ms. James!While many only know Khan for her soul and R&B hits, she is no stranger to jazz. In fact, she and Duke have recently made a string of critically-acclaimed appearances on the European jazz festival circuit. Now, the pair are teaming up once again for an evening of jazz. Also on the bill, Israeli clarinetist Anat Cohen with guitarist Howard Alden in a salute to Benny Goodman. The evening will be hosted by radio announcer Ron Della Chiesa.
www.jazzfestival55.com
Award winning (2009 Swedish Grammy's for "Best Female Artist" and "Album of the Year" respectively) Swedish artist Anna Ternheim has a new record, Leaving on a mayday, coming out. The record which was produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn, and John is scheduled for release on August 11. But, to give you a little taste of the record and to get you ready for its upcoming release, you can grab the single "What Have I Done" HERE. For those in the New York area, you can catch Ternheim live when she swings through the city. She will be at The Bowery Ballroom on October 16.
www.annaternheim.com
www.myspace.com/annaternheim
Upcoming shows in the New York area ...
July 13 -- John Waite at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
www.bbkingblues.com
July 14 -- Audrye Sessions / Paper Route / The Takeover UK (pictured) at Mercury Lounge
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
July 14 -- Bot / So So Human / Hot Seconds at Southpaw
www.spsounds.com
July 15 -- Unisex Salon at The Annex
www.theannexnyc.com
July 15 -- Chemical Reaction / Bethany Saint Smith & The Gun Show at Ace of Clubs
www.aceofclubsnyc.com
July 16 -- Porter Block at Spike Hill
www.spikehill.com
July 18 -- Francis and the Lights at Music Hall of Williamsburg
www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
The first time I saw Matisyahu, he was on a late night television show. I sat there, my eyes fixated on the screen, with my mouth hanging open. Why? The man on the screen didn't fit the stereotypical image of the style of music he was throwing down on. I have sense closed my mouth. Matisyahu has a new thirteen track album, Light, set for release on August 25. Stylistically, the record covers dancehall, ska, laid back pop, acoustic soul as well as the reggae influenced sound we're all familiar with. You can listen to "One Day" from the album HERE and check out the video below.He is known for his live shows and he's on the road. He'll be all over the place so check out his various online homes, such as MySpace, for dates. Sorry NY, if you missed him last night at Central Park, you'll have to wait until he swings back through the city to catch him or take a road trip. Hey, it's summer ... nothing like a good road trip in the summer.
www.myspace.com/matisyahu
www.matisyahuworld.com
www.wheresmatis.at
www.twitter.com/matisyahu
Washington band The Lonely H has released a video for their song "The Singer" from their current album Concrete Class. Check out the video below. The song, to me, is reminiscent of The Eagles. You can also grab "Diggin' A Hole" from the album HERE. The Lonely H are on the road. For those in the New York area, they'll be at Pianos on July 24. For dates in other parts, check out their MySpace page.
www.myspace.com/thelonelyh
www.pianosnyc.com
www.myspace.com/thevoxys
Good news, those CT lads known as Talking To Walls are going on the road again! They've even got a tour name and everything. The Half & Half Tour, snazzy. There's a reason for that particular title though. This tour isn't going to be the full on Talking To Walls assault. These shows will feature half of the band, singer/guitarist Brian Kelly and guitarist Nat Webb, the bands two primary songwriters. The duo are going it alone this time to give fans a stripped down acoustic show. I like acoustic stuff! Does this mean I'll be hearing a rousing acoustic version of "Song For Megan" when I see them? Y'all know I like that song ... a lot! And as luck would have it, or as booking would have it, they're going to swing through NY again! They'll be at Desmond's Tavern on August 15. 
So, I was catching up on my email today and came across one recommending a band to me. That's not an unusual thing. Well, I opened up one sent to me by a street team member about a New York based band called The Ropes. See folks, street teams really do spread the word. 
usical stylings of the deliciously fun Hot Seconds? So, I hopped on the train and headed over to Park Slope (that's in Brooklyn for the non-New Yorker's and neighborhood challenged New Yorker's) to visit the rather spacious Southpaw.
t more of Simoneau in general at this show than I have at previous shows. Either the sound system was showing mad love for him or he was making his mark, perhaps both. At any rate, the boys over on stage left have stepped up their already on point game.
traditional quite guy in the background mold. We got ourselves a rather carefree bassist this show. Sure, he's still the unwavering and flawlessly consistent bottom line we all know and dig but, he too did a little more moving than I've previously seen. Perhaps this is a once a year event or maybe just the excitement of finally being of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on. At any rate, I like this carefree thing he's doing.
or for this show, almost birthday boy; that would be Love in case you're wondering, was glowing. I can't really explain it. He just had this happy glow about him. Then again, perhaps he was feeling the excitement of being within hours of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on, again. I digressed. Love is still letting his rock star wings flutter proudly. They grow a little bigger with each show. It won't be long before they're completely developed and he takes full flight. I can't wait to see him fly.
it was freestyle! Yeah, let's go with that. Judging by the smiles they themselves gave, they too may have been pondering The Great Clapping Incident of '09.
Chaka Khan with the George Duke Trio will kick off George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival 55 on Friday, August 7 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. Etta James had been scheduled for the date but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. Get well soon Ms. James!
Award winning (2009 Swedish Grammy's for "Best Female Artist" and "Album of the Year" respectively) Swedish artist Anna Ternheim has a new record, Leaving on a mayday, coming out. The record which was produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn, and John is scheduled for release on August 11. But, to give you a little taste of the record and to get you ready for its upcoming release, you can grab the single "What Have I Done" HERE. For those in the New York area, you can catch Ternheim live when she swings through the city. She will be at The Bowery Ballroom on October 16.
The first time I saw Matisyahu, he was on a late night television show. I sat there, my eyes fixated on the screen, with my mouth hanging open. Why? The man on the screen didn't fit the stereotypical image of the style of music he was throwing down on. I have sense closed my mouth. 
Washington band The Lonely H has released a video for their song "The Singer" from their current album Concrete Class. Check out the video below. The song, to me, is reminiscent of The Eagles. You can also grab "Diggin' A Hole" from the album HERE. 