The Duke Spirit Release Video For "Surrender"

The Duke Spirit have released a new video for their song "Surrender." Do I really need to say more? Check out the video below.

Video of the Day: Moby - "Lie Down In Darkness"

Moby recently released a video for his latest single, "Lie Down In Darkness." The video was directed by UK filmmakers Institute for Eyes and was shot in London last month. The single, which was released this week, is from Moby's latest album Destroyed. Check out the video at the bottom of the post.

"Lie Down In Darkness" was directed by Luke Seomore and Joseph Bull (Institute for Eyes) and shot in London last month and is influenced by the life of Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin.

Check out the “Lie Down In Darkness” Behind The Scenes clip for a conversation between Moby and the video’s Directors about making this video.

Moby’s new single “Lie Down In Darkness” is out now! The digital only remix bundle comes with the original album version along with an array of remixes including Paul Van Dyk, Photek, and Michael Mayer, in addition to others. An achingly soulful track of sublime melancholy and symphonic grandeur “Lie Down In Darkness” is taken from Moby’s most recent studio album, Destroyed, out now.

Track Listing:

• Lie Down In Darkness (Radio Edit)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Arno Cost Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Bassjackers Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Ben Hoo’s Dorian Vibe)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Chris Liebing Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Clouds Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Document One Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Gregor Tresher Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Kasper Bjork Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Michael Mayer Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Paul Van Dyk Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Photek Remix)
• Lie Down In Darkness (Sei A Remix)

Upcoming: Jones Street Station at Brooklyn Bowl

Hey New York, Jones Street Station will be over in Brooklyn this coming Tuesday, August 23, at Brooklyn Bowl. Doors are at 6PM and it will cost you $8.00 - $10.00. So if you like good music of the Americana flavor, head over and check them out.

Jones Street Station
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
$8.00 - $10.00

Song of the Day: Nik West - "Forbidden Fruit"

A few months ago, a funky lady from Phoenix caught my ear. Nik West is a singer, songwriter and bassist. This woman is crazy talented and let me mention again, funky! She released her record, Just In The Nik Of Time, earlier this year. Have a listen to "Forbidden Fruit" from the album and check out the live video of the song, both below.

Video of the Day: Hank & Cupcakes - "HIT"

What do you do on a rainy (in these parts at least) Sunday? Dance! And, there's none better to make you shake your ass than Hank & Cupcakes! Check out the newest video from the duo. It's for their song "HIT."

Newport Jazz Festival: A Recap In Pictures

Newport Jazz Festival: August 6 @ Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI

This past Saturday, I spent the day at Fort Adams State Park taking in the Newport Jazz Festival. I missed Sunday, I was sick and it was raining. That's some sort of cosmic double negative, right? So, I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to check out Angelique Kidjo, catch Trombrone Shorty again and based on the recommendation of friends, the sets of Avishai Cohen and Rudresh Mahanthappa & Bunky Green. But, Saturday provided plenty.

There was, I think, something for everyone be it a more traditional jazz fan or a more adventurous sort. I watched as people flocked to sets by Hiromi who played solo, Esperanza Spalding and Trombone Shorty. All three performed the next day as well. Though I missed his set, I heard more than one person rave about Joey DeFrancesco's performance.

Above: New Black Eagle Jazz Band

The New Eagle Jazz Band kicked off the festival with their traditional New Orleans sound.

Above: Mostly Other People Do The Killing
More Photos HERE

Above: Regina Carter's Reverse Thread
More Photos HERE

Above: Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet
More Photos HERE

Above: Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band
More Photos HERE

Above: Hiromi
More Photos HERE

Above: Wynton Marsalis
More Photos HERE

Above: Esperanza Spalding & Friends
More Photos HERE

The was a huge crowd surrounding the Quad Stage when Grammy winning bassist Esperanza Spalding took the stage. I was actually temporarily pinned to my spot in the photo pit when it seemed like every photographer covering the festival magically appeared. I momentarily wondered if there were any people watching the artists performing on the other two stages. She and her band of friends charmed an adoring crowd.

Above: Grace Kelly

Above: Randy Weston's African Rhythms Trio
More Photos HERE

Above: Guitarist Al Di Meola & Pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Newport Jazz Festival: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: August 6 @ Newport Jazz Festival, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI

I spent a sunny Saturday by the ocean taking in the sounds of the Newport Jazz Festival on August 6. The photographer side of me was dashing between stages trying not to miss the photo restriction windows of opportunity which were a bit tight. But hey, that's half the fun. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue were supposed to start at 2:20PM but due to some technical difficulties the previous performer playing that stage had, things were a bit behind. That being the case, I had just enough time to make a mad dash over to catch a bit of Wynton Marsalis on the Fort stage before dashing back without missing the beginning of Shorty's set on the Quad stage.

While waiting in the area carved out for photographers, I looked around and noticed that the audience was swelling and doing so with good reason. The minute Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue kicked off their set, the Newport Jazz Festival officially turned into a party. Their funk-rock horn laden brand of music may not be for everyone but those that packed the Quad Stage area danced up a sweat and they were loud in their show of love for the band. Troy (Trombone Shorty) Andrews is an entertainer with rock star flare. He's not your traditional head down, eyes closed type of performer. He works the stage while working up a sweat.

While they blew the roof off the joint, this is the kind of music I personally prefer to hear in a dark club, packed in so tight you're not sure if the sweat dripping down your back while dancing belongs to you or the person behind you. That being said, it was an ass shakin' fun set. My only regret is that I had to miss their set the following day!

More Photos HERE

Free Downloads From MyNameIsJohnMichael!

A QNYC fave, MyNameIsJohnMichael, are offering a couple of free downloads from their upcoming album. Check out the handy widget below for "Elders" and "Orphan." Grab the goodies and enjoy! Oh, and go see them if they're playing in your general vicinity. Or heck, take a road-trip, they put on a killer show.

Newport Folk Festival Concert Review: The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart: July 31 @ Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI

The month of July ended by the ocean, in the sun, with two days of great music at the Newport Folk Festival. With thirty-six (if I counted correctly) bands playing over the course of the weekend, spread out over three stages, plus the infectious What Cheer? Brigade roaming the grounds playing impromptu sets, there was a lot to take in. Luckily, I have some connections and landed myself a guest blogger! So today, we turn things over to Addison Braver Walsh for his take on The Head and the Heart.

Oh, and Addison, if you want to do more next year, (hint, hint) you would make me one very happy camper!

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The Head and the Heart
By Addison Braver Walsh

For about five years I’ve been attending the Newport Folk Festival and seeing, and learning about, new fantastic music, from Edward Sharpe, to the Decembrists, to She and Him. However, this year there was a really special performance. About four months ago my dad shared a new album with me, by a group called The Head and the Heart. I heard their self-titled record and fell in love with it. I especially liked the catchy melodies and interesting lyrics that approached ideas so much differently than the music I usually listened to. I was thrilled to learn they would be playing at the Newport Folk Festival for their first ever performance in Rhode Island.

The Head and the Heart, hailing from Seattle, released their first album in 2010. It was an instant sensation, apparently selling close to 30,000 copies. This six-piece band is one that loves to play live; they haven’t turned down a single show all year—giving nearly 200 performances during that time. And watching them, I can see why.

They took the stage with full force, bursting right into their song, “Cats and Dogs.” The crowd jumped to its feet, dancing and singing along with every lyric. Most of the vocals were shared between Jonathan Russell, Josiah Johnson, and Charity Rose Thien—each with their own unique style. For nearly an hour, they kept the energy level turned up high, playing all my favorite songs, from “Ghosts” to “Down in the Valley, as well a couple I hadn’t heard before. Without a doubt, the Head and the Heart’s performance lived up to my expectations. I hope this is only the first of many years they will play at the Newport Folk Festival.

More photos HERE

Newport Folk Festival: Brown Bird

Brown Bird took the Harbor Stage at the Newport Folk Festival this past Sunday to a joyous crowd. They were shown a lot of love as they played their nearly hour long set. The Providence duo ended the set with a rousing version of "Jackson" much to the delight of those in attendance. I'm sure their performance made fans even more excited about their upcoming album, Salt for Salt, which is scheduled for release on October 18.

Brown Bird at the Newport Folk Festival, July 31, 2011