Photo Review: The Black Hollies At Bowery Ballroom 6/14

The Black Hollies: June 14 @ Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

The Black Hollies were the support act Monday night for The Heavy. I recognized the bands name and I discovered why after a search of my iTunes. It turns out I have their album Crimson Reflections in my collection. They played a very loud retro-jam set. The audience seemed to enjoy them, especially the young man who flailed away non-stop in the front row during their set. The sound was a bit muddy from where I was standing though. Check out some photos from their set below ... more of them and The Heavy on my Flickr page.

Set List

• No Need To Be Rude
• Whispers Beneath The Willows
• Crimson Reflections
• Run With Me Run
• When You're Not There
• Here Comes The Rain
• Can't Stop These Tears
• Paisley Pattern Ground
• Gloomy Monday Morning

www.myspace.com/theblackhollies

Kimberly Nichole To Play Joe's Pub, Friday, 6/18

Songstress Kimberly Nichole will be taking the stage at Joe's Pub on Friday, June 18. The show is to celebrate the re-release of her debut album The Yellow Brick Journey. If you went to see The Heavy this week, she's one of the ladies singing background vocals. The show deets are below ... check her out, sista can sing.

When: Friday, June 18
Where: Joe's Pub ~ 425 Lafayette Street, NYC
Tix: $12
Doors: 11:30 pm
www.joespub.com

www.myspace.com/KimberlyNicholeMusic
www.theYellowBrickJourney.com

The Heavy Killed It In Their First Of Two Nights At The Bowery Ballroom

The Heavy: June 14 @ Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

The last time I saw The Heavy was in November 2008 at Mercury Lounge. I wrote about that show here on my little slice of internet real estate back then. I worked up a sweat wiggling and by eyewitness account, waggling. I waited for over a year to see them again only to have the show canceled. The show was rescheduled; I was excited to see them again. But, I got massively ill and couldn't go. To add insult to illness, they were playing everywhere during that week. I was miserable! Jump ahead to Monday night and I finally got to see The Heavy once again.

I stood front row at The Bowery, getting more and more excited as the moments went by. Sometimes, I'm nothing but straight up fan and good music makes me excited. The support band The Black Hollies played a good, albeit loud, retro-jam set. They left the stage and the set up for The Heavy began. By this point, an already sizable audience had swelled. It looked like a sold out crowd to me. The incense was lit. I remarked to my newly met acquaintance (thank you for helping me get the set list) that someone was going to light up soon. You could feel the excitement in the air or maybe it was just a group buzz from the pungent aroma of a fellow fans Mother Nature. I was right.

After much anticipation, The Heavy, Kelvin Swaby (vocals), Dan Taylor (guitar), Spencer Page (bass) and Chris Ellul (drums) hit the stage kicking things off with "Short Change Hero." From there they didn't let up. There was a change from seeing them the last time. They had Dap-King horns and back-up singers. This just added to their already bad-ass live sound. I didn't catch the names of the ladies that were singing but those chicks can sang! (** I have since found out the young ladies are Kimberly Nichole and Myoshi **)

The audience didn't need any encouragement to sing-a-long with Swaby getting excellent feedback when we were ask to yell 'what you say' during "Big Bad Wolf." This was followed by "Sixteen" a favorite of mine and led to an obnoxious amount of off-key singing on my part ... more than usual, that is. The only song missing from the stellar set was "Set Me Free" ... what's up with that? I forgive them though because they were all kinds of bad-ass.

Swaby is a true showman, working up buckets of sweat. Even when he wasn't handling vocals, as was the case when Taylor took lead on "Love Like That," he was still working the stage and the audience. "Girl" while not on the printed set list was added in and a good choice judging by the response of those around me. Just when you thought that things couldn't get more frenzied, they rocked out "How You Like Me Now?" Everyone went mad the minute it started up. I remember them playing this song back when I saw them in 2008, it seems harder and more energetic now then it did then. They left the stage temporarily before coming back out for a couple of encore songs.

Though they played fifteen songs, it wasn't enough in my opinion. I could have gone for another four or five songs. They are certainly a band well worth the heaps of adulation that was dished out by NYC. This is a band you need to see live. While their records are good, it's live where they shine brightest. The last time I wrote that they were "bad-ass hot stanky fun ... yeah, they're that damn good." I still stand by that assessment and I'll add to it, "holy hell, they killed it!"

And yes, in case you're wondering, they are HEAVY!

Set List:

• Short Change Hero
• What You Want Me To Do
• Big Bad Wolf
• Sixteen
• Cause For Alarm
• Coleen
• Love Like That
• In The Morning
• That Kind Of Man
• Girl
• No Time
• Brukpockets Lament
• How You Like Me Now?

Encore:

• She Got To Go
• Oh No! Not You Again!

www.theheavy.co.uk
twitter.com/theheavy
www.myspace.com/theheavy73

Q&A: 8 Questions With Talking To Walls

A while back, I became a fan of Talking To Walls. I've written about them here on my little slip of land in the blog world. I've gone to witness that which is TTWs live several times. And, having had a chance to chat with them at shows, it's confirmed right away that they're not only talented musicians but, witty and charming as well. So, I thought to myself, I should interview these guys! I fired off some questions, sent them over to Brian Kelly (vocals/guitar), Nat Webb (guitar/vocals), Matt Krupa (drums) and Matt Miklos (bass), they sent them back ... with answers and here's the whole shebang for you. And, if that's not enough entertainment for you, there's an MP3 Grab at the end of the interview!

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): You released a new album We Were Not So Tall (WWNST) a couple of months ago. How would you say it differs from your debut record, Naked?

Matt Miklos (MM): Well, I'm mentioned in the liner notes of WWNST...

Brian Kelly (BK): We learned to arrange songs. It was like going from Steamboat Willy to Avatar. For me, anything I thought I knew about making records was completely blown away once we started working with Greg (Giorgio, producer). That also came from this being a much more collaborative record. I pretty much wrote Naked, with some help from the other guys. WWNST is really the result of all of us looking at each other's parts as well as our own, and collaborating on the writing and arranging.

Nat Webb (NW): The important difference is that I'm not on Naked. No but seriously, Naked was really Brian's baby, as far as I can tell, whereas We Were Not So Tall was more of a team effort. You get songs that I wrote ("Came to You" and "Cloudbusters") and songs that Brian and I wrote together ("Running Out") and a lot of arranging input from everybody. A ton of guest musicians, experiments in orchestration and recording... Naked is simple, and WWNST is complex. Naked was a tea party; WWNST is a drunken rager at your mom's house when she's away for the weekend, and somehow the local high school kids found out, and you're like "Who are these kids and why are they in my house?" and later the police come.

Around New York ... June 14 - 20

This week's highlights ...

Two words ... The Heavy! (pictured right) They'll be at Bowery Ballroom on Monday, June 14 with The Black Hollies supporting them. You should go. These cats are not to be missed. They're also at the same venue on Wednesday, June 16, supported by Mount Carmel. But, that show is sold out! So, if you didn't get tickets for that one, your loss! *Bad-ass show pick of the week*

The CareFusion Jazz Festival New York starts this week too. The festival takes place June 17 - 26 at various locations around the city. The trio of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette will be at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, June 17. The Jazz Gallery All-Stars will be at Symphony Space on Friday, June 18. And on Saturday, June 19, Bitches Brew Revisited at Prospect Park Bandshell. For other shows and more info visit the festival website.

The National takes on Radio City Music Hall with The Antlers in support slot on Wednesday, June 16.

June 17 - Thursday is a hot night for music! The London Souls (pictured left) will be melting faces down at Bowery Ballroom that night. Seriously folks, these guys will melt body parts.

Also on Thursday, June 17, Matt Powers is back in New York. He'll be on the LES taking the Parkside Lounge stage.

New York rock band Audio Fiction will be rockin' out over at The Studio at Webster Hall on Thursday, June 17. They're on a bill that includes, I Love Monsters, Jangula, Apollo Run, Tenements and Viv Savage.

Somewhat Slightly (Il)licit Hot Seconds Video From BritFest

Last week, I went over to Ace of Clubs to partake in the BritFest merriment. You read all about that already, right? So you know Hot Seconds, who headlined the evening, rolled out three new songs. Well, your resident quirky chick might have kinda sorta, accidentally on purpose, hit the record button on the camera and recorded one of those new songs. Shhh, don't tell ... they know some people, who know some people, who might come 'round and rough me up! Anyway, check out my favorite of the three new ones, "Die Like A Dog," below. Is that new record almost finished boys? This song needs, yes, needs to be on my 'Pod.

www.hotseconds.net

Early Evening Crowd Delighted By Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor: June 8 @ Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY

This past Tuesday, I headed to the LES to see folk-rock, singer/songwriter Adam Taylor perform an early (6PM) set at Rockwood Music Hall. I've seen Taylor perform several times, along with his songstress partner-in-crime Kate Young. This show was different, well, at least it was to us New Yorkers. This was a full band show!

I've written about Taylor and Young before. They're both incredibly talented and never fail to put on a terrific show. I always look forward to catching them when they're in town. So, when I found out this would be a band show, I got even more excited. How could I not be excited to hear two great voices kicking things up a notch with a band.

Taylor is a down-to-earth, charming and witty performer. That didn't change with the added instrumentation. It enhanced it. Everyone seemed to be having a great time on-stage. His shows always make you feel like he's welcoming you into his home. I suppose in essence, he is. For those forty-five minutes or so, the venue is his living room and he has invited you over to hang out and listen to music; opening the door to his world song by song.

For those of us who hadn't experienced Taylor in full band form before, it was a true treat. The show even saw Taylor strapping on an electric guitar for a couple of songs ... getting a little bluesy. The group capably handled a variety of genres which is part of Taylor's charm. One minute Taylor was leading his band, Jason Hoffheins (drums) and Mike Giblin (bass) through "Jazzonia" a song that could easily fit into any pop standard catalogue. The next moment he's taking you through jazzy waters with "Story of the Sea-green Sky, Pt. 2" and then taking you into funky James Brown territory with "Elvis." There was even his cover of "No Diggity/Come Together." Until Tuesday, I'd only heard it via a YouTube clip. It was fun to hear live.

It was over all too quickly for me. I could listen to Taylor perform all night. Just when I think this young man can't get any better than he already is, he proves me wrong. He writes terrific songs and surrounds himself with equally talented musicians. He's a star waiting to happen. I highly recommend catching a show if you have the opportunity, be it as a duo or a full band. You won't be disappointed.

Taylor has an upcoming New York performance at The Living Room on June 30. This too will be a full band show and also an early show, 7PM. Pop 'round and catch him at this intimate venue before he blows up.

Check out photos and videos from Tuesday's set.

More photos HERE.

"Elvis"


"Story of the Sea-green Sky, Pt. 2"


"No Diggity/Come Together"

Set List

• Jazzonia
• Oliver
• 12.51
• Story of the Sea-Green Sky pt. II
• The Stove
• New York
• No Diggity/Come Together (Blackstreet/Beatles Cover)
• Yes/No
• Elvis
• Lucy
• Cat's Cradle

www.adamtaylormusic.com

Nico Vega Releases Video For "So So Fresh"

Rockers Nico Vega have released a video for their song, "So So Fresh" from their self-titled record. I'm not sure how to describe the video. A neo-hippie Lord of the Flies sort of thing, perhaps? Anyway, it's a good song and now it's accompanied by interesting visuals. Check it out below.

I love this band. If you've never seen them live I highly recommend it. They'll melt your brain and leave you breathless.

nicovega.com
www.myspace.com/nicovega

Digital Photo Academy Offers Workshops To Fit All Skill Levels

If you've had a look at my little corner of the blog world, then you probably know I do my own photography. I've always had a camera of some sort and I enjoy taking pictures. It's both challenging and relaxing at the same time. It can also be frustrating sometimes. But now that we're in the digital age, we're no longer tethered to film and the processing of said film unless you choose to go that route. With digital, you can be dive in head first, learn, grow and delete the photographic evidence of your faux pas' from your memory card ... that happens a lot in these parts. But, I'm always looking to learn something new about the art of photography.

Enter Digital Photo Academy. They offer workshops dedicated to the art of digital photography and have locations in twenty-four cities. The workshops are tailored to fit the skill level of beginners, advanced photographers and everyone in-between. These workshops won't break the bank and are taught by professional photographers. This sounds perfect for someone like me who want's to improve in a hands on sort of way. So, if the visuals improve around here, you'll know I've taken a workshop! There are some upcoming workshops here in New York. For dates, times, more info in general on the workshops offered and locations, click HERE.

"DIGITAL PHOTO ACADEMY The organization offers digital photography workshops taught by professional photographers. Attendees should bring their digital cameras. If they have a laptop computer, lenses, and a flash, they’re welcome to bring those, also (see the Web site for materials recommended for advanced workshops). Reservations are required, and the organization plans to offer more classes for all skill levels in the future."

www.digitalphotoacademy.com

Hot Seconds Set A Sweltering Night On Fire

Hot Seconds: June 5 @ Ace Of Clubs, New York, NY

It's June, it's hot and as such, I'm cranky. What better way to make a hot, cranky chick less cranky? Give her some good music! Saturday night I made my way down to Ace of Clubs, for the 1st Annual BritFest NYC, for a night of merriment. Headlining the evenings events were none other than those charming gents known as Hot Seconds.

Yes folks, they're baaack! It's been nearly a year since I last saw the boys play and I missed them. In that time, they've trimmed down to a lean, mean, four piece fighting machine. The band, James Love (vocals/guitar), Eran Westwood (guitar/vocals), Marcel Simoneau (bass) and Ian Hudgins (drums/vocals) took the stage and blazed through a ten song set.

I was curious to hear what they would sound like in this configuration. Were they going to have a new sound? For the most part, they're still the same Hot Seconds we know and love. Now, they're just heavier and funkier. They kicked off the show with the first of three new songs, "Helicopter." When I took a gander at the set list prior to the show I wasn't sure about starting the show with a new song but, it proved to be a good choice. Guitar fangirl alert, there are some killer licks in this one. The riff is beyond catchy. Like the previous new songs they've rolled out since releasing their debut record, these are lyrically and musically darker, grittier. The new song highlight for me was, "Die Like A Dog." The rhythm on that one is just all kinds of dirty. The third new song, "Apathy," was good as well. I need to hear that one again though.

Missing from the set was a song that has become a favorite of mine, "Pink Caesar" ... logistics? On the plus side, they played "Excuse Me," a song I haven't heard live since October 2008! The five songs they played from their debut have even taken on a bit of a heavier sound. Seeing as I'm a fan of the harder rock sounds, this was something I didn't mind at all.

Simoneau looked to be a bit nervous at the beginning of the set but after a couple of songs he seemed to relax in his role as bassist. I look forward to seeing him a few shows down the line when he completely lets go. It was nice seeing him up front rockin' out, for more than one song, and not hidden behind the keyboards. Love looked a little tired though it didn't show too much in his vocals or playing. He seemed edgier all around. I like edgy. The bands harder sound suited Westwood well. When I first saw the band, he was a much more reserved player. Now, he's turning into quite the beast. I also like beasts. For some reason it felt like Hudgins was holding back, being a little conservative. It wasn't until "When I Go" that I felt he totally let go and made me remember exactly why it was him that made me a drum fan ... okay, an Ian fan, as we've already determined the whole drum thing doesn't really carry over to other drummers.

It was overall a good show and I had fun. I'm glad to see them back and rockin'. They're at work on their second record and hearing these new songs live has whetted my appetite for what's to come.

www.hotseconds.net