The Good Yeggs 7/26/14 A Night of Three Trios and Two Asian Drummers - Three Jolly Pigeons - Brooklyn, New York

A Great gig with the band and nary a mistake from any of us. I did walk away with a nice feeling at the end of the night though as there is certainly camaraderie, support and friendship within our little circle of Friends who perform at and frequent the Three Jolly Pigeons. It was Vlad's Birthday Celebration eve so a splendid time was had by all but there is also an unspoken respect and support system built in.

I saw my bandmates from SMOOCH too and we all joked around and chatted, I told no one this but I was so exhausted and under the weather for many hours before and up until showtime that I just needed to sit down or maybe even take a nap but did indeed put on my brave face, in the end a Great night and I live to write about it.

Pictured above is the Chalked Up advertisement for the band and it was so nice to see our name in calcium sulfate on slate.

We arrived with the Amplifiers, P.A. and accoutrements before 7 p.m. so were plenty early before Sound Check and the Drum Kits arrival, not to even mention the other bands.

First band on tonight was Girl To Gorilla and they played a Great Set.

Catchy Tunes, Great Lyrics and Music and we were instant fans. Steve brought the Kit Drums down and this was one of the most interesting Drum Kits I have seen and my bandmates were also Very impressed and amused, I was So looking forward to trying my hands (and feet) at it.

We made comrades with John (Guitar,Vocals), Steve (Drums) and the Enigmatic Spyro (Bass), Great Guys, Great Tunes.

Thomas had heard that it was a larger than usual Bass Drum, I was fine with that.

This was not only slightly larger but is a Marching Band Bass Drum usually played with Mallets rigged up as a "Kick" Drum. The Drums were Ludwig green sparkle finish with Paiste Cymbals and a Beautiful Ayotte Wooden Snare Drum, more on that later. Actually maybe it wasn't "rigged" up but certainly unconventional, the Spurs and Hoops were in place.

The Good Yeggs played the second set and as I said in the opening paragraph we performed very well, someone even yelled out "Drum Solo" I wish I knew who it was.

Premiered tonight was The Elmore James Classic "Dust My Broom" and new original songs "Goin On Without You" and "Good Enough Is Good".

Thomas Of The TONE.

The Premiere Live performance of Joe using his newly acquired 1959 Danelectro Short Horn Bass.

To end the nights festivities was Brian Dillon's friend Steve White who had just flown in from the U.K. only to immediately proceed to 3JP for a set of Music and of course we were all excited to hear him.

Being an Anglophile myself I just had to smile through his set what with songs mentioning how it is always Christmas at Tesco's and how American's drink Budweiser as they watch the World Cup.

Steve did mention how he was going to perform a long song so after the set I said to him "Well you must know who Roy Harper is then" to which of course he replied to my delight "Yes".

Pictured above are our friends Fran and Brian backing up Steve with grace and élan.

The Ayotte Classic 10 ply Snare Drum. This was pretty much life changing for me which is always welcomed from any progressive minded musician and I must say most of us are, aside from Steve's (Girl To Gorilla) unethical Drum Kit I was also checking out his Snare Drum and as Drummers we do chat about hardware at first. I saw the wooden hoops and was highly expectant of a Great Tone as I had seen a former bandmate playing with his band and that Drummer had wooden hooped (rims) of which I questioned him about, that was a Tama Bubinga Star Classic Snare Drum which I loved the sound of.

Snare Drums are personal so of course I brought down my beloved DW Custom Series wooden Drum but when trying to mount it on the stand which Steve supplied found that it would not fit. The Ayotte is 13" and mine is 14".

Panic Time !!!

Thomas kindly asked if I could borrow his and Steve obliged informing me that he forgot it was a 13" Snare Drum stand which is a bit of a specialty and not standard size. I of course was somewhat elated, I would Love to try out this Drum. The elation only rised as I played it, what a Joy to perform on.

Steve and I discussed after The Good Yeggs set how he enjoyed "hearing" his Drums as as a listener. It is quite different when you are actually "playing" them and I got a thrill from "playing" a wooden hoop Drum for the first time. I still adore my DW but I want an Ayotte now as well. We are both Asian Drummers as well and I nearly asked for a photo with him but we just met, maybe next time.

Aside from Cider or some Jack on the Rocks (the official band drink) I do Love a Blue Moon on Tap with the obligatory Orange Wedge, most refreshing.

(L to R) Steve White Direct From England and the incomparable and much Loved Brian Dillon.

Prior to the gig we had time for a bite to eat, tonight it was at Circles Cafe. We all got the "English" Burger that is served on an English Muffin which are filled with "nooks and crannies". A Passable Burger, I think my bandmates enjoyed it more.

OF NOTE - While ordering I informed our waiter that Thomas would not be needing his Lettuce and Tomato which is included as part of the entree, I do have a theory.

Thomas was made to eat his Vegetables as a child, now as an adult he is shunning the entire process altogether, I have seen him throw his Veggies asunder to the wind. no waste, no want.

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Digital Ad Campaign.

Set List.

Had To Play This Word.

This Is Show # 16

- Spike

Previous Posts concerning The Good Yeggs Band can be found Here (link below).

What happened was Blogger.Com seemed to disable the "copy and paste" mode of listings so Entries could not be made over numerous Blogs so it seems.

THE GOOD YEGGS BLOG

The Good Yeggs 7/27/13 Three Jolly Pigeons - Brooklyn, New York

There was indeed a festive atmosphere for tonight's performance from the get go because it was our friend Vlad's (Subway Serenader, Black Death) Birthday eve celebration so spirits were high and The Yeggs played exceptionally well tonight. Thomas played some Excellent Blues Guitar and we were a well relaxed outfit performing to some of our 3JP peers (Box Of Crayons, Joe Filosa, MC Too Tall) who were there to see the bands but also for the festivities and some bar patrons whom had not previously seen our show highlighting some good old Blues and Country Music that is become scarcer on the Brooklyn scene.

Premiered tonight was "Jumping Jack Flash", "Hey Good Looking", "Till The End Of The Day", "Baby, Lets Play House" and a new original tune from Thomas "Unfaithful Lady".

Thomas brandishing his 2005 Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue, He also brought his guitar along as well.

My main Drum Kit, Ludwig Accent CS Custom with Ludwig and Tama Hardware, Sabian AAX and Zildjian "China Trash" Cymbals played with Pro-Mark 747 Nylon Tip Drumsticks. LP Cowbell and Vater stick holder included.

Joe rocking it with his Ibanez Art Core semi-hollow body Bass with double cut aways and F-Holes finished in an Amber Brushed finish. Jeans by Levi Strauss.

Supporting The Good Yeggs tonight were SMOOCH a KISS tribute band of which I am also the drummer. This was our debut gig and went very well, Brian made sure all contractual obligations were met and obeyed. Brian/Gene and Carl/Paul have previously played with us in the Subway Serenader band.

Box Of Crayons performed between our two sets and proved once again that if you aren't Irish you might want to become one. Featuring the incomparable Fran Powers on vocals along with Brian Dillon.

Setting up Vlad's Birthday Feast, this photo was taken before the Bagel Wheel came out. The Good Yeggs missed the Bagel Wheel as we were performing at the time but a high time was had by us in the "Green Room" between our sets. It was discovered that I only had my first Rice Krispie treat maybe 5 years ago and me and Jennie discussed how the Cheddar Cheese on offer was an excellent Mild variety but a crappy Extra Sharp depending on what the packaging advertised, the packaging never showed itself so this shall remain an enigma.

Brian/Subway Serenader/Box Of Crayons/Pocket Monster/Black Death/Gene from Smooch with the birthday boy Vlad.

I may have missed the Bagel Wheel but I did succeed in making my 3JP sojourn down the block to Pancho's Restaurant for a few Taco's. Pictured here is (1) Bistec/Steak Taco and (1) Pollo/Chicken Taco, I wanted a Tinga/Spicy Chicken Taco but that was not on the menu.

This Is Show # 10

- Spike

The Good Yeggs CD Release Party 5/11/13 Three Jolly Pigeons Brooklyn, New York

You know that old saying "The Burrito Got The Best Of Me".

Well that was tonight's Gig, I had a Burrito and I played my best pretty much aside from warmup pains for the first few songs (of which I recently bragged to Tom that I no longer suffered from) and dropping my stick during the third encore (of three) at the end of our rendition of B.B. King's "Sweet Little Angel" (no one noticed and SHIT I almost played a perfect show), Forgot my high-hat stand at home of which Joe came to the rescue and brought his and propped Tom's flashlight on my Burrito filled bag for my printed/teleprompter lyrics to The Beatles "What Goes On" of which I sang and there was also a U.F.O. sighting. That said and done lets get on with the gist of the evening.

The Good Yeggs arrived with our gear and a Box of CDs to celebrate the digital fruition of our recordings made over a few years time and we promise ourselves and You the beloved listener that it will be a much shorter gap in production now that we are out in the open with our debut CD and the natives clamoring for more.

To me this was the best show we have played to date, songs were fluid and the Drink's were fluid as well. During the encore portion we had planned out "Johnny B. Goode" but were asked for two more before night's finish. The Yegg's played a sublime version of the Sub-Basement Blues Band warhorse "Coney Island Summer" and if that wasn't enough we ended with "Sweet Little Angel" (mentioned above) with some very tasty dynamics as called upon by Thomas during his guitar solo (Keep it Low and then Blow It Out).

Thanks for the Good Yegg's photo's by Matt Shanley.

Photo Via Vlad Viz

The Subway Serenader had the crowd in Punk Rock Anarchist mode with Vlad and Carl on the Guitars along with Thomas, Joe and myself providing the Rhythm/Lead Guitar section. Add the heroics and conducting from The Subway Serenader and it was a Great set.

Most of us being New Yorkers well,... we understand what a song like "Hate The T.A." is all about.

Costume Changes and stage props abounded in abundance. The Santeria doll was left out by accident but let's leave that to the Santerians, I think the Thorny Devil Horn's made a better, positive and effective Christian impression.

There was Moshing too, from The Subway Serenader himself and the crowd was Most Receptive.

Harold the Horny Hunter had an Enormous Horn.

In this case it's Joe with his Longhorn which is light in weight and has become Joe's favorite weapon of choice, so much so he is considering purchasing the company and their forefathers and their forefathers forefathers.

Thomas with his Tasty Tone On Tube amp.

My Favorite Drummer in the World.

Jazelyn our Banshee Singing Friend, Cohort, Noisemaker, Criminal and Sweetheart joined The Yeggs for "American Crank" of which she is on the official recording as well.

My Friend and Blues Guitarist Stephen made it down to the show all the way from Jersey City. A nicer man you will never meet.

Blue Moon in the glass, Pro-Mark Hot Rods on the snare (These are used during Johnny Cash' "Folsom Prison Blues") They compliment each other. Beer and Wood or if you prefer Wood and Beer.

I captured video of what I was looking at all night through the window 2 feet to the left from me behind the kit. A U.F.O. that is plain to see.

It's a reflection of one of the light fixture/fans on 3 Jolly Pigeon's ceiling for all you naysayers and unbelievers.

This Is Show # 9

- Spike

Overnite With The Good Yeggs

It all began like any other rehearsal night for us running through our set list for the upcoming gig at Three Jolly Pigeons and enjoying some delicious Manhattan's that Joe mixed for us with the remaining Bourbon from a 1.75 Litre (Half Gallon bottle of Jim Beam), Second drink and new bottle opened during our break between sets and this drink went right to Joe's head (not that we were totally sober either) much to Joe's puzzlement but what can you do.

What we decided to do was Have More Drinks.

By this point in the evening Thomas decided he was going to crash at Joe's so instead of eating Joe and Jennie's dinner from Gino's Pizzeria we ordered some more food from Yummy Fresh Taco. I mentioned I would be leaving shortly to which Joe replied "come on!!! how often does this happen!!!" he had a point you know, this never happens. Joe and myself had off the next day and Thomas took a vacation day. We ate, threw out the containers of which there were no leftovers and broke a few dishes by accident all the while keeping our glasses full after which Tom and Joe arranged and wrote two new songs (1,2,3 & 4 and Shine, Shine) while I doodled on a notepad.

(pictured above) Pork Fried Rice (Quart), Chicken Wings (20 piece) that I usually don't eat but did this time and Chorizo Mexican Pizza. 

Much to our amazement we polished off an entire half gallon of Jim Beam.

Like proud parents my fellow bandmates parade our accomplishment for the camera.

On one of our many breaks out on the deck Joe was literally Rolling On The Floor Laughing His Ass Off. Well, he did start making the cannibal jokes and I guess you had to be there. Of note also is the fact that Joe was having trouble all night with his cuban cigar that would not draw/inhale properly, he finally jettisoned it off into the dark of the night.

At around 2 a.m. we brought our singing, strumming and wire brushes on an envelope selves down to the rehearsal room so Jennie could get some sleep and also performed as quietly as possible an impromptu Blues Jam (Sweet Little Angel, Coney Island Summer etc.). My experience performing at wedding receptions came in handy here and I was playing so low that the squeaks from the Bass Drum pedal became part of the music, by this time I was also playing with my eyes closed as I could hardly keep them open. Afterwards Thomas and me topped off the evening with a stiff Vodka and Iced Tea drink.

Here is my notepad doodle from earlier in the evening, this photo was taken at 6 a.m. after two hours sleep as I anticipated Thomas' alarm going off as he informed me he was leaving at 6:30, this of course did not happen so I had a brief chat with Jennie who was heading off to work. Around 7:30 I lay back down to be awoken by Thomas around 8:30.

It was indeed a night to remember and due to the bourbon forget large chunks of too.

Earlier in the evening I expressed interest in holding on to the Blue Cheese and Celery to munch on later and Thomas not realizing the dressing was uncovered offered me some Hot Sauce as well.

- Spike

The Good Yeggs meet The Subway Serenader - Freddy's Backroom 4/6/13 Brooklyn, New York

This gig has been a long time coming for me as I was booked with another band last time the Good Yeggs accompanied The Subway Serenader and I felt as I had missed out on a different kind of musical experience just from firstly knowing Brian and secondly knowing material from his groups Box Of Crayons, Black Death and Rock Farm. 

After 2 rehearsals with Brian (The Subway Serenader), Carl (Guitar) and Vlad (Guitar, Backing Vocals) with The Good Yeggs - Joe (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals), Tom (Guitar, Backing Vocals) and me, Spike (Drums) we performed 10 Original songs in a tight concise set (4 Clicks "on the sticks" Please) comprised of melancholy subway serenades to soothe the soul and salve the sores of salty straphangers everywhere. 

Performed tonight was also the annual holiday favourite "Christmas In the Subway" of which Fran Powers (Box Of Crayons) joined us onstage for this rollicking yuletide event and in April nonetheless. 

After the performance my ladylove Jamie said without Delay that The Subway Serenader "fared very well".

                                Thomas watches in bemused amazement.

Subway Serenader - On The Subway - (Jenniecam)

The Good Yeggs played a loose yet tight set of 13 tightly loose songs. We prepared well and the only hitch was that I held the only setlist and began withholding info on the next number so I could  get a sip of my Miller and/or PBR Liquid Bread before barreling into the next number as my bandmates kept rolling them Off!!!. Premiered tonight was "Passing By"

American Crank (profane mix) (Jamiecam)

Never Lie To You (Jenniecam)

Minnie The Moocher (Jamiecam)

In a first tonight I broke my Drumstick right on the last beat of a song. 

The Subway Serenaders "Hip Hop" tune "Going TA Hell" ends with a Flam (hitting the drum with both sticks at the same time but just slightly apart) and at this very moment my stick came apart. 

Also of note was Freddy's Band Policy tonight which was Free PBR or Miller for band members, hence the PBR on Snare drum photo.

Nina's Pet Pocketbook.

This Is Show # 8

- Spike

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The Good Yeggs - Three Jolly Pigeons 9/29/12 Brooklyn, New York

....Afterwards Jamie mentioned to me that the crowd this night was not only buzzed on some drink but completely soused in some instances, either way nobody fell down or puked in public to my knowledge so no harm, no foul and the band played on.

Unique to tonight's show was an impromptu rendering of "Blue Suede Shoes" as the crowd wanted an encore and we had run out of rehearsed material.

 

The Good Yeggs played two sets trading off with Brian's band Rock Farm.



The Butcher.



The Baker.



The Candle Stick Maker.

Captions and touch ups on the above three photos by Jamie.



Our friend Fran of Frankie's Attic performed with us at the end of the first set to the delight of the crowd singing the standards "At Last" and "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman".




The second priority (which comes after the first) of the night was to see if Pancho's Restaurant was open for dining or take-out, just a few doors down and on the same block even!!!

Pre-gig Dining it was, Jamie had an Enchilada Platter (3 Enchilada's, 1 Cheese, 1 Steak, 1 Chicken)




Being a Burrito fan myself I was ready to be WOWed and I wuz WOWed indeed,

Tinga (Chipotle Chicken) Burrito topped with Guacamole, Sour Cream, Tomatoes and Chips served on a red plate which is good luck in some cultures.

This Is Show # 8

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