LIONI's

"I Feel Like the King Of The World !!!"

I got it in my head one night that I wanted a Prosciutto Ball proper (no Rice) so the next afternoon I walked over to Lioni's which is only 2 avenues and 2 blocks away from my apartment and boy was it worth it. I recall enjoying Lioni's Prosciutto Balls but they seem to have become a bit more prominent these days as the customer in front of me ordered a dozen, I got a half dozen (6 for $5.00) and had them heat one up for the walk back (pictured above). A lesson learned over the years is Always reheat a Prosciutto Ball in a high temperature oven NOT a microwave as the breading does not get Crispy but soggy when you nuke it and from eating that Prosciutto Ball in the photo I swore to myself never to nuke again.

Lioni's prepared Food showcase. In certain Italian establishments I am hesitant to take photo's since I never ask permission and am waiting to hear "You No Take A Picture, We Take A You Camera And Break A You Head". So far no problems.

I spy with my little eye two kinds of Sausages (probably Hot and Sweet), Broccoli Rabe, Peppers (Sausage and Peppers for a Hero ?) and Pepper Shooters stuffed with Prosciutto and Sharp Provolone ensconced by some Black and White mini Cookies and what looks like Jelly Cookies.

After Lioni's I walked a half block over to Papa Pasquale's as I had in mind doing a Prosciutto Ball taste test but they only have the "mini" ones on the weekend and are more of a Rice Ball specialty place as far as "Balls" are concerned. It was worthwhile walking in as the counter person addressed me with "Waddya Need Pal ?" which is becoming a rarer saying in today's changing Brooklyn and just reminded me that much more of why I Love New York.

Probably the Best Prosciutto Ball I have yet to have. Just Perfect, Creamy and Delicious.

LIONIMOZZARELLA.COM

Juniors Restaurant - Brooklyn, New York

Alison wanted some "Deli Food" on her trip to New York so we tripped on over to the Famous Juniors Restaurant (Flatbush & Dekalb) which is the original Juniors begun in 1929 on this spot as the menu says.

Pictured above is the initial "Bread and Butter" openers but Junior's provided some Beets (nice) and Warm Cornbread (even nicer) to add to the Gestalt of it all.

Jamie's Bowl of Matzoh Ball Soup.

Alison's Corned Beef on Rye (and very lean).

Jamie's Meat "Loaf" with Delicious Collard Greens and Macamoni and Cheese on the side.

I pre-meditated on the train voyage over and went simple to sample the Cheeseburger Deluxe which was cooked to "medium well" perfection but still had some paper to it (fat) but still Excellent.

POWER TO THE PANCAKE !!!

Jamie cut a peace symbol for us to share out of our Potato Pancake 3 ways and it was most peaceful.

Our friend Lori sent over a Patti Smith poster for Jamie and I kept it a secret for a day or two before presenting it at our dinner suarez.

JUNIORSCHEESECAKE.COM

See You In My Dreams Brian

Had the most interesting and vivd dream and awoke relaxed and refreshed, I don't keep a dream diary but felt I had to put this one down.

I think I awoke in my dream and was at least in a bedroom in a spacious house I had never been in and both my parents were sleeping in the other room but I knew my mom wasn't staying over and she was going back to her own place so I decided that later that day I too would return to my apartment. Already fuzzy dream logic as my parents never lived apart.

Scene Change.

There was a free outdoor daytime concert by the Rolling Stones and a crowd was yet to really gather so I had a first row view and while I was aware of Mick I only really took notice of Charlie and Brian. I was closely watching Charlie from a slightly overhead view playing these incredibly tasty drum rolls and was thinking WOW no wonder he's Charlie Watts and a world class drummer, better than I thought he was and while he was way too busy for his style and possibly armed with a slightly bigger drum kit I was amazed. At another point a crowd had gathered and I was annoying some guys in front of me trying to get my spot back, I was honest with the guy and he begrudgingly believed me.

Then it was just me and Brian by the stage with no crowd behind us or anywhere, Brian was being very nice and cool with me but I recall none of our conversation if we even had one at all I just may have gotten a nice vibe from him (Hey, its a dream) and I think I slipped up and said something to puzzle him so I came clean and told Brian I was from the future but my dream got the math wrong and he said to me "You're not 87 years old" as opposed to 7 years old (I'm 47 years old and for some reason there was a built in increment of 40 years) so I showed him my iPhone and the internet as proof but he still didn't really believe me or did he.

Scene Change.

I was on an avenue full of stores somewhat like 86th street and away from my mom (I don't recall my parents being seen in the dream but their presence was felt) looking for the "Gimme Shelter" box set and wandered into a store looking for the music department, found some steps down to the DVD/CD room and there was a little white power strip that I felt was in a dangerous spot right along the two black rubber steps down. There was a guy sitting in a padded brown chair/recliner with an empty bottle who I assumed was just hanging around and I was also aware that I was missing the free concert but that had somehow morphed into a screening of the Gimme Shelter DVD I was looking for so I felt I was missing the movie as I was shopping for it. Although this film was called Gimme Shelter it was not the same as the Albert and David Maysles film that captured Altamont but more of a career overview with lots of various footage.

Right at the entrance by the steps was a 3 volume Kinks box set in a Blu-Ray box and wrapped in a flimsy cardboard guitar body a different shape and color for each volume but all containing early years and footage I had on DVDs elsewhere. I was being frugal and these box sets were pricey, I was expecting to see the Stones one in different bundles (i.e. with LPs, CDs, DVD etc) with a price of $94.99 and upwards, kept looking but couldn't find the Stones one that I assumed would be in a big display but came across a Procol Harum box set with a black and white photo of Gary Brooker's face on the front in a kind of padded box (Like David Byrne's "How Music Works" book) but the printing was very small on the back as I squinted to see what possible unreleased tracks were on it.

Then I woke up

Went to Amazon.com and spent $11.96 on the new Rolling Stones documentary "Crossfire Hurricane"

Advertising works in mysterious ways.

Robert Fripp & The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists 5/26/13 St. Marks Church on the Bowery, New York City

Being amongst the first 30 or so people waiting on line for admittance to the performance I had my choice of seating and at first set myself up in the second row of the circle but then spied at the far end of the room a slightly elevated proscenium with around 10 seats and secured myself there for a slight birds eye view of what I knew was going to be 100 guitar players that made up todays lineup of the Orchestra of crafty guitarists (OCG).

100 Guitars, This can be a very impressive thing, to see and hear a Guitar Orchestra but this was Not an orchestra seated and playing arrangements on stage This was an orchestra that played in and amongst the crowd in attendance more akin maybe to Sun-Ra's Arkestra. What struck me immediately was that Fripp and the OCG was using performer placement and the architecture of the room itself to create an ambient "stereo" picture in sound, Who needs Bose speakers, a Joke comparatively.

The performance began promptly at 4 p.m. with 5 persons (2 women, 3 men) entering the circle and asking us not to record or film the show or take any photographs with iPhones or otherwise in 5 languages, they then proceeded to repeat this message in 5 languages but at the same time, Very Crafty indeed. Our emcees exited and everyone in attendance waited in rapt silence, this might have lasted a whole minute or two but there was a feeling of electricity in the air as well as some healthy tension. Then very faintly and almost inaudible at first a sound coming from the left (my vantage point) as 100 guitars began quietly to vibrate sympathetically. One by one the OCG entered the room but from above on the balcony ringing out and making a straight line along the three walls above us and when they reached the end (with more guitars and members still joining) the line double backed on itself returning to the starting point of entry, While the procession continued on the balcony upstairs the first members entered through a door onto the main floor and began to fill the circle in the center of the room while playing all along an Undiscernable Melody, Mapped Out Meandering, Howling in Hades, Pastoral Cacophony of Organized Chaos. Once or twice I thought "Where's Fripp ?" but this did not matter so much as the OCG was of his creation under his direction and I was already sitting with my mouth and mind agape while keeping my lips closed and mind wide open. 

During this opening piece I spotted Mr. Fripp (there he is) coming down the aisle to the left (outside of the circle) as he spotted a dissenter amongst the crowd recording the event and gave him what can only be described as a wordless headmaster's point until the disrupter stopped his recording machine, this brought humor and joy to my heart, we were asked nicely weren't we.

After the introductory number Robert came into the empty circle and presented a question to the crowd which many of the uninitiated may have been thinking.

"So, Do You just make it all up as you go along ? Or can you play any real Tunes ?"

After which we were treated to an Octet or Decatet (I was not counting) version of King Crimson's "RED" performed Beautifully and note perfect. Following this were a few numbers only one of which I did not recognize from the Fripp songbook and the League of Crafty guitarists repertoire from a few decades back. Robert did from time to time "tune" the band by way of tuning fork between numbers but was mostly and importantly emcee for the afternoon.

Then came "Whizz" which can only be described as "The Wave" as perpetuated by sports lovers worldwide whereas one follows the other to create a moving wave physically by raising their arms in a community based moving image of sorts, You raise your arms, your neighbor does next and so on. "Whizz" was done musically however as a note is dictated and guitar after guitar neighbor strikes that chord with dexterity and accuracy, furthermore I was ten inches away from one of the starter points (wisely both equidistant female guitarists) and they could send the wave either way, to the left or to the right. It was breathtaking to watch and listen to this as the wave got tighter and tighter as I watched it travel amongst the circle of the OCG surrounding the outside of the inner circle of the audience. You could predict when it was going to hit your point in the circle and hear the wave move amongst the room. As a side note there were points in tonights performance when the OCG turned their backs on the inner circle of audience and played for those sitting on the sidelines, myself included which meant that there were OCG members playing right in my face and I mean 20 inches away, I was smiling, happily intimidated and dumbstruck all at once.

The performance was over (*) accompanied by Thunderous applause as much as can be accomplished by maybe the 300 people in attendance to this sold out performance as the OCG exited via the inside of the circle in an "S" shaped orderly parade like formation (see diagram) which was very dadaesque to watch, disciplined in form and gentlemanly (and womanly) fashioned in balance and equality. Robert Fripp himself was the last one to exit and do you know what happened ?, He winked at me in a knowing thank you gesture of good will.

Afterwards I ran into my friend Bruce outside who was seeking an autograph from Mr. Fripp, I hung around for a few minutes then decided not to cheapen the experience trying to get my ticket signed.

* - Encores were a small ensemble performance of 21st Century Schizoid Man and then the entire OCG being called back again doing more "Whizzing". Fripp once again exited in front of me and gave himself a palm closed three beats on his heart to himself. 

Give yourself up in listening to and creating Music, For in Music lies the spirit of God. 

The Holy Sandwich board outside the church.

A Simple request.

The church spire and what I can only assume to be the OCG tour bus.

In these Digital Days its nice to have an actual ticket stub.

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

Freak Out -

When All is said and done amongst the Canon (non-biblical) of books written about Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention there will be none to compare with Pauline Butcher's unique take on events at the Log Cabin (Frank's House) and happenings therein. Mrs. Butcher was hired to be FZ's secretariat from 1968 throughout 1972 but unlike the rest of the adulating hangers on she came to her job a proper British woman who only slowly learned who Frank was through meeting him, being there and living it. This Bio is told in the "first person" placing you right there amidst the freewheeling lifestyle in Laurel Canyon that includes Captain Beefheart, Wild Man Fischer, The GTOs and into the beginnings of Bizarre Records.

There will be no written recollections to compare because unlike A Pamela Zarubica (Suzy Creamcheese) or dare I say Gail Zappa (FZs wife) there was no Extreme adulation for Frank in Mrs. Butcher's book but only a human one even though Frank if anyone deserves the Extreme adulation this is also what will come through in anyones Bios that have been and will be written covering such a vast terrain as FZs 40 plus years career, Philosophy and Music which leave little room for the "human" element.

Pauline's book is as human as it comes with nary a "fact" listing but a recollection of being there.

b

SPARKS - Highline Ballroom 4/25/13 New York City

RUSH - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction 4/18/13

Acid Mothers Temple - Knitting Factory 4/17/13 Brooklyn, New York

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

FACEBOOK ALBUM

The Subway Serenader Digital Ad Campaign 2013

Being that Brian (the Subway Serenader himself) still does things with mailing lists and by choice is not internet savvy I wanted to spearhead an online ad campaign via Facebook for his next appearance at Freddy's Backroom that incidentally will have the Good Yeggs accompanying him for his performance followed by a full set by us (The Good Yeggs) to close out the night.

Who Is The Subway Serenader ? (3/29/13)

Are You Ready For The Subway Serenader ? (3/30/13)

The Sub Basement Blues Band Tape Archive Project

The 21st Annual Napoli Pizza Party 3/8/13 Staten Island, New York

The Napoli Pizza Off now in its 21st year is Truly a one of a kind family experience and I was honored to be there once again. As testament to the Many delicious Homeade and Handmade Pizza's being made that were simply irresistible you can see in the photo above a Stuffed Stromboli, Ravioli Slices and Sfingone all of which I was too stuffed to even consider. How is this possible ? Come to the Napoli's and find out.

Prom Queen - Jamie's Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato (American & Muenster Cheese)

Sometimes to beat a Pizza you have to NOT be a Pizza and in Jamie's case it worked as this pie flew off the plate hardly finding time to transfer itself from the Pizza skin.

Athlete of the Year - Donna's Gnocchi Putanesca made for the most Italian Pie with Olives and also left the room before most had a chance to sample this beauty as well.

Class Clown - I Cant believe it took me this long to make a Prosciutto Ball Pizza.

I HAD TO make a Prosciutto Ball Pizza after all my Himming and Hawwing Year round about the Glory of the Prosciutto Ball, Decent Pie and the Prosciutto Balls (which were called Spike's Balls at the proceedings) were nice and crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside being baked in a high temperature oven.

Most Likely To Succeed - Steven's Penne A La Vodka Pizza

Steven's first entry this year had a simple yet zen-like premise. Steven opined that " I Love Vodka Sauce with Penne and I Love Pizza so why not not them together" and he did to great response and another Pizza that disappeared immediately.

Student Of the Year - Concetta's Ravioli Pie.

Can you really go wrong, this was Concetta's creation this year and full of Cheesy Goodness.

Best Dressed - Gary's Taco Pizza

There were literally three or four of us (who shall remain unnamed) waiting outside the oven for this baby to exit, the secret here aside from the Dizzyingly Delicious Seasoned Ground Beef was the Chilled Homeade Pico de Gallo topping which was added after this Pie had cooled just a tad. Overwhelmingly Munchable.

Uncle Andrew keeping the Pizza's Flowing.

B

POOM