KING CRIMSON - The Elements Tour 9/18/14 Best Buy Theater - New York City

Upon Arrival.

A friend of mine asked me "So, How Was The Show ?" 

I had to think for literally a few seconds and my reply was that I found my mouth agape several times during the performance due to such intensity overload that I had to cover it, Of course there was no way I was going to ungape it so I chose the passive act of palm to mouth concealment.

This is how greatly King Crimson Mark Vlll affected me, It was the Best Crimson lineup I have seen during the 5 shows I have witnessed since 1984. I was literally Agape at the Power and Majesty of this lineup. Of course you will benefit all the more from knowing the material to revel in it obviously. 

Being a Drummer this platoon of 3 Percussionists astounded me and (be mindful) I Do miss Bill Bruford as many miss Belew but I also understand that "Crimson is about change" and I don't mean pocket change.

My first noted observation was the fact that Crimson Music has been sorely lacking (for reasons of change) in the Saxophone/Flute department as Mel Collins playing just about killed me, I was just floored, Mind you about everyone else on the stage destroyed me as well, but then again this tour of "The Elements" of King Crimson Past, Present & Future is featuring Music from 1968-1973 with some THRAK thrown in for good measure so the Sax and Flute play a big part in the earlier incarnations of the band, This I Loved.

I was already pinned against my seat after the opening salvo of "Larks Tongues In Aspic part one" which was followed by "Pictures Of A City" from Crimson's sophomore release "In The Wake Of Poseidon" and during this number the point came when I would first hear the newbie to me, namely Jakko Jakszyk on vocals which do matter a great deal as I "fall off" when I am being wowed by lets say a Dream Theater only to be greeted by an "average" voice which ruins it for me (no offense to any vocalists in Dream Theater or their fans) but they are not making Jon Anderson's anymore. Well Jakko Nailed it and later in the show I got to hear "The Letters" which is vocal dependent and I never expected to hear Crimson perform that song 40 somewhat years since its creation in this lifetime.

While I spoil it for everyone AS the tour is currently happening and prior to any Audio or Video releases (I NEED The Elements Tour DVD, I say to DGM) I also was Flummoxed by "Starless", "Sailors Tale" and the Sax enhanced versions of "THRAK" and "VROOM" in the set.

Special thanks to the Trio on Drums of Rieflin, Mastelotto and Harrison for messing up my mind with such organized Chaos that would make Cthulhu proud.

And of course Bob Fripp who brought this to fruition.

 

A view of the stage taken prior to the onslaught.

What proceeds are several photos of the Merchandise table. They might not be the sharpest photos but being a typical New Yorker I did not ask permission to "take" these photo's but just went ahead and shot away until asked to cease and desist. I was never asked to desist or even cease.

My Buddy Adrian Holmes manning the table, I did ask him if we did meet at the Steve Hackett show a Summer previous when I sold programmes for him and I got an affirmative reply. This Man Rules and he is a very nice fellow as well.

The best tour book EVER, 2 CDs and a book in a hardbound case, Twenty Five Bucks, unheard of, well until now. Outstanding concept.

Pin badges for only Five Dollars, this is the price of the subway ride to the venue, Everyone walks away happy with a trinket. 

More Ephemera and just plain "RED".

I see it says Tony Levin "signed" Book here, Quite Funny as how I did not notice this on the night, I have the book right here and just purchased it autograph unseen, quite an added Bonus I must say.

Video Clip of my "Goodies" below.

First Bow before the encores.

Photographed from what is viewed on the little TV monitors that hang above the audience.

Maybe I should go to this show.

(1) Gavin Harrison took this photo the day before opening night, I grabbed this off of the King Crimson webpage knowing I would be attending in less than 24 hours forward from the pic grabbage.

The view of the Marquee prior to my arrival under the Marquee and into the venue.

"promised goodies clip coming soon if anyone is even watching"

And here is the Goodies Clip.

Post Show I had my ritualistic Lamb Over Rice which began last fall on September the 25th when I saw Steve Hackett at this same venue.

DGM LIVE / KING CRIMSON OFFICIAL

TONY LEVIN BLOG

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.

Digital Ad Campaign.

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

REST IN PIECE YOU CRAPPY MOTHERFUCKERS

YEAH, I always held a Dagger in my heart for all of the Witless Assholes and Nonsensical Fools who frowned upon people who could actually Play Music, Perform Music and Knew Music as an intrinsic thing and were actually trained in the "Art" or at least took some of their time out to actually practice the art as opposed to sniffing glue in the corner park or heavens forbid the back of a bodega. These people who practiced were called "Musicians".

Along comes this PUNK ROCK and mind you I was a youngster when this happened (1973) but to my Logical mind this was a load of Horse Shit. Surely the attitude was right and proper for Rock and Roll but give me an Effing Break Here. Anyone could get up on a stage so long as they had the guts, looks and attitude, NO EFFING CHOPS. NO IDEA WHAT A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT IS CAPABLE OF and NO EFFING IDEA WHAT THEY WERE DOING !!!.

This is where THE RAMONES stepped in.

THREE CHORDS AND CRANK IT UP.

Tommy Ramone Died Today, The Last of the Bruddah's.

I Completely Adore THE RAMONES and so does everyone else as well and they should. This is Music So Glorious to make you want to Bang Your Head, Raise and Pump Your Fist in the air and Jump around the room until the walls are shattered into little teeny bits.

LONG LIVE THE RAMONES and the PUNK ROCK Explosion that they were the architect's of.

Fuck You Berklee. Music Comes From The Heart.

PROCOL HARUM - Manhattan Center 8/11/14 New York City

Twas' a rare opportunity to see and hear one of my most beloved bands of all time. The last time I witnessed Procol Harum in concert was at the now defunct Bottom Lime and this was around 2002, Over Ten Years Ago, of course I jumped at the chance to see their return to New York City.

CARL PALMER BAND - Manhattan Center 8/11/14 New York City

Just a few weeks ago I learned that The Carl Palmer Band would be filling a slot in the upcoming Procol Harum show of which I had held a ticket for a few months now, I was very pleased to hear this. On the one hand I did not even venture forth to see Procol Harum on a double bill with Jethro Tull for the same reason I do not see Alice Cooper on double bills. I want a Whole show and not 45 minutes or so by each band, well it did work out well tonight, about a 45 minute set from Carl's band and over an hour from Procol Harum, there was a difference here though. Carl Palmer is one of my childhood Drumming heroes and I was most delighted when I discovered my good fortune just a few weeks prior to the show.

SMOOCH - KISS OFF 6/14/14 Three Jolly Pigeons - Brooklyn, New York

This all pretty much started with a conversation that Brian (SMOOCH) and Franklin (KISS THIS) had at work as they are both employed by the New York City MTA (Mass Transit Authority) and are seasoned Musicians who also happen to know how to play a KISS tune or two. KISS THIS performed the first KISS album in its entirety a few years back at the Three Jolly Pigeons and SMOOCH are the new kids on the block but indeed a conversation was struck and it went a little like this.

Brian - I challenge You to a KISS OFF !!!, of course totally friendly

Franklin - There is nothing friendly about this there can be only one

I am paraphrasing here and I am not going to start making phone calls, you get the gist. The night was booked and rehearsals began in private amongst the two warring factions. Everyone involved had a complete blast and frankly it was hard not to, We gathered to celebrate KISS a band that means so much to all involved, well most of us.

SMOOCH opened the first of three sets of which one set was allotted to each band and the third would be a "free for all" combining members from both bands who cared to come up and take a shot, sounds a good idea and it certainly worked out that way. Brian brainstormed the idea of making set 3 a KISSAOKE or KARAOKISS celebration but more on that later. SMOOCH performed a 13 song set and being a Space Ace centered band we opened with "Rip It Out" from Ace Frehley's first solo outing and much to my consternation as this is not a simple Drumming song, Damn You Anton Fig, no problems we pulled it off.

The Bob Geldof of "KISS OFF" Brian Dillon who is one of the sweetest Bass Players or even people I have ever met and yes there were Klu Klux KISS jokes made at Franklin's expense but all in the most kind hearted ways, Trust Me.

On Rhythm and Lead Guitar is Carl who eats Yngwie Malmsteen and his like for lunch. I took this photo between songs during the third set as we were chatting in the back line.

It must be said, The Man who is the biggest KISS fan in SMOOCH is indeed Sal who is also an Admin for the KISS - ROCK SOLDIERS Facebook page (see link below)

Being Korean, Irish and Italian can be lonely but not when you are a KISS fan. This photo was taken by Brian during the third set (KISSAOKE) but I had a great time singing backing vocals and playing sparse Tambourine. As a Drummer there is nothing more annoying than a Tambourine All Over The Place, you have to know when "not to play" as well.

I am also not just a Tambourine Player.

Introducing my dear friend and bandmate Joe Cacciola (The Good Yeggs) who did serious justice to SMOOCH' rendition of "Strutter 78" and never having rehearsed the tune with us. I really enjoyed hearing Joe sing this song that I have Loved for 34 years.

SECOND SET - KISS THIS - comprising many of my friends for decades and I will not go into detail as this is not my personal diary. KISS THIS is Daniella, Christine and Nadia (Kick Ass female vocalists), Bill (Vocals), Thomas Roberto & Franklin Poska (Guitars), John Meglino (Bass), Mike Roberto (Drums) who also performed a set of eclectic "Deep Cuts" from the KISS catalog, Let me just say hearing "Sure Know Something" from the Dynasty LP (1979) was a treat.

I snapped a few photos up front but cannot say I remember what song this was, nice photo if I must say so myself.

The Master of Tone, Thomas Roberto. His wife Nina makes a killer Potato Salad as well, of course I told her so myself, maybe over a dozen times.

Daniella Kicking Out The Jams on "C'mon & Love Me"

The sublime and resplendent Mr. Franklin Poska on the Telecaster. I have deep feelings for this man and he helped me cart my Drums from home to gig and from gig to home, no questions asked, no complaints, just a very stand up wonderful man and I have also known him for 30 years and by this time we should hate each others guts but my Love only grows stronger.

THIRD SET - KISSAOKE - I had asked Thomas to take the SMOOCH pics and I took the KISS THIS stills but my camera was in my back pocket for the third portion, in true Jam fashion Brian relinquished his Longhorn Bass to John Meglino halfway through the set so I asked him at that point if he would take some photos of the KISSAOKE segment and of course he did. Brian Dillon who is an excellent emcee (and I have known a few) got some of the members of the audience and the latecomers who arrived involved in coming up to sing some of the KISS classics we all as two bands knew but notation wise for those unsure were willing to learn on the spot, there were chord progressions thrown around for 30 seconds or less and everything sounded just fine. I had a great time watching various members from both bands performing these songs much like watching the STAR WARS and STAR TREK Universes intermingling (OK, Lets Not Get Crazy).  I Really enjoyed hearing Thomas and Sal wailing Lead Guitars on some of the most important Music of my life.

Singing backing Vocals on "Cold Gin" here but I really Loved accompanying the ladies of KISS THIS on B. Vox for "Doctor Love". Dont know if it sounded any good but it felt right, no pics or thankfully recordings survive.

I believe this singers name was Joe but as soon as he stepped up I knew that he was a singer, Joe performed "Rocket Ride" and "Black Diamond"As a matter of fact all of the singers were Great, Not one dud. It was a Great Evening Celebrating one of the bands New York City should be proud to call their own.

Brian's KISS OFF Ad.

KISS ROCK SOLDIERS FACEBOOK PAGE

The Sight Of A Touch Or The Scent Of A Sound

Upon awakening from my slumber the song "Granny Takes A Trip" by The Purple Gang was running through my head and I pondered the quaintly marketed idea of producing sound recordings that were not only intended to be appreciated while Tripping Out or under the influence of any mind expanding substance(s) but also to aurally reproduce the effect to anyone curious enough in an unaltered state who cared to listen, this of course is still done today but was rife in the later half of the 1960s when the counter culture at large was experimenting Psychedelic alteration.

Also of interest is the fact that while many of these Musicians, Producers, Writers, Engineers and Interns had tried the Lysergic Acid all the way down to a few innocent puffs of *weed* they were not necessarily under the influence while catching this "Vibe" on tape, this of course comes down to minutiae and who remembers or even really cares (aside from the odd Syd Barrett story or three) as everyone was Stoned.

Here are a few Favourites of mine.

Granny Takes A Trip was the name of a boutique (clothes store) in the Kings Road, Chelsea, London in the 60s and inspired the title of this Classic Psych track by The Purple Gang from 1967/8.

Trivial Fact - The Pink Floyd were also recording their debut single "Arnold Layne" in the same studio at the time.



While this is hardly a Psych tune it was the second one that came to mind as my fading Dream fragmented before me as I gained consciousness and most likely due to the fact that it has the most Dreamlike quality both in the lyrics, production and instrumentation put across. The line "Beatles and Bolan's" came to mind and as this was 1973 Marc Bolan's star was just on the wane. The outbreak of "T. Rextasy" in England was only comparable to "Beatlemania" nine years previous so strong words indeed from King Crimson lyricist Pete Sinfield on whose first solo outing this song featured, Vocals shared with Greg Lake who was also hugely successful at the time with Emerson, Lake & Palmer.



The last track that entered my mind before I fully awoke was the Classic "My White Bicycle" by Tomorrow, this comes as no surprise since I have been thinking about the Tomorrow LP for months now meaning to give it a listen, Just a Great record overall. The "White Bicycle" in question according to their Drummer John "Twink" Alder was inspired by an idea put into use at the time in Amsterdam where there would be White Bicycles for free use to the public, you would get where you were going and leave the Bicycle for the next person. Speaking of Twink read on.



Twink (John Alder) is one of the legends of Psych Rock through Osmosis if nothing else. He was the Drummer for Tomorrow, The Pretty Things, The Pink Fairies, Mick Farren, Pinkwind and Stars (featuring Syd Barrett) amongst many others all the while hobnobbing with the legends. "Ten Thousand Words In A Cardboard Box" is to me one of those perfect Psych songs from start to finish and the LP "Think Pink" which this is taken from is truly a watermark. This was previously recorded by another of Twink's bands The Aquarian Age but his solo version actually frightens me.



Simon Dupree & The Big Sound would later morph into the band Gentle Giant but their song "Kites" to me always captured the feel of a brilliant Psychedelic single with its haunting melody, otherworldly instrumentation and calming lyrics which altogether seem to float along just like Well,... a Kite.



This posting was inspired by a Dream wherein I was questioning the inclusion of some of my Psych CDs on display versus other candidates of the genre.

Alice Cooper - Super Duper Alice Cooper Screening 4/30/14 Village East, New York City

I wonder if when Dusty Springfield sang "Son of a Preacher Man" she had Alice Cooper in mind, the answer is inevitably no but he really is the son of a preacher man. Alice is a true American Hero and his alter ego Vincent Furnier is quite the genius who was thrown into this all unplanned, it just sort of happened. You see what I did there ? well whatever. And Planned it was once the band got a radar fix.

Banger Films is back with a Doc about Alice and myself being a huge fan of the Rush Documentary "Beyond The Lighted Stage" (By Banger Films) AND of course ALICE COOPER I did have high hopes for this film and was not disappointed. Ample time is spent on the early (pre Love It To Death) years and whereas I am almost always a "Get On With It" Documentary viewer in this case I was enthralled with back stories and I do know the bands history.

Moving forward after this Is Super Duper Alice Cooper Superstar and I always love to hear stories from this period of his career, our poor hero Alice is spiraling downwards in his Larger than "Lifestyle" but he is also feted by everyone including the old school Hollywood Elite (Jack Benny, George Burns, Groucho Marx etc) and is the only Rock Star to ever hold a Friars Club membership.

Also possibly forgotten over the years is how Huge of a Star Alice was in the 70s. Lots of unreleased footage graces this film including a short excerpt from a segment on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and a promo Video EP clip of Alice in "From The Inside" performing "Inmates (We're All Crazy)" Really sticks out in the memory.

Just a Great treat to view this amongst an intimate crowd in a Beautiful Movie Theater. Maybe 40 or 50 of us in a Huge Room, Great Audio as well and it was quite odd to hear "Dead Babies" coming through these speakers which most likely are more sympathetic to Bing Crosbys crooning.

Also the choice of the song "Alma Mater" for the end titles really pleased me greatly it being a favorite of mine and a fitting end song.

I had to take a screen shot, took a few but this one came out the clearest.

The Beautiful Chandelier/Candelabra at Village East Theater.

Twas a Miserable Rainy day in Manhattan all day.

And just a three block walk over to the right was Ottos Tacos which I have been wanting to try for almost a year, Absolutely Delicious. I ordered the Steak Carne Asada Taco, A Chicken Taco, A Carnitas Taco and Masa Fries. I made a mistake while ordering so got one extra Taco but Hey, I have been waiting a year, I am not going to send it back.

SUPER DUPER ALICE COOPER WEBSITE

SPAM