SMOOCH - Debut Gig 7/27/13 Three Jolly Pigeons - Brooklyn, New York

The Debut gig of SMOOCH happened at Three Jolly Pigeons as we landed an opening spot for The Good Yeggs, you would think me being a member of that band I would have gotten us the slot but Brian was on the phone with Thomas practically before our first rehearsal. We had 4-5 rehearsals prior to the night to get our 10 song set together and it being Vlad's (Black Death, Subway Serenader) Birthday party that evening Sal elected we perform one of Vlad's favorite songs "Fox On The Run" by the Sweet, we did Ace Frehley's version of course making it an 11 song set.

The show went very well from the applause I could hear but to quote Bill Bruford "A Drummer's Life is a series of asses" so for the 30% of the time I was checking out the crowd I mostly saw my bandmates backs but I am told people were "bugging out" because after all people So Love KISS.

As far as SMOOCH is concerned from a Smoochpoint of view we all played very well, no glaring mistakes and the extended guitar solo's after "Shock Me" worked out exactly as planned. Brian did a very funny Gene pastiche throughout the show keeping everything "under contract" and "legally binding" and after all the first thing he said to the audience was "First I would like to thank the Good Yeggs for letting us use Peter Criss" how could you not love this guy.

The set list of KISS KLASSICS on the night was.

1.) Deuce

2.) Strutter

3.) She

4.) Black Diamond

5.) Shout It Out Loud

6.) Calling Dr. Love

7.) Shock Me

8.) New York Groove

9.) Let Me Go Rock And Roll

10.) Rock And Roll All Night

Encore (Dedicated to Vlad)

11.) Fox On The Run

Sal/Ace wielding his Epiphone Ace Frehley Budokan Limited Edition (#182 of 1000) with 3 (non-smoking) Dimarzio pickups.

Brian/Gene used his Longhorn Bass, Carl/Paul played his Peavey T-60 and Spike/Peter performed on Ludwig Accent CS Custom Drums with Sabian and Zildjian Cymbals.

This photo was taken right after our set. I could not get a Peter Criss shirt in time but Sal lent me then gave me that sweet "Sonic Boom" t-shirt, thanks Sal, and what's in that glass Carl ?

Brian with the guest of honor and his bandmate from Black Death and the Subway Serenader Vlad.

This Is Show # 1

- Spike

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

SMOOCHIN' TIME

Why Is Bon Jovi Not a Superhero ?,.... He Doesn't Spew Blood as a Demon Axeman.

Why Is Bruce Springsteen Not a Superhero ?,.... He is from New Jersey but not a Space Ace.

Why Is John Cougar Not a Superhero ?,.... He is not a cat and does not play the Drums.

Why Is Prince Not a Superhero ?,.... He is not the first "Starchild" that wore Purple.

KISS were Rock Stars to us but maybe even more.

Right Place, Right Time, Smack Dab between The Beatles and Star Wars.

I was 13 years old in 1978 and me and some friends (Marvin/Ace, Bobby/Paul and Angelo/Gene) started miming to KISS tracks for fun and decided we were going to put on a show called "KISSAMANIA" in my friend Bobby's basement. The show never happened (we spent too much time
"pre-internet" pondering the purchase of Dry Ice and wondering if that would even be safe in a closed environment, try though we did) but I also was never asked for a refund on the $2.00 admission fee for the few tickets I sold to my 6th grade catholic school classmates.

I was also 13 years old in 1978 and like so many decided I wanted to be "The Drummer" from admiring in awe one Peter Criss, I was checking out the other drummer guys too but Peter was The Man.

So here we are 34 years later and I am getting the chance to sit in/play my "Soundtrack" in a band, on the drums along with three other like minded fellows of whom this is also a big part of The "Soundtrack" and by chance (the other guy could not commit) I got the gig.

This is Carl's/Paul brainchild possibly due to previous rehearsals with Brian/Gene (The Subway Serenader) when we discussed KISS between songs just by chance and perhaps sparked interest in Playing These Songs in a band setting, "I" Spike/Peter also opinionated that KISS (Psycho Circus) was the Best Show I have ever been to (Rock concert or otherwise) and then we add Sal/Ace who might be our most stoked member to perform these "Anthems" to a crowd and you kinda wind up with SMOOCH.

Rehearsing our 10 song repertoire at Mode Music.

Silver Star Restaurant Brooklyn, New York

Silver Star Restaurant has been mentioned on this blog previously but is such a favorite of mine and mainstay of my misspent youth that I cannot help but report on every meal I have there, I have decided to do an annual spot with addendum's to each entry. Pictured above is the "Regular" for me the Roast Pork Chow Mein accompanied by Pork Fried Rice and a Crispy Egg Roll.

The Classic Wonton Soup, Today it was a little off (Hey nobody's Perfect not even Silver Star) as the Noodle seemed a little overdone and the Broth was slightly tasteless, still better than 99.9% in Brooklyn Chinese Food.

Waiter may we have some more Crispy Noodles please. These are always free, none of this the 3rd bowel and after we charge dollar.

Silver Star interior, This was a Saturday afternoon before the Dinner crowd arrived.

We have to work on getting past the line of scrimmage.

Silver Star exterior.

7/20/13 - I was here with Frank during the Dinner hour and the Hot and Sour Soup was Perfect, Once again only Silver Star makes it this way anymore in Brooklyn chinese dining.

The Sweet and Pungent Pork Combination comes with Soup, Fried or White Rice and Egg Roll ($8.95)

Just as Frank was telling me "This place can't be beat for Roast Pork" I spied in my Fried Rice a perfect cube of you guessed it, Roast Pork so I took a closeup shot with the iPhone. Yes that's Scrambled Egg in the Rice, another ingredient vanished from Brooklyn Chinese Food. On a personal note I do not like Egg's but this is So Good

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