The Jazz Bus: Mama, told me not to come…
A few months ago Randy Newman and his piano thoroughly entertained a very sparse crowd for two magnificent sets of music from his long, storied catalogue. A lone spotlight led the man of the evening to the grand piano which was slightly off center of the C.W. Post College’s Tilles Center stage. A quick bow to acknowledge the few in the house and IT’S MONEY THAT I LOVE led the way. Off and running, the first few selections seemed somewhat rushed and pedestrian, without spirit. Prior to the fourth number Mr. Newman who seemed perplexed addressed the audience, telling his first of many humorous anecdotes. Complete with an impressive 19 Academy Award nominated songs ( 1 Oscar) ,five Grammy’s ,three Emmy’s to his credits, and a few gold records songs thrown in , this man with an acerbic tongue commented on how and why the “ rich people dressed as empty seats” so as not to be seen as a fan of his. A few nervous laughs from the crowd, a sip of water for the pause he needed for it to sink in and both he and the collective we seemed a bit more relaxed. With SHORT PEOPLE he had the audience in the palm of his hands, by POLITICAL SCIENCE which ended the first set, he had us standing.
During the second set which featured many songs from HARPS AND ANGELS he commented about the children in the audience and stated with tongue planted firmly in cheek, “if I knew you were going to bring them, I would have played the Toy Story stuff early so you could go home”. He then described his reminisces of the Dick Cavett’s interview of Lester Maddox which prompted Newman to pen the song “Rednecks”, a funny song better understood after the story was revealed. The 33 song double set offered on our night was in anticipation of the May 1 release of RANDY NEWMAN SONGBOOK #2, “picking up from where #1 didn’t go”. A shout of “We Love You” from one member of the audience was met quickly with (the profanity removed) “Next time bring some X-ing friends”. Ah, a night to remember…Jazzbus@gmail.com
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tribute Bands
The Jazz Bus: Tribute Bands
Imagine going to OLD TIMERS DAY at Yankee Stadium, 2011, and hearing, “Now batting Number 7, Mickey Mantle” and seeing Mickey Mantle walk to the plate. Well, not exactly The Mick but an “exciting recreation” of The Mick. Wait, nobody can swing like the Mick, nor run as fast. Who is this guy? Bummer, huh? Yea. That’s what I think about so called “Tribute” bands. Why bother when it’s all been done before, only better.
These thoughts were pounding through what’s left of my brain as we, The Bride and I, boarded the LIRR for our sojourn into Manhattan to see RAIN: A Tribute To The Beatles. What was I thinking getting these tickets on the advice of a friend who reviewing the show stated “I felt like I was back at Shea Stadium”? I had only hoped she did not mean watching The Mets (50 wins 112 loses) because I assumed she meant 1965 and The Fab Four.
Sunday morning on the westbound train is a bit different from the Saturday 3 a.m. eastbound to which I am more accustomed. The Sunday clientele is a bit more refined, dignified , soft spoken, and lacks that vulgarity so freely used on the other train; in other words these “commuters” were quite sober, especially today as all alcohol was banned for “the courtesy of those attending The Puerto Rican Day Parade”. Our day was thoughtfully planned; a visit to Strawberry Fields, a matinee on Broadway ,dinner after the show and a stroll through The Village . What more could I ask for?
First, the weather when we left Copiague was not cooperating, over cast, and a bit chilly. The train ride, a local, made all its appointed stops, and I felt the tinge of a stomach bug coming on. Arriving to the throngs of Penn Station we immediately looked to aide my pangs, but what resembled a pretzel was harder than rock candy. A cab ride resembling the Cyclone at Coney Island deposited us at our destination where we spent a few moments deciding where to go. The sun was shining but a trip to Strawberry Fields was out so we had a “diet coke” in a pub.
The show was a pleasant surprise. No plot, no story except the progression of the Beatles music. The first act better for me than the second one. The characters all “resembled” the Fab Four, the sound recreation great, and being partial to percussionists I thought “the drummer”, as they used no reference to the “characters” they played, was note and pitch perfect. I could have done without the numerous requests to “stand up and dance” or “wave your hands” (Hey Jude), or flash the peace sign (John circa 71).
After the show another exciting ride at 150 MPH downtown to The White Horse where we dined al fresco, a true street show unto itself, followed by a nice evening stroll through Sheridan Square and The Village, exploring some of the old haunts. Standing on West Fourth watching the basketballers in The Cage I thought back to times past, the music, the travels, and friends…I guess that is what tribute bands are meant to do. jazzbus@gmail.com
Imagine going to OLD TIMERS DAY at Yankee Stadium, 2011, and hearing, “Now batting Number 7, Mickey Mantle” and seeing Mickey Mantle walk to the plate. Well, not exactly The Mick but an “exciting recreation” of The Mick. Wait, nobody can swing like the Mick, nor run as fast. Who is this guy? Bummer, huh? Yea. That’s what I think about so called “Tribute” bands. Why bother when it’s all been done before, only better.
These thoughts were pounding through what’s left of my brain as we, The Bride and I, boarded the LIRR for our sojourn into Manhattan to see RAIN: A Tribute To The Beatles. What was I thinking getting these tickets on the advice of a friend who reviewing the show stated “I felt like I was back at Shea Stadium”? I had only hoped she did not mean watching The Mets (50 wins 112 loses) because I assumed she meant 1965 and The Fab Four.
Sunday morning on the westbound train is a bit different from the Saturday 3 a.m. eastbound to which I am more accustomed. The Sunday clientele is a bit more refined, dignified , soft spoken, and lacks that vulgarity so freely used on the other train; in other words these “commuters” were quite sober, especially today as all alcohol was banned for “the courtesy of those attending The Puerto Rican Day Parade”. Our day was thoughtfully planned; a visit to Strawberry Fields, a matinee on Broadway ,dinner after the show and a stroll through The Village . What more could I ask for?
First, the weather when we left Copiague was not cooperating, over cast, and a bit chilly. The train ride, a local, made all its appointed stops, and I felt the tinge of a stomach bug coming on. Arriving to the throngs of Penn Station we immediately looked to aide my pangs, but what resembled a pretzel was harder than rock candy. A cab ride resembling the Cyclone at Coney Island deposited us at our destination where we spent a few moments deciding where to go. The sun was shining but a trip to Strawberry Fields was out so we had a “diet coke” in a pub.
The show was a pleasant surprise. No plot, no story except the progression of the Beatles music. The first act better for me than the second one. The characters all “resembled” the Fab Four, the sound recreation great, and being partial to percussionists I thought “the drummer”, as they used no reference to the “characters” they played, was note and pitch perfect. I could have done without the numerous requests to “stand up and dance” or “wave your hands” (Hey Jude), or flash the peace sign (John circa 71).
After the show another exciting ride at 150 MPH downtown to The White Horse where we dined al fresco, a true street show unto itself, followed by a nice evening stroll through Sheridan Square and The Village, exploring some of the old haunts. Standing on West Fourth watching the basketballers in The Cage I thought back to times past, the music, the travels, and friends…I guess that is what tribute bands are meant to do. jazzbus@gmail.com
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Retirement??? No Way
The Jazz Bus: Retirement??
Retirement you say ,to which I respond, “No way”. While I may not have a “9 to 5 “ or respond to the alarm clock every morn ,I do rise from my slumber , eat breakfast and “go to work”, whatever that may mean for that particular day. Yes, I left the “rat race” but under no circumstances am I “retired” because that’s what old people do (no offense meant). Daily I do what I want, when I want, or whatever the bride, now referred to as “my supervisor”, has planned for me. Currently I am an unpaid worker in the home improvement business. What started out as a simple request, “Honey, Can WE paint the bathroom vanity?” lost its partnership of “we” and became “my new job”. Simply put the vanity painting led to a desire for new hinges and handles, then a new vanity top and sink which when installed by me led to minor plumbing repairs followed by major leakages under the sink . My apprenticeship in Electrical work started as the newly painted vanity needed new lighting which led to the dreaded ordering of new wallpaper to cover the barely noticeable space where the old fixture had vacated. The Supervisor pondered “ a beach theme and Wayne Scotting the lower walls” to which I silently responded, “What?” followed by “Who the heck is Wayne Scotting ?”; I only hoped he was a subcontractor, but alas, I now have a complete understanding of what “wainscoting” is, how to cut it, and put it up.
Not satisfied “we” added chair rails, and of course the obligatory corner molding all which needed to be mitered to perfection which takes painstaking patience, for which I am not known. Now come the towel racks, toilet paper roll holder and assorted wall items which morphed into buying new towels and rugs to match the new wallpaper. What started as a one hour trip to pick up some paint, off white was the color, led to a few hours standing in the Paint Section deciding which white because they have 42 selections of off white. Who knew? , not me. Each day about 5 pm The Boss calls it a day, she is tired from making all these decisions and she allows me to wash up to become “The Chef”, as well as the much needed mixologist, two for ones . So in the past few weeks this “retired soul” was a plumber, electrician, carpenter, all around handy-man, chef, bartender, waiter, and any other job out there; A worker who no longer has a union to protect him from work place abuses. And I don’t get weekends off.
So the question posed was “Where have you been?” and “who are you?” can now be easily answered. Check Home Depot, Lowe’s, F and D Supply, any plumbing supply house, or maybe the lighting store on Route 110 and look for the guy who is not smiling, the one walking a few steps behind the hyper excited woman who has a handful of color swatches. So, Ralph, NO, I didn’t go on vacation or retire, just got a new boss and NO TIME OFF to write. (Someone help me, please) Kindred spirits can write me…but don’t expect a reply as The Boss is watching. Jazzbus@gmail.com
Retirement you say ,to which I respond, “No way”. While I may not have a “9 to 5 “ or respond to the alarm clock every morn ,I do rise from my slumber , eat breakfast and “go to work”, whatever that may mean for that particular day. Yes, I left the “rat race” but under no circumstances am I “retired” because that’s what old people do (no offense meant). Daily I do what I want, when I want, or whatever the bride, now referred to as “my supervisor”, has planned for me. Currently I am an unpaid worker in the home improvement business. What started out as a simple request, “Honey, Can WE paint the bathroom vanity?” lost its partnership of “we” and became “my new job”. Simply put the vanity painting led to a desire for new hinges and handles, then a new vanity top and sink which when installed by me led to minor plumbing repairs followed by major leakages under the sink . My apprenticeship in Electrical work started as the newly painted vanity needed new lighting which led to the dreaded ordering of new wallpaper to cover the barely noticeable space where the old fixture had vacated. The Supervisor pondered “ a beach theme and Wayne Scotting the lower walls” to which I silently responded, “What?” followed by “Who the heck is Wayne Scotting ?”; I only hoped he was a subcontractor, but alas, I now have a complete understanding of what “wainscoting” is, how to cut it, and put it up.
Not satisfied “we” added chair rails, and of course the obligatory corner molding all which needed to be mitered to perfection which takes painstaking patience, for which I am not known. Now come the towel racks, toilet paper roll holder and assorted wall items which morphed into buying new towels and rugs to match the new wallpaper. What started as a one hour trip to pick up some paint, off white was the color, led to a few hours standing in the Paint Section deciding which white because they have 42 selections of off white. Who knew? , not me. Each day about 5 pm The Boss calls it a day, she is tired from making all these decisions and she allows me to wash up to become “The Chef”, as well as the much needed mixologist, two for ones . So in the past few weeks this “retired soul” was a plumber, electrician, carpenter, all around handy-man, chef, bartender, waiter, and any other job out there; A worker who no longer has a union to protect him from work place abuses. And I don’t get weekends off.
So the question posed was “Where have you been?” and “who are you?” can now be easily answered. Check Home Depot, Lowe’s, F and D Supply, any plumbing supply house, or maybe the lighting store on Route 110 and look for the guy who is not smiling, the one walking a few steps behind the hyper excited woman who has a handful of color swatches. So, Ralph, NO, I didn’t go on vacation or retire, just got a new boss and NO TIME OFF to write. (Someone help me, please) Kindred spirits can write me…but don’t expect a reply as The Boss is watching. Jazzbus@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Thrill of a LIVE Time
The Jazz Bus: The Thrill of a Live Time
As a young boy I remember traveling with my parents to the sleepy town of Bay Shore, Long Island where the nearest Sears and Roebuck was located. This journey was probably an appliance shopping trip. Since that time many moons ago my acquaintance with that town was restricted to traveling through it on Montauk Highway, and wondering how that quaint town had changed as drastically as it did. My negative opinion changed the other night.
First up, a friend gave me a copy of the newest cd by Alejandro Escovedo STREET SONGS OF LOVE. I loved it and needless to say it stayed on heavy rotation in my iTunes while becoming a 2011 Top Three pick for me. Then, A few weeks ago the Boulton Center in Bay Shore announced that Escovedo and The Sensitive Boys, his current power three piece ensemble, would be performing. Two quick phone calls and a few e-mail later, WE THREE had first row center, all done with my computer and home printer. Surprisingly each ticket came through with a “$2 off” coupon for a beer joint THE CORTLAND, which was conveniently located next to the theatre. Not wanting to waste the paper it was printed on I felt obligated to invite my compatriots to spend a few more moments in Bay Shore before the show. Almost too good to be true, I thought.
Not having to take the LIRR, we drove on a beautiful Friday evening east on Montauk Highway, all in my new “adult” car and arriving at our destination parked in the well lit municipal lot behind the theatre. A short walk thru a small park like area had us standing on Main Street viewing the hustle and bustle of what is now downtown Bay Shore. Beautifully done. The stores magnificent, the streets spotless and well, not the town I remember as a kid or more recently.
The beer joint was just that, a narrow bar with three tables at the far end. After Bert asked for a “Johnny Walker Black with a twist”, and the barmaid shook her head, I knew I was getting closer to Beer Nirvana. The tap beers were mostly from local micro brews, and served at a perfect temperature. After two, or right maybe three, we left the establishment for the theater.
A spacious extremely clean place with plenty of staff to lead you to your seats, the 8 p.m. show started a few minutes after the appointed hour, and the band rocked for close to two hours performing most of the new collection with some other nuggets (The Rolling Stones MISS YOU,)thrown in for good measure. Live music always pleases me and this one was truly a thrill. The only throwback was what to do after the show as it was only 10 p.m., an ending time to which I am quite unaccustomed. Ah, THE CORTLAND had a TV, the hockey game was on, and our “$2 off” coupon was still in effect. Another perfect way to wind down. jazzbus@gmail.com
As a young boy I remember traveling with my parents to the sleepy town of Bay Shore, Long Island where the nearest Sears and Roebuck was located. This journey was probably an appliance shopping trip. Since that time many moons ago my acquaintance with that town was restricted to traveling through it on Montauk Highway, and wondering how that quaint town had changed as drastically as it did. My negative opinion changed the other night.
First up, a friend gave me a copy of the newest cd by Alejandro Escovedo STREET SONGS OF LOVE. I loved it and needless to say it stayed on heavy rotation in my iTunes while becoming a 2011 Top Three pick for me. Then, A few weeks ago the Boulton Center in Bay Shore announced that Escovedo and The Sensitive Boys, his current power three piece ensemble, would be performing. Two quick phone calls and a few e-mail later, WE THREE had first row center, all done with my computer and home printer. Surprisingly each ticket came through with a “$2 off” coupon for a beer joint THE CORTLAND, which was conveniently located next to the theatre. Not wanting to waste the paper it was printed on I felt obligated to invite my compatriots to spend a few more moments in Bay Shore before the show. Almost too good to be true, I thought.
Not having to take the LIRR, we drove on a beautiful Friday evening east on Montauk Highway, all in my new “adult” car and arriving at our destination parked in the well lit municipal lot behind the theatre. A short walk thru a small park like area had us standing on Main Street viewing the hustle and bustle of what is now downtown Bay Shore. Beautifully done. The stores magnificent, the streets spotless and well, not the town I remember as a kid or more recently.
The beer joint was just that, a narrow bar with three tables at the far end. After Bert asked for a “Johnny Walker Black with a twist”, and the barmaid shook her head, I knew I was getting closer to Beer Nirvana. The tap beers were mostly from local micro brews, and served at a perfect temperature. After two, or right maybe three, we left the establishment for the theater.
A spacious extremely clean place with plenty of staff to lead you to your seats, the 8 p.m. show started a few minutes after the appointed hour, and the band rocked for close to two hours performing most of the new collection with some other nuggets (The Rolling Stones MISS YOU,)thrown in for good measure. Live music always pleases me and this one was truly a thrill. The only throwback was what to do after the show as it was only 10 p.m., an ending time to which I am quite unaccustomed. Ah, THE CORTLAND had a TV, the hockey game was on, and our “$2 off” coupon was still in effect. Another perfect way to wind down. jazzbus@gmail.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Hot as Heck
It is only June, the Ninth to be exact, and it is already hot, hotter than I can remember this early in the month. Summer is officially two weeks away, and that is only the start of it. What will it be like in the Dog Days of Summer???
My musical escapes for the next few weeks will be in air conditioned clubs,etc: Alejandro Escovedo at a great little venue, followed by RAIN: A Beatles Tribute on Broadway (more to come about that since I do not enjoy tribute bands),followed by Mike Stern Power Trio at Iridium (the band features Esperalda Spaulding, the Grammy Award winner on bass and vocals, should be way cool as the say.
My musical escapes for the next few weeks will be in air conditioned clubs,etc: Alejandro Escovedo at a great little venue, followed by RAIN: A Beatles Tribute on Broadway (more to come about that since I do not enjoy tribute bands),followed by Mike Stern Power Trio at Iridium (the band features Esperalda Spaulding, the Grammy Award winner on bass and vocals, should be way cool as the say.
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