Music, Humor and Words

Disregard the previous notice

2007-10-08T12:53:00.002-04:00

Might switch to WP by 12/31.

Dead letter office indeed.

Anyone good with site design? These templates kinda suck.

Public Radio Talent Quest

2007-06-08T09:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, I entered.

Didn't get through, but I entered.

Not sure how the experiment overall worked for PRX. There's boatloads of untapped voices out upon the planet, with some useful, useless, thought provoking (and mind numbing) views and more.

I will be curious how the "winners" will be integrated into the Public Radio fold, but I'm equally curious how the other semi-finalists will continue in on the heels of their exposure during this competition.

My initial entry, pithy as it is, should still be online at

http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/1808

More unfinished business

2007-04-02T11:51:00.000-04:00

Guess this is my dead letter office. Have to admit I get around, though not much gets retained. I feel more like the accidental tourist, going through life experiencing without sharing. It's not very healthy, but for now a bit unavoidable, since so much happens in a day and I can't always find a moment to break it all down. There is a path. Better go follow it.

Gonna See "The Boy King"

2007-02-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

Off to Philadelphia for a weekend jaunt to the Franklin Institute, where the exhibition 'Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs' resides through the end of September.

Since no pictures can be taken from there, I'll check in with other sites from the city a bit.

On the fence: The Police Reunion

2007-02-12T12:30:00.000-05:00

Variety

Now that it's official, It only makes sense as to where I should take a chance on seeing them.

Read Billboard's report here.

Now that's News: 2007 OzzFest shows - FREE!

2007-02-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

OZZFEST 2007...FOR FREE!

GROUNDBREAKING ANNOUNCEMENT
PULLS PLUG ON TICKET PRICES

"This will change everybody’s impression of the way touring in the summer in America should be."--Sharon Osbourne

Imagine a day of wall-to-wall hard rock.

Imagine the world's greatest headliner sharing a bill with cutting edge new artists.

Imagine if this brass-knuckled beast was hellbent on coming to your town.

Imagine this earth-pounding event...FOR FREE.

2007 will forever mark the year OZZFEST spiked the concert industry's punch and gave every head-banging American kid a reason to strap on an air guitar with the historic announcement that tickets to the summer’s premiere touring concert festival won't cost fans a dime.

Testing one, two, three...

That's right, OZZY and SHARON OSBOURNE and tour producer LIVE NATION broke the news today at the Concert Industry Consortium in Los Angeles that their 12th annual hard rock spectacular--a 25-date extravaganza launching July 7 in Los Angeles--is pulling the plug on ticket prices and giving the power back to the fans calling this summer’s OZZFEST "FreeFest." The other OZZFEST cities as of now are San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, Kansas City, St Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Pittsburgh, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, Charlotte, Atlanta, West Palm Beach, Nashville. Note: a final confirmed list of cities and dates is forthcoming.

"For the last few years," says SHARON, "ticket prices have steadily climbed as artists demand more and more money for summer tours. We certainly want everybody to make money, however we also want the kids to be able to afford to come out and have an incredible experience. If we continued with the traditional touring festival model, we would have no choice but to raise ticket prices again this year."

Cited as “one of rock’s biggest juggernauts” in the cover feature of Sunday's New York Times' “Arts and Leisure” section (6/25/06), OZZFEST and Live Nation will turn to sponsors to provide added support for the festival's new incarnation. This summer’s OZZFEST will provide select sponsors with a unique opportunity to engage fans one-on-one utilizing one of music’s best known brands.

"We're reaching the same point we did years ago when kids no longer wanted to pay for overpriced CDs," compares Sharon. "As a result, they found alternative ways of getting music. That’s what’s happening with summer touring in this country, it’s out-pricing itself. We started this and we want to keep it and we want to make it bigger and bigger each year by getting bigger sponsors to be involved with the festival and underwriting the festival. That’s what it’s about."

“For the past 11 years, music fans have made OZZFEST the most successful and enduring rock music festival in the United States,” said Jason Garner, Live Nation President of North American Concerts. “What better way to say ‘Thank You’ to the music fans who have made this possible than inviting them to attend OZZFEST for free.”

To gain entry into the event, fans will go to www.ozzfest.com or www.livenation.com to find links that will direct them to special sponsor sites where tickets can be secured. More details regarding the process are forthcoming.

As OZZFEST’s founder and namesake, OZZY will make his triumphant return to the headlining position on this year's mainstage after surprising fans last year by performing on the down-and-dirty second stage at a handful of dates. Audiences can expect the Prince of Darkness to unveil new songs from his forthcoming studio album, OZZY’s first disc of new material since 2001. While the rest of the in-progress bill is under wraps, Sharon points out, "we have bands committed, but we’re hoping that after today's announcement we’ll have a whole influx of artists who want to be a part of something this ground breaking. We know there aren't any major headlining acts that would tour all summer for nothing, but we're confident we can turn some of the genre's biggest bands on to what we're doing and have them come out to play a date or two. If they're in town and want the rush of performing in front of 20,000 frenzied kids, they're more than welcome to join us. They can sell their t-shirts, CDs and whatever else they've got. They're also welcome to book their own shows in local venues on the day of OZZFEST. I’m not stopping them. People have to be creative and think of alternatives."

Since 1996, OZZFEST has been a virtual breeding ground for rising bands. The festival has been instrumental in igniting the careers of platinum-selling artists like System of a Down, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Incubus, Slipknot, Queens of the Stoneage and Godsmack. Along with supporting bands on the rise including Avenged Sevenfold, Mudvayne, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage and Lacuna Coli, among others.

“OZZFEST was created to keep this genre of music alive by showcasing new talent," states Sharon. "You better believe we’re going to keep perpetuating that by hand-picking compelling new bands that are hungry for OZZFEST's career-making exposure."

###

Nice thank-you to many fans; just hope security is tight at many of these venues; especially Hartford, which learned it's lesson a few years back.

Well, Almost...

2007-01-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

I guess I have to wait a little longer, as The Blue Nile's entire US tour this February has been scrubbed. No word as to why and nothing on the official site , but Paul Buchanan, Robert Bell and PJ Moore hopefully will make fans over here happy sometime soon.

Holiday! Hol-i-day!

2006-12-09T08:27:00.000-05:00

It's coming fast and furious...

Office decorations... Lines at the shops... My mind befuddled by what I think I need...

Goodness knows how I'm able to get a show in between work and other distractions.

The Blue Nile in the US in 2007

2006-10-28T10:56:00.000-04:00

Looks like Scotland's famous pop procrastinators are making their way to the states early next year.

Paul Buchanan, Robert Bell and (hopefully) PJ Moore last performed live in the US back in 1996, when 'Peace at Last' came out. From a concert standpoint, they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I relish the opportunity to see them live at least once. In this case, Boston February 18th at the Paradise Rock Club.

Buchanan and Bell are doing some UK/Ireland shows in November, showcasing some old Blue Nile and some newer Buchanan solo material.

More on that here.

Slow News Summer Ends

2006-08-31T12:09:00.000-04:00

Now that my daughter's back in school, so begins a new journey...

The Mrs. has changed jobs, closer and more convenient to work and school for the three of us. I'm alright, but does anyone know any Star Trek fans who might like some neato TNG figures from Playmates. I've got too many to keep in the house!

So people are listening...

2006-07-17T17:59:00.000-04:00

Funny. I couldn't help but notice that some of you have heard some of the revived Bohemia After Dark on robinhoodradio.com

As Ed Koch was fond of sayin', "How'm I doin?"

Send an email over to bohemiaafterdark@gmail.com

Say hi.

Stop Rokkasho - An Artistic Protest

2006-07-06T09:39:00.000-04:00

"Ryuichi Sakamoto launched stop-rokkasho.org in response to the opening of a nuclear reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho in Japan's northern Aomori Prefecture. Sakamoto wrote and recorded a new track along with shing02 and Christian Fennesz under the group name team 6 as a way to begin the Rokkasho awareness campaign. This podcast will deliver music, video, photos, art, information and interviews to help spread the word about both the Rokkasho plant and the dangers of reprocessing in general. Future episodes will feature music and art donated by a growing list of artists joining the project."

Subscribe to the feed here.

RIP Arif Mardin

2006-06-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

A truly gifted producer, Arif Mardin crafted some amazing albums over a nearly 50 year career.

Billboard Obit

So Long, Top of the Pops

2006-06-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

From theTripwire:

R.I.P. Top of the Pops. You will be missed.

"Top of the Pops has been axed after 42 years providing the latest pop performances and chart rundowns. The final episode of the BBC music show, which made stars of Noel Edmonds and Jimmy Savile, is expected to air later this summer."

That is kinda sad. On par with the passing of American Bandstand, another wealth of music exposure for a few generations.

But the wheel keeps turnin'.

Full Circle, One Year On

2006-06-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

I'm kinda proud. Most ground-level bloggers pack it in within a year, but on this first anniversary, I'm happy with my birthday present. Just a place to get a thought or two out there.

I'll leave it at that.

Relax on Father's Day? Nah!

2006-06-18T15:25:00.000-04:00

I never seem to be the Dad on the hammock, beer in hand relaxing on his "special day," nor the Dad glued to the big screen TV, game on and all, either.

But true to form, I only manage to get a few goals accomplished. I sleep a little late, spend a little extra time at the Mac and cook up a storm on the grill.

Hope your Father's Day is as enjoyable as mine.

So ready for this weekend

2006-05-25T16:17:00.000-04:00

As I prepare another Bohemia After Dark for robinhoodradio.com, I take solace in the prospect of a three day weekend, at least one with no obligations other than a Sunday with family.

Short and sweet.

robinhoodradio.com unveils schedule

2006-05-16T16:29:00.000-04:00

Well, even I wondered when my show was going to be heard. Now I know:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday:

6 AM - 9 AM: Tri-State Today with.Marshall Miles

9 AM - 1 PM: Mid-Day Cafe

1 PM - 6 PM: Christine Zoro

6 PM - 7 PM: Bohemia After Dark rebroadcast with Michael Wright

7 PM - 10 PM: Hal Lefferts rebroadcast

10 PM - 12 Midnight: Nothing But the Blues rebroadcast with Keith Munro

Thursday and Friday:

6 AM - 9 AM: Tri-State Today with.Marshall Miles

9 AM - 10 AM: Mid-Day Cafe

10 AM - 1 PM: Hal Lefferts (live on Thursday, rebroadcast on Friday)

1 PM - 6 PM: Christine Zoro

6 PM - 8PM: Aquarian Nation Radio: Francis Dunnery and Christine Zoro

8 PM - 10 PM: Nothing But the Blues rebroadcast with Keith Munro

10 PM - 11 PM: Bohemia After Dark with Michael Wright

11 PM - 12 Midnight: Evening Jam!

Saturday and Sunday:

6 AM - 7 AM: Weekend Edition Marshall Miles

7 AM - 10 AM: Those Wonderful Years with Gary Bonds

10 AM - 2 PM: Latino! Juan Sanchez

2 PM - 4 PM: Weekend Sampler

4 PM - 7 PM: Hal Lefferts (Thursday's show)

7 PM - 9 PM: Nothing But the Blues

9 PM - 11 PM: Aquarian Nation Radio

11 PM - 12 Midnight: Bohemia After Dark

Guess I have to get cracking on the next show...

Podcasts begin at robinhoodradio.com

2006-05-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

Look for downloadable segments of Aquarian Nation Radio, Nothin' But the Blues and my hour-long version of Bohemia After Dark at the podcast link of robinhoodradio.com

An all too frequent comment

2006-05-06T11:38:00.000-04:00

An anonymous poster reading this represents the opinion more than a few former WKZE listeners:

Anonymous said...
Hi, although wkze is an interesting radio destination in the hudson valley, it really doesn't offer much in the way of personality driven programs. The music is good and the listings are ok but the air staff sounds stale and tired. I was a stedy listener until last june when I got a sirius radio and haven't really tuned in since then.

11:19 AM

-----------------------------------------

Thanks for your observation. When I left WKZE nearly five years ago, that "personality driven" sound was on the way out. Since then they lost Hal Lefferts, Doug Harrell, myself, and Christine Zoro. Much of what's left, save for the return of Stuart Hall and Corey, are talking heads. I do wish them well. On the bright side, Hal, Christine, Sally Spillane, Jill Goodman and I can be heard on www.robinhoodradio.com

Ladies and Gentlemen...

2006-05-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

It's alive.

Look for a spirited sound for the Hudson Valley and beyond, with a roster that includes familiar voices like Marshall Miles, Hal Lefferts, Christine Zoro, Francis Dunnery, Sally Spillane, Jill Goodman, Keith Munro, Dave Tetor, Gary Bonds and, yes, me.

One more thing: There are three chances to win $1000 during the next few months. Can't beat that. Register for the drawing and cross your fingers.

Bohemia After Dark premieres at 9pm ET on Robin Hood Radio. Hope you can tune in.

Recording at home

2006-04-27T08:14:00.000-04:00

I never thought I could make it sound alright. But I've tweaked it enough so it's pallatable.

Back to making the new 'Bohemia After Dark' for RobinHoodRadio.com...

tweak... turn... press...

Great! Fans Get Another New Set of WOW Stickers!

2006-04-24T10:02:00.002-04:00

FMQB.com reports that "CBS Radio and XM Satellite Radio have entered into an unprecedented agreement that will mark the return of Opie & Anthony to CBS Radio stations in seven major markets -- WFNY/New York, KLLI/Dallas, WYSP/Philadelphia, WBCN/Boston, WRKZ/Pittsburgh, WXRK/Cleveland and WPBZ/West Palm Beach -- beginning this Wednesday, April 26. Under the terms of the agreement, CBS Radio will broadcast a three-hour version the Opie & Anthony Show -- featuring Gregg "Opie" Hughes, "Anthony" Cumia and Jim Norton -- on their stations from 6am - 9am each weekday morning, except in Cleveland where the program will air from 3pm - 6pm. The three hour program will originate from CBS Radio's WFNY New York studio and be simulcast on XM in an uncensored format, while the CBS Radio version will be FCC-friendly. O&A will then continue to broadcast from 9am - 11am exclusively for XM's more than 6.5 million subscribers live from their current XM studio in New York. CBS Radio stations in New York, Dallas and Philadelphia will also stream the O&A show show online at www.923freefm.com, www.1053freefm.com and www.941freefm.com, respectively. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed."

Someone's "Taking Back the Airwaves..."

2006-04-13T19:07:00.000-04:00

Well, not in the strictest sense. Pretty soon, some voices from a station that once occupied a nice Victorian house on a main drive somewhere will be heard from again...

Look to here beginning around May 1st.

US Air Guitar Championships Underway

2006-04-13T17:06:00.000-04:00

From the official site: "After our first-ever defeat at the Air Guitar World Championships, Team USA is redoubling its efforts in the annual search for the greatest air guitarist in all the land. Over 10 Regional champs, the first Collegiate champ and reigning US Champion Fatima "Rockness Monster" Hoang will battle it out for the top crown and the right to represent the USA in Finland for the covteted world title. Regional events and the US Finals will take place between May and June 2006. Dates and venues will be posted as they are announced."

-------------------------------

This is legit. And scary.

But even I have at one time or another emulated Page, Beck, Hendrix, Richards, Zappa, Satriani, Howe, Kottke, Hedges, Legg, Watanabe and countless other stringmen, basking in the glow that I couldn't play, but could look good pretending.

The finals are June 22nd at the Bowery Ballroom.

Love at first mount...

2006-04-11T09:38:00.000-04:00

Lesa got a bike! Lesa got a bike!

Lesa Snider King, that is. The "Graphic Reporter" and Your Mac Life co-host got a sweet lookin' 05' Suzuki GS500.

More on her story here.

The New WKZE Begins Monday

2006-04-07T14:10:00.000-04:00

WKZE begins a new era when they start broadcasting from new studios in Red Hook, NY beginning April 10th.

I took a moment to see the new digs, but forgot my camera. I'll make good soon, as I have to check my mailbox anyway.

Best wishes to them. I'll miss the old house.

Greetings UL Listeners!

2006-04-07T09:46:00.000-04:00

For those curious souls who follow every link out of sheer boredom...

Sorry I don't have much.

Welcome back Regis, Frankie and Gigli!

Boot Camp is the real deal

2006-04-06T17:25:00.000-04:00

Just announced the other day, Apple's public beta of Boot Camp will truly bridge the gap for those who simply must use both OSX and Windows. Boot Camp gives Intel-based Mac users the ability to natively install Windows XP, with the ability to dual boot, but not use simultaneously as with VirtualPC and other emulators.

I think gamers will truly benefit, as will those number crunchers who rely on DOS based or Wintel-centric programs for their day-to day endeavors.

I might give this a whirl in the summer, when I plan to have a Mac mini or a Mac Book Pro available to me to try it out.

Doctor Who on Sci-Fi Channel

2006-04-03T20:08:00.000-04:00

Well, so far, Sci-Fi's presentation of the 2005 Doctor Who has been worth the wait.
The opener, 'Rose,' was a nice re-introduction to the timelord, with Christopher Eccleston as the ninth incarnation of the beloved character. Billie Piper, the Doctor's new companion, is very engaging. She steps right up to the plate and hits one out of the park, in my opinion. So far, they've aired 'The End of the World,' 'The Unquiet Dead' and the first two-parter 'Aliens of London.' Can't wait to see what's next. Of course, there are friends of mine who have seen the whole series via sinister means. I'm glad they haven't spoiled it yet for me.

For the best news on the Doctor Who universe, head to Outpost Gallifrey, or listen to Doctor Who: Podshock

Christine has left the building

2006-03-31T10:02:00.000-05:00

Best wishes to Christine Zoro, who leaves WKZE after a ten year run. Like a Swiss army knife, she filled so many duties with dexterity, passion and ease, no matter what the situation. Having worked with her while I wrapped up 'Bohemia After Dark,' I have to credit her with giving me the courage to play The Residents on the air there, much to the surprise of many listeners, not to mention management. I look forward to where she sets her sights on next, because I know she will be fantastic. Catch Christine and Francis Dunnery on Aquarian Nation Radio as well.

MyDeathSpace.com

2006-03-30T17:31:00.000-05:00

Simply put, it's creepy, but necessary.

Having just created a MySpace account, It's good to know the community certainly goes all the way, even if it's not on MySpace.

from the website (via BoingBoing):

Only three things are certain in life. MySpace, Taxes, and Death.

If you have a MySpace account and you die, this is where you will end up.

MyDeathSpace.com memorializes deceased MySpace users and picks up where

a regular obituary leaves off.

The Tripwire Goes Public

2006-03-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

I figured it wouldn't be long before the front gate to this tastemaker's playground would be unlocked. The staff of TheTripwire are ensconced in the area where promotion, advertising and branding are mixed in a rich, potentially rewarding rue. These include folks from Cornerstone Promotion (who also publish the FADER) and many industry types (DJs, label reps, writers and other bloggers) who post thier faves in the updated "Picks" section of the site. Not sure where I can keep up with the latest and greatest, but I hope to god I still get the Cornerstone Player on a regular basis.

Guess I have to register again.

My last time at 67 Main Street

2006-03-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

My short visit to WKZE's new studios was worth the drive. I'll be there again, this time with a working camera. But my final visit to the old location was truly bittersweet.

I assumed it was Christine Zoro's final morning shift, and the place was nearly empty. Christine's on till the 31st, which by that time the new studios should be ready.

It Lives!

2006-03-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a great friend, the "paperweight" is alive and kicking!

My worst fear was that replacing the logic board wasn't the only problem. Thankfully, that did the trick.

Now I have to get used to Tiger...

Resurrection of the "big white paperweight"

2006-03-01T12:58:00.000-05:00

If I play my cards right, the eMac I killed back in 2005 may see life once again.

Now I could have sold it on eBay for a pittence, but I like to think I have a chance to do some DIY for a change. With a little help, I could have it back up over the weekend.

Here's hoping.

WKZE Uproots to Red Hook Soon

2006-02-23T17:58:00.000-05:00

My ol' stomping ground will be no more real soon, as WKZE begins its move from 67 Main Street Sharon, CT 06069 to 7392 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571. Expect the move to be complete by mid-March.

Yours Truly with fans and a couple of Duhks in 2005

Show me the SNOW!

2006-02-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

Winter is back; not that it really went away. But with Winter Storm Carson, the Northeast got a reminder of what this season is capable of. Overall, we got about 22 inches, which for our neck of the woods wasn't too bad. At least it was light. I couldn't imagine shovelling this mass if it were wet and slushy.

My daughter and I found some time to venture out for a late Sunday stroll in the drift:

She left an impression.

and made her way to the mounds

and I watched.

As I relax with a cup of hot chocolate, I think back to when I would dig out the plowed mounds to create a snow fort of decent quality. I'd hang out for as long as I could, playing out the "Luke gets trapped in the Wampa cave" part from 'The Empire Strikes Back' and shit like that. It's time I figured out that when you get this much snow these days, you have to play in it a bit.

Brrrrrrrrrr!

On Pop's Edge: Office

2006-02-08T14:58:00.000-05:00

I'll let Matt DuFour from thetripwire.com remark first:

"Unsigned: Introducing The Office... The Band Actually, I think it's just Office (no "the"), but regardless, I can't stop listening to this band. They're from Chicago and they're unsigned (for now). There's six members - Scott, Alissa, Erica, Tom, Craig and Ryan - and they write some of the catchiest indie pop tunes I've heard in a while... They have a few tracks to stream on their website, so go check it out ASAP."

Now me: Please do. Many sweet tones have emerged from the midwest, and I must say there's a "stick in your head" quality that even I can't shake about Office. Compare, contrast, debate all you want. Give these folks a chance. They're preparing for an appearance at SXSW, which in my opinion, may be just the ticket for them.

Office at MySpace

WXCI Memories

2006-02-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

Fans of 91.7FM WXCI, the campus station at Western Connecticut State University, can get a blast from years past, thanks to the WXCI Memories blog and podcast:

www.wxcimemories.blogspot.com

Along with this nostalgia, the station will play host to a number of alumni for a day-long celebration of XCI's 33rd anniversary (odd number, big milestone) Saturday February 25th from noon to midnight ET. I'll be on, along with friends from my time there (late 80's-early 90's), around 8PM ET.

More details to follow.

On Pop's Edge: The Feeling

2006-01-27T16:08:00.000-05:00

So many groups have alligned themselves with pop's "current" sensibilities, albeit with enough separation as to not be blatant copycats and the like. Then there are the bands that have made inroads into reviving the softer sounds that permeated the radio landscape of the 70's like Jellyfish, The Rembrandts, Ben Folds Five and Spymob. One band that has dominated my listening this week is on pop's edge, just about to break big time. I love being on the ground floor like this.

The band is the Sussex quartet The Feeling. I caught the single 'Sewn' on Xfm late Tuesday night. Not getting a backsell, I posted on Xfm's message board, trying to get a name or ident, with a couple of lyrics to help. I didn't get my answer, but noticed another post that asked about the same song, which got a reply for me to go on. Finding the band's website was first, then finding out they also had set up a page on myspace (the ultimate promotional weapon/resource at the moment) giving me a chance to hear more tracks, including 'Never Be Lonely' and 'Fill My Little World.'

I'm digging the inspiration from these boys, having listened in my younger days to Queen, 10cc, Supertramp and the like; the songs are very friendly, with quite a bit of fuel for more. They have gigs a plenty on the horizon in the UK, so it's only a matter of time before they make a splash here, like Coldplay, Keane and David Gray took their sweet time to hit stateside success.
They're signed to UMD/Island, so you will be hearing more soon, guaranteed.

The Feeling on MySpace
Official Site
The Feeling, 'Sewn' (Realaudio from BBC)

Donald Fagen to Tour Behind New Solo Effort

2006-01-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Great news for Dan fans; Donald Fagen will hit the road for a few weeks touring for the first time as a solo artist. His third album, 'Morph the Cat' hits March 7th, which is also the date set for one of his favorite places to play, the Beacon Theatre. Great way to have a release party!

Here's the itinerary:

3/01 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
3/03 Westbury, NY North Fork Music Theatre at Westbury
3/04 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre
3/06 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
3/07 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
3/09 Boston, MA Opera House
3/10 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata
3/12 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
3/13 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
3/15 Cleveland, OH Palace Theatre
3/16 Detroit, MI Opera House
3/18 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
3/19 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
3/21 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
3/24 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
3/25 Temecula, CA Pechanga Theater
3/27 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltem LG
3/28 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre

Check Donald's site for updates and more news

Harmony Junction on WKZE 1/14/2006

2006-01-17T22:25:00.000-05:00

Cherish the Ladies 'Broken Wings'
Fairport Convention 'Willow Creek'
Drew Emmitt 'All That You Dream'
Iain Matthews 'Timing'
Randall Bramblett 'I Burn for Someone'
Walter Hyatt 'This Time, Lucille'
Hot Club of Cowtown 'Exactly Like You'
Joshua Bell/Edgar Meyer 'In the Nick of Time'
Natalie MacMaster 'Eternal Friendship'
Turtle Island String Quartet 'Jaco'
Grisman/Hartford/Seeger 'Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay'
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul 'Darlin' Corey'
Capercaille 'Hoireann O'
Ashley MacIsaac 'Chorus Jig/The King's Reel'
Wolfstone 'The Howl'
Nanci Griffith 'Everything's Comin' Up Roses'
Paul Brady 'I Believe in Magic'
Sam Pacetti 'Saturday's Revival'
Andy Summers/John Etheridge 'Counting The Days'
Patty Larkin 'Open Arms (Don't Explain)'
Charlie Haden/Carlos Paredes 'Canto de Trabalho'
Bruce Molsky 'Blackberry Blossom'
Alasdair Fraser/Natalie Haas 'Stirling Castle Set'
(Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Interview and performance)
Stephen Fearing 'The Finest Kind'
Brooks Williams 'May You Never'

Sorry for the delay. Thanks again for all the kind words. Hope to stop in again soon.

iDo: A Macworld Expo Wedding

2006-01-16T14:26:00.000-05:00

Above link to article in The Mac Observer

Your Mac Life host Shawn King and Lesa Snider of graphicreporter.com were married by friend and Chicago Sun-Times tech columnist Andy Inhatko January 12th at the close of the 2006 MacWorld Expo in San Francisco. It was truly a "big fat geek wedding," with MacWorld columnist and Playlist magazine editor Chris Breen at the piano and NY Times columnist David Pogue giving the bride away. A fitting way to start the next chapter of their lives.

Watch the QT video. Be sure to catch Andy's closing remarks.

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason on WKZE Tomorrow

2006-01-13T14:13:00.000-05:00

As I fill in for Dick Hermans' 'Harmony Junction' one more time, I have the honor of having Jay Ungar and Molly Mason on the program Saturday (1/14) around 11amET.

The duo are hosting 'Fiddler's Dream,' an evening of American and Celtic fiddle music at Unison Art's Studley Theater Saturday January 21st at 8pm. Featured performers include Scottish fiddler Alasdair Frasier, cellist Natalie Haas and fiddler Bruce Molsky. Tickets are available by going to unisonarts.org or by calling 845-255-1559.

In the "If you've got it, flaunt it " department

2006-01-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

From theTripwire's Erin Chandler: (registration required)

Levis And iPod Want You To Sit On This

Are you happy to see me or is that an iPod in your Levis? We might all be asking that soon because this week the jean giants made it public that they have created pants that are compatible with iPods. The special trousers will feature a joystick in the watch pocket to make the device operate. They will also have a have a docking cradle with retractable headphones. Coined Levi’s RedWire DLX Jeans, the company stated that they will be available this fall for a mere $200.00.

Levis is not the only company that is trying to be a part of the digital music craze. It 2003 Burton Snowboards shed light on the first iPod compatible snowboarding jacket, and last fall Kenpo launched men’s jackets featuring iPod controls on the sleeves.

It is a shame that we are going to have to wait until fall to strut our stuff in our new iPod pants. With SXSW around the corner, it would have been a prime time to show off. I guess some things are just worth the wait.

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I don't have $200 burning a hole, and an green iPod mini, so where does that leave me?

You don't have to answer that.

More Saturdays on WKZE

2006-01-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

Looks like I'm staying on the air for a little while longer. For the next few weeks, I will once again be hosting 'Harmony Junction' on WKZE 98.1 FM from 9am to noon ET. If you miss the live show, catch it again Sunday mornings at 6a.

Listen online at www.wkze.com

I'll post playlists once more just after each show.

Nellie McKay Leaves Columbia Over Album Dispute

2006-01-05T11:04:00.000-05:00

From FMQB.com: Singer/songwriter Nellie McKay received critical acclaim and a cult following after the release of her 2004 album Get Away From Me. The follow-up, Pretty Little Head, was slated for a late December release, then pushed to the first week of January. After completely disappearing from the release schedule, it was made public that McKay had split from Columbia over a disagreement over the length of Pretty Little Head. Her version of the album had 23 tracks, while the label wanted only 16 songs. McKay also had a live concert DVD on the way, but that has been shelved as well.

McKay had been vocal in the press and in concert over her unhappiness with the label and in a recent interview with Paste magazine, was outspoken about wanting to be dropped from Columbia. In a statement to Reuters, McKay simply said that "Sources are hopeful that Pretty Little Head will be released in early 2006." She has partially attributed the troubles with her release to recent executive changes at the label.

Such a public spat between an artist and their label is not unheard of. In 2001, Wilco and Reprise Records went their separate ways over a well-documented disagreement about their album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. The record was picked up by Nonesuch and released in 2002 to critical praise and the band's biggest commercial success.

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I wish her well. She's got a full plate this year with the upcoming Roundabout staging of 'Threepenny Opera' and some possible shows in between.

Pete Tong's WIRED Interview

2006-01-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

Pete Tong: Apple's Gone Wrong?

The phenomenal British DJ swears by Macs and believes iPods have changed the planet. But as Apple conquers the music world, Tong worries the company may be going all Microsoft on us. A Wired News interview by Jonny Evans.

Harmony Junction on WKZE 12/31/2005

2005-12-31T12:04:00.000-05:00

Herdman/Hills/Mangsen ‘At the Turning of the Year’
Susan McKeown/Lindsay Horner ‘Bold Orion’
Davy Spillane ‘Starry Night’
Strength in Numbers ‘One Winter’s Night’
Michael Hedges ‘Ragamuffin’
Tony Rice ‘Scarborough Fair’
Drew Emmitt ‘Out in the Woods’
Tom Russell/Dolores Keane ‘The Dreamin’
Martin Simpson ‘Dreamtime’
The Wayfaring Strangers ‘Shifting Sands of Time’
Bruce Cockburn ‘Messenger Wind’
Boz Scaggs ‘Fly Like a Bird’
Brooks Williams ‘Birth of the True’
Susan Werner ‘Yes to You (Tappan Zee)’
Dave Alvin ‘Evening Blues’
Bill Frisell ‘Shenandoah’
Sam Pacetti ‘Ascension’
Vance Gilbert ‘High Rise (live)’
Ani DiFranco ‘Rockabye’
Pete Seeger & Friends ‘Of Time and Rivers Flowing’
Bruce Springsteen ‘We Shall Overcome’
Dee Carstensen ‘Compass’
Dave Van Ronk/Frank Christian ‘The Amoeba Hop’
Four Bitchin’ Babes ‘Dyslexic’
Andy Breckman ‘Don’t Get Killed’
Wolfstone ‘Heart & Soul’
David Gray ‘Everytime’
Karen Savoca ‘Somedays’
Terry Callier ‘Be a Believer (live)’
Scott Cossu ‘Gypsy Dance’
George Winston ‘Peace’

Harmony Junction on WKZE 12/24/2005

2005-12-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

George Winston 'Carol of the Bells'
Johnny Cunningham 'I Saw Three Ships/Bells No Bells'
Kate and Anna McGarrigle 'Seven Joys of Mary'
Ethan James 'From Church to Church/A Virgin Most Pure/When Christ was Born of Mary Free'
Bruce Cockburn 'Mary Had a Baby'
Five Chinese Brothers 'Make the Rafters Ring'
Chris Smither 'Coventry Carol'
New Grange 'Christmas Eve'
Jorma Kaukonen 'Christmas Rule'
Leon Redbone With Dr. John 'Frosty the Snowman'
The Persuasions 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'
Tony Trischka With Charles Osgood 'Banjo Cheer'
Modern Mandolin Quartet 'Nutcracker Suite Overture'
John Fahey/Richard Ruskin 'Russian Christmas Overture'
Leward Kaapana 'The Meaning of Christmas'
Stan Freberg 'Green Christmas'
Christine Lavin 'The Runaway Christmas Tree'
Gil Scott-Heron 'Spirits Past'
The Blue Nile 'Family Life'
Anne Dudley 'The Holly and the Ivy'
Thomas Moore With Johnny Cunningham and Friends 'The Soul of Christmas: A Celtic Music Celebration'

Thanks to all the listeners near and far for the kind words thru these past few weeks.

One more to go...

Christmas Eve Harmony Junction on WKZE

2005-12-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well, it's coming soon. The only time of the year where I break out the unusual holiday fare. Being my first time back on the radio during Christmas, this X-mas eve Harmony Junction will be diverse. Since KZE's online stream is just "Windows Friendly" (Shoutcast stream is gone and the Mac WMP is of no help), those with Macs that want to hear it should be prepared to find a PC friend.

It's pre-recorded, but I'll post the playlist just before the show wraps up Saturday morning.

Harmony Junction on WKZE 12/17/05

2005-12-18T12:51:00.000-05:00

Herdman/Hills/Mangsen 'Voices of Winter/Red & Green'
Paul Winter Consort 'Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day'
Ralph Towner 'Winter Solstice'
Phillip Aaberg 'High Plains (Christmas on the High-Line)'
Drew Emmitt 'All That You Dream'
Adrian Legg 'Bayou Belles'
Martin Sexton 'Do You Hear What I Hear'
Berroguetto 'Nadal de Luintra'
Kate & Anna McGarrigle 'Il Est Ne/Ca Bergers'
Susan McKeown/Lindsay Horner 'Winter King'
Bruce Cockburn 'Down In Yon Forest'
Leon Redbone 'Christmas Island'
Eddie G 'Mele Kalikimaka'
Bebel Gilberto 'Winter'
Keola Beamer 'Keiki's Dream'
Dar Williams 'The Christians and the Pagans'
The Bobs '50 Kilowatt Tree'
Donna the Buffalo 'These Are Better Days'
NRBQ 'Here Comes Santa Claus'
Michael Occhipinti 'Lovers in a Dangerous Time
Ben Swift 'Snowflakes'
Bill Morrissey 'Winter Laundry'
Joshua Bell/Edgar Meyer 'In the Nick of Time'
Strength in Numbers 'One Winter's Night'
Patrick Street 'Music for a Found Harmonium'
Johnny Cunningham 'In Excelsis Deo'
Kate & Anna McGarrigle 'Rebel Jesus'
Ethan James 'Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella'
The Chieftans 'Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve'
The Chenille Sisters 'Blowin' in the Wind(from a female perspective)'
Walter Hyatt 'Situe'
Stephen Fearing 'Lark and Duke'
Irma Thomas 'O Holy Night'

Bob Dylan Signs On With XM As A Host

2005-12-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

From RadioINK

XM Satellite Radio has announced that Bob Dylan will host a new music show for XM, marking the first time Dylan has hosted a radio show.

The weekly, hour-long show will feature a mix of music selected by Dylan. In addition, Dylan will offer regular commentary on music and other topics, host and interview guests and read e-mails from listeners. The show will debut in March on XM’s album rock channel Deep Tracks.

“Songs and music have always inspired me. A lot of my own songs have been played on the radio, but this is the first time I’ve ever been on the other side of the mic,” said Dylan. “It’ll be as exciting for me as it is for XM.”

“Bob Dylan epitomizes the American music experience and his unflagging integrity and vision defines everything we hope for XM to be,” said Lee Abrams, chief creative officer, XM Satellite Radio. “It is an honor to count Bob Dylan among the members of the XM artist family, and is further testimony of XM’s commitment to create original music programming that makes a difference.

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Now THAT just might persuade me to give XM a whirl. Many other factors are present for both XM and Sirius, but I'm still not sure which is right for me.

WXCI Memories online

2005-12-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

Growing up in Ridgefield CT, this great radio station from Danbury would be my friend in more ways than one. WXCI's history and musical influence was already well known and admired, but when I came to WestConn in 1988, I had no clue that I would contribute a small part of that history. My old friend, Rich Frohlich, who founded the award-winning Texas Radio Theatre Company, was getting his fet wet in production, eventually co-creating 'WXCI's Reality Break' and creating some wonderful audio, which can now be heard on a new podcast featuring some archived programs and excerpts from the station's 30 plus years.

Check it out!

Harmony Junction on WKZE 12/10/2005

2005-12-11T11:31:00.000-05:00

Metamora ‘Morning Walk’
Susan McKeown/Lindsay Horner ‘Through the Bitter Frost and Snow’
Pat Metheny ‘North’
New Grange ‘Round Trip’
Susan Werner ‘Time Between Trains’
Dar Williams ‘You Rise and Meet the Day’
Mindy Jostyn ‘Different Light’
Dougie MacLean ‘This Love Will Carry (live)’
Nickel Creek ‘Tomorrow is a Long Time’
Caitlin Cary/Thad Cockrell ‘Something Less Is Something More’
Randall Bramblett ‘I Burn For Someone’
James McMurtry ‘Slew Foot’
Sam Pacetti ‘The First Ride’
David Qualey ‘Jesu Jou of Man’s Desiring’
Pierce Pettis ‘Love Will Find You Again’
Eddie From Ohio ‘From Dacca’
The Waybacks ‘Bright Place (live)’
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones ‘Oh Darling’
The Roches ‘Winter Wonderland’
Herdman/Hills/Mangsen ‘The Frozen Logger/Proper Cup of Coffee’
Malcolm Dalglish & the Ooolites ‘Reel a Bouche’
John McCutcheon ‘Willie’s Waltz’
Tuck and Patti ‘Love Warriors’
Terry Callier ‘Lazarus Man’
Loreena McKennitt ‘Snow’
Tony Rice ’Song for a Winter’s Night’
Andrea Zonn ‘While Roving on a Winter’s Night’
Drew Emmitt ‘Big Ice’

Thanks to many of you who have called in with your kind words.
It feels good to back havin' some musical fun.

New Solo Release for Donald Fagen

2005-12-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

Steely Dan principal Donald Fagen finds love in an airport security line, mulls the ramifications of a ghostly feline, chats up the late Ray Charles and ruminates on aging and death on "Morph the Cat," his first solo album in 13 years. The nine-track set is due early next year via Reprise.

I loved 'The Nightfly,' and enjoyed 'Kamikiriad,' so I'm excited for this third time at bat.

Harmony Junction on WKZE 12/2/2005

2005-12-04T08:06:00.000-05:00

Patty Larkin ‘Tango’
Drew Emmitt ‘All That You Dream’
The Wayfaring Strangers ‘High on a Mountain’
John Prine ‘Glory of True Love’
Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer ‘Happytown (All Right With Me)’
Iris DeMent ‘That Kind of Happy’
Kristin Hall ‘Thru Cryin’
Darden Smith ‘Skin’
Brandi Carlisle ‘What Can I Say’
The Kennedys ‘Common Bond’
Bruce Cockburn ‘Water Into Wine’
Natalie MacMaster ‘Blue Bonnets Over The Border’
The Rankins ‘One Day I Walk’
Blue Rodeo ‘Up On That Cloud’
Jerry Jeff Walker ‘She Made Herself a Promise’
Eric Bibb ‘Right Where We Are’
Dee Carstensen ‘The Map’
Alison Brown ‘(I’m Naked and I’m) Going to Glasgow’
Victor Wooten ‘Amazing Grace’
Jim Henry/Brooks Williams ‘I Think It’s Going to Work Out Fine’
Greg Brown ‘Just By Myself (live)’
Herdman/Hills/Mangsen ‘The Druggist’
Moxy Fruvous ‘My Baby Loves A Bunch of Authors (live)’
John Hiatt ‘When My Love Crosses Over’
Martin Sexton ‘Glory Bound’
Nickel Creek ‘Best of Luck’
Michael Hedges ‘Follow Through’
Donovan ‘Please Don’t Bend’
Terry Callier ‘It’s About Time’
Patty Larkin ‘Solo Flight’

Harmony Junction on WKZE 11/26/2005

2005-11-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

Loudon Wainwright III ‘Thanksgiving’
Jay Ungar/Molly Mason‘Thanksgiving Waltz’
Robin & Linda Williams ‘Things I’ve Learned’
Sam Bush ‘Hold On’
Bonnie Raitt/Jackson Browne ‘Kisses Sweeter Than Wine’
Salamander Crossing ‘Five days in May’
Tim O’Brien ‘House of the Rising Sun’
Laurie Lewis ‘When I Get Home’
Barry & Holly Tashian ‘Heaven With You’
Alison Krauss with the Cox Family ‘I Know Who Holds Tomorrow’
Maria McKee ‘I’ve Forgotten What it Was In You’
Steve Earle/DelMcCoury ‘Carrie Brown’
Peter Rowan ‘A Jealous Heart and a Worried Mind’
Hot Rize ‘Walk the Way The Wind Blows’
Guy Clark ‘Sis’ Draper’
Drew Emmitt ‘All Night Ride’
Dave Alvin ‘King of California’
Charlie Haden/Pat Metheny ‘The Precious Jewel’
Patty Larkin ‘The Book I’m Not reading’
Ellis Paul ‘Paperback Man’
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott ‘Cup of Coffee’
Vance Gilbert ‘Good Cup of Coffee’
George Winston ‘Thanksgiving’
McCandless/Aaberg/Manring ‘We Gather Together’
Chris Whitley ‘Big Sky Country’; ‘End Game Holidayy’
Kelly Joe Phelps ‘Roll Away the Stone’
John Fahey ‘America’
Psychograss ‘Look What the Dog Brought Home’
Bele Fleck ‘The Great Circle Route’
Tim Story ‘Caranna’

Harmony Junction on WKZE 11/19/2005

2005-11-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

Joshua Bell and Edgar Meyer ‘BT’
Louise Taylor ‘Run the Wild Country’
John Hartford and the Hartford String Band ‘On the Radio’
Doc Watton/David Grisman ‘All About You’
Garnet Rogers ‘Better Days’
Mary Chapin Carpenter ‘Stones in the Road’
James McMurtry ‘Childish Things’
Danko/Fjeld/Andersen ‘Ridin’ on the Blinds’
Kate & Anna McGarrigle ‘Goin’ Back to Harlan’
Peter Mulvey ‘Rapture’
Martin Simpson ‘Darling Corey’
Mary Black ‘Shine’
Davy Spillane ‘Sea of Dreams’
Ashley MacIsaac ‘MacDougal’s Pride’
Cherish the Ladies ‘Broken Wings’
Nightnoise ‘The Swan’
Brandi Carlisle ‘What Can I Say’
Cliff Eberhardt ‘Walk Down the Street With You’
Jackson Browne ‘Your Bright Baby Blue Eyes’
Jim’s Big Ego ‘Stress’
Vance Gilbert ‘The Hey La Dee Dah Song’
Nancy Tucker ‘Everything Reminds Me of My Therapist’
Kate Campbell ‘Miles of Blues’
Jimmy LaFave ‘Shinin’ on Through’
Lynn Miles ‘Middle of the Night’
Jesse Winchester ‘Just Like New’
Drew Emmitt ‘All That You Dream’
Mark Knopfler ‘Sailing to Philadelphia’
Brooks Williams ‘May You Never’
Michael Hedges ‘The Funky Avacado’

Michael Brecker's Current Challenge

2005-11-21T19:00:00.000-05:00

I was tuning into Aron Michalski's Parking in Bitterman Circle podcast and he mentioned that he was keeping Michael Brecker in his thoughts, briefly describing his battle with MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome).

It's amazing how those people you least expect suddenly need the most help.

To find out more, visit http://www.michaelbrecker.com/

WFMU's On the Download

2005-11-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

Simply another great treasure trove, including the Beatle Barkers!

Congrats to Immi

2005-11-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

Another artist I've found time to appreciate over the years is finally getting more exposure. Since her first album, 'I Megaphone,' I recognized a unique personal direction in Imogen Heap, as comparisons to Tori and Kate came her way at that time. She's grown into such an engaging writer, crafting some really great songs. Here's a profile she did for Billboard, where 'Speak for Yourself' entered the Top 200 this week at 182. She's also contributed a song, titled 'Can't Take It In,' to the soundtrack for 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.'

Imogen Heap
Frou Frou

Harmony Junction on WKZE for 11/11/2005

2005-11-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

Darrel Scott/Tim O’Brien ‘Long Time Gone’
Walter Hyatt ‘In November’
Sam Pacetti ‘Ascension’
Dar Williams ‘I’ll Miss You Till I Meet You’
John Gorka ‘The One That Got Away’
Jennifer Kimball ‘An Ordinary Soldier’
Brooks Williams ‘Birth of the True’
Peter Case ‘Let Me Fall’
Sharon Shannon ‘Cavan Potholes’
Mick McAuley ‘The House Carpenter’
Susan McKeown ‘To Fair London Town’
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder ‘Black Eyed Suzie,’
'How Mountain Girls Can Love,’ ‘On a Lonesome Night’
Alison Krauss & Union Station ‘So Long So Wrong’
Yo Yo Ma/Edgar Meyer/Mark O’Connor With James Taylor
‘Hard Times Come Again No More’
Alison Brown ‘Hummingbird’
David Amram ‘Once You’ve Been to Texas’
Lyle Lovett ‘That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)’
George Winston ‘Highway Hymn Blues,’ ‘Song’
Alex DeGrassi ‘St. James Infirmary’
Leo Kottke ‘Jesus Maria’
Michael Hedges ‘After the Gold Rush’
Adrian Legg ‘Lunchtime at Rosie’s’
Strength in Numbers ‘Macedonia’
Loudon Wainwright III ‘Suddenly It’s Christmas’
Patty Larkin ‘At the Mall’
Christine Lavin ‘Fly on a Plane’
Iain Matthews ‘Timing’
Stephen Fearing ‘That’s How I Walk’
Rob Hyman/Joan Osborne ‘Hand in Mine’
The Roches ‘Everyone is Good’
Tom Chapin/John McCutcheon ‘Doing Our Job’

Peter Gabriel Says Odds May Be In Genesis' Favor

2005-11-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

FMQB.com

For years, Peter Gabriel has been the lone hold out in a potential Genesis reunion. But now, Gabriel tells Rolling Stone that a reunion may be imminent. "The odds [of a Genesis reunion] are better now than before," Gabriel said. "We're going to have the conversation."

Aside from a one-off concert in 1982, Gabriel has not stood on stage with the classic five-man lineup of Genesis since the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway tour ended in May of 1975. The band finally called it quits in 1998. "When we got back together in 1982, I don't think we rehearsed," Gabriel said. "To really do it properly, we'd have to take more time. It's quite a commitment."

Phil Collins recently expressed his desire to reunite the band at a Tel Aviv press conference. "I'm happy to sit behind the drums and let Peter [Gabriel] be the singer," Collins said. And just last month, guitarist Steve Hackett told the Chicago Sun-Times that he received a phone call from Genesis management. "There's a movement to put us all together again," he said. "I do think it will happen."

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Interesting news. For early Genesis devotees in the meantime, there's always The Musical Box.

Hosting Harmony Junction for a while

2005-11-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

WKZE gets me back for a little while, starting Saturday, November 12th.

While Dick Hermans heads to Spain from November to early January, I'll be hosting his fine mostly-acoustic show, 'Harmony Junction,' which is heard Saturdays from 9a to noon, and rebroadcast Sunday mornings from 6am to 9am.

Listen to WKZE live online here. (AbaCast plugin and Windows Media Player required)

I'll post a few playlists while I'm sittin' it.

Sia's 'Colour the Small One' to hit US January 6

2005-10-26T14:30:00.000-04:00

I love her voice. Sia's been one of those singers whose delivery makes everything make sense.

After making a major impact with her single 'Breathe Me' being front and center in the 'Six Feet Under' finale and accompanying soundtrack, Astralwerks will be issuing the US release of her album, 'Colour the Small One.'

I look forward to sharing this one with others, as I have with many other worthwhile releases over the years.

For now, preview the album at her website.

Hello Week, Farewell Shirley

2005-10-24T14:01:00.000-04:00

When I was still spinning jazz at WXCI around 1991, I had the good fortune to see Shirley Horn live for the first time. My evening at the Blue Note was a packed one. Those who know the club understand how they've flirted with the fire code, keeping the seating arrangements so tight (It's been a few years so maybe they've relaxed it a bit). Shirley was with her working trio of Charles Ables and Steve Williams, playing tracks from the current album at the time, 'Here's to Life,' uniting her with Johnny Mandel's stellar string arrangements. I have a soft spot for lush, melodic arrangements and that album always manages to hit that spot. But watching her perform with her trio, especially in close quarters, increased my respect for her love of simple, straightforward balladry. It's what she did best. I drummed up enough courage that night to try thanking her upstairs after that set, only to get lost in the crowd of other fans and some label staff. I did thank her longtime bassist, Charles Ables (who died in 2002), as he passed by to get some refreshment, so at least I made myself useful. I would see Shirley once more at the Blue Note, and once more in Saratoga. I'm sure glad I did. My heart broke when I read about her complications with breast cancer and diabetes, leading to the amputation of a foot. That didn't stop her from touring for a bit longer. I wish I could have caught her one more time. I say that about a lot of performers when I hear of their passing; but with Shirley, it's true. It's that voice, that soft but clear voice, that I'll always treasure.

Shirley Horn died October 20th at a nursing home in Cheverly, Maryland, outside her native Washington DC. She was 71.

Verve recently issued an anthology called 'But Beautiful: The Best of Shirley Horn.'

eBay Hall of Fame: Creative Writing nominee

2005-10-21T12:37:00.000-04:00

This recent sale was forwarded by a co-worker. Many creative writers should take notice of the plain-spoken pitch for these pants.

Since it will eventually disappear from eBay, I took the liberty of saving this page as a PDF here.

There is something to be said for leather pants. Unfortunately, I can't say anything.

Now, back to 'L.A. Woman.'

Trailer for Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic

2005-10-17T16:26:00.000-04:00

Having been too late to catch it in Woodstock, I've been trying to track a release date for Sarah Silverman's collaboration with Liam Lynch called 'Jesus is Magic.'

Well, a bit o' Googlin later I only had to go to IMDB and find a release date of November 11th.

See the official site and trailer here.

John Peel Day Listen Again on Radio 1

2005-10-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

I missed it last night, but thank BBC Radio 1 for making such a massive musical tribute available on-demand. Hear it for yourself.

Remember this classic?

2005-10-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

Great thumbnail animation!
If it's not moving, save it and load it in another browser window.

One More Thing...that I can't afford

2005-10-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Pretty, but not at the top of my Christmas list.

See the renowned RDF in action.

Like Music? Got an Empty Factory? David Byrne Might Be Able to Help!

2005-10-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

From Reuters via Billboard.com

When musician David Byrne says he is going to "play a factory" in Stockholm, he is not planning a gig at a trendy new venue, but talking literally. The Talking Heads founder has turned a disused paint factory by the Stockholm waterside into a giant musical instrument, constructed around an old wooden pump organ with its entrails ripped out and replaced with wires and pipes.

"The public can just come in and sit down and play what they like," he said this weekend while the installation at "Fargfabriken" ("The Paint Factory") was being set up. "Playing the Building" is not a Byrne concert but a hands-on art installation that runs until mid-November. The organ's keys and stops are linked to dozens of clear plastic tubes that pump air through the factory vents to make a range of whistle noises, bang hammers that clank against hollow iron pillars and start four engines ranged on the roof. The resulting cacophony is deafening and the factory, which dates from 1889 and once produced guns, combine harvesters and more recently paint, briefly sounds like it has been granted a new lease of industrial life. "It's a very democratic instrument -- everyone is reduced to the same amateur level," said Byrne. He said he wanted this to be a more "hands-on" experience than most installation art. "A lot of the time people think the art world is pulling their leg, that there's an elite crowd that understands what is going on but that the general public is not in on the joke," he said. "In this case I think they don't feel intimidated."

Playing the Building Site

Paul Pena passes

2005-10-05T17:19:00.000-04:00

Paul Pena, a San Francisco blues artist who mastered the arcane art of Tuvan throat singing, died Saturday from complications of diabetes and pancreatitis. He was 55.

More from his official site

I loved 'Ghengis Blues.' Pena was such an overlooked gem of a writer and he will be missed.

Paul Pena 'A Bit of All Right' (MP3)

"Screw the nano"

2005-09-27T11:54:00.000-04:00

My quote of the week:

"Screw the nano...Who listens to 1,000 songs?"

-Motorola CEO Ed Zander, in a leadership seminar hosted by the Churchill Club Friday, September 23rd.

Motorola was the co-creator along with IBM of the PowerPC processor, which has powered Apple's Macintosh computers since their introduction to the line in 1994. That relationship is drawing to a close as Apple moves from PowerPC to Intel chips starting in 2006.

More details on this moment of honesty here.

'The Producers' Trailer Online

2005-09-22T13:11:00.000-04:00

Having not seen the musical version live yet, I'm intrigued and excited.

Due to hit the US on December 23rd.

See the trailer here.

Garbage Announce "Indefinite Hiatus"

2005-09-22T12:32:00.000-04:00

FMQB

When Garbage announced recently that their European tour dates were being cancelled and their current trek would end in Australia, rumors immediately began that the band was breaking up. Now singer Shirley Manson confirms that while the band is not officially breaking up, they will be taking an indefinite break.

Manson told the Australian Herald Sun, "We always swore if it wasn't 100 percent fun we'd stop it. So that's what we've decided to do. It was important for us to say 'we're tired, this is becoming hard, we should stop right now'. It's something we all felt was the right move. We discussed it in an adult fashion over dinner one day and since then a burden has been lifted from everybody and our live shows have been incredible."

Garbage released their fourth album, Bleed Like Me, back in the spring, and the tensions within the band during its recording were well documented. However, Manson says that there is no animosity between herself and band mates Butch Vig, Steve Marker and Duke Erikson.

more
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Ten years is quite a lot. I wish Shirley well on some well deserved rest.

Gorillaz Confirm Five-Night U.K. Stand

2005-09-20T11:31:00.000-04:00

FMQB.com

As expected, Gorillaz will come alive in November in Manchester, with the cartoon band performing the entire Demon Days album for five straight nights. The shows will be held at the Manchester Opera House with Gorillaz co-creator Damon Albarn leading an armada of musicians. It has been rumored that Albarn will attempt to bring together everyone who appears on Demon Days, including De La Soul and actor Dennis Hopper. Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays, who appears on the second single "Dare," has been confirmed.

“I’m really pleased to be kicking off Manchester International Festival with such an innovative and hugely successful act whose song writer is one of the country’s finest," said Albarn in a statement. “It’s great to be in at the beginning of the Manchester International Festival. We’re very excited to be getting all the guest artists together in one place for these shows. The Festival is going to be an engaged, outward-looking event and that really appeals to me and to [Gorillaz co-creator and artist] Jamie [Hewlett], and it fits perfectly with Gorillaz."

Gorillaz had previously performed live behind a curtain, while animated films played on a screen. For the Manchester shows, it is expected that Albarn and company will play live in front of everyone like a typical concert. There have been rumors that somewhere down the road, a 3-D animated Gorillaz tour could take place, though the technology to do so does not fully exist yet.

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At this rate, I'm chomping at the bit for such a leap in technology to take place.

Comedy College - Lessons in Laughter

2005-09-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

I just discovered this half-hour weekly, produced in 2003-04 by Garrison Keillor and Tiffany Hanssen, profiling some of comedy's great talents and many deserving wider recognition. From Lucille Ball and Jack Benny to Moms Mabley and Betty Walker, each half hour is an opportunity to experience the evolution of stand-up's golden age.

I'm just glad someone took the time and effort to highlight Betty Walker's phone humor - my kind of comedy, right up there with Newhart and Hudson and Landry! Not sure if the show's still on the air, but the archive is available at:

http://comedycollege.publicradio.org/index.html

Marshall Crenshaw's 'Bottomless Pit'

2005-09-20T09:40:00.000-04:00

Singer/songwriter Marshall Crenshaw has another avenue for his unique talents - the radio.
Each week, Crenshaw hosts 'The Bottomless Pit,' a two hour foray into his personal tastes, inspired or not. From WKZE.com:

"Over the years I've always really gotten off on playing "guest DJ" on other peoples' shows, running my mouth in public about music that I love, etc.. After doing a Steve Earle show I seriously got the urge to try doing a radio show myself, and doing "The Bottomless Pit" on WKZE has been stimulating and enjoyable for me. I bring 99% of the stuff in from home. Most of the sets are thematic in some way. I try to make the show fun and interesting. It's a pretty eclectic mix, everything from Bessie Smith to The Stooges, Albert Ayler to Doris Day, but I think it works..."

'The Bottomless Pit' airs Wednesdays at 9PM ET

Listen to the station live here. (Windows Media)

Spamming comments

2005-09-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

Just a quick observation. Isn't it more workload intensive to spam blogs?

Just curious. I guess nothing's truly safe.

Robert Wise Passes

2005-09-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite directors, Robert Wise was best known for his thought provoking sci-fi classic 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' plus the Oscar winning film versions of 'West Side Story and 'The Sound of Music.' As many Trekkers will recall, another of Mr. Wise's movies was 1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'

His IMDB filmography can be found here.

If they don't spend a significant amount of time paying tribute to this man at next year's oscars (coming in March, 2006), it will be a crime.

Friday check #3

2005-09-09T11:25:00.000-04:00

My, what a week!

A short list of what's important. Make a point to donate to the Red Cross, the United Way or whoever you feel will get the help there and fast.

I make it a point not to state my political views. I just step into the plate and take one one for whatever team is pitching. I've laughed at enough presidents over the years, but I've had quite a few chuckles with our current commander-in-chief recently. There's too much to list, but here's just one link to a goodie.

Movies: What a crappy summer it's been! Other than Star Wars and Batman, I've pretty much written it off. Hopefully the fall will yield some redemption. Can't wait for the Wallace & Gromit feature fast enough! God Bless The Aristocrats!

Music: New albums from David Gray, James McMurtry, Greg Dulli and Eric Clapton.

Jamiroquai (video for 'Feels Like it Should')

I guess I'm anticipating quite a lot. Back to work.

New iPods and a renewed call to action

2005-09-07T19:10:00.000-04:00

Apple's announced iPod nano and the partnership with Cingular notwithstanding, it's the updated iTunes, building on the podcasting feature and better managed search functions that have cajoled me into revisiting an interest in podcasting. Among the many program that exist, I found a podcast from none other than Nicole Sandler, one of the truly engaging AAA radio vets, whose resume includes stints at the much missed KSCA and WXRV among other stations. It's called 'Radio or Not' and she's pulled out some great interviews from her archive, including Steely Dan, Ray Davies and Dave Matthews. It's worth a listen.

I have to unearth interviews I've recorded over the years and figure out if that's a direction for me... Anyone into Stan Freberg?

'Good Night and Good Luck' Trailer

2005-08-31T12:46:00.000-04:00

As if George Clooney's engaging remake of 'Fail Safe' wasn't enough, Clooney tells the cautionary true life account of Edward R. Murrow's conflict with Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee in 'Good Night and Good Luck,' opening in select cities October 7th.

See the trailer at Yahoo! Movies.

Robert A. Moog Passes

2005-08-24T17:40:00.000-04:00

Found this artwork tribute to the late electronic music pioneer by Wendy Carlos. Moog was diagnosed with brain cancer back in April. He was 71.

Vassar Clements Passes

2005-08-17T14:44:00.000-04:00

Truly one of the great fiddlers and such a diverse performer.

He will be missed.

Rocketboom's 200th Episode

2005-08-15T12:23:00.000-04:00

Amanda Congdon's Monday-Friday comedic online news show Rocketboom reached back a bit to celebrate its 200th episode. A great way to give fans and new visitors a chance to catch up with this engaging and evolving project.

From its humble beginnings on the launch pad to 200 orbits so far around the cultural planet, thanks for keeping me entertained, informed and enlightened.

My big white paperweight

2005-08-14T17:49:00.000-04:00

I'm back and I have a dead eMac.

I took pity on a departing WestConn student a few months ago. He was selling his nearly-year old eMac on eBay for a reasonable sum. I managed to get a good deal and acquired it in earnest.

Just a few weeks ago, I turned it on during a mildly humid morning, to have it short out on me (along with a beautiful, plastic aroma from the back of the unit). Two days later it was at my local Apple Store. The nice Genius Bar-tender postulated replacing the power supply, not ruling out any further damage past that analysis.

Two weeks go by, with no follow-up call. Hmnn.

Then I went to the Cape last week.

Checking messages while out last Thursday, I find that the store called twice once Monday, stating that there was a bigger problem and asked for further authorization to repair or they would cancel the order; then another message on Friday morning mentioning replacing the logic board and once again asked for authorization to continue the repair or they would cancel.

Needless to say I freaked.

I return late Saturday from the Cape and leave a message letting them know I would be in the store that Sunday morning, knowing that by now they have cancelled my original repair order.

I get to the store today and despite the one year warranty still in effect, it was my worst fear realized -- the logic board. They also cited the damage to the bottom lid that was already present when I bought it on eBay (and accepted; having been described by the seller), citing accidental damage in their reasoning. I'm guessing a bit of rough shipping may possibly have been partly to blame. The machine was working fine from the day I set it up, around mid-May.

Of course you can guess my reaction when they announced how much it would cost for replacing it, not to mention warning me of possible damage to other components connected to it. The board alone was quoted at $528.35, slightly less than what I had paid the seller for the machine, and with labor added, came to $671.45

At this moment it's back home sitting near my trusty, Blueberry 333mhz iMac as I write this; in effect, a big white paperweight.

I'm not PO'd; as I learned a valuable lesson in this. Caviat Emptor and all that...

So what next?

What would you do? I'm just curious.

Friday check #2

2005-08-05T08:39:00.000-04:00

So much for doing this weekly. I missed one.

Odds and ends just keep standing in the way and with the weekend finally upon me, I have packing and cleaning on the brain. It's off to the Cape for a week, and as I will be traveling without checking messages, there will be a lull.

But before I hit the road, it's time for a quick trio of what's on the cultural radar:

David Gray August 6th show at DC's 9:30 Club will be streamed at NPR.org starting at 9:30 pm ET. Link

Avoid the 'Dukes.' Find a theatre and check out 'March of the Penguins.' You'll thank me.

Two books of note: David Pogue's new 'Missing Manual' for Mac OS X "Tiger" and Christopher Paolini's forthcoming 'Eldest,' the second novel in his Inheritance trilogy.

Yahoo Offers Audio Search

2005-08-04T19:50:00.000-04:00

Much like the audio search abilities of SingingFish and AllTheWeb, Yahoo has finally made it easy to find audio files from a wide range of sources on the web at once and with easy to read results.

Try it in beta at http://audio.search.yahoo.com/

It's eventual impact is explored in a post at FMQB's website here.

Newbie's lament

2005-08-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

Blogs do have a way of humbling people.

The common misconception must be that you shouldn't have a blog if you have nothing to say. Bunk.

I managed to keep a journal for nearly four years while in college. Did I have something new and snappy every day? Of course not. I'm not that bright and never will be.

Will this page yield a spark of wit and verve? Maybe not, but I'd like to keep some form of conscious scribbling (or in this case, tapping) available whenever possible.

I'll stay in the sandbox for a while. Maybe a podcast awaits.

Great humor from Boothby Graffoe on Radio 4

2005-07-27T11:57:00.000-04:00

Comedian and singer Boothby Graffoe has returned with his screamingly funny half hour on BBC Radio 4, 'In No Particular Order.' As always, his partners include guitarist Antonio Forcione and comic actor Stephen Frost. It's Tuesdays at 6:30 GMT (1:30 ET in the states) Worth the time. If you miss it, hear it again on demand for a week online.
UPDATE: The series ended on August 2nd, but you can still catch it archived thru August 9th.

Yahoo Aquires Konfabulator

2005-07-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

I love widgets...

Now that Yahoo has acquired the wonderful Java based Konfabulator, many more Windows and Mac users will know the joy of cyber set dressing that has others have enjoyed since 2002...

Best of all, it's free!

http://konfabulator.com/

Friday check

2005-07-22T09:38:00.000-04:00

Hot, sticky and tedious...

That pretty much sums up the weather in the Northeast for the last week. I figure if I don't bring anything new to the table by a Friday, it's not worth posting. So here begins a new ritual -- Friday checks! A dumping of some "weakend planner" type thoughts and happenings for the next day or so...

The podcasting boom: My aren't there a lot of skunks in here? Like blogs, the more podcasts that start, the less time in the day there is to listen in the first place. For music fans, the Pod Safe Music Network is finally up and running (thanks C.C.) and on the trendy side of things, KCRW has started making select live performances on 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' available as podcasts. The first? LA's Goldspot.

For comedy, it's the Area 51 Show, The Unemployment Line and Rocketboom for the indies, Harry Shearer's Le Show (sans music), The Al Franken Show and the recap show from KMTT's Fisher and West morning show. Even the Firesign Theatre is testing the waters...

New to podcasting? Start here.

New sounds: New albums from Deep Dish, Röyksopp and Son Volt.

New Films This weekend: 'The Island' 'Bad News Bears' 'Hustle & Flow'

"Der flim is okey-dokey!" -The Swedish Chef

Bohemia After Dark on WKZE

2005-07-13T10:05:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I made any reflections on my past. Many decisions I've made over the years have benefitted me in one form or another. Many others have only dragged me down a just a bit. Of all the decisions I have made in recent years, giving up a passion was a tough one at the time, and it's only after not engaging it that passion once again over the last few years that I've regretted it.

Taking inspiration from broadcasters such as WFMT's Rich Warren, KCRW's Nic Harcourt and WNYC's David Garland and John Schaefer among others; Bohemia After Dark came on the air at WKZE in November of 1997 and stayed until November of 2001.

During those four years, listeners were treated to a diverse mix of sounds that were spoken, sung, played and realized. From the latest singer/songwriters and instrumentalists to poets, dramatists and performance artists; I did my best to keep it's eclectic programming current, alongside opportunities to go back and forth in time; from last month, last year or last century, or the centuries before that.

With so many choices for your ears out there, I was happy to receive the response from listeners who found the show, liked what they heard, and came back to it again and again over the years. For those who missed it while it was originally on the air, there's a brief montage I compiled in 1999 available here.

Though I'm not doing what I enjoy anymore, I'll always keep my ears open for the best sounds out there. I still love to share.

Mildly Blogstipated...

2005-07-07T16:05:00.000-04:00

Of course... this too shall pass.

more later.

Check out Raul Midón!

2005-07-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

I caught Raul on Letterman the other night! Great sound and kinda snappy!

Brings Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Kaki King and others to mind.

Here's a three track sampler from his debut, 'State of Mind.'

(requires the Flash plug-in in your browser)

http://manhattanrecords.com/raulplayer/

Nic Harcourt Profiled at New York Times Magazine

2005-06-27T13:16:00.000-04:00

KCRW's Nic Harcourt

This past Sunday's New York Times Magazine has an excellent article on Nic Harcourt, KCRW's music director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic. (NYT registration required)