Tony Scherr / Video and Stuff

You know how there are some sounds that never have to change, they just stay fresh no matter how many times you hear them? (unlike passing fads, absorbing their birthdates like cartons of milk)

I've been seeing Tony Scherr's solo project for quite a few years now, watching his band members come, go, and rotate, but his sound has never wavered. With his slow and tastefully played country guitar, thick emotional lyrics, and the backing of creative & supportive sidemen, it never goes old.

I met up with some friends last night, Mark and Rob, to watch the set at Living Room. Supporting him were is brother Peter Scherr on bass, Michelle Casillas on guitar, Chris Brown on Hammond, and Anton Fier on drums. The band was smooth, never rushing, and seamlessly responsive to his spontaneous approach to the music. The band alternated between slow shoe-gazing tempos & bouncier oldschool country feels, occasionally halting to bring it down to the softest volume possible with great dramatic effect.

[Sorry for the old man rant for a sec, but this is the kind of music that the new rock kids need to see, to understand how rock can be made louder by playing quietly. Does that make sense? The softer their quiet moments, the harder their loud moments. darn kids...]

Tony still remains relatively unsung in his public recognition, even though he's long been supported many well known musicians, Bill Frisell (Tony's an accomplished bassist), Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Ani DiFranco, and on and on. You might not realize how many time you've heard Tony playing guitar or bass on other people's music. As with most great musicians, his concentration seems set on the music instead of the business, a crime for all those who haven't witnessed his shows, but gift for those around him. Check the video below for a taste!

If you live in New York, keep your eye on the Living Room schedule and drop by for Tony's next set. It only costs a beer and the tip of your choosing.

-Ethan White
easytracksnyc.blogspot.com
myspace.com/easytracksnyc

Brass & Gomi

It was a Super Tuesday recording session at DJ Gomi's place today.

The track I put keys down for a couple weeks back was ready for some more layers, so Gomi brought down 3 serious pro brass cats.

OK, to be perfectly 100% completely honest, I didn't make it in till the ending bit.. but there wasn't much reason for me to be there other than to snap these couple photos. Trumpet player Tony Kadleck had already composed and scored horn parts and, along with Saxophonist Tom Timko and Trombonist John Wheeler, they played them down bright and poppin.

I mean I barely even spoke. I've grown accustomed to being at the controls, but when you're not the producer you kinda just chill.

More Gomi to come as the track progresses. Happy post election day to yaz, may your candidate win*

*only if your candidate was my candidate

lovee

Lackawanna and the Peekaboos

Last Saturday the 2nd I pulled myself outta the house and met up with Tarrah at Banjo Jim's, a little corner bar on 9th and C, to check out Adam Levy & Jason Crigler's band Lackawanna.

I thought we'd be late, but of course, we were early - just in time for a cigar smoking puppet / ventriloquist act.. seriously not my thing. We did a speedy 180 right back out the door and gave her 20 minutes to finish up.

I'm glad we returned to check out the music though. Lackawanna features some amazing musicianship, Adam Levy (center) has played guitar extensively with Norah Jones, Tony Mason (center) and Jason Crigler (left) are both regular band members in the cream of the singer songwriter crop in NY, and Jonathan Maron (right) is one of the founding members of Groove Collective, and has played bass with peeps like Meshell Ndegeocello and Maxwell. These guys basically tore up that little joint to a very happy crowded room, Adam and Jason's country blues chops complimented nicely by Tony and Jonathan's funky foundation. Adam Levy appears to be in charge of Banjo Jim's Wednesday nights if you wanna see this quality biz up close!

Sunday morning was my turn to play a little. I was hungover, but it didn't matter, I was playing reggae classics and originals with the Peekaboos rhythm section. We were tightening up for a show this Friday at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope.

The Peekaboos are bassist Rob Jost's creation (upper right). Rob has really gotten himself inside Jamaican ska, rocksteady & reggae bass, it's so right and real. & man! I can't get enough funky reggae keys, that's all I need. I'm thankful my close friend Rob has asked me to to be a part.

Another old friend and roommate Tewar (lower right) and Teddybut (upper left) surrounded my ears in stereo while my boy Robby DP (upper left), kept the beats good and dirty. The thing was flowing so nice we played through 20 some songs in about 2 hours!

I'm looking forward to adding with percussion, BG vox, and horn section at the show this Friday. YEEOOWW!

Enjoy your week!

lovee

Tarrah Reynolds Rockin @ Rockwood

Do you know Tarrah Reynolds? 

I was at the intimate NYC songwriter stronghold known as Rockwood Music Hall last Monday, January 28th, for an intimate set with Tarrah and her band, Brian Satz on acoustic bass, and Sebastian Guerrero on cajon.

Those that know me know Tarrah is the love of my life, but with all the non biased energy I can summon, I'll tell you I'm truly blessed to have witnessed her talent on so many occasions.  She's real and she's doing something new - how many musicians truly play from their heart and create original music?  In the name of inspiration, you should see her play.

Here's my best attempt at describing.  (How do you describe something all its own???)

She composes her lyrics with a poetic style similar to Joni Mitchell, but with a thicker sense of emotion like Sade or Roberta Flack on her moodier songs, or like 70's motown (think Stevie) at her soulful moments.  But somehow it's still acoustic folk music.  Her self taught style of finger picking is reminiscent of African guitar, but her harmonies mix modern classical harmonies with soul, in a way that is both beautiful and hypnotic.  Bandmates Brian & Seb groove with her, never stepping in the way of the songs, supporting her with simple funky rhythms, all the time grinning, singing, and occasionally stopping to snap their fingers.  Her lyrics can be deep, touching on some of her hardest moments, but the rhythm section keeps the mood jumping.  The contrast is special.  

Check em out!  She'll be at Soloman's Porch in Brooklyn on Feb 28th with the stunning Imani Uzuri!