Savage Distortion

3 GIGS

Last night I put on my A&R shirt (not really, I wore my Huezine shirt for strategic reasons) and went to see three bands at three different clubs. I suppose one could do that in many cities, but it was easy in New York.

My first stop was Arlene's Grocery (95 Stanton at Ludlow) to see Shadowbox, refered by Hue B. Mooksuki. My timing was excellent, as I just had time to order a Tanqueray and tonic before the band came on. The very first thing that struck me about Shadowbox was that the singer was an actual singer, in that he could obviously sing very well. That's very refreshing these days, and not just on the Lower East Side. Shadow box had a two guitar line-up, with the odd third guitar provided, adequately, by the singer. Of the two main guitar players, one also had a synth set up, and along with his effect laden guitar sounds, gave their songs a host of different textures. The other guitar player, who would end up to be Dmitri, Hue's buddy, was more trad in his style, employing slide, and playing very tasteful leads with just his Tele and Orange amp. The rhythm section was solid, not overplaying, but playing nice crafted parts that served the songs, the band was obviously well rehearsed. In other words, they are a band I'd like to record. I spoke to Dmitri after the show, invoking the name of Hue, and spouting about a studio and doing some recording. He seemed interested, and distracted, just as one should be just after a show. Just before and just after a show are the two worst times to attempt conversation with a performer, but invariably, that's when the public wants them, and knows where to find them.

Next stop, CBGB, where Bleeker St. ends, and dreams begin. I stoped by to see Paul on my way. He told me some very good news about Acquiesce and further recording at Electric Lady, he mentioned some company called 'Warner' or something like that. It is very rewarding to see a band you have worked with achieve some success. I wish it would happen more.

At CBGB I saw my old high school chum, John, play in his new band The X's. I love The X's. The X's are my kinda rock band. The tunes slam, the guitar playing is riff oriented with not overlong spurts of tasty, flash lead work. I was impressed by the ensemble feel, most notably in the singing. John is the lead singer, but is supported often and very well by the band. I love a band where everybody plays (John plays guitar as well), and everyone sings. It's a formula that works for me. The X's have just finished recording a record, but John has a film score project in mind, and we're discussing metting to discuss working on it out at Smoke and Mirrors.

Then it was time to see Paul play a gig with Figo, formerly Formula One, at The Knitting Factory (Leonard and Church). I had ulterior motives, as I was scoping out potential Tedstock locations. For the record, it could work. Figo has requested that their set remain off the record, people's lives are at steak. I will protect my sources. I can say Dan from Acquiesce showed up, and we toasted future success, and discussed air fare to London.