Year in Music

Better Late Than Never... too true! August 2015. Photo: Gerard Coleman. 

We've reached that time... when everyone (including yours truly) starts sharing their "best of" lists. In terms of music, 2015 was an amazing year for me (but not for the typical reasons). 

No, there wasn't much that stood out on the radio. Pop music, in general, seems to be getting more bland (read: more synthesized and calculated), less exciting. Critics went as far as complaining that there was no obvious "song of the summer." In my book, there is one notable exception: a rollicking rocker, who literally came out of left field...with some serious soul...son of a b****!:

Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats delivered an album that I never tired of listening to this year. The tunes: catchy, the delivery: passionate, and the performances: "live"... like JD McPherson, who preceded him, there is a purity to this music. No coincidence that I am attracted to yet another musician taking a nod from classic soul and the blues. Damn, this is fine music. An inspiration.

In the running! Photo: Mike O'Brien

At the same time, I can feel my tastes changing...becoming more critical and refined... This new perspective is most likely due to the new musical insights I gained personally over the past year. 

I started the year with a song. Encouraged by the response I had been receiving for my karaoke at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, I decided to enter a singing competition (something I had never done before). Nervous? Nah... all my stage performances over the years prepared me well. Here are some of the generous comments from the judges: 

"Best stage presence I've seen in 2 years. Great song choice!"

"Performance was unlike any I have ever seen before! Simply awesome!"

In fact, I received a perfect score for stage presence. They told me this was actually a first for the competition, which had been running for seven years. Needless to say, I made it to the semi-finals, and that is where my work began.

I took the contest quite seriously (a $1000 prize didn't hurt). Having an event to prepare for was quite good for me—made me extremely focused and driven. I was in a state of "total bliss" practicing every day. Still, there was a lot to learn as I worked through a winter cold, vocal warmups and strengthening breath support (professional vocal coach, Eric Arceneaux has some online tutorials that I found extremely helpful). 

My practicing also benefitted from my guitar playing, which I have been honing since the summer of 2014. Rehearsing for the competition was made much easier with my electric guitar, which I used to practice scales and singing in different keys and tempo.

Leaving "body and soul" at Bourbon St.

The semi-finals arrived, and I felt really good and prepared. I gave it my all, and appreciated the support from friends and new fans, who turned out for the competition. I also realized just how talented the other singers were! I was, of course, very pleased to make it into the finals...but realized I still had my work cut out for myself. 

There were some singers in the competition who really had stellar voices, and it was helpful just to watch them. I think I can hold my own, but know I need more training in the singing department. I still gave it my all, and even planned out a little routine for my performance—in hindsight, I may have started thinking a bit too much. 

Although I did not win the competition, it whet my appetite. I actively looked for more opportunities to perform music as the year progressed. 

In June I found myself in Brooklyn, and my friend took me to a live band karaoke night that he had been to a couple times. Rock Star Karaoke is a tight, seasoned group of musicians that play around the New York City area, and has quite an impressive list of songs in their repertoire. I felt completely at ease with them, and enjoyed the spontaneity of performing with a live band... they even followed me down a "classic soul" rendition of the Muppets' "Rainbow Connection"... I don't know how that came to pass, but totally appreciated the opportunity (and patience of my wife!).

Raving about this experience lead to my next performing opportunity. A friend of a friend was gearing up for a summer performance with his band and, hearing my enthusiasm for playing live, asked me if I might join them as a front man? Now, this was an interesting turn of events... be careful what you wish for! 

Burning up... in Burnt Hills

The plan was to join the band, made up of work colleagues, for a staff picnic/concert to be held in the Capital Region that August. They called themselves Better Late Than Never, and you couldn't find a more appropriate name for me. Thus began my experience of joining a "garage/jam band," and starting weekly rehearsals. 

And these guys were tight: made up of an extremely talented (and young) guitar virtuoso, rhythm guitarist, bassist, and drummer... I could not believe my luck during rehearsals in their well-equipped practice room. I think I surprised them as well, with my stage presence. 

Although I continue to be complimented for my performing, one of my goals this year has been to learn how to balance my onstage antics with some more focused singing. You can't be jumping around and expect to maintain the breath support you need. As I worked to memorize the surprisingly long setlist(!), I focused again on my warm-ups...singing from the diaphragm. 

The day of the show arrived, and I felt like I had really become part of a band (creative squabbles and all!). Our set was a mix of classic/dad rock and more modern numbers...they also let me add a little soul into the mix.




I bounded on to the outdoor stage, launching into a couple of David Bowie numbers, and there was no looking back. The response from the crowd was quite positive, and I even had some kids come up afterwards, telling me how "cool" I was! I further strengthened my vocals and stage presence.

Wanting to keep the momentum going, I immediately put an ad on Craigslist, looking for other interested musicians to jam with. Although I had a few promising inquiries, nothing came to pass...unfortunately... and, to this point, Craigslist seems about as useful for finding musicians as it is in selling a used car.

Brothers in arms! Keeping it electric- December 2015

As I entered the fall, work and family matters became my focus. I did, however, continue my weekly electric guitar lessons. As I mentioned, I started taking lessons in August 2014, courtesy of the fine folks at Hilton Music Center. My brother-in-law, Joel actually works there as a repair man, and was kind enough to refurbish and gift an old Fender Stratocaster to me. My teacher, Zac is a very competent, gigging musician, and shares the interest in groove-based music (his main instrument is bass). 

For me, getting over the hump of learning music has been a challenge...surprising, since both of my parents are musicians. I grew up playing violin, guitar, piano, and singing, but guess I always felt a little overwhelmed by practicing and memorizing (being a perfectionist doesn't help). So, making the commitment to weekly lessons for this past year and a half has been great for me, and I have graduated from occasional plinker to fairly competent beginner. 

I keep having breakthroughs, and my lessons in chords, scales, and single notation have a way of catching up. My teacher has noticed. This fall/winter I have found myself actually enjoying sitting down to practice, and I have a handful of songs that I can perform with some degree of skill. It's great, because it is the perfect accompaniment for my singing. Over the holidays, I could notice my growth in both areas... I have surprised myself.

Looking back on 2015, I'm proud of myself for finally getting serious about a long-time goal. None of the examples I have shared on this blog are perfect, but I'm putting it (and myself) out there. Some guy on Craigslist called me brave for trying to get things going, but that's not that point. Music gives me so much... it, quite literally, takes me to a different place... I've always suspected that. This past year I strengthened that musical muscle, flexed my creativity and sense of adventure, and met some talented, fellow musicians in the process. Here's hoping I can keep that good note going into the next year...

New Year's Rockin'

Catching some air time at Seattle's
Experience Music Project, Oct. 2014. ©

Happy New Year! 2015 is off to a great... dare I say, rockin' start.

One of my favorite hangouts, Bourbon Street Bar & Grill has been running a singing competition, picking two qualifiers each week to square off during the finals, with $1000 to be awarded the winner. So, last week I entered... and won, landing a perfect score for stage presence in the process. From here I advance to the semi-finals, to be held next Wednesday, February 4— I love a challenge and, of course, the chance to perform... wish me luck!

This is great motivation, since I have really been concentrating on music lately, actively singing and taking electric guitar lessons since last summer. It's taking some time, but slowly and surely I'm adding songs to my repertoire, while practicing general scales and chords, reading music, and so on.

As I type this, I'm listening to Mark Ronson's latest album, Uptown Special—I have long admired the producer's skill at bringing back retro sounds in a soulful new way (i.e. Amy Winehouse), and this album certainly continues on that promise. Refreshing! Here is the first hit single off the album: "Uptown Funk":

I have only started listening to Uptown Special, but I wonder if it will be on my best album list by year's end? Quite possibly. 

Black Keys turnin' blue in Philadelphia, September 20, 2014.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

2014 certainly had its share of soulful moments. My favorite of the year was the Black Keys' Turn Blue—the album offered a slightly new sound for this veteran blues/rock duo, as it ventured into more introspective territory (for instance, the title track, which I love). Well, I had merely a passing interest in the Keys' music, but I think I finally got it... so much so that we had to head to Philadelphia last September to see them perform live for the first time. They did not disappoint in concert (even covered Edwyn Collins' epic "A Girl Like You"... wow), and I was excited to hear that they will be playing at this year's Mountain Jam in the Catskills—that's a little closer to home, and I'll definitely take them up on it! Keeping guitar rock alive... thank God.

Sean Rowe and opener "Uncle Tony" Prezio
@ Caffe Lena's, Jan. 19, 2015. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.

Another great album from last year was Sean Rowe's Madman. Originally from Troy, New York, Rowe has already made quite a name for himself in the Capital Region.. but one listen to the single "Desiree" made me realize why there is so much national buzz going on about the guy! In addition to smart lyrics and melodies, one of the attractions is the singer's vocice—sort of a cross between Tom Waits and Otis Redding (the latter I was pleased to learn was an influence). Sarah and I had a chance to catch him during a very intimate concert last week at the historic Caffe Lena's in Saratoga. Rowe is now embarking on a European tour, but I hope to see him perform again in the area, sometime later in the new year... local boy done good.

Looking back at year-end music countdowns from our favorite local radio stations (WEQX, WEXT), I was hardly surprised to see that Irish singer, Hozier's "Take Me To Church" made the top spot for both stations in 2014—the heartfelt song was an instant classic, and one I need to try sometime at open mic:

Anyway, here's to a year of new musical discoveries... can I get an amen, amen?

Related Links:

Black Keys, Live at Austin City Limits (full set), November 17, 2014

"Mark Ronson: How sampling transformed music," TED Talk, March 2014

Deck The Halls

OK, since it's the holiday season and I'm in a musical mood (but really, when aren't I?) here's a great, new Christmas tune from singer JD McPherson:

I honestly don't know how he does it. His music is so soulful... like you just popped a quarter in the vintage jukebox, and this came screaming off of the spinning 45. McPherson has this amazing, soulful growl, that I would love to figure out... even here, on a holiday tune, he's nailed it.

Other favorite holiday songs? Well, for the same reason I would have to include the Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas. I always look forward to hearing this one... the jazz swings, and you wish you were inside nestled with your loved one, while the snow falls steadily outside. Where's my cocoa?...

www.vinceguaraldi.com

www.jdmcpherson.com

Light My Fire

This guy is great, and I find his singing intimidating for some reason...



Yeah, that's some soul... I hope we get treated to some of his rockabilly around these parts soon.

Links:

JD Mcpherson's official website

Soul Picnic

It was a productive Saturday, filled with wedding planning and lots of walking around town on a clear, sunny afternoon. 

We finally figured out the videographer for our big day, which was a relief (considering my own background, it's funny how long that took to finalize!). We also started planning out our honeymoon. Things are coming together...

I started the day off listening to this new band, Alabama Shakes--I think they have a really nice, soulful sound, and I'm embarrassed to admit that I only just realized that the leader singer was a she (thought it was a man, man). She has sort of a cool Janis Joplin thing happening... this one is particularly good:

With Fitz & The Tantrums at WEXT.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

I think I mentioned before that another soulful band we have grown to love is Fitz & The Tantrums. They definitely channel that old classic soul vibe, and their album Picking Up The Pieces was my absolute favorite from last year.

Yes, they are included in the My Exit show I recorded for WEXT. You can hear it for yourself as the show is re-broadcast tomorrow, Sunday, May 20, starting at 10 a.m. ET. In fact, the first time I heard the band play live was at the WEXT studios last year... and so began my appreciation for all things Fitz (would love to interview them sometime!)

The band is currently hard at work recording a new album, and just offered this cool EP that was recorded during their concert at The House of Blues in Boston last Fall--Sarah and I actually attended the gig, so it's cool to have this! Here is the link to the free download (parental discretion advised):

On a different musical front, we checked out a cool brass band concert this evening just down the street at Union College, that was followed by fireworks! It was a pretty meaningful affair... I'll talk more about that later...


exit977.org

www.alabamashakes.com

http://fitzandthetantrums.com

Voice Lessons

This weekend it's time for the Super Bowl of the music world!...

Yeah, right. But I'll probably still check out the Grammy Awards tonight. The ceremony has had a reputation of being a little out of touch, but last year they gave the album of the year to Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, so maybe they are learning a thing or two.

No doubt there will be some kind of tribute to singer Whitney Houston, who was found dead yesterday at the age of 48. Always sad to hear that someone so young has passed, but her battles with drug abuse over the years make it somewhat less surprising. Back in 1985 it was a different story-- indeed, I would have been wishing I was the guy you see filming her in this music video:



There is no denying she had a great voice, but I think my interest back then had more to do with hormones (young Whitney was beautiful). Her music was far too slick and polished for my taste, and I think she may be responsible for an unfortunate trend in pop music-- "the diva." Singers like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin probably earned that title before her, but I think they had better producers and material (at least back in the 1960s-70s).

I just prefer a little more emotional honesty in my music. On that note, there is no doubt that this woman should win big at tonight's ceremony:



It's funny, this song kept coming on the radio every time I stopped at the jewelers last fall to make final arrangements on buying the engagement ring-- sort of like a reminder of all the reject girlfriends from the past (there had been a few).

Adele has a beautiful way of phrasing-- sort of unique amidst a sea of auto-tuned pop princesses. If her "Rolling in the Deep" doesn't win "Record of the Year," something is seriously wrong.

For the reasons stated before, I have never really been interested in watching shows like American Idol-- I think they generally send the wrong message about making it in music, and it is all becoming a bit homogenized. I did start watching The Voice recently, and thought it was an interesting concept: the judges begin by not seeing the artist-- so it is based solely on how they feel about their singing. Cee Lo is one of the judges/musicians who will be mentoring the talents, so that is a good sign-- he is definitely one of more soulful and unique voices out there today. Christina Aguilera is also on board-- I would lump her into the "diva" category, but like Whitney she can sing... and does have her moments (some of those "retro" tracks off her Back to Basics album are good fun).

TV2 in Norway is also airing their own version of The Voice, and that is even more interesting to me because of their judges: Magne F from A-ha, and Sondre Lerche, among others. The tastes of these two artists would fall more into the indie-rock category, for sure... so it will be interesting to see how the talents are nurtured in each version of the show. I'll try and watch both-- see if there is any hope left for the future of the pop music business.

Here is one of the more promising acts I have started hearing this year: Gotye. Sounds a little like somebody that I used to know... Sting prior to his own "diva" days?



Another song to dedicate to those reject girlfriends. Faith restored. God, I love music...