Lame song lyric reference here...

I actually decided to write a post this time not about what's going on in my life per se, but about a band that's long dead and gone but whose influence is still reverberating in my daily process as a musician. That band is Naked City, John Zorn's "composition workshop" that was formed in the late 80's. Naked City was a band comprised of some of Downtown New York's brightest stars at the time. John Zorn, Joey Baron, Fred Frith, Bill Frisell, and Wayne Horovitz created some of the most intelligent, humorous, aggressive and beautiful music I've ever heard.

Since the middle of the past century and the birth of rock 'n' roll, few new forms of music have been created or discovered. Hip hop, punk, and so-called "free" jazz are probably the most important. That band proved that despite a lack of novel form in music, there could still be innovation in the context of a traditional rock 'n' roll band, and more importantly a new way to relate to music as a whole. They tried to show us how Ornette Coleman, Ennio Morricone, Henri Mancini, hardcore punk, lounge jazz, blues, surf and an endless list of musical styles were part of the same continuum.

I first heard the band when I was in high school and I have to admit that not only the cover of their debut album, Naked City, but the music especially scared and disturbed me. In fact, it does to this day. But it's only recently that I've realized how much their output has meant to me and influenced what I do as a musician. Just listen to "California" or "Now" on the Dorothy Heralds' last album. Jumping from Nü-Metal trash to McCoy Tyner-inspired country chord melody to Coltrane-type chord cycles in an electronica context? I can't deny that it was Naked City that led me to the mental disorders that make me do what I do musically. Maybe you should try them out also....

There were bells, all around...

The Dorothy Heralds played our fist show in a few months last night at the High Noon Saloon. We debuted a number of new songs that we're hoping to record in June. The band was loose, but the energy was high and the audience seemed to really enjoy the show. Our use of sound clips and instrumental transitions has definitely improved and is really adding a lot to our show. Lots of fun, and a lot of lessons learned. Thanks to everyone that braved the cold to come out last night!

As you may have heard, CTM is closing its doors on their 2006 season due to financial troubles. This really hit me hard as Gary, Kevin and I were set to do the music for at least two more productions. I was able to attend the final show of Stuart Little and was impressed with the overall production. I had some issues with how the work we did was used (underused, actually), but all-in-all a good show. The Isthmus had good things to say in their review. Here's hoping that they're able to work things out and start producing again.

So after a night of being a rockstar I get to go teach others how to do the same. Not too bad... heheh.

A Day In the Life...

Updates, updates...

Stuart Little has done well from what I've heard. The reviews have been critical of the pace of the story and lack of character development. This is really a critique of the script more than anything else. I found one review at Madison.com. Please send me links if you find other reviews.

Next week Thursday, Jan. 19th my group, The Dorothy Heralds will be performing at the High Noon Saloon. It's gearing up to be a really good show. We're starting to incorporate musical and sampled segues between songs. Also, 90% of the set will consist of the material we've been writing the past few months. We're going in some interesting directions. I'm hoping to get someone from Kiki's out to review the show. We're also beginning to incorporate props into our show. Any of you who saw us at the Annex a few months back may understand.

My mother, Janet Nelson, was interviewed at Cupcakes Take The Cake. It's a fun read. I never knew about my mother's secret passion for cupcakes. Also, she's posting a lot of her work on her blog. Check it out...

I think that's it mostly. For now at least...

Teaser

Just an FYI for those of you who are interested, I just updated my website with a new photo (as some of you have requested) as well as two guitar lessons. Please check them out and let me know what you think.

In other news, CTM's production of Stuart Little opens tonight. All music and incidental sound effects were done by Gary Chin, Kevin Lozada and I. I've seen the production through a couple of stages and it promises to be very good. Check it out!