April Music Rundown
SIDE A
Last night I went to Brendan James’ first concert of four this month at Rockwood Music Hall. For those unfamiliar with the site, it is one of those cozy and intimate venues that gives new meaning to the word “small.” However, despite the possibility that you may have to stand, it’s a great place to hear music. You sort of feel like you were at a friend’s place for a nice party when suddenly one of your musician friends got up and gave a spontaneous private concert for everyone.
As always, I think Brendan continues to grow as an artist. Last night’s show could have been challenging for a performer- being so up close and personal to your audience. Brendan rocked it out though. He especially let it all out with “Dirty Living,” a song I’ve always liked, but never truly loved until last night. Last night this song fully came together and was the sleeper hit of the evening!
If you haven’t seen Brendan yet, I recommend checking him out at Rockwood in the coming weeks. He plays there every Wednesday in April. It’s all part of the big lead up to his May album release on Decca- The Day Is Brave (2008). Meanwhile, experience his music on MySpace.
SIDE B
I haven’t talked about my music in awhile, but I think it’s time. So, I’ve been partnered up with my boy, Mike Deller, for a few months now. You may know him as the Organist for The Budos Band of Daptone Records (also of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings). He was also one of two composers behind the fly beat in Jay Z and The Roc Boys, “And The Winner Is” (American Gangster Soundtrack). Mike D and I are finally at the point where we are planning to get in to a studio a record a demo. We’ve got a pretty hot playlist we’ve worked up. I want to badly to tell you what it is, but I’m going to exercise some restraint. This way it will be all the sweeter when you hear our first releases. Or, better yet, when you come see us light it up live.
Until then, you can get a sneak preview as to where we are headed musically by sampling some of the songs that are on repeat on my iTunes. I’ve listed them below under “Secret Songs.” I’ll tell you up front, none of these songs are on our set list, but the road to our future album is paved with these inspirations.
SECRET SONGS
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Wreckless Love, Alicia Keys
You Really Got A Hold On Me, She & Him
100 Days, 100 Nights, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
My Heart Is Closed For The Season, Bettye Swann
The Thing About Love, Alicia Keys
Just Say So, Bettye LaVette
Tell Me More, and More And Then Some, Nina Simone
Special People, Betty Davis
When Seasons Change, Curtis Mayfield
How I Feel, Wax Tailor