New York Music Photographer Jacob Blickenstaff

I've moved

2010-08-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you for visiting - this blog has moved to 3313photo.com.

Sharon Jones + Dap-Kings live at the Apollo - photos

2010-05-04T20:02:00.002-04:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2010/05/sharon-jones-dap-kings-apollo-photos/

Floyd Arthur Dakil - 1945-2010

2010-04-27T19:17:00.003-04:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2010/04/floyd-arthur-dakil-1945-2010/

Orquestra Contemporanea de Olinda US Debut at Lincoln Center

2010-04-02T11:48:00.000-04:00

I know next to nothing about Brazilian music and all the styles that Orquestra Contemporanea de Olinda were mixing up in their concert last night, but whatever it was is was a lot of fun. Here are some photos from last night:

10.04.01 Orquestra Contemporanea de Olinda LC - Images by Jacob Blickenstaff

ShareThis

Billy Prince at Dig Deeper

2010-03-31T21:03:00.003-04:00

Next in the Dig Deeper series is Billy Prince, known (or unknown depending who you ask) for his great Detroit soul sides with the group the Precisions. Say hello to him over at his MySpace page. The show had a special opener with a local soul revue featuring Meah Pace from the Mellowmatics, Alba Ponce De Leon of Naomi Shelton's Gospel Queens, Cici James, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed (new album on Capitol on the way), Inyang Bassey (currently touring with Moby) and Jennie Wasserman and Ashley Vitha of the Sweet Divines.

enjoy the photos:

10.03.29 Dig Deeper Billy Prince - Images by Jacob Blickenstaff

ShareThis

le Daptone: Soul Family no. 1

2010-03-26T19:19:00.001-04:00

Daptone licensed a collection of work I shot out there this summer and was able to use it to basically take over an entire magazine - the nicely done Soul Bag from France. Cover, TOC, Editors page, a feature story, an interview with Sharon... le works.

Additional photos by Ann Coombs, Matt Rogers, Parsley Steinweiss

click on any page for a closer look

RIP Alex Chilton, 1950-2010, photos

2010-03-18T19:37:00.005-04:00

Alex Chilton, leader of the Box Tops, Big Star and restless solo artist, performed with Yo La Tengo in 2007 at Maxwell's in Hoboken during their annual Hanukkah mini-fest.

more pics from the archive.

A big loss, RIP.

Sharon Jones in Oprah Magazine

2010-03-13T19:47:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Daptone Records and Sharon Jones on this great bit of press. One of the out-takes from our album cover shoot for I Learned The Hard Way was picked up in O Magazine in the new April issue. Click on the image to see it larger.

Look under your seats because everyone in the studio audience is getting a COPY OF THE NEW REH-CORD!! Just kidding, but you can pre-order it here.

SXSW Photographer Survival Guide

2010-03-12T12:59:00.014-05:00

Going to SXSW is a great experience for photographers. You will probably photograph more shows in a week than you do in several months in your hometown and access is pretty open on the smaller stages. I loved my visit last year and wanted to share a few practical things I learned.

The SXSW photographer survival kit

Reusable Water Bottle -

Austin is hot and dry and you will be sweating a lot running around town with a camera bag. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, there is more free beer given away at SXSW than free bottled water. However, most venues set up coolers with free tap water that you can refill a water bottle with. Do this every chance you get. I attached mine to my camera bag with a carbineer.

Wetnaps! -

A nice little travel pack of these fits discreetly into a camera bag. When you're in the war zone and need to wipe off grease from the visits to the ubiquitous street sausage carts or Death Metal pizza, these will come in very handy. Will freshen you up better than cheap napkins and keep the grease off your camera. Also good for fending off crotch rot and for any bathroom or lack-there-of emergencies.

Sweat/Beer Towel -

Great for mopping your brow in the sweaty Austin heat and for sopping up spilled/thrown/sprayed beer off your camera. Take one with you from the hotel room in the morning or pack a few from home.

Roll-on Sunblock -

I like this little Neutrogena SPF 30 Sunblock stick. It doesn't take up any space in the bag and won't leak. Stands up to sweat and its not greasy or slippery.

Mini Flash Light -

Either a mini mag-lite or LED keychain will help you find stuff at the bottom of your camera bag in a dark club. Last year I stayed in an Airstream trailer in a local Austinite's back yard. That flashlight came in mighty handy finding my way and getting the key in the door.

Tylenol -

Between the sun, the beer, the sweat, the noise, the slam dancing, the walking and the standing you are going to need it.

Notebook + Pens -

There is so much going on that it helps to write out a plan for the day. I used a moleskine reporter notebook to write out my schedule but if you are more tech savvy there are a bunch of iPhone apps to help with scheduling (although service may be spotty). Check the local newspapers as they have comprehensive schedules listed as well.

Backpack Straps or Backpack photo bag-

I use the Think-Tank photo Urban Disguise 60 as my main carry around bag. They have a nifty shoulder harness accessory that hooks onto 2 D rings and the handles of the bag to give you a back pack strap. This greatly reduced fatigue throughout the day. Also think carefully about what you really need and pack as light as possible without forgetting the essentials.

Energy Bars -

There is not a lot of time to stop and eat and your choices on the main strip are basically pizza and grilled meats of varying quality. A few good energy bars stashed away will help you get through an energy crash when stopping to eat means missing a performance. Austin is the hometown of Whole Foods so you are in luck, there is a big one not too far from the action.

Good supportive and comfortable shoes, light, breathable clothing and extra earplugs-

No explanation needed.

Good Luck! If you have any more suggestions, leave 'em in the comments.

Andre Williams in Nortonville

2010-02-14T23:50:00.011-05:00

this post has moved to http://www.3313photo.com/2010/02/andre-williams-in-nortonville/

RIP Dale Hawkins - live at the Ponderosa Stomp 2009

2010-02-14T17:21:00.007-05:00

A great innovator and personality of the rock and roll era passed away today. Dale Hawkins died after a struggle with cancer at the age of 74. Last year at the annual Ponderosa Stomp festival in New Orleans, Dale delivered an amazing set sandwiched between James Burton (who at age 14 originated the searing guitar riffs heard on 'Suzie-Q' and went on to lay down brilliant guitar work for Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and many others) and Deke Dickerson who has been preserving the history of western guitar with his fine ensemble the Eccophonics.

I was lucky to be there that night. I don't remember the exact quote, but Dale seemed so happy and energized by the gig that he told the audience that performing his music with such great company did him more good than all the medicine in the world.

part of the show was broadcast on American Routes

Update: Norton Records has a very beautiful remembrance of their friend up here

Behind the Scenes: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

2010-01-25T18:41:00.014-05:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2010/01/behind-the-scenes-sharon-jones-the-dap-kings/

Jay Reatard at Gonerfest 2007

2010-01-14T14:12:00.006-05:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2010/01/jay-reatard-at-gonerfest-2007/

Sharon Jones at Brooklyn Bowl 12/30/09

2010-01-04T13:52:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone

Sharon Jones helped us get through the holidays with a home-borough show at the Brooklyn Bowl the day before NYE. Here's hoping for a good year of music in 2010.

Photoshelter Slideshow Here

Definitely STILL LIFE at the STAX MUSEUM

2009-11-13T18:42:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday I returned from Memphis, humbled and my heart filled by the great response we had at the opening for "STILL LIFE IN SOUL: Contemporary Music Photography by Jacob Blickenstaff" at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

On Friday, November 6th, the Stax Museum combined a party for members and former artists with the reception for the show, it was a beautiful evening. Former Stax president and now head of the Memphis Music Foundation, Al Bell, gave me, the Stax alumni in the room and the Stax Music Academy heartfelt introductions. With the talented music academy backing, Eddie Floyd was coaxed to sing his soul mega-hit "Knock on Wood", followed by Harvey Scales performing "I Can't Turn You Loose" and then William Bell with his masterful "You Don't Miss Your Water".

Eddie Floyd

Harvey Scales

William Bell

The vibe in the room was amazing, and was truly felt by everyone. It was a shared moment- between the young and the old, the music makers and the music lovers, the many who made contributions to Stax and the many who lovingly preserve its legacy. It was a very proud moment for me to see that my work added to that connection. The experience was a strong reminder that I've been on the right track with my instincts all this time and a great push forward.

We had many honored guests including Al Bell, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Harvey Scales, James Alexander of the Bar Kays, J Blackfoot of the Soul Children, Bettye Crutcher, Willie Hall, Deannie Parker, Curtis Johnson and Sam Jones of the Astors, Teenie and Charles Hodges of the Hi Rhythm Section, Jody Stephens of Big Star, and William Brown (of the Mad Lads and acclaimed producer/engineer) along with many others.

click here for a photo gallery of the exhibit

To top it all off, we got some great press in Memphis as well. On the Thursday before the show, I was interviewed on WREG's 'Live at 9' and managed not to embarrass myself.

I was also honored that the Commercial Appeal ran a cover story in their weekend calendar. You can read the great piece by Bob Mehr here.

Thank you Stax Museum (especially Tim Sampson), Memphis, Ponderosa Stomp, Dig Deeper, Daptone, and all my friends and family that support me and my work.

STILL LIFE IN SOUL opening at Stax Museum in Memphis this Friday!

2009-11-03T16:07:00.005-05:00

It's almost here! Friday night we are having a special event at the Stax Museum with music by the Stax Academy, special guest appearances by Stax alumni (Al Bell, Eddie Floyd, William Bell, Harvey Scales expected), food and drink and a first look at the exhibit.

7-10 PM
free for museum members, $20 at the door for non-members.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
926 E. McLemore Ave, Memphis TN.

Memberships start at $50, really worth it to support this great organization.

official info page on the Stax website here

We've had a great response so far, keep your eyes open for articles in the Memphis Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Flyer. I really hope that this show can add something to the growing interest soul music's past and future. - J

STILL LIFE IN SOUL STAX MUSEUM ANNOUNCEMENT

2009-09-23T20:19:00.014-04:00

This is an official announcement of my upcoming photography show at the Stax Museum in Memphis, opening November 6th. I couldn't be more excited. To my knowledge this is the first show of its kind to shine a broad light on the resurgence of soul music. I hope that the show show serves to legitimize what's been going on and give it another push forward.

You can download an Electronic Press Kit about the show here

Stax Museum info page

Facebook Event page

from the press release:

MEMPHIS, TN - The Stax Museum of American Soul Music announces a new exhibition, “STILL LIFE IN SOUL,” opening November 6th, 2009. The exhibit explores the current life, activity, and resurgence in popularity of soul music through portrait, performance, and documentary photography made since 2005 by music photographer Jacob Blickenstaff.

Soul music was a nuanced, emotional, and energetic idiom that reached a worldwide audience at its height in the 1960s but then virtually disappeared by the end of the 1970s. After subsequent decades of disco, hip-hop, rap, and modern R&B – much of which covered and sampled original soul music classics from Stax Records and other labels – the roots of authentic soul are sprouting again with revived careers of veteran artists, dynamic new acts, successful concerts and festivals, reissue projects, and soul-driven independent labels.

Artists represented in the 40 photos in the exhibit include Bettye LaVette, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Lee Fields & the Expressions, Barbara Lynn, Maxine Brown, Roscoe Robinson, Harvey Scales, Candi Staton, Sir Lattimore Brown, Otis Clay, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Skip Pitts, Ben Cauley, Mighty Hannibal, John Gary Williams (of the Mad Lads), and many others. The work chronicles performances at The Ponderosa Stomp, Lincoln Center, Dig Deeper, and the Brooklyn Soul Festival, as well as recording sessions at Daptone Studios. Many performances were backed by contemporary soul bands the Bo-Keys, The Sweet Divines, and Eli Reed and the True Loves.

26th Roots of American Music Festival at Lincoln Center

2009-09-09T23:56:00.004-04:00

Closing out the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival was the 2-day 26th Annual Roots of American Music program which presented a great and varied spread of roots related artists.

I went to photograph on my own and was particularly excited to see the re-formed Texas Tornadoes with original members (and legends) Flaco Jimenez and Augie Meyers - led by Doug Sahm's son Shawn, who does a great honor to his father's music and is a heck of a rock 'n roller himself.

Other artists in the photos include Ramblin' Jack Elliot, the Holmes Brothers, Lizz Wright, Allen Toussaint (all day one) plus the BRC Orchestra, the Louisiana Renegades, and a great lineup for the 'Mazel Tov, Mis Amigos' project on day 2.

Here is a slide show of some of the highlights.

Much praise to my friends at Lincoln Center who worked so hard to produce a wonderful season.

Brooklyn Soul Festival in Time Out New York

2009-08-28T11:11:00.004-04:00

Kudos to my friends at Dig Deeper and Eli Reed for putting together the great 'Brooklyn Soul Festival' starting tonight at the Bell House in Brooklyn. These guys have been deservedly picking up some good press. We were able to work together to get this portrait of Otis Clay to run half page in Time Out New York with a lengthy profile of the event. Good Event + Good Promotion + Good Photography = success!

Tanya Tagaq Stew & Heidi @ Lincoln Center

2009-08-22T00:36:00.004-04:00

Just a few photos to cure the Summertime Blues. From the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival with Inuit phenom Tanya Tagaq and Broadway agent provocateurs Stew and crew (Heidi plus a very talented band.)

Last song was 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' to a disco beat (see dancers at the end of the slideshow)

Disco Stew Doesn't Compromise....

Click for the FULL GALLERY

Flamin Groovies in AMNY

2009-07-23T13:25:00.002-04:00

A little extra buzz with your morning coffee - The Flamin Groovies were featured in AMNY yesterday. Sign of the Rock 'n Roll Apocalypse?

Don't miss them this week! tonight at Maxwell's and Friday at Southpaw. Devastating!

Chubby Checker - Midsummer Night Swing Lincoln Center

2009-07-09T16:36:00.008-04:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2009/07/chubby-checker-lincoln-center/

WIRE Magazine Byron Coley Ponderosa Stomp Review

2009-06-25T14:04:00.006-04:00

Just had a photo published in the UK's WIRE magazine in the July issue. Lead photo in the 'On Location' section with Roy A. Loney and Cyril Jordan of the Flamin' Groovies backed by Brooklyn's own A-Bones. Review penned by the mighty Byron Coley, who wrote for the legendary Forced Exposure zine in the 80's and early 90's and has been busy ever since.

click on the tear sheet to see a much larger, readable version.

Also note:

The Stomp in in NYC @ Lincoln Center on July 16, 17, 19

A-Bones Record release party July 10th
A-Bones with Roy and Cyril July 23rd @ Maxwells
A-Bones with Roy and Cyril July 24rd @ Southpaw

Tribute to Wardell Quezergue - photo

2009-06-20T17:17:00.002-04:00

Another success story of good imagery helping out a good organization: This portrait of Wardell was used in the brochure for Lincoln Center Festival for the show the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation helped curate.

Can't wait for July 19th.

Junior Brown - Beale on Broadway St. Louis

2009-06-17T23:21:00.004-04:00

Junior Brown, at St. Louis club Beale On Broadway. A couple shitty red lights and one phenomenal guitar player. Missed him at the Big Apple BBQ, but got a good dose of him that night.

Howard Tate, Lucero @ Big Apple BBQ photos

2009-06-15T11:47:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXPANDED GALLERY

Leslie and I hit up the Big Apple BBQ Block Party this weekend for some food and music. We were hungry when we got there and then a bit freaked out by the overlapping, chaotic lines for meat, so we shot over to Blue Smoke to eat some Q and have a beer at the bar.

When we got back to the Park we caught Howard Tate with the Divine Soul Rhythm Band and Memphis' Lucero. NYC's own Saron Crenshaw sounded tight and funky but we missed a good part of his set to forage.

Click the link above fo' mo' pictures.

Great Photos + Great PR = Great Coverage

2009-06-11T16:58:00.004-04:00

All media is fundamentally visual. Newspapers and the internet are nothing without good images. Images are the hook and the first impression.

Here's a success story about how a good photograph got a tremendous amount of coverage for a corporate client (for a fraction of the cost of an ad buy). Working with Save-A-Lot Food Stores (client) and the PR agency Blick & Staff Communications - who did a ton of calling and pitching - we were able to get a very fun picture of Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway in multiple placements in Dallas media... including a cool post on the Dallas Observer blog titled 'Best. Photo. Ever.'

(hmm...I wonder if that one would have run without a good photo...)

Best. Picture. Ever
Dallas Observer Blog

Dallas leaders hope opening of East Oak Cliff Save-a-Lot will be a development catalyst
Dallas Morning News

Pictures from Save-A-Lot grand opening
Dallas News City Hall Blog

WFAA TV station website
ABC Affilliate

Editorial: Affordable Groceries for those who need them
Dallas Morning News

get the picture?

The True Adventures of Passion Pit

2009-05-19T14:48:00.009-04:00

WAAAY back in March (12 years ago in indie rock time) I saw a band called Passion Pit at an industry thing called SXSW.

They were good, playing in a hot tent in Austin, part of a BrooklynVegan showcase. I was there, I liked them, I photographed them. The rent-a-stage bounced like a trampoline as Michael Angelakos jumped about singing in high falsetto, leading a charge of three keyboard set-ups and assorted samplers. I remember thinking, "this indie keyboard shit isn't all bad I guess." Halfway into the show at the beginning of a song, the drummer (Nate) stopped the proceedings to re-jig a buggy laptop. A couple more bad starts and Nate just about turned green, Ayad and Jeff cajoled him to continue without it, and it sounded fine. Michael, standing on top of his keyboard bench, was twisting the mic cord around his neck and whipping the mic around like a mace. It caught Jeff on the head and he almost passed out from the combination of heat, fatigue and the blow of a tethered Shure SM-58.

The band was on a list of acts that Rolling Stone wanted covered, speculatively, so I talked to thier manager after the show to see if I could get them toegther for a quick portrait. I like the way musicians look and act after a show, sweaty, blissful and bewildered, but everyone was frazzled, it wasn't the right time and Jeff was still about to faint. The manager handed me a pass for the Spin party the next day, so I would maybe try something there. I had a bit of conversation with Ayad, who was smiling and friendly- but quickly they were off, the boys rolling carts of gear down the alley to the next load-in.

The next day I ran into a couple of them at Stubbs, managed to find thier manager, and we were able to set up a few moments in the back stage area. Most bands are amicable, but you got to push and wait for the right moment to get them all together. Had maybe 3 minutes before the manager was whisking them off someplace else. Good guys, wish them the best.

Unsung Heroes: Ponderosa Stomp Portraits

2009-05-14T18:05:00.004-04:00

Cyril Jordan and Roy A. Loney - Co-Founders of the Flamin Groovies

FLASH GALLERY of 20 new portraits made at the Ponderosa Stomp and SXSW showcase

Vampire Weekend Happy Ending Photos

2009-05-10T00:59:00.006-04:00

Vampire Weekend at Happy Endings with John Wray (reading + cookies) Wells Tower (reading +tattoo) Arthur Phillips (reading + bull fighting) and Amanda Stern (host)

Photo Gallery Here

Ponderosa Stomp 8 Photos Night 2

2009-05-05T10:10:00.005-04:00

More From the Ponderosa Stomp... Jerry McCain, New Orleans Revue, Wanda Jackson, Flamin Groovies! link to gallery below!

David Batiste

Rocky Charles

Flamin Groovies

GALLERY OF PONSEROSA STOMP - NIGHT 2

Ponderosa Stomp 8 Photos Night 1

2009-05-03T15:25:00.005-04:00

I was prouder than ever to be involved with the Ponderosa Stomp, this was my fourth year down there. So many unforgettable performances - the first night featured Howard Tate (who was on fire), legendary producer, songwriter and singer Cowboy Jack Clement, Otis Clay with the original Hi Rhythm Section, The Legendary Stardust Cowboy (PARALYZED!) and Dale Hawkins sharing the stage with guitar phenom (and original session player) James Burton for the first time in 30-odd years.

I went down to help out, make portraits, document the panels and shows and I loved every second of it. Normally I can't wait to do it all over again, but our prayers have been answered: The Ponderosa Stomp is programming 3 nights this summer with Lincoln Center (July 16, 17, 19) so I better see every one of you nuts out paying your respect.

enjoy the photos, link to gallery below...

Otis Clay with Teenie Hodges of the Hi Rhythm Secion

The Legendary Stardust Cowboy

Dale Hawkins

PONDEROSA STOMP NIGHT 1 PHOTO GALLERY

Ponderosa Stomp Photo Archive

2009-04-26T19:04:00.006-04:00

Special announcement to my New Orleans friends - I've helped organize a photo exhibit for the Ponderosa Stomp, on view tomorrow through Wednsday (April 27-29). 32 Prints covering artists from this amazing festival. I have 15 images in the show and there is also fine work by my colleagues Joe Rosen and Syndey Byrd.

Tonight we are auctioning 16 framed exhibition prints at a special donor event and all 32 images are available as 11 x 14 signed artist's proofs.

The Ponderosa Stomp features 2 amazing nights of music at the House of Blues, 3 days of conferences and film screenings and a year long exhibit about the roots of New Orleans blues, r&b and rock 'n roll.

SXSW Photos Featured in Rolling Stone

2009-04-09T16:05:00.006-04:00

Toot toot! (that's my (own) horn) Photos of Deer Tick and the Strange Boys, both bands I enjoyed a great deal at SXSW, were published in the current issue of Rolling Stone. Both bands were featured as Top 5 breakout bands from the conference and Deer Tick led the article. Which says as much about my excellent taste as my mad kamera skilz. Toot Toot!

If fuzzy photos in a scan don't do it for you, check out this earlier post with links to multiple galleries from SXSW

Eddie Bo, a last email - RIP

2009-04-08T12:53:00.005-04:00

Eddie Bo (Edwin Bocage) passed away on March 18th, 2009. I was on the road at the time, in the middle of sxsw. Two weeks prior, I received this email out of the blue from Mr. Bo and it made my day. Maybe he was tying up loose ends, or maybe it should be taken at face value as a kind note from a sincere person. Regardless, the honor was mine.

Anyone who had seen him play in recent years observed a youthful and keen man with another 20 years of gas in the tank. His sudden disappearance was a shock.

NY TIMES OBIT
TIMES PIC OBIT

HOME OF THE GROOVE TRIBUTE
FUNKY 16 CORNERS TRIBUTE
THE 'B' SIDE TRIBUTE

Follow the links inside these posts to learn more about the brilliant pianist, singer, arranger and producer we lost.

PJ Harvey Irving Plaza Photos

2009-03-27T11:14:00.004-04:00

Band Photography - A Survival Guide

2009-03-26T18:01:00.012-04:00

This has been moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2009/03/band-photography-a-survival-guide/

SXSW 2009 MUSIC PHOTOS

2009-03-25T17:33:00.004-04:00

Riverboat Gambler's Mike Wiebe reemerging from the crowd he just destroyed.

SXSW 2009 PHOTOS - 4 days - 41 Bands

Wanted to share with you an overview of the photos made during a wonderful and hectic SXSW Music Conference.

Captions are within the galleries and I am also listing some of the highlights in order of appearance. If you are looking for something additional on any of there artists, there are plenty of alternate takes in most cases.

I'm really excited about this chunk of work, I hope you'll be able to browse through it. - Jacob

DAY 1 -

http://www.33-13.com/data/web/sxsw2009_1/index.html

Wavves - Emo’s Main - Fat Possum
Strange Boys (live and portraits) - Emo’s Main - Fat Possum
Hacienda - Headhunters
Circle Jerks - Emo’s Main
Phosphorescent - Club de Ville, Brooklyn Vegan Showcase
Deer Tick - Club de Ville, Brooklyn Vegan Showcase

DAY 2 -

http://www.33-13.com/data/web/sxsw2009_2/index.html

Passion Pit - Radio Room Patio
Doug Sahm Tribute - Antone’s
Jimmie Vaughn
The Gourds
Shaun Sahm
Dave Alvin

Dirty Projectors - Emo’s Annex
Flower Travellin’ Band - Smokin’ Music
Ben Harper and the Relentless7 - Stubbs

DAY 3 -

http://www.33-13.com/data/web/sxsw2009_3/index.html

Passion Pit - Portrait
Hot Leg (spin party - Stubbs)
Black Lips (spin party - Stubbs)
Mi Ami - Havana Club
Casio Kids - Havana Calle 6
Ponderosa Stomp Revue: - The Continental

DAY 4 -

http://www.33-13.com/data/web/sxsw2009_4/index.html

Frodus - Radio Room Patio
Cursive - Radio Room Patio

Cannabanoids with Erykah Badu - Auditorium Shores
Explosions in the Sky - Auditorium Shores
Daniel Johnston Emo’s Main
Riverboat Gamblers - Emo’s Annex

contact info:
Jacob Blickenstaff
917-554-1710
jacob@33-13.com
http://www.33-13.com

SXSW 2009 Day 1 Photos

2009-03-21T16:16:00.003-04:00

Hit the ground running in Austin. No time to talk but I did put together some highlights from the day's shooting. Keep your eyes peeled on BrooklynVegan for more extensive photo features and reports.

************* GALLERY OF HIGHLIGHTS ************

bands shot on Thursday:

DAY:
Psychedelic Horseshit
Wavves
Trash Talk
Strange Boys (live and portraits)
Annihilation Time
King Kahn and BBQ Show
Young Widows

EVE:
Hacienda
Circle Jerks
Those Darlins
Phosphorescent
Deer Tick

Bettye LaVette at Joe's Pub 3/8/09

2009-03-10T12:34:00.002-04:00

Bettye LaVette revealed herself once again as a brilliant voice in R&B in a special set of songs that wove deeply through her personal history. She performed only with piano accompaniment at Joe's Pub this Sunday.

I sometimes find it hard to pay attention to the content of a performance when I'm photographing, the visual observation takes over and the music slips back into a hypnotic, subconscious part of my brain. What struck me about this performance is that Bettye's masterful narration of a song could take me through every single word of a lyric. 'Elanor Rigby', the Beatles song already covered to death in the soul circuit, became fresh and vivid. 'A Change is Gonna Come', the mournful Sam Cooke civil rights anthem that has become diluted as as a torch song for countless artists, was transformed into a crystal-clear story of painful suffering and redemption. Of the hundreds of times I had heard this song, I don't think I was even made to listen as closely as I was that night.

Roots Jam at the Highline

2009-03-10T02:29:00.004-04:00

Fun night at the Highline where the Roots began their month-plus residency of improvised music and special guests. The show that night featured James Poyser and Robert Glasper on keyboards, Talib Kweli interchanging freestyle with Black Thought, Pharohe Monch, John Forte and Dice Raw all going at it, a funky interlude with Gary Bartz, Chrisette Michelle and Raheem DeVaughn plus DJ Brainchild before and after.

I'll let pictures tell the story

Rufus Wainwright Blackoutsabbath David Byrne and more at City Winery

2009-03-07T23:20:00.007-05:00

extended flash gallery here

At the City Winery last week Rufus put together an acoustic, unamplified show lit only by candle light to promote BlackoutSabbath, a kind of grass roots conservation thing inspired by the improvisational adaptation of New Yorkers during the Great Blackout of years past.

Ironically, the only low point of the evening was when two hoped-up Obama campaigners went on a bit too long about 'change'. Otherwise the music was excellent - intimate, warm and playful.

The gang included Rufus, Aunt Sloane, Lucy Wainwright-Roche, David Byrne (who brought along current tour-mates Mark De Gli Antoni and Mauro Refosco), Jenni Muldaur (also on tour with Byrne), Janeane Garofalo (comedy bit/rant) and Teddy Thompson. As Rufus put it in the beginning, it was "like a campfire sing-a-long".

Some of the highlights included a group effort on the Roger Miller classic "King of the Road", Teddy Thompson covering ABBA's "Super Trooper" (which as he pointed out is an ode to an electric spotlight), David Byrne singing Webb Pierce's "There Stands the Glass", Rufus doing a solo guitar performance of "Beautiful Child" (with the audience filling in the chromatic rise and fall) plus an encore of "Hallelujah" with Rufus on piano.

Alela Diane Plants n Animals Blitzen Trapper MHOW

2009-03-02T22:46:00.006-05:00

Alela Diane, Plants and Animals, Blitzen Trapper at their sold-out show at Music Hall of Williamsburg, 2/28/09

fancy flash gallery here

Both openers were really strong, and its a lot more fun to shoot a band when you can actually move around.

Budos Band (le) Poisson Rouge 2.26.09

2009-02-27T17:09:00.004-05:00

Smoke machines, lazer lights, intimate setting last night at LPR where the afro-ethiopian side of the Daptone family stretched out for a late night Thursday gig.

pretty flash gallery here

Guide to Record Shopping in NYC and Brooklyn

2009-02-25T14:52:00.019-05:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2009/02/guide-to-record-shopping-in-nyc-and-brooklyn/

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings Valentine's at Nokia Theater

2009-02-16T13:24:00.006-05:00

I've been interested in the music of Sharon Jones and the Daptone family for some time, but this was my first chance to really get out and make some pictures (at the well-run but airport-like Nokia Theater). Sharon and the Dap Kings' 1st album dropped in 2002 and since then the Daptone Folks have been working their butts off in their mission to save the world with Real Soul Music. I say more power to them.

There is an extended gallery here. see below for highlights...

Naomi Shelton - High Gospel Queen

Binky Griptite sets the tone

Sharon Jones on the scene

I thought the shiny lettering was a nice touch.

sxsw photographer

2009-02-14T15:15:00.003-05:00

Open Notice to:
Music Press
Photo Editors
Publicists / PR / Promotion
Record Labels
Independent Artists
Industry Insiders
Industry Outsiders

One-man photographic wrecking crew, myself, Jacob Blickenstaff, is going to SXSW.

MISSION STATEMENT:
To document and be a part of the schizophrenic music and cultural experience of the festival and create a body of work ABOUT the experience. ABOUT being a fan, a band, a scenester, a music biz guy, about myself being a sxsw first-timer/virgin --- and not just the same shots of 100 buzz bands

STRATEGY:
Intuitively follow a path of good ideas, good labels, good showcases, good emerging bands, good veteran bands and good BBQ.

CONTACT:
Tips, bribes, assignments, collaborations, press releases that I probably won't read, hate mail, fan mail, energy bars/drinks can be sent here:

Email - jacob (at) 33-13.com
Twitter - jblickenstaff
Facebook - here
phone - 917.554.1710

Fake Male Voice at Glasslands Gallery photos

2009-02-11T13:43:00.007-05:00

Last night at Glasslands Gallery - record release of sorts for experimental duo True Primes and Tunde Adebimpe's low-key side project Fake Male Voice. Picture disc 7" out on Heartfast Records.

In the News: Songlines UK and Smoke Music Archive

2009-02-09T16:36:00.009-05:00

The Brooklyn Qawwali Party were featured in the respectable world music magazine Songlines (10th Anniversary Issue) with a little photo help from yours truly. Goes to show you that having professional, current photos of your band can really boost your chances of media coverage. Have you hugged a photographer today?

Also, Smoke Music Archive, a new well written and well curated online music 'magazine' featured a photo of R Stevie Moore along with an exclusive new release. SMA post here

A couple interesting things about Smoke Music Archive that separates it from the field: the guys behind it are creative industry veterans and they are also using the platform of the site to produce and release new music with selected artists.

Anna Ives vs. Cancer - Special Auction

2009-01-28T15:19:00.006-05:00

(Anna Ives with dad Zac watching Greg Cartwright @ Gonerfest in 2007)

There is a special fundraising effort currently happening for Anna Ives, a beautiful 4 year old girl who has been bravely fighting brain cancer for the last 2 years. Anna is the daughter of Zac Ives, co-owner of Goner Records in Memphis, TN and Amy Ives.

The fundraising includes a benefit concert at the Hi-Tone in Memphis and a special auction of donated music, artwork, services, hotels, meals and more.

The auction has drawn in donations from many great designers, artists and photographers connected with the Memphis community. Every cent goes directly to the Ives family to help with the costs of travel and medical treatment.

All the information on whats up for auction and how to bid is here.

I am donating a full photography shoot, including promotional rights and a final print, the bidding starts at $100. This is a great opportunity for a band on a budget or for anyone who needs a professional promotional photo.

Mighty Hannibal - Dig Deeper

2009-01-26T13:52:00.005-05:00

Saturday was another great night at Dig Deeper, the monthly soul series at the 5 Spot in Ft. Greene Brooklyn. It was the Mighty Hannibal's night to shake and growl and he gave us all a lesson on how to work a crowd and handle a band (although the Sweet Divine Rhythm Band doesn't need much help in that department. ) Props also to Mr. Finewine who played some great records and has been helping Hannibal get out and play.

check the full photo gallery here

This series has evolved into a wonderful way to see real soul music in the flesh with a terrific band and a good crowd. It's been fun photographing it as it evolves.

Anyone interested in learning more about this man's music should pick up a copy of the excellent and only compilation Hannibalism on Norton Records.

In the Clouds with School of Seven Bells - le Poisson Rouge

2009-01-17T16:42:00.007-05:00

School of Seven Bells at (le) Poisson Rouge for a Self-Titled Magazine curated event.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Joe's Pub 1.10.09

2009-01-13T00:30:00.010-05:00

2009 Resolution #7- always experiment and make pictures to please yourself, not others. (more on that below *)

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at Joe's Pub. Thanks to Jennie Wasserman for suggesting that I come see them. The short story: 7 brothers (plus a drummer), son's of Philip Cohran ( Sun Ra/AHE/AACM) - -funky - from the heart, no pretense - just hustle, chops and showmanship - worth seeing.

* Concert photography gets old, and fast. It's a limited relationship with the subject, limited perspectives to shoot from, limited light and limited financially unless you're shooting big concerts with even more restraints - putting it very close to paparazzi territory. So I now say, officially, screw it, all further photography will be done for my own reasons and going to shoot shows will be an exploration of music I like / am curious about. The approach of making pictures will be an experiment, it doesn't won't if I don't come away with a good picture as long as I don't come away with a boring one.

Howard Tate - Sweet Divines - Joe's Pub

2009-01-05T15:34:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone! Before disappearing into the black hole of unproductivity known as 'the holidays' I had a nice time going to Joe's Pub to see my friends the Sweet Divines. Their special guest was soul legend Howard Tate whose best work was recorded on Verve with Jerry Ragovoy in the 1960's.

a few more pictures here

To those of you familiar with his albums, the portrait is very much in the style of his 1967 Atlantic album cover. There were some mirrors back stage at Joe's Pub and I set up a couple behind him to see how it would look.

Odetta 1930-2008

2008-12-03T10:15:00.004-05:00

Odetta with rose at a tribute to Alan Lomax at Cooper Union. April 12th, 2003

Eula Cooper, NYC debut at Dig Deeper

2008-11-24T15:00:00.004-05:00

MORE PICTURES

This past Saturday was another satisfying soul night at Dig Deeper with the first ever NYC appearance of the sweet and charming Eula Cooper. Ms. Cooper is known for only a small, singles-only discography on indie soul labels Tragar, Supersound and Note (with one picked up for distribution by Atlantic) but her 30+ year absence from the music scene did not seem to slow her down one bit. For whatever reasons she left the music business (and there are many good ones) she reemerged as youthful as ever, sporting $69 red patent leather heels from TJ Maxx and a smile to match. Goes to show that a great singer is a great singer regardless of notoriety.

Credit also goes to DJ Honky, Mr. Robinson and the Sweet Divines band for turnin' it out.

Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby

2008-11-20T16:53:00.004-05:00

Friend Ted invited me out to see UK original Stiffy and fine songwriter Wreckless Eric with his ably matched counterpart and partner Amy Rigby when they played at the Spiegelworld last month.

just a few pictures. go see them next time.

O'Death Music Hall of Williamsburgh 10.30.08

2008-11-06T11:38:00.003-05:00

GALLERY HERE

O'Death played last week in Brooklyn to mark the launch of thier new album, 'Broken Hymns, Limbs and Skin', on Kemado Records. It's probably the only time I've seen punks doing the waltz in the mosh pit.

Harlem Election Rally for Obama

2008-11-06T11:25:00.003-05:00

(You can click on the photo to see a larger version)

It was a great night in Harlem, my new neighborhood. This is a section of the crowd that spontaneously gathered to watch and then celebrate the election returns. An amazing night!

Presenting Cici James

2008-11-04T15:59:00.005-05:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2008/11/presenting-cici-james/

Dean Parrish - Dig Deeper 9.27.08

2008-09-29T18:53:00.004-04:00

SEE THE GALLERY

Dean Parrish, real name Philip Joseph Anastasi, made an (ironically) rare hometown appearance at the Dig Deeper series at the Five Spot in Brooklyn. Despite strong singles on a smattering of labels, Dean never hit mainstream success in the United States. Part of the issue being that he was an excellent soul singer who happened to be a white Italian-American. Unbeknownst to to him, his music took on a second life in the UK's Northern Soul casinos with tracks like "I'm On My Way" assuming anthemic status. It was only a few years ago that UK soul enthusiasts tracked him down in Staten Island opening doors for succesful gigs in Europe.

Dean didn't miss a beat despite a 40-some-odd-year absence from American stages sounding strong and soulful with a heartfelt performance. Nice Guy. GREAT performance. He had at least one fan in ecstatic tears.

Thanks Dean and the Dig Deeper crew for the excellent night.

Make sure to check out the oh so funky Harvey Scales in October

Steve Earle, Judson Memorial Church

2008-09-29T17:00:00.005-04:00

No time to write at the moment, but here are a few photos from Steve Earle performing Friday, Sept 26 2008. My friend Ted Barron invited me to go, you can see some of the photos he's shot of Steve at a recent recording session on his site.

FYI, clicking on the photos gives you a larger view.

Steve at the Judson

Steve and his wife and fellow musician Alison Moorer

Sweet Divines Photo Shoot

2008-09-29T00:06:00.003-04:00

NY soul band, the Sweet Divines, stopped by the studio to work with me on group portraits that matched their love of 60's style, groove and soul. With the group's matching Chiffon dresses and avocado Wurlizer, we were already halfway there. The photo you see above is a composite of 3 photos, we shot the gals in 2 groups and then JB at the Wurly to give us multiple elements that could be mixed and matched to use in several potential layouts.

This gallery of outtakes gives you an idea of the process.

The approach to the shoot is update of the great cut n' paste album art that was common in pop, rock n' roll and soul music in the 50's and 60's.

Thanks to everyone in the group for being so open and matching my excitement for the project.

Astroland Closes : Photo

2008-09-09T20:15:00.005-04:00

Last day of Astroland at Coney Island, it was hard to get a shot without another photographer in it but surprisingly I haven't found that many good photos online of the last day. Went out there with my girlfriend, Leslie and photo pal Ted. Weaved through the crowds, had a hotdog, rode the Wonderwheel, had coffee in Brighton Beach, played skeeball, got pistachio softserve, shot up the Bonanza shooting gallery, ate greasy sausages at Ruby's. We only really apreciate these things when they are gone.

Roots of American Music Festival Lincoln Center

2008-09-02T23:03:00.008-04:00

Closing the season for Lincoln Center's Out of Doors Festival was the second day of the 25th Annual Roots of American Music Festival. It was a varied lineup that started with a smattering of regional blues musicians from the Music Makers stable followed by some punked out dark and dreary country from the Knitters with hot stuff guitar man Dave Alvin and X founders John Doe and Exene Cervenka. In the second half of the evening Charlie Haden debuted his new country music project featuring about half of Nashville and his three daughters, son and wife. Patti Smith closed the night with a set that included a cover of Jimi's 'Are You Experienced' that sublimated its psychedelic swirl into a clarinet solo.

Nate Chinen of the NYT had a much more thoughtful review but I might have got better pictures...

Full Gallery with Large Images Here

Adolphus Bell breaks out the moves.

In the grass with the Knitters

Haden and musical progeny

Patti and Lenny

Joel Dorn Tribute Lincoln Center

2008-08-14T16:13:00.006-04:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2008/08/joel-dorn-tribute-lincoln-center/

Inside the Brooklyn Masonic Hall

2008-08-07T16:47:00.006-04:00

A month or so back, I went to the Brooklyn Masonic Hall to catch a show by Brooklyn neo-disco band Escort. The whole stage was lit by not much more than a single bulb, and even with my fancy camera, there wasn't much to shoot with the super-low light. The building itself proved to be a much more fascinating subject matter.

SEE THE GALLERY HERE

Down in the basement there were women frying fish and also a lounge where local Masons sat at a small bar having drinks. The building has a very strange energy and moving up the stairs and into the hallways, I found myself into a labyrinth of large, near-empty rooms connected by narrow hallways.

Brian Wilson @ Seaside Park, Brighton Beach

2008-07-18T14:57:00.002-04:00

Brian Wilson sits calmly behind a keyboard, never really playing it - more protected by it. He is presiding over his creations and sometimes waves his arms like a conductor. The band is large - three guitarists, two drummers, a reedsman, a second keyboardist, another on mallots, a theremin even emerges for ‘Good Vibrations’ - and almost everyone contributes to the intricate and gorgeous vocal harmonies, falsettos reaching high and swooping. The band is dutiful, clean and strong; this is Brian’s orchestra.

Its an odd mix of Coney Island Riff Raff, oldies nuts (headed by Brooklyn pres Marty Markowitz), and the odd hipster out to pay homage. He’s playing some of his most timeless hits - Surfer Girl, California Girl, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, When I Grow Up - and although they are easy crowd pleasers I get the feeling Brian is choosing the ones he’s proud of. It hits me when “I Get Around” starts moving that this is not just a hook but a fugue. All the parts lock in, themes repeat and interlock and the reaction is no different than listening to Bach with all the voices moving separately, building a euphoric experience.

The Pet Sounds and Smile material was some of the strongest of the night. ‘Heroes and Villains’
‘Good Vibrations’
‘God Only Knows’ , was absolutely gorgeous and was introduced by guitarist Jeff Foskett as his favorite.

A new song from Wilson’s upcoming album, “That Lucky Old Sun” titled ‘Going Home’ started with a churning blues but broke into surprising and complimentary vocal interludes.

Overall, the band was wonderful, fleshing out all the intricacies of Brian’s visionary music in great detail. He paid respect to some of his influences covering Chuck Berry, the Crystals (Spector), Frankie Lymon (Too Young) and covered a wide range of his material - pleasing the crowd but also revealing a musical autobiography that was fascinating to see in person.

I didn’t shoot the show, I was enjoying from the grass with my lovely girlfriend Leslie. We rode the Cyclone and had Nathan’s hot dogs before we headed home.

Good job, Brian and thanks!

Ralph Jackson in Time Out New York

2008-07-04T14:58:00.004-04:00

Here's a fresh clip from this week's Time Out New York, it's little, but it counts.

The photo helped my friends Rabbit Factory with a bit of exposure for this Sunday's JellyNYC Pool Party featuring Ralph 'Soul' Jackson, Roscoe Robinson, Hermon Hitson, Herbert Wiley and the Checkmates and Ronnie Spector.

The show is Sunday at 2PM at the McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg

Don Gardner Dig's Deeper at the 5 Spot

2008-06-29T14:52:00.006-04:00

Don Gardner, known for his infectious vocal workout "I Need Your Lovin'" and the obscure but highly sought 45 "My Baby Likes to Boogaloo" made a rare appearance at the 5 Spot Soul Food Supper Club in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. He hadn't played a show in New York since 1969!

Party organizers Mr. Robinson and DJ Honky brought Mr. Gardner in from Philly for the first night of 'Dig Deeper', a monthly party that combines soul DJ-ing with performances from the over-looked artists who recorded the music originally.

Don Gardner had a musical background in gospel, jazz and blues and had a top 20 hit with "I Need Your Loving" , a duet with Dee Dee Ford, on the influential New York label Fire. Fire was one of several important labels founded by Bobby Robinson, a recording pioneer that helped transition blues and R&B into Soul and continued innovating into the Hip Hop era.

Don Gardner's company in the Fire/Fury/Enjoy roster includes Lee Dorsey, Elmore James, Gladys Knight, King Curtis and many many others. Respect your elders!

Next month's Dig Deeper features the inimitable Tami Lynn.

NYC Record Stores Bleecker Street Records

2008-06-23T14:48:00.006-04:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2009/02/guide-to-record-shopping-in-nyc-and-brooklyn/

Vampire Weekend Kid Sister SummerStage

2008-06-15T14:25:00.008-04:00

full photo gallery here

Live from Central Park - It was beyond wet! Rain came down in two separate downpours, photographers scrambled to keep under cover and stage workers squeegeed water off the stage by the gallon. Lightning almost shut the whole thing down as organizers stood on the stage wringing thier hands and contemplating whether or not a field of soaked teens were capable of a riot.

I didn't get to the park in time to see Born Ruffians who according to taste-makers are worthy of a listen. A group of young folk standing in the front row told me they had lined up at 5AM to the see the darling (and talented) Vampire Weekend.

After a tense delay, the clouds finally broke and A-Track came out to warm up the drenched crowd. Shortly after, Kid Sister pranced out with a can of Coors and a pair of Mad Max Teletubbie backup dancers.

And then finally, we photogs were herded like livestock into the 'pit' for our 3-song feeding. Ezra thanked the crowd for staying and told us we looked more beautiful as drowned rats. (not in those words, he was being sweet)

About 10 minutes after we were cleared, the rain came back with a vengeance and VW huddled closer from the edge of the stage to finish their set which included a couple songs not on the album (very Gracelandy) and a cover of Tom Petty's 'Don't Come Around Here No More'

Despite the 'union house' rules 'strictly banning' photography of people in a public place dealing with an act of God, I had the stubbornness to shoot a bit more while my D3 absorbed the rain.
I was like: who gives a fuck about an oxford comma?

full photo gallery here

Mighty Hannibal Portrait Shoot

2008-06-13T18:46:00.010-04:00

On Memorial Day I had the opportunity to travel to the Bronx with Mr. Fine Wine to visit his good friend and ward James Shaw, aka the Mighty Hannibal. Hannibal made many good soul records including the national hit 'Hymn No. 5' and had been brought back into the scene through Matt's knowledge and guidance. Filmmaker Ezra Bookstien was also there to document another moment of daily life, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming film.

Norton Records recently released the excellent compilation 'Hannibalism' - a wise purchase both for the music (much of if hard to find as 45's) and the autobiographical liner notes. Hannibal also made a triumphant appearance at this year's Ponderosa Stomp.

We ate curried chicken prepared by his health aide and grabbed shaved ices on the way back on the train. A good Memorial Day.

UPDATE
Oh yes, and as Matt points out, we had about 30 mugs of McSorleys on top of the hamburgers we ate at the Corner Bistro when we got back to the city.

Bo Diddley Dies at 79

2008-06-02T15:50:00.008-04:00

Who, or what, is Bo Diddley? He was black, he came from Mississippi, he married a 15 year old white woman as his third wife. He was banned from the Ed Sullivan show cause he played his song and not the one Ed told him to. (Maybe Elvis Costello was thinking about this when he played ‘Radio’ on SNL) His pompadour could take Little Richard’s in an alley fight. He took blues and noise and church and bad dreams and mutated it into rock and roll before anyone knew what to call it. He made guitar pedals out of car parts, he made a guitars out of a box of wood and invented sounds that had never existed before. His rock and roll sounds more like rock and roll than Elvis and came two tears earlier. He was a natural man, a strange man and a strange and natural genius of music.

Bo Diddley was the first Black musician on the Ed Sullivan Show

listen to the nonsense vaguely racist introduction from Mr. Fathead... Dr. Jive carries himself with infinitely more dignity.

St. Louis Record Stores pt. 3 - Record Exchange

2008-05-28T16:50:00.007-04:00

This post has moved to: http://www.3313photo.com/2008/05/st-louis-record-stores-record-exchange/

Bad Album Covers - The Real Dirt

2008-05-27T19:56:00.004-04:00

Today I heard from Paul, the man behind the original Museum of Bad Album Covers

According to him, AM NY isn't the first person to piggy back of his vinyl fanaticism, it happens all the time, all over the world. Who knew there was such an interest?

"We spend ages sifting through bargain bins, ebay and record dealers all over the world, paying money, making images, writing about the albums and generally doing all the hard work"

True. True.

So, if you want to support the REAL zany collectors check out these ORIGINAL sites:

Museum of Bad Album Covers
Show and Tell
Bizarre Records

and forget all the phoneys!

Update Update: (further clarification from Paul)
"While we all cross over quite alot, I'm more pure bad album cover designs, Nick Di Fonzio (Bizarre Records) tends to be more bizarre old kitch, and Ron Dante's best ones can be completely mindbending in all kinds of ways! While he has plenty of unbelievably awful covers, he's more into weird and wonderful music and bizarre album concepts such as old corporate records, home made "vanity" albums and that kind of thing. He has a huge collection of jaw dropping American weirdness at it's very finest! He still sells stuff on ebay from time to time."

why are we vinyl people so misunderstood?

Worst Album Covers = Laziest Journalism ?

2008-05-27T14:27:00.011-04:00

Hoping to evade the boredom of my commute, I picked up a free AM NY newspaper at the entrance to the subway. On the top right corner there was a feature that caught my eye: "The Worst Album Covers of All Time." The 3/4 page feature on page 24 was credited to staff writer Emily Hulme.

That's funny, cause I've been aware of a website for at least 4 years called the Museum of Bad Album Cover Art.

And guess what, 4 of the album covers in the printed feature were lifted straight off this site with no reference or credit to the website. You can see in certain cases where it's the exact same image, with the same creases and price stickers.

The Frivolous Five
The Many Facets of Roger
Alla Pugaljova - Superman
Ken - By Request Only

And then I found a couple other sites:

www.worstalbumcovers.org
www.coverbrowser.com/covers/worst-album-covers

That accounted for almost all the other album covers in the story and in the online article.

Oh yeah, one more funny twist: One of the album covers (Cody Matherson) is probably phony and most likely a Simpson's homage.

The feature also ran in AM NY's sister papers, the Chicago Tribune and the Sun - Sentinal

It bothers me that the whole concept was taken whole-hog off the internet and hacked into space-filler for a profitable newspaper with out any reference or credit to the sources. Its enough that these papers regurgitate the AP feeds, why do they have to steal our own dorky web content?

Bloggers take stuff from everywhere too, but at least we're honest about where we take it from.

lame.

St. Louis Record Stores - pt. 2 Euclid Records

2008-05-25T11:45:00.005-04:00

Euclid Records
601 East Lockwood
St. Louis, MO 63119
314-961-8978
www.euclidrecords.com

Euclid Records is another great resource for the St. Louis music community offering large and well-organized CD and vinyl inventories. The store’s history goes back about 25 years with separate vinyl and CD stores that eventually merged into their current Webster Groves location. Vinyl-wise, Euclid is the destination for rare and collectible vinyl. They are also one of the top dealers on eBay for in-demand classic jazz albums.

Hunting strategy: I usually start with new arrivals for a taste of the offerings and move onto specific areas of interest to see what’s floating around. If I find things that fill in some holes at a fair price tag then I’m happy. There will be many things that make my heart a-flutter and then sink upon seeing the price sticker. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something special, this is the place to come. Interesting compilations and reissues are a bit easier on the pocketbook and they have plenty of clean staples too.

Strengths: Large inventory, impressive rarities, amazing jazz LP selection, extremely well organized both in the store and on their website. New arrivals are added to the website almost as soon as they come in.

Weaknesses: I couldn’t imagine a crummier turntable to audition $50 records. Prices are overall fair but certainly not cheap, on par with NYC and eBay.

In Summary: The shop in St. Louis for experienced vinyl people but does having everything you ever wanted take the fun out of it?

St. Louis Record Stores - Vintage Vinyl

2008-05-25T01:08:00.008-04:00

intro

St. Louis is my hometown and where all this record nonsense started. Either by instinct or simple economic discovery that a used record was cooler and cheaper than it's CD counterpart, I started buying vinyl in high school. I soon made a second discovery: The records that got me exited seemed older, heavier and mustier. Every time I opened the sleeve of a Columbia Miles Davis LP and looked at the label, there were more eyes staring back at me; first two, then six! A record nut was born…

Let me begin with Vintage Vinyl as this is the store that I am usually at within 3 hours of my plane landing and the place where these early music discoveries were made...

Vintage Vinyl
6610 Delmar
St. Louis MO 63130
314-721-4096
www.vintagevinyl.com

hours: Sun - Thu 10AM - 10PM
Fri and Sat - 10AM t0 12AM

Vintage Vinyl has been an anchor of the U-City loop for over 20 years and does a lot for the music community: creating big window displays for current releases, hosting in-store performances of local and touring bands and serving as a general magnet for grungy loopsters. There is a permanent but mild and comforting smell of incense that seeps into everything in the store. I can still smell it on some of the records I've dug up here. The reason this is a good place to shop for records is that interesting stuff floats in with the common stuff and it all gets priced about the same.

Hunting strategies: Delve into the deep x-factor of the store.

Things show up in the used racks that are truly magical - nice James Brown records on King, original Dixie Hummingbirds on Peacock, Don Covay records on Atlantic, Etta James on Argo - all with prices averaging around $10-15. I don’t ever look for anything particular, I just look. You never dip your toes in the same Vintage Vinyl twice.

Strengths: grungy community fixture, takes it’s role as a record store seriously without taking itself as a record store too seriously. Rasaan Roland Kirk serves as their spiritual leader and mascot. Open late.

Weaknesses: no easy way to preview records: gotta hand them to a guy behind a DJ booth, I’ve never bothered. ****UPDATE**** John from VV wrote to tell me that there is now a turntable for private listening, so there you go.

In Summary: grimy, homey musical Zen

coming soon: Euclid Records and Record Exchange...

R Stevie Moore at Cake Shop 5/20/08

2008-05-23T13:11:00.007-04:00

I returned to the scene of the crime to catch up with R Stevie Moore and his loyal entourage. This week's fashion report: wizard hat, 50's album cover, pajama bottoms with the Monopoly Man on them, not quite big enough clip on shades, tacky plastic American flag necklace. Illustrating that nothing has really changed in the last 20 years, the set featured 'Show Biz is Dead'. Oh, and you missed an impromptu cover of Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body'.

RSM has one last show of his Cake Shop residency on 5/27 and word is he's got a great studio album in the works...

check out the photo gallery!

Ponderosa Stomp no. 7 2008 Photos

2008-05-12T23:44:00.006-04:00

Hey kids, I've posted these links in a couple of places but hey, why not on my own derned blog?!

7th Annual Ponderosa Stomp at the House of Blues, New Orleans

Night One featuring Buckwheat Zydeco, Barbara Lynn, Tony Owens, Wardell Quezergue, Dr. John aka Mac Rebbenack, Sonny Burgess, Betty Harris, the Bo-Keys, Mary Weiss, the Collins Kids and Travis Wammack

www.33-13.com/stomp_night1

Night Two featuring the Green Fuz, The Hi Rhythm Section, Syl Johnson, Spencer Wiggins, Henry Gray, James 'Sugarboy' Crawford, The Mighty Hannibal, Ronnie Spector, Roky Ericson and the Explosives and ? and the Mysterians.

www.33-13.com/stomp_night2

NYC Record Stores - Rockit Scientist

2008-05-10T19:59:00.003-04:00

Rockit Scientist Records
33 St. Marks Place
212.242.0066
www.myspace.com/rockitscientistrecords

Rockit Scientist is one of the few remaining original East Village record stores that do a good job of covering a bit of everything from the 50’s on. It's about as much record store as you can cram into a basement level nook on St. Marks place with records on the floor, every inch of wall space and all over the ceiling. This place is a good resource for the now out of print UK and Dutch imports on Charly, Ace, Mr. R&B, etc. that cover early rock ‘n roll, rhythm and blues, soul and blues. The collectable albums skew a bit more towards rock and psych but I’ve also seen good soul records on the wall. This is also a good spot for CD buyers looking for reissues of out-of-print material.

Where to look: Up! (and also the 50’s Rock n Roll and Blues crates)

Best recent find: Original Riverside Mono pressing of ‘Monk’s Music’, a little water damaged but played great - $20

Strengths: well-versed on a wide spectrum

Weaknesses: a little cramped

Arbitrary Rating: 7.5 / 10

R Stevie Moore @ Cake Shop 5.06.08

2008-05-07T01:16:00.007-04:00

R Stevie Moore appeared tonight at Cake Shop in his large glasses, a horrible tie, a mylar balloon that read "I'm Sorry" tied around his neck and a 'Visitor' badge peeking out of his pocket. That he played for an enthusiastic crowd of about 20 is and isn't surprising. Plagued by his own obscurity, RSM embraces his image of strangeness while throwing it back in your face along with everything else that is false and absurd about our culture. Imagine an approach blurred along the spectrum of Daniel Johnston and Frank Zappa.

I admit I had never heard of this man before tonight, but I was immediately pulled in by the directness and craft of his music. R Stevie Moore's music rocks hard is really quite approachable with very logical pop structures and hooks. Although I already played the Zappa card, I think there are also valid comparisons to Beefheart with the lyrical free associations and plays on meaning combined with a soulful beat underneath all the layers. RSM is no crazy old coot - he is a sharp observer of society with genuine musical skill.

R Stevie Moore is playing every Tuesday this month at Cake Shop and his performance is well worth seeing - go check it out!

For more info I would check out the enormous amount of info on his website.
And here's an awesome video of his from the early days of MTV

Wall Street Journal - Ponderosa Stomp and Dr. Ike

2008-05-06T15:11:00.004-04:00

The Wall Street Journal did a nice profile on Dr. Ike and the Ponderosa Stomp in last week's Weekend Advisor section featuring a portrait I shot of him at his house.

Hanging With Rabbit Factory at the Ponderosa Stomp

2008-05-05T13:48:00.004-04:00

Stepping outside my hotel in New Orleans I came across Ralph Jackson and Hermon Hitson , who along with Roscoe Robinson came to play the Ponderosa Stomp this year with thier management and protectors Rabbit Factory out of Chicago.

Impose Magazine shot some video and has a blog post, check me out snapping photos off to the side.

LA Times features the Ponderosa Stomp - Ronnie Spector

2008-05-02T02:55:00.006-04:00

I've been in New Orleans this week with the Ponderosa Stomp for the third year in a row. A photo of Ronnie Spector (who was awesome) was featured in a very positive review in the LA Times

many many many more photos to come...

Be in a Band with none of the Drama

2008-04-11T12:12:00.003-04:00

A frendamine came up with an interesting little website where you can create the fictional band you always dreamed of. If you ever found yourself thinking "Some one should start a band of all chicks who do death-metal covers of calypso songs..." this site might be for you.

check out Figment!

The clip above is Mike Nesmith of the fake-band-turned-real Monkees and Frank Zappa impersonating each other and tearing on each other's music!

There's at lease SOME money left in the Music Biz...

2008-04-11T11:47:00.003-04:00

This month's issue of SPIN magazine has a curious article profiling the income of music biz folks across the spectrum. The article only sources one professional per category so this is by no means rich statistical data.

At the bottom of the heap:
Ebay CD seller: $32,000
Grungy indie record producer: $25,000
Record Store Geek: $22,000

At the Top:
Superstar DJ - $400,000
Well Known Indie Rapper - $500,000
Big Shot Artist Manager - $ 500,000

The most revealing number was the Major Label A&R guy who is now making 92,000 after a pay cut from 250,000. (Was it ego or a plea for sympathy that led to that disclosure?)

The music photog was pulling in $125,000. Way to hustle!

Barbara Lynn Photo Featured

2008-04-03T21:36:00.005-04:00

... on the cover of Lafayette Lousiana's Independent Weekly.

I'm looking forward to seeing her again at the Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans.

Pimping my friends and the competition

2008-04-03T18:43:00.004-04:00

Chris Owyoung is a nice guy that I went to High School with in St. Louis. He is also
here in NY shooting music and has a very nice blog/website going on. What he is doing is smart and ties in to the discussion going on at A Photo Editor about new ways to get your work out there.

Article is here: Where are all the goddam photos?

I am an elite white person

2008-03-30T23:42:00.002-04:00

Installation # 93 on the Stuff White People Like Blog talks about the average caucasion's large music collection and the inevitable amount of pirated material within it. The post then goes on to delineate 3 levels of the music collector's social hierarchy.

By having a music collection that is mostly vinyl I am clearly in the 'elite' category, my always felt superiority has been given official status. Go whiteboy go!

quoth:

Because of the availability of music online, a very strict social hierarchy has been created within white culture whereby someone with a large MP3 collection is considered “normal,” a large CD collection is considered to be “better,” and a person with a large vinyl collection is recognized as “elite.”

These elite white people abhor the fact that music piracy has made their B-sides, live performances, and bootlegs available to the masses. Their entire life’s work has been stripped of it’s rarity in terms of both object and sound on the record. The best thing you can say to them is: “vinyl still sounds better.”

Well, vinyl always DOES sound better, and there is still a ton of stuff that you can't get on the iTunes music store. Duh.

The Oldest Record- EVER

2008-03-27T00:48:00.002-04:00

As reported in the New York Times, audio specialists have found a way to play back a recording that predates Edison's first cylinder recording by more than 20 years! "Scott’s device had a barrel-shaped horn attached to a stylus, which etched sound waves onto sheets of paper blackened by smoke from an oil lamp." The inventor was Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville, "a Parisian typesetter and tinkerer who went to his grave convinced that credit for his breakthroughs had been improperly bestowed on Edison." A clip of the recording from 1860 is available with the article, it kinda sounds like what happens when a big fuzz ball gets caught on the end of a phono needle. How long before Jay-Z samples it?

Lo-Fi Vinyl Shopping Guide - Back On Line

2008-02-27T01:31:00.002-05:00

In earlier versions of my website, I had a guide to some of my favorite places to buy used vinyl. It turns out that I got more search engine hits on that page than anything else...

So back by popular demand: NYC Record Store Guide

No Depression Magazine Folding

2008-02-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

I was sad to get an email today from co-editor Grant Alden explaining that because of a decrease in ad revenue and the downward state of the record business, No Depression magazine would be folding after 2 final issues. I can tell you firsthand that this was probably THE NICEST magazine I have worked for to date - Grant was always accessible and replied to emails, always listened to pitches and gave you a straight answer. They always paid their contributors fairly, especially for a mid-size publication, mailing out checks without a reminder or even an invoice. Oh, and they always wrote about good music. If you've never heard of this great magazine, go buy a copy and curse the fact that you got on the bandwagon way too late. I should have a few shots in the next issue, which I am always proud off. Now it's time to drink some whiskey.

Commemorative Postage Stamp Now Available!

2008-02-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

Yep, bottom corner of page 33. The Crazy Britney issue bitch! I circled it just in case you missed it. There's a great blurb for a great festival I've been involved with for several years - The Ponderosa Stomp - with a teeny tiny crop of a photo of Syl Johnson. You can see the full shot on my website. Still, the whole thing is kinda cool as this is my 1st photo in Rolling Stone. Next time it will be the cover...

On the Case

2008-01-21T21:58:00.003-05:00

In honor of MLK Jr. day, I wanted to share a great and under-appreciated album by the SCLC Operation Breadbasket Orchestra. This was the second of 2 lp's on Chess featuring a large ensemble including studio heavies Ben Branch, Gene Barge, Wayne Bennett and Phil Upchurch - there's even a credit for Donny Hathaway on keys... The sound is mostly mid-tempo simmering gospel jazz arrangements of traditional spirituals - makes me feel uplifted and melancholy at the same time. Favorite track: Nobody Knows.

Hubert Sumlin Raises the Dead

2008-01-16T23:35:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, Jan. 6th, I made it out to the Jazz Standard to catch the last night "Howlin' for Hubert" show with, you guessed it, Hubert Sumlin, the Wolf's longtime lead guitarist. Ex-Dolls, Ex - Poindexter David Johansen puffed himself up admirably to fill in for the Wolf on vocals and harp. For the second half of the set James 'Blood' Ulmer joined the group and brought the sound to an astonishing sonic cacophony with his signature oblique but powerful inside/outside statements. They whole group chugged along nicely.

view the other shots here

photos from globalFEST

2008-01-16T23:15:00.003-05:00

This was my first time attending globalFEST, a showcase of diverse 'world music' performers (including the US) organized for the benefit of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters and open-eared general listeners. Although most of the crowd was mostly APAP, there were loyal factions in attendance for particular artists, most interestingly a small tribe of Touregs (not the VW but original namesake) spinning around for Toumast. All in all a fun night running between 3 stages and catching some pretty incredible performances.

Check out the gallery of images from the shows here