Odetta 1930-2008

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

Eula Cooper, NYC debut at Dig Deeper

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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

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

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

(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

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Dean Parrish - Dig Deeper 9.27.08

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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