I guess I'm just bumming because I want the summer lifestyle. Maybe it was the Surf show last weekend that gave me summer fever but spring so far has been more like winter and vice versa. Crazy place, New York.

   This weekend I wanted to see lots of shows. It didn't really happen. I had some quality time with friends Friday night and we caught Rockslide at Meehan's. That was a nice time.

   Rockslide with Mark Thomas has a good line-up with some solid blues/rock fare. This time they had Ralph Santiago and Arty Panico sitting in. That was a good twist. Professor Panico has some good hands and it was refreshing hearing him in a new surrounding. Arty plays with Blue Matter who are solid too but it is always fun to hear new combinations. Ralphie Santiago always does a nice job on drums too. Wih the good ole' boys of Rockslide it was a fine Friday night show.

   Meehan's in Huntington is a good size place and a good location. It is situated across the street from IMAC on Rte. 110. in Hunt.Village. There is a large oval shaped bar and a dining room in the back. The band plays in a pocket in the wall on a broad side of the bar. It is a good place for the band acoustically but it is hard to watch them play in such a cozy spot.

   The place gets a nice crowd and it is festive on a weekend. The location offers other benefits too like other nightspots to check out on foot and food available at all hours and people. Lots of people.

   Saturday I had a family function and on the way home we tried to catch some of Jacks O'Diamonds @ Brightwaters Inn but we got there in time to see Josh packing his guitar. Damn. It ain't easy being a night owl.

   The music season is heating up if the weather is not so stay tuned for more good shows. I'll have a new schedule by Tuesday evening at the latest.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

   If you get 18 minutes (and it goes fast) check out the speech I linked to the right. It is listed as "Check out the insight..." Link.

   The speech is by a "brain" scientist who had a cerebral stroke and was given a glimpse into her own brain and how it works and what that means. It means a lot!

   I sometimes visit a physodelic place in my brain when I go out for music and when I listen to music. It is something I found when I discovered kindred voices in music in a time of grief.  I found a connection and I now tap it as often as possible for my well being. I realized that the experience the speaker (in the link here on Bilf.)  was describing was a similar notion, albeit more explicitely described.  It is real and it is attainable for all of us and it is richly helpful in understanding everything and each other. The web site where the link takes you has other topics of discussion. Great stuff. Check it out.

   I also added some art (see this page below the Jam Menu). It is the function of art (for me) to take me closer to that place where we are all one. (The right side of the brain). It speaks to that part of the brain as opposed to the linear thinking and logical, self realizing left side.

   The brain references were shown to me in the speech I am referring to and that was sent to me by my wonderfully clear thinking sister (an artist, not surprisingly). Thanks MB! Those references helped me better understand the dynamics of thought. While I knew that different phases existed in my mind I did not know why. It explains a lot and helps me describe why I find art and music critical tools these days. I really hope you agree and that you find this discussion as interesting as I do.

   Thanks for stopping by and feel free to share your thoughts on this as well as your music, art and related events for my calendar. (bill@billfoolery.com)

bill

  

   First of all, Happy Easter to all you Jesus fans!

   This was joyful holiday growing up with memories of dressing up nice and eating chocolate bunnies and sitting through a long mass at church. My four sisters made quite a fuss about wearing their new spring dresses which they sometimes made themselves under my mothers tutelage.

   These days I am still respectful of the meaning of Easter but maybe less so of institutions in general. I find celebrations are nice when they are created or adapted by my own experience and family. I hope you enjoy yours if you choose to celebrate.

   As for the subject of musical entertainment of the live, Long Island variety I had a good weekend.

   Friday night I trucked to Callahans in E. Meadow and caught the Jim Moran Band. Mr. Moran always delivers some ass-kicking with skillful rock and roll. That's a good size place which handles volume well and there was a pretty good crowd. There was even a sighting of The Lone Ranger who snuck up on stage and delivered some soulful back up vocals. He left as quietly as he came...Who was that masked man?

   Saturday night I went to the Luao at Lefty's with The Outpatients and two other surf-a-billy rock bands. It was a fun night with some bikini's, some polynesian flavor and some new sounds.

   Surf-a-billy sounds like it has a number of influences and The Outpatients, with Johnny Cola on guitar, took it to some interesting places. As a guitar fan I had no problem enjoying it.

   I happen to have a hard time gathering details and names while being in the state of mind that allows me to "go with the music" but I made a point to get the name of a song that I really dug. "Dipsy Doodle" had the telltale elements of the surf sound but Cola took it out on a few limbs with some psycho-tropic-adelic licks. I got the impression that the genre is condusive to some cool abstractions which is the whole point of going in different directions.                 

   The ambience and trappings of some "tropical" roots don't hurt either...at least for me. Give me some sense of escapism in any and every form...thank you very much!

   To top off a true holiday weekend I was even able to get to The Viking for a late set of Smoking Gun. That is why I love the The Viking. It is close to home and they play late. It is like a gift from God, that place. An overstatement? Only a little.

   As anticipated it was a good venue for Smoking Gun. I only caught one quick set but their brand of more-rock-than-blues and the skillful pieces make it a good fit.

   I was able to hear three good local guitar players and some real variety and I had great company at every event. Thanks you all! Have a really nice Sunday and thanks for hanging out here for a few moments.

bill

  

   A good weekend awaits.

   There's a Beach Party at Lefty's that will be a blast. There's a Pam Betti Birthday show also on Saturday night. Smoking Gun has one at The Viking. Their first one there and it is a great place for them.  Kerry Kearney is always good. I'd like to hear the line-up at the Frank Walker thing. I heard the Lone Sharks are a fun show at Giacomo's. Giacomo's is always fun for that matter. There's That 70's Band, always a good time. Jacks O'Diamonds plays a cool brand of guitar blues and they're at Oasis...So much more.

   What to choose?

   I was there for the inception of the Surf's-Up party at Lefty's. I liked the idea then and I like it now. Opportunities for something different around here are fun and rare and these guys are good. They play a surf-a-billy show in Manhattan (Otto's Shrunken Head) pretty often and this is their first show on the island. Let's make it count so there's more.

   Pam Betti is fun on any night but her Birthday will be a fun show. Ms. Pamalama  can not only sing but she entertains. Her energy is contagious. Add some birthday candles and it's a regular party at Filthy Frogz.

   I'll need a hall pass to get two nights out this weekend but I'll be working on it. This weekend is one of those that requires two nights.

   Like every other family guy I have a partner to work with. I have to choose my battles. We have kids. She, hers and me, mine and we have to balance the whole work, home, childcare thing. Getting a few nights out ain't easy but it is not only valuable it is necessary. Luckily Ms. Bilf understands that even though shes a tough negotiator and it costs me sometimes. The shopping excursions are an expensive payback.

   So get out there and support our talented local artists and find some excitement. There's plenty of it...and thanks for stopping by.

bill

  

    I have been seeing and hearing about Mary Lamont for a while now. I know she performs country music and I like some of that. She has been getting around (China even) and she plays some nice venues. Saturday night I had a chance to catch at least part of her show at Bobbique's.

   I arrived just before the last set. Bobbique's ends a little earlier than most blues clubs but they start earlier and they serve some yummy food. The place smelled awesome with Bar-B-Q food being served all around me.

   Mary Lamont has some nice bounce in her music, in her voice and even in her head of big, brown curly hair. She wore a glittery pink scarf and she has kindly eyes. By the way, I noticed the whole band had a lot of hair. That must be a country thing.  I am hair challenged and all those locks were a little intimidating.

   For me, to "sell" country you need to add flavor to folksy tunes. The lyrics are more catchy than most of the blues tunes I listen to. They are more accesible and more narrative too. Ms. Lamont has a lively voice, a nice smile and she definitely brings the songs some personality. She has presence. She is fun to watch perform.

   Her players were good too. Jim Marchese plays some solid guitar, Rich from Fourteen Feet sat in with some good country licks, Jay Sharkey subbed on drums  and her slide/keyboard player added some rich texture. It was some good new sounds for me and Mary Lamont was a good show.

   I was glad I ran out there after dinner at a place in Roslyn. There's lots to do on Long Island and as long as one doesn't mind driving (and paying through the schnoz for gas) it is all within reach. Coffee helps too.

   If you read this early enough there is the big show today at Painters for Autism. It will be impossible for me due to a family function but there's a good cast there with Smoking Gun and Sweaty Betty among others.

   Check it out and stay tuned for the new weeks schedule which includes the Big Surf event at Lefty's next weekend. The Outpatients host that one and it will be a blast!

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

 

  

   I have been needing something in the last week or so to stimulate the imagination. I needed some music or some ideas to stimulate my thoughts. I just need that to keep me happy.

   I'm glad I was able to get out Tuesday night. The opportunity came just in time. My daughter was getting sick of my attitude and so was I.

   The new Tuesday night jam at Mustang Sally's is very close to home. Perfect.

   The Blue Matter boys are there now and they had a good cast this week. Josh Allen, Jim Kolman, Bill Post and Joe the trumpeteer were there.

   I am just getting comfortable in the new surroundings. The place is large and the peripheral crowd is in the front talking darts. They are taking notice though and there were some moments Tuesday night when Josh Allen and Jim K were standing in... the music took off for a few moments. Sometimes a jam kicks in and turns a lot of gears and it sounds great. Sometimes the Blue Matter boys find that too. They have Kelly back on bass and that brings back a certain comfort level. There were some good moments with them too.

   I needed that. I need some moments of expression a few times a week. I wonder sometimes how alone I am in that regard. I wonder if not many people want it or need it and I wonder if many do but don't know it and I wonder if many people are content in their suburban existence. There's nothing wrong with it but it is not enough for me.

   Feel free to share some thoughts on the subject. (bill@billfoolery.com) I'm curious.Thanks.

bill

   The rain took away my music this weekend. I had one night to go out and take in some blues, Friday, and after my first destination had a cancellation I jumped back into my car to head out to another location and realized the rain and the roads were too much. I had a window and it closed and I was s.o.l...as they say.

   I stopped by a local watering hole and the jukebox was even out of order. This was a bad night for me...musically speaking. Saturday night I spent with the Ms. and we had fun at a local party. At least we had some good social time this weekend but no blues is a bummer.

   I often receive invitations from bands to attend shows and I appreciate every one of them. I may not get to a particular bands event for a long while but it is not for lack of interest.

   I have limited opportunity to go out especially on weekends. When I do go out I look for the kind of music I am in the mood for that day...usually blues but the brand that I crave may differ. I often get out late which limits my choices and I can't always stay out too late which limits the distances I can travel.

   I write this journal for the love of the music. I do not do it to be a critic per se'.  I attend the shows I want to see and they are usually bands I like or have heard that I might like. For me to try to be a critic I would have to attend shows I may not want to see and I don't have time for that. I consider this more a description of the local scene and some preferences are expressed, sure, as I sometimes feel the magic and sometimes I don't. It is not always the bands fault. Sometimes I am on a different page or sometimes I just don't get the message.

   I appreciate all the talent we have here on Long Island and I try to support the blues scene, the jazz that I know and some "over-30" rock... at least. As my ability to cover things expands I will try some other genre's and maybe cover more events. I hope I get to do that. For the time being I am limited to a few nights a week if I am lucky. There's a lot to do with a family and a home and work and commerce and all that crap.

   There are other places in the country, and moreso in other countries, where people are not pressured to work 60 hours a week and frequent holidays are mandated. There are good arguements for our American system of course, like being a superpower and offering less tax burden and more freedom but the work ethic has a personal price. We get to spend less time with our family and ourselves. It ain't easy pursuing some joy and making time for artful endeavors. That is why it is valuable.

   Thanks for all the e-mails about gigs. Keep them coming. And thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the music and the places to go to hear it.

bill

  

   Thanks to my friends Kathy Bluesbrat, Audrey C and Alex I have been exposed to some blues from other areas via BB Kings in Manhattan.

   It is a bit of an excursion coming from Suffolk at the dinner hour on a weeknight but it has been worth it.

   Tuesday night we caught Albert Cummings, who opened, and Coco Montoya, the headline act. At the end of the show they were joined by Debbie Davies. It was a blues guitar orgy.

   Albert Cummings plays an energetic guitar (by the way, it was a highly modified Fender I was told). He played his own stuff mostly from his "True To Yourself" cd and he keeps your attention with high energy, well written guitar songs, good lyrics and a strong voice. I was sold on the show when I heard he was on the bill. His original, "The Blues Make Me Feel So Good" is now one of my favorite songs. "Lonely Bed" is another. There are more than a few really good ones on the cd. His style is affable, approachable but he lets it all hang out on stage. He works hard up there and he earns your applause. 

   Coco Montoya brought a different feel but also a kick ass guitar show. A few of his songs were some of tyhe best guitar playing I have ever heard live. He sustained amazing licks for the entirety of a 5 or 6 minute song...a couple of times. The entirety of his playlist was not so riveting though. He moved it around a little including some roadie songs that he and Debbie Davies had performed together a while back, apparently and those had some charm but were not the same stuff as his occasional guitar highlights.

   Mr. Montoya is a natural. It seemed effortless. He has amazing talent as a player and sometimes he gets so much out of it. Sometimes he sounded like he was just playing out a song. His "mojo" was a bit more erratic while his talent was amazing.

   It was an educational exhibition for me...seeing the two talents, one with more writing skill and one with more playing but both were top notch.

   Debbie Davies was a nice addition but not on a par as a solo player...at least not Tuesday night. She had some good stuff though and she had a softer sound. That had some appeal and I would have liked to hear her play some of her selections.

   By the way, I hear that she and Albert Cummings have both played Paula Jeans Supperclub. I was not on Long Island for quite a while and I missed a lot of the good years there. I am bummed that PJ's is no longer operating.I just hope good players keep coming and that the places operating today find ways to make money and keep it going. We need to draw players from all around as well as have good showcases for the good players here.

   It was a fun night. BB Kings is a perfect size venue. We were close, we had a table with service and we even met Albert Cummings who was strolling around. The place is perfect for enjoying a show.

   Thanks for checking in. There are a lot of good shows this weekend. Check something out and enjoy!!

bill

 

   I try to make it to local shows often. They are easy to access, the people are interesting and there is talent here on Lawngisland. The shows are often free too. I don't mind paying a cover charge for a headline, weekend show but free is good too. I just want to make sure the shows keep coming. I need stuff to write about on a regular basis.

   It is not hard to write an occasional piece about some artist or some newsworthy story but to keep fresh words coming there needs to be fresh experiences. I can make stuff up pretty well but that's for a novel someday. It's going to be a doozie too.  I like to let the mind go as often as possible and I take notes.

   Speaking of which...I had the Ms. out with me for a last minute night on the town recently and she wanted to catch a female singer and didn't want to go far. Hey, I can make that happen! We caught T-Bone and Franny Baby at Terry's G's in Farmingdale.

   The band plays some pop stuff which the less frequent nightlifers enjoy and they always seem to get a crowd. They must have a good formula. I know they crack me up and I know the can handle some blues.

   We had a good time even though it was a only about a set before I was sitting next to a pumpkin and I heard I missed the good bluesy stuff in the last set. Damn. We had a nice time though. 

   Melody, the barmaid is quite a luscious hostess with a killer smile and a great attitude. That's always a fun night at Terry G's.

   There are some good shows that need to be seen in the city too and at the expensive venues on the island.

   Tuesday night I'm heading to BB Kings for Coco Montoya and Albert Cummings. Good show, heh?

   This week there is also Pink Martini at Long Island University. (Tilles Center). That is a bossanova(jazz) band that someone turned me on to recently. Surprise to see them locally so soon after I was introduced.

   The Bolton Center has good stuff often (Our own Kerry Kearney last weekend) and IMAC of course has good stuff.

   For the record though, I am getting used to keeping an updated schedule here for Long Island stuff. Trying to keep up with the city  would be a bit much.

   There is plenty to cover here and things change on a daily basis. I appreciate blues musicians sending me their schedules and changes when they occur.

   I'll be back with more schedule info as the week progresses and some feedback on my night at BB Kings.

  Thanks for listening.

bill

   There aren't a ton of artists that really move me. Obviously there is Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn and Patty Griffin (how's that for eclectic?) and Van Morrison, Warren Haynes, Albert Cummings lately and locally, Andy Aledort and the local diva's and the local guitar gods. Old Dylan stuff and Beatles and CSNY, and Allman Bros. Maybe there are more than a few. I could go on but my point is that I will miss Buddy Miles. He is among them. I play his version of Hey Joe on my My Space page. He sings with soul. He played drums with vigor and real funk. His presence was felt for a drummer especially.

   He was young to pass, 60. His passing was caused by heart failure. (That is a message for me and other guys approaching middle age). He left a sizeable statement in his work.

   I will die more content if I can leave enough said of what I think about things. I hope to find the words, since I am not a musician but a writer of sorts, to express the things I have found useful. I would like to add a few morsels to the book on humanity. People, artists, like Buddy Miles have added a lot to the book. In his music he says there is beauty in peace and peace in beauty. There is some humor in it and it is not to be taken too seriously but that which is fun to hear is seriously important. We gotta hear (or at least we gotta get with the program somehow) and we gotta feel and we gotta smile and we have to sigh that sigh of a shared experience when someone shares it with us.

   That is all important stuff to be sharing and he did that. It is valuable work that musicians and artists do. He was an original which made it more fun to "read". Every new voice has something different to say or a new way to say it so more people hear it.

   On that note, I can relate a recent local, music experience...

   I caught a show at Giacomo Jacks in Amityville with Smoking Gun Band. The SGB  made for a delirious night. They were raging on blues and rock and there was not a sober eye in the house. Even the folks drinking light were high  on the moment. Granted I got there late but there was a good crowd, loose and having fun. Jeannie B wasn't driving home apparently and the extra bottle of brew had her bending her knees a little more with her vocal cajoling. She was fun.

   Smoking Gun is a classic Long Island collaboration of lots of guitar, vocals and some blues with their rock.

   There was even some Donnie Celenza guest appearing. That amped up the juice. Celenza and Marino on guitar, Theil on bass, the other Bill and Jeannie B belting out some tunes and it was a wild-ass night in Amityville. I left feeling like I had a revival at Sunday service. I like that in a night of  blues.

   Giacomo's does a good job. I find myself saying that a lot lately.

   Go check it out or check out another show at a place near you. It's good for you and you never know where you'll find some inspiration.

Thanks for stopping bye,

bill