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Ok, so it’s not exactly September, but I still want to try to keep this journal alive. So, let me try to recall some of the more happening episodes from this month. First thing that comes the mind is the birth of a new project. Brazilian Bluegrass made it’s debut at John Zorn’s venue, The Stone, on Sept 10th. This group was inspired by a tune call Voa Ilza by Hermeto Pascoal. This tune is set to a Baiao rhythm, but sounds as much like a fiddle tune as anything from the Appalachian Mountains. It’s amazing to me to hear these similarities and therefore the differences. This project has given me the opportunity to revisit a style that I only flirted with before. Bluegrass is an amazing school of music with a unique vocabulary all it’s own. Lately I’ve been very inspired by these sounds and studying hard. It also helps to have the great mandolinist, Chris Thile, living in NYC and making regular appearances at small clubs and jam sessions. His group truly sets the bar for this style in the city. I’ll be pushing myself to embrace the traditions of these styles with the goal of tastful fusion of elements. If this first little experiment is any indication, this project has a lot of potential.
Next thing to come to mind was the ThreeASFour fashion show in Soho. I spend the day helping Marie and co. prepare for the evenings big show. I can tell you that I probably haven’t worked so hard to take care of legistics details since my rock band OTUS. Man, these people put on a show!!! In the world of fashion, months of work boil down to about 15 minutes worth of lights, music, and runway. It was very cool. Spending more time around the 3 has been very cool. They are an inspiring bunch, dedicated and certain in the face of challenging odds. I can really dig that! Check out their work at www.threeasfour.com
Another very cool experience came through Marie and the 3 when I had the opportunity to play with Sean Lennon. I had met him before and he is very close with guy and gals of 3as4. On this night, we just ended up at a late night hang at his apartment. He heard that I was a musician and invited me up to the music room to play. He taught me a couple of his songs (very cool changes) and we riffed on some other tunes. It was a super fun hang, and being a huge John and Sean fan, very surreal.
Otherwise, I’ve been staying busy practicing, and gigging a lot. Lately I’m playing with Krystle, Edward Perez, Rob Hecht, Tim Keiper, John Wikan, Dennis Lichtman, and lots of other new aquaintances from the Bluegrass scene. Lots of fun.
As always, thanks for dropping by.

Take Care,

Clay