It's been a good week. I had a nice couple of gigs with Shannon McNally last weekend. We did a bunch of Bobby Charles tunes and she really impressed me... especially being 7 months pregnant!
Today I'll be driving to JFK to pick up Earl Poole Ball (Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, Buck Owens, Byrds) for an upstate gig with the Jack Grace Band. Earl was Johnny Cash's piano player for 20 years so I expect to hear some stories. Maybe some I can share...
This Friday Bill Malchow and the Go Cup All Stars will be on the main stage at B.B. Kings opening for the Funky Meters. Maybe I can steal some licks from Art Neville. Hope to see you there.
Buckwheat played great. We all know about the accordion but he's also an awesome organ player which I didn't know. I also learned he hated Zydeco as a kid. One day Clifton Chenier (father of Zydeco) had him play organ with him and Buckwheat got hooked.
Buckwheat was a little sick, bronchitis I was told. So I couldn't really smooze with him. But I did like hanging with the band. Little Buck, Olivia, and all the rest of the entourage so nice to meet you...
thanks to Josh Paxton (organ), Doug Garrison(drums), and Jonathan Freilich(guitar) for sitting in.
I've met some great keyboardists so far, Tom McDermot, John Gros, not to mention older friends like Joe Ashlar, Brian Coogan.
I've also gotten to know Charlie and Glinda at the world famous Donna's bar and grill. Nice people, Charlie, "the dawg", has those great stories! I've played two shows at Donna's. Simon Lott joined me last night and it turned into a fun one... Looks like I'll be back for Mardis Gras.
While the food here is great, I am jonesing for some NY Bagels.
You can hear me playing piano live with them at the Brooklyn Country Music Festival by clicking here. The song is called "True Tonight"
We will be recording a new record in February. The working title is called "Drinking Songs for Lovers". In the meanwhile come see at Rodeo, Barbes, Hill Country and on the road in DE, MD.
Also, We will be performing Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band for kids (and adults) at Symphony Space January 19th, 2008. The show will start at the musician friendly time of 11 am and will include strings, sitars, and all that.
Get your tickets here.
Bill Malchow - piano/vocals, Simon Lott - drums, Jake Walker - guitar, Timmy "likes to party" Luntzel - bass, Arun Luthra - Tenor Sax, Chris Cheek - Bari Sax, Chuck MacKinnon - Trumpet, Johanna Stahley - Backup vocals/ percussion
Note: No Cover and Free Peanuts...
Also some more mardis gras type shows at Two Boots Brooklyn (18th), Scotland Yard(14th) and some late night solo shows at Banjo Jim's (in the works).