Tuba Skinny And His Tiny Men

kiowa
lulu
todd
erika

Seriously, one of the best things that has happened since arriving to NYC has been running into this band! After barely catching their incredulous sound, in passing, (popping out of the L- on my way to dinner,) I was literally stupefied to run into them again the very next day at Washington Square. It was a providential moment for me, possibly the first since being in NY.

I was very happy to indulge in a full set as they busked in Washington Square, and even happier to find out afterwards, that they would be playing again at DBA in Williamsburg the next afternoon.
Believe me I returned for more.
If you heard them, you would too!

This is an incredibly tight band of horns and strings, full of New Orleans swagger and with a truly bohemian blues/jazz vibe...
However, its the vocalist who brandishes the greatest instrument of all.... a booming, monumentally angelic and mesmerizingly unique voice that will literally knock your socks off! (And if you aren't wearing socks, her voice can and will knock you from one side of the park to the other!)
I've never come across such amazing and pure talent, (the likes of which, just captivate you from the onset-) and have never thoroughly enjoyed weeping and wallowing away in such sultry sounds, and songs of love, loss and heartache (the blues anyone?) done in true New Orleans gypsy style Jazz. My hope is that you'll have a chance to get your socks blown off and the wind knocked out of you too! Your best chances? Catch em somewhere while they're still in NY! These are the kind of musicians true artists and music lovers can appreciate!

Here are some pics of them live, and to see more shots visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157618187572447/show/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharone/sets/72157618420670327/show/

Red Baraat Festival

It was great to catch up with one of my first talented, musical contacts here in NYC that I met when living out here a few years back. Sonny Singh is a bright & gifted light and musician who plays a mean horn, and dhol to boot. It was cool indeed to catch up with him and his new band Red Baraat Festival down in the East Village. The band was alive and festive with their amazing sound and though it was a rather small and cramped venue, everyone seemed to be enjoying the lively spirits and music pumping undeniable energy through the crowd. Here are a few shots from the show.