by Christopher Paragraph

Martha Wainwright @ City Winery - 11/21/2011 (photo by IreneSenra)

Nath-Ann Carrera started the night off with a handful of songs that inhabited a unique place between standard country western ballads and bizarre gay-themed narratives. It was clear from his opening monologue that this was a performer who was about more than just the music (he stepped out, barefoot, in a short white gown and brown headdress.) Carrera performed songs by Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt, but was at his best when spinning original yarns that were as sharp and strange as his on-stage persona. (One involved a lesbian kidnapping Frank Sinatra, skinning him alive on a meat hook, and using it to make handbags to sell to hippie boutiques.)

Martha Wainwright, who was playing her 2nd November City Winery show, came out in a short dress of her own - perhaps inspired by Nath-Ann, and perhaps unaware of how close the front row was to the stage. She joked with the gentlemen in the front about how they were getting a special show thanks to her "genetic leg kick." (Martha, like her father Loudon, tends to jerk her left leg up while playing...) Wainwright performed songs from her two studio albums as well as a handful of new songs slated for her upcoming yet-to-be-completed record. Wainwright has come a long way since her original role as the perennial family back-up singer. Her two records have received critical acclaim worldwide, and she has created a second career for herself interpreting the music of Edith Piaf. It seems Piaf's music is where Wainwright has found her true inspiration as a singer, as her songs are filled with the same emphatic, dynamic emotion. Wainwright's ability as a vocalist shined as she showed a control over her voice that held the crowd entranced. Her banter between songs also showed off a brash sense of humor and comfort, providing comic relief between some pretty intense moments. The height of which was her performance of her late mother's classic "Talk To Me Of Mendocino," which walked the line between devastating emotion and soaring melody.

The second half of the set, which also included a guest appearance by Justin Vivian Bond for one song, employed the work of Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman) on piano, who proved to be the perfect accompanist, aptly complementing Wainwright's musical tendencies with subtle, effective flair. Wainwright has developed a unique musical identity in her now-trademark style of shaking a melody out like loosening a cramp, singing over conventional yet somehow unexpected suspensions, and writing lyrics that are both personal and enigmatic. She is far more talented than her recognition might indicate (at least in the US). She possesses both precision and soul, and the ability and awareness to tastefully present it on stage. At the end of the night the crowd demanded Wainwright's return, which she granted, performing "Tell My Sister," another classic song of her mother's, and closing the night with a new original number that left the audience even more curious about what Wainwright has in store for her next record.

On December 15, the Wainwright/McGarrigle posse will join forces with Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, and many more to present "A Not So Silent Christmas" at Town Hall. All proceeds will benefit the Kate McGarrigle Sarcoma Research Fund. Flyer below.

Wainwright fanatics who can't wait that long can also see Loudon perform at Bartlett's "Burgundy Stain Sessions" on December 1 at Le Poisson Rouge.

Continue reading "Martha Wainwright played City Winery (with Thomas Bartlett), Loudon playing LPR (with Thomas too)"

photos by Toby Tenenbaum, words by Rachel Kowal

Glen Hansard, Sharon Van Etten, a Dessner



Other Voices, an annual musical festival held in Dingle, Ireland, may not be nearly as old as the town's pubs, but it has already become a rich, meaningful tradition since its inception in 2002. Though typically held in a tiny church, Other Voices jumped across the Atlantic and landed in Le Poisson Rouge for a couple of nights this week with the help of Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman), Glen Hansard, and others--and it's all for a good cause! (All proceeds of the shows go to benefit Fighting Words, a writing center for children and youth in Dingle.)

"We don't know where we're going, we don't know where we'll be when we get there, and when we get back we probably won't know where we've been, so join us on this journey this evening," said Irish actor/writer Gabriel Byrne effectively introducing the event's pleasantly discursive nature. What unfolded over the course of the next three-and-a-half hours was a hearty round of poetry, prose, and music, much in the spirit of Doveman's monthly series, the Burgundy Stain Sessions.

Artist after artist shuffled onto the stage. Highlights included Glen Hansard's beautiful stories and songs, a newer piece by Thomas Bartlett (appropriately about the rain), a song or two from the talented folk singer Sam Amidon, a beautiful brand new piece written just yesterday by Bryce and Aaron Dessner that was inspired by the streets of Dingle, a couple of traditional songs by renowned Irish fiddler Martin Hayes, Joseph O'Connor's reading of an ode that creatively highlighted many of New York's music legends, and a surprise performance by Sharon Van Etten (and her sister Heather). The guests just kept coming. Bell X1 (who played a Smiths cover), Martha Wainwright, Jape, The Lost Brothers, Justin Vivian Bond, Nico Muhly; and from the Irish literary scene: Philip King, Roddy Doyle, Colum McCann, and Paul Muldoon. An unrecognizably shaggy Damien Rice even made a surprise appearance to play a couple of beautiful, completely unplugged and unaccompanied songs on his acoustic guitar.

The camaraderie in the air was thick. Though each artist had a chance to be in the spotlight, its loose structure allowed for one-of-a-kind impromptu collaborations. After a week of running around to catch ridiculously brief sets, often with compromised sound, it was a nice change to remain still and embrace a long, calming set as talent after talent humbly took to the stage. If you go tonight, just make sure to wear comfy shoes or arrive early to snag one of the few seats.

More pictures from the night below...

Continue reading "Other Voices (Glen Hansard, Sam Amidon, Doveman, Bryce & Aaron Dessner, Sharon Van Etten & other surprise guests) @ Le Poisson Rouge -- night 1 pics & review"

Glen Hansard & Doveman @ Le Poisson Rouge (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Doveman's next edition of 'Burgundy Stain Sessions' at Le Poisson Rouge is this Friday night (9/23), and the listed special guests are: Chris Thile, Martha Wainwright, Trixie Whitley and Little Annie. Tickets for the collaborative evening of music are still on sale.

In October, on the 27th & 28th to be exact, 'Burgundy Stain Sessions' kick it up a notch with Other Voices NYC: A Celebration of Music & Literature. Scheduled to appear over the course of two nights at Le Poisson Rouge are: Glen Hansard (The Swell Season), Bryce & Aaron Dessner (The National), Doveman, Laurie Anderson, Sam Amidon, Bell X1, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Martin Hayes, Joseph O'Connor, and Colum McCann. Prestented in conjunction with Imagine Ireland with all proceeds going to FIGHTING WORDS Creative Writing Centre, tickets are on sale.

Speaking of the Swell Season, its other half Marketa Irglova has a tour coming up in November with a NYC show of her own. Bowery Ballroom tickets are still on sale.

The National have six huge NYC shows coming up.

Martha has one big holiday show coming up with her brother Rufus, and one with Rufus even sooner as part of the The Fourth Annual Plant & Sing Festival in Shelter Island, NY.

Rufus's opera 'Prima Donna' happens at BAM in Feb. 2012. Tickets are on sale now.

Furthur are going on a tour that hits MSG on November 10th. Tickets are on sale now. The after party is at BB King's.

As previously mentioned, Ray Davies is going back out on tour. Tickets to the Beacon Theater show are now on AmEx presale and go on general sale Saturday at 10am.

Tickets to all four National shows at Beacon Theater (in case you hadn't noticed) go on sale today (9/16) at 11am.

Other shows now on sale at the Beacon include Steely Dan, Bryan Ferry, Yo Gabba Gabba!, The Jayhawks & Rosanne Cash, Gillian Welch, Weird Al, NY Comedy Fest stuff, two Noel Gallagher shows, and Tori Amos.

Shows coming up and on sale at Town Hall include more comedy stuff and Rufus & Martha Wainwright's "Not So Silent Night" Christmas Show.

The Duke & The King at Mercury Lounge in 2009 (more by Jacob Blickenstaff)

The Summer BBQ Blow Out Festival is coming to City Winery this Saturday (8/6). The fest features a lot of food by gourmet chefs and performances by Midnight Magic, Computer Magic, New Villager, and Punches. TIckets are still on sale now and we're also giving away a pair. Contest details below.

The Duke & The King are also playing their album release show at City Winery on Saturday (8/6), though the show is completely separate from the Summer BBQ Blow Out which is outside. Tickets are on sale now.

Lots of other interesting things are happening at City Winery in the upcoming months as well. Bebel Gilberto is continuing her residency at the venue throughout the month of August. Tickets are on sale for all of her upcoming dates including 8/17, 8/24, 8/27, and 8/31.

Martha Wainwright will kick off her own residency at City Winery in November. Tickets are on sale now for 11/11 and 11/21. As mentioned, Martha also plays NYC this month at Cooper Square Hotel on August 22 as part of Joe's Pub's Summer Salon Series.

Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) aka The Nightwatchman plays the NYC venue on September 1 as a short run of September dates in between his US tour with Incubus and his UK tour with Rise Against. The tours are in support of his recently released EP Union Town and the upcoming full length World Wide Rebel Songs. Tickets for the 9/1 City Winery show are on sale now. All Tom Morello dates below.

Keren Ann plays City Winery on September 30 and October 1 before she heads out on a European tour in November. Tickets for both shows are on sale now. All Keren Ann dates below.

As mentioned, Jay Farrar is playing City Winery on October 14 and 15. He's since added a third show at the venue on October 16. Tickets for all three shows are available.

Marianne Faithfull is playing a three-night run at the venue from December 18 to 20. The shows are her only scheduled US shows at the moment. Tickets for all three shows are on sale now. All Marianne Faithfull dates below.

All dates and Summer BBQ Blowout contest details below...

Continue reading "Duke & the King, Bebel Gilberto, Keren Ann, Tom Morello, Jay Farrar, Marianne Faithfull, Martha Wainwright & other shows"

photos by Timothy Griffin

"It was hilarious to hear a man as gorgeous as Rhett Miller sing about losing at love to a better-looking man. Who could that have been?" - Jason Crane

Rhett Miller (Old 97's) @ BVSXSW 2011

Old 97's played two shows at The Bell House on Wednesday (7/13) and Thursday (7/14) with fellow Texan Robert Ellis as part of an ongoing tour. A video from the first show is below. A picture of the setlist from that same show can be viewed HERE.

Frontman Rhett Miller, who is not frustrated with Manhattan, will play in NYC again this month on July 30 on the Oval at Stuyvesant Town with Martha Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, and Hayes Carll as part of Peter Cooper VIllage/Stuyvesant Town's "Summer on the Oval series. The show runs from 4 PM to 8 PM and is free to the public. More dates for all of these artists are listed below.

Hayes Carll meanwhile plays Summerstage tonight (7/18) with Emmylou Harris and Levon Helm. We're giving away two tickets on facebook.

A belated and second set of pictures of the Old 97's playing the BrooklynVegan party at Barbarella during SXSW (where Robert Ellis can be seen in the crowd), with that video from the Bell House show, and all tour dates for everyone mentioned above, below...

Continue reading "Old 97's, Rhett Miller, Martha Wainwright, Teddy Thompson & Hayes Carll -- a free NYC show, SXSW pics, video, more dates"

Justin Bond aka Kiki DuRane aka Justin Vivian Bond, will be at Joe's Pub every Sunday through June 26. Tickets are available for 6/12, 6/19, and 6/26.

Justin will also be opening for legendary jazz vocalist Jimmy Scott at Duane Park Restaurant on june 21. 85-year old Scott also plays the Blue Note twice on June 23rd.

Catch Justin even sooner when he joins Rufus Wainwright and Liza Minelli as the special guests performing with Sandra Bernhard at Town Hall tonight (6/8).

Speaking of Joe's Pub and Wainwrights, tickets go on sale today (6/8) for the Summer Salon Series that Joe's Pub and The Annie O. Music Series are hosting at the Cooper Square Hotel. Why at the hotel? Because Joe's is closing for a few months...

Joe's Pub, a vital part of New York City's cultural landscape, announced a three month hiatus in programming, beginning July 2, to undertake an interior redesign and renovation. During this temporary closure, Joe's Pub will be continuing its dedication to presenting a wide variety of performing arts at affordable ticket prices to the New York and, specifically East Village community. Serving more than 100,000 audience members and presenting over 800 performances annually, this is the first time in 13 years of operation that Joe's Pub has closed its doors for an extended period of time.

"We knew our artists and audiences would be going through withdrawal this summer without the wealth of shows to choose from at Joe's Pub," said Joe's Pub Director Shanta Thake. "This summer salon series will be a great opportunity to see artists in an intimate space with beautiful views of the city while the staff of Joe's Pub prepares for our incredible fall programming."

The salon performances, which will take place in the hotel's scenic 21st-floor penthouse, are open to the public and will represent the quality and diversity of programming which is paramount to the mission of Joe's Pub. In addition to the performances, concert attendees will have access to a breathtaking, 360-degree view of Manhattan from the penthouse's floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap-around terrace. Drinks will be available for purchase from a full bar.

Martha Wainwright also plays a much sooner show at the same Cooper Square Hotel on June 19. The show is free with RSVP to info@goldve.com.

All Justin and Martha dates below...

Continue reading "Justin Bond & Jimmy Scott shows, Joe's Pub closing for repair, Martha Wainwright & others playing Cooper Square Hotel"

Rufus Wainwright @ Prospect Park (more by David Andrako)

Despite the addition of Rufus Wainwright to the bill, and stellar past shows, tickets are amazingly still on sale for Doveman's show at LPR tonight (5/26). The Goastt, aka Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl, were recently added to the show too. There's always surprise guests (like Justin Bond) and an all-star backing band too.

Rufus was also just added to another show too, one that also still has tickets on sale, and one that now boasts an extremely impressive lineup of gay icons. Rufus Wainwright, Justin Bond AND Liza Minelli (!) were all added as special guests to the Sandra Bernhard show happening June 8 at Town Hall. The date will be the world premiere of Sandra's new show "I LOVE BEING ME, DON'T YOU?" The poster confirming this info is below.

Speaking of Rufus (and Justin) at Town Hall, he and Martha just played the venue two nights in a row in honor of their mother with Justin Bond, Norah Jones, Antony Hegarty, Emmylou Harris, Teddy Thompson, Jimmy Fallon, and others. Rolling Stone was there the first night:

Although the three-hour concert was billed as "A Celebration of Kate McGarrigle," the prevailing mood was naturally somber. McGarrigle wrote and sang heartrendingly personal songs throughout most of her life; hearing them now that she's gone was emotional, to say the least. Performers and audience members alike could be seen tearing up during highlights like "I Eat Dinner (When The Hunger's Gone)" (a sweet duet between Harris and Thompson), "Go Leave" (a deeply felt rendition by Hegarty), "(Talk to Me Of) Mendocino" (sung by both Wainwright siblings with Jones), "Tell My Sister" (a wonderfully torchy performance by Martha Wainwright) and most of all "Proserpina" - the last song Kate McGarrigle wrote before her death, a sad, lovely, honest tune that brought nearly everyone back on stage to close the night's first set.

Continue reading "Rufus Wainwright (and Liza Minelli!) will join Sandra Bernhard @ Town Hall (where he recently played 2 nights for Kate)"

photos by Vincent Cornelli

Doveman played another guest-filled show at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on Saturday night. The backing band was comprised of Brad Albetta (bass), Ben Perowsky (drums), Rob Moose (guitar, violin), and Doug Wieselman (clarinet, bass clarinet). Thomas Bartlett was joined by guests Martha wainwright, Justin Bond, Hannah Cohen (whose record Thomas is producing), Jennifer Charles of Elysian fields, Norah Jones (as advertised), Sara Quin (of Tegan and Sara), Nico Muhly, and Frames/Swell Season singer Glen Hansard. Pictures from the party are in this post.

No guests have been announced for Doveman's next shows yet, but this pats show's lineup has been the norm (read about past shows HERE and HERE), so get your tickets in advance if you want to go on May 26th or June 24th.

Meanwhile, Thomas/Doveman and Doug Wieselman will be two of the special guests at Jesse Harris's final residency show at the same venue this Tuesday night (4/26), as will the recently-added Kaki King. Tickets are still on sale.

Jesse, Doug and Martha Wainwright all share a bill, along with Elvis Perkins, at Cameo this Friday as part of the next edition of Noncerts which is still on sale.

You can also catch Martha on May 12 and 13 at the two shows honoring her late mother at Town Hall.

More pictures from Saturday's LPR show, below....

Continue reading "Doveman played another guest-filled show (pics), Martha Wainwright plays w/ Elvis Perkins & Jesse Harris Friday"

Noncerts #1 (more by Dominick Mastrangelo)

After a successful first show in February co-headlined by Hamilton and Gene with the help of David Dondero, an all-star house band and performer/noncert-creator Dave Godowsky (ex-John Shade), charity concert series NONCERTS will return to Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn on April 29th, and the main lineup is: Elvis Perkins, Martha Wainwright, and Jesse Harris (who also has a bunch of collaborative shows scheduled at LPR).

Dave Godowsky will also again perform a couple songs and play in the house band which features an all-star line up of NYC musicians: Pico Alt, CJ Camerieri, Jesse Harris, Dave Godowsky, Clarice Jensen, Ben Lester, Eivind Opsvik, Caleb Burhans, Christina Courtin, and Doug Wieselman. The venue, Cameo Art Gallery, is hidden in the back of the Lovin' Cup Café at 93 North 6th Street in Williamsburg. As I've been told, "just follow the signs for the restrooms and you'll find it (not a joke)."

Tickets are $20 and on sale now. 100% of the proceeds go towards getting pianos in every Brooklyn public school. Check out some videos from last time, below...

Continue reading "Noncerts #2 lineup announcement (and videos of Gene Ween & Hamilton Leithauser from the first one)"

On May 12 and 13, Rufus and Martha, along with their aunt Anna McGarrigle will host A Celebration of the Music of Kate McGarrigle, a pair of tribute shows to be held for their late mother at New York City's Town Hall. These shows will feature performances by Rufus and Martha, as well Anna McGarrigle, Jimmy Fallon, Emmylou Harris, Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons), Krystle Warren, Teddy Thompson, Justin Bond, Jenni Muldaur, Sloan Wainwright and more. Tickets for both shows are onsale now at Ticketmaster.com.

All profits from these events will go to the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Rufus and Martha were recently named as the 2011 spokespersons for the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Kate McGarrigle passed away from Sarcoma in January 2010.

Teddy Thompson has many other shows and a tour coming up.

Justin Bond played Doveman's last Salon, and Martha Wainwright plays the next one.

photos by Dominick Mastrangelo, words by Rachel Kowal

Dawn Landes, Norah Jones & Doveman

January's inaugural Burgundy Stain Session began softly with just Sam Amidon and Thomas Bartlett (Doveman) on stage, but for the second show in the series (2/8 at Le Poisson Rouge), Bartlett, the host, took a different approach. "Tonight, I thought we'd start with everyone on stage," said Bartlett excitedly, prompting nine additional musicians (dubbed by Bartlett as his "all-star backing chorus") to emerge from the audience and assume their positions. Crowded around a few mic stands, the group launched into a sweet, melodic Doveman song, "Angel's Share." (Beth Orton had to cancel due to 'unforeseen circumstances.')

Modeled after a salon, the Burgundy Stain Sessions are largely unscripted and free-flowing. "Sorry I didn't give anybody a set list," Bartlett eventually confessed. "I don't even really have a set list. I'm just making it up as we go." But instead of resulting in a sloppy mess, the music came together nearly seamlessly, thanks in part to the grand maestro, Doveman, who conducted both verbally ("I need A flat right here!") and with his animated body language (sudden glances, wild head nods).

Following the happy unification of musicians at the top of the show, the spotlight shifted to unannounced returning guest Glen Hansard. Once he had procured a pick from someone in the audience, he was ready. At the last Session, Hansard turned to Bartlett and announced, "none of your jazzy shit," but on Tuesday night, he seemed to be going along with it, as evidenced by their first song together. Apparently the song was brand new. "So Glen recorded that not too many days ago," Bartlett revealed. "His friend went to take a walk and he wrote it."

Many of the musicians are long-time friends and collaborators. Bartlett and Hansard met six or seven years ago (Bartlett can't really remember), and Amidon entered the picture long before that as was evidenced by the impromptu reunion of Popcorn Behavior, the childhood band Bartlett and brother Sam and Stefan Amidon (ages 13, 13, and 10 respectively). In addition to a Popcorn Behavior song, Sam played a song or two of his own, including "I See the Sign," which featured Doug Wieselman on bass clarinet.

Next up was Steve Salett who showcased some songs from his project, The Poison Tree. (His debut album is due out in March.) Much of Salett's songs were marked by technical difficulties due to some cell phone interference, prompting the group to stop while Bartlett switched his cell phone to airplane mode (it turns out his phone wasn't the culprit), but the show continued, thanks to Salett's booming baritone and his picturesque songs about the broken-hearted.

Apart from Glen Hansard (who was also present at the last Burgundy Stain Session), perhaps the biggest surprise guest of the evening was Norah Jones who performed a couple of songs, including a lovely cover song by the late Canadian singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle, "(Talk to me of) Mendocino."

Since Le Poisson Rouge was set up in the round, the performers faced inward on stage... with exception of the theatrical Justin Bond, who made sure to sing to the whole room. Before beginning to play, the snarky, morose performance artist managed to both hit on Sam and get the whole room laughing. "I'm feeling horny and generous tonight," said Bond by way of introduction. "So someone might have a very nice evening tonight... and it might just be me." Bond played a series of songs, often featuring lyrics borrowed from (delightfully risque or provocative) poetry.

The "genderqueer" singer definitely elicited the most laughs of the evening. "I've got some bourbon. It's in a plastic cup, but it looks like glass, so hey! I'm all for things that look like one thing and are another," joked Bond. It was wise to conclude the show with this rousing performance, but the end still came rather abruptly and unexpectedly, leaving Bartlett to quickly ramble off next month's collaborators: Elysian Fields, Martha Wainwright, Sara Quin (from Tegan and Sara), Dawn Landes, David Thomas Broughton, and more. Tickets are still on sale for that show, and for Sam Amidon's show at Glasslands, and for the one Justin Bond has coming up at Joe's Pub on 2/20.

More pictures from the 2/8 show below....

Continue reading "Doveman played another salon w/ Norah Jones, Glen Hansard & more (pics), announced guests for next time"

Goldenplec: Your first album hit the shelves over ten years ago, now on his fifth album how different are they?

Teddy Thompson: I feel like they change a lot every time, I mean, I'm one of those people who is unhappy with everything I do as soon as I've done it. And the longer that goes by, the harder it is for me to look at it and be pleased at all. So, even they one before this, I listen to it and I go 'Ooh I didn't get that quite right, This one's much better.

Goldenplec: So it that a sign of being a perfectionist or striving for something more each time?

Teddy Thompson: Yeah, It's being a perfectionist. For a long time I thought being a perfectionist meant that you did things perfectly (laughs). Then I found out that that's not what being a perfectionist is at all, it's somebody that's just unhappy with what they've done and wants to get it perfect but often, most of the time, feels like they don't get close. But it can work that way too, it makes you strive for something better each time, so it's a useful thing. I think the longer you go, like it's ten years now, I can listen to my first record and not be unhappy, be kind of embarrassed but I can find good moments in it because it seems like so long ago.

The Old 97s, who released new albums and played NYC shows in December, don't have any more NYC dates scheduled at the moment, but their frontman Rhett Miller does. You can catch Rhett this Friday, February 4th, at City Winery with Julia Haltigan. He also plays a week later at Infinity Music Hall in CT. All dates are listed below.

The above-quoted interview also discusses Teddy's relationship to the Wainwrights. Teddy says:

"Maybe I have, I would like to think that I have. [Rufus has] certainly influenced me. He was further along than I was when we met, already had a record deal, was making a record and was very confident. Fully formed within himself, I was still figuring out what I was doing and he certainly helped me. And Martha, I just find generally inspiring, especially when you see her live. She's a reminder of how to give it all on stage when you're feeling a bit safe or lazy or something. Then you see Martha play.' "

All Teddy & Rhett dates and some videos below...

Continue reading "Teddy Thompson releasing Bella, playing shows (Old 97's too) "

Martha Wainwright at Le Poisson Rouge (more by Chris La Putt)

[Monday] night was the first of Martha Wainwright's four Monday night shows at The Rockwood Music Hall. Although Martha said she was thinking of the scene in Crazy Heart where only four people show up, the smaller room at The Rockwood was at capacity. Martha played solo guitar but was joined by Thomas Bartlett on piano for a few songs. The program was a combination of songs written the past week, some older material and one cover, a Kate McGarrigle (Martha's mother) song. -[Now I've Heard Everything]

I'm not sure if Thomas will be there to play with her again tonight, and I'm not sure if Martha will be one of Thomas's guests at one of his two upcoming shows at LPR, but I wouldn't be surprised if she was. Thomas's guests this past week were Sam Amidon, Glen Hansard, Beth Orton, and as hinted, St. Vincent.

If you need a double dose of Wainwright this week, you can also check for Martha on Wednesday, 1/19, at the Living Room when she joins Addie Brownlee as a special guest in celebration of Dolly Parton. Tickets are still available.

If you need somewhere to go after Martha tonight, the Living Room is also a good option with Jim Campilongo Electric Trio (with Stephan Crump & Tony Mason) on at 10pm. Maybe Martha will head there too since Jim happens to also often play in her band. Jim is also in the midst of his own (very long-running) Monday night residency on the Lower East Side.

Martha Wainwright's full tour schedule and some videos below.

Continue reading "Martha Wainwright in residency @ Rockwood, playing a Dolly Parton show @ Living Room & other dates"

words & photos by Chris La Putt

It's been a disorienting year for Martha Wainwright -- the Montreal-born singer/songwriter lost her mother (renown singer Kate McGarrigle) to cancer, went into labour early (thankfully delivering a healthy baby boy), and took up residence in a new and somewhat foreign home in Brooklyn.

Her remarkable skill at performing onstage is evident in her new live disc, 'Sans Fusils, Ni Souliers, À Paris,' which pays homage to legendary French singer Edith Piaf. Wainwright played three nights at New York's Dixon Place Theater for the recording, singing some of Piaf's lesser-known tracks. Her renditions uphold the integrity of the originals, but she also dusts them with her own magic. [Spinner]

Opening for the show were the Mittenstrings which incidentally is partially made up of Martha's two cousins (Anna McGarrigle is their mother) and their friend.

Speaking of family, we'll probably find out soon which "friends" showed up to the "Lucy Wainwright Roche and friends - Album Release" album release show that happened to tonight at City Winery (Ira Glass and Dave Hill at a minimum). And tickets are still on sale for Rufus's December 6th show at Carnegie Hall

This post contains pictures from Monday night's show. They continue, with a video from the show of Martha covering Kate McGarrigle's Tell My Sister, below...

Continue reading "Martha Wainwright sang Piaf @ Le Poisson Rouge (pics)"

photos by Chris La Putt

Martha Wainwright @ the High Violet Annex

As advertised, INLETS, ZACHARY CALE, HELADO NEGRO, JULIANNA BARWICK, THE LUYAS (who came all the way from Montreal for the 20 minute performance), TALK NORMAL, ARLT (from France) and MARTHA WAINWRIGHT played short sets at the National's High Violet Annex space in NYC last night. The makeshift venue was created to promote the band's new album with the same name and will feature a different lineup of stuff curated by the band each night. Last night was the second evening. The first, as mentioned, had DJs that included members of Blonde Redhead. Tonight, night three, will have movies and live sets by Phosphorescent, The Antlers, Sharon Van Etten and possibly others. It's safe to say that The National will play it at least once before it ends Saturday night (right before the show they're playing at BAM). More pictures & some videos from last night below...

Continue reading "High Violet Annex night 2 in pics & video (Martha Wainwright, ARLT, Luyas, Talk Normal, Inlets, Julianna Barwick & more)"

DOWNLOAD: Phosphorescent - The Mermaid Parade (MP3)

The National did not play the High Violet Annex last night (5/12), but many others did. A full report is coming shortly, but in the meantime I didn't want to hold back the information that tonight (5/13) will include films by Margarita Jimeno, Sufjan Stevens, Jonathan Dueck, Deborah Johnson, Ryan Irvin, and Justin Anderson. More importantly, there will also be live performance by The Antlers, Phosphorescent, Sharon Van Etten "and more".

For Phos, it will be his first of two shows tonight, though the second one at Mecury Lounge will be a much longer set (tickets are still available). It will also be his second of two shows this week on East 4th Street. High Violet Annex is right next door to Other Music where he played an in-store the other day (5/10). That's four NYC shows total if you count Union Pool in Brooklyn which he/they played one day after that. The Brooklyn gig was packed and front-man Matthew Houk expressed his joy more than once at playing a hometown show. They played almost the entire new album, Here's to Taking it Easy, which is out now. The crowd was singing along to new song "The Mermaid Parade" which you can download above for free.

Other upcoming Phos dates include a free NYC show at Pier 54 with Dawes (a series that the Antlers are also playing this summer). The Antlers are touring with The National in June.

A video of Martha Wainwright playing the High Violet Annex last night below...

Continue reading "Phosphorescent played Union Pool, playing High Violet Annex tonight (before Merc) w/ The Antlers & Sharon Van Etten"

The National's temporary venue next to Other Music in NYC opens on Tuesday, May 11th at 7pm. "Celebrating the release of 'High Violet' (May 11, 4AD), The National will take over the now-vacant space at 13 E 4th St next to Other Music in downtown NYC. Dubbed 'The High Violet Annex' the space will be the site of National curated events throughout the week." Ends up it will only be open for two three hours a day - a mix of live bands and DJs and contests and other stuff.

The National are rumored to be playing on at least one of the days, but it won't be the first day (5/11 - see below), the second day (5/12 - see below), and maybe it won't be the last day because if it is, the band is going to be in a rush (5/15 - the band plays BAM). The flyer, times and the partial lineup, below...

Continue reading "The National's High Violet Annex opens this week (here is part of the schedule) "

Rufus Wainwright in Poughkeepsie - Feb. 12th (more by Eric Townsend)

Blackoutsabbath is a concept created by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, as promoted by the organization Blackout Sabbath. In an attempt to become more environmentally conscious, participants are asked to live "off the grid" as much as possible on a designated date by unplugging appliances, walking or cycling for transportation, turning out lights and decreasing energy usage in any other ways possible.

The program, much like the fantastic Stanford White architecture of the space, will be decidedly European. Martha will sing Piaf and I (drum roll please).............will sing the entire Berlioz song cycle, "Les Nuits d'Ete." Now, this later announcement comes with a warning - let me explain.

I don't consider this first run through of Hector's massive work as the official premiere of yet another daunting move I'm making in the world of classical music. If anything, it's a bench mark set to aid the rise of this gnarled bud that one day will see the light of day and blossom into a full blown lugubrious flower......in other words, I'm going to make a lot of mistakes. [Rufus Wainwright]

All tour dates are below...

Continue reading "Rufus Wainwright playing Park Avenue Armory w/ Martha (Blackoutsabbath 2010 - tix on sale) & other dates "

photos by Kevin Mazur/ Wire Image

"Yoko Ono, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Bette midler, freaking amazing!" - nico843

Yoko's Plastic Ono Band will be playing a special show at BAM's Gilman Opera House on Tuesday, February 16th. The show includes guest spots from original/former Plastic Ono band members Eric Clapton, bassist Klaus Voormann and drummer Jim Keltner. Other guests include Justin Bond, Kim Gordon, Bette Midler, Thurston Moore, Mark Ronson, Scissor Sisters, Martha Wainwright, Haruomi Hosono, Paul Simon and son Harper Simon, and current Ono Band members Cornelius, Yuka Honda and Sean Lennon.

Continue reading "Yoko's Plastic Ono Band played BAM w/ Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Bette Midler, Scissor Sisters & more (pics)"

When inevitably I read today in the papers that my mother lost her battle with cancer last night, I am filled with an immense desire to add that this battle, though lost, was tremendously fruitful during these last three and a half years of her life. She witnessed her daughter's marriage, the creation of my first opera, the birth of her first grandchild Arcangelo, and gave the greatest performance of her life to a packed crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Not to mention traveling to some of the world's most incredible places with both my sister, her husband Brad, my boyfriend Jorn and myself. Yes, it was all too brief, but as I was saying to her sister Anna last night while sitting by her body after the struggle had ceased, there is never enough time and she, my amazing mother with whom everyone fell in love, went out there and bloody did it. I will miss you mother, my sweet and valiant explorer, lebwohl and adio. X

---

In 2008, Kate established the Kate McGarrigle Fund in association with McGill University Health Centre, the Jewish General Hospital through the MUHC Foundation, the Cedars Cancer Institute, and Cancer Research UK in order to raise money and awareness for the fight against this rare type of cancer. If you would like to make a donation in honour of Kate, please follow this link below and donate online or call the MUHC Foundation directly at +1-514-931-5656.

Kate McGarrigle in NYC - 9/16/08 (more by Chris La Putt)

Internationally acclaimed folk singer Kate McGarrigle, best known for performing with her sister Anna, has died of cancer. She was 63.

McGarrigle's brother-in-law, Dane Lanken, said the singer died at her Montreal home Monday night surrounded by her sisters, Jane and Anna, and her children, Rufus and Martha Wainwright.

He said McGarrigle had been battling cancer since the summer of 2006. The cancer started in her small intestine and spread to her liver, he said.

Kate and Anna, known as the McGarrigle Sisters, began their careers performing at Montreal coffeehouses in the 1960s with a group called the Mountain City Four. They got their break in the 1970s, when their songs were covered by numerous artists, including Linda Ronstadt, who used "Heart Like a Wheel" as the title song to one of her albums.

In 1975 they made their first record, "Kate and Anna McGarrigle," which brought them critical acclaim and additional famous covers by artists including Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins and Billy Bragg. [Canadian Press]

Rufus cancelled an upcoming tour due to an illness in the family a few days ago. Those overseas dates are below.

Kate recently performed with the whole family at the "A Not So Silent Night" show (the annual Wainwright/McGarrigle Christmas celebration) at Royal Albert Hall in the UK on December 9th. Videos from that show, and many others, below...

Continue reading "Kate McGarrigle, RIP "

Yoko's Plastic Ono Band will be playing a special show at BAM's Gilman Opera House on Tuesday, February 16th. The show includes guest spots from original/former Plastic Ono band members Eric Clapton, bassist Klaus Voormann and drummer Jim Keltner (one former "member," Ringo Star, isn't scheduled to be there, though he is in NYC on Jan 14th). Other guests include Justin Bond, Kim Gordon, Bette Midler, Thurston Moore, Mark Ronson, Scissor Sisters, Martha Wainwright, Haruomi Hosono, Paul Simon and son Harper Simon, and current Ono Band members Cornelius, Yuka Honda and Sean Lennon. Tickets are on sale.

Plastic Ono Band (sans guests) will also be at this year's Noise Pop Festival in San Fran on Febraury 23rd. The group's new sprawling record, Between My Head And The Sky, the first 'Ono Band' record since the '70s, came out last September. A flyer for the show is below...

Continue reading "Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band playing BAM w/ lots of special guests (Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Bette Midler) (tix on sale)"

David Byrne w/ Dirty Projectors @ Bowery Ballroom

I have, after many years, finished the Here Lies Love CD project - at least this iteration of it. It will come out [February 23rd] on Nonesuch. It's a collaboration with Fatboy Slim, an upbeat series of songs sung each one by a different singer. The songs are about Imelda Marcos and Estrella Cumpas, the woman who raised her. The package includes 2 CDs (22 songs), a DVD with videos of 6 of those songs, and a 100-page book that explains it all. Singers include Florence Welch (of Florence + The Machine), Sia, Santigold, Nellie McKay, Sharon Jones, St. Vincent, Róisín Murphy and many more (even me on 1 and 1/2)... I am pretty excited about this, but who knows, it might just make people crazy.

We'll see. There will be more concrete news, with links and music, in early January.

In the meantime, I have decided to rebrand myself, inspired by Philip Morris changing their name to Altria, Blackwater to Xe, and the train I'm riding on right now that calls itself Acela - none of which mean anything, but they are cleverly evocative. When I decide on the magic word, you'll be the first to know.

-David Byrne

Here Lies Love premiered in March 2006 Australia, and Byrne brought the song cycle to Carnegie Hall as part of the venue's Perspectives Series in February 2007. As a stage show, the songs fit into a four act narrative, laid out in detail on Byrne's website. Those at either performance got a first look at the then-in-progress work...

Here Lies Love takes the form of a series of fairly traditional pop songs (verse-chorus-verse) played in a variety of styles (disco, rock, funk, latin, ballad) by Byrne and a small group of colleagues. Augmenting the core of guitar, bass and drums, is a percussionist and a keyboard player. The vocals are shared by Dana Diaz-Tutaan (Imelda), Ganda Suthivarakom (Estrella), and Byrne, who represents the 'voice' of other key players in Imelda's life. The stage itself is unadorned, although behind the band a small screen plays news clips and home movies of Imelda's life.

As already mentioned, the songs themselves are simple pop tunes, leaning heavily on the disco and dance genres, and could fit neatly onto any number of Byrne's solo albums. They are tuneful enough, and skillfully played, but I wonder about the connection of the music to Imelda's life. Would it have been possible to blend some traditional Filipino sounds and flavours into the music of Here Lies Love (although, admittedly, Imelda was a fan of Western dance music)? [Tidy Boy]

More Here Lies Love info and a video on the performance are below...

Continue reading "David Byrne rebranding, releasing an album w/ Fatboy Slim & lots of guests, giving a free lecture in Brooklyn "

by Andrew Frisicano

Thomas Bartlett aka Doveman

On November 1st, Doveman opened up at Mercury Lounge for The Ghost of a Sabre Toothed Tiger, a project that features Sean Lenon, his model girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl (who, as announced from the stage, had only learned to play bass a few months prior), Cibo Matto's Yuka Honda and mi-gu drummer Yuko Araki. A week prior, both bands performed at Doveman's loft CD release party for The Conformist with different lineups.

The headlining Ghost of a Sabre Toothed Tiger is a relatively new project (with no records out) that plays tightly composed psychedelic pop. They also dip into Sean Lennon's previous catalog, like for an extended Maggot Brain-esque jam on his 2006 song "Dead Meat." Drummer Araki in particular hit all the fills and accents as if the songs were familiar jazz charts. Doveman came back to guest on GOASTT's last song, "Richard Brown," a jokey tune from an unfinished musical. The whole band (minus Kemp Muhl) is touring Japan right now with Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band in support of her latest Between My Head and the Sky.

Doveman was also joined by a stellar band that included National drummer Bryan Devendorf and guest singer Martha Wainwright. Bartlett is currently on tour opening for Swell Season. He'll be playing at Joe's Pub on December 2nd as part of the Happy Ending music and reading series with Amanda Stern, Hedwig's John Cameron Mitchell and Jonathan Caouette. Tickets are on sale.

Doveman will also be returning to Mercury Lounge for an as-of-now unannounced bill on January 12th. Then he and frequent collaborator Nico Muhly will be doing two nights (of TBA) at The Kitchen on March 18th and 19th.

More pictures from Mercury Lounge and tour dates are below...

Continue reading "Doveman played a show w/ Sean Lennon & Co. (pics), playing some more (Mercury Lounge, Joe's Pub, The Kitchen)"