photos by Chris La Putt

Nina Persson covering Kate Bush @ Le Poisson Rouge

In exciting new album news:

"The legendary singer KATE BUSH will release her brand new studio album 50 Words For Snow via Anti-Records this November 21st. You can preview the record beginning today, November 14 when it streams in its entirety care of NPR's First Listen series.

50 Words For Snow features 7 new tracks set against a background of falling snow, with a total running time of 65 minutes; through a highly evocative musical and lyrical landscape this haunting album once again pushes the boundaries. This is KATE's second album release of 2011, following Director's Cut which was released in May to massive critical acclaim.

The new album features a small number of special guest musicians including Elton John.

On Saturday night, 11/12, in NYC, Kate Bush was the subject of a Losers Lounge tribute show at LPR, presented by Joe McGinty and Amy Miles, and with special guests Karen Elson, Nina Persson, Corn Mo, etc.. You can see everyone that did a cover via the setlist which is under the rest of the pictures and two videos from the event below.

Losers Lounge's next victim is Diana Ross who they'll be paying tribute to at Joe's Pub at five shows in three days in December.

More pictures, video & setlist from the Kate Bush show below...

Continue reading "Losers Lounge & friends paid tribute to Kate Bush whose new album is streaming now (pics, setlist, video)"

photos by Toby Tenenbaum, words by Noah Perabo

no Antony did not age, this was the opener!

An eclectic crowd filled Town Hall last night (2/19) for a moving performance by Antony & The Johnsons. The Johnsons was made up of six exceptional players, none moreso than Doug Weiselman whose work on the guitar/clarinet/sax shined all night. Yet it was band leader/pianist Antony Hagerty whose signature vocals stole the show. Throughout the 16-song set, Antony spoke about New York City ("It's good to be home. Yes, this is my home. The funny thing about New York is that no one can tell you it's not your home. It's yours."), about his fears of environmental catastrophe, about books, about philosophy and at times he just stared off, deep in thought while the respectful crowd sat in silence, perhaps deep in thought themselves. His music has that effect: lulling you into a dreamland. He admitted that he too got "taken away" during "Cripple and the Starfish" when he began a verse with the wrong lyrics, then playfully improvised until the music got back to a place where he could start again.

One of the set's highlights came during "Epilepsy is Dancing" a cut from his latest release The Crying Light. Antony's vocals complemented the classical sound of the acoustic guitarist's picking perfectly, creating lush acoustics that filled the room. Another standout was "Fistful of Love" which built slowly into storm of drums, rollicking electric guitar and crescendo piano. The crowd roared with approval at it's conclusion. He closed the show with crowd-favorite, "Hope There's Someone" a beautiful song that balances Antony's outlook of sadness and hope.

The show was opened by a short performance piece titled The Mystery of Claywoman, a 20-minute character-driven philosophical lecture by Michael Cavadias. Only Antony would invite such an act to open the show.

Antony & The Johnsons play Town Hall again tonight (2/20). More pictures from last night, below...

Continue reading "Antony & the Johnsons @ Town Hall (night 1), NYC - pics "