"We regarded music as a form of socializing, and took a resolutely unprofessional approach. Only a few of us in the scene ever imagined becoming professional musicians. We were the stepchildren of the first generation of no wave bands (a term Chris Nelson coined in the New York Rocker, where I was a part-time photographer) like Mars, Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, D.N.A. and the Contortions. We took pride in our facile and self-taught instrumental licks, and played music that was often hookless and even atonal. Our influences were broad, including jazz, African music, commercial jingles, and the English punk movement, especially the artier aspects. We avidly followed bands like the Fall (in its earliest incarnations), Wire, and X-Ray Spex, all of whom we were able to see at CBGB.

It was an era when the East Village was not the tourist trap it has become. There were few restaurants open in the evening, and nearly every hipster you saw on the street was carrying an instrument. Everyone was either in a band, or was a DJ or rock critic. Music was featured at loft parties, festivals, and impromtu neighborhood clubs. One regular Mofungo gig was on the roof of my building at 630 East 14th Street, where we threw a party every Fourth of July. We also formed an alliance with Chain Gang, a punk outfit from the Bronx, whose members made a living driving cabs and self-released a series of amazing singles."
[The inside story of Mofungo by Robert Sietsama]

As prophesized, Mofungo opened for Yo La Tengo on the sixth night of Hanukkah at Maxwell's in Hoboken. I have no idea when the last time the No Wave band (if ever) got back together, but according to the above-quoted article, they played their last show in June 1992 at CBGB. And Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric were in fact special guests, as were Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco and Tara Key of Antietam, and Gil Divine. Eugene Mirman returned as comedy opener. Ira made the mix disc. And they do it again tonight. Last night's setlist below...

Continue reading "it was Mofungo (Yo La Tengo Hanukkah night 6 setlist) "

Puss n Boots @ Rodeo Bar on Halloween (by Jonathan Troll / Headstrong Pictures)

Pronto features Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco. Puss 'N Boots is the name of one of Norah Jones's many side projects. This band also features Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper (who all backed Wilco for a song at MSG). Both bands are playing Mercury Lounge in NYC on March 19th. Tickets are on sale.

Puss n Boots are also playing Rockwood Music Hall one day earlier, and a show with Levon Helm.

New Ramble Dates
March 14 and 21, 2009
and for your sweethearts...
A Valentines Day Ramble ~ February 14, 2009
With guests, Puss N Boots featuring Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Norah Jones
[Levon Helm]

Levon Helm also has two shows coming up at the Beacon Theatre.

Pronto have no other shows scheduled.