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Music

  • SXSW 2013 Recap

    Hard to believe it's already been two weeks since I was in Austin, TX for the SXSW music festival. The stellar music, killer photo opps, long hauls carrying heavy photo gear, and epic good times feel like it was just yesterday. I guess that is in part due to the extensive hours spent in front of a computer editing days and weeks after the fact. The images and memories continue to be a big part of my living experience long after the bands have gone home, floors swept, and beer cans recycled. However, this quality of a single image's ability to "sustain the moment" in time and space is one of the many reasons I love photography so much.

    There was a long list of bands I documented throughout the week of the festival, mostly within the context of Daytrotter recording sessions which took place at Good Danny's. This is the second year I've photographed the Daytrotter sessions and love being exposed to the wide range of up 'n coming talent and seasoned professionals alike - from new kid on the block, Jake Bugg, to the 60's sensations, The Zombies - it was an awesome week of good music.

    Billy Bragg!!!

    Frank Turner

    Jake Bugg... only 19 years old and channeling some serious old soul/Bob Dylan-esque sounds. Wow.

    Chris Senseney of Big Harp. What a voice! What a song writer!

    The playfully feisty and fun folks of Paloma Faith: Nim Miller, Dom Pipkin & Baby Sol.

    Ben Usen of PAPA

    Ben Lear of PAPA

    A very sweetly exhausted, Darren Weiss, of PAPA

    Rod Argent & Colin Blunstone of The Zombies. Their recording session gave everyone in the room goosebumps!

    Meechy Darko of Flatbush Zombies

    Josh Ritter & Zachariah Hickman

    Roxy Radulescu of Hi Ho Silver Oh

    Van/tour life...

    Max Roseglass of Dirty Fences

    Iggy Pop!!!

  • Charles Bradley

    For those who know me, you know I'm extremely passionate about music. Music is a living, breathing part of my life. I played a lot of music in my younger days, but as I've gotten older I've made a career out of being an avid (or rabid, depending on how you look at it) music appreciator. To me, music is a vehicle for expressing the intimate highs and lows of the human experience in a way no other medium can. And no one does it with as much emotional honesty as Charles Bradley.

    Known as "the screaming eagle of soul", Bradley is a contemporary soul music sensation in the vein of the great artists of the 60's. At 62 he has lived through some seriously hard times getting to this point in his career... but rather than wearing his hardships like a heavy cloak weighing him down, he wears them like the wings of a phoenix, transforming grief into beauty.

    Bradley played to a sold out crowd at the Great American Music Hall last night, backed by the incredible instrumental band from New York, the Menahan Street Band. Those lucky enough to be in the room were witness to his emotional, high-energy performance which has now become Bradley's signature. I even shed a few tears during his moving ballad, "Lovin' You Baby". Nothin' like witnessing such honest vulnerability live 'n direct. Damn.

    As if that wasn't enough, at the close of his last song he jumped down from the stage and began hugging members of the crowd with such genuine, heartfelt intensity. The love that was expressed and given so unconditionally in his hugs makes me think he's got a second career as a hugging saint (watch out Amma). I came away with a blissful sweaty hug from the man himself and this quick snap on my phone.

    Charles Bradley, thank you... thank you for sharing your gift with the world. "I LOVE YOUUUU!"

    * iPhone pic *

  • Happy Birthday, Jimi Hendrix

    Guitar superstar, Jimi Hendrix, would have been 70 years old today. Many people have tried to emulate his sound over the years, but there's only been one Hendrix to stand the test of time. Hard to believe the legacy of incredible music he created all took place by the young age of 27. Wow. I often think about what kind of rockin' he'd be doing if he were still around. One can dream...

    Jimi, thank you. You will be forever missed...

    Photo: Gered Mankowitz

  • Trombone Shorty

    I got a chance to experience the jazz-funk-soul magic of Trombone Shorty for the first time a few weeks ago. I'd been hearing great things about him for years so it felt long overdue to finally see him in person. I'll be going to New Orleans for the first time in January so I was extra hyped to get primed with some of that special NOLA flavor he delivers so beautifully! At only 26 years of age I definitely look forward to seeing how his musical career evolves.

  • Shearwater at Bottom of the Hill

    A few weeks ago I saw Shearwater play as they rolled through SF. It was my first time seeing these guys live... I was blown away by the full force experience that is clearly a Shearwater hallmark. And as usual, I couldn't help but bring my camera and snap a few picks.

    I met Danny Reisch (the interim drummer) while photographing some of the epic Daytrotter recording sessions at his studio, Good Danny's, in Austin at SXSW this last March. Danny is a rippin' drummer, talented producer & engineer, and outstanding human being with that distinct and delightful Texan charm. Such a fun night. Thanks, Danny!

    Lead singer, Jonathan Meiburg, belting it out as he does best!

    Danny stepping it into high gear...

  • Mickey Hart

          I photographed Mickey Hart (formerly of the Grateful Dead) a few weeks ago and was really captivated by his fun performance. He was definitely in the zone as he transformed the room with his eclectic and full-bodied mix of percussive sound. Not to mention, he's one cool cat.

          I got a chuckle when I saw some of the gear backstage and had to take this pic - Love the "DO NOT TIP/trip"!