Finding the 'Genuine Article'
In music, as in life, it's a search to find the real deal
When saxophonist Walter Fancourt hit me up to tell me about himself and his upcoming shows, including a solo release party at a new LES spot for his Marked For Death project, I was thrilled. This is what I want, for musicians to use this space as a platform to introduce me and others to their beautiful work. I gave it a listen and loved it, but not having actually seen MFD live, it’s always a little nerve-wracking to recommend.
I needn’t have been at all nervous. The setting last Friday at the new super-hip but cozy The Frances Kite Club was just right for the band’s truly modern take on classic jazz—my fave kind of jam! Walter’s electric keys offered a psychedelic kick to Joseph Yount’s stand-up bass, Eric Burns’ electric guitar vibed deeply on top of Seth Barden’s drums, and then there was Walter, with his powerful sax, singing. Joy. I stood up on the foot rest of my stool, over the heads of the crowd, to see and hear better. The point of music is to draw us in, right? And with every move from high to low, and up and down and all around, they took us with them, the whole packed crowd, electrified by the gentlemen on stage, just the way it should be. Friendly and uber-talented, Marked For Death is a band to watch out for, and listen to, for sure! They are what is often referred to as the ‘genuine article,’ the real deal, authentic musicians who have their own and the audience’s pleasure squarely in their sights, and, boy, did they deliver.
ListenUp NYC
Top Picks Calendar, Feb. 5-11
monday, february 5
Tal Mashiach’s “Tiyul”
Sets at 9 PM & 11:30 PM
Bar LunAtico
Isreali-born New York-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Tal Mashiach returns to the guitar for this album, the name of which in Hebrew, he says, means both a short hike and a long journey to remote places. This band clearly takes you somewhere, maybe close by at first, but then…I sat just directly in front of Tal last time (as Bar LunAtico’s beautiful tiny-stage setup allows) as he strummed his soulful guitar. Gadi Lehavi is, as I’ve said before, a genius on piano, and Keita Ogawa on percussion and Khondzi on sax (though I’m less familiar with them) are amazing as well. Do go, and squeeze past everyone to the front if you can. And listen up.
Ongoing Monday gigs…
Eric Biondo’s Beyondo Band
Lowlands Bar
8:30 PM-10:30
Eric comes weekly (usually), with an array of talented friends. He’s the best, and not only cause he was the one who encouraged me to do this and likes many if not all of my IG posts (which you should follow for sure: @listenupnyc4arts.) Eric is also the Genuine Article, super animated and joyous in his trumpet playing and band leadership as in his persona. Go see for yourself this or another Monday.
Come Monday Songwriter Salon
Rockwood Music Hall
6 PM - 8 PM
This weekly gathering of singer/songwriters at Rockwood, a Lower East Side spot known well as THE place for aspiring musicians to launch and develop their careers, offers a chance to share and workshop new work. Or just come as a fly on the wall and see what it’s all about! Build up your courage to share your own talents sometime. So many folks have had their start here, like my friend Brian Elmquist whose angelic voice I first heard at Rockwood and who now travels the world with his awesome band The Lone Bellow. They returned to Rockwood for a show recently, to show their love. Sad to have missed.)
tuesday, february 6
Miss Maybell & The Jazz Age Artistes
St Mazie Jazz Bar & Supper Club
8 PM - 10:30 PM
Join Miss Maybell and “partner in crime” Judd Kid as they perform vintage jazz, ragtime and blues from the early 1920s. Looks like a cool spot, and some super fun music! Go!
wednesday, february 7
Roots n’ Ruckus Reborn
Jalopy Theatre
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
This FREE long-running weekly music showcase at the Jalopy Theatre started by blues/country singer/songwriter Feral Foster is back after a hiatus, every first Wednesday of the month. Foster kicks off the evening, followed by a curated array of new and established artists in this cool homespun folk music venue and school on Columbia Street in Brooklyn. Never seen but this cool spot combined with a cool array of folks sounds like a great night out! Try it!
thursday, february 8
Opening of Rafael Fuchs “Luminaries” Solo Photo Exhibition (through Feb. 29)
19th Street Gallery in Printique, Brooklyn
5 PM - 7 PM
I first met wild Israeli photographer Rafael Fuchs years back at an arts benefit filled with the most fascinating people. There was a blizzard outside, and all the amazing people created one inside as well, a blizzard of talent. I followed him after that, went to one of his shows in his Bushwick studio, and am always very taken with the bravery and beauty of his photography. He captures people (himself included) in a deep explorative way, letting you see them in ways most people might want to hide. ‘Genuine Article’ indeed, offering an inside look at humans with his penetrating lens. Check out this free opening, sure to be a blast, or catch the show on another day.
Afterward, or instead if you’re more of a music fan than a photography buff:
Ravi Coltrane, Free Concert
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning/Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Queens
8 PM
Not sure who he’s bringing along to play, but Ravi is always spectacular to watch and listen to. His pedigree often precedes him, but he has earned every right to be where he is in the world. His sound is soulful and joyous and brings you along gratefully. Def. a ‘Genuine Article.’ And this is FREE if a bit of a haul if you don’t live in Queens. But do it anyway!!
friday, feb. 9
New Aquarius Moon Sound Bath
Home of Sacred Bloom Founder Steph Thompson
7 PM- 8:30 PM
RSVP to SacredBloomTribe.com/events
Ok, come on. Try my sound bath if you haven’t. It’s cool and relaxing and I’ll welcome you joyfully into my home to offer these various sounds I play from my fun collection of bells, bowls, chimes and drums. And I’ll even offer you a snack and a spritzer!! This particular sound composition will focus on aiding you in your journey to find your light, in keeping with the New Moon in Aquarius. Must. Look. For. The. Light. Whether you believe in astrology, the moon cycles, or not, join me. And sign up please at sacredbloomtribe.com/events as space is limited.
saturday, feb. 10
The Art of Arabic Maqam: Firas Zreik
The Local, Saugerties, NY
Doors at 7 PM, show starts at 8 PM
I first heard Palestinian-born New York-based composer Firas Zreik play the Kanun—the plucked zither he has won great acclaim for transforming the perception of—in the back room of the beautiful Sisters Brooklyn restaurant a few years back. I was mesmerized. I am a huge fan of Middle Eastern rhythms, and the way Firas uses the Kanun, which I’d never heard, was otherworldly. I caught him again for a transporting experience in the Catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery…go to a concert there if ever you have a chance (unless you’re claustrophobic, in which case don’t.) I was thrilled to see he is playing at The Local, a great new venue in a church in Saugerties upstate where I have done my sound bath a couple of times and saw Tim Berne and friends. Cool spot. If you’re going to be anywhere near, get tix!!!
sunday, feb. 11
Concerts on the Slope presents: New York and Paris
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Park Slope, BK
Buy Tickets
Just heard about this, even though it’s been happening since 2012! Concerts on the Slope is apparently a series of monthly chamber music performances that take place in the picturesque, historical parish of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Park Slope. This month’s concert features works by Merryman, Hindemith, Martinu, and Honegger for clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and voice played by a top quality emerging young artists. Check it out!!
Phew! Another wild week ahead! I find out about more great shows as the week unfolds, so tune in to my Instagram page @listenupnyc4arts to find out about what’s happening during the week. Go out, get inspired, find some genuine articles. We all deserve the real thing!!! XX