Kathleen Supove and Morgan Packard at le Poisson Rouge

(Le) Poisson Rouge translates to “the red fish” in French, and if last Tuesday was any indication, this is one classy fish. The venue takes the place of the historic Village Gate on 158 Bleecker Street, towering over smaller restaurants and tiny clubs. It’s apparent from the imposing doorway that this is far from a local mom and pop. And when one descends to the subterranean stage, the feeling only intensifies.

Morgan Packard + Joshue Ott

Morgan Packard and visual artist Joshue Ott began the night. Beginning with microscopic clicks, the set initially had more silence than sound. Morphing into ice crackles, with accompanying visuals, the performance was as focused on aesthetics as it was sonics. It concluded in spontaneous fashion, as Packard, who had been hunched over a laptop, broke out a saxophone, while Ott took an accordion. It was a startling finale: human presence in a sea of technology.


Video: Morgan Packard - Tremble (Live at Mutek 2008)
Official Site: Morgan Packard

Kathleen Supove

Kathleen Supove was a more personable figure, chatting with the crowd between songs. The centerpiece of her set, “The Other Piano,” was equally loquacious. Described as a long story told at a bar, the piece meandered at times, colored by outbursts that resembled conversational outbursts. The 37-minute composition was assisted by composer Morton Subotnik’s laptop, but the subject title was the most prominent presence. Supove’s fingers flickered across the keys, eloquently telling a cryptic tale.


Video: Kathleen Supove at (Le) Poisson Rouge (7/1/08)
Official Site: Kathleen Supove


Roland Li is a new addition to the MajorWho team. His personal blog is ÜberDrivel.

Two of my favorite artists, both of whom we're working with very closely, are performing at 9PM tomorrow (Tuesday 7/22) at two different venues. I'll just put them both out there and you can decide which one you'd want to go to if you're around and inclined.

The first is pianist Kathleen Supove at (le) Poisson Rouge. Kathy will perform THE OTHER PIANO, a large, meditative new work by Morton Subotnick, with special guest Morton Subotnick, and music from emerging New York composers Missy Mazzoli and Anna Clyne. Also appearing: Laptop artist Morgan Packard and video artist Joshue Ott.



The other show is the lovely and brilliant Paula Valstein at the Canal Room. Beautiful voice, beautiful songs, amazing vibes. Honest and inspiring songwriting and performance - 'simply mesmerizing', says me.

That's it. Take your pick. Both different. Both great. Both at 9PM.

Infamous Stringdusters, AT&T Blue Room Session

I'm recording these guys right now for the AT&T Blue Room shoot. Amazing! We've been privileged to work with so many great artists.

New Radiohead House Of Cards video

This is beautiful. 3D plotting technology.

http://code.google.com/creative/radiohead/

Kathleen Supove and Jonathan Kane at le Poisson Rouge

Happy Fourth of July!!!

le Poisson Rouge is my new favorite venue. They've done an incredible job designing a beautiful space, with a great sound system, comfortable vibe, and friendly staff. I'll be attending many more shows there.

What an amazing show this was. Supove played a program of really cool compositions that included Randall Woolf, Frederick Rzewski, and Jacob TV. Shown here is a clip of 'Same Sky' by Carolyn Yarnell. The piece features a beautiful projected video shown here in the clip.



Downtown New York city legend Jonathan Kane and his band February followed. These guys were stunning. Riffing traditional blues grooves that grew steadily into a beautiful explosion of sound. Vintage guitars and amps, and about the most amazing drummer I've seen since Buddy Rich. Hints of Velvet Underground too. Here's a clip of them performing on WFMU, my favorite radio station.