#psfcconcerts

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Check out the NEW interview with Rob Garcia!  * Hometown: Pelham, New York * Favorite Instrument: Voice * When you were 13, what were you listening to? The Who * Favorite Book: A Movable Feast (Hemingway) * Favorite food Coop Snack? Black truffle oil and popcorn kernels. _______________________________________________ * How did you get into music? I took piano and trombone lessons as a child, then I stopped playing music until I started drums in 10th grade. Keith Moon, the drummer from my favorite band “The Who”was my inspiration. It was instant love and I knew I would always play from then on. Aside from being into rock and pop as a kid and teenager, I heard a lot of traditional jazz from the 1920's & 30's growing up. My father is very much into that music and has a collection of 78 rpn records. * What song/artist are you listening to right now? John Coltrane's album "Interstellar Space” and Leonard Cohen are a couple recent listens. * What influences your music? So much. Certainly the rich experience of being a father and husband inspire much expression. All the amazing musicians I go hear live on a regular basis at jazz clubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn are a constant influence. Of course listening to recordings is such an important part of being a jazz musician (any musician); I find experiencing music live has such a deeper effect on me. Finally, being part of a scene -- where new trends are being created and ideas being exchanged – is always enriching and exciting. * How has your music evolved since your first began playing? It keeps getting better and better. Sorry, tough question. My music and my playing directly represent my personal journey as a conscious (as much as possible) person. * Why do you like playing this (Prospect Concert) show? I have played performances there before, once as a leader and many times as a sideman. It's always an enjoyable experience because the audiences are appreciative. Plus it's so close to home and my kids can usual come too. The concert on September 20 will be a great opportunity to launch this new project called Soap Box with Jean Rohe. * What can the audience expect from this gig? I will be debuting a new project called Rob Garcia's Soap Box featuring Jean Rohe (vocals). The blurb for this project goes like this: Unique arrangements of songs with a story to tell and a message to deliver covering such songwriters as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie as well original material by Rob and Jean. As a jazz musician, I often play in instrumental groups. In recent years, I have delved into some folk music by Judy Collins, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan that has been very important to me. This project allows me to embrace music with lyrics that I find very powerful and moving and perform jazz based arrangements of some of these songs as well as some original music. * What's the best thing about being a Food Coop member? The babes! * What's the best thing about being part of the Brooklyn music scene? So much inspiration. * Do you have any upcoming shows you'd like to mention? Rob Garcia 4: Friday, October 4th at ShapeShifter Lab in Park Slope FOR MORE INFO, CHECK IT! http://www.robgarcia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/robgarciamusic http://www.connectionworks.org/ http://www.brooklynjazz.org/

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An Interview with Rita Silva and Robin Burdulis of Samba!

Last night, after their rehearsal, I had the chance to talk with Coop member musicians Robin Burdulis and Rita Silva about their upcoming (Samba!) show on Friday, May 17th.  Robin and Rita will be joined by an amazing group of women percussionists (from Paprika and Batala) to celebrate the infectious rhythms of samba.  Don’t miss this last, very special performance of the season!


  How did you get into music?

Robin:  I was always banging on things, since I was 4 years old. 

Our elementary school had a program where you could rent an instrument and the school would provide free lessons. The rental fee could be used to purchase the instrument.  My mom was happy about this.  She wanted me to play music--just NOT the drums! 

  My mom said no to the drums because she said the neighbors would complain and my younger brothers would want to do it too.  She said I could pick anything else, so I picked the flute.  We had a piano at home too, which I learned to play by ear.  I finally took piano lessons with a woman who taught second graders.  I was a freshman in high school by then and quit after the recital (at which I had to play simple children’s tunes with 2nd graders).  I also taught myself to play guitar in high school and played at political rallies through college.

  But the drums kept coming back!  I had this powerful, recurring image of a room of percussion instruments.  In the center were the bongos.

  Finally, when I was 25, I took a Learning Annex class on “Bongos, Congas and Timbales.”  I remember so clearly sitting behind the congas for the first time and I had this feeling of overwhelming excitement.  I kept thinking, “OH MY GOD THIS IS IT!”  Electricity. Tingling.  I felt like I’d arrived.  I’d finally found my place. 

  I went on to learn as much as I could about African, Cuban, Brazilian rhythms.  My teacher, Montego Joe, told me that as a woman and as a white person I would be given a hard time playing drums.  But he said I shouldn’t let that bother me because the most important thing is PRESERVATION of these rhythms, w/respect for them and the cultures they come from.  And keep going.  Keep playing.  And I’ve never stopped since.

  Rita:  I started playing music in high school.  I come from Bahia in Brazil.  For me, it began at Afro Brasileira (a 50 member orchestra, with homemade instruments) … I was into music and dance.

  I became a dancer (I am a folk art dancer).  My love for music never went away though … Music is always inside of me.  Music I play for love.  Eventually, I’ve come to see my body as my instrument … dancing to the drum I feel the drum is my body now. Music for me is a spiritual thing … it has to feel good.

  How long have you two been playing together?

  Robin:  Since 1996, I think. I remember the first time I met Rita –

I had this strange feeling that I was going to go to Brazil with her the first time she went back.  I didn’t plan it but it happened.  I ended up there with her for 2 months, taking music classes, meeting musicians, really experiencing the culture. I always remember that first time I met Rita – it was like when I first sat behind the congas – I just felt that connection.

  We decided to have only women percussionists perform at this samba set because there is still a thick glass ceiling that exists for women drummers.  It’s not about being exclusionary--it is important for people to see that women can play percussion at this level of  proficiency, power and joy.

  What song/artist are you listening to right now?

  Robin:  So many things -- electronic music, world music (my passion) – jazz, blues, classical.  A huge range of music.  Sara Tavares (from Capo Verde) is one of my all time favorites, and Bjork.

  Rita:  I am in more of a phase now of meditation music and sometimes I need silence.  Sometimes I need quiet spaces inside of me.  I love music.  But I need the silence too.

  How would you describe your music?

  Robin: A celebration of the heart-thumping, infectious rhythms of samba. 


Rita:  Samba was part of my everyday life growing up … part of my spirit.  You feel the energy of happiness in the music.  Life is grateful, graceful and spontaneous.  Your body transcends the rhythm.  You feel a vibrating in your body and you feel release and happiness.

  What are your musical influences?

  Robin:  Jean Shepard (his radio show on WOR-AM) … I used to go to bed early just to listen… jaw harps, kazoos, silly fun stuff mostly.

I also loved Heitor Villa-Lobos (a Brazilian composer and musician...)  Every time I heard his guitar exercises I would cry as a kid…I still do...so beautiful. 

  Rita: My professor (Emilia Biancardi in Brazil) was a big influence on me.  She made all the instruments and wrote songs. 

  Any upcoming shows you want to tell us about?

  Rita:  I am in a dance show put on by the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).  Kay Turner does the most amazing BAC programming … She is the Director of the Folk Art program. And I am dancing at the Harbor Festival.

  Robin:  I am playing Tuesday night (5/14 at 7PM) at Rockwood Music Hall w/emma’s revolution.  Then my other band, “Paprika” will be playing and parading at the Trout Festival in Livingston Manor, NY, on June 8th, celebrating the invention of fly fishing!

  Why do you like playing the Coop concert series?

  Robin & Rita:  Workslots!!   Ha Ha!

  Robin:  1985 was my first Coop music festival gig, at PS 321.  As for the present Coop Concert series, I love the fact that it’s been going on in collaboration with the B’klyn Society for Ethical Culture for such a long time.  There is such a wide variety of performers.  I really like the Ethical Culture Space. The networking that happens amongst the Coop musicians is inspiring.

  Rita:  Every time I play the series I feel how great it is to be a Coop member.  Here is an opportunity for a really good local show.  The price is great for the music you get at this music series! 

  Favorite instrument?

  Robin: Congas!

Rita:  Pandeiro! 

  Favorite food from the Coop?

  Robin: The GREENS--the vast array of greens!  I love the fact that I can get organic and afford it at the Coop.

  Rita: I love the Fuji apples!

[prospectconcerts-blog]

An Interview with Annie Keating

How did you get into music? My friend Emily taught me how to play guitar when I was 12.  I never took formal lessons .. Just learned from friends and records and wrote my own first song when I was 14 about a farmer.  I was really into nature and spent some time on an organic farm.  That first song just came out and made me realize that I could actually write tunes ... kind of a revelation at the time. I played in some high school and college bands but the truth is that I took a break from music for 10 years while I got a "real job" doing political organizing/advocacy work for non-profits (environmental justice, civil liberties and reproductive rights work that kept me very busy in my 20's) ... It wasn't until my daughter was born (when I was 32) that I seriously got back into music.  I decided that it was time to be home more (with my baby girl), write and make my first album. 10 years later, I'm out promoting my 5th studio release, living out my teenage music fantasies late in life and having a complete blast!  I love making music.  Especially with the talented musicians/ growing Brooklyn music scene that's a real inspiration.  * What song and artist are you listening to right now? Lately I've been really into some new bands that I just discovered ... The Milk Carton Kids, Punch Brothers and a duo called Chris and Thomas.  They are all amazing acoustic players and totally worth checking out. * What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? I guess you'd call my music alt-country, americana, singer-songwriter ... the simplest genre is acoustic or "Folk Rock" but like most musicians, these categories don't do much for me ...  My influences are Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Wilco, John Prine, Neil Young ... folks seem to compare my sound to Lucinda, Chryssie Hynde, Gillian Welch and sometimes Bonnie Raitt ... all of which is very flattering but I don't know if there's truth to those comparisons or not. * Do you have any other upcoming shows? Where and when? I've got a big UK tour in September.  Possible some NYC shows before then, but I'm spending lots of time with the family this summer so not sure yet.  The website:  www.anniekeating.com has all updated tour/show info listed as well as songs, videos, reviews to check out etc * What advice do you have for other people looking to do music? Do it! If at all possible, do what you love. As trite as that may sound, it's true.  But be prepared to not make any (or much) money "doing" music ... it's tough. It may not pay the bills so (like me) you may need a day job that does.  But what a joy to have music be a central part of your life ... it's a gift. * Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for supporting you? My family of course.  My mom and my partner Kim especially. And my kids who inspire me to keep my eyes and ears open through their youth, curiosity, creativity ... They remind me daily to (try hard to) stay young at heart.  Big heart.  Eyes open. Name: Annie Keating Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Favorite Instrument: GUITAR! Astrology sign: Pisces Last song or movie I downloaded: The new Josh Ritter album When I was 13, I was listening to: Neil Young's After the Goldrush and Decade What's on my nightstand right now: Truth in Advertising, by New Yorker writer John Kenney ... a great read Favorite Pandora station: Indie Singer-Songwriters or Old Time Music Favorite Brooklyn restaurant: Al di La or Convivium Favorite food from the coop: Dried mangos, kale, dark chocolate and fresh berries of all sorts ... Website/links:  www.anniekeating.com (Facebook and Twitter links are on there)

[prospectconcerts-blog]

An Interview with Axel Schwintzer of Axel Axiom

This afternoon I had a good talk with Axel Schwintzer (his band name is Axel Axiom (www.axelsaxiom.net) about his upcoming show at the Prospect Concert Series on March 15th. Here is what Axel shared about his evolution as a musician, what Jazz means to him, the importance of the “improvisational element,” “groove oriented” tunes and why Brooklyn is the heart of an amazing, thriving and fast growing music scene…

  I was a little bit of a late starter as a musician because I was doing academic studies in Germany (I’m originally from there). I decided to make a change and go to Berklee College of Music.  Things developed from there for me.

  I didn’t want to go back to Germany because I’d met so many great musicians and interesting people, so I started working as a music teacher and gigging around town with a GB (general business) band doing parties, weddings, etc. I moved to Queens in 2007 and kept commuting to Boston for a bit then landed in Brooklyn in 2009 and it felt like home.  Brooklyn has such a strong music scene and so many good musicians.  I teach locally now and have some regular gigs.

  I’m basically a jazz musician, with a broader definition of “jazz.”  There’s a strong improvisational element in what I write and I want to keep space for musicians soloing in the tunes. I think it’s so important to give that freedom to create within the song.

   I’m very groove oriented, incorporating other elements (especially funk) from when I was younger.  This means lots of syncopation and back beat, snare drum accents. I’m a pianist and I often think of the rhythm section part and build a song around that.  Sometimes it starts with the chord progression or harmonic “germ” that gets things going. 

  But really for me it’s about finding grooves that rely on the interactions of other instruments … most of the time I like playing with bass, a horn player, a rhythm section … it’s about the interaction of the instruments.

  This is going to be a groove-oriented night (both acts), filled with improvisation.  I’m playing with a quartet (Jenny Hill on tenor sax, Aidan

O'Donnell on bass and Andreas Brade on drums).  I’ll be presenting new tunes as well for the first time (live), which is exciting.

  Here in Brooklyn it is really a great music scene.  There are now so many incredible musicians and many are Coop members!  This series features many of these people/much of the local talent and it’s walking distance for many members … what a great program for a Friday night!  Also this is a listening series, where people sit down and really want to hear good music.   

  So come on out March 15th!!

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Here's another one by Pyeng Threadgill. Have a relaxing Friday.

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Pyeng will be singing her heart out at our next concert. Does she sound like someone to you?

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We can't wait to see you tonight for some amazing music by David Roche and Poetry by Professor Louie and Fast Eddie! 

53 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215 // Google Maps

8pm // $10 at the door

[prospectconcerts-blog]

Interview: David Roche

This morning I had the pleasure of speaking with David Roche (http://www.davidroche.net) about his upcoming (Friday night) Prospect Concert show.  David was feeling great about the gig, the Coop and music in his life and had these thoughts to share ... 

I've been playing guitar and writing songs since I was 5 years old.  I'm a singer-songwriter from a family of famous songwriters and music has been something I've done since I was a child.  

There was always a lot of music in my family and in the house ... I can remember very early on making up songs with my sisters.  I went around with the Roches for a few years and was lucky to play some great crowds with my sisters, Maggie, Terre and Suzzy. Being the brother of the Roches is a unique thing ... they are world famous, amazing people.  I've been so fortunate to be their brother and friend.

I'm surrounded by this BIG, extended family and music is part of all of it.  I play acoustic guitar and I just ... you know ... I just LOVE it!  My daughter is 17 (an actress) and she has more varied musical taste than I ever did ... we sing together.  We love the piano player Jamie Cullum for example ... man he's a "triple threat" ... singer, amazing piano player and songwriter all in one ... you're gonna love it if you listen!  Oh and you know who else will dazzle you is Martin Sexton ... the Black Sheep record especially.  And Citizen Cope -- It's tremendous how good that guy is ... I've been listening to a song recently by Gotye, a very popular song called 

"Somebody that I used to Know" ... that's been a fun song to learn on the guitar.

I'm slowly working on my own songs and put out albums when I can.  I've been the guitar player in "Paranoid Larry and his Imaginary band" for a long time and it's been so much fun for years and years ... we play our hearts out for you.

I'm thankful for being able to play the Concert Series.  Bev Grant is so great.  She has brought a lot of energy to these concerts ... She knows what it's like to play these gigs and gets it as a musician.  We're just really happy to be doing it.  I'm just so lucky to play and have all this music in my life.