Sheena Beaston

Nomi Ruiz (Jessica 6 and Hercules & Love Affair) Shares Live Track; Will Release Solo Album

Born and raised in Sunset Park, NY side by side with the rebellious growth of hip-hop, Nomi Ruiz began composing songs around heavy street samples at the age of 12. Her deep dreamy vocals and personal lyrical content found refuge in these raw arrangements, creating a unique brand of soul music, much along the lines of a road-worn version of Sade. 

 

  

Most recognized for being an integral part of the Hercules & Love Affair debut album/world tour as well as currently fronting the sexy dancepop outfit, Jessica 6, Ruiz takes a break from the dance floor and steps back to her roots. Nomi will perform material off her yet to be released album, Borough Gypsy, on Saturday, July 17, at Joe's Pub at 11:30pm. Tickets here.

 

This special rare solo performance includes a full band with the likes of: Morgan Wiley (piano/keys), Ben Tyree (guitar), Jim Orso (drums), Marlan Barry (cello), David Azzoni (turntables), Andrew Frawley (percussion), Phil Rodriguez (trumpet), Julio Monterrey (saxophone), and Kevin Farrell (bass).

 

Sounds rad! Check out a live rendition of Nomi's new song, Scarred, below.

 

mp3: Nomi - Scarred (Live)

 

 

Win 2 Tickets to Gemma Ray at Joe's Pub!

Described as "an eerie aural kaleidoscope that conjures up thoughts of what an album by Mary Weiss of the Shangri-Las produced by David Lynch would have sounded like", Gemma Ray’s new release synthesizes a whole slew of retro references into a cinematic psychedelic sound. Spot on and oh so good, the London lady's bringing her show to NYC and I want to send you for free!

 

  

The gig's this Monday July 12, and she'll grace the stage at Joe's Pub at 9:30pm. Want to hit the haps with a pal? Here's how to enter...

 

Simply copy, paste and send me the below message via twitter and you're entered. I'm dishing out one pair of tickets so get tweeting! Contest will remain open until 5pm Sunday, July 11, so you have a few short days to hit me with those tweets! 

 

yo @sheenabeaston gimme gimme gimme the tix to see gemma ray at joes pub on july 12!

 

(hint: you have to be following me on the birdaliciously rad social app, so I can Direct Message winner with all the pertinent info) 

 

mp3: Gemma Ray - 100 MPH (In 2nd Gear)

 

Gonzales Mixes it Up at Joe's Pub This Week

Good things come in threes, eh? With last night being the third night of Gonzales' month-long residency at Joe's Pub, it was fitting that in addition his own excellent musicalities, he was joined by the master mixing of A-Trak and the world-class clarinetist, David Krakauer. Three rad dudes combining for a spectacular night of entertainment...ahh the power of numbers.

 

Much like his previous two stints earlier this month, Gonzales rolled through a number of classical pieces, modern re-interpretations, casual chats with the audience and ultimately, the best of what we'd previously seen from the gifted gent.

This week, special guest A-Trak thrilled us with his turntablist's battle with the pianist. Throwing R. Kelly's Fiesta and Clipse's Wamp Wamp into the mix had me both on the edge of my seat and with a permanent grin on my mug. Their entire "jewet" (duets done by Jews, as Chilly likes to classify them) was easily the most intriguing, interesting and ultimately magical moment of any of Gonzo's performances thus far.

Additional highlights included the surprise Krakauer joining Gonzo, along with the latter revisiting his first week rendition of The Police's King of Pain, standing atop the piano.

 

 

   

Gonzales released his Pianist Envy mixtape earlier this week, which you can download for free here. Next Thursday is his final night of his month-long stay at Joe's Pub. Special guest is Princess Superstar. Grab a ticket here.

mp3: R Kelly, Jay-Z And Foxy Brown - Fiesta (2009 Re-Remix)

Gonzales Wets Our Appetite at Joe's Pub Again

If the first two Thursdays of this month are any indication, then I hereby declare February to be now known as Gonzuary. Sure it might not immediately make sense, but if you were lucky enough to catch Gonzales' second performance at Joe's Pub last night, complete with special guest Andrew WK, then you'll fully support the notion of the name change.

   

Beginning once again, with a set of modernly-interpreted classical numbers, Gonzales captured the immediate attention of a full house. Sharing stories of his current stay in NYC, he took us through a short 4-act play in which he regaled tales of growing up with his parents, potty training and his inevitable rise to "piano genius", as dubbed by his grandfather.

Gonzo entertained with another solo effort before bringing out a staple of the NYC rocking night scene in his good pal, Andrew WK. After a slight technical difficulty, the pair joined up for a traditional French song in which the long-haired lad impressively sung over his counterpart's accompaniment.

After WK left the stage, our weekly entertainer once again launched into his rousing rendition of I Need a Hero with the perfectly played segue into Hotel California serving as the night's "final song". 'Twas not long before the pair emerged again, to join forces on one of the rocker's own tunes.

What amounted next was of the raddest proportions. Watch as Gonzales and Andrew WK shred through a rendition of I Get Wet. (thanks to psamp for the video)

  

If you missed the first two shows during Gonzales' residency, you still have two more chances to catch him this month. Next week, A-Trak joins him on stage, and Princess Superstar rounds out the residency. More information can be found here.

mp3: Erol Alkan - Waves (Chilly Gonzales Piano Remake)
  

Gonzales Tickles Our Fancy at Joe's Pub

Canadian-born Jason Charles Beck began teaching himself piano at the age of three. Some 30+ odd years later, we've come to embrace [Chilly] Gonzales, a world-class pianist and all around "entertainist".

Last night, the London-based musician began his month-long residency at Joe's Pub. On this inaugural night of his "piano talk show", Gonzales entered the room with a generous dose of artistry, donned in traditional bathrobe, holed socks and bedroom slippers. Beginning the evening with 2 classical pieces, it's evident that Gonzo knows both the importance of melody and the proper way to keep a crowd gasping for more.

Moving from traditional arrangements into his keyed interpretations of what we classify as "popular rap songs" (complete with his conversational vocals), not a moment passed without the audience enraptured, smiles plastered on face.

 

"Are you ready to get chills?" was the next tease Gonzales threw out. Knowing that each night of his residency would feature a friend and special guest of his, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of Sia to the stage. First up, the two paired up for a smooth rendition of her song, The Girl You Lost to Cocaine. After a few moments of banter, Gonzales suggested they do another song, to which the Aussie popstar replied "I've lost my lyrics sheet though!" No worry, the crowd generously offered backup vocals on their duet/cover of Time After Time. Even when she's mumbling and humming along, Sia's voice cuts through like none other.

Capping off a night of pure enjoyment and top-notch talent, Gonzales played a thrilling mix of well known songs in a medley of massive proportions. Beginning with Fame, leading into I Need a Hero, he then smoothly adjusted into Hotel California before finishing with a trek into Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight. Truly a perfect cap to the evening

  

If you've yet to secure a ticket for Gonzales' 3 remaining shows at Joe's Pub this month, I'd highly recommend doing so immediately. [tickets here] Not many treasures like he are witnessed so frequently, so make haste and prepare for a radically-delicious experience.

 

mp3: Sia and Gonzales - Time After Time (Live)

mp3: Gonzales Allstars - Lets Ride (Megamix)

mp3: Gonzales - Lets Ride (U-GO-B Disco DJ Friendly Edit)

Gonzales' Piano Talk Show: February Residency at Joe's Pub

He plays piano. He talks. He raps, complains and sometimes waffles....and now Gonzales is playing every Thursday in February at Joe's Pub in New York City.

Taking time out from putting the finishing touches on his new full-length, Ivory Tower (due out later this year), co-writing and producing the debut album from Beaston-fave, thecocknbullkid, and co-writing songs with Jarvis Cocker, NYC (and myself) are warmly welcoming Gonzales for a string of 4 dates in which he'll tease, tantalize and titillate audiences with his uniquely-talented flair.

Fresh from his Guinness World Record for longest live piano performance (27 hours, 3 minutes and 44 seconds) his piano battle with Andrew WK in New York, and a sold-out run at London’s La Pigalle Club, Paris-based pianist and showman Chilly Gonzales crosses the Atlantic for four Piano Talk Shows in New York City this February. The self-proclaimed "Entertainist" will play every Thursday at Joe’s Pub, finally giving NYC a taste of his futuristic cabaret performance. Each show will feature a guest from Gonzo's extended musical family to keep the surprises coming. Feb 4 - with SIA Feb 11 - with Andrew WK Feb 18 - with A-Trak Feb 25 - with Princess Superstar

 

If you'd like to attend, you can find ticketing information here...but be quick, because these events are not to be missed and availabilities will go fast! Also, check back next week for my exclusive interview with Gonzales, as well as intimate coverage from each night during his residency throughout the month of February. I'll be chatting with each of his special guests as well as providing video coverage the day following each performance. So psyched, and yes, oh so rad!

mp3: Marina And The Diamonds - Hollywood (Gonzales Classical Rework) mp3: Princess Superstar VS Mason - Perfect Exceeder mp3: Sia - Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix) mp3: A-Trak - Loonies To Blow mp3: Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet